Friday, June 10, 2011

Historicals: Judith McNaught




Romance novels set before World War I are classified as Historicals. This genre has may sub categories, including Indian romances, Westerns, Civil War, ante-bellum, and pirate romances. Award winning, best selling authors of historicals include Catherine Coulter, Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood, Brenda Joyce, Johanna Lindsay, Judith McNaught, Amanda Quick, and Jannelle Taylor.

Historical romance novels set in Regency England between 1800 and 1820 are categorized as Regency Romance. Rengencies usually describe a "sweet" romance where the love scenes are not graphically described. Readers of the Regency novel are sticklers for details, readily spotting any errors the author might make regarding material inappropriate for the time period. Clothing, housing, mannerisms, political climate must all conform to the dictates of the Regency period.

Our particular journey through the glitter and pagentry of the historical genre will focus on authors Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood. Future updates of Kiss and Tell will add additional historical romance novels. If you have favorites you would like added in these reviews, e-mail the book title and author. We are here to share the wonderful world of romance.


Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

WHITNEY, MY LOVE, Set against the background of Regency England's country charms and glittering society, the novel takes saucy hoyden Whitney Stone on the journey to romance. Wisked away to Paris to address her teenage crush on a neighbor, Whitney blossoms into a ravishing beauty and becomes the darling of Parisian society. She returns to England to win the hear of Paul, her childhood love but finds herself bargained away by her bankrupt father to the handsome Duke of Claymore, Clayton Westmoreland. Outraged, she defies her new lord, refusing to relinquish her dream of perfect love. Clayton's dark, languorous eyes reveal his smoldering passion and seduce Whitney into a gathering storm of desire. Before Whitney can explore her attraction to the Duke, a series of misunderstandings threaten her future happiness. Clayton wants Whitney and plans to have her, despite a number of obstacles. Judith McNaught's first bestseller, is a classic example of the quality of her writing and the resulting enjoyment of her fans. It's a romance not to be missed!



A KINGDOM OF DREAMS By Judith McNaught

"A Kingdon of Dreams" tells the tale of the first Duke of Claymore, tall, dark, handsome Royce Westmoreland. Dubbed "The Wolf" by Henry VII, the very mention of his name strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. Although he is a warrior who has won many battles, all he seeks is a woman who accepts him for the man he is and not the legend. Jennifer Merrick agrees to her father's wish that she marry Royce. She and her step-sister Brenna are kidnapped by Stefan Westmoreland, "The Wolf's" brother. Royce is captivated by her fiery beauty and comes to want her as he's wanted no woman before. After failed attempts to escape, Jennifer and Royce strike a bargain. Several plot twists leave each of them bitterly hurt and humliated. Jennifer ponders where her loyalties really should lie-with her husband or her family. The story will make you laugh and cry and has some of the most tender love scenes. It's a novel for a special spot on your keeper shelf.





Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught

Golden haired Elizabeth Cameron was orphaned at a very young age and left to handle her father's gambling debts. As Countess of Havenhurst, she had to make an adventageous match in order to save her home from the auctioneer's block. Her chances are ruined when her attraction to Ian Thornton causes a scandal and she becomes an outcast in society. When they meet again, Ian is rough and cold, believing Elizabeth betrayed him. When he realizes his error, he concocts a scheme to gain society's acceptance for Elizabeth. It's a beautiful love story of a couple realizing their love for one another and the triumph of love over fate, ultimately conquering all. Ian Thornton isn't your usual hero. Aside from being a self made man and a deadly marksman, he is a genius. He also isn't afraid of falling in love, and expressing his affection for Elizabeth in public. ALMOST HEAVEN is one of my all time favorites, serving a torrent of emotions that overwhelm you as you read this novel.


Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

Once again, Judith McNaught offers a enthralling romance in a Regency setting in her novel SOMETHING WONDERFUL. Swept into a fascinating new world, Alexandra Lawrence, a naive innocent country girl, weds rich, powerful Jordan Townsende, Duke of Hawthorne. Amid the glittering lights of London society, Alexandra becomes ensnared in a tangled web of jealousy and revenge, stormy pride and overwhelming passion. Jordan hides behind a cold, arrogant mask, but Alexandra remembers the tender, vital, sensual man she married. Now, she must fight for his very life and reclaim the rapturous love they shared.


Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Hot passion sizzles though this searing historical romance. Judith McNaught combines breathtaking mystery and the magic of romance in this novel. Orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails to England to claim an long-lost inheritance. She is awed by the elegance of Wakefield, the sumptuous estate of her distant cousin, the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogant demeanor, yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she came to sense the searingly painful memories that smoldered in the depths of his jade-green eyes. Unable to resist her spitfire charm, Jason ravishes her with his kisses, arousing in her a sweet, insistent hunger. Wed in desire, they are enfolded in a fierce, consuming joy, free at last from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of blinding anguish, Victoria discovered the shocking treachery that threatened their love.



Until You

A sequel to "Whitney, My Love", which won the "Romantic Times" Award for Best New Historical Novel. Sheridan Bromleigh is on her way from America, chaperoning the spoilt heiress Charise Lancaster, who is to marry Lord Burleton. But pea-brained Charise elopes with a man she meets on board ship. Sheridan wonders how she'll explain it to Lord Burleton, Charise's intended.

Stephen Westmoreland stands at the pier waiting to explain his role in Burleton's fatal accident the night before. Right before his eyes, Sheridan steps in the path of a cargo net loaded with crates. When she awakens three days later, she has no memory but wonders why everyone calls her Ms. Lancaster. In no time, she find herself falling in love with the dazzling English earl and imagines her life unfolding with wondrous possibilities.

The author takes a beautiful, spirited girl on a glorious romantic adventure and has lots of fun with the mistaken identity plot. Readers will find a completely entertaining romp from start to finish.






Meet Judith McNaught

Judith McNaught soared to stardom with her stunning bestseller Whitney, My Love. Since then, she has gone on to win the hearts of millions of readers around the world with such breaktaking novels as Once and Always and the New York Times bestsellers Something Wonderful, A Kingdom of Dreams, Almost Heaven, Paradise, Perfect and Until You. Judith McNaught lives in Houston, Texas, where she is currently working on her next novel.

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