Jacqueline Susann's the Love Machine

The rise of Robin Stone at New York based network International Broadcasting Company (IBC) is presented. As the anchor of the local affiliate's news broadcast, he first comes to the attention of IBC owner Greg Austin via his wife, Judith Austin, a fan charmed by Robin's unmistakable charisma i.e. good looks and knowing how to use it, Greg who brings him in to the corporate news division. That charisma from the outside is an inward narcissism and need for control in always believing he knows best, especially for himself, which often places him at odds with IBC President Danton Miller. A further source of contention between the two stems from their differing views of the network: while Robin believes it should be about class, namely putting himself front and center, Dan sees it more as catering to the classless masses. Arguably Robin's only true friend, as long as it suits both their needs, is high end fashion photographer Jerry Nelson, who is able to supply many of Robin's sexual conquests in the form of models while not being a threat himself in his homosexual orientation. What may be the biggest threat to Robin's professional rise is the fact of women clamoring to be with him while he quickly tires of them in his need for that control in being the predator, which often manifests itself in violence if things don't go his way. The obsession of two of those women - Amanda, Jerry's most famous up-and-coming model, and Judith herself - may be the most problematic as neither will allow herself to be ignored by Robin.