Customer Reviews

Wizard

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Sophia Bennett grew up among geniuses, knowing she did not fit in. After graduating from college, she broke free of the ivory tower, living life to the fullest. Working toward her dream of a designer boutique, Sophia has settled in Texas. She wants cowboys and excitement, not intellectual wizards. Wizards like Dr. Max Travers, professor of mathematics and friend of Sophia's parents, another genius whose life is staid and refined. Max sees Sophia as the box of crayons he was never allowed as a child. He wants all her color and life and excitement. All he has to do is convince her that he can be passionate about more than mathematics.

An early Jayne Ann Krentz, it is a delightful read. Max is not one of her typical Alpha males, but is still all man. He rescues Sophia from an abusive cowboy, manuevers himself into her life, and is supportive of Sophia's dreams and schemes.

Wizard is a story that had a great deal of potential had it been developed differently. Sophy's self-depricating manner of handling her issues of not living up to her parents's expectations and rebelling against all things academic grew tiresome very quickly. That Max took advantage of her when she was most vulnerable seemed terribly out-of-character for him, and tarnished his image and his likability in my eyes. The resulting conflict and bickering that ensued between them was so awful it became almost unbearable to read. The same storyline could have been presented so much better, which would have turned this into a very sweet and realistic feel-good romance, rather than something that was an unsatisfying struggle to muddle though.

I started off really liking Max and his dry sense of humor. But a little ways into the book he started pulling all sorts of macho BS. Then he acts like a jerk (reporting Sophia's friend as a way to stay close to Sophie with no thought to Sophia's friend). Then he starts acting stupid (grilling steaks, etc.). So I became discusted with him. But then towards the end I started liking him again and I really liked him at the end. Go figure.

I wouldn't pay money for this book but I think its fine for getting from the library. I started working in the early 1980s and I can attest to the sexual discrimination that went on back then. In fact, I thought the B story line involving Sophia's friend was more interesting than the A story line. However, Sophia's solution of falsifying a resume was downright immoral. Note to readers - Do not try that in real life! It could get you into big trouble.

Wizard is Jayne Ann Krentz writing for Silhouette Desire in June 1985 as Stephanie James. The books, naturally, shows a bit of dating, but JAK's sparkling repartee, interesting characters and wit save this from dating too badly.

She is Sophia Athena Bennett, daughter of two geniuses. She refers to herself as 'the disaster' because she felt she could never measure up to her parents expectations. So, she removes herself to Texas and becomes a secretary (with hopes of opening her own design boutique) and dates cowboys. She is quite content with her 'down-to-earth' real world, until the Wizard shows up. HE is Dr. Max Travers, a mathematical professor, friend of her parents - and a genius- in other words - a wizard. Once again, all those feelings of not measuring up comes into play. She is very attracted to Max, but tries to keep him at arms length fearing his disappointment in dating a non-wizard. However, Max will have none of it. He wants Sophia and is willing to go to all sorts of lengths to get her.

It's funny, its sexy, it's warm...its JAK all the way.