A
E. P. Dutton/NAL
January 2003
SYNOPSIS: Marcus Major has proven himself a master of lively, fast-moving, sensual stories about modern relationships. Now he gives readers the irresistible tale of a man who has everything--except the one woman he can't forget. (Hardcover)
MAINSTREAM FICTION: (4+) Debra Ross
REVIEW: John Sebastian has become a very successful and wealthy businessman. He is so successful that he is opening a branch of
his security firm in his home state of New Jersey. He wants to give back to the community that gave him his start. Under the guidance of Mr.
Duke, his foster father, he is prepared to give both a sizable financial donation and his time to an area school. Mr. Duke has one particular
school in mind, the school where Josephine Flowers Prescott is the assistant principal. One look at Josephine and John is transported to a
time, seven years ago, when she was the love of his life. Once Mr. Duke sees the expected reaction to John seeing Josephine, he says “…now,
like I asked you before, are you happy?”
John has everything that he thinks he wants; money, mansions, and a beautiful young girlfriend who - although is bought and paid for – is the
perfect trophy for a man of his status. Yet no one has ever stirred him like Josephine. Josephine has moved on with her life as well, having
married a school superintendent – only six month after breaking up with John – and all seems well. In “A Man Most Worthy” we are introduced to
two characters with seemingly content lives. As the story progresses we discover just how discontented they both are, and how they each try to
recapture that key ingredient to their happiness.
John knows that his relationship with his current girlfriend is superficial at best; love in no way enters the picture. Josephine’s
self-serving husband is more concerned about his status in his community and Josephine losing weight than he is about nurturing their
marriage. In the midst of looking at their current love situations and working together at the school, they realize that neither has
completely gotten over the other. As they start to fall in love again, they are forced to face the painful situation that led to their
breakup.
John has matured over the years, and now he feels it is important that he prove to Josephine that he is indeed A MAN MOST WORTHY of her love.
Watching these two reestablish their love is an enjoyable read. Mr. Majors is truly a unique and gifted talent. He has taken a familiar plot –
a man determined to get back an old flame - and given it a refreshing, upbeat, sexy, and urban twist.
The secondary characters, as in all of Mr. Major’s work, are interesting, funny, and add to the readers understanding of the main characters.
There is not a wasted scene in the book.
I am a big fan of Mr. Major’s work. I am always delighted by his ability to write fast, funny, realistic dialogue. A MAN MOST WORTHY is no
exception. Whether its girlfriends talking about their love life, guys rehashing childhood memories, or lovers remembering old times, the
snappy dialogue is always entertaining.
A MAN MOST WORTHY is a funny, sexy and insightful story that leaves you anxiously awaiting Mr. Major’s next offering.
debra@romanceincolor.com (28th April 2003)