Wild Orchids : A Novel

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Summary: We've grown up together
Review: I discovered Jude Deveraux when I was in high school. So thats about fifteen years. I really enjoy her new style. I got away from her for a few years because I myself was tired of the typical romance theme. But I couldn't give her up. She was just too good. Now this is way more interesting. The style she has now is just my thing. I really enjoy it. Thats why I feel we've sort of grown together. I was at a place where I could enjoy her romances years ago, and now can continue to enjoy her refreshing new style. Its so much more....confident.
"Wild Orchids" takes an insight into the writers world. The story is about a writer who cannot write after his wife died.
There is a link with a devil story and an alluring younger woman. Oh dear, I do have to confess it was the part about the renovation of an older home that threw me. When I read "The Mulberry Tree" I was in ecstasies. I was so pleased to read about recovering gardens and restoring old houses again---and all the other things that went on were great too. I even enjoyed the Pullitzer Prize sarcasm story.
Devereaux has more humor in this story. I am reminded of the fun and humor of "The Princess." I really enjoyed that one. This has the same quality humor in it. Really, its quite well written.
I recommend reading this for what it is: a story about two people finding their families with cool backdrops. It is not in her old format and all I can say to that is this to Jude: YOU GO GIRL! GROW, GROW, GROW!!!

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Summary: Not your normal Jude Deveraux Romance
Review: I have read quite a few of Jude Deveraux's books, and have always come back to her for a good story. Wild Orchids was written so differently, but yet it worked. I wasn't expecting the twists and turns, and the ending was completly worth how long the book felt. The Ford/Jackie chapters were a little tedious, but I think that in the end it was neat to see how the two characters thought and reacted. I really enjoyed this book, but its only real flaw was the last page(s), and the ending to the book. It seemed like because Jude didn't fit any of the "romance" or rather the sex between the two protagonists in the book she ended up cramming all that into that list piece. (Sorry for the spoiler.) I think that it was a given that those things could and would happen, and was unnecessary to end the book in that fashion. I was captivated up until that point, because I assumed that this book like many of her others would have the constant underlying friction of their sexual attraction. It was refreshing to read a book without a whole chapter on the characters having sex.
Anyways, if you are a die hard romance book lover I don't recommend this Jude Deveraux book....try Sweet Liar, or all of the Velvet series. I bought this book on a whim, and was amazed at how much I enjoyed it.

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Summary: One of the best books I ever read!
Review: I really think this is Jude Deveraux's best book!

This book was interesting, funny, and even macabre, all at the same time. I loved the characters Ford and Jackie, they seemed to really come alive in this book. Jackie is really funny, the relationship between Jackie and Ford is very realistic, and the way the story keeps moving . . . well, only Jude Deveraux has that much imagination.

Wild Orchids is a story of second love - a second chance, as it were, for happiness - who says you can't get lucky twice? What makes it more interesting, and a better book, in my opinion, is that it is a little different, the romance is not a typical one love forever, and the story is not typical, actually the whole book is not typical. In the end, Ford does actually have to choose - between his first love, which he was indeed very much in love, and Jackie - and the way he chooses - well, I don't want to give away the story, but I thought the ending was just perfect.

I was puzzled by the negative comments I saw posted about her latest books, so, as a latecomer to Jude Deveraux, and having very much enjoyed her newest books, I turned to the older books to see what other reviewers are comparing it to. I have to say, I do see that there's a difference in the kinds of books she's writing now as opposed to then, but I think her newer books are actually better in some ways. There is much more action, much better writing, the plots don't stay still for a second - need I go on? I personally like the newer books much better.

If you're a dye hard fan of Jude Deveraux's older books, perhaps Wild Orchids will be a disappointment, as the style and content is very different from her older books. It's also not as much a steamy romance as the others. Even so, it's hard to understand the negative reviews. Even if this were JD's worst - which it isn't by a long shot - she's always, consistently a good writer. Her strength is always the amazing storylines that she can come up with plus the characters are always funny, always have plenty to say! I've never read a JD book that I didn't enjoy, and in my opinion, Wild Orchids was really one of her best.

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Summary: A wonderful new book by a remarkable author !
Review: Now that I've grown accustomed to Jude Devereux's 'new style', I must say that I am truly enjoying her latest books. Initially, her leap from historical romance to contemporary mystery was difficult for me, but with each new novel, she clearly becomes more proficient at this type of storytelling, and I have become more involved in the new genre.

In any case, "Wild Orchids" is a terrific, page turning, interesting novel. The chapters alternate between the male and female protagonist's point of view, in a "he said", "she said" format. While this can be confusing in some books, Ms. Devereux makes the first person character transitions so flawlessly, and so adeptly, that as the reader learns one character's point of view, you can't wait for the next chapter to see how the other one is going to view the same event.

"Wild Orchids" involves love, suspense, mystery, and an inkling of the supernatural. It's a page turning novel, with flawed, but likable characters. It certainly is the best book I've read in quite some time. I am certain that this is a novel that will please both Jude Devereux fans and mystery fans alike.

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Summary: Stick With What You Know
Review: Why is it that all the good writers i.e. Jude Deveraux, Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood, and Elizabeth Lowell think that they need to "branch out" and take their writing in different directions. The stories about relationships and characters are what sold their books in the first place and it is unfortunate that these women want to concentrate more on the overall plot and sub-characters now. I enjoy a story about 2 main characters and think that that is were these authors are strongest. In this book there where way too many wacky and unbelievable characters who took away from the very under-developed main characters. If you are a long time Jude Deveraux fan I think you will be dissappointed. This is nothing like the magic of books like Sweet Liar or AKISA. Deveraux's strength is in writing a good sit down romance. A romance where you read the book in 3 hours because you just can't put it down. I struggled through this one for three days and had a hard time finishing it. My vote - bring back the fun and excitement of the Taggarts and Montgomerys.