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The Name of the Game
WINNER TAKE ALL...
Johanna Patterson had worked long and hard to make a name for herself in a man's world -- and to forget the memories of an unhappy childhood. Now she was a successful game show producer on her way up, dependent on no one. Then she met actor Sam Weaver. She had never liked persistent men. She certainly didn't like men with a reputation.
But Sam had a way of slipping past her defenses. He knew that Johanna's tough, self-sufficient exterior hid a fragile, passionate woman. He'd caught glimpses of her, and he was determined to see more. He wanted to win this game -- and the name of the game was love.
Johanna Patterson had worked long and hard to make a name for herself in a man's world -- and to forget the memories of an unhappy childhood. Now she was a successful game show producer on her way up, dependent on no one. Then she met actor Sam Weaver. She had never liked persistent men. She certainly didn't like men with a reputation.
But Sam had a way of slipping past her defenses. He knew that Johanna's tough, self-sufficient exterior hid a fragile, passionate woman. He'd caught glimpses of her, and he was determined to see more. He wanted to win this game -- and the name of the game was love.
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1988
589 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,342 books58.8k followersNora 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 18, 2021
3.5 stars - I continue to find Nora's old skool categories to be pretty fun and charming. This one is a semi-work place romance where our leads meet on the set of a game show, and I liked seeing the hero in full pursuit mode. There are some delightfully dated technology moments that made me smile, and all in all, this is a fun one
March 2, 2018
3.5 stars
This story has to be about twenty years old by now and shows that not all old romance books had weak, pathetic heroines that let their men walk all over them.
The h was my kind of female protagonist - stubborn, sometimes cranky, always prickly and hard to get close to - I loved that.
The H was still an arrogant alpha male, but he also had all the traits I often find and like by Nora Roberts. He is a nice and friendly decent human being.
Although the story is super short, is was also kind of slow and as always with these kind of short little books, there was a lot of room to explore more of other interesting tropes - like the relationship with her parents and such. They fall in love rather fast, there is no angst and no drama - at least a little bit would have spiced the story up a little bit.
But it was an absolutely decent, cute little read for in between.
This story has to be about twenty years old by now and shows that not all old romance books had weak, pathetic heroines that let their men walk all over them.
The h was my kind of female protagonist - stubborn, sometimes cranky, always prickly and hard to get close to - I loved that.
The H was still an arrogant alpha male, but he also had all the traits I often find and like by Nora Roberts. He is a nice and friendly decent human being.
Although the story is super short, is was also kind of slow and as always with these kind of short little books, there was a lot of room to explore more of other interesting tropes - like the relationship with her parents and such. They fall in love rather fast, there is no angst and no drama - at least a little bit would have spiced the story up a little bit.
But it was an absolutely decent, cute little read for in between.
March 6, 2021
A little disconcerting reading about a man who will NOT take no for an answer. But that was then (when this was written) At least he is always looking at what is best for Johanna. Lots of fire works, fun to read.
June 10, 2024
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
I found Johanna, the female main character, to be extremely unlikable, and she didn't grow or change enough for me to come to like her. It just wasn't believable to me that Sam, the male main character, would keep pursuing her when she was so nasty to him. I lost interest in him as a protagonist as a result.
I have recently discovered Nora Roberts, and I've really enjoyed the books by her that I've read, until this one. I can understand her popularity because she's a really good writer and story teller. She creates wonderful communities and families, and worlds I just don't want to leave. Her secondary characters are incredibly vivid and individual, and she constructs the most wonderful webs of relationships.
In this book, while Johanna had a traumatic childhood, she just wasn't sympathetic enough for me for her background to justify her bad behavior to Sam. I realize this is an early book, but the author - to me - just didn't get the balance right between Johanna's hard outer shell and sympathy for the inner wounded person. But even in this early book, Roberts still told a good story.
I found Johanna, the female main character, to be extremely unlikable, and she didn't grow or change enough for me to come to like her. It just wasn't believable to me that Sam, the male main character, would keep pursuing her when she was so nasty to him. I lost interest in him as a protagonist as a result.
I have recently discovered Nora Roberts, and I've really enjoyed the books by her that I've read, until this one. I can understand her popularity because she's a really good writer and story teller. She creates wonderful communities and families, and worlds I just don't want to leave. Her secondary characters are incredibly vivid and individual, and she constructs the most wonderful webs of relationships.
In this book, while Johanna had a traumatic childhood, she just wasn't sympathetic enough for me for her background to justify her bad behavior to Sam. I realize this is an early book, but the author - to me - just didn't get the balance right between Johanna's hard outer shell and sympathy for the inner wounded person. But even in this early book, Roberts still told a good story.
June 12, 2017
A reler, lembro-me de algumas coisas ainda...
Lido depois de uns anos e continuo a achar a Johanna uma mulher complicada, eu percebo que ela não quisesse ceder ao glamour de Hollywood e de Sam mas as desculpas que ela arranja são completamente estapafúrdias, o legado da mãe e o facto de nenhuma relação com atores funcionar? Really? Muito morno para mim, salvou-se o Sam que era um doce e uma personagem com tiradas muito engraçadas!
Lido depois de uns anos e continuo a achar a Johanna uma mulher complicada, eu percebo que ela não quisesse ceder ao glamour de Hollywood e de Sam mas as desculpas que ela arranja são completamente estapafúrdias, o legado da mãe e o facto de nenhuma relação com atores funcionar? Really? Muito morno para mim, salvou-se o Sam que era um doce e uma personagem com tiradas muito engraçadas!
July 27, 2016
Update 2016
Love Johanna n Sam! terutama adegan Sam membuang pakaian Johanna keluar jendela :)
---------------------
first read : 2001
Love Johanna n Sam! terutama adegan Sam membuang pakaian Johanna keluar jendela :)
---------------------
first read : 2001
April 22, 2024
4.5🌟 This is a Silhouette novel originally released in 1988.
This is a reread for me, but it has been over 30 years since the last time I read it. Liked it as much now as I did in the 80's.
This is a reread for me, but it has been over 30 years since the last time I read it. Liked it as much now as I did in the 80's.
October 4, 2024
✨𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰✨
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🌶️🌶️.5
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 7, 8, 10 & 12
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧: 28%
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Celebrity romance, strangers-to-lovers, he falls first
𝐏𝐎𝐕: 3rd person
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Single
𝐊𝐔: No
This was a re-read for me, and while it was still enjoyable, unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as I did the first time I read it. This is one of Nora Roberts older novels, originally written in 1988 and you can tell. I loved some of the older references like calling someone from a landline phone with a cord. It's kind of nostalgic to read an older romance novel from a time before cell phones.
Sam (MMC) is a Hollywood heartthrob who is absolutely smitten with game show producer Joanna (FMC). Joanna has a lot of reservations about being in a committed relationship, and honestly needs therapy. Sam will not take no for an answer. The first time I read it, I found him to be more charming but on the re-read I felt like he was pushing her without being respectful of her boundaries, which was a bit uncomfortable.
However, this was still an enjoyable read and I would recommend it, especially to people who enjoy the celebrity romance trope with a heavy dose of he falls first!
⚠️𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⚠️
Multiple open door scenes with light descriptions
Strong language
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🌶️🌶️.5
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 7, 8, 10 & 12
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧: 28%
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Celebrity romance, strangers-to-lovers, he falls first
𝐏𝐎𝐕: 3rd person
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Single
𝐊𝐔: No
This was a re-read for me, and while it was still enjoyable, unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as I did the first time I read it. This is one of Nora Roberts older novels, originally written in 1988 and you can tell. I loved some of the older references like calling someone from a landline phone with a cord. It's kind of nostalgic to read an older romance novel from a time before cell phones.
Sam (MMC) is a Hollywood heartthrob who is absolutely smitten with game show producer Joanna (FMC). Joanna has a lot of reservations about being in a committed relationship, and honestly needs therapy. Sam will not take no for an answer. The first time I read it, I found him to be more charming but on the re-read I felt like he was pushing her without being respectful of her boundaries, which was a bit uncomfortable.
However, this was still an enjoyable read and I would recommend it, especially to people who enjoy the celebrity romance trope with a heavy dose of he falls first!
⚠️𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⚠️
Multiple open door scenes with light descriptions
Strong language
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
July 22, 2023
An oldie but a goodie…
Read
September 18, 2008F Rob
March 10, 2019
I'll start by saying I wasn't a fan of the storyline. It was based around hollywood. With Johanna being a television show producer. I didn't care about all the little details that went into that. I also didn't care so much for the characters outside of Sam and Johannah.
So, what's the point of reading if I didn't enjoy the storyline? Well, I really liked the romance. Sam could have any woman he wanted and Johannah knew just as much. So, why is this super hot movie star after her? What could she possibly offer him? Ontop of that, Johannah's troubled by her childhood and her father's history with women that she just can't let herself love. She was brought up in the hollywood lifestyle and has seen the way romance works, or rather, doesn't work. It was beautiful to see her unravel and the way Sam was able to make that happen. I thought they were perfect and rooted for them. Then again, I'm a sucker for romance.
So, what's the point of reading if I didn't enjoy the storyline? Well, I really liked the romance. Sam could have any woman he wanted and Johannah knew just as much. So, why is this super hot movie star after her? What could she possibly offer him? Ontop of that, Johannah's troubled by her childhood and her father's history with women that she just can't let herself love. She was brought up in the hollywood lifestyle and has seen the way romance works, or rather, doesn't work. It was beautiful to see her unravel and the way Sam was able to make that happen. I thought they were perfect and rooted for them. Then again, I'm a sucker for romance.
September 5, 2019
This book was one that grabbed me right away. The reluctant gorgeous movie star had to pay his dues, to his manager, because when he was attempting to break into films, his manager took a chance on him, he was unknown and absolutely gorgeous.
Now that success had become his he was reminded that there are obligations that have to be fulfilled and he had enough of a conscience to realize that some things in life had to be done to keep everyone happy, especially the conglomerate that owned the TV show and his contract and they wanted him to pay his dues.
The rest of the book spins off from there because when he saw the beauty running the TV show was not only independent she was smart and savvy and showed no interest in him at all, aside from doing his best on her show. Nothing makes a man more intrigued by a woman that saw him only as a guest and all of the other women he came across fell at his feet.
The rest is interesting and just plain fun to watch the dynamics unfold.
Now that success had become his he was reminded that there are obligations that have to be fulfilled and he had enough of a conscience to realize that some things in life had to be done to keep everyone happy, especially the conglomerate that owned the TV show and his contract and they wanted him to pay his dues.
The rest of the book spins off from there because when he saw the beauty running the TV show was not only independent she was smart and savvy and showed no interest in him at all, aside from doing his best on her show. Nothing makes a man more intrigued by a woman that saw him only as a guest and all of the other women he came across fell at his feet.
The rest is interesting and just plain fun to watch the dynamics unfold.
January 26, 2025
I read this one for a bit of a break from Fantasy and crime. I usually love Nora Roberts Romance, i have most of her crime series, and all of her romantic suspense. All my favourite cozy romance from her are in my favourites, but… it seems this one was an exception.
It was ok. It wasn’t her best to be honest.
The characters had no depth, and the romantic element itself was very rushed and didn’t make a lot of sense. Usually, even in her short stories, I get it and there are vibes of some sort. This one felt like two people met, one decided and pressured. Then they got engaged. It didn’t feel believable, and for the first time ever i had to force myself to finish a Nora book. I won’t be reading it again, but it hasn’t put me off continuing.
That being said, had this been my first, I wouldn’t have picked up anymore. Disappointing, even as a palate cleanser. If you want a cozy romance, i suggest looking at her other stories. Gabriels angel is brilliant, as is the macgregor series.
It was ok. It wasn’t her best to be honest.
The characters had no depth, and the romantic element itself was very rushed and didn’t make a lot of sense. Usually, even in her short stories, I get it and there are vibes of some sort. This one felt like two people met, one decided and pressured. Then they got engaged. It didn’t feel believable, and for the first time ever i had to force myself to finish a Nora book. I won’t be reading it again, but it hasn’t put me off continuing.
That being said, had this been my first, I wouldn’t have picked up anymore. Disappointing, even as a palate cleanser. If you want a cozy romance, i suggest looking at her other stories. Gabriels angel is brilliant, as is the macgregor series.
December 28, 2016
Este livro foi-me oferecido em Fevereiro deste ano e, como estava arrumado na estante desde essa altura, decidi finalmente pegar nele durante este mês para que pudesse ser lido.
Este é um livro recheado de luxúria, tensão, amizade, amor, desejo, drama, paixão e intriga desde o início até ao fim, com um enredo simples mas apelativo e com personagens muito interessantes, complexas, fortes e reais.
Como de costume, a escrita da autora mostra-se leve e descontraída e proporciona uma leitura muito agradável e descomplicada.
Por fim, deixo aqui a nota de que gostei mesmo bastante deste pequeno livro, mais do que estava à espera - e ainda que tivesse gostado de ver algumas partes a serem mais desenvolvidas, isso não levou a que adorasse menos esta história, de todo.
Como já devem ter percebido, esta é uma história muito bonita e envolvente que eu recomendo sem qualquer hesitação!
Este é um livro recheado de luxúria, tensão, amizade, amor, desejo, drama, paixão e intriga desde o início até ao fim, com um enredo simples mas apelativo e com personagens muito interessantes, complexas, fortes e reais.
Como de costume, a escrita da autora mostra-se leve e descontraída e proporciona uma leitura muito agradável e descomplicada.
Por fim, deixo aqui a nota de que gostei mesmo bastante deste pequeno livro, mais do que estava à espera - e ainda que tivesse gostado de ver algumas partes a serem mais desenvolvidas, isso não levou a que adorasse menos esta história, de todo.
Como já devem ter percebido, esta é uma história muito bonita e envolvente que eu recomendo sem qualquer hesitação!
January 19, 2021
This is an older Nora Roberts book that I had not read. I really enjoyed it. Of course, some of it is dated but the characters and story are well done. Johanna Patterson produces a daily game show. Sam Weaver is a celebrity guest on the show. He's a Hollywood leading man. He's interested in and pursues Johanna. I loved his persistence and willingness to get past her walls. We learn about Johanna's background and the walls she has raised make sense. But, Johanna is courageous and there is a happily ever after. A fun read.
May 8, 2023
Very mundane
As a long time reader and fan of Nora Roberts ( and J.D. Robb) I'm usually drawn into her stories within a chapter. Unfortunately, this novel never quite happened. The main character was very one-note, her love interest a stereotypical super attractive Hollywood star with a heart of gold. Nothing about this book sparked an iota of interest, except maybe the kitten. Very disappointed, especially compared to the normally entrancing and intricate plotlines of the authors other novels.
As a long time reader and fan of Nora Roberts ( and J.D. Robb) I'm usually drawn into her stories within a chapter. Unfortunately, this novel never quite happened. The main character was very one-note, her love interest a stereotypical super attractive Hollywood star with a heart of gold. Nothing about this book sparked an iota of interest, except maybe the kitten. Very disappointed, especially compared to the normally entrancing and intricate plotlines of the authors other novels.
September 1, 2024
Nora is my all time favorite. This one fell a little short for me, but overall I still enjoyed it. It was one of her early stories (back in 1988), so it's understandable that it is just slightly lower than the newer stories 40+ years of experience draws out. It still had her classic romantic charm. I did struggle a bit with liking Johanna, but was glad to see her soften and open up more. Overall I did really like Sam, though he was a bit too pushy at times. While it's not high on the list of ones I'd tell people about, I would still recommend it.
March 12, 2018
s. 171,172
televizní zprávy (...) byl převezen narychlo povolanou záchrankou na jednotku intenzivní péče do blíže neurčené nemocnice (...)
Odvezu tě do nemocnice.“
Jak věděl, do které?
s. 118 že šestinohý pes
a six-foot dog
s. 89 neodolá.´“
s. 97 o mně a o Samovy napsaly
s. 100 s takovými piraňami, jako je Toni
ji/jí - s. 200
televizní zprávy (...) byl převezen narychlo povolanou záchrankou na jednotku intenzivní péče do blíže neurčené nemocnice (...)
Odvezu tě do nemocnice.“
Jak věděl, do které?
s. 118 že šestinohý pes
a six-foot dog
s. 89 neodolá.´“
s. 97 o mně a o Samovy napsaly
s. 100 s takovými piraňami, jako je Toni
ji/jí - s. 200
September 17, 2019
Trotz der lieblichen Geschichte, konnte ich in keinen Lesefluss finden.
Johanna war so stur, dass es schon an die Grenze des Unerträglichen stieß.
Sam hingegen gab nie auf und kämpfte unerbittlich weiter, was definitiv eine bewundernswerte Leistung darstellt.
Aber mehr kann in an dem Roman kaum finden.
Johanna war so stur, dass es schon an die Grenze des Unerträglichen stieß.
Sam hingegen gab nie auf und kämpfte unerbittlich weiter, was definitiv eine bewundernswerte Leistung darstellt.
Aber mehr kann in an dem Roman kaum finden.
November 4, 2019
The cover blurb reads: Letting go has never been more scary--or intoxicating--in this electrifying story from #1 "New York Times "bestselling author Nora Roberts.
TV producer Johanna Patterson knows that the entertainment industry is a man's world...
But, Johanna is convinced that she can crack the invisible barrier that has held her back.
TV producer Johanna Patterson knows that the entertainment industry is a man's world...
But, Johanna is convinced that she can crack the invisible barrier that has held her back.
March 20, 2020
Another quickly read romance about a girl with a lot of past baggage and a guy who is willing to traverse the problems. Johanna is a game show producer who was raised by her highly esteemed father who is a major producer in Hollywood. They have always had a strange relationship. Now there is Sam, an actor, who is trying to romance her.
October 16, 2020
Breezed through it, your standard corny romance novel.
Johanna was kind of annoying. No one acts as guarded as she.
Spoilers:
The one with Johanna, the producer of a game show with a famous father, who meets heart throb, Sam Weaver, while at the job. Sam lusts after her, then loves after her. She is guarded. She doesn’t let him in. He is persistent. Happily ever after.
Johanna was kind of annoying. No one acts as guarded as she.
Spoilers:
The one with Johanna, the producer of a game show with a famous father, who meets heart throb, Sam Weaver, while at the job. Sam lusts after her, then loves after her. She is guarded. She doesn’t let him in. He is persistent. Happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
I read this book as part of an Anthology called Winner Takes All.
This book was OK but I didn't really care for Johanna very much and just never really got into the story itself. I think there were some good characters but I found myself wishing to just get through it so I could put the book down.
This book was OK but I didn't really care for Johanna very much and just never really got into the story itself. I think there were some good characters but I found myself wishing to just get through it so I could put the book down.
July 3, 2017
I quite liked this vintage Nora Roberts story. The plot was steady, the characters well defined, and the romance was sweet with just enough spice to keep things interesting. The story didn't feel as dated as some of Robert's other stories from the same decade.
March 18, 2019
Finally
Johanna was stubborn until the end. She realized Sam loved her and wanted a future with her in it. There were no guarantees as far as marriage was concerned but she was his.
Johanna was stubborn until the end. She realized Sam loved her and wanted a future with her in it. There were no guarantees as far as marriage was concerned but she was his.
October 3, 2020
Loved this story. It hooked me from the start. Johanna wants to be in total control. She's seen how love can be used and thrown away. Sam is immediately intrigued by Johanna. He has his work cut out for him.
March 5, 2021
There's just something about the way Nora Roberts writes places. I was charmed by the description of Sam's homestead and Jo's home. I also liked the sense of friendship and caring there was underlying the romance.
July 16, 2017
Typical Nora Roberts fare, you're always guaranteed a happy ending!!!
August 17, 2017
Wat zal ik eens zeggen over dit boek.
kort gezegd is dit totaal geen boek wat mij aangetrokken Heb, heb het geprobeerd te waarderen maar nog een keer lezen nee dat doe ik dan maar niet.
kort gezegd is dit totaal geen boek wat mij aangetrokken Heb, heb het geprobeerd te waarderen maar nog een keer lezen nee dat doe ik dan maar niet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews