A Holiday of Love ... Anthology

A Holiday of Love (anthology)

Judith McNaught

Jude Deveraux

Annette Lamb

Jill Barnett

Historical/Contemporary/Medieval Romance

Published in 1994

Read in May, 2011 (1st read, 2010).

My rating:

                                                                [spoiler alert]

This review is solely based on Judith McNaught's novella "Miracles", the story of Nicki DuVille from Whitney, My Love and Julianna Skeffington from Until You. Nicki was also featured in UY. I have to mention that I don't always enjoy novellas due to some reasons such as the story, most of the times, ends even before I take some breath, sit back and relax. But, even though novellas are short, the satisfaction level mostly depends on the authors and the plotting/narration of the story in question. "Miracles" has 12 small chapters and an epilogue.


"Miracles", Judith McNaught

After my 2nd reading of the book...

H/h - Nicholas DuVille/Julianna Skeffington

Setting: London, 1824/25.

Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught

Almost Heaven

Sequels #3

Judith McNaught

Historical Romance

First published in 1990

H/h - Ian Thornton/Lady Elizabeth Cameron

Setting: Scotland/London, 1817.

Read in May, 2011 (1st read, 2010).

My rating:

                                                              [spoiler alert]

Note: It's quite big! Many might not like big reviews but I stand by mine since I've done a very thorough one which includes the story in general, quotes and my own whinnings thrown in here and there! :)


After my 2nd reading of the book...

This book so hilarious in some places, I had to put my face in the pillows so that my parents don't think I've gone nuts! But, I'll come to that point soon.

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

Something Wonderful

Sequels #2

Judith McNaught

Historical Romance

First published in 1988

H/h - Jordan Townsende, the Duke of Hawthorne/Alexandra Lawrence

Setting: Morsham, 1815/London, 1816.

Read in May, 2011 (1st read, 2010).

My rating:

                                                                 [spoiler alert]

After my 2nd reading of the book...

I remember being annoyed by a few things when I first read this book, hence the 4 stars rating. But this reading is proving to be quite different and no matter what, I'm liking it so far.

Jordan is a duke and living a duke's lifestyle. But, his teenage life show us a life full of debauchery by his parents (numerous affairs and stuffs) which turned him into a cynical, jaded man. The opening chapter gives us a glimpse of this and I applauded him for not sleeping with that woman. So, even as a 18 yrs old, he wasn't that jaded but now, a 27 yrs old Jordan is different. He doesn't care about women, avoids married ladies but all the other types of 'less virtous' women are welcome in his bed! He'd been a soldier too. I read his musings telling me about his 'unrestrained wenching', when he finds himself saddled with a 'child-bride'. I'm glad so far I didn't have to read any information on his unrestrained wenching *shudders*.

Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Once and Always

Sequels #1

Judith Mcnaught

Historical Romance

First published in 1987

H/h - Jason Fielding, the Marquess of Wakefield/Victoria Seaton

Setting: The Colonies/London, 1818.

Read in May, 2011 (1st read, 2010).

My rating:

                                                                       [spoiler alert]

After my 2nd reading of the book...

On the surface, Jason is the type of tortured hero I love to read generally. He lost his son when his mother (Jason's wife) was taking off with one of her lovers and the ship sank. His wife cuckolded him and I had no idea why! If you read about Jason, you'll know he's hot as hell and an alpha. Men, girls like to dream about. Then again, the woman may have been a silly twitt who didn't know what she had. Never mind, that's another matter I might consider discussing if I have some clue/idea to it.

Until You by Judith McNaught

Until You

Westmoreland #3

Judith McNaught

Historical Romance

First published in 1993

H/h - Stephen Westmoreland, the Earl of Langford/Sheridan Bromleigh

Setting: London/The Colonies, 1824.

Read in May, 2011 (1st read, 2010).

My rating:

                                                           [spoiler alert]

After my 2nd reading of the book...

Hihihi ... Right! I was kinda distracted by something else ... Hmm, yah, Stephen. I think I like him better than Clayton. I liked him him Whitney, My Love, though he's rather 'jaded' (really?) when it comes to women in his book, he's still lot better than Clayton. For one, he isn't a hypocrite and then, he's actually quite nice. I remember in the 1st reading I liked him tremendously and the ending was what made me gave it a 5 stars. Now, I have some problems with him. (2nd/3rd readings can be a problem, really) ... hmm *drifts away with some really distracting thoughts .....*

Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

Whitney, My Love

Westmoreland #2

Judith McNaught

Historical Romance

First published in 1985

H/h - Clayton Westmoreland, the Duke of Westmoreland/Whitney Stone

Setting: London/Paris, 1816.

Read in May, 2011 (1st read, 2010).

My rating:

                                                                        [spoiler alert]

After my 2nd reading of the book...

Sooo, I feel sad for Whitney. Poor girl. It feels like she's being used by men and the others around her except her friend Emily, Nicky and her Aunt and uncle ... Ermm, don't get me wrong but that's what's in this book. Her dad (one awful parent) can never say two good words to/about her. I hated this guy and his attitude towards Whitney. Then comes the guy Whitney is obsessed with, Paul. I really feel sad for her, he didn't want her before thinking she's plain and a hoyden, had tangled hair ... Plainly he thought she's beyond his consideration and it's better to screw inkeeper's daughters than spending time with her (seriously?). But now that she's returned from Paris, all grown up, attractive and sassy, he's 'insane' about her. WTF!!! And Clayton, you had NO right to treat her the way you did after that horse debacle. I mean yah, I know what she did was a bit childish but c'mon! She didn't even mean it. What you did Clayton, was a crime! I would've kicked your arrogant, dukal a$$ for less than that. The way you think about women is seriously ... faulty(?). But I forget, you're a Duke! And yet, I don't like what you're doing to get Whitney. Do you even intend to marry her or just ...?

A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

A Kingdom of Dreams

Westmoreland #1

Judith McNaught

Medieval Romance

First published in 1989

H/h - Royce Westmoreland, the first Duke of Westmoreland/Lady Jennifer Merrick
Setting: England, 1497.

Read in April, 2011 (1st read, 2010)

My rating:

                                                                 [spoiler alert]

After my 2nd reading of the book...

So, this was my initial thought about 1st few chapters: 

I was so annoyed with Jennifer, she reminded me of some Julie Garwood TSTLs. Argh! Then of course, I had to think of the age it was set in and she had to do something to find some ways of escaping, which itself should be praiseworthy. Also, it might be the fact that I had a tough time wrenching myself away from Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series.