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Once and Always
Once and Always, one of Judith McNaught's most masterful and moving love stories, powerfully brings to life the fiery passion of a free-spirited American beauty and a troubled English lord.
Suddenly orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails the vast ocean, eager to reclaim her heritage at Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of a distant cousin, the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogance yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she senses the painful memories that smolder in his eyes. When he gathers her at last into his arms, arousing a sweet, insistent hunger, they wed and are embraced by fierce, consuming joy -- free from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of anguish, Victoria discovers the treachery at the heart of their love . . . a love she had dreamed would triumph not just once, but always.
Suddenly orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails the vast ocean, eager to reclaim her heritage at Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of a distant cousin, the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogance yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she senses the painful memories that smolder in his eyes. When he gathers her at last into his arms, arousing a sweet, insistent hunger, they wed and are embraced by fierce, consuming joy -- free from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of anguish, Victoria discovers the treachery at the heart of their love . . . a love she had dreamed would triumph not just once, but always.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
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About the author
Judith McNaught
85 books7,689 followersYou can find Judith McNaught in facebook:
Judith McNaught is a #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author, with more than forty million copies of her novels in print, in over eighty countries and more than thirty languages. She was also the first female executive producer at a CBS radio station. McNaught is credited with inventing the modern Regency Historical romance subgenre.
Judith McNaught is a #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author, with more than forty million copies of her novels in print, in over eighty countries and more than thirty languages. She was also the first female executive producer at a CBS radio station. McNaught is credited with inventing the modern Regency Historical romance subgenre.
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February 15, 2021
TRIGGER WARNING : RAPE, swearing & violence in general
► One thing I'm certain of is that this book isn't a romance. No. It's a sickening portray of a relationship where abuse in all its forms is romanticized, including rape.
What kind of abuse? Please chose! Be my guest! Rape? Physical violence? Psychological harassment? Just fucking chose because it contains all those and more.
➸ As I write, Once and Always has an average rating of 4.22 here on GR, with 7,149 people who think that it's a romance worthy of 5 stars. You can't imagine how much this fact scares me and I'll try to explain why in this review.
This is going to be quick : I will spare you the plot which turns rounds and rounds in circles endlessly, the characters not willing to quit making idiotic decisions because really, it's not even the matter at hand. Just know that this story is filled with more dumb twists and misunderstanding nonsense than a vaudeville show. To sum up, a young American woman, Victoria, arrives in England shortly after her parents' death to be taken care of by Charles Fielding, a lifelong acquaintance of her mother. But the old Duke has an hidden purpose : to marry her with his illegitimate son, Jason. What interests us here is the relationship between the two 'lovebirds' (throughout this review, you can safely take my quotations marks as sarcasm).
From their first meeting, Jason keeps threatening Victoria each time he thinks that she is going to go against his wishes, invariably congratulating her by a "Good Girl" if she ends agreeing with him. No matter how perfect she is portrayed to be, how interested he is supposed to be in her 'refreshing' behavior, it remains that his behavior shows something else entirely.
● She's sick? Oh, poor thing, he's going to give her some med. Nice, you say?
"Drink it," he said calmly, "or I'll pour it down your throat"
● The guy has really a way around words. Not conviced?
"I'd like to wring your neck," Jason said, half-seriously, but he grasped her arm as she asked.
I suppose that I should be happy to know that he doesn't fully means that now should I?
➸ I could go on and on and on about his propensity to be a bully, but perhaps the most sickening fact in all that is that we only began to scrape the surface of the issue. Just take a look at his reaction the day after their wedding :
"Jason stood in the gaping hole of the doorway, his face white with rage, his voice hissing between his teeth. "Don't you ever bare a door to me again as long as you live," he snarled. "And don't ever threaten me with divorce again! This house is my property, under the law, just as you are my property. Do you understand me?"
Victoria nodded jerkily, mentally recoiling from the blinding violence flashing in his eyes. He turned his heel and stalked out of the room, leaving her shaking with fear"
Not to mention that he just crashed the door to come in. More generally, we are witnesses to so many scenes where he commits acts of violence against her that it doesn't comes as a surprise that she is scared to death by him. The fact that this behavior can be identified as expressions of passion sickens and infuriates me. No man (or woman, for that matter) has the right to resort to harassment in order to obtain someone's affection. The concept itself is so OFFENSIVE that it makes me want to hurl.
From his earlier behavior, you might expect that he doesn't improve when it comes to the sexual development of their relationship. Sadly, you wouldn't be wrong. Basically, he physically forces her to give him their first two kisses.
Kiss #1
"This is what would happen!" he snapped suddenly, and his mouth crushed hers in a fierce, brutal kiss that was meant to punish and humiliate her. (...) Her struggle only seemed to make him angrier, and the kiss more painful. (...) Victoria saw something primitive and terrifying flare in his eyes as his hands tightened on her arms. She jerked back, a scream rising in her throat, but his lips covered hers, stifling her voice with a demanding insistence that stunned her into immobility."
But surely after this kiss she has to KNOW that the guy is a violent asshole, right? RIGHT? Of course not, what do you think? She excuses him, fucking daydreams about it (because that was so passionate you know) and even more, feels GUILTY for it, first because she thinks that it's a normal behavior to have (the girl is so naive that's not even funny) and then because she is afraid that HE will think less of her because she LET him kissing her. I mean for fuck sake! It's obvious from the start that she never AGREED to this kiss, and the way the woman is shamed for HIS action shows an undercurrent of blind ill nonsense that maddened me. So she says nothing, because "perhaps she would only look a fool if she made an issues of it". So, what does he do? Why, he does it again of course!
Kiss #2
"A harsh laugh escaped him. "I like you too damned much!" he whispered bitterly, then pulled her head down and captured her lips in a demanding, scalding kiss that took everything and gave nothing in return. Victoria struggled in appalled, frightened earnest, bracing her hands on either side of him and shoving hard, trying to free her mouth from his. Jason swiftly plunged his fingers into the thick hair at her nape and twisted hard. "Don't struggle!" he said through clenched teeth, "you're hurting me."
"You're hurting me, Victoria chocked, her lips less than an inch from his.
Now tell me at what fucking moment I am supposed to swoon. Just fucking TELL ME. Am I supposed to be aroused after this? Am I supposed to root for them? Tell me for fuck sake! I'm lost! Because the only emotions that got through me were disgust and rage. But don't fucking worry, because after THAT kiss, she says, 2 pages later, "Perhaps he would despise her for letting him kiss her" . I'm sorry WHAT? What in the world is that supposed to mean? He FORCED you!
Sadly, things don't stop here. You know how much I despise when rape is used as a plot device or background to make a girl in need of 'fixing'. I hate that. But it's nothing, I say NOTHING, in comparison. Jason actually RAPES her on their wedding day. She is terrified because she's a virgin, she says NO, and he fucking rapes her. I don't care if they made a 'bargain' to give him a son, she had no idea what that meant, and even if she had, it's a rape nonetheless.
[they are fighting before] "Visions of blood and terrible pain roared through Victoria, adding their horror to the nausea the wine was causing. "I don't want to!" she cried piteously.
"We made a bargain, and as long as we're married, you'll keep it," he whispered as he pried her stiff thighs apart. Victoria whimpered as his rigid manhood probed boldly at her, but somewhere in the depths of her stricken mind, she knew he was right about the bargain and she stopped fighting him(*). "Relax," he warned bitterly in the darkness above her, "I may not be as considerate as your dear Andrew, but I don't want to hurt you."
His vicious mention of Andrew at a time like this cut her to the heart, and her anguish erupted in a scream of pain as Jason rammed into her. Her body writhed beneath his, and tears poured from her eyes in hot, humiliated streaks as her husband used her without kindness or caring."
(*) Is that meant to make it okay? I don't care if she stops fighting, she is obviously forced into this, so yes, that's a rape. The fact that he doesn't know that she's a virgin (don't get me started about their ridiculous misunderstandings) doesn't make it okay either. Just remember that the day after, when she comes to ask for a divorce, he threatens her.
What you need to know is that despite her naive personality and her propensity to excuse Jason for his behavior, Victoria sometimes realizes that it's not normal and that she deserves better. Each time it happens, there is someone to tell her that she's wrong and that she must give him time to open to her. Excuse me but that's fucking BULLSHIT. I swear, each time I heard the old Charles Fielding or the Captain reassuring her and telling her that she had to be patient, I wanted to throw up. I think that it's no need to prove further that Jason is a violent and dangerous asshole. So, no, I certainly don't want to read things like this :
"You're wrong," Captain Farrell said with gentle finality [that's after the rape]. "Jason has needed a woman like you since the day he was born. He needs you to heal wounds that are deep, to teach how to let himself love and be loved in return. If you knew more about him, you'd understand why I said it"
Excuse me what? She awes him NOTHING. It follows then a description of all the hardships Jason had to face in his past but you know what? I DON'T FUCKING CARE, because it excuses nothing. It doesn't make it okay. NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE. I won't endorse that wicked belief that condones violence under the pretext of a hard life.
A few minutes later this gentle soul tells her that she should have sex with her husband to resolve their wedding issues because that's what wives do (I recall : he raped her). I can't fathom HOW exactly it's supposed to help her.
More generally, in this book the women are either portrayed as sluts who throw themselves at Jason, greedy bitches who only want to take advantage of his wealth or as well, Victoria, pure and perfect virgin who knows everything from shooting to playing piano. Just give me a break.
Not to mention that by all appearances Jason keeps his mistress while married, blaming Victoria because hey! He has needs (do I need to remind you that he raped her?). Yeah, he's class like that.
As I said at the beginning of this review, this is not a romance, and the only satisfying way it could have ended would have been everything but a HEA. Sadly, as you might expect, they have their HEA. I apologize for the length of this review but it felt important to me to explain exactly why I'm giving it 1 star and why I'm appalled that this book is considered as a great romance by many readers. Never, ever let someone tell you - or even imply - that violence is forgivable. It isn't.
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April 14, 2013
You might as well get out your popcorn, because this promises to be entertaining. Over the past few days I have been stressed - incredibly stressed, and rightly so. As such, I didn't want to pick up any novels that required too much though, just mere enjoyment, and as I had enjoyed historical romance so much just a few months back when I binged on Lisa Kleypas's Hathaways Series, I decided to give some more titles a try this week. Needless to say, this has not been a particularly successful endeavor and, all things considered, Once and Always really isn't the bad book I'm making it out to be. Quite unfortunately for this novel, though, it's the last straw.
I need to get one thing out of the way early on: violence is not romantic. Not to me, at any rate. Men who inspire fear in their wives are also not romantic. Additionally, naive females - who are naive to the point where you want to throw them into a brothel because they clearly are not getting the picture otherwise - irritate me to no end. So do meddling old people. And plot threads that are built and built and built only to be disregarded by the end. And so are romances that take forever to develop, all because of character stupidity. If you're bothered by any of the things I mentioned, you might want to steer clear from this one. But hey, don't take my word for it. After all, adoring fans have given this so much praise that I wasted 200 minutes of my precious time on it. What. A. Waste.
Once and Always starts off promising enough and Judith McNaught is an excellent author. Yet, this book contains too many aspects of violence and rape for me to overlook. Our novel begins with Jason Fielding, the illegitimate child of Duke Fielding, realizing that his wife - a woman who blatantly cheated on him - and his son - who he adored - died in a shipwreck. Next, we cut to America where Victoria witnesses her mother deny her father their bed and listens as her childhood best friend, Andrew, declares his love for her. Only, three years later, Victoria is an orphan, Andrew is on a trip unable to be reached, and Victoria is sent off to Europe to live with very distant relatives, more like friends. When Victoria arrives at the house of Duke Charles Fielding, though, she is shocked to meet his son, Jason, who is loathsome of her and those around her. If anything, he scares her, but she refuses to back down and makes a home for herself in his house, her kind spirit touching upon everyone.
Okay, not too bad, right? Just wait... So Charles is a relatively old man and although Jason is his illegitimate son, he's his only heir. But Charles wants grand-children - Katherine's grand-children. Who's Katherine? Victoria's mother. Enter Flashback: Charles and Katherine are besotted with one another, Katherine's mother vows to deny the couple money if they marry, Charles doesn't believe Katherine can live as a poor man's wife because she was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he marries another woman, Katherine marries an Irish doctor and goes off to America, Charles is heartbroken. BUT, now with Victoria, who looks like Katherine, he can still somehow have grand-children of hers...if only she marries his son, Jason. As such, despite the fact that Victoria loves Andrew and believes he will come for her soon, he arranges so that the world believes Jason and Victoria are engaged.
Jason, needless to say, isn't happy about this but over time, he cannot help but fall in love with Victoria. As a boy, Jason has been cruelly treated by his foster mother and after his first wife, rejects love. Victoria, of course, makes his way into his heart. Unfortunately, not very easily. Jason refuses to acknowledge his feelings for her and makes her come out to London society. And although watching her many suitors makes him increasingly upset, he refuses to ask her hand for marriage. I don't know why. Enter..MEDDLING CHARLES! AGAIN! So Charles pretends to be incredibly sick, bribes to doctor to tell Victoria that he's on his deathbed, and then extracts a PROMISE that she will marry Jason. BAM, next morning the old man is all fine and dandy and now Victoria and Jason are married. BUT THE IDIOCY ONLY BEGINS NOW!
Up until this point in the novel, I couldn't say I was enjoying the story, but I wasn't hating it either. I was still reading, mostly because the synopsis promised the unearthing of DARK SECRETS and I was intrigued. Well...there are no dark secrets, so do yourself a favor and don't bother reading on. While the first half of this book is increasingly puzzling and strange, with Jason treating Victoria as a friend, an older brother, and a jealous lover all within the span of a chapter, it is bearable because you think the second-half will be better. And it is. But it's also much, much worse. While the second-half of this book inspires much feeling in me, it also makes me sick. Just like Victoria on her wedding night. And I guess that's where our story will pick up...
Jason and Victoria are married in a small church, just like Victoria wished. But since Victoria is a naive virgin, a silly spinster tells her that the wedding night is full of blood and danger and Victoria is reasonably frightened of marriage now. As such, she hesitates to marry Jason, angering him, and puts off the wedding night for as long as possible. Jason, being the idiot he is, somehow gets it into his head that Victoria ISN'T a virgin because she gave herself up to Andrew. And, because he lets his jealousy get the best of him, he assumes Victoria hesitated to marry him because she wanted to marry Andrew. As such, he stalks into her bedroom, demands that she strips, enters her against her wishes, and leaves her crying. Only then does the idiot realize she's a virgin and then - brilliant idea! - leaves her jewels in consolation, as if she's no better than someone he paid his services for.
If that description of their terrible wedding night made you want to gag, choke, cry, and murder Jason, the actual scene is even worse. Anyway, the show must go on! So Victoria wakes up resolved to divorce Jason - and he refuses - so after he storms away, she leaves to deliver left-over wedding food to a nearby orphanage. Only, she winds up going to the house of a Captain who Jason is very good friends with. And, keeping with the theme of violent men, he forces her to tell him why she demanded a divorce from Jason. After her whole story comes pouring out, the Captain tells her Jason's life story of a brutal past and, being the kind person she is, Victoria sets out to make amends. Only, that never works out. Jason ignores her and instead departs to his mistress - which even gets put in the papers! - and makes Victoria jealous. So Victoria bans him from his mistress and tries to seduce him, but he doesn't realize she's seducing him until FINALLY after pages and pages of ANGST and sexual tension and stupid longing they have sex. And Jason leaves her expensive jewelry. And continues to do so until Victoria leaves for the city for four days, instead of the two Jason requested. So Jason, in a fit of anger (seeing the recurring theme of ANGER and VIOLENCE here?) finds her in London, forces her to have sex with him, and the two return back to their mansion.
In between all this, Victoria tells Jason that she loves him and although Jason treats her coldly all day, only interacting with her at night and never expressing his feelings for her, he MAKES her tell him those words every time they have sex. Kill me now. Anyway, this ridiculous jewelry-giving continues until Jason finally gets it into his head that Victoria genuinely loves him and - YAY - they're finally happy. BUT WAIT. You forgot about Charles, didn't you? And Andrew? THEY'RE BACK! So the night Charles faked an illness and made Victoria promise to marry Jason, he received a latter from Andrew informing him of dire circumstances that kept him from coming to Victoria. While Jason didn't know about this, Charles didn't give a damn and made them marry anyway. Giving us this horrendous book, but back to the story. We're ALMOST done. Nearly.
So Jason goes off on a six-day journey and hours before he comes home, Andrew arrives and the whole torrid affair is revealed of Charles's betrayal. Victoria sends Andrew packing - because she's happy with Jason by this point - but she believes Jason had a hand in this duplicity, so she takes off to visit her grandmother - the same lady who prevented Katherine and Charles from marrying each other. Along the way, she thinks she's being pursued by bandits (when it's really a servant trying to make sure she's safe in the storm) and leaves behind her cloak to dissuade the pursuer. Well, in a classic let-us-not-deal-with-the-real-situation-I-spent-hours-creating, the servant proclaims Victoria to have drowned, Jason comes back to learn his bride is dead, and the world is restored to its violent balance. You didn't think we could end this tale without more displays of power and violence, did you?
Victoria, in her grandmother's house, finds out about the misunderstanding and rushes home to reveal her very-alive-self. And, as expected from Jason at this point, he tells her he'll chain her to him and what-not...all supposedly romantic crap...and locks her up in a bedroom where he supposedly ravishes her. And, outside, Charles and Grandmother Dear are happy because they'll finally get that damn grandchild they want so badly. The. End.
Honestly, I am forgetting a few important details, such as the fact that Victoria genuinely liked Jason when she married him, although she was frightened, or that she and Jason had many moments when they were dear, dear friends. Yet, the pervading themes remained that Jason was tortured as a boy and therefore had every right to be violent and moody while Victoria had to accommodate for that and struggle to make her marriage work.
WHY DAMMIT? WHY? I am SICK and TIRED of this plot device! I read Lord of Scoundrels just days ago and a similar situation was built where the man led a tortured past and the woman HAD to heal him, HAD to deal with him, HAD to do everything because she was the woman. NO. NO, NO, NO, NO, NOOOOOO! THIS IS NOT ROMANCE! Why do we think it is? Why do our hearts flutter when a muscular man comes at us with violent lust in his eyes? WHY ARE THESE WOMEN NOT RUNNING AWAY SCREAMING?
Maybe the women of these time periods were made of sterner stuff, but with all the swooning going on, I suspect not. Although Jason is a character I can understand because of his complex past, he was never one I could bring myself to like. Granted, he had his sweet moments and his servants all adored him, but there is so much just blatantly WRONG with this ideal of marriage or life.
Now, I know you're all going to point a finger at me and tell me it's my OWN fault. I knew what I was getting into when I picked up a historical romance, did I not? No, I didn't. Why I like historical romance is because it allows characters to do a few things. Firstly, it allows a woman to display a side of her that isn't always prim and proper, but rather sexually aroused - which is a fact of life. Women have sexual needs too and historical romance never glosses over this, which I appreciate. Secondly, it nearly always provides a perfect foothold for a balanced relationship. While these women may be simpering or poor, they have just as much power over the man as he has over them. As such, these books never shy away from displaying a side of men that is hushed up and forgotten. And, most of all, historical fiction allows authors to explore marriages, not just courtships. I don't mind seeing how people fall in love, but seeing their struggle to sustain that love is all the more powerful. And that is why I read historical romance.
Not for this. Not to be treated to THIS. Not for violent men, naive ladies who are fearful of their violent husbands, or old meddling fools. And, frankly, I am terrified for our generation after seeing all the positive ratings for this. Granted, Victoria's predicament made me feel so sharply for her, but I doubt I was supposed to feel all the pain and disgust I did feel. In fact, I can very truthfully say that Judith McNaught has warned me away from historical romance for good. With the exception of a few more Kleypas novels. Maybe.
I am not in the habit of poring back through books I actively disliked to find quotes to illustrate my point. I am also not in the habit of using angry GIFs. So maybe that makes this review less than credible - who knows? - but if you ever choose to pick up this book, just know that someone out there wasted 200 minutes of their life so you didn't have to. And maybe also procrastinated on physics homework (but you don't have to remember that part).
I need to get one thing out of the way early on: violence is not romantic. Not to me, at any rate. Men who inspire fear in their wives are also not romantic. Additionally, naive females - who are naive to the point where you want to throw them into a brothel because they clearly are not getting the picture otherwise - irritate me to no end. So do meddling old people. And plot threads that are built and built and built only to be disregarded by the end. And so are romances that take forever to develop, all because of character stupidity. If you're bothered by any of the things I mentioned, you might want to steer clear from this one. But hey, don't take my word for it. After all, adoring fans have given this so much praise that I wasted 200 minutes of my precious time on it. What. A. Waste.
Once and Always starts off promising enough and Judith McNaught is an excellent author. Yet, this book contains too many aspects of violence and rape for me to overlook. Our novel begins with Jason Fielding, the illegitimate child of Duke Fielding, realizing that his wife - a woman who blatantly cheated on him - and his son - who he adored - died in a shipwreck. Next, we cut to America where Victoria witnesses her mother deny her father their bed and listens as her childhood best friend, Andrew, declares his love for her. Only, three years later, Victoria is an orphan, Andrew is on a trip unable to be reached, and Victoria is sent off to Europe to live with very distant relatives, more like friends. When Victoria arrives at the house of Duke Charles Fielding, though, she is shocked to meet his son, Jason, who is loathsome of her and those around her. If anything, he scares her, but she refuses to back down and makes a home for herself in his house, her kind spirit touching upon everyone.
Okay, not too bad, right? Just wait... So Charles is a relatively old man and although Jason is his illegitimate son, he's his only heir. But Charles wants grand-children - Katherine's grand-children. Who's Katherine? Victoria's mother. Enter Flashback: Charles and Katherine are besotted with one another, Katherine's mother vows to deny the couple money if they marry, Charles doesn't believe Katherine can live as a poor man's wife because she was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he marries another woman, Katherine marries an Irish doctor and goes off to America, Charles is heartbroken. BUT, now with Victoria, who looks like Katherine, he can still somehow have grand-children of hers...if only she marries his son, Jason. As such, despite the fact that Victoria loves Andrew and believes he will come for her soon, he arranges so that the world believes Jason and Victoria are engaged.
Jason, needless to say, isn't happy about this but over time, he cannot help but fall in love with Victoria. As a boy, Jason has been cruelly treated by his foster mother and after his first wife, rejects love. Victoria, of course, makes his way into his heart. Unfortunately, not very easily. Jason refuses to acknowledge his feelings for her and makes her come out to London society. And although watching her many suitors makes him increasingly upset, he refuses to ask her hand for marriage. I don't know why. Enter..MEDDLING CHARLES! AGAIN! So Charles pretends to be incredibly sick, bribes to doctor to tell Victoria that he's on his deathbed, and then extracts a PROMISE that she will marry Jason. BAM, next morning the old man is all fine and dandy and now Victoria and Jason are married. BUT THE IDIOCY ONLY BEGINS NOW!
Up until this point in the novel, I couldn't say I was enjoying the story, but I wasn't hating it either. I was still reading, mostly because the synopsis promised the unearthing of DARK SECRETS and I was intrigued. Well...there are no dark secrets, so do yourself a favor and don't bother reading on. While the first half of this book is increasingly puzzling and strange, with Jason treating Victoria as a friend, an older brother, and a jealous lover all within the span of a chapter, it is bearable because you think the second-half will be better. And it is. But it's also much, much worse. While the second-half of this book inspires much feeling in me, it also makes me sick. Just like Victoria on her wedding night. And I guess that's where our story will pick up...
Jason and Victoria are married in a small church, just like Victoria wished. But since Victoria is a naive virgin, a silly spinster tells her that the wedding night is full of blood and danger and Victoria is reasonably frightened of marriage now. As such, she hesitates to marry Jason, angering him, and puts off the wedding night for as long as possible. Jason, being the idiot he is, somehow gets it into his head that Victoria ISN'T a virgin because she gave herself up to Andrew. And, because he lets his jealousy get the best of him, he assumes Victoria hesitated to marry him because she wanted to marry Andrew. As such, he stalks into her bedroom, demands that she strips, enters her against her wishes, and leaves her crying. Only then does the idiot realize she's a virgin and then - brilliant idea! - leaves her jewels in consolation, as if she's no better than someone he paid his services for.
If that description of their terrible wedding night made you want to gag, choke, cry, and murder Jason, the actual scene is even worse. Anyway, the show must go on! So Victoria wakes up resolved to divorce Jason - and he refuses - so after he storms away, she leaves to deliver left-over wedding food to a nearby orphanage. Only, she winds up going to the house of a Captain who Jason is very good friends with. And, keeping with the theme of violent men, he forces her to tell him why she demanded a divorce from Jason. After her whole story comes pouring out, the Captain tells her Jason's life story of a brutal past and, being the kind person she is, Victoria sets out to make amends. Only, that never works out. Jason ignores her and instead departs to his mistress - which even gets put in the papers! - and makes Victoria jealous. So Victoria bans him from his mistress and tries to seduce him, but he doesn't realize she's seducing him until FINALLY after pages and pages of ANGST and sexual tension and stupid longing they have sex. And Jason leaves her expensive jewelry. And continues to do so until Victoria leaves for the city for four days, instead of the two Jason requested. So Jason, in a fit of anger (seeing the recurring theme of ANGER and VIOLENCE here?) finds her in London, forces her to have sex with him, and the two return back to their mansion.
In between all this, Victoria tells Jason that she loves him and although Jason treats her coldly all day, only interacting with her at night and never expressing his feelings for her, he MAKES her tell him those words every time they have sex. Kill me now. Anyway, this ridiculous jewelry-giving continues until Jason finally gets it into his head that Victoria genuinely loves him and - YAY - they're finally happy. BUT WAIT. You forgot about Charles, didn't you? And Andrew? THEY'RE BACK! So the night Charles faked an illness and made Victoria promise to marry Jason, he received a latter from Andrew informing him of dire circumstances that kept him from coming to Victoria. While Jason didn't know about this, Charles didn't give a damn and made them marry anyway. Giving us this horrendous book, but back to the story. We're ALMOST done. Nearly.
So Jason goes off on a six-day journey and hours before he comes home, Andrew arrives and the whole torrid affair is revealed of Charles's betrayal. Victoria sends Andrew packing - because she's happy with Jason by this point - but she believes Jason had a hand in this duplicity, so she takes off to visit her grandmother - the same lady who prevented Katherine and Charles from marrying each other. Along the way, she thinks she's being pursued by bandits (when it's really a servant trying to make sure she's safe in the storm) and leaves behind her cloak to dissuade the pursuer. Well, in a classic let-us-not-deal-with-the-real-situation-I-spent-hours-creating, the servant proclaims Victoria to have drowned, Jason comes back to learn his bride is dead, and the world is restored to its violent balance. You didn't think we could end this tale without more displays of power and violence, did you?
Victoria, in her grandmother's house, finds out about the misunderstanding and rushes home to reveal her very-alive-self. And, as expected from Jason at this point, he tells her he'll chain her to him and what-not...all supposedly romantic crap...and locks her up in a bedroom where he supposedly ravishes her. And, outside, Charles and Grandmother Dear are happy because they'll finally get that damn grandchild they want so badly. The. End.
Honestly, I am forgetting a few important details, such as the fact that Victoria genuinely liked Jason when she married him, although she was frightened, or that she and Jason had many moments when they were dear, dear friends. Yet, the pervading themes remained that Jason was tortured as a boy and therefore had every right to be violent and moody while Victoria had to accommodate for that and struggle to make her marriage work.
WHY DAMMIT? WHY? I am SICK and TIRED of this plot device! I read Lord of Scoundrels just days ago and a similar situation was built where the man led a tortured past and the woman HAD to heal him, HAD to deal with him, HAD to do everything because she was the woman. NO. NO, NO, NO, NO, NOOOOOO! THIS IS NOT ROMANCE! Why do we think it is? Why do our hearts flutter when a muscular man comes at us with violent lust in his eyes? WHY ARE THESE WOMEN NOT RUNNING AWAY SCREAMING?
Maybe the women of these time periods were made of sterner stuff, but with all the swooning going on, I suspect not. Although Jason is a character I can understand because of his complex past, he was never one I could bring myself to like. Granted, he had his sweet moments and his servants all adored him, but there is so much just blatantly WRONG with this ideal of marriage or life.
Now, I know you're all going to point a finger at me and tell me it's my OWN fault. I knew what I was getting into when I picked up a historical romance, did I not? No, I didn't. Why I like historical romance is because it allows characters to do a few things. Firstly, it allows a woman to display a side of her that isn't always prim and proper, but rather sexually aroused - which is a fact of life. Women have sexual needs too and historical romance never glosses over this, which I appreciate. Secondly, it nearly always provides a perfect foothold for a balanced relationship. While these women may be simpering or poor, they have just as much power over the man as he has over them. As such, these books never shy away from displaying a side of men that is hushed up and forgotten. And, most of all, historical fiction allows authors to explore marriages, not just courtships. I don't mind seeing how people fall in love, but seeing their struggle to sustain that love is all the more powerful. And that is why I read historical romance.
Not for this. Not to be treated to THIS. Not for violent men, naive ladies who are fearful of their violent husbands, or old meddling fools. And, frankly, I am terrified for our generation after seeing all the positive ratings for this. Granted, Victoria's predicament made me feel so sharply for her, but I doubt I was supposed to feel all the pain and disgust I did feel. In fact, I can very truthfully say that Judith McNaught has warned me away from historical romance for good. With the exception of a few more Kleypas novels. Maybe.
I am not in the habit of poring back through books I actively disliked to find quotes to illustrate my point. I am also not in the habit of using angry GIFs. So maybe that makes this review less than credible - who knows? - but if you ever choose to pick up this book, just know that someone out there wasted 200 minutes of their life so you didn't have to. And maybe also procrastinated on physics homework (but you don't have to remember that part).
February 19, 2017
LOVED IT AGAIN, THE SECOND TIME AROUND
*
ORIGINAL REVIEW, on first reading ...
"Loving someone who doesn’t love you is hell! Don’t ever let anyone convince you that you can be happy with someone who doesn’t love you"
Words of wisdom from Papa!
Quick question before I do my review - Why, oh, why do a lot of you NOT read Historical Romance? You are missing out on such a great genre. I know some of you like your dark, gritty reads but you can do both. I like, SUSPENSE, M/M, ROMANTIC COMEDY – PLEASE, to those of you who have not tried Historicals, give it at least a shot. Blame me if you don’t like them.
Whether he was riding a horse or dancing at a ball, Jason Fielding stood out among his fellow men like a magnificent jungle cat surrounded by harmless, domesticated kittens
This is the third Judith McNaught book I have read. Why, have I not read more? Well one of the reasons is that a lot of her older books are not available as e-books so I have to go to the bother of ordering the paperbacks…. Did I say “go to the bother”? It is no bother at all, it is well worth it.
… she caught sight of the dark, foreboding figure striding toward the table with the silent sureness of a dangerous savage, his buckskin breeches molding his muscular legs and thighs ….
Victoria and her sister, Dorothy must leave America go to England after their parents die. They have relatives In England but had never been in contact with them. Dorothy goes to stay with her Grandmother but because of a family falling out, Grandmama does not want Victoria to stay with her so she must stay with another cousin.
I must say, I loved Victoria. She was strong, independent, beautiful, nice, courageous.
THE GREATER A MAN’S SOUL, THE DEEPER HE LOVES
Jason Fielding has had a tough childhood but he turned the tables and is now a wealthy man, the envy of many. But he is not a happy man. He does not suffer fool’s gladly.
"Besides playing the piano, I can carry a tune, waltz without falling and embroider a fine stitch. In addition I can read French and execute a throne-room curtsy with great aplomb. It seems to me," she observed with an impertinent smile, "that in England it is quite desirable for a female to be utterly useless."
I won’t go into much detail about the plot as I don’t want to give anything away. Yes, Jason was an alpha, overbearing ass but yes, I do love those types of guys.
” … love is an emotion that is used to manipulate fools. I neither expect nor want your love, Victoria.”
I see a few reviews have mentioned the back story with Andrew and how it was not really resolved. Totally agree.
In fact, she was beginning to wonder if England was filled with intriguing, ill-mannered, blunt people whose eccentricities were either encouraged or overlooked because of their titles and excessive wealth
I loved the interaction with the Ton, the secondary characters, the Butler, Uncle Charles, O’Malley, the Duchess of Claremont – I felt I was watching a scene from Downton Abbey.
Her mind told her to run, but her heart begged her not to be a coward
And to those of you have have not already …. YOU ….
"He needs you to heal wounds that are deep, to teach him how to let himself love and be loved in return."
Tortured Heroes – Cannot get enough of them!
February 23, 2017
5 ALWAYS STARS
This is one book that I really don't care what others say, IT ROCKED FOR ME!
This was the amazing love story of Victoria and Jason. Two very different individuals who find themselves together because of their shared "Uncle."
Victoria is a sweet stunningly beautiful innocent red head who has to move from America to England following the death of her loving parents.
In those days, a young unmarried lady was not allowed to be responsible for herself. She needed an elderly aunt or male family member to take care of her.
However, she was just buying time as she was almost engaged to her childhood friend Andrew.
She shows up on the hero's doorstep by mistake and he was captivated by her.
Although, he would fight his feelings.
The hero, Jason was very distrusting of others and their motives. Life has taught him that only pain can come of allowing others in. He was a cold and calculating man who did not believe in love or even innocence.
They are all a myth and he refused to trust what he saw in the heroine's eyes.
They would be forced together by a meddling uncle and circumstances beyond their control.
To make this work they would have to both take a leap of faith...but will they?
So many memorable moments in this book, when she plays the piano for the first time for him, when she milks the cow, when he tries to save her in the pond, and many more tender moments.
However, not all their shared moments are tender. This was the hardest part for me to accept but since it was a very common believe so it seemed accurate.
Just not very pleasant to read about...at all.
Today, I would most likely give this book a hard skip because it has elements in it that I hate like cheating and abuse.
This would have been a real shame because this book was so engaging and well written that it was worth it for me.
I fell in love with Tory and Jason and was praying so hard for them to make it work.
I was swept away by the vivid description of events and characters.
I got so caught up in their story that I read this book the whole night through and didn't stop until 5:30 am.
Since, my first read at 19 I have read it 5 times. It's one of those stories that stay with you and gives you hope.
I believed in them and in their love. I did not judge it, I just accepted it.
This is one book that I really don't care what others say, IT ROCKED FOR ME!
This was the amazing love story of Victoria and Jason. Two very different individuals who find themselves together because of their shared "Uncle."
Victoria is a sweet stunningly beautiful innocent red head who has to move from America to England following the death of her loving parents.
In those days, a young unmarried lady was not allowed to be responsible for herself. She needed an elderly aunt or male family member to take care of her.
However, she was just buying time as she was almost engaged to her childhood friend Andrew.
She shows up on the hero's doorstep by mistake and he was captivated by her.
Although, he would fight his feelings.
The hero, Jason was very distrusting of others and their motives. Life has taught him that only pain can come of allowing others in. He was a cold and calculating man who did not believe in love or even innocence.
They are all a myth and he refused to trust what he saw in the heroine's eyes.
They would be forced together by a meddling uncle and circumstances beyond their control.
To make this work they would have to both take a leap of faith...but will they?
So many memorable moments in this book, when she plays the piano for the first time for him, when she milks the cow, when he tries to save her in the pond, and many more tender moments.
However, not all their shared moments are tender. This was the hardest part for me to accept but since it was a very common believe so it seemed accurate.
Just not very pleasant to read about...at all.
Today, I would most likely give this book a hard skip because it has elements in it that I hate like cheating and abuse.
This would have been a real shame because this book was so engaging and well written that it was worth it for me.
I fell in love with Tory and Jason and was praying so hard for them to make it work.
I was swept away by the vivid description of events and characters.
I got so caught up in their story that I read this book the whole night through and didn't stop until 5:30 am.
Since, my first read at 19 I have read it 5 times. It's one of those stories that stay with you and gives you hope.
I believed in them and in their love. I did not judge it, I just accepted it.
March 29, 2010
This is the one.. The one that started my chemical embalance towards everything historical romance...
I was an avid reader, in elementary school. (Anyone out there remember Fear Street? lol) Mostly horror, mystery and suspense. Anne Rice and Stephen King ranking among my top authors.
Then life happened, and I stopped picking up books for well over a decade.
2 1/2 years ago, I started a new job, and met many new people, making friends among my co-workers. One, of course being Rhonda Krieger, a fellow GR guru.
One day, she asked if I ever read, in which I replied. 'Read, who the hell has time for that!' She started telling me about certain books she has read, and when I heard it was romance that was her genre of choice, it took all my strength, to refrain from laughing out loud. "Romance, seriously. Who on earth reads that crap. My God... Not me."
For weeks, she relentlessly nagged, and cajoled, telling me 'You absoloutly MUST read this book', handing me an old copy of the book I am now reviewing.
I remember it having a hideous "special, only $4.99' sticker on it, and chuckled to myself, knowing I was right, the book must be crap, and I will never enjoy it. To apease Rhonda, and basically get her off my back, I took the above mentioned book,
Ladies and Gentleman, I have an announcement. Now pay attention, because this is the only time you will hear me utter these 3 words....
I WAS WRONG!!!
Yup, you heard me. (or read me, rather) I was 120%, utterly, shamefully, completely wrong in my views of the historical romance genre, and it's readers.
This book, will forever go down in (my) history as the THE book, the one that opened my mind, my heart, along with my eyes to reading again, and the amazingly beautiful stories created by thousands of awesome literary minds out there.
Judith McNaught, will forever be, One of my favorite authors, of all time.
My only complaint, is her apparent decision to stop writing historical romances, and her diversion to more contemporary.
Historical Romance lovers of the world...(or GR community atleast.. I tend to get carried away) You must read all of Ms.McNaughts Historical romances. Prepare yourselves, for an amazing journey, full of tears, hysterical laughter, frustrating anger (may even find yourselves throwing the book, one or two times, screaming 'OMG... ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!.. like I did),passion and over all unbelievable true, and unyielding love. These are what Historical romance is all about!!
And of course...
I was an avid reader, in elementary school. (Anyone out there remember Fear Street? lol) Mostly horror, mystery and suspense. Anne Rice and Stephen King ranking among my top authors.
Then life happened, and I stopped picking up books for well over a decade.
2 1/2 years ago, I started a new job, and met many new people, making friends among my co-workers. One, of course being Rhonda Krieger, a fellow GR guru.
One day, she asked if I ever read, in which I replied. 'Read, who the hell has time for that!' She started telling me about certain books she has read, and when I heard it was romance that was her genre of choice, it took all my strength, to refrain from laughing out loud. "Romance, seriously. Who on earth reads that crap. My God... Not me."
For weeks, she relentlessly nagged, and cajoled, telling me 'You absoloutly MUST read this book', handing me an old copy of the book I am now reviewing.
I remember it having a hideous "special, only $4.99' sticker on it, and chuckled to myself, knowing I was right, the book must be crap, and I will never enjoy it. To apease Rhonda, and basically get her off my back, I took the above mentioned book,
Ladies and Gentleman, I have an announcement. Now pay attention, because this is the only time you will hear me utter these 3 words....
I WAS WRONG!!!
Yup, you heard me. (or read me, rather) I was 120%, utterly, shamefully, completely wrong in my views of the historical romance genre, and it's readers.
This book, will forever go down in (my) history as the THE book, the one that opened my mind, my heart, along with my eyes to reading again, and the amazingly beautiful stories created by thousands of awesome literary minds out there.
Judith McNaught, will forever be, One of my favorite authors, of all time.
My only complaint, is her apparent decision to stop writing historical romances, and her diversion to more contemporary.
Historical Romance lovers of the world...(or GR community atleast.. I tend to get carried away) You must read all of Ms.McNaughts Historical romances. Prepare yourselves, for an amazing journey, full of tears, hysterical laughter, frustrating anger (may even find yourselves throwing the book, one or two times, screaming 'OMG... ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!.. like I did),passion and over all unbelievable true, and unyielding love. These are what Historical romance is all about!!
And of course...
February 10, 2017
5 STARS ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎
OH... HOW I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
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And yet another masterpiece of historical romance. And what an emotional roller coaster ride it was. The passion and the angst are just dripping from every page. I was completely sucked into the story from beginning to end. These books… words cannot express my love for them.
“Don’t ever let anyone convince you that you can be happy with someone who doesn’t love you.
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Victoria Seaton was born and raised in Portage, New York in the early 1800’s. She was orphaned at the young age of 18, when her parents were killed in a carriage accident. With no family left in America, and no immediate marriage prospects, Victoria and her younger sister, Dorothy are sent off to England to live with distant relatives there. Relatives they have never met or even heard mention of… and apparently relatives of great rank and wealth.
“I still cannot quite believe it,”… “Mama was the granddaughter of a duchess! What does that make us, Tory? Do we have titles?”
Victoria sent her a wry glance. “Yes, we are Poor Relations.”
Victoria was a titian haired beauty, with deep blue eyes. She was also a girl with an incredibly positive outlook on life. She was free spirited and innocent, but also strong willed and proud. She overcame great set-backs, first dealing with the tragic death of her parents, a trip across the ocean, and then upon her arrival, the complete rejection of her great grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Claremont, who apparently was only interested in adopting her younger sister.
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This left Victoria alone at the docks. She was to be taken in by her distant cousin, Charles Fielding, the duke of Atherton, and his nephew Jason Fielding, the Marquess of Wakefield, to live with them at their estate.
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Victoria develops an immediate kinship with her Uncle Charles, who was thrilled to have her there. But, things did not go so well with her dark and broody cousin, Jason, the Lord of the estate, who couldn’t be rid of her fast enough.
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Lord Jason Fielding, the Marquess of Wakefield, was an extremely wealthy and arrogant man. He was dark and devastating handsome, moving with a panther-like grace that made him one of the most desired bachelors in Europe. Despite his dangerous and threatening countenance.
Having survived a troubled childhood and then the loss of his wife and son, he was determined to live his life out alone, pouring himself into his work and his fortunes, to fill the void of his blackened heart. He had no interest in love… he believed it didn’t exist. He sought out women only as an ornament for his arm at social affairs or to warm his bed when he so desired.
So when he read in the paper, his apparent betrothal to his young cousin, Miss Victoria Seaton, he was not only shocked, but completely enraged by the rumor.
The sparks fly almost immediately between these two. Victoria is so innocent and kind, she tries to reach out to him, but is immediately shot down. Feeling completely alone and rejected by her family, Victoria would like nothing better than to leave and sail back to New York, but she finds herself completely without options and no where else to go.
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I really liked Victoria’s character. A true optimist faced with devastating circumstances. She perseveres without despair. Constantly trying to make the best of her situation. And always loyal, awaiting the return of her first love, Andrew to come for her to take her home. And she enchanted everyone that crossed her path... including the wild beast.
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And Jason…. having to deal with her often cruel and arrogant cousin, Victoria was completely baffled by the bitterness he displayed. And what a bastard he could be.
“None of this is Victoria’s fault,” Charles began… “You must understand that.”
“Really,” Jason drawled sarcastically, “And does that wining little beggar understand that this is my house, and I don’t want her here?”
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I so loved the banter between these two characters. And I LOVED Jason Fielding!!! He was such an incredibly tortured soul… He completely shuts himself off to happiness and love… and his past is so mysterious and dark. He is an enigma, an alpha maniac, a paragon of grief and despair. And completely misunderstood… GOD I LOVE THAT MAN!
“He is very fine.”
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“Please touch me — let me feel your hands on me.”
There were misunderstandings aplenty, and a HEA that was HARD EARNED! What’s not to love, right? This one will go down in my all time favorites, as most of Judith’s books I’ve read so far. The writing is outstanding!!! Just writing this review has me wanting to read it all over again.
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After all his farflung financial triumphs and aimless sexual exploits, he had finally found what he had unconsciously been searching for: He had found the place he belonged… He was home now.
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OH... HOW I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
And yet another masterpiece of historical romance. And what an emotional roller coaster ride it was. The passion and the angst are just dripping from every page. I was completely sucked into the story from beginning to end. These books… words cannot express my love for them.
“Don’t ever let anyone convince you that you can be happy with someone who doesn’t love you.
Victoria Seaton was born and raised in Portage, New York in the early 1800’s. She was orphaned at the young age of 18, when her parents were killed in a carriage accident. With no family left in America, and no immediate marriage prospects, Victoria and her younger sister, Dorothy are sent off to England to live with distant relatives there. Relatives they have never met or even heard mention of… and apparently relatives of great rank and wealth.
“I still cannot quite believe it,”… “Mama was the granddaughter of a duchess! What does that make us, Tory? Do we have titles?”
Victoria sent her a wry glance. “Yes, we are Poor Relations.”
Victoria was a titian haired beauty, with deep blue eyes. She was also a girl with an incredibly positive outlook on life. She was free spirited and innocent, but also strong willed and proud. She overcame great set-backs, first dealing with the tragic death of her parents, a trip across the ocean, and then upon her arrival, the complete rejection of her great grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Claremont, who apparently was only interested in adopting her younger sister.
This left Victoria alone at the docks. She was to be taken in by her distant cousin, Charles Fielding, the duke of Atherton, and his nephew Jason Fielding, the Marquess of Wakefield, to live with them at their estate.
Victoria develops an immediate kinship with her Uncle Charles, who was thrilled to have her there. But, things did not go so well with her dark and broody cousin, Jason, the Lord of the estate, who couldn’t be rid of her fast enough.
Lord Jason Fielding, the Marquess of Wakefield, was an extremely wealthy and arrogant man. He was dark and devastating handsome, moving with a panther-like grace that made him one of the most desired bachelors in Europe. Despite his dangerous and threatening countenance.
Having survived a troubled childhood and then the loss of his wife and son, he was determined to live his life out alone, pouring himself into his work and his fortunes, to fill the void of his blackened heart. He had no interest in love… he believed it didn’t exist. He sought out women only as an ornament for his arm at social affairs or to warm his bed when he so desired.
So when he read in the paper, his apparent betrothal to his young cousin, Miss Victoria Seaton, he was not only shocked, but completely enraged by the rumor.
The sparks fly almost immediately between these two. Victoria is so innocent and kind, she tries to reach out to him, but is immediately shot down. Feeling completely alone and rejected by her family, Victoria would like nothing better than to leave and sail back to New York, but she finds herself completely without options and no where else to go.
I really liked Victoria’s character. A true optimist faced with devastating circumstances. She perseveres without despair. Constantly trying to make the best of her situation. And always loyal, awaiting the return of her first love, Andrew to come for her to take her home. And she enchanted everyone that crossed her path... including the wild beast.
And Jason…. having to deal with her often cruel and arrogant cousin, Victoria was completely baffled by the bitterness he displayed. And what a bastard he could be.
“None of this is Victoria’s fault,” Charles began… “You must understand that.”
“Really,” Jason drawled sarcastically, “And does that wining little beggar understand that this is my house, and I don’t want her here?”
I so loved the banter between these two characters. And I LOVED Jason Fielding!!! He was such an incredibly tortured soul… He completely shuts himself off to happiness and love… and his past is so mysterious and dark. He is an enigma, an alpha maniac, a paragon of grief and despair. And completely misunderstood… GOD I LOVE THAT MAN!
“He is very fine.”
“Please touch me — let me feel your hands on me.”
There were misunderstandings aplenty, and a HEA that was HARD EARNED! What’s not to love, right? This one will go down in my all time favorites, as most of Judith’s books I’ve read so far. The writing is outstanding!!! Just writing this review has me wanting to read it all over again.
After all his farflung financial triumphs and aimless sexual exploits, he had finally found what he had unconsciously been searching for: He had found the place he belonged… He was home now.
September 13, 2015
I loved this one when I first read it, oh, about 18 years ago...give or take. Unfortunately, I'm not too crazy about it now. I still liked it but the constant misunderstanding, Victoria's wishy-washiness, Jason's cruelty grated on me. For example, Victoria's penchant for putting herself in danger would have been fine with me years ago, but now, oh my gawd! I can't even. And Jason Fielding felt unnecessarily cruel to me.
Still, I enjoyed this one. The writing did feel dated but it's Judith McNaught. Reading this again gave me a sense of nostalgia of the good old days where heroines were special snowflake Mary Sues and rapey heroes roam romancelandia. If I had read this one now, I definitely would've hated it.
Still, I enjoyed this one. The writing did feel dated but it's Judith McNaught. Reading this again gave me a sense of nostalgia of the good old days where heroines were special snowflake Mary Sues and rapey heroes roam romancelandia. If I had read this one now, I definitely would've hated it.
March 21, 2021
This is a case where it's an 80s romance with too much problematic content for my taste. The hero in this book is absolutely VILE and rapes our heroine on their wedding night. But then the heroine learns about his traumatizing past and instantly forgives him and spends the next 150 pages trying to win him!?! Excuse me????? He literally did zero groveling and knows he violated her, but she does all of the work to make a relationship work. No. Thank. You.
I will say, I did enjoy the writing style and how readable this book was. It was fun that Victoria was from America and had to be trained in British society so that she could try to find a husband. I loved the staff that worked for Jason and how they were a bit meddling. But the romance just left a bad taste in my mouth and was so frustrating that I just could not stand it the entire time I was reading. Big miss for me.
I will say, I did enjoy the writing style and how readable this book was. It was fun that Victoria was from America and had to be trained in British society so that she could try to find a husband. I loved the staff that worked for Jason and how they were a bit meddling. But the romance just left a bad taste in my mouth and was so frustrating that I just could not stand it the entire time I was reading. Big miss for me.
September 15, 2020
WARNING: SPOILERS AND CURSING AHEAD.
I think I died a thousand times internally within the total span while reading this book.
How is this shit romance? It's a train wreck.
Can we start with how Jason is a piece of shit? This emotionally constipated jerk abuses Victoria emotionally, physically and mentally. He is cold to Victoria from first page of this book. He forcefully kisses Victoria twice. Did I mention that he rapes her on their wedding night and other nights too? His sob story should not be excused as a reason for his abusive behaviour.
Oh boi, let's talk about Victoria. Even worms have more spine than this lady. I can't fathom how can authors romanticise sexual assaults. And please stop fetishing naive and stupid women. That shit isn't sweet. Or normal.
Don't get me started on Uncle Charles, That Grandma Countess and Captain whatever-name. They manipulated and forced Victoria to stay with Jason. Especially after hiding Andrew, Vitoria's former lover's letters. They were the masterminds behind forceful marriage between Jason and Victoria.
This book is a clusterfuck. I just can't.
I think I died a thousand times internally within the total span while reading this book.
How is this shit romance? It's a train wreck.
Can we start with how Jason is a piece of shit? This emotionally constipated jerk abuses Victoria emotionally, physically and mentally. He is cold to Victoria from first page of this book. He forcefully kisses Victoria twice. Did I mention that he rapes her on their wedding night and other nights too? His sob story should not be excused as a reason for his abusive behaviour.
Oh boi, let's talk about Victoria. Even worms have more spine than this lady. I can't fathom how can authors romanticise sexual assaults. And please stop fetishing naive and stupid women. That shit isn't sweet. Or normal.
Don't get me started on Uncle Charles, That Grandma Countess and Captain whatever-name. They manipulated and forced Victoria to stay with Jason. Especially after hiding Andrew, Vitoria's former lover's letters. They were the masterminds behind forceful marriage between Jason and Victoria.
This book is a clusterfuck. I just can't.
January 21, 2016
*breathes in*
*breathes out*
Oh, boy. Hate me all you want, but this story was utter bullshit to me.
(Note: Emphasis on the "me" part, people. Before you slit my wrists and burn me at the stake, I want to make it clear that this is based on how I feel about the story. My opinions do not invalidate yours, so if you can't tolerate negative comments about this book, by all means don't read this review.)
Manipulation. RAPE. Cheating. Verbal abuse. Violence. These are definitely elements of a great romantic novel, right? RIGHT?
Holy fucking shit, man. You know what? I'm too mad, disturbed and nauseated to do this. Thank God my pal Alienor wrote a comprehensive review. You can check it out here: /review/show...
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to therapy or something.
*breathes out*
Oh, boy. Hate me all you want, but this story was utter bullshit to me.
(Note: Emphasis on the "me" part, people. Before you slit my wrists and burn me at the stake, I want to make it clear that this is based on how I feel about the story. My opinions do not invalidate yours, so if you can't tolerate negative comments about this book, by all means don't read this review.)
Manipulation. RAPE. Cheating. Verbal abuse. Violence. These are definitely elements of a great romantic novel, right? RIGHT?
Holy fucking shit, man. You know what? I'm too mad, disturbed and nauseated to do this. Thank God my pal Alienor wrote a comprehensive review. You can check it out here: /review/show...
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to therapy or something.
August 22, 2024
"Once and Always" always has,and will always be one of my most favourite romantic novel of all time...!
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This is my 11:th time re-reading it and i never get tired.Judith McNaught has a magical spell over the way she writes and the way she flows the epic gesture in her stories.
This book has it all for a romantic lover like myself.It`s amazingly beautiful plot enticed me and excited me and the unique and passionate love-story between the brightful raven-haired beauty Victoria Seaton and the notorious and dark-looking Jason Fieldings.Their unhidden desire,overpowering love,the angst...the epic scenes just bewitched me into falling in love with this book forever..
Victoria is a heroine i utterly adore and love,and GOSH how i just want to be her friend!She is so charming,funny and brave and her glowing nature and goodness just brighted her beauty for everyone.She is a woman who fights for what she wants and i rooted for her from the start to the end.
and then...
We have the undenyable INCREDIBLE arrogant,rawly sexy,darkly passionate tortured brooding hero Jason Fieldings WHO JUST HAVE MY HEART,ALL OF IT!
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GOSH HOW I LOVE THIS MAN!
Jason practically shone throughout the book,every scene,every emotion,thought...everything..EVERYTHING,EVERY LITTLE DETAIL had my attention.He is a dangerous Alpha-hero who only wishes to find peace,home...love.
He is one of the most tortured heroes i have ever met,and what he had to go through child-hood,OH GOD HOW HORRIBLE...SO UTTERLY HORRIBLE.
He had a beautiful soul who only craved love from Victoria,who he thought she felt for someone else.His destructive pain over her rejection just broke my heart,and through this misunderstanding i just suffered with both of them.His everlasting and craving love for the heroine was too much for me,and the heart-breaking scene later on in the book just made me cry to pieces...
Jason and Victoria has a chemistry like no other and reading this book was like watching a soap-opera.I enjoyed every word,every page,everything!I LOVE LOVE LOVE this amazing book so much."Once and Always" will always be one of the most unforgettable epic romantic love-story of all time.I want to re-read it all over again now.
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This is my 11:th time re-reading it and i never get tired.Judith McNaught has a magical spell over the way she writes and the way she flows the epic gesture in her stories.
This book has it all for a romantic lover like myself.It`s amazingly beautiful plot enticed me and excited me and the unique and passionate love-story between the brightful raven-haired beauty Victoria Seaton and the notorious and dark-looking Jason Fieldings.Their unhidden desire,overpowering love,the angst...the epic scenes just bewitched me into falling in love with this book forever..
Victoria is a heroine i utterly adore and love,and GOSH how i just want to be her friend!She is so charming,funny and brave and her glowing nature and goodness just brighted her beauty for everyone.She is a woman who fights for what she wants and i rooted for her from the start to the end.
and then...
We have the undenyable INCREDIBLE arrogant,rawly sexy,darkly passionate tortured brooding hero Jason Fieldings WHO JUST HAVE MY HEART,ALL OF IT!
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GOSH HOW I LOVE THIS MAN!
Jason practically shone throughout the book,every scene,every emotion,thought...everything..EVERYTHING,EVERY LITTLE DETAIL had my attention.He is a dangerous Alpha-hero who only wishes to find peace,home...love.
He is one of the most tortured heroes i have ever met,and what he had to go through child-hood,OH GOD HOW HORRIBLE...SO UTTERLY HORRIBLE.
He had a beautiful soul who only craved love from Victoria,who he thought she felt for someone else.His destructive pain over her rejection just broke my heart,and through this misunderstanding i just suffered with both of them.His everlasting and craving love for the heroine was too much for me,and the heart-breaking scene later on in the book just made me cry to pieces...
Jason and Victoria has a chemistry like no other and reading this book was like watching a soap-opera.I enjoyed every word,every page,everything!I LOVE LOVE LOVE this amazing book so much."Once and Always" will always be one of the most unforgettable epic romantic love-story of all time.I want to re-read it all over again now.
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November 14, 2015
I've found a potentially new favorite author, but unfortunately not a new favorite book. There was so much going for this book, but in the end I am still battling over how many stars it deserves.
I really don't know how to explain any of this without spoiling the book. So beware, there might be mild spoilers below. It was a high-quality, well-written regency romance. There were parts that truly sparkled and at one point I was sure it was going to make it to the top.
There was an unmistakable aura of virility about Jason that made female hearts flutter. His thick hair was coal black, his piercing eyes the green of India jade, his lips firm and sensually molded. Tough, rugged strength was carved into every feature of his sun-bronzed face, from his straight dark brows to the arrogant jut of his chin and jaw.
Add a feisty, incredibly warm and sweet heroine from America, a dashing, dangerous hero with a tortured past, meddling relatives and a ton debut and you get this book! It had all the right ingredients. It was charming and funny, and I loved the language and the tone of the book. I especially liked all the interactions with the ton!
What I didn't like was Jason's abominable treatment of Victoria. Just because you've been treated badly does not give you an excuse to treat other people horribly! He constantly jumped to the wrong conclusions, and always thought the worst. And the wedding night completely horrified me! After that, he really couldn't redeem himself in my eyes. To be honest, I couldn't fathom what Victoria saw in him.
There were also some loose ends. The book is in desperate need of an epilogue. The Andrew subplot was very unsatisfactory. The book ends in a way that makes you sure that the next book will be her sister's but it isn't. It was almost a small cliffhanger - and then we are left hanging? There was also too little groveling on Jason's part IMO, and there was too little time before the end. I wasn't sure they had resolved all their issues and was on the path of HEA when the book ended.
Thank you Karen for reading it with me <3
September 15, 2010
In terms of writing ability and talent, Judith McNaught will always be a 5 star for me. Her gift for drawing the reader into the very emotions of the characters is amazing! As is her ability to reveal all the layers of the soul, bit by bit until discovery and redemption are not only found but felt.
As with all things, with great gifts come great responsibilities, however. If we, the readers, are drawn into the heart of a tortured soul, we need also be allowed to experience the process of redemption with him/her (ipso facto the romance part) In "Once and Always", I don't believe we were adequately given that. Jason is a deeply tortured soul who treats the innocent and kind-hearted Victoria despicably, using every cruel method he can find to push her away, while shackling her to him at the same time. Victoria doesn't understand and tries all she can think of to soften and heal him to no avail. McNaught's gift with emotions made this very hard to read. It all would be worth it, however, if we could see and feel Jason's remorse and restitution on his road to redemption as thoroughly as we see his atrocities.
Unfortunately redemption came with very little explanation (can someone PLEASE tell me how having sex again right after raping someone will make it all better?) with the heroine immediately capitulating (no argument whatsoever) and riding happily into the sunset. That just leaves a bad taste in the mouth, in spite of the near-redeeming incident in the last few pages (which ALMOST raised this to a 4 star).
As with all things, with great gifts come great responsibilities, however. If we, the readers, are drawn into the heart of a tortured soul, we need also be allowed to experience the process of redemption with him/her (ipso facto the romance part) In "Once and Always", I don't believe we were adequately given that. Jason is a deeply tortured soul who treats the innocent and kind-hearted Victoria despicably, using every cruel method he can find to push her away, while shackling her to him at the same time. Victoria doesn't understand and tries all she can think of to soften and heal him to no avail. McNaught's gift with emotions made this very hard to read. It all would be worth it, however, if we could see and feel Jason's remorse and restitution on his road to redemption as thoroughly as we see his atrocities.
Unfortunately redemption came with very little explanation (can someone PLEASE tell me how having sex again right after raping someone will make it all better?) with the heroine immediately capitulating (no argument whatsoever) and riding happily into the sunset. That just leaves a bad taste in the mouth, in spite of the near-redeeming incident in the last few pages (which ALMOST raised this to a 4 star).
January 3, 2023
3 💔💘🤔🌟s
Mixed feelings for this read...
It was unnecessarily lengthy and there was a lot of dragging, yet I didn’t skim.
Jason was a broody character, harsh and abusive towards Victoria. I expected more and better of him. He didn’t open up to Victoria, only a few snippets, and his background was told by the secondary characters. His emotional shift was very abrupt and underdeveloped.
His love for the heroine did not convince me, communication and chemistry were absent.
The lack of epilogue was noticeable and certainly missed.
Mixed feelings for this read...
It was unnecessarily lengthy and there was a lot of dragging, yet I didn’t skim.
Jason was a broody character, harsh and abusive towards Victoria. I expected more and better of him. He didn’t open up to Victoria, only a few snippets, and his background was told by the secondary characters. His emotional shift was very abrupt and underdeveloped.
His love for the heroine did not convince me, communication and chemistry were absent.
The lack of epilogue was noticeable and certainly missed.
January 30, 2021
It’s apparent that Judith McNaught knows how to write fun and witty heroines, but she needs to work on her heroes. This one has a sad and mistreated past that starts out with a wham on page two and more is revealed as it goes along. His cruelty and coldness is in direct proportion to the damage that past has had on him. He does turn around and it is apparently that this reformed rake makes a good husband even if it takes a while and a metaphorical skillet to the head.
The biggest obstacle to my enjoyment is the melancholy over all the other poor destroyed romances of some of the other characters. Poor sweet Andrew, her mother, her father, etc…
And what the heck happened to her sister Dorothy?
The biggest obstacle to my enjoyment is the melancholy over all the other poor destroyed romances of some of the other characters. Poor sweet Andrew, her mother, her father, etc…
And what the heck happened to her sister Dorothy?
February 21, 2021
Dramatic, passionate, and romantic!
I first read this Regency historical romance when I discovered it in my early twenties and am now finally writing a review. It's one of my favorite romances, which is a big deal for me because I don't have too many 5-star books on my bookshelf. It contains everything I enjoy in a romance novel: sympathetic, vibrantly-realized characters (even the secondary ones); evocative writing packed with humor, passion, and angst; and, of course, a memorable and swoon-worthy love that conquers all.
I'm not going to rehash the entire plot, but what I love most is how much Jason loves Victoria and how she saves him from a lifetime of loneliness and despair. This is an accomplishment because the man is, at least on the surface, as emotionally distant as they come! So he isn't the perfect romantic hero—at least not initially. He's moody, impatient, and has a low opinion of women. Nearly everyone in his vicinity at one point in time experiences his wrath. The man has a chip on his shoulder as big as Jupiter but he has good reasons for it, having been abused and betrayed since childhood. But it's not all gloom and doom with Jason. The author does an excellent job throughout the book in giving glimpses into Jason's real character (and into his love for Victoria). His friendships are healthy and respectful. He is generous to his mistress*. He's even forgiven a family member who betrayed him. It's Victoria who bears the brunt of Jason's crabbiness, and it's Victoria whom he hurts in a manner that has infuriated some readers.
He hurts Victoria in an awful way, but the author redeemed Jason in my opinion. I understood his behavior even while I didn't approve. The man was in pain, feeling rejected and lashing out in response. The important aspect is that Jason feels contrite and apologizes (he tells Victoria "I'm sorry" while she's sleeping, so she doesn't hear him). He also makes up for it in other ways, big and small.
Jason thinks he's impervious to tender emotions having buried his heart long ago, but much to his surprise he discovers that he can still love and, boy, does he LOVE Victoria. And that's why I love this book so much!
*Safety
I first read this Regency historical romance when I discovered it in my early twenties and am now finally writing a review. It's one of my favorite romances, which is a big deal for me because I don't have too many 5-star books on my bookshelf. It contains everything I enjoy in a romance novel: sympathetic, vibrantly-realized characters (even the secondary ones); evocative writing packed with humor, passion, and angst; and, of course, a memorable and swoon-worthy love that conquers all.
I'm not going to rehash the entire plot, but what I love most is how much Jason loves Victoria and how she saves him from a lifetime of loneliness and despair. This is an accomplishment because the man is, at least on the surface, as emotionally distant as they come! So he isn't the perfect romantic hero—at least not initially. He's moody, impatient, and has a low opinion of women. Nearly everyone in his vicinity at one point in time experiences his wrath. The man has a chip on his shoulder as big as Jupiter but he has good reasons for it, having been abused and betrayed since childhood. But it's not all gloom and doom with Jason. The author does an excellent job throughout the book in giving glimpses into Jason's real character (and into his love for Victoria). His friendships are healthy and respectful. He is generous to his mistress*. He's even forgiven a family member who betrayed him. It's Victoria who bears the brunt of Jason's crabbiness, and it's Victoria whom he hurts in a manner that has infuriated some readers.
He hurts Victoria in an awful way, but the author redeemed Jason in my opinion. I understood his behavior even while I didn't approve. The man was in pain, feeling rejected and lashing out in response. The important aspect is that Jason feels contrite and apologizes (he tells Victoria "I'm sorry" while she's sleeping, so she doesn't hear him). He also makes up for it in other ways, big and small.
Jason thinks he's impervious to tender emotions having buried his heart long ago, but much to his surprise he discovers that he can still love and, boy, does he LOVE Victoria. And that's why I love this book so much!
*Safety
August 29, 2022
Reread.
Well this rating being adjusted to 4.5.
Bothered by Jason and his mistress.
But I loved Victoria. All of Judith McNaughts heroines are the best.
Last JM read for a while, my binge is over. :)))
And as always she delivered a beautiful love story.
Well this rating being adjusted to 4.5.
Bothered by Jason and his mistress.
But I loved Victoria. All of Judith McNaughts heroines are the best.
Last JM read for a while, my binge is over. :)))
And as always she delivered a beautiful love story.
January 7, 2015
3 ½ stars – Historical/Regency Romance
This is my first McNaught read and it certainly twisted my emotions. I admired the heroine’s kindness, strength, and fortitude, but the hero was an utter, unforgivable ass. Yes, he suffered a horribly abusive childhood, a manipulative first wife, and agonizing grief, and for that I understood his cynical, detached coldness. But Jason’s continual abominable treatment of Victoria and the repeated misunderstandings were exasperating and exhausting, and he just never quite endeared or redeemed himself to me. I wanted a lot more groveling on his part, and it definitely needed an epilogue. Overall it was an emotionally wrenching, although not totally satisfying read, but I’ll definitely check out more by this popular author. 3 ½ stars.
This is my first McNaught read and it certainly twisted my emotions. I admired the heroine’s kindness, strength, and fortitude, but the hero was an utter, unforgivable ass. Yes, he suffered a horribly abusive childhood, a manipulative first wife, and agonizing grief, and for that I understood his cynical, detached coldness. But Jason’s continual abominable treatment of Victoria and the repeated misunderstandings were exasperating and exhausting, and he just never quite endeared or redeemed himself to me. I wanted a lot more groveling on his part, and it definitely needed an epilogue. Overall it was an emotionally wrenching, although not totally satisfying read, but I’ll definitely check out more by this popular author. 3 ½ stars.
August 8, 2020
2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: Meh. Not my favorite that’s for sure. The H was a jerk that I didn’t find redeemable after all of his wrong doings and while I liked the h for most of the book, she let me down in the end and definitely tiptoed that line into doormat status. Not nearly enough grovel and the ending just plain sucked. Also, see cheating spoiler below if you have cheating as one of your triggers.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Victoria and Jason’s story. Victoria’s parents have died and the only family she and her sister have seem to be estranged relatives in England. What she doesn’t expect is that her great grandmother doesn’t want her but only her sister and she is being sent to live with a Duke that was desperately in love with her mother and has publicly announced her engagement to his nephew, Jason. Victoria is intimidated by the mysterious Marquess but she would never let him know that and they butt heads immediately. Jason is not thrilled by the betrothal either because he has sworn off marriage after his last disastrous one. There is some heavy baggage they have to work though, a few funny scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing mainly on Victoria and Jason in 3rd person narrative (with a few side characters too).
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I hated the abrupt ending but it flowed well and I never skimmed otherwise.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 2 stars. Jason. He was a jerk and other than his gifts in the bedroom I don’t know what the h saw in him tbh.
h (heroine) rating: 2.5 stars. Victoria. I thought she was okay until the end when she gave in too easily IMO. Otherwise she was alright.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended so abruptly I was kind of shocked! I would still classify this as an HEA but I am really frustrated with the lack of closure. Why not give us the experience with them ?! It was one of those that had their big conflict resolved and then that was the end...if you even consider it really resolved 🤔
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: Meh. Not my favorite that’s for sure. The H was a jerk that I didn’t find redeemable after all of his wrong doings and while I liked the h for most of the book, she let me down in the end and definitely tiptoed that line into doormat status. Not nearly enough grovel and the ending just plain sucked. Also, see cheating spoiler below if you have cheating as one of your triggers.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Victoria and Jason’s story. Victoria’s parents have died and the only family she and her sister have seem to be estranged relatives in England. What she doesn’t expect is that her great grandmother doesn’t want her but only her sister and she is being sent to live with a Duke that was desperately in love with her mother and has publicly announced her engagement to his nephew, Jason. Victoria is intimidated by the mysterious Marquess but she would never let him know that and they butt heads immediately. Jason is not thrilled by the betrothal either because he has sworn off marriage after his last disastrous one. There is some heavy baggage they have to work though, a few funny scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing mainly on Victoria and Jason in 3rd person narrative (with a few side characters too).
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I hated the abrupt ending but it flowed well and I never skimmed otherwise.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 2 stars. Jason. He was a jerk and other than his gifts in the bedroom I don’t know what the h saw in him tbh.
h (heroine) rating: 2.5 stars. Victoria. I thought she was okay until the end when she gave in too easily IMO. Otherwise she was alright.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended so abruptly I was kind of shocked! I would still classify this as an HEA but I am really frustrated with the lack of closure. Why not give us the experience with them ?! It was one of those that had their big conflict resolved and then that was the end...if you even consider it really resolved 🤔
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
April 15, 2020
5 Dreamy Stars
Almost Heaven was everything I needed to get my mind out of reality.
I mean, it's been weeks since I last felt this urging feeling of rushing to finish my chores to be able to get back to a story to know what would come next.
Loved Tory and Jason.
Loved the secondary characters.
Loved the wolf.
Loved the plot.
Almost Heaven was everything I needed to get my mind out of reality.
I mean, it's been weeks since I last felt this urging feeling of rushing to finish my chores to be able to get back to a story to know what would come next.
Loved Tory and Jason.
Loved the secondary characters.
Loved the wolf.
Loved the plot.
July 14, 2013
***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.
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.
June 7, 2021
//RELECTURA//
Recuerdo perfectamente la primera vez que leí este libro, lo cogí y fue una lectura extraña, llena de frenesí por saber qué pasaba y llena de felicidad al terminar, de ahí las cinco estrellas. Ahora he cogido la relectura con un poco de miedo, ya que, leyendo de modo más reposado, pensaba que tal vez el libro me gustara menos. Justo al contrario, lo he adorado muchísimo más. Judith McNaught me parece una escritora buenísima pero claramente de otro tiempo en el que ni existía lo políticamente correcto ni era necesario dejar todo atado ni se huía de personajes con claroscuros y contradicciones. Para mí es básico en una novela romántica que adore al maromo y Jason Fielding no es un personaje fácil de adorar si te quedas en la superficie. Felizmente, Judith McNaught en todo momento de deja entrever que hay más de él de lo que su comportamiento dice, así que yo, de nuevo, me he pasado todo el libro esperando a que esa fría fachada se cayera y dejara ver al Jason real, que, cuando aparece, te compensa cualquier cosa del libro. Lo he adorado mucho más ahora que la primera vez que leí este libro (y mira que ya lo quise esa vez). Victoria me parece perfecta pero siempre moviéndose dentro del comportamiento que supuestamente una mujer debía tener en ese momento. Lo tiene todo y, además, una paciencia y una inteligencia infinitas para tratar a Jason.
Me reconozco muy fan de Judith McNaught porque tiene un modo de escribir que conecta especialmente conmigo. No pierde el tiempo a la hora de contar las cosas pero es capaz de tener la frase perfecta para, con tres pinceladas, describirte personajes o situaciones. Es cierto que en la parte final hay alguna cosa que se resuelve de un modo poco elaborado o simple para lo que es ella (o lo que yo espero de ella) pero no le quita brillo al libro.
Maravilloso libro y, felizmente, maravillosa relectura.
December 9, 2014
No one is more surprised than I that I didn't LOVE this book like the other McNaught books I've read. The relationship between Jason and Victoria just rubbed me wrong. I didn't like Jason as a "hero". His past was alluded to for a large part of the story, but not spelled out until the end. By that time, I was convinced that he was such an ass that nothing about the events leading up to his relationship with Victoria were going to change my mind. Just because you had a rough childhood doesn't give you the right to treat everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE) like crap.
One more thing bothered me but I'm spoiler tagging it.
Quite honestly, I felt worse for Victoria than anyone, and I felt like she never really got her fair share of apologies. She goes through SO MUCH, and it seems like the kicks just never stop coming at her through the entire book. Everyone uses her and manipulates her until her life isn't her own, and she was expected to forgive and forget. She tries so hard to make Jason love her, to squeeze a tiny bit of feeling from him, but it's like pushing against a brick wall...a brick wall that likes to hurt you in every way he can - emotionally, physically. I was actually appalled at his treatment of her a couple of times. What the actual fuck?!?!
Obviously, I still enjoyed the book to an extent. I'm not sure how I could give this a terrible rating because it's still a McNaught book. Vivid imagery and somehow, she has a knack for getting right to the heart of the matter without any stretches of boring lead-up.
Just not a favorite for me.
One more thing bothered me but I'm spoiler tagging it.
Quite honestly, I felt worse for Victoria than anyone, and I felt like she never really got her fair share of apologies. She goes through SO MUCH, and it seems like the kicks just never stop coming at her through the entire book. Everyone uses her and manipulates her until her life isn't her own, and she was expected to forgive and forget. She tries so hard to make Jason love her, to squeeze a tiny bit of feeling from him, but it's like pushing against a brick wall...a brick wall that likes to hurt you in every way he can - emotionally, physically. I was actually appalled at his treatment of her a couple of times. What the actual fuck?!?!
Obviously, I still enjoyed the book to an extent. I'm not sure how I could give this a terrible rating because it's still a McNaught book. Vivid imagery and somehow, she has a knack for getting right to the heart of the matter without any stretches of boring lead-up.
Just not a favorite for me.
May 10, 2024
TENGO MIXED FEELINGS!!
Es la primera vez que leo un libro de esta autora y lo no me di cuenta que fue escrito en 1989 por lo que iba a encontrar cosas cuestionables por lo que no voy a juzgar el libro por eso, porque si fuera escrito en esta época no lo toleraría.
El historia trata sobre Victoria una joven que acaba de quedar huérfana junto con su hermana y descubren que la mamá de esta era miembro de la nobleza en Inglaterra y contactan con la abuela pero ella sólo quiere a la hermana, por lo que Victoria va a dar con el primo de su mamá que es un duque.
El duque quiere un nieto y el único que se lo puede dar es su hijo bastardo que ante la sociedad es su sobrino y al recibir la noticia de Victoria ve la oportunidad de casarlos y conseguir a su heredero.
Victoria y Jason al principio no se llevan bien, por culpa de él que no ha sido más que grosero y déspota con ella, él no quiere casarse pero lo noticia ya fue dada por lo que tienen que fingir hasta que ella rompa con él y pueda casarse con otra persona o vuelva su prometido de EEUU por ella.
La historia me enganchó bastante pero sentí también la sentí un poco lenta, en gran parte del libro ellos no se soportan y no veía como se podían enamorar.
Estoy viendo si leo el segundo libro.
Es la primera vez que leo un libro de esta autora y lo no me di cuenta que fue escrito en 1989 por lo que iba a encontrar cosas cuestionables por lo que no voy a juzgar el libro por eso, porque si fuera escrito en esta época no lo toleraría.
El historia trata sobre Victoria una joven que acaba de quedar huérfana junto con su hermana y descubren que la mamá de esta era miembro de la nobleza en Inglaterra y contactan con la abuela pero ella sólo quiere a la hermana, por lo que Victoria va a dar con el primo de su mamá que es un duque.
El duque quiere un nieto y el único que se lo puede dar es su hijo bastardo que ante la sociedad es su sobrino y al recibir la noticia de Victoria ve la oportunidad de casarlos y conseguir a su heredero.
Victoria y Jason al principio no se llevan bien, por culpa de él que no ha sido más que grosero y déspota con ella, él no quiere casarse pero lo noticia ya fue dada por lo que tienen que fingir hasta que ella rompa con él y pueda casarse con otra persona o vuelva su prometido de EEUU por ella.
La historia me enganchó bastante pero sentí también la sentí un poco lenta, en gran parte del libro ellos no se soportan y no veía como se podían enamorar.
Estoy viendo si leo el segundo libro.
January 21, 2022
Another good read. This story has humour . It had me laughing and a few tears.
Jason had been treated bad by women from being small. Victoria was the one person who cared for him and not because he was rich.
Jason had been treated bad by women from being small. Victoria was the one person who cared for him and not because he was rich.
January 12, 2020
O frumoasă și emoționantă poveste de dragoste in stilul autoarei! 😍😍😍
December 27, 2016
1815. Nueva York. Victoria Seaton queda huérfana y es enviada a vivir a Inglaterra con uno de sus parientes, allí conocerá lo distinta que es la sociedad de lo que ella estaba acostumbrada en América. Una joven inocente y poco versada que se las tendrá que ver con Jason Fielding, un hombre frío e impasible, entre ellos surgirá una relación muy especial.
Este libro lo vi en una recomendación en el facebook del blog “A la cama con… un libro” y me llamó la atención y cierto es que me ha encantado. Es de esos libros que con solo leer una página sabes de una manera inexplicable que te van a encantar, y que lees con parsimonia, de esos que no quieres terminar, no sé si me explico.
Y es que fue leer esto en la primera página y saber que el resto no te va a decepcionar, que la autora no se iba a cortar un pelo. Porque si hay algo que me molesta son esas novelas donde todo es políticamente correcto, donde los personajes son toda corrección, a mí eso me aburre.
“—Cree que soy hermosa —le provocó Melissa en una voz que empezaba a flaquear debido al odio contenido.
—Tiene razón. La sardónica mirada de Jason Fielding se posó en el hermoso rostro de Melissa y en la piel de alabastro, en los ojos verdes ligeramente rasgados, en los labios rojos y carnosos, luego descendieron hasta los voluptuosos senos que sobresalían temblorosos e incitantes por encima del pronunciado escote del vestido de terciopelo escarlata.
—Eres una hermosa, amoral, avariciosa... puta. “
Y es que supongo que estoy acostumbrada a novelas más actuales, ésta se escribió en 1987, aquí afortunadamente no encontramos la típica novela que rezuma escenas de sexo por todas partes y a estas alturas no sabéis lo mucho que lo agradezco.
La forma de narrar y ambientar la historia por Judith McNaught me agradó sobremanera, de manera clara y concisa, sin rodeos y es que no le hace falta porque tiene mucho que contar y con lo que entretenernos. Y es que además tenemos personajes secundarios que valen su peso en oro, por ejemplo tenemos al “tío” de Victoria que me hizo reír a más no poder con sus ocurrencias.
Sobre los personajes principales me encantó de principio a fin su historia, con su romance, con su emoción, ternura… y también me hicieron sufrir.
Victoria Seaton es inocente en casi todos los aspectos y se entienden muchas de las cosas que hace, y es que la sociedad inglesa difiere mucho de la americana y la pobre pues no tiene ni idea de nada, pero poco a poco irá afilando las uñas.
Jason Fielding es otro cantar, es el típico hombre inglés, donde se hace lo que el marido propone. Su pasado no es un jardín con flores y todo ello lo refleja con un carácter frío y de indiferencia y es eso que lo refleja pero en el fondo es todo corazón. La relación entre Victoria y Jason es sin duda de las que gustan y emocionan, todo química. Pero hay un par de cosillas a Jason que no le perdono y por eso no se lleva el sobresaliente.
Me quedaron unos detalles en la trama que me hubiesen gustado que los desarrollara, algunos que nos los aclarase mejor. Luego con el amigo de Victoria con el que hubiese preferido un final más digno pero bueno no se puede tener todo en la vida. Y una vez más un final más digno, no dejarnos con eso tan escueto.
En definitiva, “Para siempre” es de esos libros románticos que supuran emociones a más no poder, que te hacen sufrir y con personajes muy especiales, vamos, una historia para recordar.
Este libro lo vi en una recomendación en el facebook del blog “A la cama con… un libro” y me llamó la atención y cierto es que me ha encantado. Es de esos libros que con solo leer una página sabes de una manera inexplicable que te van a encantar, y que lees con parsimonia, de esos que no quieres terminar, no sé si me explico.
Y es que fue leer esto en la primera página y saber que el resto no te va a decepcionar, que la autora no se iba a cortar un pelo. Porque si hay algo que me molesta son esas novelas donde todo es políticamente correcto, donde los personajes son toda corrección, a mí eso me aburre.
“—Cree que soy hermosa —le provocó Melissa en una voz que empezaba a flaquear debido al odio contenido.
—Tiene razón. La sardónica mirada de Jason Fielding se posó en el hermoso rostro de Melissa y en la piel de alabastro, en los ojos verdes ligeramente rasgados, en los labios rojos y carnosos, luego descendieron hasta los voluptuosos senos que sobresalían temblorosos e incitantes por encima del pronunciado escote del vestido de terciopelo escarlata.
—Eres una hermosa, amoral, avariciosa... puta. “
Y es que supongo que estoy acostumbrada a novelas más actuales, ésta se escribió en 1987, aquí afortunadamente no encontramos la típica novela que rezuma escenas de sexo por todas partes y a estas alturas no sabéis lo mucho que lo agradezco.
La forma de narrar y ambientar la historia por Judith McNaught me agradó sobremanera, de manera clara y concisa, sin rodeos y es que no le hace falta porque tiene mucho que contar y con lo que entretenernos. Y es que además tenemos personajes secundarios que valen su peso en oro, por ejemplo tenemos al “tío” de Victoria que me hizo reír a más no poder con sus ocurrencias.
Sobre los personajes principales me encantó de principio a fin su historia, con su romance, con su emoción, ternura… y también me hicieron sufrir.
Victoria Seaton es inocente en casi todos los aspectos y se entienden muchas de las cosas que hace, y es que la sociedad inglesa difiere mucho de la americana y la pobre pues no tiene ni idea de nada, pero poco a poco irá afilando las uñas.
Jason Fielding es otro cantar, es el típico hombre inglés, donde se hace lo que el marido propone. Su pasado no es un jardín con flores y todo ello lo refleja con un carácter frío y de indiferencia y es eso que lo refleja pero en el fondo es todo corazón. La relación entre Victoria y Jason es sin duda de las que gustan y emocionan, todo química. Pero hay un par de cosillas a Jason que no le perdono y por eso no se lleva el sobresaliente.
Me quedaron unos detalles en la trama que me hubiesen gustado que los desarrollara, algunos que nos los aclarase mejor. Luego con el amigo de Victoria con el que hubiese preferido un final más digno pero bueno no se puede tener todo en la vida. Y una vez más un final más digno, no dejarnos con eso tan escueto.
En definitiva, “Para siempre” es de esos libros románticos que supuran emociones a más no poder, que te hacen sufrir y con personajes muy especiales, vamos, una historia para recordar.
May 22, 2017
Después de varios libros de contemporánea tocaba volver al romance histórico y no puedo haber acertado más con la elección, gracias a "A la cama con un libro".
Mi primer libro de esta autora me ha encantado y dejado con ganas de más. Entonces, ¿por qué no darle las 5 estrellas? Por algunas acciones de Jason, que aunque entiendo que eran algo considerado como normal en la época en que transcurre la acción para mí son imperdonables, y el poco juego que saca la autora al prometido americano de la protagonista. ¿Tanto amor para irse así, sin más?
Mi primer libro de esta autora me ha encantado y dejado con ganas de más. Entonces, ¿por qué no darle las 5 estrellas? Por algunas acciones de Jason, que aunque entiendo que eran algo considerado como normal en la época en que transcurre la acción para mí son imperdonables, y el poco juego que saca la autora al prometido americano de la protagonista. ¿Tanto amor para irse así, sin más?
April 23, 2018
Me ha gustado mucho.
La reacción entre los dos protagonistas es llamativa desde el principio. Muy chula. Y aunque la frialdad de él me ha sacado de quicio sobre todo al final, se lo perdono. Que todos, familiares, criados, amigos, etc, movieran sus hilos para que la pareja "cuajara" es uno de los puntazos del libro.
Y engancha tela....
La reacción entre los dos protagonistas es llamativa desde el principio. Muy chula. Y aunque la frialdad de él me ha sacado de quicio sobre todo al final, se lo perdono. Que todos, familiares, criados, amigos, etc, movieran sus hilos para que la pareja "cuajara" es uno de los puntazos del libro.
Y engancha tela....
March 2, 2016
Once and Always is an earlier release for Judith McNaught and though I know I've read it before it's been so long, I had forgotten all about it. Because of this, it felt brand new again. Re-reading Once and Always was such a pleasure, because it still holds up- after all these years- and it packs a powerful emotional punch. (Although, I must admit, probably not so much now as compared to back in the day, because so many authors have copied her style.)
Jason Fielding, embittered by a marriage gone horribly wrong, is not interested in marrying ever again. His father has other ideas. Charles Fielding wants an heir and he wants Victoria Seaton, the daughter of the woman he loved and lost years ago, to give his son that heir.
When Victoria, orphaned and alone, shows up at Jason's Esatate he's sure she's yet another empty-headed, gold digger. But her free-spirited charm, kindness and sharp mind begin to weaken his resolve from the first moment he meets her.
Victoria has sworn to never marry for anything but love and the arrogant Jason Fielding is the last man she would ever consider marrying, especially since she's already met the love of her life back home in America.
Circumstances change though when she gets word that Andrew, the man she thought she'd spend the rest of her life with, marries someone else and the ailing Charles Fielding makes her promise to marry Jason. Feeling betrayed by Andrew and strangely attracted to the man who would be her fiancé, she agrees.
Misunderstandings ensue when Jason, for self-preservation reasons- pulls away from her soon after their marriage. On top of that, Andrew suddenly appears, unmarried and desirous of a re-connection with Victoria. When Victoria discovers that Charles and Jason tricked her into marriage- she abandons the Estate on a wild ride, disappointed beyond belief- the tremulous dream of everlasting love dashed once again by the betrayal of men.
Though Jason is the type of man to love once and always ... will their love be enough to conquer the circumstances aligned against them?
Okay, this is old school romance. The guy is alpha, brooding and difficult to like. But Mcnaught won me over with Victoria- she charmed the mean Jason Fielding out of his arrogance and me right along with him. People who read romance novels now won't like him- heck he keeps a mistress even after he's met the heroine- SHOCKING!- but I fell for him all over again ... even if it all felt a bit contrived.
Sadly, they just don't write these emotional tour-de force romance novels anymore and I miss them.
Realizing this book is a first in many ways, I'm giving it 4.5 out of 5. Can't wait to re-read some of McNaught's other oldies!
Jason Fielding, embittered by a marriage gone horribly wrong, is not interested in marrying ever again. His father has other ideas. Charles Fielding wants an heir and he wants Victoria Seaton, the daughter of the woman he loved and lost years ago, to give his son that heir.
When Victoria, orphaned and alone, shows up at Jason's Esatate he's sure she's yet another empty-headed, gold digger. But her free-spirited charm, kindness and sharp mind begin to weaken his resolve from the first moment he meets her.
Victoria has sworn to never marry for anything but love and the arrogant Jason Fielding is the last man she would ever consider marrying, especially since she's already met the love of her life back home in America.
Circumstances change though when she gets word that Andrew, the man she thought she'd spend the rest of her life with, marries someone else and the ailing Charles Fielding makes her promise to marry Jason. Feeling betrayed by Andrew and strangely attracted to the man who would be her fiancé, she agrees.
Misunderstandings ensue when Jason, for self-preservation reasons- pulls away from her soon after their marriage. On top of that, Andrew suddenly appears, unmarried and desirous of a re-connection with Victoria. When Victoria discovers that Charles and Jason tricked her into marriage- she abandons the Estate on a wild ride, disappointed beyond belief- the tremulous dream of everlasting love dashed once again by the betrayal of men.
Though Jason is the type of man to love once and always ... will their love be enough to conquer the circumstances aligned against them?
Okay, this is old school romance. The guy is alpha, brooding and difficult to like. But Mcnaught won me over with Victoria- she charmed the mean Jason Fielding out of his arrogance and me right along with him. People who read romance novels now won't like him- heck he keeps a mistress even after he's met the heroine- SHOCKING!- but I fell for him all over again ... even if it all felt a bit contrived.
Sadly, they just don't write these emotional tour-de force romance novels anymore and I miss them.
Realizing this book is a first in many ways, I'm giving it 4.5 out of 5. Can't wait to re-read some of McNaught's other oldies!
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