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Americana #25
Show Me
Every novel in this collection is your passport to a romantic tour of the United States through time-honored favorites by America's First Lady of romance fiction. Each of the fifty novels is set in a different state, researched by Janet and her husband, Bill. For the Daileys it was an odyssey of discovery. For you, it's the journey of a lifetime. Your tour of desire begins with this story set in Missouri.
"I don't blame you for hating me at first," Jake said. "After all, I forced you to marry me. But you do see why I had to tell you all this, don't you? You've been so honest with me that I had to be the same with you.
Tanya's heart sank. Honest! Honest! The word kept haunting her. Her supposed honesty was the one thing he admired about her.
She couldn't possibly tell him the truth now. If she did his love for her would be shattered forever!
"I don't blame you for hating me at first," Jake said. "After all, I forced you to marry me. But you do see why I had to tell you all this, don't you? You've been so honest with me that I had to be the same with you.
Tanya's heart sank. Honest! Honest! The word kept haunting her. Her supposed honesty was the one thing he admired about her.
She couldn't possibly tell him the truth now. If she did his love for her would be shattered forever!
189 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1976
44 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dailey
395 books1,849 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 12, 2020
"Show Me: Missouri" is the story of Tanya and Jake.
So I struggled with this one.
The book begins with our h living with her son with the H's family, while he lives in Africa. Seven years ago, after a drunken night mishap, the h finds herself with a baby and pleads for help from the H. He instead threatens to take the child away and blackmails her into marriage. He then leaves her and their infant son away, moves to Africa and moves on with other women, while the h is left trapped in his judgey household.
Currently, she has a nice man courting her until the son starts asking questions, and after some letters are written- the H returns. This philandering pig suddenly wants his wife, and the confused h gives him a second chance.
So the lack of celibacy on his part is revealed very early on in this book and I wanted to abandon it then. I could not believe the h gave him a second chance after he was a shitty husband and an absent parent for so long. To top that, she is constantly confronted by OW on his return.
Still my brave soul ploughed on to see the h and H work on their non-existent relationship, and that is when after a heartfelt confession, a twist is revealed- which I did not see coming from anywhere. I was then glad that I continued reading- that still didn't negate the fact that the H was married during those seven years.
Anyways, an average read.
Unsafe
2/5
So I struggled with this one.
The book begins with our h living with her son with the H's family, while he lives in Africa. Seven years ago, after a drunken night mishap, the h finds herself with a baby and pleads for help from the H. He instead threatens to take the child away and blackmails her into marriage. He then leaves her and their infant son away, moves to Africa and moves on with other women, while the h is left trapped in his judgey household.
Currently, she has a nice man courting her until the son starts asking questions, and after some letters are written- the H returns. This philandering pig suddenly wants his wife, and the confused h gives him a second chance.
So the lack of celibacy on his part is revealed very early on in this book and I wanted to abandon it then. I could not believe the h gave him a second chance after he was a shitty husband and an absent parent for so long. To top that, she is constantly confronted by OW on his return.
Still my brave soul ploughed on to see the h and H work on their non-existent relationship, and that is when after a heartfelt confession, a twist is revealed- which I did not see coming from anywhere. I was then glad that I continued reading- that still didn't negate the fact that the H was married during those seven years.
Anyways, an average read.
Unsafe
2/5
August 24, 2018
The hero was a jerk. They both had too many secrets and he was not celibate while apart and she was. He admitted to sleeping with the OW saying a man has needs. Just gross.
March 5, 2021
As the first American author of Harlequin Presents Janet Dailey set her novels in all of the 50 states, I suppose, to show foreign readers how diverse and exotic the USA can be. Although her books never inspired me to jet-set across the country, I've found myself in various oh-so-glamorous US cities like Providence, Rhode Island; Charlotte, North Carolina; Tampa, Florida; Bridgeport, Connecticut; South Bend, Indiana; and Newark, New Jersey. Talk about exotic!
Dailey's HP #200 "Show Me" is set in the "Show Me" state of Missouri, with the hero, Jake, saying lines like this over and over again: "I'm from Missouri. You have to show me to believe."
Jake is a bitter man who's returned home after being away for more than half a decade. He's sour because he was forced to marry Tanya, the mother of his son, John. The child was a result of a drunken one-night-stand Jake can't recall. The "hero" is a deadbeat dad, as he's lived in Africa for 7 years and made no effort to get to know his son. Plus, he's contemptuously open about not having been a faithful husband.
This was a middling read. I swear Janet Dailey could take a decent plot and make it as fun as reading furniture instruction manuals. Oh, there is a Harley dramatic revelation at the end, which the heroine had to do if she expected to engage in makeup sex with her husband. So the big twist is... Jake didn't have to stay away from his family for so many years if Tanya had talked to him back when the kid was born.
But what kind of story would exist if the protagonists acted like adults and engaged in conversation? It would make for a dull romance. Almost as dull as this one.
2 stars
Dailey's HP #200 "Show Me" is set in the "Show Me" state of Missouri, with the hero, Jake, saying lines like this over and over again: "I'm from Missouri. You have to show me to believe."
Jake is a bitter man who's returned home after being away for more than half a decade. He's sour because he was forced to marry Tanya, the mother of his son, John. The child was a result of a drunken one-night-stand Jake can't recall. The "hero" is a deadbeat dad, as he's lived in Africa for 7 years and made no effort to get to know his son. Plus, he's contemptuously open about not having been a faithful husband.
This was a middling read. I swear Janet Dailey could take a decent plot and make it as fun as reading furniture instruction manuals. Oh, there is a Harley dramatic revelation at the end, which the heroine had to do if she expected to engage in makeup sex with her husband. So the big twist is... Jake didn't have to stay away from his family for so many years if Tanya had talked to him back when the kid was born.
But what kind of story would exist if the protagonists acted like adults and engaged in conversation? It would make for a dull romance. Almost as dull as this one.
2 stars
March 4, 2017
Tanya married Jake for their 7-year-old son. Unfortunately, they hate each other. He took off to work in Africa a long time ago, while she stayed behind, living with Jake's parents, to care for their son. But when their son begins to doubt that he even has a father, she writes him to come home to visit. This time though, Jake's home to stay. He wants a chance to make the marriage work. But Tanya has a secret about their son that may destroy any chances they have to be happy
This is a pretty angsty and dramatic little adventure. So many throwbacks to the 70's. There is no sex in this book, it's all straight up drama, cattiness, domineering husband-like roaring and jeering...the typical HQN stuff of this time period. There is of course also the double standard of infidelity. Jake comes home to find his wife contemplating a relationship (after a divorce) with another man and although she hasn't done anything with him, he's furious. In contrast, Jake has been getting it on with this guy's sister Sheila, and admits that as "disgusting as it is, a man has needs." And sadly, the heroine doesn't throw it back in his face. Nevertheless, this is a fun and engaging story. I'm not sure it's meant to be as fun as it was, but I liked the drama...reminded me of a soap opera.
This is a pretty angsty and dramatic little adventure. So many throwbacks to the 70's. There is no sex in this book, it's all straight up drama, cattiness, domineering husband-like roaring and jeering...the typical HQN stuff of this time period. There is of course also the double standard of infidelity. Jake comes home to find his wife contemplating a relationship (after a divorce) with another man and although she hasn't done anything with him, he's furious. In contrast, Jake has been getting it on with this guy's sister Sheila, and admits that as "disgusting as it is, a man has needs." And sadly, the heroine doesn't throw it back in his face. Nevertheless, this is a fun and engaging story. I'm not sure it's meant to be as fun as it was, but I liked the drama...reminded me of a soap opera.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 16, 2021This book is terrible and it isn't only because of the insinuated infidelity that is justified the most macho way possible and the constant verbal and physical violence of which the main female character is constantly a victim from her husband's side... It's all so unusually incredible and so poorly developed! And that ending? Please, it reminds me those poorly recorded old songs that finished all suddenly!!!
I wouldn't absolutely recommend it.
I wouldn't absolutely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2010
Loved this book because it was the first Harlequin romance I remember taking place in the US and even better it is about Missouri where I lived then and now. I was a teenager when it came out so my standards weren't real high but I did then and do now enjoy stories with baby troubles in them.
July 1, 2024
Copyright is 1976. A quick read, but this book did not age well. The lead, Jake, is an abusive jerk. Almost zero redeeming qualities, in my opinion.
January 2, 2026
Overall, the book was good, but I had several issues with way certain elements were handled.
1. Confusing hero portrayal at the beginning
At the start, I genuinely thought Patrick was the hero, not Jake. The author invested so much effort in making Patrick exceptionally attractive and emotionally compelling. The detailed descriptions of his connection and bonding with the heroine had strong hero–heroine energy. Naturally, this created confusion and misplaced expectations, especially when it turned out he was not the main lead.
2. Sheila’s character made little sense
I struggled to understand the purpose of Sheila’s character. Out of all the women, why did Jake have to become physically involved with Sheila in Africa? If Jake had every intention of returning to win Tanya’s heart, his behavior contradicts that motivation. What bothered me more was how, at the party, he openly highlighted his past relationship with Sheila in front of Tanya. That felt unnecessary, insensitive, and completely avoidable.
3. Unresolved Sheila issue at the end
When Jake and Tanya finally decided to disclose their secrets to each other, I expected Sheila to be addressed properly. Surprisingly, she was never brought up again. There was no explanation of how they planned to manage her presence or resolve that situation, which left a noticeable gap in the narrative.
4. The twist was a relief
The twist itself was well done, and honestly, I felt relieved. I’m naturally quite possessive, so the idea that John might be Jake and Tanya’s sister’s son made me deeply uncomfortable. Thankfully, learning that John was Jamie’s child instead was a huge relief.
5. Confusing final line
The finishing line was confusing and didn’t land emotionally for me. I couldn’t fully grasp its meaning or significance, which weakened the overall impact of the ending.
6. Lack of father–son interaction
I also wish there had been more scenes between Jake and John. Despite Jake’s return, he barely interacted with his son. A deeper exploration of their father–son bond would have added emotional depth and made Jake’s character arc more satisfying.
3/5
1. Confusing hero portrayal at the beginning
At the start, I genuinely thought Patrick was the hero, not Jake. The author invested so much effort in making Patrick exceptionally attractive and emotionally compelling. The detailed descriptions of his connection and bonding with the heroine had strong hero–heroine energy. Naturally, this created confusion and misplaced expectations, especially when it turned out he was not the main lead.
2. Sheila’s character made little sense
I struggled to understand the purpose of Sheila’s character. Out of all the women, why did Jake have to become physically involved with Sheila in Africa? If Jake had every intention of returning to win Tanya’s heart, his behavior contradicts that motivation. What bothered me more was how, at the party, he openly highlighted his past relationship with Sheila in front of Tanya. That felt unnecessary, insensitive, and completely avoidable.
3. Unresolved Sheila issue at the end
When Jake and Tanya finally decided to disclose their secrets to each other, I expected Sheila to be addressed properly. Surprisingly, she was never brought up again. There was no explanation of how they planned to manage her presence or resolve that situation, which left a noticeable gap in the narrative.
4. The twist was a relief
The twist itself was well done, and honestly, I felt relieved. I’m naturally quite possessive, so the idea that John might be Jake and Tanya’s sister’s son made me deeply uncomfortable. Thankfully, learning that John was Jamie’s child instead was a huge relief.
5. Confusing final line
The finishing line was confusing and didn’t land emotionally for me. I couldn’t fully grasp its meaning or significance, which weakened the overall impact of the ending.
6. Lack of father–son interaction
I also wish there had been more scenes between Jake and John. Despite Jake’s return, he barely interacted with his son. A deeper exploration of their father–son bond would have added emotional depth and made Jake’s character arc more satisfying.
3/5
January 25, 2021
"I don't blame you for hating me at first," Jake said. "After all, I forced you to marry me. But you do see why I had to tell you all this, don't you? You've been so honest with me that I had to be the same with you.
Tanya's heart sank. Honest! Honest! The word kept haunting her. Her supposed honesty was the one thing he admired about her.
She couldn't possibly tell him the truth now. If she did his love for her would be shattered forever!
Tanya's heart sank. Honest! Honest! The word kept haunting her. Her supposed honesty was the one thing he admired about her.
She couldn't possibly tell him the truth now. If she did his love for her would be shattered forever!
January 19, 2024
Just a nice relaxing book by Janet Daily. Easy reading about a couple in Missouri.
March 23, 2024
This can only be described as bat crap crazy! The h is married to the H, only because she wants the baby to have his father's name. The H marries her because of his son, and to make up for a drunken one nighter that he can't remember. Then he heads off to work in another country and hardly ever comes home, so he doesn't get to know his son. (The h lives with her in-laws, a somewhat hostile mom-in-law and somewhat sympathetic dad-in-law.) The h unfreezes her heart and starts getting interested in the OM, who works for the family company, and almost immediately he starts pressuring her to end her marriage and marry him! WHAT????? They just started dating, for crying out loud!
And guess who comes home, just in time to see hem kissing???? You guessed it, the H is back, for good this time, due to an impulsive letter the h wrote him because his son was lonely for him. Now, he wants to be both husband and father, wants the OM to get lost, and - talk about irony - wants to keep the OW at a distance, who just happens to be the OM's sister! (Apparently, she and the H had been "friendly", if you know what I mean.)
Bat crap enough? Guess again! It turns out the h is not the son's mother, but his aunt! It was her sister who slept with the H! He had met the h at a county fair, they were both instantly attracted, but the h took the word of a friend that the H was a "love 'em and leave 'em" playboy, and decided to avoid him, only to find him drinking too much and flirting with her sister! Now, her blossoming love at first sight turns to hate, more so when her sister discovers she's pregnant, then dies after she has the baby! Alone, she tries to raise her nephew by herself, but then decides the H owes his son and is determined he'll get his share of the family money, even sacrificing herself in marriage to accomplish this!
Thankfully, it was to be a convenience marriage, because of course, she couldn't risk consummating it and having the H discover a hymen and knowing she wasn't the mother! This worked until he was home for good, they got to know each other, she saw what a good father he was and how he wanted to make up to his son for them time apart, her heart unfreezes, the H tells her he loves her and wants a real marriage, and...
She tells him she wants a divorce!!! She's too cowardly to tell him the truth so rather than fess up she wants to end things, because he had said he expects complete honesty in relationships, so how could he accept her deception?
So, it's okay to lie and pretend she doesn't love him and wants her freedom??? Makes perfect sense!
To complicate things, neither the OM nor the OW wanted to let go, and I was more on the OW's side, since she did have a relationship with the H (however casual) whereas the OM got real possessive after just a few dates, to the point of forcing kisses on the h and practically demanding that she kick the H to the curb, and let him be the boy's father!! (I'd have kicked him where it hurts the most and put him out of action for a long time!)
And to add poop icing to the bat crap cake, it turns out that not only is the kid's mom really his aunt, but his dad my really be his uncle! (How's that for keeping it all in the family!) It seems the H's late brother was also at the fair, was also drinking, was also flirting with the h's sister, and the sister (not too bright but very horny) went off and did the deed with one of them, but which one? Everyone (except the h, who went home early) was so drunk, nobody knows who they did it with, if they actually did it, if they even liked doing what they did whether they did or didn't etc.)
Well, the kid gets a mom and dad, even if they're really an aunt and uncle! So clean up all that bat crap and wish them a HEA!
Just kidding! They don't deserve a thing!
This book is good for a WTF!!! laugh, but that's about it.
And guess who comes home, just in time to see hem kissing???? You guessed it, the H is back, for good this time, due to an impulsive letter the h wrote him because his son was lonely for him. Now, he wants to be both husband and father, wants the OM to get lost, and - talk about irony - wants to keep the OW at a distance, who just happens to be the OM's sister! (Apparently, she and the H had been "friendly", if you know what I mean.)
Bat crap enough? Guess again! It turns out the h is not the son's mother, but his aunt! It was her sister who slept with the H! He had met the h at a county fair, they were both instantly attracted, but the h took the word of a friend that the H was a "love 'em and leave 'em" playboy, and decided to avoid him, only to find him drinking too much and flirting with her sister! Now, her blossoming love at first sight turns to hate, more so when her sister discovers she's pregnant, then dies after she has the baby! Alone, she tries to raise her nephew by herself, but then decides the H owes his son and is determined he'll get his share of the family money, even sacrificing herself in marriage to accomplish this!
Thankfully, it was to be a convenience marriage, because of course, she couldn't risk consummating it and having the H discover a hymen and knowing she wasn't the mother! This worked until he was home for good, they got to know each other, she saw what a good father he was and how he wanted to make up to his son for them time apart, her heart unfreezes, the H tells her he loves her and wants a real marriage, and...
She tells him she wants a divorce!!! She's too cowardly to tell him the truth so rather than fess up she wants to end things, because he had said he expects complete honesty in relationships, so how could he accept her deception?
So, it's okay to lie and pretend she doesn't love him and wants her freedom??? Makes perfect sense!
To complicate things, neither the OM nor the OW wanted to let go, and I was more on the OW's side, since she did have a relationship with the H (however casual) whereas the OM got real possessive after just a few dates, to the point of forcing kisses on the h and practically demanding that she kick the H to the curb, and let him be the boy's father!! (I'd have kicked him where it hurts the most and put him out of action for a long time!)
And to add poop icing to the bat crap cake, it turns out that not only is the kid's mom really his aunt, but his dad my really be his uncle! (How's that for keeping it all in the family!) It seems the H's late brother was also at the fair, was also drinking, was also flirting with the h's sister, and the sister (not too bright but very horny) went off and did the deed with one of them, but which one? Everyone (except the h, who went home early) was so drunk, nobody knows who they did it with, if they actually did it, if they even liked doing what they did whether they did or didn't etc.)
Well, the kid gets a mom and dad, even if they're really an aunt and uncle! So clean up all that bat crap and wish them a HEA!
Just kidding! They don't deserve a thing!
This book is good for a WTF!!! laugh, but that's about it.
November 11, 2010
This one was pretty good :)
September 6, 2014
قرأتها مترجمة باسم ( جاء ليبقي )
June 11, 2015
Novelita rosa sin más.
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June 25, 2018"I don't blame you for hating me at first," Jake said. "After all, I forced you to marry me. But you do see why I had to tell you all this, don't you? You've been so honest with me that I had to be the same with you.
Tanya's heart sank. Honest! Honest! The word kept haunting her. Her supposed honesty was the one thing he admired about her.
She couldn't possibly tell him the truth now. If she did his love for her would be shattered forever!
Tanya's heart sank. Honest! Honest! The word kept haunting her. Her supposed honesty was the one thing he admired about her.
She couldn't possibly tell him the truth now. If she did his love for her would be shattered forever!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews