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Lost Heir
Miss Brianna Llewellyn is determined to distrust Christopher Cardorette, the brother of the man who betrayed her sister, Meg--that is, until her heart takes over her head. Original.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 30, 2020
This one just didn't do it for me.
The storyline was fairly good and it was up to Mack's usually impressive writing style (thus three stars).
I just didn't like the heroine at all. I could not warm to her. The whole book she was either too shy to speak, too angry to speak or too proud to speak. We never really got her blooming as a person, and none of her interactions with Christopher were pleasant (she got angry over the littlest of things. ), making me wonder why Christopher had fallen in love with her. I couldn't help feeling like he was sentencing himself to misery by choosing her.
Christopher started out a nice guy, but in his frustration, he went downhill as well.
The storyline was fairly good and it was up to Mack's usually impressive writing style (thus three stars).
I just didn't like the heroine at all. I could not warm to her. The whole book she was either too shy to speak, too angry to speak or too proud to speak. We never really got her blooming as a person, and none of her interactions with Christopher were pleasant (she got angry over the littlest of things. ), making me wonder why Christopher had fallen in love with her. I couldn't help feeling like he was sentencing himself to misery by choosing her.
Christopher started out a nice guy, but in his frustration, he went downhill as well.
April 11, 2020
2 stars. There were nice parts and the general outline of the story was fine. However it simply was poorly fleshed out. And the mystery part was laughable. I did not know it was supposed to have a mystery and I had worked it out in literally the first 2 pages.
January 17, 2021
The mystery/thriller plot felt quite similar to (hiding this behind a spoiler just in case, but it's pretty clear early on) , but the romance is very different and didn't really work for me.
I love angsty melodrama so I was all over the conflict and the final reconciliation scene, but I don't fully believe in the HEA here. The hero is very controlling throughout the story, he tries to isolate her from her new friends out of jealousy even while he's still betrothed to another woman, and he's dishonest multiple times. Yes, he's kind to the heroine sometimes and yes, he's mostly well-meaning, but he was still pretty unpleasant. When he finally apologizes for he says he did it out of love and she forgives him just like that. The resolution felt too fast and ultimately I didn't feel convinced that he would actually stop being so autocratic.
I love angsty melodrama so I was all over the conflict and the final reconciliation scene, but I don't fully believe in the HEA here. The hero is very controlling throughout the story, he tries to isolate her from her new friends out of jealousy even while he's still betrothed to another woman, and he's dishonest multiple times. Yes, he's kind to the heroine sometimes and yes, he's mostly well-meaning, but he was still pretty unpleasant. When he finally apologizes for he says he did it out of love and she forgives him just like that. The resolution felt too fast and ultimately I didn't feel convinced that he would actually stop being so autocratic.
September 5, 2022
Christopher has just inherited an Earldom from his deceased brother when Brianna turns up at his doorstep with the information that he has a nephew. Chris acknowledges his nephew’s status of Earl and moves Brianna and the 4 year old boy to the estate. Brianna is a beautiful woman with little experience of the world and is very uncomfortable being out of her element. There’s a mystery, interesting secondary characters and the story moves along well for the first 3/4th of the book. Brianna becomes frustrated at being powerless, turns inwards, and is joyless. From the beginning Chris is attracted to Brianna; he wants to protect and possess her. He never asks for Brianna’s opinion, he assaults her, lies to her, lies to others to keep her isolated, doesn’t take her warnings seriously, and eventually was so awful, I did not finish the last 20% of the book.
December 11, 2021
Interesting plot, yet…
I just wasn’t wowed by the story. I found the characters rather staid and distant, and events progressed quickly with characters appearing (and disappearing), and interesting plot points being introduced and then dropped without further exploring. Villain was pretty obvious, and the romance element just didn’t work for me. Lady H was a great foil, yet not used to great effect. Perhaps this isn’t the Regency author for me?
I just wasn’t wowed by the story. I found the characters rather staid and distant, and events progressed quickly with characters appearing (and disappearing), and interesting plot points being introduced and then dropped without further exploring. Villain was pretty obvious, and the romance element just didn’t work for me. Lady H was a great foil, yet not used to great effect. Perhaps this isn’t the Regency author for me?
October 12, 2020
I seriously enjoyed this book but was a little surprised as well. Dorothy Mack's books so far have struck me as being very pleasant reads with overall pleasant characters. In this book, I found the characters to be much more forceful and flawed. The H is very autocratic. The h is painfully shy. And I do mean PAINFULLY shy. The H, though engaged to someone else, finds he can't stay away from the h. He really dominates her life, her comings and goings (meaning there are no comings and goings as he pretty much isolates her at his estate), and limits all contact with others that he sees as threatening (meaning she may potentially fall in love and marry someone else). In fact, there is a brief appearance of another character with whom I honestly felt she probably would have done better with but ah well. He is not the H and hence, not really a contender.
What I really liked:
1) The characters were very distinct and all with some flaws
2) The fiancée. Usually the OW is portrayed as arrogant and/or conniving. There's usually a lot of dislike among the women in stories and just...well. Hate. I can't recall if it was a Layton or Balogh story I read but in it, the h is warned away from conversing with a woman who supports herself by being a mistress to wealthy men. And the h thinks how they're all women and why should they continue to foster this divide among them instead of banding together. So the fiancée in this book was truly likable. She was such an independent and strong character of her own and she held no grudges or resentments. She really had a firm grip on who she was and what she wanted (deserved) in her life. So kudos.
What I disliked:
1) The h really dislikes the H for a good majority of the book. Usually in Mack's stories, when the characters finally admit they love each other, they can usually pinpoint the moment they started to fall in love. As a reader, it's not a surprise because you do suspect it along the way. But in this story, the h seemed to REALLY despite the H. And what's more, she had total, 100% reason to do so. So when she has her epiphany, it's really a "eh, what? Are you sure about that? Because he isolated you, tried to control you, lied to you and for the most part you really did hate him." I mean, Mack wrote it so well that there seemed to be no hint of affection on her side. I think that his last minute contrition was just too...eh.
However, I like drama. I LOVE melodrama. So I did enjoy the push and pull in this story quite a bit.
What I really liked:
1) The characters were very distinct and all with some flaws
2) The fiancée. Usually the OW is portrayed as arrogant and/or conniving. There's usually a lot of dislike among the women in stories and just...well. Hate. I can't recall if it was a Layton or Balogh story I read but in it, the h is warned away from conversing with a woman who supports herself by being a mistress to wealthy men. And the h thinks how they're all women and why should they continue to foster this divide among them instead of banding together. So the fiancée in this book was truly likable. She was such an independent and strong character of her own and she held no grudges or resentments. She really had a firm grip on who she was and what she wanted (deserved) in her life. So kudos.
What I disliked:
1) The h really dislikes the H for a good majority of the book. Usually in Mack's stories, when the characters finally admit they love each other, they can usually pinpoint the moment they started to fall in love. As a reader, it's not a surprise because you do suspect it along the way. But in this story, the h seemed to REALLY despite the H. And what's more, she had total, 100% reason to do so. So when she has her epiphany, it's really a "eh, what? Are you sure about that? Because he isolated you, tried to control you, lied to you and for the most part you really did hate him." I mean, Mack wrote it so well that there seemed to be no hint of affection on her side. I think that his last minute contrition was just too...eh.
However, I like drama. I LOVE melodrama. So I did enjoy the push and pull in this story quite a bit.
March 28, 2022
I see a lot of people don't like this one. It has a lot of things about it that I don't like, yet I really enjoyed the whole of it anyway. I don't like shy heroines. They are generally really boring on the page, of course, since it's so difficult to write an engaging character who can't converse with people. Julia Quinn has done this very successfully, but most authors can't do it. Yet Brianna really touched my heart. She has lost not only the two people she loves best along with her home, but also her faith in humanity as the sheltered, treasured vicar's daughter is confronted with how deeply her family was betrayed. Molly and the little Earl are delightful and go a long way toward making Brianna more lovable. The Hero is cold and overbearing, which I hate, yet he also touched me deeply with his willingness to confront a situation that turned his entire life into chaos and forced him to deal with his family's demons, his heartless fiancee, and his own character flaws. I understood his desire to control every aspect of his household as the mind of a combat soldier. The Ruthless Beauty is a well worn trope. I would have liked to see some character development from Lady Selina. There was a missed opportunity to redeem her as she contrasted her own black soul with Brianna's gentle spirit. It wouldn't have taken but a few lines to give her a more satisfactory arc. The mystery was completely transparent, which I normally would be completely with, yet I still enjoyed watching them figure out the whys and wherefores. It gave the story a gothic feel, which I like. Aunt Hermione should have been used as comic relief, or as a foil for Brianna's good nature to work upon. She was nothing more than a nasty old lady whose presence was de trope except as the means to an end in one necessary conversation. I think the author could have managed that particular plot point in a better way without introducing yet another unnecessary minor character. And yet, somehow, it works, if for no other reason than the relief I felt when she was gone. To sum up, I don't think this book deserves so many 2 star reviews, but I have a habit of disliking books that others rave about and enjoying books that others hate. You should read it and decide for yourself.
February 21, 2020
Good story spoilt by too many words.
You know you can over write something! This is definitely the case here.
Repetitions, over worded sentences, overt explanation that sort of thing. It can be incredibly annoying. Shame the plot was good but execution not really.
You know you can over write something! This is definitely the case here.
Repetitions, over worded sentences, overt explanation that sort of thing. It can be incredibly annoying. Shame the plot was good but execution not really.
May 6, 2020
Abusive hero, pathetic heroine, disappointing
I enjoy most of Dorothy Macks books but this one is disturbing. I hadn't checked the publishing date (1993) when i read it and assumed it must be written in a time when dominant behaviour by men had not yet been challenged. The hero frequently uses his superior strength to restrain the heroine, attempts to manipulate her by lying to people about her and her family members, and withholds correspondence from her. And he gets away with it. The heroine seemed to have a split personality. She is described as timid at times and forthright at others, why anyone would consider her capable of taking on the responsibilities expected of the wife of the hero beats me.
I enjoy most of Dorothy Macks books but this one is disturbing. I hadn't checked the publishing date (1993) when i read it and assumed it must be written in a time when dominant behaviour by men had not yet been challenged. The hero frequently uses his superior strength to restrain the heroine, attempts to manipulate her by lying to people about her and her family members, and withholds correspondence from her. And he gets away with it. The heroine seemed to have a split personality. She is described as timid at times and forthright at others, why anyone would consider her capable of taking on the responsibilities expected of the wife of the hero beats me.
July 1, 2020
I didn’t like either of the lead characters. I read to the end to see what would happen, but wasn’t at all surprised. None of the characters were really fleshed out and the attraction part of the story was hard to believe.
June 30, 2020
Gothic meets recency
A bit melodramatic, hero with clay feet and other woman who turns out to have honor, appreciated author did that.
A bit melodramatic, hero with clay feet and other woman who turns out to have honor, appreciated author did that.
August 15, 2024
Too much & not enough
Brianna is a dreadful character - an awful prig. She’s so bound up in her moralistic, judgemental belief she is right, yet on the other hand whines that she’s not good enough when she compares herself with Selena.
The melodrama she creates for herself impacts James & Molly as well as Christopher. The entire plot is tangled around her hand-wringing, anger, and implacable belief her past experience makes her right. Even when proven wrong & she apologises, it does not stop her reacting in the same way again and again.
Christopher is a kind but shallow man who does what he must to get what he wants. He lies, schemes, and manoeuvres regardless of how it may impact others.
Funnily enough the two best characters are Molly and Selena. Molly is the one that points out the error of Brianna’s ways. Selena may be a bitch, but she is not particularly wicked or malicious. She sees the connection between Christopher and Brianna and steps aside.
The bare bones of the plot is good, but becomes entangled in unnecessary hand-wringing and navel gazing that stalls the narrative.
Read if you must.
Brianna is a dreadful character - an awful prig. She’s so bound up in her moralistic, judgemental belief she is right, yet on the other hand whines that she’s not good enough when she compares herself with Selena.
The melodrama she creates for herself impacts James & Molly as well as Christopher. The entire plot is tangled around her hand-wringing, anger, and implacable belief her past experience makes her right. Even when proven wrong & she apologises, it does not stop her reacting in the same way again and again.
Christopher is a kind but shallow man who does what he must to get what he wants. He lies, schemes, and manoeuvres regardless of how it may impact others.
Funnily enough the two best characters are Molly and Selena. Molly is the one that points out the error of Brianna’s ways. Selena may be a bitch, but she is not particularly wicked or malicious. She sees the connection between Christopher and Brianna and steps aside.
The bare bones of the plot is good, but becomes entangled in unnecessary hand-wringing and navel gazing that stalls the narrative.
Read if you must.
March 28, 2021
Didn't like the main characters much.
It's a sad situation when you like the side characters better than the protagonists... I tried to like them, I really did. The storyline, the background, the plot, the other characters... all that was fine. But in the end not enough to compensate.
She was immature, holding on to grudges, behaving childishly, refusing to listen or see past her own desires... and he had moments of what I would dare to call sociopathy, making decisions and manipulating people without thought or guilt.
I didn't finish it. I reached a point where I was too disgusted and genuinely didn't care about their happy ending.
It's a sad situation when you like the side characters better than the protagonists... I tried to like them, I really did. The storyline, the background, the plot, the other characters... all that was fine. But in the end not enough to compensate.
She was immature, holding on to grudges, behaving childishly, refusing to listen or see past her own desires... and he had moments of what I would dare to call sociopathy, making decisions and manipulating people without thought or guilt.
I didn't finish it. I reached a point where I was too disgusted and genuinely didn't care about their happy ending.
September 13, 2022
The hook in this Regency romance is that the four-year-old heir to a title. The small boy has lost his mother and grandfather and is now dependnat on his mother's sister, who, under the mistaken impression that his father still lives, seeks out the man's family, only to discover that the man not only abandoned his marriage to her sister but then proceeded to get himself killed in a carriage accident. The brother who thought he was the new earl turns out to be an amazingly honorable relation, however, and welcomes the orphaned boy and his maternal aunt into the family home.
a sweet, but not particularly compelling romance. I did enjoy the alternating points of view.
a sweet, but not particularly compelling romance. I did enjoy the alternating points of view.
September 2, 2023
The List Heir by Jane Cable
Two women Carla , present day and Harriet , a dual time line. The present is set during the focus pandemic and books covering this are still far and few between so I enjoy that aspect of the book.
Another p!us for me is that it was set in Cornwall and from the writing I could imagine myself there in both times.
It is a little spooky with hints of the supernatural but nothing too much so that it gives you a fright.
I enjoyed the way the author drew the two times together with her plot and a good conclusion to the story.
Two women Carla , present day and Harriet , a dual time line. The present is set during the focus pandemic and books covering this are still far and few between so I enjoy that aspect of the book.
Another p!us for me is that it was set in Cornwall and from the writing I could imagine myself there in both times.
It is a little spooky with hints of the supernatural but nothing too much so that it gives you a fright.
I enjoyed the way the author drew the two times together with her plot and a good conclusion to the story.
February 17, 2020
Interesting Read
Another excellent book by Dorothy Mack. The book was well written and the plot quite entangled, although I think the 'baddie' was clearly identifiable at the beginning.
Brianna, the sweet heroine and aunt to the young unknown heir. Although Brianna was painfully shy at times she was able to hold her own against some of the aristocratic sticklers she encounters. Christopher Carbottee the displaced Earl was besotted by Brianna upon meeting her and whilst attempting to cover his feelings failed miserably in front of his betrothed, Lady Selina. Their were twists and turns in the story that kept me interested and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Another excellent book by Dorothy Mack. The book was well written and the plot quite entangled, although I think the 'baddie' was clearly identifiable at the beginning.
Brianna, the sweet heroine and aunt to the young unknown heir. Although Brianna was painfully shy at times she was able to hold her own against some of the aristocratic sticklers she encounters. Christopher Carbottee the displaced Earl was besotted by Brianna upon meeting her and whilst attempting to cover his feelings failed miserably in front of his betrothed, Lady Selina. Their were twists and turns in the story that kept me interested and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
August 26, 2020
High drama! My only criticism is the overly extensive vocabulary. I spent as much time in the dictionary as I did reading the book. The storyline was enjoyable and not at all dull or predictable. There were hidden thrills and mysteries to be solved ( which were not complex).
I enjoyed this but will seriously consider another book by this author that wears me out to read.
I enjoyed this but will seriously consider another book by this author that wears me out to read.
March 12, 2021
Much of the book is enjoyable, but the plot gets a little repetitious and drawn out. It was first published in 1993 and shows its age with the scenes of Brianna responding in spite of herself to Christopher's rather brutal and unwelcome advances. As the story went on, I lost sympathy with the protagonists.
July 14, 2020
Another fabulous read
I am truly enjoying my discovery of my new author..Miss Mack has my attention..book #4 in my library was everything a good story should be and have..Thank You again Miss Mack
I am truly enjoying my discovery of my new author..Miss Mack has my attention..book #4 in my library was everything a good story should be and have..Thank You again Miss Mack
September 14, 2020
Far from her best...
I've liked all the other offerings by Dorothy Mack, but this one had far too much of the hero deciding everything for everyone and forcing the heroine to accept him.
I've liked all the other offerings by Dorothy Mack, but this one had far too much of the hero deciding everything for everyone and forcing the heroine to accept him.
April 18, 2021
Great book. I enjoyed it. Characters and plot are developed well - I especially liked the intrigue. I did get frustrated with Christopher - he was a bit dense - but it all works out in the end, which is really why I read these fluffy books. Clean and engrossing. Recommend.
June 12, 2021
Not her best
Neither party had much to recommend and there was no romance just a love at first sight as they had no respect, trust or way of communicating with each other which made it a frustrating boor
Neither party had much to recommend and there was no romance just a love at first sight as they had no respect, trust or way of communicating with each other which made it a frustrating boor
November 18, 2021
It’s sad when you don’t really care for either of the main characters in a story. The female character was shy and timid and had no backbone. The male character was demanding and didn’t have much to recommend himself. Not only that but the story dragged.
February 19, 2022
The Lost Heir
I really do like this authors books they keep you interested this one I would’ve liked Breanna to have a bit more backbone but I loved Christopher but as usual with this authors books they end quite abruptly I would love an epilogue.
I really do like this authors books they keep you interested this one I would’ve liked Breanna to have a bit more backbone but I loved Christopher but as usual with this authors books they end quite abruptly I would love an epilogue.
April 30, 2022
Too predictable
Too much internal dialogue. The heroine was argumentative while the hero continued to do his best. She coped an attitude right from the get go, whereas he was open and honest.
Too much internal dialogue. The heroine was argumentative while the hero continued to do his best. She coped an attitude right from the get go, whereas he was open and honest.
May 7, 2020
Well written
I enjoyed this book probably because the characters were lovely and the storyline was different also NO overly sexual scenes.
I enjoyed this book probably because the characters were lovely and the storyline was different also NO overly sexual scenes.
June 1, 2020
Good story and interesting characters and storyline.
February 19, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this story! Thank you for different.
June 6, 2021
This one combines some great tropes - nephew as heir to estate, murderous relative, and forced marriage because of being compromised. However it's just a bit cardboard, and ends a bit abruptly.
November 30, 2021
Fast moving
I was pleased to have read this book I do enjoy dorothy Mack .this book moved fast and was a good read
I was pleased to have read this book I do enjoy dorothy Mack .this book moved fast and was a good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews