MPOV: Once And Always (Sequels #1)

My rating: 4/5
Goodreads rating: 4.21/5

First published: 1987
Author: Judith McNaught
Genre: historical romance, romance fiction

Once and Always, one of Judith McNaught's most masterful and moving love stories, powerfully brings to life the fiery passion of a free-spirited American beauty and a troubled English lord.

Suddenly orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails the vast ocean, eager to reclaim her heritage at Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of a distant cousin, the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogance yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she senses the painful memories that smolder in his eyes. When he gathers her at last into his arms, arousing a sweet, insistent hunger, they wed and are embraced by fierce, consuming joy -- free from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of anguish, Victoria discovers the treachery at the heart of their love . . . a love she had dreamed would triumph not just once, but always.

The above taken from Goodreads.

When I first read this many moons ago, I remembered I had a tingling warmth feeling after finishing it though I can't recall the story at all. Since there is going to be a discussion on this book with fellow book club members so I've reread it and lo and behold, it still gives me the same effect once I've finished the book!

Thanks to Goodreads, I now know this is a trilogy! After Once And Always, the Sequels trilogy also consisted of Something Wonderful and Almost Heaven! I used to have all 3 books in my collection and I have since sold it all off! Now I did feel a pang of sadness as the cover I had was limited, published by Corgi Books... le sigh!

Anyway, back to this book. When it started off, it was slow paced with lengthy intro and self-discovery. The middle part was lively as it was adventurous and humorous. The 'happy ever after' ending, though predictable, was kinda rushed though.

Of course, for historical romance, the plots were sort of similar, uniformed with predictable endings. The only twist would be the background, how they would meet and court plus when they would consume their relationship, etc. The tons will wag their tongues, etc to add weight and drama LOL! A standard format for most historical or regency romance fiction hence we sort of know the 'happy ever after' always!

Well, this book is no different but I did enjoy that warmth feeling once I've finished the book. Such 'happy ever after' always never fails to brighten up the mood and leaving me wanting for more! Well, I just have to stop it there, savouring that wonderful feeling LOL! Anyway, I'm sharing this paragraph which I loved when Captain Ferrell was revealing Jason's secret to Victoria:

Captain Ferrell