A Man to Call My Own

Rating:
Summary: Not an Impressive Lindsey Romance
Review: "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."

Rating:
Summary: Not an Impressive Lindsey Romance
Review: "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 is 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 have 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."

Rating:
Summary: LOVED IT!!
Review: I absolutely loved this book! I am a huge fan of Johanna Lindsey and she does it again with this book!!! I recommend this book to anyone who likes a light romance with some hot scenes included but also if you are like me and love those Cowboys then this is the book for you!!!

Rating:
Summary: This must have been written by Johanna 's no talent twin!!
Review: I am a serious Johanna Lindsey fan and bought this book at the grocery store instead of my usual way - via Amazon. It is too bad I was not able to see the reviews beforehand. What a poorly written work and a barely plausible story. I am so disapointed in Ms. Lindsey. There must be something else happening here that we don't know about. Was she rushed through this by her publisher? Has she gambled away her writers fortune and desperately needed a quick influx of cash? Was somebody holding her first born captive while they forced her to write this? Who knows? I do know that you should not buy this book - it is a complete waste of money. However, don't ignore Lindsey. Her other efforts are nothing less than amazing! Come back, Johanna!! We'll pay for the little ones ransom!!

Rating:
Summary: A stinker
Review: I read about 230 pages of the book (in one sitting) and couldn't finish. Took it back to the library. This book was a rush job and I can't believe Johanna Lindsey, of all people, put her name on this!

Don't worry we still love you Johanna! Crank out some more Malory books and I'll be happy as a pig in slop :)

Rating:
Summary: Better than people make it out to be...
Review: I was a little surprised by the comments being made about this book. I agree that I prefer some Johanna Lindsey's older titles; however, I really enjoyed this novel and was surprised it was receiving such censure. I happen to like the romance novels where the heroine is not just absolutely, drop-dead gorgeous and the attraction is not immediate but something grows over time. That is what makes a true romance.

That said, the only complaint, which not really a complaint but an observation, was that there could have been some more anticipation leading up to the first love scene. I was actually shocked how quickly it occured and thought it a little unlikely that the heroine wouldn't put a little bit of a fight the first time our hero attempted to take liberties....but such is the case.

All in all, this is a good novel; one that I have read more than once.

Rating:
Summary: Could have been a whole lot better...
Review: My review is going to be right in there with everyone elses. There have been times that I read reviews and then read the book and wondered if they read the same thing I did. But this time I have to agree with others. I did finish the book but it was just ok. The characters aren't well developed. I got tired of the twin Amanda being so hateful and whinny. Why couldn't the other characters see past Marian wearing the thick glasses for disquise and being bullied by Amanda. There was too much repetition in phrases through out the book. The story was slow moving- I skipped pages really bad just to get through it and when I did I didn't miss anything. Sorry, but I won't recommend reading it- too many other good ones out there.

Rating:
Summary: A Man To Call My Own
Review: Ok so Amanda the bad whiny twin and marian the sweet good twin. So I read this on the back cover and tbink to my self here's a story with great potential aftera all its written by johanna Lidnesey. I was so wrong what ever potential this storyline had was completly skipped over. I have read plenty of shotty books befor, however i never the need or compulsion to committe on one untill this very moment. Do you know i honestly ended up liking the story line between Amanda and Spencer better than Marian and Chad. Amanda was supposed be so bad and spoiled however the worst thing she did was lie about her and chad and marian let her do that so that was marians fault. Amanda whined and through tantrums so what she hurts some guys feeling who are to dense to notice the real Amanda so i go and do what make myself look like a spenster to protect some future guys feelings. Oh yeah that made real sense. What happend to the old Johanna Lidsey who wrote stories you couldn't put down, this felt totally rushed nothing was flushed out not the storyline or the characters. I would not buy this book wait and check it out at the library if you must read it don't waist good money.

Rating:
Summary: Spicy Twin Romance
Review: 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:
Summary: A complete waste of time...
Review: Reading this book was a COMPLETE waste of time. What is going on? This book was in no way lived up to the caliber of Johanna's writing. The development of the story did not develop and I kept thinking that she wrote this to make a quick buck or to appease the publisher the entire way through. Luckily I bought this in paperback, if I had bought it in hard back I would want some of my money back. Johanna what is up with your writing lately?