One in a Million

Rivalries #1

by Janet Dailey

Yellowstone meets Dallas against the backdrop of Texas horse country, as the death of a patriarch leaves his rich and powerful ranching family dynasty at odds, a high-stakes reining competition in the balance, and forbidden attractions in the mix.

Fans of Linda Lael Miller, Danielle Steel, and Diana Palmer will devour this soapy saga filled to the brim with Texas-style drama, corruption, money, and sizzling affairs.

Frank Culhane may be the wealthy patriarch of one of Texas’ most prestigious families, but his party girl daughter, Jasmine, is only interested in the money the ranch brings in—and the cowboys. Until the day she heads to the stables in search of their hot horse trainer and instead discovers her daddy’s body in their prize stallion’s box stall.

Roper’s rodeo career was cut short by an injury. Now, he’s hungry to compete in reining events, like the prized forthcoming Run for a Million. In the meantime, until his family can afford their own breeding business, he’s got to work for the rich ranchers who snub them—including the Culhanes. But when an autopsy reveals Frank was murdered, Roper lands on the list of possible suspects.

A city outsider, Detective Sam Rafferty’s investigation propels him into a tangle of simmering rivalries. For the ranch is now in the hands of an explosive Frank’s young, glamourous second wife, Lila, and his scorned first wife, Madeline. Lila has a genuine passion for ranching. Madeline is determined to destroy her.

Through Sam’s interviews, more tensions surface—there are Madeline’s grown children who’ve been bypassed for control of the ranch, the socially dismissed McKennas, and the breeders, politicians, and gangsters ready to profit from Frank’s death. But tricky alliances are also brewing. While Lila and Roper clash, they discover a fire beneath their sparring. And with a killer still at large, the heat between Jasmine and Sam could put the case, and all their futures, on the line . . .

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Contemporary, Suspense, Book Club

336 pages, Hardcover

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.

She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.

Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I've read any of Janet Dailey's books prior to this one, unless maybe it was years ago and I've forgotten. I picked the book up because I've seen the author's name on many books and asked myself why in the world haven't you sampled her work. So I picked it up and I'm glad I did as I enjoyed it. May be reading more from her older books. I didn't know the author had died, and this was one of her unfinished stories which was released posthumously.

Description:
Frank Culhane may be the wealthy patriarch of one of Texas’ most prestigious families, but his party girl daughter, Jasmine, is only interested in the money the ranch brings in—and the cowboys. Until the day she heads to the stables in search of their hot horse trainer and instead discovers her daddy’s body in their prize stallion’s box stall.

Roper’s rodeo career was cut short by an injury. Now, he’s hungry to compete in reining events, like the prized forthcoming Run for a Million. In the meantime, until his family can afford their own breeding business, he’s got to work for the rich ranchers who snub them—including the Culhanes. But when an autopsy reveals Frank was murdered, Roper lands on the list of possible suspects.

A city outsider, Detective Sam Rafferty’s investigation propels him into a tangle of simmering rivalries. For the ranch is now in the hands of an explosive Frank’s young, glamourous second wife, Lila, and his scorned first wife, Madeline. Lila has a genuine passion for ranching. Madeline is determined to destroy her.

Through Sam’s interviews, more tensions surface—there are Madeline’s grown children who’ve been bypassed for control of the ranch, the socially dismissed McKennas, and the breeders, politicians, and gangsters ready to profit from Frank’s death. But tricky alliances are also brewing. While Lila and Roper clash, they discover a fire beneath their sparring. And with a killer still at large, the heat between Jasmine and Sam could put the case, and all their futures, on the line . . .

My thoughts:
This book read like a soap opera with lots of drama. The good kind that keeps you wanting more. This was both a romance and a mystery and was a fun read that kept my attention. I liked getting to know more about prize winning quarter horses. The book had both characters to love and hate. I hated Madeline, the first wife, and didn't like the evil step-mother second wife either. I hated the hateful son and the neighbor guy with the exotic animal ranch. What a horrible way to make a living - holding animals in cages and releasing them for people to hunt and kill for sport - absolutely sickening! I did like Sam, the FBI detective and also liked the cowboy, Roper. I never figured out why they let the FBI detective, Sam live on the ranch while he was investigating. That just seems far-fetched to me. I was disappointed at the end when I realized the story wasn't finished in this book and hope there is a follow-up book to finish this was that was in progress when the author died.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication January 23, 2024.

[Dianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 Stars because I finished it.

Trigger Warning: issues with an exotic animal game farm and descriptions of their deaths and captivity.

I think I have only read one other book by this author and it must not have left a big impression on me, because I don't remember it! When I was offered this book, I was unaware that Janet Dailey died on December 14, 2013. Knowing that an unknown author wrote this book might have me turning this book down. However, I agreed to read it, and I think I made a large mistake by doing so.

This book was clunky, with all of the character's unlikeable, unrealistic actions on behalf of the characters (what FBI agent in his/her right mind has relations with a suspect?), unrealistic plotting, etc.

Not to mention the HUGE cliffhanger that some may miss because it is in the epilogue.

Perhaps long-time readers can overlook these issues. Perhaps Janet always wrote her plots and characters like this. I did a little research into her and was astounded at one of the things I found out. *sad*

I did manage to finish this book just because I did want to know who-dun-it. And herein lies the cliffhanger.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally like Janet Dailey stories. I forced myself to finish this since it was an ARC from Netgalley. It dragged on and on, I didn't care for most of the characters, it was depressing, and didn't tie up the loose ends. On top of that it leaves the reader hanging at the end with the story continued in the next book. Hard pass on this one.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - Years ago, I used to read some of Dailey's Western romances and thought the setting and premise of One in a Million sounded good. Frank Culhane is the leader of a wealthy Texas ranching family and is found dead in his stable, in the stall of his prize stallion. Frank's death creates tensions between those who were closest to him. The tension is multiplied when Detective Sam Rafferty begins investigating Frank's death, especially when sparks fly between Sam and Frank's daughter Jasmine. The victim had people who loved him, but he also made a lot of enemies so there are no shortage of suspects.

Some of the characters in this story are hard to take and a gory subplot about an exotic animal game farm was unnecessary. However, overall this was a fun and engaging read with a nice mix of mystery, family drama, and romance. I also enjoyed the information about horse training and reining competitions, which I was unfamiliar with before this. There are a couple of twists at the end of the book which I would normally enjoy, but the book ended leaving these plot twists as cliffhangers! At the back of the book, it says there will be a sequel to One in a Million, which I assume will resolve the very important loose ends left at the end of this book. I don't like when important plot points are left unanswered at the end of a book, so I can only rate this book 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Kensington Books and BTC Books at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Ashten Masching · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It is a mystery book located on a horse ranch. I didn’t realize until the end that this book is a series with the second book coming out in late 2024. Left on a major cliff hanger… but definitely will be reading the next book, Lie For A Million, once released.

[Anna Tomaszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not know that it was a series literally just picked it off the shelf on the library……ended on a cliffhanger. Could not put it down though.

[Susie Hitchcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

Great mystery with some romance thrown in. Kept me guessing through the whole book…now to read the next one in the series.

[Julie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Dailey, good characters, ongoing storyline.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK. Not as good as her other books.

[Dan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review - One in a Million. 4 Stars

Let me start by saying saying I received an advanced copy of this book, but this review is my opinions and mine only.

From the back cover one would think this is a mystery, albeit one with some romance thrown into the mix. I would say that this book is mostly soap opera (think Dallas, virgin River or maybe Yellowstone. I am probably not the correct demographic for that (I am a late 60s male), but I found the book interesting and well written. I would give it 4 stars. It has well rounded and “real” characters, a good plot, a story that flows well from page one all the way to the final page.

I knew there would be carryover plot lines as the book is touted as the first in”The Rivalry Series”. In fact, the very last line is an awesome cliffhanger! I didn’t mind that some plot lines would not be completely resolved and I even liked the last line cliffhanger. What I did not like is the fat that the main mystery (the death of the Culhane’s matriarch) is left unresolved. Boo-hiss! I have taken off one start (hence the 4 star rating) for that alone.

If it weren’t for that fact I probably would have given it a 5 star (or at least 4.6 or 4.7 star) rating. Sure, she repeats certain phrase such as Dribbling whiskey into Old Man Culhane’s coffee cup (every time we see him she uses this exact phrase)! There are other minor items like this and the dialog is a bit on the cliche side but the characters and te plotting are so good you can overlook that.

A really good, quick read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t believe I’ve read any of the Rivalries series, it was fine as a standalone. The stunning cover and description hooked me. This is another one of Ms. Dailey’s unfinished stories released after her passing. It’s what I would categorize as romantic suspense. The ranch set near Abilene is renowned for it’s prize winning quarter horses. The championship horses were more trustworthy than many of the family fighting to control ownership after patriarch Frank Culhane is found murdered. There’s his younger second wife, an obnoxious attorney son, a spoiled wild child daughter and the spurned first wife. There is a prenup with ambiguity, bitter resentment and the intent for revenge. Of course there are also ranch hands and a vengeful crazy neighbor with an exotic animals for sport. The list of suspects and possible motives is lengthy. An FBI agent, Sam, is leaving a divorce and his partner’s death behind for a fresh start. Solving Frank’s murder is a test to confirm if he’s capable of heading up this FBI branch in an environment that’s nothing like the metropolitan city he left.
Overall the plot was easy to follow after figuring out who’s who in the cast of many of characters. There are ornery, naïve, conniving and hateful people. There’s the evil stepmother and resentful heirs. What didn’t work for me was letting the lead FBI investigator move into the ranch where all the suspects live, not very plausible. The romantic entanglements were obvious and predictable. I found the setting authentic and realistic. The comparison to TV shows Yellowstone and Dallas is a stretch. I didn’t have strong feelings about the story good or bad, sort of middle of the road, not memorable.
A digital advance reader copy of “One In A Million” by Janet Dailey, Kensington Publishing, was provided by NetGalley. Publication expected Jan. 23, 2024. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.

[Jennine Keleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic who dunnit story filled with an abundance of drama, mystery and even some romance. If you were a fan of the 80's TV show Dallas, you will see the similarities between the book and the TV show of the infamous episode "Who Shot JR"

I found this book very interesting with an eye-opening cliffhanger. It is the first in "The Rivalry Series". I was not thrilled by the end of the story, the murder of Frank Culhane had not been resolved. It felt like one big soap opera.

I didn't realize this book was released after the death of Janet Daley. I truly hope there is a follow-up book to solve the murder mystery.

[Karen Fazekas · Rating 1 out of 5]

no warning of continued book

I regret reading this. I never would have read a book that ends with a cliffhanger for a book not yet released! There should have been a warning

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT

If there is a significant flaw in this book it is the total predictability of the story, including the names of the McKenzie family. It is the first of a trilogy, though doesn't appear to be in the descriptions. A saga about a ruthless, mean and vindictive family in Texas. Wealth and horses are at the center of the plot. Frank Culhane is a serial adulterer. His second wife Lila is in power, loving horses as much as Frank, when he is murdered, with a fentanyl overdose. His prize stallion, "One in a Million", which is at stud after a famous career in Reined Showing, is spooked as the body is left in his stall. His daughter, Jasmine, finds the body. Thus begins the fight for the control of the estate. The inheritance is on the table. Lila is universally disliked. She enlists the support of Roper McKenzie, head horse trainer, by putting him in charge of the horses and letting him finally compete. Frank had jealously controlled who rode his horses and gained fame.

Lila should get the ranch, but the wording of their pre-nup can be interpreted as expecting that the marriage will produce more children. It did not. Frank's first wife and the mother of his children, Jasmine and Darrin, is headed to the ranch to get rid of the Lila and proclaim her control. Darrin is married and his wife, a nasty piece of work, and very pregnant, is determined that she will soon be living in the house. She pushes Darrin hard to use the lack of more children as the means for ousting Lila. Jasmine is portrayed as a spoiled snotty young woman. She will become involved with the FBI agent who is sent to solve the murder, Sam Rafferty. Sam knows if their affair is discovered it will be end of his career.

In the meantime, Jasmine become involved with a group of animal rights advocates. They are focused on the Big Game Safaris business of Charlie Grishman, who has unhealthy and dying animals brought in for the purpose of being hunted on his ranch, which is adjacent to the Culnanes. In the staging of a demonstration, Jasmine realizes that they are intending to go beyond that and set the animals free: lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, zebras and more. They also set free a hyena that is aggressive and very dangerous. The hyena will kill Smokey, one of the ranch hands out looking for the animals, and then will attack Lila's prize mare, "Million Dollar Baby". Though Baby kills the hyena, her injuries will end in her death and the horse to be ridden in the upcoming Run for the Million. Jasmine will leave a bracelet at the scene of the demonstration; Charlie who has the hots for her will use it to blackmail her into giving him her car.

While Darrin pays a stable hand, Cruiser, to fix the brake lines in Lila's car, at the orders of his mother, Madeline, and Lila is hurt when her car goes off the road, Cruiser is picked up when he flees. Darrin and Madeline are arrested. Madeline had a friend in Louis Divino, a mob figure, who had hired a man to kill Lila. However, the man had not completed the hire. Someone else had done the deed. So the killer is undiscovered at the end of the book, Madeline has a brain tumor, so she will not live to see justice, and Lila gets a call from Frank's latest mistress, Crystal Carter, who is pregnant. Nice set up for the second installment of the series "Rivalries".

[Linty · Rating 1 out of 5]

- wealthy ranch boss frank culhane is found dead in his prized horse's stable, and when outsider fbi agent sam rafferty comes to town, everyone is a suspect, from frank's children to his widow to his ex-wife to his lead horse trainer
- this was simply Not Good
- at first i thought it was just because i do not give a shit about texas or cowboys or horses (and i'm sure that was a contributing factor to be fair!) but there were actual problems here, most of which were character-related
- starting with the two villain characters who were just purely cartoonishly evil
- like come on... the guy running an exotic animal hunting business is also a sexual harasser and also a pedo teacher????? pick a struggle!
- felt like most of the characters didn't really have much motive to kill frank because they didn't really give a fuck about the ranch. as for the characters who do give a fuck about the ranch, they're so transparently the author's favorites that there was no way they would be revealed as the killer
- and totally did not buy the romance between jasmine and sam. both of them are kind of empty characters so it's hard to see what they see in each other. also very much insta-lust
- all of the characters are dumb as hell. they are all talking to sam without a lawyer, and sam ropes himself into a conflict of interest within like 1 day of being on the scene.
- also none of them talk like real people (which, okay, no one in any book really should. but just lots of dialogue that is pretty obviously directed at the reader vs something that sounds like a natural response to another person)
- one of the horses is named million dollar baby so i had that dumb ass song stuck in my head the whole time. not important but i am holding it against the book.
- there's a twist at the end that negates just about everything about the investigation, obviously to set up the unnecessary sequel, but sooo unsatisfying.
- the only thing i liked (found funny?) was the fact that this book was posthumously released and the story revolves around the battle for the legacy of the ranch. lol what a meta


**thank you to goodreads and the publisher for the arc!**

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaways

Before starting this novel, I discovered that Janet Dailey passed away in 2013. Her books are ghostwritten by her husband and daughter. I don't know enough about ghostwriting to know what the advantage is to publishing books that way. I just found it interesting.

"One in a Million" is Book 1 in a new series, "Rivalries". Frank Culhane is the wealthy owner of a Texas horse ranch. He is an accomplished competitive rider and his horse, One in a Million, is famous in the horse world. Frank's son, Darrin, and his wife Sophie live on the ranch as does his daughter, Jasmine. Frank's wife, Lila, manages the ranch and is known for doing it well. When Jasmine goes to check on One in a Million one morning, she finds her father murdered in the horse's stall. The investigation reveals he died from a hypodermic needle of fentanyl given in the back of his neck.

FBI agent, Sam Rafferty, arrives at the ranch with orders to stay there until he finds the killer. He has plenty of suspects. Frank's wife and children all have reasons to have murdered him. His ex-wife and mother of the children, Madeliene also has plenty of reasons. Sam must also consider head ranch hand, Roper McKenna. His neighbor, Charlie, who runs an illegal hunting operation is also a suspect.

This novel was good though fairly predictable. The horses were much more likable than any of the characters. I found it quite far-fetched that an FBI agent would stay on a ranch, use their vehicles, eat meals there, etc. while trying to find which of them committed a murder. The very last sentence of the book set up the next book in the series; however, I'm not sufficiently intrigued to read the next one.

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Dailey brings a story of Frank Culhane and his family. When his daughter finds his body in the stables, everyone becomes a suspect from his children and ex-wife to his current wife and those who work for him. Detective Rafferty comes onto the scene to solve the case. Tensions rise higher when his ex-wife appears of the scene to support her children and make sure that they are the rightful heirs of their father's legacy instead of his current wife. Detective Rafferty must decide who is telling the truth and who is lying; who will walk away with everything and who will gain nothing.

Janet Dailey brings us a story of family, loyalty, and greed. How far would you go to ensure your children will gain everything? Follow Detective Rafferty as he tries to figure out who is the killer and if they will strike again, or is it a case of just trying to get rid of one man. The twists and turns between those who are suspects and those seeking the truth become blurred as passions are raised will make you want to keep turning the page until you reach the end. But was the truth really discovered or was only one version revealed?

I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books, Kensington for this privilege.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Culhane, rancher, and patriarch of one of Texas’ most prestigious families, is found dead in the stall of one of their prized stallions, by his daughter, Jasmine. When the medical examiner determines that Frank was murdered, the search for the killer begins. There are several suspects with plenty of motive right from the beginning. But it will be up to Detective Sam Rafferty to solve the crime. If he can’t, he may lose his job.

Frank’s second wife, Lila, is now in control of the ranch, along with his first wife, Madeline. Lila is devoted to the ranch and the horses. Madeline is out to bring Lila down and get her off the ranch one way or another, and recruits her two children, Jasmine and Darrin to aid her in her efforts so that they can inherit the entire ranch. Madeline is quite devious.

There is a lot of tension, drama, family dynamics, secrets, and danger from more than one source. There is also an attraction between Detective Rafferty and Jasmine, and also between Lila and horse trainer Roper.

Although a couple of issues are resolved and secrets revealed, there are more that aren’t so we’re left with a cliffhanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

One in a Million is the first book in a series called Rivalries. Janet Dailey is the author, although she is dead, her husband and daughter actually are writing the books. (Not thrilled with this information.) I enjoyed the story and found the twists and turns interesting. It is a cliffhanger and not all the various character’s stories were wrapped up, which is why I think it is a series.

One in a Million is based on the Culhane Family. They are rich, very rich. They own a lot of land in Texas and train some of the best rodeo horses. Unfortunately, the father Frank was found dead in one of the horse stalls. Experts have determined that he was murdered. There are many reasons that he could have been killed and a number of people who could have murdered him. There is more trouble that happens including some weird happenings. The FBI sent out an agent, Sam who slowly begins to narrow down the various stories.

One in a Million belongs in the genre of romantic suspense except for the fact that the romance and the suspense are not the same people. The story line was interesting. There are a couple of twists that were foreshadowed and some that happen out of the blue. One in a Million by Janet Dailey (via her husband and daughter) was an interesting read.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the patriarch of the Culhane family is found dead in the barn, everyone assumes it was natural causes, until fentanyl is found in his system. Everyone is a suspect: his kids, ex-wife, wife and even the neighbors. Bringing in a Chicago detective to help because they are short handed, he has the possibility of a new job. Sam has his work cut out for him in more ways than one.

Lila, the wife, seems like the most likely suspect because she is set to inherit a good portion of his estate. She also found out some information about him right before he was murdered. His son, while he wants the house once Lila is out of it, is a lawyer and wants to do things legally. I also didn’t feel like Jasmine, his daughter, did it, even though she was spoiled and hated Lila. His ex-wife was formidable and I didn’t care for her.

With a list of suspects and motives, I thought this book would move a little faster than it did. It did keep me guessing until the end. Some of the characters grew on me as the book went on, while others had me hoping they were guilty.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Anne-Marie Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery. A renowned Rancher is murdered in the stall of his prized stallion: One in a Million. The horse is a roan from a fabled blood line. Trainer Roper McKenna was preparing the horse for a race that would bring more prestige to the Culhane family; the Culhanes are a well known family in the Texas horse racing and breeding community.

When Frank Culhane, the popular owner of the ranch, is found dead in the stall, the FBI is called in to investigate.
Sam Rafferty gets involved in not only the investigation but entangled with Frank’s daughter as well.

Roper is a prominent man in the training of horses who is a suspect along with Frank’s ex-wife, current wife, son and possible mistress.

The investigation is wrought with twists and turns, intrigue, sabotage, and romantic pursuits.

I loved it and thought I knew who the murderer was yet the ending is a cliffhanger. So Ms Dailey hooked me so I must read the sequel Lie For a Million.

She includes a teaser for her new series: The New Americana series also about horses. (Sounds good)

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always start off my reviews of Janet Dailey’s books by saying that I was a big fan of hers in my younger days. So whenever I see a new JD book in NetGalley, I grab it immediately. Sometimes I am disappointed and sometimes I am impressed. For this particular title, I am in-between. The writing was pretty good. One thing I liked was how the true characters of two of the main characters were slowly revealed. The players in this story are described so well, you can literally see them in your mind’s eye. The dialogue sounded natural to my reading ears. Not impressed with the overly-fast development of the love story between one couple. Found myself losing interest in some of the passages. And didn’t like how the story doesn’t really end and you have to wait for the next instalment. Never had patience with series like that.

So, this was a 3 and half stars for me. Rounded up to 4. And still hoping to see the next volume in the series to see what happens.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads/Kensington Books for my Advanced copy.
Trigger warning: Animal Trophy hunting and talk about Human Trafficking

This book is the start of the Rivalries series set in Texas where Frank Culhane, head of one of Texas's most riches, families is found dead in the Stall of One in a Million, his prized horse. The FBI (Detective Sam Rafferty) is called in to investigate and there is a Rivalry between Frank's Current Wife, Lila and his ex-wife Madeline (and her children from Frank).

The story pulled me in at the start. I gave it 4 stars d/t the the unnecessary Trophy hunting side story and the middle of the book going all over the place. The ending seemed to pull it together but also left a cliffhanger as this is going to be part of a series. I would recommend this book but keep those trigger warnings in mind before reading. Also if you like Soap Operas you might be drawn to this book also.

[Diana N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit all over the place between the horse ranch, murder mystery, wild animal farm, and romance with the detective.

I thought the plot was interesting, but I felt like it could have been more effective streamling one aspect or character. If it stuck yo just the mystery it would have been better without side tangents. The wild animal farm part was just too weird too and seemed thrown it to add content.

I really only liked one character too, Roper. He just seemed genuine and a hard worker, including care for the horses. The Culhane family members all just seemed too selfish or bossy. Then there was Sam getting romantically involved with a potential suspect in his case, so not appropriate or realistic.

I didn't get classic Janet Dailey storytelling and romance in this book like I'm used to. Hopefully it's just a one off.

Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Karen Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Located in Texas horse country, Frank Culhane and Culhane Ranch are known for raising champion horses. Although Lily has only been married to Frank for eleven years, she loves the horses and the ranch and handles the business accounts for the ranch. Lily has become suspicious that Frank is cheating, and her private investigator has given her damning evidence. Before she can decide how to handle the information she now has, everything changes in an instant. Frank’s daughter, Jasmine, finds her father dead in one of the stables. Roper, the ranch’s trainer, is focused on taking extra care of the horses, and Frank’s son Darrin is already on a power trip. Culhane Ranch is about to become the center of an FBI murder investigation, where everybody is a suspect.

I’ve always enjoyed reading Janet Dailey books. Strong characters, wonderful settings and a great story, each and every time. One in a Million is definitely a favorite. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many Janet Dailey books and have enjoyed reading them.
I am a bit disappointed in her books since she is no longer writing them, but others have tried to fill in her writing ideas and books she had before her death many years ago. This book had a good set of bones to it but for me it dragged on and fell apart a few times.
I liked many of the characters in the story, but others left me with a feeling of not caring what happened to them.
The family saga and drama would be a bit better if there had been more emotion and feeling coming from them.
I am looking forward to the next one coming from this series The Rivalries. Lie for A Million will hopefully connect the story line and give it the treatment that is so much a part of a Janet Dailey book.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of One in a Million.
This is my personal review.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stunning cover and description hooked me. One in a Million is action filled with mystery, romance, family feuds, horses and cowboys, this one focuses the death of ranch tycoon Frank Culhane. Numerous characters were introduced most of whom are believable and relatable even likeable. There is the one total reprehensible character who has a wildlife hunting “club” (the cruelty and callousness toward these animals was hard to read). The ranch set near Abilene is renowned for it’s prize winning quarter horses. The writing was pretty good. One thing I liked was how the true characters of two of the main characters were slowly revealed. The players in this story are described so well, you can literally see them in your mind’s eye. The dialogue sounded natural to my reading ears. I like the appearance of the strong women in the story and knowing what they want and going after it.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of One in a Million

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tangled web of deceit. Frank Culhane was a rich horse breeder with a stallion worth millions. He also rode in competitions on that horses daughter.. When Frank is found dead by his daughter, the FBI is called in. Sam was the agent assigned to the case and certainly had his work cut out for him. Roper was the horse trainer that had tons of experience, but Frank wouldn't let him ride in competitions. I loved when Frank's son got uppity after Frank died. " you will say I understand, Mr Culhane". Entitled jerk. Roper quit on the spot, knowing Darrin knew nothing about the horses or training. Lila Culhave (the widow) hired him back the same night.
The story had lots of intrigue (to be continued in the next book- I can't wait. We will see if the romances play out.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Anima · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 30%. I’ve been a fan of Dailey’s for a while now. I enjoy her Christmas and cowboy series because they are unique, family centered and take place in the past. From the get go I just couldn’t get into these characters for many reasons. When conversations don’t match the character’s “voice” it drives me crazy, the flow is gone and the writing seems amateurish. The patriarch of a horse and cattle ranching family is killed, the second wife and his kids are facing a battle of rights and wits. His children are in their thirties, act like teenagers and live like spoiled rich brats. I got as far as the fed arriving at the scene where he immediately lets the victim’s daughter become his chauffeur and their guest house his new accommodations. I’m not sure Dailey did her police research on this one. Sorry but I just couldn’t go any further reading my advanced copy.

[Louisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other Janet Dailey fans may find this as disappointing as I did. One in a Million is more like one of hundreds of similar Western mystery romances. This reminds me of early Janet Dailey Harlequin romances because the spark of individuality found in many Janet Dailey novels is missing. Highlights include an ambiguous ending that makes way for a sequel, flawed but sympathetic characters, and an unsolved mystery. The trite cast of characters could have been developed by Hallmark. The big, profitable ranch is just another incarnation of the Calder and Tyler ranches in other Janet Dailey series. Reading this took me as long as reading as book twice as long last week because I was not invested in the characters, though the plot is somewhat intriguing. I would rather not see any more books published under Janet Dailey’s name than read another novel like One in a Million.