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Skye's Legacy #1
De onwillige bruid
The best-selling author continues the saga of Jasmine de Marisco in seventeenth-century France, where her spurned partner in an arranged marriage, the earl of Glenkirk, arrives to carry her back to England. Reprint.
349 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
140 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Bertrice Small
216 books1,124 followersBertrice Williams was born on December 9, 1937 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, the daughter of Doris S. and David R. Williams, both broadcasters. She studied at Attended Western College for Women and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. On October 5, 1963, she married George Sumner Small, a photographer and designer with a History Major at Princeton. They had a son Thomas David. She lived on eastern Long Island for over 30 years. Her greatest passions were her family; Finnegan and Sylvester, the family cats; Nicki, the elderly cockatiel who whistles the NY Mets charge call; her garden; her work, and just life in general.
Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.
Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.
Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.
Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 13, 2015
Darling Jasmine by Bertrice Small is a 2007 Kensington publication.
Wow! This book was certainly not what I expected and I must say I was quite shocked by the subject matter covered in this one, especially since it was originally published in 1997.
Jasmine, with the aid of her grandmother, the notorious Skye O' Malley, ran away from her fiance, Jemmie Leslie, the Earl of Glenkirk, and has been in hiding for a good while, holed up with her children from previous marriages or relationships. But, the time has come to pay the piper when Jemmie Leslie finally tracks her down. By this time Jemmie isn't sure if he loves Jasmine, hates her, or if he is simply doing his duty by carrying out the king's decree that they marry.
But, Jasmine senses that if she doesn't make amends and recapture Leslie's affections she could lose her children or be stuck in a miserable marriage. So with a little help from her meddling grandmother, Jasmine and Jemmie are left alone to sort out their differences. Can Leslie tame the wild, fiercely independent Jasmine, or is it too late to rekindle their passion?
Back in February, Bertrice Small passed away, and I was saddened to see so few remark upon her passing. This author was way ahead of her time and one of the few who refused to back down under pressure and did not neuter her back listed titles to make them more politically correct, nor did she change the way she wrote her novels, a trailblazer all the way throughout her career.
While many would chose to give the book the moniker of 'bodice ripper', it only technically falls into that category. Jemmie does not force Jasmine sexually, in fact, she is in control of the of the entire mating dance, although Jemmie is advised to sweep her way with his passions in an aggressive manner, by Skye, no less, Jasmine is quite consenting and even plans her own seduction, if you will. The only way this could be cast in the 'bodice ripper' category, comes later in the book, when a nefarious character who is into BDSM decides he wants Jasmine and plots to lure her away from Jemmie. He stalks her continuously, even when she is safely at home in Glenkirk.
The BDSM is vivid and graphic, but unlike the current trends in contemporary 'romance', this behavior is considered depraved, is not celebrated or glorified, and our darling Jasmine must be protected from this man at all cost. Since I have read many retro romances, and novels that HAVE earned the title of 'bodice ripper', I have encountered more than my fair share of controversial passages. Yet, I had never come across this subject matter in an older historical romance quite like this, and never had it actually described in such detail. While BDSM began to cross over into mainstream consciousness back in the sixties, I wonder if those reading this book for the first time in 1997, were as taken aback by it as I was. I mean, there are plenty of people today, despite the popularity of Fifty Shades, who feel very uncomfortable with this subject matter.
Jasmine was a woman, like her grandmother, who was ahead of her time, very passionate, independent, and at times naughty. Although, she and Jemmie were not into anything kinky per se, they are quite lusty, and could get rough at times, and the names they called one another in the bedroom were hardly sweet nothings or pillow talk, so they were certainly not conventional themselves. There were a few too many sex scenes in the book, and while I realize the author was all about erotica, something she built her reputation on, there weren't enough tender moments for my taste, although the couple are clearly besotted with one another.
One other thing that should be noted, is that if you decide to get into these older books, they are really a series, in the true sense of the word, meaning the stories pick up where they left off and the main character is featured in all the books in the arc, unlike today where a series simply means, the books are connected, but each one features new characters. So you will want to read these in order.
I was impressed by the boldness of the book, and liked the 'saga' quality in it, which is something we just don't see anymore. Even with the shock value, though, there were times the story lagged, but not for long.
Overall, I liked the book, the intrigue in court, the build up with Jemmie and Jasmine, the suspense, and the happy ever after. 4 stars
Note:
It is also worth noting that many of Bertrice Small's novels are in digital format, some are a part of the kindle lending library, if you have Prime, and several are in the Kindle Unlimited program if have a subscription to that service. Also, depending on your city and your library, many titles are available in digital format using the Overdrive app.
Wow! This book was certainly not what I expected and I must say I was quite shocked by the subject matter covered in this one, especially since it was originally published in 1997.
Jasmine, with the aid of her grandmother, the notorious Skye O' Malley, ran away from her fiance, Jemmie Leslie, the Earl of Glenkirk, and has been in hiding for a good while, holed up with her children from previous marriages or relationships. But, the time has come to pay the piper when Jemmie Leslie finally tracks her down. By this time Jemmie isn't sure if he loves Jasmine, hates her, or if he is simply doing his duty by carrying out the king's decree that they marry.
But, Jasmine senses that if she doesn't make amends and recapture Leslie's affections she could lose her children or be stuck in a miserable marriage. So with a little help from her meddling grandmother, Jasmine and Jemmie are left alone to sort out their differences. Can Leslie tame the wild, fiercely independent Jasmine, or is it too late to rekindle their passion?
Back in February, Bertrice Small passed away, and I was saddened to see so few remark upon her passing. This author was way ahead of her time and one of the few who refused to back down under pressure and did not neuter her back listed titles to make them more politically correct, nor did she change the way she wrote her novels, a trailblazer all the way throughout her career.
While many would chose to give the book the moniker of 'bodice ripper', it only technically falls into that category. Jemmie does not force Jasmine sexually, in fact, she is in control of the of the entire mating dance, although Jemmie is advised to sweep her way with his passions in an aggressive manner, by Skye, no less, Jasmine is quite consenting and even plans her own seduction, if you will. The only way this could be cast in the 'bodice ripper' category, comes later in the book, when a nefarious character who is into BDSM decides he wants Jasmine and plots to lure her away from Jemmie. He stalks her continuously, even when she is safely at home in Glenkirk.
The BDSM is vivid and graphic, but unlike the current trends in contemporary 'romance', this behavior is considered depraved, is not celebrated or glorified, and our darling Jasmine must be protected from this man at all cost. Since I have read many retro romances, and novels that HAVE earned the title of 'bodice ripper', I have encountered more than my fair share of controversial passages. Yet, I had never come across this subject matter in an older historical romance quite like this, and never had it actually described in such detail. While BDSM began to cross over into mainstream consciousness back in the sixties, I wonder if those reading this book for the first time in 1997, were as taken aback by it as I was. I mean, there are plenty of people today, despite the popularity of Fifty Shades, who feel very uncomfortable with this subject matter.
Jasmine was a woman, like her grandmother, who was ahead of her time, very passionate, independent, and at times naughty. Although, she and Jemmie were not into anything kinky per se, they are quite lusty, and could get rough at times, and the names they called one another in the bedroom were hardly sweet nothings or pillow talk, so they were certainly not conventional themselves. There were a few too many sex scenes in the book, and while I realize the author was all about erotica, something she built her reputation on, there weren't enough tender moments for my taste, although the couple are clearly besotted with one another.
One other thing that should be noted, is that if you decide to get into these older books, they are really a series, in the true sense of the word, meaning the stories pick up where they left off and the main character is featured in all the books in the arc, unlike today where a series simply means, the books are connected, but each one features new characters. So you will want to read these in order.
I was impressed by the boldness of the book, and liked the 'saga' quality in it, which is something we just don't see anymore. Even with the shock value, though, there were times the story lagged, but not for long.
Overall, I liked the book, the intrigue in court, the build up with Jemmie and Jasmine, the suspense, and the happy ever after. 4 stars
Note:
It is also worth noting that many of Bertrice Small's novels are in digital format, some are a part of the kindle lending library, if you have Prime, and several are in the Kindle Unlimited program if have a subscription to that service. Also, depending on your city and your library, many titles are available in digital format using the Overdrive app.
February 9, 2015
I loved this story and I can't wait to read other stories by Bertrice Small. This story is set during the time of James Stuart, King of England and of Scotland following the reign of Elizabeth I. This story records the death of Skye O'Malley towards the end of the book and Jasmine is her favorite granddaughter and who also has an interesting past. There is plenty of genealogy in Bertrice's books that makes me wonder if she is recording her own genealogy, especially when the Small name comes up in the book as part ownership of a shipping company if I remember right. I would recommend starting at "The Kadin" and going forward from there, something I hope to do.
May 10, 2025
Bertrice Small has certainly created an epic family saga with her character Skye O'Malley and her endless brood of descendants. Darling Jasmine may be the continuation of her granddaughter' s story, which left off in a cliffhanger in her previous book Wild Jasmine, but it is also very much Skye 's book.
It is a testament to Small' s vision that Skye O'Malley, at the age of 74 at the time that Darling Jasmine is set, remains the most riveting character in a book filled with so many swashbuckling characters. Great ending to an epic saga.
It is a testament to Small' s vision that Skye O'Malley, at the age of 74 at the time that Darling Jasmine is set, remains the most riveting character in a book filled with so many swashbuckling characters. Great ending to an epic saga.
April 1, 2021
It's review time 🎧
Warning ⚠️: historical controversial strong woman, BDSM .
Narrator score🎧 ; she was absalutly extraordinary, I'm in love with the preference it was brilliant!!!!
Level of steam🔥: well the sex was very Vivid and it was very hot you add a lot of it and for the timeline of the story it wasn't usual. It was controversial.
Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: Jasmine and her grandmother where women in a very difficult time for women to be strong and the fact that they were strong led to a lot of miserable times and scary moments for Jasmine I think the fact that the book wasn't Britain in a sad manner was brilliant but you could feel the struggles of the character in the book
The book itself📖: well, hell. I don't think I have read a book such as this one the book was absolutely incredible outrageous and so much more Jasmine was a very very strong character I loved her I loved her struggles I loved her independency I love her protectiveness and I loved her meddling grandmother she was a key for the relationship of Jasmine I can write a lot about his book but I'm afraid I will write a spoiler I can definitely save the book was absolutely incredible and a head of its time I just adored the smoke
Warning ⚠️: historical controversial strong woman, BDSM .
Narrator score🎧 ; she was absalutly extraordinary, I'm in love with the preference it was brilliant!!!!
Level of steam🔥: well the sex was very Vivid and it was very hot you add a lot of it and for the timeline of the story it wasn't usual. It was controversial.
Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: Jasmine and her grandmother where women in a very difficult time for women to be strong and the fact that they were strong led to a lot of miserable times and scary moments for Jasmine I think the fact that the book wasn't Britain in a sad manner was brilliant but you could feel the struggles of the character in the book
The book itself📖: well, hell. I don't think I have read a book such as this one the book was absolutely incredible outrageous and so much more Jasmine was a very very strong character I loved her I loved her struggles I loved her independency I love her protectiveness and I loved her meddling grandmother she was a key for the relationship of Jasmine I can write a lot about his book but I'm afraid I will write a spoiler I can definitely save the book was absolutely incredible and a head of its time I just adored the smoke
March 27, 2018
The Daughter of Skye. Her Daughter with the Middle Eastern Whore Master
September 28, 2022
I must say Bertice Small is one of the most remarkable writer of Historical Romance I ever read. Although her writing style might not be like today writers which story usually evolves around 1 pair of H/h. While most of BS books usually have 1 main very strong feminist h and sometime multiple H(s), but that aspect doesn’t make the story any less appealing but rather give you the real authentic side of the h story.
This book is a continuation of Skye’s granddaughter, Jasmine (daughter of Mughal Akbar and Velvet) which character were every much like Skye herself. BS has pass on story of strong and willful to her granddaughter seamlessly. In this book it start of with continued journey of Jasmine (Previous book: Wild Jasmine) and Jammie. The story have everything in it, love , emotion, thrill, sex & etc.
Warning ⚠️ BS books usually have sensitive content graphic explanation of mostly rape scene (compare to other book of Skye Series this one is much less than the others). Although, Jasmine’s life had suffered through much death of late husband but as for her own suffering is much less than Skye which I can say is a comfort for me.
Even though I feel sad that in this book the journey of Skye is coming to final end, I am overjoyed that Skye will join her love, Adam at last. It’s the first time I feel that a death of main character is a blessing and her journey is living to the fullest. BS can’t writing conclusions of Skye any better.
Skye, she is the most memorable character I read.
So the story of Skye has end, another has opened. I’m excited to continue reading story of Jasmine’s offspring. And I truly believe their stories will be keep me on edge to the very end.
This book is a continuation of Skye’s granddaughter, Jasmine (daughter of Mughal Akbar and Velvet) which character were every much like Skye herself. BS has pass on story of strong and willful to her granddaughter seamlessly. In this book it start of with continued journey of Jasmine (Previous book: Wild Jasmine) and Jammie. The story have everything in it, love , emotion, thrill, sex & etc.
Warning ⚠️ BS books usually have sensitive content graphic explanation of mostly rape scene (compare to other book of Skye Series this one is much less than the others). Although, Jasmine’s life had suffered through much death of late husband but as for her own suffering is much less than Skye which I can say is a comfort for me.
Even though I feel sad that in this book the journey of Skye is coming to final end, I am overjoyed that Skye will join her love, Adam at last. It’s the first time I feel that a death of main character is a blessing and her journey is living to the fullest. BS can’t writing conclusions of Skye any better.
Skye, she is the most memorable character I read.
So the story of Skye has end, another has opened. I’m excited to continue reading story of Jasmine’s offspring. And I truly believe their stories will be keep me on edge to the very end.
September 15, 2024
Trigger warning: the people saying it villainizes BDSM might be ignoring the part where she (and every other woman he comes for) is *not* consenting, she is sexually assaulted more than once, and then another character is raped and murdered. Like, this isn't people who come together and match freak or enemies to lovers or a "no means yes" situation... they're all "no means no." It's certainly not the whole book but I'd hate for someone to read it and be caught off guard.
There is also a bunch of consensual spice - so if you can get past the bad times it's a great historical smut.
The rest of the story is neat with distinct characters and places, I always enjoy a bit of history/lineage... people who really lived, even if the stories are made up ☺️
Oh I forgot! My favorite part is the excess of nicknames and metaphors for body parts and actions. I laughed out loud a lot!
There is also a bunch of consensual spice - so if you can get past the bad times it's a great historical smut.
The rest of the story is neat with distinct characters and places, I always enjoy a bit of history/lineage... people who really lived, even if the stories are made up ☺️
Oh I forgot! My favorite part is the excess of nicknames and metaphors for body parts and actions. I laughed out loud a lot!
February 11, 2018
I've read Darling Jasmine by Bertrice Small before and having just finished reading it again, I am happy to say that I loved it just as much as the first time I was lucky enough to find a copy of this wonderful story about this wonderful cast of characters and read it again. I loved reading about Jasmine's adventures and at times wept tears of joy and tears of sorrow with the characters I've grown so fond of. I enjoyed reading about Skye and her tiring woman, Daisy, Jasmine, Jemmie, Adam, Adali and the children as well as Jemmie's Scots family. I'm sure I'll be looking for the next book in the Skye's Legacy series as well as the books that come before in O'Malley series.
January 16, 2024
Another Great 1!!
I have read the entire series of Skye O'Malley,now I'm reading this series about all her children & their adventures & loves! Every book I read,I think it's the best Bertrice Small has wrote.....until I finish the next 1!! Each book just gets better & better!! You should check them out! But you really do need to read these books in order!
I have read the entire series of Skye O'Malley,now I'm reading this series about all her children & their adventures & loves! Every book I read,I think it's the best Bertrice Small has wrote.....until I finish the next 1!! Each book just gets better & better!! You should check them out! But you really do need to read these books in order!
May 26, 2010
Ah! Ahhhhhhh! Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Ah!
July 15, 2019
this book isJasmine's story: first married at age14, again at 16 and the third time during this book at age 25. She already has 4 children. It is a story of family and the women of her family--Skye, her Grandmother, and her daughtes. It is historical fiction regarding the reign of the King and all the intrigue of his court and his courtiers and mysteries related to them. It is a fast paced book that keeps ones interest and I was very much interested to keep reading!
February 8, 2020
An excellent book that rounds out two stories at once.
This wonderful adventure finishes the story of "Wild Jasmine" and "Skye O'Malley". You will be breathless at one moment, then eyes tearing up the next. Much of the story occurs in Scotland this time and Bertrice Small makes you see this glorious land and it's braw people as if you were there. Enjoy my friends!!
This wonderful adventure finishes the story of "Wild Jasmine" and "Skye O'Malley". You will be breathless at one moment, then eyes tearing up the next. Much of the story occurs in Scotland this time and Bertrice Small makes you see this glorious land and it's braw people as if you were there. Enjoy my friends!!
December 2, 2022
The book was good and the plot was interesting. The only reason I reduced a star is because I didn't enjoy the uncalled profanity and name calling both MC's engaged in during intimacy. I realize people have different preferences, but this was a BIG turn off for me. The book could have done without it and still be brilliant IMHO.
February 14, 2023
Well done! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story and writing were perfect, and the narration was as well. I am amazed and appreciative of how well Justine Eyre performs so many characters so expertly.
December 29, 2017
Skye power continues!!
Once you know Skye O'Malley you are hooked. Her children and their adventures never fail with intrigue and romance! Always a great story!!
Once you know Skye O'Malley you are hooked. Her children and their adventures never fail with intrigue and romance! Always a great story!!
January 20, 2021
Dnf. Boring.
March 13, 2022
Great book and had a lot of good twists and turns. Keep me on my toes.
November 15, 2022
DNF. Non-consensual kissing? No thanks.
wnr
November 5, 2023Have two copies of this book. The other is mass market with gold cover.
January 22, 2024
I didn't connect with the characters or the plot and found the prose lackluster
March 17, 2025
This is my favorite series. Made me cry. It's so good 😭❤️
April 22, 2025
just amazing!!
The O’Malley series.. exquisite!!! Beatrice Smalls finest!! Wonderfully written, ever intriguing, The best series I’ve read thus far. Well done!!!
The O’Malley series.. exquisite!!! Beatrice Smalls finest!! Wonderfully written, ever intriguing, The best series I’ve read thus far. Well done!!!
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April 1, 2025amazing! i loved Skye's story. being able to experience her still in her older age and being witness to her love for her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren is amazing!! i can't wait to continue following this family in all of their stories and love. <3
March 17, 2015
It was nice to see an older woman with a leading role, but the book was just too damn boring. I'm skimming through several romance authors to see what draws so many readers. Beatrice Small's obituary in the New York Times brought her to my attention and this was just a random pick of her 70 odd books.
January 5, 2009
I thought this book was Ok. I had a hard time getting into this book, and that is not usually the case with Bertrice Small's books. I liked how she wrote the death of Skye. I liked that Skye's husbands and friends came to greet her at her death, and to take her on her "next adventure."
November 18, 2014
Very good book
I liked the way the book was written, it was written to follow the Skye O'Malley series, going back to same characters. For someone to read the book without reading the first series, it will seem like something is missing.
I liked the way the book was written, it was written to follow the Skye O'Malley series, going back to same characters. For someone to read the book without reading the first series, it will seem like something is missing.
March 8, 2011
Took me a while but I liked it.
April 27, 2011
the sequel to Love wild and fair, not quite as trashy, I love romance novels so I liked it alot.
June 8, 2011
This was an enjoyable historical romance fiction novel. It is an easy to read book that is perfect for a rainy day or to kill a few hours.
August 5, 2011
Great book, wonderfully written. I suggest you read the other books in the series too. Glenkirk Cronicles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews