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Perfect Destinies #1
Isn't It Rich?
In this beloved novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods proves once again that sometimes family does know best. Straitlaced tycoon Richard Carlton suspects that his Aunt Destiny has more than business matters on her mind when she insists he meet klutzy PR executive Melanie Hart. Melanie might be brilliant—and beautiful—but Richard won't open his wounded heart to any woman, no matter how much she might make his pulse race. Yet when the press mistakenly reports that they're a couple, Richard convinces Melanie to pretend that they're engaged—to bolster his reputation and to teach his matchmaking aunt a lesson, once and for all. But is this relationship just a charade, or do opposites really attract—for keeps?
238 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 23, 2004
602 people are currently reading
1621 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
556 books4,530 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 17, 2022
Straight-laced or, as some might put it ,stodgy, Richard Carlton is convinced his Aunt Destiny has more on her mind, than just wanting Richard to hire Melanie Hart as his PR Executive as he considers going into politics. She is as different to anyone he would consider as can be. So why is Destiny so insistent about her and why is Melanie so convinced she can do the job? When the press see them together they assume Richard and Melanie are a couple.
Despite serious doubts, Melanie allows herself to be convinced into pretending they are a couple and heading towards engagement. It’s a charade aimed at trying to try to teach his aunt a lesson about not meddling in his life. But the plan ends up being fraught with danger. Especially when attraction flares between Richard and Melanie. How will things work out.? Is it destined to end up in disaster?
Destiny raised Richard, Mack and Ben after their parents were killed in an accident. Destiny is, as Richard her nephew describes her, a force to be reckoned with. she is a born match maker and manipulator, the type that works well in fiction but is not someone you would like to be too involved with in real life.
As long as you don’t investigate this too closely and think too deeply about it, this is a light fun rom com and an engaging read. However it did tend to go on for too long in my opinion. Not sure I will read more in this series. But still it was a good foil to the other heart wrenching book I am also reading. A read that will please those who are happy to suspend disbelief for a while.
Despite serious doubts, Melanie allows herself to be convinced into pretending they are a couple and heading towards engagement. It’s a charade aimed at trying to try to teach his aunt a lesson about not meddling in his life. But the plan ends up being fraught with danger. Especially when attraction flares between Richard and Melanie. How will things work out.? Is it destined to end up in disaster?
Destiny raised Richard, Mack and Ben after their parents were killed in an accident. Destiny is, as Richard her nephew describes her, a force to be reckoned with. she is a born match maker and manipulator, the type that works well in fiction but is not someone you would like to be too involved with in real life.
As long as you don’t investigate this too closely and think too deeply about it, this is a light fun rom com and an engaging read. However it did tend to go on for too long in my opinion. Not sure I will read more in this series. But still it was a good foil to the other heart wrenching book I am also reading. A read that will please those who are happy to suspend disbelief for a while.
November 30, 2016
I am disappointed in this book. I have read many of Ms. Woods books and was thoroughly delihted with them, but not this one. It is not typical of her writing ability.
One of the main characters, Richard, is an egotistical snob, his Aunt Destiny is a control feak, and Melanie is as spineless as they come, letting the other two characters walk all over her.
The story is repetitious with little action and becomes boring. It just misses the mark!
One of the main characters, Richard, is an egotistical snob, his Aunt Destiny is a control feak, and Melanie is as spineless as they come, letting the other two characters walk all over her.
The story is repetitious with little action and becomes boring. It just misses the mark!
May 4, 2016
Isn't It Rich? by Sherryl Woods was a cute book to listen to. Set in northern Virginia, it brought back memories of when my husband was stationed at Quantico, VA and we would hang out up in the area.
Melanie Hart is a PR executive who meets Richard Carlton, a very successful business exec, who is considering running for public office. Since this is chick-lit/romance, you can figure out the rest of the story.
What I really enjoyed is that the focus was on the relationship of two people. Also, the narrator did a nice job keeping all the characters separate. I look forward to listening to the next book in this series.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
Melanie Hart is a PR executive who meets Richard Carlton, a very successful business exec, who is considering running for public office. Since this is chick-lit/romance, you can figure out the rest of the story.
What I really enjoyed is that the focus was on the relationship of two people. Also, the narrator did a nice job keeping all the characters separate. I look forward to listening to the next book in this series.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
April 21, 2021
ESP:
Por alguna razón iba con las expectativas muy bajas y al final ha sido una lectura entretenida. Normalita y del montón pero entretenida al fin y al cabo.
Los personajes me han parecido bastante coherentes, sólidos y adultos (en línias generales). Además de ser bastante profesionales dadas las circunstancias.
Quizás lo que me sobró más fue la insistente interferencia de la tía y sus planes. Como que los protagonistas se olvidaban de que eran adultos funcionales capaces de tomar las riendas de sus vidas, plantarse y decir no a la gente que quiere interferir en ella. Lo sé, suena increíble.
Pero dejando esto de lado pues ha sido un rato más ameno.
Me ha "sorprendido" que se hiciera mención a menudo de la atracción que sienten y se ha hablado de sexo, pero al final ha habido muy poquito y muy sutil.
Y bueno, el final sigue mucho el estilo de la tía Destiny y pues me hubiese gustado más otra cosa.
ENG:
For some reason, I had low expectations for this one. And after finishing it, I must say it was an OK and enjoyable read. It certainly isn't an outstanding one, but it was a nice read.
The MC's were adults who were capable of being professional despite the circumstances, and I appreciate that. I also liked their chemistry (It could've been a bit spicier if it was for me) and how their relationship evolved.
The thing I liked the least was the aunt. I didn't hate the woman but I didn't like her meddling. And it felt like the MC's forgot they were grown-ups who could stand up for their choices. Many times they said "no" several times and it didn't make a difference. As a result, I wasn't a big fan of the ending.
But as a whole, it's a typical 3/5 book.
Scribd narrator: Teri Schnaubelt
Por alguna razón iba con las expectativas muy bajas y al final ha sido una lectura entretenida. Normalita y del montón pero entretenida al fin y al cabo.
Los personajes me han parecido bastante coherentes, sólidos y adultos (en línias generales). Además de ser bastante profesionales dadas las circunstancias.
Quizás lo que me sobró más fue la insistente interferencia de la tía y sus planes. Como que los protagonistas se olvidaban de que eran adultos funcionales capaces de tomar las riendas de sus vidas, plantarse y decir no a la gente que quiere interferir en ella. Lo sé, suena increíble.
Pero dejando esto de lado pues ha sido un rato más ameno.
Me ha "sorprendido" que se hiciera mención a menudo de la atracción que sienten y se ha hablado de sexo, pero al final ha habido muy poquito y muy sutil.
Y bueno, el final sigue mucho el estilo de la tía Destiny y pues me hubiese gustado más otra cosa.
ENG:
For some reason, I had low expectations for this one. And after finishing it, I must say it was an OK and enjoyable read. It certainly isn't an outstanding one, but it was a nice read.
The MC's were adults who were capable of being professional despite the circumstances, and I appreciate that. I also liked their chemistry (It could've been a bit spicier if it was for me) and how their relationship evolved.
The thing I liked the least was the aunt. I didn't hate the woman but I didn't like her meddling. And it felt like the MC's forgot they were grown-ups who could stand up for their choices. Many times they said "no" several times and it didn't make a difference. As a result, I wasn't a big fan of the ending.
But as a whole, it's a typical 3/5 book.
Scribd narrator: Teri Schnaubelt
September 24, 2017
It's been a long time since I read a book in one day. It took me two sittings to finish this book and I absolutely loved it! I started reading it at the beach, took a break to get back to the camping, shower and eat, and I just finished it.
A light, feel good story about love, trust and courage. Warm and well described characters, vividly displayed. A recommendable, enjoyable read! Will definitely read other books by Sherryl Woods!
A light, feel good story about love, trust and courage. Warm and well described characters, vividly displayed. A recommendable, enjoyable read! Will definitely read other books by Sherryl Woods!
April 3, 2016
This was a cute fun listen that I really enjoyed. I had trouble putting this book down. The author gives a wonderful highly entertaining read and the narrator tops it off. What happens when you have a wonderful aunt you adore but drives you crazy and she is into matchmaking which drives you even crazy? Well of course you play along and try like the devil not to get caught in your own desire as you try to teach your aunt a lesson. The question here is who is really getting played the aunt or her nephew? This was cute and at times funny read that keeps the reader/listener invested as the narrator lets you see the side of a very rich man and an up and coming PR executive thrown together by a crazy old lady who just wants the boy she raised to be happy, find love and have some down time. He is always working and on the run from one meeting to another never taking time off. If things do not work out as she wants than she makes them. You are left wondering what she will be up to next and how Richard and Melanie will counteract her.
Teri Schnaubelt did an outstanding job on narration she puts so much emotion into her audios. You could really feel what each character was feeling as she almost brings you to tears in the heartbreaking times. Her tones are even none high or low just a smooth even voice. I really enjoy listening to her and could listen to her voice all day. She has wonderful character voices which was easy to tell who was talking. The males had rich deep tones and the women had wonderful sexy tones. The aunt voice fit her age wonderfully. There is no background noise and if a break was taken you could not tell. She gives you a rich sexy read that at times will make you laugh. I was really hooked by this narrator on another audio I had listen to as with it she gave me a wonderful sweet listen that really touches you heart.
Melanie is just a very lovely lady who gets into a few messes from time to time. She is very smart and very sexy. Sometimes she can be a little blonde (as they call it) or maybe she is just hope she is reading it wrong. She just wants to get her company up and running with a good start and knows having Richard as a client would set her up nicely. She has had bad luck in romance even worse when she started a relationship with a boss and will not fall in that trap again. She finds it hard to turn away from Richard but is doing her best until his aunt sets them up big time.
Richard is happy the way his life is running the family company is his joy a few one night stands is all he really wants. When his aunt puts Melanie in his face wanting him to give her a job he finds it hard to not have her work her fingers over his body. Not going to hire her but he would love to bed her. He really is a nice and sweet man just hurt at a young age losing his parent was hard on him. Trusting in someone to stay with him is very hard. He does not trust easy. Melanie is one woman he finds it hard to walk away from. He is starting to think maybe he doesn’t want to.
These two put their heads together when they believe his aunt is setting them up for more than work. Oh the mess’s one gets into when they deceive. This was a cute read and at times funny. It is a very entertaining story that holds your attention. I love the plot and the characters, Richards brothers are a trip. I cannot wait to read their stories. I am sure they will be as interesting as Richards. I have to wonder what his aunt will do if all three boys find their true love, will she go back to her first love or is it too late for her. If you are looking for a great listen this would be one you will totally enjoy. If you are looking for a great book to read it will get your attention.
I won this in a goodreads giveaway. I thought I would get the audio which I really enjoyed.
Teri Schnaubelt did an outstanding job on narration she puts so much emotion into her audios. You could really feel what each character was feeling as she almost brings you to tears in the heartbreaking times. Her tones are even none high or low just a smooth even voice. I really enjoy listening to her and could listen to her voice all day. She has wonderful character voices which was easy to tell who was talking. The males had rich deep tones and the women had wonderful sexy tones. The aunt voice fit her age wonderfully. There is no background noise and if a break was taken you could not tell. She gives you a rich sexy read that at times will make you laugh. I was really hooked by this narrator on another audio I had listen to as with it she gave me a wonderful sweet listen that really touches you heart.
Melanie is just a very lovely lady who gets into a few messes from time to time. She is very smart and very sexy. Sometimes she can be a little blonde (as they call it) or maybe she is just hope she is reading it wrong. She just wants to get her company up and running with a good start and knows having Richard as a client would set her up nicely. She has had bad luck in romance even worse when she started a relationship with a boss and will not fall in that trap again. She finds it hard to turn away from Richard but is doing her best until his aunt sets them up big time.
Richard is happy the way his life is running the family company is his joy a few one night stands is all he really wants. When his aunt puts Melanie in his face wanting him to give her a job he finds it hard to not have her work her fingers over his body. Not going to hire her but he would love to bed her. He really is a nice and sweet man just hurt at a young age losing his parent was hard on him. Trusting in someone to stay with him is very hard. He does not trust easy. Melanie is one woman he finds it hard to walk away from. He is starting to think maybe he doesn’t want to.
These two put their heads together when they believe his aunt is setting them up for more than work. Oh the mess’s one gets into when they deceive. This was a cute read and at times funny. It is a very entertaining story that holds your attention. I love the plot and the characters, Richards brothers are a trip. I cannot wait to read their stories. I am sure they will be as interesting as Richards. I have to wonder what his aunt will do if all three boys find their true love, will she go back to her first love or is it too late for her. If you are looking for a great listen this would be one you will totally enjoy. If you are looking for a great book to read it will get your attention.
I won this in a goodreads giveaway. I thought I would get the audio which I really enjoyed.
May 29, 2017
#1 in the Perfect Destinies romance series
I'd rate this 3.5 stars if I could, but I was somewhat disappointed so I'll bring it back to 3 stars for Goodreads. The characters were good, but there was something that didn't quite mesh for me. Richard is a workaholic who is considered a great catch but stodgy. Melanie is a fiery and impulsive PR person who is trying to land his account. They are pushed together by Richard's aunt, but there's immediate chemistry between them. I think it was the aunt that bothered me--she was too smug and pushy, assuming she knew best and pushing them together relentlessly. Heck, they're grown-ups, let them figure it out. But it was all a big rush since Destiny seemed to feel there was no time to waste. The romance was nice, if rushed, and all the romantic elements were there. The main characters were intelligent and professional and did seem to be a good opposites-attract type of couple. I'm interested in the secondary characters of Richard's younger brothers, so I'll probably continue with this series.
I'd rate this 3.5 stars if I could, but I was somewhat disappointed so I'll bring it back to 3 stars for Goodreads. The characters were good, but there was something that didn't quite mesh for me. Richard is a workaholic who is considered a great catch but stodgy. Melanie is a fiery and impulsive PR person who is trying to land his account. They are pushed together by Richard's aunt, but there's immediate chemistry between them. I think it was the aunt that bothered me--she was too smug and pushy, assuming she knew best and pushing them together relentlessly. Heck, they're grown-ups, let them figure it out. But it was all a big rush since Destiny seemed to feel there was no time to waste. The romance was nice, if rushed, and all the romantic elements were there. The main characters were intelligent and professional and did seem to be a good opposites-attract type of couple. I'm interested in the secondary characters of Richard's younger brothers, so I'll probably continue with this series.
April 24, 2016
Sometimes I really struggle with rating a book. How can I give this book 4 stars when I compare it to other books that I have given this same rating? I have to separate each book into the category it belongs in and compare it to other books I have read in that category. That said, this was a fun book to listen to. I am thinking many would consider it a great beach read. Short, funny and sweetly romantic.
July 15, 2021
Creo que tenía tan claro que iba a ser viejuno y básico.. que al final me llevé una sorpresa agradable. El libro es super simple y básico, pero oye, no es tóxico, ni da vergüenza ajena.
Tenemos a dos personajes que quieren tomar las riendas de su vida y decidir sobre ella, con las cosas claras, y un tercer personaje que va moviendo hilos y al final resulta tener razón. Es verdad que no es de mi tropo favorito, pero ha sido una lectura agradable.
Tenemos a dos personajes que quieren tomar las riendas de su vida y decidir sobre ella, con las cosas claras, y un tercer personaje que va moviendo hilos y al final resulta tener razón. Es verdad que no es de mi tropo favorito, pero ha sido una lectura agradable.
July 24, 2016
Good story, but....
I have read a lot of Sheryl Woods' books, this in my opinion is one of her lesser ones. Usually I can't put her books down, it took me almost 2 weeks to finish this one.
The story is good but sometimes important details are left out or shortened. Specially the end was cut up in my opinion.
I will read the next one with good hope.
I have read a lot of Sheryl Woods' books, this in my opinion is one of her lesser ones. Usually I can't put her books down, it took me almost 2 weeks to finish this one.
The story is good but sometimes important details are left out or shortened. Specially the end was cut up in my opinion.
I will read the next one with good hope.
Read
March 1, 2016Miniseries: Perfect Destinies
July 7, 2016
Very entertaining premise but I have to admit I just couldn't connect to the characters.
September 3, 2023
More 3.5 stars. Three men orphaned as children, their aunt steps in to basically raise them. All are now adults and she feels the need to see them “settled” aka married, before she can focus on herself again. We start with the oldest, who took over the family business at a young age and is basically your typical workaholic. Dated some society women - because of course he did - but his aunt throws a woman at him to help him in business and a potential political run. Polar opposites. We also get a glimpse at the other 2 brothers. One is a former NFL standout, and one is an artist on a farm he bought, basically a recluse after a love gone wrong (we don’t get full details on that).
May 20, 2018
One of my favorite series when I was just starting to read romance novels but not holding up after all these years. It's a fairly bland read in general even though it has lots of my favorite tropes (crazy family, pretend engagements etc.). While it's enjoyable as you read, it leaves you feeling "eh" in the end and I struggle to remember which book is which when I find them on my shelf so time to send this series on its way.
July 14, 2017
First book about an aunt and her three nephews and her goal to find soul mates for them. This novel is how Richard and Melanie meet and then try to trick the planner. He is building a political position and she is a PR executive.
June 18, 2018
Very predictable. Same old story. I did not care a lot for it-because I knew where it was going when he made a "proposal". This was like something that I had read over and over again and a bad movie that I watched over and over again. Not worth reading the rest of them. Moving on.
July 10, 2018
Basic light romance. There wasn't anything especially good about this one and the down side is that the ending was rushed.
There are better romance books that I would recommend, and I'm a fan of Sherryl Woods.
There are better romance books that I would recommend, and I'm a fan of Sherryl Woods.
January 24, 2023
Fun to read. Nice characters, love Destiny, plot was a predictable, but the struggling felt very real. Always interesting when what someone thinks becomes a conflict with what they want. Well written.
April 17, 2023
This should of taken me a lot less time to get through. I found it rather hard to get into and it didn’t really hold my interest. The characters were not very likable and the story was on the boring side. I have read other books by this author and loved them.
April 12, 2024
I enjoyed this romance. I bought this at a local Goodwill store and I've given it a 4.5* rating. This is not for the under 18 readers because of sexual content. This was a fun, funny read and I enjoy seeing how the guy gets caught when a relative gets involved in romance.
February 22, 2017
I read the book in under two and half hours. Cute love story
May 12, 2017
Really good
It started a little slow for me but of course I can't wait to read the next one. I love her books
It started a little slow for me but of course I can't wait to read the next one. I love her books
September 19, 2017
just okay not very exciting
January 10, 2018
Nothing awful but just a pretty boring book. No real angst or drama except some juvenile antics by Richard & Melanie with a fake relationship instead of being grown ups and telling Destiny no.
September 22, 2018
Easy read, fun book.
August 9, 2019
Absolutely love this book.
August 27, 2019
This was the most BORING book! Not up to Sherryl's usual standards. Something finally happened at the end but waiting for that was not worth it!
September 26, 2019
2.5 stars
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Originally a SSE #1597
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Originally a SSE #1597
April 7, 2020
Good story, interesting characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews