Discover the sensual and sweeping power of love in New York Times bestselling author Judith McNaught’s contemporary romances that will make “you laugh, cry, and fall in love again” (RT Book Reviews)–now available for the first time on ebook. “Judith McNaught comes close to an Edith Wharton edge” (The Chicago Tribune) in this stylish and fast-paced classic. Ruthless corporate raider Matthew …
Ruthless corporate raider Matthew Farrell is poised to move in on the legendary department store empire owned by Chicago’s renowned Bancroft family. In the glare of the media spotlight, it’s a stunning takeover that overshadows the electric chemistry between Matt, once a scruffy kid from steel town Indiana, and cool, sophisticated Meredith Bancroft. Their brief, ill-fated marriage sparked with thrilling sensuality but ended with a bitter betrayal. Now, locked in a battle that should be all business, dangerous temptations, and bittersweet memories are stirring their hearts. Will they risk everything for a passion too bold to be denied?more
This is one of my all-time favorite romance novels and on my list of all-time favorite books. I’ve probably read it twenty times over the years and it’s one of those books I keep coming back to when I’m looking for a comfort read. All of Judith McNaught’s books are firmly cemented on my “favorites” shelf, but Paradise truly stands out.
If you love second-chance romances, Paradise is a must read. It’s an epic romance that tells the story of two people who have an instant spark that turns into a wildfire, only to be cruelly separated by outside forces. When they meet later in life under complicated circumstances, their troubled past and their undeniable chemistry creates a combustible mix.
The hero and heroine, Matt and Meredith, are two characters you will love from their first appearance. Their banter is exquisite and their romance evokes a visceral reaction in the reader. McNaught captures their journey in an epic blend of romance and heartbreak. This is one of those books that will stay with you long after you’ve finished and is one of the great modern romances. I really can’t recommend it enough.
If you want to believe in love….read anything by Judith McNaught!
I haven’t seen a ton across Bookstagram about Shipped and I have no idea why – it’s a fun Rom Com debut with great writing, sharp dialogue, a fresh voice and a lot of heart. It’s billed as a cross between The Unhoneymooners and The Hating Game – two of my all-time favorites – so I went in with high expectations! It did not disappoint. Between corporate competition, office politics and pulse-quickening banter you have distant nods to more serious topics like emotional abuse and death of a parent. The backdrop of the love story is a trip to the Galapagos Islands which seamlessly weaves in climate change and an organic plea to protect natural environments and habitats. Henley’s drive and tunnel vision is so believable – unfortunately, so is how she is treated by her boss – and Graeme is easy to fall for as Henley peels back his layers. Plus, as Henley’s sister Walsh put it so perfectly, “Any man straight man who can sing ABBA is a keeper.”
Trope: Enemies to Lovers, forced proximity
Quote: “Life doesn’t give you many of these opportunities. My advice? Seize it, mold it, and make it everything you want it to be.”
Song I’d give Henley and Graeme: Written in The Sand by Old Dominion. “Are we last call kissing, or will we be reminiscing with each other for the next forty years? Are we written in the stars baby, or are we written in the sand?
THIS BOOK WAS GOLD. LOVED IT.
What a keeper and an unforgettable epic romance story to remember this book turned out to be! I got this as a present, wouldn’t have chosen it for myself plus I’d never read this author before-well….what a discovery this was!!!
This book has been around for a while so I’ll spare the synopsis. The plot was surprisingly captivating, the build-up crafted majestically and it kept me on edge. This book has humor, steam, mystery, angst….. My emotions were all over the place. I believe that Judith McNaught needs recognition cause she really worked hard in weaving an interesting and detailed storyline with complex characters. She really went deep into their backgrounds in a way that makes you really feel like you know them.
I enjoyed every second of the interactions between Matthew and Meredith. Their love story was gripping and I was totally invested all along its 700 pages, as a matter of fact, and I couldn’t stop reading and my head filled with anticipation whenever I had no option but to stop reading cause life happens :). Now that I finished this masterpiece, I have a book hangover.
I adore Matt. I loved him from the start. Matt, the super hot, confident, strong-willed, self-made, hard-working, fierce, and loyal man that knows exactly what he wants and gets it. The way this man LOVES this woman… His LOYALTY and DEVOTION to her. He’s really the best, he took my breath away. Meredith was strong, kind, resolute, sometimes she got on my nerves with her capacity to forgive the unforgivable- read father- but it was truly wonderful seeing how he and Matt kept loving each other through time. All his formidable plan to get her back was super exciting, I enjoyed each one of their encounters and I loved seeing how Matt wouldn’t give up and Meredith started surrendering. The story was so emotional, charming, dramatic, and suspenseful too. Some parts were hilarious, their barter made me snort quite a few times. The characters were so well fleshed out, I felt every painful nuance and every emotion like it was coming off the pages. I loved Matt and Meredith together and finally, finally, finally, could watch them get their HEA.. Gosh, it was epic.
I must confess though that I felt the end was a little cut short compared to the rest of the book. And it completely INFURIATED me the father-daughter relationship and that everything the main characters endured was the result of misunderstanding, miscommunication, and manipulation. I didn’t care that much for all that business talk- and there’s quite a bit, let’s be honest- but oh well the rest was so magnificent that it didn’t take away from me loving this book and giving it 5 stars.
The author, Judith McNaught wrote Perfect and Paradise back to back. I bought hardbacks. Still have them. The story(s) was nothing I’d read up to that point. Oh my! Can this author write perfect heroes!! The heroes had to fight for their positions in the world. The heroines couldn’t have loved these two men anymore than they professed. I’m telling my age here…but these two books are superb examples of what I call great writing in the old days.
This is one of my favorite books. I’ve read it numerous times and I still love it
I read this one 20+ years ago and loved
Meredith Bancroft enough as a character to name my daughter after her! This book has EVERTHHING. A great setting, forbidden love, family drama. Loved it and now I might want to re read it.
Great book, terrific characters, I just couldn’t put it down.
Great plot. Wonderful character development. Love this author! One of my favorites!!
great writer , wonderful book
I love this book!! I have read this book ALOT!! It’s just one of those stories and characters you want to keep going back to.
I love Judith McNaught Books
Loved the story!
This is my favorite romance, and I’ve read it multiple times. Judith McNaught is number one in the field for me, but this is my favorite of all her books. She had a “bit part” for these two main characters in another book, but it was a letdown. I would love to read more, but I guess that’s a sign of a great book – leaving you wanting more!
I’ve read this story many times. I love that the characters have so much to overcome but it is really worth it in the end. Sometimes you just need to lose yourself in a great book. I wish Judith McNaught would write again. I miss her.
This is my absolute favorite author, Judith puts you right there in story seeing and feeling everything. This book started it all for me, it started like of slow and then took of I didn’t want to put it down. I went out and bought all of her books the next day. Matthew & Merideth are great characters look for them in other books, they have a great story.
My favorite contemporary romance novel of all time. I’ve read this one at least once a year since I was 10 years old and it still gives me the feels. A second chance romance reader’s best friend.
Judith McNaught set the standard for years, we all learned at her knee.
Matt is an undeniable hero and Meredith is definately in need of him. Their story is delicious.
One of the best I’ve ever read !
Love the character build of the two main characters. You finish wanting to read more about them.