Product Description

When Paris Sommer finds the secret diary of her great-great-grandmother, who ran an infamous bordello in the old West, her secret fantasies are ignited. Putting her librarian career to good use, she goes to Forked Creek, Nevada, to stay at the brothel and do some research. There Paris discovers a forbidden pleasure of her own: Mitchell Brand, a dead-sexy cowboy who knows just how to treat a woman -- and make her beg for more. Brand's hard-lovin' ways welcome Paris into a world of passion she's never known...until a mysterious treasure map hidden in the diary leads them to a place where peril and seduction collide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

pretty good
If you are looking for a lighthearted book that is a great way to keep away the rainy day blues, then this book is for you!Some scenes are graphic, so it is not for the young.

Sex
And more sex. It was an ok book and Im all for sex but I like at least a little plot to go with it. While there was a small plot, the way the story went you had the book figured out and after that it was just sex. LOTS of sex. At least the sex scenes were good.

A Book With Everything!
If you like the wild West, secret diaries, passion and danger, you couldn't find a better book than this. The combination kept me glued to the page.

If you like sex...
They do it every place imaginable in UNTAMED. And it's hot. But the story is so-so, and the characters are forgettable. Think of a tired Lifetime television movie you happen to catch on cable one afternoon...that you skip by. Kathleen Lawless has moments of greatness, but she sells out to the all mighty buck for a quick sale with a transparent story. ... Read more

Product Description

We do it in the dark. Under the sheets. With a penlight. We wear sunglasses and a baseball hat at the bookstore. We have a "special place" where we store them. Let's face it: Not many folks are willing to publicly admit they love romance novels. Meanwhile, romance continues to be the bestselling fiction genre. Ever. So what's with all the shame?

Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan -- the creators of the wildly popular blog Smart Bitches, Trashy Books -- have no shame! They look at the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of romance novels and tackle the hard issues and questions:

--The heroine's irresistible Magic Hoo Hoo and the hero's untamable Wang of Mighty Lovin'

--Sexual trends. Simultaneous orgasms. Hymens. And is anal really the new oral?

--Romance novel cover requirements: man titty, camel toe, flowers, long hair, animals, and the O-face

--Are romance novels really candy-coated porn or vehicles by which we understand our sexual and gender politics?

With insider advice for writing romances, fun games to discover your inner Viking warrior, and interviews with famous romance authors, Beyond Heaving Bosoms shows that while some romance novels are silly--maybe even tawdry--they can also be intelligent, savvy, feminist, and fabulous, just like their readers! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

There's such a thing as trying to be TOO funny, girls
Meh. Maybe I'd have appreciated it a bit more if I was into the current romance trends and all that. I find the SMTB blog of erratic interest at best, anyway (omg, just shut up with the epub techno wankfests). The snark got old, and the same authors and titles mentioned over and over didn't show much breadth of opinions and options. In the end, it all seemed pretty narrow and shallow.

Plus there's the difficulty I have staying interested in ANY humor-based book. Not that I don't love the lulz, but in the written word, I often end up getting bored.

Light reading
This book met my expectations:it was an easy holiday read.It is very plain spoken (some would say vulgar), funny, and pretty much hits the romance genre nail right on the head.

Smart Bitches on Romance
I am a relatively new convert to SBTB followers. I only picked up on the site about a year ago and wasn't sure what to make of it. I wasn't a closet romance reader--I've always been very open about reading romances, even when I was thirteen years old toting around a bag full of 80's Harlequin titles with subject matter most 13 year olds wouldn't think about in relation to 'romance' (like revenge sex, never heard of that until I read Harlequin). When my friends would deride me for my tastes in reading material (amongst everything else they chided me about) I'd just shrug and ask them what they knew about romance.

To say I enjoyed reading this book is an understatement. When I picked it up at the bookstore to flip through a few months ago I was texting my twilight friends the definition for 'vampire' before I got to the last word, storing away information about the various archetypes of heroine to compare against my favorites and thanking god that I knew enough about the female anatomy before I read my first romance that I never believed in the magical hymen that every romance heroine has.

There were some portions that I skimmed over quickly--parts of the chapters labeled 'Corset' (about heroines) and 'Codpiece' (about heroes), 'Bad Sex' (about rape in romance) and 'Love Grotto' (about sex scenes) had sections where I just skipped them to the next header for whatever reason. Like any other Fandom meta-essay analysis book (which if you're into the Buffy, Battlestar Galactica, or Star Trek fandoms you will have read at LEAST one meta-essay book, in my case I read them like a thirsty man needs water) some of it can just be very dry and 'well I knew that'.

This book though I think is good for anyone who has a friend (male or female) who constantly teases them for liking books about 'women who swoon at men's feet and have sex willy-nilly' (I hear this a lot). Now you can pull this book out, flip to the section they just accused you of enjoying and have them read just how wrong they are. This isn't a comprehensive guide to romance books, this is a guide for the genre itself told in a witty, intelligent and easily understandable way. There's illustrations (of Mavis, the romance reader stereotype), ridiculous 'Create the Perfect Title for Your Lordly Hero' (because every historical hero needs a title that conveys his dark, brooding self) and the 'Oh Honey What's Your Problem?' (involving some of the more ridiculous reasons heroines are still virgins) games and best of all--its funny. It takes its subject matter seriously, but makes fun of all the tropes, stereotypes and plots that make the genre hard for outsiders to swallow.

Laugh-out-loud funny!
Within a few pages of starting this book I was laughing out loud, and it didn't take long before I had to start reading quotes to the other women in the room so they didn't strangle me. By chapter two or three they were all asking if they could borrow my copy; not long after they were writing down the book information so they could get their own. Yes, it really is that good!

Whether you're a writer who wants to understand more about the genre, a reader who wants to know how to defend your reading choices against derisive family members, or just looking for an entertaining read, Beyond Heaving Bosoms is drop-dead perfect. It'll also help you find more books and authors who write the particular kind of romance novels you enjoy, and it'll teach you a ton of fascinating facts about the history and present of romance novels.

There's enough solid, smart information in this to be an academic piece--yet it's written with such a hilarious sense of wit and irony that you'll never once find yourself drowsing or getting bored. It pokes good-natured fun at our chosen reading material while also taking unabashed enjoyment in it. I can't imagine a better guide to the genre, whether you're a reader or a writer!

Not for the faint of heart, but then again either is romance
Some seriously strong French, but HILARIOUS. It's refreshing to not feel like a freak for reading romance. Ironically, during my lit classes, I'd tucked Harlequins in my text books (I still got good lit grades, prolly *because* I was reading romance). So this no-holds-barred book will make you laugh and think and, heck, those authors can not only write non-fiction, their attempt at fiction (Mad-Lib style-choose-your-own-adventure, esp. Man Of Your Dreams) was pretty stinkin' good! ... Read more

Product Description
Abandoned as a small child, seventeen-year-old Brannon Reeves has lived and worked with her aunt, Lila, tucked away from the modern world in a forest cottage.But an attractive stranger, an accusing news sotry, and the discovery of a long-kept family secret shatter her simple life overnight.Thrust into a world of betrayal and persecution, she must face an enemy she never knew existed.Will she suffer the same fate as her mother?Can hope, courage, and love conquer evil? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!
What a well-written novel! Brannon, the heroine of the book is quite a rare jewel. She is a fascinating character in a fascinating world that I could not get enough of! I'm so excited to find out that the second book to this series is coming out in the fall! Although this was written for a younger crowd I could not have enjoyed it more (I'm in my 30's). I was really in awe of how Robyn M. Schow was able to create such a strong sense of personal respect and values, including the sacredness of even a simple kiss. What a breath of fresh air it is, to see this encouraged in a book written for the upcoming generation. I wouldn't hesitate to have a 10 year old read this - in fact I would encourage it!And in the same breathe I wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend this to my girlfriends, mom, or grandma. I loved the cleaver and funny banter that was weaved throughout the novel. You will absolutely cherish the journey you take with Brannon as she begins her path into womanhood. Where the Wind Sings was tense and exciting, dreamy and irresistible, and all at the same time it was absolutely inspiring. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!

Check out the sequel. It's AMAZING!!!!!
Witch Way?: A Brannon's Path Novel

Great for teens and adults
I echo the recent praise for Robyn Schow's Where the Wind Sings. As a reader, you will enjoy getting to know Brannon as you root for her success. Her aunt portrays qualities of a loving guardian who has sacrificed more than you'd guess. And although the plot has a hint of fantasy, you find yourself wondering if it just might be true. Where the Wind Sings not only has a gripping story and believable characters, the writing style is fresh and engaging. The reader becomes immersed in the book, turning page after page without noticing the time go by. And when you come to the end, it's like saying good-bye to a new friend. Thank goodness the sequel is coming soon!

Fabulous book!!!!!
I love this book.The story line is so orginal, fresh, and different.The plot is amazingly creative and believable.The characters are people we have all met in our own lives and you can't help but truly love them and hope the best for them.Reading this book is similar to reading the personal journal of a dear friend.I couldn't put the book down; I just had to know what happened next.I highly recommend this book to anyone!

I love this book!
Even though this book is targeted for a young adult audience, it is just a great read for all ages.I've given a copy to my thirteen-year-old niece and my seventy-year-old grandmother and they both loved it.A real page-turner, the book has humor, mystery, and a touch of romance.I highly recommed it! ... Read more

Product Description
A Gothic novel by Ann Radcliffe, "A Sicilian Romance" was published anonymously in 1790.The plot revolves around the turbulent history of the fallen aristocrats of the house of Mazzini who lived in a castle on the northern shore of Sicily.The tale is told by a tourist who becomes intrigued by stories he hears from a monk he runs into while exploring the ruins of the old castle.The story itself is set in the late 1500s with the main characters being Julia and her sister Emilia, who are daughters of the Fifth Marquis of Mazzini, a haughty, cruel man.The girls mother had been a charming beauty of a woman that died quite suddenly.The girls are left in the care of their mother's friend and spend their entire childhood on the father's estate with no company except an occasional visit from their father.The girls grow to be talented, beautiful young women.When one of the servants dies, the father returns to the castle and decides to throw a lavish party.There Julia meets and falls in love with a young count and they decide to attempt to escape and elope.The rest of the tale revolves around the good and evil characters with clever twists and turns.This was the second book by Ann Radcliffe who was the most popular writer of her day and wasalmost universally known. (Timeless Classic Books) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great novel
The novel is in great condition and will be a nice edition to my library.

Great Book
I love this book, especially the kindle edition. Thanks for making it available. All Vexin Classics editions are great. I also have The Count of Monte Cristo(Complete Unabridged Version 1844) and The Merry Adventures of ROBIN HOOD (Complete edition 1883)

A good start for an author who will just get better...
My favourite novel of Ann Radcliffe's is The Mysteries of Udolpho, but I think A Sicilian Romance is a promise of what Mrs. Radcliffe will be able to accomplish in her later books.For Ann Radcliffe and Gothic romance fans, this novel is a must because it plays on all of the classic themes of the genre.This is also great escapist reading to a world very much unlike our own.Radcliffe's heroines and heroes do suffer greatly and go through some extraordinary (perhaps sometimes unbelievable) events, but I find it thoroughly enjoyable to read about their adventures as I am a true romantic at heart.It's good to read about a world where when virtuous people are put through struggles at the hands of villians, the heroines and heroes are able to triumph.

Mrs. Radcliffe and Monk Lewis
I've read all of Mrs. Radcliffe's novels, except for her last one.I must admit that this novel is not as good as The Mysteries of Udolpho.But I think when reading this novel it's important to keep in mind why Ann Radcliffe wrote it in the first place.

It's impossible to appreciate Ann Radcliffe's intentions in writing this book and the complexities of The Italian without having first read Matthew "Monk" Lewis' The Monk.Lewis was so inspired by The Mysteries of Udolpho that he wrote The Monk, which has characters engaging in activities that are horrifying.(Lewis became so identified with his book that he was nicknamed Monk Lewis.)Mrs. Radcliffe was very upset that Lewis was inspired by her book to write his.In response to The Monk, Mrs. Radcliffe wrote The Italian.Mrs. Radcliffe "corrected" in The Italian what she felt was wrong and horrifying about The Monk.

For anyone who finds The Italian lacking at all, I highly recommend he or she read The Monk to gain a better understanding of what Ann Radcliffe was trying to accomplish.And for anyone who has not read The Italian yet, read The Monk first- then I'm sure you will find The Italian a much more enjoyable read.

Not a great gothic novel.
This is the first book I have read by Radcliffe, and only the second gothic novel I have read. It is, by all standards of style and method, a gothic novel--so I doubt there is any need to elaborate on the moods, theromanticized environmental settings, or the literary devices found in thenovel.As far as the writing itself goes, it becomes clear that the authoris a very young and relatively inexperienced writer. The two major flaws ofthe novel that bothered me the most are: 1.) There is a great deal ofredundancy in how the events unfold. For example, several times variouscharacters would find themselves lost in the woods, suddenly see a faintlight in the distance, follow the light, then find themselves in a periloussituation, only to escape by a similar means. This type of formulated plotwas prevalent throughout the entire novel. 2.) Radcliffe seldom utilizedtransitional phrases. Often, paragraphs would shift from one location orperson to another location or person with no transitional phrases such as"meanwhile", or "back at the castle", etc. The next sentence would just beabout something different.

In the simplest description, the plot wasabout a tyrannical, ambitious father who tries to marry off his daughter toregain his social standing and wealth. His daughter, whose heart belongs toanother, escapes the castle, and proceeds to experience one perilousadventure after the other.But this is not really what the novel is about. It appears to me that it is more about the difference between men andwomen.In Radcliffe's world, the majority of men are to some degreecorrupt, power-hungry, ruthless, debauched, selfish, insensitive, andtyrannical--and the effect these men have on the persons and environmentaround them is usually tragic.Even the presence of the few virtuous menin her novel seems to create in the women around them feelings of turmoiland anxiety. Even when they evoke the feelings of love, it is alwaysbitter-sweet and agonizing. When men are present all is awry; violentthunderstorms cloud the sky, and even the natural environments aretreacherous, gloomy or desolate.But not so with women! All women but onein this novel are virtuous, pious, demure, pure, innocent, submissive, andnoble, and the natural environments that surround them are serene,beautiful, inviting, and sublime-at least until a man arrives.Throughoutthe novel women are constantly victimized by men, and Radcliffe seems tosuggest that only when left to themselves can women be find peace andhappiness in this world. Of course, considering the few rights andprivileges enjoyed by women during her time (1764-1823), one can hardlyblame her.

Overall, I found the book a bit too tedious to really beenjoyable.Reviews site her novel The Mysteries of Udolfo as be her best,though I have not read this one.I would only recommend this book if youare serious about reading all the gothic novels you can get your hands on. ... Read more

Product Description
It is 1999, and David Lambert, jilted lover and museum curator, is about to discover the startling news of the return of H. G. Wells's time machine to London.Motivated by a host of unanswered questions and innate curiosity, he propels himself deep into the next millenium.As he sets foot in the luxuriant but menacing new landscape, he soon begins to explore the ruins of his life, a labyrinth of erotic obsession and remorse involving his old friend Bird, and Anita -- the beautiful, eccentric Egyptologist they both loved, mysteriously dead at thirty-two.

A Scientific Romance is a book of surpassing creativity and intelligence, as evocative as it is cautionary.
Amazon.com Review
In London at the turn of the 20th century, H. G. Wells'stime machine mysteriously appears--empty--in a squatter's flat. Whencedid it come, and for what purpose was it sent? The answers to thesequestions--though not to an even greater mystery connected with themachine's appearance--are contained in a letter written by Wells onMay 2, 1946, which falls into the hands of one David Lambert on theeve of the millennium. Lambert, an industrial archeologist, reads theletter foretelling the arrival of the machine and, half convinced thewhole thing is a hoax, goes to the address Wells provides, where, atthe appointed hour, the time machine materializes. Thus begins RonaldWright's fine and fantastical novel A Scientific Romance.

Romance can refer to an affair of the heart; it can alsodescribe a heroic tale of extraordinary events. In A ScientificRomance, Wright plays on both possible meanings as he weaves atragic story of betrayal and lost love into a larger narrative of timetravel. Lambert, having lost the woman he loved, is reckless enough totest Wells's machine himself, catapulting 500 years into the future,where he finds London--indeed, all of England--a deserted,semitropical landscape. As David explores the future, he also siftsthrough his own past, creating in this Möbius strip of time andrelationship a chilling cautionary tale about the limits of scienceand human ambition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

A great setup, and some good wordplay, but ultimately goes nowhere
Time travel with the original, H.G. Wells, time machine. A future London depopulated. Industrial archeology. An incurable disease. And a protagonist with a deep need to travel in time.

It's a good setup, and some parts of the book read like good poetry. But then, not much. And still more not much. It doesn't have to be action. It can be description, or character development, or something. The book just wanders and falls apart.

Three stars since it's a really good book, at first, and there is so much science fiction (and fantasy) dreck out there that I have a hard time criticizing this too much.

Starts Well; Goes Nowhere
The Wells time machine premise is great. The archaeological theme is handled well. The first 125 pages or so are pretty absorbing. Then it takes a dive. More and more of the same maddeningly slow-moving journal entries, mostly describing the greenery (though I did like Graham). You think it's going to get back up to speed or at least offer more than the narrator continuing to mourn lost love, lost friendship, lost parents -- but even when things actually begin to happen around page 221, it's not nearly as interesting as the first part of the book. A wasted opportunity.

Don't judge a book by its title
Silly title, absorbing novel. I was disappointed by the ending - it was unmemorable, which is why I don't now recall what it was - but I was impressed with the structure of the work, the imagination, and the subtle political message (something like "Don't let global warming destroy our world!"). I didn't want to put it down, and the first thing I did when I finally (too soon) reached the end was to order Wright's next novel. Which means I admire the author lots.

A TRUE Scientific Romance...
David Lambert, museum curator and lonely man, finds out that H.G. Wells's novel about a Time Machine was based on a real machine.He finds the machine and throws himself 500 years into the future.Why?Well, he has his reasons.
What does he find?Mostly he seems to find pieces of his own past as he explores the ruins of mankind's future.Yes, ruins.Something went wrong, very wrong.And now David tries to find out what went wrong as at the same time he tries to find answers to his own ruined life.
For a first time novel this is a GREAT first.I hope to see more novels from this author.

Sloppy Plot Devices
This is an interesting concept novel used to drive home a point about technology and scientific hubris run rampant that eventually chokes our planet and all but destroys the human race.

In 1999 David Lambert, really a rather wandering soul, is a museum curator who has lost the love of his life to Mad Cow disease and his best friend in a falling out over a nasty love triangle involving the same woman.Unbelievably a letter falls into his hands that purports to be from H.G. Wells informing the reader of the return of the time machine to London-a fiction that turns out not to be fiction.So off he goes on his jaunt into the future.

This is a poor attempt at using the time travel concept as a plot device.There are just way too many coincidences and way too many convenient plot devices to move the story along.And it drags on unrelentlessly in the middle with some very tedious slogging as the author gets carried away over describing the future he finds.

At times, the novel is very good and it does have some merit.But frankly, the plot devices used, especially in the end, undermine the novel. ... Read more

Product Description
No matter how exciting the plot, it's the people in a story who make it memorable. The techniques and examples in CREATING ROMANTIC CHARACTERS will help you produce provocative, exciting, forceful characters with dynamic stories. Whether you're writing romance novels, stories which include romantic relationships, or general fiction, this book will help you create characters who are romantic and heroic, adventurous and mysterious-- larger than life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great workbook for writing characters
Good background on what a romance novel is (and isn't) and how to develop the hero, heroine, and ancillary characters. Author uses her books to illustrate her points.While most of them are not in book stores now, a lot are on Amazon and other on-line booksellers.The author uses "teasers" to help you think about what you've learned and apply it to your own writing.

Shameless self promotion
The author uses her own work to illustrate her points, which is fine, except for the fact she has the reader figure out her points!Rather than saying, "See how I did this here?" she gives you a sample from one of her books, then asks "teasers" (that's what she called them) that make you do the work for her.Very disappointing that less than thirty pages of this book were actually designed to help you build story people--and her lists (hair color/eye color/hobbies/etc) are available free on the web.It seems to me this book is more a presentation of her body of work than a "help" book for other writers. ... Read more

Product Description
A visionary director, a greedy producer, and an ambitious agent are suspects when a Broadway play about an actress who is stabbed leads to the real thing, prompting Detective Bert Kling of the 87th to investigate. National ad/promo. Tour. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

One of the best of the later 87th books...
It seems some people here don't like this entry in the long-running 87th series, but I personally think it's one of the better ones. Perhaps the fact that it's more character-driven and has less actual crime investigation upsets some people, but fans of the series should really enjoy this book.

When 'Romance' star Michelle Cassidy is stabbed in a similar manner to her character in the play, it sets off a blaze of welcome attention for her, as well as an investigation for the 87th. Genuine assault or publicity stunt? But when cast members begin dying it's clear there's more than simply attention-seeking here. As always, there's no shortage of interesting suspects: scheming manager-boyfriends, jealous understudies, co-stars with wandering hands, bickering directors and writers...

The case is set against the backdrop of Kling's attempts at building a relationship with Sharyn Cooke, and their interactions take up a fair part of the book. The issue of mixed-race partnerships is dealt with both seriously ("ain't there enough white women here for you?!") and humorously ("Bert Kling danced like a white man!"). The issue of race is also touched on in a small subplot involving a car accident between Teddy Carella and a black woman.

The main protagonists in this one are Carella and Kling, with minimal input from the other detectives. In response to a complaint below, this is the forty-somethingth entry in the series, so McBain assumes you're familiar with the main characters. If you're the type who expects a large amount of character backstory, you're better off starting with a much earlier book.

This is one of my personal favourites of McBain's later books, and should be well regarded by fans of the series.

Not So Much
I had to give this book one star b/c i couldn't give it anything less.Perhaps one of the worst books i've ever read.dry and boring with no likable characters to root for.I'm not sure if the main characters have appeared in Mr. McBain's other stories and so he expects us to know them but I felt no connection to them. Also you would think with over 300 pages maybe he could have gone into a little more character description of our protaganists rather than having everybody and their grandmother in the book go on random diatribes about nothing.

Even though I'm a pretty fast reader, it took me several weeks to get through the book because it was so boring and that's after skipping half of it.Finally I just read the last chapter (something i never do) and shut the book dropping it in my to be donated pile.The book was such a disappointment especially having heard such glowing reviews about the author and his books in general; that, I don't even want to leave it lying around in my house b/c everytime I see it, I get upset that I actually spent money to buy such drivel.

This was my first and last Ed McBain book.I'll just wait for the TV movies, and may be not even then.

Romance on the Stage, and Off.
Romance is the name of the game.Actually, in this 87th Preceinct series #46, it's the name of a play in an imaginary town called Isola, full of fictitious people and places.

The play in which Michelle Cassidy is rehearsing the lead is about an actress being pursued by a stalker.One evening, a little after seven, as she is leaving rehearsals at the Susan Granger theater, she actually is stabbed by a man wearing a black coat, a black wide-brimmed hat, and black gloves who lunges out of an alley with a knife.

At the Morehouse General Hospital, the red-haired actress was interviewed by t.v. reporters who didn't realize she had been the former child star of ANNIE on the road.She'd been stabbed in the shoulder, inches away from the heart.

The ER intern who'd admitted her said "had the stab wound been two iinches lower and a bit to the right, she'd be 'playing first harp in the celestial philharmonic'."That very afternoon, she had made a report at the precinct about receiving threatening phone calls from a man sounding like Jack Nicholson, saying he would kill her with a knife.

Like the Knoxville police, they don't consider that a crime (to threaten bodily harm) but wait until it happens to show any interest.One thing which made it sound 'fishy' is the plot of "Romance" where the actress is stalked and stabbed.She told reporters she felt it had to be someone familiar with the play.

Her theatrical agent, Johnny Milton, arrived at the hospital as the two police dectectives started to interrogate her and became suspect #1, even though the show's stage manager knew all the details such as Miss Cassidy's being released from the hospital later that very night.

During their investigation, it is discovered that Milton had a reservation at a nearby restaurant (a 5-min. walk) for 7 p.m. (alibi) and told the cops he thought Michelle had 'planned' the scene for publicity.Later, he said they'd had a disagreement over the phone.Someone she knew did come to her apartment and demanded to be let in, while she was home alone.And, she was relieved when she saw who it was through the peephole, took the chain off, and unlocked three different locks to meet her fate.

Johnny Milton had no reason to kill her, as the stabbing in the alley had accomplished everything he wanted to happen.His client suddenly became a 'star,' as the stabbing had put both her and the play on the map because of the media coverage.

It was unusual for real life to mirror a role in a play; this one called 'Romance.'So why kill the golden goose?Where's the motive:love or money.Possibly it could have something to do with the leading role's lovely understudy, Josie Beals.Or, could it have been Chuck Madden, the stage manager, who had a handwritten note on his machine:"Dear God, please forgive me for what I did to Michelle."

Author of THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE in 1954, plus a multitude of novels as Ed McBain and his real name, Evan Hunter, he earned the title Grand Master from the Mystery Writer's of America.He has to his credit short story collections, a few children's books, also screenplays and teleplays of some of his books.He's still grinding them out.

Fatuous Novel-poor plot & p.c. characters
Ed McBain often writes snappy,"movin'on" dialogue, but of the 5 books I have read (all highly recommended) none has a good plot, or interesting characters. Many readers praise his characters, but I find them shallow and almost always insipid and underdeveloped. This novel has good potential with a theatrical background and characters, but it goes nowhere;a budding romance between white policeman and black atty seems surrealistic to me--the atty would never be attracted to the half-bright policeman. Very p.c. Very shallow. Mr. McBain's novels are "airplane" or "beach" novels--which is fine for readers who like these kind of books, but by no stretch of the imagination are his novels "good," compared, for example,to Ruth Rendell, Michael Connelly, or Reginald Hill. The 87th is dullsville.

Entertaining
A very nice, typical 87th Precinct book, and it is quite
entertaining.The basic story is about a play within a play,
where an actress is attacked with a knife, in both the play
and the mystery story here.
But it isn't that complicated, and the author does a nice job
of keeping the two mysteries straight.The characters are very
interesting, and there is enough conflict among the various
people to sustain reader interest.
The mystery deepens as the first obvious suspects are suddenly

crossed off the list, and the police have to begin exploring
other possibilities, and the author does a very nice job of
moving the action forward.
The only hitch in the story is the author's clumsy exploration
of a black-white romance, which doesn't ring true at all and
seems extremely dated.
But a very nice entry in this series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great
This one is great. I bought it for the Nora Roberts, but ended up tracking down the sequels for Heather Graham's Dark Stranger as well.They are all complete novels not short stories.If you are a Nora Roberts fan, this isthe same story that came out in paperback a while back.It was firstpublished here (McGreggor story of Ian). I started reading Elizabeth Lowelafter reading this as well. I normally don't go for historical, but thesewere nice. ... Read more

Product Description
In On Writing Romance, award-winning romance novelist Leigh Michaels talks you through each stage of the writing and publishing process. From the origins and evolution of the romance novel to establishing a vital story framework to writing that last line to seeking out appropriate publishers, everything you ever wanted to know about writing a romance novel is here.

In addition to a comprehensive breakdown of more than thirty romance subgenres, including such categories as historical, inspirational, Regency, and sweet traditional, you'll discover how to:

· Steer clear of clichés and stereotypes by studying the genre

· Craft engaging and realistic heroes and heroines readers will adore

· Convincingly develop the central couple's blossoming relationship

· Add conflict by utilizing essential secondary characters like the "other woman"

· Use tension and timing to make your love scenes sizzle with sensuality

· Get your characters to happily-ever-after with an ending readers will always remember

Plus, read a sample query letter, cover letter, and synopsis, and learn how to properly prepare your romance novel for submission to agents and editors. On Writing Romance has everything you need to leave readers swooning! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Very useful book
I am selective about the writing books I put on my shelf above my computer. This is a book I keep on that shelf and I refer to various sections of it over and over when writing scenes involving romance. I originally read writing articles by Leigh Michael on various web writing sites and found them incredibly helpful. Her book is a keeper.

Generous, passionate and entertaining.
I am trained in script and story editing, have produced literally hundreds of books to unabridged audio and am a bit of a writing book junkie - by no means am I a beginner in storycraft. I bought this book because I wanted something tailored to the romance genre and that is exactly what this book gives you. Yes, you could spend hours on the internet finding similar information and, yes, if you've done your research you'll have heard a lot of it before but this book not only collects it for you in one place but is also utterly entertaining. The book arrived late this afternoon and I have just finished it. It's 3a.m. - I couldn't put it down.
Michaels' passion for the subject is in every word. This is not a book written by someone jaded who wants to be able to point at her book when the 4,999,999th person asks her what the formula for romance writing is! She is also generous with her knowledge. So often one gets the feeling that the author of a writing book is holding something back for themselves - not quite fully explaining a point here or there, alluding to something you sense is more important than they are admitting. Not so here. In fact Michaels is so generous that at one point she even uses a sentence from her own (I assume earlier) work as an example of what not to do!
Highly recommended.

Great for beginners.
I'm a 'newbie' and reference this book a lot when I have a question about craft or the industry.

One of my best purchases this year!
I'm a recent college graduate with a degree in English Literature who, very recently, came to the conclusion that if I could spend the rest of my life writing romance novels, I'd be a happy camper.

Without the time (or money) to enroll in a creative writing MFA program, or even an in-person writing workshop, I've had to "educate" myself with books on writing style.

I've read and skimmed several over the past several months--books on dialogue, scene/plot development, characterization, etc--but Leigh Michaels' "On Writing" is the ONLY style book I've been literally compelled to read cover-to-cover. Usually, I start these types of books with the best laid plans, then end up skimming or skipping to the pertinent parts (i.e., what I need help with at that moment), but THIS book is so well-structured, it pulls you along.

Aimed at the beginning romance writer (like me!), Michaels' clearly outlines common pitfalls and cliches to avoid, gives extremely helpful tips on how to write "from a male POV" or "a female POV", and goes so far as to explain the structure, layout and general guidelines for several types of romance fiction (inspiration, sweet, short contemporary, long contemporary, chick-lit AND erotica). Basically, no matter why type of romance you're trying to write, there are helpful tips for you!

It's also chock-full of excerpts from published romance novels, which helps Michaels illustrate the topics she's discussing (there's one section where she points out how silly the overusage of dialogue tags can be that made me laugh out loud).

I just bought this book yesterday and, despite the fact that it's really just a style book, I've read almost the entire 250-some pages. I'm about halfway through my first novel attempt and I can already see where the tips in this book will help me improve when it's time to go back and revise.

As some have said, this definitely isn't a book for the more experienced/advanced writer (even as a beginner, there were some things discussed that just seemed overly obvious), but it's definitely going to be a valuable resource on my bookshelf as I advance my writing skills.

Romance Novel Writing is Easy with this Book!
There are many books about how to write romances, but this one seemed more modern and in style with the times. It stood out from the shelves at the bookstore and it was well worth the money to buy it.It makes you feel enthusiastic about writing that romance novel, standing apart from the other reference books. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An Outstanding Book
I find that the book is at least as good as the movie if not better!Thank you for writing such a great book.

Movie lovers-you can skip this book
Before I purchased this book I read the two prior reviews and thought I'd give it a try.I found that if you enjoyed the movie on any level (cast, characters, actors, story-line), then forget purchasing this book.It has absolutely nothing to do with the movie in any way.They must have just liked the title and purchased the rights to it.

I found the writing to be readable but not outstanding.The story unremarkable.None of the characters likeable or warm in any way with no real direction.If you want to read a modern day western, then Annie Proloux or Larry McMurtry or Tony Hillerman are far superior.This was a dissapointment.

Form and Style 5 - Personality 0
To put my comments in perspective, I have to admit that I loved the movie with James Garner and Sally Fields...
I expected that there would be something in the book that would ring true with the movie but I was quite mistaken.
Putting that aspect of the story aside, I found none of the characters in this novella to be engaging other than wondering just how annoying, petty and pathetic they could possibly be.
On the other hand, I found the writing itself to be quite well done. The author's grasp of dialogue was exceptional. He infused every conversation with the fullness of characterization. If only these people had something important to say or had designs that were something beyond their own selfish needs.

a million times better than the movie
The only thing this book has in common with the bad Sally Fields movie is the title and the general topic: people who own horses. This is a witty, beautifully written book with memorable, likeable characters. It has a true romance (June/November, approximately) at its center. It has a quirky, funny narrator (Murphy), too. ... Read more

Product Description
This provocative, rollicking story is the much-anticipated new novel–the first in over a decade–from acclaimed author Bobbie Ann Mason. In An Atomic Romance we meet Reed Futrell, a sexy, thoughtful hero who grapples with radioactive contamination, a midlife crisis, and string theory–all while falling in love.

Reed is an engineer at a uranium-enrichment plant near a riverside city in heartland America. He has deep roots in this community: He was raised there; his father worked at the very same plant before him. And it was here that Reed met, married, and then divorced his wife. Reed spends countless nights camping at a local wildlife preserve, gazing at the stars, fishing and hunting–that is, until deformed frogs are discovered at the site. Though his father was killed in a tragic accident at the atomic plant years ago, Reed stays on, proud to perform demanding and dangerous work for the benefit of the nation. As for the radioactive “incidents” he has endured, Reed prefers to think about other things–Hubble photographs of distant galaxies, Albert Einstein, his dog.

Reed’s casual attitude toward danger infuriates his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Julia, as much as his quirky mind and muscular body intrigue her. Julia, a biologist, is truly Reed’s match–or maybe more than his match. They both are witty, curious, and fascinated by science. Indeed, their courtship began with banter about Stephen Hawking’s theories of space-time, and ever since it has been an up-and-down adventure of sexual attraction, intellectual game-playing, and long silences when Julia refuses to return Reed’s calls.

When news reports reveal evidence of radioactive pollution in the land surrounding the plant, Reed and Julia’s relationship faces an unprecedented challenge. In An Atomic Romance, Bobbie Ann Mason delivers a brilliant novel set against a backdrop of atomic power: a love story between a motorcycle-riding loner and an independent, strong-minded biologist; between the peaceful present in a typical American community and the nation’s violent nuclear past; and, finally, between a good man and the work he takes pride in, though it may be putting his life in danger.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Product Description
A marriage in name only. A secret past. Can love be found amid the tangle of distrust and betrayal? Alone and pregnant with twins, Amber Wilson has only a fuzzy memory of how she got that way. One thing she knows for sure—no man will ever get near enough to hurt her again. But when she meets Stone Brandon, the attraction is too great to ignore. Stone’s ex-fiancée’s betrayal has hardened his heart. Though he is drawn to Amber, he knows he can never fall in love again. Still, with her help, the dreams he has for the expansion of his family’s ranch can become a reality. A platonic marriage seems like the logical answer for both of them—until he realizes that a marriage in name only with Amber is a hell of his own making. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Platonic Marriage
This is my first book by Miss Kay. It is a good quick read. She does keep you turning the pages with several surprises. You must find out if a platonic marriage will survive. Read and find out how this fast moving romance ends. ByRuth Thompson the author of "The Bluegrass Dream" and "Natchez Above The River."

A Great Read
Sandra Kay's Heart of Stone is an engaging story about two people learning to love and trust again and about the importance of family. You won't be disappointed you invested in this wonderful romance.

A beautiful story
This book was just what I needed for a perfect escape.The characters were engaging, and the story had some unusual twists and turns. I didn't want the book to end!I will be looking for other books by this author.It was one the best romance novel I have read in a long, long time!

... Read more

Product Description
A contract marriage!? Satsuki has gone to England to study acting, but it's all he can do to pay his living expenses. But everything is about to change when the handsome Count Edward offers him money in exchange for entering a fake marriage! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

waste of money
Here we have the typical plot of a Harlequin Romance from the 1980s. A young middle class woman is somehow convinced into a temporary marriage with a rich, aristocratic male. Of course since this is yaoi the young woman is actually a young man in drag. I've never really liked this plot and even having the woman be a man didn't keep it from being bland and boring. And bland describes the characters to a tee. The book meanders along in its slow, humdrum way with almost no indication of romance. Then, out of the blue and what I thought was out of character, the aristocrat brutally rapes the uke. YUCK! It's a painful horrible experience for the uke (which is actually pretty realistic). But does the uke leave or go to the police? No, he's mad for a few weeks and thenfalls in love with his rapist. What a load of cr*p. The end is abrupt and unsatisfying. Save your money on this one.

A Promise of Romance by Kyoko Akitsu
Satsuki is a young Japanese guy who searches to gain his life in London. He always wanted to be an actor, but when he is refused by the most important actor school in Japan, he decided to try his fortune in London; there is maybe a bit of misplaced proud in it, since probably Satsuki doesn't want to face the fact that him, the one who always had the main character role in the high school plays, was rejected and instead his best friend, the one who always looked upon to Satsuki was accepted.

In London Satsuki is not doing very well; he is lonely and has very little money, and he is too proud to ask help to his family. So when a young nobleman, Edward, asks him to cross-dress and to play the role of his fiancee, Satsuki accepts. It's not only the money, it's also the fascination with the high society in which Edward lives. Edward needs to marry in order to not losing his inheritance, and marrying Satsuki, he is sure that he will have no problem to invoid the marriage.

Edward is not a bad guy, maybe a little spoiled, but all in all he is only lonenly, as lonely as Satsuki. In Satsuki maybe Edward finds more a friend than other. And when it's time to express his feelings, he is too open, and this clashes with Satsuki's culture.

First of all the plot... it's not very convincing. How can Edward and Satsuki marry without problem? Doesn't Satsuki need a birth certificate, where obviously it's stated that he is a man? True, in England same sex union are legal, I believe, but this is not what Edward's parents' will states.

Second the relationship between Edward and Satsuki: it could be a very good example of Pretty Woman's tale, there is also the scene where Edward takes Satsuki out to shopping in the best fashion boutique... but how the relationship evolves between the two it's without a strong basis, it's all too obvious and the author doesn't give us much reason to believe in it... the only sex scene is almost a rape! Actually if not for the rape scene, this book would be a good example of young adult novel, and with an young adult target too.

Romantic and Sweet
Well the story is basically about a boy who goes to England to study theater, he meets a prostitute who is the only person that helps him, one day his friend the prostitute gets really sick and gives him the mission of delivering a ring to a person who she calls "god", however she ends dying,
On the other side of the country an aristocrat young man lives his life spending all the money that his parents left him drinking, however there is a condition for him to get all of his inheritance and is that he needs to get married before turning 26, in order to do so he needs to give to his future fiancée a ring, turns out that he gave out his ring to a prostitute, so with the help of his journalist friend they decideto go look for the prostitute that has his ring and make a deal for a fake marriage,
He meets with Satsuki (Japanese boy that calls himself May because everyone in England has problems pronouncing his name, satsuki is the old way to say may in Japanese) finds out that Brenda the prostitute is dead and decides to make the deal with Satsuki, who ends up accepting because was having financial problems.

**** So this a verycommon story, you already know how is it going to end, but even so it doesn't make it any boring, is really entertaining, the art is really great, and you get to know about the aristocracy in England, I do recommend it for someone who is looking for a story full of romance, not too many strong scenes, however a rape scene is included. So if you have spare money and you are a yaoi fan this is a must in your collection, ... Read more

Product Description
is a gothic mystery set in turn-of- the-century Delaware. thenovel deals with estate owner Mark Lane and the beautiful amnesiavictim he finds wandering in his fields. As he struggles to discoverher true identity he finds himself falling in love with her...andbecoming deeply entangled in a twisted web of corruption greed andrevenge ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

I was drawn into the story instantly and had to keep going.
A handsome young man struggling to hold onto his home and business finds a beautiful young woman beaten and naked in his field.Who is she and why can't she remember what happened to her?

Delightful----Appealing
Secret in the Rose Room, is a novel that is delightful---intriguing---with a mystery that keeps the reader in suspense.

Excellent Reading
From the first chapter, I was hooked.Kathryn Williamson's writing styleis very captivating in itself.Couple that with believable characters anda wonderful story, and you have food for the senses.A very nice piece ofwork. ... Read more

Product Description
A romantic coming-out period piece set in Edwardian England, it is the first fiction written about what is termed a "Bear" in gay male sub-culture. This is a unique novel of self-discovery that every romantic will embrace! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This love story is interesting.
This love story took place in a few weeks in the year 1912. It is a short story but Edward's and Heath's love story managed to be credible, deeply meaningful and touching. Edward and Heath could not be more different, one a scholar and the other just a lowly gardener. Intellectually they ought to be miles apart but Heath is definitely the wiser one in his natural, unpretentious and almost simple and wild ways. Their story is as the writer says is just to have the courage to love freely.
The writings is pretty poetic, the romance and sex scenes are sexy without being explicit. The side characters are interesting too.
However a few weak points. I wish the writer could have expanded on the complex character, Herbert instead of introducing a hetero relationship in the midst of the main love story. This hetero love story is just pointless and annoying as it pops up now and then interrupting the flow of the story. Also the writing could do with better editing as some parts are referring to the wrong subject.
Still this "bear" love story is interesting and uplifting as the forty two year old Edward finds the courage to embrace his true self and lover.

A Nice Love Story
This was my first 'bear' story and it was a nice read.Good dialogue and introduction of characters. Characters and story well-developed.Sensitive main characters. I loved the dialogue between Edward and Heath. Very touching.

Awesome book
I thought this book was one of the best I hav read.I love reading about gay characters from the past.This was about "bears" which I found quite intriguing.It was sexy without bein poronographic.I would recommend this book

Prophetic and Subtle
As an interviewer, I was astonished at how much R.G. Powers reads like his novels; unapologetic and yet subtle, kind. I interviewed him because I wanted to know him, to know the man who exposed a century, and brought down ambivalence with a vengeance. "A Wind Across the Century" is a moving journey of the soul, ending in a new life--J.H. Hudson ... Read more

Product Description
When Sir Lasher Oxbridge returns home to find his wife murdered and his child kidnapped by an evil sorceress, he sets out on a quest to find his son and avenge his wife’s death. When his wife visits him in his dreams, she tells him that his son is a child of prophecy, and is destined to be King. With his wife as his dream guide, he sets out with her help to find his son, and those who will help him along the way. Through the danger and adventure, his dream guide leads him to a man who will become a lifelong friend, and the woman who the gods have chosen to be his soul mate. Sir Lasher Oxbridge, Knight of Light, will face his worst enemy as he tries to rescue his son and protect the woman he loves, who will share his life and his destiny. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great read
I was one of the first and lucky few to read this book. The author does an excellent job of developing her characters right from the start. The plot lines are well thought out and fairly well detailed. The further I read, the more I wanted to read, right through to the end. That is the mark of a good book, in my opinion.
It is a very good read, especially if you like the fantasy/romance genre, but even if you don't lean in that direction, this book will grab your attention and hold it until the final battle!
All in all, I would recommend this read to anyone, fantasy fan or not.

Fantasy/Romance
Author Anna Chaput has been an avid reader all her life and has decided to give her imagination a workout to write this book, with the goal for more books in the future. She is the mother of three and grandmother of six. She resides in New Hampshire with her husband.
When Sir Lasher Oxbridge's wife is murdered and infant son kidnapped by an evil sorceress, Morta, he embarks on a mission to avenge his wife's death and rescue his son. With his wife as a dream guide, his quest leads him to a man who will become a life-long friend and a woman that the gods have chosen to be his soul mate. But, discovering that his child is a prophesy and destined to be King, means protecting the woman he loves and saving his son at all costs...Even if he has to face down his worst enemy to fulfill his destiny.
First, I was not overly impressed with the cover design for the book. Several times while reading throughout, I was pulled out of the story due to it being told seemingly by a third person narrative instead of letting the characters tell it. It gave a very detached sensation to the characters. I felt that Sir Lasher, at times, especially early on, lacked the powerful responses one would expect from a recent widower. He was also too nice and needed more eminent flaws. The author could have used a little more imagery for the setting. The first couple of chapters, excluding the prologue, felt rushed. There were a few grammatical comma errors, as well. This book could have done better with a good critique partner or editor pre-publication, to correct the above items mentioned.
In saying that, it is apparent that the author, Anna Chaput, has a knack for historical fantasy romance. She understands the period she writes in and demonstrates that through dialog and style. Her books, if honed and fine-tuned, could be quite brilliant. The plot, for the most part, flowed smoothly and kept my interest. I think the finest part of the book was the idea and plot behind it. Everyone can relate to the loss of a loved one, friendships we forge throughout our life, and that we will do anything, anything, for our children. An evil sorceress, fate-crossed lovers, commanding magic, and a bonding friendship on an adventurous quest- What's not to like?

Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer

Author's synopsis
When Sir Lasher Oxbridge returns home to find his wife murdered and his only child kidnapped by an evil sorceress, he sets out on a quest to find his son, and avenge his wife's death. When his wife visits him in his dreams, she tells him that their son is a child of prophecy , and is destined to be King. With his wife as his dream guide, he sets out with her help to find his son, and those who will help him along the way. Through the danger, and adventure, his dream guide leads him to a man who will become a lifelong friend, and the woman whom the gods have chosen to be his soul mate. Sir Lasher Oxbridge, Knight of Light, will face his worst enemy as he tries to rescue his son, and protect the woman he loves, the woman who will share his life, and his destiny. ... Read more

Product Description
Moonstruck - Tanya Wyatt is a young, destitute freelance nanoprogrammer living from job to job, barely surviving in cramped living quarters aboard an old American space habitat. Her Earthside professor talks her into sending some designs to a company that wants to reenter the lucrative market of nanoclothing--clothing that can change colors and designs while being worn. Much to her surprise, Tanya is chosen as the new designer, and is offered a lucrative job that could change her life, for better, forever. ... Read more

Product Description

On February 14th, Gabe Stone finds a living, breathing valentine on his doorstep. The tiny pink bundle of fleece appears to be his daughter, and her mother has given Gabe four hours to get to know his new baby. Four hours to adjust to fatherhood, resolve custody and win back his ex-wife?

... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

My Man Valentine
Kindle Customers BEWARE! 'My Man Valentine' is not part of an anthology but a single short story.

As of July 19, 2010 this is falsely listed as an anthology, and pictured on Amazon Kindle as part of 'Valentine Babies'. When delivered to a Kindle device or Kindle App, only one story arrives, and the other two do not appear. Is it worth it? NO! I can not recommend that anyone buy this story, which is pathetically plotted and written, as described by another reviewer of the Kindle edition, who generously gave it two stars (overrated).

Confusing
My Man Valentine struggles with the limitations of the short story, which is much trickier than the novel, because in a few chapters, it's dificult to develop characters worth reading about, spending time with.These are not very appealing characters.

There's a heroine desperate to hook up with her hunky neighbor of 2 years, a desperate man who is NOT her hero, and has his own challenges with his cranky baby girl, a cavelier playboy, and a cranky baby.The baby is dumped on the heroine's doorstep by her father, who leaves his daughter with a stranger so he can make time with his own love interest.The baby, has 'separation issues' (who wouldn't with such a daddy?!) and her wailing and screaming put a definite crimp in the heroine's Valentime's Day plans.But never fear: the object of her plans dumps HIS Valentine's plans and date to help out.They traipse all over town in a blizzard in search of some clue to the baby's father, who failed to identify himself.The father finds true love while his baby is being taken care of by strangers all night.The heroine manages to get her man in spite of all these obstacles to her well laid plans to seduce him with sugar cookies(?).Then there is way too much angst over whether she really wants him.It's all rather silly, if you don't count the poor baby, who is distraught at being left with strangers, and eventually distraught when she is taken back from strangers.Apparently the author thought this was mildly zany. It isn't.It's the stuff of CPS family court cases.

I bought this offering, hoping to read all 3 stories in the collection, and most notably "Goddess in Waiting."But apparently when you purchase a Kimble story this cheaply, you get only one story of the collection.And wouldn't you know it--Goddess is not in Kindle format, it would seem. But I paid my money and took my chances.Perhaps this writer is better in the long fomrat.

A Nice, Light Read.
"Valentine Babies" is an entertaining anthology containing 3 stories centred on Valentine's Day and babies.All 3 stories were fun and original.I wasn't really expecting to like this book, so it was a pleasant surprise to have really enjoyed it!
The first story, "Goddess in Waiting" by Anne Stuart is the best.Marike is a larger than life woman who runs a maternity shop/shelter for pregnant teenagers.When William arrives one day in his Gucci suit looking to have a maternity wardrobe made for his sister, it's clear that these two couldn't be more complete opposites.But William finds the funky and compassionate Marike irresistible, though she's far from his usual type.Now he just has to convince Marike that they're right for each other!This story was fresh and original, and I thought it was great!
Next is Tara Taylor Quinn's "Gabe's Special Delivery".This is the story of two very different people who fall in love and rush into marriage, only to have it fall apart because of a misunderstanding.However, a beautiful baby girl helps them find their way back to each other.Bailey and Gabe are both very likeable characters.This was an enjoyable read.
Finally, Julie McBride's "My Man Valentine" is a sweet story about friends becoming lovers.Eloise has lived next door to C.D. Valentine for two years, and has been fantasizing about him since the day they met.Her plans to profess her feelings for him on Valentine's Day are interrupted when she suddenly finds herself babysitting for a very unhappy little girl.C.D., however, comes to help out, and he and Eloise finally admit that their feelings run deeper than friendship.This is a lovely romance and is sure to please readers.
Overall, this anthology is great for light reading and a few hours of relaxation.Each story is fun and romantic, so pick this book up and enjoy!

This Valentine delivers.
GODDESS IN WAITING, written by Anne Stuart and the first of this collection, gives us Marike, a long-legged completely exasperating female whom William Lambert wants the minute he sees, despite the fact that she'snot his type.His type is geared to match his life: sophisticated,elegant, and worldly, everything that the smart-mouthed, quirky Marike isnot.And while he annoys her completely upon their first meeting, she isimmediately drawn to this tall, sexy man.You'll race through thisromance, enjoying the dialogue, the characters, and the wacky world thatMarike inhabits.The duct-tape dummy scene is hilarious and easy toenvision thanks to one of the best wordsmiths this genre has tooffer.

There are few writers who can construct this short form so verywell, so make this your introduction to Anne Stuart if you've never readher before.A collection like this is a perfect sampler.I confess that Igot this book for her story alone, and I haven't even bothered to read theother two yet.But one Anne Stuart gives you more than your money's worth.

A Good Anthology
A read that is centered around Valentine's Day and babies, this was a mostly pleasing anthology for me.I'm not a fan of anthologies--stories too incomplete, rushed.Ms. Stuart manages somehow, to convey a completeromance in her story.There's a prologue that makes you wonder....anepilogue that is really cute.In between you have, as the girls call him,a "hottie" for a hero, and a very different heroine.Sexy, fun,and romantic...and the story makes sense.Ms. Quinn's story was mydisappointment.H/h spend most of a short story, apart.And, Gabe's giftfrom his "ex-wife" made no real sense,to me.Finally, JuleMcBride does a story with one of my favorite romances--friends becominglovers.I didn't like the use of the baby, in this one.But, the story isromantic and is a good, sexy read. ... Read more

Product Description
This provocative, rollicking story is the much-anticipated new novel–the first in over a decade–from acclaimed author Bobbie Ann Mason. In An Atomic Romance we meet Reed Futrell, a sexy, thoughtful hero who grapples with radioactive contamination, a midlife crisis, and string theory–all while falling in love.

Reed is an engineer at a uranium-enrichment plant near a riverside city in heartland America. He has deep roots in this community: He was raised there; his father worked at the very same plant before him. And it was here that Reed met, married, and then divorced his wife. Reed spends countless nights camping at a local wildlife preserve, gazing at the stars, fishing and hunting–that is, until deformed frogs are discovered at the site. Though his father was killed in a tragic accident at the atomic plant years ago, Reed stays on, proud to perform demanding and dangerous work for the benefit of the nation. As for the radioactive “incidents” he has endured, Reed prefers to think about other things–Hubble photographs of distant galaxies, Albert Einstein, his dog.

Reed’s casual attitude toward danger infuriates his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Julia, as much as his quirky mind and muscular body intrigue her. Julia, a biologist, is truly Reed’s match–or maybe more than his match. They both are witty, curious, and fascinated by science. Indeed, their courtship began with banter about Stephen Hawking’s theories of space-time, and ever since it has been an up-and-down adventure of sexual attraction, intellectual game-playing, and long silences when Julia refuses to return Reed’s calls.

When news reports reveal evidence of radioactive pollution in the land surrounding the plant, Reed and Julia’s relationship faces an unprecedented challenge. In An Atomic Romance, Bobbie Ann Mason delivers a brilliant novel set against a backdrop of atomic power: a love story between a motorcycle-riding loner and an independent, strong-minded biologist; between the peaceful present in a typical American community and the nation’s violent nuclear past; and, finally, between a good man and the work he takes pride in, though it may be putting his life in danger. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

AN EXPLOSIVE BOOK! Sweeping landscape. Touching love story.
I purchased this book for two reasons: I liked the author's name.It took me back to my childhood with my sisters in Ohio: Dottie Sue, Billie Mae, and Gladdie Jo. Of course, I was Betty Lou in those days. The second reason is because the book is set in my parents' birthplace, Kentucky.

Silly reasons to buy a book, but am I ever glad I did!

This was my first introduction to this well-known author and I find her style to be endearing in every aspect. Her characters are well-drawn, sympathetic and real.

The plot is an old one: company man on the lower echelon of the pecking order, goes up against his BIG BAD company to protect the workers, and to add to the enjoyment, he finds true love along the way. What makes this book so unique is this talented author's masterful writing. I couldn't put it down.

Thanks, Ms. Mason for an enjoyable few hours.

P.S. I am a proud member of the great charitable organization, THE KENTUCKY COLONELS, an honorary order of the Governor's office.

A Glowing Novel About An Atomic Man and Radioactive Rutabagas
Bobbie Ann Mason in her first novel in many moons has created a very likeable and most ordinary of heroes, one Reed Futrell who we learn in the first sentence "still went camping in the Fort Wolf Wildlife Refuge, but he no longer brought along his dog." We soon find out why this once favorite place of Reed's is now off limits to his beloved Clarence, described as a collie-shepherd combo.

Reed is in his forties and the divorced father of two "normal" adult children who have moved away from the never-named town where most of this story unfolds although it apparently is somewhere in Kentucky. He exercises daily, rides a motorcycle for pleasure, and is much attracted to a lot of women who also find him desirable, although he has recently met and fallen for an unusual woman named Julia who works at a cytopathology lab and wants to "save the world from sinister diseases like Ebola and anthrax." Reed is a second generation employee of a nuclear plant where his father died in a chemical accident when his son was only six. Reed's employment-- he was exposed to dangerous chemicals in 1986 although he has never told Julia and has not had a physical in five years-- and Julia's fear of what is actually going on at the plant and her distrust of both corporate America and the U. S. Government provide the major conflict for this beautifully crafted novel.

Ms. Mason has a great ear for the dialogue of people and customs from "around here" and gets it all down on paper with flair. One of Reed's fellow workers has a wife who says that going to a mall on weekends is spending "quality time" together. At the lounge in the hospital where his mother is recovering from a stroke, Reed meets a "wide-bodied family." (Of course Mississippi recently beat out Kentucky and the other Southern states for having the most obese citizens.) When he is home he sits on a "dog-abused" sofa. An ex-stripper whom Reed sees occasionally has a "Botox-frozen forehead." His mother, embedded in an assisted living facility called Sunnybank where she feels like a "helpless donkey in a stall," has hanging on her wall a striking bird clock-- a necessary item in the homes of people of a certain age and class-- where a different bird sings out each hour and the clock invariably strikes at the wrong times. (I once bought one for my own mother for Mother's Day.) The author also adroitly turns nouns into verbs. Reed has to be careful not to "pancake" down a canyon," and while wearing sweatpants and shower clogs "flip-flopped into the den."

Reed is so much like a lot of us, who along with many of his fellow-workers, either has a fatalistic attitude about what may be going on in the chemical plant, the "if I'm already exposed to radiation, I do not want to know about it since there's nothing I can do about it" attitude, or denying that the amount of radiation he surely has been exposed to is lethal. He is a little like the farmers in Kentucky and other southern states who for generations raised and smoked tobacco and then shuffled off to VA hospitals to die of lung disease.

Although there is much to make your laugh-- radioactive rutabagas for instance-- in this fine novel that could be called "love in the time of radiation," it ultimately makes a sad statement about corporate greed and governmental indifference to the health and safety of its citizens. ... Read more