Man of My Dreams (Sherring Cross Book 1)

Johanna Lindsey's Man Of My Dreams was one of the first romance novels I ever read. I recently curled up with the ebook to reread it for the first time in years and still got that perfect, HEA-high that the best romances give me.Lindsey does things that would earn most authors writing today a big slap on the wrist - she switches between her h/H's point of view every paragraph or two in some scenes, always letting us see into the head of whoever's having the most exciting thoughts. She mentions when characters don't notice something - "Megan looked away first, her face hotter than ever, so she didn't see the flush that also came into Devlin's cheeks" - which is bad form these days but, as in the above example, can be really fun for the reader.And she's written a book that hinges on a silly contrivance - Devlin shows up at the heroine's house masquerading as a horse breeder, but he's actually the Duke of Wrothston. He needs to lay low for a while to avoid a duel and that's the solution he comes up with. Also straight out of Romancelandia? The heroine, Megan's, fantastic good looks. After one look at her, men drop to one knee and spout proposals. She's not just beautiful, she's dangerous.I actually find Megan to be a really delightful character. She has this matter-of-fact attitude about her looks that I admired - she knows she's gorgeous but she doesn't dwell or gloat - and she's just as matter-of-fact and accepting of her flaws, like the fact that she's spoiled and stubborn. As a result, she never seemed childish to me. I think it takes a fair bit of maturity to know yourself and accept yourself so well.Devlin is used to being the heartthrob in the room - he's a fantastically good-looking duke! But Megan's beautiful enough to smash even his composure and he meets her as a laborer, without the aphrodisiac effect of his title. He hates being at a disadvantage and reacts by cutting loose. He speaks his mind, courtesy be damned, and throws propriety to the winds.The best thing about MAN OF MY DREAMS are the verbal sparring matches between Devlin and Megan. Their banter is quick and sexy and so fun. One early plot twist gets started when Megan informs Devlin that she's set her cap for a man she thinks she's never met, the Duke of Wrothston. Devlin is horrified to think how easily he'd have fallen under Megan's spell if he hadn't been warned about her title hunting & sets out to teach her a lesson.The best parts of the book take place before the game is up and Devlin reveals his true identity, but this is still an all-time favorite for me.

Megen was a spoiled firey Red Headed girl. All men fell in love with her at first sight. She even had to appear to be a wicked torment to her best friends Love so he would fall in love with her friend instead of herself. After all she was chaperoneing them while they dated. Megan loved horses. Even had one from Sherring Cross' stables. She named it Sir Ambrose, although it was a mare.Megan's desire was to be invited to Lady O's parties. Everyone else had. If you haven't been invited it was because there was something wrongwith you. So she told her best friend she was going to marry a Duke. Just for his outstanding stables. And have a Grand Ball so she could NotInvite Lady O. The Duke she was going to marry would be none other than Sir Ambrose. Only he didn't know it...yet.

I have found Johanna Lindsey to be an uneven writer of romance but when she hits it right (Hearts Aflame is one example) she really does it well. This is the first of the Sherring Cross trilogy (Man of My Dreams, Love Me Forever and The Pursuit), and it's a good one. It is witty, fast moving and will hold your attention with a hero and heroine who are not only delicious but very fun.Set in England in 1878, it tells the story of Megan Penworthy, an exceptional beauty with red hair and blue eyes who collects suitors like flies and is just about to have her first Season in London. She is already being snubbed by the local gentry because the mothers are worried Megan will out shine their daughters who pale in comparison. Megan holds unwanted suitors away with her sarcastic wit. She tells her best friend Tiffany that she will get even with those who have cut her by marrying a duke by the end of the year. She decides on the one duke she's heard is young and handsome, Ambrose St. James, the Duke of Wrothston, even though she's never met him. Meanwhile, that same duke is trying to avoid a duel with his best friend so his grandmother sends him to the country for a few months disguised as a stable boy (he turns it into a horsebreeder). And guess where he ends up? Right! Megan's father's manor. Megan wants to pursue the duke and actually manages to meet him at a masquerade ball all the while she is falling in love with the horsebreeder, Devlin Jeffreys, who treats her like a spoiled brat.There is great dialog, a good story well told with fun interaction between Megan and Devlin. You'll enjoy this one.

A delightful story and still one of my favorites. It is engaging with a worrying style that flows. I've always enjoyed reading her books. Thanks!

In my goodness. This is one of my top favorite of all time. A battle of wills between Meghan and Devlin. It's awesome. I love this funny, sweet, and adventurous story. You will absolutely love it and adore the characters.

Johanna pulls you in from the beginning. Love this series and the Mallory Family. You won't be disappointed. They all love fiercely and protect what they love.

Another of her books that captures the heart ..Johanna Lindsey is an awesome writer.She captures the reader and leads them on a wonderful journey of ups and downs,the intrigue and suspense, She has a way of pulling you in and not letting goshe leads you to romance and always the "Happy ending "Why else do we read these stories because we enjoy the fantasy and the thrill of knowingFairy tails do come true thru books and movies... :)Not sure which ones right off hand that are part of the Mallory Family series but .. so far all of her books are awesome reads..

HR is very exasperating. No character development at all. I struggled to finish this book.

A gorgeous story that transports the reader to journey with the central characters and literally has you feeling their emotions .. Johanna Lindsey is a master wordsmith..

Anyone who loves horses will enjoy this book, where a Lord is disguising himself as a horse breeder to avoid danger. A great story!

Love joanna lyndsey books.Delivery as was promised.I would buy again.

Cannot tell you how many times I’ve read this book. Maybe 50. I’ll finish it and then want to start it immediately again. One of the best JL novels there is. It’s fun and flirty and the main characters have great chemistry.

Una lettura gradevole, un po' troppo monotematica. Il malinteso tra i due protagonisti, convinti entrambi che il loro amore non sia contraccambiato, è un po' forzato... non proprio credbile.