Until You

Author:

Judith McNaught

Published:

Pocket Books, 1994 ; 437 pages

Related titles by this author:

Whitney My Love, A Kingdom of Dreams

Subgenre:

Historical romance--Regency

Setting:

England, London -- 1820s

Main characters:

Stephen Westmoreland, Earl of Langford, and Sheridan Bromleigh

Sexual explicitness:

Fairly explicit

Keywords:

Intrigue ; amnesia, broken engagements, mistaken identities

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

"Until You" was pretty good, although not as good as her other historical romances. ALL of her contemporary novels are abyssmal except maybe DOUBLE STANDARDS. Tied for #1 is Whitney, My Love and Almost Heaven, Second is Something Wonderful, 3rd Once and Always and fourth is Kingdom of Dreams--Until You is 5th. (K.B., 5-21-98) I have to say that I just love a book that makes me feel for the heroine. I get all choked up when I read JM's books. When's the next one coming out. I can't keep rereading forever, Judith! (L.R.W., 5-19-98) I always enjoy reading her books and especially when they are related to other books that she has read (L.B., 3-14-98) Loved this book--as with all of ms. McNaught's characters, Sherry is a complete romantic at heart..just like myself. I have read all of her books. Love her style of writing,love the way she has previous characters in a third party of her current "story line". Paradise is my favorite, but Until You comes in as a close second. Can't wait to read Ms. McNaught's next book...it's been to long coming! (R.T., 3-12-98) I've read "Whitney, my Love" which I thought was very intriguing, but I have to say "Until You" was far more romantic. I think that Stephen is more likeable than Claymore. It's an excellent book, buy it and read it. (R.F., 2-5-98) I only have one problem - he sleeps with her, determines that she can't be all that bad and then treats her like dirt anyway? And I laughed when she left him on the dance floor. I like that in Judith's novels, both characters get their pride kicked a little, but her women have pluck and her men always managed to snare your heart. (K.S., 2-2-98) I loved all 3 books but this was my favorite. I love McNaught as a writer. Her characters are always so real. I'll have to go buy these books! (B.B., 6-2-97) GREAT book. I'll 'force' my friends to read it. (K.K.S.L., 6-2-97) This was my first Judith McNaught book and it made me into a fan, I didn't find it disappointing in the least and it was kind of refreshing not to have to hear those three little words. Besides Stephen may have been a jerk sometimes but at least he didn't rape the heroine. (L.A., 5-1-97) Am I the only one in the free world who really disliked Whitney My Love? I thought it was so annoying! Maybe I'm getting cynical. But I liked this one, for the most part. Parts of it were a little trying, and I kept getting frustrated that the two main characters were being so thickheaded. I found the hero a lot more interesting than his brother from WML, and the heroine was cool, although the weepy, Hallmark like reunion with her family from the states has much to be desired. (P.D., 4-28-97) I loved this book, better than Whitney, My Love. I think it is one of her best. When I read the cover, I thought it was going to be another cliche heroine with amnesia book, but it was so much more than that. She built up Stephen in WML and he certainly did not dissapoint. Sheridan is a wonderful, free spirited woman and I think that they match each other beautifully. I treasure and own all of her books and have only two problems. One is with Miracles. I have been dreaming about reading about Nicki Duville in his own story for too long now, and when it does come out, it is seventy pages and just horrible. Anyone reading the story without having prior knowledge as to who Nicki is would have hated him. He was the best character out of both her Regency Westmoreland novels and he deserved so much better. The other complaint is Remember When. We waited so long for her next novel, and I would have prefered to wait a while longer while she added something else to it and actually finished it. So dissapointing. For a great read, check out Double Standards. It moves fast with great dialogue and tension. She is one of the best. Keep writing for as long as you are able. (J.F., 4-17-97) I was quite disappointed with Judith's book "Until You". Yes, the storyline was generic, but I felt that she could have done more with the characters- they seemed to go through the motions of being in love- they didn't REALLY care. It seems like The author was forcing them to fall in love- they also seemed much shallower than the characters in Judith's other books. While "Until You" was definitely and above- average romance novel, it was a step down for Judith. (R.H., 4-16-97) While Until You wasn't as great as Whitney My Love, Perfect and Something Wonderful, it was still a truly amazing book. I was disappointed to see that Whitney wasn't as mischievous as she had been in her book and that ALexandra Townsende had only a minor role in the book. Otherwise, this book was superb. Stephen isn't as charming as his brother Clayton but I fell in love with him anyway and Sheridan was the perfect wife for him (A.S., 4-14-97) Judith McNaught is a SUPERB storyteller that somehow lost her way when wri writing this book. It was not at all up to the standards of Whitney, My Love. I had anxiously awaited Stepehn Westmoreland's story only to be left with a feeling of disappointment. Remember When was not any better. The characters of both books were wonderful, there just wasn't enough of them. The emotional intensity was missing. Hope Ms. McNaught finds her way again with her next book. (K.W., 4-4-97) I was a bit dissapointed with Until You. I found it to be slow compared to the other novels although this will not stop me from reading any new books Judith releases. (S.R., 3-30-97) I Love this book. It was the first McNaught I ever read and it inspired me to read all the others !! Although I prefer her historicals to her contempories.I only just wish that the darling Nikki Du Ville would get his own full length novel and not just a short story - surely he deserves more than that. (R.D.F., 3-19-97) This was the first Judith McNaught book I picked up and have since read everything I could get my hands on - she is the very, very best. I cry when her books end. They have sooo much feeling and insight into the characters. (B.Z., 3-19-97) I loved this book. I loved the characters. I wanted to name my second daughter Sheridan but my husband would not let me name her after a romance novel character! I think this book deserves more then 3 1/2 hearts. (K.C., 3-17-97) After reading Until You as my introduction to Judith McNaught, I went back and read every book she has written! I want more historical romance from Judith! Contemporaries are just so, so. Have shared all with friends and they agree. Thanks. (E.U., 3-16-97) I thought this was a wonderful book, but then I think all her books are wonderful. I agree with the person that says her books are even better the second time you read them. (R.R., 3-12-97) All Judith McNaught's books have been good with the exception of Tender Triumph. But Until You was a disappointment. I expected more of it. Out of ten I would rate it a 7 and a half. (L.H., 1-25-97) JUDITH FORGET HER CHARACTERS. I REMEMBER NICHOLAS FROM 'WHITNY MY LOVE' HAD BROWN EYES. BUT IN 'MIRACLES'(A HOILDAY OF LOVE) NICK HAD METALLIC BLUE EYES INSTEAD. I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED. (W.Y.C.T., 1-11-97) I loved this book almost as much as Whitney, My Love. Judith McNaught is one of my favorite authors. I haven't read a book of hers I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. (J.S., 1-3-97) I think that the best book that Judith has ever written is Whitney, My Love. that was the best book I've read in her collection. Until You I'm afraid is somewhat a disappointment to those who has been her fans all along. Perhaps it's the first book that made us hope for more. Until You is a rather normal kind of story. In my opinion, Stephen could be made into a far more interesting story than Until You. Another point is that, the story does not reflect much of the society then. What i like about Judith's book in the first place is that she gave me a new insight on the regency period... Good Luck Judith! (N.C., 12-3-96) I love Judith, but inevidibly she disapoints me at least once in each book. Didn't anyone notice that Stephen never actually said those three all important words? And his mistress was never dealt with. I know, I know, the "Until You. . ." scene was supposed to deal with that but I wasn't satisfied. However, no matter how many times she disapoints I overlook it because I can't stay away. The good always outweighs the bad. (S.B., 11-28-96) I must agree with the basic tone of these comments: I was disappointed. I have read every single one of Judith McNaught's books and I greatly anticipated this one only to find an old recipe in a new book. If it is true that writing is agonizing for Judith, then I would suggest she take her time when writing her books and only do what she feels up to. I would rather wait a few years for a good book than a few months for a mediocre one. (D.R.W., 11-25-96) This was undoubtably one of the best books I've read in a LONG time. Though the plot may have been common, I think that the author treated the amnesia problem originally. The characters made me LAUGH! Especially Sheridan, geez, what things she gets into! And the last quotation, "Until you..." I started crying! (K.B., 11-22-96) I agree with other comments I have read that this book was a letdown. About a year later, I got really desperate for a book and found this book improves upon a second reading. Although the plot is predictable and unoriginal, I can't help but admire McNaught's skill as an author. She handles point of view so skillfully. I love the way I can get into the heads of minor characters and that I find myself caring so much about a butler or a grouchy old woman. McNaught is different because of her sensitivity to minor characters, yet they never overshadow the hero/heroine. Even at her worst, she is still the best I can find, and like others I've read before me I find myself waiting and waiting and WAITING on her next book. I read in the current Romantic Times that writing is agonizing for her. I find this fascinating. Can anyone out there tell me if she has a web site? Where can I find biographical info on her? And have any other McNaught fans found a substitute fix that is even half as good to read while waiting forever for her next book. How is Remember When??? Please write me at dlienert@earthlink.net (E.P., 11-16-96) I've read all of Judith Mcnaught's books and I found all of them great...simply perfect!But I notice she hasn't written any more books since 1995 and I was wondering if there would be anymore books from her.I'm really looking foward to reading another one of her books.She's been the best romance novelist I've come across so far. (C.L., 11-14-96) Judith McNaught has written three of my all-time historicals (KINGDOM OF DREAMS; WHITNEY, MY LOVE; ALMOST HEAVEN) and she doesn't crank out one book after another, so it was with great anticipation that I bought and read UNTIL YOU. I was disappointed. I found the well-worn plotline of amnesia, tiresome (tho, the escape by the real heiress and her hasty marriage to a ne'er-do-well, was a nice twist) and Stephen's feelings of anger and betrayal when the situation is known, predictable. The main characters were rather bland and not particularly memorable, certainly not up to McNaught's usual standards, so I felt cheated. But I still look forward to her next long-awaited novel in hope for a better, if not great, book. (K.G., 11-13-96) Wonderful, wonderful story. Judith McNaught, my favorite author. (D.L.D., 11-12-96) Am I the only one on this database who DIDN'T like this book? To me, it read like one afternoon Judith thought, "Gee, I could use some extra cash..." and we got UNTIL YOU. Ick! (S.R., 11-11-96) I first got a hold of Until You from my aunt. I traded my book collection of Bronte sisters for it. At first, Until You being my first 'romance' novel, I thought it would be one of those soft-porn books for deprived housewives, but I loved it. It has a wonderful storyline and I fell in love with all the characters. McNaught made a fan out of me. Keep up the good work! (M.S., 11-11-96) Every book I read from Judith catches something in my heart. Until You was a wonderful continuation of Whitney, My Love - my favorite book. It was like visiting old, beloved friends yet once again. A definite top rating, in my book. (J.S., 11-11-96) Wonderful book, couldn't stop rereading it for several times. Judith McNaught still has to write a dull book and I've read them all. Waiting for another winner. (O.K., 11-7-96) Once I read one of her books, I had to have them all. Can hardly wait for her next one! (B.G., 11-3-96) I can't get enough of Judith. This book was so wonderful for me because she pulls in all her past characters! READ THIS BOOK. (M.G., 11-1-96) I truly enjoy and try to read all of her books. "Whitney My Love" was my favorite. (P.R., 11-1-96) Though the plot has some highly implausible elements, McNaught in my opinion carries it off quite well. (E.P., 10-30-96)

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