Geheimrezept zum Glücklichsein

Jack's Stories #1

by Nora Roberts, Tatjána Lénárt-Seidnitzer (Translator)

Three months of solitude in a gorgeous secluded summer rental home is the perfect atmosphere for Jackie “Jack” MacNamara to write the novel featuring the man of her dreams. She only wishes that her rugged Wild West cowboy existed.

Then her reverie is interrupted by Nathan Powell, he’s a mild-mannered architect who is perplexed that his house has been rented without his knowledge and expects Jack to leave. But Jack’s not about to let her work be disrupted—unless she can convince her handsome host that fate has brought them together for a romantic adventure greater than fiction.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Harlequin, Chick Lit, Audiobook

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was fun and lovely. We have Jackie MacNamara of the famous MacNamaras from other Nora books. She is a terrific character. Jackie is spirited, energetic and kind. Throughout her life she has tried many different interests. Even though she was successful at them, they weren't quite right. Now she has decided to write a novel and her tricky cousin lets her sublet a gorgeous house in Florida he is housesitting so she can concentrate on her novel.
Enter the dashing owner of the house, Nathan. When she sees him she thinks he is the cowboy in her story. But what she finds is a diamond in the rough.
He is staid and she is flighty. Their dialogue is excellent and funny. It's a wonderful love story that has the feel of an old movie. Quick, witty and entertaining.

P. S. Nora wrote the book Jackie is writing to accompany this story. Read Lawless first. You'll be glad you did. 😁

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little manic pixie dream girl and a little too man-handlingy for my tastes, but the signature Nora writing and characterization was popping and so I had a good time overall

[Omaira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una lectura que sirve como distracción y que al menos muestra una buena tensión sexual entre los protagonistas. Además, tiene un pequeño toque cómico que no está mal. Lo que falla es que el enamoramiento no está excesivamente trabajado.

Las primeras páginas tienen gracia y logran captar la atención. Jackie es una joven a la que le encanta embarcarse en diferentes proyectos. Lo último que se ha propuesto es ser escritora, y para ello quiere vivir unos meses en una casa que le resulte inspiradora. Cuando su primo le ofrece una que presuntamente él tenía alquilada y que debe abandonar porque le ha surgido un trabajo en otro lado, Jackie la visita y se enamora del lugar. Cuando apenas lleva unos días allí, se ve sorprendida por la llegada de Nathan, el dueño, el cual no había autorizado que su propiedad fuera alquilada. Sin embargo, Jackie logra convencerlo de que le permita quedarse, lo cual hará que empiece a surgir algo entre ellos…

Jackie y Nathan son dos personas muy diferentes entre sí, por lo que sus conversaciones intentando chincharse son divertidas. A esto hay que sumarle que se encuentran en una situación muy peculiar, así que dan ganas de ver cómo evoluciona su convivencia juntos. Hay atracción física entre ellos, eso es innegable, y ese aspecto está correctamente tratado. Lo malo es que no llegan a mostrar interés en conocerse de verdad. En más de una ocasión, me dio la impresión de que Jackie ahogaba un poco a Nathan con sus ganas de liarse con él. Rara vez intentan hablar de sentimientos, de gustos o de cualquier cosa, ya que la autora solo se centra en la tensión sexual. A nivel individual, es cierto que Jackie tiene su lado carismático porque es muy clara y directa, pero también es verdad que no se calla ni debajo del agua y se empeña en actuar como sirvienta de Nathan aunque él no se lo pida. En cuanto a él, es un hombre serio y que sabe lo que quiere, pero creo que Jackie lo intimidaba y tampoco le dejaba ser él mismo, por lo que es difícil apreciar los matices de su personalidad.

La trama avanza sin sobresaltos. No tiene giros inesperados ni ofrece nada especial, pero al menos la lectura es amena en todo momento. Veréis la convivencia de Jackie y Nathan y la única incógnita será ver cuánto tardan en ceder a sus deseos. Además, el libro supera por poco las 200 páginas, así que es fácil leérselo de un par de sentadas.

Lo más curioso es que he descubierto que Nora Roberts publicó una obra que, presuntamente, sería la que Jackie estaba escribiendo, algo que me parece original. Por lo que se contaba de esa historia en este libro, me dan ganas de darle una oportunidad. Si lo pienso, pocas veces he visto mencionar que un personaje está escribiendo un libro y que luego el autor/a publique esa obra como si fuera otra novela.

Si buscáis una lectura ligera y con la dosis justa de humor y romance, pues ésta es una buena opción. No es memorable ni nada que se le parezca, pero tampoco es un horror y se deja leer.

[SnooRegrets · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice and sweet story, nothing too exciting, one of Roberts earlier works. What I like about her writing is that she almost always writes about strong heroines and although this time it was the heroine that fought for her man and pursued hi,, she still managed to stay classy and strong.
The push and pull hero wasn‘t really to my liking and as always with such short stories character development or plot are almost non existant. I was entertained nevertheless and got what I expected from this book.

[Thenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another old school romance by Nora Roberts, starring Jackie, "Jack", a woman who hasn't found what she wants to do with her life yet, and Nathan, her complete opposite.

Jack is a butterfly, fleeting from place to place, until she lands in Nathan's house. She is supposed to stay there for the summer, working on a novel, while he is away on business.

Unfortunately, or fortunately for both of them, he is back and knows nothing about her staying at his house, and is understandably less than happy about having to share his space. Jack negotiates with him since she doesn't want to leave and they eventually reach an agreement.

During their time together they get to know each other and despite Nathan's reservations, they start a relationship. Nathan is cautious and reserved with his feelings, while Jack is the exact opposite, open and giving, and completely in touch with what she's feeling for him, but careful not to push him. She falls in love with him despite knowing that their relationship has an expiration date, and hopes that he will come to love her as well, no matter how much he resists.

Eventually their time together is at an end and they have a huge fight, after which Nathan leaves for another business trip, but what used to be the most important thing in his orderly life has been replaced by her, so he rushes home to tell her than he loves her, only to find it empty.

Craving the commitment with her that he had avoided all his life, he looks for her and finds her at her parents' house, where he finally tells her he loves her with a beautiful, heartfelt confession and asks her to marry him.

A little dated but quite engaging and with a satisfying happily ever after.

The series continues with a story about Cody, Nathan's business partner, in Best Laid Plans next, but also includes a prequel, the book that Jack wrote during this story, Lawless.

[*CJ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Loving Jack" is the story of Jackie "Jack" MacNamara and Nathan Powell.
When Jackie rents a house out of the city to find peace and write her book, she never expects her cousin would scam her and give her a house who's owner was to return very soon!
Nathan is shocked when he finds his house having an intrude/unwanted guest in the form of flighty Jackie. Soon she persuades him to let her stay and thus begins the story.
The couple is polar opposites. While Jackie is eccentric, impulsive and vivacious, Nathan is quiet, brooding and disciplined. She enters his life, creating a havoc, falling in love with him and making him feel the same.
The story was OK. There was a lot of pushing away by the hero, and the heroine was a tad bit too crazy- however my favorite part ofcourse was the book Jack was writing- which happens to be Sarah & Jake's story "Lawless" (book 0 in this series).
I love Nora's strong heroines, and dark, mysterious heroes- and this couple was no exception. However, I've started getting annoyed by the attitude of the heroes that I'd keep pushing you but I still expect you to stand and wait for me.
Sweet ending.
Safe
3/5

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super predecible y chick lit ochentoso.
Jackie es insoportable.... Verborrágica a más no poder. Y Nathan es el típico hombre tosco, que se niega a enamorarse hasta que se dan cuenta que es amor a primera vista.
Es la típica historia de los ochenta, gracias a Dios que hoy día las cosas son distintas.

[Leslie Santillan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.8 Estrellas ⭐
Fue una buena historia corta de romance, solo que no me encantó como la mayoría de los libros que leo de este estilo. Siento que me falto más drama.

[Cruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author: Nora Roberts
First published: 1989
Length: 315 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Fort Lauderdale.
Sex: Infrequent. Not explicit.
Hero: Architect.
Heroine: Flighty but settling down to write romances.

Well, it was readable and it came to an end. There’s not much more to say about it than that.

It was written well enough. The characters were interesting enough. The plot (completely relationship driven with very little drama) was fine.

But the book, overall, was nothing remarkable.

The most interesting bit is that Roberts went on to publish the book Jack wrote, Lawless.

Jack’s Stories:
Lawless (HR written by Jack in Loving Jack) - Jake Redman and Sarah Conway. Published May-1989.
Loving Jack - Jackie McNamara and Nathan . Published Jan-1989.
Best Laid Plans - Cody Johnson and Abra Wilson. Published Mar-1989.

References:
Author's website: http://noraroberts.com/

(ISBN 9780263915563)

-CR-

[Maria Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫
Me duró 1 día, es un libro corto y muy ágil.
Me encantó la protagonista,tiene una personalidad muy espontánea y siempre va a mil ×hora. Nathan encambio es retraído,le gusta planificar TODO.
Cuando ellos dos se juntan tienen que aprender a congeniar...y eso me gusto.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another series of Nora Roberts' older books I haven't read. And, this one was an adorable, light read. Just what I needed. ;)

[Karla Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha gustado, me ha gustado muchísimo. Se deja leer solo.

[cc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Este é um livrinho muito pequeno, daqueles que requerem quase zero de concentração e que se lê de uma assentada, bom para aquelas alturas em que não apetece pensar no que se está a ler e só se quer algo para distrair o cérebro e relaxar. Não digo isto em tom pejorativo porque eu gosto bastante da Nora Roberts, e os plots dela ainda que sempre virados para o romance, têm sempre uma dose de um drama qualquer capaz de comer a cabeça do leitor durante um bom bocado, o que não acontece com O Homem dos seus Sonhos.
O enredo é muito simplista, contando a história de uma jovem mulher -Jackie- que aluga uma casa por 3 meses para ter um santuário e se dedicar a escrever o seu primeiro livro, e acaba por descobrir que foi enganada já que o dono -Nate- que andava em viagem, volta pouco tempo depois. Ele quer que ela saia imediatamente, mas Jackie consegue dar-lhe a volta fazendo um trato: ela não o incomoda de maneira alguma e ainda por cima cozinha-lhe as refeições, e ele deixa-a ficar durante os 3 meses que ela precisa para terminar o seu trabalho. Óbvio que eles se vão apaixonar, ainda que Nate lute um bocadinho para que Jackie não se aproxime.
Achei a personagem de Jackie um bocadinho extrovertida *cough-intrometida* demais para o meu gosto, no entanto era exactamente de uma mulher assim que Nate precisava, por isso...
Já agora, foi engraçado o facto de Jackie estar a escrever um livro que na verdade existe e é de Nora Roberts. Se alguém ficou interessado em Jack Redman e Sarah, mas desconhece que a história deles está publicada, que fique a saber que tem de arranjar o Lawless, ou Sem Lei em português. ;)

[Evelina Pupelė - (Knygų Romanė) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pirmoji mano skaityta šios autorės knyga. Po prieš tai buvusios, norėjau kažko labai lengvo, labai saldaus, gražaus arba kaip dažnai sakoma apie tokio pobūdžio knygas "meilės-seilės". Ir tikrai ši knyga atitinka tą apibūdinimą. Kas man joje patiko tai pagrindiniai veikėjai ir jų pateikti charakteriai bei viskas kas su tuo siejosi. Tikrai galima buvo įsijausti ir juos įsivaizduoti. Tačiau knyga man buvo vietomis gana nuobodi ir norėjosi ją sutrumpinti mažiausiai 100 psl. Vietomis norėjosi tikrai praversti puslapius. Tačiau įveikiau, perskaičiau. Tai pirmoji istorijos apie Džekę ir Nataną dalis. Turiu lentynoje ir antrąją dalį, tačiau kol kas man jos nesinori skaityti 🙈 Nenorėčiau nurašyti šios autorės iš pirmos knygos, tad įsigijau dar kelias ir su laiku bandysiu keisti susiformavusią nuomonę. Gal tiesiog pasirinkau netinkamą knygą pirmai pažinčiai. Tad labai dvejojau kaip vertinti ar visgi tik 2 ar 3 žvaigždutėm, bet visgi daviau 3, kaip mūsų geografijos mokytoja sakydavo su daug geležinkelių 😄🙈 Jei kam reikia knygos iššūkiam kokiam apie knygos rašymą knygoje, tai ši istorija tiks jums.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just awful. The heroine was an annoying, flaky, con artist who has less than nothing in common with the hero. Her cousin rips her off for thousands of dollars and her reaction is to this is not to graciously move out a house that doesn't belong to her or her cousin, but con/force by threat the owner into letting her stay. They spent almost no time together but all of sudden just because they live in the same house, they're in love. Completely ridiculous premise with an unlikable main character (Jack). Skip this!

[Renáta Janotová · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm... Jakože číst se to dalo, ale podruhé bych už do toho nešla. Taková oddechová knížka, předvídatelná, jedna... No možná dvě hot scénky, ale zase pěkně popsané, ne že ne. Trošku nereálné, trošku prázdninové, Nathan a Jackie jsou zamilovaní po asi 2 dnech, akorát, že Nathan to tak trochu neví, za to Jackie si je naprosto jistá, že je to muž jejího života... Když vlastně doteď si nebyla jistá ničím 🤔 trošku víc sexu a můžete to směle zařadit mezi Harlequin Desire. Šťastný konec, spolu budou jezdit po celém světě, peníze nejsou problém (asi je sbírají ze stromů nebo co) a tak ... Pokud máte rádi plácání o lásce a o tom, jak moc je chce nebo vlastně nechce nebo ji nechce ublížit, směle do toho!

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very pleasant, easy to read story from Nora Roberts. Not even much angst in this one!

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for an English class🧍‍♀️do not judge me

[Karolina]

Warto poszerzac swoje horizonty czytelnicze, dzieki Zosia ze wybralas mi to cudo 😝😝😝😜😜😛😛😛

[Cristina Pujadas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decidida y un poco alocada el personaje femenino conquista desde el principio. Trama argumental
chica conoce a chico y poco más pero en una descriptiva detallista y cuidada y con unos personajes y unos diálogos que arrancan sonrisas. Tierna y perfecta para pasar el rato.

[Gerda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fijn voor tussendoor

[Mafi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Este primeiro livro da trilogia, apresenta-nos Jackie MacNamara, uma mulher adulta, que apesar da sua experiência em várias áreas, nunca conseguiu levar nenhum projecto até ao fim, acabando por nunca se ter sentido realizada. Sentindo que agora é de vez, aluga um apartamento por três meses, com o intuito de escrever o seu primeiro romance. Para sua surpresa, logo na primeira noite o dono desse apartamento Nathan, regressa de uma longa viagem de trabalho e claro que não sabia do aluguer de Jackie, pois tudo foi tratado entre o amigo que ambos tem em comum, Fred.
Isto é a premissa do livro e não vale a pena dizer que Jackie e Nathan vão-se apaixonar e viver um belo romance.
Sendo grande fã da autora, fiquei um pouco desapontada com este livro. O livro foi publicado originalmente em 1989, sendo um dos primeiros livros da autora e naquela altura a escrita ainda era muito verde e a história muito básica. Sabendo que a autora inclui sempre um toque de mistério ou drama familiar, é com pena que aqui não vemos nada disso. A Jackie irritou-me um bocadinho, achei-a muito intrometida nos assuntos do Nathan, logo nas primeiras 50 páginas, quando ainda se estavam a conhecer! O romance em si também não acrescentou nada de novo e sei que a autora consegue fazer bem melhor. De notar que a tradução também ajuda para o meu desgosto com o livro, no início quando o casal se conhece, tratam-se por você, como é natural mas passado 5(!) páginas, ainda na mesma acção já se estão a tratar por tu! Para mim é um erro grave e que me chateou, pois nota-se falta de concordância no texto, o que torna a leitura difícil.
É um livro pequeno que se lê rapidamente e que não exige muito esforço, a típica história de amor lamechas que fará as delícias das leitoras mais românticas.

[Mojca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jaquelyn "Jackie" MacNamara sublets the house she fell in love with from her cousin only to discover the owner isn't using the house just as a vacation home and that the lease money she paid to her cousin is gone along with the man.


I didn't like this one. It was cheesy and slightly creepy thanks to the Fatal Attraction behavioral tendencies of the heroine.
She was also a flighty air-head who fell head over heels in love with the hero after just a couple of kisses and then pushed and prodded until the man simply gave in to have some peace.

[Missghana77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old book I cam across at the library. Very good love story from Nora Roberts. Going on to book 2.

[Patrícia · Rating 2 out of 5]

O Norinha, foste um bocadinho fraquinha neste, mas melhores virão :)

[Jamie Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet story with nothing special about it. Honestly, I had a difficult time making it through this one. I enjoyed the characters, but just felt the story was a little boring. There wasn't much "meat" to the story and that all of the important development, reveals, and emotion happened within the final chapters.

Jackie "Jack" MacNamara is a young, fleeting character. She is carefree and vivid. Taking up a new career as a writer, Jack looks for a peaceful waterfront property to rent over the summer. Her cousin, Fred, connects her with a home, that is beautiful and the perfect setting for finishing out her new novel.

Nathan Powell is a calculated, routine character. He carefully plans all aspects of his comfortable, quiet life. Constantly traveling for his career, he is unaware that Fred has rented his house to Jack.

Just days into Jack's stay, Nathan arrives home seeking comfort and routine. He is shocked to find Jack in his home and demands that she leaves. However, Jack is really in need of a place to stay. She negotiates with Nathan, reaching an agreement that she can stay for a few weeks if she minds her business and cooks all of Nathan's meals.

Over the coming weeks, the two begin to get to know one another. What they find, is that they couldn't be more different. While Jack is open, fearless, and emotional, Nathan is closed, cautious, and guarded. Jack quickly falls in love with Nathan, despite their differences. Nathan on the other hand, is cautious and reserved with his feelings. They both begin to teach each other important lessons about life and love. Jack helps Nathan realize his true feelings, working against his "perfectly planned" life.

It ends with a happily ever after, where Jack and Nathan agree both are better off with the other.

All in all, an easy read. Again, the characters were relatable and intriguing, but the story as a whole just didn't do much for me. 2 out of 5 stars!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

near Fort Lauderdale, Florida... near beach...

Jaquelyn "Jackie" MacNamara (also called "Jack") - A romance writer who sublets a house from her shady cousin (whom she knows is shady, but she falls in love with the place)... she has a 'flighty' life, as she studied (first class) various subjects over the years, and gave them up... such as Harvard for architecture, Paris for Cordon Bleu cooking, brother's construction company, etc. She has decided to write a novel - and in a delightful twist, her novel is the one Roberts wrote, "Lawless" - and characters in this book inspire characters in Jackie's novel (like Nathan for the self-controlled Lawless hero : ). She is optimistic, loved and loves her family, manipulative (with a smile), interested in people, firm in her self-confidence, and going after what she wants, happy to feel all of her emotions : ).

Nathan Powell - An architect who owns the house and is perplexed to find it has been rented without his knowledge; he is rigid, famous, innovative architect; a bit of recluse; tight control; does not see a long term love relationship or marriage in his future;

and though he is in the right, Jackie worms her way into staying for a trial of 2 weeks in exchange for cooking; and she falls in love, and he falls in discomfort - not understanding his feelings; she is determined to wait it out, live each day, and expect he'll overcome in the future; he comes to appreciate her presence, finds himself attracted - but won't act on it as he knows she'd want more and he can't give... she seduces him... she kidnaps him and as part of the day, they go shopping at tourist shop, where she coos over a shell pelican (which he later gifts her, when he is finally ready to open his heart) and she buys him a shark in a hammock with sunglasses t-shirt, which she talks him into wearing, even though he'd be shirtless for a minute when he changes : )

[KameliaZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the chaotic nature of Jack's charackter. I sometimes ask myself if her inability to let the relatiship go, works in real life scenarios. We romance readers would love that, wouldn't we? There is something to be said for someone sticking out through the hurt feelings and the lack of ability on the other end, to handle delicate situations like this. But then again Nate seems to be the lost but noble dog, struggling alogn the way, just in need of a little push...or a couple thousand. He as the stable and rational "pillar" that needs someone such as Jack to balance out the scale left way to heavy in the "stick up your arse" side.
So would this work in real life...? Most women have pride which would prevent them from enduring such an (in real life) very uncertain outcome. But that is Nora isn't it? Even back in her start in the 80s, she was able to defy reality with her writings but still make you believe it can happen out there in the real world. Mayebe not to you and maybe not for life, but every once in a while there is a very strong possibility that there can be a Nora Roberts style adventure of love in our own lives. And that is something I will be in awe of Nora.
Loved the story but it was not one of the ones that hit the bullseye for me. Nevertheless lovely two charackters if you love the great disbalance of human nature. A bit of static story, location wise. I normally love Nora's traped by circumstances and dead to the world sceneraios. However I did not feel that there was a reason for it in this one. As always though to me Nora could write no bad story so I enjoyed it all the same.

[anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

well first of all i’m glad i’d read Lawless Nora Roberts before it. bc in this book all major events were spoiled as fmc in this book “wrote” that one.

this problem occurred not for the first time for me in Nora Roberts’ early (hopefully) books: fmc was wonderful, badass, funny, independent, generous and loving. and then there’s mmc. close minded, uptight and stuffy. why just why???? these fmc deserved better and so much more that they were given. so i gave +1 star for the fmc only.

loved jackie from the start and hoped it wouldn’t change.

“In moments he would be writhing on the floor, gasping for air, clutching his throat. His eyes would be wide and shocked, then all too aware, as she stood over him, triumphant and smiling. With his last breath, he would beg for forgiveness.
But that wasn’t subtle enough.”

“Have you ever had your nose broken?”
Absolutely delighted, she grinned at him. “Not so far. Want to fight?”

“Okay, strip.” She touched her tongue to her top lip. “Slow.”
“You really are out of your mind.”
“Don’t beg, Nathan—it’s pitiful.” She cocked her thumb back over an invisible hammer. “Do you have any idea what a .38 slug can do to the human body? Take my word for it—it’s not a pretty sight.”

jackie deserved better. she was too good for him.

“He’d never told her he loved her. That was a thought that hit her painfully at the oddest times.”

[Anushka Bagde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good reread and a story I'll always like for the comprises both characters make for each other. Nathan is someone who had set ideas and expectations for his life and where it would lead and as it came to marriage, it was just as regimented as how he lived his life before he met Jackie. And I like that she threw his expectations and rationales out the window with how he should be, act, and expect from people and women. Jackie, or Jack, is impulsive and opinionated in her own way and, I believe, would be a feminist and even if she isn't, she defied his model of a society women who is elegant and proper in every way, like his mother was. I like that she pursued many other fields before coming to writing because it gave her a wisdom of experience of how the world is. Without that experience, and her upbringing, she would have been spontaneous and naive, I feel, and people would have been able to take advantage, maybe a little bit more than she is in the book.

My only qualms were Nathan's inability to compromise until the end and Jack's willingness to throw her feelings, including those of revenge, out the window when he apologizes. But I think I was satisfied regardless because she always made him pay for his mix-ups and blunders when it came to their relationship. And he truly understood her by the end of the book, and they got their happy ending. Overall, this book made me happy.