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Title: A Man to Call My Own: A Novel by Johanna Lindsey ISBN: 0-7434-5635-1 Publisher: Pocket Star Books Pub. Date: 30 March, 2004 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 2.56 (45 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Spicy Twin Romance
Comment: Prolific romance author Johanna Lindsey's latest novel is a sizzling romance with a healthy dose of humor added to the plot. When identical twin sisters Amanda and Marian Laton are forced to move from their Massachusetts home after the death of their father in the late 1800's, they are unprepared for the adventure at their Aunt Kathleen's Texas ranch. Chad Kincaid, ranch employee and son of a neighboring rancher escorts the women on their final leg of the journey, convinced that Amanda is the desirable one, while Marian is the bookish shrew.
But Chad's first impression of the two women is categorically wrong, as an unlikely twist finds Marian dressing dowdily so that men won't be caught in the beauteous Amanda's net if they dare to notice Marian first. Add in Chad's confusion over the fact that he thought that he made love to Amanda (though it was really Marian), and he just might be honor bound to marry the self-centered Amanda, unless he can persuade Spencer Evans to beat him to the altar.
Though the plot theme that a young Victorian era woman must marry to claim her inheritance is hardly a new one, Ms. Lindsay has put an interesting slant to this idea with the immense greed of Amanda versus the solitude seeking of Marian. Spicy romance between Chad and Marian keeps that pace at a fast clip, as Chad discovers the beauty and caring soul Marian keeps hidden behind thick ugly spectacles. (thebestreviews.com)
Rating: 4
Summary: Okay, who wrote this book??
Comment: Maybe JL reviewed it and made some changes, but I doubt that she wrote it. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but not "JL good." If this was any other author I probably would have given it 5 stars, but I have read all JL's book and know what she is capable of writing.
A few of the reasons I didn't give it 5 stars is as follows:
1) The stable scene -- what happened? I'm still not sure. It was so abrupt. Absolutely no sexual tension to lead up to such an interlude; 2) When Chad and Marian admitted they loved each other, I was actually in shock. When did it happen? I actually flipped back through the pages to see what I had missed; 3) Where's the dialogue? We actually got to know them through their thoughts!!
The end was very, very good. That's why I gave it 4 stars. Overall, I would recommend this book (in paperback). It was good.
Rating: 3
Summary: Not an Impressive Lindsey Romance
Comment: "A Man to Call My Own" did not rank high on my great romances list. In fact, it is mediocre compared to some of Johanna Lindsey's other Western romances, like "Angel" or "Heart of Thunder." It can't even come close to competing with "Savage Thunder," JL's best Western romance and best novel EVER.
It did have likable characters. Marion has gumption, especially in standing up to her obnoxious twin sister, Amanda. And the hero Chad has his moments of wit and interest. But they aren't fiery together. Alone, they aren't even that interesting (Colt Thunder or Chandos - two of JL's hottest Wild West heroes - could probably have entire novels about them ALONE, and I'd read it).
I think the problem with "A Man to Call My Own" is in the narration. JL spends a lot of time saying this or that happened, but never describes the actual scene. For instance, pivotal to the plot is a train robbery that happens early on in the novel, but JL devotes perhaps two sentences to the entire event. She also says Amanda's a bitch and Marion is the sweet, sensible one, but we don't get too many scenes involving this. Just the statement. If JL devoted more time to fleshing out the characters, I would have warmed to them. As is, they are not that memorable. In fact, not a single scene in this novel stands out as great or exciting, which is a shame, since it had such potential with certain events and meetings.
The other problem is that JL devotes this story not just to a happy ending with Marion and Chad, but also with Amanda and her beaux, AND with the twin's aunt and her beau as well. The ending is too tidy for me, too gooey happily ever after, especially following the not-too-intriguing storyline involving the dad's death.
Added to that is the fact that "A Man" is a mishmash of older JL storylines. For instance, Marion wears glasses to make herself look ugly, just like Roseleen in "Until Forever" (Tanya of "Once A Princess" is more original by using makeup to hide her beauty). We also have twins changing places - just like "Joining," "Silver Angel," "Tender is the Storm," and "All I Need Is You" (which, coincidentally, involves an abandoned stagecoach, too). Then you have the plotline about the hero marrying the wrong girl, which we already saw in "The Heir." Throw in a shotgun wedding straight out of "Brave the Wild Wind" and "Angel," and you've got yourself a patchwork quilt of rehashed stories called "A Man to Call My Own."
Altogether, "A Man to Call My Own" is all right if you've never read a Johanna Lindsey romance before. But serious readers would be better off going for any of the other JL's mentioned above. For a sensational Western JL experience, read about Colt Thunder and his Duchess in "Savage Thunder" or Chandos and his Cateyes in "A Heart So Wild."
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Title: A Loving Scoundrel: A Malory Novel (LINDSEY, JOHANNA) by Johanna Lindsey ISBN: 0743456254 Publisher: Atria Books Pub. Date: 27 April, 2004 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
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Title: The Holiday Present by Johanna Lindsey ISBN: 0060542845 Publisher: Avon Books Pub. Date: 01 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: The Pursuit (Avon Historical Romance) by Johanna Lindsey ISBN: 0380814803 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 25 March, 2003 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: The Reluctant Suitor by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss ISBN: 0060185708 Publisher: William Morrow Pub. Date: 18 March, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Glorious Angel by Johanna Lindsey ISBN: 0380792028 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 05 February, 2002 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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