“Not even in my weakest moment have I considered letting you go.”
And here is yet another example of PERFECTION in romance. Yes, Judith McNaught has completely captivated me, again. I cannot say enough about these fabulously entertaining romances. From beginning to end, I was glued to the pages, devouring every word with rapt anticipation. The dialogue between the characters was so flawlessly achieved, it was like verbal sword fighting between equally fierce opponents. And the casualties were as numerous as they were bloody.
“Missing you? I could cheerfully murder you.”
The story is set in England in 1816, during the height of the Regency period. The hero of the story, the Duke of Claymore or more intimately known as Clayton Westmoreland, is a deliciously dark and arrogant bachelor, who is finding himself the the predicament of needing an heir to his titles, his vast fortune and estate.
He is also incredibly handsome, a confirmed rake and highly eligible bachelor, so he is no stranger to the attentions of women…. and honestly, quite bored with them as well. Until he sees her in Paris, at a Masquerade ball, surrounded by the attentions of others, Miss Whitney Stone catches his interest, like no other woman he has encountered before.
Feeling a bit arrogant of his position and his appearance, the duke approached Miss Stone, only to be rejected quite intensely after he lured her onto a balcony, and kissed her against her will.
He was not only intrigued by her rejection of him, and his title, he was also instantly struck by her beauty, her self assurance, her wit and her intelligence. But most intensely by her fire and her strong will. Which was when he decided he would have her for his wife, no matter what it took.
And it took quite a lot…
Whitney however, was and had been completely infatuated with another man. A man from her hometown she’s known since she was a young girl, and had vowed from that time to marry. Also a man that not only did not return her affections at the time, but was quite annoyed with her persistent chasing and flirtations.
That is until she returned from an extended stay in France, where she had grown into the most beautiful and elegant woman around. So it was to her delight, that she had finally captured his eye.
Little did she know, however, that she was already betrothed to another. Yes, the duke himself, had sought out her father, and even stationed himself in a home nearby, to make it easier to win her affections. He even took on an alias, to keep her from discovering his true identity.
“What sort of man are you that you have to purchase a wife? What sort of animal are you that you had to buy her without ever having seen her? How much did I cost you?,” she demanded.
And as his feelings for her grew into a love and passion beyond his control, she was to equal his in hatred when the truth was eventually discovered.
“You black-hearted, treacherous, conniving scoundrel.”
This story was so compelling and addictive, and the verbal combat so intense, my emotions were beaten bloody by the end. I cannot say enough about this author, and this series!!!!!!
“However, the fact remains that no matter how well educated a woman is, she will someday have to submit to the authority of her lord and master.” “I don’t think so,” Whitney said, ignoring her father’s anguished, quelling looks. “And what’s more, I shall never, ever call any man my lord and master.”
I was completely taken back in time. And her characters were absolutely fantastic, every stinking one of them!!!! The emotions so intense… LOVE… PASSION…. HATRED…. There were so many times when I felt like there is NO POSSIBLE WAY she is going to get these two characters together in the end.
Clayton was such a BASTARD at times, it was like Rhett Butler on steroids! And Whitney could give back just as good as she got from him.
“We all do foolish things when we are in love. Don't we, your grace?”
And just… I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!!!!!!! *happy tears*
The ending…. *sigh* B E A U T I F U L!!!!!!!!
DREAM CAST
Whitney Stone = Willa Holland
Brunette, green eyes and innocent face. Perfect whitney... I could't think anyone who could potray whitney better than her.
Here's another pic :
Perfect isn't she?
Clayton Westmoreland = Ian Somerhalder
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