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Nantucket Brides #3
Ever After
Life is anything but perfect for Hallie Hartley, a young physical therapist who has given up nearly everything—even her love life—for her beautiful blonde stepsister, Shelly. Though Shelly’s acting career has never taken off, she has certainly perfected the crocodile tears to get what she wants—which all too often means Hallie’s boyfriends. When Hallie arrives home early from work one fateful day, she makes two startling discoveries that will turn her life upside Not only has a mysterious relative left Hallie a house on Nantucket, but Shelly has been trying to steal it. Desperate to put her troubles behind her, Hallie impulsively flies to Nantucket. New trouble, however, has already settled into Hallie’s guest room in the form of her newest client. Hallie is told that wealthy, young James Taggert has injured his leg in a skiing accident. Assuming that the devastatingly handsome man has led a charmed life, Hallie is surprised by Jamie at every turn throughout his recovery. His attentions draw her out of her shell—but he has a dark secret, and is tormented by nightmares that only her presence can keep at bay. She suspects there’s more to his injury than he’s letting on. On this gorgeous island rich in history, magic is everywhere, even in Hallie’s own backyard. As Jamie’s relatives arrive for a wedding gala, something wonderfully unusual is in the air. There’s an aura of romance—enhanced by a pair of matchmaking ghosts and a colorful island legend. In their own little corner of the world, Jamie and Hallie unravel the timeless secrets of their own hearts, and a very special story of True Love destined to last forever after.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2015
894 people are currently reading
3282 people want to read
About the author
Jude Deveraux
200 books7,068 followersJude 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 635 reviews
June 5, 2015
Wow. The main character is a serious creeper. Look at this book description.
But Jamie's hiding something: every night Hallie hears him crying out in his sleep. Finding that only her presence can calm him, Hallie begins spending the night with Jamie, sneaking away every morning before he wakes up.Dude, when is this ever ok? If this were a guy sneaking into a girl's bed, we would be crying out for sexual harassment.
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June 24, 2015DNF @35%
I'm of the belief that when a book fails to capture your attention in the first few chapters, then you should just DNF. Unfortunately, Ever After just failed to capture my attention.
I've read the first book in the series and liked it enough. I didn't read the second. When this was offered to me, I thought the blurb sounded interesting but when I actually started reading this, it just failed to captivate. Jude Deveraux is a stellar storyteller. My problem with this book was there was just too much going on. Too many stories. Too many characters. Too much. I couldn't even keep the characters' names straight in my head. The side plots were a bit overwhelming and took my attention away from the main couple. I liked the setting though but it wasn't enough to keep me reading.
ARC provided by Ballantine via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm of the belief that when a book fails to capture your attention in the first few chapters, then you should just DNF. Unfortunately, Ever After just failed to capture my attention.
I've read the first book in the series and liked it enough. I didn't read the second. When this was offered to me, I thought the blurb sounded interesting but when I actually started reading this, it just failed to captivate. Jude Deveraux is a stellar storyteller. My problem with this book was there was just too much going on. Too many stories. Too many characters. Too much. I couldn't even keep the characters' names straight in my head. The side plots were a bit overwhelming and took my attention away from the main couple. I liked the setting though but it wasn't enough to keep me reading.
ARC provided by Ballantine via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2015
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life
3 Stars
I have been a fan of Jude Deveraux for a long time so when I was offered a chance to review this book, I jumped at the chance. I read and enjoyed the first two books of this trilogy last summer so I was pretty confident that this would be a book that I would really like. For the most part, I really had a nice time reading this book. I seem to be picking up one depressing book after another lately so a nice Jude Deveraux romance was really a refreshing change.
This is the story of Hallie and Jamie. The only family that Hallie has is a spoiled step-sister who actually attempts to steal a house that was willed to Hallie. She finds out just in time and decides to go to Nantucket and care for the physical therapy client as previously arranged. One look at Jamie and she is instantly attracted and the feeling is mutual. Jamie is dealing with more than just a knee injury and it turns out that Hallie may be just the person to help.
I liked both of these characters a lot. They have both been through a lot but they both keep fighting. The ghost in the house added just a hint of magic that I love in Jude Deveraux's work. I do think that the book may have been a little too busy. There was so much going on in this one. Weddings, ghosts, evil step-sisters, evil twins, naked cousins, and old crushes just to name a few. I have read the previous books in this series and I still had a hard time keeping everyone straight so I really think that this trilogy needs to be read in order to be enjoyable. I honestly think that this story would have been much stronger if it narrowed its focus.
I did have one very major problem with this book. I am not changing my rating because of the issue but I have to admit that I came very close slapping 1 star on this book for making me mad. I may end up doing just that once I think about it a little more. In this story, Jamie wakes up at night with nightmares and Hallie decides to soothe him with her touch and kisses. Sometimes he pulls her into bed and holds her like a teddy bear and one time they almost have sex. She knows that he is out of it but she still almost has sex with him. THIS IS NOT OKAY!! It would not be okay for a man to have sex with a woman who is passed out and it is not okay for this woman to even think about having sex with a man that she knows is not aware of his actions.
This was a good story except for this behavior. The section of the book that I am speaking of did cause me to have a really good conversation with my family. I really wish that authors would be more responsible with their characters behaviors. In this book, none of this was needed for the story and I don't think it added anything to the romance. I made the decision to not allow this to ruin the story for me but I am not happy with the author's decision to include this in the book.
I don't think that this is Jude Deveraux's best work but I am still glad that I read it. I don't think that readers of the previous two books int he trilogy have to read this book to reach any kind of closure but it was nice to see a few characters that I know.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
3 Stars
I have been a fan of Jude Deveraux for a long time so when I was offered a chance to review this book, I jumped at the chance. I read and enjoyed the first two books of this trilogy last summer so I was pretty confident that this would be a book that I would really like. For the most part, I really had a nice time reading this book. I seem to be picking up one depressing book after another lately so a nice Jude Deveraux romance was really a refreshing change.
This is the story of Hallie and Jamie. The only family that Hallie has is a spoiled step-sister who actually attempts to steal a house that was willed to Hallie. She finds out just in time and decides to go to Nantucket and care for the physical therapy client as previously arranged. One look at Jamie and she is instantly attracted and the feeling is mutual. Jamie is dealing with more than just a knee injury and it turns out that Hallie may be just the person to help.
I liked both of these characters a lot. They have both been through a lot but they both keep fighting. The ghost in the house added just a hint of magic that I love in Jude Deveraux's work. I do think that the book may have been a little too busy. There was so much going on in this one. Weddings, ghosts, evil step-sisters, evil twins, naked cousins, and old crushes just to name a few. I have read the previous books in this series and I still had a hard time keeping everyone straight so I really think that this trilogy needs to be read in order to be enjoyable. I honestly think that this story would have been much stronger if it narrowed its focus.
I did have one very major problem with this book. I am not changing my rating because of the issue but I have to admit that I came very close slapping 1 star on this book for making me mad. I may end up doing just that once I think about it a little more. In this story, Jamie wakes up at night with nightmares and Hallie decides to soothe him with her touch and kisses. Sometimes he pulls her into bed and holds her like a teddy bear and one time they almost have sex. She knows that he is out of it but she still almost has sex with him. THIS IS NOT OKAY!! It would not be okay for a man to have sex with a woman who is passed out and it is not okay for this woman to even think about having sex with a man that she knows is not aware of his actions.
This was a good story except for this behavior. The section of the book that I am speaking of did cause me to have a really good conversation with my family. I really wish that authors would be more responsible with their characters behaviors. In this book, none of this was needed for the story and I don't think it added anything to the romance. I made the decision to not allow this to ruin the story for me but I am not happy with the author's decision to include this in the book.
I don't think that this is Jude Deveraux's best work but I am still glad that I read it. I don't think that readers of the previous two books int he trilogy have to read this book to reach any kind of closure but it was nice to see a few characters that I know.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
June 26, 2017
I am a huge fan of Jude Deveraux and I loved the others in the series, but this one was not as much loved as the others. The dress on the cover was beautiful. I did love the scenery and I loved the romance. The rest was a pass.
July 9, 2018
This was such a fun, guilty pleasure for me. It was cute and sweet and the perfect fluffy summer read. I also enjoyed the little touch of magic and ghosts thrown in, it added a fun element to the story that I really enjoyed. I didn’t particularly connect to any of the characters but some of them were just so fun to hate! I liked the way it played out too, the bad guys got what they deserved and the good guys got the happy ending they deserved!
July 3, 2015
3.5 Stars
November 17, 2019
Re-read. Original Review still stands:
Hallie Hartley hasn't had an easy life. Losing her mother at an early age, her father, a very weak-willed man, leans on her. Her father's parents step in and begin nurturing Hallie and providing the love she lacks. It isn't long before her father re-marries and literally brings home the evil step-mother, along with her equally self-centered, spoiled daughter. Rather than step in on his daughter's behalf, Hallie's father leaves home anytime there is a confrontation and soon her grandparents are pushed out of the picture. When Hallie is a teen, her father and step-mother are killed in a car accident and Hallie gives up the life she planned for herself and her dreams to support and raise her 11-year old step-sister.
Hallie has just finished putting herself through school and is ready to begin her career as a physical therapist when, just in the nick of time, she discovers yet another scheme her step-sister has perpetrated upon her. Her step-sister has stolen her identity, a job and a house in Nantucket, which is an inheritance Hallie discovers she has from family she did not even know she had. Furious, Hallie goes to Nantucket to see the house, take the job and start her life anew. This is where we meet James "Jamie" Michael Taggert, her new client.
Jamie has been badly injured during a skiing accident and is in dire need of more than just healing of his badly mangled knee. Hallie doesn't know much about her guarded client, but she soon discovers there is more to this angry, defensive man than first appears. It takes some time, but both discover that Jamie isn't the only one in need of healing, inside and out.
I loved the background love story and the meddling "ghost tea ladies." Magic is definitely in the air. Characters from the other Nantucket brides' books ("True Love" and "For All Time") also make appearances and it is always fun to catch up on the characters we have come to know so well from the previous books. Whenever the Montgomerys and Taggerts come together there is bound to be an adventure!
Nantucket itself doesn't play such a prominent role as the location as it has in the past two books. This story is more geared toward the main two characters, their personal growth, their intense attraction to one another and the lovely romance and love which develops between the two. Secrets are revealed and scars are healed. Past loves, along with well-meaning family members, stir the pot.
Jude Deveraux always entertains her readers with her consistently clever dialogue. This is a fast-paced read and the writing, as it always is with Ms. Deveraux' books, is superb.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I find myself reaching for the first two books in this wonderful trilogy again. Jude Deveraux never ceases to amaze me. Even after so many successful years and so many wonderful books, her work is still fresh, fun and so appealing. This, my friends, is talent, hard work and dedication personified. Magic, indeed.
Hallie Hartley hasn't had an easy life. Losing her mother at an early age, her father, a very weak-willed man, leans on her. Her father's parents step in and begin nurturing Hallie and providing the love she lacks. It isn't long before her father re-marries and literally brings home the evil step-mother, along with her equally self-centered, spoiled daughter. Rather than step in on his daughter's behalf, Hallie's father leaves home anytime there is a confrontation and soon her grandparents are pushed out of the picture. When Hallie is a teen, her father and step-mother are killed in a car accident and Hallie gives up the life she planned for herself and her dreams to support and raise her 11-year old step-sister.
Hallie has just finished putting herself through school and is ready to begin her career as a physical therapist when, just in the nick of time, she discovers yet another scheme her step-sister has perpetrated upon her. Her step-sister has stolen her identity, a job and a house in Nantucket, which is an inheritance Hallie discovers she has from family she did not even know she had. Furious, Hallie goes to Nantucket to see the house, take the job and start her life anew. This is where we meet James "Jamie" Michael Taggert, her new client.
Jamie has been badly injured during a skiing accident and is in dire need of more than just healing of his badly mangled knee. Hallie doesn't know much about her guarded client, but she soon discovers there is more to this angry, defensive man than first appears. It takes some time, but both discover that Jamie isn't the only one in need of healing, inside and out.
I loved the background love story and the meddling "ghost tea ladies." Magic is definitely in the air. Characters from the other Nantucket brides' books ("True Love" and "For All Time") also make appearances and it is always fun to catch up on the characters we have come to know so well from the previous books. Whenever the Montgomerys and Taggerts come together there is bound to be an adventure!
Nantucket itself doesn't play such a prominent role as the location as it has in the past two books. This story is more geared toward the main two characters, their personal growth, their intense attraction to one another and the lovely romance and love which develops between the two. Secrets are revealed and scars are healed. Past loves, along with well-meaning family members, stir the pot.
Jude Deveraux always entertains her readers with her consistently clever dialogue. This is a fast-paced read and the writing, as it always is with Ms. Deveraux' books, is superb.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I find myself reaching for the first two books in this wonderful trilogy again. Jude Deveraux never ceases to amaze me. Even after so many successful years and so many wonderful books, her work is still fresh, fun and so appealing. This, my friends, is talent, hard work and dedication personified. Magic, indeed.
June 23, 2015
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
The Nantucket Brides Trilogy is coming to a close with this wonderfully written love story. As usual, our ghosts have a hand in the love that is growing and all the wonderful Montgomerys and Taggerts are all in on it as well.
It saddens me knowing that I won't be visiting with these wonderful people anymore. Hoping beyond hope that Jude Devereaux decides that the Brides of Colorado are next and we get to keep visiting with these wonderful characters brought to life by a fantastic author who not only writes great love scenes but a love story that has you sighing.
Jamie is torn between wanting Hallie and wanting to keep her away from him. PTSD will always be a part of his life and he doesn't know if he can handle the pity that he'll see in her eyes as she finds out everything about him and his past. War wounds and nightmares are no match for our meddling ghosts whose legacy is matchmaking and, it's time for Jamie to come clean, to stand up to his family, to go after the girl that has him tied in knots.
But, our Hallie is one strong, determined woman. She knows there is more to the ski accident than Jamie is telling her. He won't take off his clothes, he won't let her near any part of his body but his knee. He's hiding something. All the banter, the laughter, the wonderful food keeps them occupied and growing closer. She knows, deep in her heart, that the playboy will be off jet-setting the minute the brace is gone and the physical therapy is over. It's time for her to find the man that will settle down with her and give her the life that she has always wanted. Braden it is ... her childhood crush. But, does Braden want her and what does she do about lusting after Jamie?
Two weddings, two meddling ghosts, a spoiled sister, a family who only want the old Jamie back, a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it ... a recipe for a story filled with love, laughter and a happily ever after that sounds extremely interesting.
Jude Devereaux has held me captive with her writing style of mixing present love with the ghosts of the past. I love how she mixes the old with the new ... how she describes the island and it's inhabitants. She holds me in my seat and has me turning page after page just waiting to see just what the ghosts are going to do next. I am never, ever disappointed with a book by this author. I love her writing, her writing style, the way she spins a tale and her endings always leave me smiling.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
The Nantucket Brides Trilogy is coming to a close with this wonderfully written love story. As usual, our ghosts have a hand in the love that is growing and all the wonderful Montgomerys and Taggerts are all in on it as well.
It saddens me knowing that I won't be visiting with these wonderful people anymore. Hoping beyond hope that Jude Devereaux decides that the Brides of Colorado are next and we get to keep visiting with these wonderful characters brought to life by a fantastic author who not only writes great love scenes but a love story that has you sighing.
Jamie is torn between wanting Hallie and wanting to keep her away from him. PTSD will always be a part of his life and he doesn't know if he can handle the pity that he'll see in her eyes as she finds out everything about him and his past. War wounds and nightmares are no match for our meddling ghosts whose legacy is matchmaking and, it's time for Jamie to come clean, to stand up to his family, to go after the girl that has him tied in knots.
But, our Hallie is one strong, determined woman. She knows there is more to the ski accident than Jamie is telling her. He won't take off his clothes, he won't let her near any part of his body but his knee. He's hiding something. All the banter, the laughter, the wonderful food keeps them occupied and growing closer. She knows, deep in her heart, that the playboy will be off jet-setting the minute the brace is gone and the physical therapy is over. It's time for her to find the man that will settle down with her and give her the life that she has always wanted. Braden it is ... her childhood crush. But, does Braden want her and what does she do about lusting after Jamie?
Two weddings, two meddling ghosts, a spoiled sister, a family who only want the old Jamie back, a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it ... a recipe for a story filled with love, laughter and a happily ever after that sounds extremely interesting.
Jude Devereaux has held me captive with her writing style of mixing present love with the ghosts of the past. I love how she mixes the old with the new ... how she describes the island and it's inhabitants. She holds me in my seat and has me turning page after page just waiting to see just what the ghosts are going to do next. I am never, ever disappointed with a book by this author. I love her writing, her writing style, the way she spins a tale and her endings always leave me smiling.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 20, 2015
Reviewed for NetGalley:
I don't read a ton of Jude Deveraux and I feel like this is a romance that needs to be read in order. All the different families and couples were really confusing. The ghosts had an interesting story, the main couple was kind of okay. Although, they were both annoying in separate ways. The Heroine because she had low self esteem and was constantly harping on herself and the Hero because he was holding a little too closely to the silent warrior being a jerk instead of actually emoting. OOH, and what was with the kissing someone while they are drugged. That is NOT funny. And a medical professional should NOT be thinking about having sex with someone who cannot consent. Heck, no one should be thinking about that, but she KNOWS what the drugs he's taking does to him, and instead she just goes with it. That was INCREDIBLY creepy. And the abrupt secondary romance was ridiculous. I realize that she's family, but she's an identity thief and we're supposed to be sorry for her because her mom is horrible? No. She needs to go to jail. So... yeah, this book made me kind of angry.
I don't read a ton of Jude Deveraux and I feel like this is a romance that needs to be read in order. All the different families and couples were really confusing. The ghosts had an interesting story, the main couple was kind of okay. Although, they were both annoying in separate ways. The Heroine because she had low self esteem and was constantly harping on herself and the Hero because he was holding a little too closely to the silent warrior being a jerk instead of actually emoting. OOH, and what was with the kissing someone while they are drugged. That is NOT funny. And a medical professional should NOT be thinking about having sex with someone who cannot consent. Heck, no one should be thinking about that, but she KNOWS what the drugs he's taking does to him, and instead she just goes with it. That was INCREDIBLY creepy. And the abrupt secondary romance was ridiculous. I realize that she's family, but she's an identity thief and we're supposed to be sorry for her because her mom is horrible? No. She needs to go to jail. So... yeah, this book made me kind of angry.
June 5, 2015
It has been years since I read a Jude Deveraux book. I am hooked again. I have rediscovered a new, old author, one I have missed.
This book held my attention. Full of passion, family problems, ghosts, my favorite part. Whether you are a fan of Jude Deveraux or not this is a not to be missed read.
This book held my attention. Full of passion, family problems, ghosts, my favorite part. Whether you are a fan of Jude Deveraux or not this is a not to be missed read.
March 27, 2015
I found this book to be slightly confusing. If I had read the previous books in the series I'm sure this would not have been the case, but I started fresh with this title. There was a lot going on - tons of characters, weddings, ghosts, secrets, horrible family, awesome family, characters (it needed repeating there were so many people wandering around). I also struggled a bit with the dialogue. It seemed quite old fashioned at times, which makes sense because Deveraux has written so many historicals in her long career, but did not fit because this is a contemporary title.
I liked the main characters quite a bit, but I never felt like we got to really know them. They had to share the page a lot with other people, and because of Jamie's "big secret" (which I found easy to guess) we never really learned about him because the big reveal was pretty late in the book.
The step-sisters reasons for being as horrible as she is are weak at best, and
It sounds like I really disliked this one, but I know that Jude Deveraux fans will love it, and I truly believed that if I had read the previous books I would have appreciated it more. I did really love the "naked cousins" and thought they were fun to read, but they did detract from the main couple. I was more interested in the main couple and the ghost story - throwing everything else in was too much for me.
I liked the main characters quite a bit, but I never felt like we got to really know them. They had to share the page a lot with other people, and because of Jamie's "big secret" (which I found easy to guess) we never really learned about him because the big reveal was pretty late in the book.
The step-sisters reasons for being as horrible as she is are weak at best, and
It sounds like I really disliked this one, but I know that Jude Deveraux fans will love it, and I truly believed that if I had read the previous books I would have appreciated it more. I did really love the "naked cousins" and thought they were fun to read, but they did detract from the main couple. I was more interested in the main couple and the ghost story - throwing everything else in was too much for me.
June 4, 2015
Having read all three books in this series, I can honestly say this is the best of the series. Ever After is a contemporary romance with just a touch of the paranormal and full of endearing characters that certainly all deserve a book and a HEA of their own. Jamie and Hallie are thrown together by family but manage to bring out the best in one another without even realizing how much each has helped the other. It was a true feel-good romance that I hated to see end!
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2015
I got an offer to read this on Netgalley and since I've read Jude Deveraux novels in the past, I snatched up the opportunity. I haven't read a Deveraux novel in a long, long while. She was one of the very first romances I ever read and I fell in love. The bookmobile librarian was growing tired of me borrowing 30 books at a time and was fast running out of book recommendations for my 12 year old self. So she handed me two books: The Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught and The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux. And from there, I was hooked on the Montgomery/Taggert clans.
Now it's been a while since my last Deveraux book. Life, different hobbies, different interests, have all gotten in the way, plus I've been devouring new authors left and right. This book was like coming home. When I first saw the last name of Taggert, I exclaimed, OH RIGHT TAGGERTS! MONTGOMERYS! WHEEEE! And then I settled in to be told a story as only Jude Deveraux can tell it.
Loved this book. I love these families and all of their stories and as names are revealed left and right, I remembered reading their stories once upon a time and their ancestors' stories, etc. I love how you can pick up any book that involves these two families and not be lost without getting a re-hash of a who is whom.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, I got to enjoy this before it comes out at the end of next month. And now I'll be scrambling for the other Nantucket stories and digging out my old Deveraux novels to get reacquainted.
Now it's been a while since my last Deveraux book. Life, different hobbies, different interests, have all gotten in the way, plus I've been devouring new authors left and right. This book was like coming home. When I first saw the last name of Taggert, I exclaimed, OH RIGHT TAGGERTS! MONTGOMERYS! WHEEEE! And then I settled in to be told a story as only Jude Deveraux can tell it.
Loved this book. I love these families and all of their stories and as names are revealed left and right, I remembered reading their stories once upon a time and their ancestors' stories, etc. I love how you can pick up any book that involves these two families and not be lost without getting a re-hash of a who is whom.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, I got to enjoy this before it comes out at the end of next month. And now I'll be scrambling for the other Nantucket stories and digging out my old Deveraux novels to get reacquainted.
January 26, 2016
Review originally posted at
All Books Considered: THREE STARS
I love love love books set on Nantucket, especially Elin Hilderbrand's and Nancy Thayer's books. That is initially why I wanted to read this one. I liked Hallie (the MC) a lot but this book (and maybe the series or the author?) seemed super antiquated -- this easily could have been set in the 1970s or 1980s based upon the plot/language, etc. Hallie and Jamie were sweet together but I was definitely not expecting the touch of paranormal (ghosts/haunting) at all -- it wasn't done in a scary way but it was a bit weird. Overall, however, the setting and the unique details of the book made this a fun read.
I would recommend this to fans of contemporary romance. It was a light read and I always love the setting of Nantucket. I also hadn't read the first two books in this series prior to this one so it definitely could be read as a stand-alone.
I love love love books set on Nantucket, especially Elin Hilderbrand's and Nancy Thayer's books. That is initially why I wanted to read this one. I liked Hallie (the MC) a lot but this book (and maybe the series or the author?) seemed super antiquated -- this easily could have been set in the 1970s or 1980s based upon the plot/language, etc. Hallie and Jamie were sweet together but I was definitely not expecting the touch of paranormal (ghosts/haunting) at all -- it wasn't done in a scary way but it was a bit weird. Overall, however, the setting and the unique details of the book made this a fun read.
I would recommend this to fans of contemporary romance. It was a light read and I always love the setting of Nantucket. I also hadn't read the first two books in this series prior to this one so it definitely could be read as a stand-alone.
May 24, 2020
Sweet romance, matchmaking ghosts, a large but close-knit family that supports each other, and sibling jealousies all make this an engaging romance.
September 14, 2023
Fomito, para la nota que tiene me esperaba mucho más, mejor desarrollo de los personajes, mejor descripciones tanto de los hechos cómo características de los personajes, en un momento eran tantos nombres que ya no sabía quién era quién…
July 3, 2015
I have been eagerly awaiting this book and started salivating as soon as it first went up on Netgalley. I have always been a sucker for the Montgomery-Taggert families and have read most of the books in this ever evolving family saga down through the ages. And though the Montgomery's came first, I have always had a special liking for the Taggerts, so I was excited to see that this final book would be about that side of the family.
Jude Deveraux writes strong females. Females that have been battered and bruised by life and circumstances, but fight back with courage and an inner strength. Hallie is no different. Her childhood felt very Cinderella-esque, right down to the evil step-mother and step-sister. But she kept putting one foot in front of the other, determined to have the life she wants. Until the day she found out exactly how far her step-sister would go to get what she wanted.
James Taggert. Oh how I love a man with mysteries. Hallie had her work cut out for her discovering his. Like his 2 am nightmares that could only be soothed by sleepy kisses. Or his refusal to even discuss certain subjects. The Taggerts are all about family, and this stayed true throughout this book. Finding out that he is one of the sons from a Taggert couple I had read about many years ago, was just the icing on the cake.
Though this story is the final book in the Nantucket Brides Trilogy, I really think it could be read as a stand alone. (But why would you?) The characters from the previous books are mentioned and even have some small roles, however the bulk of this book is about Hallie and James and the house where they are both living. As with the prior two books in the trilogy, there is some paranormal/ghost activity that plays a key part to the story. I devoured this book in one setting, staying up way past my bedtime, going 'one more chapter' till the book was done. But I regret nothing with this 5 star read.
Thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.
Jude Deveraux writes strong females. Females that have been battered and bruised by life and circumstances, but fight back with courage and an inner strength. Hallie is no different. Her childhood felt very Cinderella-esque, right down to the evil step-mother and step-sister. But she kept putting one foot in front of the other, determined to have the life she wants. Until the day she found out exactly how far her step-sister would go to get what she wanted.
James Taggert. Oh how I love a man with mysteries. Hallie had her work cut out for her discovering his. Like his 2 am nightmares that could only be soothed by sleepy kisses. Or his refusal to even discuss certain subjects. The Taggerts are all about family, and this stayed true throughout this book. Finding out that he is one of the sons from a Taggert couple I had read about many years ago, was just the icing on the cake.
Though this story is the final book in the Nantucket Brides Trilogy, I really think it could be read as a stand alone. (But why would you?) The characters from the previous books are mentioned and even have some small roles, however the bulk of this book is about Hallie and James and the house where they are both living. As with the prior two books in the trilogy, there is some paranormal/ghost activity that plays a key part to the story. I devoured this book in one setting, staying up way past my bedtime, going 'one more chapter' till the book was done. But I regret nothing with this 5 star read.
Thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book.
October 7, 2016
Author: Jude Deveraux
First published: 2015
Length: 5822 kindle locations
Setting: Nantucket. Contemporary + Regency.
Sex: Explicit. Infrequent.
Hero: Recuperating soldier.
Heroine: Recently graduated physiotherapist.
Paranormal: Time travel + ghosts.
Trigger: Hero was in a Humvee that exploded in a war environment. Colleagues died and he was injured. Some ptsd.
Bringing the trilogy to an end with two weddings: Toby and Graydon and Ken and Jilly. Hallie and James are peripheral to the previous stories, more interaction with Taggert and Montgomery’s rather than Nantucket-ers. Lots of references to previous books and leading into future ones with James’ brothers/cousins.
Overall enjoyable. Easy to read with the ptsd present but not overwhelming. A nice addition.
Nantucket Brides:
Book 1 True Love - Alix Madsen and Jared Montgomery
Book 2 For All Time - Toby Wyndam and Graydon
Book 3 Ever After - Hallie Hartley and James Taggert
References:
Author: http://jude-deveraux.com
(ISBN 978-1-4722-1146-0)
-CR-
First published: 2015
Length: 5822 kindle locations
Setting: Nantucket. Contemporary + Regency.
Sex: Explicit. Infrequent.
Hero: Recuperating soldier.
Heroine: Recently graduated physiotherapist.
Paranormal: Time travel + ghosts.
Trigger: Hero was in a Humvee that exploded in a war environment. Colleagues died and he was injured. Some ptsd.
Bringing the trilogy to an end with two weddings: Toby and Graydon and Ken and Jilly. Hallie and James are peripheral to the previous stories, more interaction with Taggert and Montgomery’s rather than Nantucket-ers. Lots of references to previous books and leading into future ones with James’ brothers/cousins.
Overall enjoyable. Easy to read with the ptsd present but not overwhelming. A nice addition.
Nantucket Brides:
Book 1 True Love - Alix Madsen and Jared Montgomery
Book 2 For All Time - Toby Wyndam and Graydon
Book 3 Ever After - Hallie Hartley and James Taggert
References:
Author: http://jude-deveraux.com
(ISBN 978-1-4722-1146-0)
-CR-
July 31, 2015
My first experience reading Jude Deveraux...
There were things I really liked and things I didn't about this book. I think I've realized I need to space my strictly romance reads out because I feel myself getting critical and I don't want to be that way. I just want to read (or listen) and enjoy the experience!
*There are a few gratuitous "bedroom" scenes
There were things I really liked and things I didn't about this book. I think I've realized I need to space my strictly romance reads out because I feel myself getting critical and I don't want to be that way. I just want to read (or listen) and enjoy the experience!
*There are a few gratuitous "bedroom" scenes
September 8, 2017
Esta autora não desilude ninguém...
April 26, 2015
I received an ARC from FirstToRead in exchange for an review. The covers of Jude Deveraux are always somewhat classical romantic. Since I hadn't read any of Jude Deveraux's books, I was afraid that this book would be a little too sweet for my likings. However, Jude certainly proofed me wrong. From the very beginning of the book, she got my attention. I mean, when a book starts with an evil stepsister, Shelly, who is trying to sell a house which is supposed to be from the main character, Hallie, you really have me questioning the outcome of the rest of the book. After Hallie's first meeting with Jamie, you just know there is more to his story than meets the eye. Bit by bit Jude shows you the secrets Jamie is hiding from Hallie. Without being overly dramatic, Jude knows how to incorporate some serious issues into her story. Orphaned children, PTSD, war injuries, illness and broken hearts give the book more depht, without that you have to cry your eyes out from the saddness of it all. No, Jude knows how to incorporate humour and quick wit to ensure light reading. I was certainly chuckling out loud at some of the remarks of Hallie. Especially when she finds out what Jamie has been hiding from her. A priceless reaction: "you have one hour to get your butt of my property".
The interventions from the ghostly sisters add a very nice touch to the story. Especially in the end of the book, when Edith (the friendly mother-in-law of the neighbour B&B) turns out to have been away for several weeks. It keeps you wondering...
And what about Shelly? Of course in the beginning of the book, she is just the very evil stepsister. You know, like from Cinderella, but ten times worse. Because she actually forges Hallies passport and tries to steal away her inheritance. How low can you go? But in the end of the book, when you get to hear Shelly's side of the story (doesn't every story have two sides?), you kind of feel sorry for her. Not enough to think she is still the evil stepsister, but you can imagine more of her reasons to do so. (Not that I approve of her actions, but still...).
Braden, yes. That's a different story. He is like the big brother Hallie never had. But would I like to have him as my big brother? Definitely not. What a dumb man, always falling for the blonds on legs. (I'm blond, by the way, but I'm missing a few inches on the legs). Okay, he means well, but I got very tired of him. I'm glad Hallie ultimately knew who to chose.
Only after reading Ever After, I found out it was part of a series. So it is a perfectely stand alone read. But because I rather enjoyed reading this part, I will definitely be on the lookout for the other parts. Well done, Jude. Four stars for your book.
The interventions from the ghostly sisters add a very nice touch to the story. Especially in the end of the book, when Edith (the friendly mother-in-law of the neighbour B&B) turns out to have been away for several weeks. It keeps you wondering...
And what about Shelly? Of course in the beginning of the book, she is just the very evil stepsister. You know, like from Cinderella, but ten times worse. Because she actually forges Hallies passport and tries to steal away her inheritance. How low can you go? But in the end of the book, when you get to hear Shelly's side of the story (doesn't every story have two sides?), you kind of feel sorry for her. Not enough to think she is still the evil stepsister, but you can imagine more of her reasons to do so. (Not that I approve of her actions, but still...).
Braden, yes. That's a different story. He is like the big brother Hallie never had. But would I like to have him as my big brother? Definitely not. What a dumb man, always falling for the blonds on legs. (I'm blond, by the way, but I'm missing a few inches on the legs). Okay, he means well, but I got very tired of him. I'm glad Hallie ultimately knew who to chose.
Only after reading Ever After, I found out it was part of a series. So it is a perfectely stand alone read. But because I rather enjoyed reading this part, I will definitely be on the lookout for the other parts. Well done, Jude. Four stars for your book.
May 1, 2015
The third book in Deveraux's Nantucket trilogy was just as wonderful as the first two books. Our heroine is Hallie Hartley; our hero is James Taggert. Hallie is a physical therapist and Jamie is in need of one. Hallie has inherited a house on Nantucket which she almost never finds out about as her younger stepsister has decided to impersonate Hallie and steal her house. Hallie walks in just as Shelly is signing the papers accepting the inheritance. To get away from her scheming stepsister, Hallie decides to go to Nantucket and use her skills as a physical therapist to assist a man who has torn all four ligaments in his knee.
This story is filled with Montgomerys and Taggerts including a group that Hallie refers to as the "naked cousins". Jamie has come to Nantucket to get away from the constant cossetting of his huge family. Hallie doesn't know it (she thinks he is an idle playboy) but Jamie was a soldier injured in a Humvee attack in Afghanistan. He is suffering from a number of physical injuries and is also suffering from nightmares and PTSD.
The story also has ghosts. The house Hallie inherits was once the home of two beautiful young women who died tragically of fever just after one of the girls' wedding. They have been determined to help the residents of the house find true love ever since.
In addition to Jamie's secrets, other obstacles to a romance between the two are Jamie's twin brother Todd who is suspicious of Hallie's motives and Hallie's life-long crush on her hero and next door neighbor Braden who is now a lawyer.
This was a very nice story about two people who are both dealing with scars that seem to prevent them from falling in love. I liked the romance and I really liked seeing the cameos from characters in other books in the trilogy.
This story is filled with Montgomerys and Taggerts including a group that Hallie refers to as the "naked cousins". Jamie has come to Nantucket to get away from the constant cossetting of his huge family. Hallie doesn't know it (she thinks he is an idle playboy) but Jamie was a soldier injured in a Humvee attack in Afghanistan. He is suffering from a number of physical injuries and is also suffering from nightmares and PTSD.
The story also has ghosts. The house Hallie inherits was once the home of two beautiful young women who died tragically of fever just after one of the girls' wedding. They have been determined to help the residents of the house find true love ever since.
In addition to Jamie's secrets, other obstacles to a romance between the two are Jamie's twin brother Todd who is suspicious of Hallie's motives and Hallie's life-long crush on her hero and next door neighbor Braden who is now a lawyer.
This was a very nice story about two people who are both dealing with scars that seem to prevent them from falling in love. I liked the romance and I really liked seeing the cameos from characters in other books in the trilogy.
June 2, 2015
Title: Ever After Author: Jude Deveraux
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Series: A Nantucket Brides Trilogy # 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review
"Ever Ever" by Jude Deveraux
What I enjoyed from this read....
I liked this well written story that kept my attention from the start all the way to the end of this good story which happens to be the third in this Nantucket Brides Trilogy. This was quite a interesting story of how a family member can betray you. I am not sure I wouldn't have taken the road at the end that this heroine took concerning here step sister but I guess it turned out for the best. It was a blessing for Hallie to have met Jaime in Nantucket and what a mess he had been through but with Hallie's help will something come of this connection?
This will be quite a interesting read about that step sister of Hallie's [what a messed up person she was] and those hunky Taggert and Montgomery men! Indeed from all of the characters that are presented in this story were simply off the chart...well developed, defined, portrayed and so very believable. Some of the characters you will like while others well...you will have to pick up this read to see for yourself who they are.
I loved how this author was able to bring in those 'meddling ghosts' that will surely keep your attention just waiting for them to show up. And let's not leave out those beautiful weddings that took place. Now to get it all from what happens to Hallie that gets her in , her crazy acting sister, Branden, meeting Jaime and much more you will have to pick up "Ever After" and see for yourself how well this author brings it all out for the reader.
August 2, 2017
http://www.omundoencantadodoslivros.c...
Comecei a leitura pelo fim!
Começar a ler esta trilogia pelo ultimo livro fez com que aumentasse a vontade de ler os outros livros e eu já devia de estar habituada. Jude Deveraux sempre teve este poder sobre mim e depois de tantos livros publicados isso continua a acontecer.
Por entre as suas séries, a autora consegue seguir sempre a mesma “receita”, mas sem deixar de maravilhar o leitor e mantê-lo cativado ao longo de toda a historia, desejando saber o que irá acontecer e quais os mistérios que aguardam as ultimas páginas do livro.
Contigo para a Eternidade é o ultimo livro da trilogia “Noivas de Nantucket” e, apesar de ainda não ter lido os livros anteriores, posso garantir que mais uma vez a autora consegue superar-se e transformar algo simples em algo completamente emocionante. Desde a primeira página, a historia mostra-se fantástica, cheia de momentos emocionantes e com diversos momentos de mistério, fazendo com que fiquemos presos às suas páginas, imaginando o que irá acontecer de seguida.
Gostei muito dos personagens principais, Hallie e James mostraram ser bastante teimosos, mas ao mesmo tempo perfeitos um para o outro, enquanto que a família de James era completamente louca, prendendo-me ainda mais a toda a trama. Mas o melhor de tudo? Sem duvida que eram os dois fantasmas casamenteiros, que com que as suas armadilhas iam conseguindo fazer com que Hallie e James se fossem apaixonando e apercebendo dos seus sentimentos.
Um livro que, sem duvida, não deve não perder! (nem deixar esquecido na estante) 😃
Comecei a leitura pelo fim!
Começar a ler esta trilogia pelo ultimo livro fez com que aumentasse a vontade de ler os outros livros e eu já devia de estar habituada. Jude Deveraux sempre teve este poder sobre mim e depois de tantos livros publicados isso continua a acontecer.
Por entre as suas séries, a autora consegue seguir sempre a mesma “receita”, mas sem deixar de maravilhar o leitor e mantê-lo cativado ao longo de toda a historia, desejando saber o que irá acontecer e quais os mistérios que aguardam as ultimas páginas do livro.
Contigo para a Eternidade é o ultimo livro da trilogia “Noivas de Nantucket” e, apesar de ainda não ter lido os livros anteriores, posso garantir que mais uma vez a autora consegue superar-se e transformar algo simples em algo completamente emocionante. Desde a primeira página, a historia mostra-se fantástica, cheia de momentos emocionantes e com diversos momentos de mistério, fazendo com que fiquemos presos às suas páginas, imaginando o que irá acontecer de seguida.
Gostei muito dos personagens principais, Hallie e James mostraram ser bastante teimosos, mas ao mesmo tempo perfeitos um para o outro, enquanto que a família de James era completamente louca, prendendo-me ainda mais a toda a trama. Mas o melhor de tudo? Sem duvida que eram os dois fantasmas casamenteiros, que com que as suas armadilhas iam conseguindo fazer com que Hallie e James se fossem apaixonando e apercebendo dos seus sentimentos.
Um livro que, sem duvida, não deve não perder! (nem deixar esquecido na estante) 😃
November 4, 2025
Highly imaginative, Ever After brings us vividly to the island of Nantucket for some match making, romance, a wedding and ghosts.
Hallie is a physical therapist who inherits a home on Nantucket. Her evil step-sister tries to steal it. Match making ghost already reside in it… And Jamie, he already lives in it, has also already made some alterations to the house for his physical therapy sessions, and his family well they utterly invade it.
From PTSD to sleeping kisses, conniving relatives to naked cousins, teddy bear hugs to ghosts and weddings, this story has it all and more.
For me, each individual plot item listed above would of made a fabulous story but combined it became a mishmash of story lines and just plain distracting.
I did love some of the story but some not so much. Overall, I’d have to stick with I liked it. It was a cute, fun, easy and entertaining.
I received this ARC copy of Ever After from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 23, 2015.
Hallie is a physical therapist who inherits a home on Nantucket. Her evil step-sister tries to steal it. Match making ghost already reside in it… And Jamie, he already lives in it, has also already made some alterations to the house for his physical therapy sessions, and his family well they utterly invade it.
From PTSD to sleeping kisses, conniving relatives to naked cousins, teddy bear hugs to ghosts and weddings, this story has it all and more.
For me, each individual plot item listed above would of made a fabulous story but combined it became a mishmash of story lines and just plain distracting.
I did love some of the story but some not so much. Overall, I’d have to stick with I liked it. It was a cute, fun, easy and entertaining.
I received this ARC copy of Ever After from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 23, 2015.
August 18, 2015
Terribly written, ridiculously boring characters and really some of the worst romance and sex scenes ever described. Very disappointing for an author with the imagination of Deveraux. This story is about Hallie, a physical therapist who inherits a dream house and a job, rehabilitating a soldier injured in war. Characters you care little about come and go, the romance is about as involved as a heavy massage and you just want it to be over. I stuck with it just to see how the trilogy ended but after years of reading some great books by this author this is the book that finally broke me. Such fantastic romance writers publishing today, Deveraux is sadly no longer one of them.
October 5, 2016
Five Fabulous Montgomery-Taggert Stars
I absolutely love Jude Deveraux and her family trilogies. I have been in love with the Montgomery and Taggert clan since I first read "A Knight in Shinning Armour" in July of 1990.
In this book we meet Jamie and Hallie. He's a war vet with scars inside and out. She is a lonely young physical therapist with just as many scars on the inside. Life takes a drastic change for Hallie when she catches her step-sister committing fraud and identity theft. Suddenly Hallie has a new life and a chance to see what is outside the four walls of her own house.
I gave a big happy sigh writing this review.
I absolutely love Jude Deveraux and her family trilogies. I have been in love with the Montgomery and Taggert clan since I first read "A Knight in Shinning Armour" in July of 1990.
In this book we meet Jamie and Hallie. He's a war vet with scars inside and out. She is a lonely young physical therapist with just as many scars on the inside. Life takes a drastic change for Hallie when she catches her step-sister committing fraud and identity theft. Suddenly Hallie has a new life and a chance to see what is outside the four walls of her own house.
I gave a big happy sigh writing this review.
November 15, 2015
Kirsten Potter narrated this title and did a great job. I'll miss the novels for two reasons, the setting is Nantucket Island a very special place and the mix of ghosts and legends. You can just see the seafaring community having ghosts of Sea Captains an. It made them fun and a bit whimsical.
The story and sweet and pretty straight forward the best bits include the Taggarts. Fun loving family, it's nice to see another generation finding love.
4.5 Narration
3.75 Story
The story and sweet and pretty straight forward the best bits include the Taggarts. Fun loving family, it's nice to see another generation finding love.
4.5 Narration
3.75 Story
February 23, 2015
Ever After is a marvelous read! I have read many of Jude Deveraux's books- but this blew me away. I was completely into the story and the characters. I felt like I was in the storyline with them. I was cheering them and wishing that I could talk with them. I want to continue reading!
August 29, 2016
Just perfect!
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