Whitney, My Love

Rating:
Summary: The Duke is a Misogynist
Review: It's taken me a long time to write a review of this book. The first time I read "Whitney" I was won over by the seeming romance between the main characters; it was also my first book by McNaught and her writing style was unfamiliar. Then, sometime later, I read it again and began to see the unmistakable ugliness of this story. There's something of a romance factor here but the cruelty, and yes, the rape, condemn this book to the trash bin. I also read the two sister books to "Whitney" and feel the same about them, especially "Until You." Stephen was something of a sympathetic character in "Whitney;" in his story, he's nothing short of a beast with no redeeming beauty.


Rating:
Summary: Outstanding story
Review: I loved this book. In fact, I loved it so much that I gave a copy of Whitney to both my mother and mother-in-law for Christmas. I have always been wary of Romance novels and I must admit that I had snubbed the idea of ever picking one up, however a good friend of mine lent me this book saying, "I have NEVER known anyone who didn't LOVE this book." I was hooked within the first two chapters, and I don't think I put it down until I was finished. This book made me laugh out loud and actually cry (which I very rarely do with books or movies). Although I sheepishly admit that this book is a bit of brain candy it is well worth the read. This book would be the perfect companion on a beach vacation.

Rating:
Summary: Simply delightful
Review: After reading the prequel, A Kingdom of Dreams, I couldn't wait to read the other two Westmoreland books. I have just finished reading Whitney, My Love and I must say that I found the story delightful. I have a copy of the expanded version, which apparently gives a more fulfilling ending than the original version and also gives more depth to the characters.

The year is 1816 and we are introduced to Whitney Allison Stone, a spirited 15-year-old, whose antics and impertinence have been the subject of much ridicule in her quiet local town. When her outlandish behavior and obsession with Paul Sevarin causes her father much embarrassment, he sends her to France to live with her aunt and uncle for four years, where we see her grow into a sophisticated, elegant and beautiful young lady, who has captured the heart of many men in the Parisian society. Unbeknownst to her, Clayton Westmoreland, the ninth Duke of Claymore has secretly had his eyes on her since her earlier days in the social circle and has decided to make her his duchess. Thus when she finally comes of age, he puts his plan into action and orders a background check on her, where he uncovers that her father has suffered a financial disaster, which he takes advantage of by asking for his consent to marry her in exchange for a large sum of money.

And so after 4 years of being away from England, Whitney finds herself back home now more determined than ever to capture the heart of her childhood love. But trouble starts when she meets Clayton Westland. The Duke, who has decided to pass himself of as her new neighbor in order that he could court her properly and win her affection, starts playing havoc with Whitney's feelings.

As with her other novels, Judith McNaught brings life to her characters. One cannot help but laugh at Whitney's outrageousness and applaud her courage. And despite his arrogance (and yes he could be a real jerk at times), you will love Clayton. Sure, there were those two occasions that I found quite frustrating when he assumes the worst of Whitney, but the way he atones for his mistakes really show how much he loves her. As for that rape scene, well I didn't find it as ghastly as I thought it would be, but I've read somewhere that it's been toned down on the expanded version, which is the one I have. But based on the reviews, everyone obviously has different opinions about it.

Moving on, some of the highlights of this book are the reference to the Westmoreland tradition that was told in AKOD, when the Duke presents his Duchess to his people. It made me smile as I was picturing the same scene with Royce and Jennifer. I also enjoyed the reference about how Royce abducted Jennifer from her home. Another thing is Clayton's brother, Stephen. Every scene with him is delightful and I can't wait to start Until You to see how he fares, especially after having his heart broken.

I do wish that Clayton and Whitney's meeting in Paris were fleshed out a bit more considering the length of the novel. Reading a few lines where Clayton recalls how he first met Whitney way before the masquerade ball when they finally talk left me a little dissatisfied. I would have loved to read more about Clayton's reactions and how smitten he was with her to make him decide to marry her.

I must also mention that after 6 books, I'm beginning to think that the characters in JM's books are all prone to throat infection in that they tend to 'whisper achingly' so much or feel that 'aching lump' in their throat so often that I feel like they need a good dose of antibiotics.

But overall, I found this story utterly delightful. It made me laugh just like JM's other novels, but I must admit that I preferred AKOD and have a softer spot for Royce and Jennifer.


Rating:
Summary: WORST BOOK EVER WRITTEN!!!!!
Review: First of all this was the most boring book ever. it dragged on and on. And when it wasn't boring it made you want to throw up. This book is about an EVIL man who beats rapes and physicologicaly abuses a poor young woman who in the beginning of the book has so much spirit only to be broken by this visious villon. And they live happily ever after...Fa la la la...... WHAT???!!! DONT WAIST YOUR TIME OR MONEY!!!! unless your gonna burn it!!!

Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: Aaah! The book is magnificent! Whitney, My Love, is by far the one of the best, or the best romance novel I've ever read. The protagonist, characters, were ideal, my exact idea of a truly splendid romance novel. Although I had doubts on whether or not to purchase the novel at a used book store, I'm SOOO glad I bought it. This is my first Judith McNaught novel, and McNaught exceeded my expectations. After finishing Whitney, My Love, my immediate impulse was to reread it again! This is huge, considering the fact I rarely reread a book. I'm amazed again and again by this phenomenal novel. Buy it now!

Rating:
Summary: Bad, not what I expected from McNaught
Review: It's been about 6 months since I read this book, so I don't remember the details exactly, and frankly I don't want to. When I first read the reviews, I thought this book was going to be great. But to my disappointment, it was horrible. The hero of this book is a control freak who always wants to get his way and thinks he can buy anything he wants, even the heroin. He buys her from her father, then starts dominating her life. He makes her miserable and treats her like dirt. What I can't believe about this book is that the heroin is supposed to be this strong and intelligent woman who knows what she wants and can handle herself, but everytime this guy treats her like trash, she gets angry with him, says she'll never forgive him(and I'm like way to go girl) and wam he apologizes and she forgives him and stay's madly in love with him, and then he treats her like trash again and the same thing happens. I like my books with heroins who are strong, intelligent, and can hold her own. McNaught's heroin in this book is like an abused house-wife who won't admit that her husband will never change. He keeps treating her like dirt, apologizes, and the heroin stays for more.

Rating:
Summary: Should have read more reviews before buying it!
Review: I wish I had read Dr W. Richards "wmr-uk"'s review before I bought the book. The beginning of the novel was OK--not great, but OK. Then came "that scene." I was so disgusted, disturbed, disillusioned that I wanted to throw the book across the room. The problem is that I was almost as disgusted with the victim as with her rapist! I couldn't read beyond that scene, but from other reviews, I gather that Clayton doesn't improve much--nor does Whitney. Good heavens, ladies, haven't we come further than to "adore" a book about rape? to weep with joy when the victim "pardons" her rapist? If you had asked me yesterday, I would have said that I wasn't really a feminist! But I've discovered that on this issue I am. I plan on throwing my copy of the book away--I wouldn't want any other woman to read it! And what sane woman today would take the chance that a teenage girl (my daughter!) might read this book and think it's romantic?

Rating:
Summary: Love it or Hate it
Review: Basing from the reviews here, I can say that this book has definitely sparked some controversies. It's either you love it or you want to hurl it against the wall. I'm on the neutral ground. I loved some parts of it and frowned on some parts of it. The plot was simple, mainly concentrating on their misunderstanding and issues with trust, most especially with Clayton. I just don't understand why after months of being married, he'd suddenly raised hell like that for a letter he never even talked about with Whitney. He has some major trust issues. During the first part of the book, I was definitely annoyed with Whitney. She was a bit overbearing. But honestly, the complexities of their characters spiced up the story. The flaws made this book an all-time romance classic. I don't want to dwell on the controversial scenes because I think they have been thoroughly discussed by all fans of JM's books.

However, I'm a stickler for details, most especially on dates. There was one part that stuck out like a sore thumb. It said that Nicki proposed to Whitney on December. Pages after that, during Whitney and Clayton's reunion or engagement, it was dated November. [...]

Rating:
Summary: Is this supposed to be love??
Review: I hated this book. This is a story about two people treating each other badly, then having lots of sex, and suddenly living happily ever after. The end. This book is a waste of time.