In Paradise A Novel. Vol. I.

I used to wonder why women read romance novels. Many years later, after reading a few, I figured it out. It's the men, the male characters. These tall, dark, handsome and rich guys (in their 30s, yet) do not exist in real life. That said, no other writer understands men and portrays men as well as Judith McNaught. I have concluded that most of the romance books are not well written and not worth the paper they are printed on. McNaught is the standout - the best! That is why I was willing to re-read some of her books when they finally came out in digital format. (Her fans have been asking for e-books for years. Wonder what that fight was about?) McNaught has one flaw: too many guys have dark hair and grey eyes, and almost all of them are 6'3" tall. We'll forgive her for that. She is the best and Paradise is one of her best.

Although this book was first published in 1991, I only recently purchased it and read it. I stayed all night and a good part of the early hours of the morning reading Paradise and it was a paradise reading..I did not feel the time as I kept turing page after page. This is a keeper.

Having read this book several times, I can honestly say this book is one of the best romance novels written by an author, every so often I would pick it up and read it as though it's the first time.

The story begins with Matt and Meredith meeting when she was a young rich debutante and he was the poor laborer. Their beginning story and all that transpired during that time was bittersweet, there relationship ending on very bad terms and you are left rooting for them both and anxious to see what will happen next.

It picks up ten years later, Matt is now a sought after billionaire and Meredith is now trying too become President of her father's floundering company. Their reunion is classic and there after the fireworks begin. Their is humor, drama and suspense, you are taken on a wonderful journey you do not want to end. If possible I would give this book a 10. It has a place in my permanent library. Definite buy and keep. I would also recommend two other excellent books by Mcnaught: PERFECT and DOUBLE STANDARDS.

I have once again found a author that has captured my interest. While reading this book I found myself anxiously waiting for the next encounter with Mr. Farrell. I have and will read more of Judith McNaught novels 5 stars material Thank You Patricia Pollard

The issue I have with the McNaught books is probably why some love them. The negatives and the problems between the characters and each character are extreme. I have trouble even reading some of it. Granted, I have a "thing" against injustice and I do react, but some of the events are extreme. I have to skip chapters and move on. Having said that, Judith McNaught has some of the very best endings to her books so I always feel good once I'm done. They are intense for me and I cannot read two in a row. I have to add a Carolyn Brown (or similar) book in between.

I love all the characters in this story, especially Matt and Meredith. I've read this story so many times since it was originally published and it never gets old. Judith McNaught continues to be my favorite author. I don't know why she stopped writing new stories, I wish she'd publish more, I miss reading them.

I have read over 2000 novels, maybe even more but I can't even properly describe this book cos saying it's the best romantic novel ever written feels like am doing it an injustice. Thank you Judith MacNaught for writing this timeless piece. I really really really love this book. I have read this book from cover to cover 8times and I will be reading it more and more as the years go by. It's been 3months since I last reread it, I will be picking it up to reread again once am done with this review.
Go buy this book and I promise you, you won't regret it.

I've enjoyed McNaught's historical novels and rank her among the best of fictional romance authors. I was hesitant to read this contemporary work of hers, but I am so glad I decided to read it! This novel has now become my favorite among McNaught's works. I enjoyed the rollacoaster ride Meredith and Matt took me on. It is so full of heartfelt emotions. Needless to say, this is one book I'll definitely read over and over again.

I have read countless romance novels and all through the years, this remains my all-time favorite! The characters are so richly developed and their love and attraction is powerful. And the Hero, Matt Farrell, is just yummy!

I've enjoyed McNaught's historical novels and rank her among the best of fictional romance authors. I was hesitant to read this contemporary work of hers, but I am so glad I decided to read it! This novel has now become my favorite among McNaught's works. I enjoyed the rollacoaster ride Meredith and Matt took me on. It is so full of heartfelt emotions. Needless to say, this is one book I'll definitely read over and over again.

I have read countless romance novels and all through the years, this remains my all-time favorite! The characters are so richly developed and their love and attraction is powerful. And the Hero, Matt Farrell, is just yummy!

Love this book even though it's totally dated.

The only thing that keeps me from giving 5 stars: the blatant SEXISM here.

The story starts with an unplanned pregnancy and EVERYONE , INCLUDING THE PREGNANT WOMAN, blames HER for it. They say she was "careless," "irresponsible"...the pregnancy is ALL her fault for not taking precautions with birth control. Never mind that the guy involved didn't ask a SINGLE question about birth control when they had sex. He didn't even mention condoms or STI's (and I was alive in the 80's, we were taught about disease prevention in school, believe me. It was a THING. Not like the oblivious 1960's. There was AIDS, etc. They practically THREW condoms at us in h.s.)

But in the book, all anyone said about HIM is that he was such a stand-up guy for marrying her and never disparaging her because of her MISTAKE in getting pregnant. What a guy. ?

Very dated and sexist.
I know this book was written in the 1980's and there's no cell phones in the story... But even then, people wouldn't have said things like this. Unless she was having some private happy time with a vial of sperm, there were TWO PEOPLE involved in this pregnancy.
To blame the woman for the situation and absolve the man of all responsibility, is abhorrent to me.

Serious turn off. Had to ignore those comments to get to the rest of the story.
Other than that, and some unnecessary wordiness in describing business practices, I like the story and the characters.

She really should rewrite those scenes. For real.

Judith McNaught is a great writer. Paradise contains so much excitment page to page you just can't stop. There is actually a plot with folds of development instead of a mere love story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.