Love Me Forever by Johanna Lindsey

I figured it was only a matter of time before I came across a book that I’d re-read in the past and loved, only to do another re-read and realize that huge chunks of it were fairly ridiculous. And yet, I was still fairly glued to the book and couldn’t put it down.

One-Sentence Synopsis
A Scotsman trying to steal the wife of a duke and a plain young woman forced by her father to find a husband start out as enemies but eventually become more. Full a full synopsis, see this book’s Goodreads page.

The Good Stuff
In the past, this was one of my favorite books, and there’s still some good things about it. Many of the character interactions are funny, and I like Kimberly, even though she’s almost stupidly innocent about things of an adult nature.

For the most part, it’s fun romantic fluff that scratches the itch for something you know is going to turn out okay in the end.

Things That Made Me Go Hmmm
First, there is so much going on in this book. It’s like someone tried to cram 6 different plots into one story. Besides the main plot of Lachlan and Kimberly trying to figure their stuff out, there’s also a side plot of someone framing Lachlan for stealing horses, there’s drama with Kimberly’s father, there’s drama when Lachlan takes her home, there’s lighter drama with Kimberly’s other father…the book never stops throwing new plot bunnies in the way, and at times it feels a little cluttered.

I’m not sure how I’ve never seen Lachlan as a complete douche before. He spends the first part of the book convinced he can seduce a married woman, he’s not nice to Kimberly at all when he first meets her, and then he sneaks into her room and gets all up in her business while she’s sleeping, not even taking into account the fact that she’s trying to find a husband and he just ruined her. Then he tells her that the looks she gave him throughout the evening indicated she wanted him and was experienced in sex. So yes, essentially we have a rape and victim blaming if you want to break it down like that, and I sort of couldn’t help myself from seeing it that way.

Oh, and then to top it all off, Kimberly hears him the next morning still trying to seduce the married woman! Seriously, dude.

The Romance Factor
So I’ve read a lot of these books, and as far as the rape thing went, I’ve read blatant rape scenes by this author, ones that weren’t cloaked in “being awoken by feelings of passion” or whatever. This might be why I still got into the romance of the book later. Somehow, Lachlan goes from douche to complete sap and Kimberly thinking he doesn’t love her brings the feels. So while I’m conflicted, I also still enjoyed the love story that eventually develops. I just wish Lachlan wasn’t such a horrible person at the beginning. 3/5

The Steam Factor
The sexy times are fairly tame, though you definitely know what’s going on. No purple prose here, as we stick to vague terms like “length,” “warmth,” and “shuddering” to talk about the key points of coupling. 3/5

Final Thoughts
This book definitely reads different now that I am older, and the parts that drove me nuts really drove me nuts. But when the book finds its groove with regards to the romance, I still enjoyed the sappy cheesy relationship between the leads.

Stormy Persuasion by Johanna Lindsey

Johanna Lindsey was my favorite author when I was young (as in middle school young). The first book I read of hers was a Mallory Family novel and I was hooked (Gentle Rogue, btw…and I’m still a fan of James Mallory). Sadly, I was disappointed in the last Mallory novel I read, so I wasn’t entirely sure how I was going to like this one.

One-Sentence Synopsis
A smuggler looking to be pardoned boards a ship to America, not realizing that he’ll be traveling with a young woman he just can’t ignore. For a full synopsis, see this book’s Goodreads page.

The Good Stuff
It took me a few chapters to warm up to Judith and Jack, the daughters of Anthony and James Mallory respectively, but when I did, I really enjoyed them. I liked the contrast between them: Judith’s femininity and quiet to Jack’s tomboyishness and brash nature. I especially liked what I hoped was a glimpse at Jack’s story.

Overall, I liked this book. It took me back to the things I loved about the earlier novels, including fun banter, a sweet “we shouldn’t be together” romance, and angst galore. Nathan was delightful, and I enjoyed the damsel in distress twist the story took, as well as the light, but important mystery that added to the story.

Things That Made Me Go Hmmm
The Mallory saga has gotten so big, that I found much of the book to be exposition and weird dialogue meant to remind the reader of all the different members of the family. I found this somewhat distracting, and at times a little weird. There were conversations that rehashed something about a past character that didn’t feel like a real conversation. Seriously, if both people were in a situation, why rehash the whole thing? Oh yeah…to remind the reader about it.

The Romance Factor
I thought Nathan and Judith were adorable, though Judith pissed me off a bit when she pulled the distrust card. On one hand, it added to the delicious drama, but on the other hand…seriously, girl….get it together! To be fair, he was a smuggler. Still, I guess true love couldn’t conquer all too early. 3/5

The Steam Factor
Once again remembering when I was young, I thought these books were so scandalous. Now that I’m older and have read a varied amount of steamy romance and erotica, I realize just how tame these are. There are no dirty details, but there is just enough of a description to let you know what’s going on, and it manages to give a hint of sensuality. 3/5

Final Thoughts
I was happy to find that nostalgic feel of the original Mallory novels with this one. I even give it a bonus thumb up because it pulls from backstory that may have been forgotten by most readers. Now, I play the waiting game because I really want to see what happens with Jack.

The Heir by Johanna Lindsey

I’ve read this book about seven or eight times. Every couple years, I get the urge to read it again, probably because I love the imperfect heroine and the friends to lovers trope that goes with it. This is obviously an older book, but for me, it’s one that still holds up.

One-Sentence Synopsis
A Scottish Lord becomes friends with a woman who’s name is attached to scandal and finds himself falling in love with her despite his grandfathers’ machinations and the gossip and drama from his spoiled betrothed. Read the fully synopsis on this book’s Goodreads page.

The Good Stuff
This book is sweet. I love the friendship between the main characters and how it very subtly shifts. Duncan and Sabrina have a great chemistry, and I’m a sucker for the heroine who’s plain and doesn’t think she’s worthy of the hunky hero. The antagonist, Ophelia, is a character you just love to hate, though it makes it easier knowing she gets her own story in the sequel to this one.

Also, this book features one of my favorite first kiss scenes ever. Outside in a thunderstorm. I don’t know why it’s my favorite, but it gives me warm fuzzies every time I read it.

Things That Made Me Go Hmmm
Every time I read this book, I find the Scottish grandfather more annoying and meddlesome. He’s shallow and narrow minded and doesn’t know when to shut up.

The Romance Factor
5/5. This trope makes me happy, and I love that these two have to overcome many obstacles to get their HEA. Also, sad Duncan is adorable.

The Steam Factor
Though sweet, this book isn’t over the top with the sex scenes. However, the “accidental” carriage lovemaking is fun, and sexy times on the bear skin rug is a little blush inducing. 3/5.

Final Thoughts
Johanna Lindsey was one of my first and favorite authors. Some of her more recent books don’t resonate with me like her older ones, so I’m glad I have ones like this that I can re-read over and over and never get tired of.