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Written in the Stars: Loving Jack / Lawless
Get to the heart of happily-ever-after in these Nora Roberts classics!
Loving Jack
When romance author Jackie MacNamara treats herself to a much-deserved writing retreat, she expects to work on her novel in peace. Unfortunately for her, the luxurious house she's leased already has a tenant: the temperamental owner, Nathan Powell. Jack's love for fairy tales just might rub off on Nathan if he lets her stay…and the longer Jack sticks around, the more she finds inspiration for her novel's romantic hero in Nathan!
Lawless
Read Jackie MacNamara's exciting novel for yourself!
With no family and no fortune, socialite Sarah Conway is determined to make a home out of Lone Bluff, Arizona—no matter how many times rugged outlaw Jake Redman insists she leave the frontier. Jake keeps Sarah out of trouble as she adjusts to her new life, but he slowly discovers that there’s much more to Sarah than her ladylike demeanor. Soon he’s wondering if convincing Sarah to leave is such a good idea after all.
Loving Jack
When romance author Jackie MacNamara treats herself to a much-deserved writing retreat, she expects to work on her novel in peace. Unfortunately for her, the luxurious house she's leased already has a tenant: the temperamental owner, Nathan Powell. Jack's love for fairy tales just might rub off on Nathan if he lets her stay…and the longer Jack sticks around, the more she finds inspiration for her novel's romantic hero in Nathan!
Lawless
Read Jackie MacNamara's exciting novel for yourself!
With no family and no fortune, socialite Sarah Conway is determined to make a home out of Lone Bluff, Arizona—no matter how many times rugged outlaw Jake Redman insists she leave the frontier. Jake keeps Sarah out of trouble as she adjusts to her new life, but he slowly discovers that there’s much more to Sarah than her ladylike demeanor. Soon he’s wondering if convincing Sarah to leave is such a good idea after all.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 29, 2022
11 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora 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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 10, 2023
"She was going to give him problem, all right, she thought as the screen door shut behind her. And it would be her pleasure."
I am going through the list of Nora Robert's works for me to get through and read them all.
Nora is an OG romance author, I love her writing and the joy of the romance plotline she brings.
Written in the Starts is two books in one following 'Loving Jack' an author Jack and her tenant Nate. The book that Jack wrote is the second story in this book ' Lawless."
Nora's writing has always been easy.
I love the cringe predictability of romance, but Loving Jack makes me ick with the character.
Like it's cringe and predictable but seems a bit unrealistic?
It's cute and funny, but Jack's personality can be repetitive and too forceful.
I get it she wants love love but it's a bit hold on let me take a step back.
I did love the book she wrote, Lawless but as a whole it was meh.
"He stared at her for nearly a full minute, When he was gone, Jackie laid her head down on the counter and began to giggle. Oh, she'd get Fred for this, make no mistake. But now, just now, it was the funniest thing that had happened to her in months."
I am going through the list of Nora Robert's works for me to get through and read them all.
Nora is an OG romance author, I love her writing and the joy of the romance plotline she brings.
Written in the Starts is two books in one following 'Loving Jack' an author Jack and her tenant Nate. The book that Jack wrote is the second story in this book ' Lawless."
Nora's writing has always been easy.
I love the cringe predictability of romance, but Loving Jack makes me ick with the character.
Like it's cringe and predictable but seems a bit unrealistic?
It's cute and funny, but Jack's personality can be repetitive and too forceful.
I get it she wants love love but it's a bit hold on let me take a step back.
I did love the book she wrote, Lawless but as a whole it was meh.
"He stared at her for nearly a full minute, When he was gone, Jackie laid her head down on the counter and began to giggle. Oh, she'd get Fred for this, make no mistake. But now, just now, it was the funniest thing that had happened to her in months."
September 4, 2024
Wasn't crazy about the first story so didn't finish the book.
February 4, 2024
Just what I needed - perfect!
September 17, 2024
Written in the Stars is two stories under one cover. I liked that Lawless is the story written by Jackie MacNamara, a character in the first story who is trying her hand at becoming a writer.
Loving Jack - Jackie MacNamara has studied and tried many different careers but none lasted for long because they just didn't fit, now she is trying her hand at writing a romance novel. Knowing she needs the perfect setting, she leases the perfect house from her cousin but soon learns that she has been scammed when the owner returns home for some peace and quiet. Nathan Powell is shocked to find Jackie living in his home after telling his house-sitter that he would be returning within days. Planning to evict her, Jackie makes a deal with Nathan. If he allows her to stay to finish her book, she will cook and stay out of his way but her attraction to Nathan makes this a difficult promise to keep. Growing up in a loveless marriage in which his mother blamed him for his father's lack of devotion, Nathan refuses to fall in love but soon realizes that love cannot be denied.
Lawless - Socialite, Sarah Conway travels west to rejoin her father who traveled to Arizona looking to strike it rich in gold mining. During the ride, their coach is attacked by indians but rescued by a lone gunslinger. Jake Redman is a gun for hire and not looking to settle down but when Sarah announces she is staying in Lone Bluff, he reluctantly feels the need to make sure she stays safe until he can convince her to return East. Upon arrival in Lone Bluff, Sarah learns that her father has died in a "cave-in" and with no other family, she intends to stay. Raised to believe killing is a sin, she is weary of being around Jake but soon attraction and deadly incidents show her that life and love are worth fighting for.
Both stories are entertaining with engaging characters that draw you into the stories.
Loving Jack - Jackie MacNamara has studied and tried many different careers but none lasted for long because they just didn't fit, now she is trying her hand at writing a romance novel. Knowing she needs the perfect setting, she leases the perfect house from her cousin but soon learns that she has been scammed when the owner returns home for some peace and quiet. Nathan Powell is shocked to find Jackie living in his home after telling his house-sitter that he would be returning within days. Planning to evict her, Jackie makes a deal with Nathan. If he allows her to stay to finish her book, she will cook and stay out of his way but her attraction to Nathan makes this a difficult promise to keep. Growing up in a loveless marriage in which his mother blamed him for his father's lack of devotion, Nathan refuses to fall in love but soon realizes that love cannot be denied.
Lawless - Socialite, Sarah Conway travels west to rejoin her father who traveled to Arizona looking to strike it rich in gold mining. During the ride, their coach is attacked by indians but rescued by a lone gunslinger. Jake Redman is a gun for hire and not looking to settle down but when Sarah announces she is staying in Lone Bluff, he reluctantly feels the need to make sure she stays safe until he can convince her to return East. Upon arrival in Lone Bluff, Sarah learns that her father has died in a "cave-in" and with no other family, she intends to stay. Raised to believe killing is a sin, she is weary of being around Jake but soon attraction and deadly incidents show her that life and love are worth fighting for.
Both stories are entertaining with engaging characters that draw you into the stories.
November 10, 2023
Another fantastic bind up edition book containing two wonderful stories Loving Jack and Lawless from the talented storyteller. I absolutely loved reading this book I loved how the first book Loving Jack is about Romance author Jacqueline who writes a book about Sarah Conway and Jake Redman and the second story lawless is Jacqueline’s story come to life. I enjoyed reading this book it was highly entertaining and enjoyable book to read. The only criticism I have is that in the story loving Jack is that I felt that the character of Jack was too pushy with Nathan in letting her stay in his home when she didn’t belong there especially after learning Nathan the owner of the home wasn’t expecting houseguests yet she wouldn’t leave and she was pushy about her feelings of love with him despite not really having enough time to get to know him. Otherwise It was a fantastic book to read I definitely recommend reading it.
Loving Jack- Jacqueline aka Jackie or Jack is a twenty five year old woman who is just starting a new career wants to be a novelist looking for some place peace and quiet to write her book her cousin Fred suggests a place for her which she falls in love, believing her cousin that the owner Nathan is approving of the three month lease she moves in. A few days pass and successfully architect Nathan Powell heads home after working in Germany on a project the last thing he expected was a houseguest he’s not happy but she convinces him to let her stay a few weeks while she writes her book. The writing process is going successfully Jack takes inspiration from Nathan for her character hero Jake redman in her book. They start spending more time together and their attraction to each other grows. They kiss but he later shrugs it off hurting her feelings determined to make him pay they later have another heated moment where he hurts her by placing boundaries. Jack befriends the housekeeper mrs grange. Jack finds herself falling in love with Nathan and tells him. Jack gets jealous when a female friend Justine rings Nathan and he has a meal with her. Justine later comes over to meet her and reassure they’re just friends and that Nathan is besotted with Jack. Jack and Nathan have a meal and he asks her about her book and it’s characters jake and Sarah. He shows her his blueprints for a project he’s working on and they have sex. Nathan keeps himself emotionally distant fearing he would end up like his parent’s marriage. They go on a date and she sends in a copy of her manuscript to an agent. Nathan has a business trip to Denver coming up so Jack convinced him to throw a party with his friends so she can prove she belongs in his world she’s told him she loves him but he hasn’t said it back unknown to her he does but believes she deserves better than him. The party is a success when he’s packing for his trip he confides in her that his mother loved his father who married her as a business transaction for her family name, his father cheated on his mother and she knew about it she stopped loving his father and blamed her son for the marriage failure. Jack gets angry that he’s letting his parents rule his life with the memory of their bad marriage. She leaves the house angrily and he goes on his trip coworker Cody convinced him to fix things he goes back to the house but she’s not their tracks her down to her parents where they reunite happily.
Lawless- tells the story of Jacqueline’s characters socialite Sarah Conway and gunslinger Jake Redman set in 1870s Arizona
1870s Arizona.
Loving Jack- Jacqueline aka Jackie or Jack is a twenty five year old woman who is just starting a new career wants to be a novelist looking for some place peace and quiet to write her book her cousin Fred suggests a place for her which she falls in love, believing her cousin that the owner Nathan is approving of the three month lease she moves in. A few days pass and successfully architect Nathan Powell heads home after working in Germany on a project the last thing he expected was a houseguest he’s not happy but she convinces him to let her stay a few weeks while she writes her book. The writing process is going successfully Jack takes inspiration from Nathan for her character hero Jake redman in her book. They start spending more time together and their attraction to each other grows. They kiss but he later shrugs it off hurting her feelings determined to make him pay they later have another heated moment where he hurts her by placing boundaries. Jack befriends the housekeeper mrs grange. Jack finds herself falling in love with Nathan and tells him. Jack gets jealous when a female friend Justine rings Nathan and he has a meal with her. Justine later comes over to meet her and reassure they’re just friends and that Nathan is besotted with Jack. Jack and Nathan have a meal and he asks her about her book and it’s characters jake and Sarah. He shows her his blueprints for a project he’s working on and they have sex. Nathan keeps himself emotionally distant fearing he would end up like his parent’s marriage. They go on a date and she sends in a copy of her manuscript to an agent. Nathan has a business trip to Denver coming up so Jack convinced him to throw a party with his friends so she can prove she belongs in his world she’s told him she loves him but he hasn’t said it back unknown to her he does but believes she deserves better than him. The party is a success when he’s packing for his trip he confides in her that his mother loved his father who married her as a business transaction for her family name, his father cheated on his mother and she knew about it she stopped loving his father and blamed her son for the marriage failure. Jack gets angry that he’s letting his parents rule his life with the memory of their bad marriage. She leaves the house angrily and he goes on his trip coworker Cody convinced him to fix things he goes back to the house but she’s not their tracks her down to her parents where they reunite happily.
Lawless- tells the story of Jacqueline’s characters socialite Sarah Conway and gunslinger Jake Redman set in 1870s Arizona
1870s Arizona.
March 7, 2025
LOVING JACK.
I have already read Lawless and wanted to read Loving Jack.
Unfortunately, in the first chapter, I found Jacqueline to be as bad as her cheat of a cousin. She seems to be as much of an operator as well.
Her attitude towards basically being swindled by her own cousin was humourless. Then she has the cheek to challenge the rightful owner over him asking her to leave his home. Just no. Sounds like a squatter who knows the legalities and how long it will take them to get them moved by legal means.
I’ll persevere but I’m not impressed so far. Will update review when finished.
FINISHED.
Really didn’t think much of Jackie at the end. Smashing priceless china in a fit, wow, so mature.
Nathan had a right to his feelings after hearing about his useless and cold parents. But he was a bit of a coward too, purely due to not having time to process and lance the boil that was his childhood.
LAWLESS
Well written historical western romance.
Loved Jake, he was very interesting.
Sarah was remarkable coping with everything as she does for someone who’d grown up back east.
Fairly predictable but had a few very good moments and I did love Sarah going head to head with Carlotta over Lisa. Pity Carlotta does a runner before she can get her comeuppance.
I didn’t know until looking for this book to write a review that it is really a story inside a story.
Will be grabbing Loving Jack if I can.
I have already read Lawless and wanted to read Loving Jack.
Unfortunately, in the first chapter, I found Jacqueline to be as bad as her cheat of a cousin. She seems to be as much of an operator as well.
Her attitude towards basically being swindled by her own cousin was humourless. Then she has the cheek to challenge the rightful owner over him asking her to leave his home. Just no. Sounds like a squatter who knows the legalities and how long it will take them to get them moved by legal means.
I’ll persevere but I’m not impressed so far. Will update review when finished.
FINISHED.
Really didn’t think much of Jackie at the end. Smashing priceless china in a fit, wow, so mature.
Nathan had a right to his feelings after hearing about his useless and cold parents. But he was a bit of a coward too, purely due to not having time to process and lance the boil that was his childhood.
LAWLESS
Well written historical western romance.
Loved Jake, he was very interesting.
Sarah was remarkable coping with everything as she does for someone who’d grown up back east.
Fairly predictable but had a few very good moments and I did love Sarah going head to head with Carlotta over Lisa. Pity Carlotta does a runner before she can get her comeuppance.
I didn’t know until looking for this book to write a review that it is really a story inside a story.
Will be grabbing Loving Jack if I can.
April 7, 2024
I recently purchased this Nora Roberts book and read this book within a week.
This book has two short stories within it. When I began this book, it was a story about a romance author named Jackie MacNamara. The first story - entitled "Loving Jack" begins when Jackie's cousin tricks her into renting a luxurious house to work on her first novel. To Jackie's surprise, the owner of house (Nathan Powell) returns home only a few days after she settles into the home. Initially, Nathan is very upset with her presence, but Jackie's presence slowly grows on Nathan ...
The second story, entitled "Lawless" is about a socialite - Sarah Conway who wants to make a home in Lake Bluff, Arizona. When Jake Redman, a rugged outlaw, insists she leave Arizona, he slowly finds out that leaving Lake Bluff may not be a good idea ...
Both stories were a quick read and definitely fall within the romance category, but I just felt both stories to be lacking.
This book has two short stories within it. When I began this book, it was a story about a romance author named Jackie MacNamara. The first story - entitled "Loving Jack" begins when Jackie's cousin tricks her into renting a luxurious house to work on her first novel. To Jackie's surprise, the owner of house (Nathan Powell) returns home only a few days after she settles into the home. Initially, Nathan is very upset with her presence, but Jackie's presence slowly grows on Nathan ...
The second story, entitled "Lawless" is about a socialite - Sarah Conway who wants to make a home in Lake Bluff, Arizona. When Jake Redman, a rugged outlaw, insists she leave Arizona, he slowly finds out that leaving Lake Bluff may not be a good idea ...
Both stories were a quick read and definitely fall within the romance category, but I just felt both stories to be lacking.
November 4, 2024
Originally Read March 2024
5/5 Stars for sure!
Oh, I cannot tell you how incredibly I enjoyed this novel! Following Jackie through her seemingly endless schemes and intense emotions transported me to her world and caught me up in the flames she both experienced and created in the novel she wrote during her time with Nathan.
There were incredible moments of happiness, laughter, and tears, of both joy and sorrow, that I personally experienced as I followed Jackie's romantic view on life, and the wild west characters she created as she let herself be lost in the art of creation with Lawless.
Lawless itself was short on nothing. Danger, romance, jealousy, all of it there and heart poundingly exciting. Not only were the details of the setting and people intricately placed but also correct historically for the most part. The flames of the desert have no comparison to the spark between Sarah and Jake in this whirlwind of a novel.
5/5 Stars for sure!
Oh, I cannot tell you how incredibly I enjoyed this novel! Following Jackie through her seemingly endless schemes and intense emotions transported me to her world and caught me up in the flames she both experienced and created in the novel she wrote during her time with Nathan.
There were incredible moments of happiness, laughter, and tears, of both joy and sorrow, that I personally experienced as I followed Jackie's romantic view on life, and the wild west characters she created as she let herself be lost in the art of creation with Lawless.
Lawless itself was short on nothing. Danger, romance, jealousy, all of it there and heart poundingly exciting. Not only were the details of the setting and people intricately placed but also correct historically for the most part. The flames of the desert have no comparison to the spark between Sarah and Jake in this whirlwind of a novel.
November 29, 2023
Loving Jack
Jackie MacNamara is looking for a quiet haven to complete her next project--writing a book. Her cousin, Fred, has the perfect place; a house he has been caretaking for a rarely-home man. It is perfect for Jackie's needs and she sublets it from Fred in a heartbeat. The atmosphere and tranquility of her haven have her book pouring out rapidly. Nathan Powell wants nothing more than to relax in peace and quiet after a stressful six-month project in Germany. But when he arrives home, he finds his bedroom and spa occupied. She's beautiful but exactly what he does not need; a loud and fluttery woman invading his sanctuary. Jackie talks him into a mutually beneficial agreement so that she can continue writing her book. As the two cohabitate they learn more about the other, affect the other, and gradually come to an even more beneficial agreement. A stubborn, long-held viewpoint almost destroys it all but a friend and a blunt, honest conversation might just put them back on track.
Lawless--Jackie MacNamara's book.
Sarah Conway has finished up her schooling back East and is heading out to join up with her Pa and make a home for him. Expecting a lovely house with a parlor and several bedrooms, a man of standing, and a comfortable life she instead gets a small adobe shack, finds out her Pa's dead from working in the mine, and has to scrabble to learn and create a home for herself. From the moment she gets to the west things are difficult. When Jake Redman swoops in and helps the stagecoach she's on, watches over her, and helps her with settling in she finds her first ally. Later, she manages to find a way to support herself and learns to love the hard world she's been deposited in just like her Pa. Gumption, smarts, and her own personality help her win over the townspeople and even Jake is taken with her. So, when her life and heritage are threatened the town takes care of one of their own.
Jackie MacNamara is looking for a quiet haven to complete her next project--writing a book. Her cousin, Fred, has the perfect place; a house he has been caretaking for a rarely-home man. It is perfect for Jackie's needs and she sublets it from Fred in a heartbeat. The atmosphere and tranquility of her haven have her book pouring out rapidly. Nathan Powell wants nothing more than to relax in peace and quiet after a stressful six-month project in Germany. But when he arrives home, he finds his bedroom and spa occupied. She's beautiful but exactly what he does not need; a loud and fluttery woman invading his sanctuary. Jackie talks him into a mutually beneficial agreement so that she can continue writing her book. As the two cohabitate they learn more about the other, affect the other, and gradually come to an even more beneficial agreement. A stubborn, long-held viewpoint almost destroys it all but a friend and a blunt, honest conversation might just put them back on track.
Lawless--Jackie MacNamara's book.
Sarah Conway has finished up her schooling back East and is heading out to join up with her Pa and make a home for him. Expecting a lovely house with a parlor and several bedrooms, a man of standing, and a comfortable life she instead gets a small adobe shack, finds out her Pa's dead from working in the mine, and has to scrabble to learn and create a home for herself. From the moment she gets to the west things are difficult. When Jake Redman swoops in and helps the stagecoach she's on, watches over her, and helps her with settling in she finds her first ally. Later, she manages to find a way to support herself and learns to love the hard world she's been deposited in just like her Pa. Gumption, smarts, and her own personality help her win over the townspeople and even Jake is taken with her. So, when her life and heritage are threatened the town takes care of one of their own.
March 4, 2025
This book offers two engaging stories in one, with Loving Jack setting the stage and Lawless bringing the fictional world within the story to life. I especially enjoyed Lawless, likely because of its historical setting, which added depth and intrigue.
Both stories are entertaining, featuring well-developed characters and a unique narrative structure. The way Lawless ties into Loving Jack—as the novel that Jackie, the protagonist of the first book, is writing—adds an interesting layer to the reading experience. Seeing the connections unfold made the book even more enjoyable.
Rated: 3.0/5.0—Overall, this was a fun and creative read, perfect for fans of engaging characters and intertwining storylines.
Both stories are entertaining, featuring well-developed characters and a unique narrative structure. The way Lawless ties into Loving Jack—as the novel that Jackie, the protagonist of the first book, is writing—adds an interesting layer to the reading experience. Seeing the connections unfold made the book even more enjoyable.
Rated: 3.0/5.0—Overall, this was a fun and creative read, perfect for fans of engaging characters and intertwining storylines.
January 2, 2023
I liked this double feature from Nora, it had a definite change of pace as the second book was supposed to have been written by a character in the first book! Both romances had their good parts and also their weak spots which are usually related to some dated male/female dynamic that doesn’t translate to today.
June 8, 2023
Typical Nora Roberts romance novel, but two stories in one! Harlequin style novels with a twist. The first novel is about a first time author writing her first historical romance novel mixed in with her own romantic adventures. The second book is supposed to be the book she wrote. Both ver readable but predictable.
December 27, 2022
This is a 25 year old book repackaged with no updates. A girl and her typewriter! Don’t get sucked in to an old book you have already read. So disappointing. The least they could was spend an hour bringing it into the literal 21st century.
May 30, 2023
The first story in Nora Roberts, which was called loving Jack that wasn’t really very good story. I found that Lawless the second story was a little more interesting, because in the end you had to figure out who killed Sarah’s father and they kidnap Sarah and Jake had to go save Sarah.
September 3, 2023
Two books in one. Really enjoyed this book. The first part is an author writing a book and the second part is the book. How fun.
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April 20, 2024Even though it was a long book, it was soooo good! Nora Robert’s has done it again! Such a great story of love.
January 15, 2025
What a great book! This is two stories in one book. The second book is actually the book that an author Jackie)is writing in the first book. Love how it all comes together.
August 9, 2024
2 short stories great as Nora always is. I don’t particularly like western in the olden times but Lawless was terrific.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews