Abduction of Julia Book

Two very different reactions two years apart - first time loved it, second time ... did not

INITIAL REVIEW (May 28, 2009) - 4.5 stars
This book would get a solid 5 if it weren't for that the ending comes up and hits you like a wall that suddenly appears while you're going 60 mph on the highway ... would have liked to catch my breath after everything works out with "the obstacle" subplot (guessed the truth early on but was still well done and a nice twist) and enjoyed the at-last get-together and "I love you's" of the H&H'although it was jarring, I wouldn't complain if she had at least then given us an Epilogue, but nothing! Regardless: great read and had several laugh-out-loud moments'one in the middle of the book where I literally had to put the book down and wipe tears from my eyes because I was laughing so hard.

NOTE: I've since learned that the reprint edition of this book has a rewritten final chapter and an added epilogue ... so maybe this new reprint would be five stars in my book'we'll see!

'''''''''

UPDATED REVIEW (June 27, 2011) - 3.5 stars
I read this book again ... and I don't know if I had remembered it as so enjoyable that it was bound to disappoint or what, but was definitely not as I recalled. This time, I found many of the characters immature and a great deal of the book felt contrived and exaggerated.

I also hated'HATED'that Julia says she has loved Alec for four years, since she first met him. It's such a pet peeve of mine when authors have the mousy-wallflower heroine harbor this secret and long-burning flame for the hero for absolutely no reason. There are only one or two books I can think of where the author does this, but it actually works because the feelings are based on something substantial, despite the fact that he barely knew she existed.

When Julia met him'and up until she marries him'she didn't know him at all and all that she did know was that he was a rake, a drunk, and a gambler ... of course, what's not to love?!?! He's gorgeous, and let's be honest that's the only thing that could have possibly recommended him. Which makes her just as shallow as those guys we hate who judge women on their looks.

Even though I own the book, I got it from the library, because I wanted to read the reworked ending and the Epilogue ... very anticlimactic. The Epilogue was horrible and didn't add much. All in all, a disappointment. I should have left well enough alone, so at least I would have a fond memory of the book! There were definitely some good things'some of the supporting characters were funny, loved Lucien'but not that great; borrow, don't buy.