Whitney, My Love (Westmoreland Saga, #2)

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Whitney, My Love (Westmoreland Saga #2)

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 12,224 ratings · 786 reviews

"Whitney, My Love" stands as Judith McNaught's timeless bestseller -- a novel so rich with laughter, tears, and the power of dreams that millions of readers have returned to it again and again to savor its beauty and majesty.

Under the dark, languorous eyes of Clayton Westmoreland, the Duke of Claymore, Whitney Stone grew from a saucy hoyden into a ravishingly sensual woman...more

Mass Market Paperback, 736 pages

Published April 25th 2006 by Pocket (first published 1985)

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May 13, 2011 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, author-judith-mcnaught, historical-romance, historical-romance-series, romance-historical, emotional-rollercoaster, reviewed-by-me, keepers, 5-stars, favorites

This review contains spoilers -

Reading Whitney, My Love took me on such a roller coaster ride of emotions that I’ve been struggling with exactly how to review it and how to rate it. When I was upset and sobbing I wanted to give it a 1 star rating. When I was laughing, smiling and sighing, I wanted to give it a 5 star rating. Then it dawned on me – for Judith McNaught to be able to make me feel such a wide range of emotions – joy, despair, passion, pain, betrayal, hatred and love – and feel them...more

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Jan 03, 2010 Mistress ~ ♠ Mistral's Kiss ♠ ~ (Mist) rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: loathe-this-book, bad-author-no-cookie, historical-romance, painful-to-finish, asshat-hero, heroine-in-need-of-a-backbone-and, toxic-relationship, save-a-rug-beat-a-heroine, the-chapter-in-which-the-hero-gets

I was a bottomless romance pit as a teen, I read everything and loved it all( Including books that now make me gag); until I read this. It mentally scarred me at 16 so much, that I didn't touch a historical romance again until I was 25.

The entire book our hero's either acting from selfish ulterior motives, paranoid distrust (that results in cruelty), or 'let's make this all about me' guilt = /. During the course of the book he beats her until she cries (I forget whether it was a horse whip or a...more

33 likes · like · see review

Oct 05, 2011 Taryn at My Secret Romance rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: emotional-angsty, favorites, historical-romance, hot-steamy-romance, love-triangle, series, judith-mcnaught, reviewed-by-me, jerk-of-my-dreams

This review was posted at My Secret Romance

Since this book was published in 1985, there is no need for me to go into full detail about this book. There are over 280 reviews-and that's only counting the 5 star ones, about this book on Amazon. What could I possibly say that hasn't already been said? That it was the most beautiful book ever written? That it has more romance than I have ever read in my life? That I cried, I laughed, and I had the shakes because my heart was racing so fast? That afte...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Alessandra rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, regency

I don't even know what to say about this book. Started out okay, I suppose. I mean, Clayton, the hero, was always a bit of an asshat what with the forced marriage thing, but that being said, this is an historical romance, so that is sort of expected.

Then there's the whole Clayton beating Whitney aspect, which, again historical romance, things like that sometimes happen. It was in 'Outlander' and in the first book of this series, but neither of those beatings were with a riding crop nor were they...more

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May 10, 2008 Readdiction rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: tearjerker, not-my-cuppa, historicalromance

I'm sorry but I just can't like this book. I couldn't get past either the rape or the abuse scenes (yes, it barely hurt her, but that is not the point) and the fact that he continuously distrusted her and emotionally abused her IMO. Even though, intellectually, I could understand why the heroine (and readers) would be able to redeem the hero and love him, emotionally, it left me disgusted. Its one of those love-it-or-hate-it books and it just didn't do it for me. I don't believe a rape victim co...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Dija rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: authors-i-stalk, cotton-candy-fluff, could-have-been-sooo-much-better, hr, before-2007, mini-reviews, meh, read-in-2013, sequels-challenge

I have the unrevised version of the story, and it should've ended five chapters before it actually did. 3.3/5 stars

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Jun 26, 2012 Lisa - (Aussie Girl) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-historical

Whitney, My Love (the original version 1985) is a prime example of a bodice ripper in all its un pc glory! This novel has it all - the innocent but feisty heroine, handsome arrogant Duke, MULTIPLE misunderstandings, mistaken perceptions and the infamous scenes of physical cruelty (he spanks her with a riding crop when she displeases him) and rape. The storyline is epic and I did like mention of the ancestral Westmorelands from A Kingdom of Dreams. Despite a bit of a slow start, read in the spiri...more

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May 18, 2010 Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, bodice-ripper, regency-england, heroine-annoying-and-way-annoying, big-misunderstandings, rape, hero-alpha, skimmed-a-lot, 3-and-a-half-stars

3.5 stars. I read this book because the controversy surrounding it, plus Clayton Westmoreland's ubiquitous appearance on any "A-hole Heroes" list/discussion, had me curious just what was between the covers. What I found was a mixed bag. The two scenes that seem to provoke the most debate are the ones with the riding crop and, later on, Clayton's rape of Whitney. The former was a little OTT, I'll grant, and the short-lived rape wasn't all that remarkable either. In fact, it irritated me no end la...more 3.5 stars. I read this book because the controversy surrounding it, plus Clayton Westmoreland's ubiquitous appearance on any "A-hole Heroes" list/discussion, had me curious just what was between the covers. What I found was a mixed bag. The two scenes that seem to provoke the most debate are the ones with the riding crop and, later on, Clayton's rape of Whitney. The former was a little OTT, I'll grant, and the short-lived rape wasn't all that remarkable either. In fact, it irritated me no end later on when a detail of it was used to prolong yet another "misunderstanding" between the hero and heroine. In fact, that was what peeved me most about the story. It was about 100 pages too long, with the end marred by a "Oh, Good Gawd! " regression of Clayton to "Jumping To Conclusions Redux," in essence re-traveling ground that consumed at least a hundred pages earlier on because of a similar misunderstanding. Clayton eventually works it all out, and Whitney has her own endless pages of second-guessing and puzzling over behavior and evidence so that we get the HEA. It was ponderous and I started to skim out of boredom.

The overwhelming strength of the book is the evocative style of the period. It's all a very clear and crisp mental picture, and made it easy for me to get absorbed. This Jane Austen era isn't my favorite, unless there's a significant military presence in the story (either in the plot or one of the characters). The sprawling and messy cast sometimes dragged it down (especially Stephen and Lady Westmoreland - they could have gotten the boot and I wouldn't have cared).

**SPOILERS**
I guess I couldn't check my brain at the door, because the illogic of Whitney's and Clayton's actions left me scratching my head or shaking my fist at the pages. The final OTT misunderstanding irritated me on this count, because just why would Whitney keep such a dangerous note about fearing she was pregnant? She didn't want to leave it behind for a servant to find, yet it's late fall/early winter in England. There wasn't a fireplace kindled ANYWHERE to take away the damp chill? I started out liking Whitney and feeling sorry for her, but by the tedious end, I was ready for her to fatally clothesline herself while racing her horse through the woods. As for Clayton, he didn't impress me all that much - for good or bad. While McNaught was A+ at describing the scenes and surroundings, when it came to her hero, there wasn't much to go on. I had no sense of who he was - just disembodied gray eyes with long legs and a drawl. Those three characteristics were repeated ad nauseum, so it pretty much overwhelmed all else about him.

I'm glad I read it to see what all the fuss was about, and I like McNaught's style, but I'm hoping that her heroes and heroines are far better in later books.(less)

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Oct 15, 2008 new_user rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was four stars right until Whitney discovered Clayton's identity. McNaught had a good thing going. Clayton was everything charming and sexy and the banter between him and Whitney was neither cheesy, spiteful, nor stilted. The sexual tension was built high enough to hang. I was genuinely enjoying learning about their developing relationship. With his patience and good humor (and firm hand, let's not forget) and her honest, down-to-earth nature (no TSTL moments), the hero and heroine act...more This book was four stars right until Whitney discovered Clayton's identity. McNaught had a good thing going. Clayton was everything charming and sexy and the banter between him and Whitney was neither cheesy, spiteful, nor stilted. The sexual tension was built high enough to hang. I was genuinely enjoying learning about their developing relationship. With his patience and good humor (and firm hand, let's not forget) and her honest, down-to-earth nature (no TSTL moments), the hero and heroine actually seemed meant for each other, as many grand romances purport, especially as the hero seemed the one person who could understand Whitney.

McNaught has a unique, entrancing way of conveying emotion that is all in the details. For example, one of the characters describes her happiness on her wedding day, "She bent her head and tried to pray. But all her prayers began with 'Thank you' instead of 'Please.'" As many clichés as I've read in romance, I don't find myself touched very often. McNaught can certainly write humility. I just wish it wasn't required so very often of her poor heroine later.

Because then Whitney discovers the truth, and the book swiftly becomes a melodramatic soap opera that rehashes again and again the same hangup of the hero: his delusion that Whitney is a deceiving bitch (his favorite choice of words). His explosive, violent reaction to this seems entirely out of character for the very sane, very levelheaded man we meet in the first half of the book. If we're not convinced of his motivation, however, we at least have a complete grasp of the emotions that move Clayton, thanks to McNaught's talent with emotion.

My main gripe with the book is that this same conflict is repeated, if not verbatim then close enough, twice more before the book ends. As I had trouble crediting this device once, I really began to take issue when I saw it not once but twice more. At this point, one would expect some explanation for Clayton's continued, nearly pathological obsession with Whitney's imagined betrayals. Certainly there must be some incident in his past to explain his bizarre fixation, but there seems to be none in his otherwise normal family and normal life. These eruptions arrive with painful predictability when McNaught takes too much exaggerated care to paint the couple in happily wedded bliss, transparently setting them up for a fall.

The dynamics between the couple are wildly unbalanced and never truly even, as one would expect. The hero spends the first half of the book pursuing the heroine, while he seems to spend the second half of the book making Whitney grovel (almost literally) and pay in every conceivable way for everything, including the crimes she is wrongfully accused of. This is the other extreme of the scale. Rather than the man apologizing endlessly for his existence, it is the woman. I don't particularly care for either scenario.

So, while I was fully ready to revise my opinion of McNaught to a hearty recommendation in the first half of the book, the rest of the book unfortunately wearied me. (less)

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Dec 23, 2012 GujuGal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, fave-romance

Re-read December 2012. Just as wonderful as the first time.

The characters in Whitney, My Love remind me a lot of Rhett, Scarlet and Ashley from Gone with the Wind. Not that I'm complaining. I loved Gone with the Wind and must also declare my love for this novel.

To summarize briefly, Whitney is a rebellious tomboy that enjoys performing show jumps on horses, using slingshots and having an unhealthy obsession for her neighbor Paul Sevarin. Her disappointed father sends her away to France to becom...more Re-read December 2012. Just as wonderful as the first time.

The characters in Whitney, My Love remind me a lot of Rhett, Scarlet and Ashley from Gone with the Wind. Not that I'm complaining. I loved Gone with the Wind and must also declare my love for this novel.

To summarize briefly, Whitney is a rebellious tomboy that enjoys performing show jumps on horses, using slingshots and having an unhealthy obsession for her neighbor Paul Sevarin. Her disappointed father sends her away to France to become the proper lady she ought to be at the tender age of 15. Fast forward three years later and Whitney has become the belle of the ton and is breaking hearts left and right. It is in France that she catches the eye of one Duke of Claymore aka Clayton Westmoreland. After her success in France she returns home to win the love of her childhood sweetheart only to have her efforts thwarted by Clayton Westmoreland.

In this novel you have Clayton- the ultimate alpha male who knows what he wants and is determined to get it no matter the cost. Whitney is outspoken and unlike other heroines of this time. She's tenacious and fights Clayton at every turn making their encounters and witty banters so much fun to read.

A lot of readers have been fixating on the forced seduction and dismissing the rest of the novel. This is a beautifully written book with two of the most endearing, often infuriating, stubborn characters that I've ever come across who have many obstacles (or in this case - misunderstandings) to overcome before finally getting their HEA. Unlike Gone with the Wind, where Scarlet O'Hara fails to realize her love for Rhett Butler until it's too late, Whitney doesn't make that mistake.

Judith McNaught is a master storyteller and the way she can evoke a range of emotions in her readers for her characters is simply amazing. This is the first book I read by JM and it remains to be my favorite in the romance genre. I've read a handful more by this author and have yet to be disappointed. This one is a keeper.(less)

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Jun 27, 2012 LuvGirl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned-to-be-read, kin-p, hero-in-pursuit, pp-hero-in-stalker-pursuit, forced-seduction, slapped, bodice-ripper, historical, aar-top-100, unrequited-love-from-hero-pov, heroine-in-love-with-om, 3-half-stars, cruel-heroes, 400-or-more-pages, anti-hero, wealthy-hero

3.5 stars.I have mixed feelings about this book. Definitely more good than bad though. On one hand, I loved the story - even all the un-pc aspects of it that everyone is hating on it for. Whitney was a refreshing heroine. She didn't have the same old, same old personality of the typical romance heroine. I loved her spunk. She kept things lively. Clayton our hero was a good match for her. I liked that he was a real alpha and took her in hand. That's what a bodice ripper is all about, so I just sa...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Alright, First of all..serioulsy 700 pages of anger, rebellion, miscommuncations,total love,and to many misunderstanding. I really enjoyed the characters and their story but I would have enjoyed it more if it ended after the second ridicioulus "miscommunication". I am a seasoned hitorical romance reader and in every book their is always a misunderstandig. The chisled faced, former man-whore with butt-loads of money falls for the spirited, uncommonly beautiful virgin.

The conflict is usually that...more Alright, First of all..serioulsy 700 pages of anger, rebellion, miscommuncations,total love,and to many misunderstanding. I really enjoyed the characters and their story but I would have enjoyed it more if it ended after the second ridicioulus "miscommunication". I am a seasoned hitorical romance reader and in every book their is always a misunderstandig. The chisled faced, former man-whore with butt-loads of money falls for the spirited, uncommonly beautiful virgin.

The conflict is usually that he is misinformed and foolishy believes his little pure bride who he always handles with a certain amount of rough tenderness has betrayed him by giving herself to another before they met but is now playing the innocent dove. He confronts her like a mad-man unable to believe she had the nerve to soil herself before he could. Although he has been overly free with his goods. This usually results in some sort of angry over the top confortation in which he does not let her explain only gives her icy glares with penatrating cool clear eye color then pounces on her. In which she responds with trembling fear and icy white hands but also finds pleasure in the punshing force he uses.Until at last he discovers she was in fact innocent. Then so repulsed by himself he suffers alone, drinking himself crazy. While she now is vunerable and 100% in love with this jaded mad-man and works on showing him her love until he comes back and they are in la-la land again. So unlike most of the Whitney, my love reviews..NO, I did not find the scene in which many of you are calling the "distrubing rape" scene to actually be that uncommon or even a rape scenerio. Remember the author is writing about the 17 or 1800 hundereds, not 2010. Where women were viewed as property.

I felt Whitney kept her same spirit the whole time she just learned to hone it in not such an immature way by the end. Many of you felt like she was broken and simpering. I didn't, she was herself just more of an adult. I really enjoyed Whitney and Clayton, not 700 pages of them but I thought the story was a really good one. What I didn't like more then the length was the characters that she wanted you to sort of favor with Whitney, Paul and Nicki. I didn't find either of them to be terrible (Paul's colors showed through) but I loved Nicki and was sort of annoyed that she put enough of him in their to make you invested in him.
I would recommend this book to read, I love Judith McNaught and thought this book was truly colorful. (less)

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Oct 31, 2012 Hanife rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, 2009, own-a-copy, favorites, marriage-mated-bonded, alpha-male-character, 1700s-1800s-h-romance, reading-turkish, favorite-author, pregnant-or-children, made-me-laugh, made-me-cry

Bu yorum aynı zamanda Romancekolikte yayınlanmıştır.

Hımmm, bu kitaba nasıl bir yorum yazsam. Öncelikle ben koyu bir Anti-Clayton'cıyım bunu belirtiyim. Bu Clayton'ı hiç sevmediğim anlamına gelmiyor. "Bazı" tavırlarından dolayı adamdan soğudum. Kitap benim ikinci historical türünde kitabımdı ve bayıla bayıla, ağlayarak, bol bol gülerek okudum. Whitney'in saçmalıkları çoğu zaman sınırımı zorladı. Hele o Paul salağı ne diye fuzulü yer kaplıyor anlamadım. Clayton ahh, çok savaştı adam çook, bizim k...more Bu yorum aynı zamanda Romancekolikte yayınlanmıştır.

Hımmm, bu kitaba nasıl bir yorum yazsam. Öncelikle ben koyu bir Anti-Clayton'cıyım bunu belirtiyim. Bu Clayton'ı hiç sevmediğim anlamına gelmiyor. "Bazı" tavırlarından dolayı adamdan soğudum. Kitap benim ikinci historical türünde kitabımdı ve bayıla bayıla, ağlayarak, bol bol gülerek okudum. Whitney'in saçmalıkları çoğu zaman sınırımı zorladı. Hele o Paul salağı ne diye fuzulü yer kaplıyor anlamadım. Clayton ahh, çok savaştı adam çook, bizim kız saf hala Paul diye inledi durdu.

Clay'in birinci hatası kadını satın alarak ona sahip olabileceğini düşünmesiydi. Bedenime sahip olabilirsin ama ruhuma asla durumu gerçekleşti tabii. Ama kızı kendine sevdirmek için ne kadar çabaladıysa Whitney kaçtı. Azcık kendini geri çekti, bak kız koştura koştura kollarına geldi. Taktiklerin adamı Clay ya! Ama bir salak kızın lafına kıza "tecavüz" etmek Clay'e hiç yakışmadı. Bu yüzden kınadım ve soğudum bu karakterden. Hiç bir şey onu bu konuda haklı çıkartmıyor. Lütfen beni bu konuda ikna etmeye çalışmayın.

Neyse, ayrılık düştü aralarına ama yine gururunu kıran Whitney oldu. Koştu kollarına, o kendini clay le evlenicek sanan cadolozada ağzının payını bir güzel verdi. Bu kitapta ben Stephan'ı - Clay'in kardeşini - pek sevdim, kitabı okurken hep içimden onunda kitabı olsa diye geçmişti. Şans bu ki varmış, çok sevindim.

Sonracığıma bizim karakterler evlendiler, pek mutlular, bu yazar durur mu? Araya yine entirika sıkıştırdı a dostlar! Çocuğu başkasından sandı be salak oğlum Clay! Ahh ahh Whitney onu tokatlamakla az bile yaptı. Çekti gitti de beyimizin sinirden kıpkırmızı olarak heryeri gördüğü gözleri azıcık açıldığında farkına vardı herşeyin! Bu sormadan hükmü verme huyu berbat bir şey. Ama adamın o endamlı tavırlarını da elbette seviyorum. Davranışlarını tasvip etmiyorum. Benim çoook sevdiğim bir kitaptır. :) (less)

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Apr 25, 2010 ~♡♥♥♕♏46613♕♥♥♡~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to ~♡♥♥♕♏46613♕♥♥♡~ by: Amelia Fransiska

Shelves: e-book, historical, english-book, favorites, gpu_publisher, make-me-cry, own, so-recommended, translate

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 01, 2011 Flame rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: the whole world

Shelves: all-time-favs, best-of-the-best, simply-perfect, historical-romance, hot-guys, just-so-sweet

When I first saw this title, I have to say, I didn't expect much from it. I didn't even want to pick it up. But boy, am i so glad to have been proven wrong.

The first time I read the book, I literally could not stop reading. For the whole day, my eyes were glued onto the book pages. I couldn't even sleep because I was so engrossed. TO me, it was one of the best romance novels I have ever read.

I won't go into the synopsis because I can't write summaries, but throughout the book, I was taken on an...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, 2012-reads, historical, faves-highly-recommend

Re-read: July 13-14,2012
I was in a reading rut for a couple of days and finally decided to pick this one up again. Oh, how I've missed Judith McNaught's men. Dark, rakish, brooding, powerful, imposing and stubborn but at the same time attractive, loving, honest and loyal. This story didn't piss me off as much as the first time so I was able to appreciate Clayton and Whitney's rough journey to reach their HEA a bit more than before. Now, I'm in a JM mood. I'm off to re-read another.

**************...more

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Jul 24, 2010 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-read, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 13, 2011 TJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

4.5/5.0
Absolutely wonderful! This is an Historical romance that you can NOT guess what will happen next, no matter how sure the clues may be. Each time a conclusion seems obvious, the plot twists and the reader is once more biting nails and turning pages. My only complaint was Clay's case of "repeated behavior" (I'm trying to couch this so it doesn't spoil). After the damage it caused the first time, I just couldn't believe he would fall into it a second.

In this particular re-issue, Ms. McNAught...more

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Mar 18, 2010 Teri rated it 3 of 5 stars

OK, I really wanted to give this book 5 stars. However, I have never been more infuriated in a book! The couple had horrible communication skills (over and over and over and over again). They never learn there lesson.

Clayton Westmoreland is a tough one too love!
He loves Whitney beyond words, but also can turn on a dime and treat her like crap! He is so hot tempered! He was a little tough on her most of the time. I liked him nonetheless... He sort of redeemed himself with me... just barely...

I h...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Jasmin Bridges rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book!! I couldn't put it down. The main character Whitney is a free spirited young lady who seems to have always dissapointed her father by being not your typical proper young lady of that time. Clayton is a determined man who knows what he wants. Great story!! Highly recommend this book!

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Jun 07, 2011 Katrina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Katrina by: Herian

Shelves: own-paperback, grovel-involve

May contain spoilers

Whitney, My Love is my very first Judith McNaught book. I’ve been reading raves about this author so I was so tempted to give her a try. My friend, Herian, highly recommend Whitney, My Love –to me, as one of her favs among Ms. McNaught’s works so I ordered my copy of the story right away and waited with great anticipation for it to arrive.

While waiting for my mail, I can’t bear too much excitement so I occupied myself in reading alot reviews about the book. The reviews were i...more

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Jan 31, 2008 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love love looooved this book. You cant help but root for whitney to fall in love with the man thats meant for her, you just have to read it. Im sure if you like romantic books, with a lil twist u will love it too. The characters are amazing. You will fall in love, with this book, and want to read more of her books! Judith is an amazing author, i haven't gotten to one of her books that i haven't liked so far!!

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Jun 20, 2009 Barbara M. rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars...Certainly not one of her best reads, but a good one to pass the time...I found myself a bit bored at certain points, and there was a tad to much filler for my taste. But the characters were strong and very likeable and the storyline was charming. I've come to expect brilliance by this wonderful author, and usually I get it, but this one was just ok to me...

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Apr 20, 2008 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the first paperback romance I ever read, when I was a teenager. It's been many years, but it stays in my mind as the best romance novel I have ever read. I often wonder how I would like it now as an adult. I'm sure now I would not see Clayton as the romantic hero as I remember him. I love Judith McNaugth and I have read all her books.

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Dec 10, 2007 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: romance lovers

Shelves: ultimate-favorites, romance

I picked this book up when I lived with my grandmother one summer. She had several cheesy romance books laying around, so I picked one up for some mindless entertainment. This has become one of my favorites. I have gone on to read Judith McNaught's other books, but none come close to Whitney, My Love. I admit I do love the romance books! :)

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Nov 11, 2011 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, reviewed

I'm only on page 137.
So, Well... hummm. I hate to "stir the pot", This book was COMPLETELY BASHED by Heros and Heartbreakers (just got my newsletter)-First, I am NOT an English major, truly I made a C in English and Literature. I'm not an aspiring Fantasy romance novelist, BUT I am over 40, I grew up in the 80's(not as a toddler or tween), and I probably have more life experience than most. With that- So Far this book is FU#$ING GREAT!!! Honey, that is why they call them BODICE RIPPERS. So far...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Booklover, Indianapolis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-read-in-2013, liked-more-than-i-thought-i-would, own-in-paper, read-in-2013, u-k-historicals-1700s-1800s

(Mar) 4.5* Due to a really busy week, this took me almost a whole week to read - but I gotta say I loved almost every minute of it! I'm quite poorly read when it comes to true romance classics - I have never read Woodiwiss, Rogers - even (ducking head in shame) Austen!! I look at the tiny print and the long, sweeping epic sagas and I get bored before I even begin. But when I was out of library books I grabbed this off my shelf (I think I picked it up at a garage sale many years ago) and thought...more (Mar) 4.5* Due to a really busy week, this took me almost a whole week to read - but I gotta say I loved almost every minute of it! I'm quite poorly read when it comes to true romance classics - I have never read Woodiwiss, Rogers - even (ducking head in shame) Austen!! I look at the tiny print and the long, sweeping epic sagas and I get bored before I even begin. But when I was out of library books I grabbed this off my shelf (I think I picked it up at a garage sale many years ago) and thought I'd give it a shot, while in the back of my head I figured I'd either be bored, hate it, or not finish it. Much to my surprise, I got into the story from the beginning. Whitney is a less annoying (to me), less cruel Scarlett O'Hara, with Paul her Ashley. She, like Scarlett, was young and struggled to be what her parents and community wanted her to be, while seeing her one-true-love through rose colored glasses. Her Rhett, Clayton, was older, more worldly, and amused at her antics while knowing that if he gave her just a bit of time to grow up, she'd be his perfect mate. Thanks to the sadly defunct ripmybodice.com website, I knew much of McNaught's writings feature the Big Mis - and this book had more than its fair share! However, most of them I could understand - of course, if Whitney or Clayton ever bothered to communicate, they would never have happened, but then again, there also would not have been a book!

The controversy surrounding the book - the "beating" and the rape - didn't bother me in the least. The beating was so inconsequental, and while I would never allow for it in real life, here, in that time and place with those characters, it worked. Ditto the rape. Was it rape? Some insist yes, unequivocally. Others, like me, see it more shaded in gray. This is not the first time I've read a book where people go "OMG it was rape and he's a bastard and she could and should never forgive him" and I think "really - not so sure." Was there force? Sort of. Was he thinking in his right mind? Nope. Was it disturbing? Maybe a little. If I'd not known in advance that there was a rape scene, would I have even stuttered over it, or remembered it afterwards - I really don't think so. I'm not about to argue rape vs. not-rape w/anyone - if someone read this and was bothered by it, I'm sorry for them - rape in real life is horrible.

While I could easily have seen much of the book trimmed - like much of her time in Paris - I never found myself bored. I don't really understand where Paul went exactly, once he found out that he and Whitney could not marry. I also am not sure the character of Nikki was needed, although I did enjoy him (and did I read somewhere he gets his own book?). Whitney was actually stronger than many give her credit for - but she was also a product of her time, and she knew she needed to be strong enough to stand up to her Duke but also willing to sacrifice her pride for his. Whatever,worked for me! Whitney's lack of pride and capitulation to Clayton's needs reminds me of what Min says in one of my favorite books, Bet Me...

"Remember I said 'Don't break my heart'? Well, I changed my mind. You can break it. It doesn't matter. I'll love you anyway...it doesn't matter, what you do or say, I'm going to love you till the end of time...doesn't mean I'm not going to yell if you make me mad again. I will shout and slam doors. I just won't be on the other side of the door when I slam it. You got me for life."

I like to think that as time goes on, Clayton gets his head out of his ass, realizes Whitney does love him, learns to trust her and talk to her and they really do live HEA! And now I'm motivated to a) read more McNaught historicals (like Royce and Jennifer's story!) and b) perhaps delve into Woodiwiss and maybe even try Steve and Ginny (Sweet Savage Love has been on my shelves for about 10 years - but ugh - tiny, tiny print in a 700+ pg book - at least this one was only 538!).

One last thought...Not sure what the revised, tamed edition is, other than I believe a slightly less questionable rape scene - which would lead to tweaking of other scenes and dialogue - but is there anything else? Am I missing something by not reading it - an epilogue or anything?! (less)

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May 23, 2012 Sabrina Sam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Where to start? I love Whitney's character in this book. She was strong willed, spirited and just as clever as anyone can be. Her relationship with Clayton was quite something. **Ahem, let's just say I'm envious of her. Although many readers may dislike Clayton's character b/c he took her virginity and can be a bit over the top, there's just that something about him...his possessiveness for Whitney, that's sort of sexy. I do agree that he did go overboard at the end when they had another misunde...more

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May 02, 2011 Lelyana Taufik rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Di ungsikan ke Paris karena terlalu memalukan ayah nya dan tidak anggun, Whitney berubah dari itik buruk rupa yg tomboy menjadi angsa anggun...Whitney yg tomboy berhasil menjadi lady sesungguh nya di tangan paman dan bibi nya yg baik di Paris, dan berhasil jd debutan paling di incar di Paris...Sampai namanya terdengar di Inggris dan dia di incar oleh Duke Clayton Westmoreland yg luar biasa kaya untuk mendampingi dia.
Clayton menawarkan penawaran yg tidak bisa di tolak oleh Martin Stone sang ayah...more Di ungsikan ke Paris karena terlalu memalukan ayah nya dan tidak anggun, Whitney berubah dari itik buruk rupa yg tomboy menjadi angsa anggun...Whitney yg tomboy berhasil menjadi lady sesungguh nya di tangan paman dan bibi nya yg baik di Paris, dan berhasil jd debutan paling di incar di Paris...Sampai namanya terdengar di Inggris dan dia di incar oleh Duke Clayton Westmoreland yg luar biasa kaya untuk mendampingi dia.
Clayton menawarkan penawaran yg tidak bisa di tolak oleh Martin Stone sang ayah yg saat itu terlibat hutang hingga 100.000 Pounds....

Padahal Whitney sedang didekati Nicholas duVille yg super charming.
Clayton melalukan riset sendiri dan lewat pengacara nya tentang Whitney.
Menyamar jadi Clayton Westland yg biasa2 saja, dia pindah ke rumah di dekat org tua Whitney.
Namun Whitney yg masih meyimpan harapan thd cinta masa lalu nya Paul, tidak tau mengenai perjanjian antara ayahnya dan Clayton.
Kehidupan baru di Inggris tidak dilalui dengan mudah dg adanya Clayton dan Paul pd saat bersamaan.Clayton yg mendekati dg terang2an, dan Paul yg cemburu thd Clayton. Whitney cukup menyulitkan Clayton dg kejahatan2 nya yg membuat Clayton marah, dan ini malah memicu Clayton untuk mempercepat kepemilikan nya thd Whitney dengan menekan Martin Stone dan bibi Ann. Makan malam setiap hari bersama Clayton dan pagi sampai sore bersama Paul, cukup membingugkan Whitney.Di satu pihak ingin bersama Paul, lain pihak tdk ingin mengecewakan ayah nya.
Time goes by, Whitney makin tdk yakin kalau dia mencintai Paul.
Berangkat ke London menghadiri pesta pertamanya bersama Clayton, Whitney makin menyukai Clayton. Hingga dia memutus kan utk kembali ke desa dan membatalkan pertunagan dengan Paul, namun...gosip sdh menyebar dan Clayton mendengar ini.
Menenggelamkan diri di tempat ibu nya selama 2 minggu, Clayton tidak sanggup melupakan pertengkaran dan kesalah pahaman yg terjadi antara mereka berdua, apalagi setelah Clayton menodai Whitney karena cemburu dan fitnah.Terlalu keras kepala untuk minta maaf, Clayton berusaha melupakan dg menghadiri kegiatan sosial yg akhirnya di akui nya tdk mempan. Emily terpaksa turuntangan mempertemukan mereka di pernikahan Elizabeth....apa yg terjadi?
Bagian2 ini tidak boleh masuk review karena sangat seru. Ada Stephen Westmoreland adik Clayton yg memiliki kisah sendiri dg salah satu teman Whitney (ini juga mengejutkan). Stephen akan memilii kisah sendiri di buku "Until You".
Agak tidak suka dengan karak ter Whitney yg terlalu keras kepala dan plin plan, sebentar mau sama Nicolas, sebentar paul, sebentar Clayton...dan terlalu keras kepala utk mengakui dia mencintai Clayton. Clayton juga terlalu keras kepala buat meminta maaf.
So far..cerita ini panjang namun sangat menarik dan tidak membosankan.
Highly recommended for you .... tidak akan mengecewakan ...(less)

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Aug 26, 2011 Tash rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites

I would've given it 5 stars if I didn't read the last two chapters. I kind of hate Judith McNaught for spoiling Clayton Westmoreland for me in the the clusterfuck that was the last 100 pages. I was furious when I read the book 2 hrs ago and I knew I'm not in the right state to write a review. Now that I've cooled down a wee bit, my current feeling is - sad.
I'm sad for Whitney because she has to spend the rest of her life with her psycho freak of a husband (then I remind myself that she's not rea...more I would've given it 5 stars if I didn't read the last two chapters. I kind of hate Judith McNaught for spoiling Clayton Westmoreland for me in the the clusterfuck that was the last 100 pages. I was furious when I read the book 2 hrs ago and I knew I'm not in the right state to write a review. Now that I've cooled down a wee bit, my current feeling is - sad.
I'm sad for Whitney because she has to spend the rest of her life with her psycho freak of a husband (then I remind myself that she's not real lol). I liked Whitney so much in the beginning, why did she turn into such a mushy vulnerable servant oops I mean wife to Claymore? And what's up with her asking for forgiveness after he effing raped her?!?!?! Lol. She was not just one of those typical headstrong but stupid heroines we encounter in so many historical romances. She was actually very witty and charming and it makes me really sad that she mistook Claymore's mental unstabality as love.
Now Clayton... sigh. Need I say how much I loved and then hated him? He was a manipulative SOB, I told myself it's just his obsessive crazy love which is kinda hot. He raped her, I told myself ok it seems His Grace's brain likes to take a wee vacation sometimes and he's feeling so guilty about it for God's sake. After raping her HE acts like a victim, I told myself that all men are jerks sometimes and it just shows how imperfect and real the characters are. Then he blamed Whitney for adultry while she was pregnant with his child... I was like OK! I accept my defeat! This man is a real asshole. He's stupid, psycho and a b*tch. Yes YOU are that Claymore, not your wife. His (dis)Grace doesn't even care to tell her why he's sooooo mad at her even after he finds out that she's carrying his own child.
I'm sad that this awesomeness of a book is over and I won't have anymore Whitney and Clayton to read and that I wrote such a lame rant/review lol. I think it just proves how awesome this book is and what a great writer Judith McNaught is. But I won't be sad to go back and change my 4 star to 5 star which I'm going to do right now!(less)

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Don't we all want this book to be made into a movie And Richard Armitage (of north &south fame)to play Clayton Westmoreland??	9	55	Feb 07, 2013 12:16pm
If this were to be made into a movie who would you want the characters to be?	6	77	Oct 19, 2012 01:06pm
whitney my love best historical romance book of all time!!	8	95	Sep 22, 2012 08:47am
Why can't we find some of our FAVORITE authors/books in eFormat	3	34	Feb 22, 2012 06:38am
Bodice Ripper Rea...: Books That Have been "Bashed"	26	113	Dec 08, 2011 09:12am
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About Judith McNaught

Judith McNaught is a bestselling author of over a dozen historical and contemporary romance novels, with 30 million copies of her works in print. 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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“You will soon discover that in matters of the heart, memories are much kinder than reality” — 131 people liked it

“Missing you?" she giggled incredulously. "I could cheerfully murder you."
"I'd come back to haunt you," he threatened with a grin.
"And that," she said, "is the only reason why I haven't tried.” — 71 people liked it

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