All I Want is You

by Dara Girard

Who is Monica Dupree?
They called her Venus. Beautiful, mysterious and elusive, the international icon was the envy of women and the secret desire of men. Until tragedy struck. Now she lives a quiet life far from the limelight. But her safe haven is threatened when a suave and seductive stranger sweeps into her life and makes a sensual fantasy come true....
Who is JD?
JD is also running away--from his privileged, powerful life. From the moment the billionaire businessman meets the gorgeous, guarded stranger, he knows he can never go back. But their romantic idyll could be fleeting once JD uncovers Monica's secret--a secret that could thrust her back into the spotlight
and tear her from his loving arms forever....

Genres: African American Romance, Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Dara Girard is a national bestselling and award-winning author. After many novels in various sub-genres from contemporary to paranormal romance, women’s fiction, and non-fiction Ms. Girard continues to win readers with each new book.

I was born many years ago in the American Midwest to a brave immigrant couple who decided to call themselves my parents. They moved around the country until they finally settled in Maryland. As a child I was always scribbling something and my family supported my efforts (with white knuckles and a lot of prayer).

After graduating from college, I worked various jobs and did some freelance writing hoping that one day my writing efforts would make me rich and famous and allow me to quit. That didn’t happen. Instead my last job was made redundant and I decided not to look for a new one. Instead I chose to live on my savings (and mild insanity) and write full time.

I would not recommend this route for other aspiring writers. Either marry well or have three years worth of salary saved. I took the risk because I wanted to and fortunately that same year I received an offer from a publisher for a two book contract–after a thirteen year effort, but that’s another story.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. I thought the storyline was original, and it kept me interested throughout. I like the relationship between Monica and JD. It was essentially no strings attached, when there were really tons of strings between these two. The chemistry was there, but the love scenes were definitely lacking descriptive details so I really couldn't get into them. I also think that time just moved by too quickly. Months were flying by within a page, so it because a bit hard to follow at times. JD's grandmother and Donnie his brother really stole the show. Those were two really well written characters. Overall I did enjoy the book, but with a little tweaking it could have been better.

*If you are on PBS I have this available to swap, just check out my bookshelf http://krichie.paperbackswap.com *

[Shh I'm reading! · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of those intriguing plotlines that faltered due to poor writing. Essentially, top model Venus attracts that attention of Anton. Anton, being the villain in this tale, not only kidnaps her as one of his "dolls" but participates in the sex trade, and murders at least 2 people in the course of the book. Venus has escapes and is in hiding when JD comes to spend time at the farmhouse, she's been renting. I never fully understood JD's reason for visiting the farmhouse Venus is renting. The pacing really threw off the tale, and I had a hard time believing in their chemistry. Characters were introduced because they were necessary to the plot, but not in a way that made me feel invested in what happened to the hero, heroine, or any of the secondary characters. The tone was dark, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I like my dark with either explosive chemistry or enough suspense to make make my heart race. Instead, I was reading and wondering how 148 pages could drag on so long.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I read by Dara Girard. I liked how the story begun. After that the storyline moved slow. I found the parts of story with Monica, JD, & the dog cote. This story was okay to read but I liked Nikki's story much better.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Kimani Hotties

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Really enjoyed it.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was just OK. I have read better stories from this author. I did think the plot was creative, but not developed enough.

[Toniette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah

I'm so glad that Anton got his in the end. This also made me wonder how long JD knew she was Venus.