When I first began reading historical romance novels as a teenager, this book and all others by Judith McNaught quickly became my favorites. I have recently gone back to her books after a long hiatus and while I still love the stories, especially this one, I have several major problems.

This book contains an almost "rape" scene that is disturbing and the hero beats the heroine with a riding crop. I have serious issues with these parts of the book, without them, I would probably think this was the greatest romance novel I've ever read. As frustratingly arrogant and dictatorial as the hero is, the heroine is equally stubborn and unbending.

Another issue I have with McNaught's historical novels, is that all of her heroines are so young. I can't count the times the hero thinks of the heroine as a "child-woman", does anyone else have a problem with this? Why can't the heroines be just a little older (over 20) so that I don't feel like I'm reading something illegal when the 30-something hero takes his "child-woman" to bed.

All of that said there are some really brilliant parts of McNaught's books, and moments that always bring tears to my eyes. I still recommend reading all her books, especially this one, her first.

Before reading this book, I read the reviews here. Maybe, I thought they were exaggerated. After all, how can a book sustain four stars for over four hundred reviews if it isn't a pretty good read? I did not enjoy this book, I gave it two stars only because there were characters I enjoyed. I did not like the interaction between the two main characters, and I can't say that I believe they love one another. This is the first book I've read by Judith McNaught, I heard that she a good author, so I may try a different book by her, but this one left a bad taste in my mouth.

I read this book after hearing so many controversial reviews. Whitney is a wonderful character, who seemed to unravel toward the end of the story. I always expect the hero in the book to make the heroine a better and happier person. Most of the time, this wasn't the case in this book. So many times I wanted to yell "Get over yourself" at Clayton. They had a passionate romance, but at what expense? He was cruel and indifferent to her, and at times she wasn't much better to him. This book could have been at least 300 pages shorter if Whitney and Clayton had just confronted one another about a few very annoying misunderstandings. I'm with some of the other reviewers, I think Nikki was a better match for Whitney. And the strange way McNaught wrote about Clayton's brother at the end of the book, was very distracting for me. I could see if she was setting up his story for the next book, but the girl married another man before this book was over...Definately not one of her best efforts.

I have seen really bad reviews on this. The people like painful relationships. So what is the problem? There are books out there with incest and everything else and the people just rave over it. I don't get it! Why come to this one and start trouble?

The writing is very well done. Men back in those days were abusive. The women were forgiving for the sake of their incomes.

When I finished this book, I immediately started reading it a second time. Such a great story!