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Lear Family Trilogy #1
Material Girl
Rich. Sexy. Beautiful. Robin Lear is all that—and her jet-set life is golden. Until the day her indestructible father sends her tumbling off her pedestal with the startling news that he is dying. Then he further shatters her illusions by demoting her from the cushy job in the family business to teach her "about life." In an instant her whole world unravels, and Robin is suddenly swimming in uncharted waters, including a bogus night in jail, a new job as the lackey of her toady ex-boyfriend, and a major distraction in the form of one very sexy contractor who's renovating her house.
Jake Manning has had some tough knocks in life. Now all he wants is to make enough money to finish his degree and, maybe, get a nice house with a nice wife and a nice kid. But this Prada-clad ice princess is turning his life upside down with her sassy—and disastrous—ways. Jake's head tells him to run, don't walk, from this gorgeous train wreck of a woman. A man would have to be crazy to pursue someone like Robin Lear. But Jake is crazy—about her....
Jake Manning has had some tough knocks in life. Now all he wants is to make enough money to finish his degree and, maybe, get a nice house with a nice wife and a nice kid. But this Prada-clad ice princess is turning his life upside down with her sassy—and disastrous—ways. Jake's head tells him to run, don't walk, from this gorgeous train wreck of a woman. A man would have to be crazy to pursue someone like Robin Lear. But Jake is crazy—about her....
307 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 2003
350 people are currently reading
1288 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,138 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 6, 2021
#RetoRita5 #RitaJulita
4 Estrellitas. He disfrutado bastante de ésta novela, más de lo que pensaba. Julia London es una escritora que por lo general me gusta, puede tener libros que son auténticos churros, pero cuando quiere, los saca buenos.
Me decidí por probar novela contemporánea de ésta autora para el #RetoRita5 de éste mes porque sólo había leído a Julia London en novela histórica. Así que por probar algo distinto, le di la oportunidad a "Adicta al trabajo" el primer libro de la trilogía de la familia Lear.
Siendo sincera, el libro me ha recordado a las novelas de mi adorada Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Con un estilo directo y desenfadado ha presentado una protagonista femenina que es la típica niña de papá que no ha hecho nada en su vida, y al chico pobre, honrado y trabajador que pondrá su mundo patas arriba. Pero además con ése toque cómico que suelo echar de menos en las novelas contemporáneas de hoy día.
La trilogía se centra en las tres hermanas Lear. Las herederas de una importante familia texana que se dedica a los transportes de mercancías. La protagonista es Robin, la hermana mayor. A Robin la colocó su padre en la empresa familiar en un cargo de poca responsabilidad, porque algo tiene que hacer y no sabe ni puede tomar decisiones importantes.
Robin es pija, es snob, es materialista, muy impulsiva, además de grosera y antipática. Con ésa actitud y tras el desastre que ha ocasionado en su vida, su padre la traslada a otro departamento de la empresa para que aprenda lo que es la vida. Pero no, en su caso no la veremos enamorarse de alguien de su trabajo.
El protagonista masculino es Jake Manning, un chico pobre y honrado de clase trabajadora, que está haciendo auténticos esfuerzos para sacarse la carrera de arquitectura con 38 años. Actualmente trabaja de albañil en distintos contratos para reformas de hogar. Y Robin acaba de contratarlo para reformar su casa.
Como la oficina de Robin sufrió un percance, tiene que teletrabajar desde casa y pasar mucho tiempo con los obreros. Ahí será donde conocerá a Jake, y lo que empieza como una serie de pullas, acabará convirtiéndose en algo más.
Jake es un buen chico, y desde el principio sabe que por su condición no es apto para alguien como Robin. A pesar del carácter repulsivo de la princesita, Jake sabe que ahí se esconde una gran mujer a la que puede sacar a la luz, y por eso mismo y sus diferencias sociales y económicas, Jake no se verá merecedor de ella.
Una serie de circunstancias harán que el romance empiece a fluir poco a poco, muy cocidito a fuego lento, y eso me ha gustado; pues ha dado pie al desarrollo y sin que vaya muy rápido.
Sin duda lo que más he admirado de la novela, es la evolución o maduración de Robin. Aquí es cuando me ha recordado a las novelas de SEP, y a Julia London le ha quedado muy bien.
No quiero desvelar mucho más, pues aunque no es una gran joya de la novela romántica, me ha parecido encantadora, y con unos personajes muy bien perfilados. En unos ves amargura y resignación, en otros entereza, bondad y amabilidad, y sin duda los que más me han gustado han sido los abuelos de Robin.
En definitiva, una gran lectura de la que no esperaba gran cosa y me ha acabado convenciendo. Estoy segura de que continuaré la serie, pues me han llamado la atención las siguientes novelas de las otras hermanas Lear.
4 Estrellitas. He disfrutado bastante de ésta novela, más de lo que pensaba. Julia London es una escritora que por lo general me gusta, puede tener libros que son auténticos churros, pero cuando quiere, los saca buenos.
Me decidí por probar novela contemporánea de ésta autora para el #RetoRita5 de éste mes porque sólo había leído a Julia London en novela histórica. Así que por probar algo distinto, le di la oportunidad a "Adicta al trabajo" el primer libro de la trilogía de la familia Lear.
Siendo sincera, el libro me ha recordado a las novelas de mi adorada Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Con un estilo directo y desenfadado ha presentado una protagonista femenina que es la típica niña de papá que no ha hecho nada en su vida, y al chico pobre, honrado y trabajador que pondrá su mundo patas arriba. Pero además con ése toque cómico que suelo echar de menos en las novelas contemporáneas de hoy día.
La trilogía se centra en las tres hermanas Lear. Las herederas de una importante familia texana que se dedica a los transportes de mercancías. La protagonista es Robin, la hermana mayor. A Robin la colocó su padre en la empresa familiar en un cargo de poca responsabilidad, porque algo tiene que hacer y no sabe ni puede tomar decisiones importantes.
Robin es pija, es snob, es materialista, muy impulsiva, además de grosera y antipática. Con ésa actitud y tras el desastre que ha ocasionado en su vida, su padre la traslada a otro departamento de la empresa para que aprenda lo que es la vida. Pero no, en su caso no la veremos enamorarse de alguien de su trabajo.
El protagonista masculino es Jake Manning, un chico pobre y honrado de clase trabajadora, que está haciendo auténticos esfuerzos para sacarse la carrera de arquitectura con 38 años. Actualmente trabaja de albañil en distintos contratos para reformas de hogar. Y Robin acaba de contratarlo para reformar su casa.
Como la oficina de Robin sufrió un percance, tiene que teletrabajar desde casa y pasar mucho tiempo con los obreros. Ahí será donde conocerá a Jake, y lo que empieza como una serie de pullas, acabará convirtiéndose en algo más.
Jake es un buen chico, y desde el principio sabe que por su condición no es apto para alguien como Robin. A pesar del carácter repulsivo de la princesita, Jake sabe que ahí se esconde una gran mujer a la que puede sacar a la luz, y por eso mismo y sus diferencias sociales y económicas, Jake no se verá merecedor de ella.
Una serie de circunstancias harán que el romance empiece a fluir poco a poco, muy cocidito a fuego lento, y eso me ha gustado; pues ha dado pie al desarrollo y sin que vaya muy rápido.
Sin duda lo que más he admirado de la novela, es la evolución o maduración de Robin. Aquí es cuando me ha recordado a las novelas de SEP, y a Julia London le ha quedado muy bien.
No quiero desvelar mucho más, pues aunque no es una gran joya de la novela romántica, me ha parecido encantadora, y con unos personajes muy bien perfilados. En unos ves amargura y resignación, en otros entereza, bondad y amabilidad, y sin duda los que más me han gustado han sido los abuelos de Robin.
En definitiva, una gran lectura de la que no esperaba gran cosa y me ha acabado convenciendo. Estoy segura de que continuaré la serie, pues me han llamado la atención las siguientes novelas de las otras hermanas Lear.
August 12, 2025
3.5 estrellas
Ha sido un libro entretenido, pero se nota mucho que tiene más de 20 años porque no ha envejecido del todo bien.
Ha sido un libro entretenido, pero se nota mucho que tiene más de 20 años porque no ha envejecido del todo bien.
May 12, 2021
La verdad que no me ha gustado tanto como pensaba. Elegí este libro para el RETO RITA 5 de este mes por cambiar un poco de aires y leer algo de contemporánea. Lo he tenido en la lista de pendientes mucho tiempo y por fin le iba a dar su momento. La autora tiene una pluma ligera, ágil y con momentos cómicos. Además es muy parecida a mi adorada SEP, sin embargo me ha resultado algo aburrido.
Robin es la típica niña mimada que tiene todo lo que quiere, dinero para gastar en todos los caprichos y que no tiene que esforzarse en ganar. Un día a su padre le sucede algo y le dice que jamás le ha enseñado a hacer nada y que todo lo que hacía para la empresa de él era meramente una fachada. Así que quiere que espabile y encuentra su camino... pero eh? si se sale del camino que el quiere mal. Fatal.
Jake, por el contrario, es todo lo opuesto a Robin. Un hombre que no ha tenido la vida nada fácil. Que carga con una madre que está amargada y un sobrino que tiene problemas (aunque de verdad que puedo entender al sobrino).
Total que suceden una serie de eventos y se enamoran. Pero... no pertenecen al mismo mundo. Los amigos de ella son horrendos. De verdad, es que los he detestado y no podía entender que ella permitiese según que cosas hacia su pareja. Y Evan es que me daba tal asco que no podía con él.
En cuanto a Jake, es el típico macho alfa que no se siente demasiado cómodo con que una mujer tenga más dinero que él. Y aunque el como gasta Robin se puede entender por su pasado y presente, no dejaba de molestarme que todo el tiempo fuese un problema tan patente. Ella no debería pedir disculpas por tener dinero.
Es cierto que ha sido un romance bonito, que me ha tenido con el ay hasta el final y que el final ha sido bastante bonito. Por lo que le voy a poner un aprobado: 3 estrellas
Robin es la típica niña mimada que tiene todo lo que quiere, dinero para gastar en todos los caprichos y que no tiene que esforzarse en ganar. Un día a su padre le sucede algo y le dice que jamás le ha enseñado a hacer nada y que todo lo que hacía para la empresa de él era meramente una fachada. Así que quiere que espabile y encuentra su camino... pero eh? si se sale del camino que el quiere mal. Fatal.
Jake, por el contrario, es todo lo opuesto a Robin. Un hombre que no ha tenido la vida nada fácil. Que carga con una madre que está amargada y un sobrino que tiene problemas (aunque de verdad que puedo entender al sobrino).
Total que suceden una serie de eventos y se enamoran. Pero... no pertenecen al mismo mundo. Los amigos de ella son horrendos. De verdad, es que los he detestado y no podía entender que ella permitiese según que cosas hacia su pareja. Y Evan es que me daba tal asco que no podía con él.
En cuanto a Jake, es el típico macho alfa que no se siente demasiado cómodo con que una mujer tenga más dinero que él. Y aunque el como gasta Robin se puede entender por su pasado y presente, no dejaba de molestarme que todo el tiempo fuese un problema tan patente. Ella no debería pedir disculpas por tener dinero.
Es cierto que ha sido un romance bonito, que me ha tenido con el ay hasta el final y que el final ha sido bastante bonito. Por lo que le voy a poner un aprobado: 3 estrellas
September 4, 2017
My Musings
wow! What a great start on a new series. This one had me laughing loud in more than one occasion. So glad I found this one. Happy ☺reading 📚!
wow! What a great start on a new series. This one had me laughing loud in more than one occasion. So glad I found this one. Happy ☺reading 📚!
November 7, 2014
"Meet the glamorous Lear family whose dying patriarch has vowed to teach his spoiled, pampered daughters some lessons. Rich, beautiful, sexy-Robin Lear is all that. Until her father tells her he's dying and demotes her from a cushy job in the family business. In an instant her world has unraveled-she spends a night in jail, works as a lackey to her ex-boyfriend, and is way too distracted by a sexy contractor..."
Such a great read! No simple storyline here! After reading the reviews I was prepared to dislike Robin immensely. Spoiled, rich girl meets poor hunky guy. It's so much more than that. Jake and Robin has real angst and tension and tons of character growth on both parts. The secondary characters are fun filled :) I love Grandpa Elmer and Zany! The real issue of abandonment and loss are well dealt with.
I highly recommend this contemporary debut and will definitely be reading Rebecca and Rachel's story.
Such a great read! No simple storyline here! After reading the reviews I was prepared to dislike Robin immensely. Spoiled, rich girl meets poor hunky guy. It's so much more than that. Jake and Robin has real angst and tension and tons of character growth on both parts. The secondary characters are fun filled :) I love Grandpa Elmer and Zany! The real issue of abandonment and loss are well dealt with.
I highly recommend this contemporary debut and will definitely be reading Rebecca and Rachel's story.
September 7, 2012
It would probably have been a solid 2.5 stars or so, for predictable, charming, heart-warmingly funny chick lit... except the completely unnecessary homophobic references and statements made me want to punch the author in the face... so let's say 1.5 stars, simply because of how enraged that made me.
June 23, 2018
Saya heran dgn author, sudah setebal ini novelnya tetapi kenapa penyelesaian masalahnya nggak jelas?
Ini kebalikan dari novel romance yang biasanya hero-heronya super tajir, dimana Jake Manning adalah hero biasa saja, pekerjaannya cuma tukang memperbaiki rumah, yang ketiban sial jatuh cinta pada Robin Lear, putri sulung jutawan yg memiliki perusahaan multimiliuner. Inti permasalahannya sebenarnya sederhana, perbedaan gaya hidup mereka yg menjulang bagai bumi dan langit. Robin ini tipe princess masa kini, yang tidak peduli berapapun uang yang dikeluarkannya. Robin ini walaupun membantu di perusahaan keluarganya, tetapi terkenal payah dalam pengambilan keputusan dan pekerjaannya nyaris tidak pernah mulus. Sama seperti manajemen keuangannya yg amburadul, Robin kurang bertanggungjawab terhadap pekerjaan dan uangnya, jika ada masalah tinggal datang kepada papa tercinta yang kaya raya.
Sebaliknya Jake berasal dari keluarga amburadul. Salah satu adiknya dipenjara, yang lainnya sudah meninggal dan mewariskan keponakan yg bermasalah dgn huruf M besar. Jake tidak pandai mengurus remaja bermasalah, sama tidak pandainya dlm menangani Robin. Jake cuma mengeluh soal teman dan kebiasaan Robin menghamburkan uangnya, tetapi menurut saya TANPA SOLUSI. Jake dihina krn tidak setaraf dgn kekayaan keluarga Lear dan kolega mereka, tetapi apa yg dilakukan Jake? Hanya misuh-misuh dan menghindar dari Robin. Saya kurang suka hero model begini. No Action Talk Only bukan semboyan saya tetapi itulah yang dilakukan Jake.
Chemistry mereka tergolong instan dan standar, lust for physical attraction. Setelah itu permasalahan spt yg saya utarakan diatas, saya menunggu dan menunggu daya upaya Jake utk menjembatani perbedaan mereka yg menjulang. Tetapi apa boleh buat, hingga akhir cerita saya hanya disuguhi antiklimaks menggantung yang sungguh saya tidak percaya. Cuma begini toh akhir ceritanya?
Ini kebalikan dari novel romance yang biasanya hero-heronya super tajir, dimana Jake Manning adalah hero biasa saja, pekerjaannya cuma tukang memperbaiki rumah, yang ketiban sial jatuh cinta pada Robin Lear, putri sulung jutawan yg memiliki perusahaan multimiliuner. Inti permasalahannya sebenarnya sederhana, perbedaan gaya hidup mereka yg menjulang bagai bumi dan langit. Robin ini tipe princess masa kini, yang tidak peduli berapapun uang yang dikeluarkannya. Robin ini walaupun membantu di perusahaan keluarganya, tetapi terkenal payah dalam pengambilan keputusan dan pekerjaannya nyaris tidak pernah mulus. Sama seperti manajemen keuangannya yg amburadul, Robin kurang bertanggungjawab terhadap pekerjaan dan uangnya, jika ada masalah tinggal datang kepada papa tercinta yang kaya raya.
Sebaliknya Jake berasal dari keluarga amburadul. Salah satu adiknya dipenjara, yang lainnya sudah meninggal dan mewariskan keponakan yg bermasalah dgn huruf M besar. Jake tidak pandai mengurus remaja bermasalah, sama tidak pandainya dlm menangani Robin. Jake cuma mengeluh soal teman dan kebiasaan Robin menghamburkan uangnya, tetapi menurut saya TANPA SOLUSI. Jake dihina krn tidak setaraf dgn kekayaan keluarga Lear dan kolega mereka, tetapi apa yg dilakukan Jake? Hanya misuh-misuh dan menghindar dari Robin. Saya kurang suka hero model begini. No Action Talk Only bukan semboyan saya tetapi itulah yang dilakukan Jake.
Chemistry mereka tergolong instan dan standar, lust for physical attraction. Setelah itu permasalahan spt yg saya utarakan diatas, saya menunggu dan menunggu daya upaya Jake utk menjembatani perbedaan mereka yg menjulang. Tetapi apa boleh buat, hingga akhir cerita saya hanya disuguhi antiklimaks menggantung yang sungguh saya tidak percaya. Cuma begini toh akhir ceritanya?
July 2, 2018
Me regalaron esta novela y aunque no era que me resultara nada llamativa, terminó entreteniéndome más de la cuenta. Es ideal para abstraerse en el transporte público o en el tren y que el trayecto sea más llevadero. Excepto el capítulo final y el epílogo.... que manera de tirar por la borda una historia.
July 10, 2018
De esas historias fáciles de leer.
December 31, 2013
This book is a re-read for me and I am really glad I pulled it out of my old books and gave it a whirl! I think I got so much more out of it the second time around. Certainly I had a different appreciation of it simply because of the health of my father at this time of my life; I understood Robin's father and his various mood swings more now.
This is book one of a trilogy about 3 daughters and how their 55 yr. old father wants to fix everything that he sees as wrong with his beloved girls now that he himself has been given a fatal cancer diagonosis. As many men do, he had spent his entire adult life working on his career and running his business. Because he was so uninvolved with his family, they loved him but left him to his work. He gave them wonderful things and thought that was enough; now that he sees the end coming, he also sees that he may have given them the wrong things all along. Of course, being a man, he figures he can just fix their problems and everyone will be happy. Try again, buster! Luckily there is a lot of love in this family to get them through this period.
Robin is the eldest daughter and the only one to work in the family business. Unfortunately she has no clue what she is doing and is a real prima donna to boot. She is the quintessential rich girl except that she has no idea she's perceived as bitchy, snobby and stuckup - even by her friends - or that her father had created a cushy job for her somewhat isolated from the main company so she couldn't do too much damage. When Rob finds out, pretty much all at once, that her father is dying, her office has just burned down, her friends agree that she's a diva, she's cost the company its very first client because she was shooting for a mega new one instead, and to top it off, the hunky general contractor she's hired to gut and redo her house is the same guy she spouted off to while waiting in line to pay her fines in Municipal Court (she'd just gotten out of the slammer after talking back and smack to the police officer who stopped her for speeding)! Wow! Robin was not a lovable character at this point but we could see she was in the clouds and clueless. Clueless equals hope: there was hope that she could regroup, learn to be nice, etc.
I loved seeing Robin rework her habits and open up to show what was really in her heart. I loved Robin for hanging in there for her dad. With the pain and sickness from the cancer drugs, he wasn't all that great himself. But he also learned how to express himself and how to help his daughter in valuable ways; his life teacher happens to be in the form of his ex-wife, a very smart lady who raised inherently good girls and who jumps in to help her ex-husband deal with his end life. Oh, I cried! There was so much love in this book, even tho half the time no one recognized it. Most importantly, there were people ready to help other people. And that probably made me cry the most. What a blessing others are for us!
This is book one of a trilogy about 3 daughters and how their 55 yr. old father wants to fix everything that he sees as wrong with his beloved girls now that he himself has been given a fatal cancer diagonosis. As many men do, he had spent his entire adult life working on his career and running his business. Because he was so uninvolved with his family, they loved him but left him to his work. He gave them wonderful things and thought that was enough; now that he sees the end coming, he also sees that he may have given them the wrong things all along. Of course, being a man, he figures he can just fix their problems and everyone will be happy. Try again, buster! Luckily there is a lot of love in this family to get them through this period.
Robin is the eldest daughter and the only one to work in the family business. Unfortunately she has no clue what she is doing and is a real prima donna to boot. She is the quintessential rich girl except that she has no idea she's perceived as bitchy, snobby and stuckup - even by her friends - or that her father had created a cushy job for her somewhat isolated from the main company so she couldn't do too much damage. When Rob finds out, pretty much all at once, that her father is dying, her office has just burned down, her friends agree that she's a diva, she's cost the company its very first client because she was shooting for a mega new one instead, and to top it off, the hunky general contractor she's hired to gut and redo her house is the same guy she spouted off to while waiting in line to pay her fines in Municipal Court (she'd just gotten out of the slammer after talking back and smack to the police officer who stopped her for speeding)! Wow! Robin was not a lovable character at this point but we could see she was in the clouds and clueless. Clueless equals hope: there was hope that she could regroup, learn to be nice, etc.
I loved seeing Robin rework her habits and open up to show what was really in her heart. I loved Robin for hanging in there for her dad. With the pain and sickness from the cancer drugs, he wasn't all that great himself. But he also learned how to express himself and how to help his daughter in valuable ways; his life teacher happens to be in the form of his ex-wife, a very smart lady who raised inherently good girls and who jumps in to help her ex-husband deal with his end life. Oh, I cried! There was so much love in this book, even tho half the time no one recognized it. Most importantly, there were people ready to help other people. And that probably made me cry the most. What a blessing others are for us!
August 18, 2013
I totally love this book!!!!!!! The characters are just amazing. One minute your laughing, the next your crying. Although, this book isn't THAT dramatic. It's just a plain good ole story.
Robin Lear’s extravagant lifestyle is the envy of every socialite in Texas—until a personal tragedy changes everything. Her father, shipping tycoon Aaron Lear, announces he has just months to live. Determined to teach his spoiled daughter one final life lesson, Aaron demotes her from her cushy job in the family business and sends her to work for an insufferable manager. Now, for the first time in her life, Robin will have to earn her place in the world—and the sexy new contractor renovating her house may be just the man to show her how.
Jake Manning never had it easy, and after years of hard work, he’s finally ready to settle down and enjoy the fruits of his labor. Yet one look at gorgeous Robin Lear is all it takes to turn his carefully laid plans upside down. Jake knows better than to mix business with pleasure, but that’s before he realizes there’s more to this trust-fund princess than meets the eye. Taking a chance on her means taking a chance on love—and Jake knows all too well that the best things in life are worth the effort.
At first I seriously hated Robin, she's just so messy and everywhere, and that was who she is before meeting jake. -A MESS. I like the part when she learned how to actually live and realize how shallow her life has become. And this realization didn't all come at once, it was gradual. The storyline was well plotted. And in the end, you feel sorry for her and you actually end up rooting for her.
Jake is an amazing guy, what he makes up for his lack of financial security, he made up for loving and taking care of Robin. Although he has a tendency to be insecure with the monetary aspect of their relationship, that didn't stop him from fighting for Robin.
This was such a great read. A perfect combination of a good storyline. Funny, humorous and great characters. I hope this series becomes better.
Robin Lear’s extravagant lifestyle is the envy of every socialite in Texas—until a personal tragedy changes everything. Her father, shipping tycoon Aaron Lear, announces he has just months to live. Determined to teach his spoiled daughter one final life lesson, Aaron demotes her from her cushy job in the family business and sends her to work for an insufferable manager. Now, for the first time in her life, Robin will have to earn her place in the world—and the sexy new contractor renovating her house may be just the man to show her how.
Jake Manning never had it easy, and after years of hard work, he’s finally ready to settle down and enjoy the fruits of his labor. Yet one look at gorgeous Robin Lear is all it takes to turn his carefully laid plans upside down. Jake knows better than to mix business with pleasure, but that’s before he realizes there’s more to this trust-fund princess than meets the eye. Taking a chance on her means taking a chance on love—and Jake knows all too well that the best things in life are worth the effort.
At first I seriously hated Robin, she's just so messy and everywhere, and that was who she is before meeting jake. -A MESS. I like the part when she learned how to actually live and realize how shallow her life has become. And this realization didn't all come at once, it was gradual. The storyline was well plotted. And in the end, you feel sorry for her and you actually end up rooting for her.
Jake is an amazing guy, what he makes up for his lack of financial security, he made up for loving and taking care of Robin. Although he has a tendency to be insecure with the monetary aspect of their relationship, that didn't stop him from fighting for Robin.
This was such a great read. A perfect combination of a good storyline. Funny, humorous and great characters. I hope this series becomes better.
August 30, 2013
I just read this last night. I have loved her historicals and am open minded about reading her contemporaries. But aside from a thoroughly unlikable heroine and slow drawn out plot... I was terribly offended by the use of gay slurs from the so-called "hero."
The blatant homophobia in this book was ridiculous. The "hero" was derisive towards his nephew and soon-to-be ward because he was "sensitive" and we all know "how that tends to turn out for men." And continuous use of the F word? Even if the author has personal issues with homosexuality... if you can't say something nice about a large societal group don't say anything at all. The F word is such a hate-filled word... not unlike many racial slurs. With the large number of hate crimes directed at the gay community I would hope that despite her personal feelings on the issue she would show a little compassion here and not spout that type of hateful homophobia.
Unfortunately I can't support this kind of hate. I have messaged the author asking politely for an explanation. Because this book actually upset me. Regardless I don't think I can read another novel from her. I felt so strongly that I had to create an account here and leave a review. I was just so terribly shocked at this coming from one of my "auto buy" authors.
The blatant homophobia in this book was ridiculous. The "hero" was derisive towards his nephew and soon-to-be ward because he was "sensitive" and we all know "how that tends to turn out for men." And continuous use of the F word? Even if the author has personal issues with homosexuality... if you can't say something nice about a large societal group don't say anything at all. The F word is such a hate-filled word... not unlike many racial slurs. With the large number of hate crimes directed at the gay community I would hope that despite her personal feelings on the issue she would show a little compassion here and not spout that type of hateful homophobia.
Unfortunately I can't support this kind of hate. I have messaged the author asking politely for an explanation. Because this book actually upset me. Regardless I don't think I can read another novel from her. I felt so strongly that I had to create an account here and leave a review. I was just so terribly shocked at this coming from one of my "auto buy" authors.
dnf
April 11, 2015I abandoned this one a while ago. I tried to read it after I won a copy from a goodreads giveaway. And I think the fact I'd been gifted a free copy kept me reading longer than I normally would. I read 100 pages and thought I could muster my way through, but ultimately couldn't imagine doing another 300-plus pages. I hated the heroine. Hated her. She was entitled. Rude. Annoying. And not even good at her job. I do sometimes like the idea of growing in a relationship and love making you change, but I had 0 reason to root for this woman. One of my final straws was a scene in which she was pulled over for a traffic violation and she was nothing but rude to the police officer. I think she pulled the "do you know who I am?" She then continued to be rude and entitled and played the pity party when her grandparents had to pick her up from the police.
Sometimes I can fight my way through horrible people and plots if I'm at least entertained. Good writing. Good pacing. Something. While Julia London is not a bad writer, this was not the book for me.
Sometimes I can fight my way through horrible people and plots if I'm at least entertained. Good writing. Good pacing. Something. While Julia London is not a bad writer, this was not the book for me.
July 14, 2014
Disclaimer: I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads Program and in no way shape or form did it dictate how I felt about this book.
I actually did not think that I would like this book when I first picked it up. 300 pages in the pool and sunburn later I realized that I was sucked in and did not want to put it down. The problem was around page 300-400 it got pretty boring (hence the missing flame). I liked the humor, the characters, and the lessons learned.
I will be reading the next one in this story!
I actually did not think that I would like this book when I first picked it up. 300 pages in the pool and sunburn later I realized that I was sucked in and did not want to put it down. The problem was around page 300-400 it got pretty boring (hence the missing flame). I liked the humor, the characters, and the lessons learned.
I will be reading the next one in this story!
June 7, 2017
DNF? Didn't like the homophobic hero. Not for me at all!!
May 26, 2021
Esta novela la tenía en la estantería digital desde hace uff y nunca llegaba el momento de tomarlo y empezar a leerlo. Qué gran elección hice, desde que me lo empecé no he podido soltarlo, literalmente me ha durado menos de dos días.
Es una historia romántica de esas que me gustan, dónde vemos un crecimiento de a pocos de la protagonista, haciéndolo más realista, cosa que ha hecho que empatice mejor con ella.
Lo único que no me ha terminado de viajar es la tendencia machista que tiene el protagonista masculino, aunque viendo que es del año 2003, tiempo en donde aún no había la concientización que hay hoy en día, puedo intentar obviarlo, sin poder aceptarlo del todo.
Era la primera vez que leía a la autora y me ha sorprendido, la forma en que caracteriza a los personajes utilizando sentimientos y emociones para definirlos ha sido muy bueno, me permitió entenderlos mejor a pesar de contar con pocas apariciones.
Debo decir que desde el minuto uno ya tenía un par de lagrimones en los ojos, para luego al acabar el libro terminar llorando a mares al conocer toda la hermosa historia de Robin y Jake y sus declaraciones de amor que sinceramente me llegaron al alma.
Me encantó que a la par de conocer el romance de los protagonistas, se puede ver una subtrama que es el de los padres de las hermanas Lear, este hilo es lo que parece la conexión entre la trilogía y a mi parecer tendrá un desarrollo a través de toda esta. Cosa que a pesar de que detesté al padre, espero con ansias seguir viéndolo. 🙈
Es una historia romántica de esas que me gustan, dónde vemos un crecimiento de a pocos de la protagonista, haciéndolo más realista, cosa que ha hecho que empatice mejor con ella.
Lo único que no me ha terminado de viajar es la tendencia machista que tiene el protagonista masculino, aunque viendo que es del año 2003, tiempo en donde aún no había la concientización que hay hoy en día, puedo intentar obviarlo, sin poder aceptarlo del todo.
Era la primera vez que leía a la autora y me ha sorprendido, la forma en que caracteriza a los personajes utilizando sentimientos y emociones para definirlos ha sido muy bueno, me permitió entenderlos mejor a pesar de contar con pocas apariciones.
Debo decir que desde el minuto uno ya tenía un par de lagrimones en los ojos, para luego al acabar el libro terminar llorando a mares al conocer toda la hermosa historia de Robin y Jake y sus declaraciones de amor que sinceramente me llegaron al alma.
Me encantó que a la par de conocer el romance de los protagonistas, se puede ver una subtrama que es el de los padres de las hermanas Lear, este hilo es lo que parece la conexión entre la trilogía y a mi parecer tendrá un desarrollo a través de toda esta. Cosa que a pesar de que detesté al padre, espero con ansias seguir viéndolo. 🙈
November 5, 2023
This was an enjoyable read, but with a lot of spots where the cringe factor was high. Robin is a super rich girl, who has some significant self-esteem issues, while also being super arrogant and spends money like water. Her father just found out that he has cancer and decides to demote her (causing further self-esteem issues) so she can actually learn the business. At the same time, she had bought a big house and contracted with Jake Manning to renovate the entire thing. Jake is a hunk, but is nowhere near her economic status and he just cannot relate to the way she looks down on people and spends money - BUT naturally he starts to fall for her. There are a number of interesting characters, and sleezeball Evan who is now her boss (and her father's favorite and choice for her to marry). There is much back and forth as she and Jake start a relationship but are still in different stratospheres. She starts to get a touch of reality when her father cuts her off - but still doesn't want to have a commitment. The romance is good, but her disdain for others in the first half of the book, while realistic, is indeed cringeworthy. Definitely looking forward to the second book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2017
My favorite to date, a great read
Julia London is an excellent writer and I particularly enjoyed this book. Her characters are so vivid and well developed. I have known people just like Jake, Robin, Evan, Grandpa, Grandma, Mia, and Zany. She really has human nature down. This book has just the right balance of humor and drama. Robin's journey from "man eating", rich diva to a real caring, loving person was not easy or quick but Jake's love brings her around and his view of social order changed. I will be reading the remainder of the series.
Julia London is an excellent writer and I particularly enjoyed this book. Her characters are so vivid and well developed. I have known people just like Jake, Robin, Evan, Grandpa, Grandma, Mia, and Zany. She really has human nature down. This book has just the right balance of humor and drama. Robin's journey from "man eating", rich diva to a real caring, loving person was not easy or quick but Jake's love brings her around and his view of social order changed. I will be reading the remainder of the series.
September 11, 2017
I love Julia London's books but this one didn't do it for me. I just couldn't get invested in it. I truly just didn't care for the main character at all. Even at the end, she wasn't the most likable character.
August 12, 2021
A brilliant read
This is a book that explores what money and greed can do to influence a person’s view of people and the world they live in. I love the way Robin discovers how her life can be so much richer and fuller when she stops and smells the roses.
This is a book that explores what money and greed can do to influence a person’s view of people and the world they live in. I love the way Robin discovers how her life can be so much richer and fuller when she stops and smells the roses.
January 1, 2023
Material Girl (Lear Family Trilogy #1) by Julia London
Oh, this Lear family is going to be tons of fun! I'm not crazy about, and skipped, the XXX parts, but overall this is a terrific love story with a storybook ending. Bring on the next sister!
Oh, this Lear family is going to be tons of fun! I'm not crazy about, and skipped, the XXX parts, but overall this is a terrific love story with a storybook ending. Bring on the next sister!
January 6, 2023
Humorous
Ok, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to read it. Robin was hard to like. At the end I was left wanting. I don’t feel like the epilogue gave clarity to how things were going to work when the characters combined their worlds. How did they live?
Ok, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to read it. Robin was hard to like. At the end I was left wanting. I don’t feel like the epilogue gave clarity to how things were going to work when the characters combined their worlds. How did they live?
November 27, 2024
Wanted to love it. Tried to live it.
Looked forward to the plot line. But, the suthor just was too long winded and boring building up the backstory.
I cut my losses so I csn spend more time with a better book!!
Skip It!
Next!
Looked forward to the plot line. But, the suthor just was too long winded and boring building up the backstory.
I cut my losses so I csn spend more time with a better book!!
Skip It!
Next!
May 7, 2017
1.5 stars
August 28, 2017
I'm a Material Girl
Another great read by Julia London. Didn't cry like the Homecoming series but this was a great love conquers all.
Another great read by Julia London. Didn't cry like the Homecoming series but this was a great love conquers all.
September 15, 2017
Good
I enjoy a story that takes you in a journey. This one was a little more than that. It was one of self realization and finding love worth fighting for.
I enjoy a story that takes you in a journey. This one was a little more than that. It was one of self realization and finding love worth fighting for.
October 19, 2017
Was a good story. Liked it and the rest of the series a lot. The author actually gave me laugh out loud funny parts!
October 24, 2017
Blah, blah, blah, boring.
February 28, 2019
Some of this was very good, some just so-so.
April 10, 2019
Phenomenal book!!!
I love Julia’s books, she is one of my favourite authors.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
I love Julia’s books, she is one of my favourite authors.
I loved this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and the story.
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