A Man Like Mac (Harlequin Superromance No. 911) [Paperback]

Fay Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

When Keely Wilson turns to Mac McCandless for help, an intense but unacknowledged attraction between them is rekindled. First, though, Keely has to accept a devastating change in Mac's life and face the loss of the career she mistakenly believes defines her as a person. A Man Like Mac is a powerful story of courage, acceptance, and the ability of love to heal the wounded heart.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A MAN LIKE MAC is an earthy, sensual and compassionate book overflowing with wonderful characterization and a plot with twists and turns..." -- Lindsay McKenna, author of "Heart of The Warrior"

"Ms. Robinson's marvelous cast of characters, emotional highs and lows, and strong storyline will touch readers' hearts." -- Romantic Times magazine, April 2000. "Top Pick" for April

"Powerful, poignant, a story to remember." -- Bestselling author Stella Cameron

"This is an inordinately insightful look at the unique relationships between both the disabled and able-bodied..." -- Under The Covers reviews, March, 2000

"What makes Fay Robinson's novel a must read is the author's ability to escort her readers inside the heart and soul of her characters without turning them into weepy wrecks." -- Harriet Klausner, Affaire de Coeur magazine, April 2000

"Without a doubt, Fay Robinson is publishing's newest, brightest, shining-light. She did the impossible . . . she made me fall in love with a most unlikely hero. A MAN LIKE MAC will leave a lasting impression engraved on the heart of anyone lucky enough to read this book. Well done, Ms. Robinson!" -- New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels, author of "Finder's Keepers" and "Yesterday"

From the Author

In A MAN LIKE MAC, I've explored the relationship between a disabled man and an able-bodied woman facing a terrible injury. My research led me to some incredible real-life heroes and heroines, people who shared their experiences and answered questions about difficult subjects. I was profoundly changed by what I learned. Courage has a new meaning for me now. The heart of this story is romance. Mac McCandless has loved Keely Wilson since she was 17, but he was her coach and teacher and such feelings were forbidden at the time. She's now 27 and locked in a battle for her emotional survival. Mac can't help her without reviving those old feelings. But he's not sure his heart can take losing her again. I hope you enjoy the story. This is my debut novel. You can write me at [e-mail]

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373709110
• ISBN-13: 978-0373709113
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,003,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Reviewer for Myshelf.Com, March 3, 2001

By 

Suzie Housley (Oak Ridge, Tn United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Man Like Mac (Harlequin Superromance No. 911) (Paperback)

Fay Robinson's debut novel A MAN LIKE MAC is a true example of an author who knows how to involve her readers. The character that she creates leaves you feeling as if you are experiencing the tragedy life has dealt each of them. For anyone lucky enough to read this book it will leave you with a sense of satisfaction to know you have experienced something special.

Keely Wilson, a successful Olympic runner, is involved in accident which doctors predict will end her Olympic career. Refusing to accept the doctor's grim diagnose she turns to her former coach, John "Mac" McCandless. She believes Mac will provide her the rehabilitation she needs to get her back on track for the Olympic gold. In finding Mac she is devastated to learn he also has been involved in an accident and is confined to a wheelchair.

Mac McCandless has always held a secret infatuation with his once young track star Keely Wilson. Delighted to be given the opportunity to help Keely recover from her injuries he is unprepared for the reaction she has when she learns of his disability. Reviewing the medical records, he finds there is no hope for her to have a complete recovery. Now the challenge he is faced with is (1) to get Keely to accept her limitations, and (2) to get Keely to accept him as a man.

This book illustrates the true meaning of love and romance as well as to the phrase "Love Conquers All." Be warned, the tears and laughter are sure to flow once you open the first page of this book. Not only is the romance wonderful, it also provides insight about the challenges the disabled face on a daily basis.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They don't get much better than this, April 29, 2000

By 

"maryellenj" - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Man Like Mac (Harlequin Superromance No. 911) (Paperback)

A Man Like Mac is a romance that tackles tough issues without losing sight of its most important element. A strong love story between two special people I know I will remember for a long time.

It seems like romance publishers are so scared of heroes who aren't physically perfect in every way. Mac was in a wheelchair. I never thought Harlequin would have the guts to publish a book like this. I'm so glad they did. Who cares about the body when the hero is emotionally and mentally perfect? Then the writer goes and makes Mac sexy as heck too! Great, great, great!

Mac and Keely both have humbling and emotionally devastating changes they're still trying to come to terms with. They don't do it with so much moping and self-pity. They show the kind of humor and grace that shows real character and strength. Ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances with like that -- to me that makes a true hero and heroine.

I agree with what an earlier reviewer said. The point where this book drove me to tears wasn't one of the sadder moments. It was a sort of funny one where Keely does something to make Mac feel better after an embarrassing moment in bed. I started crying. What a great heroine!

The ending was perfect. Mac and Keely get their triumphant moment and the writer doesn't stoop to quick fixes or miracles. The book is a real keeper, and the writer is one to watch for!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, April 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Man Like Mac (Harlequin Superromance No. 911) (Paperback)

A MAN LIKE MAC is a breathtakingly wonderful story. It's filled with beautiful people, and shows the true meaning of love. We learn again that love is a meeting of two souls, and does not depend on the outer "packaging."

I wish there were more books like this. It was fascinating and humbling to learn of the challenges the disabled meet and overcome everyday. It was also fascinating to see up close and personal a very interesting sport: wheelchair racing. It's easy to be condescending and think that wheelchair sports are not "real" sports, but this book will forever shatter that myth. Wheelchair athletes are proven to be as worthy of respect and awe as their ablebodied counterparts.

As I said, there should be more books like this. Then we could see as well an exploration of the moral issues Ms. Robinson shows that the disabled face: such as in their intimate relations, and in the procreation of children.

Beyond all this, A MAN LIKE MAC is simply a great story. Keely overcomes her self-image of being "only a runner" and learns to be a woman. And Mac learns to trust that a woman can love him even through the difficulties his condition presents. (I don't think I've ever laughed and nearly cried through a more unlikely scene before, but I did when Keely voided on Mac.)

Read and savor A MAN LIKE MAC. Then encourage the publishers of popular fiction to publish more books like it. Brava, Ms. Robinson!