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Mad About You
License to Thrill
He wasn't the man she wanted to trust...but when the stakes turn deadly, it's nice to have a hard body between her and trouble! She wasn't the woman he expected to fall for...and he has a bad feeling a bulletproof vest isn't going to protect his heart this time!
Almost A Family
Ten years ago Virginia Catron and Bailey Callihan had to get married, but they loved each other fiercely and adored their son when he came into their lives. Fate dealt them a cruel blow when their infant son was snatched in a grocery store. Their new marriage couldn't withstand the strain and when it became clear their baby would not be found, they divorced, brokenhearted and grief stricken. They haven't seen each other since their divorce was finalized. The story opens when word arrives that their son has been found...alive. Can these three virtual strangers come together to make a family?
Three Wishes
Be careful what you wish for... When a lowly antiques dealer who's in love with the governor's girlfriend releases a genie from a magic lamp, he unwittingly wishes himself into a hole the size of the Grand Canyon!
He wasn't the man she wanted to trust...but when the stakes turn deadly, it's nice to have a hard body between her and trouble! She wasn't the woman he expected to fall for...and he has a bad feeling a bulletproof vest isn't going to protect his heart this time!
Almost A Family
Ten years ago Virginia Catron and Bailey Callihan had to get married, but they loved each other fiercely and adored their son when he came into their lives. Fate dealt them a cruel blow when their infant son was snatched in a grocery store. Their new marriage couldn't withstand the strain and when it became clear their baby would not be found, they divorced, brokenhearted and grief stricken. They haven't seen each other since their divorce was finalized. The story opens when word arrives that their son has been found...alive. Can these three virtual strangers come together to make a family?
Three Wishes
Be careful what you wish for... When a lowly antiques dealer who's in love with the governor's girlfriend releases a genie from a magic lamp, he unwittingly wishes himself into a hole the size of the Grand Canyon!
527 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2013
147 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Bond
265 books1,784 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Stephanie Bond was seven years deep into a systems engineering career and pursuing an MBA at night when an instructor remarked that she had a flair for writing and suggested that she submit to academic journals. But Stephanie, a voracious reader, was only interested in writing fiction–more specifically, romantic fiction.
Upon completing her master’s degree and with no formal training in writing (her undergraduate degree is in computer programming), she started writing a romance novel in her spare time. Two years later in 1995 she sold her first manuscript, a romantic comedy, to Harlequin Books.
In 1997, with ten sales under her belt to two publishers, Stephanie left her corporate job to write women’s romantic fiction full-time. In 2011,
Stephanie launched a self-publishing business. Since that time, she has sold more than 1 million copies of her own books. To-date, Stephanie has published over 70 novels and has over 6 million copies of her work in worldwide distribution in numerous languages and formats.
Upon completing her master’s degree and with no formal training in writing (her undergraduate degree is in computer programming), she started writing a romance novel in her spare time. Two years later in 1995 she sold her first manuscript, a romantic comedy, to Harlequin Books.
In 1997, with ten sales under her belt to two publishers, Stephanie left her corporate job to write women’s romantic fiction full-time. In 2011,
Stephanie launched a self-publishing business. Since that time, she has sold more than 1 million copies of her own books. To-date, Stephanie has published over 70 novels and has over 6 million copies of her work in worldwide distribution in numerous languages and formats.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 25, 2013
I just love Stephanie Bond's quick witted, chick lite romantic books. This did not disappoint. I liked the characters, storyline and especially the ending. Thanks Stephanie.
tbr-later
November 5, 201513 February 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
May 31, 2016
1. Liked.
2. Had read before.
3. Couldn't get into.
2. Had read before.
3. Couldn't get into.
March 23, 2020
Mad About You snagged my attention a few years back and I planned to dive in and try this novella collection of the author's work. Well, as can happen with me, I got distracted and forgot, but a lucky happenstance in the form of a reading challenge brought it back to my attention. Everything from the whimsical covers to the fun-sounding blurbs has me revved to dive in.
I'll take these in turn and put up a mini-review on each novella in the boxed set.
Licensed to Thrill 3.5 stars
Romantic Mystery
Every James Bond-crushing woman's fantasy. A British spy saves an American antiquities expert in a museum theft caper.
James is asked by an old flame to guard a historic document purported to being a love letter written by King George the third to a museum in San Francisco that will authenticate and then handle the sale. No sooner is he arrived than the letter is stolen and the understated, attractive museum curator, Kat McCray, is strongly implicated in the theft. Kat has secrets, but what truly alarms him is the strong and scary attraction he feels for her and the feeling of needing more when he has never wanted a relationship. For her part, Kat is wary of James' sticking around and being capable of a long-term relationship, but first she has to clear her own name.
Fun and suspenseful!
Almost a Family 5 stars
A complicated, emotional second chance romance. Bailey and Ginny got married too young, had a child and their little boy was kidnapped. Bailey said some unforgivable things at the time. It broke them apart. Eight years later, their son is found after his mom died and now... a new chance.
This was not starry-eyed nor was it easy. Chad was truly attached to the woman he thought of as mother for eight years and she was a good mom. Ginny has her work cut out for her to win a place in his heart. Bailey had it easier with Chad since he wasn't replacing anyone, but he had an uphill battle proving he was changed and truly worthy of Ginny after everything he pulled when he was younger and the way he was merely existing as a single, carefree guy.
A fabulous, heartwarming well developed story of family and renewal.
Three Wishes 3.5 stars
A modern retelling of Aladdin
Let's just say I'm a bit slow and it took a while for me to realize what I was reading. Sure I noticed interior designer and governor's girl friend was named Jasmine, of course I noticed there was a lamp, a rug, and a genie when antique store owner Ladden brought his latest haul into the store and planned for the rug to go to his secret girl crush Jasmine when she requested a specific type and color of Persian rug for the governor's mansion do-over... Then, oh, Lad was Alladdin. D'oh!
Wished she hadn't been dating the Gov or sounded a tad mercenary about wealth and status at first or that Ladden and Jasmine crossed the line since she was dating, but cute and fun tale.
A bit of whimsy that is perfect for fairytale retelling fans.
All in all, it was a wonderful eclectic collection that hit the spectrum of emotions and sub-genres of romance. A romcom, a retelling, and a second chance romance and each were engaging in their own way. This collection doesn't exist any more, but the stories are still individually published and I can recommend them especially Almost a Family.
I'll take these in turn and put up a mini-review on each novella in the boxed set.
Licensed to Thrill 3.5 stars
Romantic Mystery
Every James Bond-crushing woman's fantasy. A British spy saves an American antiquities expert in a museum theft caper.
James is asked by an old flame to guard a historic document purported to being a love letter written by King George the third to a museum in San Francisco that will authenticate and then handle the sale. No sooner is he arrived than the letter is stolen and the understated, attractive museum curator, Kat McCray, is strongly implicated in the theft. Kat has secrets, but what truly alarms him is the strong and scary attraction he feels for her and the feeling of needing more when he has never wanted a relationship. For her part, Kat is wary of James' sticking around and being capable of a long-term relationship, but first she has to clear her own name.
Fun and suspenseful!
Almost a Family 5 stars
A complicated, emotional second chance romance. Bailey and Ginny got married too young, had a child and their little boy was kidnapped. Bailey said some unforgivable things at the time. It broke them apart. Eight years later, their son is found after his mom died and now... a new chance.
This was not starry-eyed nor was it easy. Chad was truly attached to the woman he thought of as mother for eight years and she was a good mom. Ginny has her work cut out for her to win a place in his heart. Bailey had it easier with Chad since he wasn't replacing anyone, but he had an uphill battle proving he was changed and truly worthy of Ginny after everything he pulled when he was younger and the way he was merely existing as a single, carefree guy.
A fabulous, heartwarming well developed story of family and renewal.
Three Wishes 3.5 stars
A modern retelling of Aladdin
Let's just say I'm a bit slow and it took a while for me to realize what I was reading. Sure I noticed interior designer and governor's girl friend was named Jasmine, of course I noticed there was a lamp, a rug, and a genie when antique store owner Ladden brought his latest haul into the store and planned for the rug to go to his secret girl crush Jasmine when she requested a specific type and color of Persian rug for the governor's mansion do-over... Then, oh, Lad was Alladdin. D'oh!
Wished she hadn't been dating the Gov or sounded a tad mercenary about wealth and status at first or that Ladden and Jasmine crossed the line since she was dating, but cute and fun tale.
A bit of whimsy that is perfect for fairytale retelling fans.
All in all, it was a wonderful eclectic collection that hit the spectrum of emotions and sub-genres of romance. A romcom, a retelling, and a second chance romance and each were engaging in their own way. This collection doesn't exist any more, but the stories are still individually published and I can recommend them especially Almost a Family.
May 31, 2018
Loved the romances
I loved all three of these books. I have read a lot of books from Stephanie bond and I have loved everyone of them. Stephanie's writing is a lot like Janet evanovich. Very funny.
I loved all three of these books. I have read a lot of books from Stephanie bond and I have loved everyone of them. Stephanie's writing is a lot like Janet evanovich. Very funny.
September 4, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
January 1, 2014
I am surprised how much I like reading this book. There are 3 stories in this book and I started it to expect some short reading of each story which would just require me to spend some short reading time. But I was wrong. I was drawn to the stories and read it one after next. Although I don't necessary love the hero and heroine in each story, they are all very likeable people and the way I can't put down my book is the reason why this book deserved 5 stars rating.
All three story are a bit different. The first one "License to Thrill" though I don't like the romance between the characters is quite a good mystery read. I found myself reading fast to try to find the answer to the mystery.
Second book "Almost a Family" moved me to tears. If I read this book when I was younger, I probably wouldn't like it at all. But reading it when now I am married and have kids, I can see how the heroine struggled with her new motherhood and the heartbreak she experienced when making a decision for what is best for the child she lost years ago. I loved how strong she was, how she made a life herself after the break up of her marriage and I can't help to admire her strength when she did her best to her "newfound" motherhood. On the other hand, I cannot connect to the hero as much as I did with the heroine. Because he wouldn't be someone I picked as a husband material. However, he redeemed in my eyes.
Third book "Three Wishes" is quite funny. Both hero and heroine are very likeable and I fully understand why the heroine struggle to make the decision to be with the hero even though she felt the attraction between them. After all, we are living in real life and not a fairyland. We all wanted to have a better life. Love is not everything when you need to struggle for maintaining basic needs in your life. (Note:it is not the case for the heroine in this story, I just want to make the point that I fully understand why she hesitate to choose the hero instead of the very powerful and rich boyfriend she has).
All three stories are very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.
All three story are a bit different. The first one "License to Thrill" though I don't like the romance between the characters is quite a good mystery read. I found myself reading fast to try to find the answer to the mystery.
Second book "Almost a Family" moved me to tears. If I read this book when I was younger, I probably wouldn't like it at all. But reading it when now I am married and have kids, I can see how the heroine struggled with her new motherhood and the heartbreak she experienced when making a decision for what is best for the child she lost years ago. I loved how strong she was, how she made a life herself after the break up of her marriage and I can't help to admire her strength when she did her best to her "newfound" motherhood. On the other hand, I cannot connect to the hero as much as I did with the heroine. Because he wouldn't be someone I picked as a husband material. However, he redeemed in my eyes.
Third book "Three Wishes" is quite funny. Both hero and heroine are very likeable and I fully understand why the heroine struggle to make the decision to be with the hero even though she felt the attraction between them. After all, we are living in real life and not a fairyland. We all wanted to have a better life. Love is not everything when you need to struggle for maintaining basic needs in your life. (Note:it is not the case for the heroine in this story, I just want to make the point that I fully understand why she hesitate to choose the hero instead of the very powerful and rich boyfriend she has).
All three stories are very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.
August 26, 2013
This is box set of 3 different books. I really liked them. The 1st is License to Thrill which was ok. The 2nd book was Almost A Family. Wow now that was a great book, full of so much emotion. This is about a family that broke apart after their infant son was kidnapped. Fast forward 8 years later and their son is returned. If you were in this situation how would you feel? how do you think your child would feel/react to losing the only individual they know and love only to find out their world that they had lived in had all been a lie? Great read highly recommend it. The last book is Three Wishes, which is a modern take on Aladdin. Interesting. Might be something you will enjoy, I still recommend that you try this set.
March 6, 2013
I enjoyed reading Mad About You. It made me wish I could find romance and love and it turn out just like in the books Mad About You. I look forward to reading more of Stephanie Bond books. So if you are into romance and love please check out Mad About YOu! I promise you, you won't be disappointed!
February 22, 2014
All three stories were good. My favorite was "Almost A Family". That one brought tears to my eyes. "Three Wishes" was a little "out there" with its magic lamp and magic carpet, but still a fun read. "License to Thrill" as the title indicates was a little "James Bondy". On my own list, I will give this threesome a 3.5.
January 6, 2014
Review
These three books were absolutely enjoyable reads.Lighthearted, funny, sexy, quick reads. Just the right thing to do on a freezing winter afternoon---read something like these 3 books for a quick getaway.
These three books were absolutely enjoyable reads.Lighthearted, funny, sexy, quick reads. Just the right thing to do on a freezing winter afternoon---read something like these 3 books for a quick getaway.
May 19, 2014
Good for the heart with a bit of comedy thrown in
Romance novels can sometimes be too heavy and dramatic..these were at times comedic...very enjoyable. also it's nice to have a romance novel that's not a double x rating.
Romance novels can sometimes be too heavy and dramatic..these were at times comedic...very enjoyable. also it's nice to have a romance novel that's not a double x rating.
June 24, 2015
The first one was just OK. The second one had some teary moments, but was predictable. The last one was just plain silly. Not her best work, but easily read and is good for passing the time at an airport or the pool.
February 19, 2013
Just wasn't my kind of books. I was unhappy with this set of books.
February 17, 2013
Great trio from Ms. Bond! Three great romances with wit, mystery and a bit of magic!
March 14, 2013
Very good book
March 28, 2013
This was a great story I enjoyed it very much
August 26, 2013
Three delightful love stories in one book! Each story is a totally different type/stytle, each one a delightful read. Great way to spend a little down time.
April 9, 2014
I really enjoyed these 3 stories. The second story had me crying and the third story had me laughing!! A good read!
September 19, 2013
I really enjoyed the first two books... But the third book was a little too far fetched for me. Overall a good series!!!
October 6, 2013
I liked the first story, the second story was very sad and emotional and I couldn't even get through the third book. so all in all, it was ok
October 13, 2013
This author put together three very different and well written romance short stories in this package.
to-read-third
December 25, 2013Only intend to read licence to thrill.
January 28, 2014
Three books
all 3 books were very different and all kept my attention through out.. if you've never read anything by Stephanie bond.... you don't know what you're missing!
all 3 books were very different and all kept my attention through out.. if you've never read anything by Stephanie bond.... you don't know what you're missing!
February 17, 2014
I liked the first 2 short books very much but the 3rd book was a bit ridiculous in that it was a modern day Aladdin story with the magic lamp and genie granting wishes.
September 3, 2016
Not Ms. Bond's best work but still a good way to pass some time.
June 28, 2014
Liked it!
July 26, 2015
First story keeps reminding you of a James Bond character. 2nd story is a bit of a tear jerker. Third story is a clever fantasy. I just happen to like her stories.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews