What do you think?
Rate this book
A Promise Given
A Promise Given
The proud head of his Highland clan, Ian MacGregor has returned, cloaked in secrets, to the place where he spent many carefree years, in order to marry Margaret Kincaid--the lowlands lass to whom he has been betrothed since his youth. But it is the wild spirited and hauntingly beautiful Sabrina Kincaid who catches Ian's eye. And when Margaret mysteriously vanishes, he willingly accepts Sabrina as his bride in her sister's stead.
A Promise Kept
Dutybound to honor her father's wish, Sabrina reluctantly agrees to wed the rugged chieftain--though she fears the rumors of Ian's dark past. . .and the whispers that now blame him for Margaret's disappearance. But her sensuous soul bids her to pay no heed to her doubts and mistrust, and to submit instead to the searing passions that burn within her. For Ian's stirring yet tender caress speaks of a noble, gentle heart. And if peril is Sabrina's fate, so be it--for she is determined to learn the truths that will set them both free and carry them aloft together on the wings of incomparable love.
The proud head of his Highland clan, Ian MacGregor has returned, cloaked in secrets, to the place where he spent many carefree years, in order to marry Margaret Kincaid--the lowlands lass to whom he has been betrothed since his youth. But it is the wild spirited and hauntingly beautiful Sabrina Kincaid who catches Ian's eye. And when Margaret mysteriously vanishes, he willingly accepts Sabrina as his bride in her sister's stead.
A Promise Kept
Dutybound to honor her father's wish, Sabrina reluctantly agrees to wed the rugged chieftain--though she fears the rumors of Ian's dark past. . .and the whispers that now blame him for Margaret's disappearance. But her sensuous soul bids her to pay no heed to her doubts and mistrust, and to submit instead to the searing passions that burn within her. For Ian's stirring yet tender caress speaks of a noble, gentle heart. And if peril is Sabrina's fate, so be it--for she is determined to learn the truths that will set them both free and carry them aloft together on the wings of incomparable love.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
31 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Samantha James
91 books503 followersGrowing up in Joliet, Illinois, Samantha James had many childhood aspirations--being a writer was never one of them. When she was ten, she was certain she was destined to be an astronomer. That soon changed (happened a lot during those pre-teen years!) when she decided archaeology was in her future. Detective work was her next goal, thanks to the Trixie Belden mysteries she was reading, and before long, nursing beckoned (courtesy of the Cherry Ames series). In college, she set her sights on teaching history, then briefly entertained the notion of becoming a flight attendant, only to discover she did not like to fly.
Having been raised in a family of avid readers, she was rarely without a book in hand. Her tastes were rather eclectic. She got hooked on the Doc Savage series and Edgar Rice Burroughs after her older brother finished them, in her teen years, moved on to Agatha Christie, Daphne DuMaurier, and Phyllis A. Whitney.
In the meantime, the right guy came along. They met on a semi-blind date at an office Christmas party. She was told he wanted to go out with her, and he was told she wanted to go out with him. Six months later, the U.S. Army shipped him off to Germany--and she wrote faithfully at least three times a week--she often jokes this was the start of her writing career!
Marriage followed, as well as three daughters. Samantha left the detective work to her husband and turned her attention to raising their girls. When her youngest was six months old, two things happened: 1) she read Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain and scrambled to find every historical romance she could lay her hands on; 2) her older brother revealed he was writing and submitting his short stories to big-name magazines. As he put it, "I've been rejected by the best of 'em."
The seed was planted. Rejection was a dreaded word, but Samantha figured, "Well, if he can take it, so can I."
That summer, she wrote not one book, but three--longhand, in a notebook, during naptime. Bedtime. Any time she could. The burning desire to write was a long time in coming--she was nearing thirty by then--but she discovered that once she set pen to paper, she couldn't stop.
Those three manuscripts did get the dreaded rejection letter (they're still languishing somewhere in her attic), but she finally hit pay dirt with her fourth. Samantha's brother promptly proposed collaborating on a fantasy together--alas, still unwritten... Nowadays, she's firmly convinced she's the queen of rejected titles for her books. She's only managed to retain two original titles thus far, but writing is indeed a dream come true...
To date, her books have been published in numerous foreign countries (her daughters' number one choice for show-and-tell were always the foreign editions of Mom's books). Known for her heartfelt, emotionally charged "three-hanky reads", her books have been nominated for numerous awards, and have consistently hit the bestseller lists.
Maybe someday she'll do that fantasy-romance collaboration with her brother. For now, she's having a great time spinning dramatic, passionate tales of old...
Having been raised in a family of avid readers, she was rarely without a book in hand. Her tastes were rather eclectic. She got hooked on the Doc Savage series and Edgar Rice Burroughs after her older brother finished them, in her teen years, moved on to Agatha Christie, Daphne DuMaurier, and Phyllis A. Whitney.
In the meantime, the right guy came along. They met on a semi-blind date at an office Christmas party. She was told he wanted to go out with her, and he was told she wanted to go out with him. Six months later, the U.S. Army shipped him off to Germany--and she wrote faithfully at least three times a week--she often jokes this was the start of her writing career!
Marriage followed, as well as three daughters. Samantha left the detective work to her husband and turned her attention to raising their girls. When her youngest was six months old, two things happened: 1) she read Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain and scrambled to find every historical romance she could lay her hands on; 2) her older brother revealed he was writing and submitting his short stories to big-name magazines. As he put it, "I've been rejected by the best of 'em."
The seed was planted. Rejection was a dreaded word, but Samantha figured, "Well, if he can take it, so can I."
That summer, she wrote not one book, but three--longhand, in a notebook, during naptime. Bedtime. Any time she could. The burning desire to write was a long time in coming--she was nearing thirty by then--but she discovered that once she set pen to paper, she couldn't stop.
Those three manuscripts did get the dreaded rejection letter (they're still languishing somewhere in her attic), but she finally hit pay dirt with her fourth. Samantha's brother promptly proposed collaborating on a fantasy together--alas, still unwritten... Nowadays, she's firmly convinced she's the queen of rejected titles for her books. She's only managed to retain two original titles thus far, but writing is indeed a dream come true...
To date, her books have been published in numerous foreign countries (her daughters' number one choice for show-and-tell were always the foreign editions of Mom's books). Known for her heartfelt, emotionally charged "three-hanky reads", her books have been nominated for numerous awards, and have consistently hit the bestseller lists.
Maybe someday she'll do that fantasy-romance collaboration with her brother. For now, she's having a great time spinning dramatic, passionate tales of old...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 28, 2018
I love a good marriage of convenience story. I finished this book in one day! I loved the angst, the passionate love scenes, hero's jealousy and possessiveness. I usually hate love triangles but I enjoyed reading about heroine's change of heart and how Ian won her heart. Epilogue with their 2 kids and their declarations of love melted my heart. One of my favorite medieval romances of all time.
August 12, 2016
I wonder why a writer would go down this route to write a romance novel.
In this genre the guys usually have commitment issues, while the women wonder with a flower in hand going: he loves me, he loves me not. But more often than not, the men do not want to get married.
Well, not our Ian here. He was supposed to marry Sabrina's evil sister. But said evil sister disappeared before the wedding. Ian, the alpha male that he was, couldn't wait to get married. So never mind that his betrothed just died/disappeared/whatever, he insisted on marrying Sabrina.
Now at this point I was wondering: why must he get married? Not that it was an odd decision. But his reasoning for his determination to get married (to just about anyone, older or younger sister) was not discussed. So I was left to figure out how I was going to accept that a supposedly alpha male who had his mind on you know, all the manly stuff, just really wanted to get married. Cognitive dissonance for me, big time.
Sabrina and Ian were said (by the writer) to "have a bond" since childhood. But what bond, I kept asking myself? Sabrina and Ian seemed like each other's nemesis more than special childhood friends. Ian was all laissez-faire about Sabrina, and Sabrina was just hostile toward Ian.
Now first I did not understand why Ian must get married. Note that I did not say "to Sabrina" because it just did not seem to matter to Ian who he was marrying. Margaret or Sabrina, who cares, she is a woman right? Will do. Then Samantha James has Sabrina pining for her "high school infatuation" Jamie. This Jamie business went far too. First Ian told Sabrina that Jamie "is only interested in one thing". I was thinking, well dude, how would you know that? Ian caught Jamie and Sabrina in a passionate tryst. Nothing else was described other than 2 young lovers kissing each other passionately. So how would our smart Ian know that Jamie was only lusting? Samantha James can talk all she wants, I don't have to buy it.
Now back to this Jamie business. Apparently Sabrina was serious about Jamie because she kept thinking how she was forced to marry Ian, how she could not be with her precious Jamie, how she hated herself for enjoying sex with Ian while she loved Jamie. I mean, how is that romantic? Ian's jealousy seemed fake because I never believed that he felt anything for Sabrina. Sabrina just seemed stupid pining for Jamie while having great sex with Ian. Her guilt and shame got old fast.
So let me ask my question again: why would a writer choose to write a romance story this way? This is my only thought after I finished the book. Suffice it to say, I didn't love it.
In this genre the guys usually have commitment issues, while the women wonder with a flower in hand going: he loves me, he loves me not. But more often than not, the men do not want to get married.
Well, not our Ian here. He was supposed to marry Sabrina's evil sister. But said evil sister disappeared before the wedding. Ian, the alpha male that he was, couldn't wait to get married. So never mind that his betrothed just died/disappeared/whatever, he insisted on marrying Sabrina.
Now at this point I was wondering: why must he get married? Not that it was an odd decision. But his reasoning for his determination to get married (to just about anyone, older or younger sister) was not discussed. So I was left to figure out how I was going to accept that a supposedly alpha male who had his mind on you know, all the manly stuff, just really wanted to get married. Cognitive dissonance for me, big time.
Sabrina and Ian were said (by the writer) to "have a bond" since childhood. But what bond, I kept asking myself? Sabrina and Ian seemed like each other's nemesis more than special childhood friends. Ian was all laissez-faire about Sabrina, and Sabrina was just hostile toward Ian.
Now first I did not understand why Ian must get married. Note that I did not say "to Sabrina" because it just did not seem to matter to Ian who he was marrying. Margaret or Sabrina, who cares, she is a woman right? Will do. Then Samantha James has Sabrina pining for her "high school infatuation" Jamie. This Jamie business went far too. First Ian told Sabrina that Jamie "is only interested in one thing". I was thinking, well dude, how would you know that? Ian caught Jamie and Sabrina in a passionate tryst. Nothing else was described other than 2 young lovers kissing each other passionately. So how would our smart Ian know that Jamie was only lusting? Samantha James can talk all she wants, I don't have to buy it.
Now back to this Jamie business. Apparently Sabrina was serious about Jamie because she kept thinking how she was forced to marry Ian, how she could not be with her precious Jamie, how she hated herself for enjoying sex with Ian while she loved Jamie. I mean, how is that romantic? Ian's jealousy seemed fake because I never believed that he felt anything for Sabrina. Sabrina just seemed stupid pining for Jamie while having great sex with Ian. Her guilt and shame got old fast.
So let me ask my question again: why would a writer choose to write a romance story this way? This is my only thought after I finished the book. Suffice it to say, I didn't love it.
April 5, 2013
A Promise Given is one of the classics of Samantha James. Its a re-read for me, but its been a few years since I have read it. I wanted to read this one because I hadn't read it in a while, and I was in the mood for a love story among the highlands. Which is where this story takes place, when William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were fighting against England for Scotland(Samantha James Website). Its a turbulant time to be sure, it starts out in the 1300's. Sabrina Kincaid is one of the daughters of her father, who is the Laird of the Kincaid Clan. Her father has always blamed her for her mothers death, her older sister Margaret her father has always favored. Sabrina has always been the one to be given tasks, and kept continually busy, and always criticized and ridiculed by her father and even at times her sister. When she takes a swim in the lake, she turns to find Ian Macgregor, who she knew when she was young. Both his father and his step mother have recently passed away and he has become the head of his clan. So he comes to the Dunvely Keep to honor the agreement of his marriage between Margaret and himself. When Margaret disappears however, Sabrina is put in her sister's place to be married to Ian. Sabrina is very against being married to Ian, she has just lost her sister, but she doesn't want to be forced into marriage. But she knows of her duty so she does, even though things between Sabrina and Ian are tense to say the least. But there is a stirring and rising desire between them, that cannot be denied. Where they will find tender and beautiful love that blossoms endure present dangers that could destroy it.
This was a beautiful and enchanting love story that will pull you in. I found that this was one of my favorites of Samantha James that I have read. I have always loved the whole scottish theme to story, especially love stories. We have strong virile men, kilts, swords and filled with adventure. What more could a girl want in a good romance right? The only thing that I didn't really like about this book is the lack of trust between Sabrina and Ian. After their relationship develops and they start to fall in love with one another, their is a lack of trust. What is love without trust right? At least for me there is, but other than that it was a great enjoyable read. The writing was well written which flowed smoothly and drew me in from the first to the last page. A truly remarkable story that will endear the characters to your heart.
This was a beautiful and enchanting love story that will pull you in. I found that this was one of my favorites of Samantha James that I have read. I have always loved the whole scottish theme to story, especially love stories. We have strong virile men, kilts, swords and filled with adventure. What more could a girl want in a good romance right? The only thing that I didn't really like about this book is the lack of trust between Sabrina and Ian. After their relationship develops and they start to fall in love with one another, their is a lack of trust. What is love without trust right? At least for me there is, but other than that it was a great enjoyable read. The writing was well written which flowed smoothly and drew me in from the first to the last page. A truly remarkable story that will endear the characters to your heart.
July 8, 2020
Loved!! I've reread this book many times. Though thy he villians are easy to spot and lame, the rest of the characters are great. Worth the read!
February 14, 2011
Decent read but not as good as other Samantha James books I've read. The villians were quite obvious from the get go and sometimes I wanted to smack the heroine for doubting the hero. It just seemed ridiculous she believed, however briefly, that he was a murderer when he never once hurt her in any way. Even when he thought she'd given herself to another man he didn't treat her horribly. (She didn't, btw. She just told him that).
I wouldn't recommend this one to read as a first time Samantha James book but it was entertaining enough.
It did have a delightful epilogue which I love.
I wouldn't recommend this one to read as a first time Samantha James book but it was entertaining enough.
It did have a delightful epilogue which I love.
December 21, 2023
4.2 stars
Solid enemies to lovers HR, throw in an arranged marriage.
FMC forced to marry sister’s betrothed. Teasing childhood friendship did not translate into loving couple. They held all their suspicions and doubts about each other, in their minds. This was the bulk of the story, endless inner thoughts paired with hot, sexy times.
I’m liking Samantha James’ style.
Solid enemies to lovers HR, throw in an arranged marriage.
FMC forced to marry sister’s betrothed. Teasing childhood friendship did not translate into loving couple. They held all their suspicions and doubts about each other, in their minds. This was the bulk of the story, endless inner thoughts paired with hot, sexy times.
I’m liking Samantha James’ style.
might-read
March 26, 2022Have I read this book??? Or is it just similar to another Samantha James book that I've read?
September 27, 2015
I liked it and I didn't. This is pretty typical romance fare, particularly of the 80's & 90's era. The plot and pacing were decent, the story held my interest and there was plenty of angst throughout. At times I liked the heroine and at times I found her irritating, overly stubborn and unnecessarily insecure. Her trauma, at times, felt forced. The hero, at just about all times, was quite selfish. He desired her, he decided to have her and to hell with what she wants. So he forces her into marriage, he seduces her (even though she loves another) and then gets all broody when she won't love him back with equal fervor. All the while he keeps telling himself it doesn't matter because "She is MINE!" "She is MY wife!" He really gets to be somewhat neanderthal in his possessiveness. I don't know that he loved her so much as he was obsessed with having her.
Oh and fair warning, there is some fairly flowery language in this one. I love that all the men have rods instead of penises. And if any guy drenched my womb in fire upon ejaculating I think I'd scream. There's also some overused similes (everybody's mouths are dry as parchment apparently).
Oh and fair warning, there is some fairly flowery language in this one. I love that all the men have rods instead of penises. And if any guy drenched my womb in fire upon ejaculating I think I'd scream. There's also some overused similes (everybody's mouths are dry as parchment apparently).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2019
I really liked this one. 3.75, rounded up. I think it needed just a little more detail, a little more beautiful word choice. I didn't get much chance to feel daily life at that time, and it weakened the story. So much of the story rotated around single events, rather than rhythm of life at the time.
December 5, 2018
And I felt sorry for the sister !!!😐 God she is a horrible person ! Who does that to his family ?
January 7, 2026
#7 - 2026
Genre: Historical Romance
Genre: Historical Romance
September 7, 2014
Samantha me gusta mucho en histórica-victoriana, pero en histórica-medieval no. En la medieval le falta toda la chispa que tiene en la victoriana.
Debo admitir que medieval suya solo he leído esta, pero me dejó un sabor amargo.
Esperaba encontrar una preciosa historia de amor, especialmente porque los protagonistas se conocían desde niños y acababan de reencontrarse. Ella le amaba pero él la odiaba, cosa que ella no entendía, y que yo como lectora tampoco llegué a comprender.
Me faltó romanticismo en esta novela, también mas sensualidad y me sobró tanta trama de enredo, aventura y traición.
Fue una desilusión leer esta novela, porque antes de eso yo había leído una novela preciosa de Samantha y fue MUY decepcionante, también chocante. ¿Por que no se desenvolvía con la misma magia que en la histórica victoriana? Una pena.
Debo admitir que medieval suya solo he leído esta, pero me dejó un sabor amargo.
Esperaba encontrar una preciosa historia de amor, especialmente porque los protagonistas se conocían desde niños y acababan de reencontrarse. Ella le amaba pero él la odiaba, cosa que ella no entendía, y que yo como lectora tampoco llegué a comprender.
Me faltó romanticismo en esta novela, también mas sensualidad y me sobró tanta trama de enredo, aventura y traición.
Fue una desilusión leer esta novela, porque antes de eso yo había leído una novela preciosa de Samantha y fue MUY decepcionante, también chocante. ¿Por que no se desenvolvía con la misma magia que en la histórica victoriana? Una pena.
June 12, 2011
As much as i love Samantha James books the plot to this one seemed a little rushed, there were still things that i don't understand like why was Sabrina hated by her father and sister likewise what did Ian ever do for his cousin (Alasdir) to want to destroy him? despite some unanswered questions i loved the characters together especially the pranks they pulled as children.
March 14, 2023
This was in the Free bin at a local used books store.
Not gonna lie, it was a bit hard to get through.
It wasn’t written too long ago, and I’ve enjoyed other romance that were written in the 90’s, however something about the pacing was off and my expectations on the development of characters and the unfolding of mystery elements were very corny and slow moving.
I adored the characters and their set up, so the expectations were high, and it didn’t quite get there.
dubious consent elements.
The spice was nice. Loved her use of language, very poetically described.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Not gonna lie, it was a bit hard to get through.
It wasn’t written too long ago, and I’ve enjoyed other romance that were written in the 90’s, however something about the pacing was off and my expectations on the development of characters and the unfolding of mystery elements were very corny and slow moving.
I adored the characters and their set up, so the expectations were high, and it didn’t quite get there.
dubious consent elements.
The spice was nice. Loved her use of language, very poetically described.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 22, 2024
Introducing Margaret at the end was insane. Though my guts told me Margaret and Ian's cousin will have something in-between, it never occurred to me it would be a tryst between evil souls.
To be honest, the end really caught me off guard.
Ian really made Sabrina as submissive as ever. (For a rebel as to her child days, she should have run away. However, she was more concerned about exploring the pleasures Ian made her feel.)
Beautiful story, Samantha James.
To be honest, the end really caught me off guard.
Ian really made Sabrina as submissive as ever. (For a rebel as to her child days, she should have run away. However, she was more concerned about exploring the pleasures Ian made her feel.)
Beautiful story, Samantha James.
April 26, 2022
This one was good, just didn’t love it like some of her others. The storyline between the heroine and her evil sister was a little hokey for me too. The other book (I haven’t read the 3rd yet) in this series was much more interesting.
November 11, 2017
El libro tuvo un buen comienzo pero llegó un punto donde la trama se hizo repetitiva.
Una lástima porque la idea era buen.
Una lástima porque la idea era buen.
February 25, 2018
3.5. Good story but pretty predictable
December 22, 2018
I freakin loved it.
August 29, 2019
A 4 only because I really could do without the sisters storyline it was so blah
December 9, 2020
I just want to kick the heroine and shake her just to make her wake up from her imagination
March 15, 2025
The epilogue killed all my good feelings about this book. Maybe don't have sex in front of your children. Thanks.
March 23, 2024
Really enjoyed
January 6, 2012
Yup. That's right. This book deserves three stars only due to many reasons. Don't get me wrong, I really do love Samantha James writings and had loved her other books........but just not this one.
You know why? This book is entirely and utterly confusing to me. Not confusing in a way that mindfucked your brain like the movie Inception or a book that contained many mystery plots, but in fact the way how she set out an display her characters in here.
I am so perplexed at both Ian's and Sabrina's feelings, oh, especially Sabrina. So, supposedly Ian left Sabrina to go fight with the army and become a man and it was said that Sabrina did loved Ian ever since they were children. But then comes Jamie, Sabrina somewhat "highschool" infatuation. James mentioned that Sabrina will forever remember the love they once shared and keep it when she is starting to realize that she has indeed falling for Ian.
Hold on a minute. What is this nonsense? Don't tell me that James was trying to put off her writing and story plot similar to the Twilight series where Bella Swan couldn't decide which one she loved; Edward Cullen or Jacob Black. I was quite frustrated at this.
Also, I noticed that Sabrina and Ian not only took more then nine freaking months to confess their undying love for each other but I couldn't really see their romance developing. It's like at the end of the story, James was just wrapping it up nicely like a present to end it sweetly and what readers would obviously want, with all the 'I love you(s)' and 'forever and always' scene.
There were conversations that I couldn't understand too. And from the starting, it's so freaking obvious who're their enemies were. The storyline was predictable, dull, insipid and unexciting. Knowing Samantha James, I know she could do better then this because I loved her other books.
But I have to say that I love the epilogue. It makes me smile in the bus, hoping that no one caught me smiling to myself making them think that I escaped from an asylum. Nevertheless, the ending was short, quite satisfying and sweet.
Three solid stars and I'll still be looking forward for Samantha James new upcoming books! Good day, lovelies. :)
You know why? This book is entirely and utterly confusing to me. Not confusing in a way that mindfucked your brain like the movie Inception or a book that contained many mystery plots, but in fact the way how she set out an display her characters in here.
I am so perplexed at both Ian's and Sabrina's feelings, oh, especially Sabrina. So, supposedly Ian left Sabrina to go fight with the army and become a man and it was said that Sabrina did loved Ian ever since they were children. But then comes Jamie, Sabrina somewhat "highschool" infatuation. James mentioned that Sabrina will forever remember the love they once shared and keep it when she is starting to realize that she has indeed falling for Ian.
Hold on a minute. What is this nonsense? Don't tell me that James was trying to put off her writing and story plot similar to the Twilight series where Bella Swan couldn't decide which one she loved; Edward Cullen or Jacob Black. I was quite frustrated at this.
Also, I noticed that Sabrina and Ian not only took more then nine freaking months to confess their undying love for each other but I couldn't really see their romance developing. It's like at the end of the story, James was just wrapping it up nicely like a present to end it sweetly and what readers would obviously want, with all the 'I love you(s)' and 'forever and always' scene.
There were conversations that I couldn't understand too. And from the starting, it's so freaking obvious who're their enemies were. The storyline was predictable, dull, insipid and unexciting. Knowing Samantha James, I know she could do better then this because I loved her other books.
But I have to say that I love the epilogue. It makes me smile in the bus, hoping that no one caught me smiling to myself making them think that I escaped from an asylum. Nevertheless, the ending was short, quite satisfying and sweet.
Three solid stars and I'll still be looking forward for Samantha James new upcoming books! Good day, lovelies. :)
August 30, 2025
By and1515
Sabrina lived in the shadow of her older sister Margaret whom outshined her at ever turn everyone loved her best including their father.
For some reason no matter how she tried nothing Sabrina did was ever good enough for her judgement father.
Ian had only returned there for his marriage to the lady Margaret and as the big day finally dawns to people discovering a tragic event occurred during the night leaving everyone stunned and greaving.
Ian tried to offer what comfort to his almost father-in-law who shout out his other daughter completely leaving her totally alone.
He knew if he didn't do something the man would absolutely destroy Sabrina's lively spirit.
Never once did she think she'd be facing a situation like this being forced into a union she didn't want over the man she wanted.
Even when she pleaded for him to change his mind Ian couldn't because his own father had wanted the alliance between their families.
Yeah she should have planned better but now Sabrina was faced with the prospect of being his bride the next day.
And as quickly as the deed was done then they were leaving the place that had been her home.
However her role as a new wife will take some getting used to.
Especially when he interduced her to those magical moments between spouces that left her heart racing and breathless.
Even when she won't admit her true feelings for the man she now called her husband she'll have to figure out how to deal with the events playing out all around them.
However on the heals of the most joyous event in her life danger threatens everything she holds dear.
Sabrina lived in the shadow of her older sister Margaret whom outshined her at ever turn everyone loved her best including their father.
For some reason no matter how she tried nothing Sabrina did was ever good enough for her judgement father.
Ian had only returned there for his marriage to the lady Margaret and as the big day finally dawns to people discovering a tragic event occurred during the night leaving everyone stunned and greaving.
Ian tried to offer what comfort to his almost father-in-law who shout out his other daughter completely leaving her totally alone.
He knew if he didn't do something the man would absolutely destroy Sabrina's lively spirit.
Never once did she think she'd be facing a situation like this being forced into a union she didn't want over the man she wanted.
Even when she pleaded for him to change his mind Ian couldn't because his own father had wanted the alliance between their families.
Yeah she should have planned better but now Sabrina was faced with the prospect of being his bride the next day.
And as quickly as the deed was done then they were leaving the place that had been her home.
However her role as a new wife will take some getting used to.
Especially when he interduced her to those magical moments between spouces that left her heart racing and breathless.
Even when she won't admit her true feelings for the man she now called her husband she'll have to figure out how to deal with the events playing out all around them.
However on the heals of the most joyous event in her life danger threatens everything she holds dear.
June 19, 2015
Medieval Scottish romance with really bad sex. (more on that later). Copyright 1998.
I have a stack of about 7 or 8 SJ books. I can't tell you the plot of a single one, since reading them some years ago. That's usually a bad sign. Since I kept this one, I assumed this would be an enjoyable Scottish romp. I really liked it up until about the 5th chapter. Then I became bored out of my mind & really disliking these 2 dunderheads known as the male & female lead. Geez, they're in their 20s & have the emotional age of 12.
Then, there's the sex. This is the type of romance novel that really lives up to all the clichés. We have the penis described as "A shearing blade of lightening". A swollen shaft, a burning shaft, a rigid thickness, a thickened lance, a hardened spear, a swollen rod. She has a secret valley, a tight velvet sheath, a Scott's honey pot (???).
"The spear of his sex wet with passion's nectar". Is it any wonder people make fun of romance novels?
There's an evil sister, 4 English rievers (what are they doing in Scotland you may ask), an uncaring father, 2 loyal maids, both small in stature. The clichés go on & on. Both the male & female lead take turns acting immature.
If you really enjoy Scottish romance, Julie Garwood is your girl. Now she could write a fabulous story. Skip this one unless you're into campy writing.
I have a stack of about 7 or 8 SJ books. I can't tell you the plot of a single one, since reading them some years ago. That's usually a bad sign. Since I kept this one, I assumed this would be an enjoyable Scottish romp. I really liked it up until about the 5th chapter. Then I became bored out of my mind & really disliking these 2 dunderheads known as the male & female lead. Geez, they're in their 20s & have the emotional age of 12.
Then, there's the sex. This is the type of romance novel that really lives up to all the clichés. We have the penis described as "A shearing blade of lightening". A swollen shaft, a burning shaft, a rigid thickness, a thickened lance, a hardened spear, a swollen rod. She has a secret valley, a tight velvet sheath, a Scott's honey pot (???).
"The spear of his sex wet with passion's nectar". Is it any wonder people make fun of romance novels?
There's an evil sister, 4 English rievers (what are they doing in Scotland you may ask), an uncaring father, 2 loyal maids, both small in stature. The clichés go on & on. Both the male & female lead take turns acting immature.
If you really enjoy Scottish romance, Julie Garwood is your girl. Now she could write a fabulous story. Skip this one unless you're into campy writing.
January 12, 2022
I wanted to like this more because tje characters had potential, but alas the story was underdeveloped and the conflict was absurd. Final straw, Sabrina asked a favor of someone which he honors snd which results in his death and felt not one iota of responsibility. She basically says, "oh well, better him than my family." I have a bunch from this series I got at a used book sale. Will try another and hope for the best.
March 5, 2013
Ian is the quintessial alpha male, in a very good way. Sabrina, one of my preferred heroines. Though a small part made me extremely sad at the end, this remains one of my favorite medieval romances of all time.
March 2, 2011
aw man...this was a replica of the book I read before this by Samantha James.
What a huge disappointment!
What a huge disappointment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews