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More Than Men #4
Cinderman
He'd Been so Elusive
Suzanna Molloy was trailing top-secret Dr. Daniel Crompton - a man reputed to be as hot as his experiments with chemical fusion. But even Suzanna didn't expect their meeting to be so explosive!
He was so Dangerous
A suspect lab accident gave Daniel fantastical powers - and threw Suzanna right into his arms. Now she was on the run with a man whose fiery gaze could reduce objects - and her resistance - to cinders.
He'd Become More Than a Man...
With his newfound power of invisibility, Daniel kept catching - and kissing - Suzanna unawares. She'd found her fantasy man, but the only way to keep him was to keep him alive!
248 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
52 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Anne Stuart
204 books2,062 followersAnne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 27, 2011
Nice characters, great story with the right touch of scientific stuff to satisfy the geek in me, and there you have it: another winner by Ms. Stuart! I really like her oldies and I'm more than happy to having found this one.
May 26, 2015
I reread this out of the Anne Stuart's Out-of-Print Gems, which I've been working my way through for many months (almost a year, actually). I think this is definitely a gem. I mean, who doesn't like the idea of a superhero romance? I'm a comic book geek, and Dr. Daniel Crompton could be right out of the comic book school of superhero origin stories. A lab accident grants him some crazy abilities that he has to learn to master. Add in a love interest with whom he shares an adversarial relationship and crazy chemistry, and that romance story actually writes itself.
One of the many things I loved about this is that both Daniel and Suzanna are highly intelligent. Suzanna has a PhD in physics, although she doesn't lord it over. Instead, she uses her snark and her sarcastic t-shirts as her offensive and defensive weapons. Daniel is one of those genius guys that rightfully you will find slightly obnoxious because he's not a people person, and he doesn't even try to be a friendly person. He actually starts this book as a jerk, but their experiences melt that icy shell around him and his heart. and all along, even if he wasn't a nice guy, he had good morals (for the most part). And he doesn't take crap from people. Personally, I really like a cold hero who melts for the heroine. In real life, I've met some smart guys who were pretty annoying. I've never met a super-duper hot smart guy who was annoying. I'd actually look forward to that.
I like that Stuart doesn't try to explain his powers. All we know is that he got doused in goo created by a lab explosion. It's vague enough that I can go with it. I liked the description of his abilities and how he learns to control them. It makes for a fun story. I like all the subtle references to his heat and how it seems to attract Suzanna, who seems to always be cold. Even though that is a factor of his abilities, you know it's also a metaphor of their attraction to each other.
But the best thing about this book was the chemistry between Daniel and Suzanna. The kind of chemistry you don't have to go to college to appreciate. Although they start out as mental adversaries, their journey to happy ever after makes sense and is believable. Stuart knows how to write chemistry. The love scenes are great, sexy and emotional, even though this is a category romance, so it doesn't get descriptive. I don't care what anyone says, Anne Stuart is a master writer, and this little gem of a category romance proves it.
Daniel's got the allure that makes a woman want to dive in, once he stops freezing Suzanna out with this facade of arrogance. It feels organic to see Suzanna's perception change of him as she gets to know him. And it's apparent that Daniel was probably mean and freezing Suzanna out because he never was indifferent to her in the first place. To think he remembers what shirt she was wearing when they first met at a press conference. Aww, how sweet!
If I could make a list of Anne Stuart books I would love to see as movies, this would be near the top of my list. It would be just plain fun and it's really an awesome romance story.
I'm really glad I got to reread this! I hope it gets rereleased again, even though I have a print copy already. :)
One of the many things I loved about this is that both Daniel and Suzanna are highly intelligent. Suzanna has a PhD in physics, although she doesn't lord it over. Instead, she uses her snark and her sarcastic t-shirts as her offensive and defensive weapons. Daniel is one of those genius guys that rightfully you will find slightly obnoxious because he's not a people person, and he doesn't even try to be a friendly person. He actually starts this book as a jerk, but their experiences melt that icy shell around him and his heart. and all along, even if he wasn't a nice guy, he had good morals (for the most part). And he doesn't take crap from people. Personally, I really like a cold hero who melts for the heroine. In real life, I've met some smart guys who were pretty annoying. I've never met a super-duper hot smart guy who was annoying. I'd actually look forward to that.
I like that Stuart doesn't try to explain his powers. All we know is that he got doused in goo created by a lab explosion. It's vague enough that I can go with it. I liked the description of his abilities and how he learns to control them. It makes for a fun story. I like all the subtle references to his heat and how it seems to attract Suzanna, who seems to always be cold. Even though that is a factor of his abilities, you know it's also a metaphor of their attraction to each other.
But the best thing about this book was the chemistry between Daniel and Suzanna. The kind of chemistry you don't have to go to college to appreciate. Although they start out as mental adversaries, their journey to happy ever after makes sense and is believable. Stuart knows how to write chemistry. The love scenes are great, sexy and emotional, even though this is a category romance, so it doesn't get descriptive. I don't care what anyone says, Anne Stuart is a master writer, and this little gem of a category romance proves it.
Daniel's got the allure that makes a woman want to dive in, once he stops freezing Suzanna out with this facade of arrogance. It feels organic to see Suzanna's perception change of him as she gets to know him. And it's apparent that Daniel was probably mean and freezing Suzanna out because he never was indifferent to her in the first place. To think he remembers what shirt she was wearing when they first met at a press conference. Aww, how sweet!
If I could make a list of Anne Stuart books I would love to see as movies, this would be near the top of my list. It would be just plain fun and it's really an awesome romance story.
I'm really glad I got to reread this! I hope it gets rereleased again, even though I have a print copy already. :)
started-but-not-in-the-mood
October 17, 2018This one not holding my attention. Have I found an Anne Stuart book that I don't like? I've never been a fan of The Invisible Man and it has taken me 2 months to get to 28%. Don't know if it is a total DNF yet.
July 7, 2020
Dr. Daniel Crompton, genius extraordinaire and "America's Secret Weapon" was working on something top-secret...not the cold-fusion his superiors thought he was working on. And Suzanna Molloy, investigative reporter, was determined to find out what he was doing. She sneaks into his lab but he catches her, and before he can toss her out on her ear, a lab explosion knocks both of them down and covering them with a strange green slime. It's clear to Daniel that this was an attempt on his life for what he was working on and after Suzanna locate him once again and tells him of the threat his superior made to her, he's certain they need to stick together. Of course, he's now discovered that the lab explosion had consequences that have given him some extraordinary powers and he wants to keep Suzanna close to learn how it might have affected her...and because, for some inexplicable reason, he wants her in his bed, quite desperately. The two hie off to his mountain cabin discovering more effects from the explosion, studying what happened to them, exploring their very mutual attraction and preparing for the inevitable showdown with Daniel's backers.
This was quite the enjoyable story. Suzanna is a kick-ass heroine with some backbone and I loved her. She repeatedly puts Daniel in his place when it's necessary, although he isn't really an asshole so much as he's insensitive to others needs. He uses his strength against her once and she seriously puts him down for it (and he feels terrible for it). Even his struggle to deal with "love" is handled as she yells at him to just drop it that she never asked him to love her anyway and she's quite sure he's not even capable of it. I just loved that she didn't turn into goo for him. And that he eventually came to realize that he was simply in denial. Both Suzanna and Daniel were very smart and made a good partnership together as they faced their enemies - their chemistry and compatibility worked well here. The suspense angle of this story is also pretty good, but not exactly a mystery in any way. You know who the bad guys are and you know what they want...you're just waiting for them to show up. Because you know they will. And so do Daniel and Suzanna. The ending where Daniel finally rids himself of his powers was a bit confusing because I'm not sure how he did it...or how he survived it. And then in the epilogue...it was definitely cute and left you with a shocking moment...but when you think about it, was that really a good idea? Anyway - will be looking for more of Anne Stuart's early stuff. I'd read a novella of hers once and wasn't impressed so this is my first re-exploration and I was impressed. I'll be looking into more now.
This was quite the enjoyable story. Suzanna is a kick-ass heroine with some backbone and I loved her. She repeatedly puts Daniel in his place when it's necessary, although he isn't really an asshole so much as he's insensitive to others needs. He uses his strength against her once and she seriously puts him down for it (and he feels terrible for it). Even his struggle to deal with "love" is handled as she yells at him to just drop it that she never asked him to love her anyway and she's quite sure he's not even capable of it. I just loved that she didn't turn into goo for him. And that he eventually came to realize that he was simply in denial. Both Suzanna and Daniel were very smart and made a good partnership together as they faced their enemies - their chemistry and compatibility worked well here. The suspense angle of this story is also pretty good, but not exactly a mystery in any way. You know who the bad guys are and you know what they want...you're just waiting for them to show up. Because you know they will. And so do Daniel and Suzanna. The ending where Daniel finally rids himself of his powers was a bit confusing because I'm not sure how he did it...or how he survived it. And then in the epilogue...it was definitely cute and left you with a shocking moment...but when you think about it, was that really a good idea? Anyway - will be looking for more of Anne Stuart's early stuff. I'd read a novella of hers once and wasn't impressed so this is my first re-exploration and I was impressed. I'll be looking into more now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2015
Generally pretty funny. A snarky-romantic take on superheroes, and it fits in with my memories of the pop culture approach to the topic at the time it was written. The heroine seems to have been reinvisioned between the beginning and end of the story: from an heiress who never blushes despite her pale complexion to a working stiff who blushes because of her pale complexion. It's not a long story and I know it had an editor, so that was very ???
The interactions between the h/h were engaging, though the hero engages in decidedly alphahole behavior at times. (But this is Anne Stuart, so that shouldn't be a surprise.)
The interactions between the h/h were engaging, though the hero engages in decidedly alphahole behavior at times. (But this is Anne Stuart, so that shouldn't be a surprise.)
January 24, 2022
Objectively, was this a good book? Absolutely not. If I was rating this on that alone, I'd give it 1 star.
However, was it weirdly enjoyable and entertaining? Yes, especially if you can accept from the get-go that inconsistencies will abound, nothing will really make a lot of sense, and it will be nothing but campy and cringe-worthy dialogue.
However, was it weirdly enjoyable and entertaining? Yes, especially if you can accept from the get-go that inconsistencies will abound, nothing will really make a lot of sense, and it will be nothing but campy and cringe-worthy dialogue.
July 16, 2023
Like the invisible man movie but with hints of firestarter? I like that she got an ability as well. Gave this a 3 stars as it was a fine free (Scribd) listen but still wish there was more angst and love from them. And as always, I can never get enough steam. But them being on the run was a fun angsty twist. Maybe it would’ve been better if it was a duet or longer.
September 28, 2010
Not recommended. Characters were not interesting.
I was angry at stupid things Suzanna did. Plot and action were not interesting. I tried to read faster than normal to get it over with. The only thing I enjoyed were the sayings on the t-shirts Suzanna wore. Sexual content: moderate.
I was angry at stupid things Suzanna did. Plot and action were not interesting. I tried to read faster than normal to get it over with. The only thing I enjoyed were the sayings on the t-shirts Suzanna wore. Sexual content: moderate.
January 7, 2018
I side-eyed Cinderman at first, ‘super heroes’ not being my thing in print. Jolly glad I didn’t let that personal aversion stand in my way, because not once was my credulity tested. Frankly, I became so immersed in the story, and the characters themselves, I BELIEVED!
November 11, 2025
Years Ago = 3 stars / good
2025 = Read & skimmed to write a review.
💞 A Harlequin PNR Romantic Suspense 💞
🔥 Book Cover on Amazon:
A decent read, but too wordy and filled with the MCs' lengthy thoughts, which kept it from being truly exciting. The romance happens quickly. Strong physical attraction and lust turns to love in a matter of days. There's plenty of bickering, some push/pull, and tenderness in the end (my favorite part 🤗).
😬 The h is 5'9" tall, weighs 137 pounds, and thinks she needs to lose ten pounds. This is typical for A.S.
😬 She begs the H to not kill the bad guys, who are trying to kill them. Thankfully, they get their just desserts. 🪦
📕 SUMMARY & SPOILERS: 📕
Dr. Daniel Crompton (34) is a genius scientist, working on a super secret discovery that will change the world.
Suzanna Molloy (27) is a feisty newspaper reporter with a Ph.D. in physics. Both her parents are dead, but her college best friend shared her "Uncle Vinnie," with her, a top-level mobster who watches over her.
Suzanna's snooping for a story, gets her into Daniel's lab just in time for an explosion involving green goo, which might be sabotage or an attempt to kill him. Both of them get covered in the goo, but Daniel, who shields her by lying on top of her, is affected more.
Like in many superhero stories, they soon gain superpowers. Daniel's powers are the strongest—he turns invisible four hours a day, has super strength, better senses, and can burn things to cinder just by twitching his nose. Hence his "Cinderman" nickname and the book title. It turns out, he's also nearly invincible. Suzanna’s powers are less; she gets perfect 20/20 vision and can occasionally read minds.
The bad guys want Daniel’s secret soldier serum (🤣) to rule the world, and are willing to kill for it. The story could've been good, but too much thinking and annoying bickering slowed it way down. They apparently saw each other months before the story started, and developed a special connection from that one brief moment. 🙄 Lust blossoms into love in two days, even though they barely know each other.
While on the run, they visit Daniel's lovely cabin on the cliffs and make love. Unfortunately, I found the scenes rather dull, low in heat and easy to skim. Near the end, a bad guy catches up and is killed in a dramatic explosion that nearly costs Daniel his life. Luckily, he’s indestructible. They return to the lab building for a quick final showdown. Daniel then plans to burn it down with himself inside to destroy his secrets. Suzanna is held back by Uncle Vinnie as Daniel goes off, and the building burns, breaking her heart.
To no surprise, Daniel survives the explosion, but he’s now normal—no powers and no memory of his work. It ends happily with them saying “I love you” and planning their future.
In the epilogue, the MCs are blissfully married, and living in a new & improved secluded house on the cliffs. They have twin five-year-olds who are both geniuses, and a baby on the way. Daniel continues to experiment with the green goo from his old lab, while Suzanna writes science fiction novels.
2025 = Read & skimmed to write a review.
💞 A Harlequin PNR Romantic Suspense 💞
🔥 Book Cover on Amazon:
A decent read, but too wordy and filled with the MCs' lengthy thoughts, which kept it from being truly exciting. The romance happens quickly. Strong physical attraction and lust turns to love in a matter of days. There's plenty of bickering, some push/pull, and tenderness in the end (my favorite part 🤗).
😬 The h is 5'9" tall, weighs 137 pounds, and thinks she needs to lose ten pounds. This is typical for A.S.
😬 She begs the H to not kill the bad guys, who are trying to kill them. Thankfully, they get their just desserts. 🪦
📕 SUMMARY & SPOILERS: 📕
Dr. Daniel Crompton (34) is a genius scientist, working on a super secret discovery that will change the world.
Suzanna Molloy (27) is a feisty newspaper reporter with a Ph.D. in physics. Both her parents are dead, but her college best friend shared her "Uncle Vinnie," with her, a top-level mobster who watches over her.
Suzanna's snooping for a story, gets her into Daniel's lab just in time for an explosion involving green goo, which might be sabotage or an attempt to kill him. Both of them get covered in the goo, but Daniel, who shields her by lying on top of her, is affected more.
Like in many superhero stories, they soon gain superpowers. Daniel's powers are the strongest—he turns invisible four hours a day, has super strength, better senses, and can burn things to cinder just by twitching his nose. Hence his "Cinderman" nickname and the book title. It turns out, he's also nearly invincible. Suzanna’s powers are less; she gets perfect 20/20 vision and can occasionally read minds.
The bad guys want Daniel’s secret soldier serum (🤣) to rule the world, and are willing to kill for it. The story could've been good, but too much thinking and annoying bickering slowed it way down. They apparently saw each other months before the story started, and developed a special connection from that one brief moment. 🙄 Lust blossoms into love in two days, even though they barely know each other.
While on the run, they visit Daniel's lovely cabin on the cliffs and make love. Unfortunately, I found the scenes rather dull, low in heat and easy to skim. Near the end, a bad guy catches up and is killed in a dramatic explosion that nearly costs Daniel his life. Luckily, he’s indestructible. They return to the lab building for a quick final showdown. Daniel then plans to burn it down with himself inside to destroy his secrets. Suzanna is held back by Uncle Vinnie as Daniel goes off, and the building burns, breaking her heart.
To no surprise, Daniel survives the explosion, but he’s now normal—no powers and no memory of his work. It ends happily with them saying “I love you” and planning their future.
In the epilogue, the MCs are blissfully married, and living in a new & improved secluded house on the cliffs. They have twin five-year-olds who are both geniuses, and a baby on the way. Daniel continues to experiment with the green goo from his old lab, while Suzanna writes science fiction novels.
February 7, 2008
I never cease to be amazed at what Stuart can come up with...
HE'D BEEN SO ELUSIVE
Suzanna Molloy was trailing top-secret Dr. Daniel Crompton-a man reputed to be as hot as his experiments with chemical fusion. But even Suzanna didn't expect their meeting to be so explosive!
HE WAS SO DANGEROUS
A suspect lab accident gave Daniel fantastical powers-and threw Suzanna right into his arms. Now she was on the run with a man whose fiery gaze could reduce objects--and her resistance--to cinders.
HE'D BECOME MORE THAN A MAN…
With his newfound power of invisibility, Daniel kept catching--and kissing--Suzanna unawares. She'd found her fantasy man, but the only way to keep him was to keep him alive!
In this story her hero not only becomes invisible due to an explosion on his lab but he also manages to reduce cars to ashes just by looking at them. Anyone would think this to be a highly unbelievable story but the truth is that Stuart writes it so well I never thought about that.
Both the main characters are interesting people with several layers to them, Daniel looked just like your ordinary scientist but when Suzanna reaches his house she discovers that there is more to him than that (any male fictional character who has a huge library that includes Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer is a man worth knowing IMO). Suzanna was just trying to make some investigation journalism when she is caught up in the lab's explosion and soon they discover it was no accident but an attempt on Daniel's life, independent and determined it will take her some time to believe in Daniel. But soon they have to join forces and go on the run from the baddies at the same time as trying to discover what isreally happening in the lab.
The book is read in one sitting, it has a great sense of adventure and fun with Suzanna and Daniel sparring all the way while trying to discover the conspiracy behind the attempts on their lives. Somehow I could even imagine this has one of those old movies with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy on the lead roles.
Grade: A-
HE'D BEEN SO ELUSIVE
Suzanna Molloy was trailing top-secret Dr. Daniel Crompton-a man reputed to be as hot as his experiments with chemical fusion. But even Suzanna didn't expect their meeting to be so explosive!
HE WAS SO DANGEROUS
A suspect lab accident gave Daniel fantastical powers-and threw Suzanna right into his arms. Now she was on the run with a man whose fiery gaze could reduce objects--and her resistance--to cinders.
HE'D BECOME MORE THAN A MAN…
With his newfound power of invisibility, Daniel kept catching--and kissing--Suzanna unawares. She'd found her fantasy man, but the only way to keep him was to keep him alive!
In this story her hero not only becomes invisible due to an explosion on his lab but he also manages to reduce cars to ashes just by looking at them. Anyone would think this to be a highly unbelievable story but the truth is that Stuart writes it so well I never thought about that.
Both the main characters are interesting people with several layers to them, Daniel looked just like your ordinary scientist but when Suzanna reaches his house she discovers that there is more to him than that (any male fictional character who has a huge library that includes Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer is a man worth knowing IMO). Suzanna was just trying to make some investigation journalism when she is caught up in the lab's explosion and soon they discover it was no accident but an attempt on Daniel's life, independent and determined it will take her some time to believe in Daniel. But soon they have to join forces and go on the run from the baddies at the same time as trying to discover what isreally happening in the lab.
The book is read in one sitting, it has a great sense of adventure and fun with Suzanna and Daniel sparring all the way while trying to discover the conspiracy behind the attempts on their lives. Somehow I could even imagine this has one of those old movies with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy on the lead roles.
Grade: A-
February 16, 2015
I'm reviewing Cinderman by Anne Stuart for Wendy the Super Librarian's TBR challenge for 2015. February's challenge was a "recommended read" and I read a few books that fit the bill, but this was by far my favorite, so it seemed like a natural choice.
I loved this book, but with the caveat that I had a long personal relationship with the book before I read it. I read a review on All About Romance in the dark ages of the Internet before Kindle and it stuck out as something I might want to read, but it was out of print. When Anne Stuart announced she was epublishing some of her out of print category romances, I happily snapped it up.
I don't know if I'm the only who remembers the silly 80s action comedy, Super Fuzz, but it was one of my favorites growing up and this brought back happy nostalgic feeling. With the added benefit of sexual tension. :-)
The hero (nerdy scientist) and heroine (feisty reporter) hate each other and yet are somewhat attracted to each other on first sight. They are involved in an accident in a top secret lab. Now have to run from the bad guys and figure out the hero's new super powers. If you're already cringing, run away. There is nothing dark or realistic here. It felt like almost pure bubblegum and I loved it.
It had Anne Stuart 's trademark alpha hero, but I don't feel like he ever went to full Jerk territory. Plus, he was smart with sense of humor I enjoyed. The heroine was also a smart aleck, so I felt they fit together well. Throw in some decent action scenes, good love scenes, and a gorgeous house in the woods and you hit all my sweet spots. This was lighthearted, quirky Anne Stuart, not dark, angsty Anne Stuart (which I also enjoy at times). Her books don't always work for me, but this one really, really did. I felt like it did what it promised, hence the 5 star review.
I loved this book, but with the caveat that I had a long personal relationship with the book before I read it. I read a review on All About Romance in the dark ages of the Internet before Kindle and it stuck out as something I might want to read, but it was out of print. When Anne Stuart announced she was epublishing some of her out of print category romances, I happily snapped it up.
I don't know if I'm the only who remembers the silly 80s action comedy, Super Fuzz, but it was one of my favorites growing up and this brought back happy nostalgic feeling. With the added benefit of sexual tension. :-)
The hero (nerdy scientist) and heroine (feisty reporter) hate each other and yet are somewhat attracted to each other on first sight. They are involved in an accident in a top secret lab. Now have to run from the bad guys and figure out the hero's new super powers. If you're already cringing, run away. There is nothing dark or realistic here. It felt like almost pure bubblegum and I loved it.
It had Anne Stuart 's trademark alpha hero, but I don't feel like he ever went to full Jerk territory. Plus, he was smart with sense of humor I enjoyed. The heroine was also a smart aleck, so I felt they fit together well. Throw in some decent action scenes, good love scenes, and a gorgeous house in the woods and you hit all my sweet spots. This was lighthearted, quirky Anne Stuart, not dark, angsty Anne Stuart (which I also enjoy at times). Her books don't always work for me, but this one really, really did. I felt like it did what it promised, hence the 5 star review.
April 22, 2013
Featured in 'Anne Stuart's Out of Print Gems'.
April 21, 2019
Suzanna Molloy, an investigative journalist, breaks into Beebe Control Systems International to prove a hunch she has regarding the sort of experimentation that is being undertaken by the mega corporation. These are desperate times for a reporter like Suzanna, who has become persona non grata owing to her impertinence in asking too many probing questions about their corporate structure, for which she was being refused interviews. But a reporter like Suzanna is never deterred, which is how she finds herself on that fateful night, breaking into the laboratory of none other than Dr. Daniel Crompton himself.
Daniel is all about science and minimal distractions. Daniel likes living in his own mind, far too intelligent to be taken for a fool, deeming it a waste of his time to get into the politics of the organisation itself. However, when he finds Suzanna inside his lab, just minutes before everything literally blows up, Daniel has little inkling of how both their lives are going to change, so very drastically.
With Daniel and Suzanna on the run for their lives, Daniel harboring a secret which does not stay that way for too long, it is an interesting journey the two takes, where Daniel takes Suzanna to her dream home, nestled in the mountains, far away from prying eyes. Bit by bit, Suzanna discovers that she had been wrong about the man behind the scientist that is Dr. Crompton.
Daniel has never gone for intelligent women. He used to believe that he had no use for that in a woman. But in Suzanna he finds intelligence striking, his libido undergoing a drastic change, perhaps under the influence of the chemicals that had been absorbed into his body – or so he thinks. When Daniel finally gives in, and Suzanna understands that there is no going back, that was beautiful in itself, and the epilogue making me laugh out loud with sheer enjoyment.
I loved both Dr. Crompton and Suzanna. I love heroes or heroines for that matter, whose intelligence levels makes them different from most, and that is what I found most intriguing about Daniel. Daniel with his beautifully built home that seduced Suzanna. Daniel with his classic good looks that made him irresistible to Suzanna. Daniel with his ferocious need for all that is Suzanna that ultimately won her over.
In Suzanna, I found Daniel’s match in every way. A woman who could keep up with the way his brain works, a woman who would understand his wandering mind, a partner who would give him her all, in return for all the love he would shower upon her.
Recommended!
Final Verdict: Send me a “pirate” like Dr. Crompton any day, everyday! Loved!
Rating = 4/5
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Daniel is all about science and minimal distractions. Daniel likes living in his own mind, far too intelligent to be taken for a fool, deeming it a waste of his time to get into the politics of the organisation itself. However, when he finds Suzanna inside his lab, just minutes before everything literally blows up, Daniel has little inkling of how both their lives are going to change, so very drastically.
With Daniel and Suzanna on the run for their lives, Daniel harboring a secret which does not stay that way for too long, it is an interesting journey the two takes, where Daniel takes Suzanna to her dream home, nestled in the mountains, far away from prying eyes. Bit by bit, Suzanna discovers that she had been wrong about the man behind the scientist that is Dr. Crompton.
Daniel has never gone for intelligent women. He used to believe that he had no use for that in a woman. But in Suzanna he finds intelligence striking, his libido undergoing a drastic change, perhaps under the influence of the chemicals that had been absorbed into his body – or so he thinks. When Daniel finally gives in, and Suzanna understands that there is no going back, that was beautiful in itself, and the epilogue making me laugh out loud with sheer enjoyment.
I loved both Dr. Crompton and Suzanna. I love heroes or heroines for that matter, whose intelligence levels makes them different from most, and that is what I found most intriguing about Daniel. Daniel with his beautifully built home that seduced Suzanna. Daniel with his classic good looks that made him irresistible to Suzanna. Daniel with his ferocious need for all that is Suzanna that ultimately won her over.
In Suzanna, I found Daniel’s match in every way. A woman who could keep up with the way his brain works, a woman who would understand his wandering mind, a partner who would give him her all, in return for all the love he would shower upon her.
Recommended!
Final Verdict: Send me a “pirate” like Dr. Crompton any day, everyday! Loved!
Rating = 4/5
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August 4, 2017
This book had so much potential, but took too long to spark.
I picked this up for 99 cents because I wanted some mid 90s Anne Stuart crazysauce. It only semi delivered.
The hero is the typical unfeeling super genius, only with an unpleasant side of misogyny included. Naturally he's smokin' hot. The heroine was a bit more fun - a sassy science reporter with a penchant for rudely fun t-shirts. Of course even though they fight like cats and dogs (the banter dialogue was fun) they can't resist each other.
The story took a long time to get going, despite starting with a bang (literally). Once they were on the run, things improved.
There was a major issue with a seemingly haphazard attempt to modernise the book. They mention "motivational tapes" and "satellite radio" in the same paragraph. Cell phones are only mentioned once (as a car phone) and the heroine specifically says, oh they can't track that. Um, wrong. There's a random Taylor Swift shoutout. The internet is mentioned only once. He uses a CD-ROM as a storage device (LOL). They refer to the "first Gulf War". And the hero's parents are in their late 80s, but he's in his mid thirties - the math doesn't work out on that one.
I wish they had just left it in its full mid 90s glory.
I picked this up for 99 cents because I wanted some mid 90s Anne Stuart crazysauce. It only semi delivered.
The hero is the typical unfeeling super genius, only with an unpleasant side of misogyny included. Naturally he's smokin' hot. The heroine was a bit more fun - a sassy science reporter with a penchant for rudely fun t-shirts. Of course even though they fight like cats and dogs (the banter dialogue was fun) they can't resist each other.
The story took a long time to get going, despite starting with a bang (literally). Once they were on the run, things improved.
There was a major issue with a seemingly haphazard attempt to modernise the book. They mention "motivational tapes" and "satellite radio" in the same paragraph. Cell phones are only mentioned once (as a car phone) and the heroine specifically says, oh they can't track that. Um, wrong. There's a random Taylor Swift shoutout. The internet is mentioned only once. He uses a CD-ROM as a storage device (LOL). They refer to the "first Gulf War". And the hero's parents are in their late 80s, but he's in his mid thirties - the math doesn't work out on that one.
I wish they had just left it in its full mid 90s glory.
December 16, 2021
(Daniel & Suzanna): Ok. I can dig it. Mystery, intrigue and some hot loving. Daniel is a scientist working on something secretive. (That can't be good). His employers are anxious to see what he's come up with. Suzanna is a reporter who has broken into the facility and is sneaking around Daniel's lab. After he catches her, there's an explosion and a spill. Then all hell breaks loose. The suspense of the book was really good. Some of the scientific knowledge got a little overwhelming at times and just boring at others for me. Science is not my jam unless it involves dissecting something. Daniel and Suzanna are a mess together, they're like oil and water and argue constantly but it's funny to see them try to ignore their actual feelings. They're running for their lives so tension is high. They have to find out what happened and why and most importantly, who's responsible. It was actual pretty good.
March 29, 2021
A delightful book that reads like an old romantic black and white movie starring Carey Grant as
Dr. Daniel Crompton the brilliant scientist who becomes Cinderman due to a lab accident and his reluctant romantic interest Suzanna played by Doris Day.
Two people who are complete opposites are thrown together because of a accident that changes their DNA and gives them special powers. They don't like each other, at first, but must stay together to survive. The bantering between this couple is funny. The characters are great and the storyline is delightful. I loved the book.
Dr. Daniel Crompton the brilliant scientist who becomes Cinderman due to a lab accident and his reluctant romantic interest Suzanna played by Doris Day.
Two people who are complete opposites are thrown together because of a accident that changes their DNA and gives them special powers. They don't like each other, at first, but must stay together to survive. The bantering between this couple is funny. The characters are great and the storyline is delightful. I loved the book.
March 26, 2021
This was a bit of a rough read for me as I really did not care for either character. The H was a complete jerk who only cared about himself and the h is willing to break the law to get a story.
I kept waiting for the story to zero in on a conclusion but it was convoluted and I found myself not caring how it turned out or who the bad guys were.
The writing is good as is the flow of the story which is why I gave it 3 Stars.
I kept waiting for the story to zero in on a conclusion but it was convoluted and I found myself not caring how it turned out or who the bad guys were.
The writing is good as is the flow of the story which is why I gave it 3 Stars.
March 9, 2022
Interesting superhero story mixed with lots of romance. Even though it would have been better if the author didn't have to make the girl stupid so that she can be obviously predictable or too sentimental. I want to think women can do better than that and that a better and more interesting story could have been done with a stronger female lead.
November 9, 2022
Shady corporation with a brilliant H and driven h on the run? Count me in. This super-hero story was wildly entertaining, and had me on the edge of my seat through to the very end. Wish there was more spice though.
CW: None
September 18, 2021
Even for science fiction, there were some far-fetched parts where things weren’t necessarily totally explained. However, despite that, it was a fun read - fast-paced, smart characters, believable connection. I find Stuart’s books can range wildly for me, and this one was a favorite for sure.
June 8, 2024
"Cinderman" is the story of Suzanna and Daniel.
A fun little story of the hero (a mad scientist) and the heroine (a reporter), who after a lab accident find themselves with superpowers and running for their life.
Enjoyed in parts
Safe
3/5
A fun little story of the hero (a mad scientist) and the heroine (a reporter), who after a lab accident find themselves with superpowers and running for their life.
Enjoyed in parts
Safe
3/5
May 18, 2017
1.5 stars
January 12, 2021
1.5 stars. Weird book.
April 5, 2021
I was surprised by this book. I was kept enthralled from beginning right to the last page.
May 22, 2021
Interesting premise. The execution is a bit rocky. The hero is a bit of a jerk most of the time and it makes it hard to see why she falls for him.
February 12, 2022
Did enjoy this book
February 13, 2022
I really liked this book even though I didn’t expect to. Very romantic with mystery and science fiction thrown in. I liked both lead characters.
February 26, 2022
completely cheese romance novel that tried at scifi and I dont know why but I loved it.
December 14, 2022
Good read
I'm not a fan of "who done it" but this was good. Not one on my re-read list but entertaining.
I'm not a fan of "who done it" but this was good. Not one on my re-read list but entertaining.
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