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The Thrill of Victory
Stevie Corbett, a tennis star recently diagnosed with cancer, must decide whether to go forward and have surgery at the expense of the tournament she has been training toward for over three years. Judd Mackie is a reporter trying to expose Stevie as a glamour girl, but uncovers her tragic secret instead. He takes her to his grandparents' old farmhouse to help her consider her future. But can she trust his intentions...or the attraction growing between them?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
383 people are currently reading
1639 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Brown
343 books19.4k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
June 5, 2021
Hero Judd Mackie (sportswriter of the Dallas Tribune) is assigned a story… to find out why women’s tennis pro (heroine Stevie Corbett) collapsed on the tennis court. Judd has always been a bit hard on Stevie in his column, ridiculing her, thinking she had more looks than talent. But after he goes after his story, and gets to know Stevie better, he begins to admire her and fall for her.
I really enjoyed this romance. Judd was rude and obnoxious at times, disheveled and rumpled in appearance, but he could also be sexy and charming. I liked Stevie, she was a good heroine. She collapsed because she was ill, diagnosed with tumors on her ovaries and she had to have surgery soon to see if she had cancer. She wanted to keep it quiet but the news somehow leaked out from another source. So, Judd suggested he take her away from the publicity for a while, to his grandparents' home that he had inherited in the country, where Stevie could think things through about her health and future. Then, the unlikely twosome became attracted to each other.
Another fine read by Sandra Brown.
I really enjoyed this romance. Judd was rude and obnoxious at times, disheveled and rumpled in appearance, but he could also be sexy and charming. I liked Stevie, she was a good heroine. She collapsed because she was ill, diagnosed with tumors on her ovaries and she had to have surgery soon to see if she had cancer. She wanted to keep it quiet but the news somehow leaked out from another source. So, Judd suggested he take her away from the publicity for a while, to his grandparents' home that he had inherited in the country, where Stevie could think things through about her health and future. Then, the unlikely twosome became attracted to each other.
Another fine read by Sandra Brown.
November 21, 2014
I quite enjoyed this one. It was written back in the day when Ms Brown was writing Romance without any real suspense or mystery. It was a feel-good read and I liked both characters.
I think if I had read this book a few years ago, it would have got a 4 star but because I have read her newer books with all the details and the twists and turns it will have to be a 3 star.
He was attractive in a disheveled, disreputable, range-wolf way. Debonair he was not. But he was sexy. The chip he carried on his shoulder only added to his appeal. So did his arrogance.
It began to rain. Great, splattering drops fell onto the flowers that Stevie had so painstakingly cultivated.
"Oh, God." Groaning he gave her another searing kiss. Pent up frustration erupted in an explosion of sexual desire.
I think if I had read this book a few years ago, it would have got a 4 star but because I have read her newer books with all the details and the twists and turns it will have to be a 3 star.
March 10, 2025
Esta es la última novelita genérica que publicó Sandra Brown con el pseudónimo de Erin St. Claire. Silhouette Desire n.º 488, que salió en abril de 1989. Tópico: de enemigos a amantes.
Romancelandia está llena de deportistas masculinos. Está bien, por una vez, ver a una pro con ovarios. Stevie Corbett es una tenista monísima, una Sharapova de la vida, a la que el periodista Judd Mackie no toma muy en serio y ataca constantemente desde su columna de cotilleos deportivos. Es un resentido porque él no pudo ser deportista profesional. Lanza la típica mirada sexista sobre el deporte femenino que, por desgracia, percibo también ahora. Explico un poco más a qué me refiero en mi blog
La cosa es que, cuando a Stevie le diagnostican una enfermedad, y necesita hablar con alguien, no tiene a su lado a nadie más que a su némesis, este golfo, simpático pero sexista.
Pese a lo viejuna, para mí sí que pasa el corte, dentro de lo que es el género harlequinero.
Tras releerla en 2025, me doy cuenta de lo buena que es. A día de hoy le pondría cuatro estrellas. Un ejemplo de cómo contar una historia breve pero con todos los ingredientes, con unos diálogos que chispean como es propio de un «enemies to lovers». Y mira que él es un gañán sexista pero... lo dice todo con tanta gracia que es imposible tomártelo en serio.
Romancelandia está llena de deportistas masculinos. Está bien, por una vez, ver a una pro con ovarios. Stevie Corbett es una tenista monísima, una Sharapova de la vida, a la que el periodista Judd Mackie no toma muy en serio y ataca constantemente desde su columna de cotilleos deportivos. Es un resentido porque él no pudo ser deportista profesional. Lanza la típica mirada sexista sobre el deporte femenino que, por desgracia, percibo también ahora. Explico un poco más a qué me refiero en mi blog
La cosa es que, cuando a Stevie le diagnostican una enfermedad, y necesita hablar con alguien, no tiene a su lado a nadie más que a su némesis, este golfo, simpático pero sexista.
Pese a lo viejuna, para mí sí que pasa el corte, dentro de lo que es el género harlequinero.
Tras releerla en 2025, me doy cuenta de lo buena que es. A día de hoy le pondría cuatro estrellas. Un ejemplo de cómo contar una historia breve pero con todos los ingredientes, con unos diálogos que chispean como es propio de un «enemies to lovers». Y mira que él es un gañán sexista pero... lo dice todo con tanta gracia que es imposible tomártelo en serio.
December 20, 2016
Sorry to say I was not impressed by this story. I've read what a wonderful author Sandra Brown is and I guess I was expecting much better. Typical plot, she wants him, he doesn't want her, he wants her, she doesn't want him. While this is a perfect storyline when done right, when it's not it's meh. Being the Christmas season I decided to be generous and give it two stars, but it was more like a one. I will give it another try with this author but if the next book is anything as trite as this I will cross her off my list of authors to consider reading in the future. The best positive thing I can say is that it was a quick read so if you want to pump up your numbers of books read, go for it. Otherwise save for reading time for something with more substance.
August 11, 2023
I didn't realize this was a pre-suspense Sandra Brown writing as Erin St. Claire which is the perfect pen name for this very 80s romance. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop until I went back and read the blurb more carefully.
Read for the quaint mating habits of the recent past and the misogynistic viewpoint of women professional athletes.
Read for the quaint mating habits of the recent past and the misogynistic viewpoint of women professional athletes.
April 19, 2019
Judd Mackie memang wartawan paling tengil dan paling mengganggu dlm hidup Stevie Corbett, petenis tersohor peringkat atas. Sejak kejadian di Stockholm satu dekade yg lalu, Stevie tidak bisa lupa atas gangguan Judd. Dan kali ini saat dirinya pingsan, lagi-lagi Judd mengganggu hidupnya.
Saat Judd mengetahui penyebab sebenarnya yg membuat Stevie pingsan, alih-alih membuat berita yg sensasional, Judd yg baru dipecat dari pekerjaannya sbg wartawan, memutuskan membawa Stevie ke rumah peninggalan kakek neneknya di tempat terpencil. Di sarang inilah cinta mereka bersemi. Dan disana jugalah mereka berusaha merangkai masa depan masing-masing. Judd ingin menjadi penulis, sedangkan Stevie mulai berpikir utk menjadi apa setelah tidak menjadi petenis lagi.
Novel ini masih tipikal novel author ala tahun 90'an. Banter diantara mereka lumayan walaupun bukan yg terbaik. Sayangnya klimaks cerita malah jadi antiklimaks bagi saya. Karakter Stevie yg over mandiri dan bertolak belakang melulu dgn Judd kadang menghibur tapi lebih banyak ngeselin-nya. Tapi lumayanlah baca novel ini walaupun so-so saja.
Saat Judd mengetahui penyebab sebenarnya yg membuat Stevie pingsan, alih-alih membuat berita yg sensasional, Judd yg baru dipecat dari pekerjaannya sbg wartawan, memutuskan membawa Stevie ke rumah peninggalan kakek neneknya di tempat terpencil. Di sarang inilah cinta mereka bersemi. Dan disana jugalah mereka berusaha merangkai masa depan masing-masing. Judd ingin menjadi penulis, sedangkan Stevie mulai berpikir utk menjadi apa setelah tidak menjadi petenis lagi.
Novel ini masih tipikal novel author ala tahun 90'an. Banter diantara mereka lumayan walaupun bukan yg terbaik. Sayangnya klimaks cerita malah jadi antiklimaks bagi saya. Karakter Stevie yg over mandiri dan bertolak belakang melulu dgn Judd kadang menghibur tapi lebih banyak ngeselin-nya. Tapi lumayanlah baca novel ini walaupun so-so saja.
August 2, 2019
I read Mirror Image by Danielle Steel and it was quite an amazing book as I sweated in the summer sun watching the waves roll into the beach in New Hampshire ten years ago. I stumbled across another book with the same title "Mirror Image" by Sandra Brown and found out that she is as prolific as Danielle Steel. So I downloaded The Thrill of Victory and was shocked that Sandra Brown was so well acclaimed. This book was pathetic - the story line, the characters, the writing, the attempt to bring a sexual relationship to a climax. It was such a poorly written book that when I scrolled through my reading list, after reading Winter of World, I saw this book and didn't realize I had already read it. So I read it again (duh) and remembered why I didn't remember it - it was absolutely banal. I don't know if Sandra Brown's other works are as poorly written as this one and will not purchase another book of hers unless there is a good recommendation. Sorry for being so critical but in this forum the truth must be told. Thanks
May 20, 2013
Tennis pro, Stevie Corbett, suddenly collapses on the court. It’s the opportunity Judd Mackie has been waiting for! Somehow, if he can get close to her and learn the truth, he’ll scoop the story of the decade.
When Judd breaks into Stevie’s apartment, he finds her angry, bristling and wounded. Something is terribly wrong with her, something with the potential to ruin her career and perhaps end her life.
Judd becomes an unlikely hero to the ailing tennis pro, stealing her away from cameras and badgering newsmen to the seclusion of his family’s cabin in the woods. There, Stevie must come to grips with her illness and determine the course of her future. What she doesn’t expect is the rare gift Judd bestows upon her, a gift of love and life.
When Judd breaks into Stevie’s apartment, he finds her angry, bristling and wounded. Something is terribly wrong with her, something with the potential to ruin her career and perhaps end her life.
Judd becomes an unlikely hero to the ailing tennis pro, stealing her away from cameras and badgering newsmen to the seclusion of his family’s cabin in the woods. There, Stevie must come to grips with her illness and determine the course of her future. What she doesn’t expect is the rare gift Judd bestows upon her, a gift of love and life.
December 31, 2017
Una linda novelita de Sandra Brown, de las más antiguas, creo.
No hay otra trama de misterio como esta autora gusta hacer, pero es entretenida igualmente. Los protagonistas son queribles y el epílogo es muy dulce.
No hay otra trama de misterio como esta autora gusta hacer, pero es entretenida igualmente. Los protagonistas son queribles y el epílogo es muy dulce.
March 10, 2018
This was a bit of fluff. That’s not to say it’s not fun to read. There’s not a discernible plot but you don’t really care after the tennis champion meets the sports columnist. And another happy ending.
November 14, 2024
I really enjoy these older contemporary romances.
This story had a bit of a bully romance feel to it. Judd antagonizes Stevie through his article at the paper and eventually in person when they spend time together. We learn why later on in the story, but we can also see that he does care for her. There is a bit of push/pull to their relationship. Sometimes when Judd went to far, I just wanted to slap him but he does apologize.
Overall, this was a sweet story with a bit of spice. I like that both characters got to deal with their own baggage from their youth.
This story had a bit of a bully romance feel to it. Judd antagonizes Stevie through his article at the paper and eventually in person when they spend time together. We learn why later on in the story, but we can also see that he does care for her. There is a bit of push/pull to their relationship. Sometimes when Judd went to far, I just wanted to slap him but he does apologize.
Overall, this was a sweet story with a bit of spice. I like that both characters got to deal with their own baggage from their youth.
April 8, 2019
Stevie seorang petenis berbakat tiba-tiba jatuh pingsan ketika sedang bertanding di sebuah turnamen. Judd seorang jurnalis olahraga ditugaskan bosnya untuk mencari tahu penyebab hal itu. Judd ini bertahun-tahun selalu memberikan kritik yang tajam di setiap performa Stevie makanya Stevie sangat tidak suka ketika Judd sangat gigih mencari tau soal pingsannya itu. Pada akhirnya Judd mengetahui bahwa Stevie stres setelah diketahui mengidap kanker. Sebrengsek-brengseknya Judd toh berita tersebut disimpannya. Dengan siasatnya Judd berhasil memaksa Stevie untuk menghabiskan beberapa hari di rumah pertanian warisan dari kakek Judd. Disanalah Judd mulai menulis novelnya dan Stevie bisa bersembunyi dari wartawan yang mengejarnya. Hari - hari mereka dihabiskan dengan adu mulut yang menurut saya lumayan menghibur walau seringnya Stevie yang kalah berdebat. Sayangnya endingnya terlalu dipercepat yang tiba - tiba mereka berdua jatuh cinta, kanker Stevie hanya tumor jinak, novel Judd laris dan HEA.
3🌟
3🌟
December 11, 2017
¡Es una historia muy dulcee!
Está muy bien llevada; el antagonismo Judd-Steve y como van llevando su relación... hay crecimiento y evolución.
No dice nada nuevo ni descubre la pólvora: es una novela romántica que está muy bien escrita y nos deja con una sonrisa y una sensación cálida en el corazón al terminar.
Me encantó ^^
Está muy bien llevada; el antagonismo Judd-Steve y como van llevando su relación... hay crecimiento y evolución.
No dice nada nuevo ni descubre la pólvora: es una novela romántica que está muy bien escrita y nos deja con una sonrisa y una sensación cálida en el corazón al terminar.
Me encantó ^^
September 20, 2015
To the Victor go the Spoils **4.5 STARS**
“The Thrill of Victory” by Sandra Brown (published in 1989 under pseudonym, Erin St. Claire) is on my keeper shelf and I recently re-read it because I had fallen out of love with contemporary romances & wanted to know if it was as good as I remembered it.
It is.
The story is about Stevie Corbett, a tennis pro who’s risked everything for her sport; the possibility of family, husband, and children had fallen to the side as she trained year after year to climb the apex of her career. Just when she’s at the precipice of winning the Grand Slam, she collapses on the court during a match. Rumors abound and the media is a frenzy to find out what happened, especially Stevie’s long-time nemesis, sports writer, Judd Mackie.
Mackie rides the thin line between yellow journalism and professional writer, doing whatever he needs to do to get the story. After manipulating his way into Stevie’s condo, he riles her up until she blurts out her secret. A secret giving Mackie the scoop of the century.
I have always admired Ms. Brown’s heroes and heroines. And “The Thrill of Victory” is a classic example of a respected professional alpha male hero, who is also compassionate and flawed while Stevie is his perfect match. She stands up to him and they each call the other on their poop (you know what I mean) when needed.
I wanted to read a stories that are good examples of each character with an external conflict (Stevie playing her next match and Mackie’s decision on what do with Stevie’s secret) and internal conflict (what’s more important to Stevie: her career or her future with Mackie versus Mackie being introspective to write about his short-term career as an athlete.) I also wanted to read an example of romance where the hero and the heroine push the other to grow as characters. Even though this story was originally published as a short category romance, Ms. Brown doesn’t need a ton of space to get readers sucked in to the story and empathizing with her characters.
“The Thrill of Victory” by Sandra Brown (published in 1989 under pseudonym, Erin St. Claire) is on my keeper shelf and I recently re-read it because I had fallen out of love with contemporary romances & wanted to know if it was as good as I remembered it.
It is.
The story is about Stevie Corbett, a tennis pro who’s risked everything for her sport; the possibility of family, husband, and children had fallen to the side as she trained year after year to climb the apex of her career. Just when she’s at the precipice of winning the Grand Slam, she collapses on the court during a match. Rumors abound and the media is a frenzy to find out what happened, especially Stevie’s long-time nemesis, sports writer, Judd Mackie.
Mackie rides the thin line between yellow journalism and professional writer, doing whatever he needs to do to get the story. After manipulating his way into Stevie’s condo, he riles her up until she blurts out her secret. A secret giving Mackie the scoop of the century.
I have always admired Ms. Brown’s heroes and heroines. And “The Thrill of Victory” is a classic example of a respected professional alpha male hero, who is also compassionate and flawed while Stevie is his perfect match. She stands up to him and they each call the other on their poop (you know what I mean) when needed.
I wanted to read a stories that are good examples of each character with an external conflict (Stevie playing her next match and Mackie’s decision on what do with Stevie’s secret) and internal conflict (what’s more important to Stevie: her career or her future with Mackie versus Mackie being introspective to write about his short-term career as an athlete.) I also wanted to read an example of romance where the hero and the heroine push the other to grow as characters. Even though this story was originally published as a short category romance, Ms. Brown doesn’t need a ton of space to get readers sucked in to the story and empathizing with her characters.
February 6, 2021
I finished this book under two hours because it was just short, light and not that original. I didn't really like Judd Mackie, the male lead in this novel and I hope Sandra Brown's other male characters are so much better because I was planning to include her works in my to-read list since my mother always said that she was one of the best authors in their time.
This was published in 1989 so I just didn't take the sexist and misogynistic undertones too seriously. Still, I was very infuriated and I kept wishing they wouldn't end up together despite knowing it's a romance novel. I kind of found Judd insufferable and I think Stevie Corbett deserved so much better. This falls under the enemies-to-lovers trope, but a tasteful example features cockiness and teasing, not disrespect and insensitivity that are made out to be like the former.
This was published in 1989 so I just didn't take the sexist and misogynistic undertones too seriously. Still, I was very infuriated and I kept wishing they wouldn't end up together despite knowing it's a romance novel. I kind of found Judd insufferable and I think Stevie Corbett deserved so much better. This falls under the enemies-to-lovers trope, but a tasteful example features cockiness and teasing, not disrespect and insensitivity that are made out to be like the former.
October 31, 2011
If you love classic romances, you'll love this easy read by Sandra Brown. Stevie Corbett is a famous teen player who collapsed during a match. Judd Mackie is the journalist who's scooping her story. They have a love/hate relationship, as they became friends, when she reveals about her ovarian cancer and the worries about her losing her dreams of having a baby. During the two weeks, they get to know each other better. They fall in love, while decisions are made, and Judd writing a novel, while taking a break from the newspaper. They reveal things about each other. In the end, they get a happy ending. I don't want to give it a way.
August 31, 2016
Here we have a not so young (but not so old) female tennis star who collapses on the court. The popular sportswriter who doesn't write nice things about her (for what reason you need to read the story) missed the story. Now the sportswriter finds the tennis star and the truth and finds himself helping her instead of throwing her to the wolves. Of course, the story leaks and now what do they do? Read the story and find out.
June 25, 2014
RECEIVED BOOK FREE THROUGH GOODREADS FIRST READ.
What is it about summer and romance books? I don't know and don't care. All i can say it Sandra Brown is a FANTASTIC read, not matter the season.
This story is about a tennis star and an ill-mannered sports writer who has taken it upon himself to knock her down at every chance. Before he succeeds an event happens and well...boy gets girl, girl gets boy etc etc!
An easy, relaxing read.
What is it about summer and romance books? I don't know and don't care. All i can say it Sandra Brown is a FANTASTIC read, not matter the season.
This story is about a tennis star and an ill-mannered sports writer who has taken it upon himself to knock her down at every chance. Before he succeeds an event happens and well...boy gets girl, girl gets boy etc etc!
An easy, relaxing read.
May 13, 2008
Masih termasuk SB favorit saya.
Judd harus memutuskan antara kepentingannya sebagai wartawan atau hubungannya dengan Stevie, seorang petenis yang memiliki rahasia yang dapat menghentikan karirnya sebagai petenis yg sedang menanjak.
Stevie juga harus membuka hatinya, terhadap ketulusan Judd, dan rasa curiga atas motivasi Judd mendukungnya selama.
Judd harus memutuskan antara kepentingannya sebagai wartawan atau hubungannya dengan Stevie, seorang petenis yang memiliki rahasia yang dapat menghentikan karirnya sebagai petenis yg sedang menanjak.
Stevie juga harus membuka hatinya, terhadap ketulusan Judd, dan rasa curiga atas motivasi Judd mendukungnya selama.
July 19, 2015
I loved the book with a passion! The words "A Classic Love Story" may be scary if one dislikes romance, but this one is tasty and twist-ful, and a feast to read.
Progressing slowly and climbing up to a line of sudden events that leaves your mouth hanging open, it is loveable from the beginning to end, not forgetting all of the middle along with that.
Progressing slowly and climbing up to a line of sudden events that leaves your mouth hanging open, it is loveable from the beginning to end, not forgetting all of the middle along with that.
May 5, 2013
Started this book earlier this week and finished it in no time. An earlier book of Browns so it is more romance than mystery and as usual in romance books you can guess the ending. I did enjoy the chain of events that it took to get to the ending though. A fast and easy read.
June 25, 2013
For those who don't know this is one of Sandra Brown earlier writing when she was using the name Erin St. Clair. She has other as well. Regardless of what name of time period she write in your in for a good read.
March 24, 2014
Another compelling book by Sandra Brown. What I did notice in this book is that her romantic descriptions did not go on for pages and pages and I preferred that. I would rather have a good story line that endless pages of romantic sensations.
May 16, 2009
Just read this on a recommendation and to distract me from the vampires. I liked this cute little story but there wasn't really a plot. Fluff read.
September 15, 2019
Was a good read....liked the characters
December 1, 2019
Well Balanced Book
I enjoyed this book as it was romantic without too soppy. It had some of the key ingredients that I look for in a romance novel. Glad that I bought it.
I enjoyed this book as it was romantic without too soppy. It had some of the key ingredients that I look for in a romance novel. Glad that I bought it.
March 14, 2021
Easy reading romance novel. What I expected, but enjoyed it anyway.
November 6, 2021
I liked this one. I liked Judd. The banter back and forth between Judd and Stevie worked for me. I recommend this quick read.
August 27, 2022
This one did work for me! I liked both characters, I liked their back story and the dynamics between them really worked. Recommend for a very quick romance read
August 21, 2018
Stevie is a tennis player seeking her greatest triumph ever, a Grand Slam win. But her medical diagnosis of tumors in her abdomen could throw a wrench in those works. Judd Mackie is an embittered and hardened sports journalist who hasn't really put much thought into his work, but has always come out critical, especially of Stevie and her playing. So she's surprised that he's the one who offers her a respite at his grandparents farmhouse while he works on his novel. She is able to have the time to make a decision about how badly she wants her goals and whether or not they're worth her life. In the meantime, Stevie and Judd have plenty of time to get to know one another, criticize each other, spark tension and passion and fall in love.
This is definitely one of Sandra Brown's early works. I believe the copyright was 1989 and it kinda shows in the attitudes of the characters. Judd is an unapologetic chauvinist. He's kinda smarmy and has this false charm that really grates, but it's clear that the reader is supposed to find him adorable. Maybe back in 1989, but not now. He downplays Stevie's accomplishments as an athlete, mocks her for having a cute ass and wearing those little tennis skirts, and actually has thoughts of seducing Stevie because hasn't he earned it with all he's sacrificed to give her this bit of sanctuary? I did not find him charming or all that likeable and unfortunately the author's ability to make him seem standoffish and bitter, also made him unlikeable because we don't get far enough into his psyche or through his barriers to really see how vulnerable he is on the inside. I was a bit suprised that Stevie fell in love with him. In fact, Stevie let a lot of things slide when the modern day heroine probably wouldn't have. I did like her though. She was very conscious of the fact that her ambition had maybe unintentionally sacrificed other life goals, such as a family, and having to deal with that and make a sudden, final decision about which goals were most important in her life.
This wasn't a lot of angst or drama (and absolutely no suspense). The majority of this book is the two characters interacting in the same setting and just learning more about each other. It's a quick read but not terribly exciting and not really high on the steam factor either. It's got some passion though. I was a bit confused about what was going on when Stevie ran off and abandoned Judd, and surprised that this is where the little bit of angst came from. Nothing about his womanizing ways or questions about his ability to commit or anything like that. Also, not a medical expert, but is it actually possible to know whether tumors are benign simply by opening someone up and looking at them? I'm not sure about that.
This is definitely one of Sandra Brown's early works. I believe the copyright was 1989 and it kinda shows in the attitudes of the characters. Judd is an unapologetic chauvinist. He's kinda smarmy and has this false charm that really grates, but it's clear that the reader is supposed to find him adorable. Maybe back in 1989, but not now. He downplays Stevie's accomplishments as an athlete, mocks her for having a cute ass and wearing those little tennis skirts, and actually has thoughts of seducing Stevie because hasn't he earned it with all he's sacrificed to give her this bit of sanctuary? I did not find him charming or all that likeable and unfortunately the author's ability to make him seem standoffish and bitter, also made him unlikeable because we don't get far enough into his psyche or through his barriers to really see how vulnerable he is on the inside. I was a bit suprised that Stevie fell in love with him. In fact, Stevie let a lot of things slide when the modern day heroine probably wouldn't have. I did like her though. She was very conscious of the fact that her ambition had maybe unintentionally sacrificed other life goals, such as a family, and having to deal with that and make a sudden, final decision about which goals were most important in her life.
This wasn't a lot of angst or drama (and absolutely no suspense). The majority of this book is the two characters interacting in the same setting and just learning more about each other. It's a quick read but not terribly exciting and not really high on the steam factor either. It's got some passion though. I was a bit confused about what was going on when Stevie ran off and abandoned Judd, and surprised that this is where the little bit of angst came from. Nothing about his womanizing ways or questions about his ability to commit or anything like that. Also, not a medical expert, but is it actually possible to know whether tumors are benign simply by opening someone up and looking at them? I'm not sure about that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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