Title: His Wicked Ways
Author: Samantha James
First published January 1, 1999
384 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780061803048 (ISBN10: 0061803049)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
Venturing across the Scottish Highlands is Cameron McKay, the last remaining member of the once great Clan MacKay. With a fearless attitude and striking good looks, he catches the attention of many women.
However, his sole purpose is to locate Meredith, the final daughter of the Clan Munro, and demand an heir from her. After abducting Meredith from the safety of her convent, Cameron is surprised to find himself drawn to her.
Meredith is not only a precious daughter of his sworn enemy but also a strong-willed woman, demanding her freedom in exchange for her captivity. Despite her distrust of men, Cameron finds himself struggling to resist her captivating beauty and hopeful heart.
Will Meredith be able to trust in Cameron’s unrelenting pursuit of her love or will he revert back to his wicked ways?
About the Author
Samantha James grew up in Joliet, Illinois, with aspirations that changed with every passing year of her pre-teen life. From wanting to be an astronomer to an archaeologist, to a detective, and then a nurse, she finally settled on teaching history in college.
However, her interests in reading did not follow a similar pattern. She read a diverse range of genres, from the Doc Savage series and Edgar Rice Burroughs to Agatha Christie, Daphne DuMaurier, and Phyllis A.
Whitney.
At an office Christmas party, Samantha met the man who would later become her husband. When he was shipped off to Germany by the U.S. Army six months later, she began writing to him at least thrice a week.
She jokingly claims that this was the start of her writing career. Samantha got married and had three daughters, and writing took a backseat as she focused on raising her girls.
However, when her youngest daughter was six months old, Samantha read Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain and was intrigued by historical romance novels. Around the same time, her older brother revealed that he was writing and submitting stories to big-name magazines.
Samantha was inspired by her brother’s efforts and decided to try her hand at writing. She wrote three books that were rejected, but that didn’t deter her.
With her fourth book, she finally hit the jackpot. Since then, her books have been published in several countries and have been nominated for multiple awards.
Known for her emotionally charged stories, her books are bestsellers.
Although Samantha’s brother proposed collaborating on a fantasy-romance novel, they haven’t gotten around to it yet. Meanwhile, Samantha is content writing dramatic and passionate tales of old.
Despite having many of her book titles rejected, Samantha’s writing career is a dream come true.
Editoral Review
His Wicked Ways by Samantha James tells the tale of a notorious rake and womanizer, Alex, who is forced to marry his childhood friend, Isabel, due to a misunderstanding. The book is a historical romance novel, published on January 1, 1999, and it delves into themes of trust, redemption, and acceptance.
Samantha James is a well-known author in the romantic genre, and she does not disappoint with His Wicked Ways. Her writing style is elegant and captivating, and the story flows seamlessly, keeping readers engaged until the very end.
The romance is set in the Regency era, and the cultural significance of the time period is reflected in the societal norms and expectations of the characters. The novel opens with Alex, who is known for his scandalous affairs and reckless behavior.
His character arc is one of growth and redemption, as he learns to trust and love Isabel. Isabel is strong-willed and independent, and she refuses to be intimidated by Alex.
Their interactions are both spicy and heartwarming, and it is evident that they have a deep connection that extends beyond surface-level attraction. The conflict in the book is driven by Alex’s spat with Isabel’s brother, who is also his business partner.
The events that follow are filled with intrigue and danger, and James does an excellent job of keeping the suspense high. The book culminates in a satisfying resolution that does not feel forced or cliché.
The strengths of His Wicked Ways lie in its characters and storytelling. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, and their growth throughout the book is realistic and relatable.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, and the plot structure is cohesive and consistent. The themes of redemption and acceptance are prevalent throughout the book, and they are handled with sensitivity and depth.
One of the few weaknesses of the book is that it can be predictable at times. The romance genre has a certain formula that can be predictable, and while James does an excellent job of subverting some expectations, other aspects of the book are conventional.
Overall, His Wicked Ways by Samantha James is a thoroughly enjoyable book that is sure to please fans of the genre. James’ writing is excellent, and her characters are unforgettable.
It is a book that will make readers laugh, cry, and believe in the transformative power of love. Rating: 4/5 stars.