A Kingdom of Dreams (2) (The Westmoreland Dynasty Saga)

This is effectively a prequel to Whitney My Love and Until You as it deals with the first Duke of Claymore.Set in 15th Century Scotland and England, it tells of two Scottish sisters of noble blood who are abducted by an English warrior earl (the Wolf) in service to King Henry after battles at Cornwall. The sisters are taken by the Wolf's brother from the Abbey they were sent to by their father, the Scottish laird of the Clan Merrick, who has only pragmatic uses for daughters (i.e., marrying them off to enhance clan relationships). The heroine (one of the sisters), Jennifer Merrick ("Jenny"), is also a Countess. She is a red-haired, blue-eyed beauty who immediately attracts the Wolf.Unlike some other reviewers, I did not have trouble with Jenny's character. As a girl of 17, she is betrayed by her clan based on lies told about her by a jealous half sibling. She feels (correctly) that the clan doesn't want, her but even so, she still tries to do right by them. She has a creative and rebellious yet humble spirit, and yes, a strong will and courageous heart. What's not to like about that? The Wolf, having captured the girl, is drawn to her spirit, which is evidenced by her successful attempt to escape him and draw a blade on him, feats no one else has accomplished. Having taken her virtue, he is willing to marry her but never gets around to telling her before her clan rescues her. When Jenny and the Wolf are forced to marry to assure peace between Scotland and England, the Wolf is still bitter, believing Jenny duped him.First, let me say that Judith McNaught writes exceptionally well. She serves up witty dialog, humor, sexual tension, great character development and a great plot. I initially rated it 4 stars because of some issues I have with the hero, Royce Westmoreland, the Earl of Claymore (the "Wolf"). However, upon a second reading, I have given it 5 stars. The reason I initially rated it 4 stars was that the Wolf appeared at times to be such a cad that it was difficult to finally see him in a good light when the great turnaround came. First, when he realizes he wants Jenny, he shames her in front of his men by making his lust and dishonorable intentions apparent. Then, he takes her virginity without so much as a care for robbing her of her honor. Although he eventually decides he'll marry her, it's only after he assumes she'll be his mistress. Perhaps that is the way men thought about women then, but looking through our 21st century eyes it is maddening. Then, Royce shames Jenny in the eyes of two countries when it is not only clear he's ruined her but then disavows any interest in her. He fails to see that he owes her an apology or any reparation. In fact, he failed to see her side of the whole affair until the end. For many many pages, I just hated him. And when his own people, reflecting his sentiments, call Jenny "the Merrick slut," I just wanted him to suffer. Upon a first reading his turnaround from lust to love just didn't ring true, but upon my second reading I decided that perhaps he did love her from the beginning and was not consciously aware of his own feelings (the author suggests this late in the book with reference to he scene in the glade. Still, it's hard to justify his treatment of her. In any event, whether you agree with the negatives or not, it's a wonderful romance and Judith McNaught's writing is superb. It will definitely tear at your heart!Here's the whole Westmoreland Dynasty Saga:* A Kingdom of Dreams (1989)* Whitney, My Love (1985)* Until You (1994)* "Miracles" in A Holiday of Love (1995/Oct) and in Simple Gifts (1997)* Someone Like You (formerly entitled: Can't Take My Eyes Off of You) (upcoming 2014)

Judith McNaught is a very gifted story teller. It was very engaging and I didn’t want to put it down. I will definitely read more of her work as this is the first McNaught novel I’ve read. Definitely giving it a full 5 stars.

I'll be honest, I was about to give up on this author after the last book, but I'm glad I didn't.Jenny is young, but intelligent and with a deep sense of right and wrong. She can hold her own, and tries to protect her family- even though they don't always deserve it.The male lead character doesn't alternate between assaulting and abandoning her for rumors he hears, unlike the god awful last book. He's actually faught for all he has, and mostly holds back his temper with Jennifer- even when it's difficult.They are able to go toe to toe, and it builds lots of tension in between their verbal sparring- which helps them see themselves in one another.Her manipulative father nearly pushes them both to the brink, but in the end, it makes the story more fast paced and dramatic.I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a Bridgerton meets Braveheart bloody tale, with bits of humor and loads of angst.

This is my first book of Judith McNaught & surely not thelast! AKOD is simply the best historical romance (or any romancebook) I have ever read so far. I have never read a book like this...It brought different whirling emotions out of me while reading eachpage. I cried, squirmed, laughed, even jump out of my chair inresponse to many scenes & story twist. I simply cannot put itdown. I almost called in sick from work as I stayed up till dawnreading this darn book! I agree with one of the reviewer here inAmazon, I was like a zombie at work too! hehe... I must say thoughthat the effort was pleasingly worth it. I cannot even understand whythe avg rating here is only 4 1/2. I say, it deserves more than justa 5... A 10 would be perfect!Jennifer & Royce... both heartwarming couple! Different yet perfect for one another. Theirconfusions of love & hate made their love story riveting. Trapbetween love & loyalty for country also made this story moreexciting. Just when you begin to feel they start loving &trusting each other, situations/circumstances forces them to makechoices, which often times, lead them back to where they've started -hate & mistrust. Really exhilarating.... Of course, love wins inthe end ... love set them both free!I totally disagree with somereviews in regards to Jennifer being so "stupid" for notseeing his family & kin's faults. For me, it is understandable& her loyalty for them actually makes me admire her more. Itwould turn me off if she was easily swayed to give up her family &people without even trying... I say this book is more realistic! Yes,she's blind not to see the true color of her father... but regardlessof his mistakes, they are still her family. She loves her father justlike any daughter would. She also longed to be accepted & lovedby her people ever since she can remember & when they finally gaveher attention and recognition (which was his father's plan just tomanipulate her), it was difficult for Jennifer not to feel otherwise.Her choices, especially during the tournament made me squirm (i won'ttell what she did, don't want to ruin it for others...) Oh, but Icouldn't believe she did that! I wasn't disgusted though, I feltsorry for her. I can tell it was a hard decision for her to make,however wrong it might be. But this is where Judith McNaught reallyproved how she can touch her reader's soul by over turning this badchoice that Jennifer made. J.M. wrote a wonderful come back at theend of this tournament (again, i won't tell...), which proved thatlove is far greater than pride and even life... It is simply amazing!Each page of this book contains many exciting scenes. Amusingscenes: like the "THIS IS FORTY..." scene, her escaping fromcaptivity, the wedding & etc.... Heart warming scenes: WhenJennifer decided the fate of the boy who threw mudcake at her, WhenRoyce acknowledge her to his people, etc.... I can point outnumerous, numerous gestures in this book that really made my hearttwirl such as Jennifer kissing Royce's battle scars, standing in thebalcony together - sharing minds & dreams. There's more, lots more.... but I think it is best for the reader to find it out themselves.I can assure you, this book is really one of a kind. The one youwouldn't want to miss. If you are a romance book reader, YOU GATTAHAVE THIS ONE.

I have not read this book three times and each time it made me smile, laugh and cry. I loved it. I love stories like this one. The writing is amazing. When you’re reading g a book and you can’t put it down, now you know that’s a book worth reading until 4am in the morning. Enjoy to those of you who haven’t yet

Keeps you on your toes and surprises you. Fast moving.

Nesse livro temos a história de Jennifer Merrick, herdeira do clã Merrick da Escócia, e "The Wolf" (O lobo), maior inimigo da Escócia, um guerreiro inglês chamado Royce Westmoreland.Royce é um campeão inglês, grande general que está a caminho das terras do clã Merrick para derrotá-lo. Nesse caminho ele encontra a Jennifer e sua irmã Brenna e as sequestra. Ele acredita que, assim, conseguirá a rendição do pai da Jennifer, chefe de seu clã.Acontece que a Jennifer não é uma mulher que aceita seu destino sem brigar e, com isso, ela faz todo o seu possível para escapar do Lobo. E eles começam esse embate e briga de vontades.O problema é que eles sabem que os reis da Escócia e da Inglaterra conversam sobre uma trégua e o sequestro de duas herdeiras do clã Merrick pode causar grande revolta, especialmente porque elas estavam em solo sagrado quando ocorreu.Até que os reis decidem então que Jennifer e Royce devem se casar porque ela deixou de ser virgem e essa é a forma de reparar sua reputação. Só que os noivos não desejam isso porque o Royce acredita que foi ludibriado pela Jennifer diversas vezes, e ela não quer trair seu povo.O livro é leve, divertido e cheio de aventuras. Se você gosta de uma mulher forte que vai atrás do que quer, então adorará a Jenny.Só tem algumas expressões e palavras que são um pouco diferentes porque a Jenny é escocesa;Super recomendo!

This is one of my all time favourite books. I simply loved it. So moving, so funny, so wonderful.

Another epic novel in the westmoreland saga. The story is based on the ancestor of clayton westmoreland, Royce, set in the medieval times. Its a beautiful story of Jenny and Royce. Although she is abducted and kept at the keep, she falls in love with her captor. Falling in love with the enemy is not what jenny perceived. But thats the best part both the characters are headstrong and are fighting their own battles. How they overcome their ego and differences and submit to each other is amazing to read written splendidly by Judith Mcnaught in her gripping style. Loved it..I recommend it to people who love medeival novels with passionate love story.

La trame de cette histoire est semblable à celle de milliers d’autres romances sur le Moyen-Age : un puissant guerrier enlève une jeune fille appartenant au camp ennemi. Mais cette fois, j’ai sacrément bien accroché aux personnages et aux rebondissements !Le héros est un guerrier dont la réputation terrorise tout le pays ! Le Loup Noir est une sorte de croquemitaine… (refrain connu). Mais la donzelle de 17 ans (sa prisonnière) le ridiculise plus d’une fois. Or il tient à conserver son image de monstre sanguinaire et violent. Eh oui, ça se travaille, ce genre de chose ! Notre super démon a finalement un cœur tendre. J’ai adoré leurs joutes autant verbales que physiques, car la demoiselle n’hésite pas à attaquer, cogner, poignarder. Même si elle succombe assez vite à l’attrait du héros, elle n’en demeure pas moins trèèès combative ! Enfin une fille qui ne devient pas une chiffe molle dès que le beau héros la touche ! Et surtout, elle est déchirée de façon poignante entre l’homme qui l’attire et son devoir envers sa famille. Par ailleurs, l’auteur décrit une scène de combat fort appréciable. Ca change des romances où le héros est un super guerrier mais on ne le « voit » jamais se battre. Je n’en dirai pas plus pour ne pas spoiler. En tout cas, cette très belle romance vaut le détour !Un petit plus qui m’a fait plaisir : le titre du livre sort de l’ordinaire et en plus il a un sens tout particulier.