THE WINNING HAND is one of the books revolving around the MacGregor clan and spotlights Robert MacGregor Blade (they call him Mac), the son of Justin Blade and Serena MacGregor Blade. If you read my review on PLAYING THE ODDS or if you've actually read that book, you'll know the story behind Mac's parents meeting. If not, here's a brief synopsis: Daniel MacGregor (Serena's father) once again puts his matchmaking skills to work and "introduced" these two. Justin is a gambler and owner of a casino. Serena has taken a brief "tour" as a blackjack dealer on a cruise ship. They meet and the rest is MacGregor history. (I said brief!!)

Like I stated, Mac is Serena and Justin son and has the job of running one of several casinos owned by Justin and Serena. Mac has a very hands-on type approach to running the casino and knows exactly what's going on at any given time monitoring everything from either the bank of windows from his office or the many security camera monitors lined up nearby.

Darcy was having the worst day in her life, actually the worst several days. Her car broke down several miles outside of Las Vegas and she walked into town in the blazing sun. She was dazed, hot, dehydrated, and looked like she could use a shower and clean clothes when she stumbled into Mac's casino. She then took her last dollar and played it on one of those million-dollar-winner-type slot machines (you know the big ones in the entries to many of the casinos). Sure enough, she hits the million-dollar jackpot and then politely faints right into Mac's arms. Ok, sure it sounds like something that can never happen to the "normal" person, but hey, we can dream can't we?

Mac feels like he needs to take care of Darcy since she won the money in his casino until she gets on her feet and has her stay at his rooms above the casino. (Did I mention that he takes his job very seriously?) I'm sure most of you can see where this is heading, but don't stop reading here...

Of course they fall in love and the rest of the book is devoted to how Darcy and Mac resolve various issues and how they become business partners - just like Serena and Justin had years earlier. Just when things look like it will be smooth sailing, Darcy is kidnapped and Mac is beside himself. This kidnapping coincides with Justin and Serena's visit which has both of them reliving Serena's kidnapping. In fact, PLAYING THE ODDS and THE WINNING HAND almost seem to parallel each other!

You're probably wondering if I'm going to recommend this book or not. You're also probably thinking that this is a weak story line and not a book that you'd be interested in reading. Well, if you want to laugh out loud, smile continuously while reading, and just have a good time, then this is a book you need to purchase, borrow or find with any other means available! This has become one of my favorite of Nora Roberts' romance type books - it's fun, refreshing even with a story line that has been done over and over again, and of course Daniel MacGregor puts in an appearance to spice things up.

Now on the negative side, it is a quick read with only around 200 pages, not filled with much new material and at times seems redundant. It's also a little unbelievable at times - I mean who has actually gambled their last dollar and won a million dollars and then had the gorgeous owner of the casino decide to take care of you? Ah, maybe this is the modern version of Cinderella.

Another great Nora Roberts story. Poor Darcy walks away from her overbearing fiance and not only wins at the slot machine, but wins an even large hand ---- "Mac" McGregor. Great story.

This is a fun story about a young woman who couldn't get a break at home and finds that her bad luck is holding out on her trek to Las Vegas. Broke and alone, Darcy Wallace takes a chance on a big money slot machine and wins over a million dollars.

I enjoyed reading about Darcy's enjoyment of all the things she'd missed up to that point and the way she unexpectedly finds herself and the life she's always wanted. I also enjoyed reading about the participation of the MacGregors in Darcy's new life. Darcy and the MacGregors are charming characters.

My only problem with the story was the lack of character development for Mac. I had a hard time understanding what motivated him to do the things he did. The story would have been much better if his character was explained better. For that reason, I've only given this book 3 stars but I liked Darcy and the MacGregors enough to enjoy reading the book and will read it again.