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Au coeur du danger
Doux Repos portait bien son nom. Nichée dans un coin perdu de Sainte-Anne, baignée par la mer des Caraibes, cette vaste demeure coloniale servait de refuge à des privilégiés, qui pouvaient y soigner leurs blessures -physiques ou morales- dans les meilleures conditions. C'est là qu'après avoir connu l'enfer, Frances avait élu domicile. Le responsable ? Patrick Dugan, cet homme avec qui elle avait cru connaître une merveilleuse passion... pour se rendre compte que celui-ci n'était qu'un redoutable terroriste, qui l'avait utilisée sans scrupule. Leur histoire s'était terminée dans une explosion de violence et de sang, laissant Frances anéantie. Et alors qu'elle s'efforçait de retrouver le goût de vivre, dans le cadre enchanteur de Sainte-Anne, la jeune femme se vit un jour confrontée à Michael Dowd. Un homme qui avait joué un rôle dans son passé....
149 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1992
About the author
Anne Stuart
205 books2,070 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 41 reviews
March 21, 2025
3.75 Stars!!
Francey is a wealthy young woman who opens her heart and is ready to turn it over with a tidy bow to her Irish boyfriend who, unbeknownst to her is a terrorist who has no qualms about harming the innocent to carry out his plans and has every intention of using Francey, he intention is get his hands on her wealth to further his groups agenda. By the time she realizes his true identity, lives are lost and she barely escapes the carnage. In reality, she’s not intact at all, at least not mentally or emotionally and decides to recover at Belle Reste a recovery villa in the Caribbean owned by her cousin. She goes there to recuperate and move past the emotional trauma she had suffered. Taking care of her cousin’s villa and the wounded people who come to Belle Reste to recuperate, Francey is just happy to be in mindless limbo.
Then Michael Dowd, a British schoolteacher arrives at the villa to recover from a horrible car accident…….In reality Michael works for the British Government and was badly wounded while stopping an assassination attempt on the Queen of England her boyfriend planned and attempted to carry out. Michael’s main agenda is to get close to Francey and find out exactly what her involvement was or how much she does or doesn’t know about the terrorist group her boyfriend belonged to. Being attracted to Francey was never a part of his plan, but he won’t think twice about killing her if she’s involved.
As Michael tries to get closer Francey, their lives are threatened, and now Michael must keep Francey safe. Now You See Him has an interesting storyline and, Anne Stuart keeps the suspense, danger, and bad guy’s coming!! I found the storyline a bit lagging at times but nonetheless it was a good read. Not as great as some of her others but still worth reading if you’re a fan Anne Stuart’s Anti-Hero’s.
Francey is a wealthy young woman who opens her heart and is ready to turn it over with a tidy bow to her Irish boyfriend who, unbeknownst to her is a terrorist who has no qualms about harming the innocent to carry out his plans and has every intention of using Francey, he intention is get his hands on her wealth to further his groups agenda. By the time she realizes his true identity, lives are lost and she barely escapes the carnage. In reality, she’s not intact at all, at least not mentally or emotionally and decides to recover at Belle Reste a recovery villa in the Caribbean owned by her cousin. She goes there to recuperate and move past the emotional trauma she had suffered. Taking care of her cousin’s villa and the wounded people who come to Belle Reste to recuperate, Francey is just happy to be in mindless limbo.
Then Michael Dowd, a British schoolteacher arrives at the villa to recover from a horrible car accident…….In reality Michael works for the British Government and was badly wounded while stopping an assassination attempt on the Queen of England her boyfriend planned and attempted to carry out. Michael’s main agenda is to get close to Francey and find out exactly what her involvement was or how much she does or doesn’t know about the terrorist group her boyfriend belonged to. Being attracted to Francey was never a part of his plan, but he won’t think twice about killing her if she’s involved.
As Michael tries to get closer Francey, their lives are threatened, and now Michael must keep Francey safe. Now You See Him has an interesting storyline and, Anne Stuart keeps the suspense, danger, and bad guy’s coming!! I found the storyline a bit lagging at times but nonetheless it was a good read. Not as great as some of her others but still worth reading if you’re a fan Anne Stuart’s Anti-Hero’s.
June 29, 2011
Now You See Him.. is a pretty dark book. It starts of with the heroine Francey planning a romantic interlude and ends in her finding out that she nothing but a pawn for IRA terrorists.
A few months later she is recuperating and in the doll-drums, beating herself up over how she could be so foolish. She is staying at her cousin Daniel's place, where he keep sending people to recover. Her newest guest is a English professor Michael, in reality he's an agent, sent to find out if she was innocent or guilty.
The first time she meets him there is an attempt on their life and at that moment Francey realizes she wants live.
Michael or "Cougar" is someone who has gone into the trenches and is not very trusty. He even thinks that he may kill her. He also finds out that Francey is very perceptive and doesn't really believe everything he says.
There is another attempt and they go to an island. Now, I have to say all of this reminded me of the Tom Cruise film Knight and Day. The way Tom kills everyone on the plane and Cameron has no idea, that is what happens on the island and then how Tom keeps drugging her, well Michael does something like that to make her faint and poor Francey doesn't know. They almost get intimate but Michael is stuck by his conscience and they part ways.
Francey who goes back to her life, puts her heart in raising funding and dreams of Michael, when he calls her and tells her to forget him she can't and goes to England and finds the real Michael. Does she give up or suspect something? No, she goes blindly searching and ends up in a prison in Spain, molested, humiliated and almost raped before Michael comes to the rescue. At that moment I was like come on, why are you chasing after this guy?And then she is totally fine, if it were someone else they would have spent years in therapy but she is totally fine.
Michael for all his faults kind of adores Francey, I think, he almost killed his boss for her when he finds out what he did. Rescues her ASAP and the berates her cousin of how unthoughtful he is about Francey. He tried to get her away from him since he can't provide the best life for her but ends up seducing her when she is drugged. Not very heroic I must say.
Then of course the IRA comes calling and they have this love, hate relationship. One moment Francey hates him, the next she has her tongue down his throat. I don't think they had the healthiest relationship on the planet, but well these two nut-cases maybe suit each other.
Like I said the book was dark and not that conventional, reminded me of the first Ice book I read and hated by her but this one wasn't that psychotic.
A few months later she is recuperating and in the doll-drums, beating herself up over how she could be so foolish. She is staying at her cousin Daniel's place, where he keep sending people to recover. Her newest guest is a English professor Michael, in reality he's an agent, sent to find out if she was innocent or guilty.
The first time she meets him there is an attempt on their life and at that moment Francey realizes she wants live.
Michael or "Cougar" is someone who has gone into the trenches and is not very trusty. He even thinks that he may kill her. He also finds out that Francey is very perceptive and doesn't really believe everything he says.
There is another attempt and they go to an island. Now, I have to say all of this reminded me of the Tom Cruise film Knight and Day. The way Tom kills everyone on the plane and Cameron has no idea, that is what happens on the island and then how Tom keeps drugging her, well Michael does something like that to make her faint and poor Francey doesn't know. They almost get intimate but Michael is stuck by his conscience and they part ways.
Francey who goes back to her life, puts her heart in raising funding and dreams of Michael, when he calls her and tells her to forget him she can't and goes to England and finds the real Michael. Does she give up or suspect something? No, she goes blindly searching and ends up in a prison in Spain, molested, humiliated and almost raped before Michael comes to the rescue. At that moment I was like come on, why are you chasing after this guy?And then she is totally fine, if it were someone else they would have spent years in therapy but she is totally fine.
Michael for all his faults kind of adores Francey, I think, he almost killed his boss for her when he finds out what he did. Rescues her ASAP and the berates her cousin of how unthoughtful he is about Francey. He tried to get her away from him since he can't provide the best life for her but ends up seducing her when she is drugged. Not very heroic I must say.
Then of course the IRA comes calling and they have this love, hate relationship. One moment Francey hates him, the next she has her tongue down his throat. I don't think they had the healthiest relationship on the planet, but well these two nut-cases maybe suit each other.
Like I said the book was dark and not that conventional, reminded me of the first Ice book I read and hated by her but this one wasn't that psychotic.
March 25, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In a tale as old as time, Francey fell in love with the wrong guy, the majorly wrong guy. Turns out Patrick, her sweet talking Irishman is a strong IRA supporter and heavily involved with a dangerous terrorist group called the Cadre. When Caitlin, who turns out not to be Patrick's sister but lover, shows up accusing Francey of outing Patrick's mission to assassinate the Queen, Francey is thrown for a dangerous loop. After barely escaping Caitlin's dangerous clutches, Francey heads out to an island retreat owned by her cousin to rest and recoup. When a man named Michael shows up to heal from a car accident, Francey is wary and yet drawn to him. Michael is a James Bond for Britain and on the mission to find out if Francey is as innocent as she says she is of Cadre and its terrorist acts. Michael's keeping secrets while trying to discover if Francey has any and working to keep them alive as terrorists, spies, and traitors weave their tangled web around them.
Now You See Him was originally published in 1992 and with the focus on the IRA, it shows it's age a bit. In the beginning, it was hard to get back into the mindset of the politics of the times and led to a slower start for the book. However, once Francey and Michael meet at the island, Anne Stuart's writing and style of action, dark humor, and headbutting tension between leads swept me away. Francey is a heroine from the '90s but a forward one, she has gumption but it's fainter than what is typically found in today's leading women. She's a soft but determined character that was quicker thinking and wonderfully stayed away from any TSTL moments. As with any Stuart hero, Michael has his harsher moments but he is oh so delicious in his big, bad, dangerous, and utterly capable moments, too. The man gets the job done and each time he falls a little bit more for Francey through her quick verbal retorts, vulnerability, strength, and calmness, you'll fall a little bit more for this couple.
The action side controls the pace and direction of the story and while at times it takes over, our couple are strong enough together to remain the central focus. There is a lot happening, the terrorist Cadre, Michael wearing down on his job, uncovering traitors, a vengeful relative of Francey, and our leads fighting to stay alive and falling in love. It may all seem like too much but Stuart keeps it all together and keeps it wildly engaging. In the calmer moments when the focus is on Francey and Michael, there are some truly heartbreaking scenes. Michael is there for Francey, sometimes behind the scenes but always working to keep her safe and never quite managing to keep himself away from her. When Francey is rescued from a jail, Michael holds her while she is in a drug induced state and Francey wakes up thinking it was all a dream; they have their moments of being star-crossed lovers.
It's no secret that I love Stuart's darker toned humor and heroes, both are in full wonderful effect here. There are many twists, turns, and revealed secrets that I won't mention because they deserve to be a surprise when you read the story, just know, if you're looking for a tangled weave spy thriller with romance, then you need to grab a copy of this reissue.
In a tale as old as time, Francey fell in love with the wrong guy, the majorly wrong guy. Turns out Patrick, her sweet talking Irishman is a strong IRA supporter and heavily involved with a dangerous terrorist group called the Cadre. When Caitlin, who turns out not to be Patrick's sister but lover, shows up accusing Francey of outing Patrick's mission to assassinate the Queen, Francey is thrown for a dangerous loop. After barely escaping Caitlin's dangerous clutches, Francey heads out to an island retreat owned by her cousin to rest and recoup. When a man named Michael shows up to heal from a car accident, Francey is wary and yet drawn to him. Michael is a James Bond for Britain and on the mission to find out if Francey is as innocent as she says she is of Cadre and its terrorist acts. Michael's keeping secrets while trying to discover if Francey has any and working to keep them alive as terrorists, spies, and traitors weave their tangled web around them.
Now You See Him was originally published in 1992 and with the focus on the IRA, it shows it's age a bit. In the beginning, it was hard to get back into the mindset of the politics of the times and led to a slower start for the book. However, once Francey and Michael meet at the island, Anne Stuart's writing and style of action, dark humor, and headbutting tension between leads swept me away. Francey is a heroine from the '90s but a forward one, she has gumption but it's fainter than what is typically found in today's leading women. She's a soft but determined character that was quicker thinking and wonderfully stayed away from any TSTL moments. As with any Stuart hero, Michael has his harsher moments but he is oh so delicious in his big, bad, dangerous, and utterly capable moments, too. The man gets the job done and each time he falls a little bit more for Francey through her quick verbal retorts, vulnerability, strength, and calmness, you'll fall a little bit more for this couple.
The action side controls the pace and direction of the story and while at times it takes over, our couple are strong enough together to remain the central focus. There is a lot happening, the terrorist Cadre, Michael wearing down on his job, uncovering traitors, a vengeful relative of Francey, and our leads fighting to stay alive and falling in love. It may all seem like too much but Stuart keeps it all together and keeps it wildly engaging. In the calmer moments when the focus is on Francey and Michael, there are some truly heartbreaking scenes. Michael is there for Francey, sometimes behind the scenes but always working to keep her safe and never quite managing to keep himself away from her. When Francey is rescued from a jail, Michael holds her while she is in a drug induced state and Francey wakes up thinking it was all a dream; they have their moments of being star-crossed lovers.
It's no secret that I love Stuart's darker toned humor and heroes, both are in full wonderful effect here. There are many twists, turns, and revealed secrets that I won't mention because they deserve to be a surprise when you read the story, just know, if you're looking for a tangled weave spy thriller with romance, then you need to grab a copy of this reissue.
March 28, 2021
"Now You See Him..." is the story of Francey and Michael.
Heroine's ex boyfriend turns out to be an assassinating terrorist, and she is involved in a blood -shedding riot. Mentally traumatized, she decides to take a vacation in her cousin's remote island, where she gets to babysit injured visitors.
Enter recuperating hero. Ofcourse, he is recovering from an injury but his main agenda is to vet the heroine for her involvement in the crimes of her ex. Thus begins a game of catfish, where everyone in the heroine's life lies and blindsides her. Her life is continually put in danger, she is almost raped, almost murdered (many times), her first sexual experience with the hero is when she is drugged and he tries to convince her that it didn't happen (guess what that is called dbag), kidnapped, harassed, shot at etc etc- while the hero continually deceives her and leaves her at every turn. Everyone else in her life also lies to her, but she is so desperate for love she keeps going back to them, especially to our blackguard hero.
Was it good? I mean the mystery kept me hooked. But if you can ignore the red flags of a obviously deceitful, kinda rapey hero you might like it. Also TW as the heroine goes through a LOT of trauma.
SWE
2.5/5
Heroine's ex boyfriend turns out to be an assassinating terrorist, and she is involved in a blood -shedding riot. Mentally traumatized, she decides to take a vacation in her cousin's remote island, where she gets to babysit injured visitors.
Enter recuperating hero. Ofcourse, he is recovering from an injury but his main agenda is to vet the heroine for her involvement in the crimes of her ex. Thus begins a game of catfish, where everyone in the heroine's life lies and blindsides her. Her life is continually put in danger, she is almost raped, almost murdered (many times), her first sexual experience with the hero is when she is drugged and he tries to convince her that it didn't happen (guess what that is called dbag), kidnapped, harassed, shot at etc etc- while the hero continually deceives her and leaves her at every turn. Everyone else in her life also lies to her, but she is so desperate for love she keeps going back to them, especially to our blackguard hero.
Was it good? I mean the mystery kept me hooked. But if you can ignore the red flags of a obviously deceitful, kinda rapey hero you might like it. Also TW as the heroine goes through a LOT of trauma.
SWE
2.5/5
June 29, 2011
Its being quite some time since I immersed myself in the magic that Anne Stuart alone can create with her ruthlessly determined and controlled heroes. Now You See Him is one of her much earlier books and a Harlequin romance at that but nevertheless still managed to pack a wealth of emotion into the 200+ pages of the story.
Now You See Him kicks off in quite an unusual way with the heroine Frances Neeley waiting for her to-be lover Patrick Dugan to come home after attending some demonstration in his cause for freedom for Ireland. However, the night does not end amidst a bed of roses but rather in a severe bloodbath as Patrick turns out to be a murderer, a liar and a terrorist for whom Francey had just been a means to an end.
Francey retires to the tiny island of St. Anne's in the Carribbean to lick her wounds in private and to let the sun, sea and the beach work its magic on her raw, open wounds. When her cousin Daniel Traverse who owns the villa Belle Reste in which Francey is recuperating sends along seemingly harmless Michael Dowde recovering from a near fatal auto accident, Francey almost lets her guard down in thinking that no harm would come to her from Michael even when her instincts scream at her otherwise.
Michael's mission while he gets back his strength is a simple one. Find out whether Francey is as innocent as she claims to be or eliminate her if else. But what he doesn't count on is for someone as unremarkable as Francey with her brown hair, brown eyes and heart shaped face to get under his skin right from the initial onset.
When danger comes calling from the terrorist cell which Michael has been trying to hunt down for so long, he does the only thing that the 37 years of his life of living on the edge has taught him; protect Francey with everything he is even though he knows that the threat on his heart from the woman he is on the run with is a very likely possibility. For the first time in his life, Michael who weaves a web of deceit so great to protect Francesa and his cover finds himself itching to possess the purity that is Francesa, make her his and starts thinking foolish thoughts of a shared future which he has no right thinking.
Francesa doesn't fare any better when she is drawn towards the enigmatic Michael with his erotic looking hands, who fires up her desires unlike anything she has ever experienced. Though her heart warns her to stay away from a man whom she knows is not telling her the truth, Francesa knows she would lay down her very life for this man with the many facets, who turns up at the most unexpected moments and who haunts her every waking thought and dreams when he is not around.
Now You See Him though a short novel doesn't pull any punches nor takes any short cut in the adventure or the romance aspect of the story. Michael who goes by so many names is a man with a dangerous past, who knows that Francesa would be far better off without him in the picture. However, he is as much a slave to the desire that unfolds between these two polar opposites, the strength of the growing feelings pulling them together regardless of danger or the consequences.
Michael is a hero who made my heart go aflutter, who made my senses go alive and who made me yearn and crave for his happily ever after. And I loved Francesa because she identified with the real man behind all the facades to find Michael a man worthy of her trust and affections. Though many a reader may not like Michael as a hero and the story that unfolded, for me, Now You See Him is just the perfect sort of read to indulge and immerse myself in to escape reality.
Recommended for fans of Anne Stuart's ICE series and for those who like their heroes a bit ruthless with an edge.
Memorable Quotes
Her tan had faded, she'd lost weight, and the bruises marked her body in the dim light. Stripping off his own clothes, he lay down next to her, drawing her unresisting body into his arms. "I don't even know what they did to you," he whispered against her skin, kissing the bruise on her shoulder. "I can see the marks where they hurt you, but I don't know how badly. I don't know if you're ready for this." He looked down at her, pushing her hair out of her face. "I only know I can't wait…"
And then it wasn't slow at all. It was fast and hard and furious, the bed pounding beneath them, her hands clawing at his back, her mouth full of anguished entreaties, and he wanted to give her more, more, give her everything she asked, everything she didn't ask. He wanted to give her his life, his soul, to pour everything into her and exist only in that moment.
Rating=4.5/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
Now You See Him kicks off in quite an unusual way with the heroine Frances Neeley waiting for her to-be lover Patrick Dugan to come home after attending some demonstration in his cause for freedom for Ireland. However, the night does not end amidst a bed of roses but rather in a severe bloodbath as Patrick turns out to be a murderer, a liar and a terrorist for whom Francey had just been a means to an end.
Francey retires to the tiny island of St. Anne's in the Carribbean to lick her wounds in private and to let the sun, sea and the beach work its magic on her raw, open wounds. When her cousin Daniel Traverse who owns the villa Belle Reste in which Francey is recuperating sends along seemingly harmless Michael Dowde recovering from a near fatal auto accident, Francey almost lets her guard down in thinking that no harm would come to her from Michael even when her instincts scream at her otherwise.
Michael's mission while he gets back his strength is a simple one. Find out whether Francey is as innocent as she claims to be or eliminate her if else. But what he doesn't count on is for someone as unremarkable as Francey with her brown hair, brown eyes and heart shaped face to get under his skin right from the initial onset.
When danger comes calling from the terrorist cell which Michael has been trying to hunt down for so long, he does the only thing that the 37 years of his life of living on the edge has taught him; protect Francey with everything he is even though he knows that the threat on his heart from the woman he is on the run with is a very likely possibility. For the first time in his life, Michael who weaves a web of deceit so great to protect Francesa and his cover finds himself itching to possess the purity that is Francesa, make her his and starts thinking foolish thoughts of a shared future which he has no right thinking.
Francesa doesn't fare any better when she is drawn towards the enigmatic Michael with his erotic looking hands, who fires up her desires unlike anything she has ever experienced. Though her heart warns her to stay away from a man whom she knows is not telling her the truth, Francesa knows she would lay down her very life for this man with the many facets, who turns up at the most unexpected moments and who haunts her every waking thought and dreams when he is not around.
Now You See Him though a short novel doesn't pull any punches nor takes any short cut in the adventure or the romance aspect of the story. Michael who goes by so many names is a man with a dangerous past, who knows that Francesa would be far better off without him in the picture. However, he is as much a slave to the desire that unfolds between these two polar opposites, the strength of the growing feelings pulling them together regardless of danger or the consequences.
Michael is a hero who made my heart go aflutter, who made my senses go alive and who made me yearn and crave for his happily ever after. And I loved Francesa because she identified with the real man behind all the facades to find Michael a man worthy of her trust and affections. Though many a reader may not like Michael as a hero and the story that unfolded, for me, Now You See Him is just the perfect sort of read to indulge and immerse myself in to escape reality.
Recommended for fans of Anne Stuart's ICE series and for those who like their heroes a bit ruthless with an edge.
Memorable Quotes
Her tan had faded, she'd lost weight, and the bruises marked her body in the dim light. Stripping off his own clothes, he lay down next to her, drawing her unresisting body into his arms. "I don't even know what they did to you," he whispered against her skin, kissing the bruise on her shoulder. "I can see the marks where they hurt you, but I don't know how badly. I don't know if you're ready for this." He looked down at her, pushing her hair out of her face. "I only know I can't wait…"
And then it wasn't slow at all. It was fast and hard and furious, the bed pounding beneath them, her hands clawing at his back, her mouth full of anguished entreaties, and he wanted to give her more, more, give her everything she asked, everything she didn't ask. He wanted to give her his life, his soul, to pour everything into her and exist only in that moment.
Rating=4.5/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
June 4, 2015
4 stars!
Now You See Him by Anne Stuart is finally being re-released digitally after a long hiatus. Originally published in April of 1992 under Silhouette’s Intimate Moments line, this book certainly does NOT show it’s age. Anne Stuart’s books are timeless and this book is no exception.
The versatility that Anne Stuart shows in her writing is astounding, and yet certain things seem to remain the same. Stuart’s heroes are simply in a league all by themselves. You will not meet any other heroes that come close to their lethal nature and yet vulnerability when it comes to the women who finally engage their dormant hearts. They are true gamma-heroes, and no one writes them like Anne Stuart.
Now You See Him reads like a James Bond movie. There is espionage, terror groups, secret agents, and a host of beaurocratic characters with nebulous intent. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, as there were multiple killings and murder attempts in the opening pages of the book.
Our heroine is very loveable (and more importantly likeable). She trusted the wrong man and inadvertently gets caught up in a radical groups attempt to assassinate the Queen of England. She narrowly escapes with her life and goes to a private and secluded Caribbean island to lick her wounds and heal. It is there that she meets the mysterious Michael Dowd. He claims to be a wounded schoolteacher, but is he??
The relationship between Michael and Francey develops as quickly and feverishly as the pace and content of this book. Nothing is as it seems as Michael and Francey find themselves in the line of fire and being targeted for elimination.
Michael is not who he claims to be, and it becomes clear early on that he is not a schoolteacher, but is in actuality a man with no identity. He is a ruthless killer; a special agent who has long since sold his soul. Ultimately, he has been hired to find out what Francey’s level of involvement is with the terror organization.
I read this book in one sitting, which is pretty typical when I read anything written by this masterful author. There is something about watching a world-weary man find the possibility of hope and peace within the arms of his lady that speaks to the very core of my romantic notions. Anne Stuart does this well, and does it consistently.
If you are a fan of intense romantic suspense and love James Bond-type heroes, this is THE. BOOK. FOR. YOU. If not, I would still recommend finding another of Anne Stuart’s books to read. She is an author whose work should be classified under required reading.
Now You See Him by Anne Stuart is finally being re-released digitally after a long hiatus. Originally published in April of 1992 under Silhouette’s Intimate Moments line, this book certainly does NOT show it’s age. Anne Stuart’s books are timeless and this book is no exception.
The versatility that Anne Stuart shows in her writing is astounding, and yet certain things seem to remain the same. Stuart’s heroes are simply in a league all by themselves. You will not meet any other heroes that come close to their lethal nature and yet vulnerability when it comes to the women who finally engage their dormant hearts. They are true gamma-heroes, and no one writes them like Anne Stuart.
Now You See Him reads like a James Bond movie. There is espionage, terror groups, secret agents, and a host of beaurocratic characters with nebulous intent. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, as there were multiple killings and murder attempts in the opening pages of the book.
Our heroine is very loveable (and more importantly likeable). She trusted the wrong man and inadvertently gets caught up in a radical groups attempt to assassinate the Queen of England. She narrowly escapes with her life and goes to a private and secluded Caribbean island to lick her wounds and heal. It is there that she meets the mysterious Michael Dowd. He claims to be a wounded schoolteacher, but is he??
The relationship between Michael and Francey develops as quickly and feverishly as the pace and content of this book. Nothing is as it seems as Michael and Francey find themselves in the line of fire and being targeted for elimination.
Michael is not who he claims to be, and it becomes clear early on that he is not a schoolteacher, but is in actuality a man with no identity. He is a ruthless killer; a special agent who has long since sold his soul. Ultimately, he has been hired to find out what Francey’s level of involvement is with the terror organization.
I read this book in one sitting, which is pretty typical when I read anything written by this masterful author. There is something about watching a world-weary man find the possibility of hope and peace within the arms of his lady that speaks to the very core of my romantic notions. Anne Stuart does this well, and does it consistently.
If you are a fan of intense romantic suspense and love James Bond-type heroes, this is THE. BOOK. FOR. YOU. If not, I would still recommend finding another of Anne Stuart’s books to read. She is an author whose work should be classified under required reading.
August 10, 2019
3.5
And sometimes she hits the right note for me.
Pity for all the terrible mistakes about the different European countries, a little bit of a search could have improved dramatically the world building.
And sometimes she hits the right note for me.
Pity for all the terrible mistakes about the different European countries, a little bit of a search could have improved dramatically the world building.
October 17, 2017
This is my 1st book by AS. Its an older one that picked out because the story intrigued me. I really enjoyed reading it. The H was hard to warm up to but eventually I dead. I liked the plot as well.
December 19, 2008
Several weeks ago Francey Neeley was all set to finally accept Patrick Dugan as her lover. With her loft all staged and ready for seduction and her bathtub filled with scented water, she was just putting on the finishing touches when Patrick's sister, Caitlin Dugan, came barging into her apartment, ranting about Patrick having been betrayed. It seems ol Patrick wasn't quite the good guy he made himself out to be and was in fact, a stone cold, fanatical killer, set to assassinate the Queen of England. Caitlin forces Francey to join up with them to see if she can't be used to rescue Patrick but the two women get there too late. He has already sprayed the crowds with a hail of bullets and Francey barely gets away. Right before she faints, she sees Patrick shoot someone who was trying to stop him just moments before that mysterious man shot and killed him. After weeks of protesting her innocence to the various agencies suspicious of her, Francey hides herself away at her cousins healing resort of Belle Reste in the Caribbean. It's taken awhile but she's almost feeling better when her cousin sends a wounded man to her for care. Michael Dowd was in a car accident and is in need of some relaxing R&R. If it's strange that the still discernible trauma to his body looks suspiciously like bullet wounds, she chooses not to dwell on it.
This British schoolteacher might look and act affable and charming but something about him made her nervous. It could be the fact that a few months ago she trusted the wrong man and almost ended up abused and dead. Or it could be the flashes of deadly intent and searing coldness she can sense in his eyes. Right away, murder attempts threaten her new found peace and Michael's close proximity finishes off the rest of her hard won calm. Despite his best efforts to appear easy going, Francey isn't really fooled and when she finds out about him her sense of betrayal doesn't outweigh her hopes of saving the man her heart is crying out for. She can sense how lost the mysterious Michael Dowd is and instinctively knows that just one more death on his conscience will tip the tenuous balance of his soul and she might lose him forever. So she fights for him and won't take no for an answer. While she follows him, danger and intrigue is following her and forces are converging against them hoping to tear these two lovers apart.
Now You See Him is an extremely fast paced and thrilling story by Anne Stuart. Michael Dowd comes across as an utterly ruthless and enigmatic wild card. His mission is to find out how much Francey knows about the fanatical Cadre organization and whether or not she merits his killing expertise. He's here to seduce her and betray her but something about her causes him to falter. She's gotten through his well rehearsed act and he knows that makes her dangerous. Francey is a wounded and uncertain young woman. She doesn't trust her own instincts any more but her instincts were obviously working just fine because they told her Michael was not what he seemed.
Obsession reigns in this story. Nearly everyone has a hidden agenda and poor Francey is left behind to stumble her way through the myriad of lies and deceit going on around her. That she was able to keep her sanity despite everything that befalls her is a testament to the strength of her character and the strength Anne Stuart was able to pour into her. That she made it through everything in a believable manner is just proof of what a good authoress Anne Stuart is because in another author's hands this story wouldn't have flown, much less soared. This was a gripping and extremely engaging read. It reads like an early Ian Fleming spy novel and Michael Dowd is an earlier version of a more rough and deadly James Bond. This was a perfect blend of romance, gripping suspense and action as well as enough scintillating sensuality to make this a highly recommended read. Michael Dowd is definitely not your average hero, he is in fact reserved only for the brave who are able to see past his icy reserve and cold ruthless brilliance. Enjoy!
This British schoolteacher might look and act affable and charming but something about him made her nervous. It could be the fact that a few months ago she trusted the wrong man and almost ended up abused and dead. Or it could be the flashes of deadly intent and searing coldness she can sense in his eyes. Right away, murder attempts threaten her new found peace and Michael's close proximity finishes off the rest of her hard won calm. Despite his best efforts to appear easy going, Francey isn't really fooled and when she finds out about him her sense of betrayal doesn't outweigh her hopes of saving the man her heart is crying out for. She can sense how lost the mysterious Michael Dowd is and instinctively knows that just one more death on his conscience will tip the tenuous balance of his soul and she might lose him forever. So she fights for him and won't take no for an answer. While she follows him, danger and intrigue is following her and forces are converging against them hoping to tear these two lovers apart.
Now You See Him is an extremely fast paced and thrilling story by Anne Stuart. Michael Dowd comes across as an utterly ruthless and enigmatic wild card. His mission is to find out how much Francey knows about the fanatical Cadre organization and whether or not she merits his killing expertise. He's here to seduce her and betray her but something about her causes him to falter. She's gotten through his well rehearsed act and he knows that makes her dangerous. Francey is a wounded and uncertain young woman. She doesn't trust her own instincts any more but her instincts were obviously working just fine because they told her Michael was not what he seemed.
Obsession reigns in this story. Nearly everyone has a hidden agenda and poor Francey is left behind to stumble her way through the myriad of lies and deceit going on around her. That she was able to keep her sanity despite everything that befalls her is a testament to the strength of her character and the strength Anne Stuart was able to pour into her. That she made it through everything in a believable manner is just proof of what a good authoress Anne Stuart is because in another author's hands this story wouldn't have flown, much less soared. This was a gripping and extremely engaging read. It reads like an early Ian Fleming spy novel and Michael Dowd is an earlier version of a more rough and deadly James Bond. This was a perfect blend of romance, gripping suspense and action as well as enough scintillating sensuality to make this a highly recommended read. Michael Dowd is definitely not your average hero, he is in fact reserved only for the brave who are able to see past his icy reserve and cold ruthless brilliance. Enjoy!
December 27, 2009
Ahhh how I do love Anne Stuart novels *contented sigh*
One of her older stories, this book had all the delicious angst and subterfuge that I've come to adore from Anne Stuart. It was, however, a lot more.... hopeful I guess you could say, than her more recent novels. In her more recent works, you're really not certain if our main male character is a villain or a hero until the end. In fact, in Ritual Sins (the last Anne Stuart book I read), I really couldn't even see how she could possibly finagle a HEA into the story line.
Michael, the hero of Now You See Him, is much more in touch with his feelings (but not in a smushy, metrosexual way or anything -- he's still all alpha male!). He knows exactly when he's fallen in love with Francey, and even though he won't allow himself to be with her, he's honest with himself, and even with her (as much as he can be). Every time he walks out of her life, I just wanted to shake him because it was just so bloody obvious he was never going to get over her.
But, that's part of the fun of Anne Stuart -- lots of teeth gnashing and rending of clothing due to overwhelming angst ;)
A solid five stars.
One of her older stories, this book had all the delicious angst and subterfuge that I've come to adore from Anne Stuart. It was, however, a lot more.... hopeful I guess you could say, than her more recent novels. In her more recent works, you're really not certain if our main male character is a villain or a hero until the end. In fact, in Ritual Sins (the last Anne Stuart book I read), I really couldn't even see how she could possibly finagle a HEA into the story line.
Michael, the hero of Now You See Him, is much more in touch with his feelings (but not in a smushy, metrosexual way or anything -- he's still all alpha male!). He knows exactly when he's fallen in love with Francey, and even though he won't allow himself to be with her, he's honest with himself, and even with her (as much as he can be). Every time he walks out of her life, I just wanted to shake him because it was just so bloody obvious he was never going to get over her.
But, that's part of the fun of Anne Stuart -- lots of teeth gnashing and rending of clothing due to overwhelming angst ;)
A solid five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2015
2.5 stars.
While this wasn't quite as bad as I expected, I wouldn't call it good. It was a little too action-movie for my tastes, what with the covert organizations and severed brake lines and rich cousins. But Anne Stuart writes well, and it seemed like she put a little more thought into this book than some of her later works. It wasn't just dashed off, like I thought it would be.
THE HERO.
Why do heroes always have to be so damn good at everything? Everything from "exceptionally good hearing" (being able to hear someone breathe in the next room) to being able to detect your own internal bleeding. I liked him all right, though. Michael was actually quite mushy, when you got down to it. But of course, he was also an ass (less so than some of Stuart's other heros, however). He did have sex with the heroine while she was drugged up, after all. To be fair, he did consider making the "supreme sacrifice": pulling out. Also he thinks plain white underwear indicates shyness, or doing a job. ????
THE HEROINE.
Well, sheesh, that's dramatic. And not true, obviously. The first thing Francey notices about Michael is his "erotic hands." That's usually the first thing I notice about a guy.
The most important thing about Francey is her innocence.
It didn't reach her emotionally or orgasmically? Hmm ... She's chaste and pure and sweet and all that. Just the kind of woman to reform a cynical guy. She does get snippy from time to time, but she transforms to motherly in a heartbeat.
Oh, and Francey's stupid as hell, even though Michael goes on and on about how observant she is. Why do the heroes always commend the heroines on being so different and smart and baffling, when they're just acting like normal human beings? Anyway, for work she raises money for charitable organizations, but one time she accidentally gives a bunch of money to an IRA group. Whoops! But when she gets back from a not-so-relaxing vacation, she atones for her mistake by doing the EXACT SAME THING again. This time with money from her trust fund. GAAAAAHHHH.
THE REST.
Nobody's as good as or pretty as Francey. (Plus she has a trust fund and they don't.)
"angular spinster daughter"
"malevolent hag with a ruined face and body"
The book dragged on a little too long, but it wasn't a complete waste of time. There were parts I enjoyed.
While this wasn't quite as bad as I expected, I wouldn't call it good. It was a little too action-movie for my tastes, what with the covert organizations and severed brake lines and rich cousins. But Anne Stuart writes well, and it seemed like she put a little more thought into this book than some of her later works. It wasn't just dashed off, like I thought it would be.
THE HERO.
He knew the expression that lurked in the depths of his blue eyes. It wasn't ancient. It was dead.
Why do heroes always have to be so damn good at everything? Everything from "exceptionally good hearing" (being able to hear someone breathe in the next room) to being able to detect your own internal bleeding. I liked him all right, though. Michael was actually quite mushy, when you got down to it. But of course, he was also an ass (less so than some of Stuart's other heros, however). He did have sex with the heroine while she was drugged up, after all. To be fair, he did consider making the "supreme sacrifice": pulling out. Also he thinks plain white underwear indicates shyness, or doing a job. ????
THE HEROINE.
Maybe it was as simple as the fact that she was attracted to him. Overwhelmingly so, when she'd thought she would never be interested in men or sex again.
Well, sheesh, that's dramatic. And not true, obviously. The first thing Francey notices about Michael is his "erotic hands." That's usually the first thing I notice about a guy.
The most important thing about Francey is her innocence.
Oh, doubtless she wasn't a virgin. No one was, nowadays. But whatever sex she's experienced, it hadn't ever really reached her. She was as innocent as she seemed.
It didn't reach her emotionally or orgasmically? Hmm ... She's chaste and pure and sweet and all that. Just the kind of woman to reform a cynical guy. She does get snippy from time to time, but she transforms to motherly in a heartbeat.
Oh, and Francey's stupid as hell, even though Michael goes on and on about how observant she is. Why do the heroes always commend the heroines on being so different and smart and baffling, when they're just acting like normal human beings? Anyway, for work she raises money for charitable organizations, but one time she accidentally gives a bunch of money to an IRA group. Whoops! But when she gets back from a not-so-relaxing vacation, she atones for her mistake by doing the EXACT SAME THING again. This time with money from her trust fund. GAAAAAHHHH.
THE REST.
Nobody's as good as or pretty as Francey. (Plus she has a trust fund and they don't.)
"angular spinster daughter"
"malevolent hag with a ruined face and body"
The book dragged on a little too long, but it wasn't a complete waste of time. There were parts I enjoyed.
"I'm a perfect British gentleman. I was brought up to bring aid and comfort to damsels in distress."
"Not at the cost of your own life."
"Nobility makes me want to puke.
March 31, 2015
Anne Stuart has been one of my favorite romantic suspense authors for probably the last thirty years. When I saw this on Net Galley I immediately requested it, in exchange for a fair and honest review. I wasn’t too far in, before realized I had read this over twenty years ago. I read too many books to remember the details, so I continued and read the whole thing again-and enjoyed it all over again.
This author is the master(mistress?) at writing dark romantic suspense, as far as I am concerned anyway. Her hero’s are never the nice guy next door, they almost always have an edge, possibly living on the edge, or are really different. This time around, the hero is Michael, a secret agent from England. He has been horribly injured, and has gone to stay on the island of St. Anne, at the home of a millionaire, that dabbles in helping different spy organizations. He’s gone there to meet Francey, a young woman who is healing from her own trauma, and is also the cousin to the millionaire. He, of course, is undercover and sent there to find out what Francey knows about a secret Irish group that tried to kill the Queen. Is she an innocent, or will he have to kill her? That’s the crux of this story.
Since this was written in 1992, there are no mentions of the internet, which is almost unheard of in a book today. It’s also told during the height of the Northern Ireland conflict that didn’t end until 1998. Pretty interesting(and very sad) times.
If I had one problem with this book, it would be that Francey is constantly being rescued. I kept wanting(expecting) her to step up, and save herself. If Michael hadn’t been around, Francey probably wouldn’t have made it past the first few chapters. I will say, she does have one good moment. I just wanted her to have a lot more, and I think that’s because of all the books I read now with kick butt heroines.
The characters were otherwise good, the setting on St. Anne, beautiful, but the action does move to other countries. There’s plenty of suspense, near death moments, and of course romance. Not an easy romance either. For me, this was an extremely quick read, as I always find with this author’s excellent writing.
I would recommend this to all adult, romantic suspense readers. Anne Stuart books are a must read for these readers.(PureTextuality.com)
This author is the master(mistress?) at writing dark romantic suspense, as far as I am concerned anyway. Her hero’s are never the nice guy next door, they almost always have an edge, possibly living on the edge, or are really different. This time around, the hero is Michael, a secret agent from England. He has been horribly injured, and has gone to stay on the island of St. Anne, at the home of a millionaire, that dabbles in helping different spy organizations. He’s gone there to meet Francey, a young woman who is healing from her own trauma, and is also the cousin to the millionaire. He, of course, is undercover and sent there to find out what Francey knows about a secret Irish group that tried to kill the Queen. Is she an innocent, or will he have to kill her? That’s the crux of this story.
Since this was written in 1992, there are no mentions of the internet, which is almost unheard of in a book today. It’s also told during the height of the Northern Ireland conflict that didn’t end until 1998. Pretty interesting(and very sad) times.
If I had one problem with this book, it would be that Francey is constantly being rescued. I kept wanting(expecting) her to step up, and save herself. If Michael hadn’t been around, Francey probably wouldn’t have made it past the first few chapters. I will say, she does have one good moment. I just wanted her to have a lot more, and I think that’s because of all the books I read now with kick butt heroines.
The characters were otherwise good, the setting on St. Anne, beautiful, but the action does move to other countries. There’s plenty of suspense, near death moments, and of course romance. Not an easy romance either. For me, this was an extremely quick read, as I always find with this author’s excellent writing.
I would recommend this to all adult, romantic suspense readers. Anne Stuart books are a must read for these readers.(PureTextuality.com)
February 7, 2008
I finished another Anne Stuart oldie, this time it was Now You See Him. After I finished it, I sat back and the only thing that came to mind was how much this book was similar to Black Ice. Beware, this review has several spoilers...
The man who called himself Michael Dowd wasn't exactly what he seemed. Wherever Michael went, it seemed to Francey Neeley, danger followed. But she couldn't escape an attraction to him. He was trying to pry information from her about a terrorist group, a group that was trying to kill him - and her. Soon, Francey became swept into a world of death and deceit, but she couldn't stay away from Michael
In both of them we have an innocent heroine who ends up in trouble with the bad guys after her, and a hero who is a secret agent for a secret organisation who starts out pretty bad and unsure about her but ends up falling for our girl and saves her. Also the hero is believed to be dead at the end till he suddenly shows up at the heroine’s doorstep.
However in this book there isn’t that secretive and mysterious aura surrounding the hero. We are much more aware of his feelings and why he is acting the way he is, not on the psycological side but how he is a secret agent fighting against the IRA terrorists. Everything is much more in the open in this story, there's less suspense. There are some dark parts, like when Francey was locked up in a prison in Spain, but it’s not one of Stuart’s dark stories.
We just have a glimpse of Francey’s past and not even that when it comes to Michael, I think that could have been a bonus to the story. I always like to know where people come from so I can feel confident in the happy ending. Since we are informed of his feelings and how they change during the course of the story I think some background was needed.
I realize what I mentioned about this book are themes that appear in several other Stuart romantic suspense books. It just struck me that it was similar to Black Ice but I read somewhere a reader comparing it to Moonrise so maybe other people will come up with other titles…
The cover is the usual 90s thing, no matter how much they scream and fight each other in the book you always have 2 lovebirds in the cover…
Another B for Ms Stuart!
The man who called himself Michael Dowd wasn't exactly what he seemed. Wherever Michael went, it seemed to Francey Neeley, danger followed. But she couldn't escape an attraction to him. He was trying to pry information from her about a terrorist group, a group that was trying to kill him - and her. Soon, Francey became swept into a world of death and deceit, but she couldn't stay away from Michael
In both of them we have an innocent heroine who ends up in trouble with the bad guys after her, and a hero who is a secret agent for a secret organisation who starts out pretty bad and unsure about her but ends up falling for our girl and saves her. Also the hero is believed to be dead at the end till he suddenly shows up at the heroine’s doorstep.
However in this book there isn’t that secretive and mysterious aura surrounding the hero. We are much more aware of his feelings and why he is acting the way he is, not on the psycological side but how he is a secret agent fighting against the IRA terrorists. Everything is much more in the open in this story, there's less suspense. There are some dark parts, like when Francey was locked up in a prison in Spain, but it’s not one of Stuart’s dark stories.
We just have a glimpse of Francey’s past and not even that when it comes to Michael, I think that could have been a bonus to the story. I always like to know where people come from so I can feel confident in the happy ending. Since we are informed of his feelings and how they change during the course of the story I think some background was needed.
I realize what I mentioned about this book are themes that appear in several other Stuart romantic suspense books. It just struck me that it was similar to Black Ice but I read somewhere a reader comparing it to Moonrise so maybe other people will come up with other titles…
The cover is the usual 90s thing, no matter how much they scream and fight each other in the book you always have 2 lovebirds in the cover…
Another B for Ms Stuart!
March 26, 2015
ARC provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This is an older work, originally published in 1993 which is being rereleased. I happen to love the older works of a lot of authors. I can look past the tech and cultural changes. This time it is a little more difficult because the basis for the whole plot is the British - Irish Republic Army (IRA) problems in the 1980-1990 time period. That's a big one to overlook. If you can get past that, this is a really great romantic-suspense book. As a very prolific author, Anne Stuart is an expert at crafting character and plot and can build a book like few authors can.
Frances Neeley, an American heiress, is in love with Patrick Dugan, an Irish ex-pat. What she doesn't know is that he is the IRA terrorist leader of the brutal group, Cadre. He is killed before her eyes trying to assassinate the Queen of England at the UN. The Cadre think that Frances was the leak that got Patrick killed and set out to find her and kill her.
Francey is on the Caribbean island of St. Anne at her cousin's villa. A teacher from England, Michael Dowd, recovering from an auto accident joins her and she is instantly drawn to him, even if she doesn't quite believe everything he tells her. Michael is actually the British Secret Service agent (think James Bond) who killed Patrick and was seriously injured too. Michael want to find out if Francey is one with the cause and what information she really has about Cadre. As soon as he arrives on the island attacks on them start to happen and they end up having to trust each other to survive. Michael, the jaded agent, sees things in Frances that he would like to stick around and explore, but Cadre wants them both dead and nearly succeed in finishing Michael. Francey is still in danger and Michael has unfinished business with her too.
This is an older work, originally published in 1993 which is being rereleased. I happen to love the older works of a lot of authors. I can look past the tech and cultural changes. This time it is a little more difficult because the basis for the whole plot is the British - Irish Republic Army (IRA) problems in the 1980-1990 time period. That's a big one to overlook. If you can get past that, this is a really great romantic-suspense book. As a very prolific author, Anne Stuart is an expert at crafting character and plot and can build a book like few authors can.
Frances Neeley, an American heiress, is in love with Patrick Dugan, an Irish ex-pat. What she doesn't know is that he is the IRA terrorist leader of the brutal group, Cadre. He is killed before her eyes trying to assassinate the Queen of England at the UN. The Cadre think that Frances was the leak that got Patrick killed and set out to find her and kill her.
Francey is on the Caribbean island of St. Anne at her cousin's villa. A teacher from England, Michael Dowd, recovering from an auto accident joins her and she is instantly drawn to him, even if she doesn't quite believe everything he tells her. Michael is actually the British Secret Service agent (think James Bond) who killed Patrick and was seriously injured too. Michael want to find out if Francey is one with the cause and what information she really has about Cadre. As soon as he arrives on the island attacks on them start to happen and they end up having to trust each other to survive. Michael, the jaded agent, sees things in Frances that he would like to stick around and explore, but Cadre wants them both dead and nearly succeed in finishing Michael. Francey is still in danger and Michael has unfinished business with her too.
January 16, 2008
Now You See Him - G
Stuart, Anne
Book Description: NOW YOU SEE HIM... The man who called himself Michael Dowd wasn't exactly what he seemed. Wherever Michael went, it seemed to Francey Neeley, danger followed. But she couldn't escape an attraction to him. He was trying to pry information from her about a terrorist group, a group that was trying to kill him - and her. Soon, Francey became swept into a world of death and deceit, but she couldn't stay away from Michael. Somehow they had won each other's hearts - a dangerous combination for both.
A good read
Stuart, Anne
Book Description: NOW YOU SEE HIM... The man who called himself Michael Dowd wasn't exactly what he seemed. Wherever Michael went, it seemed to Francey Neeley, danger followed. But she couldn't escape an attraction to him. He was trying to pry information from her about a terrorist group, a group that was trying to kill him - and her. Soon, Francey became swept into a world of death and deceit, but she couldn't stay away from Michael. Somehow they had won each other's hearts - a dangerous combination for both.
A good read
January 23, 2016
This is another bean bag fluffy novel of Anne Stuart. She knows her work better than anyone else on the field. She gives a dark, captivating plot with mouth-watering, badboy antiHero and naive, tactless Heroine for entertainment ending it with a BANG!. I'm on her 15th book and she still keeping me on the edge every damn time. Salute to the QUEEN!
November 2, 2021
I really enjoy Anne Stuart. Was excited because this book had a copyright date of 11/2021. I started reading it and realized the story line subject about the IRA was off by a number of years. Almost 30 years to be exact. The actual copyright date is 1992. Very disappointed. I'm sure I read it back then. Current copyright dates on old material is very misleading to customers.
December 18, 2017
3.5 Stars.
Always in for a good time with an Anne Stuart book! This would've been a perfect beach read. Michael was definitely more interesting than Francey and his perspective was what made the book.
Always in for a good time with an Anne Stuart book! This would've been a perfect beach read. Michael was definitely more interesting than Francey and his perspective was what made the book.
January 2, 2018
I actually did not finish this book, I didn't see the point, this was my first book for this year, there were certain inconsistencies, the description of Daniel Travers was one
“Daniel Travers was a man in his prime—just under sixty, with a bull-like body, a high complexion, bright blue eyes and a deceptively hearty demeanor. He was a great deal more astute, and more dangerous, than most people credited him with being, and that was part of his great value.”
Excerpt From: Stuart, Anne. “Anne Stuart - Now You See Him.” iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
There's this and then later in the book he's described as wrinkled, pale and nervous, fearful. I don't understand how such a change came about so quickly.
Now to Francey and Michael, they spent a few days together and shared a couple kisses, I didn't read anywhere in the book where things had progressed between them to the point where Francey felt comfortable enough to suggest going to London to meet up with Michael, she seemed to quickly have gotten over the devastation caused by Patrick. Michael considered himself 'dead' (his own word) yet he couldn't stop obsessing over Francey and again I don't understand how such a depth of feeling came about, there wasn't enough descriptive interaction between Francey and Michael to base such strength of feelings. Some said the book was dark, it wasn't, not to me, I've read dark books, this is tame in comparison. This story was just not to my taste, I couldn't find that balance between what I read and what was written
“Daniel Travers was a man in his prime—just under sixty, with a bull-like body, a high complexion, bright blue eyes and a deceptively hearty demeanor. He was a great deal more astute, and more dangerous, than most people credited him with being, and that was part of his great value.”
Excerpt From: Stuart, Anne. “Anne Stuart - Now You See Him.” iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
There's this and then later in the book he's described as wrinkled, pale and nervous, fearful. I don't understand how such a change came about so quickly.
Now to Francey and Michael, they spent a few days together and shared a couple kisses, I didn't read anywhere in the book where things had progressed between them to the point where Francey felt comfortable enough to suggest going to London to meet up with Michael, she seemed to quickly have gotten over the devastation caused by Patrick. Michael considered himself 'dead' (his own word) yet he couldn't stop obsessing over Francey and again I don't understand how such a depth of feeling came about, there wasn't enough descriptive interaction between Francey and Michael to base such strength of feelings. Some said the book was dark, it wasn't, not to me, I've read dark books, this is tame in comparison. This story was just not to my taste, I couldn't find that balance between what I read and what was written
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2017
3.5 actually.
It could have been a 4 if our H hadn't been so bloody determined to send the h on her way "for her own good". Since he's a spy, and she, unknowingly, is the daughter of an Irish terrorist (who died when she was a tot, ostensibly by drowning but actually attempting to plant a bomb) who had another daughter who is now a fanatic...and wants her dead just because she exists... yeah, you can see how well this works. He almost succeeded once but called her for some inexplicable reason which prompted her to try to hunt him down. She didn't know he was a spy (he was undercover) so got the shock of her life to find out there actually was a person by that name but it wasn't him...and she got angry and started looking for him.
There's a lot of book packed in this, and some other things bothered me too - her lack of subtlety, her strange determination to help the Irish cause. Yes her sperm donor was Irish, but she was American. Her being independently wealthy yet having cousins who were hillbillies. And for some reason, she was sure he was lying yet it never occurred to her that maybe he was lying about everything.
It could have been a 4 if our H hadn't been so bloody determined to send the h on her way "for her own good". Since he's a spy, and she, unknowingly, is the daughter of an Irish terrorist (who died when she was a tot, ostensibly by drowning but actually attempting to plant a bomb) who had another daughter who is now a fanatic...and wants her dead just because she exists... yeah, you can see how well this works. He almost succeeded once but called her for some inexplicable reason which prompted her to try to hunt him down. She didn't know he was a spy (he was undercover) so got the shock of her life to find out there actually was a person by that name but it wasn't him...and she got angry and started looking for him.
There's a lot of book packed in this, and some other things bothered me too - her lack of subtlety, her strange determination to help the Irish cause. Yes her sperm donor was Irish, but she was American. Her being independently wealthy yet having cousins who were hillbillies. And for some reason, she was sure he was lying yet it never occurred to her that maybe he was lying about everything.
July 30, 2023
My God!! The FEELS, THE FEEELS!
this can easily be compared to Anne Stuart's BLACK ICE.
Someone compared this to Tomorrow Cruise and Cameron Diaz's Knight and Day, for that all I can say is.. It's even BETTER!
There isn't much I can say, since I've already given away the plot!
The h had a brain but didn't use it, the H had a dick and misused it(there is a dub-con sex scene)
But in the end
Michael, Charlie,Nigel, James, Erik, Lester,Arvin,Cougar.
Whatever your name is, please...
MARRY 💍 ME! LOL
Love,
Fiona
this can easily be compared to Anne Stuart's BLACK ICE.
Someone compared this to Tomorrow Cruise and Cameron Diaz's Knight and Day, for that all I can say is.. It's even BETTER!
There isn't much I can say, since I've already given away the plot!
The h had a brain but didn't use it, the H had a dick and misused it(there is a dub-con sex scene)
But in the end
Michael, Charlie,Nigel, James, Erik, Lester,Arvin,Cougar.
Whatever your name is, please...
MARRY 💍 ME! LOL
Love,
Fiona
May 14, 2025
A reread from years ago. I enjoyed it but it is kind of predictable. I liked Francey’s determination. Michael was one of those hate/love characters due to his job. I’m never ok with family wanting to literally kill family but I know it happens—so Caitlin was a hated character from the start. Happy ending and I sort of want to visit ‘Bella Reste’—sounds like a gorgeous area.
September 11, 2020
The beginning had potential, but the plot and characters turned out quite vague and ambigious for me. I wasn't really a fan of Francey and Cougar was quite bland all intruigue aside. I didn't understand how he came to love her.
January 25, 2021
Another amazing romantic suspense novel by Anne. Similar to her Ice and Fire series.
November 24, 2023
This is a great suspenseful book. Well written with interesting characters.
August 25, 2024
It began good but then it just went round in circles. Didn't feel any chemistry between the characters either.
June 26, 2023
Great book
This was a great story from start to finish. The p!it was awesome, the characters engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
This was a great story from start to finish. The p!it was awesome, the characters engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
May 18, 2017
This was a good romantic suspense that has main character, Francey, inadvertently becoming involved with a member of the IRA. Later, she takes care of Michael, a man recovering from a car accident. What she doesn't know is that he is an agent who is trying to see what she knows about the man she was formerly involved with. As these two come to care for one another, they are both in danger and have to resolve the situation.
I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The balance of romance and suspense was just right for me.
I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The balance of romance and suspense was just right for me.
March 23, 2015
First off - this is a reissue from 1992 when it was published under Silhouette. Based on some dated reviews on Amazon, I believe it has been reissued since then (around 2002). I suspect it's been heavily updated/edited. I usually dread reissued books as they're dated (even within a few years - flip phone, for example), but that was never an issue with this version (although there was an answering machine and a lot of linen pants, but that part might just be a European thing.) The story is told from alternating points of view and has a HEA.
I'm a HUGE fan of Anne Stuart's ICE series and raved all over an ARC I received for her newest release that continues in that world https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1219690807. You can tell Michael is a pre-cursor to her dark, twisted and nearly nonredeemable alpha heroes. He's not quite there, but she perfects her alphas in future books. Sebastian... sigh.
The bones of this book are good. Great idea and story itself, action packed, and feisty heroine and hero with just the right amount of vulnerability. It had too much inner dialogue for my tastes. I found myself skimming for much of their time on the island. I automatically skipped to the action or the dialogue and overlooked the early on emotional circling of each other. The villain is easy to identify, but I don't think it's supposed to be a mystery. One of the villains is so obvious and a problem from the beginning, I wasn't sure why he/she wasn't killed off at the first opportunity . This kind of story development is definitely perfected in later Anne Stuart books. I definitely perked up around the 60% mark of the book when she's looking for Michael. Unfortunately, this is also a TSTL moment for our heroine, but the story gets a wee bit darker and the pace picks up. Our heroine also starts digging deeper and is less of a doormat and has more control.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but it's hard to compare this to her later stories where she perfects her characters (did I mention Sebastian or even Peter?) and the action packed suspense story development.
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley from the author/publisher for an honest review.
I'm a HUGE fan of Anne Stuart's ICE series and raved all over an ARC I received for her newest release that continues in that world https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1219690807. You can tell Michael is a pre-cursor to her dark, twisted and nearly nonredeemable alpha heroes. He's not quite there, but she perfects her alphas in future books. Sebastian... sigh.
The bones of this book are good. Great idea and story itself, action packed, and feisty heroine and hero with just the right amount of vulnerability. It had too much inner dialogue for my tastes. I found myself skimming for much of their time on the island. I automatically skipped to the action or the dialogue and overlooked the early on emotional circling of each other. The villain is easy to identify, but I don't think it's supposed to be a mystery. One of the villains is so obvious and a problem from the beginning, I wasn't sure why he/she wasn't killed off at the first opportunity . This kind of story development is definitely perfected in later Anne Stuart books. I definitely perked up around the 60% mark of the book when she's looking for Michael. Unfortunately, this is also a TSTL moment for our heroine, but the story gets a wee bit darker and the pace picks up. Our heroine also starts digging deeper and is less of a doormat and has more control.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but it's hard to compare this to her later stories where she perfects her characters (did I mention Sebastian or even Peter?) and the action packed suspense story development.
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley from the author/publisher for an honest review.
March 28, 2015
Classic Anne Stuart
"He wondered if he was going to have to sleep with Daniel Traver's plain, pale cousin to get what he wanted from her. And he wondered if he was going to have to kill her."
THE STORY: Francey Neeley's life was devastated when the man she loved was killed right before her and she learned that he had been using her as a cover. On a tropical island, she is trying to rebuild her life and trust in others. Her cousin has sent her another person who is need of healing. Michael Dowd is an English school teacher recovering from a serious car accident. Francey also finds out that her past endangers both of them as someone is out to kill her and doesn't care who else might suffer. The English agent known as Cougar has come to meet with Francey to find out what her actual involvement was with the man she loved. Pretending to be a school teacher is part of the job. He just knows that he must discover Francey's secrets in any way necessary.
OPINION: A lighter version of Stuart's Ice series, fans of those books will find much to like here. Stuart does a great job with heroes who also might be threats to the heroines and Cougar definitely straddles the line between hero and villain. At the same time, he is not as dark a character as many of Stuart's heroes. This novel was originally published as a 1990s category romance so the sex scenes are less graphic than Stuart's other novels. At the same time, this book definitely does not fit within the standard category romance. I really liked this book a great deal.
WORTH MENTIONING: In this novel, readers can see the genesis for Stuart's Ice series which is darker and more erotic.
FINAL DECISION: Much better than I expected! I loved the hero and heroine and the storyline was interesting and filled with action.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.
"He wondered if he was going to have to sleep with Daniel Traver's plain, pale cousin to get what he wanted from her. And he wondered if he was going to have to kill her."
THE STORY: Francey Neeley's life was devastated when the man she loved was killed right before her and she learned that he had been using her as a cover. On a tropical island, she is trying to rebuild her life and trust in others. Her cousin has sent her another person who is need of healing. Michael Dowd is an English school teacher recovering from a serious car accident. Francey also finds out that her past endangers both of them as someone is out to kill her and doesn't care who else might suffer. The English agent known as Cougar has come to meet with Francey to find out what her actual involvement was with the man she loved. Pretending to be a school teacher is part of the job. He just knows that he must discover Francey's secrets in any way necessary.
OPINION: A lighter version of Stuart's Ice series, fans of those books will find much to like here. Stuart does a great job with heroes who also might be threats to the heroines and Cougar definitely straddles the line between hero and villain. At the same time, he is not as dark a character as many of Stuart's heroes. This novel was originally published as a 1990s category romance so the sex scenes are less graphic than Stuart's other novels. At the same time, this book definitely does not fit within the standard category romance. I really liked this book a great deal.
WORTH MENTIONING: In this novel, readers can see the genesis for Stuart's Ice series which is darker and more erotic.
FINAL DECISION: Much better than I expected! I loved the hero and heroine and the storyline was interesting and filled with action.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.
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