"This historical does not live up to some of the author's other works."

From any author it would be great, however, from Johanna Lindsey, it is so much less than her previous titles.

Poor Sabrina, the poor granddaughter of an English nobleman, who always feels out of place in the glamourous world she is expected to be part of. If not for the guidance of Ophelia, she would be adrift in a world of strangers. Unfortunately, the guidance of Ophelia is not the boon Sabrina once thought it was.

Duncan MacTavish, the handsome, tall, and broad-shouldered Scotsman, enters society unwillingly and under a strong sense of family obligation. He finds himself tied to Ophelia, but not as romantically as he had hoped for. She detests him for his coarse Scottish ways, and he finds himself more attracted to Sabrina, the quiet yet witty girl he is not supposed to even notice, let alone love.

Of course, only one thing can happen in this situation. Duncan and Sabrina realize they love each other and both families are scandalized. Since when has family approval been required when true love is on the line?

The characters in this story rang false. They weren't fully developed and I had a difficult time relating to their thoughts and emotions. The supporting characters seemed flat, definitely not the three-dimensional masterpieces Lindsey created so effortlessly in her previous books, including ANGEL, ONCE A PRINCESS, and MAN OF MY DREAMS.

THE HEIR was a fast read that might not have been the most exciting thing I've ever read, and from any other author I might have been satisfied. But from Johanna Lindsey, I just expected a little more.

Reviewed by Kelley Hartshorn
Posted October 13, 2002

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Summary

Has anyone in London ever taken part in the coming-out season with less enthusiasmthan Sabrina? She is young, lovely, and possesses a sparkling wit, yet she knows she is but a simple orphaned country girl—whose grandfather just happened to have been a nobleman—and therefore feels dreadfully out of place. Luckily Ophelia, the daughter of a family friend, has been chosen to usher Sabrina through the perils and pitfalls of this all-important first season.What better guide than thisterribly sophisticated blond beauty who is the most sought-after lady in the city?

Even less keen to be in London is Duncan MacTavish. Having lived twenty-one deliriously contented years in the Scottish Highlands, he has recently learned he is the sole heir of an English Marquis and is now required to assume his grandfather's title and estates. Worse still, a betrothal has already been arranged without his consent to the ravishing, viper-tongued Ophelia, who has been heard to make scathing statements in public about her Scottish barbarian groom-to-be.

Bad circumstance, however, can sometimes have distinctly pleasurable advantages, especially when his unwanted intended's sudden desire to repentbrings the dashing highlander into close proximity with the enchanting Sabrina. Now this is a woman for whom Duncan would willingly abandon hisbeloved Scotland: a kindred spirit whose wit delights him...and whose essence is the exquisite stuff ofdreams. But duty and station forbid Sabrina's andDuncan's desired union. And a ecret dwells in thelady's past, and it threatens their romance. Under such adverse conditions a match that should be,a passion that must be, cannot possibly be— unless true love can somehow, miraculously find a way.