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Sweet Fortune
Everyone thought Jessie Benedict’s impending marriage to Sam Hatchard was a great arrangement—everyone, that is, but Jessie herself. Was she the only one who could see that Hatchard, her powerful father’s protégé, had a scheming ulterior motive in marrying her? He was more than just a chip off the old workaholic’s block—he was positively lusting after Jessie’s inheritance to build his own business empire! Free-spirited Jessie has plans for her own career as a detective—starting with the rescue of a teenage girl from a dangerous cult. But when a break-in and an intimidating act of vandalism strike close to home, her investigation pairs her with the compellingly masculine entrepreneur. Hatch does make her heart beat deliciously fast, but she’s not taking orders from any man. Imagine her surprise when he turns out to be not only a friend and ally, but a strong, tender lover who, in the end, knows how to seal a deal—with her resounding “I do!”
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
216 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
401 books7,169 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 5, 2016
Slow beginning, but recovers in second half. Somewhat disappointing, but still fair relaxation read. 2.5 stars.
May 25, 2019
Jessie Benedict is the peacekeeper in her family. Her father, Vincent Benedict, is a workaholic who just doesn't know how to deal with the members of his family. Jessie runs interference when her mom or stepmother need money from Vincent. She re-arranges his schedule when her father forgets about a school function he promised to attend for her little sister. She does all of these things willingly, but she isn't about to marry her father's new CEO, Sam "Hatch" Hatchard, to keep that business in the family. He may be sexy, but Jessie sees Hatch as a carbon copy of her father and she isn't about to marry someone who cares more about the business than his family. Hatch cares for Jessie. He must figure out a way to convince her he is nothing like her father when it comes to relationships.
This book was originally published in 1991 and it feels like it. Hatch is a typical arrogant, alpha hero from the 90's. He's in charge and knows he will eventually get Jessie in line with his plan. Jessie is a smart but quirky heroine who can't keep a job. She's been fired over and over from various jobs. Her latest position is as an assistant to a psychic. When the psychic is hospitalized, Jessie takes over a case involving a missing college student and a dangerous cult. When Hatch learns of the case she is working on, he volunteers to help her exposes the cult.
I listened to the audio version of this book. It was narrated by Amy McFadden who did an incredible job with the many characters. My rating: 4 Stars.
This book was originally published in 1991 and it feels like it. Hatch is a typical arrogant, alpha hero from the 90's. He's in charge and knows he will eventually get Jessie in line with his plan. Jessie is a smart but quirky heroine who can't keep a job. She's been fired over and over from various jobs. Her latest position is as an assistant to a psychic. When the psychic is hospitalized, Jessie takes over a case involving a missing college student and a dangerous cult. When Hatch learns of the case she is working on, he volunteers to help her exposes the cult.
I listened to the audio version of this book. It was narrated by Amy McFadden who did an incredible job with the many characters. My rating: 4 Stars.
February 8, 2025
Slow beginning, but improves in second half. Decent relaxation read, 2.5 stars.
September 11, 2022
4.5⭐️
Jessie este declarată moștenitoarea companiei Bennedict dar singurul său scop este să-si țină familia laolaltă. Vincent muncește mult prea mult pentru a fi măcar curios de cum să-si aducă copiii aproape, încăpățânarea cu care le dă ordine fostelor neveste cu siguranță nu ajută iar în ce privește cealaltă ramură a familiei, pe David l-a pierdut demult pe drum.
In goana ei între solicitanți, in sfârșit fata are si serviciul care să-i aducă satisfacții si i se dedică în totalitate. In rezolvarea ultimului caz al firmei Valentine are nevoie însă sa-l implice si pe Huch, taciturnul pretendent la mâna domniței si a împărăției a cărei cheie o deține aceasta.
Poate aventurile prin care trec cei doi nu au nimic aparte, dar felul în care o fac este drăguț si simpatic totodată.
Ca la orice roman al autoarei, imi place modul in care sunt construite personajele. Sunt oarecum în afara tiparului tipologiei, sunt puternice, principiale și a naibii de reale. Asta face ca romanele să merite a fi citite. Te poți imagina cu ușurintă în context, poveștile sunt palpabile, nu ai cum să nu empatizezi măcar cu unul dintre protagoniști si umorul firesc este omniprezent chiar si când nu te aștepți. De povestea de iubire mai spun doar că este drăguță foc și picantă fix cât trebuie.
Jessie este declarată moștenitoarea companiei Bennedict dar singurul său scop este să-si țină familia laolaltă. Vincent muncește mult prea mult pentru a fi măcar curios de cum să-si aducă copiii aproape, încăpățânarea cu care le dă ordine fostelor neveste cu siguranță nu ajută iar în ce privește cealaltă ramură a familiei, pe David l-a pierdut demult pe drum.
In goana ei între solicitanți, in sfârșit fata are si serviciul care să-i aducă satisfacții si i se dedică în totalitate. In rezolvarea ultimului caz al firmei Valentine are nevoie însă sa-l implice si pe Huch, taciturnul pretendent la mâna domniței si a împărăției a cărei cheie o deține aceasta.
Poate aventurile prin care trec cei doi nu au nimic aparte, dar felul în care o fac este drăguț si simpatic totodată.
Ca la orice roman al autoarei, imi place modul in care sunt construite personajele. Sunt oarecum în afara tiparului tipologiei, sunt puternice, principiale și a naibii de reale. Asta face ca romanele să merite a fi citite. Te poți imagina cu ușurintă în context, poveștile sunt palpabile, nu ai cum să nu empatizezi măcar cu unul dintre protagoniști si umorul firesc este omniprezent chiar si când nu te aștepți. De povestea de iubire mai spun doar că este drăguță foc și picantă fix cât trebuie.
November 3, 2014
Classic Krentz
A classic Krentz from the early 1990s, SWEET FORTUNE is the story of a hardheaded business man and a free spirited woman.
THE STORY: Jessie Benedict is the quirky daughter of an obsessed business man who destroyed his marriages and his family because of his dedication to his business. She has had a string of jobs where she ends up getting herself fired. She now has a job as an assistant to a psychic. Her family wants her to marry her father's new business consultant and CEO Sam "Hatch" Hatchard so that Hatch can take the family business big time and also keep it in the family. Jessie has no intention of marrying a man like her father. Hatch wants Jessie and he intends on showing her that he is different from her father and that he appreciates all of her quirkiness.
OPINION: This book is a nice Krentz. It is not one of her best, but I liked the quirky nature of Jessie. The book is straightforward and the romance is not particularly complex, but I like the variety of characters in the story. I also liked the plot of the story and the resolution of Jessie's wandering spirit is satisfying. This is not a book that I yearn to pick up again and again, but it was an enjoyable read.
WORTH MENTIONING: A common theme in Krentz books and this one in particular is family and the complexity of relationships. The book is populated by unique people who coalesce around Jessie. Krentz's older heroines are often family makers in that they take the people around them and create a family.
FINAL DECISION: I like these older Krentz books. The characters are not what would be written now, but that doesn't bother me. I enjoy the more alpha males brought low by quirky women stories that Krentz writes and this is an enjoyable one.
CONNECTED BOOKS: SWEET FORTUNE is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
A classic Krentz from the early 1990s, SWEET FORTUNE is the story of a hardheaded business man and a free spirited woman.
THE STORY: Jessie Benedict is the quirky daughter of an obsessed business man who destroyed his marriages and his family because of his dedication to his business. She has had a string of jobs where she ends up getting herself fired. She now has a job as an assistant to a psychic. Her family wants her to marry her father's new business consultant and CEO Sam "Hatch" Hatchard so that Hatch can take the family business big time and also keep it in the family. Jessie has no intention of marrying a man like her father. Hatch wants Jessie and he intends on showing her that he is different from her father and that he appreciates all of her quirkiness.
OPINION: This book is a nice Krentz. It is not one of her best, but I liked the quirky nature of Jessie. The book is straightforward and the romance is not particularly complex, but I like the variety of characters in the story. I also liked the plot of the story and the resolution of Jessie's wandering spirit is satisfying. This is not a book that I yearn to pick up again and again, but it was an enjoyable read.
WORTH MENTIONING: A common theme in Krentz books and this one in particular is family and the complexity of relationships. The book is populated by unique people who coalesce around Jessie. Krentz's older heroines are often family makers in that they take the people around them and create a family.
FINAL DECISION: I like these older Krentz books. The characters are not what would be written now, but that doesn't bother me. I enjoy the more alpha males brought low by quirky women stories that Krentz writes and this is an enjoyable one.
CONNECTED BOOKS: SWEET FORTUNE is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
July 26, 2018
In the 90's Krentz wrote a series of romance novels with quirky young heroines who became involved with tough, no-nonsense business men. Of course romance followed, along with some suspense and mystery. Usually the women had interesting jobs and all these stories are set in Washington state. I discovered them as they were being published, and they were the books that convinced me I could enjoy contemporary romance. Somehow I missed this book, first published in '91, so I was happy to stumble upon it at the library. I really enjoyed it a lot.
What I like(d) about these books is first, that they are light and not angst-ridden. The heroines are vulnerable but still strong, often in ways they don't realize at first. Then we have the heroes, who are tough and out of touch with their emotions but are not jerks. There's some sex but it's not the focus of the stories, and finally, I enjoy the minor characters and the odd-ball occupations in these books. A bonus is that some have clever dialogue.
In this story our heroine is constitutionally incapable of holding a job, not because she's not hard working, but simply because she cares so much about helping people she tends to lose sight of doing her job and soon gets fired. I worried a few times that she was becoming a pushover, but it never happened, and I enjoyed getting to know her. She's currently working for a psychic agency, and when her employer claims she's in the hospital because someone pushed her down the stairs, Jessie takes over the agency and sets out to find a young woman who has joined an environmental cult.
Our hero Hatch isn't perfect. He can be dictatorial, but she never lets him get away with it for long and he evolved nicely. There are hints of his background throughout the story that help you understand why he is that way, and it's clear he really cares about Jessie. I like that he saw how Jessie's family takes advantage of her and wants to free her from their constant demands. When he insists they stop catering to her family there were problems, but he always has her best interests at heart. Plus it appeals to me that he used his intelligence to study her and uses what he learns to draw them closer.
Add in some lively dialogue between the MCs and you have a sweet, fun story that rates up with some of my favorites from Krentz.
NB - These audio books are narrated by Amy McFadden and she does a good job. Her men may not have deep voices, but they're close enough for me and there's a lightness in her narration that really fits these stories, so I can enjoy reading or listening to them.
What I like(d) about these books is first, that they are light and not angst-ridden. The heroines are vulnerable but still strong, often in ways they don't realize at first. Then we have the heroes, who are tough and out of touch with their emotions but are not jerks. There's some sex but it's not the focus of the stories, and finally, I enjoy the minor characters and the odd-ball occupations in these books. A bonus is that some have clever dialogue.
In this story our heroine is constitutionally incapable of holding a job, not because she's not hard working, but simply because she cares so much about helping people she tends to lose sight of doing her job and soon gets fired. I worried a few times that she was becoming a pushover, but it never happened, and I enjoyed getting to know her. She's currently working for a psychic agency, and when her employer claims she's in the hospital because someone pushed her down the stairs, Jessie takes over the agency and sets out to find a young woman who has joined an environmental cult.
Our hero Hatch isn't perfect. He can be dictatorial, but she never lets him get away with it for long and he evolved nicely. There are hints of his background throughout the story that help you understand why he is that way, and it's clear he really cares about Jessie. I like that he saw how Jessie's family takes advantage of her and wants to free her from their constant demands. When he insists they stop catering to her family there were problems, but he always has her best interests at heart. Plus it appeals to me that he used his intelligence to study her and uses what he learns to draw them closer.
Add in some lively dialogue between the MCs and you have a sweet, fun story that rates up with some of my favorites from Krentz.
NB - These audio books are narrated by Amy McFadden and she does a good job. Her men may not have deep voices, but they're close enough for me and there's a lightness in her narration that really fits these stories, so I can enjoy reading or listening to them.
March 28, 2020
Really not her best. Oh, well. Every author misses the mark once in a while. This won't stop me from reading (or rereading) anything she writes under any of her names.
September 22, 2025
Another of my favorites by JAK that somehow no longer shows as being read at Goodreads. I haven't read it in years, so have no idea how it would hold up today.
December 25, 2014
One of my comfort reads, from JAK's very enjoyable "Seattle in the '90s" period. Smart, goofy heroine; smart, cranky hero; family hijinks. Looking back, I think these set the bar for what I expect in a romance novel. (Saying that, I will admit that I view the hero's more dictatorial qualities through nostalgia goggles.)
July 30, 2024
The communication? The no fuss attitude about their relationship? The themes steadily introduced and addressed throughout the novel? Coming into this I was expecting another historical romance to add to my list of books read this month, so imagine my surprise when I realize this was actually a modern romance with a side of cult busting and succession drama, oh and apparently my newest favorite.
I love Hatch and Jessie's candid attitudes, even when they're dealing with their drama. They never leave things unsaid for long, and even though they both stick to their principles even if they have to butt heads, what makes it work is that they don't take it personal. They understand where the other is coming from, and they always end up talking about things after their tempers have gone and things have blown over. These are all traits that I love in my fictional couples, and even though such methodical problem solving isn't most romance's ideal for drama, I think it still works perfectly because somehow the novel adds humor and stakes through different ways.
First of all, I cannot get over Hatch basically conditioning Jessie into a relationship by inviting himself into her house and claiming her couch. This absolutely would not fly in the real world, I know, but in the fictional world of this book I manage to find such enjoyment in it because Jessie acknowledges the trick and sees it for what it is, and yet still accepts and willingly falls into it. If that isn't a case of "Shit I Love This Man and I Hate It" then I don't know what is.
Second of all, even though Hatch and Jessie manage to talk things out most of the time without a lot of problems, the story doesn't lack emotional stakes at all. First, Jessie's point about Hatch and her Dad at the beginning were completely valid and made so much sense for her as a character, so even though you want to root for Hatch you can also see the possibility of it happening. The novel allows us to see, alongside Jessie, as Hatch's character opens up slowly, and so we get to grow our trust alongside her as well. Additionally, a lot of people might find the somewhat randomness of some of the plot lines disconcerting, but I believe that they're monumental to the success of the book because they strike a balance. The novel's problem solving is far too straightforward for any unnecessary drama to prolong the problems, so it makes sense for there to be multiple problems at once. I think the plot points are handled really well and referenced multiple times before they are neatly tied towards the end, so I find them all relatively satisfying.
And finally, the family dynamics and side characters add a distinct flavor that filters the numerous things going on at once. Even though we're jumping from thing to thing in this book, it never gets overwhelming or too exposition-y, because with the transitions there are always moments with the side characters that allow us to breathe and learn a bit more about the novel's world as well as the characters' motivations. It also adds that, though the relationships are set to be this positive and important aspect of not only the story but also the characters and their lives, the family is allowed to have flaws while still loving each other.
All in all, I liked the main couple's interactions so much, and they really stole the show for me in this one. But, the sheer absurdity of a lot of it is exactly the kind of thing I wish more books would employ.
I love Hatch and Jessie's candid attitudes, even when they're dealing with their drama. They never leave things unsaid for long, and even though they both stick to their principles even if they have to butt heads, what makes it work is that they don't take it personal. They understand where the other is coming from, and they always end up talking about things after their tempers have gone and things have blown over. These are all traits that I love in my fictional couples, and even though such methodical problem solving isn't most romance's ideal for drama, I think it still works perfectly because somehow the novel adds humor and stakes through different ways.
First of all, I cannot get over Hatch basically conditioning Jessie into a relationship by inviting himself into her house and claiming her couch. This absolutely would not fly in the real world, I know, but in the fictional world of this book I manage to find such enjoyment in it because Jessie acknowledges the trick and sees it for what it is, and yet still accepts and willingly falls into it. If that isn't a case of "Shit I Love This Man and I Hate It" then I don't know what is.
Second of all, even though Hatch and Jessie manage to talk things out most of the time without a lot of problems, the story doesn't lack emotional stakes at all. First, Jessie's point about Hatch and her Dad at the beginning were completely valid and made so much sense for her as a character, so even though you want to root for Hatch you can also see the possibility of it happening. The novel allows us to see, alongside Jessie, as Hatch's character opens up slowly, and so we get to grow our trust alongside her as well. Additionally, a lot of people might find the somewhat randomness of some of the plot lines disconcerting, but I believe that they're monumental to the success of the book because they strike a balance. The novel's problem solving is far too straightforward for any unnecessary drama to prolong the problems, so it makes sense for there to be multiple problems at once. I think the plot points are handled really well and referenced multiple times before they are neatly tied towards the end, so I find them all relatively satisfying.
And finally, the family dynamics and side characters add a distinct flavor that filters the numerous things going on at once. Even though we're jumping from thing to thing in this book, it never gets overwhelming or too exposition-y, because with the transitions there are always moments with the side characters that allow us to breathe and learn a bit more about the novel's world as well as the characters' motivations. It also adds that, though the relationships are set to be this positive and important aspect of not only the story but also the characters and their lives, the family is allowed to have flaws while still loving each other.
All in all, I liked the main couple's interactions so much, and they really stole the show for me in this one. But, the sheer absurdity of a lot of it is exactly the kind of thing I wish more books would employ.
April 3, 2025
***MINOR SPOILERS ***
I went into this book skeptical that I would like it. The author’s earlier works tend to have a chauvinistic male lead character. That is true in this book as well with the added complication that Hatch also wants to take over Jessie’s family’s company. Everyone is pushing for them to get married and Hatch is in favor of the idea.
Jessie, the female lead, is attracted to Hatch but does not want to marry him. She sees him as too much like her father who has put his company first his whole life. She also did not want to be married as part of a scheme to get her family’s business which was one of Hatch’s motivations. I rooted for her to stay strong and stand her ground, but she also unfortunately has a hard time saying no to members of her family and they take advantage of that. She has a hard time saying no to others as well and is very soft hearted. I wanted her to have a bit more of a spine.
The story rotates between Jessie and Hatch’s point of view. You learn a bit about Hatch’s blue collar background and that only a few people have cared about him. He wants Jessie’s loyalty but needs to learn the lesson that it should be reciprocal. At the end, he finally does.
Jessie works for a psychic, Mrs. Valentine, which was a bit of a surprise as the business was not doing well. When Mrs. Valentine is injured, Jessie takes on a case as a detective to look into the disappearance of a daughter. The daughter is in a cult. Jessie begins investigating what happened and I rooted for her. It was also a chance for Hatch to be supportive which he was because he felt he needed to look after her. But, it was also a chance for him to get to know her better.
I read this book about 30 years after it was written and the societal norms have changed since then, but it was still frustrating to see how Hatch thought he could tell Jessie what to do. His manner towards her often was that she was unreasonable because she did not fit the mold he thought she should fit in. It was difficult to see why he was attracted to her at times. Here is an example of how Hatch thinks “The lady was far too impulsive. He would have to work on curbing that tendency.” Another example, “But deep down he knew… some primitive part of him actually thought this if he claimed her physically he might be able to control her in other ways. Control her so that next time she would follow orders in a crisis.” This was because, of course, he was the smarter thinker and would react better in any given situation that she would. He moves in with her without asking and later tells her that they are engaged to be married. He even decides when they will have sex. Fortunately, it is consensual. Finally in the second half of the book, he begins changing a bit.
Jessie is a bit flighty, but she is also warm, caring, and loyal. It is the latter qualities that attract Hatch. I am not sure what Jessie likes about him. He often tried to push for his way in any given situation. He is smart and has confidence/arrogance. His manner often oozed disapproval. Jessie has been fired several times and cannot keep a job. I thought the author could have given her a bit of focus. At the end, she presumably does find something she can do, but who knows.
I will continue reading this author’s later works but still continue to not care much for her earlier ones. I do not recommend this book.
I went into this book skeptical that I would like it. The author’s earlier works tend to have a chauvinistic male lead character. That is true in this book as well with the added complication that Hatch also wants to take over Jessie’s family’s company. Everyone is pushing for them to get married and Hatch is in favor of the idea.
Jessie, the female lead, is attracted to Hatch but does not want to marry him. She sees him as too much like her father who has put his company first his whole life. She also did not want to be married as part of a scheme to get her family’s business which was one of Hatch’s motivations. I rooted for her to stay strong and stand her ground, but she also unfortunately has a hard time saying no to members of her family and they take advantage of that. She has a hard time saying no to others as well and is very soft hearted. I wanted her to have a bit more of a spine.
The story rotates between Jessie and Hatch’s point of view. You learn a bit about Hatch’s blue collar background and that only a few people have cared about him. He wants Jessie’s loyalty but needs to learn the lesson that it should be reciprocal. At the end, he finally does.
Jessie works for a psychic, Mrs. Valentine, which was a bit of a surprise as the business was not doing well. When Mrs. Valentine is injured, Jessie takes on a case as a detective to look into the disappearance of a daughter. The daughter is in a cult. Jessie begins investigating what happened and I rooted for her. It was also a chance for Hatch to be supportive which he was because he felt he needed to look after her. But, it was also a chance for him to get to know her better.
I read this book about 30 years after it was written and the societal norms have changed since then, but it was still frustrating to see how Hatch thought he could tell Jessie what to do. His manner towards her often was that she was unreasonable because she did not fit the mold he thought she should fit in. It was difficult to see why he was attracted to her at times. Here is an example of how Hatch thinks “The lady was far too impulsive. He would have to work on curbing that tendency.” Another example, “But deep down he knew… some primitive part of him actually thought this if he claimed her physically he might be able to control her in other ways. Control her so that next time she would follow orders in a crisis.” This was because, of course, he was the smarter thinker and would react better in any given situation that she would. He moves in with her without asking and later tells her that they are engaged to be married. He even decides when they will have sex. Fortunately, it is consensual. Finally in the second half of the book, he begins changing a bit.
Jessie is a bit flighty, but she is also warm, caring, and loyal. It is the latter qualities that attract Hatch. I am not sure what Jessie likes about him. He often tried to push for his way in any given situation. He is smart and has confidence/arrogance. His manner often oozed disapproval. Jessie has been fired several times and cannot keep a job. I thought the author could have given her a bit of focus. At the end, she presumably does find something she can do, but who knows.
I will continue reading this author’s later works but still continue to not care much for her earlier ones. I do not recommend this book.
January 3, 2021
2021 Book Hoarders Challenge #22 No people on the cover
Jessie Benedict has a habit of changing jobs often because she is fired. But when her elderly employer, Mrs. Valentine of Valentine Consulting is hospitalized during a fall, she holds down the fort. Her problem, she is trying to evade the matchmaking her workaholic father has in mind for her and his new CEO, Hatch. Jessie and Hatch are actually attracted to each other though, so it's enevitable they are together often, including his helping Jessie solve a case.
I liked the story because it looked carefully and made the characters see and accept their own flaws, but also gave them the ability to grow.
Would love for this to become a TV movie IF the writers, producers, directors and actors took the time to follow Krenz's plot very closely.
Jessie Benedict has a habit of changing jobs often because she is fired. But when her elderly employer, Mrs. Valentine of Valentine Consulting is hospitalized during a fall, she holds down the fort. Her problem, she is trying to evade the matchmaking her workaholic father has in mind for her and his new CEO, Hatch. Jessie and Hatch are actually attracted to each other though, so it's enevitable they are together often, including his helping Jessie solve a case.
I liked the story because it looked carefully and made the characters see and accept their own flaws, but also gave them the ability to grow.
Would love for this to become a TV movie IF the writers, producers, directors and actors took the time to follow Krenz's plot very closely.
June 21, 2024
I listened to the 2018 Audio version but it isn't available for review on Goodreads.
Here is my review
A Story of it's time.
This book was written in the early 1990's and is very much a romance of the time, which doesn't always feel comfortable now; even though Jessie, our female MC is supposed to be a feisty and independently minded woman, she isn't always, Some of the tropes from those days, the overbearing males, the pressurising family, the business before love etc are all present and the approach to climate change is also of it's time. However taken as what it is, it's not a bad book, it's just not that good either, there are some parts that feel repetitive and there are some strands of the story feel pointless.
The narration was pretty good.
Overall 2.5 stars
performance 4 stars
Story 2.5 stars.
Here is my review
A Story of it's time.
This book was written in the early 1990's and is very much a romance of the time, which doesn't always feel comfortable now; even though Jessie, our female MC is supposed to be a feisty and independently minded woman, she isn't always, Some of the tropes from those days, the overbearing males, the pressurising family, the business before love etc are all present and the approach to climate change is also of it's time. However taken as what it is, it's not a bad book, it's just not that good either, there are some parts that feel repetitive and there are some strands of the story feel pointless.
The narration was pretty good.
Overall 2.5 stars
performance 4 stars
Story 2.5 stars.
September 23, 2024
I know that this is an older book, but I still enjoyed it the second time around. For that matter it could have been the 3rd time. I think I read it back when it was first released in paperback.
I did not miss the cell phone, which of course stamped the book as old. But that did not seemed weird as I lived through that time. The most profanity that was found was damn. Which to me is not really profanity. There was none of the let's get to bed fast. Even the editing was great. I think I found 2 mistakes. For a book that is around 350 pages that is minuscule.
I did think that Jessie was a little head strong. I believe that Hatch cared for her from the start or he would not have gotten sucked into her schemes. All in all, a good pleasant read for a Sunday afternoon.
I did not miss the cell phone, which of course stamped the book as old. But that did not seemed weird as I lived through that time. The most profanity that was found was damn. Which to me is not really profanity. There was none of the let's get to bed fast. Even the editing was great. I think I found 2 mistakes. For a book that is around 350 pages that is minuscule.
I did think that Jessie was a little head strong. I believe that Hatch cared for her from the start or he would not have gotten sucked into her schemes. All in all, a good pleasant read for a Sunday afternoon.
February 25, 2018
Well done
Other than the fact that I really could not like Jessie, this was a well written novel. One of those "it ain't over till it's over" type of books. I enjoyed the story and most of the characters rang true...all were well defined and the author never left you hanging as to whose point of view you were reading. Once or twice I feared Jessie was about to do something idiotic but fortunately she didn't. TSTL characters ruin novels and Jayne barely keeps her characters out of that realm. Good job.
Other than the fact that I really could not like Jessie, this was a well written novel. One of those "it ain't over till it's over" type of books. I enjoyed the story and most of the characters rang true...all were well defined and the author never left you hanging as to whose point of view you were reading. Once or twice I feared Jessie was about to do something idiotic but fortunately she didn't. TSTL characters ruin novels and Jayne barely keeps her characters out of that realm. Good job.
May 19, 2019
Sam Hatchard has a life plan and Benedict Fasteners plays a big part. Another big part is the daughter of the Benedict Fasteners owner, Jessie. But Jessie doesn't want to get involved with Hatch. She thinks he is a carbon copy of her workaholic father, a man she doesn't want to get involved with much less marry. But Hatch is determined. He'll even follow her on a crazy adventure to help rescue a girl from the island of a cult.
An earlier book of Krentz's, this book shows glimpses of what her romances will become but a bit scattered and without the character development.
An earlier book of Krentz's, this book shows glimpses of what her romances will become but a bit scattered and without the character development.
February 12, 2018
Another excellent read.
I love the characters, the snappy dialogue, the twists and turns of the plot development, and most of all the slightly wacky humor sprinkled through the whole book.
I love the characters, the snappy dialogue, the twists and turns of the plot development, and most of all the slightly wacky humor sprinkled through the whole book.
September 15, 2020
Great story
Love this author. I have read most of her work but I occasionally find one I have missed. I love the mixture of romance and mystery and sometimes paranormal. She is a master at it. This is another great story that blends all three.
Love this author. I have read most of her work but I occasionally find one I have missed. I love the mixture of romance and mystery and sometimes paranormal. She is a master at it. This is another great story that blends all three.
June 27, 2017
I thought there hero was a bit of a bully.
June 29, 2017
Awesome
I really enjoyed this book. It has been awhile since I have read this book. I am enjoying rereading the jayne Ann krentz books.
I really enjoyed this book. It has been awhile since I have read this book. I am enjoying rereading the jayne Ann krentz books.
October 21, 2017
MSweet Fortune
I laughed a lot and I loved this book a lot, it was a great read and I enjoyed every minute I spent on this book.
I laughed a lot and I loved this book a lot, it was a great read and I enjoyed every minute I spent on this book.
March 22, 2018
Ok
Not as fast paced as usual, but cute. I like more of her sci-fi work with a more involved story line.
Not as fast paced as usual, but cute. I like more of her sci-fi work with a more involved story line.
June 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this book!
November 8, 2018
Another kind of silly and uninteresting book from Jayne Ann.
I had a hard time getting to the end. It went on and on but neither the characters nor the story-line was very interesting.
I had a hard time getting to the end. It went on and on but neither the characters nor the story-line was very interesting.
December 1, 2018
I don't like Hatch. Even though he means well, he's too Machiavellian to my taste. Jessie is a pushover, and I don't like that as well.
April 8, 2019
Audible
September 21, 2019
3+. Good mystery, interesting characters, very enjoyable, but not one of my favorite of the author's books.
November 17, 2019
Not one of my favorites, but not offensive. Well written.
November 24, 2019
Jessie drove me nuts with her impulsiveness, but her relationship with Sam made up for it. JAK's character insights were once again, wonderful. 4 solid stars.
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