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The Red Diary
Sun, sand, and one woman's private fantasies recorded in a seductive red book . . .
Prim and proper Lauren Ash has a secret side no one else sees: she records her sexual fantasies, in intimate detail, in a very personal book meant for her eyes only.
When hired hand Nick Armstrong finds the red diary, he's shocked . . . and aroused. Never before has he come across anything so private—or so sensual. And, given the way the Ash family has hurt his, he soon begins to see this as a potent weapon for righting an old wrong. Wouldn't it serve the haughty Lauren right if he used her own fantasies to seduce her, make her fall in love, and then break her heart?
But there's much more to Lauren than Nick expects, and before he quite realizes it, he's opening himself—and his heart—to her. Can Nick let go of the past and surrender to Lauren, body and soul?
Prim and proper Lauren Ash has a secret side no one else sees: she records her sexual fantasies, in intimate detail, in a very personal book meant for her eyes only.
When hired hand Nick Armstrong finds the red diary, he's shocked . . . and aroused. Never before has he come across anything so private—or so sensual. And, given the way the Ash family has hurt his, he soon begins to see this as a potent weapon for righting an old wrong. Wouldn't it serve the haughty Lauren right if he used her own fantasies to seduce her, make her fall in love, and then break her heart?
But there's much more to Lauren than Nick expects, and before he quite realizes it, he's opening himself—and his heart—to her. Can Nick let go of the past and surrender to Lauren, body and soul?
Audiobook
First published August 31, 2004
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About the author
Toni Blake
45 books1,159 followersToni Blake's love of writing began when she won an essay contest in the fifth grade. Soon after, she penned her first novel, nineteen notebook-pages long, and announced to her mother over breakfast one day that she was going to be a writer when she grew up. Since then, Toni has become the author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels. Her work has been excerpted in Cosmo, she's been a recipient of the Kentucky Women Writers Fellowship and a nominee for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, and she's also had more than forty short stories and articles published. Toni lives in the Midwest and enjoys traveling, genealogy, crafts, and snow skiing.
Toni has also written under the name Toni Blair.
Photo: Cassandra Stella
Toni has also written under the name Toni Blair.
Photo: Cassandra Stella
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 20, 2017
Very disappointing.
To be honest, I expected a lot from this book but was ultimately given so little in return. At first glance it looked very promising, but the story mostly fell flat and failed to entertain me. The story moved along at a sluggish pace and the main characters were both meh.
The first 30% of the book was so good. Nick’s past had me intrigued and I was curious to find out if Lauren was just a pawn in his revenge plan. Unfortunately, many things in the rest of the story seemed fairly off to me and I felt like it was more like a chore to finish this book.
At first, I thought Lauren was a complex and interesting character. The secret side of her that she never let anyone know drew me right into her story. But as the plot progressed, she became more and more pointless and spineless when it came to Nick. And in the end, I couldn’t care less about her!
Nick had so much potential to be one of great tortured male characters, but sadly he came across more like a jerk for me. Honestly, he pissed me off in more ways than one. However, near the end of the book, he somehow managed to redeem himself.
The best part of this book was the sex scenes. They were smoldering hot, so much so that I felt thankful I didn't read it in public.
Anyway, don't let me discourage you from trying this one. You may enjoy it more than I did.
Guess I’m not the target audience for this book…
March 6, 2011
3 1/2 stars
I knew that this is one of Toni Blake’s earlier books before I started reading it, and I knew that most reviews were blah. However, I suppose I still hoped for more. The heroine, Lauren, is a rich girl that we are supposed to sympathize with because she is not really respected while working for her father’s company, and because she cannot find a decent man. However, she seems clueless as to how to stop attracting loser-men while wearing provocative clothes at seedy parties, while following her skanky friend around.
Nick has held a grudge against Lauren’s family for the past 20 years because his father used to be a partner, yet he was cut out of the company in a rather unethical way. Nick owns his own painting company now, and is hired to paint Lauren’s mansion. He is seething with jealously that Lauren has the life that he was meant to have, and he’s not shy about showing it. She does not know who he is. He’s pretty much a jerk for the first third of the book, which is rather annoying. Both are attracted to each other but don’t want to admit it.
One day Nick stumbles upon a key to the house outside and keep himself from going in just to take a look at the place. He ends up snooping in her office and finds her diary. Her secret fantasy diary, that is. He can’t keep himself from going back in and reading more than once. It was hard for me to get over his violation. As time goes on, he can’t get over his own guilt about it and I felt better that at least he feels remorse. He takes a few things from her diary and introduces them to her in conversation or during sex, and she has no clue that he’s read her book. She thinks he is her soul mate.
About half way through, the book really started to pick up for me and I was really into it. We meet Nick’s family, which includes an adult brother with a closed head injury, his older sister, and his alcoholic father. The break up happens and then things went down hill. I understood why she felt she couldn’t be with him any more.
I knew that this is one of Toni Blake’s earlier books before I started reading it, and I knew that most reviews were blah. However, I suppose I still hoped for more. The heroine, Lauren, is a rich girl that we are supposed to sympathize with because she is not really respected while working for her father’s company, and because she cannot find a decent man. However, she seems clueless as to how to stop attracting loser-men while wearing provocative clothes at seedy parties, while following her skanky friend around.
Nick has held a grudge against Lauren’s family for the past 20 years because his father used to be a partner, yet he was cut out of the company in a rather unethical way. Nick owns his own painting company now, and is hired to paint Lauren’s mansion. He is seething with jealously that Lauren has the life that he was meant to have, and he’s not shy about showing it. She does not know who he is. He’s pretty much a jerk for the first third of the book, which is rather annoying. Both are attracted to each other but don’t want to admit it.
One day Nick stumbles upon a key to the house outside and keep himself from going in just to take a look at the place. He ends up snooping in her office and finds her diary. Her secret fantasy diary, that is. He can’t keep himself from going back in and reading more than once. It was hard for me to get over his violation. As time goes on, he can’t get over his own guilt about it and I felt better that at least he feels remorse. He takes a few things from her diary and introduces them to her in conversation or during sex, and she has no clue that he’s read her book. She thinks he is her soul mate.
About half way through, the book really started to pick up for me and I was really into it. We meet Nick’s family, which includes an adult brother with a closed head injury, his older sister, and his alcoholic father. The break up happens and then things went down hill. I understood why she felt she couldn’t be with him any more.
October 22, 2009
Another 5 star book for me from Toni Blake. The story had a way of making me really feel the love between the H&H. Of course the back stories were also wonderfully done. The sex/love scenes were very sensual and hot, just the way I like them to be. Toni Blake is an auto buy for me. I absolutely loved this book.
October 1, 2008
It was a struggle for me to finish this one, but I did because I kept thinking it would "work out." The writing was good and not the problem. The problem I had was the with the story and the characters.
Nick was on a mission of revenge when he accepted a job to paint the outside of Lauren's home. He was in "revenge mode" when he used a spare (hidden) key he discovered to break into her home while she was away. He was in "revenge mode" when he read and continued to read her fantasy diary over a period of days. He became obsessed with reading her diary any opportunity he had and then he used those fantasies to entice or seduce Lauren.
I kept waiting for the author to redeem this action--and his character--but it was never done to my satisfaction.
Nick carried around a large amount of inner anger toward Lauren's father and he did have some justification. He was mad at the world for the hand he (and his family) were dealt and hellbent on revenge. Lauren was as close as he could get to the main target of his animosity. He was mean to Lauren in the beginning, so beware of that if you read this one.
Lauren's character was okay, but she needed to stand up more for herself and I thought it was very immature for her to be "coerced" into attending wild "office parties" where men routinely hit on her and she didn't know the difference in a normal office party and one where sex was the main topic of conversation.
The betrayal by Phil (second in command of her father's company) and his having sex at his "party" with the door open while having the nerve to be upset if his wife found out was...well...stupid for This Reader. He was flaunting his "extracurricular" activities. I felt he was also flirting with Lauren and she was too naive not to have noticed.
Lauren's "friends" needed to get a life, too. I saw them as USERS and it was sad that she limited herself to that type of friendship. How can you have a "close friendship" with someone who is your polar opposite? Caroline was WILD, WILD, WILD and would beg, plead and guilt trip Lauren into going out with her to pick up guys.
Phewey!
Nick was on a mission of revenge when he accepted a job to paint the outside of Lauren's home. He was in "revenge mode" when he used a spare (hidden) key he discovered to break into her home while she was away. He was in "revenge mode" when he read and continued to read her fantasy diary over a period of days. He became obsessed with reading her diary any opportunity he had and then he used those fantasies to entice or seduce Lauren.
I kept waiting for the author to redeem this action--and his character--but it was never done to my satisfaction.
Nick carried around a large amount of inner anger toward Lauren's father and he did have some justification. He was mad at the world for the hand he (and his family) were dealt and hellbent on revenge. Lauren was as close as he could get to the main target of his animosity. He was mean to Lauren in the beginning, so beware of that if you read this one.
Lauren's character was okay, but she needed to stand up more for herself and I thought it was very immature for her to be "coerced" into attending wild "office parties" where men routinely hit on her and she didn't know the difference in a normal office party and one where sex was the main topic of conversation.
The betrayal by Phil (second in command of her father's company) and his having sex at his "party" with the door open while having the nerve to be upset if his wife found out was...well...stupid for This Reader. He was flaunting his "extracurricular" activities. I felt he was also flirting with Lauren and she was too naive not to have noticed.
Lauren's "friends" needed to get a life, too. I saw them as USERS and it was sad that she limited herself to that type of friendship. How can you have a "close friendship" with someone who is your polar opposite? Caroline was WILD, WILD, WILD and would beg, plead and guilt trip Lauren into going out with her to pick up guys.
Phewey!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2016
Lauren Ash is very prim and proper. She refuses to have sex without love, without affection, and has gotten a reputation as an ice queen. But no one knows just how passionate and wild she wants to be, expect her red diary where she writes down all her sexual fantasies.
Nick Armstrong has a huge grudge against the Ash family, they cost his family everything. And when he’s hired to paint Lauren’s house, he can’t help but want to find out more about Lauren and her life. When he finds her secret diary, he’s shocked and aroused beyond belief. And he sees his opportunity to get back at Lauren’s father, and at Lauren who seems to think of him as nothing but a servant.
But Lauren is not who Nick thinks she is, and soon he is just as tangled as her in the web of desire and lies he has spun. Can Nick forget the past, and grab the future being with Lauren promises?
”Because I want you so fucking bad I can hardly breathe.”
This was a very sexy romance with two people who goes from enemies to lovers and to so much more. I did at times struggle in the beginning with both Lauren and Nick, her because she at first came across as so snobbish, and him when he treated their earlier sexual encounters like something cheap and expendable, but luckily both did change and I enjoyed their romance. The sexy times were hot, and the romance great.
There were some great secondary characters, and I especially liked Nick’s sister and brother. Nick’s family tragedy just about broke my heart.
I am a huge Toni Blake fan. Her Destiny series is a favorite of mine. And as always I loved her writing. She writes wonderful romantic and sexy romances, with a lot of deeper emotions and sometimes a lot of sadness.
December 1, 2012
You'd think you could count on an erotic romance about a woman's sexual fantasies to be sex positive, so I was especially shocked at all the slut shaming in this. The heroine Lauren has a friend named Carolyn, who is the story's poster girl for bad behavior; the phrase "not like Carolyn" is used numerous times to mean "not a filthy slut." It went way over the top when hero Nick thinks,"He loved that she wasn't like Carolyn. He loved even more, though, that she was like Carolyn for him." Could someone please crawl into the book and shoot him for me? Of course Carolyn reforms at the end, because really she just wanted to be loved, and if she's very good and monogamous maybe she'll earn true luv like Lauren someday. *eyeroll*
Other than that -- and an infuriating unsafe sex episode* -- I really enjoyed this. It's smoothly written and kept my attention all the way through. I particularly liked a subplot about Nick's brother Davy, whose mental development was stunted by a severe episode of child abuse, but who is starting to develop romantic feelings towards girls. Davy comes off as a bit of a cliche at first, always smiling and happy, but we actually get to see his perspective and discover there's more going on with him than people realize. I thought it was very well done.
The primary romance between the "poor little rich girl Lauren" and the housepainter who blames her father for all his family's woes is very hot. There's a lot of sex scenes, more than I personally really enjoy, but balanced and integrated into the story as a whole. So despite some irritations, this was a really good read.
*After already having unprotected sex once, they have that annoying romance novel "I'm clean so it's okay" conversation. Nick assures her he's always been careful. Right, like THAT LAST TIME WITH HER?
Other than that -- and an infuriating unsafe sex episode* -- I really enjoyed this. It's smoothly written and kept my attention all the way through. I particularly liked a subplot about Nick's brother Davy, whose mental development was stunted by a severe episode of child abuse, but who is starting to develop romantic feelings towards girls. Davy comes off as a bit of a cliche at first, always smiling and happy, but we actually get to see his perspective and discover there's more going on with him than people realize. I thought it was very well done.
The primary romance between the "poor little rich girl Lauren" and the housepainter who blames her father for all his family's woes is very hot. There's a lot of sex scenes, more than I personally really enjoy, but balanced and integrated into the story as a whole. So despite some irritations, this was a really good read.
*After already having unprotected sex once, they have that annoying romance novel "I'm clean so it's okay" conversation. Nick assures her he's always been careful. Right, like THAT LAST TIME WITH HER?
March 27, 2013
Smut with a plot. A fairly flimsy plot, but at least it made the novel entertaining. I remember reading somewhere that sex should only be included in the story if it drives the plot forward and/or develops the characters, and in this case, there were definitely moments where it did neither. I suppose it depends on what you're looking for in a story, and this one was sort of like the literary equivalent of watching The Bachelor or eating a whole pan of chocolate chip cookies. (I'm not sure why I do those things, but they seemed like a good idea at the time.)
The story is this: privileged little rich girl Lauren lusts after bad boy tradesman Nick (God love a man who works with his hands), but their families have a history, and Nick is still holding a grudge. Nick is the emotionally unavailable alpha male, of course, and Lauren is the sweet, but sexy girl who longs for true luv. I like the character of Nick. I thought he was interesting and believable except for the 180 towards the end where he suddenly became Mr. Sensitive. And also, I really hated that he called Lauren "princess." My 250-lb neighbour -he is bald and rides a Harley - calls his little girl "pwincess," so I couldn't quite reconcile that image with the love scenes in the book.
The writing is decent, and the author should get points for not using dumb euphemisms for the word "penis." There were a few too many subplots that didn't contribute to the pacing or flow of the story, but I suspect that fans of the romance genre will still like this, and if I were to compare it to, say, 50 Shades, I would have to say this book is better.
The story is this: privileged little rich girl Lauren lusts after bad boy tradesman Nick (God love a man who works with his hands), but their families have a history, and Nick is still holding a grudge. Nick is the emotionally unavailable alpha male, of course, and Lauren is the sweet, but sexy girl who longs for true luv. I like the character of Nick. I thought he was interesting and believable except for the 180 towards the end where he suddenly became Mr. Sensitive. And also, I really hated that he called Lauren "princess." My 250-lb neighbour -he is bald and rides a Harley - calls his little girl "pwincess," so I couldn't quite reconcile that image with the love scenes in the book.
The writing is decent, and the author should get points for not using dumb euphemisms for the word "penis." There were a few too many subplots that didn't contribute to the pacing or flow of the story, but I suspect that fans of the romance genre will still like this, and if I were to compare it to, say, 50 Shades, I would have to say this book is better.
October 12, 2014
Lauren, a rich girl, working in daddy's company, but not like you would expect. She actually has the smarts to do the job and has earned her position. While she does hang with others in her social circle she isn't into the parties like they are. While she is no prude, she believes in saving sex for those she really cares about. She keeps a secret sex diary, one where she writes down all of her secret fantasies.
Nick is a painter, a sub contractor working for a large portion of his time for Lauren's company, but nice has a secret connection to Lauren. He takes a job painting Lauren's house as he wants to see her life up close.
As you expect Lauren's diary comes into play. Nick finds it and starts to read it as he starts a relationship with Lauren. You just know this is going to come back to bite him in the butt in a bad way.
As Nick's secrets are revealed, you start to wonder just what his intentions. It is at this point that somethings go just the way you think, but there are other things that happen that will have you shouting out "No", as you can't believe just what you read.
The ending was very sweet and just what you wanted to happen.
Nick is a painter, a sub contractor working for a large portion of his time for Lauren's company, but nice has a secret connection to Lauren. He takes a job painting Lauren's house as he wants to see her life up close.
As you expect Lauren's diary comes into play. Nick finds it and starts to read it as he starts a relationship with Lauren. You just know this is going to come back to bite him in the butt in a bad way.
As Nick's secrets are revealed, you start to wonder just what his intentions. It is at this point that somethings go just the way you think, but there are other things that happen that will have you shouting out "No", as you can't believe just what you read.
The ending was very sweet and just what you wanted to happen.
September 14, 2017
Don't be fooled by the plot or the cover -- Toni Blake's legendary debut novel is indeed an erotic romance, set in steamy Florida. Yet it is so much more than a set of sexual fantasies being acted out by a rich girl and a tough house painter.
Nick Armstrong is such a unique hero. I love the fact that he's not a billionaire or a duke, but just a hard working guy with his own small painting company. Almost like a guy you might meet in real life! He knew Lauren Ash when they were little, but Lauren's father hurt his father in a business deal and the two families went their separate ways -- Lauren's family got very rich (like the Ewing clan in DALLAS) while Nick's family got very poor (the bitter, abusive drunken father is right out of a Russell Banks novel.)
This book moved me so much. So simple and heartfelt. Lauren Ash is a sexy blonde rich girl who kills wearing a bikini but who's very shy at parties and really prefers quiet nights at home. I loved the way she made it very clear to Nick that she wasn't into sex for fun. And I loved how he gradually outgrew his resentment of her family and started seeing her as the one person who really cares about him and not just his tragic family story. Yes, there are a lot of sexual fantasies from the Red Diary in this story. (Not exactly a spoiler, since that's the title of the book!) But the thing that moved me was that by the time the book was over the fantasies were really the least interesting part of the story. There were other things that rocked me to my core.
Most full length romances have a secondary love story, and normally I don't pay much attention to them. But in The Red Diary, which is a steamy erotic romance, the secondary story is so different it belongs in a whole different genre. It's all about Davy, Nick's mentally challenged brother, and a girl named Daisy who's confined to a wheelchair. Normally I avoid sensitive YA love stories like the plague, probably because I didn't date much in high school and don't want to be reminded of everything I missed out on! And yet for just that reason, this story grabbed me and hooked me and even made me cry, which never happens when I read romance! Toni Blake really seemed to be teaching a beautiful lesson here, saying, "yes, sex can be special, but love can be innocent too." She crafts such a gem of a story hidden away in the grown up romance, about a time when just a smile can turn your whole world upside down. It made me cry because it was so beautiful, and because my own teenage years were so different. But when I was done reading I felt better, not worse. I almost felt ready to forgive myself for not being brave, not taking a chance like Davy and his friend Daisy, just because their shyness and emotions were so real.
Now why doesn't this classic have more five star reviews? I'll tell you why. There's a huge audience for erotic romance, but those readers don't like it when the heroine starts every sentence with, "I'm not into casual sex, but . . . " And there's a huge audience for mainstream romance, but those readers don't like it when the hero has less money in the bank than the heroine!
Nick Armstrong is such a unique hero. I love the fact that he's not a billionaire or a duke, but just a hard working guy with his own small painting company. Almost like a guy you might meet in real life! He knew Lauren Ash when they were little, but Lauren's father hurt his father in a business deal and the two families went their separate ways -- Lauren's family got very rich (like the Ewing clan in DALLAS) while Nick's family got very poor (the bitter, abusive drunken father is right out of a Russell Banks novel.)
This book moved me so much. So simple and heartfelt. Lauren Ash is a sexy blonde rich girl who kills wearing a bikini but who's very shy at parties and really prefers quiet nights at home. I loved the way she made it very clear to Nick that she wasn't into sex for fun. And I loved how he gradually outgrew his resentment of her family and started seeing her as the one person who really cares about him and not just his tragic family story. Yes, there are a lot of sexual fantasies from the Red Diary in this story. (Not exactly a spoiler, since that's the title of the book!) But the thing that moved me was that by the time the book was over the fantasies were really the least interesting part of the story. There were other things that rocked me to my core.
Most full length romances have a secondary love story, and normally I don't pay much attention to them. But in The Red Diary, which is a steamy erotic romance, the secondary story is so different it belongs in a whole different genre. It's all about Davy, Nick's mentally challenged brother, and a girl named Daisy who's confined to a wheelchair. Normally I avoid sensitive YA love stories like the plague, probably because I didn't date much in high school and don't want to be reminded of everything I missed out on! And yet for just that reason, this story grabbed me and hooked me and even made me cry, which never happens when I read romance! Toni Blake really seemed to be teaching a beautiful lesson here, saying, "yes, sex can be special, but love can be innocent too." She crafts such a gem of a story hidden away in the grown up romance, about a time when just a smile can turn your whole world upside down. It made me cry because it was so beautiful, and because my own teenage years were so different. But when I was done reading I felt better, not worse. I almost felt ready to forgive myself for not being brave, not taking a chance like Davy and his friend Daisy, just because their shyness and emotions were so real.
Now why doesn't this classic have more five star reviews? I'll tell you why. There's a huge audience for erotic romance, but those readers don't like it when the heroine starts every sentence with, "I'm not into casual sex, but . . . " And there's a huge audience for mainstream romance, but those readers don't like it when the hero has less money in the bank than the heroine!
August 23, 2012
Toni Blake is just amazing with emotional and provocative tale. The Red Diary is not just an erotic story but a story that will touch the reader’s heart.
Lauren Ash is tired of everyone assuming she is like her best friend, Carolyn. She is far from the wild and sensual type. In fact, she is pretty boring. Sure, her clothes are sexy and she goes to wild parties with her friends but she doesn’t see the appeal to it. She much rather stay at home with her cat but deep down she longs for a man who bring forth those dark and sexy fantasies she writes in her red diary.
Nick Armstrong is not pleased to be painting Lauren’s house. Her family has cheated his family out of money and a business. It was a long time ago but Nick is having a hard time letting it go, especially since his family is still struggling to put the pieces together after all the years of pain. Revenge should be on his mind but Lauren’s kindness and sweet nature moves him. When he stumbles upon her little red diary full of fantasies, Nick decides he wants to be the man to make all of them come true.
I admit that I expected a hot erotic novel. I got that and so much more! The emotions that are evoked while reading this crept up on me. Toni is masterful at weaving the heartbreaking back story for all the characters and the sensual motions together. Great job!
The chemistry between Lauren and Nick is combustible. I believe that even if Nick didn’t read Lauren’s journal, he would have fulfilled each and every one of her fantasies. Nick’s family is an added bonus to the story and is very emotional. His little brother, Davy, really got to me and I was glad that he made a new friend.
The only reason I held back from giving this a full five stars because it takes some time to get into Nick’s personality. He is not a warm and fuzzy guy and understandably so. Also, the friends of Lauren got on my nerves. It was like watching high school students again. There was no substance to them and they added peer pressure to Lauren. They could have been scrapped. The storyline with the embezzlement didn’t really add anything to the story but I can see how it made Nick and Lauren’s relationship stronger.
Good and steamy story that will pull on a reader’s heartstrings. I’m glad that I finally got to read The Red Diary.
Lauren Ash is tired of everyone assuming she is like her best friend, Carolyn. She is far from the wild and sensual type. In fact, she is pretty boring. Sure, her clothes are sexy and she goes to wild parties with her friends but she doesn’t see the appeal to it. She much rather stay at home with her cat but deep down she longs for a man who bring forth those dark and sexy fantasies she writes in her red diary.
Nick Armstrong is not pleased to be painting Lauren’s house. Her family has cheated his family out of money and a business. It was a long time ago but Nick is having a hard time letting it go, especially since his family is still struggling to put the pieces together after all the years of pain. Revenge should be on his mind but Lauren’s kindness and sweet nature moves him. When he stumbles upon her little red diary full of fantasies, Nick decides he wants to be the man to make all of them come true.
I admit that I expected a hot erotic novel. I got that and so much more! The emotions that are evoked while reading this crept up on me. Toni is masterful at weaving the heartbreaking back story for all the characters and the sensual motions together. Great job!
The chemistry between Lauren and Nick is combustible. I believe that even if Nick didn’t read Lauren’s journal, he would have fulfilled each and every one of her fantasies. Nick’s family is an added bonus to the story and is very emotional. His little brother, Davy, really got to me and I was glad that he made a new friend.
The only reason I held back from giving this a full five stars because it takes some time to get into Nick’s personality. He is not a warm and fuzzy guy and understandably so. Also, the friends of Lauren got on my nerves. It was like watching high school students again. There was no substance to them and they added peer pressure to Lauren. They could have been scrapped. The storyline with the embezzlement didn’t really add anything to the story but I can see how it made Nick and Lauren’s relationship stronger.
Good and steamy story that will pull on a reader’s heartstrings. I’m glad that I finally got to read The Red Diary.
February 10, 2011
Nick Armstrong is a painter who gets a hold of rich Lauren Ash's diary and proceeds to use it to seduce her. Between a 3 and 4 star. A hot and steamy read.
December 16, 2012
It started out slow for me, but in the end I loved it. Lauren and Nick were really good for each other and they made each other stronger.
January 8, 2015
This is an older book with less enthousiastic reviews than usual for Toni Blake and that's unfortunately deserved, as this book was really not as good as many others I read.
First of all, there was a quite significant number of pages dedicated to hot and steamy, with on the one hand Lauren's fantasies as described in the eponymous Red Diary, and on the other her sex life with Nick. My qualm was that those, especially the fantasies and their partial re-enactment, did not fully mesh with the main story line, did not contribute to reinforcing Nick and Lauren's relationship, felt even rather creepy sometimes in the way they were disclosed and used.
Second most characters bordered on caricature and that did not help make those likeable and easy to relate to. I did not believe in the sustained close friendship between Lauren and Carolyn considering they only spent one year with similar aspirations and then completely diverged. However Carolyn seemed like the only close friend Lauren had, which seemed unbelievably sad to me, considering what she regularly put her "friend" through. Lauren, especially at first, seemed so weak, so easy to pushover, so naive with unfortunately not that many strong points to counterbalance. Luckily she developed much nicer along the book, finally learning to stand for herself. Nick was so much mired in hatred and resentment for so long, even if with understandable reasons, that I wondered how he would manage to grow beyond that. Lauren's father seemed totally self-centered and immature, etc.
The overall plot was ok, though I did not care so much for the fantasies involvement. It seemed rather predictable, with a few surprises, including two really emotional scenes when Nick disclosed the accident that happened to Davy and then later when he confronted his father about it. However compared to her later books, I felt not much was done out of it and the resolution of Nick's conflicts, with his Dad and Lauren's was frankly disappointing.
All in all, a much better book than many others, but not up to par with her masterpieces, which I cannot recommend highly enough.
First of all, there was a quite significant number of pages dedicated to hot and steamy, with on the one hand Lauren's fantasies as described in the eponymous Red Diary, and on the other her sex life with Nick. My qualm was that those, especially the fantasies and their partial re-enactment, did not fully mesh with the main story line, did not contribute to reinforcing Nick and Lauren's relationship, felt even rather creepy sometimes in the way they were disclosed and used.
Second most characters bordered on caricature and that did not help make those likeable and easy to relate to. I did not believe in the sustained close friendship between Lauren and Carolyn considering they only spent one year with similar aspirations and then completely diverged. However Carolyn seemed like the only close friend Lauren had, which seemed unbelievably sad to me, considering what she regularly put her "friend" through. Lauren, especially at first, seemed so weak, so easy to pushover, so naive with unfortunately not that many strong points to counterbalance. Luckily she developed much nicer along the book, finally learning to stand for herself. Nick was so much mired in hatred and resentment for so long, even if with understandable reasons, that I wondered how he would manage to grow beyond that. Lauren's father seemed totally self-centered and immature, etc.
The overall plot was ok, though I did not care so much for the fantasies involvement. It seemed rather predictable, with a few surprises, including two really emotional scenes when Nick disclosed the accident that happened to Davy and then later when he confronted his father about it. However compared to her later books, I felt not much was done out of it and the resolution of Nick's conflicts, with his Dad and Lauren's was frankly disappointing.
All in all, a much better book than many others, but not up to par with her masterpieces, which I cannot recommend highly enough.
February 11, 2013
The book opened with a fantasy. It was relatively tame and satisfyingly short. Lauren Ash has only had three lovers but everyone in her life believes her to have many. Her best friend is very sexual and has many sexual experiences and because Lauren spends time with her people think she is similar in her sexual past. The fantasies were similar all throughout the book.
Lauren Ash was too insipid in the beginning of the book. It seemed as if every person in her life completely overrode her constantly. Her father was a philanderer, the company partner was slimy, her best friend was obnoxious. She changes throughout the book, for the better, but the change seemed insincere. I really didn't like her all that much. She was so clueless when it came to Nick it wasn't funny.
Nick Armstrong was not a hired hand. He was the owner of a successful painting business and creepy as all get out. He was by turns petulant and pissy and I wouldn't have had a thing to do with him. The fact that he kept breaking into Lauren's house to read her private diary freaked me out. He never explained it or let his admittedly small conscience make him stop. I understand that he felt Lauren's father had contributed to his family's misfortunes but he didn't let a little thing like having an intimate relationship with someone stop him from going through with a revenge that wasn't all that complete.
I read the whole thing and finished it. It felt a lot like a first time writer although I know Toni Blake has been writing and been published since at least 2000. Lori Foster is quoted as saying "Heart-stopping sensuality." I'll admit that the fantasies were but the rest of the book was awkward and not particularly well-written.
Lauren Ash was too insipid in the beginning of the book. It seemed as if every person in her life completely overrode her constantly. Her father was a philanderer, the company partner was slimy, her best friend was obnoxious. She changes throughout the book, for the better, but the change seemed insincere. I really didn't like her all that much. She was so clueless when it came to Nick it wasn't funny.
Nick Armstrong was not a hired hand. He was the owner of a successful painting business and creepy as all get out. He was by turns petulant and pissy and I wouldn't have had a thing to do with him. The fact that he kept breaking into Lauren's house to read her private diary freaked me out. He never explained it or let his admittedly small conscience make him stop. I understand that he felt Lauren's father had contributed to his family's misfortunes but he didn't let a little thing like having an intimate relationship with someone stop him from going through with a revenge that wasn't all that complete.
I read the whole thing and finished it. It felt a lot like a first time writer although I know Toni Blake has been writing and been published since at least 2000. Lori Foster is quoted as saying "Heart-stopping sensuality." I'll admit that the fantasies were but the rest of the book was awkward and not particularly well-written.
November 16, 2012
4.5 stars! What a good story! I am a fan of hers and wanted to get to her backlist for some time now. Nick Armstrong has been holding on to 20 years of hate and resentment for a family that he feels did his family wrong. He's a painter who is now going to paint the daughter's house of the man who he feels has done him wrong. I really didn't like Nick in the beginning but I could understand the feelings he must have felt when they had so much and he had very little. Lauren is an independent young woman who works for her father in the family construction business and is guilty by association according to Nick. What started out in the beginning slowly gets turned around for him because he falls in love with her.
There is a whole lot of story to this book with secondary characters and subplots that didn't want me to put it down. I finished this in one sitting is was that good. Loved reading her fantasies that she had hidden in her red diary. Definitely a recommendation to read.
There is a whole lot of story to this book with secondary characters and subplots that didn't want me to put it down. I finished this in one sitting is was that good. Loved reading her fantasies that she had hidden in her red diary. Definitely a recommendation to read.
February 11, 2011
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, having never read anything from this author. The story line was good, but it wasn't quite enough. It felt like something was missing. I really liked Nick, and felt like I knew him but Lauren was just so-so. The relationship they had, was just about sex no matter how the author tried to convince me of the emotional attachment. I just couldn't feel it, at least not on Lauren's behalf.
January 3, 2013
The Red Diary was a really nice way to start my reading in 2013. At only $1.05 on Amazon Kindle it is well worth the price. I'm a huge fan of Toni Blake's books and hadn't realised that I had missed this one. Originally released in 2004 I do believe it has just been re-realised for Kindle. A great price for a fantastic read.
June 30, 2014
Although the male protagonist had some real issues with respecting the female protagonists privacy - I still enjoyed the book.
I especially liked the sweet side story of Davey (Nick's adult little brother who is forever developmentally disabled due to an injury).
Touching in the right scenes - mildly steamy in the right scenes.
Recommended for a little escapism.
I especially liked the sweet side story of Davey (Nick's adult little brother who is forever developmentally disabled due to an injury).
Touching in the right scenes - mildly steamy in the right scenes.
Recommended for a little escapism.
January 16, 2012
I had a hard time finishing this book. I skimmed through a lot of it because I just couldn't get into the story. I've loved every TB book that I've read but this book just didn't cut it for me. *sigh*
November 2, 2010
An okay book. Trying too hard to be romance-y though. And the ending was a bit melodramatic.
February 21, 2013
Just finished this First Reads Giveaway book.
Thank you to the publisher for sponsoring the giveaway.
Review to follow.
Thank you to the publisher for sponsoring the giveaway.
Review to follow.
February 5, 2013
This was a first reads won giveaway and wow. I'm floored this book was amazing I couldn't put it down . The emotions I felt from this book were intense I just wish it didn't end so abruptly :(
June 30, 2013
I love Toni Blake books romance and lots of hot stuff
August 30, 2012
Loved this book!! Wish there was more to the story!!
January 31, 2023
HE'S UNCOVERING HER SECRET DESIRES TO FULFILL HER EVERY FANTASY
When Nick Armstrong finds the red diary, he's shocked...and aroused. Here, in intimate detail, prim and proper Lauren Ash records her most secret fantasies. He knows he should never read it again, but the temptation is too hard to resist. Never before has he come across anything so private-or so sensual. Never before has he found such a potent weapon for righting an old wrong.
His strategy: seduce her, make her fall in love, then break her heart. He'll be her dream lover in the flesh, weaving an erotic spell to free the passionate woman inside her. But Lauren is casting her own tantalizing magic, forcing him to let go of the past and surrender to her body and soul.
When Nick Armstrong finds the red diary, he's shocked...and aroused. Here, in intimate detail, prim and proper Lauren Ash records her most secret fantasies. He knows he should never read it again, but the temptation is too hard to resist. Never before has he come across anything so private-or so sensual. Never before has he found such a potent weapon for righting an old wrong.
His strategy: seduce her, make her fall in love, then break her heart. He'll be her dream lover in the flesh, weaving an erotic spell to free the passionate woman inside her. But Lauren is casting her own tantalizing magic, forcing him to let go of the past and surrender to her body and soul.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2022
I’ve got to say, I really really loved this book! It’s sexy, inspiring, has a strong female lead and a little kinky ;)
There were times my heart was hurting for them and cheering for the characters. It’s one of those books that make you forget you’re reading.
Definitely recommend.
There were times my heart was hurting for them and cheering for the characters. It’s one of those books that make you forget you’re reading.
Definitely recommend.
July 1, 2022
She chuckled cynically and shook her head. If people only knew; the irony was too rich. The girl they assumed was a bad girl was really a good girl, but the good girl had a dark side. A side no one else saw.
March 18, 2025
OMG!!! I really liked this story. I'm more of a historical romance fan, but came across this book, and thought it looked interesting. It has the kind of written romance that's worth reading. I'll be keeping this to read again somewhere down the road.
July 27, 2019
I couldn’t finish. Within the first 4 chapter the main character can’t decide if she likes him or not. It was all so indecisive. I don’t like characters who can’t make up their minds. No thank you.
October 3, 2019
Sorry, but both characters were a bit annoying.
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