Customer Reviews

That Scandalous Heiress

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Marianne, an orphan, has lived with a strict great-aunt for nine years, to the dissatisfaction of both parties. So, when Marianne learns of an inheritance from a mysterious benefactor, she jumps at the chance to live an independent existence. She moves from Wales to the distant village of Chelmford, where she begins the task of setting her new home, Bibb Grange, to rights. It's a formidable enough task without the desertion of the Bibb Grange servants and the unfriendliness of the villagers. They do not believe that an unmarried gentlewoman would set up housekeeping alone, and thus believe the absolute worst of Marianne.

The only people willing to associate with Marianne are a young village woman with a child, who becomes her housekeeper, and her next door neighbor, Lord Adam Jenson, a man with a black reputation. Adam and Marianne become close friends, in spite of both their reputations(or perhaps because of), and their rather rocky introduction(he almost ran over her with his horse). Love appears to be in the air...if Marianne and Adam could just admit it to themselves, much less each other. But someone appears to be after Marianne's humble inheritance. She finds evidence more than once that someone has been lurking around Bibb Grange at night...and inside it. Can Adam protect Marianne, especially when his own life appears to be in danger?

Another excellent love story from Martha Kirkland. The hero was a delightful rogue with a good heart and the heroine was a spunky, take charge female. Give this book a try. I doubt you'll regret it.

When orphan Miss. Marianne McCord is notified that she is the new owner of Bibb Grange, she can't wait to move in and get away from her mean great aunt. Even if that means that she has to go alone and unchaporoned she doesn't care because she'll have a home to call her own! However when the only 3 servents quit and leave, and the entire villiage snubs her because there is no other person with her, male or female to act as guaridan or charorone, she almost starts to doubt herself. But she's dealt with snubs before; after all most of her life people thought of her as a byblow. But she doesn't care because now she has her own home and can take care of herself. Except when it comes to her hansome neighbor Viscount Adam Jenson.

Adam has come to his country estate to allow a horrible scandle to blow over. When he first arrives he doesn't want to talk to anybody, however that changes when he meets Miss McCord. This is one woman he just can't seem to get enough of, but yet drives him crazy too! For some reason she just keeps popping up in bad places and almost gets herself killed by his horse!!!

This book had the potential to be a great book. Unfortuntly, the author started too many little plots to help the main plot but never finished them all. For instance, in the beginning of the book the reader is shown the BIG scandle that sent Adam to his estate. The scandle is occasionally brought up thoughout the book showing that it hasn't blown over yet, but in the end is never finished and the truth never relvealed to the reader. Also as a reader I was expecting a few confrontations and only received one, which was the one between Adam and Marianne's cousin, Titus Brougham. Another thing was the way that when Marianne admitted to herself that she loved Adam (which didn't take long) she just seem to start flinging herself towards Adam. It just didn't seem right for the regency period that a girl who wasn't a fortune hunter to try to get a kiss from a man like she did.

Sorry but I give this book only 3 stars. Could've received many more but too many things weren't finished. Better luck next time.

I, for one, often like a change in my reading patterns, and when I want something light and fun, Martha Kirkland's books suit me to a tee. Keep them coming, Ms. Kirkland.

I never judge one genre by the standards of another, however, even by my romance standards, this fell short.

First of all, there was no reason for the characters to suddenly be in love. She sees him in an inn and he makes her nervous, she meets him again and is suddenly infatuated. In fact, they were bantering with each other like long time friends.

Second, I felt that there was no explanation for why Jenson was being a little bit shunned himself, as it hinted he was. In fact, there were no signs of any such thing despite the author's constant hints. So he was a bit of a womanizer, so was everyone else. He really wasn't all that scandalous.

Also, the auther kept bringing up new plot threads she never adressed. Like the idea that Jenson might keep Marianne as a mistress. It didn't even take one sentence.

Finally, the mystery was flat and even though the end had everything wrapped up nicely, it seemed very contrived.

However, if you're looking for a bit of light reading, don't let me discourage you. THAT SCANDALOUS HEIRESS fits the bill quite nicely. Just don't look to deep.

Martha Kirkland will make you fall in love, and every page you turn will be a pleasure.

Martha Kirkland is one of my favorite Regency authors. With each of her books, she transfers me back to the period with such skill, I feel as if I'm sitting in a drawing room, taking tea with Prinny himself. In THAT SCANDALOUS HEIRESS, Marianne is a delightful, spunky heroine who has inherited a manor house. When she moves in, she meets Adam, the handsome neighbor--and the fun begins. Do yourself a favor--brew yourself a nice cup of Earl Grey, then sit back and let Ms. Kirkland whisk you off to Regency England. You will definitely enjoy the trip.

Once again, Martha Kirkland (my very favorite Regency author) has treated us to a well-crafted, lovely tale that is so beautifully and authentically written, I feel like I'm sitting in a drawing room, enjoying tea with the Regent himself. Marianne is a wonderful heroine who defies the strict societal rules of the day and chooses to live alone in a manor house she's inherited. Adam, Viscount Jensen, is a worthy match for Marianne and I greatly enjoyed seeing them overcome their problems and differences to find true love. Do yourself a favor--brew a cup of your favorite tea, put your feet up, and let Martha Kirkland take you away to Regency England for a few wonderful, memorable hours.

I love romances and this book spoke directly to my heart. Charmingly written, THAT SCANDALOUS HEIRESS is a winner in every sense. The characters were well written and thoroughly likeable. Marianne was a special delight and I could see why Adam was immediately intrigued by her. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was there from the first meeting and sustained throughout the entire book.

I also thought the mystery element of the story was perfectly handled -- it was just enough to add to the story without obscuring the plot.

This is one of the best books I've read this year and I will read it again. BRAVO, Ms. Kirkland! You never fail.

Run, do not walk, to buy this book.

Martha Kirkland is one of the most skilled Regency authors in the genre. This one is a keeper!

Personally, I like a bit of mystery laced into my romances, and the love between the rake and heiress was charming. I read THAT SCANDALOUS HEIRESS in one sitting; I enjoyed it that much.