Just Curious

Montgomery/Taggert: Publication order #21

by Jude Deveraux

New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux’s charming Christmas novella is now available as an eBook.

In the snow-covered hills of Virginia, a young widow finds that miracles really do come in the least expected packages. First appearing as a short story in the anthology Simple Gifts, this festive eBook is now available on its own at an unbeatable price—perfect for new and old fans alike.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Novella, Holiday

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1995

About the author

Jude Gilliam was born September 20, 1947 in Fairdale, Kentucky. She has a large extended family and is the elder sister of four brothers. She attended Murray State University and received a degree in Art. In 1967, Jude married and took her husband's surname of White, but four years later they divorced. For years, she worked as 5th-grade teacher.

She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.

Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.

Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.

Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.

Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.

Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.

Reviews

[Inna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. The epilogue bumped this story’s rating up by at least 1 star. I loved it. Overall though, this is a good short story - and very well developed considering the short length.

The heroine, a widow, works for the hero’s company. She has never once interacted with him, since she’s just a lowly typist. Then she happens to get unlucky, and gets caught by him while snooping in his office. The hero is a really strange character. He gets engaged over and over to many women, but his engagements never last long. I don’t know what the purpose was of all those engagements really, his explanations just made me think that he’s a bit of an idiot. The multiple engagements certainly cheapened his connection with the heroine in my mind. Anyways, he asks the heroine to be his pretend fiancée for a wedding and she agrees. They go, they spend some time together, and they fall in love. And like I said, the epilogue is really great.

Safe; widowed heroine (2 years ago) loved her husband a lot, hero had been engaged to OW he thought he loved and she left him at the alter, after that, he keeps getting engaged and breaking up with OW frequently, heroine has seen them in and out of the office where she worked but didn’t care about him or them at all. Slight OW drama, no scenes with OM/OW, no cheating.

[Sometime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick little read that I really enjoyed. The h has been widowed for 2 years and she really loved her husband. She had to give up her business after his death and she's been wasting away (or so it seems to her sister-in-law). Really, she's been wearing drab clothes, wearing no make-up, and letting her hair get stringy and gross. She's hiding out in the secretarial pool at a big corporation. She's been making herself invaluable by offering to type all the other secretaries' work and while doing this, she's learning a lot about the business and what goes on behind the scenes. This is only the very beginning of the book but I thought it was an awesome place to start!

The H is the big boss who everyone swoons over but the h sees thru his playboy act. She is unimpressed. He persuades her to pretend to be his date to a wedding that his ex will be attending. (The same ex who jilted him at the altar years before). This H is a playboy who has a revolving door of fiances that only last a few days. (I wasn't very impressed with this side of him-but he was a great guy overall).

The H/h enter an agreement and go off to the wedding weekend where they fall madly in love in a very rushed/instalove/novella kind of way. The banter and attitude she threw at him were hilarious and I loved this book.

SafetyNeither virgins. The H is a playboy who has women leaving his office in tears on a weekly basis. (but supposedly he's a really great guy haha). The h is a widow who loved her husband. The H had been cheated on in the past. Mild OW drama when the h sees the H looking lovingly at his ex.

[Anindita ლ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this little story. Fans of Jude Deveraux, especially those who adore the famous Taggert family, must read it. Anyone can enjoy this book and it could be read independently. For those who have read earlier works involving the Taggerts, it will, however, hold a special thrill.

It is a wonderfully sweet tale that prompted me to look at the Taggert family's other books. The characters Karen and Mac are fantastic. They share common beliefs, are intelligent and witty, and enjoy each other's company. Strong male and female characters with clever and feisty banter are used by Ms. Deveraux.

Although the world setting had a fairy tale feel to it, the plot was believable and full of humor. It was also sensual without being obscene. A quick read with a touch of holiday cheer woven throughout the story.

Just a friendly reminder that this narrative is not for you if for some reason you find it incomprehensible that two people can fall in love deeply and deeply within a matter of days. If you enjoy a wonderful happily ever after and you can understand that some things may not be common but that doesn't make them impossible, then I would highly recommend this.

A great list of books for your approaching Christmas reading. It was a pleasant escape from my everyday life.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this novella so much that I re-read it every year. It is a must read for Jude Deveraux fans, particularly those who love the legendary Taggert family. This novella stands alone, and can be enjoyed by anyone. However, it will hold special delight for anyone who has read previous books featuring the Taggerts. This is a contemporary story and features "Mac" Taggert as the hero.

This is a novella, yet it is incredible how much depth of characters and story Jude Deveraux incorporates in this most enjoyable read. As with most of Ms. Deveraux's stories, there is humor and crackling dialogue. There is also a need to be willing to suspend some disbelief; if for some reason it is beyond one's sensibility that two people can fall truly in love within a span of days, then this is not a story for you. If you can accept that some things may not be common, but that doesn't make them impossible, and if you enjoy a glorious happy ever after, then I definitely recommend this. I also particularly recommend this for anyone who likes Christmas novellas

[Carola · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

[Edina Livnjak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lijepa, predvidljiva ljubavna priča, ali skroz čitljiva. Taman za "cozy" večeri za uživanje uz čaj.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I really loved this one, mostly because it is set in the business world and Karen is a hoot. A widow who was truly in love with her husband, she is having trouble finding a donor for a baby that won't involve sex with someone else, which she feels would be a betrayal of her love for her dead husband. She also has no respect, and no contact, with her boss, Mac Taggert. Until that changes at an office Christmas party. It gets really funny and interesting after that, although the ending is choppy and feels unfinished. I wondered if the ebook did not download completely at one point, but it could be Ms. Deveraux's usual hurry to close. I wish she would take as much time with her endings as she does her beginnings.

[Vero · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, is this bad.

This whole stupid story, those beautiful "damaged" characters. The "I will love my dead husband forever" stuff, but wanting a baby so much.

The insanely rich guy who is willing to make the baby with her in exchange for her accompanying him to a wedding. Because incredibly handsome billionaires need to bargain with secretaries for something like that.

This was such a mess.

I stopped reading after the first 40% because every second spending with this was wasted.

[Jade Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave 3 stars because it wasn’t a bad read for a short story. I loved the main character Karen and how sassy she was but the love story and how that unfolded was so fast and short that it did seem rushed and kind of left me with “wait, what?” lol It definitely was easy to get into and enjoyable but I think I am more a long story kind of girl.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️
Quick farewell to Christmas romance read for me on these final days of December. It was cute… and cute lol. Dated… quite unrealistic and a bit confusing. Not a favorite but apparently we all need a happily ever after sometimes.

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came out of this with a new favourite Christmas book and some tears; I'm blaming the raging hormones and finishing this the other day at 2 a.m. Lowkey offended most of my Kindle notes didn't save RIP favourite quotes and smut section for this review.

[Fernanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

a truly lovable novel, so entertaining and charming!
super recommend to whom enjoy simple romantic stories.

[Rodica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a true 4* romance, as it’s too short for the story it was trying to tell, hence a bit rushed, but I bumped it up due to its sheer charm. The characters are not virgins or stupid, they compliment each other very well, there is plenty of flirting and light fun atmosphere. Yeah, if you look too closely at some details, it might start to crumble, but you’re not, because it’s a short romance novella, that you read before bed to improve your mood, so take it as is.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the cliches, the same tropes and even the same names, it's really hard for me not to love a Jude Deveraux book. Short, sweet and Christmasy, a spectacularly easy read.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUTE, CUTE, CUTE and only about 66 pages long! I love this type of love story and Jude is so good at it!

[Vicki Rinfrette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

I would reccomend this book to any short story lover. I love Jude Deveraux and wish this would have been longer.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.2 stars

The book really had me confused. She wanted to be a dedicated widow, hates her boss, wants a baby, but suddenly she's in love with the boss and he is already in love with her and whatnot!
The entire epilogue doesn't have the hero anywhere in it.
I usually like her books but this one was a big jumble of contradictions. The stars are for her writing which is easy to read.

[Henna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it such a long time ago but found it recently again. It is a very romantic story that made me look at the other books of Taggert family. So far none of them are as good as this one.

[Maryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as a quick, light escape.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never rolled my eyes as hard as I did while reading this that it’s a wonder they didn’t pop off my head.

[Francis M. Prensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will spoil this one, because its too good not to! I love everything Jude and its crazy that i forgot how much I love the Taggert/Montgomery clan. They are seriously a dream, the whole family is just amazing. I remember reading a book where the Montgomery and Taggert family come together through a marriage, I was elated. Anyway here comes Mac Taggert, he is a rich man, has a business where Karen works in. Karen is is a widow, she is still mourning her husband, and her sister in law and best friend keeps telling her that she needs ot get remarried, because its about time. Karen really just wants a child. At this point she doesnt want to deal with a man, she feels she wont find that spark that she had with her late husband in no other man.

Karen, works in an office full of women, beautiful women, and a revolving door of women leaving the office broken heartded. Karen helps type up prenups for Taggert, and she sees for herself how much of a monster he is. Until the company Christmas party, where Taggert see's Karen in his office, she was actually putting a print out of one of his mnay prenups on his desk, and when he catches her he decided he wanted to speak to her about a proposal he has for her. To be his fiance at a family friends wedding.

karen says yes, but only if she can get something from him and it was just one thing, no money needed, but a baby. Taggert agrees and there starts their romance. I loved how Karen was about to be so headstrong with him, and shes also so smart. Taggert found out that she is also very business savvy and they discuss ideas about some of his businesses, and he speaks to her about the business she was running with her husband. Which was a fail at the end because the actual owner was a douche and she got herself out of the business with over 50K in her pocket after all she has done for the business.

The wedding happens, and she finds out things about Taggert he didnt want to discuss. Most importantly his last engagement, which left him on the alter. Taggerts mother says that all that was not true. Taggert was chosen by his ex fiance Elaine, She had to marry someone of elite, and she chose the oldest and the most single. Elaine was in love with someone else, but he was a poor artist out for her money, since she had a huge trust fund. Her father told her that if she married the artist he will remove the fund. But the night before the wedding the artist came back and they ran away. Taggert made up the story, and left it at that.

The way they fell in love, Mac Taggert and Karen was actually pretty sweet, not only did he gift her the business that her and her late husband ran together from the original owners, they sealed their love by making love, and she agreed to marry him and be his official fiance. Now pregnant his mother comes to visit her and they start talking yet again.

Taggert was in love with her since the beginning, he was just scouting her out, and finally when the time arose asked her about his proposal. He is a twin, and she was able to tell them both apart, which is rumored if you can tell the twins apart you are the one. Also the wedding was all part of the plot, there was no missing bridesmaid and Taggert needed her to fill in a spot, that was not true, and the bridesmaid gift which were the family pearl earrings, were given by him, they were meant for the wives not the girlfriends or fiances. He called his friends and told them that he has found the love of his life. He fell in love with Karen at first sight.

UGH!!! Makes me wish life can be this way sometimes. haha, Wish there was more to this story, just one more chapter!!!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen does not believe in miracles. She said so. She is wrong.

Karen is a young widow. She works in a secretarial pool for Mac Taggert. He is a wealthy man who treats women as though they are interchangeable.

After his most recent fiancee has walked away, Mac asks Karen to be a substitute bridesmaid in a friend's wedding. He does not want to show up alone.

After being promised her heart's desire, she agrees. They go and spend a weekend among his friends and Karen finds that what she thought she knew about Mac is not the real Mac.

It has been awhile since I read any books by Jude Deveraux and I realize how much I have been missing.

Karen and Mac are wonderful characters. They are bright and witty and they have a mutual respect, shared values and sense of humor. The reader wants them to have a happily ever after.

This is a holiday story in the truest sense of the term. There is Christmas joy everywhere.

Ms Deveraux has created a lovely sense of love and laughter, which is just what one would expect from her.

[Naksed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, Christmassy novella about a steel-spined widow and her reformed rake boss. He talks her into pretending to be his fiancee for a week-end in his hometown, where his best friend is getting married. He was engaged to an awful OW who jilted him at the altar and she is going to show up at the wedding festivities so he doesn't want to be date-less. In exchange, the heroine demands his sperm (LOL) because she is ready to become a single mom, knowing she will never get remarried after having lost the love of her life. The story was filled with humor, sexy without being lewd, and despite the fairy-tale quality of the world-setting, it was believable. I didn't like that the hero treated the awful OW with kid gloves but I had the satisfaction of seeing the heroine put the OW in her place with a few, precise, cutting words. The OW ran off crying HA! It would have been a five star if the hero had stood up to the OW instead of making goo goo eyes at her.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving into a quickie (so to speak) with one of the men from the widespread Taggert clan and the lady who captures his heart. After being left at the altar, Mac has been churning through women at an alarming rate. As part of the secretary pool, Karen watches the parade of women with a whole lot less avarice than the other women in the office. After all, she doesn't expect to be the next woman Mac romances and then ditches. In fact, she's just there to learn a few things about business. Or something.

But SOMEHOW she ends up accompanying him as his plus one to a wedding and before either of them know it they're sharing space and long looks. It isn't long before THINGS HAPPEN and soon these two are exactly where they need to be.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Tommy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet read!

The short Taggert story is such a sweet read! I love all the the Taggert stories and Mac’s is one of the best.

Karen is a widow who believes no man can compare to her late husband Ray…but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming of having a baby. One late night snooping session during the company Christmas party lands her in a bit of a mess but actually gives her the opportunity of a lifetime.

Macallister J. Taggert, her boss, and the company’s lovable womanizer, catches her in his office but instead of firing her, he offers her a special job. One weekend as his pretend fiancée in exchange for the baby she wants.

What could go wrong? Certainly not falling for her handsome, playboy boss!

Love these two! Any story by Jude Deveraux is an auto buy but this is was so good I bought it for a reread. Can’t beat a Taggert family story.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jude Deveraux's books

"Just Curious" is a contemporary romance. Instead of a boss and employee romance. Karen has designs on Mac for something personal. She asks him for sperm so she could have the baby she wants badly. She wants artificial insemination.

Fate interferes. She goes with Mac on a round of checking on corporate branches. Karen made several suggestions.

Mac asked her what her dream was. He wants to make her dream happen.
He tells her over and over he loves her. She finally loses her 'cold' feet and run toward her future.

I am disappointed the author didn't have an epilogue telling us if Karen had twins...

This book is appropriate for.readers 18 and older. It's a gentle romance. I think it's a good read

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about a young widow who has given up on love, but she wants a child of her own.

She is a typist at one of th many Taggert/Montgomery enterprises, and he is a horrible person to work for, and he is horrible in real life. Ask his jilted finances. But he approaches Karen after the annual Christmas party to pose as his fiancé and a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding. Reluctantly, she agrees, but at her own price, which is not what he expected.

Cute story, but with Ms. Deveraux's use of strong male and female characters, with smart and sassy dialogues.

[Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

She wanted more than being the brainless little woman.

She had it with her first husband. He took care of the sales and she took care of the rest. They were ready for the baby when he died. Two years later she had worked extra doing other people's jobs learning everything she could. She wasn't going to be the brainless wife. She even had a plan to have a baby without a man.
Then Taggert caught her in his office. He had an offer she couldn't refuse.
A great story. It keeps calling me. I don't reRead stories. But this one is calling

[Winifred E Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Couldn't put it down. You did not tell me what the next book in the series was. I'll have to look around and try and find it. I recommend this book to all my friends. Love the characters and how the book ended. s

Very very good book. Couldn't put it down. You did not tell me what next book in the series class. I'll have to look around and try and find it. I recommend this book to any of my friends. Loved all the characters and how the book ended.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude Deveraux is my guilty pleasure! I loved this novella about Karen, a widower, working as a secretary for Mac Taggert. He is notorious for being engaged multiple times, but never marrying. Karen longs for a child, especially as her sister-in-law just delivered a baby.
When Mac offers Karen a job to act as his fiancee at a wedding, she accepts with a condition.
This is an entertaining, sweet novella about love. As always, funny and romantic.