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Naked in Death (In Death #1)

4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 · rating details · 52,004 ratings · 2,249 reviews

In hardcover for the first time, here is the novel that started it all-the first book in J. D. Robb's number-one New York Times-bestselling In Death series, featuring New York City homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke.

It is the year 2058, and technology now completely rules the world. But New York City Detective Eve Dallas knows that the irresistible impul...more

Hardcover, 294 pages

Published March 8th 2004 by Putnam (first published January 1st 1995)

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Jun 13, 2012 Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* by: Ren, and Buggy's and Jasmin's review becoming "Roarke Groupies"

Shelves: library-book, romantic-suspense, mystery-thrillers, reviewed

4 Stars - Also reviewed at: Lady Jayne's Reading Den

Okay, here’s the quick and dirty... well, sort of. Naked In Death is the first book in the daunting (almost 40 books!!... and still growing) “In Death” series by Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb. I kept putting off reading it, for that very reason.

Though, after recent reviews by Goodreads friends who have joined the growing legion of “Roarke Groupies”, I was most curious to read this book to find out for myself what the fuss is over Roarke....more

54 likes · like · see review

Oct 15, 2011 Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Catherine by: Lynsey A

Shelves: bad-childhood, crime-police-mystery-private-invest, futuristic, read-2010, ptsd, romance, scottish-irish-celtic, series, serial-killer, suspense, mystery, rape-abuse, read-2011, audiobook

*Originally read 12/10/10 - 12/11/10*

I've known about this series for quite a while, and I'm a big Nora Roberts fan, but I hadn't really wanted to pick this series up. There's about a billion books out in the series. What if I ended up loving it? Then I have to commit myself to buying those billion books just to catch up! But after hearing such glowing things about this series from most of my Goodreads friends--especially about Roarke--I had to finally bight the bullet and get the first book.

No...more

29 likes · like · see review

Aug 22, 2011 Tatiana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: romance readers

Recommended to Tatiana by: Emily May

Shelves: romancelandia

... and I was enjoying it up until too swift of a turn into Romancelandia.

The popularity of Naked in Death is completely understandable to me. The attraction here is the same as in the most of urban fantasy IMO. Mystery-solving, some world-building (in this case, futuristic instead of paranormal) - it all is only background noise. What you are actually anticipating is the heroine's hookup with some handsome hunk. (That's what I read urban fantasy for anyway.) And the hunk here is something speci...more

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Jul 21, 2011 Buggy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Buggy by: Lokster

Shelves: lit-boyfriend, rom-susp, shelf-10

Opening Line:"She woke in the dark"

~ANOTHER CONFIRMED ROARKE GROUPIE~
What can I say about NAKED IN DEATH that hasn’t been said already? Well obviously I don’t need to go into the plot because that’s been done to DEATH (sorry) I will say though that because so many people recommended this book to me and because my friend Lokster eventually gave me a copy I did feel somewhat obligated to read it. Robb’s 'Death' series is 30 books long now (and counting) which is somewhat daunting when starting a...more Opening Line:"She woke in the dark"

~ANOTHER CONFIRMED ROARKE GROUPIE~
What can I say about NAKED IN DEATH that hasn’t been said already? Well obviously I don’t need to go into the plot because that’s been done to DEATH (sorry) I will say though that because so many people recommended this book to me and because my friend Lokster eventually gave me a copy I did feel somewhat obligated to read it. Robb’s 'Death' series is 30 books long now (and counting) which is somewhat daunting when starting a new series, so a part of me really didn’t want to get hooked on this and for the first hundred pages or so I can honestly say that I didn’t.

But then something happened, or I should say someone happened. Someone in the form of a charming, mysterious and utterly addictive Irish billionaire and murder suspect named Roarke. Yes, damn his sweet button carrying self but my new literary boyfriend saved this book because quite frankly detective Eve Dallas on her own isn’t very likable and I’m also not really a fan of the police procedurals. It’s the sweetness, romance, patience and delicious mystery of Roarke that will keep me coming back.

I also had a hard time understanding why Robb chose to set this in the future (sort of) I say sort of because she never went all the way with her future aspect. Sure she mentions in passing a few cool gadgets (an autochef would really come in handy) and theres flying cars, robot servants, off world business meetings and plenty of clever new cop toys but except for the legalized prostitution and gun prohibition it’s still the New York we know of today. I just feel that if Robb was going to go for the whole future angle then she should have gone all the way or just not bothered because her BladeRunneresque vision was gimmicky and rather pointless to the story. But that’s just my opinion.

Of course theres a lot to like here too; obviously Robb’s (Nora Roberts) writing is top notch and she spins a well planned, easy to read, dark mystery here. Her characters have also been completely fleshed out, in particular Eve. Who although crass, hands off and by the book has enough flaws and skeletons in the closet that you can’t help but sympathize with her and hope she loosens up a bit and lets a certain someone in. Which brings me back to Roarke. Maybe this quote describes him best, Cheers!

“You got a button fetish Roarke?”
“I’ve been carrying this around like a schoolboy carries a lock of his sweetheart’s hair.”
Her eyes came back to his, and something sweet moved through her. Sweeter yet as she could see he was embarrassed.
“That’s weird.”
“I thought so, myself.” But he slipped the button back in his pocket.
“Do you know what else I think, Eve?”
“I don’t have a clue.”
“I think I’m in love with you.”

*Sigh* Yeah so I’m starting book 2 Glory in Death as we speak(less)

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Nov 12, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-suspense

Though first published in 1995, Naked in Death is still fresh and entertaining, even after nearly eighteen years.

A woman murdered, naked in death

The smoking gun

The cop

The squillionaire suspect

'You don't really think we're going to make anything out of this, do you? Roarke and the cop?

'I guess we'll have to find out.'

* Thanks to my friend, Wendy for the buddy read. So glad you've finally met Roarke.

Steam: 2.5-3

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May 09, 2010 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of romantic suspense, tough heroines, & mysteriously delicious alpha heroes

Recommended to Shawna by: My mom & several GR friends

Shelves: romantic-suspense, nora-roberts-jd-robb, scifi-futuristic-fantasy-misc-pnr, series-in-death, 2010-reads, best-top-favorites, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, favorite-romance-series, favorites, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-addict-excon-lawtrouble-thief, hero-alpha‎, hero-bad-boy-playboy, hero-commoner-self-made, hero-i-wanna-marry, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, heroine-i-wanna-bitch-slap-annoying, heroine-i-adore, aar-top-100-romances-2007-2010, 5-stars-or-higher, hh-post-traumatic-stress-disorder, hh-social-class-wealth-matters, hh-love-commitment-marriage-phobic, heroine-tomboy-lady-in-pants, hero-daddy-warbucks-wealthy, hero-attractive-handsome-heartthrob, hh-across-the-tracks, best-faves-of-2010, hero-brooding, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, horror-mystery-suspense-thrillers, i-read-no-longer-own-sold-swapped, heroine-undeserving-of-awesome-hero, hero-besotted-so-smitten-its-sexy, hero-or-heroine-or-setting-irish, hero-too-yummy-perfect-to-be-true, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, heroine-miss-independent, a-all-time-fave-hero, hero-entrepreneur-mogul-tycoon, hh-famous-celebrity, a-all-time-best-of-best-fave-dik, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, hero-bad-guy-ruthless-villainous, hero-sharp-dressed-man, hero-hot-car-sexy-costly-ride, hero-my-romancelandia-husband-harem

5+ stars – Romantic Suspense

Yes! I've finally read the first book in J.D. Robb's, aka Nora Roberts', vastly popular In Death series, and now I understand why there's 30 books and counting...'cause it's an awesome romantic suspense/futuristic mystery thriller and very addictive. In fact, it's a good thing that I brought the first three books with me on my trip since I wanted to immediately jump into the second book after finishing this. I loved it! And all the flattering Roarke talk is totally ju...more

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Dec 05, 2008 Eastofoz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Auntee (LOL!), Tammy, Crystal

Recommended to Eastofoz by: Julie (JJ)

Shelves: romantic-suspense, futuristic

I have to say when I started this book I thought to myself «why all the fuss?» in terms of romance when it reads more like a general murder/mystery. Well after you manage to patiently wade through the first 175 pages more or less you’ll understand the hype for this 28 (so far!) book series (!) It’s very good once the h/h get together and the romance gets going. I wavered between a 4 and a 4.5 star rating but settled on the 4 because those first 175 pages were tough without the romance ;)

Roarke a...more I have to say when I started this book I thought to myself «why all the fuss?» in terms of romance when it reads more like a general murder/mystery. Well after you manage to patiently wade through the first 175 pages more or less you’ll understand the hype for this 28 (so far!) book series (!) It’s very good once the h/h get together and the romance gets going. I wavered between a 4 and a 4.5 star rating but settled on the 4 because those first 175 pages were tough without the romance ;)

Roarke and Eve are excellent characters living in the far off future. Now don’t let that turn you off because I didn’t think that the futuristic setting drew away from the novel with excessively weird lingo and bizarro situations. You have real people here and a real story that could just as easily be transplanted to a contemporary romantic suspense novel.

I now understand all that panting over Roarke –he is one VERY hot alpha with his Irish lilt and overall sexy persona. The steam isn’t all that frequent (hoping that picks up in the later books) but when it happens it’s quite good even if it’s not that long and detailed. Eve is a tough as nails heroine but her independence and I-don’t-want-to-be-emotionally-involved-with-anyone doesn’t grate on the nerves. She ranks as one of my favourite heroines and there aren’t many to begin with. Roarke is so good for her you’ll just be going **sigh, sigh, sigh** :D

The plot is really twisted and “ew” but Roberts writes well so you keep turning the pages even if you think “is this book for me or not, well let’s read another page” and then it’s the end!. I liked the ending but I really wish I had book 2 on hand to just continue Eve and Roarke’s story --yes it's addictive!

I’ve been putting off this series for a long time because there are so many books in it. MISTAKE! It really is good and there must be something that the author is doing right to have such a legion of romance book fans picking up her stuff and waiting on pins and needles for the next installment of Eve and Roarke.

Looks like I’ve found myself a new series --and no shelf space to put the next, um, 27 books with 2 more coming out in 2009 (!!)(less)

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Mar 08, 2012 Erika rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Nora Robert fans, suspense readers

Shelves: best-of-heroes, mystery, first-love-with-the-genre, suspense

Roarke's love rules #1. She worth every seconds, he doesn't waste time.

The romance
I thought the romance of this story was slightly overwhelmed by the mystery. A lot of time spent in investigations because there's more than one murder happens throughout the story. However, the difference portion between the suspense and the romance wasn't significant and the fast-paced romance wasn't disappointing. It started with instant attraction that was strong enough, it had the sparks to live it up, and co...more

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Oct 20, 2008 Mahlet rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of exciting, romance mysteries more on the darker side

Recommended to Mahlet by: Shazzy

Shelves: mystery-suspense, own, romance, series, favorites, audio-paperback

If you’re interested in a sexy, dark thriller with passion, tension, and an awesome strong female heroine, you will love this book! The author gets right to business with NY homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas arriving at the grizzly crime scene of a murdered “licensed companion” or “LC”. The year is 2058, and prostitution is now regulated, but legal. Not only was this LC the granddaughter of a U.S. Senator, she was also brutally killed with an antique weapon. The killer has promised 5 more...more If you’re interested in a sexy, dark thriller with passion, tension, and an awesome strong female heroine, you will love this book! The author gets right to business with NY homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas arriving at the grizzly crime scene of a murdered “licensed companion” or “LC”. The year is 2058, and prostitution is now regulated, but legal. Not only was this LC the granddaughter of a U.S. Senator, she was also brutally killed with an antique weapon. The killer has promised 5 more additional killings, and Eve is under personal and political pressure to wrap this up quickly. Eve is a by-the-books officer with a strong moral compass, and she’s extremely passionate and capable in her duties to protect the community. The killer immediately takes an interest in Eve and brings up ill feelings about her dark past she would soon like to forget.

One prime suspect is sexy and mysterious Irish tycoon Roarke (just Roarke). Although he can certainly have almost any woman he wants, it’s substance he craves. Roarke finds Lt. Eve Dallas intriguing and very arousing, and soon, Roarke is using her investigation to wiggle his way into private time with Eve. I absolutely loved the dialogue and chemistry, and I pretty much lit up whenever Roarke and Eve were together. Eve is tough and independent but she’s damaged under it all, and Roarke wants to be the man to break down her walls. Will she let him? And what would happen if the lead detective in a high profile serial killer investigation becomes sexually involved with a prime suspect? And would it be just sex?

OMG, this book was satisfying, from start to finish. The futuristic aspects weren’t at all overwhelming…Just little things here and there, like “automated” machines that make your breakfast, futuristic cars, that sort of thing. The core of this book is murder/sex, mystery, and passion—all of which are very relevant today. I highly recommend this first book in J.D. Robb’s “In Death” series. Enjoy~

(less)

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Nov 22, 2012 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Wendy by: Jill

Shelves: romantic-suspense

Fabulous, loved it!

Thanks to my friend Jill for the buddy read. And getting me to finally meet Roarke.

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 04, 2009 Corrine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of mystery with strong romantic elements

Shelves: futuristic, mystery-with-sre

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Normally Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb) tends to take her strong heroines one step too far for me, but Eve Dallas was a nice mix of vulnerability and strength. And even though this was more mystery than romance, I was still enthralled in the storyline and the world-building of this alternate future.

NYC and the world in this future are quite jarring: prostitution is legal, but guns are not; real food is so rare as to be thought a luxury; space...more I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Normally Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb) tends to take her strong heroines one step too far for me, but Eve Dallas was a nice mix of vulnerability and strength. And even though this was more mystery than romance, I was still enthralled in the storyline and the world-building of this alternate future.

NYC and the world in this future are quite jarring: prostitution is legal, but guns are not; real food is so rare as to be thought a luxury; space is being colonized. But a few things remain the same: politics, class division, bureaucracy, and humanity's unfortunate tendency towards murder. Lt. Eve Dallas works for the New York Police and Security Dept. and has to see murder on a day-to-day basis. But when a senator's granddaughter who just happens to be a licensed companion is killed - by a gun, of all things - the case begins to become a personal mission for Eve. Even if it means investigating the very handsome, charistmatic, mysterious Roarke. Eve has a gut instinct that he's innocent, but she can't afford to let her personal feelings affect her work. When Roarke is cleared and unwilling to back off from their attraction, Eve puts her career and her case on the line. But the killer has made it personal for her, and Eve is determined to find justice.

The mystery of this was really good. Had I not peeked at the end (one of my many quirks about books, I have to know that ILY was said, so I accidentally saw the killer, too) I think I would have been shocked. The plotting of this book was much tighter than NR's previous romantic suspense books, and you can tell this time she did her homework about crime and criminal profiling. THat's of the things that has bothered me with past works, the perpetrator didn't seem to psychologically fit with the profile of someone who would commit those types of crimes (Carnal Innocence is a good example; I was shocked by who the killer was, but it didn't fit for me, so I was slightly unsatisfied by the resolution).

The romance is good... I wouldn't go so far as to say it was excellent. Because the mystery is the main element of the book, the chemistry betweeen Roarke and Eve is a little forced at first and not very resolved at the end. But I will most likely read the next one in the series just to continue with this relationship.

The only element that really bugged me about this book is Eve's behavior regarding sex, with regards to her past. Typically, unless a victim of repeated sexual assault by a family member has been psychologically treated, they tend to use sex as a way to validate themselves. The way I understood it, since the past creeps up on Eve so frequently and she refuses to talk about it, she hasn't received any treatment for this trauma. So her casual attitude, distinterest and disregard for sex don't seem consistent with her past. Also, usually victims of any type of sexual assault don't like to be confined, pinned down or lose use of their limbs. Roarke frequently holds her still and twice pins her down in bed. Though she reacts a little each time, nothing like what one would expect if she held real distaste of it. But, luckily, this all occurs pretty early in the book and by the end these inconsistencies seem to fall away. (less)

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May 27, 2013 Anna WickedBookAddict now PG rated rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, best-series-ever-in-death, bad-boys

My all time favorite ;*

The number of books in this series might be a no-go but don't be mistaken, it's worth all of your precious time.
Meet a badass Lieutenant Eve Dallas in a story of mysterious crimes, hypocrisy, passion, greed, love and hatred, and a futuristic, modern society.

And above it all, add New York as a background

Excellent plot with a lot of twists and turns, smart ass comments, ghosts of past and skeletons in the closet.

Ohh...and of course richer than God, a bad boy, sexy as hell...more My all time favorite ;*

The number of books in this series might be a no-go but don't be mistaken, it's worth all of your precious time.
Meet a badass Lieutenant Eve Dallas in a story of mysterious crimes, hypocrisy, passion, greed, love and hatred, and a futuristic, modern society.

And above it all, add New York as a background

Excellent plot with a lot of twists and turns, smart ass comments, ghosts of past and skeletons in the closet.

Ohh...and of course richer than God, a bad boy, sexy as hell Roarke...

"Roarke who?”
“Just Roarke"

"She had to agree that in Roarke’s case, a picture was worth a couple hundred words.

His image stared back at her from the screen. He was almost ridiculously handsome: the narrow, aesthetic face; the slash of cheekbones; and sculpted mouth. Yes, his hair was black, but the computer didn’t say it was thick and full and swept back from a strong forehead to fall inches above broad shoulders. His eyes were blue, but the word was much too simple for the intensity of color or the power in them.

Even on an image, Eve could see this was a man who hunted down what or who he wanted, bagged it, used it, and didn’t bother with frivolities such as trophies.

And yes, she thought, this was a man who could kill if and when it suited him. He would do so coolly, methodically, and without breaking a sweat."

The essential feature in the story:
What connects a cop and an ex-con?

A helluva passion and more...

“Do you think the penis ever gets tired?"

Whose?

Anybody's. I mean anybody with one. Does the penis ever just think: for God's sake pal, give it a rest? Or is it all: Woo-who!! Here we go again!” -Eve

“Roarke: "Darling, before we shift into the official mode, what do you have on under that dress?"
Eve: "A device designed to drive men wild."
Roarke: "It's working. I don't believe I've ever seen your butt move quite that way."
Eve: "It's a cop's butt now, ace, so watch it."
Roarke: "I am." He smiled, gave it a nice solid smack. "Believe me.”

That'd be my vision of Roarke

And that attitude...yes, definitely!

And that could be Eve

Have I mentioned a badass? ;P

Go, read it! ;)(less)

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Jan 21, 2011 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011

Originally posted here: http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...

I’ve heard a few decent things about this series. I knew it had a bit of a following. After all, there wouldn’t be 31 books out in this series if it weren’t doing okay. But I had no idea exactly how many people loved JD Robb’s (a.k.a. Nora Roberts) In Death books. As I was reading and leaving status updates on Goodreads and Twitter, I was getting fangirl *squee* from some and “OMG I love these books!” from others. I actually made so...more Originally posted here: http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...

I’ve heard a few decent things about this series. I knew it had a bit of a following. After all, there wouldn’t be 31 books out in this series if it weren’t doing okay. But I had no idea exactly how many people loved JD Robb’s (a.k.a. Nora Roberts) In Death books. As I was reading and leaving status updates on Goodreads and Twitter, I was getting fangirl *squee* from some and “OMG I love these books!” from others. I actually made some new GR and Twitter friends just by reading this book! They are crazy about these books…and now I know why.

Naked In Death is amazing! There really is no other word for it. The story is set in 2058, but the futuristic world that that JD has created isn’t too far out of reach or too farfetched. It was easy to read because I could still place the story and the plot lines today. There is no build up to this world. Everything is described and talked about matter of factly. As though we should all be familiar with an AutoChef or the laser guns. I thought writing the world this way was quite ingenious. Then you don’t have a choice but to get sucked right into the story and not get lost in pages upon pages of descriptive passages.

What makes this book incredible is the story, the world and of course the writing. But what does it most of all are the characters. They are unforgettable and top notch.

Eve Dallas is a detective who is very confident in what she does. Even though she has had horrific things happen to her in her past, and is therefore affected by some of the more sensitive cases she is called to, she never lets it get in the way of her job and doing what is right. But away from the job, she is still strong yet very vulnerable. She is not used to relying on anyone, or counting on anyone.

Roarke (no last name) is a very Alpha man. He’s used to getting his way without having to explain himself. When he becomes the prime suspect in the case Eve is working on, he finds himself really wanting her to believe in his innocence. This actually surprises him. He is a lot like Eve in how he is not used to relying on anyone personally. He wants Eve to know Roarke the person and to see that he could be good for her. He could be someone she can rely on. And this is something very foreign to him. If it were the 1990’s, I’m sure he would have said “wtf yo?!” To watch him soften, and to watch Eve relax to him was a pleasure to witness. Here you have two hardcore people finding each other, who just happen to be what the other really needs, even if the other is a little reluctant. It’s a sweet love story, and Eve and Roarke are adorable together. I liked the awkwardness and the uncertainly. It made their relationship that much more appealing.

You didn’t find out a whole lot about Roarke and Eve’s past…or even given much insight as to where their relationship was going exactly. You were teased about it though. Not enough to really tick you off, but just enough to have you want to keep reading the series in the hopes of finding out every last detail about these two. And already Eve and Roarke are dangerously close to ending up on my favorite character list…Yup, already. Usually, it takes me a few books before deciding on that.

The mystery thriller part of this book was great. I had no real idea who was responsible for these crimes, and then the clues that were shown but then rebutted then not…very clever. It kept you on your toes.

Naked In Death is not a light and fluffy romance. So if that’s what you’re looking for just keep on moving. It’s a real romantic suspense/futuristic mystery thriller book. Which means it’s gritty and raw – and not just the story but the emotions too. The murder case is gruesome. But the writing is impeccable and the characters truly are unforgettable. I’m still thinking about them. And I’m starting to see why people refer to this series as being addictive. There are many crazy fans of this series, and their madness is completely justifiable. I’ve only read one book and I’m already there. Now, if I can fit in one book per month, and taking into account that JD Robb writes 2 books per year, I should be caught up with this series in about…*sigh* 2014. But you know what, totally worth it.(less)

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Oct 14, 2009 Kathrynn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, romance-suspense, series-in_death_robb, romance-scifi, theme-police_officer, theme-child_abuse, theme-does_not_end, theme-hero_heartthrob, theme-serial_killer, 2009, reviewed

Futuristic--set in 2058, New York City--sci-fi/romance/thriller with a dash of a nice romance thrown in the mix.

Eve Dallas is a NY police officer tracking down a serial killer when evidence leads her to Roarke (no last name). The two are attracted to each other and I found their relationship adorable. In time, trust is established and both their pasts help develop their characters and explain their flaws. In the midst of all that is a nice suspense element as they track down a ruthless serial k...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-mystery, m-library-sj-audio-oda, genre-mystery-touch-of-romance, animal-cat-in-story, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, amazing-secondary-characters, m-library-sj-audio-ocd, series-in-death, reviewed-by-me, authors-s, all-time-favorites

Second "reading" May, 2011
★★★★★ Five whole stars! I listened to this audiobook and it is still as riveting as it was way back when. The narrator, Susan Ericksen, does an excellent job in start of this futuristic New York cop murder mystery series featuring the infamous Eve Dallas, written by Nora Roberts AKA J.D. Robb. Check your library for the downloadable format - it is well worth it.

❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿

Update: March 23, 2012
★★★★★ (This is a review of the audiobook.) So, I did th...more

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Sep 14, 2011 The Holy Terror rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of Stephanie Plum who want a tougher heroine

Recommended to The Holy Terror by: CJ - Secret Charm

Shelves: color-red, borrowed, romance, mystery, futuristic, science-fiction, surprised-i-didn-t-hate-it, 2011

Eh, what can I say that hasn't already been said in over 800 reviews? My thoughts, I suppose.

I give it 2.5 Stars - and I only rounded up because the sex scenes were hot.

Roarke is too perfect; you can tell he's created by a romance author, but he is sexy, even though he should quit his nasty smoking habit. Gross. I can understand Eve's attraction to him, but not his attraction to her. I figured out who the villain was before Eve, and I don't even read that many mysteries. The futuristic setting...more

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Apr 02, 2011 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book!!!!

Just a few quick words, since there are so many fabulous reviews on this already.

I've had this book on my shelf for almost a year. I wasn't sure about the futuristic concept, so I kept putting it off.I could kick myself for waiting so long!!

The characters...PERFECT!!! The Story...AWESOME!!!
I totally get the Roarke attraction, and let me add, that it was a refreshing change to see this alpha male that exudes such power, and dominance, actually embrace his self quest...more

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2011 Mojca rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi-futuristic-fantasy, part-of-a-series, suspense-mystery-adventure-thriller, series-in-death, nora-roberts-jd-robb, scottish-irish-celtic-hh-setting, e-book, own, taboo-reading-challenge-2011, favorites, bodyguard-military-merc-gov-cop-leo

I kept putting this series to the back of my mind, because it's long (and growing longer) and I wasn't really sure about NR writing a futuristic suspense series.

But then I read Nora Roberts's Night Tales series, and my fellow reviewers kept mentioning that 1990's Silhouette/Harlequin series being the building stone for In Death, especially in the h/H department, and I really liked the Night Tales books, so I decided it was time to give In Death a spin.

And let me say it loud and clear—I wasn't di...more I kept putting this series to the back of my mind, because it's long (and growing longer) and I wasn't really sure about NR writing a futuristic suspense series.

But then I read Nora Roberts's Night Tales series, and my fellow reviewers kept mentioning that 1990's Silhouette/Harlequin series being the building stone for In Death, especially in the h/H department, and I really liked the Night Tales books, so I decided it was time to give In Death a spin.

And let me say it loud and clear—I wasn't disappointed. Quite the opposite really.

The style was completely different from her alter ego's contemporaries—it was grittier, more "down-and-dirty", it didn't have that "flowing prose" you can spot in her later novels, the dialogs were were more 'staccatto' than 'legato'...Nothing was "smooth" and it worked perfectly, presenting a slightly different world than we live in now, complimenting the character of Eve perfectly.

Eve was great, flawed, issue-filled, but so utterly realistic that it was a real pleasure to read. Dedicated, stubborn, strong, self-reliant, but with a deep-seeded need to be loved, to be held, to be taken care of that scared her to death.
And here's where Roarke comes in. Tall, dark, handsome, brooding, sexy as hell, dangerous, "bad boy" to the core that can't help but fall for our valiant detective, even when she's still investigating his possible involvement in a triple murder. I loved the guy to bits, and that love turned into a little fan-girl obsession when he said the L-word first. What's not to adore about a guy like that? A guy that brings you fresh coffee, that keeps you in bed for hours (and not to sleep), that needs to take care of you, wants to take care of you no matter how much you struggle, that goes to the line for you...Oh, boy.

Now, having read this first book (and planning on reading all of them in the very near future), I can see the "similarities" between the characters in this book and some of the characters in the Night Tales series (the first books' heroine's last name was O'Roarke, the second book's heroine was her sister and hooked up with a guy very similar to Roarke—complete with a mansion and a bed under the skylight, the heroine in the third book was a determined cop with a dark and painful past—sound familiar?, there are not much similarities with the fourth book, but the fifth one has it all—a determined female cop, a self-made man, filthy rich, that doesn't hurt women, skirting the edge of legality, a protective father figure who's also a cop...). If the Night Tales series can be considered as warm-up, research, and drafts for In Death, I'm really in for a treat. And I cannot wait.(less)

5 likes · like · see review

May 10, 2013 Pam (E.P. Scott) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, action, romance-suspense, thriller, mystery

Naked in Death – JD Robb

FIRST: The general definition of the romance genre, as embraced by the RWA and publishers, includes only the focus on a developing romantic relationship and an optimistic ending.(now before anyone corrects me, and feel free to, I got this from somewhere on the internet, so it's gotta be right, right?)

I had to look this up because I was confused as hell… I’d read three of the In-Death series already and in no way, shape or form would I have ever thought that they fell unde...more

8 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Mo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, they say "practice makes perfect" - would love to know who THEY are. Read Nora Roberts years ago and thought it was the greatest load of shite I had ever read - an Irish themed book - I am Irish so a bit sensitive. So totally avoided her forever. Read some forums on Amazon and GRs about Roarke and Eve and thought who are they - In Death - J. D Robb aka Nora Roberts - NO THANK YOU. But then again I saw that a lot of my GR friends are fans of JD so decided to bite the bullet and jump on the...more

7 likes · like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 Vettech rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the best romantic suspense series out there. This is my favorite book in the In Death series. From the moment that Eve & Roarke meet the fireworks start. They are the ultimate hot couple. J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts)makes you laugh out loud with her humor, sit on the edge of your seat with suspense and fan yourself with her hot sexy love scenes. This is by far the best "who-done-it" series to come along in years!!

4 likes · like · see review

May 28, 2013 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bad-boy-heroes, contemporary-romance, cop-military-law-enforcement-heroes, heartbreaker-rake-and-rogue-heroe, mystery, romance, romantic-suspense, spitfire-heroines, have-in-nyc, 2013, 2013-spring-src, alpha-hero, tormented-heroines, amazing-secondary-characters

Finished it in one sitting, from 1am to 4am.... and LOVED IT!!!! I had three false starts on this book, kept on stopping after about 30 pages, but once Eve and Roarke start their "courtship", the rest of the book flew by... And Roarke? RRRRRoaaarke!!! all I can say is YUM! I am going straight to the next book!

And THANK YOU YZ THE WHYZ for recommending it to me in the "May - Pick it for me!" challenge in RRRC group!

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 07, 2010 Jasmin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aar-top-100-list, dear-reader-top-100-list, fiction, futuristic, four-stars, mystery, romantic-suspense, romance, reviewed-by-me, suspense

Thirteen years from now, on October 6, 2023, a baby boy will be born. He will grow up into a sexy, mysterious man who will someday own 28% of the world. His description: black hair, blue eyes, 6 feet, 2 inches, 173 pounds. His name will be Roarke.

In this near future, specifically 2058, when JD Robb talks of cars flying, the cars are literally flying. You could buy a more pointed nose and a different eye color. You could be anyone you ever dreamed of. There aren’t any diseases spreading about, e...more Thirteen years from now, on October 6, 2023, a baby boy will be born. He will grow up into a sexy, mysterious man who will someday own 28% of the world. His description: black hair, blue eyes, 6 feet, 2 inches, 173 pounds. His name will be Roarke.

In this near future, specifically 2058, when JD Robb talks of cars flying, the cars are literally flying. You could buy a more pointed nose and a different eye color. You could be anyone you ever dreamed of. There aren’t any diseases spreading about, except the dreaded flu virus. There are licensed companions/ prostitutes to go around. It makes me imagine Amsterdam as our future. Anyway, the humans could already travel in space and there are space stations built for pleasure and entertainment! How cool is that?

This is my second book from Nora Roberts, but first under the pseudonym, JD Robb. This is also my first futuristic romance. I found Roarke fascinating for a male, but my heart became his when he was sitting in his huge library, reading a book and petting a cat. But it became his more, when he showed his ability to hack the US government. He has a wonderful head that goes with his awesome physique.

I enjoyed the mystery. I pointed fingers on almost everyone and still I was ‘almost’ wrong in the end. I absolutely loved the romance of the book. With the futuristic aspect, I enjoyed imagining the technology, however, since the world JD Robb drew was farfetched from what we have now, I had trouble imagining the tubes of Coke, which I imagined as a tube of Colgate, just with a different label. But still, I enjoyed the story and would anyone ever doubt my love for Roarke?

For now, advance happy birthday Roarke! I’m waiting for you to be born, and the medicine that could reverse my age a bit, cause once you hit your 30’s, I would be in my 60’s, so a little age reversal wouldn’t hurt. Don’t ever let Eve Dallas ever soften her hold on you, because that is when I would get you! No way will I let my white hair and arthritis get in the way! LOL

*This review was made on the 06th of October, 2010

_____
I have to know who Roarke is since many goodreads friends hold him in very high esteem.

He sounds 100% hottie material. (less)

17 likes · like · see review

Mar 02, 2013 Photojim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, mystery, romance

****EDIT****
Funny, I read my review below after having finished #36 today - exactly three years since I finished the first. 36 books in 36 months and I still want more? go figure. Upgrading to the 4 stars deserved for being a long series. And yes, I know that when I wrote the review there were only 30 books.

**** End Edit****

All books should come with a warning. Warning - this book has a hero that is too perfect and you will be sick of him by page 100. Or maybe Warning - the future foretold in th...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 29, 2008 Rebecca rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: speculative-fiction

So, this one was recced by my friend Zanne and as a result of Fandom Wank (an internet community I belong to) -- someone linked a romance novel kerfuffle where Nora Roberts was being awesome. So I decided to check out one of the books she wrote that was not explicitly a romance.

The In Death series is a police procedural set in a future NYC. The main character, Eve, is a cop who gets the case to investigate the murder of a prostitute who also happens to be the granddaughter of an influential cons...more So, this one was recced by my friend Zanne and as a result of Fandom Wank (an internet community I belong to) -- someone linked a romance novel kerfuffle where Nora Roberts was being awesome. So I decided to check out one of the books she wrote that was not explicitly a romance.

The In Death series is a police procedural set in a future NYC. The main character, Eve, is a cop who gets the case to investigate the murder of a prostitute who also happens to be the granddaughter of an influential conservative senator. Soon, there were more murders, turning Senator's Granddaughter Gets Killed to Serial Killer Kills Prostitutes. The case was moderately interesting -- I kind of pinged the people involved within the first half of the book, and was mostly reading on to see how they did it. Decent airplane reading, but not something I'd keep around.

What tips the scale is the subplot. Eve falls for someone involved in the case -- which again, gets my hackles up. Listen, authors, if you try to create suspense by having Cop-Protagonist's Love Interest be potentially the Killer, it most likely isn't going to work on me. Because I don't think you are the type to have it turn out to be true, then make Protagonist arrest her love interest AND get into serious trouble for dating/having sex with someone involved in a current case. Maybe if it was an existing love interest, or someone would actually have the protagonist make that mistake and reap the consequences.

Add in that I think Eve's love interest is a rich and pompous jerkwad who makes the average cat win prizes for altruism in comparison. Seriously, I got nothing but negative vibes from him -- even when he moved from 'I want in her pants' to 'I really do love her', I still got the impression that his fundamental nature didn't change. Which bugged me, since Eve was changing for him (I'll take 'Healing Cock' for 100, Alex) -- it made the relationship have a bit of an uncomfortable power balance.

Yeah, I was rooting for him to be the Killer even though I knew that the author wouldn't do that to Eve. I wanted to send him through the effing wall.

Yeah, probably not conductive to continuing the series when I'm rooting for the main love interest to just leave. Unless he does, I mean.
(less)

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Nov 05, 2010 Quinn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense, aar-top-100-2007, aar-top-100-2010, i-own

After much resistance and reluctance, I finally took the plunge on the dauntingly long In Death series. I know Nora Roberts can write, and I love the books she has written in her name, so I'm not sure why I waited so long.

I suppose there's was my the reluctance to commit to an ongoing series that spans nearly 40 books and shows no sign of stopping. The futuristic setting did not appeal overmuch to me either. I am not a lover of sci-fi, particularly in novels.

And then there's Roarke. How could h...more

8 likes · like · see review

Dec 28, 2008 Lightreads rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, romance, mystery

In 2058, New York cop Eve Dallas uses advanced technology and good-old sleuthing to catch killers, deals with her history of abuse, and falls in love with businessman Roarke (yep, that’s his entire legal name, yeesh). I picked these up for the romance, and so I will talk about that instead of what I want to do, which is alternately praise and bitch out the science and future worldbuilding. There are like twenty-five books in this series, I have time.

I came in prepared to really dig these, and en...more In 2058, New York cop Eve Dallas uses advanced technology and good-old sleuthing to catch killers, deals with her history of abuse, and falls in love with businessman Roarke (yep, that’s his entire legal name, yeesh). I picked these up for the romance, and so I will talk about that instead of what I want to do, which is alternately praise and bitch out the science and future worldbuilding. There are like twenty-five books in this series, I have time.

I came in prepared to really dig these, and ended up with a tepid non-dislike. I’m tolerant of Eve and Roarke’s romance, but it has yet to hit anywhere near the watermark of really caring. I could say it’s partly the thing where Roarke is a gazillionaire, because I’ve read like two chicklittish novels in my entire life, and even I know that’s painfully wrote. That’s just a symptom, though.

Really, it has to do with intention. These are written in close third on Eve, except for the random one or two paragraph interjections where we are informed how Roarke or other characters are feeling. Feeling about Eve, mind, and it’s unerringly complimentary. Which is sloppy and unnecessary, but also just weird. Roarke falls madly, irrevocably in love with Eve within fifty pages of meeting her, and we know it. All the thrashing, then, is simply the reader watching Eve figure it out, and then deal with her admittedly horrific history and personal issues. Which, whatever, but the overall message seems to be that if you are virtuous, if you are a worthy, interesting woman, a fantastically rich and alluring man will fall in love with you with no prompting. Which, uh, no, not so much. We are supposed to admire Eve, and inevitably envy her, and I just don’t see how that’s supposed to be compelling. Do millions of women really enjoy reading these sorts of romantic fantasies where love falls from the sky and the heroin really has no choice but to deal with it (and accompanying riches) because when it’s real love it just can’t be screwed up or ignored? Apparently, but I’m just not wired that way – I keep muttering to myself about how people almost never marry out of their social class, and how is ‘love comes to the lucky and the righteous’ supposed to be comforting, anyway?

Why yes, in fact, I have a much easier time suspending my disbelief for faeries and aliens than soul-searing love from a handsome billionaire. What’s it to you?

(less)

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Jul 10, 2012 Andree rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Probably 3.5 stars, really.

It's enjoyable, and compelling, and I can see how it will make a good series. I'm intrigued about some of the minor characters (Mira and Feeney), and I like aspects of the relationship between the protagonists. But I also feel like something's missing. The pacing's off, somehow. It's too fast. I really feel it could have been better served by going a bit slower. As it is, things just feel a bit inconsistent.

I like it, I just feel like with the relationship, I'm not qui...more

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 27, 2010 Barbara M. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites

5 Stars...I LOVED it

Nora Roberts writing as J.D Robb? I've always been curious considering I'm a huge fan of her romance novels...and let me say YES, YES, YES! I was a little hesitant considering I do like a little "love" in my books; I didn't want to read just an ordinary mystery...blah, blah, blah, and I wasn't let down. "Naked in Death" is smokin' hot! Nora always takes you to where she wants you to be. Whether it's to the middle of the ocean, or in this case to the year 2058. Everything feel...more

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 03, 2008 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've only recently heard of this series, and it sounded slightly intriguing. I got this book about 4 months ago, and decided to try it out finally. It was almost even a last resort sort of book. I couldn't decide on what to read, so I just figured I would try the first chapter.

I was pleasantly surprised. By the second or third chapter, I was completely hooked. I read it in less than 2 days, and I quickly ran to get the next one at my local used book store. The characters are well written, but th...more

3 likes · like · see review

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Urban Fantasy Afi...: * Eve Dallas by J.D. Robb	9	50	Jun 15, 2013 11:06am
Anyone read all the In Death books? I need to know someothing abut Roarke	8	155	Jun 09, 2013 05:41am
In Death casting?	151	659	May 31, 2013 12:28am
I would LOVE to see this book series made into a TV series!	54	153	Apr 20, 2013 09:00pm
Vaginal Fantasy H...: * Naked in Death Discussion Thread Spoilers	236	660	Mar 07, 2013 09:47pm
Vaginal Fantasy H...: * POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR TUESDAY'S HANGOUT HERE!	61	279	Feb 27, 2013 02:42am

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About J.D. Robb

aka Nora Roberts

Eleanor Marie Robertson was born on October 10, 1950 in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. She was the youngest of the five children, also the only girl, of a marriage with Irish ancestors. Her family were avid readers, so books were always important in her life. She attended a Catholic school and credits the nuns with instilling in her a sense of discipline. During her sophomore year...more aka Nora Roberts

Eleanor Marie Robertson was born on October 10, 1950 in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. She was the youngest of the five children, also the only girl, of a marriage with Irish ancestors. Her family were avid readers, so books were always important in her life. She attended a Catholic school and credits the nuns with instilling in her a sense of discipline. During her sophomore year in high school, she transferred to a local public school, where she met Ronald Aufdem-Brinke, her future first husband.

In Augusy 17, 1968, as soon as she had graduated from High School, Eleanor married, against her parents' wishes. The marriage settled in Keedysville, Maryland. Her husband worked at his father's sheet-metal business before joining her parents in their lighting company. While, she worked briefly as a legal secretary. "I could type fast but couldn't spell, I was the worst legal secretary ever," she says now. After their sons, Dan and Jason, were born she stayed home. Calling this her "Earth Mother" years, she spent much of her time doing crafts, including ceramics and sewing her children's clothes. The marriage ended separating, and they obtained the divorce in January 1985.

In February 1979, a blizzard in forced her hand to try another creative outlet. She was snowed in with a three and six year old with no kindergarten respite in sight and a dwindling supply of chocolate. During the now famous blizzard, she pulled out a pencil and notebook and began to write down one of those stories. It was there that a career was born. Several manuscripts and rejections later, her first book, Irish Thoroughbred, was published by Silhouette in 1981 as Nora Roberts, a shortened form of her birth name Eleanor Marie Robertson, because she assumed that all authors had pen names.

Eleanor wrote under the pseudonym Jill March a story for a magazine titled "Melodies of Love".

Eleanor met her second husband, Bruce Wilder, when she hired him to build bookshelves. They were married in July 1985. Her husband owns and operates a bookstore in Boonsboro, Maryland called "Turn the Page Books". Since that time, they've expanded their home, traveled the world.

In 1992, she decided adopted other pseudonym so to publish a futuristic-suspense novels, she first decided to use the pseudonym D.J. MacGregor, but she discovered that this pseudonym was used by another author. In 1995, her first "In Death" serial novel was published under the pseudonym J.D. Robb, the initials "J.D." were taken from her sons, Jason and Dan, while "Robb" is a shortened form of Roberts.

Eleanor has also been known as Sara Hardesty, because when the "Born In" series was released in U.K. it carried that name instead of Nora Roberts. She has since changed publishers.

Eleanor has been plagiarized by another best-selling romance writer, Janet Dailey. The practice came to light after a reader read Nora Roberts' "Sweet Revenge" and Janet Dailey's "Notorious" back-to-back; she noticed several similarities and posted the comparable passages on the Internet. Calling the plagiarism "mind rape," Eleanor sued Janet Daily. In 1997, Janet, admitted to repeatedly plagiarizing from Nora Roberts' work, and that both "Aspen Gold" and "Notorious" lifted heavily from Nora Roberts's work. Both of those novels were pulled from print after Janet's admission. She acknowledged the plagiarism and blamed it on a psychological disorder. In a settlement, Janet paid Eleanor an undisclosed sum, which Eleanor donated to the Literacy Volunteers of America.

A founding member of the Romance Writers of America (R.W.A.), she was the first inductee in the organization's Hall of Fame. She also is a member of several writers groups and has won countless awards from her colleagues and the publishing industry. (less)

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Quotes from Naked in Death

“I want to see you again." He stopped, took her face in his hands. "I need to see you again."

Her pulse jumped, as if it had nothing to do with the rest of her. "Roarke, what's going on here?"

"Lieutenant." He leaned forward, touched his lips to hers. "indications are we're having a romance.” — 94 people liked it

“You--Roarke." Eyes watering, she reached for more tissue. "Jesus, Eve. Jesus Christ, you never sleep with anybody. And you're telling me you slept with Roarke?"

"That's not precisely accurate. We didn't sleep.” — 58 people liked it

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