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Legendary Lovers #2
Some Kind of Wonderful
In Debbie Macomber’s delightful take on Beauty and the Beast, an idealistic teacher and a mysterious mogul prove that opposites do attract . . . all the way to happily ever after.
Unspoiled by the trappings of wealth, Judy Lovin shunned the family fortune to take a job teaching preschool. But with her father’s empire on the verge of collapse thanks to a hostile corporate takeover, Judy reluctantly rides to the rescue. Her negotiations bring her face to face with the beast himself, a ruthless tycoon who takes what he wants—and what he wants is Judy. Shocked at her attraction to a man she was prepared to loathe, Judy agrees to his terms: alone time with him at his island getaway.
Sexy, smart, and ruggedly untamed, John McFarland lives by his own rules. He’s never met a woman as pure and kind and lovely as Judy, who seems so fearless in the face of the demons that haunt him. As John’s rough edges soften in the magic of the moonlight, and as he learns to listen to his own pounding heart, this beast comes to believe in the one thing he convinced himself he could never have: love.
Praise for Debbie Macomber
“No one tugs at readers’ heartstrings quite as effectively as Macomber.”—Chicago Tribune
“The reigning queen of women’s fiction.”—The Sacramento Bee
“It’s impossible not to cheer for Macomber’s characters. . . . When it comes to creating a special place and memorable, honorable characters, nobody does it better than Macomber.”—BookPage
Published by Debbie Macomber Books
Unspoiled by the trappings of wealth, Judy Lovin shunned the family fortune to take a job teaching preschool. But with her father’s empire on the verge of collapse thanks to a hostile corporate takeover, Judy reluctantly rides to the rescue. Her negotiations bring her face to face with the beast himself, a ruthless tycoon who takes what he wants—and what he wants is Judy. Shocked at her attraction to a man she was prepared to loathe, Judy agrees to his terms: alone time with him at his island getaway.
Sexy, smart, and ruggedly untamed, John McFarland lives by his own rules. He’s never met a woman as pure and kind and lovely as Judy, who seems so fearless in the face of the demons that haunt him. As John’s rough edges soften in the magic of the moonlight, and as he learns to listen to his own pounding heart, this beast comes to believe in the one thing he convinced himself he could never have: love.
Praise for Debbie Macomber
“No one tugs at readers’ heartstrings quite as effectively as Macomber.”—Chicago Tribune
“The reigning queen of women’s fiction.”—The Sacramento Bee
“It’s impossible not to cheer for Macomber’s characters. . . . When it comes to creating a special place and memorable, honorable characters, nobody does it better than Macomber.”—BookPage
Published by Debbie Macomber Books
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1988
510 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
907 books20.7k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 10, 2018
I was nervous going into this Debbie Macomber classic because the last one *Starlight* that I read, I unfortunately didn't like. This one I ended up loving though. This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Judy is the main character. A young woman from New York City whose family has money but she eventually learns her father's business isn't doing so well. Her father gives her a hard time, feeling like with the money attached to their name, Judy could be doing so many things with her life rather than choosing to work as a preschool teacher.
Judy's father gets an ultimatum from a business rival, John McFarland to either send Judy to his isolated island in paradise or he's basically going to buy his business out (or something like that.) Judy overhears her father and brother discussing this and they are dead set against it! Her father can't stand John. But Judy doesn't want her father to lose his business so she volunteers herself to go.
Judy goes to the island and for the first few days John is pretty standoffish, completely playing into her father's idea that he is a "beast," but he eventually relaxes and obviously..eventually a love story ensues.
Back when I read Starlight I felt the love interest was a complete douchebag for no reason. For some reason, it just didn't click for me why he was the way he was and I felt the main character was so stupid for putting up with his stuff, but in this book I felt like Judy was very intelligent and saw right through John's antics and just did such a good job of being patient. With Starlight I felt that main character really just didn't get it sometimes but with Judy I felt that she always knew John was putting up a front and trying to keep this hard exterior and just waited for him to on his own tear the barriers down he was putting up.
John was able to see how not only much happier he was with Judy around but also how happy everyone else became. Judy has this moment late in the book though that she recognizes the situation for what it is and John puts up a fight but eventually has to make a pretty touch decision..to let her go or continue to keep her there.
This was great. I sped through this, I didn't want to put it down. There is something very hopeful when reading Debbie Macomber's novels. I loved it.
Judy's father gets an ultimatum from a business rival, John McFarland to either send Judy to his isolated island in paradise or he's basically going to buy his business out (or something like that.) Judy overhears her father and brother discussing this and they are dead set against it! Her father can't stand John. But Judy doesn't want her father to lose his business so she volunteers herself to go.
Judy goes to the island and for the first few days John is pretty standoffish, completely playing into her father's idea that he is a "beast," but he eventually relaxes and obviously..eventually a love story ensues.
Back when I read Starlight I felt the love interest was a complete douchebag for no reason. For some reason, it just didn't click for me why he was the way he was and I felt the main character was so stupid for putting up with his stuff, but in this book I felt like Judy was very intelligent and saw right through John's antics and just did such a good job of being patient. With Starlight I felt that main character really just didn't get it sometimes but with Judy I felt that she always knew John was putting up a front and trying to keep this hard exterior and just waited for him to on his own tear the barriers down he was putting up.
John was able to see how not only much happier he was with Judy around but also how happy everyone else became. Judy has this moment late in the book though that she recognizes the situation for what it is and John puts up a fight but eventually has to make a pretty touch decision..to let her go or continue to keep her there.
This was great. I sped through this, I didn't want to put it down. There is something very hopeful when reading Debbie Macomber's novels. I loved it.
June 27, 2014
Some Kind of Wonderful is the second book in the Legendary Lovers series by popular American author, Debbie Macomber. A New York socialite (Judy Lovin) agrees to go to a Caribbean Island owned by magnate John McFarland when it seems to be the only way he will refrain from destroying her family’s business. McFarland has a reputation as a Beast; Judy’s father often calls her Beauty. If the reader can get past the totally unlikely scenario of a woman being somewhat benevolently held prisoner on a tropical island (which is, in 1988, when the book was written, really quite questionable), then this is a tale with some sweet romance and a bit of heartache. For a powerful businessman, McFarland is very unworldly when it comes to relationships; Judy is far too sweet to be real. Not the best Macomber can do.
January 9, 2016
I have read the updated version of the story. This story took me a couple chapters to get into. I enjoyed but its not my favorite book by this author. The character were ok after you get past the first 2 chapters. But after awhile it got really good for me. It wasnt as good as other books. But the plot and all I loved. They didnt mesh as well as they should. Overall I like it though. This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Which I love that story so much. I do think she uses the word Beauty and Beast way too much in this story. But overall a good story. I highly recommend all Debbie Macomber books because they are all good and enjoyable.
June 18, 2019
Beauty Bests The Beast
I love modern retellings of fairytales. This one was sexy and captivating. I know it's an older one for Ms. Macomber and I'm glad I found it. I have a couple more like this to read of hers and I'm excited!
I love modern retellings of fairytales. This one was sexy and captivating. I know it's an older one for Ms. Macomber and I'm glad I found it. I have a couple more like this to read of hers and I'm excited!
January 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. A very unique, modern reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. I have now read the 3 stories in this Legendary Lovers series and wish there were more.
August 6, 2023
An extremely quick read - a cute Beauty & the Beast love story!
March 13, 2014
In Macomber’s romance novel, preschool teacher Judy Lovin values family and friends over wealth and notoriety. But when her father’s business goes under, a powerful enemy steps up to help on the condition that she joins him on his remote Caribbean island. John McFarland is a recluse and loner with the reputation of being difficult and overbearing. Accepting his offer, Judy does join him and to her surprise, he is handsome and caring and very misunderstood.
What a wonderful romance in a romantic location!
What a wonderful romance in a romantic location!
December 14, 2020
I know there are all kinds of problems with a man forcing a woman to stay on an island with him, but all that aside...
It was a very cute re-telling of the Beauty and the Beast story. I liked watching McFarland's outer layer slowly break away as Judy won his heart.
It was a very cute re-telling of the Beauty and the Beast story. I liked watching McFarland's outer layer slowly break away as Judy won his heart.
March 2, 2018
Book is pretentious
This book is not reflective of the writing skill we are used to in Debbie Macomber.
Plot is shallow and silly.
This book is not reflective of the writing skill we are used to in Debbie Macomber.
Plot is shallow and silly.
April 28, 2019
Great Reading
A modern day Beauty and The Beast story. Very entertaining. Light overcoming darkness is a challenge but the road to victory is worth the wait.
A modern day Beauty and The Beast story. Very entertaining. Light overcoming darkness is a challenge but the road to victory is worth the wait.
March 9, 2022
Great story about Beauty & the Beas.
September 30, 2022
This book tells a complete story and stands alone. The only tie to the series is that each is based on a classic story.
If you come to this story without realizing the background, it doesn't take long to see that this is a retelling of a classic fairy tale. It begins with Judy reading the Beauty and the Beast to her preschool class and is quickly followed with many references that echo that fairy tale.
But it is impossible to fit it as a fairy tale into a modern setting as is attempted. The reason is simple. This story is a combination of enslavement and Stockholm Syndrome. A situation such as this would be an abomination in the Western World. Promises by John that Judy would not be "abused" would be impossible to believe. Nor is it likely in any but a fairy tale that it would hold true.
The passage with the child's bird makes it clear. Judy, Beauty, is in a cage. That might be palatable, albeit unpleasant if John, the Beast, didn't have a deeply set attitude of ownership. That attitude remains even when he is doing what seems to be right. His apparent generosity is undisguised bribery. I'm pretty sure it's not a spoiler to say that the two will end up together, but for Judy I can't see how that will be an HEA. John will never relent in his strict ownership of her, his control, despite the fact that his obvious efforts at bribery don't work.
Judy is beyond being an ideal woman. She is optimistic, unselfish and forgiving. The story seems to imply that her faults are really part of her good qualities, but he naivete makes a small child look wise. I'm amazed at how long it took her to acknowledge her status as prisoner.
The conflict leading into the climax is ridiculously artificial. There is no reason to look at it with such finality.
Mature themes: the misogyny is overwhelming. No sex is described other than the kissing, but along with the kissing is description of desire that any adult who has had romance in his/her life will recognize the lust that's implied. One might be tempted to say this book is ok for young children because it fits into the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale so well, but I would not allow my young child to read this book. Alcohol is abused in one scene.
For those who think my personal preferences may be biased against this type of story, that is not true. I enjoyed the TV series B&tB as well as the movie with Emma Watson. I loved most of Mercedes Lackey's Five Hundred Kingdoms stories. I love creative efforts in classic themes. Perhaps that is the biggest problem with this book - I found nothing about it to be creative or innovative.
If you come to this story without realizing the background, it doesn't take long to see that this is a retelling of a classic fairy tale. It begins with Judy reading the Beauty and the Beast to her preschool class and is quickly followed with many references that echo that fairy tale.
But it is impossible to fit it as a fairy tale into a modern setting as is attempted. The reason is simple. This story is a combination of enslavement and Stockholm Syndrome. A situation such as this would be an abomination in the Western World. Promises by John that Judy would not be "abused" would be impossible to believe. Nor is it likely in any but a fairy tale that it would hold true.
The passage with the child's bird makes it clear. Judy, Beauty, is in a cage. That might be palatable, albeit unpleasant if John, the Beast, didn't have a deeply set attitude of ownership. That attitude remains even when he is doing what seems to be right. His apparent generosity is undisguised bribery. I'm pretty sure it's not a spoiler to say that the two will end up together, but for Judy I can't see how that will be an HEA. John will never relent in his strict ownership of her, his control, despite the fact that his obvious efforts at bribery don't work.
Judy is beyond being an ideal woman. She is optimistic, unselfish and forgiving. The story seems to imply that her faults are really part of her good qualities, but he naivete makes a small child look wise. I'm amazed at how long it took her to acknowledge her status as prisoner.
The conflict leading into the climax is ridiculously artificial. There is no reason to look at it with such finality.
Mature themes: the misogyny is overwhelming. No sex is described other than the kissing, but along with the kissing is description of desire that any adult who has had romance in his/her life will recognize the lust that's implied. One might be tempted to say this book is ok for young children because it fits into the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale so well, but I would not allow my young child to read this book. Alcohol is abused in one scene.
For those who think my personal preferences may be biased against this type of story, that is not true. I enjoyed the TV series B&tB as well as the movie with Emma Watson. I loved most of Mercedes Lackey's Five Hundred Kingdoms stories. I love creative efforts in classic themes. Perhaps that is the biggest problem with this book - I found nothing about it to be creative or innovative.
December 31, 2019
Consistently mixed bag
[modified review based on the one for Fairytale Romance: A Collection of Debbie Macomber Classics]
This, according to some reviewers, was apparently originally written earlier in Macomber's career.
This modern Beauty and the Beast retelling has a premise that's not even remotely credible, but it does a bit better at trying to develop a relationship between the two protagonists than the first book's insta-love.
Beauty is a total marysue & Beast is a wounded soul, but this fairytale trope is a conversion story at its heart, & has always been one of my favorites so I must confess to some bias.
There are several instances of verbal abuse by the guy that will probably freak out moderns, but the heroine's way of dealing with him *contextually* is reasonable & better for both of them, not just herself.
Most of it reads like YA fantasy. A mix of possible with implausible & occasions of cringe. And a lot of manufactured angst.
Even early Macomber is good at quick-sketching fairly likeable characters, though she stereotypes a lot. And despite the dross, there are clever and funny things that she incorporates into her stories. I found that skim-reading let me skip a lot of the extraneous & redundant material (which I found included most of the kissing scenes, sadly), and focus more on the actions & dialogue.
So, this qualifies as a tolerable time passer when you've nothing better, but if you're checking Macomber out for the first time to find out why she's so popular, this is definitely not where you want to start.
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
[modified review based on the one for Fairytale Romance: A Collection of Debbie Macomber Classics]
This, according to some reviewers, was apparently originally written earlier in Macomber's career.
This modern Beauty and the Beast retelling has a premise that's not even remotely credible, but it does a bit better at trying to develop a relationship between the two protagonists than the first book's insta-love.
Beauty is a total marysue & Beast is a wounded soul, but this fairytale trope is a conversion story at its heart, & has always been one of my favorites so I must confess to some bias.
There are several instances of verbal abuse by the guy that will probably freak out moderns, but the heroine's way of dealing with him *contextually* is reasonable & better for both of them, not just herself.
Most of it reads like YA fantasy. A mix of possible with implausible & occasions of cringe. And a lot of manufactured angst.
Even early Macomber is good at quick-sketching fairly likeable characters, though she stereotypes a lot. And despite the dross, there are clever and funny things that she incorporates into her stories. I found that skim-reading let me skip a lot of the extraneous & redundant material (which I found included most of the kissing scenes, sadly), and focus more on the actions & dialogue.
So, this qualifies as a tolerable time passer when you've nothing better, but if you're checking Macomber out for the first time to find out why she's so popular, this is definitely not where you want to start.
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
August 2, 2021
Some Kind of Wonderful was a bit more dark… or I was myself a bit dark as my father was passing as I was reading this. He passed on 7/30/21 and it was over quickly and it was shocking even though we knew it was coming. So this may be why I found this novella so much more darker than others so had not been the case. It’s unusual for me not to enjoy myself in reading Debbie’s books. But these were not usual circumstances for my life during these last days of my father’s life.
August 28, 2021
While I love Beauty & the Beast stories in general, and had an easier time reading this than Debbie’s Cinderella story, I was arguing with this book a lot.
I just can’t believe how sweet Judy would simply overlook the Beast’s rudeness & anger, etc. I certainly would have walked away from a stranger who treated me that way (as opposed to falling in love with him.
It seemed a good parallel to an actual Beast, but somehow less believable.
I just can’t believe how sweet Judy would simply overlook the Beast’s rudeness & anger, etc. I certainly would have walked away from a stranger who treated me that way (as opposed to falling in love with him.
It seemed a good parallel to an actual Beast, but somehow less believable.
February 20, 2018
The right kind of wonderful!
It feels so good to be enjoying Debbie Macomber books again! I've tried many authors and read scads of books, but none of them compare to yours. Thank you for leaving things to my own imagination in the love scenes. And thanks also for making such believable characters in your stories. Keep 'em coming, dear heart!
It feels so good to be enjoying Debbie Macomber books again! I've tried many authors and read scads of books, but none of them compare to yours. Thank you for leaving things to my own imagination in the love scenes. And thanks also for making such believable characters in your stories. Keep 'em coming, dear heart!
March 26, 2019
Beautiful setting however, there should be no excuse for bad behavior.
It was a beautiful setting however the main protagonist was verbally abusive. Even with writing a fictional story, we have a responsibility to those who will read this story. We should never tolerate unacceptable behavior. The limited growth of the character did not justify his horribleness.
It was a beautiful setting however the main protagonist was verbally abusive. Even with writing a fictional story, we have a responsibility to those who will read this story. We should never tolerate unacceptable behavior. The limited growth of the character did not justify his horribleness.
October 17, 2019
The story starts in New York City and then goes to a private Caribbean island.
Thirty-six year old John McFarland is a wealthy businessman who manipulates twenty-four year old Judy Lovin to be his guest.
Macomber's version of Beauty and the Beast edges close to being slightly creepy, but John manages to have redeeming qualities.
Thirty-six year old John McFarland is a wealthy businessman who manipulates twenty-four year old Judy Lovin to be his guest.
Macomber's version of Beauty and the Beast edges close to being slightly creepy, but John manages to have redeeming qualities.
November 4, 2018
A wonderful and deep love story. I couldn't put it down.
A wonderful and deep love story. I couldn't put it down. It is the story of a woman forced to an island and ended up loving the man who forced her to come
A wonderful and deep love story. I couldn't put it down. It is the story of a woman forced to an island and ended up loving the man who forced her to come
January 7, 2019
A classic Beauty and the Beast with a nice twist. Debbie Macomber is a very creative romance writer. The characters are both interesting, somewhat predictable and it is a book you will want to read more than once.
August 12, 2019
Endearing
As usual Debbie Macomber has written another good story. Her characters are interesting and entertaining. The romance is entertaining without being mushy. I was entertained from beginning to the end.
As usual Debbie Macomber has written another good story. Her characters are interesting and entertaining. The romance is entertaining without being mushy. I was entertained from beginning to the end.
September 28, 2020
Exciting and interesting.
I highly recommend this book to read. It is about learning how to communicate and trust each other. The romance in the story is learning how to communicate and trust each other.
I highly recommend this book to read. It is about learning how to communicate and trust each other. The romance in the story is learning how to communicate and trust each other.
June 26, 2017
Cute but predictable romance.
January 27, 2018
Great adventure.
Another very successful story by Debbie Macomber that any age group could read and enjoy. Good clean story for the entire family.
Another very successful story by Debbie Macomber that any age group could read and enjoy. Good clean story for the entire family.
September 14, 2018
Fun Book
This book kept my attention to the very end . It was very reading. The plot was very simple and intriguing.
This book kept my attention to the very end . It was very reading. The plot was very simple and intriguing.
September 22, 2018
I love it
It was great book from beging to the end one of flavor just like beauty and beat i read whole book on a day too
It was great book from beging to the end one of flavor just like beauty and beat i read whole book on a day too
November 9, 2018
Beauty and the beast
Even though I knew the story and how it would end, I enjoyed every word. I guess I'm a sucker for fairy tales!
Even though I knew the story and how it would end, I enjoyed every word. I guess I'm a sucker for fairy tales!
July 3, 2019
Fun t p
Fun to read. I always like her books and will look for others
Wonderful to ::) ave the talent for writing she has.
Fun to read. I always like her books and will look for others
Wonderful to ::) ave the talent for writing she has.
April 11, 2020
A quick easy read.
May 11, 2020
Yuk! Why do women like mean men!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews