BRIDE OF A WICKED SCOTSMAN by Samantha James

Publisher: Avon
Date published: February 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-089940-0
Historical Romance with Paranormal elements
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam


A century has passed since the ‘Circle of Light’ was stolen from the Irish Clan McDonough by the Black Scotsman and its existence has become a myth.

Lady Maura O’Donnell was pledged to return it with her dying father’s last words.
Learning the Duke of Gleneden is visiting Ireland she cons her way into the house party. Dressed as a pirate she seduces Alec McBride, Duke of Gleneden into her bed, and making sure the host finds them together in the morning. Alec has no other recourse but to marry her or be shunned by society.

Alec treats her well under the circumstances, taking her to his estate in Scotland and treating her very well considering what has happened. He is sure something isn’t quite right, but is unsure what it is. Alec shows he doesn’t believe her but plays along with her explanation, but sure she has somehow drugged and duped him.
When he becomes aware she is searching for something, he offers his help. She finally tells him the tale of the pirate and the plight of her home.

This is a very far fetched tale, with a heroine who lies, schemes, becomes a thief and cheats, not a good thing for a heroine and it all takes place in a very bad plot. Maura’s grand plan is to dupe Alec into marriage, so she can search his estates for the ‘Circle of Light.’ After marrying him under duress, she begins the relationship on lies, aided and abetted by her servant. Their so called love affair is built on a slippery slope of sand, so how could any sane man forgive such terrible behavior.

She of course justifies her behavior, by blaming it on his pirate ancestor and making the hero look stupid because he had no idea about his ancestor’s piracy. When she denies his rights to her bed, he goes along with it, but there is no way this would happen back then. Any romance author would know, ‘that to enjoy romance is to suspend belief,’ but add the paranormal element slotted into this with no real foundation, disaster. This reviewer was very disappointed, after looking forward to an entertaining romance.

THE SEDUCTION OF AN UNKNOWN LADY by Samantha James

Publisher Avon
Date published April 2008
ISBN 978-0060896492
Historical Romance
Paperback


Fionna Hawkes leads a double life. By day, she is the owner of a bookstore but by night, she is F.J.Sparrow, an author that writes about murder and monsters. Unfortunately someone wants to end her life. Aidan McBride is the man who wants to protect her from her unknown assailant.

Fionna is a woman with a full plate. At the age of 26, she is a business woman, an author and has to care for her sick mother. Fionna is a very strong and intelligent person. Aidan’s interest in her is sparked at their first meeting. Aidan has his own demons to deal with and they haunt him. Aidan and Fionna are very complex and powerful characters. Their background story makes them very believable and readers will be able to relate to them. We can empathize with what they have undergone and what they have to deal with daily. With two very likable leads, the story really takes off. They are a well-matched and charismatic couple. The eroticism is in keeping with the story and doesn’t dominate the story.

THE SEDUCTION OF AN UNKNOWN LADY is another great historical romance from the pen of Ms. James. With a fabulous lead couple and some nice twists to the storyline, readers will be hard press to put this book down. It is a page turner that takes the reader on an adventure that will have you clamoring for her next book. This reader has enjoyed all her previous books and this one does not disappoint!


Reviewed by Susan