Serena MacGregor is a blackjack dealer on a cruise ship sailing the Caribbean and she’s very good at what she does. What no one knows is that she’s from a well known, wealthy family and decided to go down a different path after graduating from college, wanting to experience the world outside of the bubble of her family. Then Justin Blade sits at her table and she knows he someone different. He experiences the same connection and makes it his mission to have this woman.
Justin is more than he first presents himself to be and there’s a secret he’s keeping that involves Serena. I won’t divulge that as it makes the story more interesting and I liked getting that as a surprise. I really liked both of them, especially Serena as she was strong, self assured and talented. But the romance was problematic for me, which was the only thing that made this book feel dated. Justin never respected Serena saying “no” and was continually grabbing her, not letting go. Even she was uncomfortable and it definitely threw me out of the romance and story each time. Otherwise, everything else worked but this was a big issue for me.
There were a lot of other things that I enjoyed, specifically Serena’s family and their relationship with each other. Justin also has a complex history and there was a lot to like about him despite his sexual aggression (it was the nature of romance writing in that era). And, it was clear he was the foundation for Roarke, one of my beloved characters in the In Death series. There’s a bit of suspense, too, just enough to add an interesting angle to an already good story. I definitely plan to continue the series despite my issue with the romance.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 1, 2012 (originally March 2, 1985)
- Series: The MacGregors #1
- Page Numbers: 312
- Publisher: Intermix
Blue Mood Café 
I haven’t been doing well with the “romance” aspect in stories lately, but I am glad that this book and series have been a good one for you, Jonetta.
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Thanks, Marialyce💜 The first half was a struggle until they left the ship. Then it got interesting, reading more like a Nora Roberts book.
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I somehow missed this one. I need to check my shelves because I’m pretty sure I own it!😳 Awesome review Jo!📚☕🌞☔💜
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Thank you, Suz💜 We’re reading the series as a group in the Nora Roberts Goodreads group.
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This is one series by Nora Roberts that I haven’t read. Sounds like good fun 🙂
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I’ve always wanted to read this one and convinced some members of the Goodreads Nora Roberts group to read the series along with me. The first half is tough because of my issues but then Nora took over for the second half😏
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I dont remember anything problematic, but it is 35 years since I read it. When it first came out. 35 years, good grief!
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Gill, remember the old bodice rippers of that time? Where the men took when the woman said no and meant it? It was like that only after he forced himself the woman determined she loved it. Ugh. But, that’s what romance was in 1985, which is why I stopped reading it.
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Excellent review! I don’t know if this one would be for me. I have plenty of her backlist to read yet.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 Completely understand.
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Fab review Jo!
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Thank you, Nicki💜
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I thought I read all of her books, but clearly I have not. But it’s not really surprising since she has such a HUGE backlist.
~ Corina | The Brown Eyed Bookworm
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I used to read Nora Roberts but haven’t in quite a long now! Other than Mr. Grabby Hands, I think that I’d enjoy this one – it sounds really different! Great review Jonetta! 💖
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Thank you, DG💜 Current day Nora? I’m loving.
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