The Wyndham Legacy (Legacy Series)

I've read this book several times now and each time I do, I see more clearly how brilliant it is. The first time I read it, I will admit, I was turned off by the first cousins thing, but Ms. Coulter was a historian before she was ever an author so I'll trust her when she says that it was acceptable at this point in history. What drew me back to the book, and has continued to do so, is the fact that these two characters 'need' each other. Marcus is quick to passion and never thinks before he speaks, in anger or in jest. In direct contrast to this we have The Duchess, who never speaks and never shows emotion; a defense mechanism that starts when she finds out as a child that she's been lied to about her father. The journey of these two bringing balance to one another is a treasure. The antics of their friends and family provide a wonderful burst of comic relief to the sometimes turbulent courtship of the two main characters. If you started this book and haven't finished I highly recommend that you give it another try. The story of how these two unhealthy extremes come to finally find a healthy middle-ground is funny, poignant, and will have you rereading it again and again.

I'm an avid fan of Catherine Coulter, and this book, along with the other two in the Legacy Trilogy, is the reason why. Packed with colorful characters (who could ever forget the Duchess?), an amazing plotline, and a romance that will warm even the coldest heart...who could ask for more? The Duchess, as she is known, had no control over being the bastard daughter of the Earl of Chase, no more so than Marcus had over being forced to marry her after the Earl's death. But the two did marry, and what a match they made. Their verbal sparring is witty and fun, and will have everyone laughing out loud. Don't miss this gem of a book, or the subsequent ones, "The Nightengale Legacy" or "The Valentine Legacy"...they'll be forever implaned in your hearts and minds.

I just can't understand the people trashing this book. I laughed so hard that I had tears running down my face. It's hilarious to see just how the Duchess changes from an ice queen to a hellion. The interchanges between her and Marcus (especially the part where she beats him with her boot, and the part where she beats him with her shoe) were great! And Marcus himself, with his wisecracks, was wonderful. Add to this cast a quartet of meddling servants (the martinets) and you've got first-rate comedy. I loved this one as well as the other two in the series. All of them are side-splitting funny. I recommend them to anyone looking for a good laugh.

Tongue planted firmly in cheek, Ms Coulter has written a gem. The lively characters, particularly the servants and Wilhelmina, would have been excellent even without the incredible word plays. With the word play, this book became a romp, funny, sad, romantic--it's all there. First one wants to bop Marcus on the head, next to crawl into bed with him. The Duchess, when she finally lets her temper loose, is more than a match for Marcus. Wilhelmina? How does one describe her? One can't. You'll have to read the book to meet her. She's a toot. I read the entire book aloud to a bedridden friend, and she nearly fell off it laughing. This is the best of her legacy trilogy, definitely a keeper, in both written and the unabridged audio version.

The Wyndham Legacy has a spice and daring which few romantic novelists can create. The characters are sharp, yet well rounded and the plot is as intriguing as it is unpredicatable. I love the interchange of spite between Wilhemmina and the Duchess. They add so much more pizzaz to the novel. I was laughing hysterically at three o'clock in the morning and couldn't put the book down. I think my favorite part of the novel would be the Duchess's occupation. It defines her humor and independence. It makes her real. Thank-you Catherine Coulter for so many hours of enjoyment. This is a definite keeper.