The Heir

"The Heir" by Johanna Lindsey [Lindsey, Johanna], published by Harper Large Print;Avon. The many wondrous gifts of Johanna Lindsey—her fiery and endearing characters, her enthralling stories, her ingenious blending of passion, wit, and emotion—are all on glorious display in this unforgettable tale about an unwanted title and an unexpected love.Has anyone in London ever taken part in the coming-out Season with less enthusiasm than Sabrina? Luckily, the most sought-after lady in the city has agreed to usher this young, lovely country girl through the perils and pitfalls of her all-important first season.Dashing highlander Duncan MacTavish is even less keen to be in London. Having recently learned he is the sole heir of an English marquis, Duncan is now required to assume his grandfather's title and estates—and to marry Sabrina's ravishing, viper-tongued guide, who has been heard to make scathing statements in public about her ''Scottish barbarian'' groom-to-be.His unwanted betrothal, however, has brought Duncan into close proximity with the enchanting Sabrina—a kindred spirit whose wit delights him . . . and whose essence is the exquisite stuff of dreams. But duty, station, and a secret that dwells in the lady's past forbid Sabrina's and Duncan's desired union—unless true love can somehow miraculously find a way. Amazon.com ReviewSetting: London, 19th centurySensuality Rating: 7A stranger in a strange land, Highlander Duncan MacTavish finds himself summoned to the bedside of his dying grandfather, Lord Neville Thackeray, whom he has never met. This is only the first in a series of unwelcome surprises for the brawny Scot, who was perfectly content to take over as laird of the clan MacTavish. Saddled with a fiancée he doesn't like, Ophelia, whose beauty is surpassed only by her waspish nature; far from the home and life he loves; and being pressured by the autocratic Marquis of Birmingdale to toe the line of English respectability, Duncan meets the Honorable Sabrina Lambert and finds her a breath of fresh air in the stifling atmosphere of the English house party.Unfortunately, scandalous rumors taint Sabrina's family name, practically ensuring that she will never be able to secure an advantageous match. Duncan's only friend to help him endure the machinations of Ophelia and a seemingly endless parade of other eligible young women, Sabrina is adept at making him laugh. After all, she spent most of her life diffusing the tension between her battling maiden aunts, who reared her after her parents' tragic deaths. But Duncan slowly begins to realize that his feelings for Sabrina are more than ''friendly.'' Duncan and Sabrina's complicated courtship is classic Lindsey! Fans of the author who wait with bated breath for each new offering won't be disappointed with The Heir. --Alison TrinkleFrom School Library JournalYA-Sabrina Lambert is popular due to her personality and wit, not her looks. Her friend, the beautiful yet heartless and spiteful Ophelia Reid, resents her own arranged engagement to Duncan MacTavish, a ''barbaric'' highlander. After she insults him at his own party, hoping to end their relationship in front of London's in-crowd, Duncan throws her out, making her the laughing stock of the town. He finds a true friend in Sabrina, who makes him laugh and feel completely at ease. A jealous Ophelia notices all of this and plans her revenge. The story line is satisfying: a nice girl with personality and intellect gets a chance at Prince Charming or ''The Heir.'' Change the dress and time period, and this romance and its characters will hit home with many YAs who get passed over because they are not considered ''beautiful.''-Lisa Muir, Poe Middle School, Annandale, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. Book details: published 2000. Order now on BookShops.in with fast, reliable delivery across India.