It Had to Be You

Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Published: August 1994 (Avon)

Category: Romance

Series: Chicago Stars #1

Rating: 6/10

I started the series with This Heart of Mine, which tells Molly Somerville's story. The series starts with her older sister Phoebe's story, at her father's funeral and inheriting the Chicago Stars. Her jerk of a father's will gave her the team, but only allowed her to keep it if they won the AFC Championship. She didn't want anything to do with it, but Dan Calebow, the rough and tough head coach convinced her otherwise.

Phoebe annoyed me a lot, and this was due to her behavior, pretending to be a dumb bimbo so she wouldn't be threatened by men, and the out-of-date fashion descriptions. Fourteen years after It Had to Be You was first published, the book is starting to show its age. Granted, Phoebe had a horrible youth, where she was molested by her cousin, and disbelieved by her father, thinking that Reed was the son he never had and the best thing since sliced bread.

I was also annoyed with the way Dan and Phoebe's relationship grew in fits and starts. They sleep together, then he starts dating a teacher because she'll be the perfect wife, then she thinks he's with her for the football team ownership, then she finds out about the other woman, etc. Too much drama!

I was amused by Phoebe dealing with running a football team and the way she drives Dan crazy with her lack of football knowledge (i.e. Knowing which one's the kicker). I found it hilarious, now that I've been watching football for several years with my boyfriend and learning by osmosis.