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McJames #1
Dans le lit d'un inconnu
Le comte de Warwickshire vient de marier sa fille par procuration. Quant à son épouse, la comtesse Philipa, elle enrage. Sa précieuse Mary, partager la couche d’un barbare d’Écossais ? Jamais ! Aussi, profitant de l'absence de son époux, décide-t-elle de substituer à sa fille légitime la bâtarde du comte, Anne, dont l’existence même la nargue depuis des années. Menacée de représailles, Anne n’a d’autre choix que de prendre la place de sa demi-soeur et de rejoindre le fief de Brodick McJames, ce guerrier qui la prend pour une dame de haute lignée et dont elle est supposée porter l’héritier.
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
130 people are currently reading
2473 people want to read
About the author
Mary Wine
83 books817 followersMary Wine has written over twenty novels that take her readers from the pages of history to the far reaches of space. Recent winner of a 2008 EPPIE Award for erotic western romance, her book LET ME LOVE YOU was quoted “Not to be missed…” by Lora Leigh, New York Times best-selling author.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
February 7, 2018
Le pongo 2 porque se lee de forma fácil y ágil y no está mal escrito. pero la historia me ha defraudado mucho, la verdad y se merece tan solo 1
Es la típica novela de highalanders en la que nada más acostarse ya se aman hasta el tuétano y él y además una vez que lo prueban no hay final.
Creo que es la primera novela histórica de la autora, antes era erótica, así que no me ha sorprendido ver que la palabra más usada es clítoris, Pero las escenas hot son sosas... sosas... sosas. y muchas sin aportar nada.
No soy amante de estas novelas de highalanders y eso tampoco ayuda, lo admito, pero es que si tenía una buena baza con el tema de la bastardía de la protagonista y los problemas que el engaño pudiera ocasionar.... ha sido como que «aquí no ha pasado nada»
De los protagonistas nada destacable que decir, él... muy musculado, mucho y todo el rato y ella, pues no sé... muy buena, tanto que a veces me ha dejado a cuadros.
A las que os gusta mucho está temática quizás os guste porque es otro más pero para mí no ha llegado a la altura y no creo que aporte nada nuevo ni a la temática ni al género
Es la típica novela de highalanders en la que nada más acostarse ya se aman hasta el tuétano y él y además una vez que lo prueban no hay final.
Creo que es la primera novela histórica de la autora, antes era erótica, así que no me ha sorprendido ver que la palabra más usada es clítoris, Pero las escenas hot son sosas... sosas... sosas. y muchas sin aportar nada.
No soy amante de estas novelas de highalanders y eso tampoco ayuda, lo admito, pero es que si tenía una buena baza con el tema de la bastardía de la protagonista y los problemas que el engaño pudiera ocasionar.... ha sido como que «aquí no ha pasado nada»
De los protagonistas nada destacable que decir, él... muy musculado, mucho y todo el rato y ella, pues no sé... muy buena, tanto que a veces me ha dejado a cuadros.
A las que os gusta mucho está temática quizás os guste porque es otro más pero para mí no ha llegado a la altura y no creo que aporte nada nuevo ni a la temática ni al género
July 13, 2011
This is my first read by this author and I was truly pleased.
Mary Wine made the story come to life through her usage of Scottish brogue. She included enough details of everyday life that I could actually see the images and wasn't left wondering what she was talking about. I learned about bathing rooms and the most modern conveniences of the times. Through her colorful descriptions, the author clearly defined the difference between the English way of life and that of the "uncivilized" Scots.
The dialog was believable and I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Anne and Brodick, as well as the taunting Brodick receives from his brother, Cullen, and cousin Druce.
I am truly looking forward to Cullen's story in In The Warrior's Bed, coming in February.
April 27, 2018
what a STUPID fucking book. this was so bad. waste of my time. Thank goodness i had the good sense to skim it when I was halfway through adn realizing it wouldn't get better.
the hero's name is Brodick
Bro Dick
fitting, I think
HE WAS A BRO AND A DICK
THEY'RE INTERCHANGEABLE THO
He was a fucking idiot. All he did was have sex with her. The sex scenes were very graphic and crude and with absolutely no heat because this was not a romance. it was just two people who had sex with each other
Anne was literally useless. I hate this stupid book so much I'm seething in anger.
Their relationship had no solid basis. All they did was fight because he was a DICK PRICK ON A STICK and she was just boring. No good supporting characters.
so get this, at the beginning, we have the evil phillipa, who is a little deranged because after the pain of childbirth she refuses to have sex with her husband to give him an heir. honestly I FUCKING SYMPATHIZE BECAUSE BIRTH FUCKING HURTS. granted she was cray cray, because she didn't love her child so she a psycho, BUT i have no fucking sympathy for her husband, who literally took a mistress as soon as his wife gave birth and it was JUSTIFIED??? because him and his mistress were in LOOOVVVEE
so phillipa becomes bitter and then is the antagonist of this novel liek 25 years later when the mistresses useless stupid dumb daughter anne is grown up.
AND THEN THAT ENDING?? THE FUCK WAS THAT SHIT ABOUT??
and why oh whyyy is the word fuck used in a novel set in the 16th century?? So fucking stupid.
All the characters. THey didn't make sense. I actually sympathized with the evil woman. stupid book
STUPID FUCKING ENDING
IM DONNEEEE FUCK THIS SHIT
IM OUT THIS IS FDJHOWEUFOUWBEF
the hero's name is Brodick
Bro Dick
fitting, I think
HE WAS A BRO AND A DICK
THEY'RE INTERCHANGEABLE THO
He was a fucking idiot. All he did was have sex with her. The sex scenes were very graphic and crude and with absolutely no heat because this was not a romance. it was just two people who had sex with each other
Anne was literally useless. I hate this stupid book so much I'm seething in anger.
Their relationship had no solid basis. All they did was fight because he was a DICK PRICK ON A STICK and she was just boring. No good supporting characters.
so get this, at the beginning, we have the evil phillipa, who is a little deranged because after the pain of childbirth she refuses to have sex with her husband to give him an heir. honestly I FUCKING SYMPATHIZE BECAUSE BIRTH FUCKING HURTS. granted she was cray cray, because she didn't love her child so she a psycho, BUT i have no fucking sympathy for her husband, who literally took a mistress as soon as his wife gave birth and it was JUSTIFIED??? because him and his mistress were in LOOOVVVEE
so phillipa becomes bitter and then is the antagonist of this novel liek 25 years later when the mistresses useless stupid dumb daughter anne is grown up.
AND THEN THAT ENDING?? THE FUCK WAS THAT SHIT ABOUT??
and why oh whyyy is the word fuck used in a novel set in the 16th century?? So fucking stupid.
All the characters. THey didn't make sense. I actually sympathized with the evil woman. stupid book
STUPID FUCKING ENDING
IM DONNEEEE FUCK THIS SHIT
IM OUT THIS IS FDJHOWEUFOUWBEF
February 25, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Brodick McJames, is in need of a wife to secure his lands and even though he is Scot...he will need an English wife to do so. So he connects with his English neighbor and to get married by proxy to his daughter Mary. Anne Cooper, is the illegitimate daughter of Earl of Warwickshire. Her mother has been his leman for many years. Anne has had to live under the abuse of her father's wife for many years. But when her step sister Mary, is called upon to enter into this marriage, a scheme rises up from Mary's mother. Lady Phillipa, refuses to have her daughter be married to a Scot, or suffer the pain and death of the childbed. She despises Anne, and blackmails her into going into Mary's stead as the wife of McJames. At first Anne wants to refuse, but with her mother and sister and brother's lives on the line, she will do anything to keep them from harm and abuse. So she goes, knowing that this evil scheme she wants no part of but sees no other choice. Her plan is to reach her father somehow and inform him of what is going on because she knows he would protect her from this if he knew about it. But then she meets her fake "husband" Brodick McJames, and soon they discover a hidden passion and a deep love for each other. She forgets about what she will be forced to do to Brodick, and enjoys what time they have together. Will Anne have the courage to tell Brodick the truth....or will she have to sacrifice her love for him to save their son and secure his future?
Plot and Story Line
Wow what a ride that Mary Wine has given us with In Bed With A Stranger Its apparent I haven't read this author enough, and my goodness...do I need to change that. I was amazed by how swept away I was by this sweet love story. I was a bit apprehensive upon reading the blurb, But I knew that with Mary Wine as the author I was going to enjoy listening to this book and dang I DID!! This is a story that can be overwhelming at times. We see the beginnings of Lady Phillipa and how truly evil she can be. We also see how horrid she and her daughter Mary treat Anne and the rest of her family. My heart ached for them to be honest, because with the father away so much at court....they are left to Phillipa's machinations. And boy can she be cruel to any servant.
What I loved most was our heroine...she has such courage and I loved her strength. From the beginning I knew I liked her. Our hero is pretty wonderful....definitely "book boyfriend" material. What I really liked about Brodick is how he treats Anne from the beginning. He is a bit of a rogue at times, but he is sweet and tender in the most intimate moments between them. I truly liked how true he is to Anne and never loses faith in her. He is very protective, he is a leader for his people and we see his true colors from the start and I couldn't stop admiring him as the hero for the story. We see the guilt and turmoil that our heroine suffers. I was curious to see how it ended...and boy did it end in such a great way. I was totally happy with the outcome especially with how Phillipa and Mary get their just deserts for sure in this one. Overall this was a fantastic read and highly recommend to any historical romance lover out there.
Narration
I adored this narrator...when I first heard the sample I was a bit nervous, not sure if I would like his voice. But man...he handled this story so well. The accents, inflections, the emotions conveyed....perfectly portrayed and well done!! This won't be my last book listening to him that is for sure.
The Cover
What a yummy cover...I love the colors that we see here. I love the gold and dark background...adds a bit of mystery to it but is also very sensual.
Overall View
In Bed With A Stranger is a beautifully woven romance that gives us a realistic conflict, some evil villains, a true prince at heart and a romance that carries you away!! SIMPLY ENDEARING!!
[foogallery id="19358"]
Summary
Brodick McJames, is in need of a wife to secure his lands and even though he is Scot...he will need an English wife to do so. So he connects with his English neighbor and to get married by proxy to his daughter Mary. Anne Cooper, is the illegitimate daughter of Earl of Warwickshire. Her mother has been his leman for many years. Anne has had to live under the abuse of her father's wife for many years. But when her step sister Mary, is called upon to enter into this marriage, a scheme rises up from Mary's mother. Lady Phillipa, refuses to have her daughter be married to a Scot, or suffer the pain and death of the childbed. She despises Anne, and blackmails her into going into Mary's stead as the wife of McJames. At first Anne wants to refuse, but with her mother and sister and brother's lives on the line, she will do anything to keep them from harm and abuse. So she goes, knowing that this evil scheme she wants no part of but sees no other choice. Her plan is to reach her father somehow and inform him of what is going on because she knows he would protect her from this if he knew about it. But then she meets her fake "husband" Brodick McJames, and soon they discover a hidden passion and a deep love for each other. She forgets about what she will be forced to do to Brodick, and enjoys what time they have together. Will Anne have the courage to tell Brodick the truth....or will she have to sacrifice her love for him to save their son and secure his future?
Plot and Story Line
Wow what a ride that Mary Wine has given us with In Bed With A Stranger Its apparent I haven't read this author enough, and my goodness...do I need to change that. I was amazed by how swept away I was by this sweet love story. I was a bit apprehensive upon reading the blurb, But I knew that with Mary Wine as the author I was going to enjoy listening to this book and dang I DID!! This is a story that can be overwhelming at times. We see the beginnings of Lady Phillipa and how truly evil she can be. We also see how horrid she and her daughter Mary treat Anne and the rest of her family. My heart ached for them to be honest, because with the father away so much at court....they are left to Phillipa's machinations. And boy can she be cruel to any servant.
What I loved most was our heroine...she has such courage and I loved her strength. From the beginning I knew I liked her. Our hero is pretty wonderful....definitely "book boyfriend" material. What I really liked about Brodick is how he treats Anne from the beginning. He is a bit of a rogue at times, but he is sweet and tender in the most intimate moments between them. I truly liked how true he is to Anne and never loses faith in her. He is very protective, he is a leader for his people and we see his true colors from the start and I couldn't stop admiring him as the hero for the story. We see the guilt and turmoil that our heroine suffers. I was curious to see how it ended...and boy did it end in such a great way. I was totally happy with the outcome especially with how Phillipa and Mary get their just deserts for sure in this one. Overall this was a fantastic read and highly recommend to any historical romance lover out there.
Narration
I adored this narrator...when I first heard the sample I was a bit nervous, not sure if I would like his voice. But man...he handled this story so well. The accents, inflections, the emotions conveyed....perfectly portrayed and well done!! This won't be my last book listening to him that is for sure.
The Cover
What a yummy cover...I love the colors that we see here. I love the gold and dark background...adds a bit of mystery to it but is also very sensual.
Overall View
In Bed With A Stranger is a beautifully woven romance that gives us a realistic conflict, some evil villains, a true prince at heart and a romance that carries you away!! SIMPLY ENDEARING!!
[foogallery id="19358"]
April 28, 2010
Anne Copper is the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Warwickshire. Annes mother Ivy is The Earls Leman and his wife cold Countess Philipa hates Ivy and her children, especially Anne.
The Earl returns home from court briefly to announce that his daughter Mary (his and Philipa's legitimate daughter)is married by proxy to scottish Earl Brodick McJames. Phillipa hatches a plan. Rather than have her only child forced to bed with a barbaric Scot Phillipa sends Anne in her place. Anne has to pretend to be Mary, Anne is two years younger and it seems she resembles Mary, she is to bed him and get pregnant or Phillipa will turn Annes mother out, with her father away and no protection, Anne has no choice but to agree.
Brodrick is expecting a bratty painted english woman like he has seen at court, but Anne and her unspoiled ways see him falling in love with her. Anne likewise falls for him but she is not his wife and soon she will have to leave. When she is pregnant Anne is to return home, give Mary the baby then Mary will take her rightful place as Brodricks wife. With Marys duty seemingly done, she will be free from wifely duties.??
WTF???, that is the part of the book I find unbelievable. After living with Anne for nearly a year was Brodrick supposed to look at Mary and not see the differance? I know Phillipa thought he wouldn't pay much heed to his wife, but still come on?, and Anne was just going to hand over her baby?. Couldn't Anne have wrote to her father from Brodricks house?.
Anyway, I pushed all the minor annoyances out of my head and carried on reading and found I got engrossed in the story and loved the book and MW's style of writing. I couldn't put it down eager to see how it would all fall into place. Brodrick is a great Hero who is not afraid of love or shys away from it. Anne is a sensual romantic Heroine, and there are some pretty sensual scenes between her and Brodrick. The love scenes are a bit more steamy than usual, but well done. Loved the secondry characters and will read the Cullens story next.
The Earl returns home from court briefly to announce that his daughter Mary (his and Philipa's legitimate daughter)is married by proxy to scottish Earl Brodick McJames. Phillipa hatches a plan. Rather than have her only child forced to bed with a barbaric Scot Phillipa sends Anne in her place. Anne has to pretend to be Mary, Anne is two years younger and it seems she resembles Mary, she is to bed him and get pregnant or Phillipa will turn Annes mother out, with her father away and no protection, Anne has no choice but to agree.
Brodrick is expecting a bratty painted english woman like he has seen at court, but Anne and her unspoiled ways see him falling in love with her. Anne likewise falls for him but she is not his wife and soon she will have to leave. When she is pregnant Anne is to return home, give Mary the baby then Mary will take her rightful place as Brodricks wife. With Marys duty seemingly done, she will be free from wifely duties.??
WTF???, that is the part of the book I find unbelievable. After living with Anne for nearly a year was Brodrick supposed to look at Mary and not see the differance? I know Phillipa thought he wouldn't pay much heed to his wife, but still come on?, and Anne was just going to hand over her baby?. Couldn't Anne have wrote to her father from Brodricks house?.
Anyway, I pushed all the minor annoyances out of my head and carried on reading and found I got engrossed in the story and loved the book and MW's style of writing. I couldn't put it down eager to see how it would all fall into place. Brodrick is a great Hero who is not afraid of love or shys away from it. Anne is a sensual romantic Heroine, and there are some pretty sensual scenes between her and Brodrick. The love scenes are a bit more steamy than usual, but well done. Loved the secondry characters and will read the Cullens story next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
This story is dramatic and cheesy, but I am such a sucker for every single trope in this book! It may not be high-brow, but I love it nonetheless in all of its fanciful glory! This is peak escapism, and Brodick was a sexyyyyyyy MMC in my opinion. It reminds me of Maya Banks's Highlander series, which I also loved!
March 4, 2017
Minus at least one star for the most ridiculous scheme ever and excessive use of the word "clitoris".
At first I thought it was a point of view issue, and that the author was using a description foreign to the actual characters. Then they started saying "clitoris" and "fucking" as well so that was out of the question. Even if it wouldn't have felt anachronistic, more than 25 uses of the word in the story was a bit odd. It was getting to the point where I was nostalgic for corny descriptions like "pleasure nub" or "female pearl". That's not a good sign.
FYI, the following paragraph is pretty explicit so if for some reason you're offended by that kind of stuff (in which case you should probably skip this book anyway), stop reading here.
Despite the overuse of the word itself I'm not a hundred percent sure that the author knows what a clitoris is (or at least where it's located) because the heroes cock keeps sliding along it every time they're "fucking". I started wondering if the poor heroine was deformed and her clit had wandered off south of her urethra, or if here vaginal canal had some weird extremely horizontal existance, enabling him to simultaneously slide inside her "passage" and along her "clitoris". Or maybe his cock is the deformed one and has a little rabbit-style attachment to it? I mean if his balls had slapped against her clitoris while they were doing it doggy-style, or his pubic bone ground against it when she was being penetrated, or he pulled his cock out and slid it along her clitoris between penetrations I wouldn't have a problem with it. But it kind of pulls you (or at least me) out the story when the sex described is anatomically impossible. It makes it feel like it's written by a teenage virgin who's watched a lot of porn but doesn't actually have any practical knowledge to draw on--it just doesn't feel real.
I couldn't help picture Phillipa and Mary as Rodmilla and Marguerite from the Drew Barrymore movie "Ever After". Though only a cartoon villain would consider trying to pull that off without the help of magic, I'm pretty sure a fairy tale villain would know better. They should at least have made the sisters twins or something so that Philipa's evil plan wasn't quite so doomed from the start.
That being said, while it's quite standard Scottish Laird-English Lady romance fare it held my attention significantly better than similar books by Maya Banks. And therefore the three stars despite the plot and writing elements that bothered me.
At first I thought it was a point of view issue, and that the author was using a description foreign to the actual characters. Then they started saying "clitoris" and "fucking" as well so that was out of the question. Even if it wouldn't have felt anachronistic, more than 25 uses of the word in the story was a bit odd. It was getting to the point where I was nostalgic for corny descriptions like "pleasure nub" or "female pearl". That's not a good sign.
FYI, the following paragraph is pretty explicit so if for some reason you're offended by that kind of stuff (in which case you should probably skip this book anyway), stop reading here.
Despite the overuse of the word itself I'm not a hundred percent sure that the author knows what a clitoris is (or at least where it's located) because the heroes cock keeps sliding along it every time they're "fucking". I started wondering if the poor heroine was deformed and her clit had wandered off south of her urethra, or if here vaginal canal had some weird extremely horizontal existance, enabling him to simultaneously slide inside her "passage" and along her "clitoris". Or maybe his cock is the deformed one and has a little rabbit-style attachment to it? I mean if his balls had slapped against her clitoris while they were doing it doggy-style, or his pubic bone ground against it when she was being penetrated, or he pulled his cock out and slid it along her clitoris between penetrations I wouldn't have a problem with it. But it kind of pulls you (or at least me) out the story when the sex described is anatomically impossible. It makes it feel like it's written by a teenage virgin who's watched a lot of porn but doesn't actually have any practical knowledge to draw on--it just doesn't feel real.
I couldn't help picture Phillipa and Mary as Rodmilla and Marguerite from the Drew Barrymore movie "Ever After". Though only a cartoon villain would consider trying to pull that off without the help of magic, I'm pretty sure a fairy tale villain would know better. They should at least have made the sisters twins or something so that Philipa's evil plan wasn't quite so doomed from the start.
That being said, while it's quite standard Scottish Laird-English Lady romance fare it held my attention significantly better than similar books by Maya Banks. And therefore the three stars despite the plot and writing elements that bothered me.
August 22, 2011
Summary:
I liked Anne a lot. Her life wasn't easy and yet she never grew bitter or resented her father for not helping her and her siblings in anything. She never expected happiness for herself, in her wildest dreams she didn't dare to hope for a loving husband and HEA - but when her evil stepmother hatched her plan it still felt like a death sentence. And when she began falling for Brodick, it was even worse, knowing she would have to lie to him, and eventually leave.
Brodick couldn't believe his luck. His bride wasn't only pretty, but smart and hardworking and generous as well. I loved seeing him falling for Anne - a big tough warrior unable to resist his wife. :-)
As I said, I liked their romance, Brodick's brother and cousin were fascinating as well. I'm looking forward to reading their stories.
There were some thing that bothered me a bit - the rather neat (and completely unbelievable) ending, the way that Anne just accepted the servants scorn (I know she though of herself as a servant until recently, but it was still off), but it wasn't too bad.
Reading the blurb I was convinced there will be plenty of drama, after all no man has a good reaction after finding out he was deceived, but luckily it wasn't drawn out, there were no harsh words or violence - maybe I was just wary since I read a few bodice-rippers with a similar plot and the hero's reaction was always catastrophically bad.
All in all, an enjoyable highlander romance(unfortunately no hot guy in a kilt on the cover *sigh*) that I recommend.
Rating:
4 stars
An Imperfect Match
Brodick McJames is an earl in name only. To secure his clan's future he needs an English wife. Mary Stanford, daughter of the Earl of Warwickshire, will suit perfectly. He's never met her, but what matter? She'll grace his bed eventually, and once she bears his child he need see her no more.
Anne Copper looks just like her noble half-sister, but she was born illegitimate, and can never forget it. The best she can hope for is to stay a serving girl in her own father's house. But when Lady Mary finds herself betrothed to a Scot, it seems there's a use for Anne after all . . .
The woman who arrives in Alcaon is not what Brodick expects, and the passion that grows between them promises far more than a marriage of convenience. When fate draws two together, it may take more than a noblewoman's plot to part them . . .
I liked Anne a lot. Her life wasn't easy and yet she never grew bitter or resented her father for not helping her and her siblings in anything. She never expected happiness for herself, in her wildest dreams she didn't dare to hope for a loving husband and HEA - but when her evil stepmother hatched her plan it still felt like a death sentence. And when she began falling for Brodick, it was even worse, knowing she would have to lie to him, and eventually leave.
Brodick couldn't believe his luck. His bride wasn't only pretty, but smart and hardworking and generous as well. I loved seeing him falling for Anne - a big tough warrior unable to resist his wife. :-)
As I said, I liked their romance, Brodick's brother and cousin were fascinating as well. I'm looking forward to reading their stories.
There were some thing that bothered me a bit - the rather neat (and completely unbelievable) ending, the way that Anne just accepted the servants scorn (I know she though of herself as a servant until recently, but it was still off), but it wasn't too bad.
Reading the blurb I was convinced there will be plenty of drama, after all no man has a good reaction after finding out he was deceived, but luckily it wasn't drawn out, there were no harsh words or violence - maybe I was just wary since I read a few bodice-rippers with a similar plot and the hero's reaction was always catastrophically bad.
All in all, an enjoyable highlander romance(unfortunately no hot guy in a kilt on the cover *sigh*) that I recommend.
Rating:
4 stars
December 26, 2014
In Bed with a Stranger
3.5 Stars
As the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Warwickshire, Anne Copper is forced to serve at the pleasure of his vicious and bitter wife. When the Earl’s legitimate daughter is promised in marriage to a Scottish noble, Anne is coerced into taking her place. As passion draws Anne and Brodrick together, the malicious machinations of a twisted mind strive to tear them apart …
A steamy romance with a solid plot premise and a wicked stepmother type villainess who is enough to make your skin crawl.
Anne and Brodrick are a sweet couple and the author manages to avoid the silly misunderstanding trope that so often emerges from the mistaken identity storyline. That said, Anne’s character comes across as somewhat wishy-washy. There are moments when she exhibits an independent will and a strong backbone, but this is subsequently undermined by an uncharacteristic timidity and diffidence.
The basic plot is entertaining although there are a couple of problematic areas such as the contrived circumstances that , the unresolved plot threads, i.e., what happens to , and the rather anti-climactic ending where .
The secondary characters are intriguing and the hints at Cullen and Bronwyn’s book are enticing, so I will be continuing with the series.
On a final note, the book contains several explicit scenes that may not appeal to some readers of historical romance. However, fans of Elizabeth Hoyt will probably enjoy this aspect of the story.
3.5 Stars
As the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Warwickshire, Anne Copper is forced to serve at the pleasure of his vicious and bitter wife. When the Earl’s legitimate daughter is promised in marriage to a Scottish noble, Anne is coerced into taking her place. As passion draws Anne and Brodrick together, the malicious machinations of a twisted mind strive to tear them apart …
A steamy romance with a solid plot premise and a wicked stepmother type villainess who is enough to make your skin crawl.
Anne and Brodrick are a sweet couple and the author manages to avoid the silly misunderstanding trope that so often emerges from the mistaken identity storyline. That said, Anne’s character comes across as somewhat wishy-washy. There are moments when she exhibits an independent will and a strong backbone, but this is subsequently undermined by an uncharacteristic timidity and diffidence.
The basic plot is entertaining although there are a couple of problematic areas such as the contrived circumstances that , the unresolved plot threads, i.e., what happens to , and the rather anti-climactic ending where .
The secondary characters are intriguing and the hints at Cullen and Bronwyn’s book are enticing, so I will be continuing with the series.
On a final note, the book contains several explicit scenes that may not appeal to some readers of historical romance. However, fans of Elizabeth Hoyt will probably enjoy this aspect of the story.
January 18, 2013
Being bastard-born, Anne is psychologically abused by the mistress of the house, Lady Philipa, her father's wife. Her family's safety is used as a tool to keep her honest when she is coerced into taking Lady Philipa's daughter, Mary's place in the forced marriage to a Scot. She is supposed to get pregnant and return so Mary can take her place without having to actually give birth to the heir. Unfortunately, Anne falls in love with the Scot and vice versa.
I absolutely abhorred Philipa and wanted to reach through the pages and punch her in the face. What a bitch! Anne made the best of her circumstances and stayed true to herself at all times. I particularly liked Brodick (the Scot). He fell instantly and his devotion never wavered. The ending was spectacular. Poor Cullen was so jealous of his brother's good fortune. If he is matched with his enemies daughter, that will be an interesting and potentially violent courtship. I can't wait to read Cullen's story.
I absolutely abhorred Philipa and wanted to reach through the pages and punch her in the face. What a bitch! Anne made the best of her circumstances and stayed true to herself at all times. I particularly liked Brodick (the Scot). He fell instantly and his devotion never wavered. The ending was spectacular. Poor Cullen was so jealous of his brother's good fortune. If he is matched with his enemies daughter, that will be an interesting and potentially violent courtship. I can't wait to read Cullen's story.
August 25, 2009
For some reason this author works for me. It is only my second novel I've read by her but I enjoy the development and chemistry of the characters plus the interesting plot and the fast pace it was set at. The love scenes were a little more spicy and graphic than a typical mainstream novel but not too much.
January 23, 2018
3,5
Que inocência gente. Filhos ilegítimos, casamentos arranjados, traições e tramas loucas...
Estou gostando desses livros de época.
Que inocência gente. Filhos ilegítimos, casamentos arranjados, traições e tramas loucas...
Estou gostando desses livros de época.
January 14, 2022
This book reads like erotica—so much sex the rest of the plot felt forced & forgotten.
May 14, 2013
Hmmm....
This is a story in which an English bastard born female is forced to pretend to be her half sister, Mary, whom is proxy married to a Scot, Broderick.
The hero is strong, confident and not a thinggg is wrong with him.
The heroine, is a little meek, but still has some strong female qualities. She also gets to know herself, more so through her "husband."
This overall was a very loving story, full of extreme sex scenes. By extreme I mean they happen frequent with pretty much no detail missing. I admit I skipped a couple of them, as it was just TOO much.
Unfortunately for me, it was missing some key points, where I actually thought I had missed a chapter.Below you will find my bad spots. Warning these might be considered spoilers.
-Her sister (Bonnie) at one point is brought to Scotland and stays while Anne goes back to England--How exactly is Bonnie going to get home when Anne has no intention of going back??
-There was no shock or really any reaction when she returns--OHHH huh. So you all knew. And you felt it was cool just to let me get knocked up. Cool, thanks fam!
-Mary intends to go back to court after Anne is taken care of. -- I'm sorry, once more? You think Broderick won't come back for his kid? I'm pretty sure even if he didn't care for Anne/Mary (whatever), he would still want to make certain the heir of his estate was healthy and a boy. How logical is it, that you think you'll just prance off to court with his son?
- The ending. I'm sorry, I've read several reviews on this as well. The ending. REALLY. There was no challenge to overcome at all, you couldn't have given us an anthill at least?? Puff.
We're a fickle lot, we want a HEA but we want our characters to work for it my friend.
This is a story in which an English bastard born female is forced to pretend to be her half sister, Mary, whom is proxy married to a Scot, Broderick.
The hero is strong, confident and not a thinggg is wrong with him.
The heroine, is a little meek, but still has some strong female qualities. She also gets to know herself, more so through her "husband."
This overall was a very loving story, full of extreme sex scenes. By extreme I mean they happen frequent with pretty much no detail missing. I admit I skipped a couple of them, as it was just TOO much.
Unfortunately for me, it was missing some key points, where I actually thought I had missed a chapter.Below you will find my bad spots. Warning these might be considered spoilers.
-Her sister (Bonnie) at one point is brought to Scotland and stays while Anne goes back to England--How exactly is Bonnie going to get home when Anne has no intention of going back??
-There was no shock or really any reaction when she returns--OHHH huh. So you all knew. And you felt it was cool just to let me get knocked up. Cool, thanks fam!
-Mary intends to go back to court after Anne is taken care of. -- I'm sorry, once more? You think Broderick won't come back for his kid? I'm pretty sure even if he didn't care for Anne/Mary (whatever), he would still want to make certain the heir of his estate was healthy and a boy. How logical is it, that you think you'll just prance off to court with his son?
- The ending. I'm sorry, I've read several reviews on this as well. The ending. REALLY. There was no challenge to overcome at all, you couldn't have given us an anthill at least?? Puff.
We're a fickle lot, we want a HEA but we want our characters to work for it my friend.
December 13, 2022
Le plan de la marâtre est complètement improbable et tiré par les cheveux. Le caractère des 2 demi-soeurs est tellement différent qu'il faudrait être débile pour les confondre, même après une séparation de plusieurs mois, même en supposant que le mari n'aura que peu d'intérêt pour son épouse. Mais ça ne m'a pas empêché de passer un bon moment avec cette histoire grâce aux deux héros sympathiques qui n'ont pas peur de reconnaître leurs sentiments. Les personnages secondaires donnent envie de lire la suite.
November 24, 2015
Have to get my fix.. when I can
January 18, 2022
Someone I know trashed this book and I grabbed it on Libby just to see what the fuss was about. I haven’t read any books set in this time period (very early 1600s, as James Stewart is king of Scotland in this and they reference that he’ll be Kind of England soon), so some of the customs references were foreign to me and I’m always distracted by phonetic spelling of words spoken with an accent.
Was it as bad as my friend thought? I don’t think so. The scheme concocted to substitute the heroine for her half sister in a marriage until she had a child…at which point the half sister would switch places with her and take the child, seemed to be a stretch, though it was entertaining if you can suspend disbelief. The male lead was not developed very much and there is an Insta-love situation here.
As this time period didn’t jive with me, I don’t see myself reading anything else in the series or recommending this book to a friend.
Was it as bad as my friend thought? I don’t think so. The scheme concocted to substitute the heroine for her half sister in a marriage until she had a child…at which point the half sister would switch places with her and take the child, seemed to be a stretch, though it was entertaining if you can suspend disbelief. The male lead was not developed very much and there is an Insta-love situation here.
As this time period didn’t jive with me, I don’t see myself reading anything else in the series or recommending this book to a friend.
March 24, 2017
Treša mēnesis ātri nogurdina.
Viduslaiki, aukstie, drūmie pils mūri, sirdstīra jaunava un skarbais skotu visvaldis.
Galma intrigas un centieni izmantot 17.gs sarunvalodu bija interesanti, bet guļamistabas ainas bija nomācoši par daudz.
The Scorched Corset vērtējums - emociju korseti gan pārrāva pušu, bet pārāk ātri, un sabojāja aizdari.
Nākamā pietura pastaigā pa atkritumliteratūru - Pregnant Widow`s Amish Vacation!
Viduslaiki, aukstie, drūmie pils mūri, sirdstīra jaunava un skarbais skotu visvaldis.
Galma intrigas un centieni izmantot 17.gs sarunvalodu bija interesanti, bet guļamistabas ainas bija nomācoši par daudz.
The Scorched Corset vērtējums - emociju korseti gan pārrāva pušu, bet pārāk ātri, un sabojāja aizdari.
Nākamā pietura pastaigā pa atkritumliteratūru - Pregnant Widow`s Amish Vacation!
April 14, 2019
Me saco el bloqueo lector. Así que cumplió su cometido.
Entretiene y es rápido.
Entretiene y es rápido.
February 27, 2016
I was thinking of rating this book three stars because two stars seemed too harsh, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that two stars was fair. I guess it all depends on what you want from a story. If you're just looking for sex scenes loosely strung together with recycled plots, this should suffice. On most other levels, it fails. The sex dominates the story which is a problem when it's so anachronistic. The language is too modern and I got a strong feeling, especially as the story progressed, that the writer is used to writing sub/dom erotica. The hero doesn't just display typical romance novel alpha male behavior. The language is overtly channeling sub/dom writing.
I didn't really have strong feelings about the hero and heroine. Aside from their sexual antics, they fell into pretty standard historical fiction types. Neither of them were "enough" of anything to really make an impression. You've more than likely read a book with a version of these characters written with more depth or in a more compelling way. Most of their interactions were pretty repetitive. She was either keeping her secret or doing things that hinted at her status and her familiarity with performing household chores. He exhibited generic alpha arrogance before quickly melting into a pile of mush. There's no real tension in their relationship. You're just waiting for her secret to come out.
While this certainly isn't a Courtney Milan book importing more modern feminist ideas, I didn't find it hatefully misogynistic in the way that some historical fiction can be. Though as vile as the villains were, it was difficult to completely despise Philipa. (Not a spoiler because it's all in the first few pages...) She has to endure her husband's faithlessness and preference for another woman and he isn't very sympathetic about her fear of childbirth. In another story, I could see her as a sympathetic character.
The ending is wrapped up quickly and easily as it sadly the case with many romances but with this one there seemed to be more than a few loose ends.
I didn't really have strong feelings about the hero and heroine. Aside from their sexual antics, they fell into pretty standard historical fiction types. Neither of them were "enough" of anything to really make an impression. You've more than likely read a book with a version of these characters written with more depth or in a more compelling way. Most of their interactions were pretty repetitive. She was either keeping her secret or doing things that hinted at her status and her familiarity with performing household chores. He exhibited generic alpha arrogance before quickly melting into a pile of mush. There's no real tension in their relationship. You're just waiting for her secret to come out.
While this certainly isn't a Courtney Milan book importing more modern feminist ideas, I didn't find it hatefully misogynistic in the way that some historical fiction can be. Though as vile as the villains were, it was difficult to completely despise Philipa. (Not a spoiler because it's all in the first few pages...) She has to endure her husband's faithlessness and preference for another woman and he isn't very sympathetic about her fear of childbirth. In another story, I could see her as a sympathetic character.
The ending is wrapped up quickly and easily as it sadly the case with many romances but with this one there seemed to be more than a few loose ends.
March 26, 2023
What an adorable tale of misunderstandings and love.
Anne is sweet, industrious, kind, and a little feisty. She will do anything for her family, and her wicked step-mother knows it. Anne is maneuvered into an impossible situation but makes the absolute best of the nightmare.
Broadick makes a great Laird. He is willing to listen, doesn't act out of anger, and is as attentive as his cictumstances allowed him to be. Led by his heart, his love for his wife is apparent early on and he isn't the sort of man whose afraid to admit he fell hard.
There was an awful lot of sex in this book. I thought it was gonna detract from the plot but somehow it didn't. I suppose a physical relationship was easier to establish in such a short amount of time - but not long after, their hearts followed.
There was just enough angst to keep me invested, a sprinkling of history and a dash of character development to make this read more fun than I expected!
My only complaint is the fact that the word clitoris is thrown around like people of that time period knew it existed. The sex was heavy handed but I'm not gonna drop stars for it. The read was too fun for that!
Anne is sweet, industrious, kind, and a little feisty. She will do anything for her family, and her wicked step-mother knows it. Anne is maneuvered into an impossible situation but makes the absolute best of the nightmare.
Broadick makes a great Laird. He is willing to listen, doesn't act out of anger, and is as attentive as his cictumstances allowed him to be. Led by his heart, his love for his wife is apparent early on and he isn't the sort of man whose afraid to admit he fell hard.
There was an awful lot of sex in this book. I thought it was gonna detract from the plot but somehow it didn't. I suppose a physical relationship was easier to establish in such a short amount of time - but not long after, their hearts followed.
There was just enough angst to keep me invested, a sprinkling of history and a dash of character development to make this read more fun than I expected!
My only complaint is the fact that the word clitoris is thrown around like people of that time period knew it existed. The sex was heavy handed but I'm not gonna drop stars for it. The read was too fun for that!
February 20, 2019
An Imperfect Match
Brodick McJames is an earl in name only. To secure his clan's future he needs an English wife. Mary Stanford, daughter of the Earl of Warwickshire, will suit perfectly. He's never met her, but what matter? She'll grace his bed eventually, and once she bears his child he need see her no more.
Anne Copper looks just like her noble half-sister, but she was born illegitimate, and can never forget it. The best she can hope for is to stay a serving girl in her own father's house. But when Lady Mary finds herself betrothed to a Scot, it seems there's a use for Anne after all . . .
The woman who arrives in Alcaon is not what Brodick expects, and the passion that grows between them promises far more than a marriage of convenience. When fate draws two together, it may take more than a noblewoman's plot to part them
Brodick McJames is an earl in name only. To secure his clan's future he needs an English wife. Mary Stanford, daughter of the Earl of Warwickshire, will suit perfectly. He's never met her, but what matter? She'll grace his bed eventually, and once she bears his child he need see her no more.
Anne Copper looks just like her noble half-sister, but she was born illegitimate, and can never forget it. The best she can hope for is to stay a serving girl in her own father's house. But when Lady Mary finds herself betrothed to a Scot, it seems there's a use for Anne after all . . .
The woman who arrives in Alcaon is not what Brodick expects, and the passion that grows between them promises far more than a marriage of convenience. When fate draws two together, it may take more than a noblewoman's plot to part them
March 24, 2015
Peut être plutôt 3,75/5.
Une lecture simple, avec quelques facilités (notamment la fin, ce qui arrive à la belle-mère) qui pourrait nous faire croire que nous sommes en train de lire un historique de chez Harlequin.
Mais le fait est que le couple est mignon. L'héroïne manque de caractère mais qu'importe, cela fonctionne.
Une lecture simple, avec quelques facilités (notamment la fin, ce qui arrive à la belle-mère) qui pourrait nous faire croire que nous sommes en train de lire un historique de chez Harlequin.
Mais le fait est que le couple est mignon. L'héroïne manque de caractère mais qu'importe, cela fonctionne.
September 11, 2009
This is one of the best I've read in a long time!!! Such a great story and hot hot bedroom scenes!!
December 8, 2019
Konu: Anne'in babası Phillipa isminde bir kadınla evli. Kadın bir kız çocuk sahibi olmuş ama doğum sancısından bir daha çocuk sahibi olmayı reddetmiş. Sen misin bunu yapan, hemen 1 yıl sonra kocası metresini (Anne'in annesi, Ivy) kaleye getiriyor. Phillipa, Ivy ve haliyle Anne ve daha sonrasında doğan çocuklardan nefret ediyor. Babası yasal kızı Mary'i bir İskoç ile (Brodick) vekaleten evlendiriyor. O kalede değilken de Brodick kızı almaya geliyor. Phillipa biricik kızı Mary'i bir İskoç'a verip ona da doğum acısı yaşatamayacağı için Anne'i Mary diye Brodick ile yolluyor. Hikayemizde böylece başlıyor.
Yazarın Highlander serisi Nemesis tarafından çevrilmişti. Doğrusu yazarın ismi tanıdık geliyor diye hesabıma bakmasam yazarın ne başka kitabını okuduğumu hatırlıyordum ne de o kitapların konusunu. Highlander serisindeki sorunlar burada da devam etmiş. Olay yok. İletişim yok. Çok fazla seks var.
Ana karakter dışında yan karakterlerin hikayeleri de konudan anlaşılabileceği üzere sıkıntılı. Philipa'nın evliliğinden 1 yıl filan sonra kocasının burnunun dibine yerleştirdiği metresine ve çocuklarına tepki göstermesi normal değil mi? Tam tersi yazar Philipa'yı kötü ilan etmiş!
Yazarın kitaplarına bir daha yolumun düşeceğini sanmam.
Yazarın Highlander serisi Nemesis tarafından çevrilmişti. Doğrusu yazarın ismi tanıdık geliyor diye hesabıma bakmasam yazarın ne başka kitabını okuduğumu hatırlıyordum ne de o kitapların konusunu. Highlander serisindeki sorunlar burada da devam etmiş. Olay yok. İletişim yok. Çok fazla seks var.
Ana karakter dışında yan karakterlerin hikayeleri de konudan anlaşılabileceği üzere sıkıntılı. Philipa'nın evliliğinden 1 yıl filan sonra kocasının burnunun dibine yerleştirdiği metresine ve çocuklarına tepki göstermesi normal değil mi? Tam tersi yazar Philipa'yı kötü ilan etmiş!
Yazarın kitaplarına bir daha yolumun düşeceğini sanmam.
February 23, 2024
Il est vrai que d’ordinaire dans ce genre de romance, on a des intrigues qui sont axées sur des guerres de clans ou encore de complots politiques. Et ici ce ne fut nullement le cas. Mary Wine a décidé de se concentrer principalement sur la relation de nos deux héros. J’avoue que c’est un gros risque qu’elle a pris. Et pourtant je dois bien reconnaître qu’une fois encore je ne me suis pas ennuyée un seul instant. Il faut dire qu’entre une plume toujours fluide et enivrante, une intrigue certes prévisible mais fort bien menée, des personnages intéressants, un dialogue sarcastique à souhait, et une bonne dose d’humour, de tension, de manipulations, d’action, d’érotisme et d’émotions, je me suis littéralement régalée. Je ne m’en lasse toujours pas ! Alors si vous cherchez une romance à l’époque des Highlanders qui vous happe dès les premières pages pour ne plus vous lâcher et qui vous fasse vibrer pour votre plus grand plaisir. Alors Dans le lit d’un inconnu est exactement ce qu’il vous faut. Une pétillante aventure qui est à savourer sans modération et qui ne peut que vous faire un bien fou… Quand à moi, je relirai bien évidemment le second opus, l’histoire de Cullen McJames…
𝑴𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝒊𝒄𝒊: https://wp.me/p5AuT9-dEg
𝑴𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝒊𝒄𝒊: https://wp.me/p5AuT9-dEg
September 23, 2017
Brodick McJames has need for an English wife, however, the wife of Earl of Warwickshire would never send her daughter to the wilds of Scotland. She would send her illegitimate sister i her place. Still meeting the terms of the agreement. Anna was not what Brodick. The fates gives them both something that neither of them expected.
October 14, 2017
Leído en Ene 2011
Estuvo bien (sobre todo al comienzo) pero siento que le faltó algo.
Estuvo bien (sobre todo al comienzo) pero siento que le faltó algo.
February 27, 2019
I should not have listened to the audiobook. The narrator was not good... at all.
This is also one of my least favorite tropes.. the whole deception thing does not work for me. It makes me anxious. Also the use of lover so many times made me ill.
I can’t remember if I’ve read anything by this author but this was not a good start.
This is also one of my least favorite tropes.. the whole deception thing does not work for me. It makes me anxious. Also the use of lover so many times made me ill.
I can’t remember if I’ve read anything by this author but this was not a good start.
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