Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The MacKade Brothers #4

A Derrota de um Solteiro

Rate this book
Shane MacKade adorava as mulheres, mas nunca conhecera nenhuma que o pusesse a assobiar a Marcha Nupcial, até aparecer a doutora Rebecca Knight. O problema era que ela conhecia muito bem a fama dos MacKade para sucumbir ao seu encanto. Talvez tivesse chegado o momento de lhe fazer uma proposta, uma vez que Shane não conseguia viver sem ela.
Para a doutora Rebecca Knight, tudo tinha uma explicação, até começar a ter pensamentos irracionais a respeito do atraente Shane MacKade. Não percebia muito de homens, mas tinha a certeza de uma coisa: amar Shane era perigoso e Rebecca não gostava de riscos.

317 pages, Capa Mole

First published April 1, 1996

1062 people are currently reading
3117 people want to read

About the author

Nora Roberts

1,209 books59.6k followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
5,546 (44%)
4 stars
4,117 (32%)
3 stars
2,287 (18%)
2 stars
452 (3%)
1 star
92 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
Profile Image for Pepito .
644 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2011
OMG What an unbelievably fascinating ending for this marvelous and wonderful series. I still have my eyes all tear-up after reading that breathtaking epilogue. This book just gave me that perfect ending I was craving. It was such an amazing journey, each book, each story, all of them astounding and unique in their own way. I just can't pick a favorite because all 4 books were so different and amazing...

Shane was, to a degree, a huge surprise. I always loved him but mostly because he was a MacKade, but not for himself. He was always the one less spoken about, the younger brother, the one who seemed to have everything in order. I thought his book was going to be just fine but not the outstanding story it turned out to be. His heroine, Rebecca, was a huge surprise as well. She baffled everything for him, even though you would have never imagined a geek scientist would do just that to him. They were perfect for each other, even if they didn't have a thing in common.

What I loved the most about this book was that reading it felt exquisite, I just couldn't stop. I stayed up till 6 am. That's how obsessed I was with this story. It's weird because I don't usually get this excited about books in this genre but I was completely catch off-guard by this series. The way you relate to the characters and get to know them... I never thought I would be saying this about Nora Roberts because I have already read 2 of her series and NEVER felt this way before.I think she did magic in what this series is concerned. Now I just will be all depressed because it's over and I know I wont find a series that will appeal to me this much any time soon. I guess it just clicked extremely well with me.

IMPORTANT: The books in this series should be read together IMHO I just feel like the magic of it would be lost otherwise.
Profile Image for Cristina.
514 reviews469 followers
January 7, 2018
This series has been so adorable! I'm so glad I read it. The hunted places and stories were my favourites.
Shane and Rebecca were so funny. Somehow. I adored Rebecca's attitude. She was a master of disguise. And she tamed the last bachelor in the family (a family that became so big after all).
I love it when a series is not only about romance stories, but comes with something new and captivating. This one deserves 5 stars.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,450 reviews124 followers
July 27, 2017
The last book in the series and just as well done as the rest. Although I think this one was funnier than the other three.
You've got genius ghost hunter girl and sexy farm boy. Lots of fun and a great ending to the series, although it would be cool if the Great Nora wrote a sequel for the next generation of MacKades.
Profile Image for Margo.
2,112 reviews130 followers
January 2, 2021
I was prepared to dislike this book because I suspected that the H was going to be easy, cheesy, and possibly sleazy. When he was introduced in the book, I was not impressed. However, he quickly moves beyond this cliché. The h is the absolute perfect person to knock him for a loop and he is entranced by her. This ended up being a cute 3.5-star read.
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,688 reviews376 followers
July 15, 2018
The fourth book in The MacKade Brothers series by Nora Roberts. Dr. Rebecca Knight, friend of Regan's from The Return of Rafe MacKade, arrives in Antietam, Maryland to investigate the hauntings. Shane MacKade, the youngest brother, doesn't believe in ghosts, though. Or does he?

Shane was your typical man-whore until Rebecca arrived. Rebecca is a highly educated woman more interested in ghosts than people. But there is chemistry and something else. A fun addition to the series.
Profile Image for Marilyn Upright.
197 reviews
July 24, 2017
I believe this was the best of the McQuade brothers books. We already knew all the characters from the previous books and it was interesting
catch up with them. But I liked thid couple best.
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,096 reviews623 followers
April 9, 2017
"The Fall of Shane MacKade" is the final book of the youngest of the clan.
Shane is a charmer and a woman's man. Always appreciated women of all shapes, sizes and diversities. Confident in his abilities, his world is shaken when Regan's childhood friend, whiz and genius Rebecca shows up in their life to research on parapsychology.
I really enjoyed this book- how all the stories came together along with the ghosts- the past and present- John and Sarah- the old and new babies- giving it a super nostalgic feel. The paranormal elements really add to the book.
Loved the smokin chemistry between the farmer and the savant. It's an instant attraction that couldn't be analyzed- but was oh so hot and fun to read.
The series started out average- the first two books were meh but really adored Devin and Shane's book.
Safe with minor exceptions
4.5/5
Profile Image for Jodster's.
226 reviews
January 19, 2016
WOW!! is all I can say. Loved this series... particularly the last two. Cried for them both... Awesome read... need to think more before I put anything else down in words.

I loved all the MacKade Brothers... Shane was a surprise for me... the only MacKade who never thought of marriage.. the only macKade who never admitted to seeing or hearing the ghosts... the only Mackade who's middle name had meaning..

Rebecca was truly remarkable... the little girl who was never loved by the two people who should have loved her.. found love.. in the most unlikely place and with the most unlikely person. They were in deed meant to be together.... the town and the spirits that drew them together is what will keep them together..

For me personally I am upset that the series is finished... I would love to see another book for today... the relationships the kids all grown up... the ghost still there... or maybe a movie... maybe I just do no not want to let these brothers and the ghosts go... just loved them.. the books...

Very happy I decided to listen to my niece and take a chance on Nora Roberts...
Profile Image for Saly.
3,437 reviews578 followers
December 24, 2011
When I started reading this book I didn't like Shane much, he is the charming MacKade, the youngest who runs the farm and has an arrogance when it comes to women but Rebecca was the perfect woman for him, who could run circles around him with her academic distance and analytical psychiatric degree, poor guy didn't stand a chance.

The heroine Rebecca is Regan's friend who is interested in the paranormal, something we have seen throughout the series, about the Civil War.
Rebecca's life was mapped out from the time she was born and she followed it, studying, getting more and more degrees but now she is ready for more and some change.

Shane at first tries to get a rise out of her but ends up falling hard and finds that Rebecca is not typical and does not react in the manner he thinks she would, like when she sees him talking to another woman, her reaction baffles him.

I think this has to be one of the most fun book in the series once the relationship gets going. Rebecca wasn't a typical virgin and was quite an awesome match for Shane.
Profile Image for Mafi.
1,198 reviews249 followers
December 30, 2016
Fiquei desiludida com este último volume! Gostei mas não me deslumbrou.
Profile Image for Leane.
535 reviews35 followers
April 9, 2021
This was my least favorite in the series. I didn't like the paranormal aspect in this one.
I really feel like this series was the basis for the Inn Boonsboro trilogy.
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,516 reviews159 followers
March 30, 2022
The Fall of Shane MacKade
4.5 Stars

The youngest of the MacKade brothers, Shane has never met a woman he couldn't seduce that is until Rebecca Knight crosses his path. Well aware of his womanizing ways, Rebecca is determined to keep her distance, but the best laid plans are shoved aside when destiny comes knocking.

Definitely the best book in the quartet. Shane and Rebecca have incredible chemistry and their banter is witty and fun. It is wonderful seeing Shane fall for the one woman who doesn't immediately succumb to his charms.

There is also closure to the ongoing paranormal storyline as readers finally discover the identity of the Union soldier who wandered onto MacKade land to die. This is actually the one aspect of the story that disappointed as my personal theory didn't pan out -

All in all, a charming conclusion to the series and it has convinced me to read some of Nora's older works.

Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews67 followers
May 6, 2014

The Fall of Shane MacKade by Nora Roberts is one of a series about the MacKades.
Shane prides himself on his ability to keep the MacKade ranch running. Of the four MacKade brothers, he is the only one who loves the ranch and wants only to work on it the rest of his life. He is now the only one remaining single and he does like the single life.
His sister-in-law, Regan asks him to pick up her visiting friend, Rebecca. She is interested in her work as a psychologist but needs a break. He is not Shane’s type but he will do it for Regan. Rebecca is now taking a sabbatical and looks forward to delving into the paranormal whick Shane scoffs at ( except at the Bed and Breakfast next door which his brother and sister-in-law are currently living until their new home is finished.
Rebecca is drawn into the family as she stays here. What is really going on? Does it have to do with a scam or is it real. Are the sparks flying between Shane and Rebecca real or not?


Profile Image for Barb.
1,203 reviews
April 19, 2013
Shane MacKade loved women. He loved the look of them, the smell of them, the taste of them--everything about them. So the last thing he expected was to become a one-woman man. And even more surprising was that it was the Ph.D.-toting academic Rebecca McKnight that had him heading for a fall. Are Shane' s days as a bachelor over? It' s a possibility....

Shane is such a fun loving guy. He may go through women, but he isn't a womanizer. He truly adores them all. He's one of 4 brothers and everyone feels the same about him.
Initially, Rebecca seems to be a stuffed shirt. Then you get to know her, and you realize she is, but also the reason she is the way she is. You find a new respect for her. You are rooting for her. Want to take her under your wing. Its been a long time since i've read a book like that. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile".
1,902 reviews297 followers
August 23, 2015
Funny thing - I got caught up with the physical descriptions of the main characters - Shane has a stubby ponytail and a thin bony face; Rebecca has very short hair..."a practical haircut, short as a boy's"..."but this chopped-off do suited her face, with its pointy, almost foxlike features." I could go on...but this just turned me off on both characters from the very beginning. These images would flash in my mind during dialogue and other intimate scenes ...and it ruined my enjoyment of the book. I don't know why this annoyed me - but it did. The paranormal elements - ghosts, deja-vu, family history - are ok - just not anything exciting. Maybe I should have started with the first book instead of the end - did I miss something? The characters seemed a little lackluster - add this to their descriptions and a storyline that I ended up skimming - so, just an ok read for me. 2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Katherine 黄爱芬.
2,417 reviews290 followers
July 28, 2020
Shane MacKade disuruh Regan utk menjemput Dr Rebecca Knight di bandara. Ternyata wanita ini memilih Antietam sbg tempat riset penelitiannya ttg Perang Sipil lebih dari seabad yg lalu.

Shane yg sudah terkenal sbg playboy tentu saja terpikat dgn pendatang baru ini. Gak butuh waktu lama mereka saling tertarik.

Tapi saya sebal dgn tingkah polah Rebecca. Dia melankolis sekaligus dramatis. Lebih suka menonjolkan ketidakmampuannya spt memasak dan memamerkan masa lalunya sbg anak yg tidak dipedulikan cita-citanya. Lelah hayati saya membaca angst-nya Rebecca ini.

Lagian saya juga heran sptnya Rebecca pny the sixth sense, bisa menerawang hantu-hantu tsb. Saya kurang demen dgn gaya kesurupan Rebecca ini.

Padahal saya mengharapkan seri penutup MacKade Brothers ini bakal menarik, tetapi yg saya dapatkan MEH 👎
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,233 reviews
June 26, 2018
This is a cute series. The brothers were adorable and the ladies who win their hearts were pistols. As I live in Gettysburg (not far from the Antietam National Battlefield at Sharpsburg, Maryland), the Civil War history in this book was an added bonus for me. If you have an opportunity to visit the Antietam battlefield, you should. The largest loss of life in one day during the American Civil War occurred on those hallowed grounds and they are kept in pristine condition. It truly is a haunting experience.
Profile Image for Anca.
388 reviews18 followers
September 24, 2018
This has always been my least favorite installment in this quartet.
I just don't connect with the characters as much...
Profile Image for Leo.
4,984 reviews627 followers
October 15, 2020
Liked this last book in the series the best, it was adorable and interesting all way through. Bit sad that the series has come to an end but I had fun reading it!
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,237 reviews76 followers
February 9, 2022
Shane was a little annoyingly pushy in the beginning but the thing about NR’s heroines, they are more than capable of holding their own. It was fun seeing Shane fall 😆perfect title!
Profile Image for Cathy Ryan.
1,267 reviews76 followers
August 24, 2016
4.5 stars
Shane, the youngest of the MacKade brothers, appeals to me as all the others have. He’s a free spirit, loves the farm, a ladies’ man who isn’t interested in settling down. He’s always tried to shut out the dreams he has and what they mean not wanting any part of the unsettling flashbacks from another time.

When Dr Rebecca Knight, Reagan’s old college roommate, arrives to research the paranormal happenings for her book, Shane is thrown into turmoil on both levels. Rebecca feels an instant connection to the farm which is reinforced by her own vivid dreams. She is the link that completes the circle and Shane falls hard.

‘I’ve never felt this way about anyone. I didn’t want to, but you changed everything.’

‘I love you, Rebecca. Oh god, I love you. And I have to sit down’

The passages going back in time to the war are haunting (forgive the pun) and described so vividly it’s heartbreaking. And the epilogue is the perfect ending.

I really enjoyed this series, the characters are very believable with real feelings. The family ties and bonds are a huge part of why I love these stories and it’s so nice to have totally male men who are family orientated and obviously loving it. Nora Roberts is so good at creating moving and wonderful scenarios that just make you love the characters.
The emotion Luke Daniels puts into his performances, especially so in Devin’s story, is outstanding and intensifies the drama and the feelings each has for their partners and the others in the family. I hope you keep on doing what you’re doing, Mr Daniels, it’s magic.

Profile Image for Head in the clouds.
328 reviews
July 8, 2016
Shane, a connoisseur of women meets Rebecca, the virgin Genius Geek. On the surface it is a cliched story: the experienced man seduces the inexperienced woman - but this was so much more!

Rebecca manages to confuse and off balance Shane from the get go - and their interactions are HILARIOUS because she always says something unexpected and Shane is left fuming or irritated and his life is turned topsy-turvy. I usually have a hard time with believing that a man such as Shane, unbelievably charming, who genuinely likes women and is affectionate and caring with all of them- would be willing to settle with only one, when he could have so many, and it is mostly the fault of the writing; I realise this now because Nora Roberts made me swoon - oh god I swooned like a fucking Twilight fangirl at Robert Pattinson; and it was so damn romantic. Definitely my favourite of this series!!

I didn't expect to love it so much and the only reason it is not 5 stars is because the paranormal aspect didn't engage me so I had to skip a few passages. Also - why are the covers so cheesy hahahhha
Profile Image for MountainKat.
2,334 reviews107 followers
November 20, 2023
Don'tcha just love it when a book touches you as much as you remember? When it still moves you even though you know the outcome? Yeah, that is how I felt when I finished my reread of this book!

I loved all of the MacKade books when I first read them years ago, and I still love them today! But something about Rebecca and Shane's story touched me deeper than the others. I was once again moved by how well Nora Roberts writes - you feel what the characters feel, you sense what they sense. It amazes me! I was enthralled through the second half of this book and moved to tears more than once, it isn't really sad just touching. And the end - it's wonderful!

I don't often find time for rereads, but I'm really glad I did this time! And I wouldn't be surprised to find myself reading this series again someday!
15 reviews
July 14, 2014
Oh Shane, why did your story have to be so thin when it could have been so rich? Reading it, it kind of feels like an afterthought even though the subplot is supposed to tie together the history and haunting of the town.

Maybe it's because the romantic arc for Devin and Cassie flowed through the previous books and wrapped up one book before this. Maybe it's because Rebecca, as the recently attractive scientific genius who is suddenly fascinated with the paranormal, and doesn't ever get hungover, seems incredibly unlikely and doesn't seem to be any sort of particular match with Shane except that she's been having dreams about his ancestors.

She, like a couple of other "strong" characters degenerates into delicateness rather unevenly.

All in all, it was an okay read but generally disappointing.
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,593 reviews1,325 followers
August 4, 2011
The last and youngest of the MacKade brothers to stay single, Shane was committed to staying unmarried. His philosophy was there are so many wonderful women, why settle for one. Until he met Dr. Rebecca Knight. She's a former child prodigy just learning to embrace life outside of academia. Rebecca knew Shane's history and was too inexperienced in understanding her own emotions to allow him to see her true feelings. This is what ultimately led to the fall of Shane MacKade.

This final book in the series was a fitting end to the story of the MacKade brothers. While it wraps up rather neatly, there were many lighthearted and heartwarming moments throughout.
Profile Image for Kris (My Novelesque Life).
4,693 reviews210 followers
January 21, 2015
4 STARS

"Shane MacKade loved women. He loved the look of them, the smell of them, the taste of them—everything about them. So the last thing he expected was to become a one-woman man. And even more surprising was that it was the Ph.D.-toting academic Rebecca McKnight that had him heading for a fall. Are Shane’ s days as a bachelor over? It’ s a possibility..." (From Amazon)

A great conclusion to this contemporary romance series. Finally, we see Shane fall for a woman who is his match.
Profile Image for Kami.
442 reviews30 followers
September 22, 2015
Gah! Can Shane be a real person, and can he be mine? Please?

This is the conclusion of one of my favorite NR sagas, one that I revisit every few years when the mood strikes. And the beauty is I experience the same emotional roller coaster ride of emotions every time I read it. Every single time. I am unapologetically in love with these brothers.

Darn you NR for giving me unrealistic expectations of romance since I was 12 years old! *sigh*
Profile Image for Gaby Franz.
Author 38 books54 followers
July 16, 2015
Me gustó pero no lo amé. Mi libro preferido de la saga es el tercero.
Shane me encanta pero Rebeca no logró atraparme. Sin embargo fue un cierre muy bueno para la saga aunque no memorable.
Historias cortas y de fácil lectura que se leen de una sentada y con las que se pasan buenos momentos.
Profile Image for Romée Wanders.
Author 1 book5 followers
April 9, 2015
JA.
JA.
JAAAA.

DIt verhaal ging naar mijn idee heel snel en Shane was zeer intens met Rebecca, misschien te intens.
Maar al met al een mooi einde voor de familie MacKade :)
Profile Image for Paraphrodite.
2,670 reviews51 followers
September 25, 2016
I liked the way Luke Daniels brought Shane and Rebecca to life... he made them into quite fun and likeable characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.