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Heather Duvall #1
Every Wish Fulfilled
Heather Duval, the Earl of Stonehurst's orphaned ward, has always known she will never marry. But she is content running the earl's grand country manor -- until Damien Tremayne hires on as estate manager. Then Heather suddenly fears her world may never be the same. Intense and fiercely passionate, Damien arouses feelings long denied -- with only one kiss
Questions about his brother's murder have led Damien to this place ... and to Heather. And though desire and destiny seem to bind them, he must battle his dangerous attraction to this beauty. There are shattering secrets to be faced and lies to be untangled. Yet what if the truth destroys her trust in him ... and imperils them both?
Questions about his brother's murder have led Damien to this place ... and to Heather. And though desire and destiny seem to bind them, he must battle his dangerous attraction to this beauty. There are shattering secrets to be faced and lies to be untangled. Yet what if the truth destroys her trust in him ... and imperils them both?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Samantha James
93 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...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 9, 2020
A good mystery book but the romance did not thrill me. Hero was not cruel and I like my heroes cruel. Not the best SJ book.
August 27, 2019
Damien Treymaine, the new Earl of Deverell, is on a mission to find the man who murdered his brother. In hopes of flushing out a killer, Damien takes a job as Estate Manager at a large estate in Lancashire owned by Heather Duvall, the Earl of Stonehurst's orphaned ward. Heather is happy with her life in the country. She knows that no man will look at her twice after seeing her painful limp. But Damien makes Heather long for a different life. Should she take a chance on the mysterious man who has many secrets he is unwilling to share?
Heather was first introduced in "Scandal's Bride" which was the story of the Earl of Stonehurst and his bride. She was an orphan that the Earl was protecting from various people who ridiculed her. Now she is grown up and running her own property. Damien is looking for a killer who he believes has ties to Heather's past. I thought these two had great chemistry and was happy to see them finally come together. Though some of the prose were a bit flowery, I did enjoy the story and characters. My rating: 4 Stars.
Heather was first introduced in "Scandal's Bride" which was the story of the Earl of Stonehurst and his bride. She was an orphan that the Earl was protecting from various people who ridiculed her. Now she is grown up and running her own property. Damien is looking for a killer who he believes has ties to Heather's past. I thought these two had great chemistry and was happy to see them finally come together. Though some of the prose were a bit flowery, I did enjoy the story and characters. My rating: 4 Stars.
July 5, 2021
Not James's best - heroine was too weepy and the romance was angst-ridden (3.5 stars
[1835 - Lancashire and London, England]
I read Every Wish Fulfilled a few years ago, but didn't remember anything and had never marked down a rating, so I thought I would read it again. I was disappointed, as the story had promise and James is a talented author, so I was expecting an enjoyable romance and revenge story.
Damien is an intense, brooding hero, all alone in the world now and bent on revenge and discovering who murdered his elder brother. Heather is an intelligent, compassionate, beautiful young woman (though not too young - 25), who has a mysterious past, was raised in a family not truly her own, and has had to struggle all her life with a limp. The book started off well and both characters were engaging (though Heather ends up being something of a watering pot). There are several passages throughout in which Damien is very tender and understanding towards Heather that will undoubtedly make your heart melt.
From the beginning though, I was somewhat bothered by Damien and thought that he went on far too much, far too often, and far too early about how beautiful Heather was and basically how much he wanted to get her into bed. They're physically attracted to one another from the get-go and yes, as they begin to know one another, Heather admires Damien for his honesty (woops), talent, and integrity and he admires her for her inner-strength, kindness, and intelligence, but it all felt more like lip-service to me, trying to make up for the lust part.
Their relationship seemed to skim along the surface, despite each character having private vulnerabilities that you think would make them perfect for an authentically deep romance. Heather kept on crying every 30 pages and then being comforted in Damien's arms - even if he was the reason she was crying. The villain subplot was not very inspiring or frightening, ended very anti-climactically, and really was just tedious by the end.
Very annoying was how Damien and Heather go back and forth so often in their relationship; you feel like you're watching a tennis match. It's a constant whirl of being angry with one another, making up, him deceiving her, them making up, them loving each other but not wanting to so pushing each other away, on and on and on and on. There are about seven highs and lows in their relationship of some 350 pages, so god only knows what their marriage will be like.
RECOMMENDATIONS
James is a talented author, so I recommend reading these books by her instead:
- One Moonlit Night by Samantha James, 5 stars
- His Wicked Ways by Samantha James, 5 stars
Historical romances that are somehow similar to this one (in plot, storyline, hero, heroine, etc.) include:
- The Rake (Davenport Family, Book 2) by Mary Jo Putney, 5 stars
- Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran, 5 stars
- Scandalous (Banning Sisters Trilogy, Book 1) by Karen Robards, 5 stars
- A Notorious Love (Swanlea Spinsters, Book 2) by Sabrina Jeffries, 4 stars
- Reckless by Amanda Quick, 4 stars
- How to Marry a Marquis (Agents for the Crown, Book 2) by Julia Quinn
[1835 - Lancashire and London, England]
I read Every Wish Fulfilled a few years ago, but didn't remember anything and had never marked down a rating, so I thought I would read it again. I was disappointed, as the story had promise and James is a talented author, so I was expecting an enjoyable romance and revenge story.
Damien is an intense, brooding hero, all alone in the world now and bent on revenge and discovering who murdered his elder brother. Heather is an intelligent, compassionate, beautiful young woman (though not too young - 25), who has a mysterious past, was raised in a family not truly her own, and has had to struggle all her life with a limp. The book started off well and both characters were engaging (though Heather ends up being something of a watering pot). There are several passages throughout in which Damien is very tender and understanding towards Heather that will undoubtedly make your heart melt.
From the beginning though, I was somewhat bothered by Damien and thought that he went on far too much, far too often, and far too early about how beautiful Heather was and basically how much he wanted to get her into bed. They're physically attracted to one another from the get-go and yes, as they begin to know one another, Heather admires Damien for his honesty (woops), talent, and integrity and he admires her for her inner-strength, kindness, and intelligence, but it all felt more like lip-service to me, trying to make up for the lust part.
Their relationship seemed to skim along the surface, despite each character having private vulnerabilities that you think would make them perfect for an authentically deep romance. Heather kept on crying every 30 pages and then being comforted in Damien's arms - even if he was the reason she was crying. The villain subplot was not very inspiring or frightening, ended very anti-climactically, and really was just tedious by the end.
Very annoying was how Damien and Heather go back and forth so often in their relationship; you feel like you're watching a tennis match. It's a constant whirl of being angry with one another, making up, him deceiving her, them making up, them loving each other but not wanting to so pushing each other away, on and on and on and on. There are about seven highs and lows in their relationship of some 350 pages, so god only knows what their marriage will be like.
RECOMMENDATIONS
James is a talented author, so I recommend reading these books by her instead:
- One Moonlit Night by Samantha James, 5 stars
- His Wicked Ways by Samantha James, 5 stars
Historical romances that are somehow similar to this one (in plot, storyline, hero, heroine, etc.) include:
- The Rake (Davenport Family, Book 2) by Mary Jo Putney, 5 stars
- Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran, 5 stars
- Scandalous (Banning Sisters Trilogy, Book 1) by Karen Robards, 5 stars
- A Notorious Love (Swanlea Spinsters, Book 2) by Sabrina Jeffries, 4 stars
- Reckless by Amanda Quick, 4 stars
- How to Marry a Marquis (Agents for the Crown, Book 2) by Julia Quinn
October 11, 2010
This was another enjoyable read from Samantha James. This heroine was not stubborn like some of her past heroines I've read. This was a cute love story about a woman who thought she would never know love or babies because of her limp. Of course, we know she will get her HEA. However, it was interesting to read her journey.
Damien is a man driven by vengenance. He wants to find the man who murdered his brother. He thinks Heather is the key to finding him. As he soon learns everything is not always at it seems. He falls for Heather. However, the sight of something from his childhood brings out his anger and his true reasons for coming to Heather's farm is revealed, and she throws him out.
Of course, it all works out in the end. This was a pleasant story and kept me entertained through the end. I loved visiting Victoria and Miles from the short story "Scandal's Bride" that first introuduced Heather. The villian was a little over the top and actually didn't get a great deal of "screen time", if you will. However, that really didn't bother me too much as I liked reading about the growing relationship between Damien and Heather.
Damien is a man driven by vengenance. He wants to find the man who murdered his brother. He thinks Heather is the key to finding him. As he soon learns everything is not always at it seems. He falls for Heather. However, the sight of something from his childhood brings out his anger and his true reasons for coming to Heather's farm is revealed, and she throws him out.
Of course, it all works out in the end. This was a pleasant story and kept me entertained through the end. I loved visiting Victoria and Miles from the short story "Scandal's Bride" that first introuduced Heather. The villian was a little over the top and actually didn't get a great deal of "screen time", if you will. However, that really didn't bother me too much as I liked reading about the growing relationship between Damien and Heather.
June 3, 2018
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 60 on my shelf. This is book 14.
(Tropes: Secret Identity, Scarred heroine (limp), Spinster/Wallflower, Boss and Employee
This is how my 14th re-read held up.
It’s not a good sign when it takes you forever to write a review. It was definitely not worthy of 5 stars. But it’s not a 1 either.
**********
Scenario : While proficiently running her adoptive father’s country manor, Heather has put herself firmly on the shelf and never expecting to find love due to a limp. Damien, on a quest to find his brother’s killer, disguises himself as an estate manager, when he suspects Heather and her family knows something about his brother’s death.
Quickly Heather’s controlled, peaceful and passionless life is in an upheaval, while Damien finds himself torn between his strong attraction to Heather, and loyalty to his brother’s memory.
- Beatrice clasped her hands to her breast. “But his eyes were so blue, Heather.”
“His eyes were gray, love.” Her tone was absent.
Bea slanted her a glance. Wicked amusement sparkled in her eyes. “Ah, so you did notice!”
- “I should never have snapped at you as I did, Mr. Lewis. I knew as soon as I left how rude I’d been.”
“You were,” he agreed.
Her eyes clung to his. “I—I do hope you’ll accept my apology.”
“Done,” he said lightly.
If it wasn’t for all the lies, I would call their communication refreshing.
At first this book delivers. It’s nice to see Heather get what she deserves. And Damien is very likeable, and they connect well.
But, at about the half way point it all crumbles. It turns melodramatic, and comic.
The villain in this book is so bad he actually punches an old woman begging on the street as he passes her, and she asks for a coin.
- Her heart was in her throat. “Damien,” she whispered, “is there truly a difference? Are some men…larger than others?”
Damien half laughed, half groaned. His rod swelled still further, lengthening yet another inch. Heather was in awe. “Oh, my,” she said faintly. “I cannot imagine that anyone would be larger than—than you.”
Damien repeatedly says sh*t I don’t put up with anymore
- You can’t bait men like that and not expect to pay the consequences.”
“I—I wasn’t baiting them!”
“You were,” he said fiercely. “Every slow, sweet smile was a temptation. Every coy sweep of your lashes over your eyes, an invitation.”
- “Don’t look at me like that,” he said tightly. “I’m just a man, Heather. I’m not made of stone. If we don’t stop now, I won’t be able to. Do you understand that?”
And Heather cries, and weeps, and wails at almost everything, it just got exhausting.
Not S James’ finest.
**********
2 stars
(Tropes: Secret Identity, Scarred heroine (limp), Spinster/Wallflower, Boss and Employee
This is how my 14th re-read held up.
It’s not a good sign when it takes you forever to write a review. It was definitely not worthy of 5 stars. But it’s not a 1 either.
**********
Scenario : While proficiently running her adoptive father’s country manor, Heather has put herself firmly on the shelf and never expecting to find love due to a limp. Damien, on a quest to find his brother’s killer, disguises himself as an estate manager, when he suspects Heather and her family knows something about his brother’s death.
Quickly Heather’s controlled, peaceful and passionless life is in an upheaval, while Damien finds himself torn between his strong attraction to Heather, and loyalty to his brother’s memory.
- Beatrice clasped her hands to her breast. “But his eyes were so blue, Heather.”
“His eyes were gray, love.” Her tone was absent.
Bea slanted her a glance. Wicked amusement sparkled in her eyes. “Ah, so you did notice!”
- “I should never have snapped at you as I did, Mr. Lewis. I knew as soon as I left how rude I’d been.”
“You were,” he agreed.
Her eyes clung to his. “I—I do hope you’ll accept my apology.”
“Done,” he said lightly.
If it wasn’t for all the lies, I would call their communication refreshing.
At first this book delivers. It’s nice to see Heather get what she deserves. And Damien is very likeable, and they connect well.
But, at about the half way point it all crumbles. It turns melodramatic, and comic.
The villain in this book is so bad he actually punches an old woman begging on the street as he passes her, and she asks for a coin.
- Her heart was in her throat. “Damien,” she whispered, “is there truly a difference? Are some men…larger than others?”
Damien half laughed, half groaned. His rod swelled still further, lengthening yet another inch. Heather was in awe. “Oh, my,” she said faintly. “I cannot imagine that anyone would be larger than—than you.”
Damien repeatedly says sh*t I don’t put up with anymore
- You can’t bait men like that and not expect to pay the consequences.”
“I—I wasn’t baiting them!”
“You were,” he said fiercely. “Every slow, sweet smile was a temptation. Every coy sweep of your lashes over your eyes, an invitation.”
- “Don’t look at me like that,” he said tightly. “I’m just a man, Heather. I’m not made of stone. If we don’t stop now, I won’t be able to. Do you understand that?”
And Heather cries, and weeps, and wails at almost everything, it just got exhausting.
Not S James’ finest.
**********
2 stars
September 27, 2021
Not as good as the other 2 books by Ms. James that I've read so far. The plot is a bit thin. The heroine, Heather has a limp and she keeps feeling sorry for herself because of it. It gets old really fast when she keeps repeating it. The hero, Damien's reason for deceiving her by becoming her estate steward is not very clear. I mean. he could have gone any other ways to do it. So, it was just an okay read.
July 9, 2021
3.75⭐
June 12, 2011
~May have slight spoilers.~
Damien Tremayne is looking for the man who murdered his brother, and his search has led him to Heather Duval, the orphaned ward of the Earl of Stonehurst.
Heather, I found to be quite different from most heroines, she put up a very strong front but it quickly crumbled with the arrival of Damien--who she hires as her new estate manager.
She was vulnerable in a way only someone who has felt like an outsider all their lives can be. She was a little, I admit, a very sad heroin but again we get to see her transformation to someone more confidant I think.
Damien is all alone in the world after the death of his brother Giles and vows to find his murder-- again his search leads him to Heather, and he is lucky to find she has a job opening for a new estate manager and he applies for it.
I found him to be sexy, brooding and arrogant sounding. But he also had a tender side to him that we didn't really see for anyone else except Heather.
I really enjoyed this novel, Samantha James is always a favorite!
It was fast paced, immediately caught and held my attention and like all of James's books it was very sweet and romantic with that hint of mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Samantha James.
Damien Tremayne is looking for the man who murdered his brother, and his search has led him to Heather Duval, the orphaned ward of the Earl of Stonehurst.
Heather, I found to be quite different from most heroines, she put up a very strong front but it quickly crumbled with the arrival of Damien--who she hires as her new estate manager.
She was vulnerable in a way only someone who has felt like an outsider all their lives can be. She was a little, I admit, a very sad heroin but again we get to see her transformation to someone more confidant I think.
Damien is all alone in the world after the death of his brother Giles and vows to find his murder-- again his search leads him to Heather, and he is lucky to find she has a job opening for a new estate manager and he applies for it.
I found him to be sexy, brooding and arrogant sounding. But he also had a tender side to him that we didn't really see for anyone else except Heather.
I really enjoyed this novel, Samantha James is always a favorite!
It was fast paced, immediately caught and held my attention and like all of James's books it was very sweet and romantic with that hint of mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Samantha James.
February 17, 2013
"This is absurd," she said weakly.
No, he almost said, This is love.
Best line of the book. Too bad it took me forever to get through it. I really like Samantha James but I did not care for this book.
The heroine (Heather) was too weak for my tastes. She was independent but it was just a false shell that she had built around herself. She longed for love, children, and a husband. Things that she feels that she will never have because she has a limp. So the hero (Damien) comes along and breaks this fragile shell over and over again.
There is a kind of back and forth with them throughout the book. I will say that Damien fell for her instantly and he wasn't in a crazy denial about his feelings. That was kind of a change from the norm.
The villain side story was OK. Every 50 pages or so, you get a POV from the villain but it wasn't compelling for me. The climax is like 3 pages and it is just wrapped up too quickly.
I won't give up on Samantha James though.
No, he almost said, This is love.
Best line of the book. Too bad it took me forever to get through it. I really like Samantha James but I did not care for this book.
The heroine (Heather) was too weak for my tastes. She was independent but it was just a false shell that she had built around herself. She longed for love, children, and a husband. Things that she feels that she will never have because she has a limp. So the hero (Damien) comes along and breaks this fragile shell over and over again.
There is a kind of back and forth with them throughout the book. I will say that Damien fell for her instantly and he wasn't in a crazy denial about his feelings. That was kind of a change from the norm.
The villain side story was OK. Every 50 pages or so, you get a POV from the villain but it wasn't compelling for me. The climax is like 3 pages and it is just wrapped up too quickly.
I won't give up on Samantha James though.
September 24, 2017
Erfüll mein Verlangen
Samantha James
Kurzbeschreibung:
Heather Duval, das verwaiste Mündel des Grafen von Stonehurst, ist eine sehr selbstbewusste junge Lady, wenn es um Geschäftliches geht. Privat aber hat sie sich längst damit abgefunden, zur Einsamkeit verurteilt zu sein. Denn Heather hat ein Handicap . sie hinkt ein wenig. Als sie einen neuen Verwalter für die Güter des Grafen sucht, tritt Damien Tremayne in ihr friedliches Leben, dessen Bruder hier ermordet wurde. Lange Zeit hat Damien auf die Gelegenheit gewartet, dem mysteriösen Verbrechen auf die Spur zu kommen. In Heathers leidenschaftlichen Umarmungen jedoch entdeckt er endlich das düstere Geheimnis…
Beurteilung:
Diese Geschichte verbindet einen spannenden Krimi, eine rührendes Familiendrama und eine leidenschaftliche Liebesgeschichte miteinander.
Schon der Anfang des Buches hat mich starr vor Wut werden lassen: ein bezauberndes kleines Mädchen in einem ärmlichen Haus mit einer völlig lieblosen, barschen Mutter und einem bösartigen, gewalttätigen Vater.
Durch ein Unglück, das für Heather aber als großes Glück erweist, landet sie als Mündel bei den Stonehursts. Diese Familie bietet ihr ein liebevolles Zuhause, herzliche Eltern und (durchaus auch nervige) Geschwister.
Was Geschäftliches angeht ist Heather Duval so geschickt und tatkräftig wie es manch ein Mann gerne wäre.
Und das zu einer Zeit, in der es absolut nicht üblich ist, dass eine junge unverheiratete Frau auf eigenen Beinen steht. Und dies dazu noch überaus erfolgreich.
Heather Duval hat mich damit sehr beeindruckt und für sich eingenommen.
Unsere Protagonistin ist schön, klug und hat ein liebenswert großes Herz. Aber sie hat auch einen „Makel“, der ihr gesamtes Leben überschattet: Sie hinkt. Heathers Kampf gegen ihr Handicap wirkt sehr authentisch und schmerzt mich zuweilen.
Was ihr Privatleben angeht, so reduziert sich Heather selbst leider auf dieses Handicap und glaubt daher, nie die wahre Liebe und die Freude einer eigenen Familie kennenlernen zu können.
Wie das Schicksal aber manches Mal spielt, bringt ihr neuer Gutsverwalter Damien Lewis alles, was sie zu wissen glaubte, gehörig durcheinander.
Aber Damien Lewis hat ein ganz persönliches Motiv auf Heathers Anwesen Lockhaven arbeiten zu wollen und birgt ein großes Geheimnis.
Ihn und Heather verbindet mehr miteinander, als beide ahnen. Und alles hängt mit dem Mord an Damiens Bruder und mit Heathers Vater zusammen.
Damien will den Mörder seines Bruders finden. Doch alle Erkenntnisse und Spuren führen unweigerlich zu Heather.
Jedoch hat auch Damien nicht mit den Gefühlen gerechnet, die diese Frau in ihm hervorruft…
Als männlichen Protagonist finde ich Damien mehr als gelungen. Er ist ein gefühlvoller, kluger, gutaussehender Mann mit Prinzipien. Die perfekte Figur, die sich nahtlos in die Geschichte einfügt und einen die Liebesgeschichte zutiefst genießen lässt.
Lügen, Verrat, Missverständnisse und der Wunsch nach Vergeltung bilden den Gegenpol zu dem friedlichen Gefühl einer harmonischen Familie und der Liebe, die versucht sich einen Weg durch alle Hindernisse zu bahnen. Welche Seite wird den Sieg davon tragen?
Ich habe die Lektüre dieses Buches sehr genossen und kann es guten Gefühls jedem empfehlen, der eine schöne Liebesgeschichte mit allerlei Hindernissen, die das Leben zu bieten hat, zu schätzen weiß.
Dabei hat die Autorin sehr geschickt einen spannenden Krimi mit in die Geschichte hineingewebt, die insgesamt noch mal Würze verleiht und das Buch zu einem Pageturner machte.
5 von 5 Schmuckkästchen
Samantha James
Kurzbeschreibung:
Heather Duval, das verwaiste Mündel des Grafen von Stonehurst, ist eine sehr selbstbewusste junge Lady, wenn es um Geschäftliches geht. Privat aber hat sie sich längst damit abgefunden, zur Einsamkeit verurteilt zu sein. Denn Heather hat ein Handicap . sie hinkt ein wenig. Als sie einen neuen Verwalter für die Güter des Grafen sucht, tritt Damien Tremayne in ihr friedliches Leben, dessen Bruder hier ermordet wurde. Lange Zeit hat Damien auf die Gelegenheit gewartet, dem mysteriösen Verbrechen auf die Spur zu kommen. In Heathers leidenschaftlichen Umarmungen jedoch entdeckt er endlich das düstere Geheimnis…
Beurteilung:
Diese Geschichte verbindet einen spannenden Krimi, eine rührendes Familiendrama und eine leidenschaftliche Liebesgeschichte miteinander.
Schon der Anfang des Buches hat mich starr vor Wut werden lassen: ein bezauberndes kleines Mädchen in einem ärmlichen Haus mit einer völlig lieblosen, barschen Mutter und einem bösartigen, gewalttätigen Vater.
Durch ein Unglück, das für Heather aber als großes Glück erweist, landet sie als Mündel bei den Stonehursts. Diese Familie bietet ihr ein liebevolles Zuhause, herzliche Eltern und (durchaus auch nervige) Geschwister.
Was Geschäftliches angeht ist Heather Duval so geschickt und tatkräftig wie es manch ein Mann gerne wäre.
Und das zu einer Zeit, in der es absolut nicht üblich ist, dass eine junge unverheiratete Frau auf eigenen Beinen steht. Und dies dazu noch überaus erfolgreich.
Heather Duval hat mich damit sehr beeindruckt und für sich eingenommen.
Unsere Protagonistin ist schön, klug und hat ein liebenswert großes Herz. Aber sie hat auch einen „Makel“, der ihr gesamtes Leben überschattet: Sie hinkt. Heathers Kampf gegen ihr Handicap wirkt sehr authentisch und schmerzt mich zuweilen.
Was ihr Privatleben angeht, so reduziert sich Heather selbst leider auf dieses Handicap und glaubt daher, nie die wahre Liebe und die Freude einer eigenen Familie kennenlernen zu können.
Wie das Schicksal aber manches Mal spielt, bringt ihr neuer Gutsverwalter Damien Lewis alles, was sie zu wissen glaubte, gehörig durcheinander.
Aber Damien Lewis hat ein ganz persönliches Motiv auf Heathers Anwesen Lockhaven arbeiten zu wollen und birgt ein großes Geheimnis.
Ihn und Heather verbindet mehr miteinander, als beide ahnen. Und alles hängt mit dem Mord an Damiens Bruder und mit Heathers Vater zusammen.
Damien will den Mörder seines Bruders finden. Doch alle Erkenntnisse und Spuren führen unweigerlich zu Heather.
Jedoch hat auch Damien nicht mit den Gefühlen gerechnet, die diese Frau in ihm hervorruft…
Als männlichen Protagonist finde ich Damien mehr als gelungen. Er ist ein gefühlvoller, kluger, gutaussehender Mann mit Prinzipien. Die perfekte Figur, die sich nahtlos in die Geschichte einfügt und einen die Liebesgeschichte zutiefst genießen lässt.
Lügen, Verrat, Missverständnisse und der Wunsch nach Vergeltung bilden den Gegenpol zu dem friedlichen Gefühl einer harmonischen Familie und der Liebe, die versucht sich einen Weg durch alle Hindernisse zu bahnen. Welche Seite wird den Sieg davon tragen?
Ich habe die Lektüre dieses Buches sehr genossen und kann es guten Gefühls jedem empfehlen, der eine schöne Liebesgeschichte mit allerlei Hindernissen, die das Leben zu bieten hat, zu schätzen weiß.
Dabei hat die Autorin sehr geschickt einen spannenden Krimi mit in die Geschichte hineingewebt, die insgesamt noch mal Würze verleiht und das Buch zu einem Pageturner machte.
5 von 5 Schmuckkästchen
November 12, 2017
Heather Duval, verwaltet einen landwirtschaftlichen Hof/Gut in England. Als Sie einen neuen Verwalter für den Hof sucht, stellt sich der gutaussende Damien vor. Heather die sich mit der Einsamkeit aufgrund ihrer Krankheit schon abgefunden hat, fühlt sich trotzdem von Damien sehr angezogen. Der junge Mann hat aber einen besonderen Grund die Stelle auf den Hof anzunehmen, für ihn zählt nur eins und das ist Rache….
Ein wirklich guter historischer Roman, ich mag es wenn Bücher Geschichte transportieren können. Aber das liegt auch daran, dass ich mich schon immer sehr für die Vergangenheit interessiert habe ;o). Trotzdem hätte er meiner Meinung nach deutlich mehr Geschichte vertragen um sich noch etwas mehr einzulassen. Ansonsten kann man es sagen, dass es ein typischer Liebesroman der Zeit ist.
Meiner Meinung nach ein solider Liebesroman im typisches Stil, ein wirklich tolles Cover (wobei ich denke, dass es eine Neuauflage ist). Der auch Höhen und Tiefen hat und ein großes Geheimnis hat, so dass der Leser auch noch eine Spannungskurve im Roman vorfindet.
Deswegen würde ich gute solide 4 Sterne vergeben. Außerdem möchte ich mich bei Edel Elements für das Rezensionsexemplar recht herzlich bedanken, was meine Meinung nicht beeinflusst hat.
Ein wirklich guter historischer Roman, ich mag es wenn Bücher Geschichte transportieren können. Aber das liegt auch daran, dass ich mich schon immer sehr für die Vergangenheit interessiert habe ;o). Trotzdem hätte er meiner Meinung nach deutlich mehr Geschichte vertragen um sich noch etwas mehr einzulassen. Ansonsten kann man es sagen, dass es ein typischer Liebesroman der Zeit ist.
Meiner Meinung nach ein solider Liebesroman im typisches Stil, ein wirklich tolles Cover (wobei ich denke, dass es eine Neuauflage ist). Der auch Höhen und Tiefen hat und ein großes Geheimnis hat, so dass der Leser auch noch eine Spannungskurve im Roman vorfindet.
Deswegen würde ich gute solide 4 Sterne vergeben. Außerdem möchte ich mich bei Edel Elements für das Rezensionsexemplar recht herzlich bedanken, was meine Meinung nicht beeinflusst hat.
October 22, 2019
This was a good read but I hate when the hero has sex with the heroine with no regard for her getting pregnant.
Our hero, Damien, is determined to find his brother's killer. This leads him to the killer's daughter, Heather, who, through a series of events, becomes the ward of an earl at the age of 4. She has no memory of her biological parents, no loss there. Her adoptive parents are wonderful.
Damien applies and gets a job as Heather's estate manager to see if she has connections to her father.
Heather, who is smart, capable and loving, has an inferiority complex due to a childhood injury that causes her to limp. She has a hard time believing Damien is enchanted with her.
I found the villain, Heather's father, beyond evil and did not really like that part of the book.
I knew what the treasure was as soon as it was mentioned which ruined part of the mystery for me.
There was a child in the book that I was sure would end up cared for. This did not happen. I think it was a missed opportunity.
The ending felt rushed to me.
There were ups and downs in the relationship but some of the scenes were very touching.
I think most people would enjoy this book.
Our hero, Damien, is determined to find his brother's killer. This leads him to the killer's daughter, Heather, who, through a series of events, becomes the ward of an earl at the age of 4. She has no memory of her biological parents, no loss there. Her adoptive parents are wonderful.
Damien applies and gets a job as Heather's estate manager to see if she has connections to her father.
Heather, who is smart, capable and loving, has an inferiority complex due to a childhood injury that causes her to limp. She has a hard time believing Damien is enchanted with her.
I found the villain, Heather's father, beyond evil and did not really like that part of the book.
I knew what the treasure was as soon as it was mentioned which ruined part of the mystery for me.
There was a child in the book that I was sure would end up cared for. This did not happen. I think it was a missed opportunity.
The ending felt rushed to me.
There were ups and downs in the relationship but some of the scenes were very touching.
I think most people would enjoy this book.
January 31, 2026
Meh. It was ok. The story was fairly predictable and none of the characters were particularly fleshed out. Most of the interactions between MCs were tedious and dry.
2.5 stars. The book equivalent of lukewarm coffee. Not horrific, and you might finish it because it’s there, but not really enjoyable either.
I wouldn’t reread it, but at least I made it through it.
Ps: If I ever tell my romantic partner that I do not want to talk to them, and they decide to coordinate with a family member to stage a “soft kidnapping” that involves grabbing me and tossing me in a moving coach after dark- I’m putting arsinic in BOTH their tea cups. Just sayin
2.5 stars. The book equivalent of lukewarm coffee. Not horrific, and you might finish it because it’s there, but not really enjoyable either.
I wouldn’t reread it, but at least I made it through it.
Ps: If I ever tell my romantic partner that I do not want to talk to them, and they decide to coordinate with a family member to stage a “soft kidnapping” that involves grabbing me and tossing me in a moving coach after dark- I’m putting arsinic in BOTH their tea cups. Just sayin
October 6, 2017
DNF
Not abominable. Just incompetent writing.
Not abominable. Just incompetent writing.
March 31, 2020
Totally romantic
The story of hard won love and trust against the backdrop of evil is beautifully expressed in this amazing read!
The story of hard won love and trust against the backdrop of evil is beautifully expressed in this amazing read!
not-for-me
June 4, 2025The h has limp.
April 13, 2014
Saya kasih buku ini 3 bintang. Terlalu nge-fluff. Agak boring. Heroinenya tipe beta-female, jadi kurang greget. Terlalu minder sama kondisi dirinya dan pesimis banget sama nasibnya sendiri. Bukan tipikal heroine yang saya suka. Yah, ga nyalahin juga sih. Soalnya mungkin memang author sengaja membuat karakternya begitu.
Dua puluh tahun sebelum setting cerita dimulai--anggap aja prolog--ada seorang Earl yang sakit parah dalam perjalanannya ke London dan meninggal dunia di sebuah penginapan. Sebelum meninggal, si Earl tsb sempat berpesan kepada pesuruh di penginapan itu untuk menyerahkan kotak perhiasan milik istri si Earl tadi dan bilang kalo di dalam kotak perhiasan itu ada harta yang tak ternilai harganya. Didorong oleh rasa tamak, pesuruh itu malah mengambil kotak perhiasan itu dan membawanya pulang. Di rumah dia menceritakan 'penemuannya' ke istrinya, dan keesokan harinya istrinya malah mencuri kotak perhiasan itu dan kabur sambil membawa anak perempuan mereka. Si pesuruh ini marah besar, mabuk, dan membunuh 2 orang pria saat ia dalam pengaruh alkohol. Dijebloskanlah ke penjara Newgate selama dua puluh tahun.
Cerita bergulir ke masa dua puluh tahun setelahnya, di mana Damien Lewis melamar pekerjaan menjadi manager estate demi menyelidiki kematian kakak laki-lakinya. Pemilik estate tsb ternyata seorang perempuan muda dan cantik (tapi sayangnya pincang) bernama Heather Duval. Well, Heather ini adalah anak angkat dari seorang Earl, yang diangkat jadi anak setelah kedua orangtuanya meninggal dalam kecelakaan kereta. Dan peninggalan satu-satunya dari ibunya Heather adalah sebuah kotak perhiasan. Sampai di sini rasanya cerita sudah ketebak banget tentang siapa jati diri Heather sebenarnya. Apalagi karena pelaku pembunuhan kakak laki-laki Damien sudah ketauan di awal cerita.
Yah, mungkin itulah yang bikin novel ini terasa begitu flat.... konflik cuma terjadi ketika Heather mengetahui siapa Damien sebenarnya, siapa jati diri kedua orangtua Heather, dan saat Heather-Damien berkonfrontasi dengan vilain di cerita ini.
Dua puluh tahun sebelum setting cerita dimulai--anggap aja prolog--ada seorang Earl yang sakit parah dalam perjalanannya ke London dan meninggal dunia di sebuah penginapan. Sebelum meninggal, si Earl tsb sempat berpesan kepada pesuruh di penginapan itu untuk menyerahkan kotak perhiasan milik istri si Earl tadi dan bilang kalo di dalam kotak perhiasan itu ada harta yang tak ternilai harganya. Didorong oleh rasa tamak, pesuruh itu malah mengambil kotak perhiasan itu dan membawanya pulang. Di rumah dia menceritakan 'penemuannya' ke istrinya, dan keesokan harinya istrinya malah mencuri kotak perhiasan itu dan kabur sambil membawa anak perempuan mereka. Si pesuruh ini marah besar, mabuk, dan membunuh 2 orang pria saat ia dalam pengaruh alkohol. Dijebloskanlah ke penjara Newgate selama dua puluh tahun.
Cerita bergulir ke masa dua puluh tahun setelahnya, di mana Damien Lewis melamar pekerjaan menjadi manager estate demi menyelidiki kematian kakak laki-lakinya. Pemilik estate tsb ternyata seorang perempuan muda dan cantik (tapi sayangnya pincang) bernama Heather Duval. Well, Heather ini adalah anak angkat dari seorang Earl, yang diangkat jadi anak setelah kedua orangtuanya meninggal dalam kecelakaan kereta. Dan peninggalan satu-satunya dari ibunya Heather adalah sebuah kotak perhiasan. Sampai di sini rasanya cerita sudah ketebak banget tentang siapa jati diri Heather sebenarnya. Apalagi karena pelaku pembunuhan kakak laki-laki Damien sudah ketauan di awal cerita.
Yah, mungkin itulah yang bikin novel ini terasa begitu flat.... konflik cuma terjadi ketika Heather mengetahui siapa Damien sebenarnya, siapa jati diri kedua orangtua Heather, dan saat Heather-Damien berkonfrontasi dengan vilain di cerita ini.
March 4, 2026
This book was an amazing one. I love how the two main characters, Heather and Damien, met. I
loved what Heather had to say about Damien: "a glimpse of some elusive emotion shuttered deep in his soul...". Damien also sees something dark in Heather by just looking a her painting in her office. This book had so much! There was a fight between Heather and her sister and they made up in such a beautiful way. The love her "Papa" and "Mama" showed her was extraordinary. They notice something different in Heather and were always there to help Heather. Every chapter of this book was worth reading. I felt like the resolution was kind of rushed, or maybe it is just because I wanted the book to be longer because it was so good. Damien always tried helping lift Heather's spirits up. Heather was too hard on herself. She is a character, that I, for the first time, feel a connection too. Heather just wants love for who she is and Damien was able to give that to her. Damien was an amazing person. He did not use Heather to find his brother's murderer even though he easily could have. Overall, this book really impressed me and I would highly recommend it to people who likes reading about main characters who have low self-esteem.
loved what Heather had to say about Damien: "a glimpse of some elusive emotion shuttered deep in his soul...". Damien also sees something dark in Heather by just looking a her painting in her office. This book had so much! There was a fight between Heather and her sister and they made up in such a beautiful way. The love her "Papa" and "Mama" showed her was extraordinary. They notice something different in Heather and were always there to help Heather. Every chapter of this book was worth reading. I felt like the resolution was kind of rushed, or maybe it is just because I wanted the book to be longer because it was so good. Damien always tried helping lift Heather's spirits up. Heather was too hard on herself. She is a character, that I, for the first time, feel a connection too. Heather just wants love for who she is and Damien was able to give that to her. Damien was an amazing person. He did not use Heather to find his brother's murderer even though he easily could have. Overall, this book really impressed me and I would highly recommend it to people who likes reading about main characters who have low self-esteem.
August 26, 2012
an ok romance with a beautiful, kind but independent, disabled woman. She meets a duke in disguise, who is searching for his brother's killer. She hires Mr. Lewis to manage her estate and an attraction sparks. Like Kevin Bacon they are connected by degrees, although she is not aware how.
Heather is kind, good and has managed to stifle dreams of marriage,and thought she had come to terms with her lack of opportunities. She struggles with jealousy, resentment and anger when she is once again forced to accept what life has dealt her.
Abuse, adoption, and acceptance are dealt with by Samantha James while telling the story.
Heather is kind, good and has managed to stifle dreams of marriage,and thought she had come to terms with her lack of opportunities. She struggles with jealousy, resentment and anger when she is once again forced to accept what life has dealt her.
Abuse, adoption, and acceptance are dealt with by Samantha James while telling the story.
February 20, 2009
Heather Duval is the orphaned ward of an Earl and loved as their daughter. She runs her own estate and hires Damien Tremayne as her estate manager, although Damien is actually an Earl himself looking for the murderer of his brother who he believes to be Heather's biological father. An excellent story with interesting characters, mystery and love. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Samantha James.
August 12, 2017
Regency romance with sex.
If you're a stickler for historical accuracy, skip this one. I hated it. The story reads like a teenager wrote it. I was floored by how many people thought this was good.
The whole story is based on the premise that in 1815 a man can murder people & get sent to Newgate for 20 years. I rather think that in 1815 a man who murders more than one person gets a one way ticket to the gallows. Story over.
If you're a stickler for historical accuracy, skip this one. I hated it. The story reads like a teenager wrote it. I was floored by how many people thought this was good.
The whole story is based on the premise that in 1815 a man can murder people & get sent to Newgate for 20 years. I rather think that in 1815 a man who murders more than one person gets a one way ticket to the gallows. Story over.
July 19, 2017
Wow! This book is 20 years old?!
Still an enjoyable read. Glad that the evil birth father got his comeuppance...the treasure he'd been seeking being borderline corny. But I'm happy for Damien & Heather.
Did Bea ever get her own story?
Still an enjoyable read. Glad that the evil birth father got his comeuppance...the treasure he'd been seeking being borderline corny. But I'm happy for Damien & Heather.
Did Bea ever get her own story?
December 26, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, both the main characters were likeable.
July 23, 2013
So. Much. Melo.
historical
January 9, 2019Heather Duval, the Earl of Stonehurst's orphaned ward, has always known she will never marry. But she is content running the earl's grand country manor -- until Damien Tremayne hires on as estate manager. Then Heather suddenly fears her world may never be the same. Intense and fiercely passionate, Damien arouses feelings long denied -- with only one kiss
Questions about his brother's murder have led Damien to this place ... and to Heather. And though desire and destiny seem to bind them, he must battle his dangerous attraction to this beauty. There are shattering secrets to be faced and lies to be untangled. Yet what if the truth destroys her trust in him ... and imperils them both? (less)
Questions about his brother's murder have led Damien to this place ... and to Heather. And though desire and destiny seem to bind them, he must battle his dangerous attraction to this beauty. There are shattering secrets to be faced and lies to be untangled. Yet what if the truth destroys her trust in him ... and imperils them both? (less)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews