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Mac's Angels #1
Mac's Angels: Midnight Fantasy: A Loveswept Classic Romance
From celebrated author Sandra Chastain comes the sensual tale of a compassionate nurse who is determined to heal her patient . . . and mend his shattered heart.
After a series of football injuries leave him broken in both body and spirit, former star quarterback Joe Armstrong decides that his life is over. Wanting nothing more than to sit alone with a strong drink, Joe is less than pleased when he receives an unexpected visit from nurse Annabelle Calloway. Finding the golden-haired angel impossible to ignore, Joe reluctantly lets Annabelle into his home.
Although she’s seen her fair share of tough cases, Annabelle isn’t sure how to reach the troubled Joe. But having almost succumbed to depression herself, Annabelle feels an instant connection to her charge. A connection that becomes undeniable. Enveloped by passion and filled with longing, Annabelle will stop at nothing to give Joe a reason to live—and a reason to love.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Reluctant Countess, Wild Rain, and Silk on the Skin.
After a series of football injuries leave him broken in both body and spirit, former star quarterback Joe Armstrong decides that his life is over. Wanting nothing more than to sit alone with a strong drink, Joe is less than pleased when he receives an unexpected visit from nurse Annabelle Calloway. Finding the golden-haired angel impossible to ignore, Joe reluctantly lets Annabelle into his home.
Although she’s seen her fair share of tough cases, Annabelle isn’t sure how to reach the troubled Joe. But having almost succumbed to depression herself, Annabelle feels an instant connection to her charge. A connection that becomes undeniable. Enveloped by passion and filled with longing, Annabelle will stop at nothing to give Joe a reason to live—and a reason to love.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Reluctant Countess, Wild Rain, and Silk on the Skin.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1995
35 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Chastain
74 books28 followersSandra Chastain was born on 1936 in Wadley, Georgia, 100 miles northwest of Savannah. As a little girl, she created fantasy lives for her paper dolls, and then she discovered Nancy Drew. Sandra wrote her first novel with a friend when she was 10 years old, The Mystery of the Green Necklace. Some four decades later, when her three daughters had gone off on their own, she returned to writing and was soon busy with writing, in addition to working with her husband in their veterinary practice in Smyrna, Georgia. Before long she was writing full time.
Published since 1988, she writes historical novels for Bantam, short contemporary romances for Harlequin, and southern women's fiction for Bellebooks. To date, she has produced over 50 works, including her first fairy tale, The Tiniest Fairy In the Kingdom, published by Bellebooks. She writes under pennames Jenna Darcy and Allie Jordan as well as in her own name. Sandra has won many honors and recognitions from her industry.
Published since 1988, she writes historical novels for Bantam, short contemporary romances for Harlequin, and southern women's fiction for Bellebooks. To date, she has produced over 50 works, including her first fairy tale, The Tiniest Fairy In the Kingdom, published by Bellebooks. She writes under pennames Jenna Darcy and Allie Jordan as well as in her own name. Sandra has won many honors and recognitions from her industry.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 16, 2013
BLANK BLANK BLANKEY-BLANK....
SERIOUSLY?
THIS WAS SERIOUSLY STUPID.
Hell, for about 40% of the book I wasn't even sure if she was real or just a figment of a drunken, depressed haze. Then I figured out that no, it's just dumb.
Dum dumb dumb.
Dumb.
SERIOUSLY?
THIS WAS SERIOUSLY STUPID.
Hell, for about 40% of the book I wasn't even sure if she was real or just a figment of a drunken, depressed haze. Then I figured out that no, it's just dumb.
Dum dumb dumb.
Dumb.
December 15, 2020
I liked the premise... "Mac's Angels" of course immediately made me think of "Charlie's Angels", so I get what the author was trying to do... except I do remember being confused a bit by the point of it all. Like, I remember getting to the end of the story and saying to myself, "So... if he HAD committed suicide at the beginning, what stakes would have been tipped? Is he Mac's son or something?"
I'm still confused as to why she HAD to complete this mission or else HER fate/sanity/heart (it's unclear) would be at stake? I get that she went through something traumatic in the past, but I don't think the author did a good job of tying it to the "you MUST SAVE HIM for YOUR SAKE" part of the book.
They are supposed to save each other is the point of the book... but it was done in a kind of over-the-top way. When I got to the end, I was like, "I still don't get it. I enjoyed the romance... but I don't get it."
To be honest, this book isn't even on my "must be re-read" list.
I'm still confused as to why she HAD to complete this mission or else HER fate/sanity/heart (it's unclear) would be at stake? I get that she went through something traumatic in the past, but I don't think the author did a good job of tying it to the "you MUST SAVE HIM for YOUR SAKE" part of the book.
They are supposed to save each other is the point of the book... but it was done in a kind of over-the-top way. When I got to the end, I was like, "I still don't get it. I enjoyed the romance... but I don't get it."
To be honest, this book isn't even on my "must be re-read" list.
February 28, 2013
Looking for a little inspirational Romance? Mac's Angels: Midnight Fantasy, the first book in the Mac's Angels Series, is a sweet story that offers hope. Yep, helping those that when they reach bottom that there is always another way. Sandra Chastain, reminds us that sometimes when we are at our lowest the right person steps into our lives.
Annabelle Calloway had hit bottom three years previously, a successful model then soap opera star she had been stalked. raped, slashed and left to die. Her face and body disfigured and a year of her memories gone. While her memories eventually returned and she began life again, she was determined to pay it forward. To step in and offer herself as a lifeline to someone else. It's a noble goal and a wonderful way of feeling, something. Only problem is, Annabelle is not quite healed herself. She is looking to help others as a way of finally healing, instead of facing her fears on her own.
Joe Armstrong, is a dashing and daring athlete well he used to be. His life took a series of unfortunate events and believes he is to blame for the deaths of his most loved. Add that to an aging and injured body, a career on the skids and he has just given up. Ready to give up, ready to end it all.. New Year's eve seems a perfect time to just finally concede to defeat and die. When just a minute after midnight, his doorbell rings and a golden girl steps through his door.
This was no means an erotic book, it is about hope, friendship, new beginnings and an eventual belief in one's purpose and yet it resist from becoming preachy. I think just about everyone believes that there are Angels Among Us. That when we are at our lowest there is someone there to offer help. We don't always see them but we believe. While both Annie and Joe are seriously human there is this air of mystique about the entire book. We spend a lot of time wondering just who Mac is and where he gets his information.
As Annie struggles to find a way to help Joe, she discovers that he is there to help her. That together they can heal each other and offer support to others. They learn that there is still much to offer them and yes together they can find the joy that has escaped them their entire lives.
While I enjoyed this book sometimes I found it too simplistic but that doesn't take away from the fact that the characters were interesting and the concept tugged at me. What would I do if I was at the end of my rope and didn't see the hand out.
If you are looking for a pleasant read, a chance to just sit back and escape for a little bit and yet be offered a sense of hope for the future.. This is your book
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Mac's Angels: Midnight Fantasyl provided by netgalley
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Annabelle Calloway had hit bottom three years previously, a successful model then soap opera star she had been stalked. raped, slashed and left to die. Her face and body disfigured and a year of her memories gone. While her memories eventually returned and she began life again, she was determined to pay it forward. To step in and offer herself as a lifeline to someone else. It's a noble goal and a wonderful way of feeling, something. Only problem is, Annabelle is not quite healed herself. She is looking to help others as a way of finally healing, instead of facing her fears on her own.
Joe Armstrong, is a dashing and daring athlete well he used to be. His life took a series of unfortunate events and believes he is to blame for the deaths of his most loved. Add that to an aging and injured body, a career on the skids and he has just given up. Ready to give up, ready to end it all.. New Year's eve seems a perfect time to just finally concede to defeat and die. When just a minute after midnight, his doorbell rings and a golden girl steps through his door.
This was no means an erotic book, it is about hope, friendship, new beginnings and an eventual belief in one's purpose and yet it resist from becoming preachy. I think just about everyone believes that there are Angels Among Us. That when we are at our lowest there is someone there to offer help. We don't always see them but we believe. While both Annie and Joe are seriously human there is this air of mystique about the entire book. We spend a lot of time wondering just who Mac is and where he gets his information.
As Annie struggles to find a way to help Joe, she discovers that he is there to help her. That together they can heal each other and offer support to others. They learn that there is still much to offer them and yes together they can find the joy that has escaped them their entire lives.
While I enjoyed this book sometimes I found it too simplistic but that doesn't take away from the fact that the characters were interesting and the concept tugged at me. What would I do if I was at the end of my rope and didn't see the hand out.
If you are looking for a pleasant read, a chance to just sit back and escape for a little bit and yet be offered a sense of hope for the future.. This is your book
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Mac's Angels: Midnight Fantasyl provided by netgalley
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
March 12, 2013
3.5 Stars
Midnight Fantasy is one of the books in the Mac’s Angels series by Sandra Chastain. I’m truly at a loss of what to say about this book. I enjoyed the story and the characters quite a bit. I think the author tried so hard to add intrigue and suspense that the book came off more cryptic and annoying at times. With that being said I liked the book overall, just wished I didn't get side tracked by the secrecy of it all.
Joe Armstrong feels like he’s lost it all. His best friend and teammate died in a boating accident. Joe blames himself and feels he could have stopped it from happening. Now, his body is turning on him. Every football player knows that his career won’t last forever, but that doesn't make it any easier when the time comes. Not to mention his emotional state isn't exactly optimal to be dealing with this right now. Some turn to coaching, commentating or just enjoy their retirement. None of that is appealing to Joe. Just waking up every morning seems like a chore and loses its appeal more and more with every passing minute. At rock bottom and ready to do something about it there is a knock on his door. A knock that changes his life forever.
Annabelle Calloway is not what she seems. Actually, Joe isn't sure what she is and she never actually says what it is she is. She just says she was sent to help him. Annabelle has to reach Joe and save him from himself, she just doesn't know how. Her very life, existence, job counts on it? At least I think it does. This is where it gets cryptic.
I really felt Joe’s pain and hurt for him as he dealt with his demons. I enjoyed Annabelle and how she took over Joe’s life. The way he would try to resist her and then just give in because it was like fighting a mini tornado cracked me up. The feelings she developed for him, but then was afraid to share or show them because she would upset her mission or job, was confusing and sad.
Bottom line: This book was good, but I think to truly figure it all out you will have to read the whole series and maybe, if we’re lucky, it will all come together with the last book.
I would like to thank NetGalley.com for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
Midnight Fantasy is one of the books in the Mac’s Angels series by Sandra Chastain. I’m truly at a loss of what to say about this book. I enjoyed the story and the characters quite a bit. I think the author tried so hard to add intrigue and suspense that the book came off more cryptic and annoying at times. With that being said I liked the book overall, just wished I didn't get side tracked by the secrecy of it all.
Joe Armstrong feels like he’s lost it all. His best friend and teammate died in a boating accident. Joe blames himself and feels he could have stopped it from happening. Now, his body is turning on him. Every football player knows that his career won’t last forever, but that doesn't make it any easier when the time comes. Not to mention his emotional state isn't exactly optimal to be dealing with this right now. Some turn to coaching, commentating or just enjoy their retirement. None of that is appealing to Joe. Just waking up every morning seems like a chore and loses its appeal more and more with every passing minute. At rock bottom and ready to do something about it there is a knock on his door. A knock that changes his life forever.
Annabelle Calloway is not what she seems. Actually, Joe isn't sure what she is and she never actually says what it is she is. She just says she was sent to help him. Annabelle has to reach Joe and save him from himself, she just doesn't know how. Her very life, existence, job counts on it? At least I think it does. This is where it gets cryptic.
I really felt Joe’s pain and hurt for him as he dealt with his demons. I enjoyed Annabelle and how she took over Joe’s life. The way he would try to resist her and then just give in because it was like fighting a mini tornado cracked me up. The feelings she developed for him, but then was afraid to share or show them because she would upset her mission or job, was confusing and sad.
Bottom line: This book was good, but I think to truly figure it all out you will have to read the whole series and maybe, if we’re lucky, it will all come together with the last book.
I would like to thank NetGalley.com for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
February 11, 2013
Thanks Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this one.
Annie is a woman with a past. She was a famous soap opera star until her world was changed. She went into hiding and the rest of the world thought she was dead. Thanks to extensive plastic surgery no one recognized her. She came under the wing of a mysterious man named Mac who sent her and others on missions to save other people. To help them change their lives and turn them around. Her assignment this time is a quarterback named Joe.
Joe is an aging quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. He's sitting on the sidelines because his best friend and teammate died in a boating accident which Joe thought he should have been able to prevent. He spends his days eating take out and drinking. Until one night when Annie shows up on his doorstep. She has 6 days to rehabilitate his life and help him get his act together.
Well naturally, what happens between two good looking but damaged people? Yep, they fall in love. I spent at least half of this book wondering if Annie was even a real person or if she was an angel or figment of this guys imagination. Mac is never seen in person, he communicates only via phone calls so that also added to the mystery of who Annie really was.
This was a predictable romance, set in the early 90's so it's a bit dated. The one thing I didn't care for was Joe calling her "darling" all the time. It didn't seem in character for him. Otherwise I would give this a solid three stars. Sweet but predictable.
Annie is a woman with a past. She was a famous soap opera star until her world was changed. She went into hiding and the rest of the world thought she was dead. Thanks to extensive plastic surgery no one recognized her. She came under the wing of a mysterious man named Mac who sent her and others on missions to save other people. To help them change their lives and turn them around. Her assignment this time is a quarterback named Joe.
Joe is an aging quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. He's sitting on the sidelines because his best friend and teammate died in a boating accident which Joe thought he should have been able to prevent. He spends his days eating take out and drinking. Until one night when Annie shows up on his doorstep. She has 6 days to rehabilitate his life and help him get his act together.
Well naturally, what happens between two good looking but damaged people? Yep, they fall in love. I spent at least half of this book wondering if Annie was even a real person or if she was an angel or figment of this guys imagination. Mac is never seen in person, he communicates only via phone calls so that also added to the mystery of who Annie really was.
This was a predictable romance, set in the early 90's so it's a bit dated. The one thing I didn't care for was Joe calling her "darling" all the time. It didn't seem in character for him. Otherwise I would give this a solid three stars. Sweet but predictable.
March 8, 2013
My favorite thing about this book is the Kevin Costner reference. The book is a Loveswept Classic, a reprint from the late '90s (you get extra points with me if that line immediately conjures Robots for you), in an alternate universe where Kevin Costner is hot shit (alternate from my universe, say, where Kevin Costner is to blame for Waterworld and The Postman. Also, I hold grudges.). Anyway, Kevin Costner actually has nothing to do with the story.
I read the whole thing, and I liked parts of it. I'm a sucker for the wounded hero trope, and I enjoyed all the redemption theme in the book, but I found the characters stilted and had a difficult time caring whether or not they found their redemption. This book relies pretty heavily on insta-lust between the characters, an instant attraction that flares between them and requires no explanation whatsoever (also, no character development). I remember encountering insta-lust on a regular basis when reading romance novels a decade or two ago, but most of the romances I read these days eschew insta-lust in favor of character development and chemistry. I wish I could go back and read these classic romances without my modern expectations.... but I can't. The classics can't help but suffer by comparison.
I read the whole thing, and I liked parts of it. I'm a sucker for the wounded hero trope, and I enjoyed all the redemption theme in the book, but I found the characters stilted and had a difficult time caring whether or not they found their redemption. This book relies pretty heavily on insta-lust between the characters, an instant attraction that flares between them and requires no explanation whatsoever (also, no character development). I remember encountering insta-lust on a regular basis when reading romance novels a decade or two ago, but most of the romances I read these days eschew insta-lust in favor of character development and chemistry. I wish I could go back and read these classic romances without my modern expectations.... but I can't. The classics can't help but suffer by comparison.
February 5, 2015
Midnight Fantasy is the first in a throwback series by Ms. Chastain and the first I have read by this author. I was intrigued by the premise behind the book and for the most part, I enjoyed it. Joe has extreme guilt over the death of his best friend in a boating accident. Annie has been sent to try to bring him out of hiding and back into life.She has been hired by a secret agency who sends "angels" to people when they need them the most. Annie harbors a secret of her own and may just need Joe as much as he needs her.
I thought the romance part was cute. They two of them got along well and I believed their attraction. The thing I was on the fence about was the time line. Both of the characters have huge problems that they need to overcome and I didn't buy that one week would be enough time to overcome them. The other thing that disappointed me was the lack of information about Mac and how his "agency" came about. I kind of felt like I was missing back story on that aspect. As this is the first book, I was surprised and would have liked more background.
The epilogue sets up the next book, Sinner and Saint. I have it in my TBR pile, so keep an eye out!
I thought the romance part was cute. They two of them got along well and I believed their attraction. The thing I was on the fence about was the time line. Both of the characters have huge problems that they need to overcome and I didn't buy that one week would be enough time to overcome them. The other thing that disappointed me was the lack of information about Mac and how his "agency" came about. I kind of felt like I was missing back story on that aspect. As this is the first book, I was surprised and would have liked more background.
The epilogue sets up the next book, Sinner and Saint. I have it in my TBR pile, so keep an eye out!
March 4, 2013
I completely got the wrong idea about this book. I thought it was about a severely injured sports star and the nurse that looks after him. That was not what this book was about at all but I couldn’t help but wish it had been. The issue with this was that it was unbelievable and over the top. There was soap stars, sports stars, deaths, suicidal thoughts, romance, paparazzi and some dude called Mac who I still have no clue who he is or why he does what he does. Not much of this made sense, I got the feeling there was supposed to be an almost supernatural element to it but I wasn’t sure.
The characters were ok I actually quite liked Joe there was something about him that I connected to, and I thought he was a good guy but I found Annabelle to be over the top and hard to like. Her job was to help other people but she talked about helping herself an awful lot.
The romance was a little cheesy and I didn’t like it as much as I should have. The book as a whole managed to entertain me enough and I finished it but it was not a book I would re-read or recommended.
The characters were ok I actually quite liked Joe there was something about him that I connected to, and I thought he was a good guy but I found Annabelle to be over the top and hard to like. Her job was to help other people but she talked about helping herself an awful lot.
The romance was a little cheesy and I didn’t like it as much as I should have. The book as a whole managed to entertain me enough and I finished it but it was not a book I would re-read or recommended.
March 1, 2013
Love the cover! Love the idea behind the story. LOVED the opening of the story, the Together poem. Great intro into the heart of this story.
Joe Armstrong is on a suicide mission. He is a professional football player on a downward spiral into oblivion. Annie has been assigned the mission to give Joe a reason to live again. She has no idea how she will reach him to bring him back from the edge. Especially since she is unable to tolerate a man's touch.
Annabelle Calloway used to be a world famous model/ actress. Until a brutal rape left her cut, disfigured, and missing large blocks of her memory. As part of her therapy, she has to help others who are suffering. But how can she possibly help him, when she still feels dead inside?
A story of redemption. Hope. Love. Starting over. So much heart and soul in their story. You can't help but get pulled in to this story and hope for a happy ending. Sandra Chastain has a new fan, I will be reading more of her work.
Joe Armstrong is on a suicide mission. He is a professional football player on a downward spiral into oblivion. Annie has been assigned the mission to give Joe a reason to live again. She has no idea how she will reach him to bring him back from the edge. Especially since she is unable to tolerate a man's touch.
Annabelle Calloway used to be a world famous model/ actress. Until a brutal rape left her cut, disfigured, and missing large blocks of her memory. As part of her therapy, she has to help others who are suffering. But how can she possibly help him, when she still feels dead inside?
A story of redemption. Hope. Love. Starting over. So much heart and soul in their story. You can't help but get pulled in to this story and hope for a happy ending. Sandra Chastain has a new fan, I will be reading more of her work.
March 19, 2013
NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review
Mac's Angel was not a good read for me, it seemed very dated. The idea and plot line were interesting but the execution left a lot to be desired. Annabelle was a very bland heroine and it seemed that she was lacking a real personality. Joe was a selfish hero and I had a hard time finding any redeemable qualities in him. There was no real connection between the two of them, beyond the instant lust they had for each other, there was no connection. I don't know why this couple would stay together; there were certain parts of the book that were cute and funny. This just wasn't a book for me, I did like the writing itself, so I will most likely take a look at her other books.
Mac's Angel was not a good read for me, it seemed very dated. The idea and plot line were interesting but the execution left a lot to be desired. Annabelle was a very bland heroine and it seemed that she was lacking a real personality. Joe was a selfish hero and I had a hard time finding any redeemable qualities in him. There was no real connection between the two of them, beyond the instant lust they had for each other, there was no connection. I don't know why this couple would stay together; there were certain parts of the book that were cute and funny. This just wasn't a book for me, I did like the writing itself, so I will most likely take a look at her other books.
March 2, 2013
This is a “Loveswept Classic” reprint so parts of the story seem a little dated but that does not take away from the story. The part that takes away is the story itself. I saw a review of GoodReads that says “cheesy” and yeah that fits it perfectly. While sweet and I can understand why in the 90’s it was just not up to todays reads. That being said though it is a cute story. If written today a lot would be written differently. This is a cute quick read. If you want to have a story ready for when a short read is needed this is great.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2013
Mac’s Angel had a very unique storyline; Annie was difficult to figure out at first making it hard to get into the book for a little while. Mac and Annie’s story was beautiful and the ending was perfect. I appreciate that the storyline was different than most romance books that I have read, but the confusion in the beginning trying to understand Annie made this book a little hard to “loose myself in” the story.
February 22, 2013
Really the only thing I liked about the book was the meaning of the book. Two people overcoming their "demons" and finding strength in each other. But it was really hard to get into the story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews