Stealing Sophie

Highland Dreamers #1

by Sarah Gabriel

Connor MacPherson, a Highland laird turned outlaw, steals a bride to honour a promise, although a wife is the last thing he needs. He mistakenly abducts Sophie—recently returned from a French convent. Quickly wedded, passionately bedded and now captive, Sophie cannot escape—but an ancient faery curse decrees that she must never fall in love. How can she get away before the handsome outlaw steals her heart as well? Sophie's only weapon is her saintly reputation—and soon she makes Connor's life hell by creating heaven around him, gambling that the brigand will let her go just to escape her constant sweetness and womanly influence in his Highland lair. When Connor deliberately employs his reputation as a dark ruffian and a passionate lover, he turns the tables on Sophie's plans. But as his remarkable bride works her natural magic on him, Connor soon realises that he must shield Sophie from those who want her for their own evil ends—while protecting his own heart.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Susan King, née Longhi, is a multi-published, bestselling, award-winning author and a former art history lecturer. She holds a B.A. in art and an M.A. and most of a Ph.D. in art history, with postgraduate work in medieval studies. Her books are widely praised for historical detail and a lyrical writing style, and she has won multiple honors and awards for her novels written as Susan King, Sarah Gabriel, and Susan Fraser King. Susan visits Scotland as often as possible for research and relaxation, and lives in Maryland with her family.

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in the mood for something light that didn't require much focus or concentration since I seemed to be sorely lacking in focus and concentration today. Stealing Sophie fit the bill. This book was a boilerplate Scottish romance - Sophie and Connor meet; Connor and Sophie are at odds with each other; Sophie and Connor realize that they have feelings for each other; Campbell (the villain) threatens Sophie and Connor's relationship; Connor and Sophie find their HEA.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to devour romances... what happened? Is it me? Is it the romances? Two and half stars would have been more accurate for my rating. Maybe a new system wherein I count how many times I roll my eyes during a book?

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this dated romance by Sarah Gabriel. A solid 3.5-star romance. It had so many characteristics that I really like to experience in a romance. There is a touch of barbaric danger, a massively hunky highlander with a contradiction of behaviors, a steamy sexual attraction, a brave and gentle heroine who can let off sparks, and wrap it all up with a ribbon of magic. It all starts with a bride stealing, winds through dangerous political plots, and ends in a destined sacrifice. While the pattern of the plot may not be new, it will certainly be memorable. Miss Gabriel is commended on a job well done. Some readers may like a spicier read with a little more rough and tumble elements, but I believe this romance will appeal to most all for it reads like a true "fairy tale." And who doesn't like their fairy tales?

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author seriously I'm not exaggerating here, wrote the same paragraph or two about the stupid fairies about six or so times throughout the entire book. VERY ANNOYING! If you're going to talk about the magic, at least put a little bit here, a little bit there. Sprinkle the magic, don't dump it over our heads every chance you get.

[Jessica Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this review a 4 out of 5, because this story moved me in emotions throughout the story. I felt like I was right there with Sophie. I thought the author did a nice job with the word play, and the ending was very good. keep up the good work.

[g ster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stealing Sophie

great story. love the descriptions of the area. well written kept my interest through the whole book. I recommend it.

[Kayla(paperbacksandroses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! I liked the Fairy Magic aspect that Sophie and Kate were born with.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story would have served better as a short story.