Texty Ladies » Judith McNaught

BB’s Review: Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:42:20 +0000

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

“A mesmerizing tale…” – Publishers Weekly

“An extraordinary story.” – Rendezvous

“Judith McNaught is truly the spellbinding storyteller of our times.” – Affaire de Coeur

From the back cover: Bestselling author Judith McNaught masterfully portrays a remarkable heroine, and an unforgettable passion, in this powerfully moving love story–one of her most beloved novels of all time!

The tempestuous marriage of Alexandra Lawrence, an innocent country girl, and Jordan Townsende, the rich and powerful Duke of Hawthorne, is about to face its ultimate test of tender loyalty. Swept into the endlessly fascinating world of London society, free-spirited Alexandra becomes ensnared in a tangled web of jealousy and revenge, stormy pride and overwhelming passion. But behind her husband’s cold, arrogant mask, there lives a tender, vital, sensual man…the man Alexandra married. Now, she will fight for her very life…and the rapturous bond the alone can share.

Judith McNaught never ceases to amaze me. Here again she writes a unique storyline with wonderful different characters whose lives are thrown together through no fault of their own. Our heroine, Alexandra Lawrence, saves the life of Jordan Addison Matthew Townsende, the Duke of Hawthorne, in quite a hilarious way. Of course, at the time she has no idea who he is. It sets off a chain reaction in both of their lives that changes their futures forever. This story has such detail and twists and turns that it will keep you reading to find out who is going to do what next. You will sympathize with Alexandra because of her treatment by her unloving father and mad mother. Together these two characters alone keep you hooked. You will truly love this one!

Because Judith McNaught once again made my heart melt in this wonderful love story, I give this story 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:35:47 +0000

Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

Pocket Books Fiction

“The ultimate love story, one you can dream about forever.” – Romantic Times

“A wonderful love story…fast-paced and exciting…great dialogue!” – Jude Deveraux

From the back cover: 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, will not, relinquish her dream of perfect love.

Oh, what a great love story! I liked this one so much I caught myself going back to read the “really good parts” over and over. The dialogue for the two main characters, our heroine Whitney and the Duke, is outstanding. The quips back and forth are so very entertaining. The story will make you laugh, cry, love or hate certain characters, and want to read this one again. The romance is explosive. You will become emotionally entangled with what is happening to Whitney throughout this story–you can’t help it. I can’t go into the twists and turns–can’t give away the goodies! Need I say more!

Because this powerful love story is one of my favorites…I give this book 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Double Standards by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:55:35 +0000

Double Standards by Judith McNaught

Pocket Books, Simon & Schuster

“Powerful, sensual, romantic tension….Outstanding….This is must reading.” – Romantic Times

From the back cover: Nick Sinlair, the ruggedly handsome president of Global Industries, handled his business the way he handled his women–with charm, daring, and ruthless self-control. A man used to the very best, Nick hired Lauren Danner, and assumed the proud beauty would soon be another easy conquest. But Lauren’s flashing wit and rare spirit dazzled him; slowly, against his will, he was intrigued, challenged–and in love.

Yet Lauren was living a lie, a charade that became more dangerous with every passing moment. Her secret would destroy Nick’s fragile trust–and the promise of a future with the most compelling man she had ever met….

This is one fantastic story! It starts out with Lauren Danner showing up at Philip Witworth’s office to discuss employment. She is a distant relative of Philip and he is only seeing her because his mother had earlier contacted Lauren’s family for “family tree” information. Philip was just going to give Lauren a few minutes of his precious time and send her packing. When he sees the beautiful woman Lauren has become, he has a different offer to make her. Philip wants to find out who the spy is in his company who keeps giving his competition their bid information. His competition keeps getting the contracts because they bid lower than Philip’s company. He wants Lauren to go to Sinco, his competition, and get a job as a secretary so she can snoop around and find out who is leaking bid information to Sinco. Lauren does not want to be a spy for any company, but she is desperate for money to support her ill father. Philip asks that she do this for him, for family, and he will give her a fitting job after this job is completed. Unable to obtain work elsewhere, she goes along with the plan. She hates it, but she doesn’t have any choice. She has to take care of her father. So, Lauren goes to Sinco for a secretarial position and purposely tries to fail all the tests. This way, she can go back and tell Philip that they would not hire her and he could give her a job at his company. But, after the failure of the job interview with Sinco, Lauren met an engineer named Nick while cutting through a construction area to get to her car. She isn’t supposed to be there so she hurries through the rubble on her heels…and, of course, takes a tumble and falls into the mud. This is where Nick walks into her life. He is tall, dark haired and handsome and her heart stops when she looks at him. He helped her up and takes her into the building to clean her up and make sure she’s okay. Nick likes her quick wit and humor and after she leaves, he calls a friend at Sinco and tells them to give her a job with the company. Lauren can’t believe she’s been hired, she failed so miserably at the tests during the interview and she didn’t even tell them she went to college. But, Philip is ecstatic. He has his very own spy at Sinco now. While working at Sinco, Lauren runs into Nick and he asks her out. They get to know each other and really hit it off. She falls for him hard and hopes he feels the same. This is where the story really gets started. Their love affair, the double standards in bed and business, the lies, the truth of who he is, the misunderstandings, and the hurt. Lots and lots of detail. It’s all so very well written and real you will be taken away and emerged into this story. I laughed, I cried and felt every emotion Lauren and Nick went through in this wonderful story. You just have to read it. It has everything a book needs to make it one of the greats.

Because I WILL read this one again…and I like it soooo much, I give this story 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:47:24 +0000

Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught

Ballantine Books

From the Back Cover: They met in paradise: Kate Donovan, the beautiful, self-made Chicago restaurateur, and Mitchell Wyatt, ruthless businessman, scion of the fabulously wealthy Wyatt Family–and, as Kate soon learns, a man who won’t take no for an answer. During their idyll on the tropical island of Anguilla, Kate and Mitchell lower their defenses and surrender all inhibitions–slowly at first, and then in a rush of emotion unlike anything they’ve ever known.

But their heaven crumbles when Mitchell is summoned home for questioning in the disappearance of his half brother. Amid a media firestorm, he retreats into his world of privilege and power, leaving Kate to question everything she knows about her darkly mysterious lover: Is he in fact the culprit in this high-profile case? What secrets lay buried in his past? What does his future hold–and what are his plans for her?

As Kate struggles to trust the fascinating man who may also be her most formidable foe, the web of intrigue grows ever more complicated–and the result is Judith McNaught’s most spellbinding novel yet.

This is one fantastic love story, which also includes a murder mystery. The characters have so many layers. It starts out with Kate being on vacation with her attorney boyfriend, Evan Barrett. Evan is called back to the mainland because of a case he has to handle leaving Kate at the beautiful villa all by herself. Mitchell happens to see Kate in the bar and her beautiful red hair and emerald green eyes grab his full attention. The way they actually meet is pretty funny, I’ll let you read it. Needless to say, they end up getting together and sparks fly instantly. Mitchell is extremely handsome and Kate has a hard time not staring at him with his thick dark hair and sky blue eyes. They spend the next couple of days together and they grow closer and closer–intimately closer. Both are very comfortable with each other and enjoy each other’s company–like they’ve been together forever. Suddenly Mitchell is called back to the mainland because his half brother’s body is found and he is wanted for questioning. This is where everything in this story gets all mucked up and total misunderstandings take place. It’s a very detailed, heart-wrenching love story. I don’t want to give away all the twists and turns in this love story/murder mystery because they’re what make this story sooooo good–and there are so many. I actually re-read this book right after I finished it. I love the story. The strong emotions you feel going through everything with both Mitchell and Kate will keep you reading this one.

Because I will read this book again and again…I give it 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Paradise by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:41:15 +0000

Paradise by Judith McNaught

Pocket Books – Simon & Schuster, Inc.

“Sizzling.” – Houston Post

“Fast-paced romantic entertainment.” – USA Today

From the back cover: When corporate raider Matthew Farrell targets a department store empire, he crosses paths with stunning blonde Meredith Bancroft–and a once-in-a lifetime passion and bittersweet memories are rekindled for each of them. Can Matt and Meredith believe in each other at least? Or will a hostile takeover shatter their tenuous trust?

This story comes in a separate volume and also in a double-story volume, along with Tender Triumph.

Loved the story! Judith McNaught is such a wonderful writer. This story has exception detail to its plot. It starts out when Meredith is young and continues throughout her lifetime. You’ll stay completely enthralled and won’t want to put the book down. The heroine in this story is Meredith Bancroft. She’s an intelligent and strong woman. As a small girl she was homely and plain, but she grows up to be a beautiful young woman. Meredith is the daughter of the very wealthy Phillip Bancroft, department store mogul, and has lived a very privileged life. At 18 years of age during a dance at the country club, she meets Matt Farrell. Matt is a regular guy working at a steel mill. He does not come from money and everyone is very rude to him. Meredith saves him that night by talking to him and introducing him around to everyone. They hit it off and could easily talk and laugh together. Meredith’s father sends men to throw Matt out because he doesn’t belong there. Meredith has a big fight with her father and he sends her home. What he didn’t know is that Matt waited for her. She’s mad at her father for what he did to Matt and tries to apologize. Matt ends up takes her virginity that night. This is where the story really begins. They go through a lot of happiness and heartache. The story is too detailed to give you more…you’ll have to read it for all the wonderful detail Judith McNaught puts into it. You will love Matt, hate Phillip, and want Meredith to end up happy just once. This story is soooo worth the read!

Because this story tugged at every emotion I have, I give this story 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Remember When by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:11:34 +0000

Remember When by Judith McNaught

Pocket Books

Also available from Simon & Schuster Audio

From the back cover: When multinational tycoon Cole Harrison approached her on a moonlit balcony at the White Orchid Charity Ball, Diana Foster had no idea how extraordinary the night ahead would be. The most lavish social event of the Houston season had brought out American aristocracy, Texas-style, in glittering array. So, after losing her fiance to a blond Italian heiress and reading about it in the sleazy gossip paper, the lovely Diana felt obliged to make an appearance–if only to save face and to bolster her company’s image. Foster’s Beautiful Living magazine was her family’s success story, and Diana knew that, single, childless, and suddenly unengaged, she was not living up to its lucrative image of upscale domestic tranquility. A woman of gentle grace and kindness, Diana deeply valued her privacy and her dignity, both of which were at risk that night among certain rumor-driven socialites. And now the pride of Dallas billionaires, Cole Harrison, was closing in on her with two crystal flutes and a bottle of champagne.

The tall, lithe former stableboy couldn’t negotiate his way out of a contract with his crusty uncle, Cal–he had to bring home a wife, and soon, or see Cal’s share of the business Cole had created go to an undeserving relative. A man as coolly analytical as he was arrestingly attractive, Cole decided that his bride-to-be should be rich in her own right, meltingly beautiful, and a woman of impeccable character…Diana Foster! It was the perfect solution to their respective dilemmas, and, after a lot of champagne for Diana and some skilled persuasion from Cole, their lips met in a long, slow, bargain-sealing kiss. Neither one dared imagine that a match made in logic’s heaven might be headed straight for an unexpected, once-in-a lifetime love.

This is a wonderful story. It kept my interest from the first page to the last. The heroine, Diana Foster, is only 14 when this story begins. Her father, Robert Foster, marries a good woman, Mary, who has a daughter, Corey, who was thirteen. Robert is not only a wealthy man, but also a wonderful father to Diana. They share a very close loving relationship. She always wanted a sister and missed having a mother. They blend beautifully into one happy family. Cole comes into the picture at that time too. He’s in college and works as a stableboy on a neighboring ranch. The girls go to ride horses and check out the guys. Cole likes Diana because she is different from all the other girls. They keep flirting with him. Diana just talks to him as a friend, and brings him food when she notices that he didn’t have much in his frig. One day he disappears from the ranch and she never sees him again until much later in life. He becomes wealthy and needs a bride. His uncle Cal forces him to look…and look quick…or he won’t sign over his shares in their business to him. When Cole thinks of all the women who would marry him at a moment’s notice…he realizes it would only be for what he could give them…none really cared about him. He reads in a sleazy newspaper that Diane Foster’s fiance married some young Italian model. Diane learned about it the same way. She was devastated–but not for the right reason. She didn’t mind losing him so much…as she worried how it would affect her family’s business. Cole remembers Diana and how she was when they were young–hard working, kind to everyone, and always helped her stepsister and him out. He knew she was now quite wealthy and had the beauty and grace of a refined woman. He sets his sights on her as his bride. He approaches her at the White Orchid Charity Ball to work out a deal with her and then the story really begins. It’s hilarious in parts and really heart warming in others. You’ll have to read the book to find out what perils they have to go through together and where they end up. You’ll love it!

Thanks again Judith McNaught, I love your writing!

Because I really liked this story and will now read ALL of Judith McNaught’s books, I give this story 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Until You by Judith McNaught

Pamela Sweet — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:32:51 +0000

Until You
by Judith McNaught

Pocket Star Books

From the back cover:

A teacher in a school for wealthy young ladies, Sheridan Bromleigh is hired to accompany one of her students, heiress Charise Lancaster, to England to meet her fiancé. When her young charge elopes with a stranger, Sheridan wonders how she will ever explain it to Charise’s intended, Lord Burleton.

Standing on the pier, Stephen Westmoreland, the Earl of Langford, assumes the young woman coming toward him is Charise Lancaster—and informs her of his inadvertent role in a fatal accident involving Lord Burleton the night before. And just as Sheridan is about to speak, she steps into the path of a cargo net loaded with crates!

Three days later, Sheridan awakens in Stephen Westmoreland’s London mansion with no memory of who she is—the only hint of her past, the puzzling fact that everyone calls her Miss Lancaster. All she truly knows is that she is falling in love with a dazzlingly handsome English earl, and that the life unfolding before her seems full of wondrous possibilities.

My future daughter-in-law gave me this book saying she thought I might like it. I loved it! This book starts out good and just gets better with every chapter. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I read it in two days (which would have been one…but I had to go to work…darn!). Colorful characters and scenery bring this unique story to life.

I give this story 4 cocktails because I would read it over and over again.

“People have been waiting for this book for years…UNTIL YOU takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions.” Kathe Robin, Romantic Times Editor, in USA Today

“Judith McNaught is truly the spellbinding storyteller of our times.” Affaire de Coeur