Macgregors: Alan - Grant

Rating:
Summary: Pretty Good For A Romance Novel, Not Very Exciting Though
Review: "Alan~Grant" was the first novel by Nora Roberts I've read after hearing many recommendations to read her work, especially by people who never read romance novels. For a romance writer I was pretty impressed by her putting in the extra effort to make her characters stand out and not just typical cookie cutter gorgeous oversexed damsel-in-distress and gorgeous oversexed hunk/superhero. I liked Shelby Campbell a lot, and I could understand why she was reluctant to date politicians. I wasn't so crazy for Alan, I found him uppity and annoying. If any man was that persistent in asking me out, not only would I be very turned off, but I'd also file a restraining order. Obviously, Shelby must have liked him to put up with his garbage, though it does seem a little atypical for such a spunky colorful character as her. The plot is not so colorful. Everything happens that supposed to happen, and if you like drama and excitement, this is not a book for you. This is a very low key affair. I think I would have liked to see more obstacles in their way than perhaps the trama in Shelby's past. As much as I liked her, it was hard for me to emphasize with a woman from a fabulously rich Kennedy-esqe family dating a man from a different fabulously rich Kennedy-esqe family who is probably going to President someday. I thought there should have been more problems and/or tensions thrown in somewhere.

The second story, about Shelby's brother Grant and his romantic interest Genevieve, was a little more interesting. Grant is a guy who lives in a lighthouse in Maine and he just wants to be left the heck alone to do his work. Even though he spends most of the story acting like a jerk, the author takes the times to explore why he acts like he does, and his desire to be his own person, not like the other members of his famous political family. One dark and stormy night comes Genevieve, an artist yearning for a change of scenery. Grant reluctantly takes her in because she's stuck in the middle of nowhere. The tension and chemistry are palable here, much more so than in the first story. Grant's more likable probably because he's more complicated and less overbearing than Alan, even though he keeps up a grumpy miserable facade. Even though Genevieve isn't quite as interesting as Shelby, she's a likable character. I enjoyed the second story overall except for the scene where they are invited at the MacGregors. I know all these characters have their own books in the series, but the family reunion seemed to take away from the main plot of the story. I liked the climax (interesting original obstacle) and of course, the ending is not much of a surprise but very satisfying. I would recommend this book for someone who like romance stories and doesn't mind thoughtful, understated plotlines.

Rating:
Summary: Loved It
Review: As Daniel MacGregor's eldest son, Alan is expected to follow a political career and to find an appropriate wife. He has succeeded in the former but not in the latter. When he meets Shelby Campbell, he is immediately enchanted with her, but he does not realize that Shelby has vowed not to ever become involved with a politician. She has seen her own politician father die from an assassin's bullet and she is determined not to give her heart to someone who may meet the same fate. The rest of this story deals with the back and forth struggle between these two to see if they will spend the rest of their lives together. The second story deals with Shelby's brother Grant, who has reacted to his father's death by isolating himself in a lighthouse where he draws a syndicated cartoon and hides from other people. His world is invaded by Genvieve Grandeau, an artist from New Orleans who comes to paint pictures of Grant's world. They meet when a storm stalls Gennie's car and forces her to seek shelter at the lighthouse. Their two different worlds and personalities clash, but they discover that a strong mutual attraction exists between them. This is recommended reading for Nora Roberts fans.

Rating:
Summary: Family ties
Review: As Daniel MacGregor's eldest son, Alan is expected to follow a political career and to find an appropriate wife. He has succeeded in the former but not in the latter. When he meets Shelby Campbell, he is immediately enchanted with her, but he does not realize that Shelby has vowed not to ever become involved with a politician. She has seen her own politician father die from an assassin's bullet and she is determined not to give her heart to someone who may meet the same fate. The rest of this story deals with the back and forth struggle between these two to see if they will spend the rest of their lives together. The second story deals with Shelby's brother Grant, who has reacted to his father's death by isolating himself in a lighthouse where he draws a syndicated cartoon and hides from other people. His world is invaded by Genvieve Grandeau, an artist from New Orleans who comes to paint pictures of Grant's world. They meet when a storm stalls Gennie's car and forces her to seek shelter at the lighthouse. Their two different worlds and personalities clash, but they discover that a strong mutual attraction exists between them. This is recommended reading for Nora Roberts fans.

Rating:
Summary: Loved It
Review: Both stories were excellent! I love how Nora manages to give her characters different personalities and characteristics even after having written so many books. I would recommend this to those who love Nora already and those who are reading her for the first time. Also, definitely read the stories about Serena and Caine.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect!!! Couldn't put it down!
Review: Everything Nora Roberts writes is great.If you haven't read the MacGregors series you don't know what your missing! Read one of her books and your hooked.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous book!
Review: How much do I love this book... I could not put it down for a second. And I don't agree with the reviews of the first story... Alan and Shelby had a fascinating courtship. It was interesting, detailed, very well written. I absolutely, 100% recommend this book for any of you true romantics out there. It's great :-).

Rating:
Summary: A Truly Wonderful Read!
Review: I absolutely loved Alan & Shelby and Grant & Gennie's stories. It is always enjoyable for me to have a visit with the MacGregor family, but these two stories could stand alone on their own merit, even if the characters weren't members of one of my all time favorite families.
Shelby and Alan's story is full of fun and romance. These two are complete opposites, Alan so dignified and tactful and Shelby so flamboyant and outspoken, but they soon find out that opposites really do attract and it's lots of fun to watch them come together.
Grant and Gennie's story had me enthralled. Just the scenery alone is magnificent, but when it's added to the tumultuous romance between Grant and Gennie it makes the story a knock-out! Grant is a loner who chooses to live miles away from civilization, but when beautiful Gennie must seek refuge in his lighthouse during a storm, Grant's entire world is turned upside down, with steamy results!
So, if you are looking for a few hours of pure enjoyment, it is more than worth your while to get this book.

Rating:
Summary: This book was ok, but did not excite me.
Review: I found this to be a very enjoyable book to read. If you want to read a book that goes straight to your heart, read Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. . .It is a beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story of the nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful. Stolen Moments is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. It is a spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara does have an exceptional gift! This book was edited by Lupus specialist Dr. Matt Morrow too, and has the latest information on that disease. ..A perfect gift for someone who started college late in life, fell in love too late in life, is living with any illness, or trying to understand a loved one who is. . .A gift to be cherished forever.

Rating:
Summary: 1 more of THE MacGregor Books!
Review: I have not read this book yet but from all of the other reviews that it sounds really good. But I am having trouble figuaring where each book follows next or which book comes in order.. I am one of those people who reads books in order of they come so I dont have to back track..... In need of some help to which books
come in order.....

Rating:
Summary: The MacGregors were great in the beginning but now.....
Review: I have read Nora Roberts for years and have enjoyed all her characters especially the MacGregors but perhaps she is writing them too quickly now. On page 234 of this book Grant had "surprisingly deep green eyes" however on page 261 his eyes were "deep, deep brown." The MacGregors and their extended family are still delightful.