Customer Reviews

The Winning Hand (Thorndike Romance)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"The Winning Hand" is a highly enjoyable book, and reunites readers with one of Nora Roberts' most beloved families, The MacGregors. This is a quick read, but it still contains well thought out and lovable characters, an interesting storyline and setting, and of course, a wonderfully satisfying visit with some of our favourite characters from previous books.
When Darcy Wallace arrives in Las Vegas, things just aren't going her way. She's down to her last few dollars when she happens upon The Comanche, a huge hotel/casino, and takes her chances on the pull of a slot machine. Suddenly, Darcy finds herself the winner of nearly two million dollars. Mac, son of Serena and Justin from "Playing the Odds", runs the Vegas Comanche, and the innocent Darcy finds this handsome gambler irresistible. Mac can't stop thinking about Darcy either, and berates himself for even thinking about taking advantage of this sweet and lonely fairy of a woman. But their feelings are too strong to deny and Darcy and Mac begin a whirlwind romance.
It is wonderful to watch Darcy grow as a person and gain confidence as the book progresses. She will surely win readers' hearts. We also get to see lots of Serena and Justin, as well as The MacGregor himself!
This book contains an enjoyable, if slightly predictable romance, and characters who all readers will love. It is perfect for curling up by the fire on rainy days or lounging on the beach on sunny ones. I highly recommend this book for those times when you just need to take a break from reality and visit some good friends!

The latest in the MacGregors does not disappoint. Nora Roberts tells the story of a down on her luck girl who decides to take a different direction in her life. Darcy winds up in Las Vegas and one lucky pull on a slot machine makes her a millionaire. Darcy's money allows her to experience a life she has never dreamed of before complete with georgous casino owner Mac MacGregor. But is this innocent young girls ready to pick up and leave Kansas? Find out read, The Winning Hand. A great place place to start reading about the MacGregors - it's a stand alone book but it also gives you a look at how old favorites such as The MacGregor, Serena and Justin are getting along.

Fans of Nora Robert's Macgregor series will not be disappointed. This is Mac Blade's story- the son of Serena Macgregor and Justin Blade (don't forget to read their story). Darcy Wallace is a librarian running away from her small town life and marriage to a local bully. She ends up in Vegas- penniless, homeless and like a fairy tale, ends up winning almost 2 million dollars w/ the last of her money.
Darcy is very likable and her naivete in Vegas bring's out the hero's protective instincts- shielding her from the press, her ex-fiance, and people who would take advantage of her new found wealth. It is a predictable love story, but i thought that was the charm- the two characters (esp Mac) struggle through their feelings, their differences and end up together.
It was nice to bring back old favorites -Serena, Justin, and of course, Daniel Macgregor himself. His matchmaking attempts are so funny and the basis of this series. However, even if you have never read any of the Macgregor books- this one can stand alone. Its a must read!

From the very first line of Chapter 1, I was drawn into the character of Darcy Wallace. It was so easy to identify with her. I felt transformed by every experience she had. I experienced every emotion that Darcy did, every anticipation. The Winning Hand was filled from beginning to end with excitement! It was unbelievable. I felt as if I were Darcy Wallace. I have never been in a casino in my life, but the vivid descriptions drew me from Houston and sat me right down in the middle of the desert of Las Vegas, NV. I could feel the excitement of the activity going on in The Comanche. Darcy reacted exactly the way I would have the next morning after her arrival. Ms. Roberts did a great job of making these characters come alive, yes, but for the first time since I've been reading romances (at least 18 years) the background, the setting, was a character itself. At the end, I could not wait to pick up another story about the MacGregors. What a wonderful, adventurous, romantic tale.

THE WINNING HAND is one of the books revolving around the MacGregor clan and spotlights Robert MacGregor Blade (they call him Mac), the son of Justin Blade and Serena MacGregor Blade. If you read my review on PLAYING THE ODDS or if you've actually read that book, you'll know the story behind Mac's parents meeting. If not, here's a brief synopsis: Daniel MacGregor (Serena's father) once again puts his matchmaking skills to work and "introduced" these two. Justin is a gambler and owner of a casino. Serena has taken a brief "tour" as a blackjack dealer on a cruise ship. They meet and the rest is MacGregor history. (I said brief!!)

Like I stated, Mac is Serena and Justin son and has the job of running one of several casinos owned by Justin and Serena. Mac has a very hands-on type approach to running the casino and knows exactly what's going on at any given time monitoring everything from either the bank of windows from his office or the many security camera monitors lined up nearby.

Darcy was having the worst day in her life, actually the worst several days. Her car broke down several miles outside of Las Vegas and she walked into town in the blazing sun. She was dazed, hot, dehydrated, and looked like she could use a shower and clean clothes when she stumbled into Mac's casino. She then took her last dollar and played it on one of those million-dollar-winner-type slot machines (you know the big ones in the entries to many of the casinos). Sure enough, she hits the million-dollar jackpot and then politely faints right into Mac's arms. Ok, sure it sounds like something that can never happen to the "normal" person, but hey, we can dream can't we?

Mac feels like he needs to take care of Darcy since she won the money in his casino until she gets on her feet and has her stay at his rooms above the casino. (Did I mention that he takes his job very seriously?) I'm sure most of you can see where this is heading, but don't stop reading here...

Of course they fall in love and the rest of the book is devoted to how Darcy and Mac resolve various issues and how they become business partners - just like Serena and Justin had years earlier. Just when things look like it will be smooth sailing, Darcy is kidnapped and Mac is beside himself. This kidnapping coincides with Justin and Serena's visit which has both of them reliving Serena's kidnapping. In fact, PLAYING THE ODDS and THE WINNING HAND almost seem to parallel each other!

You're probably wondering if I'm going to recommend this book or not. You're also probably thinking that this is a weak story line and not a book that you'd be interested in reading. Well, if you want to laugh out loud, smile continuously while reading, and just have a good time, then this is a book you need to purchase, borrow or find with any other means available! This has become one of my favorite of Nora Roberts' romance type books - it's fun, refreshing even with a story line that has been done over and over again, and of course Daniel MacGregor puts in an appearance to spice things up.

Now on the negative side, it is a quick read with only around 200 pages, not filled with much new material and at times seems redundant. It's also a little unbelievable at times - I mean who has actually gambled their last dollar and won a million dollars and then had the gorgeous owner of the casino decide to take care of you? Ah, maybe this is the modern version of Cinderella.

i started reading "romance" books about a year ago when a friend of mine gave me her old copy of sanctuary...i was hooked and since then, have read about 20 of nora roberts books. at this point, no other romance author interests me. each time i read a book of hers, im taken away by how involved i become in the story and characters. this book was no exception and though it is a short one (which allows me to whip right thru it) it is a great one! i absolutely love "the macgregor" :;smile

From the very first line of Chapter 1, I was drawn into the character of Darcy Walker. It was so easy to identify with her. I felt transformed by every experience she had. I experienced every emotion that Darcy did, every anticipation. The Winning Hand was filled from beginning to end with excitement! It was unbelievable. I felt as if I were Darcy Wallace. I have never been in a casino in my life, but the vivid descriptions drew me from Houston and sat me right down in the middle of the desert of Las Vegas, NV. I could feel the excitement of the activity going on in The Comanche. Darcy reacted exactly the way I would have the next morning after her arrival. Ms. Roberts did a great job of making these characters come alive, yes, but for the first time since I've been reading romances (at least 18 years) the background, the setting, was a character itself. At the end, I could not wait to pick up another story about the MacGregors. What a wonderful, adventurous, romantic tale.

Another great book about the MacGregor family. This time Serena's son Mac Blake who runs their Las Vegas hotel/casino where Darcy stumbles into her car had broken down outside of Las Vegas, umemployeed and puts the last of her money into a slot machine and wins the jackpot. Both are very good charactors I liked how protect Mac was of Darcy. He was very sweet to her.

Love the book. Although Darcy appears meak and ditzy at first, you'll fall in love with her as she finds her voice. Awesome character. Can't go wrong with Nora Roberts!

Nora Roberts proves once again that she has a way with words! Does she ever run out of ideas? Year after year, she produces characters that we fall in love with as soon as we open the cover to her latest novel. Her diversity is amazing. She can write contemporary, edgy dramas and tender romances within months of each other. This book is certainly no exception to her top quality fiction. After all these years, she still produces unique characters and story lines that make me dread reaching the last page. Once I pick up a Nora Roberts book, I don't put it down until I'm finished. This book was no different. I'm yawning even as I write this. Who can think of sleep when Mac and Darcy are tittering on the brink of endless love? Thanks for another winner, Nora! -- Melinda Cannady