The Last of the Red-Hot Vampires

The Last of the Red-Hot Vampires
Average customer rating:

Not one of her best

Vampire ???

4 stars

nice quick read

I was disappointed

The Last of the Red-Hot Vampires
Katie MacAlister
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Vampires | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Vampires | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Bite Me If You Can (Argeneau Vampires, Book 6)

Light My Fire (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 3)

Undead and Uneasy (Queen Betsy, Book 6)

All Together Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 7)

For a Few Demons More (Rachel Morgan, Book 5)

ASIN: 0451220854

Book Description

On a trip to England, physicist Portia Harding is stalked by a heart-stoppingly handsome maniac.Theondre North is a nephilim-the son of a fallen angel-who needs Portia's help to change his fate. Problem is, Portia's down-to-earth attitude frustrates beings from both heavenly and hellish realms-and gets Theo turned into a vampire. But at least he has Portia to satisfy his newfound hungers-and possibly save his soul.

Customer Reviews:

Not one of her best.......2007-09-09

Sorry Katie - this wasn't one of your stronger efforts. I'm a big fan of the Ashling books. They're lots of fun, quick reads and the characters are pretty well developed and likable. It's not that the characters in this book weren't likable, just not that interesting. The story was weak compared to the others by this author. I'm afraid I wouldn't recommend it. There are better options out there for the time invested.

Vampire ???.......2007-08-16

"Physicist Portia Harding's life is grounded in facts. There is nothing that can't be explained by logic and science ... until she travels with her best friend to England and accidentally summons an ethereal virtue who bequeaths her gift of weather control to Portia.

New Portia is walking around with a literal cloud over her head and a heart-stoppingly handsome maniac trying to kidnap her. But Theondre North is no run-of-the-mill lunatic. He's a nephilim - the son of an angel - whoneeds Portia's help to change his fate. Problem is, Portia's down-to-earth attitude frustrates being from both heavenly and hellish realms, and gets Theo turned into a vampire. But at least he has Portia to satisfy his newfound hunger ... and possibly save his soul. "

Even though I found this book very entertaining and amusing, I was very close to giving it 4 stars. And the reason is ....
The first 4 books in Katie MacAlister's Paranormals (A Girl's Guide To Vampires", "Sex and the Single Vampire", "Sex, Lies, And Vampires", "Even Vampires Get The Blues") are absolutely fantastic and actually about vampires. But this one, nothing of the sort....
But again .... the story is very interesting, amusing and engaging. Most of the characters are supernatural beings, there is quite a lot of "traveling" between worlds and of course there is romance.
If you are a type of a reader that pays immense attention to every detail concerning, for example, the historical parts of the story or any other descriptive flaws of the surroundings/characters etc., than I would definitely advise you to stay away. This books is just pure fun and light entertainment. So fans of paranormal mysteries/romance, and of course fans of Katie, go ahead and buy this book and enjoy it :)

4 stars.......2007-06-25

Portia Harding was an uber-skeptic, but while on a trip to England, did agree to try to be more open to the idea that there was more to the world than what can be proven. Barely was the promise made than she had to make good on it. While relaxing in a fairy ring, she reads a summoning spell and in response, a woman calling herself the virtue, Hope, shows up, giving her the "Gift" before fleeing from pursuers unknown. Portia thinks she's just having a delusion, even after handsome Theo North shows up demanding that she grant him forgiveness and forcibly removing both her and her friend, Sarah from the fairy ring. The two women escape, but he continues to come after them, stating that he's a nephilim and needs her to forgive him. That's only the beginning of the weirdness. Odd people begin popping up to put Portia through "trials" so that she can join the Court of Divine Blood and take on her role as a virtue. Finally, Portia is forced to believe what is going on is real. Of course, by that point, the situation has turned dire. Theo has lost his soul and been turned into a Dark One, with her as his Beloved; and she has been accused of murdering Hope. Portia has scant days in which to complete her trials successfully, restore Theo's soul, and prove her innocence. She might also get to save the Court of Divine Blood in the process, but that's almost a side benefit. One thing's certain, when Portia is wrong, she's wrong in a big way.

**** Another certainty, in the real world, is that if readers are looking for clever, witty, paranormal romances, then they need look no further than Katie MacAlister to begin their list. Portia's conversion from skeptic to believer is filled with laughs and highlighted by moments of profoundness. This is the Best Dark One novel yet, and the ones that came before it were wonderful. ****

Amanda Killgore

nice quick read.......2007-06-24

nice quick read, plot moves well, nice character development, easy reading for a summer afternoon, can finish in a few hours

I was disappointed.......2007-06-13

I love Katie Macalister's Aisling Grey Series so I was eager to start reading this book. After 135 pages I simply gave up, luckily I had a Keri Arthur for back up! The Portia character over analyzes everything to the point of boredom and then does it all over again a few chapters later. I got it the first time, you do not believe in the paranormal. Didn't some one write that a reader reads once and retains so you do not need to belabor a point over and over again? Portia is a pain pain and in my opinion the romance never really took off. Plus both character and author seem to have reglious hang ups and religion, like politics, is always a touchy subject.

Secrets: The Best in Women's Erotic Romance Vol. 14 (Secrets (Red Sage))

Average customer rating:

Very Good!
Super!
A phenomenal installment to this series!!!

Secrets: The Best in Women's Erotic Romance Vol. 14 (Secrets (Red Sage))
Angela Knight , Alexa Aames , Leigh Wyndfield , and Jennifer Barlowe
Manufacturer: Red Sage Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Adult Fiction | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Gothic | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Secrets, Vol. 15
A Changeling For All Seasons
Secrets, Vol. 13: The Best in Women's Erotic Romance
Playing Easy to Get
All Wrapped Up

ASIN: 0975451642

Book Description

SECRETS VOLUME 14 Soul Kisses by Angela Knight: Beth Chase learned vampires weren't all bad when Cade McKinnon Turned - and married -- her sister, Valerie. But some vampires are evil, and to Beth's horror, she finds herself kidnapped by the worst of the bunch, Joaquin Ramirez, an immortal sadist. Luckily, she's rescued by handsome vampire cousins, Morgan and Garret Axton, who are locked in their own war with the killer. Can she find happiness with two vampires - and can they break Ramirez's vicious hold on her very soul?

Temptation in Time by Alexa Aames: Ariana escaped the Middle Ages after stealing a kiss of magic from the dark and sexy sorcerer, Marcus de Grey. When Marcus kidnaps and returns her to the 14th century, they begin a battle of wills and a sexual odyssey that could spell disaster for them both.

Ailis and the Beast by Jennifer Barlow When Ailis agreed to be her village's sacrifice to the mysterious Beast she was prepared to sacrifice her virtue, and possibly her life. But some things aren't what they seem. In a time of ritual and mystery, Ailis and the Beast are about to discover that animal passions are just the beginning, and the greatest sacrifice may be the human heart.

Night Heat by Leigh Wynfield: When Rip Bowhite leads a revolt on the prison planet called the Velopit, he never anticipates that the Inter-world Council would abandon the planet, leaving prisoners, guards, and even the administrative personnel struggling to survive against the monsters that rule the night. With their lives at stake, Jemma, the prison's Healer, won't allow herself to be distracted by the instant and overpowering attraction she feels for Rip, until that passion flares to dizzying heights. As the stakes are raised and death draws near, love seems doomed in the heat of the night.

Customer Reviews:

Very Good!.......2007-09-21

I like this collection of stories. I would recommend this as purchase to anyone who likes Erotic Romance.

Super!.......2006-01-03

I was very glad I read this collection, especially the story by Alexa Aames. The leadoff story by Aames is perhaps the most sensual, involving a young woman who starts off as, more or less, the sexual prisoner of a handsome medieval sorcerer. Even after it's clear they love one another, the conflict remains intriguing. She has excellent reasons for wanting to return to the 21st century and, though he loves her deeply, he insists they stay in the 14th. Ariana, the plucky, likable heroine, is intelligent and has a humorous voice. Best of all is the depiction of Marcus, the dark, Dionysian hero, which is done so well I wished he'd come to life. For me, this story made the collection deserve five stars.

However, the other stories were exceptional as well. In fact, I feel that the story with the most compelling plot was Night Heat by Leigh Wyndfield. It was an unusual combination of the horrid creatures from Jurassic Park (or at least similar), the blasters and spaceships of Star Wars and the set-up of pre-destined soul mates very similar to Sharon Shinn's Archangel. The hero and heroine are likable and the stakes are so high that it reads extremely quickly. Actually, the danger is so great that it was a little hard to focus on enjoying the sex scenes when I was afraid they were about to be attacked by raptors at any moment. Also, the graphic depiction of gory deaths and disease made it a bit unsettling although realistic, given the plot. The end of the story wrapped up a tad abruptly, but it was still quite satisfying. Both Aames and Wyndfield established that their couples had some sort of prior connection or destiny which is an excellent idea as it makes their bonding in the space of a short novella so much more powerful and sincere. I enjoyed the unusual twist that a caring, intelligent Beta male is the hero (who is the group's leader despite being the less arrogant and swaggering) while the brutish Alpha male doesn't get the girl. If you enjoy a truly scary element to your romance, you will like this story very much.

In my opinion, Jennifer Barlowe's story is the most eloquently written and cerebral, which is refreshing. After the initial conflict is settled, the tension drops a bit low and there's not a whole lot in the way of plot complication. The heroine also becomes immensely attached after only two nights which seemed a bit unlikely. However, the story's mythical qualities still make it an interesting read and the initial set-up that the young woman basically had no choice in what happened to her was exciting. Even with the animalistic beginning, this couple is probably the sweetest, gentlest pairing in any of the stories. Though the story wasn't the strongest, I will probably read this again just to enjoy the lyrical prose.

Angela Knight's story was also excellent. The beginning of the story is a little complicated as there is a bit of explaining Knight has to do for the readers who haven't read The Forever Kiss. I don't think you need to read that book to enjoy this one, although I think you might like to. After Knight finishes establishing the world her characters live in and their histories, the story improves a lot. This story rivals Aames' for the steamiest as the heroine, Beth, doesn't have to choose between the Dionysian hero and the Apollonian -- she gets both --and they are toe-curlingly handsome, eternally youthful vampires. Must be nice to be her. Like Wyndfield's story, the stakes are very high which make the pages go by very quickly. Another five star story.

I was afraid that erotica would be poorly written and rather plotless, but I recommend this book very highly. All the stories were rewarding and I hope to see more works by these authors, especially Alexa Aames.

A phenomenal installment to this series!!!.......2005-12-22

If the scale had gone up to ten, it would be a ten. That's how good Secrets, Volume 14 is. It's very hard to find an anthology where all the stories included are so equally good. I was on the edge of my seat with all four stories, barely able to contain myself while reading. Without a doubt, this book one hundred percent, and more, delivered everything I could have hoped for from a short story.

"Soul Kisses" by Angela Knight - Beth Chase knows that vampires exist. Her sister, valerie, is one, Unfortunately Beth has already had a run-in with a rather nasty vampire in the past, but that little toad was nothing compared to the one that takes possession of her. He is Joaquin Ramirez, and he is determined to take Beth as his slave. He'll turn her into a vampire (he's able to do so because she is Kith, rare humans with the ability to handle the vampire virus) and use her powers to amplify his own. That's where Morgan and Garret Axton come in though, cousins and vampires, both bent on avenging a friend and lover that Joaquin destroyed. When they run into Beth they can't leave her behind and take on the initiative of completing her turning so as to break Ramirez's hold on her. What ensues is a great, signature Knight-style tale that had me wishing for a full length book. This short is a sequel to Knight's first full-length book, "The Forever Kiss", which featured Valerie. If you are a Knight fan, this short is NOT to be missed. Hot vampire cousins and one gutsy vampire newbie made for some scorchingly erotic scenes. There's plenty of great action, plot and twists to keep readers glued to the pages.

"Temptation in Time" by Alexa Ames - Ariana is originally from the Middle Ages. She escaped that time of long ago through a stolen kiss - a powerful kiss taken from a formidable sorcerer named Marcus de Grey. Marcus has vowed to find Ariana, no matter the consequences, no matter the time it takes. In present day, Ariana uses the small amount of power she stole from Marcus to help heal the sick. She dreams of Marcus's touch, for this is the only way he has of tracking her. One fateful morning, after a particularly vivd dream, Ariana wakes to find Marcus in her apartment. The next thing she knows, they are back in the Middle Ages. He immediately begins his plans to bind Ariana to him in every way possible. "Temptation in Time" went above and beyond, in my opinion, the short story format. There was so much plot, so much romance and great characters packed into it that I felt so satisfied after reading it. Much more than after some full length books I've read. Ariana is the embodiment of a truly kind person, while Marcus is certainly all that is mouth-watering and delectable in a hero. A truly wonderful tale, Ms. Ames! I look forward to more from this author.

"Ailis and the Beast" by Jennifer Barlow - Ailis is to be her village's "sacrifice" in an ancient ritual meant to bring life back into the very earth and people. She must consumate a union with a mysterious beast man in order to bring balance a restore nature to rights. After three nights of meeting her mysterios beast man, Ailis comes to realize there is more to him than myth and legend have let on and she will do everything in her power to hold on to him. Through sacrifice and trust, they might have found a way to keep what they want- eachother. This was at times a very strange and obscure read, but so engaging and it provoked my curiosity, making me want to turn the pages to see what happened next. For all the prehistoric-like setup and veiled nature of the story, it turned out to be a very sweet and interesting read. Again, I would love to see what else this author can put onto paper.

"Night Heat" by Leigh Wyndfield - On a remote prison planet, Velopit, prisoners and Council guards and employees alike have been abandoned after a peaceful strike by the prisoners. After bombings by the Council, the survivors are struggling to survive on a planet filled with its hostile namesakes, the Velopeds, raptor-like creatures that begin to prey on the humans. Frighteningly humanoid in shape and size, they are finding a way into the prison compound. Jemma, a Healer, runs into Rip Bowhite, leader of the ragtag prisoner rebels, and agrees to help figure out why some of the men are sick and dying. She feels an attraction for Rip, and she wonders if he could be her Chosen. Rip is determined to keep her safe and the only way to do that in a band of cutthroat prisoners is to proclaim her his woman. She wants to resist his obvious allure, but what's a girl to do in the heat of the night? This was one of the steamiest, thrilling and suspensful reads I've ever come across in a Secrets book. The atmosphere of foreboding surrounding the mystery of the Velopeds was so gripping and interesting. I did wish there had been more light shed on them, but the story wasn't really hurt by any lack in that aspect of the story. Rip and Jemma's relationship is born out of that gut instict for survival, that primitive rush a person gets to feel alive as possible in the face of almost imminent death. This was, like the rest of the stories in this book, a one hundred percent completely satisfying read. I love sci-fi romance and that aspect alone was a major plus. Every aspect of the story was so well developed, especially when you consider it all had to be squeezed into a short story. Jemma is a brave and determined heroine that matches Rip's nerves of steel,and yes, all that marvelous sex appeal. This story gets five stars alone.

Red Sage publishing has definitely upped the anti with this installment. If you never read any other Secrets anthology, you must read this one. It's a truly wonderful selection of four truly talented writers. It's going on the keeper shelf, maybe even to the front of the keeper shelf line!

Average customer rating:

Tina
An engaging story of corruption and trust
Pales In Comparison
Not His Best Work...
Merci Rayborn is no Kay Scarpetta

Red Light
T. Jefferson Parker
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Women Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Police Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

BLUE HOUR, THE
BLACK WATER: A MERCI RAYBORN NOVEL
WHERE SERPENTS LIE
SILENT JOE
Cold Pursuit

ASIN: 0786866004

Amazon.com

Parker's many fans met Merci Rayborn, the Orange County homicide investigator, in The Blue Hour, and will be happy to renew their acquaintance with her in Red Light. Although she's still mourning the death of her former partner Tim Hess, who fathered her 2-year-old son, her relationship with fellow cop Mike McNally is progressing nicely, and so is her career on the force. Then two murders, decades apart, come together in a way that shakes Merci's world both personally and professionally; two beautiful young prostitutes are both killed for what they knew and what they threatened to tell. Who's covering up the corruption in the department that led to the first murder? And was Merci's lover responsible for the second? Someone's sending Merci evidence that disappeared from the police locker years ago; did that same person frame Mike too?

Merci doesn't want to believe McNally's involved, but everything points to him. When she's forced to arrest him, everything she believes in comes in for a painful reexamination. And when her efforts to solve both killings lead inexorably back to where they started--to the department itself--she faces the most difficult challenge of all.

Parker is a masterful writer, with a sure command of the idiom, a fine sense of pacing, and more emotional depth than many of his colleagues. Fans will applaud this outing, and new readers will seek out his extensive backlist. --Jane Adams

Book Description

Two years after the death of Tim Hess, her partner and father of her child, Merci Rayborn, the Orange County homicide investigator introduced in Parkers insanely imaginative (The New York Times Book Review) Blue Hour, is back. Merci has finally gotten her life together. She and her son are living with her father, a retired cop, and she is dating Mike McNally, a respected fellow officer. When a young prostitute is found murdered and Mike emerges as the primary suspect, Merci must do the unthinkableexpose and arrest her lover. With her world turned upside down, Merci must sift though the facts and balance where the truth leads her against where her heart is telling her to go. This taut, psychologically complex police procedural brings T. Jefferson Parker and his daring heroine, Merci Rayborn, into the front ranks of this popular genre. Praise for The Blue Hour: T. Jefferson Parker is one of the most under-rated thriller writers working in North America today. The Calgary Sun on The Blue Hour Ingenious, intricate, complicated yet credible, a real page-turner. Los Angeles Times If youre seeking a thinking mans bestseller, T. Jefferson Parker is the writer for you. Washington Post World Book

Customer Reviews:

Tina.......2007-05-17

I previously bought all the preceding series and this was outstanding just like the others. T. Jefferson Parker should write more books with detective Merci Rayborn's character. Very interesting storylines.

An engaging story of corruption and trust.......2007-01-20

This is the first book I've read by Jefferson Parker and it was definitely a good read. Having started it there were lots of references to events that had apparently happened before to the main character, Merci Raybourn, and I now discover that there was an earlier book called "The Blue Room". It didn't matter too much that I hadn't read this as pretty much everything necessary was explained - however it did make me realise that this author isn't one for happy endings as evidently the previous book ended rather tragically and this one didn't work out too well for our heroine either.

Merci is a homicide investigator who is called to the murder of a young prostitute whilst also investigating a cold case about the murder of another prostitute. Things go bad quickly as she discovers that her lover and possible-fiancé Mike McNally was involved with the prostitute as a kind of mentor and that he visited her the evening that she was murdered. Merci gathers evidence, partially suppressing some that looks bad for Mike, but as the investigation continues her relationship with him is tested to the limit.

The apparently unrelated murder several decades back turns into something much more immediate when Merci is anonymously sent some leads which reach into the very police department in which she works, including people such as her father and Mike's father. Merci has to make some very difficult decisions, all the while knowing that someone is feeding her information and fiddling with crime scenes.

The book was very well written and moved along quickly. The perpetrator wasn't easy to guess (in fact I didn't guess them before they were revealed) and all the threads were woven together well. My only negative thought about the book was that the characters didn't seem very warm and not really all that three-dimensional and for that reason I've docked a star. It's a good police procedural but perhaps a little dry in terms of emotions and feelings - and that not-happy ending also was a disappointment to me. Still worth a read, though!

Pales In Comparison.......2006-07-03

In this sequel to The Blue Hour, Merci Rayborn returns to investigate the murders of two prostitutes...one recent and one a cold case, 30 years old. I found the Blue hour the better of these two installments. The two parallel crimes in Red Light are intriguing, but the story tends to lag at times. Merci's inner angst became a drag after awhile. Parker's characters, as always, were an interesting mix. This was a good read, worthwhile for the uplifting conclusion alone. But it pales in comparison with the Blue Hour.

Not His Best Work..........2006-03-27

I read the Blue Hour and enjoyed it very much. But the whole time I was reading it I thought to myself if it weren't for Hess this wouldn't be that good of a story. This sequel, as it were, solidifies my earlier assumptions. Merci is a lonely, hard driven, hard drinking, stubborn S.O.B. She has no redeeming qualties that I cared for and it got really old that it that we were reminded that she had to look in the back seat every time she got in her car. I know Parker had to keep that up because it's character development but it didn't add anything to the story if you had read The Blue Hour. It was merely a distraction.
Merci's long self involved thoughts to herself sequences were very tedious to get through and the story on whole just didn't move very quickly. Having to deal with a character like Merci every chapter might lead to an explanation for that feeling. If you haven't read The Blue Hour, I'd get that or any of Parker's other works but when you see a Red Light, you should stop!

Merci Rayborn is no Kay Scarpetta.......2004-11-10

On the whole the Red Light is a good read.
However, the plot took too long to develop. Also suspense was lacking, given that most of the book was dedicated to Merci's musings.
The unforeseen climax at the end is worth the time.
I would advise against buying the book(since it isn't close to classic), but rather would suggest borrowing it from the library.
ATTENTION: Red Light is not for people with short attention spans.

Average customer rating:

Additional interesting information...
The banality of sex work.
Exploration of the sex industry.
top-notch journalism ý the opposite of exploitation

Red Light: Inside the Sex Industry
James Ridgeway
Manufacturer: powerHouse Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Erotic Photography | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Photojournalism | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Production & Operations | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Pornography | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Signs and Relics
Sylvia Plachy: Self Portrait With Cows Going Home (Aperture Monograph)
Callgirl: Confessions of an Ivy League Lady of Pleasure
The Secret Lives of Adult Stars

ASIN: 1576870006

Amazon.com

Sylvia Plachy, a photographer for the Village Voice, and James Ridgeway, a reporter for the same publication, have delved into the depths of the pornography trade to explore and explain both its allure and its vulgarity. There is a sense of shock value in exposing the most lurid of fantasies--a man who has his dominatrix mummify him in concrete--that is tempered with theories as to how such an industry could have evolved. We also get to meet for ourselves those in the trade, providing a walk on the wild side within the safe confines of photographs and words.

Book Description

Featuring over 120 gritty black-and-white photographs, Red Light: Inside the Sex Industry is a provocative tour of New York City's sexual underground, told in the authentic voices of those who live and work in it.

Customer Reviews:

Additional interesting information..........2003-08-19

Apparently the book may have hit a little too close to home for some. One of the book's researchers (a dancer in the sex industry) disappeared not too long after the release of the book. It is still unknown if the disappearance was a result of her work on this book or some of her other reasearch in writing about Vampyre Cults. If you ever catch the documentary "Stripped", you can find more of the details there - but it seems fairly certain that foul play was involved. Anyway, just a little interesting fact that may make the book more interesting for some.

The banality of sex work........2000-06-11

Published in 1996, "Red Light" is a quick, interesting read that opens a window to the everyday world of New York and New Jersey sex work. Focusing primarily upon different types of prostitution and "exotic" dancing, writer James Ridgeway also touches upon porn films, phone sex, and computer-oriented enterprises. The black and white photos by Sylvia Plachy ably illustrate the world that's being delved into here.

Because "Red Light" was published in '96 the subject of computer oriented work is out of date, but the predictions regarding that arena have turned out to be mostly true. Frustratingly, Ridgeway occasionally makes sweeping or trite generalizations - particularly in the introduction - without presenting information beforehand to bolster his statements. The biggest drawback to this book is that it is geographically focused on New York and New Jersey, which are unique to anywhere else in America. Lastly, while it is often understandable, Ridgeway sometimes uses language that hinders the reader from deciding how he or she feels about a certain situation or person; or he turns the narrative in a negative direction if an interviewee starts to express something positive.

Even so, since I'm interested in human sexuality, our society's dichotomous, hypocritical and confused views on sex, and because I believe in freedom of choice, I thought "Red Light" would provide uncensored insight into the sex worker's life. It did that, though not to the extent I'd hoped. Mr. Ridgeway mainly focuses on the squalid side of the business (e.g. street prostitution and small time go-go dancing), and limiting this exposé to New York and New Jersey says more about the culture of sex work in those areas than it says about sex work everywhere else. However, even within that limited area the authors had their work cut out for them, which they presented in a bold and visceral style that gripped my attention.

"Red Light" will undoubtedly get people to re-evaluate their perceptions of the sex industry. The inherent dynamics of sex work - greed, laziness, male lust, fear, danger, fantasy, and denial - ultimately reveal the banality of commercialized sex.

Exploration of the sex industry........1999-07-10

An excellent survey of all types of sex work, from phone sex, massage parlor, brothel and street prostitution to stripping. The author presents a balanced and readable work. I recommend it highly.

top-notch journalism ý the opposite of exploitation.......1998-04-06

Red Light promotes the radical notion that sex workers are people, too. Here "sex worker" carries far beyond the stigmatized streetwalker stereotype. This biz provides the legal livelihood of folks as diverse as the vice cop, the cosmetic surgeon who creates the outlandishly enlarged tools of the trade, the porn star, the publisher, the dominatrix and the vibrator dealer. Their voices, as well as those of the neglected other half of the equation, their customers, humanize the daily commerce of desire. Ridgeway's eloquent and stylish prose probes the relationship of the sex industry to family values, gender inequality, censorship, anti-porn feminism, sexual liberation, puritanism, government repression and the fulfillment of fantasy. But the focus is always on the people: go-go dancers including men who shake it for audiences of both straight gals and gay guys, fetish mistresses, peep show performers and a midwest massage parlor madam, among many others, tell their stories. Their articulate observations about their professions in their own words comprise the most compelling part of the text. Plachy's intimate photographs are likewise non-judgemental, neither romanticizing or demonizing the workers or their patrons. Depictions of on-stage professional personas engaged in enacting male expectations alternate with moments of quiet, backstage reflection and many pictures of nothing more or less than workers at work. Red Light ranges from the oldest profession to lap dancing, cybersex chatrooms, gender bending customers of size XXX lingerie, the trials of male porn film performers, phone sex, zines, the Goth/vampyre scene, S/M dungeons, immigrant brothels, erotic shaving services, the sexual performance art of Annie Sprinkle and Ron Athey, the hustles, the mob, the impact of AIDS and drugs, and back to the age-old fear of the inevitable descent to the street. An intellectually provocative work, no matter what side of the debate you're on, Red Light is a consummately professional journalistic collaboration that illuminates a thriving enterprise that many would prefer remained in the darkness.

Average customer rating:

Loved it
Interesting premise
Repetitive and short
Would not recommend to others
This was an okay mystery

Love You To Death (Red Dress Ink)
Melissa Senate
Manufacturer: Red Dress Ink
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Romantic Suspense | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Scot On The Rocks (Red Dress Ink Novels)
The Key (Red Dress Ink)
The Breakup Club (Red Dress Ink)
Me vs. Me
Slightly Married (Slightly Series)

ASIN: 0373895461

Book Description

When did Abby Foote's life become an episode of Law & Order?

First, a former boyfriend (who dumped Abby in the most humiliating way imaginable) is found murdered the day his engagement is announced.

Then two other ex-boyfriends report attempts made on their lives right after breaking up with her. Coincidence? Detective Benjamin Orr, of the Portland Police Department (and Very Probing Questions and Incredibly Delicious Face), doesn't think so. Neither do Abby's friends, family, coworkers and other exes--who are suddenly shaking in their shoes. Soon everyone is sucking up to her as though the Abby they know and supposedly love to death is capable of poisoning their drinks….

Is someone trying to frame her?

Who? And why? She has to find out fast. Because by-the-book Ben is bound to break her heart.

Which makes him next on someone's list…

Customer Reviews:

Loved it.......2007-10-08

I thoroughly enjoyed the author's voice in this book. It was funny and engaging. The mystery was only a piece of the book for me. I liked the way Abby interacted with her co-workers, friends, and family. If you're looking for a mystery, I'm not sure this is the book I'd recommend. If you're looking for a few laughs, however, this is definitely it.

Interesting premise.......2007-08-13

Magazine columnist Abby Foote has never met a loser she didn't date. From the lothario that just wanted her virginity, to the CPA that wanted a write up in her magazine, she always manages to get her heart broken. But no one broke it more thoroughly than suave Ted Puck, who brought his "cousin" to Abby's birthday party, only to be caught in a compromising position. After getting abandoned at LL Bean when her new beau Henry discovers what a bris is, she's melancholy as she reads about Ted's engagement to his "cousin." When he winds up dead the next day, the police come knocking on her door. When two more of her former boyfriends report occurrences after having broken up with her, suspicion is cast on Abby, she receives apologies from every past misdeed cast against her over the last 25 years. Add to that a scorching crush on the investigating detective, Benjamin Orr (not to be confused with the lead singer of "the Cars"), and Abby is in more trouble than she bargained for. She decides that the only way to clear her name is to actively participate in the investigation, much to Ben's consternation.

Senate's latest is a laugh out loud funny story - every time Abby is sarcastic to someone they end up taking out an order of protection against her. But it's also sad - Abby was far too tolerant of a very disloyal family that doesn't deserve her - one sister even requiring her to wear a blond wig in her wedding so she could have a totally blond bridal party. The story did get a little redundant after awhile, with a pretty unlikely person revealed as the culprit. But Senate is such a good writer that I found myself reading into the night to see how it all turned out.

Repetitive and short.......2007-07-15

I agree with the reviewer above you said that the scenario was far fetched and the main character was flat. The problem was that in this book, the main character said "i am not the murderer" at least 50000000 times and i was like, yes, we all know this. the detective's dialogue was very repetitive as well - "i cannot discuss this case." i felt like not only did the author not research criminal investigations (ie, it seemed implausible that the detective would share a room with the prime suspect or trail her around), but she really didnt have much to offer in terms of WHY, in the absence of evidence, Abby was the prime suspect. that being said, i liked the background stories of abby's drama. i just wish that we had more of a reason why she fell for the detective, beyond holding onto some highschool crush. this book was cute but left a lot to be desired. i may still read future books, if i can get them for $5 on bargain books.

Would not recommend to others.......2007-06-06

I found the characters flat and underdeveloped, the scenarios unrealistic and the dialog awkward and unconvincing. I had the feeling the author threw this book together in just a few days. I always say that life's too short to read bad writing, and this book qualifies. Thankfully, I borrowed it from the library, so I only wasted time and not money.

This was an okay mystery.......2007-03-26

I felt bad for Abbey from the get go. Not only did the police NOT seem to be looking elsewhere for suspects, but jus because you break up with someone cheating on you doesn't mean you kill him six months later. It did seem a bit far fetched. As did the other two exes coming forward with claimes of Abbey trying to commit murder on them as well, months and months prior to when the events occured.

Also, her family was god awful to her. Instead of standing by her, her half sisters more or less caved into their mother, Abbey's step mother. And in one of her sister's case, caving into her husband, Abbey's brother-in-law. They were not there for her when she needed them the most. Why Abbey allowed them back into her life and was in a wedding to one of them was beyond me.

The plot at the end had an ODD twist to it. Odd, but good. The killer was someone I would have never suspected.

I am however looking forward to the next Abbey Foote mystery, mostly because I want to see what happens with Abbey and Ben, the police investigator who she went to high school with, in the next book.

Average customer rating:

Bad Boys with Red Roses
2 out of 3 ain't bad
Great anthology

Bad Boys with Red Roses
Janelle Denison , Tina Donahue , and Sharon Cullars
Manufacturer: Brava
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0758209363

Book Description

Meet the bad boys women love to love--the ones who break everybody's rules and live by their own. But sooner or later, every bad boy meets his match in that special woman who makes him believe...and behave.

Still Mr. & Mrs. Janelle Denison

Rachel Hudson strides purposefully past Luke Kincaid's security cameras at a posh Las Vegas casino, closing the door to eight long years of regrets after Luke wins a wager that puts her in his bed for an overdue honeymoon. Luke is sure of one thing: Rachel will enjoy herself and have him begging for more...

Tempt Me, Tease Me, Thrill Me Tina Donahue

After one wild encounter with Judge Cait Campbell, Chicago cop Sean Logan finds out what's under those long black robes: a body that's as beautiful as her face. And he's prepared to plead guilty to wanting her--and only her...

The Invitation Sharon Cullars

The card arrives with a single, long-stemmed red rose, followed by a phone call from a mysterious, deeply seductive male voice, inviting Gerri to a special evening at a beautiful old mansion--and the fulfillment of her most hidden desires. Is she ready to be...experienced?

Customer Reviews:

Bad Boys with Red Roses .......2007-06-27

Still Mr. and Mrs. by Janelle Denison

Rachel Hudson and Luke Kincaid fell in love while attending high school in Las Vegas. On a whim one night, they decided to get married in one of Vegas' many chapels. Even though the two loved each other very much, Rachel's controlling father didn't take kindly to the marriage. He arranged for an annulment and moved the family to New York City.

Eight years later, Rachel is back in Vegas to tell Luke that their annulment was never filed, and that they're still married. She's brought papers for him to sign, which he says he will do. After Rachel spends the weekend with him.

Still Mr. and Mrs. is an erotic tale of two lovers torn apart, and coming back together again. I loved both Rachel and Luke and the combustible way they fit together. This story is scorching hot, and a very entertaining read.

Tempt Me, Tease Me, Thrill Me by Tina Donahue

Cait Campbell is a lawyer who is about to be appointed as a judge. As part of a charity event, she is also about to be auctioned off for a date with the highest bidder. Det. Sean Logan spent one night with Cait after his brother's wedding to her cousin, then she slipped away.

Sean doesn't want Cait to slip away this time. He attends the auction and wins his date with Cait. But he makes her wait two weeks, building up the tension between the two of them. Will they have another one night stand, or will they decide that they love each other, and want to stay together?

Tempt Me, Tease Me, Thrill Me certainly lives up to its name. The tension between Cait and Sean is strong, but at times I became more than a little annoyed with the angst between them and Cait's failure to really see Sean.

But the ending of the story absolutely thrilled me and made me laugh out loud, causing my frustration to disappear. This is a fun tale that readers will want to follow to its satisfying conclusion.

The Invitation by Sharon Cullars

Defense attorney Jeralyn gets a strange package one day. An invitation to an "event," accompanied by a single red rose. When a man calls to see if she'll be attending, she tells him no. That invitation opens a world that Jeralyn has forgotten. That world includes a past where her parents were killed in a house fire, and Jeralyn was involved with two brothers, Adrian and Amil.

Jeralyn is not sure she wants to remember the past, but Amil is determined that she will, and that she will die because of it. And Adrian is bound and determined to save her.

Utterly original and completely engrossing, The Invitation delves into a woman's past and the way that it intrudes on her present. I was drawn in from page one, and couldn't let go. The characters are beautifully written, and the story crafted in a manner as to keep the reader entranced. Once again, Sharon Cullars has trilled me with a story of love, deception and redemption. I highly advise reading this tale.

Amelia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

2 out of 3 ain't bad.......2007-05-05

Like many of these novels that contain 3 short stories, the hero and heroine have met before and there's something that's keeping them apart. In this book, you'll find a red rose mentioned in each story (and you'll find that like many novels, the blurb on the back cover is not accurate). While I originally bought this book because I love Janelle Denison, Tina Donahue's story is the one that I really loved and wanted to read again and again.

Still Mr. & Mrs. - Janelle Denison - 4 stars

Rachel Hudson comes back to Las Vegas to see Luke Kincaid and take care of some things from the past. Luke Kincaid has never gotten over what happened between him and Rachel Hudson. Rachel hurt him badly and since that relationship ended, he's kept all of his relationships casual. Luke wins a wager that will have Rachel in his bed. He's hoping that having Rachel again will cure him of her memory.

I love Janelle Denison's books - she's an automatic buy for me. And while I liked this story, it seems like there could have been more - it's the shortest story in this collection - less than 80 pages and seemed to end way too quickly. It was enjoyable but left me wanting more.

Tempt Me, Tease Me, Thrill Me - Tina Donahue - 5 stars

Four months ago, detective Sean Logan and attorney (not judge) Cait Campbell had a one night stand - a memorable evening for both of them. Since then, neither one has forgotten the other. Sean believes that he's found the woman he wants to marry. Cait, on the other hand, is very wary of marriage - her parents seemed happily married and then went through an acrimonious divorce. While she adores Sean, she doesn't want to get involved and definitely doesn't want to get married. So to try and forget him, since their meeting, she filled her hours with work.

As part of a charity event, there's an auction which gives the winner a chance to take Cait to dinner. And who's the lucky winner of the auction? No other than Sean who wants a chance to convince Cait that what they have is special.

I loved this story. Sean Logan is HOT (and I would love to have him convince me of anything). And Cait's hang-ups about their relationship seemed believable. This is the first novel I've read by Tina Donahue and it made me go out and check to see what else she's written.

The Invitation - Sharon Cullars - 3 stars

Jerri (not Gerri) Harris receives an invitation and then a phone call from a mysterious Andrew Valmer asking her to attend a private gathering. She's tired from the stress of her job as an attorney, leery about the invitation, and decides to decline.

If you read the blurb on the back cover ("...a mysterious, deeply seductive male voice, inviting Gerri [sic] to a special evening at a beautiful old mansion - and the fulfillment of her most hidden desires") you'd think there was going to be some hanky panky going on with that invitation but that's not what's happening at all. Instead, Jerri meets Adrian, a man who warns her that the invitation is actually from someone who means to do her harm.

This story is unlike the other two as this is more of a mystery than a romance. I had a hard time with this story. The more I learned about Jerri, the less I liked her. And I couldn't buy the romance between the two characters. The author seemed to be more focused on the mystery so that the romance seemed secondary to it. Not one of my favorites.

Great anthology.......2007-04-29

"Still Mr. & Mrs" by. Janelle Denison. At a casino in Las Vegas, Luke wins the bet of a lifetime that leads to Rachel Hudson being in his bed. His plan is no more regrets of what could have been as he wants to make her his sure bet.

"Tempt Me, Tease Me, Thrill Me" by Tina Donahue. The greatest night of his life occurred when Chicago police officer Sean Logan made love with Judge Cait Campbell. He wants her honor to agree to a lifetime sentence, but may have to arrest her to get her to confess her guilty desires for him.

"The Invitation" by Sharon Cullars. The single long stem rose arrives with an unsigned invitation. Next comes the sexy phone call by a man who oozes seduction as he invites Gerri to meet him for a rendezvous that he vows will satiate both of their most coveted fantasies.

Harriet Klausner

Girl Most Likely To (Red Dress Ink Novels)

Average customer rating:

Quick read.
A Chick Lit. Need to Read!!
Funny and Smart
The modern independant, achiever working girl trying to know and find herself
Over the top success for the girl most likely to....

Girl Most Likely To (Red Dress Ink Novels)
Poonam Sharma
Manufacturer: Red Dress Ink
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 037389550X

Book Description

With meticulous career planning and a couple of dirty martinis, there is very little that New York City investment banker Vina Chopra can't do. And now that sh's decided to get serious about if nding her mate, there is very little that Vina won't try—even if it means letting her parents get involved. After all, what does she have to lose? Her longest-term relationship thus far has been with the ulcer she ultimately named Fred (unless you count the ex-boyfriend who won't go away).

Amid a series of dates with 'the nice Indian doctor' and an office scandal that could permanently end her career, Vina starts to question everything sh's been working for. Who has she been trying to please all these years? Is this the life that she really wants? Can she if nally learn to put aside her family's expectations long enough and become the girl most likely to if nd a happiness all her own?

Customer Reviews:

Quick read........2007-05-30

This book was a little hard for me to get into at first, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Even though I'm not Indian, I could still relate to and identify with the main character Vina in some ways. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A Chick Lit. Need to Read!!.......2007-04-30

Our Chick Lit. book club read this as our first book club meeting read! Everyone LOVED the book. It had a character you loved and hated at the same time. We were frustrated with how strong willed Vina seemed to be at times and than so passive at others, but we couldn't put the book down. (None of us!) It is a read for those who are looking for something quick-to-read, puzzling at times, so funny it makes you cry and laugh-out-loud, and even share with a good friend. It brought our group together and was really easy to relate to on some levels. It made our conversation go into personal life experiences that could really tie into the novel itself. Girl Most Likely To was a great reading experience that anyone who is looking for a light-hearted read should definitely look into reading this novel! A job well done for a first time fiction writer...thank you Poonam Sharma!

Funny and Smart.......2007-04-30

I really enjoyed "Girl Most Likely To." I read a lot of books of this genre so I'm always looking for the next unique story. The beginnning is fairly typical of most "chick-lit" but it evolves into a very funny and smartly-written book. You don't have to be a single or Indian to read it and appreciate Poonam Sharma's wit!

The modern independant, achiever working girl trying to know and find herself.......2007-03-28

It takes a while to get into the story, but once you do, "The Girl Most Likely" becomes a definite page turner. Sharma's descriptive use of language shines throughout.

Over the top success for the girl most likely to...........2007-03-07

This book is laugh-out-loud funny, but also wise and wonderful. Poonam managed to convey the manic pace, pressures, escape hatches and pitfalls of the young professionals in New York. Add to that the issues of being a first generation American trying to balance the expectations of her parents, her own strong values and her desires for meaning in her life -- all of this told with wit and comedic very and you have some idea of this enchanting first novel. Yeah, Poonam.
Phyllis Perkins

The Red Heart of Jade (Dirk & Steele, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Chiming in with the others
excellent read
BOOOORRRING!
Couldn't finish it
Can you use the same imagination for suspense to write truly erotic sex, please!?

The Red Heart of Jade (Dirk & Steele, Book 3)
Marjorie M. Liu
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 050552631X

Book Description

Imagine a world where magic rubs elbows with science, where men and women with supernatural powers secretly risk their lives to help others. It is a world where one right turn can deliver a mystery that will change your life forever, a world of shape-shifters, immortal magicians, criminal underworlds run by powerful psychics -- intrigue, mystery, and romance.

The saga continues in THE RED HEART OF JADE as Dean Campbell -- clairvoyant, dangerous, and irreverent -- finds himself hot on the trail of a murderer who is part of an ancient hunt for power, a hunt that has only one outcome: death or destruction. And at the heart of that hunt -- both prize and mystery -- is a women who died in Dean's arms twenty years earlier: Mirabelle Lee, childhood sweetheart and the love of his life. Together, alive and reunited, Dean and Miri are forced to rely on each other -- and the strength of their enduring love -- as they race to unravel the mystery that threatens not only their lives, but the entire world.

Customer Reviews:

Chiming in with the others.......2007-02-14

Sadly, I have to agree with the other "negative" views of this book.

I enjoyed Tiger Eye, and Shadow Touch much more than Red Heart of Jade.

the negatives: The ending was too abrupt, and obvious. It felt rushed, and unsatisfactory...
There wasn't a true ending with Owen, Miri's boss. He was kidnapped in the first few chapters, and then, we never see him again...
"mystery sort-of-evil guy, Robert" became Miri and Dean's ally all too quick.
The Jade Heart's true nature was all too easy to guess.
There wasn't enough "steamy passion" that one would expect from Romance novels, not that I'm an expert in such!
The "mystery" killer is not a mystery.
the scenery was too little. It did not feel like Asia.

There was less supense in this novel than the other two I mentioned. However, I have to disagree with some of the other commenters. On Dean's transformation--over the years, people change. Some get worse, or better it depends on their situation. If someone I loved or cared about died as a result of my inaction, I too, would become as cynical and serious as Dean.
and, if we're to believe the time gap between each of Marjorie's books, than Dean is at least 5-8 years older when he last appeared.

the positives: the action was good, pacing was just right. I enjoyed a quick trip when reading the book, nothing more. It was like watching a 2-hour action flick.

good book for entertainment. Not as good as the others.

excellent read.......2007-01-29

I stumbled across another book by Ms.Liu via my daughter and liked it alot. So I decided to go ahead and buy all of the books I could find by Ms.liu, I sure don't regret it since they are all excellent. Lots of adventure and paranormalities in this book wrapped up in humor and sorrow in a way that makes the reader feel like they are part of it, which in my humble opinion is what makes a good book. I am looking forward to more books not only in the Dirk & Steele series but in all aspects

Roxy in WI

BOOOORRRING!.......2007-01-16

Unfortunately, I did not feel the same about this book as other reviewers. Perhaps, I did not have the patience that they did. I loved Tiger's Eye, Shadow Touch, and Taste of Crimson all of which were written by Marjorie M. Liu. This book was such a disappointment.

The Red Heart of Jade was more action/adventure/fantasy than her prior two books in the series. It was too much for me to handle. I missed the romance that was involved in the other two books. The relationship between Miri and Dean made me want to wretch. Dean in the other books was the comedic relief. In the first book, Tiger's Eye, he was the one that could not be serious and was a pervert to boot. In this book, we see a very serious Dean. It made the book too unrealistic due to this new and different Dean.

Another problem, is the location of the story. While Ms. Liu's description of Taipei, Hong Kong, and other locations were magnificent it did not help me feel connected to the story. It affected the fluidity and ease of comprehension for me. I found myself saying who cares. These locations were described as smelly and dirty. They did not set a romantic stage for me. I found the whole premise of a red jade buried in a mummified woman a boring concept. Perhaps, if there were no dragons, an immortal bad guy named Robert, an evil department head, and going off to la-la land where there are descriptions of bones that it might have helped me enjoy it more. After a while, I found myself saying who is the character that is speaking or thinking this? Is this the dream realm, imagination, or for real?

On the other hand, Marjorie M. Liu's sentences are rich with poetry. I have never heard such beautiful descriptions of certain scenes. They just flowed. She is a very talented and gifted author. This is why I gave the book two stars instead of one.

I did not feel the continuity of this book in relation to the rest of the series. I wonder how this book will impact the future books. It should definitely have an impact on the other characters especially, Koni and Ren.

I would love to follow the series but if they are like this one, I will not read them anymore. I do want to hear Koni's story and even Ren's. It took me a lot longer to get through this book than I normally take for a book. It was a torturous read but I needed to find out what the jade meant, what about Dean's gift, what is Robert, will Miri and Dean live happily ever after, and what of the dragons?

If you are looking for a quick and romantic read this is not the book for you. Unfortunately, this book was placed in the romance section of my library. This is the wrong category for this book. However, this book is great for history of a beautiful culture, great writing, and fantasy adventure.

Couldn't finish it.......2006-12-17

I really wanted to like this book. I had read "A Taste Of Crimson" by Marjorie Liu and I loved it. That book was about werewolves and vampires but it had some really strong subthemes such as racism within minorities (such as werewolves) and the way that minorities can be ignored by governmental agencies. I so enjoyed that book that I ordered the only other Marjorie Liu book available through my county's library system - and voilà, "The Red Heart Of Jade" appeared.

I was disappointed. Firstly it wasn't another vampire/werewolf book - this one was a "Dirk & Steele Romance" which (I now discover) is a series Marjorie Liu has done about a kind-of detective agency staffed by people with different paranormal powers. The hero of this book, Dean (a very unheroic name!) has a psychic ability to `read' objects and environments and can find out what has happened in them. Our heroine, Mirabelle Lee, is an archaeologist in Taiwan. Dean and Miri were childhood sweethearts but both thought the other died twenty years ago and their lives have moved on since.

Dean is sent to Taiwan to investigate some grisly murders that appear to be the fault of a shapeshifter. Whilst in Taiwan various things happen to him and he eventually meets up with Miri - and drags her into the fray. There's a piece of red Jade that's been found in an archaeological body find and it seems everyone is after this Jade. About this point I found I just had to give up with the book - I couldn't work out what was going on, couldn't get interested in either Dean or Miri, couldn't always understand the descriptions of the shapeshifters, didn't really see where the book was going and found I didn't care anyway. The setting of Taiwan was unusual and I felt was an excellent choice but I just couldn't engage with this book. I gave up halfway through, read the last five or so pages (which confirmed I was right to give up on it as evidently the ending would have REALLY annoyed me if I had read it all) and gave it back to the library. Now some of you reading this might think it's a really good book - perhaps it is - but I read widely and I just couldn't like it. If you want to read a book by this author read "A Taste Of Crimson" - I can't recommend any more of her books as I won't take the effort to find them.

Can you use the same imagination for suspense to write truly erotic sex, please!?.......2006-12-13

I really wanted to love this novel, or any other in this series but I have to say I don't think I'll be buying any other books written by Ms. Liu. I love mystery, drama, danger breathing down my neck just fine but it has to be juxtaposed with steamy sex. This is why I read paranormal romance. Maybe I just like my written sex extra juicy (since reality delivers just as many times as it doesn't) and found hers to be lacking. Especially after she shows such imagination in every other aspect of her writing. Her writing reminds me of old James Bond novels I read as a kid, none stop action that pulls you in but I ended up disappointed by the time I finished hers. My favourites in this series were; Tiger Eye and Eye of Heaven. The former because it was the first and I didn't have any opinions and she writes well , just not imaginative when it comes to sex. The latter because she made an attempt.
She writes very bland sex otherwise her work is riveting.

Average customer rating:

babybookmama
Our household's all-time-favorite toddler book
Not as Popular the Black/White Books at Our House
Great baby or toddler book
A winner!!!

Red, Blue, Yellow Shoe

Manufacturer: Greenwillow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 0688065635

Book Description

Photographs of common objects with the color of each object printed below introduce the reader to colors.

Customer Reviews:

babybookmama.......2005-08-22

I love Tana Hoban so when I found she did colored images I was very excited. The photos are nice, crisp and right on target with the colors. Simple color learning book.

Our household's all-time-favorite toddler book.......2004-01-16

We have six children, and this is/was the hands-down favorite of all our children as toddlers. We received it as a gift when our 13 yo was a baby, and now our toddler twins are enjoying it. I believe our children learned their color names from this book. They also like Hoban's "Black on White." I wouldn't hesitate to buy this for any under 2's you might have.

Not as Popular the Black/White Books at Our House.......2000-06-21

As my son grew older and more interested in colors, I looked for a book that would delight him as much as "Black on White" (also by Tana Hoban) had when he was an infant. I thought this book would fill that description, but it didn't quite fit the bill. It has great photographs, but no text.

Despite the catchy, rhyming title, each page shows only a picture of the item: No rhyming text is involved. Although my son likes the brightly colored pictures, he is more interested when I read books with rhythmic texts, such as "Blue Hat, Green Hat" by Sandra Boynton.

Great baby or toddler book.......1999-12-06

My daughter really enjoys this book. It is simple and gives toddlers a chance to learn their colors. We've read it so many times my daughter who is two can now read it herself!

A winner!!!.......1999-08-10

This book is a favorite at our house! The durable book has one large, colorful photograph of a common item on each page. The item's name and color are printed at the bottom (yellow shoe, red clock, black cat, etc.). It's easy for little hands to turn the pages as well as focus on each page. So many children's books these days seem to have TOO much information on each page. This book finds a way to attract the reader in a simple way with its beautiful photographs.

Average customer rating:

Quick Read
Appalling
Fun, Quick Read
Had to Keep Reading...
Very So-So

The Pact (Red Dress Ink)
Jennifer Sturman
Manufacturer: Red Dress Ink
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Women Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0373250797

Book Description

A mystery for anyone who has ever hated a friend's boyfriend. . .

Rachel Benjamin and her friends aren't looking forward to Emma's wedding. The groom is a rat, and nobody can understand what Emma sees in him. So when he turns up dead in the morning of the ceremony, no one in the wedding party is all that upset. Not even Emma.

Rachel, who had the good fortune to find Richard floating facedown in the pool, is feeling as if she's woken up in an Agatha Christie novel. It doesn't help that everyone around her seems to have a motive for murder. So, while the cops detain Emma's family and friends at her isolated Adirondacks compound for the weekend, Rachel, an investment banker by trade, makes like Miss Marple (minus the gray hair and sensible shoes) and does some digging of her own. Her investigation gets especially tricky when Peter Forrest, the too-good-to-be-true best man, turns out to be the number-one love interest and her number-one suspect. And Rachel can't help remembering the solemn pact she and her friends made back in college--a promise to rescue each other from bad relationships, using any means required. Has someone taken the pact too far?

Customer Reviews:

Quick Read.......2006-09-15

I enjoyed reading this book. I thought the characters were great and their relationship with each other plausible. I did however find some of the events in the book to be a bit unrealistic. Despite that, it keeps you reading and guessing until the end. I went on to read Sturman's 2nd book and found it equally, if not more, enticing.

Appalling.......2006-05-16

I have never reviewed a book online before, but was motivated to in this case by how appalling I found ?The Pact?.

The prose is childish and unengaging. A cliche is used wherever there is an opportunity (and this is about 5-7 times per page). It took a great deal of effort to keep ploughing through this book, when everything about the style screamed that it was by someone with nothing original or interesting to communicate.

I will skip over the weak plot, though much could be said about it, and head straight to the worst aspect of this novel; the characters. Each and every one of them is shallow or actively repellant. Especially the heroine. She drips arrogance and superficiality and, most unfortunately, this seems to reflect the personality of the author. The question, of course, is why anyone would represent themselves as such a mediocre individual. Constantly name-dropping, judgemental and shallow. I cannot fathom why anyone would find this character appealing.

I cannot advise against reading this book more strongly.

Fun, Quick Read.......2006-02-09

I loved that this story kept me wondering for so long. There were no "dead" spots in the story, it moved along quite nicely, frequently adding new clues to the mystery. At the climax of the story, I serioulsy could not read it fast enough, it was so good! I recommend this to anyone who wants a fun "whodunit" to read.

Had to Keep Reading..........2006-01-18

I'm usually not a fan of mysteries, but I found that I really liked The Pact a lot. I think the author was able to balance the book's mystery element with a good dose of chick-lit. While I felt very anxious to keep reading in order to see who the murderer was, I found I was also curious as to the resolution of the main character's romantic situation. Overall, a very quick, fun read, with just enough mystery to keep a non-mystery fan interested.

Very So-So.......2005-09-17

I guess I'm in the minority on this book. It had a couple of amusing spots, but overall it was weak. Much was made of the heroine's intelligence, yet she jumps to conclusions about who committed the murder twice. She also panics, at one point acting like a silly gothic novel heroine. The whole weekend in the isolated house murder plot was weak, with the police being almost non-entities, but interviewing everyone one at a time in a room just like an Agatha Christie novel. The problem is that Christie novels were written about 70 or more years ago. Trying to write a story like that, but set in the present day doesn't work for me in this case. It didn't seem even remotely realistic. In addition, the characters were overblown, almost caricatures of themselves. As an example, Richard (the murder victim) couldn't just be unpleasant or unlikeable, he was the most despicable character imaginable. Apparently, the only crime he didn't commit was murder. Also, the dialogue felt contrived and forced. Since Rachel was getting ready for a meeting at work on Monday morning, and no one asked how long the police would require them to stay in the house, I knew they were all expecting the murder to be solved by Sunday evening. How convenient. Although I thought that this book was going to be just the kind of mystery I like to read, it wasn't. I think there are other chick-lit books that are more intelligent AND amusing out there.

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