What do you think?
Rate this book
Americana #14
The Indy Man
Susan took her engagement to Warren Sullivan seriously. He was handsome, rich and in love with her.
Perhaps things were a little humdrum between them. But not until that insufferable Mitch Braden came along did doubts enter her mind. Certainly there were none of the sparks that shimmered between her and Mitch--even though his attitude infuriated her. "I haven't time to play fair," he warned.
The sooner Mitch took himself off again better! But... did she really want him to go?
Perhaps things were a little humdrum between them. But not until that insufferable Mitch Braden came along did doubts enter her mind. Certainly there were none of the sparks that shimmered between her and Mitch--even though his attitude infuriated her. "I haven't time to play fair," he warned.
The sooner Mitch took himself off again better! But... did she really want him to go?
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
58 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dailey
380 books1,851 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 10, 2022
Cover by Rocco Tedesco: one of the best—certainly the most hilarious—M&B cover artists ever. He's an absolute genius at portraying nonverbal communication and highly particularized details. Many of his interiors include art, here an amusing Velasquez pastiche, which may be overlooked as the main couple is so completely riveting.
The story is pleasant if slightly dull, though the bones of it are interesting enough. Hero Mitch, falling for Susan at first sight while she's having dinner with her fiancé Warren, begins his charm offensive immediately. He's very nearly OM material: blondish, a bit smarmy in his pursuit, with a career that tags him as someone who won't hang around in one place for long. Meanwhile Warren is the dark and masterful type, not half bad a kisser when he can be bothered, but it's obvious his primary interest in Susan is as a decorative but practical and undemanding wife. For flimsy reasons Mitch ends up staying with Susan's family for a few weeks while convalescing after a racing accident so it's hard to complain that the MCs never have the opportunity to get to know each other yet they don't have enough page time together. There's simply too much Warren time (she doesn't dump him until the last few pages) and family time when my taste runs to MCs who are orphans and/or those who live and glower alone—preferably in isolated shacks.
The story is pleasant if slightly dull, though the bones of it are interesting enough. Hero Mitch, falling for Susan at first sight while she's having dinner with her fiancé Warren, begins his charm offensive immediately. He's very nearly OM material: blondish, a bit smarmy in his pursuit, with a career that tags him as someone who won't hang around in one place for long. Meanwhile Warren is the dark and masterful type, not half bad a kisser when he can be bothered, but it's obvious his primary interest in Susan is as a decorative but practical and undemanding wife. For flimsy reasons Mitch ends up staying with Susan's family for a few weeks while convalescing after a racing accident so it's hard to complain that the MCs never have the opportunity to get to know each other yet they don't have enough page time together. There's simply too much Warren time (she doesn't dump him until the last few pages) and family time when my taste runs to MCs who are orphans and/or those who live and glower alone—preferably in isolated shacks.
February 8, 2016
I have to confess I was somewhat confused as who the actual H was in this one to begin with…the boss/fiancé or the shameless pursuer- a car racer. And since I hadn’t even read the blurb so I was understandably wading in very confused waters. Of course the mystery dint hold itself too long unlike the one I read a while ago..Under the Stars of Paris which quite shocked me as to who got the girl in the end. ☺
The first page or so- the fiancé was definitely the H to me…
‘Her soft brown gaze swung to the man sitting opposite her. For the thousandth time Susan studied his aloof, almost arrogant features, the firm jaw, the thin hard mouth, the aristocratically straight nose, the impassive dark, nearly black, eyes beneath thick brows of an equal shade. His hair was as dark as hers, but in this light it had a raven black sheen without the red casts hers possessed.’
Then the racer enters with..
‘The lean, handsome face held deeply grooved lines around his mouth and eyes that said he smiled often. Boyish was an initial adjective that Susan wanted to use to describe the man, but he was much too virile and too masculine. That faintly boyish charm she detected was really the rakish air of a rogue. The stunningly handsome face and devastating smile had probably overwhelmed many women.’
(Okay..lean, roguish, virile is good but boyish? But never mind..)
Indomitable strength was roughly and arrogantly carved in Warren's features. Mitch Braden possessed the same strength, but in him it was tempered with determination and consideration. Mitch did not overpower people with the force of his personality. He charmed them to his side.
Of course things are (or the H was) pretty clear by now but still let me build my case on the confusing signals vis-à-vis how a harly H is supposed to be described or not.
At this point the racer seems the clearcut winner as the fiance was shown as somewhat stuffy and boring.
But the fiancé fights back with his ‘imposing, masculine features’ and his behavior..‘Her elbow was seized in a rough grip and she was propelled toward the outer door. His hold didn't lessen as he nearly forced her to his car in tight-lipped silence. The crackling tension remained through the entire journey to her home with neither of them uttering a sound.’ …and…'The whole argument was silly,' he murmured, taking her into his arms and crushing her tightly against his chest.
The h is running confused and scared and her family doesn’t help much with their open and clear preference. To give her credit she is not cold snippy lady but a genuinely confused one. An emergency clears all her confusion and she goes running to her man. Quite the Indy girl!
The first page or so- the fiancé was definitely the H to me…
‘Her soft brown gaze swung to the man sitting opposite her. For the thousandth time Susan studied his aloof, almost arrogant features, the firm jaw, the thin hard mouth, the aristocratically straight nose, the impassive dark, nearly black, eyes beneath thick brows of an equal shade. His hair was as dark as hers, but in this light it had a raven black sheen without the red casts hers possessed.’
Then the racer enters with..
‘The lean, handsome face held deeply grooved lines around his mouth and eyes that said he smiled often. Boyish was an initial adjective that Susan wanted to use to describe the man, but he was much too virile and too masculine. That faintly boyish charm she detected was really the rakish air of a rogue. The stunningly handsome face and devastating smile had probably overwhelmed many women.’
(Okay..lean, roguish, virile is good but boyish? But never mind..)
Indomitable strength was roughly and arrogantly carved in Warren's features. Mitch Braden possessed the same strength, but in him it was tempered with determination and consideration. Mitch did not overpower people with the force of his personality. He charmed them to his side.
Of course things are (or the H was) pretty clear by now but still let me build my case on the confusing signals vis-à-vis how a harly H is supposed to be described or not.
At this point the racer seems the clearcut winner as the fiance was shown as somewhat stuffy and boring.
But the fiancé fights back with his ‘imposing, masculine features’ and his behavior..‘Her elbow was seized in a rough grip and she was propelled toward the outer door. His hold didn't lessen as he nearly forced her to his car in tight-lipped silence. The crackling tension remained through the entire journey to her home with neither of them uttering a sound.’ …and…'The whole argument was silly,' he murmured, taking her into his arms and crushing her tightly against his chest.
The h is running confused and scared and her family doesn’t help much with their open and clear preference. To give her credit she is not cold snippy lady but a genuinely confused one. An emergency clears all her confusion and she goes running to her man. Quite the Indy girl!
March 29, 2020
"The Indy Man" is the story of Susan and Mitch.
Our h is deliriously happy and engaged to her boss, the OM, after he finally noticed her after years of working. Things take a turn when she is pursued by a man at a restaurant, much to the jealousy of her fiance and her chagrin. She soon finds out that he is a famous race car, and her family absolutely adores him.
The rest of the book has the H chasing the h while she rebuffs him and keeps running away to OM, him getting into accidents, and an abrupt change of feelings towards the end which leads to a HEA.
Very average.
SWE
2/5
Our h is deliriously happy and engaged to her boss, the OM, after he finally noticed her after years of working. Things take a turn when she is pursued by a man at a restaurant, much to the jealousy of her fiance and her chagrin. She soon finds out that he is a famous race car, and her family absolutely adores him.
The rest of the book has the H chasing the h while she rebuffs him and keeps running away to OM, him getting into accidents, and an abrupt change of feelings towards the end which leads to a HEA.
Very average.
SWE
2/5
January 25, 2012
I like the atypical characters she introduces. Her supportive warm family environment endears you to the story. I'm sucker for a hero who does the chasing with a heated, conniving, manipulative albeit playful flair. It's those stolen kisses and secret gazes that leaves you breathless. It's my goodread.
November 7, 2011
This is definitely dated, but I still have such a fond spot for this one. The hero's personality is great -- charming, good-humored, and strong. The ending is a little far-fetched because in real life I think the heroine would be PISSED at what he did, but I'm still giving this 5 stars because I just love this hero.
July 3, 2021
Began collecting Janet Dailey Harlequins with white covers back in 1979. Of those I read through the early '80s, this was in my top six. Read it aloud to my husband and he loved it. We both agreed that it would make a great movie, if done right. We laughed throughout at the audacity of the Indy Man. Made me think of the classic film Holiday Affair with Robert Mitchum, although that movie is quite different and a superior story. I give this book a high rating for fans of Janet Daily Harlequin white covers, which means the protagonist stays a virgin until she marries. The man is usually experienced however. Thus the relationship between the characters is more developed. So no sex here, but definite kissing and desire.
February 16, 2010
I read every one of Dailey's "state" romances, and this was my favorite (along w/the one where thee's a plane crash and they're stuck in the desert. Can't remember which state that was, darn it). Anyway... I saw this at a UBS and picked it up for old times sake.
By today's standards, this book gets a 2. Stubborn heroine, cocky hero, uptight fiance, stilted language that nobody I know uses, every cliche in the book... However, I read it with a sense of nostalgia, and decided that I still like it. If I take it in the time it was written, it's easier to enjoy. Although I'm not likely to take any more trips down memory lane only to be disappointed that I don't love the book anymore :(.
By today's standards, this book gets a 2. Stubborn heroine, cocky hero, uptight fiance, stilted language that nobody I know uses, every cliche in the book... However, I read it with a sense of nostalgia, and decided that I still like it. If I take it in the time it was written, it's easier to enjoy. Although I'm not likely to take any more trips down memory lane only to be disappointed that I don't love the book anymore :(.
June 26, 2021
I should have liked it more as it's my favourite trope 'hero-in-pursuit'. However, the romance is anemic.
Susan is engaged to her boss when she's approached by the famous racing driver. Her wedding is in 2 months and she has to decide what she wants to do: marry her emotionally cold boss she believes she loves or listen to Mitch's compliments and find out if their attraction is worth the cancelled wedding.
Susan is engaged to her boss when she's approached by the famous racing driver. Her wedding is in 2 months and she has to decide what she wants to do: marry her emotionally cold boss she believes she loves or listen to Mitch's compliments and find out if their attraction is worth the cancelled wedding.
September 9, 2023
This is definitely a dated read from the 70s. It made her fiance out to be this controlling villain when in reality he's a ticked finance and the indy man crossed way too many lines for my taste. Susan seems to swoon over every controlling man that shows interest in her. I'll have my mom read this and she may be less biased than I am. I agree with other reviewers at the beginning it's a bit confusing who the leading man is. However, the story flows and doesn't seem to drag or stall out at any point. Was an easy and quick read.
May 9, 2024
Overall, I liked this book. Having said that I did have some problems with it. Mitch's highhandedness was kind of annoying. Plus, he just kept pushing even though Susan made her feelings clear. The Indy Man was published in the 70's and romantic heroes like Mitch were very typical back then. In fact, Mitch was pretty mild compared to some books I have read from that era. I did like how soft Mitch and Susan could be with each other when they let their guard down and spent time together.
February 8, 2025
I found this book at an aunts home years ago and it was my first foray into the romance genre. Mitch knows what he wants and charms the female lead who is already engaged---and ends up working his way into her life. He's sexy, kind and just everything a male lead should be for me. The only reason it isn't a five stars is because I felt like the fiance is too wooden and boring. I really wished he could have fought harder for her.
May 25, 2025
It’s a cute romance from 1977. She is engaged to another man (at first I was confused who the H is in this story: her fiancé or the racing driver) and the H pursues her. No drama, the H is a nice guy. I didn’t like that she only broke up with her fiancé in the end.
October 28, 2017
awesome funny
February 1, 2024
It was a perfect romance with a little bit of spice, but not smutty. Good anticipation and intrigue. Quick and easy read.
August 5, 2025
bought this at a thrift store in iowa and then read it with my sister for ~3h of our flight and it was exactly as we expected
December 17, 2021
I’ve read all of the. “State” books Janet Dailey has written, this is in my top 5. In fact I read each book as it first published, then again in alphabetical order by state.
This story is about Susan, wh is engaged to her boss, Warren. Along comes Mitch, a famous race car driver.
Although Susan tells Mitch she cannot date home because she is engaged, Mitch Perseus, with her entire family baking him up and rooting for him.
While Susan is at the hospital visiting Warrens father, she hears on a radio that Mitch was involved in a pit stop accident. Of course Susan’s parents invite him to stay with them while recovering.
The book was well written, great characters. I laughed, cried…all the emotions. I must admit I rooted for Warren in the beginning.
So who does Susan end up with? My lips won’t spoil it. I highly recommend this book. It’s a quick read (I’m a fast reader) and finished it in one day, the second time around
This story is about Susan, wh is engaged to her boss, Warren. Along comes Mitch, a famous race car driver.
Although Susan tells Mitch she cannot date home because she is engaged, Mitch Perseus, with her entire family baking him up and rooting for him.
While Susan is at the hospital visiting Warrens father, she hears on a radio that Mitch was involved in a pit stop accident. Of course Susan’s parents invite him to stay with them while recovering.
The book was well written, great characters. I laughed, cried…all the emotions. I must admit I rooted for Warren in the beginning.
So who does Susan end up with? My lips won’t spoil it. I highly recommend this book. It’s a quick read (I’m a fast reader) and finished it in one day, the second time around
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2012
The Indy Man
susan is engaged to Warren, who works in a law office. Martin Braden has made it his purpose to speak up and seek her out and let her know she is beautiful.
He's shown up at dinner parties and even to help her brother change the flat tire, and to thank him-to be invited to their house for dinner. He's the hot racing car driver.
She keeps telling him she won't date him that she's engaged. She's visiting Warren's father at the hospital when she learns from the other patients' radio that he's been in a pit stop accident.
After the accident they talk him into staying at their house so he can recuperate.
Reissue of 2002 book. Kinda thought so cuz there's no real high-tech things and he smokes cigarettes.
susan is engaged to Warren, who works in a law office. Martin Braden has made it his purpose to speak up and seek her out and let her know she is beautiful.
He's shown up at dinner parties and even to help her brother change the flat tire, and to thank him-to be invited to their house for dinner. He's the hot racing car driver.
She keeps telling him she won't date him that she's engaged. She's visiting Warren's father at the hospital when she learns from the other patients' radio that he's been in a pit stop accident.
After the accident they talk him into staying at their house so he can recuperate.
Reissue of 2002 book. Kinda thought so cuz there's no real high-tech things and he smokes cigarettes.
January 21, 2021
Susan took her engagement to Warren Sullivan seriously. He was handsome, rich and in love with her.
Perhaps things were a little humdrum between them. But not until that insufferable Mitch Braden came along did doubts enter her mind. Certainly there were none of the sparks that shimmered between her and Mitch--even though his attitude infuriated her. "I haven't time to play fair," he warned.
The sooner Mitch took himself off again better! But... did she really want him to go? (les
Perhaps things were a little humdrum between them. But not until that insufferable Mitch Braden came along did doubts enter her mind. Certainly there were none of the sparks that shimmered between her and Mitch--even though his attitude infuriated her. "I haven't time to play fair," he warned.
The sooner Mitch took himself off again better! But... did she really want him to go? (les
September 25, 2010
Some cocky douchebag racing car driver puts the moves on an attached, beautiful woman. Quite the silly but delicious romp, as usual.
May 8, 2011
My favorite romance by Janet Dailey.
The hero is incorrible and charming. The heroine is reluctant and tries to hold out as long as she can, but in the end, love wins the day.
The hero is incorrible and charming. The heroine is reluctant and tries to hold out as long as she can, but in the end, love wins the day.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews