Beware a Scot's Revenge (School for Heiresses, Book 3) Reviews

• Sparks fly in this funny, sexy and sweet romance

  
  By A14GEA3EZCYCRK on 2007-05-25
  Sir Lachlan Ross steals his enemy's daughter, but has his heart stolen in return in this fun and satisfying "road trip" romance. Lachlan has tried for years to collect an old (and large) family debt from the Earl of Duncannon, but the earl denies he owes the money. Times are hard in the Scottish Highlands, and Lachlan's clan - of which he is laird - desperately needs the money to survive. To compensate, Lachlan dons the guise of the "Scottish Scourge" and robs the earl's wealthy friends. Duncannon guesses the Scourge's identity and sends men to rough him up as a warning. Things get out of hand, however, and Lachlan is severely wounded - and almost dies. The earl is told that Lachlan does die, but instead he secretly recuperates and plans his revenge.
  
  Six months later and still healing, a determined Lachlan kidnaps the earl's daughter Venetia to hold for ransom. Lachlan and Venetia knew each other as children, but she moved to London and he has not set eyes on her in sixteen years. He assumes she will be a selfish, snooty, simpering and spoiled society miss, but Lachlan is in for a rude awakening. The beautiful Venetia is smart and tough and generous and resourceful - and quite irresistible to her suddenly conflicted captor.
  
  I like road trip romances like this where the couple start out sniping and snarling, but grow ever fonder of each other as the miles pass. In this instance, there is a lot of underlying fondness at the outset, and it's fun to watch as it works its way to the surface. Lachlan and Venetia are extremely likeable leads. Though there is a natural friction between abductor and abductee, there is no silly game-playing between the two. Their frank dialogue and refreshingly honest attraction - often augmented with humor - are probably the best parts of the book. "Beware of a Scot's Revenge" is classic Sabrina Jeffries - funny, sexy and sweet. The author is clearly back on track a la her excellent "Royal Brotherhood" series after a few mediocre entries in between. I have always liked Ms. Jeffries and when she is on - as she is here - the result is truly satisfying.
  
  

• Best in the series! (so far). A fun, sexy romp through Scotland

  
  By A13A1OLJIIYJCH on 2007-05-21
  Another great book by Sabrina Jeffries. In my opinion, this is the best in the School for Heiresses series, and a top favorite among all of her books. (Yes, I have read them all.) The Scotish Scourge kidnaps his enemy's daugther, but very little goes as planned. The story takes us on a fun romp through Scotland, (a welcome relief from the stuffy London ball rooms), and introduces us to a great hero/heroine pair, plus a handful of secondary characters. If I had more time I'd write a more detailed review, but let me quickly say that any S.J. fan (or those who simply like steamy, fun romances) will not be disappointed.
  
  

• Excellent !

  
  By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2007-06-25
  What a excellent treat - I couldn't put it down - even read by candle light when the power went out!!! Venetia travels to Scotland only to kidnapped by The Scottist Scourge. Both characters were strong and funny. Great love story but more important a great plot!
  
  Check out the whole School for Heiresses series; Never Seduce a Scoundrel (1) ,Only a Duke Will Do (2) , School for Heiresses anthology came early 2007, Beware a Scot's Revenge (3), Once a Rake, Always a Rake (4 - due out March 2008), Book 5 due out fall 2008 and finally, in 2009, Charlotte Harris and Cousin Michael will get a book of their own!!!
  
  

• Angst and true love in the Highlands

  
  By ABXBWSPM6YHAI on 2007-09-28
  There are still a few romance writers that I still enjoy these days, who can turn out a novel that goes a bit farther than a lot of billing and cooing in various historical costumes and settings. One of the more critical aspects for me is to have a heroine and hero who actually matter -- I'm not talking about social status or any of that fluff, but rather that they have distinct characters and motivations to them. Otherwise, a novel will just fall flat and be very forgettable.
  
  Lady Venetia Campbell is the only child of the Earl of Duncannon. While she was born in Scotland, she has only dim memories of the place, and has spent most of her life in London. And despite several offers of marriage, she has refused them all -- she wants to marry someone that will care for her herself, not the wealth that she can provide. When the opportunity comes to visit Edinburgh during the festivities for the visit of King George IV, Venetia eagerly takes the opportunity to go.
  
  But little does she know that she's about to become a pawn for revenge. There are rumors that the Scottish Scourge is dead, but others claim that the notorious highwayman is still about. When Venetia meets a strapping, handsome Highlander in his regimentals at a masked ball, she can hardly resist the charm that he seems to have. That will quickly change when he has the audacity to kidnap her.
  
  Soon enough she finds out that her abductor is a friend of her childhood -- Sir Lachlan Ross -- and he has quite a quarrel with her father, the earl. Enough to where he demands a hefty ransom for her return. What he didn't count on was that Venetia would be enticing and spirited, and more than a match for him.
  
  How all of this comes to a resolution is what keeps this a page turner. The romance between Lachlan and Venetia is one of equals, and the heroine gives just as good as she gets, with enough fire between them to set a forest ablaze. There are plenty of complications to move the story along, with several dark family secrets, real reasons for the hero to have his plot for revenge, and plenty of actual detail for the reader to think about, and give the story a believable base.
  
  In fact, it's the extra details that Sabrina Jeffries brings to the story that sold it to me. In 1822, King George IV made a visit to Scotland, where the events were organized by none other than Sir Walter Scott (the former Prince Regent was very fond of his novels), and the wearing of tartan and what customs we think of as Scottish today were introduced. The visit was wildly popular. Sadly, however, the custom of Scottish landlords evicting the tenant farmers from their lands to introduce sheep farming was also wildly popular -- the devastating results of this can still be seen in Scotland today, and how it came to be that so many people in the United States and Canada have Scottish ancestry. Another interesting subplot involves the art of distilling whiskey. Most of this is covered in the author's afterword.
  
  This was a fun read, perfect for light reading and a pair of lovers that have both charm and plenty of spirit to them. An excerpt from Jeffries' next novel is provided as well. In any case, this one is going to be kept, always a positive factor for me.
  
  Four stars overall. Recommended.
  
  

• Great!

  
  By A281XY154L652X on 2007-05-23
  I've loved just about everything Sabrina Jeffries has written and this definitely didn't disappoint! After reading the back cover description, I had my doubts. After all, there are a zillion family feud kidnapping stories out there. However, Ms. Jeffries' latest brings fun, interesting characters, good dialogue and originality to this tried-and-true plotline. Snippets of letters between Mrs. Harris and 'Cousin Michael' at the beginning of each chapter are entertaining and I can't wait for their book to come out!
  
  I wasn't nuts about 'Only a Duke Will Do' but I'm glad I kept on with the series. The 'School for Heiresses' anthology was good, and this latest installment is definitely my favorite of the series so far. Doesn't quite surpass my favorite Sabrina Jeffries, 'One Night with a Prince' (Royal Brotherhood book 3), but definitely a good read.
  
  
• One Of Her Best
  By AXW9PCV9C1RS6 on 2007-07-10
  Here's what's great about Sabrina Jeffries: she makes even the most cliched premise (and really, there's little more cliched in romance novels than the "I kidnapped you, now I love you" trope) seem fresh and fun. In this novel, we meet Lachlan, a proud and honorable Scot out for revenge against the man he feels led to the ruination of his beloved land and clan. The problem? That man is also the father of our heroine, Venetia, a young woman Lachlan knew and liked when both were children. Despite his fond memories of Venetia, Lachlan plans to kidnap her in order to force her father to pay him the money Lachlan believes he stole from him. Lachlan also plans to call the man out, which essentially means Venetia's father will die at Lachlan's hand.
  
  As Venetia and Lachlan travel to Lachlan's home in the Highlands, they tempt fate by indulging their mutual attraction. Before long, Venetia is talking marriage, and the two butt heads over whether Lachlan's affections are sincere (they are) and how he should handle Venetia's father (Lachlan's pride demands that he follow through on his initial plan; Venetia doesn't wish for any more bloodshed).
  
  The central conflict in this novel is very strong, in that both Venetia and Lachlan have a point. Lachlan has every right to avenge his enemy, while Venetia can't get over the fact that her future husband should not be the one to kill the father she loves, no matter what the circumstances. The best scenes-- besides the sexy love scenes, of course--are those in which the two leads debate and negotiate the limits of Lachlan's vengeance.
  
  As always, Sabrina Jeffries proves herself to be a master at weaving history, Scottish slang, and naughty ballad lyrics into the fast-moving plot. Venetia is also immensely appealing and clever, while Lachlan is both stoic and wonderfully romantic when the mood strikes him. There's never a dull moment, either. If you're a Sabrina Jeffries fan who has been disappointed in this new series so far, don't worry: this novel should renew your love of this great writer.
  
  
• Sweet Revenge For Sure!
  By AETY1NQUVDW6J on 2007-07-15
  1822 England and Scotland
  
  BEWARE A SCOT'S REVENGE is a terrific story! The best so far in THE SCHOOL FOR HEIRESS SERIES!
  
  Very Enjoyable!
  
  
  
• Not as good as her "Prince" trilogy
  By AD8V3ZCH2WEEA on 2007-06-17
  I didn't like this book and here's why:
  
  Too much sex. I know it's a romance novel but some love scenes (especially in the later portion of the book) seemed superfluous to the plotting. Also, the sex seemed very anachronistic. Venetia didn't act like the virgin she supposedly was.
  
  The ending was a little bit too neat. I don't want to give anything away, but the burgeoning relationship between Venetia's father and Lachlan's mother didn't seem very probable. It seemed tacked on. Maybe the author felt that every single loose end had to be tied up. Tying things up seemed to be a theme in this book.
  
  This book kind of reminds me of an 80's style romance but updated to be even raunchier that it's decade's old counterpart.
  
  Overall I was disappointed. I really liked her "Prince" trilogy. I thought that "Only A Duke Will Do" was just okay. With this book, I feel like Ms. Jeffries is getting worse, not better. I do think she is a talented writer, but this book doesn't show it.
  
  
• The most enjoyable romance I've read in a long time
  By A15RZE7LOVMBOB on 2007-06-23
  I've read dozens of historical romances, and this is one of the few that really drew me into the story and made me enjoy the adventure so much that I literally couldn't put it down. I read it all in practically one sitting, only reluctantly putting it down after I finished it at 5AM, wishing I could have stayed immersed in the world of the story.
  
  Objectively speaking, the plot isn't the most original ever, falling into the old tried-and-true formula of a dashing but gruff hero and headstrong, willful heroine with a love-hate relationship arising out of sizzling chemistry and the clash of their wills. Indeed, the plot of the story feels a lot like those old ballads that Venetia is so fond of collecting. Very often, thread-bare plot lines like this makes the reading experience dull and boring, but, in this case, the author somehow weaves it into a fascinating and engaging narrative. A large part of the draw is the genuine wit that infuses every part of the story. Many authors attempt at repartee between the hero and heroine, but it often falls flat and fail to impress. Ms. Jeffries' writing is miles above any of her colleagues; this book is the only one that had me laughing out loud as I read it. The author has a gift for nuanced humor, which is rare in the field of pulp novels. Sometimes, the diction feels a little anachronistic, but as I am no expert on 19th century colloqial English, this is hardly conclusive. Also, some parts of a couple love scenes feels a little odd, as I found it a bit difficult to envisage a 19th-century well-bred young lady doing some of the things; but again, that's probably more due to my preconceptions from reading other novels.
  
  One thing I really liked about this story is the broad stage the author gives her characters to inhabit. I usually read Regency romances that are set in the ballrooms of London, maybe a country estate or two; but this story ranges all over the highways and country-sides of Scotland. At times, the tone gets a bit preachy over the shift in Scotland's economy from tenant farming to sheep-grazing for wool-production; however, I didn't find it too obtrusive (she is entitled to her opinion, afterall). The most entrancing aspect of the book, though, has to be the sheer energy and magnetism of the two lead characters. Sure, Venetia might look like your average willful heroine on the surface, but the author's skilled characterization made her infinitely likeable and charming, and instills the reader with a genuine appreciation for Venetia's intelligence and resourcefulness. Every character in the book felt like a complete character, and not just cliches or plot devices. Indeed, every aspect of the narrative felt well-planned and well-executed, making the reading experience feel satisfying and complete. Some might feel that it was too complete, as the ending is a bit "Happily Ever After's all around." I personally didn't mind; though some of the happy endings might not have felt completely necessary, I'm glad that everyone is as happy as possible at the end :) Without revealing too much about the plot, let me just say that it was well-paced and contains some humorous and truly surprising turns. Unlike other stories with "surprise twists," the denouements in this book do not feel arbitrary or contrived and are not only completely plausible, but actually fit well into the flow of the narrative.
  
  As for the romantic tension, most of it did feel credible and consistent with the characterizations of the hero and heroine. Very often in these romances, the author sets up barriers between the hero and heroine that just feel contrived. In this story, however, most of the interactions and frictions between the hero and heroine feel natural and organic; towards the end, perhaps, the hero is being a little frustrating, but it is in keeping with his nature. In the end, when they finally achieve their "consummation most devoutly to be wished," the reader feels genuinely happy for them (though also a little sad that the story has to end).
  
  The bottom line? Get this book! I cannot possibly recommend this book enough. It may not be perfect in every aspect, but it is certainly an outstanding work in the field of pulp romance. I myself am going to buy more of the Heiress and Royal Brotherhood series. Hopefully, I will find more shining examples of Ms. Jeffries' talent for humorous and engaging story-telling.
  
  
• Too Much Information Too Soon!
  By A2OIX4KBD3FVC5 on 2007-07-07
  This author is a pro, but for my tastes she always writes her characters a little dumb. When I read all the good reviews, I zoomed out and bought the book immediately and--eh--not so great. First off, it's hard to kidnap someone willing--you'll see what I mean when you read it. Also, the entire caper is based on a misunderstanding that seems to get resolved pretty quickly in the first carriage ride. The secondary characters are great and if you like Scottish/Celtic phrases there's a bunch here. You could do a lot worse, but I bet there will be a pile of these at the used book store. Mine sure will be.
  
  
• Wanted to like this book...
  By A2GJCYHBIFEKD2 on 2007-07-28
  I wanted to like this book, but wasn't able to get into this at all.
  
  I don't think I particularly liked either of the main characters. About 1/2 way through the book I just started skimming (I have to say I kind of liked the twist in the story about the father's secret).
  
  
• Nice Comfort Read for Scottish Romance Fans! (B- Grade)
  By A1AKQ1YUS4BT82 on 2007-06-03
  Jeffries latest in her School for Heiresses series is simply a nice read overall. If you have a weakness for Scottish heroes, than Lachlan is the man for you. Our hero is truly a nice guy who wants what is right for his clan and his mother. He also has a bit of a crush for his childhood English lady, Venetia. (I keep thinking of Venetian blinds whenever I read her name!) Venetia is that typical spunky yet spirited heroine but she and Lachlan have an ongoing contest of wills that will have you chuckling. She tries to drive him crazy as he kidnaps her from her father who Lachlan thinks did him wrong. At some point I was waiting for him to take her back because Venetia gave him more headaches then he already had.
  This book has everything from revenge to a road romance and some mysteries that are not truly solved till the very end. The love story is passionate and has Jeffries's trademark wit. Her characterizations are a gem. The overall interactions between Lachlan and Venetia are quite adorable.
  There are some clichés, but never less this story is a winner. There are no real horrible villains that make you cringe and as the reader goes along for the ride, you hope for a happily ever after for all.
  Kudos to this author for another wonderful historical romance.
  
  Katiebabs
  
  Only a Duke Will Do (The School for Heiresses)
  Never Seduce a Scoundrel (The School for Heiresses)
  The School for Heiresses
  
  
  
• AWESOME! Read in one day!
  By A2NLD011OCHEGU on 2007-06-21
  Couldn't put this book down. It was smart, fast, funny and enjoyable. Yes, there was sex in it - but hey, sex is part of romance. Personally, my husband didn't mind that I had sex and romance of the brain, lol.
  
  I was sad when I finished so fast. I will miss the characters and probably will re-read.
  
  
• pulled me in!!
  By A12QYXYD90VX3V on 2007-06-27
  I started to read this and could NOT put it down. I love the twist at the end that I did not expect. Written so well it's like watching a movie in my mind. I recommend anything that Sabrina Jeffries writes. Wit, sass, mystery, and passion. She just keeps getting better and better.
  
  
• A definate must read!
  By AHPHKVHNOY36Y on 2007-08-01
  This was a page turner, I couldn't wait for the next page and the next and the next! I recommend this book to any historical romance novel reader!
  
  
• Disappointing
  By A1K79CJIZR31C3 on 2007-08-02
  I've read and enjoyed other books in this series and saw the good reviews for this one, so I bought it and read it. Maybe I was expecting too much, but the plot and characters seemed all too predictable. I'm also getting tired of all the precipitate sex, especially for the period. How about the characters getting to know and like one another first? Maybe some of these authors should reread Georgette Heyer'; she really develops her characters.
  
  
• A solid, sensual Scottish tale!
  By A3GY30FFXXO2PB on 2007-08-18
  Maybe it's a little of my own Scottish blood, but I'm a sucker for Scots! This is one of my favorite of the School for Heiresses series; it even touches upon some of the characters in the previous books (but this book can be read independently). Venetia Campbell is kidnapped upon her visit to Scotland by her childhood neightbor, Lachlan Ross, as he attempts to demand the repayment of an outstanding family loan from her father. The story involves their journey to the Scottish Highlands, and the conflicting relationship of Venetia and Lachlan. There are some great historical accounts of the painful economical strife of the Scottish highlands that we learn through Venetia's eyes (she was raised in London). While their eventual romantic relationship can be predicted, there are some unseen plot twists nonetheless. Overall an enjoyable read with a solid story with sensual touches that keeps the pages turning!
  
  
• A book I couldn't wait to share with my girl friends.
  By A1UNFWNO79Z0BH on 2007-07-16
  I rate a book by how many of my girl friends I share it with, and I have several of them waiting their turn for this one.
  
  
• Good story
  By A2JZGZGR2X5BS7 on 2007-07-21
  This one wasn't quite as good as the others in this series, in my opinion, but it was a very nice read. A few inconsistencies, and the banter at the beginning of each chapter was fun, even though seldom related to the story line itself.
  
  
• O.k reading
  By A2C0QETLLCPTJG on 2007-08-06
  This was one of my first books by this author. I thought it was written very well. The story line was predictable, but enjoyable none the less.
  
  
• Beware a Scot's Revenge
  By A320TMDV6KCFU on 2008-01-25
  Lady Venetia Campbell's trip to her childhood home becomes much more than a trip down memory lane -she is kidnapped by Sir Lachlan Ross. Sir Lachlan is known throughout the countryside as The Scottish Scourge and is also Lady Venetia's father's sworn enemy.
  
  Venetia remembers her former neighbor, Lachlan, as a handsome young man and the center of her romantic fantasies. Older and even more handsome, Lachlan is even more enticing. Dangerously so.
  
  Although Lachlan wants to use Venetia to exact his revenge upon her father, his desire for Venetia grows. With vengeance within his grasp, Lachlan must chose between retribution and love.
  
  I just adore this series. I am crazy mad for Lachlan. He is just melts my butter. Lachlan can kidnap me any day of the week and I'd happily surrender. Venetia is very lucky indeed!
  
  Sabrina Jeffries books are auto-buys for me and I just snatched up Beware A Scot's Revenge. As with every School for Heiress novel, I closely follow the correspondence between Mrs. Harris and Cousin Michael. I am intrigued by the mysterious Cousin Michael and I can't wait for more!
  
  Annmarie
  reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
  
  
• Beware a Scot's Revenge
  By A2Y0U5ZJLFJJ3Z on 2007-06-01
  I just love this series! And Sabrina Jeffries is a great writer! She brings her characters to life. I especially love that the "couple" is on the flip, so you can visuaize what they look like.
  
  
  
• Yum! This is a slice of cheesecake and a tall mocha!
  By A3LXR0T7QD8297 on 2007-06-06
  Or maybe a bag of chips and some iced tea! Either way, get in your hammock and relax while you travel to Scotland with this group of delicious characters. Be sure to turn your phone off, because you will NOT want any interruptions.
  
  
• Great book!
  By A25KO9UPYD9GJ7 on 2007-07-15
  I loved this book. It was well written, and really great. From the very beginning I was hooked and could not put it down. Can't wait for her next book!
  
  
• a great author, an okay book
  By A3JQG759USL8TA on 2007-08-18
  As soon as I started reading this book, I knew I was in good hands. Sabrina Jeffries is a master author. I loved her language and the interesting backgound. The characters were fleshed out and hot.
  However, by the second half of the book, I felt that the story was kinda finished, as in "I got it. Done. Thank you, Ms. Jeffries!" But considering the subplots hadn't been resolved yet, I had to sit down for another 100 pages. So I rate this book a 4 star. But seeing that i am not the only one who felt this author was a pro, I ordered more of Ms. Jeffries books and hope to be wowed like other readers.
  
  
• Predictable entertainment
  By A2VWE5SGNDS8HW on 2007-10-19
  When I first discovered this author I enjoyed her books, her cute and spunky heroines, her uncomplicated plots and equally uncomplicated characters. I knew this wasn't great literature, but it was a fun a relaxing escape and unwind from the real world. It was a pleasant trip from point A to point B with no bumps in the road and all ends neatly tied up at the end.
  For some reason, I seem to have become bored with this formula. About 15 pages into this book, I had the feeling I'd read this one before. Maybe it was a reissue with a new cover? No, it's brand new. But here I am again, same one-dimensional heroine, same plot points, same silly predictability. It just doesn't seem as perky and refreshing as it did five Jeffries books ago.
  If this is your first Jeffries book, you WILL enjoy it. If you've read a few before, then you've read this one.
  
  
• Better and better!
  By A2FPD5N9PM5I6X on 2008-02-04
  One of Sabrina Jeffries' trademarks is strong heroines, and she doesn't disappoint here. Venetia is one of the best yet, and she goes blow for blow with the roguish Scottish hero. This was a fun adventure with a touching love story. Jeffries just keeps getting better!
  
  
• My favorite of hers so far
  By A4WCL0OKFKXT6 on 2008-02-09
  I really enjoyed this book of hers more than the others. I believe she did some good Scottish research. Lachlan was a great villain and hero in this story. It was nice to see the lady get at least kinda down and dirty. Venetia was not the typical helpless woman. These characters were great.
  
  
• Fun & Additive
  By A1U6RK623TXSD5 on 2008-02-14
  I started with just one of the "School for Heiress" series by Sabrina Jeffries. Watch out! Her writing style will pull you in and you won't be able to quit! I could not get enough! I had to hunt down the whole series and am still praying for more.
  
  
• Scottish Tale Well Told
  By ALCV2LFV0V8G6 on 2008-04-05
  This book had characters who were quite romantic and appealing as well as a good story line. Being Scottish, words spoken in the brogue touch me. I have read several of Sabrina's other books, liked them all, but thus far this one is my favorite. I hope to buy more of her books.
  
  

• To Pleasure a Prince (Royal Brotherhood, Book 2)
• One Night With a Prince (Royal Brotherhood, Book 3)
• The School for Heiresses

• Only a Duke Will Do (The School for Heiresses, Book 2)
• Never Seduce a Scoundrel (The School for Heiresses, Book 1)
• Let Sleeping Rogues Lie (School for Heiresses)
• Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1)
• Sins of a Duke