Throwback Thursday: Name of the Game by Nora Roberts

Author: Nora Roberts
First published in 1993 by Silhouette

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.

This is the Nora I know and love!  I thought The Name of the Game was a really cute story.  Johanna is a producer of a game show and when actor Sam Weaver comes on as a celebrity guest, the sparks fly.  Sam is smitten from the start.  The problem is that Johanna is very hesitant.  She doesn't believe in love or that it can last.  

The story is pretty straight forward contemporary romance.  I loved watching Sam woo Johanna.  He can see through all of her walls into the real woman.  He was just what she needed.  It's a quick read and has been featured in a couple of compilations over the years.  I listened to the audio book.  My only complaint was the voice the narrator used for Johanna.  She made her sound too haughty!