Oops I accidentally deleted this from my books, so while I'm adding it again I might as well take the opportunity to put in a few good words for one oOops I accidentally deleted this from my books, so while I'm adding it again I might as well take the opportunity to put in a few good words for one of my favourite books <3 I just recently found the ebook so I'm definitely considering re-reading this when my wait list dries up. This book is popular and well-loved for a reason, and it's quite a simple formula:
I think it appeals to that shy part of us, we all have a stammering Evie in us - whether it be hidden deep inside or bubbling on the surface. It's hard to not relate to her insecurities, her absolute certainty that she's undesirable. Then you have Sebastian - the rake, who even by historical romance standards is quite terrible, disillusioned and thoroughly wicked - whose fall from his almighty womanizing perch makes things all the more spectacular. And the fact that it's Evie, the shyest, most insecure heroine lies the brilliance of this plot. A wilful heroine just doesn't have that same appeal as one who is shy and painfully aware of her shortcomings. These are the heroines with the largest hearts to give and make the best reads....more
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 10 STARS FOR THIS MASTERPIECE BY LINDA HOWARD - I AM HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH THIS I CAN'T EVEN...ROANNA WWARNING: Fragile Heroine Ahead
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 10 STARS FOR THIS MASTERPIECE BY LINDA HOWARD - I AM HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH THIS I CAN'T EVEN...ROANNA WAS A 100% PERFECT HEROINE
I am finally out of my reading rut. Hurrah! All those historical romances and mellow contemporaries finally got to me and I was definitely in the mood to shake it up a bit so I decided to make another venture into romantic suspense and I just cannot believe how hard I fell for this book. What really skyrocketed this book up my favourites list was definitely the heroine Roanna. She was fabulous. It's been no secret that I prefer delicate heroines (who are strong in their own way) over wilful sharp-tongued ones. Linda Howard just created my ideal heroine.
As a child, Roanna was the adoring admirer of Webb, husband-to-be of her evil, disgusting, despicable (every nasty word in the dictionary) sister Jesse. Her death honestly didn't come soon enough! Roanna is the sweet innocent child, unloved and left on the sidelines as Jesse bullies her into losing all her self-esteem. As the years run by, Jesse marries Webb and leaves her longing for a love that could never have been. After Jesse's abrupt death, Roanna and Webb are torn apart as Webb disappears for ten years. The family initally accuse Roanna of killing Jesse before turning the finger of blame on Webb. A single act of rejection from Web starts Roanna's transformaiton into a softly-spoken, tightly controlled woman.
But then Webb comes back. Yayayay and the fun part of the book begins. Roanna, despite her carefully constructed protective shell is still painfully vulnerable when it comes to Webb. This, for me, really set this book up as one of my absolute faves. I cannot stand it when the heroines develops a 'fuck you' attitude towards the man they love after seeing them for the first time after ten years and turns into a prickly porcupine/shrew who then melts out of their panties at the mere thought of sex. Honestly. Im so over the whole playing hard to get crap which is exactly why this book hit the right notes with me. I loved how Roanna didn't even pretend she was over Webb. Instead he worked hard to rebuild her self-esteem after seeing her vulnerability and there is actually character development instead of just 'mindless fucking'! Whoo three cheers for old school love!!!
Even though this wasn't 'historical romance' in its purest sense it is set a few decades back and the Davenport family dynamics are startingly unique. I won't spoil it for you, but at the risk of sounding terrible naive and sheltered, I thought some of the things in this book were slightly confronting. Oh yes, and don't be put off by the fact Webb and Roanna are second cousins. In the grand scheme of things it didn't really bother me (I just pretended they weren't which worked for me).
This one is going into my favourites for sure... As for the rest of Linda Howard's books... WATCH OUT HERE I COME. I've officially fallen in love with romantic suspense too. Haha never thought I'd say that. It makes sense though - my all time favourite book is a romantic suspense. I can't believe I haven't read much of the genre though! Go and get this book guys - definitely worth your while!!!...more
If you're not sure about reading this one because it's not as acclaimed as The SFrom the author of The Sweet Gum Tree...
Rate: ☆☆☆☆☆ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you're not sure about reading this one because it's not as acclaimed as The Sweet Gum Tree then I'm going to tell you right now that you will not be disappointed! What Price Paradise definitely lives up to the standard set by The Sweet Gum Tree. It was just as beautifully written (although with slightly less angst involved). This book got me from the very first pages and it had me in its clutches the rest of the way through. There is no fault to find with it at all. The only thing that I loved about The Sweet Gum Tree that this one didn't have is the second chance love plotline - and to be honest, I'm not expecting every book to have that plotline. Sometimes a well written book can just make any plot work. What Price Paradise was one of those books. There was nothing special or particularly intriguing about the honour-bound marriage plot but Katherine Allred weaves her magic through it and I was laughing and crying my way through it.
Again, Katherine Allred creates some fabulous characters. In particular I loved Buddy and Joe. They made the book hilarious with their constant meddling in Tate's life. "Buddy cackled, holding his sides for support. “Did you see him trying to pull Abby’s skirt down?” “He caught me looking at her legs,” Joe howled gleefully. “You were doing it on purpose.” The teenager wiped tears from his eyes." Diane is certainly the villain of this book but even she is shown a little mercy in the end and gets her happy ending too. I also loved Abby's character. She was one of those fragile heroines with a quiet determination that made her much more endearing than those annoyingly wilful heroines that you want to just slap. Some moments were so achingly poignant that my appetite for angst was satisfied, yet others were plain funny. This book a had a little touch of everything and is going in my favorites for sure.
Right now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Katherine Allred has some more contemporary romances up her sleeve because she is one author to be reckoned with!...more
There were so many things I loved about this book. I suppose it was one of those books that just worked for me. It's not one of those books I would heThere were so many things I loved about this book. I suppose it was one of those books that just worked for me. It's not one of those books I would heartily recommend to everyone, but one I enjoyed immensely because it seemed to contain all the elements that I look for in a historical romance. One thing worth pointing out is that the sex scenes were the most SENSUAL non-erotica ones I have ever read. Wow. Wow. Wow. I certainly wasn't expecting it since the rest of it was so tame, so fairy-tale like. ...more
[image] Two young hearts broken, a passionate earth-shattering reunion and an ending as satisfying as world peace...
This book was the definition of per[image] Two young hearts broken, a passionate earth-shattering reunion and an ending as satisfying as world peace...
This book was the definition of perfect. [image] It was absolutely flawless - from the writing to the plotline and the characters. Until a few days ago I hadn't even heard of Katherine Allred but by some stroke of luck I followed a link to this book and boy am I glad I did! I was completely blown away by it. I think now it might just be my second all time favourite book. I already can't wait to read it again.
I absolutely adored Alix - I think she was one of the most well-written heroines I've read in a long time. As a sweet child from a respectable Southern family Alix takes a liking to Nick, the lonely boy with an abusive father. As the years trickle by, Alix and Nick develop a friendship that grows into a long-lasting heart-wrenching love - one that was destined to go wrong. After Nick's father was found shot dead, Nick disappears for 15 years leaving Alix, the girl he loves heartbroken and lost.
“Yes, you do.” He took a deep breath. “As much as I wanted to believe it, dreamed about it, it was stupid to think people would accept our being together. Now, it would be even worse. I’m not just trash, I’m a murderer, and they’ll always see me that way. I can’t do that to you. You have to forget about me, Peewee.” “Can you forget about me?” His eyes shimmered with tears. “No. Not if I live to be a hundred.” “Then don’t ask me to do what you can’t.” He caught me close again, buried his face in my hair. “Do it for me, Alix. I need to know you’ll be happy if I’m going to have any chance of getting through this. Promise me. Please.” “I promise you this. I’ll love you until the day I die even if I have to live without you. And if it’s fifty years from now, you come home, Nick Anderson. Do you hear me? I’ll be waiting on you.”
Oh how my heart was hurting when Nick left Alix!
The hurt didn't last of course, and Nick comes to win Alix back and they set out on the road to a happy ending and healing. All the characters in this book were so lovable - all unique in their own way and contributed brilliantly to the story and heightening the happiness. I still have mixed feelings about Lindsey though. As much as I realise the events of 15 years ago aren't her fault it's difficult to fully embrace her character. There were a few 'surprises' in this book - I'm calling them that because I don't really think it's shocking enough to be called a plot twist nor do I think it can be classified as a misunderstanding (that term always seems to have negative connotations). Those of you who are experienced romance readers like me will probably know what it is from the get go - it's really quite unoriginal but it definitely doesn't take anything away from the book. In fact, I sort of felt secure knowing the truth.
The ending was brilliant because everybody got their happy ending and it really left me with a feel-good vibe. The second chance love plot has always been my favorite and The Sweet Gum Tree embodied everything I love about it. The sweet, innocent love in childhood, the heart wrenching separation and the joy of the happy ending.
I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance because truly I think anyone will find this a lovely read.
Just as a side note, for those of you who have read this book and enjoyed it I would recommend Back to You by Priscilla Glenn. Although I personally enjoyed The Sweet Gum Tree more, I still think Back To You is a book worth picking up if you enjoy these types of plotlines....more
“Is this what love feels like?” he whispered to her. “I don’t like it, my Beth. It hurts too much.”
Oohh how I loved Ian!
He is the most vulnerable and“Is this what love feels like?” he whispered to her. “I don’t like it, my Beth. It hurts too much.”
Oohh how I loved Ian!
He is the most vulnerable and unique hero I have ever read about. They call it 'madness' - he is prone to rages, headaches and has an inability to love. He has a mild type of autism but the horrors he suffered at the asylum worsened his condition and sent him into a deep chasm of dispair and helplessness. Society sees him as a madman and apart from his brothers, no one cares for him or bothers to see him for who he really is. His child-like honesty and obvious need to be loved tugged at my heart. How could anyone believe he would ever commit a murder? Beth is the gentle, loving heroine who knows what it is like to love and be loved. She immediately sees Ian as the vulnerable and misunderstood man that he is and learns to love him despite his madness. Beth is exactly what Ian needs. Jennifer Ashley does a very good job at introducing Ian to us and it is almost impossible not to fall in love with him right away.
The story features a murder mystery type plot that adds to the intrigue of the story. Even though this is Ian and Beth's story, the rest of the Mackenzie brothers feature strongly in the plot and I found myself very much looking forward to read their stories. I'm particularly looking forward to reading Hart's story (he definitely deserves his turn to be loved). Each of them has suffered their own heartaches and battles but Ian is the first of the brothers to find love. This is a spectacular start to what looks like a very promising series. I'll be keeping you posted on what I think about the next book: Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
Chick lit meets contemporary romance... What's not to love?
It's safe to say that my Jill Mansell and Sophie Kinsella days are long behind me but my soChick lit meets contemporary romance... What's not to love?
It's safe to say that my Jill Mansell and Sophie Kinsella days are long behind me but my soft spot for chick lit is still very much present. As cheesy as chick lit is, a good one can never fail to make me laugh, fall in love with the characters and... imagine my own sex scenes. Match Me If You Can has everything I love about chick lit but with so much more satisfaction and a whole lot less cheese.
This book was full of smiles, laughter, cringe-worthy moments, hot sex AND a completely loveable heroine. Annabelle really was the star of this book. Her hilarious internal monologues and down-to-earth nature made her unique from most other heroines. The character in this book were real people with real problems. One of the reasons I loved this book was because it was so easy to relate to Annabelle and even Portia. The fact that Heath had so many flaws also added an appealing realistic quality to this book.
After a bad first and second impression of SEP, she's managed to redeem herself very quickly with Kiss an Angel and now this one. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books :D...more
"She rolled her eyes, back in the game. “Are you telling me that little bit of guilt is all it takes to make you tuck your tail between your legs? And"She rolled her eyes, back in the game. “Are you telling me that little bit of guilt is all it takes to make you tuck your tail between your legs? And you call yourself a man.”
He’d been reading too much Victorian erotica because he wanted to bend her over a chair and . . . do something quite nasty."
"Did you scare her? I swear, Colin, if you said one thing to upset her . . .” He slapped a foil-covered casserole on the counter. “Why would I upset her when I was conserving my energy to upset you?”
She abandoned the side of the bed to sit cross-legged on the rug so Gordon, who’d slithered under the bed during her tirade, could emerge and put his head in her lap. Her eyes had started to leak, but she took deep breaths so Colin didn’t know his desertion had turned her into a regular little watering pot. “How could you have left?”
I la la loved this book! Sugar Beth is by far the wittiest heroine of SEP's. Every line of dialogue in this book was sheer genius. SEP really had to work hard to make readers look past Sugar Beth's Wild Child past and fall in love with her mature adult self. In many ways, Sugar Beth was like Daisy from Kiss an Angel and I'm certain that those who enjoyed that book will enjoy this one too. I personally enjoyed this one a lot more, but I'm sure some of you would disagree.
Sugar Beth Carey's come back to Parrish, Mississippi, and she's brought her reputation for wreaking havoc with her. She's broke, desperate, and too proud to show it, even with her old enemies lining up for a chance to get even. Winnie Davis, her longtime rival, is fully armed with the money, power, and prestige that had once been Sugar Beth's. But worst of all is Colin Byrne, the man whose career Sugar Beth had destroyed — and not exactly accidentally.
Now Colin's a famous novelist living in Sugar Beth's old mansion, and this modern day dark prince is using his writer's imagination to figure out how to bring the town's beautiful former princess to her knees. But despite her sassy mouth, feisty spirit, and hardheaded ways, Sugar Beth's no longer the spoiled rich girl they all remember. No, now she's a woman to be reckoned with ... and a great big reckonin' is about to happen, not least of all for one dark prince who might—just might—be thinking about falling in love with the wickedest girl in town.
For those of you who love a good chick lit I would recommend running to find the nearest copy of this book. This is chick lit at its best and Susan Elizabeth Phillips at her wittiest.
Under the dark, languorous eyes of Clayton Westmoreland, the Duke of Claymore, Whitney Stone grew from a saucy hoyden into a ravishinglyRate: 5+ stars
Under the dark, languorous eyes of Clayton Westmoreland, the Duke of Claymore, Whitney Stone grew from a saucy hoyden into a ravishingly sensual woman. Fresh from her triumphs in Paris society, she returned to England to win the heart of Paul, her childhood love . . . only to be bargained away by her bankrupt father to the handsome, arrogant duke.
Outraged, she defies her new lord. But even as his smoldering passion seduces her into a gathering storm of desire, Whitney cannot -- and will not -- relinquish her dream of perfect love.
Do you know what this book was like? It was like walking through a storm. Where rain is pouring down, lightning is striking and thunder is rumbling in the distance. A frightening yet beautiful experience because you love the feel of rain on your skin yet you're oh so terrified. This book was a storm of emotions whirling around and around trapping you inside until you have no earthly clue about how you're feeling.
And do you know what I sound like? I sound ridiculous. Yes. That's exactly what Judith does to me. She makes me want to get down on my knees and sprout poetic declarations of love.
Whitney is the most defiant and wilful Judith McNaught heroine, yet there's an element of vulnerability about her that makes you stop and think before you start hating on her. Most of the time. I just didn't know what to think. Was I irritated by Whitney? I honestly don't know. Certainly at times I wanted to slap her, but that made me feel like a hypocrite. The things she did, the way she rebelled and stood proud even when her heart was in turmoil had me feeling a sense of reluctant admiration. At the end of the day, I realised, if I ever was in her position I would've done exactly the same.
Clayton Westmoreland was the typical Judith McNaught hero. He was a cynical, jaded and determined rake who morphed into a tender, loving (and sometimes VERY angry) husband. The way he wasn't afraid to admit his love for Whitney definitely earnt my respect. In his pursual of Whitney I found myself on more than one occasion feeling terribly sorry for him. Stupid Paul. And Whitney's childish infatuation with him. Thank God, she realised that Paul was a complete phony and Clayton was the real deal somewhere during the middle of the book. I was actually coming extremely close to losing my patience with the whole ridiculous love triangle. But Judith McNaught saved it just in time.
Needless to say, after spending the first half of the book ruffling my feathers, she spent the next half soothing them and soon enough I had forgiven her for the terrible frustration of the first half of the book. Jesus. By the end of it, I had even forgotten that I was ever irritated. The second half of the book was utterly charming as it mainly focused on Clayton and Whitney's romance. Paul was FINALLY out of picture! I wish there weren't so many misunderstandings but I also know that without them the book just wouldn't be as captivating. Yes it was madly infuriating sometimes but I was drawn in and played like a fool by Judith nevertheless.
On the bottom step, Whitney paused and for one agonizing, soul-wrenching moment, Clayton thought that she was going to turn and look up at him. Helplessly he stretched his hand out, longing to slide his knuckles over her soft, silken cheek. But all he touched was a cold pane of glass.
...
DuVille would suit her better, Clayton decided with a wrenching pain. Sevarin was dull and weak, but DuVille was sophisticated and urbane. Clayton hoped with all his heart that she would choose the Frenchman. Well, with half his heart; the other half twisted in agony at the image of Whitney as another man’s wife.
...
“I hurt her and she … she put her arms around me because … because she wanted me to hold her. Stephen,” he choked brokenly, “she wanted me to hold her while she cried!” He crossed his arms on the table and buried his face in them, finally sinking into the oblivion he’d been seeking all night. His raw voice was so low Stephen could hardly hear it. “I can still hear her crying,” he whispered.
My heart is sighing. I loved this book just as much as all the other historical romances by her. At the end of the day, no one does epic love quite like Judith McNaught....more
Sometime last year, I stopped reading YA romance because why read a getting-there-but-not-quite-there romance when you could be reading the real thingSometime last year, I stopped reading YA romance because why read a getting-there-but-not-quite-there romance when you could be reading the real thing? Let's be honest, almost all the YA romances I've read in my teen years have plots were either total cliches or the endings were 'let's not get together because I'd like to grow up and discover myself first'... and that's when I felt like setting the book on fire or better yet, setting the author on fire. Whatever happened to happy endings?
With every rule there is always a few exceptions and this book is definitely one of them. YA romance or not, this one had my attention for entire length of Echo and Noah's story and at the end of it I didn't even feel like setting anything on fire. Somehow this book managed to be deep and meaningful without grating on my nerves. The only other YA romance I've given 5 stars to was Perfect Chemistry so that is probably saying something. I would definitely recommend this book to adult romance readers who don't mind a bit of YA lovin' once in a while....more
Oh wow. After reading the synopsis I marked this book 'wish-list' and half a year later I finally found it. Now I Note: Re-read on 27/2/14
Rate: 5 STARS
Oh wow. After reading the synopsis I marked this book 'wish-list' and half a year later I finally found it. Now I am here to say that this book was fabulous. It was everything I was hoping for. The beginning truly touched my heart. Gabriel was one of the most well-written heroes. Everything about him screamed perfect. He was adorable in his beastliness. His blindness and temper only added to his appeal which just goes to show a perfect hero is an imperfect one - The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie comes to mind. Who doesn't want to take a hero like that home?
Samantha on the other hand was so easy to empathise with - the plain, proper nurse. To be honest, I wasn't a big fan of the twist either. I do think it was a neat way to tie the book up but... you know, it is my honest opinion that maybe everything was just written too well. I don't want to be critical, but the story would've went up to a whole new level if (view spoiler)[Samantha didn't turn out to be the fiance that abandoned him (hide spoiler)]. Nevertheless, I still loved the book. It's ending was just too convenient.
Just as an add-on, this was my first Teresa Medeiros book and after reading it I picked up two of her other books (The Bride and the Beast, The Pleasure of Your Kiss) since I was VERY impressed by the standard of this one. Unfortunately it seems that this is a one-hit wonder....more
On the whole this one was quite similar to Once and Always. I could see so many similarities between Vi...And yet another winner from Judith McNaught.
On the whole this one was quite similar to Once and Always. I could see so many similarities between Victoria and Sherry. I don't know if any of you noticed, but both heroines had childhood sweethearts who come back to marry them after a long separation only to find them married to the hero (in Once and Always it was Andrew who came to marry Victoria and in Until You it was Rafe who arrived in England to make good on his promise to marry Sherry). I was a bit miffed about it cause Andrew and Rafe were both amazing men (maybe not as amazing as the heros but still). I don't know why Judith McNaught did that to them!
Anyway, Until You was lovely and definitely going in my favourites and I'm glad the book wasn't filled with endless misunderstandings and heartbreak....more
This is my second Judith McNaught book and I loved it just as much as I loved the first. Afte***Revised Version of Earlier Review***
Rate: 5+ stars
This is my second Judith McNaught book and I loved it just as much as I loved the first. After reading one of her contemporary romantic suspense novels and now one of her historicals, I have to say I'm blown away by the talent she has for switching between genres so beautifully. Usually an author's style of writing limits them to a certain genre and when they try to change genres it usually isn't that effortless... but wow. Judith McNaught is one helluva writer.
What I loved most about this book was the heroine, Victoria. She was innocent, determined, strong-willed, gorgeous and infinitely loving. I'm usually a lot more harsh on the heroine than I am on the hero but Victoria immediately ticked all the boxes for me. Actually, Jason was probably the hot and cold one in this book. Sometimes his love for Victoria could be doubted. Judith really takes 'tortured hero' to the next level. I know he came across as a ruthless bastard to some readers but I definitely didn't get that impression. Although I would probably warn away readers who are sensitive to cruel behaviour from a hero because Jason just might hit a nerve, but I, for one, had truly forgiven him for any of his past harshness after his reaction to Victoria's 'accident'.
When Mike Farrell left, Jason stretched his hand toward Victoria's cloak, his fingers slowly closing on the wet wool, pulling it toward him. The muscles at the base of his throat worked convulsively as he brought the sodden cloak to his chest, stroking it lovingly with his hand, and then he buried his face in it, rubbing it against his cheek. Waves of agonizing pain exploded through his entire being, and the tears he had thought he was incapable of shedding fell from his eyes. "No," he sobbed in demented anguish. And then he screamed it.
I was kept enthralled right to the very end, which was dramatically satisfying. I love the ride Judith McNaught takes her readers on in her books and the eventual satisfaction she gives them. She doesn't coat things with sugar. Sometimes I feel like she's trying to wound us up emotionally as much as possible until we're in complete anguish before she works her magic. She manages to create such epic romances that take you to the kind of world where everything is just above reality.
"Now then, my sweet" he said in a low, meaningful voice, watching to see which direction she meant to bolt.
Victoria gazed adoringly at his handsome, pale face, and then she ran straight toward him, flinging herself against him and wrapping her arms tightly around him. "Don't!" she cried brokenly.
For a moment Jason was perfectly still, struggling with his rampaging emotions, and then the tension drained out of his rigid body. His hands lifted to Victoria's waist, slowly encircling her, then tightening with crushing force and hauling her against his full length. "I love you," he whispered hoarsely, burying his face in her hair. "Oh, God! I love you so!"
One of the only issues I have with this book was the absence of an epilogue. I was expecting one and I was really cheesed off when I didn't get one. I'm not doubting the happy ending but I think it would've been nice to know how many children Victoria and Jason ended up having and what Jason was like as a father (especially because of the tragic death of his young son and the unhappiness his first marriage brought him). I suppose an epilogue isn't essential but I've gotten used to having them there for an extra bit of satisfaction, and not having one made it feel like the cherry was missing on top of the cupcake. ...more
“Royce understood then why she had come: she had come to finish the task her relatives had begun; to do to him what he had done to her brother. Unmovi“Royce understood then why she had come: she had come to finish the task her relatives had begun; to do to him what he had done to her brother. Unmoving, he watched her, noting that tears were pouring down her beautiful face as she slowly bent down. But instead of reaching for his lance or her dagger, she took his hand between both of hers and pressed her lips to it. Through his daze of pain and confusion, Royce finally understood that she was kneeling to him, and a groan tore from his chest: "Darling," he said brokenly, tightening his hand, trying to make her stand, "don't do this…" But his wife wouldn't listen. In front of seven thousand onlookers, Jennifer Merrick Westmoreland, countess of Rockbourn, knelt before her husband in a public act of humble obedience, her face pressed to his hand, her shoulders wrenched with violent sobs. By the time she finally arose, there could not have been many among the spectators who had not seen what she had done. Standing up, she stepped back, lifted her tear-streaked face to his, and squared her shoulders. Pride exploded in Royce's battered being—because, somehow, she was managing to stand as proudly—as defiantly—as if she had just been knighted by a king.”
*Swoon*
For those of you who have already read this book, I want to say that when I got up to the part when Royce is on the field being challenged by the Merricks in the tournament (who are all asses by the way) I was actually clutching my heart and having heart palpitations. It was horribly, horribly frightening but bitterly beautiful, I couldn't help thinking that if Jennifer hadn't froze Royce out of her heart, Royce never would have been hurt like that. Then again, the battle scene was such a stunning climax that I could almost see it was all worth it in the end.
A Kingdom of Dreams is the first book in the Westmoreland series. It's actually the prequel to Whitney, My Love and it tells the story of Royce Westmoreland and the proud Scottish beauty, Jennifer Merrick (yes, another proud heroine). Judith McNaught sets this novel in the 15th century which gives it a different sort of flavour to the usual historical romance novels which tend to be set in much later time periods. I loved it though. It was so far removed from the modern world, it made the story so much more captivating and dream-like. Sometimes I dream of living in world of knights and warriors and beautiful gowns.
There's definitely not much to critique about this book. Although I would have loved to see a side story of Stefan and Brenna... That's probably asking too much, but still, there was so much potential! I also was hoping for a little more of Arik who seemed to be an intriguing mystery. Damn it would've been nice to learn more about the intriguing, abrupt giant.
Although I can no longer say all of Judith McNaught's books are for sure five-star reads after reading Someone to Watch Over Me, I think I can still say that her historical romances are in a class of their own.
There is no review I could ever write that will do this book justice. I can't even say tRate: Infinity and beyond ∞
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There is no review I could ever write that will do this book justice. I can't even say this book is perfect, not because it's cheesy, but because this book will never be just one word. Reading this book isn't just reading some words on some pages and enjoying the story. No, these seven hundred and four pages are like nothing I've ever read before. I can't even say that any of the other Judith McNaught books I've read come close to the brilliance of this one. As much as I loved Paradise, Matt and Meredith's story kept coming close to but not reaching as far as Perfect did. Paradise made me feel every emotion I have ever felt before but Perfect made me feel those and so many new emotions. Emotions there aren't even names for yet. Perfect had me trembling so hard, tortured, sobbing for relief and frightened to the point of nausea but somehow there was never a moment where I wanted it to end.
To sum up briefly, Perfect tells the story of Zack Benedict, once the most admired and adored actor/director of Hollywood but now a convicted murderer serving a 45-year sentence for a murder he didn't commit, and Julie Mathison, the kind and endlessly loving school teacher who devotes all her time to helping disabled children and illiterate women. After Zack successfully escapes prison, he abducts Julie and forces her to drive him to a hideaway house in the Colorado mountains. Initially Julie is frightened and desperate to be released from captivity but with every minute spent in the presence of Zack, she soon realises he is no murderer and her treacherous heart falls in love with him even though doing so will only guarantee her a lifetime of heartbreak, pain and longing.
From the beginning to the very end this novel took my heart and ran away with it. Zack was easily established as the tortured and dispaired hero who desperately deserved someone to love him. Julie's kindness and unwavering love were exactly what Zack needed. I say that Julie's love was unwavering because even though she did betray him, she never stopped loving him ~ "And you," Zack said somberly, tipping her chin up, "are an angel. Do you have any idea how I've felt every time I watched you on that film?" She shook her head, and he said, "I felt loved. Incredibly, completely, unconditionally loved. Even when you thought I was a deranged murderer, you were still fighting and crying for me."
At first I found it hard to come to terms with Julie's betrayal but in the end I didn't find myself blaming her. She truly did believe she was doing the right thing but the way it happened was so tragic it tore at my heart. The scene at the Mexican airport will forever stay with me. When Zack and Julie are reunited the book takes on the same playful tone it did during their happy moments in Colorado but this time Judith McNaught lets readers enjoy the laughter and joyfulness without heartbreak around the corner. The last 80 pages of the book are filled with the tiny moments that make love whilst the first 600 or so show us the angst and agony of achieving something so magical.
If you haven't already read this book, I would recommend this to you with all of my heart. My all time favourite book and definitely one I see myself re-reading over and over....more
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