Lovers: Great Romances of Our Time Through the Eyes of Legendary Writers

Book Description

Each of the fifty profiles is an intimate pairing: Lauren Bacall on her relationship with Humphrey Bogart; Katharine Hepburn on her stormy life with Spencer Tracy. Lovers also includes contributions from George Burns, Dylan Thomas, and Jimmy Carter. Every written piece is accompanied by a lush full-bleed portrait of the couple. Lovers is a book about the fire of true love, the undeniable longing that makes two people the desire of each others life.

Customer Reviews:

the grandmother speaks, herself a photographer.......2006-07-09

I think that for every moment that people love one another, we are ahead. I find this book beautiful, for it captures couples who were in that moment, deeply attached to each other. The book is called Lovers, not Marriage. And the moments caught in this book are priceless. There are a thousand ways to photograph a single individual, and these photos are in rich black and white with dark darks and light lights and strong midtones.

I was taken by not just the faces, but the textures: the look of happiness in two men's eyes who are dressed in their rough tweed winter coats; the sophisticated poets standing ironically in a disheveled farmyard, just the curve of her breasts alone so alive; a close-up of a woman of legendary beauty with perfect skin and her lover's face close by with its deeply ravaged and pitted skin; and one of the most haunting photographs ever of a man and woman in an all white room with nothing in it but a white bed, and her long black rough and wavy hair flowing over the side of the bed to the floor, and her lover lying atop her like a child at fullest peace...this picture is grainy and atmospheric and perfect also.

I tend to look at photographs not just for the subjects, not just for the postures and gestures, not even just for the technical skill of the printing, but also for what emanates/ed in that moment the camera eye snapped closed and opened again. In this sense, even the more posed photos with fine grain, are poignant. This is why I did not name the famous people these photos are of and about. The photos stand for themselves and are not images of faces and bodies, but a stop motion in time in a great story. Those who know at depth the fore and after stories of the subjects are even more enriched in viewing these moments of time when the loved also loved in return.

It is true that there are many forms of love, tired and grim love, tenacity with disappointment love, dedicated love without care, forever love and cherishment, tender and awake love, and also there is a kind of true love that is fleeting, but nonetheless real, just like the camera's eye snapping closed and then open again... imprinting a deep image on each lover for all life...regardless of longevity, regardless of all else. I think that for every moment that people love one another, we are ahead.

Great coffee table book.......2005-11-01

This is the type of book that people will actually pick up and delve into. Photo books don't have the same punch, and longer articles are too much to invite the casual brouser to read. Each profiled couple is one page worth of commentary and the facing page a black and white photo, so that your guests can read one or two entries easily. Yeah, the Anne Heche/Ellen Degeneras entry is a bust, but most of the rest are classic couples. As a coffee table book it is 5 stars -- among the best -- but I'll take a star off since as a regular book you would probably want more photos and details.

Great Romances? More like, Great Disappointments.......2003-08-13

For me, I was disappointed in my copy of "Lovers." Mostly, because I consider 'true lovers' to actually stay together. Many of the couples featured in this book became separated or divorced. Sorry, not my idea of true love, or romance either.

Plus, I'd prefer more photos than just the single one per couple. The lowercase font used as a title for each bio was really annoying, and the format (one large photo and an essay), tedious. Also, there were few contemporary 'lovers.'

Since its publication this book has become obsolete. (As the ill-fated Anne Heche and Ellen deGenerres romance will suggest).

Overall, I've seen books which handle this subject much better. I'd give this one a pass, or pick it up at the library before purchasing.

Lovers.......2000-01-28

I thought that this book was very captivating was full of emotion

Average customer rating:

Legendary and Hot!
Legendary Looser Should Be The Title...
Better if have more depth in character development
Hot scenes
I should have read the reviews before I read it!

Legendary Lover
Susan Johnson
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553578677
Release Date: 2000-05-02

Book Description

Dear Readers,

I had heard the gossip. Who in London hadn't? But whether or not the elusive Venus Duras would favor one of her numerous suitors didn't concern me. After all, I had a surfeit of obliging lovers. And then I bumped into her. Literally.

She was utterly enchanting, the most dazzling creature I had ever seen. I knew she had to be mine. But she was aware of my reputation and thought me a libertine. When I invited her to a dinner party, she gave me the cut direct.

Within hours our heated encounter became the talk of the town. Who could resist a wager or two on the delicious possibilities? Could I conquer the unconquerable Miss Duras? Would she resist or succumb to my legendary powers of seduction?

It became a luscious game and tantalizing spectacle--wildly provocative, uncertain in outcome, a delight and fascination to all society. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever meet my match. But then, I never dreamed I would meet a real-life Venus.

Yours,

The Marquis of Redvers

Customer Reviews:

Legendary and Hot!.......2006-08-15

Passion, steamy page turning plots, and incredible characters have made this book such a page turner, that its forever creased from reading it over and over again. One of my favorite romances of Johnson. If you want passion, and a great book to keep you up all night wondering "oh whats next?" Read this book! Its remarkable!

Legendary Looser Should Be The Title..........2005-12-17

This is the first novel of Susan Johnson's I've read.

I found the book while searching for new historical romances to read. Boy...did I make a mistake not reading the reviews first on this one (which I almost always do first and won't make that mistake again!).

The book started off on a good note - beautiful and bewitching blond socialite meets up with handsome and dynamic high ranking duke and a relationship develops.

Although, I didn't mind the heroine Venus not being a virgin and actually preferred she had a little experience as the virgin thing is over-rated...I did not on the other hand enjoy that she appeared to have dozens of lovers over her life time of 25 years and was quite the sex maniac.

The hero Jack is the man about town sleeping with nearly everyone and anyone. The first time the two meet, they are attracted but, she thumbs her nose at him once she knows who he is and his reputation as a ladies man. Then in a complete turn of events, within minutes of their second meeting they indulged in some hot and heavy sex.

I had hoped the story line would pick up and become more interesting after this initial get together and although there were some twists and turns....most of the book revolved around their sexual needs and desires which were constant.

And I need to be clear about one fact...this book is only about sex...only about raw lust...NOT love...that seemed to be added to make it fall under the category of a romance. A few of the scenes were more graphic than I like - such as the cork top to a bottle, a wine bottle itself and a sewing spoon...you'll have to read the book to understand how those "trinkets" fit into the book.

I really enjoy passionate historical romances but, I like to see interest and attraction build over a period of time between characters and hold off on complete intimacy for a bit to make it even better. Some of the dialogue between the characters was brash, abrasive and coarse as can be. It was dirty from beginning to end. I thought this book bordered on soft to hard core written porn. I imagine some readers will be looking for just that. I was not. I like love stories to be more developed (such as the characters and their feelings and hopes and wishes and dreams), some adventure and then intimacy. I guess the problem is this is not a true love story.

This book was really sex, sex, and more sex. I got tired just reading it.

I bought a second book by this author.I thought about returning it but, instead told a friend about it and gave her the 2nd book to read. I didn't want to waste another evening reading this author.

I like some things left to the imagination. This author doesn't allow you to have an imagination - she lays it out for you to read in graphic detail. This one should not be listed as a historical romance - the period might have been in this time frame but, the content was not. It belonged in the "how to have raunchy and dirty sex" section of the book store.

This one just wasn't for me - a real "turn-off" instead of a "turn-on".

If I could have given less than one star I would have. Sorry.

Better if have more depth in character development.......2002-12-02

Venus and Jack almost had sex as soon as they meet each other. The steamy sex scenes were typical of Susan Johnson's style, but I was hoping that they were less predictable. Venus supposed to have a mind of her own, except when it came to her sexual desires. Often, she would tell herself that she should not do this or that but still succumbed to the sexual temptation. The author only touched on briefly about her intelligence and knowledge. I would prefer more coverage on what Venus and Jack talked about when they were not having sex. The author wanted to convince us that both of them intrigued and attacted each other as equals but there was little character development in that arena. The storyline was rather straightforward and predictable, definitely not her best but readable.

Hot scenes.......2002-08-22

The main characters have a weird relationship, but it is definitely not like a normal romance novel relationship. The female character is stronger and more independant than most. The love scenes are very hot!

I should have read the reviews before I read it!.......2001-08-13

I only got half way through with the book when I put it down. It was obvious to me there was going to be more of the same in the last half of the book and frankly I didn't want to waste my time. It was then that I checked the reviews from other readers that confirmed my suspicions. I didn't like it that Venus gave in so quickly. I thought the book was going to be about a rake pursuing a woman who didn't want him when all the others did. I was so wrong. If you like sex scenes galore, this book is for you... if you like interesting plots and maybe some (the key word here is some) sex to spice it up, then look elsewhere.

Average customer rating:

Boring
New Spin on Regency Novels
tonight or never? NEVER
I love clever women!
Hugely funny, peopled with eccentrics

Tonight or Never (Legendary Lovers)
Dara Joy
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0505522160

Customer Reviews:

Boring.......2005-09-15

I got this book to check out how Dana Joy's book is like. The answer is I will not read another of her books. I was so disoriented and had such a hard time focus I had to give up a third way through the book. The storyline is awful. I would have assigned 0 if I could. Sorry. Julie Garwood and Judith McNaught are my favorite writers. It's hard to find anyone else as good as them.

New Spin on Regency Novels.......2005-02-08

I love Dara Joy books and this one was no exception.....it has the steamiest plot line I've ever read....also, there are several laugh out loud situations...I love it! Chloe, decides it is time to settle down but she can only think of one man she wants, so she sets the trap for the "Lord of Sex." John, a childhood friend of Chloe's is a confirmed rake. When Chloe tells him she wants to learn to be a female rake like him, well he can't take it and decides he wants her for himself. After several "training sessions" that will steam your windowns, John decides they must take the next step, marriage.

What is so great about this story is how a notorious, self proclaimed rake who's only goal in life is to sleep with as many women as possible can be taken down by one innocent virgin, his best friend from childhood. If this book doesn't convince you that reformed rakes make the best husbands, nothing will. However, the sex in this one can be a bit explicit, so if you are bothered by that don't read it. If you are already a Dara Joy fan, I do not need to sell this book to you. If not, please try it, you won't be disappointed.

tonight or never? NEVER.......2004-04-17

I read that there were others out there that actually enjoyed reading this book by dara joy. Are they serious? did they actually read the whole content of the book?
Lord Sex? Interesting...but the characters didn't convince me. Sure there were plenty of sex written into the book...but where was the romance? Ya know, the humor, the connection the courtship?
If you want to love the characters and the written word, read Judith McNaught's "Whitney, my love"

Here's an excerpt...

"Whitney instantly sensed his presence as if it were a tangible force, something powerful and magnetic. She even recognized the elusive, tangy scent of his cologne. But she scarcely recognized his voice; it was raw with emotion, a hoarse, aching whisper. "Miss Stone-I adore you." The shattering tenderness of the words sent a jolting tremor up Whitney's spine, reaction which was not lost on Clayton. He saw her stiffen, and for one chilling second he thought he'd only imagined what had happenedbetween them in the church, but then she took an imperceptible step backward. Very lightly, he felt her lean against him. His breath froze at the exquisite sensation of her body pressing against him. He dropped his hand to her waist, gently sliding it around in front of her, drawing her nearer and tighter to him. And she made no resistance at all...but stodd quietly in his embrace."

Hey, to each their own...

I love clever women!.......2003-06-26

The woman in this is clever! The love scenes are sensuous! The guy is oblivious, as men occasionally are :) It was fun to read. It reminded me a bit of Georgette Heyer's style, but a GREAT DEAL sexier. Lot's of laughter, lot's of plot twisting, Regency style, with a steamy relationship thrown in. Luckily, without an insipid female to have to deal with in the bargain.

Hugely funny, peopled with eccentrics.......2003-01-23

Here's a coming of age story - a cross between `Sabrina' and `The Scarlet Pimpernel'. Chloe - part French by birth, very French in temperament - has been in love with her friend Viscount John Sexton for years. Being a determined woman, who knows to get what she wants takes some risks, Chloe removes herself from his circle for a year and a half, time for her to mature from girl to woman, so that she can return as something more than a friend in John's eyes.

John, the `Lord of Sex', but not much else as his father gambled away his inheritance, is a rouge and libertine. He is well known amongst the ton for his affairs, and his nickname is of long standing. Chloe has always been dear to John, and is very much valued as a friend. He is startled by her transformation, but stunned by her admission that she wants to be just like him - in effect, Lady Sex. Chloe manipulates John into agreeing to marry her, so that she will be free to follow this path (never for one minute actually planning to go through with it). John agrees, because he cannot countenance Chloe putting her proposal to anyone else. And once he views Chloe as a sexual being, he finds he wants her for himself, and not to share. With Chloe comes her house, estate and charming, naughty grandmother, and household of eccentrics - all of whom John realises have made him feel at home. But not as much as Chloe does.

It's a simple story, and Dara Joy tells it well. There is plenty of steaminess in the book, as you'd expect from the Lord and Lady of Sex, and this is told with Joy's customary straightforward erotic style - not flowery or embellished, just hot.

The fun part is the escape from tragedy that is the French revolution and guillotine for the aristocracy, as more and more of those friends of Chloe's family rescued from jail and certain death by the Black Rose find sanctuary at their home. As they descend, much fun is had by Joy as they all attempt to get along. I particularly enjoyed the 7 Cyndreac brothers, and Baronne Dufond's hair accessories. Ms Joy clearly had fun writing this book, and it was also a joy to read.

How They Met: Famous Lovers, Partners, Competitors, and Other Legendary Duos
Average customer rating:

Interesting Stories of Close Encounters of the First Kind!

Excellent Read & Lots of Fun!
How They Met: Famous Lovers, Partners, Competitors, and Other Legendary Duos
Joey Green
Manufacturer: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Contrary to Popular Belief: More than 250 False Facts Revealed

ASIN: 1579123279

Book Description

Everyone loves popular biography, especially when served up in concentrated, fact-filled listings, each one enhanced by an eye-catching photograph. How They Met tells the entertaining and often enlightening stories of all those twosomes for whom the total was much more than the sum of their parts. It's an irresistibly insightful celebration of the icons of entertainment, business, and more--from Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to Ben and Jerry.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Stories of Close Encounters of the First Kind!.......2006-03-26

For all those who have wondered how Antony & Cleopatra, Lucy & Desi, Sears & Roebuck, Liz & Dick, Smith & Wesson, Stanley & Livingstone, Napoleon & Josephine and countless other 'couples' first met, this book is just what the doctor ordered.

Author Joel Green gives us the straight skinny on 80 famous couples - how they met and their subsequent fate. A few of the inclusions seem to run to "flavor of the month" - Brad & Jennifer, Ozzy Osbourne, etc. - or worse - does anyone really care how Roseanne and Tom Arnold got together?? - but it's all good, clean fun. And entertaining and informative!

***
A suggestion to the author: Think sequel. Consider the following: George & Martha Washington, Lunt & Fontaine, Winston & Clementine Churchill, George & Libby Custer.

Excellent Read & Lots of Fun!.......2005-05-23

This well done effort romps through many of the famous business and romantic pairings of history, and includes numerous photos too. The Roosevelts,Kennedys,Hitler and Eva,Romeo and Juliet,Sherlock & Dr. Watson, Proctor and Gamble, Bill and Hillary are among the high points. Most of the short essays are fine, but a few seem to cater to fly by night current partners who may not really make the grade! Where are Hewlett and Packard,Charles and Anne Lindbergh? Well, you cannot include everyone, one supposes!

Cindy And The Prince (Legendary Lovers) (Silhouette Romance, No 555)

Average customer rating:

A cute, feel-good romance

Cindy And The Prince (Legendary Lovers) (Silhouette Romance, No 555)
Debbie Macomber
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373085559

Customer Reviews:

A cute, feel-good romance.......2006-11-07

I found this modern-day Cinderella story to be so enchanting and magical that I literally smiled the entire time I spent reading through it! Set in Manhattan at Christmastime, it's a highly romantic feel-good fantasy about making one's dreams come true! Cindy could have saved herself, and the Prince, a lot of emotional turmoil and heartache if she would have had the courage to communicate more openly and honestly with him, and I found that back-and-forth part of the story a bit frustrating to read, but otherwise, it was a sweet and delightul story.

Average customer rating:

I'm glad I kept reading...
wow and I almost didn't read this book
A modern re-telling of Tarzan and Jane.

Something Wild (Legendary Lovers)
Kimberly Raye
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0505522721

Customer Reviews:

I'm glad I kept reading..........2005-09-06

I have to admit that I almost put this book down because I'm not one for anything involving something supernatural but I'm sure glad that I didn't. The supernatural part wasn't anything too big that you can't overlook but when I read a book I want to be able to believe that what I'm reading could really happen. Anyway the story & the romance were great. I really enjoyed the Tara & Zane. This Legendary Lovers book is based on Tarzan & it makes a really good read. Highly recommended.

wow and I almost didn't read this book.......2001-11-07

I almost didn't read this book because I thought the premise was a bit cheesy. I am glad I decided to pick it up and read it though. It was a really good book! I really enjoyed it thoroughly and recomment it!

A modern re-telling of Tarzan and Jane........1999-02-15

Ms. Raye's excellent characterization makes this a page turner. Wonderful scenes filled with suspense and compassion make Something Wild one of her best. Look out, this author is HOT! Check out her other titles under Kimberly Raye and her horror novels under Kimberly Rangel, you won't regret it.

Average customer rating:

Oh please...
A PERENNIAL FAVOURITE!
Okay but not up to The Scarlette Pimpernal
Not-to-be-missed romance!
Ho-hum

The Indigo Blade (Legendary Lovers)
Linda Jones
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0505523035

Customer Reviews:

Oh please..........2006-03-23

I am so sick of lazy authors using the 'love at first sight' theme. It's silly, insipid, dumb, and completely unrealistic. Yes, you can be very physically attracted to someone at first sight, but love has to grow from an actual relationship. You can't be in love with someone that you haven't even spoken to. That initial attraction is not enough to sustain a lifetime of love on. (After all, nobody keeps their looks forever!) Come on, how many of us have seen someone gorgeous, only to not like him at all once he opens his mouth and reveals himself as an egotist or a self-absorbed jerk?

That's what this author did here. Max, the hero, looks at Penelope, the heroine, and is instantly smitten. Either that, or he's feeding her a bunch of lines about falling instantly in love with her. Either scenerio made me want to gag! It was like the author wanted to write a novel about the American war for independence, and decided to tack a romance sub-plot onto it. She just wanted to get the romance out of the way as soon as possible so that she could go back to her historical fiction.

Note to authors: romance readers want the romance to be the primary part of the novel! That's the part that we remember after the book is finished. Intrigue, suspense, history...these things can all add to our enjoyment, but the romance is what keeps us reading!

A PERENNIAL FAVOURITE!.......2003-04-25

Indeed the story of a hero disguised as a fop and leading a dual life has been written time and time again but here, Linda Jones managed to sustain the level of excitement and intrigue and keep the story flowing smoothly throughout.

Only the storyline mirrored that of The Scarlet Pimpernel, the rest of the story and the ingenious plots were original even down to the misunderstanding that wrought a rift between husband and wife immediately after the wedding, the misunderstanding that prevented Maximillian Broderick from revealing the truth about his real purpose in life to his wife, Penelope.

I would go so far as to say that The Indigo Blade surpassed that of The Scarlet Pimpernel in the romance department. My only grouse is that Maximillian got off too lightly for the misery he caused Penelope. But I guess the author wanted to press on with more serious issues rather than having Penelope exact a more fitting retribution on her husband.

I like this book so much so that I went and bought a second copy so that I could lend it to my friends and still retain one myself.

Highly recommended for a thrilling read!

Okay but not up to The Scarlette Pimpernal.......1999-06-18

If one has never read the Scarlette Pimpernal, then this an excellent book. For those that have, it's not a bad book, but you find yourself missing the excitement of the original. The plot is fast-paced, but there is no real sense of urgency here, you never wait with baited breath to find out what happens next. That's what I loved about the original, and what i missed here

Not-to-be-missed romance!.......1999-03-23

Linda Jones's marvelously unique writing style has created yet another fabulous read with "The Indigo Blade," a not-to-be-missed romance. Although based on "legendary lovers," this familiar story takes on new life thanks to Ms. Jones's skillful writing. With a delectable hero, an admirable heroine and a host of incredible secondary characters, this is a book you'll put on your "keeper" shelf.

Ho-hum.......1999-03-19

Been there. Done that. While it clearly says on the cover "inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel" that doesn't quite cover it. Perhaps it should say "insipid copy of Scarlet Pimpernel". . .but not bothered with all that character development stuff. It's not that the hero isn't likable or that the heroine isn't likable, it's that the whole book is predictable. The story takes the well worn path without finding any new bumps in the road. I don't mind following formula, but I would like some interesting twists of character, turns of phrase, or just my fair share of delicious scenes. This book just didn't deliver that. It's not that the book is bad (it's not that original) it's just I've read it before, and I'll read it again -- better. All in all, I found this one very forgetable.

Average customer rating:

Beyond Betrayal (Legendary Lovers)
Christine Michels
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

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Western | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0505522640

Average customer rating:

Enchanting!
TRULY AMAZING....

Legendary Lovers (By Request)
Debbie Macomber
Manufacturer: Harlequin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0373201141

Customer Reviews:

Enchanting!.......2006-11-07

Cindy and The Prince: I found this modern-day Cinderella story to be so enchanting and magical that I literally smiled as I was reading through it! Set in Manhattan at Christmastime, it's a highly romantic feel-good fantasy about making one's dreams come true! Cindy could have saved herself, and the Prince, a lot of emotional turmoil and heartache if she would have had the courage to communicate more openly and honestly with him, and I found that back-and-forth part of the story a bit frustrating, but all-in-all, this was a very sweet story.

Some Kind of Wonderful: This Beauty and the Beast remake was very well done! The Caribbean setting was spectacular, and Judy's gentle interaction with all the people on the island was heartwarming and touching. The metaphor of Judy bringing a summertime feeling into John's world, and how it felt like winter even in this tropical setting without her, was wonderfully illustrated. Highly enjoyable!

Almost Paradise: While the previous two stories in this collection are close and accurate remakes of the fairytales they are based on, this last story only loosely represents Snow White. In fact, just about the only resemblance to the original is the woodsy setting and that Sherry is a counselor for seven young campers. As a parent who is concerned about the intense pressure inflicted on today's young children to achieve academically, as well as concerned about after-school and weekends being scheduled to the brim with various lessons and activities, it was refreshing to read about a teacher/counselor who breaks this mold and encourages kids to use their imagination and inner creativity to entertain themselves. The children learn valuable lessons about life in the process that cannot be learned in textbooks or other acadmeic pursuits. Unlike the first two stories, this one was much less romantic, and that love devloped between the two characters wasn't very convincing, but the teacher/student relationship was well presented.

TRULY AMAZING...........2003-11-14

I READ THIS BOOK ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO ALONG WITH KATHERINE STONE'S "SISTERS & SECRETS"... THIS BOOK REMINDED ME OF THOSE FAIRYTALES WE GROW UP LISTENING TO SUCH AS CINDERELLA, SNOW WHITE... ETC... THIS BOOK HAS ALOT TO DO WITH THESE STORIES EXCEPT MORE PASSION, LUST AND LOVE ARE INVOLVED... HOPE YOU ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I DID...

Average customer rating:

Good news for naughty readers
A top of the line collection
A MUST-READ anthology
Thoroughly engaging and original -- a fine collection
Quality Erotic Fiction

Wicked: Sexy Tales of Legendary Lovers

Manufacturer: Cleis Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

What made Lincoln’s hat stand up? Did Chairman Mao keep a Little Black Book? In this collection, 21 wickedly gifted writers indulge their imaginations — and ours — by eavesdropping on the sex lives of the famous. Historical characters ranging from rock stars and film icons to royalty and men of science become the focus of erotic desire.

Lynda Schor’s “Seduction” follows Warren Beatty on his tireless erotic journey, with characters like Joan Collins and Joyce Carol Oates chiming in on his legendary prowess. In “The Ballad of Scott and Zelda,” Maxim Jakubowski traces the passion and the slow, bitter disconnection of those idols of the Jazz Age. “Love, Zora,” by Fiona Zedde, is a graceful, poetic evocation of a young woman’s affair with Zora Neale Hurston. Editor Mitzi Szereto brings together a playful and varied collection, not only gratifying our curiosity about acknowledged sex symbols like Marilyn Monroe and Rudolph Valentino, but exciting readers with the imaginary adventures of such unlikely figures as Toulouse Lautrec, Sigmund Freud, and God.

Customer Reviews:

Good news for naughty readers.......2007-05-17

Sometimes, no matter how good we try to be in our daily lives, we can't resist the urge to indulge in a little naughtiness.

And along comes Wicked: Sexy Tales of Legendary Lovers. Editor Mitzi Szereto has pulled together an eclectic mix of stories inspired by the not-so-true lives of some of history's sexiest symbols.

While not everyone will be inclined to read erotica, for those who are willing there's something for every taste in this anthology. Stories run the gamut from humour ("Elvis, Axl, and Me") to graphic ("The Ballad of Scott and Zelda").

Writing styles--and talents--also vary, but that tends to be true of most multi-author anthologies. Overall, however, I found several literary quality stories within these pages. "Eva Braun's Last Tragic Abortion" stands out as one of the most compelling pieces.

Szereto understands that there's more to erotica than sex. Without a cohesive plot and compelling characters, you're left with base [...]. If you don't already know the difference, you need to read this book.

A top of the line collection.......2005-07-02

Wicked: Sexy Tales of Legendary Lovers is an engaging and entertaining mix of sexy stories that offers so much more than the typical erotica collections you tend to see around. This is the first anthology of its kind and the content is wholly original, with standard of writing well above excellent. Editor Mitzi Szereto has pulled together a skilled group of writers from around the globe and they have taken to the task like gangbusters, speculating on the lives of the famous and infamous, giving readers a generous glimpse into the bedrooms of those we're often wondered about, and even those we have not, with a cast ranging from Elvis to Marilyn to Valentino, and, if you can believe it, Eva Braun and Adolph Hitler! Through these classy tales we get a real sense of the characters, both in bed and out. Wicked works both a collection of erotica and as a collection of short stories. Suitable for erotica lovers and readers who simply appreciate good fiction. Buy it! You'll love it!!

A MUST-READ anthology.......2005-06-13

I've never come across anything quite like this book. Editor Mitzi Szereto is already well-known for her innovative concepts, and she's REALLY outdone herself with this one. She's gathered together a pool of talented writers from across America and Europe who definitely know their stuff. There's no hackneyed porn writing going on here -- just top of the line erotic fiction. Excellent. Truly excellent.

Thoroughly engaging and original -- a fine collection.......2005-06-12

Like Szereto's other books, she's once again hit the jackpot with Wicked. The concept here is speculative erotic fiction, with famous people through history as the focal point. It's easy to see that the contributors have done their work, incorporating a sufficient amount of fact with a healthy helping of sexy speculation. The subjects range from Rudolph Valentino and Marilyn Monroe to Salvador Dali, Elvis Presley and the man who assassinated President McKinley. This is erotic fiction that is intelligent, original, polished and arousing. Unlike most anthologies in the erotica line, there is nothing cliched or redundant here. It's quality all the way!

Quality Erotic Fiction.......2005-06-01

I've read previous anthologies by this editor and I always return to her work because I know it will deliver the goods. The stories she selects are compelling, superbly written, and aimed at an intelligent audience. The erotic content ranges from the seductive to the powerful. And, unlike many other anthologies, the stories here will stay with you for months after you've read them.
Wicked: Sexy Tales of Legendary Lovers covers a broad time-scale and a wide range of historical legends. Imagining each of these personalities as a sexual creature provides an insight into their lives that is seldom considered. This title takes pride of place on my bookshelf and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting, entertaining and erotic read.

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