The Harlequin (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 15)

Book Description

Readers haven't seen anything yet-new in the "fabulously imagined series" (Publishers Weekly) from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Anita Blake is about to face the challenge of her life. Into her world-a world already overflowing with power-have come creatures so feared that powerful, centuries-old vampires refuse to mention their names. It is forbidden to speak of The Harlequin unless you've been contacted. And to be contacted by The Harlequin is to be under sentence of death.

Long-time rivals for Anita's affections, Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of the City, and Richard, alpha-werewolf, will need to become allies. Shapeshifters Nathaniel and Micah will have to step up their support. And then there's Edward. In this situation, Anita knows that she needs to call the one man who has always been there for her...

Customer Reviews:

Small differences don't equal a good book.......2007-09-24

I have been a long time reader of Anita Blake books. I honestly had given up on the series and had stopped reading them completely until I read the reviews on this website. So I checked it out of the library and here is my review..

1) Laurell K. Hamilton did manage to tone down the sex, although her blatantly obvious "scolding" scenes where she's obviously referencing fans that are upset with where the sex has gone, having Anita "justify" her sex life for "right-wing conservatives" (aka "the mean fans"). I happen to be a liberal myself, and I enjoy some steamy sex scenes in my books. It's when the sex becomes more than the plot that I have an issue with it. That is when she should stop labeling it at fantasy, and start labeling it as erotica. Having said that, she did a good job of toning it down in this book, but the fact that she slaps the fans on the wrist several times within the content that almost negates my good feelings toward her for doing it.

2) The book was filled with the same old arguments that have been repeated and repeated and repeated in the past five or six books, and it's getting old. I don't want to hear Richard whine anymore. I don't want to hear Anita whine about Richard anymore. I don't want to read the same argument that Anita and Richard seem to have every five pages. Pick a way that these two are heading and STICK WITH IT. I don't expect the relationship to be perfect, to have no arguing at all, but PLEASE stop fighting about the same thing over and over! Fight over something new, or HEY! Don't fight at all for an entire book. NOT fighting also happens in relationships too.

3) There are too many men. I'm not talking about Anita and her sex life here, she can have as many lovers as she wants. But Ms. Hamilton should realize that after awhile, this becomes confusing. Ratio-wise, she just gains more men and not less every book. I can't remember them all or who they are or where they came from or what part they play in the book. Ms. Hamilton just spends time re-explaining every bit player and it just takes up more useless space where some real plot should be going.

I honestly feel like this series should have ended five or six books back. It makes me sad when authors continue to chug out books simply because it's making money for them and not for the integrity of the story. It seems like Ms. Hamilton has good ideas for plot, but not as many as she used to and now she's filling in between the spaces of the sparse concepts she does have. She has made comments before on her blog about how fans should just stop reading her books if we don't like them. How about she just stops publishing them publicly and writes them for herself then? Because she makes money off of them, but feels that she shouldn't have to listen to fans that pay her bills. Well, that's also the case with the story. It's been drawn out too long, and it's diluting what should have been intensely and purposefully ended a few books ago, with the strong ending it deserves.

anita blake is at it again.......2007-09-22

what do you say about a writer who you can't wait until the next book comes out. it was excellent. i always recommend laurell hamiltons books

reason to hope.......2007-09-21

I've been reading the Anita Blake series for years. It was the original confident and self-sufficient Anita who had me loving these books. She knew what she wanted and what she was about, and she went after it. I know that people/characters evolve. Stories stagnate if no one ever changes. Her changes, however, turned her into a shadow of her former self, and it was painful to see this persist over the course of several books. I was ready to throw in the towel and write Anita off. The last book that I truly enjoyed was book 9, Obsidian Butterfly, which also happened to feature another of my favorite characters, Edward. I slogged my way through the next 5, hoping to see Anita find her way out of her circle of self-doubt and endless sex. This book took a turn for the better. The plot was tighter and there was less of an emphasis on Anita needing sex to feed the ardeur. She's still agonizing over Richard though. UGH! Hamilton is at her best when she's crafting action scenes that have Anita tackling bad guys coming at her from all sides, and there was some good action in this one. The Harlequin will not rank among my favorites in the series, but it gives me hope. I'm not going to give up on Anita or LKH yet.

Back to an actual story...mostly.......2007-09-20

Finally, an Anita Blake novel with 15 chapters before actual sex! Of course, a lot of those 15 deal with talking about sex, but there does seem to be an actual story this time. After the last few I waited until now to get the book to see what other readers had to say...and for the most part I agree - the story is better and the sex less frequent and graphic. She's almost like the old Anita we knew and missed. Here's hoping for the future.

Better but still not great "Spoilers".......2007-09-11

This is the first book of the series that I didn't buy right away (or at all). I waited to check it out of the library after shelling out big bucks for the last Merry Gentry book and feeling really ripped off. Spoilers!!!!! I was pleased to see that there was less sex and it was, for the most part, less graphic than in the past, although reading that she is bleeding after sex and that her partner is turned on by it was just gross. That said, this book felt like a rerun. I cannot stomach another argument between Richard and Anita, much less one that comes in the middle of a scary situation when their lives are in danger. I think a good editor could've tightened this book up a bit and improved the flow. The relationship stuff, while very important and interesting, constantly took over and stalled the action. The internal dialogue of Anita's thoughts and the external dialogue she had with other characters was frequently repetitive. We, the readers, only need to be told the facts of a situation once. My final complaint is that what could easily have been the most emotionally dynamic scene in the book, the fight between Richard and Jean Claude, was only written as the aftermath, because Anita was in another room at the time. Could've been brilliant, shame it's not.

Beau Crusoe (Harlequin Historical Series)

Average customer rating:

Carla..Keep them coming!
Mum, it was a bit racy...but it's you, so I love it!
I absolutly loved this book.
What happened to Carla Kelly?
To read her is to adore her.

Beau Crusoe (Harlequin Historical Series)
Carla Kelly
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373294395

Book Description

Shipwrecked!

Stranded alone on a desert island, he had lived to tell the tale. A triumphant return to the ton saw James Trevenen hailed as Beau Crusoe—a gentleman of spirit, verve and action. But only he knew the true cost of his survival! Scandalous!

Susannah Park had been shunned by Society. She lived content with her calm existence—until Beau Crusoe determinedly cut up her peace! The beautiful widow wanted to help him heal the wounds of the past—but what secrets was this glorious man hiding?

Customer Reviews:

Carla..Keep them coming!.......2007-08-27

Who but Carla Kelly would come up with toucans and crabs for a Regency romance?! While James and Susannah are very sympathetic lovers, I adore Kelly's ability to create a world of colorful supporting characters. She is truly the Jane Austen of our time. I started reading regencies for the gowns and the glamor, but what keeps me an avid collector are stories and authors who create people that amuse and inspire. Thanks, Carla, for another winner.

Mum, it was a bit racy...but it's you, so I love it!.......2007-06-26

Truthfully, it's not my favorite book. That honor is held in rotation by "Miss Whittier Makes a List" and "Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand". But the fact that Mrs. Kelly (my Mum) can branch out into something a bit more risque than her usual prim and proper "regencies" speaks volumes about her ability to adapt. I have the distinct privilige of working at a high-traffic book store and can say first-hand how much more often we sell those "bodice rippers", or as Mum and I call them, "literary porn". Yes, it's true that in her past books, any reference to sex at all was subtle and "correct". However, the fact is, my mum adapted to a new publisher who asked her to go just a bit farther. While reading it, Mum, I often wondered if you were comfortable with what you had produced, but the big picture remains that it is a novel with some lovely characters in it (something you've always been top-notch with), a sometimes morbid, yet gripping plot and a satisfactory ending. None of those silly, flippant females one encounters so often in other novels. Mum, others may "elevate their slender noses" at you for your foray into a more sexual territory, but I'm just pleased that you were able to (again) do something new. I look forward to hearing about the upcoming new ones (oh, I do miss reading over your shoulder!), and wish you a heartfelt congratulations on your soon-to-be-former status at the TR. I love and miss you! And, Mary Ruth, I had to turn on the fan too! ;)

I absolutly loved this book........2007-04-15

I've read all of her books and this was another winner. Yes she uses explicit words when describing his affair with the other woman. so what get over it!! The rest of the story is beautiful. I loved every character, and every sentence. I was reading this on the train and was laughing at one point, then crying at the next. How could you not enjoy the part with the toucans or the missionaries. (let's face it they can be tiresome). Don't miss this one.

What happened to Carla Kelly?.......2007-04-08

When Kelly published her work with Signet, all her stories were poignantly sweet and her characters were endearing with the tribulations they suffered and they became memorable for how they overcame them and grasped a life full of love. I love Kelly's previous offers, she was (is no longer) my favorite author.

This is edition published by Harlequin is vastly vulgar and coarse. Susannah and James - the heroes of the story - are nothing more than sex-crazed adults. It seemed all that James thought about was his member, which he constantly referred to as his "dong" and reminisced on his sexual explorations with another woman repeatedly. The sex scenes themselves were cold and crude and seemed out of character for Kelly. Seeing as her other books were published with little to no sex and when sex was present it was drawn out to be tasteful, I can't help but wonder if Harlequin put her up to putting in sex scenes thinking it would sell. When I read this book all I could think about is how this book didn't even really sound like Kelly.

The writing itself was well done on a technical level, but the more I read the book the more I disliked it. But I finished it because I wanted to believe that somehow the book would redeem itself. It never did. As I said above, the characters were shallow and thought only about sex before they were suddenly in love - which is not how love is. Sex is a culmination of love, a way to show it (for me at least) not a pastime. Shame on you Carla. If you read this I hope you know how disappointed this book was and how disheartening it was to read a book that lacks your talented luster.

For fans of Carla Kelly, I would tell you to pass this up. For people who've never read Carla Kelly, read this at your own risk, but read Kelly's previous works first.

My other recommendations: Carla Kelly's The Wedding Journey and Marianne's Wish. Most of Elisabeth Fairchild and Nancy Butler.

To read her is to adore her........2007-04-05

I have read all her published novels and adore them all. Some more than others but all more than those by other Regency and Western American romance authors. Just add this one to the list. To be honest, it is not one of my favorites by her but it's still better than any other Regencies put out in the last year. Her writing is uniquely identifiable and addictive even if I can't figure out exactly why. All I know is if I want a pleasant lift in life, I pick up any of her books and my faith in humanity also gets a lift. I can't ask for more than that.

Average customer rating:

A book to read and re'read
Enjoyable Threesome!
Fantastic book & series. Never laughed so much.
Fallen Angels
What happened Lori?

Fallen Angels (Harlequin Single Title)
Lori Foster
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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$Tempted: Little Miss Innocent?\Annie, Get Your Guy\Messing Around With Max$ Tempted: Little Miss Innocent?\Annie, Get Your Guy\Messing Around With Max
Just a Hint--Clint (Visitation, Book 4)
The Secret Life of Bryan (Visitation, Book 2)
American Heroes: Riley
Caught In The Act

ASIN: 0373836015

Book Description

These Women Are No Angels . . . Neither Are The Men They Love.

Beguiled

P.I. Dane Carter assumed his murdered twin's identity to find his killer. Angel Morris was his main suspect -- a woman his twin had betrayed. Now Dane could destroy her trust again. By falling in love with her . . .

Wanton

Passion had clouded P.I. Celia Carter's judgment once. Never again. Now she took on dangerous undercover assignments to deal with her guilt. But P.I. Alec Sharpe was determined to reawaken Celia's sexuality . . . before she got herself killed.

Uncovered

an original story

Firefighter Harris Black stumbled across nude photos of a woman, and handwritten notes . . . about him. Who was this mystery woman? Harris hired a P.I. to trace her . . . never suspecting he'd already found her.

Customer Reviews:

A book to read and re'read.......2005-01-06

Two stories in this book are reissues and the third is new. And I couldn't be happier about having them all under one cover. It was such fun to go back and read Dane and Alec's stories and I was thrilled to meet Harris in "Uncovered". He's a firefighter and every bit as HOT as you might imagine!

You really are missing out if you haven't purchased this steamy collection.

Enjoyable Threesome!.......2004-11-30

Three for the great price of one book! Now that's a novel idea!!! Three hot romance stories and all three are HOT...Now if you ask me...That's what all romantics dream of!!!

Fantastic book & series. Never laughed so much........2004-09-11

I started this book a couple months ago only reading the 1st. 2, Beguiled (Dane & Angel) bk. 1 & Wanton (Alex & Celia) bk. 2 They being part of the PI series which was fantastic. Mick (Caught in the act) bk. 3 links these 2 & the next 2 in the series (Treat her right & Mr. November) bks. 4 & 5.

Men of courage (Ethan & Rosie) is next, although I didn't know was linked to those above at the time of reading it. Then we have "Riley". Finally I get to the last book in this anthology "Uncovered" (Harris & Claire).

This one had me in stitches laughing. Harris is called to a fire. His friend Ethan firnds a box of photo's of a naked lady presumed to be posing. Because Ethan is married Harris takes them of him. Claire, Harris's neighbour sees them & is mortified. The next day when Claire gets to work for Dane & Alex she finds Harris there with the pictures. There are also some handwritten notes about Harris. Harris is desperate to find out who the mystery woman is. None of the men can understand Claire's reaction to seeing them spread out over the office. Dane & Alex even have them blown up to see if they can find some distinguishing marks.

It is only when Angel & Celia go into the office & see the pictures all over the wall that they recognise who it is. Men are sometimes so thick, they can't see what's under there noses. As this is happening Harris is about to go into the back office to stop them searching for her & Claire is about to walk into the shop. When she does the look they give her is pricless. They just don't know where to look. Harris is mortified as well as angry. 3 other men have seen those pictures of Claire & he is going to marry her. 2 of the men are her bosses. How will he live this down. They are by this time shouting all the personal details of what has gone on the night before & everyone can hear. Alex buts in a couple of times while they are still shouting.

After getting his presumptions wrong Harris finds out its an ex of Clair's who took the photos without her knowledge & that he has been doing it to others as well.

Lori says in the front of this book that "Uncovered" is the funniest book she has wrote & she is right. In future whenever I think about it it will have me cracking up.

The next in the series is Buck's story in "The truth about cats & dogs". My copy shoud be here next week. I can't wait.

Fallen Angels.......2004-06-22

Fallen Angels is a must read for readers who have recently discovered Ms Foster's awesome talents.
BEGUILED AND WANTON are rereleases of two of Lori's hardest to find books and once you read them you will be able to see why.

In BEGUILED, Dane poses as his recently killed twin brother to find out whether he was murdered or not. Only thing is he discovers that his brother has a baby boy and that the mom is sexy Angel who is just recovering from injuries sustained in an accident. Angel has every reason to be leery of men and is
determined to be the best mom she can be for her son.
Angel and Dane must confront whoever is trying to kill Angel before he kills again.

In Wanton, Dane's sister Celia decides to give up her career in
the family business and become a private investigator. Her first
case is helping to rescue a girl from a prostitution ring. But she has one big obstacle, hunky, hot and did I say hunky? Alec
Sharpe who is determined to make Celia's new career a short-lived one.

In UNCOVERED, Firefighter Harris Black finds several pictures of a nude woman after putting out a fire, but there is something very familiar about the woman. How is his good friend Claire going to keep Harris from finding out those pictures were of her?

This book totally rocks and I know you will love it as much as I do.

What happened Lori?.......2004-06-04

Lori, Lori, Lori, what happened? This is by far the worst book that I have read by her. Not only were the female characters weak and whiny, they were stupid as well. Foster doesn't even bother to justify the horrible lies of the heroes, the heroines just accepts that he knows what is best for them. The first story has the hero playing the heroine like a fool, and when she finds out that he has lied about everything she shrugs it off. She just accepts the fact that the hero is the twin brother of her lover, even though he slept with her pretending to be someone else.The second story is even more disturbing, the heroine acts like becoming a PI is as easy as joining a social club. She has no mean of protecting herself, yet she throws herself into the scene determined to "help a girl in trouble". She is deathly afraid of anyone looking at her in a sexual manner, yet she tries to close a prostitution ring by posing as a potential "working girl". It was horrible!!! And the mostly virgin theme is so pronounced it makes me want to puke. I don't have a problem with the age-old theme of the man being the most experienced, I just didin't like the fact that these "mostly virgins" were so free to barter their bodies for "protection" even though they disliked sex and/or were afraid of it. The final story was by far the best, and even it was mediocre.

Fate Is Remarkable (Harlequin Special Release: the Best of Betty Neels)

Average customer rating:

A Marriage of Convenience . . . ?
One I Read Again & Again
This One's a Keeper
Betty Neels, An old fashioned Girl!

Fate Is Remarkable (Harlequin Special Release: the Best of Betty Neels)
Betty Neels
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373198671

Book Description

Sarah Dunn had worked with Hugo van Elven for a long time, and she was astounded when he suddenly proposed to her. Both of them were still recovering from previous unhappy love affairs, which was why Sarah decided to accept. Surely neither of them would wish to get emotionally involved again for a very long time, but she had not considered what would happen if her feelings for Hugo changed, while his remained the same. Could their need for love overcome their painful pasts, and allow a new companionship to grow?

Customer Reviews:

A Marriage of Convenience . . . ?.......2007-06-07

Publisher Book Description: Sarah Dunn had worked with Hugo van Elven for a long time, and she was astounded when he suddenly proposed to her. Both of them were still recovering from previous unhappy love affairs, which was why Sarah decided to accept. Surely neither of them would wish to get emotionally involved again for a very long time, but she had not considered what would happen if her feelings for Hugo changed, while his remained the same. Could their need for love overcome their painful pasts, and allow a new companionship to grow?

Sister Sarah Ann Dunn worked with Dr. Hugo van Elven worked together in the Out-Patient Department for a number of years. She knew he was quiet, kind to his patients, considerate towards the nursing staff, and possessed an unexpected sense of humor; but knew little about "the man" or his personal life. Rumor had it that he had been unlucky in love. She found herself in the same unfortunate situation but was shocked when Hugo proposed a marriage of convenience. - - "We're well suited, you know...many marriages succeed very well on mutual respect and liking-and I ask no more than that of you, Sarah-at least until such time as you might feel you have more to offer!" - - Sarah decided to accept; after all, neither of them wanted emotional involvement again for a very long time. But she had not considered what would happen when her feelings for Hugo changed. What if while his remained the same? Did he still love the woman who broke his heart? Who was she and would he ever get over her? Would he ever return her love or would his feelings for her remain the same?

Another Dutch Doctor / English Nurse story; though is lacks the plain English nurse (described as "a serene beauty") it includes Neels descriptions of places in England, Holland, and Scotland.

One I Read Again & Again.......2006-04-07

Betty Neels' plots usually involve an English nurse and a Dutch doctor's evolving romance. Their gentle predictability might make one think they will be dull, but somehow her character development teamed with loving descriptions of English and Dutch scenery creates devoted fans.
I've read hundreds of romances, but save only a few for rereading. I have almost all her books carefully stacked away for a rainy day read. The familiar plots are like comfort food and never fail to invoke a cozy feeling.
Fate is Remarkable is my very favorite of all Betty Neels' books. It is the touching story of Sarah and Hugo struggling to make their marriage of convenience work. It really is a remarkable book to take a formula romance and turn out such a satisfying love story.

This One's a Keeper.......2004-11-17

Betty Neels, An old fashioned Girl!.......2002-07-18

Yes, she wrote a book by that title, but it fits her very well. Her books are reminisicent of the novels of the 1940's and early 50's, before they becaome so explicit. Her plots are re-used and predictable, but her characters come alive, and a reader becomes attached to them. She brings them back in later books, they are all acquainted with each other, and it's very pleasant to encounter them again. I know literary critics will laugh at me, but her characters remind me of those of Jane Austen, set in a more modern time.
I haven't said anything about Fate is Remarkable...I think it is my favorite of her books, an early one, before the plots became a little thin. Sarah and Hugo fall in love, unexpectedly, and all is well.
If I have missed any of her books, I don't know which it is, have owned all of them at one time or another. May they live in print a long time.

$Heart Of Texas Vol. 1: Lonesome Cowboy\Texas Two-Step (Heart of Texas (Harlequin))$
Average customer rating:

avid reader
Heart of Texas Vol. 1
Debbie Does it Again!

Heart Of Texas Vol. 1: Lonesome Cowboy\Texas Two-Step (Heart of Texas (Harlequin))
Debbie Macomber
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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$Heart Of Texas Vol. 2: Caroline's Child\Dr. Texas (Heart of Texas (Harlequin))$ Heart Of Texas Vol. 2: Caroline's Child\Dr. Texas (Heart of Texas (Harlequin))
74 Seaside Avenue (Cedar Cove, Book7)
Promise, Texas (Heart of Texas, No 7)
$Be My Valentine: My Funny Valentine\My Hero$ Be My Valentine: My Funny Valentine\My Hero
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ASIN: 0778323684

Book Description

Lonesome Cowboy

Savannah Weston lives quietly on the family ranch with her brother, Grady. Until a stranger named Laredo Smith comes along--a disenchanted cowboy who just might change Savannah's life!

Texas Two-Step

After her father's death, Ellie Frasier takes over the feed store in Promise. Still in mourning, she turns to her friends for comfort. But now her long-standing relationship with one of those friends--rancher Glen Patterson--seems to be turning into something else.…

Customer Reviews:

avid reader.......2007-05-14

Debbie Macomber never ceases to amaze me with her imagination and creativity in all of her works that I have read. She keeps you interested and has a little bit of everything - romance, relationships, mystery - in her stories. I enjoy the fact that there is a sequel to the serial stories wherein you can see what happens to the characters in the next novel. Can't wait for the Heart of Texas Vol. 2 to come!!

Heart of Texas Vol. 1 .......2007-03-09

I have not read any of Debbie Macomber's book that I haven't enjoyed and had not been a page turner. Her Heart of Texas series is so real to life and you feel like you are part of the story; you are taken in from the first page to the very last. The people in the story and the Texas towns are described so well that you want to go visit and meet all the folks you are reading about. You laugh and you cry with them; you enjoy the visit through every page. As long as Debbie writes books I am going to buy them and enjoy every word. Debbies books should get a million stars.

Debbie Does it Again!.......2007-03-06

One of the things that I love most about Debbie Macomber's stories is that she continues them in a series of books. I never really feel like I am saying, "Good-bye," to her characters. They become friends that I can continue to visit with each new book in the series. And Debbie does not disappoint with this series. Her characters are very well-developed as are the storylines. (I'm still wondering what's happening at Bitter End!)

Average customer rating:

Well written novel with a dark edge ...
wonderful!
Enthralling and engrossing (sorry, I can only think of "e" words now)
Intriguing, Erotic, and Mesmarizing
Wow! Like a punch in the face!

Dirty
Megan Hart
Manufacturer: Spice
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373605137

Book Description

This is what happened…

I met him at the candy store.

He turned and smiled at me and I was surprised enough to smile back. This was not a children's candy store, mind you--this was the kind of place you went to buy expensive imported chocolate truffles for your boss's wife because you felt guilty for having sex with him when you were both at a conference in Milwaukee.

Hypothetically speaking, of course.

I've been hit on plenty of times, mostly by men with little finesse who thought what was between their legs made up for what they lacked between their ears.

Sometimes I went home with them anyway, just because it felt good to want and be wanted, even if it was mostly fake.

The problem with wanting is that it's like pouring water into a vase full of stones. It fills you up before you know it, leaving no room for anything else. I don't apologize for who I am or what I've done in--or out--of bed.

I have my job, my house and my life, and for a long time I haven't wanted anything else.

Until Dan. Until now.

Customer Reviews:

Well written novel with a dark edge ..........2007-08-07

I know that Hart's second book is titled Broken. To be honest, it would be an equally apropos title for this one as Elle, the protag, was just that- a broken woman.

Written in first person, Dirty follows a short section of Elle's life starting with an encounter with a man she met at an upscale chocolate store. She's instantly attracted to Dan and, though she's just met him, she agrees to go with him to a local bar.

Elle has no qualms about one night stands- she's had plenty. The sexual tension with Dan leads her to allow him to follow her home. But he leaves her at the door with a brief kiss and no promises for more. Of course she can't get him off her mind and when she chances upon him again, they pick up where they left off. But this time he leaves her with a bit more- a very public, but well hidden, sexual encounter ... and a business card.

Elle wants to keep her distance emotionally, after all- sex is just sex in the end. But Dan won't have it. He's no steam rolling Alpha and though he comes off as dominant in the bedroom- it's only because he knows she wants it. Still, he gently leads her down the path of getting exactly what he wants and, in the meantime, leads her to wellness.

Dirty is not a light read. It has depth to it and it retains a very erotic edge. (Imagine that!)

Elle is seriously screwed up from a gravely dysfunctional childhood and some of her choices really bugged me. I honestly didn't like her ... in the beginning. Oh, I knew early on she had some issues and why she had them, though it wasn't truly revealed until the end, and normally I can empathize. But for some reason she really got under my skin. I think it's because Hart did such a good job of making her seem- cold. Broken people who hate what they do to numb the pain and can't seem to stop, melt my heart. Broken people who show no sign of wanting to change make me want to scream in frustration.

However, later in the story I found an edge of compassion for her because she found hers.

This book won't be for everyone. And honestly, if I was in the mood for a darker read I might have liked it more.

Still, I'm giving it a 4.5 because it truly is a well written novel.

wonderful!.......2007-03-15

I can't say enough about this book. I've only now just begun reading women's erotica and this book was that and so much more. It wasn't all about the "sex". There was a plot that kept me going all the way until the end. I loved how Elle had a strong personality that showed throughout the book instead of just cheesy sex scenes. I could feel her struggle with david and her own demons that she was fighting throughout the entire book. I've only just begun reading erotica and this book kept me enthralled from beginning to end, I can't wait to read the author's book as soon as the next book come out. I give it five stars which is a rarity for me. There was no vulgarity and this book is definitely a keeper!!!

Enthralling and engrossing (sorry, I can only think of "e" words now).......2007-02-27

**I made this comment on a review blog and thought that since I felt so moved as to write a response, I should also post my feelings about the book here.**

Okay, I read this the night I got it. I loved it. I couldn't put it down. In fact, I stayed up way, way too late.

I was caught up in the language of it and I thought it was both highly emotional and erotic. It always seemed to me that although there was so much about Elle that was hidden, mostly by choice, there was so much that we could see about her. The pain, the intense feelings she constantly submerged and I liked her inner thoughts. I enjoyed Dan (quite the alpha man while not exactly typical hero material)-I thought perhaps there was a pinch too much of him always doing the right thing but I liked that he wasn't instantly in love with her or she with him. And the back story/conflict that was woven throughout was well-written and intense.

It was important to me that it wasn't a cheap ending and that they had to work for it. In fact, you could tell that they were still going to have to work on it even though I would describe it as a HEA. There was a lot of emotion and struggle and give and take-much closer to real life than a fairy tale. Only with lots and lots of hot sex. You gotta love that.

Intriguing, Erotic, and Mesmarizing.......2007-02-14

Dirty not only weaves a complex character and story line but pulls it all off while putting into print some of your steamiest fantasies. Elle's character is deep, emotional, and hardcore. She is able to detach herself at times in her mental narration from her actual being and evaluate herself with a strict sense of her flaws and her perfections. You can't figure out if you admire her or pity her and in the end you realize its both. She's the very persona of the "naughty librarian" type brought to life through words. The complicated relationship she has with Dan is something any commitment fearing woman can relate to. This is a captivating read, that'll make you blush and at the same time discover the fact that we all have secrets and a past, we can't let those control our lives. A really nice guilty pleasure.

Wow! Like a punch in the face!.......2007-02-07

My former best girlfriend and I used to have endless arguments about reading books with "meaning". She leaned towards literary fiction, which I thought heavy and usually tragic. I liked romance and contemporaries which she thought a waste of time. The keyword in the first sentence is "former". This book is not an "erotic romance". It is a deeply felt novel about fractured families, dark, miserable secrets, how those secrets mold our adult lives in ways we can't imagine or frequently manage. It is erotic in the same way a novel like "Peyton Place" is erotic. Yup, there's some sexy scences, but a heck of a lot of involved grown up stuff too. I respect the author's effort and skill, but I'm not looking for a tragic "Oprah" style novel that makes me sad when I'm done. Unless you are --pass on this one. It's not much fun.

Reasonable Doubt (Harlequin Romantic Suspense)

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Reasonable Doubt (Harlequin Romantic Suspense)
Catherine Anderson
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373470851

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Speed Dating
"Feel the Rush..."
benched for this series.
fun contemporary romance
nancy warren does it again!

Speed Dating (Harlequin Nascar)
Nancy Warren
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373217692

Customer Reviews:

Speed Dating.......2007-06-26

Dylan Hargreave is waiting for his date. When Kendall Clarke sneaks into his room, he ushers them off to his ex wife's wedding. Kendall plays along because her fiancé just left her and she wants to do something outrageous for once. Dylan and Kendall spend a great night together that turns into more when Kendall loses her job and becomes Dylan's good luck charm, and his girlfriend for the cameras. Eventually Kendall wants more, but Dylan isn't offering.

Kendall is a real sweetheart. I was heartbroken for her for a while and I was angry with Dylan. He was a great guy but he had some issues with his ex that a good kick in the butt might have cured. Speed Dating has a fun, romantic and angst filled storyline. It has feeling and heart and I felt a whole lot while reading it.

Nannette

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

"Feel the Rush...".......2007-02-26

Book Description: One minute I'm locked out of my hotel room, and the next... Dylan Hargreave thinks I'm an actress paid to pose as his girlfriend at a North Carolina society wedding. How did this happen to me, of all people? Kendall Clarke, award-winning actuary, the veritable shining star of number crunchers who, just hours ago, learned her responsible fiancé (sorry, ex-fiancé) called off our wedding because he'd gotten one of my colleagues pregnant. What are the odds? Don't tell me you've never heard of Dylan Hargreave. Celebrity NASCAR driver? People magazine's Sexiest Man of the Year? Those eyes. That smile... Forget sensible! I've assessed the risk and I'm taking it! I usually keep the brakes on, but as of now I'm taking a vacation. From me.

The story of Dylan Hargreave and Kendall Clarke was fun, funny and combined romance with a little dysfunctional family drama, self esteem and self image issues, personal growth, etc with a NASCAR backdrop. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

benched for this series........2007-02-24

If you like romances that are sugary sweet, close the bedroom door and you can buy NASCAR drivers are really a bunch of good guys who want to settle down with a 50's style TV sitcom mom - this is your book. As for me, I think I am going to stick to Warren's Blaze and Brava books.

Kendall Clarke doesn't like her life. She just found out the man she was planing to marry knocked up a coworker. She made an fool of herself in front of her peers and her bosses. Now her job is in question, so she takes a vacation from life when the chance comes up.

Dylan Hargreave I really wanted to like but I could never get over the fact he `needed' a woman to protect him from his ex-wife. He is pretty much a beta hero, if that protect him from his ex-wife thing didn't tip you off. He is a handsome, laid back, easy going, need for speed type of guy. Who you know, can't tell his ex-wife he isn't interested in getting back together.

I have enjoyed Nancy Warren's books in the past and plan to read her again. I just can't buy the vision NASCAR is trying to sell of itself, so I am sitting out for the rest of this series.

fun contemporary romance .......2007-02-14

People magazine named NASCAR driver Dylan Hargreave its Sexiest Male of the Year. Women salivate over this hunk who takes risks like no one does.

Kendall Clarke is an actuary engaged to another number cruncher. She calculates the odds before considering the slightest risk.

They meet by chance, but he assumes she is the actress hired to pose as his date at a North Carolina society wedding. They are opposites in outlook yet an instant attraction has ignited and united them. Still she is engaged (or is she) and he can taste the insipidness of his former wife. Yet this pair seems headed to the checkered flag as love links them.

Though the theme of opposites attract is as old as coupling, Nancy Warren provides a fun contemporary romance due to the lead characters driving the plot. Dylan is a loose cannon who takes risks without considering the odds of success; while Kendall is the actuary centerfold who computes the probability before taking a baby step. Together they make for a fun time as they speed date to love with the world of NASCAR and the media watching every turn of the wheel.

Harriet Klausner

nancy warren does it again!.......2007-02-11

Speed Dating is smart, funny and innovative--where else would you meet NASCAR heart throb Carl Edwards cast as a character in a hot romance? Warren's sense of the improbable and her ability to weave a flawless, touching tale keeps the reader flipping pages and giggling. Whether or not NASCAR is your passion, Speed Dating will delight and entertain.

The Italian's Inexperienced Mistress (Harlequin Presents)

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I love anything Lynne Graham writes
Enjoyable Read
Predictable and bland
One of the worse Lynne Graham Novels Ever
Rivals "Spanish Groom" as 1 of Her Best

The Italian's Inexperienced Mistress (Harlequin Presents)
Lynne Graham
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373126212

Book Description

When Angelo Riccardi sought revenge Gwenna Hamilton added another, delicious dimension. Innocent and pretty, she had no chance when the Italian tycoon offered her the devil's bargain: pay for her father's freedom with her body.

In her naiveté, Gwenna thought that Angelo would tire of her and her innocence very quickly. But he had more in mind than just one night…

Customer Reviews:

I love anything Lynne Graham writes.......2007-06-19

I enjoyed this book! The heroe was typical Graham tall, dark, rich, moody.
It was a great read. As always I wish the heroine would have a little more backbone.

Enjoyable Read.......2007-05-22

This book was a quick read and I enjoyed it, there are definite similarities to Cinderella. The story of the poor heroine blackmailed by the rich hero, is not uncommon to HP, but there are some differences in each version, I have read. I was annoyed with the heroine a few times for being weak when dealing with her family, but it was a very good read.

Predictable and bland.......2007-05-02

I have to preface this review by saying I received this book from a book club I belong to and I'm not normally a romance novel reader. However, I found the book to be terribly predictable and the love scenes not very steamy. I'd have to say the story was about a corny as the cover art!

I did however give the book 2 stars because there were 2 scenes in particular that I thought were done well, one being (without giving away any of the story) towards the end involving the dog piglet and Angelo. The other another part towards the end that I can't mention without giving something away. So, if you make it through the book, the end is at least more enjoyable than the beginning. (although, by the time you get to it you will have already expected it)

One of the worse Lynne Graham Novels Ever.......2007-04-07

I tried. I mean I really tried to like this book. I just couldn't take it anymore. This was like a modern-day cinderella plot gone bad. The cartoon characters, the carbon copy theme and predictable plot. There was just not enough chemistry between the two leads to make it a convincing and interesting read. Not enough credibility to suspend belief even for a minute.

I used to be a loyal fan of Lynne Graham but she has fallen victim to the no-imagination or lack of a fresh approach that has afflicted many romance writers of this genre.

Its just been one disappointing endeavor after another for the past few years. I'm tired wasting my money hoping she would somehow get better or write something akin to her award winning title, Bond of Hatred. I think in future I will pass on Ms. Graham's books.

Rivals "Spanish Groom" as 1 of Her Best.......2007-03-22

Wow! Rivals her "Spanish Groom" book of some years ago as one of her best ever. This couple has quite the love connection. Angelo's had your usual hard-luck childhood, cut off from family, Mom struggled as a single parent and so he's kinda cold as far as love. Sex, he's all for that; especially when he catches a glimpse of Gwenna.
And wouldn't ya know it? Her Dad has sticky fingers, so Angelo poses the old-tried-and-true "shack up with me or daddy dearest is going to the slammer" line and Gwenna agrees. Now, before you snort and instantaneously decide "I'm not gonna read THAT tired old chestnut," this is just one facet of this story.
And I question why Ms. Graham even included it, since Angelo, as we astute readers realize, fell in love with Gwenna at first sight. Why, why, why, can't I be making the big bucks as a Harlequin editor while at the same time fighting for truth, justice and better quality romance novels? Life just ain't fair sometimes.
Anyhow, back to the real world: Our girl's down-to-earth, literally. She's a gardener and prefers mucking about with her plants rather than dressing up in the designer clothing he buys her. She's not impressed by Angelo's wealth, often resists his strong sexual allure, and refuses his jewelry (comparing a necklace to a collar for a "prized poodle").
Angelo is by turns irritated, attracted, dumbfounded, lovesick, angered--you name it--by his lady love. And still manages to convince himself that it's still just sex. Uh-huh.
Gwenna's genuine, non-mercenary nature disarms him. As this romance will YOU if you're wise enough to pick it up.

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Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck
What a ride!
Thunderstruck Delivers A Great Ride!

Thunderstruck (Harlequin Nascar)
Roxanne St. Claire
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373217714

Book Description

If Mick Churchill thinks he can buy out half of Shelby Jackson's family-owned race team, she's got news for him. So what if Mick's the most famous soccer star on the globe--with cash, connections and charisma? Fuel line? Finish line? Shelby doubts the Brit knows the difference.

Superstar Mick knew buying a NASCAR team was going to be tricky. The truth is the struggling team needs Mick's media savvy and team-building skills--even if Shelby can't admit it. Now, with Daytona just days away, Mick won't quit until he changes Shelby's mind. Any way he can.

Customer Reviews:

Thunderstruck .......2007-05-25

Shelby Jackson is co owner of Thunder Racing. Shelby lives, eats, and breathes NASCAR, so when her grandfather informs her that he is retiring and wants to sell his share to soccer star Mick Churchill, she's shocked. Shelby has no idea who the world-renowned athlete is. Sure, Mick is more handsome than any man she has ever seen, but he knows nothing about racing and Shelby is not interested in working with him.

Mick needs to make this deal happen. A lot is riding on it. After meeting Shelby he wants her too, but she's off limits and if she finds out why he really needs the team, they may both lose more than a racing partnership.

Thunderstruck is a romantic story, and it also has great racing details with a thrilling ending, which I did not expect. Mick is sinfully sexy and completely irresistible. Shelby is a beautiful tomboy who's headstrong and intelligent. Thunderstruck is a love story that's fun to read.

Nannette reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Thunderstruck.......2007-05-12

I thought the book was very good. The author was very knowledgeable about the sport of Nascar and it showed in the book and the story line.

Thunderstruck.......2007-03-27

My son loves NASCAR and I am planning on sharing these with my daughter-in-law. Thank you!

What a ride!.......2007-02-26

Whatever this New York Times Bestseller author writes is guaranteed to "thrill" her readers. This book is no exception and a tribuite to the author and NASCAR.

I realize there have been articles written about Harlequin and this NASCAR series. Would the series be a success? If this is any indication, then yes but I sincerely believe her contribution to the series and her other book Tis the Silly Season from NASCAR HOLIDAY, are a wonderful addition.

Thunderstruck Delivers A Great Ride!.......2007-02-18

When the announcer shouts, "Gentlemen, start your engines," secrets, intrigue, and sexual tension rev their motors on Thunderstruck's starting line, and the cars aren't the only things that move fast in this spin around the race track. If you weren't a NASCAR fan before, Roxanne St. Claire's tightly woven story will make you one before you reach the finish line in this collision of wills, hearts and racing cars.

Change has always been spelled d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r for Thunder Struck Racing Team owner Shelby Jackson. And soccer heart-throb Mick Churchill is about to change Shelby's world. His money and prestige can turn everything around for Shelby's faltering team, but will he destroy one of the last family-owned NASCAR teams and wreck her heart in the process?

Roxanne St. Claire has created her own `track magic' in this thrilling page-turner that will captivate you with the opening sentence and leave you cheering at the checkered flag.

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