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Americana #19
Summer Mahogany
Every novel in this collection is your passport to a romantic tour of the United States through time-honored favorites by America-s First Lady of romance fiction. Each of the fifty novels is set in a different state, researched by Janet and her husband, Bill. For the Daileys it was an odyssey of discovery. For you, it-s the journey of a lifetime. Your tour of desire begins with this story set in Maine.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
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About the author
Janet Dailey
395 books1,849 followersJanet 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 5, 2020
"Summer Mahogany" is the story of Gina and Rhyder.
This angsty tale is set in Maine and has the story moving between the past and the present.
The book begins with the h meeting the H again. Nine years ago, a smitten sixteen year old h and fell head over heels in love with the H. She relentlessly pursued him, until a misunderstanding forced them into a marriage, thanks to her grandfather. Laden with anger and vengeance, a stormy wedding night is followed by an annulment, and the H walks away..
At present, the h is a successful lawyer who is informed that they are still married, and finds the H pursuing her, refusing to let her go..
Angst filled passionate romance between an impulsive h, whose decisions as a teenager led to a hasty wedding and loads of heartbreak. The H is obsessed, and their chemistry is sizzling. That being said, nine years is a LONG time and we barely got any insight into how that time was spent. Loads of things were never discussed, and book ended abruptly.
SWE?
2.5/5
This angsty tale is set in Maine and has the story moving between the past and the present.
The book begins with the h meeting the H again. Nine years ago, a smitten sixteen year old h and fell head over heels in love with the H. She relentlessly pursued him, until a misunderstanding forced them into a marriage, thanks to her grandfather. Laden with anger and vengeance, a stormy wedding night is followed by an annulment, and the H walks away..
At present, the h is a successful lawyer who is informed that they are still married, and finds the H pursuing her, refusing to let her go..
Angst filled passionate romance between an impulsive h, whose decisions as a teenager led to a hasty wedding and loads of heartbreak. The H is obsessed, and their chemistry is sizzling. That being said, nine years is a LONG time and we barely got any insight into how that time was spent. Loads of things were never discussed, and book ended abruptly.
SWE?
2.5/5
April 17, 2021
Cover artist David Craig. Nice lobster!
On three different occasions in Summer Mahogany, the heroine supposedly asleep in bed, overhears men—her grandfather and the skeevy violent H, or H and his nerdy lawyer friend talking amongst themselves—making decisions about her life but without her input. And their decisions suck. The chemistry between the MCs is conveyed well but it's really not enough to salvage the book because the H is odious. physical intimidation, ratcheted up till it hurts is all he knows about communication; he's going to break her wrist someday for sure.
On three different occasions in Summer Mahogany, the heroine supposedly asleep in bed, overhears men—her grandfather and the skeevy violent H, or H and his nerdy lawyer friend talking amongst themselves—making decisions about her life but without her input. And their decisions suck. The chemistry between the MCs is conveyed well but it's really not enough to salvage the book because the H is odious. physical intimidation, ratcheted up till it hurts is all he knows about communication; he's going to break her wrist someday for sure.
June 24, 2024
HAIKU BOOK REVIEW: Summer Mahogany, by Janet Dailey
Dumb girl running in
the streets naked, forcing man
to shotgun wedding.
Dumb girl running in
the streets naked, forcing man
to shotgun wedding.
August 14, 2010
I took one look at this cover and I knew I had read this book as a young girl. It probably scarred me for life.
I actually enjoyed reading the beginning, a bit. I have friends from Maine and I have been there on vacation. I enjoyed the review of Maine-isms in the book.
The major flaw of the book is that the main female character is just beyond redemption. She has NO redeeming qualities as far as I am concerned. She does just the most horrible thing a young teenage girl can do to an adult man. Then she blames the male character for the whole situation. Of course it's just a plot device to justify the 26 year old man having sex with a 16 year old girl, which is totally illegal and frankly, kind of sick.
Now one could argue that she was a 16 year old girl and aren't we all full of hormones and hysterics at that age? Absolutely yes. But the main part of the book is supposedly when the main character is 26. Don't you think she should have grown up by then? Don't you think she should look back on her behavior and finally understand just how truly horrific her actions were? Don't you think she should feel some guilt, some remorse?
She does not, apparently. She blames him for her grandfather's death, and blames herself NOT AT ALL. She blackmails the guy numerous times, takes his money.. oh it is just awful.
And the premise is that she is "forced" to marry him because a bunch of people saw her running half naked home after he rejected her, even though it was night and pouring rain, and the book actually says -- no I am serious --
"She was ruined. No decent boy would look at her now."
Really, Janet Dailey? In 1978? She was RUINED??? Seriously? Have you heard of the sexual revolution at all? Is this Jane Austen?
Then she is married to him for one night, blackmails him for money, and goes back home, has the marriage annulled. Apparently THAT doesn't "ruin" her?
Not to mention she grows up to become a LAWYER, and yet when her "husband" announces to her 9 years later that the annullment is legally invalid and why, this is apparently the first time she's considered that? And she's a lawyer? The worst lawyer ever obviously.
But you know, it's all ok because she has silky dark hair and green eyes like the ocean. You know what, I have silky dark hair and light green eyes, and it doesn't give me a pass to act like that. But you know, the guy ends up loving her anyway, right? Even though she is a pathetic excuse for a human being.
The only reason I read these awful books is to see how very bad they can get. Usually the characters are both somewhat to blame and they both grow up a little, and they are slightly redeemed.
Not in this book. It's just horrible.
I actually enjoyed reading the beginning, a bit. I have friends from Maine and I have been there on vacation. I enjoyed the review of Maine-isms in the book.
The major flaw of the book is that the main female character is just beyond redemption. She has NO redeeming qualities as far as I am concerned. She does just the most horrible thing a young teenage girl can do to an adult man. Then she blames the male character for the whole situation. Of course it's just a plot device to justify the 26 year old man having sex with a 16 year old girl, which is totally illegal and frankly, kind of sick.
Now one could argue that she was a 16 year old girl and aren't we all full of hormones and hysterics at that age? Absolutely yes. But the main part of the book is supposedly when the main character is 26. Don't you think she should have grown up by then? Don't you think she should look back on her behavior and finally understand just how truly horrific her actions were? Don't you think she should feel some guilt, some remorse?
She does not, apparently. She blames him for her grandfather's death, and blames herself NOT AT ALL. She blackmails the guy numerous times, takes his money.. oh it is just awful.
And the premise is that she is "forced" to marry him because a bunch of people saw her running half naked home after he rejected her, even though it was night and pouring rain, and the book actually says -- no I am serious --
"She was ruined. No decent boy would look at her now."
Really, Janet Dailey? In 1978? She was RUINED??? Seriously? Have you heard of the sexual revolution at all? Is this Jane Austen?
Then she is married to him for one night, blackmails him for money, and goes back home, has the marriage annulled. Apparently THAT doesn't "ruin" her?
Not to mention she grows up to become a LAWYER, and yet when her "husband" announces to her 9 years later that the annullment is legally invalid and why, this is apparently the first time she's considered that? And she's a lawyer? The worst lawyer ever obviously.
But you know, it's all ok because she has silky dark hair and green eyes like the ocean. You know what, I have silky dark hair and light green eyes, and it doesn't give me a pass to act like that. But you know, the guy ends up loving her anyway, right? Even though she is a pathetic excuse for a human being.
The only reason I read these awful books is to see how very bad they can get. Usually the characters are both somewhat to blame and they both grow up a little, and they are slightly redeemed.
Not in this book. It's just horrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2018
WTF was this? This is a train wreck without all the positive qualities...I think some of the stuff was just too tragic and too annoying. In the first half of the book, you've got Gina, a hormonal 16-year-old who is chasing after Rhyder, a 26-year-old guy. She's in luuurve and wants him to be her first and boy does she chase him down for all she's worth. He is, of course, only a man, and while he does get credit for turning her spoiled ass away time after time, he absolutely fails for not remembering that she's only 16 and it is NOT okay to lust after her. He gives in a bit here or there and takes a few liberties before spurning her and getting all mad at himself for not being disgusted at his own behavior when he knows he should be. This all culminates with her grandfather blackmailing Rhyder into marrying the teenage chit or face attempted rape charges. Naturally Rhyder is pissed and believes that Gina was in on this. His poor opinion of her is supported when she overhears him talking to his friend about how he'd pay to get rid of her and she takes him up on the offer. They get an annulment...supposedly.
Flash forward 10 years, Gina is supposed to be so much more mature now that she's a single, adult lawyer. Only she's not so single after all...and she's not really that much of an adult either. Ten years haven't brought much insight to Gina, who still believes that Rhyder is totally at fault and now blames him for her grandfather's death, since the marriage/annulment ruined her or something. Well, grandpa is the one who forced it and she's the one who put herself in that situation. So how is it Rhyder's fault that he didn't want to be married to her? Huh? But anydelusionalidiot, she runs into Rhyder, who inexplicably has been haunted by the memory of Gina and is determined to get her back...for some reason. We never get his POV, so we never really understand what he's thinking. In fact, we don't get much explanation of his motives or behavior at all...we're all just as surprised as Gina when he does shit. Like there at the end...when he never explains why he loves her or why he suddenly wanted her back...or explained why he'd told his parents about her...or apologized or explained away his cruel words in the beginning or his pretty shallow opinion of her currently. He just told her he loved her and wanted to stay married and that was the end. No idea why. This was definitely a train wreck, but not the good kind -more like the cringe worthy kind.
Flash forward 10 years, Gina is supposed to be so much more mature now that she's a single, adult lawyer. Only she's not so single after all...and she's not really that much of an adult either. Ten years haven't brought much insight to Gina, who still believes that Rhyder is totally at fault and now blames him for her grandfather's death, since the marriage/annulment ruined her or something. Well, grandpa is the one who forced it and she's the one who put herself in that situation. So how is it Rhyder's fault that he didn't want to be married to her? Huh? But anydelusionalidiot, she runs into Rhyder, who inexplicably has been haunted by the memory of Gina and is determined to get her back...for some reason. We never get his POV, so we never really understand what he's thinking. In fact, we don't get much explanation of his motives or behavior at all...we're all just as surprised as Gina when he does shit. Like there at the end...when he never explains why he loves her or why he suddenly wanted her back...or explained why he'd told his parents about her...or apologized or explained away his cruel words in the beginning or his pretty shallow opinion of her currently. He just told her he loved her and wanted to stay married and that was the end. No idea why. This was definitely a train wreck, but not the good kind -more like the cringe worthy kind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2022
Incredible silliness caused not angst but fun.lol
August 30, 2012
This had lots of misunderstandings,there was no communication between H/h.It starts out how H/h meet then flashback about their history-back to present the marriage still stands legal and H wants h back as his wife this time he wants her willingly in his life without asking her,he already takes for granted that she will say yes and they will resume their marriage.Yet again there's a misunderstanding but everything is solved and they get their HEA.
What disappointed me was there was only past and present,what happened in between 9 years in H's life nothing was given.Nothing was divulged about his family,in flashback we get to know he comes from a very wealthy family-nothing else.
About h it was only revealed that she becomes independent,get her lawyers degrees and works for a firm now-which i liked it,her character grew up but yet again when it came to facing H she was same old self which disappointed me.
Overall it an average read for me,though it was full of angsty but there was so many loopholes in the story that it spoiled it.
What disappointed me was there was only past and present,what happened in between 9 years in H's life nothing was given.Nothing was divulged about his family,in flashback we get to know he comes from a very wealthy family-nothing else.
About h it was only revealed that she becomes independent,get her lawyers degrees and works for a firm now-which i liked it,her character grew up but yet again when it came to facing H she was same old self which disappointed me.
Overall it an average read for me,though it was full of angsty but there was so many loopholes in the story that it spoiled it.
October 13, 2015
It was an ok book. The ending was too abrupt. It needed more development. The first half of the book was a flashback. The second half occurred in present day. I don't mind some flashbacks but 50% is unacceptable to me, unless it's done in a really special way (like in Gone Girl or If I Break) Plus, I was turned off by the 16 year old girl having a relationship with a 26 year old man. Eww!!! The book covers a span of 9 years yet I don't think they spent a grand total of 48 hours (awake) in each other's presence during that entire time. Where does love come in? The writing wasn't bad but this is not one of my favorite books.
December 31, 2014
This may be my favourite Janet Dailey of all time, one of my favourite books of all time. There's something about this marriage reunited story and Gina and Rhyder that will forever be imprinted on my heart and head.
January 13, 2021
The story line is a bit questionable, because she was 16 when they married and he was 26. Her grandfather had blackmailed him to marry her. The h is a spoilt brat, the H is a cruel, rich dude who feels trapped into marriage. So it’s not really a story you are waiting to read.
But this is the master Janet Dailey writing it. So the writing is awesome. The H’s passion, his obsession, his craziness and his despair. Janet Dailey writes in a way you can feel all of it.
But this is the master Janet Dailey writing it. So the writing is awesome. The H’s passion, his obsession, his craziness and his despair. Janet Dailey writes in a way you can feel all of it.
October 16, 2010
lots of flashbacks and misunderstandings. not one of her better HPs
April 8, 2020
2.5⭐️
May 26, 2018
Story starts off on a morally questionable note. But I found the idea of a 16 year old girl being in wide eyed awe of an older 26 year old sailor quite believable.
Poor guy finds her sweet and alluring, but at the same time knows it's up to him to keep things under control. 16 year olds are allowed to be rash and impulsive. Not that 26 is too old to be sensible, when it comes to men.
But the turbulent episode of the past ends in a face saving hasty marriage master minded by the girl's grand father. It doesn't last. The guy blames the girl and her granddad for trapping him into marriage. She thinks he married her to punish her.
The marriage is annulled even after being consummated, god knows how.
They vanish from each other's lives. Suddenly all their longings of the past resurface 9 years later. Buy now the girl is a lawyer and the guy was always rich.
Older by 9 years, but not necessarily wiser. They still attribute evil motives to each other without any logical thought. But that doesn't stop them from falling into each others arms.
The author finally decides uncontrollable lust is just love. And the leads get back together, after one of their silly misunderstandings clears out.
Ok read, I preferred their fumbling past to their stupid present.
Poor guy finds her sweet and alluring, but at the same time knows it's up to him to keep things under control. 16 year olds are allowed to be rash and impulsive. Not that 26 is too old to be sensible, when it comes to men.
But the turbulent episode of the past ends in a face saving hasty marriage master minded by the girl's grand father. It doesn't last. The guy blames the girl and her granddad for trapping him into marriage. She thinks he married her to punish her.
The marriage is annulled even after being consummated, god knows how.
They vanish from each other's lives. Suddenly all their longings of the past resurface 9 years later. Buy now the girl is a lawyer and the guy was always rich.
Older by 9 years, but not necessarily wiser. They still attribute evil motives to each other without any logical thought. But that doesn't stop them from falling into each others arms.
The author finally decides uncontrollable lust is just love. And the leads get back together, after one of their silly misunderstandings clears out.
Ok read, I preferred their fumbling past to their stupid present.
January 20, 2021
Gina's face grew pale with shock
It couldn't be Rhyder. Not after all these years. But there was no mistaking the tall, darkly tanned figure moving menacingly nearer.
Like a child, a young, naive Gina had once worshipped Rhyder Owens. But her desire for him, even then, had been like a woman's. Gina was older now, an intelligent, sophisticated lawyer. Yet she felt the waves of panic rising inside her. "Why did you have to come back to Maine?" she protested in angry despair. "I don't want you here. All I want to do is forget."
Rhyder's narrowed blue eyes raked her body chillingly. "You couldn't possibly have forgotten that you are my wife!"
It couldn't be Rhyder. Not after all these years. But there was no mistaking the tall, darkly tanned figure moving menacingly nearer.
Like a child, a young, naive Gina had once worshipped Rhyder Owens. But her desire for him, even then, had been like a woman's. Gina was older now, an intelligent, sophisticated lawyer. Yet she felt the waves of panic rising inside her. "Why did you have to come back to Maine?" she protested in angry despair. "I don't want you here. All I want to do is forget."
Rhyder's narrowed blue eyes raked her body chillingly. "You couldn't possibly have forgotten that you are my wife!"
January 21, 2015
This book was really hard to read, felt abusive while trying to be romantic, and abruptly ended.
August 19, 2023
Gina was 16 years old when she met Ryder Owens when his boat problem caused him to stop to fix it in Maine. Her wanton infatuation and then love were the reason behind the misbehavior that forced Ryder to marry her against his 26 years old well and later to their seperation in great resentment.
When nine years passed, and Gina became a trusted lawyer, she was convinced they would never cross paths since their married was already annulled. Unfortunately, she was wrong. Ryder showed up as a prospect buyer of a land of Justin - her current client and boyfriend. Not only that, but he also claimed they were still legally married!
There are some issues that any reader could not digest easily in this novel. The main one is the fact that a 26 year old man acually married a 16 year old teenager! This 26 even practicully forced himself on her in her wedding night! I guess this was acceptable in late seventies? Or not? :(
But, to be fair, the story is written wonderfully and the angst more or less made up for the lapse of the main character's personalities even though a more elaborate ending and confession would have been preferable.
When nine years passed, and Gina became a trusted lawyer, she was convinced they would never cross paths since their married was already annulled. Unfortunately, she was wrong. Ryder showed up as a prospect buyer of a land of Justin - her current client and boyfriend. Not only that, but he also claimed they were still legally married!
There are some issues that any reader could not digest easily in this novel. The main one is the fact that a 26 year old man acually married a 16 year old teenager! This 26 even practicully forced himself on her in her wedding night! I guess this was acceptable in late seventies? Or not? :(
But, to be fair, the story is written wonderfully and the angst more or less made up for the lapse of the main character's personalities even though a more elaborate ending and confession would have been preferable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2017
مترجمة للعربية في مجموعة عبير الجديدة: انا ملك لك.
July 25, 2019
Η μάγισσα της θάλασσας...
December 30, 2015
It's a classic seventies romance, with an alpha dude and an imperfect understanding of consent. Hint -- assaulting someone is not the same as obtaining consent! Also, children cannot give consent. It felt like a tragedy because the guy was obviously the worst thing for the girl, and yet she was doomed to end up with him.
If a guy thinks that the book Lolita is about an innocent man victimized by a rapacious female, all of his dates should start backing carefully away. Just sayin'.
If a guy thinks that the book Lolita is about an innocent man victimized by a rapacious female, all of his dates should start backing carefully away. Just sayin'.
November 7, 2011
I may be alone, but I liked this one. I thought it had good emotional angst. And since they were married they were allowed to have sex, which doesn't happen often in these early Janet Daileys.
February 11, 2016
Another hit
Was not disappointed... Great story line. Captivating love story with interesting twists. Another hit from janet dailey great books, yes !!
Was not disappointed... Great story line. Captivating love story with interesting twists. Another hit from janet dailey great books, yes !!
June 24, 2023
This book was just...wrong. Underage girl, toxic, abusive male. Just....a big nope
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December 28, 201779-انا ملك لك
روايات عبير الجديدة
في السادسة عشر، كانت جينا غانيس صغيرة جدا لتعرف ما هو الحب... لكنها وقعت بشدة في حب رايدر اونز، زائر صيفي لساحل مايين الجميل حيث تقطن هي. الزواج الذي تلا كان سريعا وخاطفا... وانتهى تقريبا قبل ان يبدا. عندما التقيا ثانية، بعد تسع سنوات، جينا كانت قد اصبحت محامية قديرة، وكانا على طرفي نقيضين في معاملة تجارية. وحالا المشاعر القديمة بينهما عادت للظهور، مزيجا من العاطفة المشبوبة والكره اشتعل ثانية. هل سيتمكنان من معالجة هذه الحالة بحكمة اكثر هذه المرة؟
روايات عبير الجديدة
في السادسة عشر، كانت جينا غانيس صغيرة جدا لتعرف ما هو الحب... لكنها وقعت بشدة في حب رايدر اونز، زائر صيفي لساحل مايين الجميل حيث تقطن هي. الزواج الذي تلا كان سريعا وخاطفا... وانتهى تقريبا قبل ان يبدا. عندما التقيا ثانية، بعد تسع سنوات، جينا كانت قد اصبحت محامية قديرة، وكانا على طرفي نقيضين في معاملة تجارية. وحالا المشاعر القديمة بينهما عادت للظهور، مزيجا من العاطفة المشبوبة والكره اشتعل ثانية. هل سيتمكنان من معالجة هذه الحالة بحكمة اكثر هذه المرة؟
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June 21, 2018Gina's face grew pale with shock
It couldn't be Rhyder. Not after all these years. But there was no mistaking the tall, darkly tanned figure moving menacingly nearer.
Like a child, a young, naive Gina had once worshipped Rhyder Owens. But her desire for him, even then, had been like a woman's. Gina was older now, an intelligent, sophisticated lawyer. Yet she felt the waves of panic rising inside her. "Why did you have to come back to Maine?" she protested in angry despair. "I don't want you here. All I want to do is forget."
Rhyder's narrowed blue eyes raked her body chillingly. "You couldn't possibly have forgotten that you are my wife!"
It couldn't be Rhyder. Not after all these years. But there was no mistaking the tall, darkly tanned figure moving menacingly nearer.
Like a child, a young, naive Gina had once worshipped Rhyder Owens. But her desire for him, even then, had been like a woman's. Gina was older now, an intelligent, sophisticated lawyer. Yet she felt the waves of panic rising inside her. "Why did you have to come back to Maine?" she protested in angry despair. "I don't want you here. All I want to do is forget."
Rhyder's narrowed blue eyes raked her body chillingly. "You couldn't possibly have forgotten that you are my wife!"
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