The MacGregors: Alan ~ Grant [2-in-1]

As I continue reading the MacGregor clan series, I can't seem to hold high expectations. It seems like these first few were written in the early NR days and definitely are a bit reflective of the times they were written in (1980s). But some of the cultural phrasing aside, book 3 and 4 were much easier and enjoyable to read.

First, there's the story of Senator Alan MacGregor, the oldest son in the MacGregor family, and his pursuit of potter Shelby Campbell, the daughter of an assassinated senator. I found their romance a bit more believable than that of Serena and Justin, and Caine and Diana. It's always nice to see both characters already equally established in their own career paths without needing the other for any validation, etc., show more which was the setup for both of the younger MacGregor siblings' romances. I also found both characters more likeable, despite Shelby's incessant attitude of not knowing what she wants and the fact that once again, Alan is painted as a man who simply needs to force himself upon a woman to get what he wants. The former is a common trait for most NR characters but the latter just irks me. I don't find that aspect of romance novels appealing at all.

The treat for me was reading about cartoonist Grant Campbell, Shelby's older brother, and artist Gennie Grandeau. I really liked Gennie and though Grant came across very annoying at times, Gennie was strong enough to make sure he took that down many notches. I had a problem with all the male characters in the series so far but it might be that Grant so far is the best, despite his flip-flopping temper and attitude. This was also the first story that started to feel more like a characteristic NR novel, in that the story was more realistic, or as realistic as it can be for a romance novel, it featured two strong characters, and it focuses on the romance and relationship a great deal more than any superfluous nonsense. My only qualm was the conversation between Caine and Diana during the MacGregor clan retreat. Was that really necessary? And also, let's make Gennie be cousins with Justin and Diana! Sure, why not?

Overall, this series is definitely not the strongest of Roberts' novels but it's not entirely the worst either. show less

**** All the Possibilities. I liked this one much better when I read it before. Now Alan comes across as a pretty serious stalker. Yeah, *I* know Shelby had feelings for him that she was denying because she was afraid of what happened to her father, and Alan can guess that, too, but it just made me really uncomfortable to read. Still has the absolute best proposal acceptance I've ever seen anywhere.

**** One Man's Art. This book was saved by having Grant's POV. If it had been written in the style of older category romances that don't show the hero's POV, he'd have come off as inexplicably obnoxious, and the romance would never have made sense. I really liked Grant's curmudgeonly character, and how he got smacked in the face with falling show more in love. I didn't feel, though, that I knew Gennie all that well, and I didn't really feel the chemistry between them. show less

Typical contemporary romance from Nora Roberts.

3 ½ Stars