Mind Over Matter

by Nora Roberts

Clematis: Mental Beauty

Producer David Brady didn't have to be psychic to appreciate the physical—and mental—beauty of theatrical agent A. J. Fields. But a sixth sense told him there was something strange about her no-nonsense behavior—something not quite right, not quite real. Clearly, she was a woman with complex emotional needs... but what was she trying to hide?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Paranormal, Ebooks, Chick Lit

221 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 1987

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written in 1987 and smelled like it, both literally—the MMC was constantly lighting a cigarette—and figuratively, with turgid melodramatic scenes, “no” meaning “grab her and kiss her until she acquiesces,” and explorations of psychic phenomena and the people who have special abilities, which included the heroine and her mother.

It’s dated, improbable, uninteresting, and feels unfinished. I cannot recommend.

[*CJ* · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mind Over Matter" is the story of Aurora and David.

This lovely story has our heroine, theatrical agent Aurora Fields battling with our hero, esteemed documentarian David Brady. He seeks permission to hire her client for a show on paranormal phenomena, and by the client's persuasion, she agrees. However, she remains fiercely protective, almost like a mother tigress, locking horns with the hero on every turn. As truths and lies are revealed about the sight and clairvoyance, the hero and heroine embark on a tender and enlightening relationship, which is all about letting go yet feeling safe.

I ADORED the hero's devotion and persistence in breaking the heroine's barriers down. Their love story is tender, and filled with discoveries and surrender. The passionate lovemaking scenes are swoon-worthy, and ah these two were SO GOOD together!
I liked the secondary character developments too, as well as the relationship between Clarissa and Aurora.

Heavily recommended!

Safe
4.5/5

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a love/don't love so much relationship with Nora Robert's books. Her books either capture my attention from page one and have me turning the pages as fast as I can or she fails to grab my attention and I just feel MEh...This is one of the times I feel Meh about her books. Mind over Matter has be re-released in 2017 . It was first published in 1987 and and I am not quite sure why it has been re-released. Another reason I was not so impressed with this book - the complete title is Mind over Matter a Passionate and Intriguing Novel of suspense. UMMMM...what suspense? I guess it depends on one's definition of suspense.

Mind over Matter is a romance book with some paranormal elements thrown in. I know I am doing some fan fiction when I say I would have liked the book more if it were a mystery using a psychic with some romance thrown in. This was not the case with this book.

David Brady is a documentary producer who needs a psychic to be in his documentary on paranormal psychology. He meets and instantly forms a friendship with Clarissa, a woman with psychic abilities who has helped solve crimes in the past. Clarissa makes a comment in passing about a romance David will enter and that he will need tenderness to make the relationship work.

David then meets Clarissa's agent A.J. (Aurora) Fields who just happens to be Clarissa's daughter. As with romance novels sparks fly and each is intrigued and drawn to the other. A.j. instantly puts up a barrier due to pain from a previous breakup and a secret she is hiding. Both David and A.J. are strong characters and David believes that A.J. is using her tough exterior to hide something from him. As he goes about trying to figure out what that may be their romance ignites.

As I stated this book was just MEH for me. I think the story and romance could have been fleshed out more and I just did not see how this book was suspenseful at all. Her writing is good which is why I went with three stars and not two. Okay book - not for me.

I received a copy of this book from Harlequin and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

"Mind Over Matter" is a reissue of an early Nora Roberts book from 1987 and stands the test of time quite well. It is a straight romance with paranormal overtones, but the paranormal plays no direct part in the story. Since straight romance is not my favorite genre, I had a tough time getting into this story of two strong willed people finding their way to their HEA. But, NR's writing style is so good that she made the tale worthwhile.

Theatrical agent, A. J. Fields is a very successful Theatrical Agent who represents her mother, Clarissa DeBasse, for a TV documentary where her mother's physic abilities will featured. Aurora is fearsomely protective of her mother. The Producer, David Brady, and Aurora start out at odds, but quickly find themselves drawn to each other. Aurora has a really tough time letting go of a past romantic experience and the control she values so highly and it almost ends up costing her the love of her life. 3 1/2-Stars

[Pilar S.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esta novela me ha vuelto un poco loca. Ha sido un tira y afloja tan constante que me ha sacado de mis casillas en casi todos los capítulos (yo no tengo tanta paciencia como David).

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The heroine here was a P.I.A. Not one of my favorite Nora Roberts' books. An early one.

[ShoSho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to give this 5 stars although it had its problems but this is a Nora Roberts book and I almost always love what she writes.Plus it gets half star more because it has stood the test of time. I've read 116 of her books (NR+J.D. Robb) according to Goodreads and there were only 4 that I didn't like.
Now to the book, I loved the characters and the plot. There were a lot of prose in it and I felt the emotion and sentiment behind them. I don't think I've read this much in depth emotion in any new books. I don't know how describe it but I felt I understood why the characters did and felt what they did.
I had guessed the few plot twist from the start, still they added something more to the story.
My only problem in the beginning was that POV would change from one paragraph to the next even from sentence to sentence. At first it was a bit hard to follow, like a very fast pace tennis match. But I got used to it and actually enjoyed the constant POV change.
This was definitely a book that worth reading even if it's 30 years old.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars - My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2017/07...

In Mind Over Matter a hardworking theatrical agent meets her match in a producer who isn’t afraid to knock down the walls she has around her heart. A.J. Fields has worked for years to become one of the most successful agents in Hollywood. She’s smart and has a spine of steel, so when David Brady wants to use psychic Clarissa DeBasse – A.J.’s most important client – in his new documentary, A.J. isn’t about to be bowled over by the handsome producer. Sparks fly immediately between A.J. and David, but A.J. doesn’t mix business with pleasure and those walls she has around herself are because she has been hurt repeatedly in the past. I liked the combination of strength and vulnerability in her and author Nora Roberts made it understandable why A.J. would be reluctant to open her heart to David. David is used to being demanding in his work life and noncommittal in his personal life, but the longer he’s around A.J., the more he finds his attitude toward relationships changing. She isn’t at all his type, but of course she knocks him for a loop. The two of them play off one another really well professionally and personally. Because they’re both hard-headed and flawed, they make mistakes in their burgeoning relationship, which I actually liked because it added a level of realism to the story.

Mind Over Matter was first published in 1987 and while there are things that date it (fashion, technology, some attitudes, etc.), for the most part it holds up really well. The style of this book isn’t as smooth as Ms. Roberts’s later work – the swift point of view changes took a bit of getting used to – but it’s still an enjoyable read and the romance is satisfying. All in all, I found Mind Over Matter to be a good comfort read fans of Nora Roberts are sure to like.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nora Roberts is a favorite of mine. She usually doesn't disappoint. Having said that, Mind over Matter is not one of my favorites of hers. Aurora (AJ) is an agent for her mother Clarissa, who is a psychic. David wants to interview Clarissa for a TV documentary that she is doing. Both AJ and David are loners and not really interested in commitment. The chemistry between the two is instant, but they are so opposite, I'm not sure I believed that fate meant them to be together.



Wile David was likable, AJ annoyed me. She is one of those people who expect the worst to happen at any time, so she never allows herself to live. It got to be tedious after a while. This story is also a classic tale of miscommunication at its best. For people in love, they really don't like to talk to one another.

While not the best, it is still a Nora Roberts book. Fans of her will be entertained as I know I was.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had its moments. Very typical romance book.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars

See full review at HarlequinJunkie.com

Originally released in 1987, Mind Over Matter is a reissued Nora Roberts romance that reminded me of the Harlequins I grew up reading and had me remembering just how much fun they were to lose myself in for a few hours.

Oh, the 80s. How I love that decade: Quirky music and movies, big hair, and even bigger egos. It was entertaining to take a step back in time and read a romance set in a world before cell phones and social media, where even though our main characters were busy in their challenging careers, the pace didn’t seem as frenetic as it does today. Considering that this was written in the first decade of her career, I was surprised that I still fell right in line with Roberts’ writing as I always do, with her lush descriptions and her ability to draw emotion out of each scene. Read More

[Leo_ Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ein Buch über Liebe und Übernatürliches, das habe ich zumindest erwartet. So oder so ähnlich war es zwar auch aber nicht so wie ich es mir gewünscht hätte. Über die Fähigkeiten von A.J. und ihrer Mutter wurde mir persönlich nicht genügend geschrieben, man hätte sehr viel mehr daraus machen können und eine wirklich (wortwörtlich) magische Geschichte daraus machen können. Stattdessen wurde es nur immer mal am Rande erwähnt und der Fokus lag auf dem dauerhaften Hin und her von A.J. und David. Als wäre es zu viel verlangt ein klärendes Gespräch zu führen, über das was eigentlich schon offensichtlich ist. Aber nein, so zogen sich über 300 Seiten die verliebten und sorgenvollen Gedankengänge der beiden Verliebten. Klar es ist ein Liebesroman und Spannung ist immer gut. Aber hierbei hat es sich nun wirklich dermaßen in die Länge gezogen, das ich schon richtig genervt war. Wirklich sehr schade um das Potential der Geschichte.

[Peggy Jaeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN oldie but a five star book to be sure from Roberts, the best fiction/romance author on the market today! A little mystery, a little of the paranormal and who lot of romance and heat and this is another title that delivers on all the points I look for in a book" character, plot, story telling and dialogue that sounds as if I'm hearing it said in my head.
As a Netgalley arc, it was a pleasure to read this and review it.

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 3 out of 5]

My beautiful late nan owned every single one of Nora’s books.
So when she moved in with us for her last few years we spent the time reading our way through every single one together.
Granted they are not the type of books I like to read, but they were still really good and sweet.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to rate this a 2 because it kept me occupied for a couple of hours while my husband and I drove across the Texas Panhandle. But I found the plot predictable and the writing pedestrian.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting: Los Angeles,California – on the set, in her apartment, in her office in Century City, at her mother’s house, at his home in the hills.

Theme: love, acceptance, overcoming fear

Characters:
Clarissa DeBasse- a sensitive (a psychic), been involved in a few high profile cases. Genuine, gentle, scatterbrained.

David Brady – successful producer of thoughtful documentaries. Handsome, rules on relationships to keep a certain distance,

Aurora “A.J” Fields – agent, with a good number of well known actors/actresses, Clarissa’s daughter – but she was the one who made sure that bills were paid after the age of 8 when her father died. But she is also psychic, and suppresses that side of her – having been hurt too many times by thoughtless, anxious people… She is her mother’s agent, and handles the contract when David wants Clarissa as the central focus of his 5-part series on psychic phenomena, and goes out of her way to protect her from ridicule.

Summary:
Clarissa ‘sees’ right away that David is meant for her Aurora, but knows it is an uphill battle as Aurora has buried herself to protect herself from potentially hurtful relationships. There is attraction between them… and they each appreciate the other’s strength of personality… bit by bit they become friends, and then lovers. As lovers, they are very physical and almost violent… but as time passes, they enjoy a gentler lovemaking. They each have relationship rules, and both are afraid to cross the boundary… but both want more, but are afraid to be the first to reveal their feelings… David is a bit confused when he learns of her psychic ability, but knows he can’t be away from her… when he wants her to tell him she loves him, and she doesn’t (but he’s not willing to say it first)… and tries to backdoor it with suggesting they move in together… and gets upset when she doesn’t immediately jump on it, they have 2 weeks without seeing one another… and meet over Clarissa’s wedding… and Clarissa gently pushes them both to be honest and focused on their emotions,… and they do… ahhh

[Thereadingbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Fields has worked for years to become one of the most successful agents in Hollywood. She’s smart and has a spine of steel, so when David Brady wants to use psychic Clarissa DeBasse – A.J.’s most important client – in his new documentary, A.J. isn’t about to be bowled over by the handsome producer. Sparks fly immediately between A.J. and David, but A.J. doesn’t mix business with pleasure and those walls she has around herself are because she has been hurt repeatedly in the past. I liked the combination of strength and vulnerability in her and author Nora Roberts made it understandable why A.J. would be reluctant to open her heart to David. David is used to being demanding in his work life and noncommittal in his personal life, but the longer he’s around A.J., the more he finds his attitude toward relationships changing. She isn’t at all his type, but of course she knocks him for a loop.
The characters worked well in this story because they were both flawed and that brings in a realistic spin to the book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid story, albeit a bit frustrating with the MCs unable to or unwilling to communicate with each other. Instead, they just stuff all their feelings down, never talk, and spend the majority of their time in the bedroom. I skipped all the intimate scenes (and for such a short book there were too many!) and was able to finish this book in one sitting because of that.

I appreciated a strong, career-minded woman who earned her own money and was successful before she met the hero. I also liked that both of them seemed to have too disparate pasts. The author definitely didn't make the hero seem like a man about town. However, the dancing around their feelings bit got old pretty fast. There's angst that delicious and angst that's annoying. Unfortunately, this story had the second variety. One star for an interesting premise, one star for a non-manho hero, and one star for a strong heroine.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first of Nora's books where she dips her toes into the paranormal! Aurora "A.J." Fields is a successful agent to many of Hollywood's top stars but her most important client is renowned psychic, Clarissa DeBasse. When award winning producer, David Brady, wants Clarissa as the centerpiece of his latest documentary he and A.J. clash. Nora writes an amazing story of two career focused, ambitious people who have to figure out how to let someone past their mental and emotional walls. There is a taste of Hollywood glamour and some (maybe) ghostly visions that mark this story as a precursor to some of Nora classics! To hear a full discussion of Mind Over Matter listen to Season 2, Ep. #6 "Nora Roberts' 1987: Mind Over Matter and Temptation" of Romancing the Shelf, a Nora Roberts podcast: https://romancingtheshelf.libsyn.com/

[Kimberly Lund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going in to this, I knew it was a reprint of an older Nora Roberts but I was all "It's Nora Roberts and I almost always love everything she writes. How bad can it be?" Answer? Pretty bad. At least her heroines are always strong, but this is truly a quickie romance novel in every aspect. There's not of the conflict and tension I'm used to reading in her books. I mean, there's conflict and tension, but it didn't seem realistic and more created just to add some drama to the book. So now I know... I don't love all her books. You want a good Nora Roberts book? Go for Come Sundown.

[Azet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jag är som vanligt inte förvånad...

Nora Roberts gör en aldrig besviken...

Efter att ha läst över 50 böcker av henne (jag menar allvar) så har jag läst ut Med Öppna Sinnen som handlar om den tuffa agenten A.J och den framgångsrika och snygga producenten David Brady.

Deras heta kärlekshistoria startar när de väl träffar varandra för första gången:-

En väldigt bra Feel-Good bok med fantastiska karaktärer...Njöt av varenda sida!

[Merceda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book. It was a bit weird changing from David to A.J. throughout the reading. One paragraph was David's, another was A.J.'s. It was another of Nora's earlier books.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one for Nora Roberts. Once again creating characters that I would like to sit and have a cup of coffee with!!

[Aletha Annema · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dit boek heeft weinig om het lijf maar het leest heerlijk weg. Zeker in combinatie met zon, zee & strand!

[Sheri Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Great story and great characters. I would recommend tthis book o anyone who likes Nora Roberts romance novels. I wonder if there will be a sequel.

[Jeanette montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nora Roberts, she is one of my fave authors!

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.

[Bea]

Meh. The hero was arrogant and presumptuous and the heroine was weak. Blergh. I liked Clarissa, Alex needed more developing, and I didn't really care if AJ and David got their HEA.

[Deb Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reissue, but still a great read!…

Read More. . . http://www.romanceswithalittlekick.co...

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Mind Over Matter
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 7-17-2017
Pages: 218
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Contemporary Romance,
ISBN: 9781488027062
ASIN: B07226MLSP
Reviewed For NetGalley and Harlequin
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars

David Brady needs a star for his documentary on paranormal psychology. When he finds out theatrical agent A.J. Fields has a psychic for a client, he’s thrilled. However, A.J. is reluctant to let her client work with the smooth-talking producer who’s obviously a skeptic. David can tell that A.J.’s icy exterior is just a front. He’s determined to discover what secrets she’s hiding…but he might just find more than he bargained for!

Originally published in 1987.

I read this originally years ago when it was first published. I couldn't wait to read it again. Mostly written as a romance story with side bar of the paranormal. The are two strong main charcters each with their own agenda of what is important. When they decide the growing attraction becomes the center of importance. A quick read. A classic never goes out of style.

My rating of "Mind Over Matter" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.


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[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind Over Matter, A Passionate and Intriguing Novel of Suspense, Nora Roberts

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance

I've read a few of Nora's stories over the years, both as Nora Roberts and JD Robb, but not for a while, so I thought it would be fun to dip back into her world. 

This was a fun read, touched upon the supernatural world with Clarissa being a psychic, and I enjoyed it but it wasn't one that kept me gripped to the page, with that can't put down feel. It's not really suspense as I'd describe it, more anovel of secrets and intrigue.

I liked David, and the attraction between him and AJ was evident from the go get. Sometimes authors try for that and it fails, her it was perfect. what made it even more fun was neither were looking for or intending to have a relationship. It was further-est thing from both their minds and yet they couldn't keep away, two people who avoid any kind of closeness with others, and yet this need they have overcomes it.

I loved Clarissa, and understood why AJ was so protective of her. Sadly its a human failing people either want to knock you down, disprove of what you're saying or see how it can benefit them, and those like Clarissa who are so genuinely kind and helpful would get everything they had sucked out of them if not for protectors like AJ. 

Its a mix of romance(s) and eye opening to things we may not want to see, to admitting not everything in life can be tidily boxed up and explained. I enjoyed it but it won't be one I'd re-read as I have others from this author. 

Stars: four, an enjoyable, fairly slow paced story. Not everything has to be a race to the finish though. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers