Average customer rating:
- Won't be added to the list of favorites but....
- EXCELLENT!!!
- Wild sweet and great!
- Loved It!
- We're Starring in Westerns Now.....
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Wild Sweet Love
Beverly Jenkins
Manufacturer: Avon
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ASIN: 0061161306
Release Date: 2007-04-24 |
Book Description
Teresa July has led a hard life, but now she has a chance to put her train robbing past behind her. Armed with a new job as a cook to one of Philadelphia's elite families, Teresa is determined to start her life anew, and nothing––not even her boss's stuck–up (and far too handsome) son––is going to stand in her way.
Madison Nance is sick of his mother taking in women from the wrong side of the tracks, just to see them turn on her generosity. That's why it's up to him to keep a close eye on Teresa's every move. At least, that's the only logical explanation for why he can't get the young woman out of his mind.
But when a woman from Madison's past threatens Teresa's future, the two reluctant lovers must join forces is they're ever going to have a chance at happiness.
Customer Reviews:
Won't be added to the list of favorites but...........2007-10-09
It's a really good read. The few that I've read by this author all have been good reads. However, I've noticed that with each storyline, the character's hit the homerun before they are married. Call me old fashioned, but I'd like to see the ladies get married before the man gets the prize.
EXCELLENT!!!.......2007-09-24
I highly recommend this book. This was my first time reading anything from this author and I must say that I will now try to find any other titles that she's written. It was a hard to put down page-turner. I felt a real connection with all of the characters and felt as though I knew them all. Great read!
Wild sweet and great!.......2007-09-10
Another excellent read from Beverly Jenkins, I looked forward to Teresa's story after reading Something Like Love, good to catch up with the rest of her family and hope to read her other single brothers romance tales.
BJ is The Expert when it comes to historical African American romances.
Add this to your Jenkins collection.
Loved It!.......2007-09-01
I loved this book. I started reading this book at 9 PM and did not put the book down until I was finished at 1:45 AM. I really liked the fact that Teresa July was imperfect. The chemistry between Madison and July leaped off the pages. I also enjoy catching up with the July brothers. While this book is a sequel, it certainly can stand on its own.
I was recently introduced to Beverly Jenkins a month ago, since then I have ordered and read 7 of her books. It's so hard to even pick a favorite. "Night Song" will always have a special place in my heart; it was the ultimate love story.
We're Starring in Westerns Now............2007-08-20
Beverly Jenkins has penned another magnificent novel starring 'us' western style. Teresa July is the baby sister of a brood of bad guys and the apple don't fall far from the tree. She's introduced to us while incarcerated for robbing banks and trains and has a stroke of good luck to be able to serve the rest of her time on the east coast assisting a lady of society, who has the awesome job of taming this incorrigible rebel. Teresa and Ms. Molly decide to keep her reputation a secret from the townspeople and Ms. Molly's handsome son enters with his judgmental air. He and Teresa bump heads numerous times because of her feistiness and outspoken ways but with each bump, new awareness of an explosive chemistry surfaces and both are trying their best to avoid this union.
I'm not one that enjoys westerns but upon being initiated to Ms. Jenkins' wholesome style of writing, to say I'm hooked is an understatement!!!
Ms. Jenkins, I can only commend every piece of work that you've penned as awesome!!! I'm addicted to your books and hate to see the endings. Continue to reel us in with your tales!!!
Average customer rating:
- Sweet? Try Cloying...
- Sweet
- hot
- We are VERY open minded, BUT......
- The Marvelous Miss Blue
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Sweet Life: Erotic Fantasies for Couples
Manufacturer: Cleis Press
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Down and Dirty: 69 Super Sexy Short-Shorts
ASIN: 1573441333 |
Book Description
The sales of books about sexual fantasy aimed at heterosexual couples prove how determined readers are to hold onto that erotic spark. But most of these books underestimate the literary refinement of their readers. Good Vibrations sex educator Violet Blue corrects that trend, showcasing imaginative, sophisticated stories to arouse and renew readers’ sexual explorations. Sweet Life collects 25 erotic tales guaranteed to inspire newlyweds and long-term partners alike.
Customer Reviews:
Sweet? Try Cloying..........2007-01-23
'Sweet Life: Erotic Fantasies for Couples' and I have essentially broken up by now. We've tried making it work for some months now, but the sexual chemistry just isn't there. It boils down to irreconcilable differences: I want something that is well-written and original; Sweet Life strives for as many cheap thrills as you can get with third-grade diction and vocabulary.
We gave it an earnest attempt at first: the wife and I got comfortable together and I read aloud the first five stories or so to her. Interest waned as it became apparent that certain phrases would be repeated throughout each tale. Phrases such as 'already erect', 'thrusting repeatedly', 'cries of pleasure' became commonplace, predictable. Every paragraph featured at least one superlative adjective.
Maybe if we'd built a drinking game around our reading-time ('Wet and slippery', take a drink!; 'So darn hard', take two drinks!), we could've made it work. But the inspiration wasn't there, so the inspiration wasn't there.
Besides droll repetition of stock erotica vocabulary, Sweet Life lacked the sophistication that I've come to desire in my fiction. I can't boast a collegiate background in literature, but I do appreciate it when my books can adroitly turn a phrase. I can count on Chuck Palahniuk's novels to titillate. Terry Pratchett does things with his sentences I didn't know were possible. And Stephen King, while getting on in years, still can work his prose into a frenzy, with a long-enough running start.
But Sweet Life's stories (with one exception, a doozy by Hanne Blank that has almost no sex in it) are, without fail, contrived, formulaic and cliché. Some examples:
'Although my internet-whiz husband spent his days in front of a computer screen, he kept in shape by by swimming laps at lunchtime at the health club next door to where he worked.'
'Negotiation has always been the hallmark of our relationship.'
'...it had literally been years...'
At 'literally', I nearly slammed the cover on Sweet Life, thinking, "There's just no excuse for this abuse of language in our relationship." But I kept my calm and just laughed it off, and let the distance grow naturally.
One day soon, I'll nonchalantly move the book to the cardboard box in the closet and the next thing it'll know, someone will be shelving it for purchase at the local thrift shop. And then I'll have completely moved on.
Sweet.......2007-01-07
I rate this book tops in its category and handy for all couples young and old for bedtime............
hot.......2005-08-01
My wife and I were never erotica readers before, and we really like this book. The stories are a good way to heat things up.
We are VERY open minded, BUT.............2005-06-06
This book just did not do it for us. We purchased this book (and Sweet Life: Erotic Fantasies for Couples 2) based on the reviews from other couples and women. We were sorely disappointed. But maybe our type of fantasies are different from others. Male-Male Bisexuality and enemas do not fit our view point of erotic fantasies.
However, based on the writing style, the stories are well written. We gave this 3 stars because the fantasies are just not our type, but the writing style is VERY well done.
Just not for us.
The Marvelous Miss Blue .......2005-02-10
Violet Blue has gathered together an unparalleled collection of erotica with a unique purpose: to turn on couples. And it works! The stories in this beautiful book are sexy without being vulgar and they let couples know that it's okay to have dirty thoughts. It's okay to give in to erotic fantasies. These stories push the boundaries without ever being too far out. This collection is the type of book you could leave out in your living room without feeling embarrassed. The cover is striking and sexy, and the mood within the pieces are equally so. A very delicious selection from a mistress of the genre.
Book Description
In this paperback original, a stable of fresh stories by award-winning writer Will Weaver (Full Service and Barns of Minnesota) are complemented by a hand-picked selection of favorites from his original collection, A Gravestone Made of Wheat, to offer a fresh, vivid portrait of the changing midwestern landscape. New highlights include “Blaze of Glory,” an enchanting tale of an RV road trip and a senior couple’s “last time”; “The Trapper,” the story of a hard split between an old trapper and a younger female environmentalist; and “The Last Farmer,” the capstone story of this elegant collection that examines the discovery by a high-tech farmer of the history of the old houses on his land. Fourteen stories in all portray the bountiful and whimsical and cruel human spirit and the swirling transformation of America’s heartland.
Customer Reviews:
Sweet Land movie vs. the short story.......2007-09-08
I watched the movie Sweet Land before I read the story, A Gravestone made of Wheat, and I loved it. But after reading the 15 page story, I was wondering why in the world the movie director chose to interpret the story as he did. Seems to me he completely missed the essence of the story - which is as elegantly simple as Karen Blixen's Babette's Feast. The other stories are amazingly well written as well, but the idea behind "The Gravestone made of Wheat" makes it the jewel of the book. I love it!
Great short stories........2007-05-12
I enjoyed all the stories in this collection. Great reading for relaxation in a hurry. Will reread them all.
Our book club loved this book!.......2007-01-05
Will Weaver - what an interesting writer! His word pictures and the way he presents his characters are intriguing. Each story in Sweet Land has a different flavor; some thought provoking and some hysterically funny! Our book club will be adding Will Weaver to our "must read" lists!
Book Description
Couples everywhere look for inspiration to keep their sex lives hot. The sales of books about sexual fantasy aimed at heterosexual couples prove how determined readers are to ignite that erotic spark. But most of those books are boringly tame, selling short the sexual refinement of their readers. Good Vibrations sex educator Violet Blue improves on this trend, showcasing imaginative, sophisticated stories to arouse newlyweds and long-term partners alike with steamy, sexually explicit fantasies. From the publisher of Best Women’s Erotica, these stories put the sizzle back into the marriage bed.
Customer Reviews:
Plusses and minuses.......2006-02-18
There's a lot to like in these stories. They offer plenty of variety in the fantasies played out, and in choice of his or her point of view. They're explicit, exciting, and literate - these stories don't drift off into impenetrable euphemism or anatomical absurdity. And, in the end, almost every story portrays consensual play.
The negatives in this collection are only in matters of personal preference. I'm not a fan of the more aggressive kinds of play, even if it's just play. "Sweet Life 1" had many fewer themes of coercion or dom/sub, and I liked it better for that reason. If you and yours like the sharper edge to your erotic games, you'll enjoy this collection more than I do.
//wiredweird
We are open minded, BUT............2005-06-06
This book just did not do it for us. We purchased this book (and Sweet Life: Erotic Fantasies for Couples) based on the reviews from other couples and women. We were sorely disappointed. But maybe our type of fantasies are different from others. Male-Male Bisexuality and enemas do not fit our view point of erotic fantasies.
However, based on the writing style, the stories are well written. We gave this 3 stars because the fantasies are just not our type, but the writing style is VERY well done.
Just not for us.
Good Book - Not for Beginners.......2005-03-30
The stories in this book are very well written and the editing was very good. I had recently purchased another book and thought that it was very poorly written (see my other reviews), which is a pet peeve of mine. A lot of writers of erotic fiction seem to think that as long as they write about sex, the quality of the writing does not matter. There also appears to be a general tendancy for erotic writers to "force" their stories upon you, rather than present them in a way that lets them unfold before you. In this case, however, the editor seems to have chosen stories written by authors with a higher quality of writing style, and that made these stories very pleasurable to read.
That being said, I do have to warn that the stories in this book are not for the faint of heart, so if either you or your lover is uncomfortable with unconventional sexual practices, this may not be the book for you. Although the language and descriptions found in these stories are explicit and hot, the stories are primarily exciting because they are about unconventional sex. This book is designed for people who get excited about sex-games on the edge. In it you will find stories about threesomes, urination-play, strap-on play, and other such activities. You will not find stories about making love in a meadow of wild flowers! So if you plan to read this book in bed with your lover and she (or he) is squeemish about that type of thing, you should be forewarned that the acts described in this book might make her (or him) a little uncomfortable.
On the other side of the coin, I do have to say that within the subjects covered, the stories are generally about couples who love and care for each other, which makes this a very good book to share with your lover, assuming that you are both open minded and not offended or scared off by very kinky sex. One thing that I really liked about the stories in this book was that the authors wrote about unconventional sex that was taking place in a context of a caring relationship. Although the subject matter requires an open mind, the writers and editor did a great job of making them couple-friendly.
If you are a couple looking for your first book of erotica, this book could be a little bit over the top and you may want to look for another book and "work your way up" to this one. But if you and your lover are used to reading erotica together, or if you are both open minded people and stories about non-traditional sex excites you, then this book may be for you and it is well suited for lovers to share together. The stories are very hot and they are very well written which makes this a very enjoyable book.
tense and exciting.......2004-06-08
I loved Sweet Life 1 and was pleasantly surprised that the sequel was not a carbon copy of the first but instead develops the dominant and submissive themes that were only touched on in the first. Women who take charge, men who take charge and threesomes abound. There's plenty of sweet stories, too and a delicious helping of fantasies that play with the danger of discovery. I enjoyed Mile High, now so much because airline sex is impossible, and Special Occasion, where a woman initiates sex with a stranger while someone watches from the closet...
Humiliation is not so sweet........2004-02-26
I thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Life (1). This second complilation is far from erotic for me. The stories are redundant in their theme of humiliation. If this turns you on, this book is for you. The first compilation had a little of everything, this one does not. Two stories were good, the rest were the same situation dressed up differently. It actually becomes quite boring, by the second paragraph you already know what will happen. Excuse my yawn while I look for something better to read.
Customer Reviews:
Fast paced- Good Read!.......2006-04-18
I received a lot from this book! I love the way that God used the characters to reveal His Truth. I really like that every time you thought that you knew what would happen next, something totally unexpected would happen or something close, but not quite it! I am definately recommending this book to any woman who is single, with a great job, in the social arena and looking hard for a good man! Chantell's growth and true transformation is certainly a story worth telling. If you pay close attention, there is even information on how to be a good support system, a friend, and not just someone's gossip buddy. Truth be told, I think that Denise Harris wrote a lot of women's biography. Definately Recommended!
Sweet Inspiration.......2006-04-08
When I received the Walk Worthy Press novels to review for bookclubs, I was reluctant to read them because WWP doesn't seem to understand the difference between CHRISTIAN fiction and INSPIRATION fiction.
For instance, in Sweet Bye-Bye, the author beeps out profanity as if she'd never used the words herself. Which in turn shows no valuable credibility to her characters' true selves. People have to come to the realization that Christian people DO INDEED use profanity and commit several sins. That doesn't mean that they are not a Christian. It simply means that they are a Christian who is not at the level of perhaps someone who is more stronger in the faith and who can resist the temptations.
Christian fiction novels would be so much more effective if the writers come to the realization that their characters were once sinners and used profanity but eventually have grown to a level of Christianity to be able to eliminate those negatives. This is true Christian fiction. No one is born perfect and without sin.
Temptation, Promises Beyond Jordan, That Love That Faith That Trust, are all great examples of INSPIRATION FICTION. There is low-keyed drama in Inspiration fiction and faith-based realism.
Casting the First Stone trilogy and Church Folks/Second Sunday are wonderful examples of CHRISTIAN FICTION. There is always high-keyed drama in Christian fiction and a lot of truth and very much reality where most people can identify with the characters.
A word to the wise at Walk Worthy Press: When publishers learn this difference, they will be able to better market their products and reach a worldwide group of people instead of a certain circle of folks. Don't limit God and don't be afraid to go into the highways and byways.
Sweet Bye-Bye is a sweet and inspiring story but lacks the ability of pulling in the reader to believe the characters' stories. Partly because the writing was amateurish (most debut authors show this weakness). A 2.4 on the SmithScale.
A Must Read!.......2006-03-11
I really enjoyed reading this book. I always want to enter into a world of other than just sex and usual story plots. This book allows one to get in touch with their spiritual side. I could relate to a lot of what Chantell was going through in this book. It makes you want to stop what you are doing and remember to put God first in all that you do because it is through Him that all blessings come. Really wonderful book....I look forward to reading more books from this author.
Fell Short.......2006-01-31
This novel fell short in the Christian Fiction Category. My first disappointment was in the profanity that was used in the book, granted most of it was bleeped out and used by people who were not of faith, but i read christian fiction to avoid even the thought of it. The Novel otherwise mediocre.
Save your money...........2005-11-09
I didn't enjoy this book at all. I can usually find at least one thing I like about a book, but when you don't care much for the main character in the book it is hard to do. The main character was not likeable - she was very immature - she acts like a child and plays "games." A very disappointing read indeed.
I was looking for a Christian Chick-lit book and I don't think this books fits that category.
Customer Reviews:
(RAW Rating: 4.5) - Hip Hop Love.......2007-07-30
SWEET SENSATION is a story about an unlikely second chance at love. "Sweet Dee," who is now known by her given name of Deidre James, abandoned her career as a hip hop superstar, to live a quiet life as a professor at a community college. When she left the world of stardom, she left her one true love and high school sweetheart, Flex behind and carried the secret of their unborn child with her. Fast forward and Deidre is leading a quiet life with her now pre-teen daughter Kayla. While she still wonders about what could have been with Flex, Deidre has settled into her comfortable life. All that changes when a music television special exposes her secret. Flex immediately re-enters Deidre's life and seeks to build a relationship with the daughter he never knew he had. However, being a part-time father isn't enough, his goal is to have a full-time family. As Flex and Deidre try to rekindle their relationship, both are forced to revisit painful memories from the past and face some of their greatest fears.
I highly commend Gwyneth Bolton for creating a wonderful tale that shatters the stereotypes surrounding the hip hop generation. Despite the fact that SWEET SENSATION follows the general rules for romance, it is a unique story that offers a few surprises. The hero and heroine are multi-dimensional, quirky, and imaginative and the supporting characters add depth and texture to the story. I enjoyed that there were numerous positive male characters, the social commentary, and the fact that the story highlighted the human side of hip hop artists. SWEET SENSATION is likely to appeal to a broad audience of readers. Fans of traditional romance will enjoy it, but fans of street fiction, and even Generation Xers will appreciate the up-to-date feel of the story.
Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Not so Sweet.......2007-05-22
I did not like this book as much as "I'm gonna make you love me". It was just okay. However, I will read the next book the author release.
Sweet Sensation Indeed..........2007-05-03
Ms. Bolton's debut novel I'm Gonna Make You Love Me is the launch pad for her most incredible love story in Sweet Sensation.
Sweet Sensation is a mesmerizing story that seems to develop and take on a life of its own right before your eyes.
Deidre "Sweet" James is a former teen rapper that has gotten out of the business and is living a nice and quiet life in the suburbs as a professor at a community college. This lifestyle seemed to suit her to a tee until she's asked to perform her former chart topper at the acclaimed Source Awards. Sweet's intention was to sneak in, perform and sneak back out to her quiet life. As if you can't guess, well laid plans always go awry and she runs into the one person that she was trying to avoid; "Flex".
Frederick "Flex" Towns is a former deejay turned super producer and record label owner, that gets a blast from his past when he runs into his former love at the Source Awards. Although he plays it off, he is overwhelmingly affected by seeing her again. He not only fantasized about her for years; but in all those years he never stopped loving her.
Imagine Flex's surprise when he discovers via television that he is the father of a [...] daughter. Flex is concerned for his daughter's safety as he is preparing for retaliation from a former associate (that will remind you of "Shug Knight). In attempts to keep his daughter and Sweet safe, he proposes that they move in with him and become a family. Of course the daughter is star struck, but Sweet is hesitant and afraid to give herself to any man based on a history with her father.
I could go all day telling you about this story. It is highly recommended for oodles of reasons. It is a sensational love story, the sex is off the hook HOT and the layout of the story is just awesome. On a side note, I must state that I did not necessary agree with Sweets decision to keep her daughter from her father, but I understand that fear will have you do many things. In the context of this story, it served as a wonderful foundation to bringing this family and this love story full circle allowing something that we all need at one time or another: Closure.
Reviewed by: Eleanor S. Shields, Black Butterfly Review
Sweet Sensation.......2007-03-24
Gwyneth,
Girl you have done it again. I love this book and if you like hip hop you would like this book. In reading this book I was thinking back to the day I would listen to hip hop and had a smile on my face. Flex was something else and I like Sweet Dee. Once you start reading you will not be able to put the book down. Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful books.
What do you get when once upon a time you was you was in the public eye and then one day you are gone. You decided you wanted a more normal life then you make an appearance at a award show, then you are one of the TV special "Whatever happen to " then you whole life change. You know when you appear on those whatever happen shows all kind of secret is reveal, but you have to read the book to find out what happen. smile...........
Louise
Best Hip-Hop Romance Ever Written.......2007-03-05
Dierdre "Sweet Dee " James grew up as a BAP in a typical suburban family. She met Flex on the high school courtyard when he peeped some of her fresh lyrics. Flex was the fly deejay with the Real Deal Niggas (New Improved Gangsters Going After Society) rappers from Jersey. It was Dierdre's introduction to the crew, that Sweet Dee was set free on the mic to rock the hip hop world.
Flex and Sweet Dee dove head first into the rap industry. Soon after graduating from college, their rap careers took off making them members of hip-hop royalty. The time spent touring, recording, and performing turned their relationship of one of work and friendship to love. After the death of Sasha, Flex's cousin, Sweet Dee left the hip-hop scene because the violence and image of being a hip-hop gangsta no longer appealed to her. She stepped out of the limelight as quickly as she entered leaving Flex to fight the demons and hold up the gangsta lifestyle alone. Sweet Dee left Flex without sharing her secret, would she be able to keep it?
SWEET SENSATIONS is one of the BEST hip-hop romances ever written. It has all the elements of hip-hop - love, sex, violence, revenge, lyrical flow and money. Bolton has penned an eloquent all encompassing love story that highlights the importance of family. SWEET SENSATIONS is embedded in the world of hip-hop music and will touch your heart, develop a love of rap music, and rise to bestsellers list in no time.
Reviewed By - Deltareviewer
For Real Page Turners
Amazon.com
In Sweet and Vicious, acclaimed author David Schickler treats readers to a magical, mystical tale of star-crossed lovers who develop an electrifying bond while trying to evade the nagging ghosts of their respective pasts. In what can be described as a modern day Bonnie and Clyde meets Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet, Schickler invites readers into a world of crime, passion, shame, fury, and ultimately awe-inspiring love.
Henry Dante is a Chicago enforcer who, after a work call takes an ugly turn, hits the road with a briefcase containing the Planets, the seven diamonds he was supposed to deliver to his boss, legendary gangster Honey Pobrinkis. While stopping for gas in a small Wisconsin town, Henry encounters Grace McGlone, an ethereal beauty who walks through a car wash to meet the man she instantly recognizes as "the one." Tucked in between miles of endless highways, campgrounds, and quickies in the back of a pickup truck, Schickler offers readers the backstories of these two unlikely heroes. Henry "muscles" for Honey as a way to "chew up the clock," while Grace is "trying for heaven" as a way to absolve herself from a shameful encounter with a famous evangelist at the age of fifteen. Yet what proves most striking about this unlikely couple is the immediate intensity of their relationship, and Schickler's ability to sustain that coup de foudre sensation throughout the novel's somewhat bumpy ride. In fact, it is only when Schickler strays too far from this explosive couple that the story begins to drag, and readers may find themselves skipping ahead to the more exhilarating aspects of the book.
Kissing in Manhattan, Schickler's widely praised debut, gave readers a delicious taste of this richly imaginative and refreshing literary voice. Sweet and Vicious will certainly take fans to the next level of author appreciation. As Henry says, "There are bold moments sometimes, moments that scare you and call to you all at once." Readers who heed the call are sure to be rewarded with a thrilling adventure. --Gisele Toueg
Book Description
“Fascinating and hilarious,” “relentlessly clever,” and “truly haunting” are all phrases that have been used to describe David Schickler’s unique talent. And all apply to this brash, brilliant novel featuring two of the most memorable characters in contemporary fiction: Grace McGlone and Henry Dante.
Sexy and willful, Grace McGlone is saving herself for the right man. When Henry Dante pulls into the small Wisconsin town where she works at the car wash, she instantly knows he’s the one. He knows it too. But when Grace discovers Henry has “The Planets”—a stolen set of famous Spanish diamonds—stashed in the back seat of his truck, she’s having none of it. She’s “trying for heaven,” and the ill-gotten jewels must go. And so they do, in a race across the American landscape from Chicago to Yellowstone, purusued by a savage gangster obsessed by the diamonds he thought were his.
Passionate, criminal, comical, and possessing all the dark enchantment of a fairy tale, Sweet and Vicious is a modern love story shot straight from the heart of David Schickler’s miraculous imagination.
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
“Fascinating and hilarious,” “relentlessly clever,” and “truly haunting” are all phrases that have been used to describe David Schickler's unique talent. And all apply to this brash, brilliant novel featuring two of the most memorable characters in contemporary fiction: Grace McGlone and Henry Dante.
Sexy and willful, Grace McGlone is saving herself for the right man. When Henry Dante pulls into the small Wisconsin town where she works at the car wash, she instantly knows he's the one. He knows it too. But when Grace discovers Henry has “The Planets”—a stolen set of famous Spanish diamonds—stashed in the back seat of his truck, she's having none of it. She's “trying for heaven,” and the ill-gotten jewels must go. And so they do, in a race across the American landscape from Chicago to Yellowstone, purusued by a savage gangster obsessed by the diamonds he thought were his.
Passionate, criminal, comical, and possessing all the dark enchantment of a fairy tale, Sweet and Vicious is a modern love story shot straight from the heart of David Schickler's miraculous imagination.
Customer Reviews:
Great road romance story with human insights.......2005-12-04
OK, a road romance story featuring a mob grunt named Henry Dante and a lovely red-headed girl named Grace does not suggest this is a book of great subtlety or nuance. This is a fast paced book, with some pretty intense and graphic scenes. But it's a great ride, and the story does have something unique to say about love, redemption, faith, and life's meaning for those who look carefully enough.
Henry Dante is a shake down artist for the Chicago mob, who does his job with honor, purposely gives his marks a fighting chance, and is proud to say he's never killed anyone. A job with two other mob goons to recover the planets, a set of seven mythical diamonds worth millions, goes bad when one of the goons decides to rape the wife of the intended target. Dante beats up his partners to stop the rape, and takes off with the diamonds. As Dante flees the scene, he rolls into a sleepy Wisconsin town, where he is spied by Grace, a sexy 20-something "trying for heaven" by holding herself out for the right man. Grace decides Dante is that man, and soon the two are one the road, running from the mob, and doling out each of the seven planets to worthy strangers they meet along the way.
Schickler provides a number of memorable, quirky supporting characters along the way, and provides plenty of unforgettable scenes along the journey. Schickler does not strive for total realism, but the characters are human enough and the situations are plausible enough for the story to work. Sure, the plot is a little predictable, and this is hardly the first "lovers meet on the road, on the run" story, but the material is quite fresh as Schickler writes it.
Readers beware, there is plenty of sex and violence here, and I wouldn't recommend this book for the faint of heart. I also gave it five stars because I love these sort of quirky crime stories. For those who aren't big fans of this genre, give it only four stars.
Simple truths revealed.......2005-10-01
This is a very simple fairy-tale-like story that contains such truth and beauty I was overwhelmed. Love, truth, honesty and KNOWING what's right for you are presented humorously through such an unlikely plot. It all seems so simple, but it really is so profound. I came away from this book with a new sense of hope and understanding. And a need to read it again!!
Expecting More.......2005-09-30
I was expecting good things after reading Kissing in Manhattan, but Sweet and Vicious did not make the cut. Schickler is a beyond-competent writer, but the story failed to evoke the strong emotional response I got with Kissing. The plot is an odd hybrid of a Tarentino film and an X-files episode -- violent, supernatural, and surprisingly predictable. On character development, he tries harder and succeeds less.
That being said, this book is a good day at the beach/plane trip read -- It's short and reasonably digestable.
Doesn't Hold a Candle!!.......2005-08-14
I absolutely loved Kissing in Manhattan and expected the same quality writing in Sweet and Vicious. I attended a book readingby Mr. Schickler in our shared hometown. He read the book with such enthusiasm that I was hooked and bought the book. However, it was a disappointment. Where his first novel was clever and weaved the characters lives together, the plot in Sweet and Vicious appeared fairly predictable and lacking in creativity. It was a quick, pleasant read but I felt uninspired and disappointed. Mr. Schickler has great talent but unfortunately he did not reach his potential in his latest novel.
Ho hum.......2005-04-22
After a promising start the entire story moved along with such linear precision that it may have been written by a mathematician. Never did it deviate from a plotline that was anticipated after the second chapter. In the genre of heist stories we've come to expect twists and turns until the last minute. Here we had none. I was waiting for somebody to be something other than what they appeared to be, somebody to do something out of character. And the thorough implausibility of the climactic confrontation on stage in front of 5000 people had me shaking my head. Oh, and if somebody would be kind enough to post a follow up review explaining the significance of the hitch hiker, I'd appreciate it.
Book Description
From Gale Gand, award-winning executive pastry chef and host of Food Network's Sweet Dreams, more than 75 tempting desserts that are long on flavor . . . even when you're short on time.
Customer Reviews:
Elegant but Simple.......2007-01-04
Great ideas for desserts that are made from things already on your shelf and that don't take too much time to make.
Eclectic collection.......2006-12-05
Gale Gand presents an eclectic collection of dessert recipes. You may not find your favorite but you will certanly find something that will pique your interest. Organizing recipes by time was a good idea. My favorite recipe from this book was the passion fruit mousse - innovative and yet infallible!
Great Book for Baking with Kids. Neat Variations on Classics.......2004-04-15
This book, `Gale Gand's Short + Sweet' is the fourth work of which Gale Gand has been a co-author or principle author. Gale has demonstrated several of these recipes, especially the recipes for kids, on Gale's Food Network show, `Sweet Dreams'.
The book focuses on recipes that can be done quickly with eight or fewer ingredients. With a few caveats, the book succeeds in providing interesting, workable recipes for people with few pastry skills which can be done in a relatively short time, with no expensive ingredients and no unusual ingredients.
The recipes are divided among four chapters covering recipes which can be completed with 15 minutes, 30 minutes or 45 minutes active time, plus a chapter on `kid doable' recipes. The book gives relatively quick recipes for some old standards such as hot fudge sundaes, Clafouti, scones, Panna Cotta, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread, cheesecake, Tarte Tatin, turnovers, semifreddo, Tiramisu, apple tarts, crème brulee, buttermilk biscuits (c/o Shirley Corriher), cinnamon-raisin bread, and my all time favorite snickerdoodles.
While all these names are familiar, Gale gives a new twist to almost all of them, leaving only the venerable Shirley Corriher biscuit tradition and the snickerdoodle recipe untouched. Thus, she is following the same tradition as David Lebovitz by producing creative variations on the standards. Ms. Gand does a little better in my mind than Lebovitz in `Ripe for Desserts' in that she has concentrated on recipes that can be done easily and cheaply. Unlike Lebovitz first book, `Room for Dessert', Ms. Gand does not give long discussions on technique or ingredients. Her effort is redeemed by her recipes' simplicity.
There is a really important caveat to the claim that the recipes can be done in 15, 30, or 45 minutes. This caveat is that this does not include baking times, which can be up to 30 minutes. It also does not include refrigerate time to relax or condition intermediate preparations. This time is not inconsequential when it comes to planning kitchen time. On the other side of the coin, the recipes are quite good in giving points in the preparation where intermediate steps can be refrigerated or frozen before finishing. This may not be a big thing most of the time, but when it helps, it really helps.
There are some things I found which may only annoy a frustrated teacher. These are errors in fact or errors in grammar. The most glaring error in fact I found was the statement that balsamic vinegar is made from red grapes. Since this is such an obviously easy mistake to make, it signals a lack of care by the publisher's copy editor. The same can be said of the few very obvious grammatical errors.
I generally have little interest in photographs of savory dishes, but desserts are a different story. Desserts are as much about eye candy as they are food for the sweet tooth. On average, the pictures in this book are good to very good, with a few stinkers here and there. It is beyond me why the publishers could not see their way clear to include a photograph of every recipe. Desserts, especially when done for kids or for parties, can often be chosen on the basis of a picture.
I am delighted to see Gale Gand come up with some new episodes for her Food Network show `Sweet Dreams'. I am not a big dessert maker, but Gale, along with some other Food Network hosts comprises my favorite comfort food for the mind. This may seem somewhat insubstantial, but the rapport between Gale and her son, Gio, adds a warmth to her printed and TV presentations which may be missing or slightly phony with other hosts. I would seriously add this consideration to your evaluating this book for purchase.
This book is recommended for anyone who likes to create with desserts. It is highly recommended for anyone who likes to bake and create desserts for and with kids.
Book Description
Even reluctant writers enjoy the writing challenges present in "Short and Sweet - Quick Creative Writing Activities that Encourage Imagination, Humor and Enthusiasm for Writing." This collection of creative writing activities helps students of all ability levels have fun with writing as they stretch their imaginations.
Most activities can be completed in less that a class period, with time left over for sharing - an important part of the writing process. You can stop there, or you can go on to let students complete more finished, polished works.
Average customer rating:
- Southern born
- Sweet Read!
- Like sitting down with old friends
- Good Southern fiction
- Like sitting on the porch and chatting with friends
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Sweet Tea and Jesus Shoes
Various
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Anthologies
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Anthologies
| Short Stories
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0425183785 |
Book Description
Six daughters of the South serve up a charming and hilarious collection of original short stories topped with a generous dollop of that most valued of all Southern commodities: good old-fashioned storytelling.
"Poignant and heartwarming...A brilliant compilation of Southern women's stories in the tradition of Anne Rivers Siddons." (Midwest Book Review)
"A sweeter, smoother-edged American South beckons...Conjure[s] up the comfortable if ornery charms of a legendary culture." (Publishers Weekly)
Customer Reviews:
Southern born.......2007-01-10
One of my all-time favorites. If you are Southern, you cannot help but identify with these charming stories. If you are not Southern, this will give you a true peek into our culture.
Sweet Read! .......2004-10-25
A wonderful, entertaining collection of short stories with southern flair. As a mother of three, sneaking in time to read is not always easy and I'm a fan of short story collections/ anthologies. This particular book is very satifying and hard to put down!
The stories range from witty to heart wrenching, but all are lovingly crafted by an extraordinary group of writers. It will tickle your funny bone, tear at your heartstrings, and leave you with a wonderful impression of the south.
The recipes in the back of the book are an extra bonus and believe me, the chocolate nut pound cake is winner!
Like sitting down with old friends.......2003-02-03
This book is a joy. It's like having someone sit down and say "I remember..." and off goes the story. These stories are funny and poignent and gentle and enjoyable. These stories really capture the spirit of the South- the faith, the strength and the pride. This book has been added to my bookshelves and will stay there and be enjoyed for years to come. I have even bought a few extras for my relatives down south.
Well worth reading.
Enjoy
Good Southern fiction.......2002-12-27
I love the title of this book so much! This is a book of stories by Southern women writers. A lot of the stories really struck a chord with me. I laughed. I cried. The stories that stuck with me are "Grandma Tells a Tale," "Fingerprints," "Cookie the One-Eyed Horse," "Grandpapa's Garden," and "Sweet Tea." They are everything that is good about Southern fiction: strong sense of place, interesting characters, tug at your heartstrings, quirky, and just plain Southern.
Like sitting on the porch and chatting with friends.......2002-06-22
This is my kind of book, good stories and great recipes! Several 'southern' writers have gathered their favorites...in both foods and stories and these stories make for a wonderful summer's read. From the dilemma of what to do with the (somewhat functional) outhouse that the man of the house just can't let go of, to the rememberences of our first time at Vacation Bible School and the original "what would Jesus do" we all struggled with at a young age, these women have tapped a vein of southern storytelling that runs sweet and deep. Some will have you laughing out loud, some will send you back in time, but all are infused with a real knowledge and love for the south. Danna Ball, Sandra Chastain, Debra Dixon, Virginia Ellis, Nancy Knight and Deborah Smith combined for the 16 stories tht will enchant any lover of southern fiction.
Books:
- A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire)
- ABSolution
- All Around the World Cookbook
- Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
- At Blanchard's Table: A Trip to the Beach Cookbook
- Ayurvedic Cooking for Self Healing (2nd Edition)
- Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food You Can Make at Home
- Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book
- Betty Crocker's Cookie Book: More Than 250 of America's Best-Loved Cookies (Betty Crocker)
- Betty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook: Everyday Meals, Easy as 1-2-3
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