I too got an early look at this book. This is not your average romance, but yet is definitely a romance. More it is just a really funny, farcical look...moreI too got an early look at this book. This is not your average romance, but yet is definitely a romance. More it is just a really funny, farcical look at the heroine's madcap attempts to write a romance. She has taken my craft and illuminated the hilarious. I thank her for reminding me not to get caught up too much in my own drama.
Peterman shows her great comedic talent in this work, but also that she is able to offer it all in her books. There is a wicked villainess, a not so helpful best friend, a hottie of a hero, not to mention roadblocks and pitfalls that will have you calling out "Oh no," in the middle of laughing.
Here's my one warning to potential readers. Go to the bathroom before you start reading. It will cut down on the number of trips you'll have to make later.
Judith Arnold and I connected on Twitter and I asked her about this book. I had read it many years ago. It was fun, futuristic for it's time (1991), a...moreJudith Arnold and I connected on Twitter and I asked her about this book. I had read it many years ago. It was fun, futuristic for it's time (1991), and showed a bad boy hero who was already reformed and desperately in love with a uber smart, unique heroine. It talked about news being sent electronically, wearing protection from the sun's UV rays, reality TV shows (book mentions something called "The Love Channel"), and many other "futuristic" things that have since come to pass in some manner. The author note in the beginning of the re-released version that it was a "century" novel line submission intended to project what life would be like by the year 2000. Well, she did a very good job of guessing. LOL
After years of my tastes in romances changing, partly because I'm an author myself now, this was still a really good read. It was just as enticing for me to see James Kazan playing with his "retro" slinky and trying to figure out how to seduce Lucy who he loved for her amazing brain. A reader could make the argument that Jim is a beta hero if they don't pick up that he uses his brain in very alpha hero ways to win her. Ala "Shop Around The Corner" and "You Got Mail", Jim woos Lucy with two identities. Her reactions to each are still delightfully surprising. Personally, I believe the hero in this older novel is very timely for 2012. Jim is a good example of the new geeky, sexy male and why he appeals to females.
I encourage you to ignore the cover in this list and read this book regardless. The old cover does not in any way do the story justice, as was the case with many category romances. The new cover on my ebook version shows a laptop and is much better, more fitting.
Kudos for this wonderful story Ms. Arnold. Thanks for a pleasant weekend read and a walk down memory lane that I'm glad I took.(less)
Gilbert's book is an honest look at the life of a woman who chooses being true to herself over what many would consider the "better thing" of remainin...moreGilbert's book is an honest look at the life of a woman who chooses being true to herself over what many would consider the "better thing" of remaining with a husband she doesn't love. Gilbert peels back that socially molded layer of "good woman" to show the real woman underneath who is discontent. This book spoke to me and what it said was that women are not in this world just to be lovers, wives, mothers, daughters, or any other role. Women are in this world to be adventurers, to go on spiritual quests for their souls, and to make friends with the unexpected. Certainly some women can do this through family relationships and the men they marry or love. Others have to do it differently. If this book were written by a man about a man, I think it would have been received better. Personally, I'm glad Gilbert told her story in her way. It was brave to do so and it touched some of us in very profound ways. I'm not surprised it was made into a movie because the impact of this story is powerful if you are in a place to hear what she is saying. (less)
The number of times I've re-read this book is too many to admit to without embarrassment. It always, always makes me laugh. I loved every character in...moreThe number of times I've re-read this book is too many to admit to without embarrassment. It always, always makes me laugh. I loved every character in it and all their interactions. This is Cruise at her best. Love the "whole voices whispering THIS ONE" way of showing the characters were meant for each other. As a writer myself, I looked at the book and thought the way it was written was gutsy and could be construed as full of errors, but when you read it--well, it's just magic the way those long passages have you laughing and laughing and then falling in love yourself. I would give this a higher start rating if it were possible to give more than five. If you are a Cruise fan, or just like to laugh, read THIS ONE. (less)
This is one of my all time favorite books by Jennifer Crusie. It has great pacing, great characters, and a great romance that sneaks up on the two lea...moreThis is one of my all time favorite books by Jennifer Crusie. It has great pacing, great characters, and a great romance that sneaks up on the two leads. What works for me is the humor. I loved Kate's dating problems. I loved the perfect man list. I loved that Kate was forced to interact with a younger more fun woman and a woman who was everything Kate imagined herself to be but wasn't. Jake was definitely a reluctant hero, but he was a great one. I really liked the man, faults and all. He was great and believable. I wish Cruise's new work could capture some of this same sense of fun. I am huge fan.(less)
I beta read early versions, but the finished one was great for a series starter. Both my long term relationships were with military men. This book was...moreI beta read early versions, but the finished one was great for a series starter. Both my long term relationships were with military men. This book was like a peak at the dark side of serving our country. I couldn't get through it without crying, but the end was worth the struggle.
I'm a huge Madden fan and looking forward to the rest of the series. Currently, I'm waiting for John's. Hurry, please. I loved the sample chapter and the "sex on wheels" description.
I'm going to love these books. I can tell already.(less)
Urban fantasy was a new genre to me when I found H.P. Mallory. This series is not my favorite of her set, but it is interesting and well-written. At t...moreUrban fantasy was a new genre to me when I found H.P. Mallory. This series is not my favorite of her set, but it is interesting and well-written. At the price point she is selling, this is well worth the money and is an enjoyable read. The same is true for both books in this series. She does a good job building characters you want to spend time with and get to know more.(less)
Urban fantasy was a new genre to me when I found H.P. Mallory. This series is not my favorite of her set, but it is interesting and well-written. At t...moreUrban fantasy was a new genre to me when I found H.P. Mallory. This series is not my favorite of her set, but it is interesting and well-written. At the price point she is selling, this is well worth the money and is an enjoyable read. The same is true for both books in this series. She does a good job building characters you want to spend time with and get to know more.(less)
This was last of the green dragon books, so I'm ready to move on to the silver dragons now. I loved this series. It was so fun. And hot in many ways--...moreThis was last of the green dragon books, so I'm ready to move on to the silver dragons now. I loved this series. It was so fun. And hot in many ways--LOL. I would have been disappointed if the author hadn't handled the fire-breathing thing so well. Love dragons. Now I love the author, too. I'm really looking forward to reading more books by her. (less)
I don't read many historical romances, but there are good reasons this one is receiving so many rave reviews. It is well written and the characters ar...moreI don't read many historical romances, but there are good reasons this one is receiving so many rave reviews. It is well written and the characters are engaging. There is really not a moment where you aren't wishing and hoping they work things out. If you are a reader of literature, and not sure you will like a "romance", you can safely take a chance on this book because you will enjoy the exploration in this novel of what it means to be a "beauty" or a "beast". You will get a tremendous amount of pleasure from the small cost of this novel. If you are a historical romance reader, this is a must-read. (less)
I downloaded the first book just as a way to read something in a genre that was new to me, but ended up falling in love with the story and the charact...moreI downloaded the first book just as a way to read something in a genre that was new to me, but ended up falling in love with the story and the characters. You can't help but admire Mallory's fairy cop. These novels are addictive and lots of fun. I'm hooked and will be definitely be buying future releases. Thanks for a very enjoyable read, H.P.Mallory! Please don't break my heart in future releases. You know Knight is the one for her. LOL. (less)
I downloaded the first book just as a way to read something in a genre that was new to me, but ended up falling in love with the story and the charact...moreI downloaded the first book just as a way to read something in a genre that was new to me, but ended up falling in love with the story and the characters. You can't help but admire Mallory's fairy cop. These novels are addictive and lots of fun. I'm hooked and will be definitely be buying future releases. Thanks for a very enjoyable read, H.P.Mallory!(less)
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