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Trust Me
Desdemona Wainwright didn’t want to be in Sam Stark’s office, but her catering business was at stake. Someone had to pay the bill, and she wasn’t going to leave until she had a check from Sam Stark. It wasn’t her fault he was jilted at the altar.
Stark can’t believe he’s sharing details of his life with a caterer. He’s a private person, not one to have long, meaningful conversations with a complete stranger. So when Desdemona asks him, on a whim, to join her that evening for a play…he surprises himself by saying yes. A much bigger shock awaits—he’s about to meet Desdemona’s unusual family…
Stark can’t believe he’s sharing details of his life with a caterer. He’s a private person, not one to have long, meaningful conversations with a complete stranger. So when Desdemona asks him, on a whim, to join her that evening for a play…he surprises himself by saying yes. A much bigger shock awaits—he’s about to meet Desdemona’s unusual family…
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
386 people are currently reading
1926 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
401 books7,169 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
July 31, 2019
This was a lot of fun. Hero is a computer security expert, well on his way to tycoon status. Heroine is a caterer, the only person in her extended family of actors who has a steady job. They meet when heroine has to present to him the catering invoice for his wedding that was just canceled.
Yes, this groom was jilted at the altar and he’s feeling – well, he doesn’t know what he is feeling because those words aren’t in his vocabulary. This is the second time he’s been jilted because – prenuptial agreement? Illogical brides? He doesn’t know.
Heroine takes pity on him (while noticing how good he looks in a tux) and invites him to a experimental play about a fly swatter. The hero is intrigued with this family of actors and the heroine.
The hero’s life is further complicated when his young half-brothers (whom he has never met) try to break into his house. They’ve run away from home after their parent’s divorce. They end up staying with him for the summer.
Besides the quirky characters and the opposites-attract romance, JAK throws in some suspense. Someone is trying to steal the hero’s latest encryption software. The hero suspects the heroine’s jealous stepbrother. The heroine tries to negotiate between the two by staying loyal and trusting both.
Normally, a heroine who is that trusting comes off looking like a ditz, but this author sells it.
The H/h are perfect for each other, but it’s the hero who really shines in this story. I loved how he opened up to the world of emotions but still kept his serious/geek/genius personality. Just a fun story all around.
Yes, this groom was jilted at the altar and he’s feeling – well, he doesn’t know what he is feeling because those words aren’t in his vocabulary. This is the second time he’s been jilted because – prenuptial agreement? Illogical brides? He doesn’t know.
Heroine takes pity on him (while noticing how good he looks in a tux) and invites him to a experimental play about a fly swatter. The hero is intrigued with this family of actors and the heroine.
The hero’s life is further complicated when his young half-brothers (whom he has never met) try to break into his house. They’ve run away from home after their parent’s divorce. They end up staying with him for the summer.
Besides the quirky characters and the opposites-attract romance, JAK throws in some suspense. Someone is trying to steal the hero’s latest encryption software. The hero suspects the heroine’s jealous stepbrother. The heroine tries to negotiate between the two by staying loyal and trusting both.
Normally, a heroine who is that trusting comes off looking like a ditz, but this author sells it.
The H/h are perfect for each other, but it’s the hero who really shines in this story. I loved how he opened up to the world of emotions but still kept his serious/geek/genius personality. Just a fun story all around.
November 15, 2019
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse paperback - met dank aan Annie 😀
Dit soort boeken leest toch zo heerlijk weg. Romantiek met een vleugje spanning geeft een paar uur heerlijk wegdromen. 🦋🦋🦋
Dit soort boeken leest toch zo heerlijk weg. Romantiek met een vleugje spanning geeft een paar uur heerlijk wegdromen. 🦋🦋🦋
April 6, 2016
Sam Stark met Desdemona Wainwright, for the first time, on the day he was dumped at the altar. His intended bride was the second woman to have done this to him in recent years. You thought he would have learned from his mistakes.
At thirty-four years of age, he was the head of his own computer security company, had built up a top-of-the-line clientele and was financially sound. He was better than financially sound; he had insisted that his fiancee sign a prenuptial agreement. And that was the final crux.
Stark was a brilliant man but he felt most at home when he was working at his computer. By himself. He was socially awkward. He was considered a 'nerd' because he wore gold-rimmed glasses and a pocket protector. But he was not a beta male. Honestly, I don't believe Ms. Krentz knows how to write a H as anyone but an alpha male. He had one close friend, another intelligent man that he met after college. He was now employed by Stark's company.
Twenty-eight-year-old Desdemona was the caterer for the Stark/Bedford wedding. She had been working with Pamela Bedford, the bride, with the understanding that the groom would pay for everything. She felt horrible for Stark after he was abandoned in the church but she needed to collect her remaining monies. Considering what could have been a terrible day, Desdemona convinced Stark to come with her after the fiasco. They attended a theater production. Her siblings were involved with the play and they had coffee with everyone afterward. Something clicked.
Two weeks went by and Stark's secretary informed her boss that his former fiancee had lined up several affairs to promote his company. His best friend and VP told him that he needed someone to manage the commitments; he immediately thought of Desdemona. When she came in to sign the contract something between the two of them clicked. Again.
Two more weeks went by before they met at the first event. Because he had poor people skills, Desdemona was hired as both caterer and his hostess. At the end of the evening, with everyone gone, Desdemona was getting ready to leave when Stark kissed her. Things were misconstrued and they almost had a moment of insta-lust. (Almost, Luli! :-) Then he bungled the moment by humongous proportions. She told him she would quit but he convinced her earnestly to give him another chance.
She did.
With the exception of the not-quite moment of lust (I was going to DNF the romance but I noticed three trusted -no pun intended!- GR friends gave it 4 or higher stars), I decided to read on. I empathized with Stark. He had a first name but everyone, including the h, called him Stark. It matched his outward personality. His internal emotions illuminated and swirled but confused easily. His mind was his soul.
Desdemona balanced Stark. She was a bundle of common-sense with a flair towards the theatrical. I loved these two characters playing off each other. I did have two minor quibbles: Krentz's constant reminder that Stark was a human computer/robot/android/nerd and that the reason for Desdemona's family drama was because "she was a Wainwright".
And then there was the suspense which, surprisingly, was very good. If you enjoyed Abigail/Elizabeth in Nora Robert's The Witness you might consider reading this romance.
At thirty-four years of age, he was the head of his own computer security company, had built up a top-of-the-line clientele and was financially sound. He was better than financially sound; he had insisted that his fiancee sign a prenuptial agreement. And that was the final crux.
Stark was a brilliant man but he felt most at home when he was working at his computer. By himself. He was socially awkward. He was considered a 'nerd' because he wore gold-rimmed glasses and a pocket protector. But he was not a beta male. Honestly, I don't believe Ms. Krentz knows how to write a H as anyone but an alpha male. He had one close friend, another intelligent man that he met after college. He was now employed by Stark's company.
Twenty-eight-year-old Desdemona was the caterer for the Stark/Bedford wedding. She had been working with Pamela Bedford, the bride, with the understanding that the groom would pay for everything. She felt horrible for Stark after he was abandoned in the church but she needed to collect her remaining monies. Considering what could have been a terrible day, Desdemona convinced Stark to come with her after the fiasco. They attended a theater production. Her siblings were involved with the play and they had coffee with everyone afterward. Something clicked.
Two weeks went by and Stark's secretary informed her boss that his former fiancee had lined up several affairs to promote his company. His best friend and VP told him that he needed someone to manage the commitments; he immediately thought of Desdemona. When she came in to sign the contract something between the two of them clicked. Again.
Two more weeks went by before they met at the first event. Because he had poor people skills, Desdemona was hired as both caterer and his hostess. At the end of the evening, with everyone gone, Desdemona was getting ready to leave when Stark kissed her. Things were misconstrued and they almost had a moment of insta-lust. (Almost, Luli! :-) Then he bungled the moment by humongous proportions. She told him she would quit but he convinced her earnestly to give him another chance.
She did.
With the exception of the not-quite moment of lust (I was going to DNF the romance but I noticed three trusted -no pun intended!- GR friends gave it 4 or higher stars), I decided to read on. I empathized with Stark. He had a first name but everyone, including the h, called him Stark. It matched his outward personality. His internal emotions illuminated and swirled but confused easily. His mind was his soul.
Desdemona balanced Stark. She was a bundle of common-sense with a flair towards the theatrical. I loved these two characters playing off each other. I did have two minor quibbles: Krentz's constant reminder that Stark was a human computer/robot/android/nerd and that the reason for Desdemona's family drama was because "she was a Wainwright".
And then there was the suspense which, surprisingly, was very good. If you enjoyed Abigail/Elizabeth in Nora Robert's The Witness you might consider reading this romance.
January 10, 2017
I think, one of the best aspect about this book is its plot. Imo, author deserves an
appreciation for her forward-looking about how computer usage will increase and therefore, security will be one of the most important subject about it.
Although I guessed who villain was, I liked to read development of events and solution of mystery step by step. Also, Desdemona's family was very entertaining and all of them were quite intriguing individuals.
Romance part was not very strong but it was enough for a good thriller book.
OVerall, it was better than I expected, especially computer security plot was wonderful. I've just read a few books of author but I think, she is worth far more chance to try her other books.
appreciation for her forward-looking about how computer usage will increase and therefore, security will be one of the most important subject about it.
Although I guessed who villain was, I liked to read development of events and solution of mystery step by step. Also, Desdemona's family was very entertaining and all of them were quite intriguing individuals.
Romance part was not very strong but it was enough for a good thriller book.
OVerall, it was better than I expected, especially computer security plot was wonderful. I've just read a few books of author but I think, she is worth far more chance to try her other books.
June 27, 2020
"Trust Me" is the story of Desdemona and Stark.
An utterly charming and intriguing romance, between a caterer and a computer genius!
When our heroine decides to cater the Stark wedding, she never expects that the bride would run, and she would have to be there to console the distraught groom. Left at the alter the second time, our hero is cursing his luck, when the heroine decides to invite him to her family's theater performance. Shocked and fascinated, he accompanies her only to meet the very eccentric Wainwright clan. This leads to him hiring her as a permanent client for all his functions. Soon they embark on a passionate sexual relationship, while falling in love with each other. Their journey is laden with charming family members and nosy neighbors, software espionage and abandoned relatives, blood loyalty and betrayal suspicions- but their blooming relationship is able to stand the test of times.
Well written plot, carefully sketched out characters that pull you in and root for them, beautiful relationship and crazy hot sex scenes. The hero was a stellar gentleman, the heroine a trustworthy and strong woman.
Really enjoyed it!
Safe
4.5/5
An utterly charming and intriguing romance, between a caterer and a computer genius!
When our heroine decides to cater the Stark wedding, she never expects that the bride would run, and she would have to be there to console the distraught groom. Left at the alter the second time, our hero is cursing his luck, when the heroine decides to invite him to her family's theater performance. Shocked and fascinated, he accompanies her only to meet the very eccentric Wainwright clan. This leads to him hiring her as a permanent client for all his functions. Soon they embark on a passionate sexual relationship, while falling in love with each other. Their journey is laden with charming family members and nosy neighbors, software espionage and abandoned relatives, blood loyalty and betrayal suspicions- but their blooming relationship is able to stand the test of times.
Well written plot, carefully sketched out characters that pull you in and root for them, beautiful relationship and crazy hot sex scenes. The hero was a stellar gentleman, the heroine a trustworthy and strong woman.
Really enjoyed it!
Safe
4.5/5
May 14, 2018
Venga, voy a ser generosa y le voy a dar una estrella y media porque durante la primera cuarta parte me eché unas risas. Pero vamos, después el libro ha ido cuesta abajo y sin frenos.
La primera parte pretende ser una comedia romántica, con un protagonista cercano a Sheldon Cooper pero buenorro y en plan informático (si existen los informáticos buenorros -sin ofender a nadie, eh-) y una protagonista relajada y medio alocada, igual que su teatral familia. La segunda parte cambian las tornas y pasa a ser un intento de película de suspense, con una intriga y asesinatos por medio. Bueno, pues el libro falla en ambas partes. Aparte de la absurda y bastante cómica presentación de los protagonistas y los secundarios no he encontrado nada salvable en este libro y mirad que lo he intentado. Se supone que la comicidad viene dada porque él es frío y no se entera ni del Nodo y ella es muy espontánea y pizpireta, sabiendo más lo que él siente que nuestrol mismo maromo. Pero esa comicidad se pasa y en ningún momento he conectado ni con ellos ni con su historia de amor ni me ha intrigado lo más mínimo la trama de suspense (que, por cierto, se ve a la legua). Además está escrito de un modo de lo más extraño, muy anticlimático, saltándose los episodios que más nos gusta leer en una historia romántica.
En fin, que no está traducido y no os habéis perdido nada en absoluto.
La primera parte pretende ser una comedia romántica, con un protagonista cercano a Sheldon Cooper pero buenorro y en plan informático (si existen los informáticos buenorros -sin ofender a nadie, eh-) y una protagonista relajada y medio alocada, igual que su teatral familia. La segunda parte cambian las tornas y pasa a ser un intento de película de suspense, con una intriga y asesinatos por medio. Bueno, pues el libro falla en ambas partes. Aparte de la absurda y bastante cómica presentación de los protagonistas y los secundarios no he encontrado nada salvable en este libro y mirad que lo he intentado. Se supone que la comicidad viene dada porque él es frío y no se entera ni del Nodo y ella es muy espontánea y pizpireta, sabiendo más lo que él siente que nuestrol mismo maromo. Pero esa comicidad se pasa y en ningún momento he conectado ni con ellos ni con su historia de amor ni me ha intrigado lo más mínimo la trama de suspense (que, por cierto, se ve a la legua). Además está escrito de un modo de lo más extraño, muy anticlimático, saltándose los episodios que más nos gusta leer en una historia romántica.
En fin, que no está traducido y no os habéis perdido nada en absoluto.
March 7, 2018
Good Story. Awful audiobook narrator.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I’m sorry but Richard Ferrone should not narrate romance novels unless the main characters are senior citizens. The 28-year-old heroine sounded like a little old lady. Other females sounded like elderly ladies, some wimpy, some overly effeminate. The hero sounded like an elderly man - soooooo unsexy.
STORY:
I enjoyed the ideas about family and family ties through adoption, both formal and informal. Feel good ending.
Desdemonia runs a catering business. She was adopted by a family of actors when she was a child. Sam was abandoned as a child and is now a successful computer genius with almost no people skills. How Desdemonia and her emotionally open family interact with Sam is wonderful. He makes some changes in his own life as a result.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: current day Seattle. Copyright: 1995. Genre: contemporary romance with some suspense.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
I’m sorry but Richard Ferrone should not narrate romance novels unless the main characters are senior citizens. The 28-year-old heroine sounded like a little old lady. Other females sounded like elderly ladies, some wimpy, some overly effeminate. The hero sounded like an elderly man - soooooo unsexy.
STORY:
I enjoyed the ideas about family and family ties through adoption, both formal and informal. Feel good ending.
Desdemonia runs a catering business. She was adopted by a family of actors when she was a child. Sam was abandoned as a child and is now a successful computer genius with almost no people skills. How Desdemonia and her emotionally open family interact with Sam is wonderful. He makes some changes in his own life as a result.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: current day Seattle. Copyright: 1995. Genre: contemporary romance with some suspense.
January 7, 2014
Another excellent Krentz romance. Again with Krentz' signature wit and sometimes subtle humor and with two very fun leads. I had minor issues with Desdemona's family of freeloaders and feel that author dictate was the only thing that prevented them from being an unbearable burden on both her and her relationship with Sam. This is made up for, a bit, with Sam and his family. Yeah, they're also freeloaders, but in more of an emotional sense and there's at least the illusion of progress. Sam's nephews were particularly endearing and with an excellent payoff in the end.
Kudos, too, for Krentz having at least a passable familiarity with how an actual insider would view "chaos theory". It turns out that she does nerd pretty well, though not without blindspots ("nerd" penetrates a personality and would manifest as much in Sam's "karate" as it would other aspects of his life--starting with how he'd never actually say he studied "karate"--which is a generic term he'd bypass in favor of the specific school he had learned). Still, that's a minor nitpick for the overall package that otherwise fit him very well, indeed.
So yeah, Sam's a stone-cold hottie and Desdemona at least kept pace.
A note about Steamy: Some very hot scenes are sprinkled throughout, though they aren't terribly long, really.
Kudos, too, for Krentz having at least a passable familiarity with how an actual insider would view "chaos theory". It turns out that she does nerd pretty well, though not without blindspots ("nerd" penetrates a personality and would manifest as much in Sam's "karate" as it would other aspects of his life--starting with how he'd never actually say he studied "karate"--which is a generic term he'd bypass in favor of the specific school he had learned). Still, that's a minor nitpick for the overall package that otherwise fit him very well, indeed.
So yeah, Sam's a stone-cold hottie and Desdemona at least kept pace.
A note about Steamy: Some very hot scenes are sprinkled throughout, though they aren't terribly long, really.
August 6, 2019
Loved the nerdy, socially inept, but still alpha hero.
September 16, 2014
ADORED this book!
Super smarty-pants hero, with glasses, and no social skills.
Cute caterer with a meddling, theatrical family.
Great H/h chemistry, intriguing little mystery, too.
A real winner!
Grade: A
Super smarty-pants hero, with glasses, and no social skills.
Cute caterer with a meddling, theatrical family.
Great H/h chemistry, intriguing little mystery, too.
A real winner!
Grade: A
July 18, 2018
Ce livre est dans ma bibliothèque depuis des années et ne la quittera pas. J'adore les 2 héros, ils se complètent très bien.
May 26, 2020
Wow, I like that kind of heroes. He is a nerd with millions on his account. He was left before the altar by the second bride . He has a nightmarish experience of family relationship and is called the man with the computer instead of a heart . She comes from a theatrical and hysterical family ( her name is Desdemona ) . She is responsible for the financial situation of the family .
What they can connect ? just business ? Oh no. Wonderful feeling , which complements each other . And he's so deliciously does not understand the feelings
What they can connect ? just business ? Oh no. Wonderful feeling , which complements each other . And he's so deliciously does not understand the feelings
May 31, 2022
3 sterren - Nederlandse spannende stuiver Een roman a la bouquetreeks. Mag ik dit boek zo noemen. Het leest in ieder geval makkelijk weg. Je kunt het geen feel good roman noemen. Veel diepgang heeft het niet maar toch zeker onderhoudend.
March 19, 2024
Svajonių knygos leidykla turi tarsi liniją tam tikro žanro knygų, ši vadinasi "Romantika" ir pasirinkus realiai bet kurią knygą - tą gausite ir nenusivilsite 💙
Šioje knygoje rasite ir romantikos ir dramų, blogiukai kels pavojų, o šių dienų herojai juos sugavę ir įveikę, gaus papildomų taškų kovojant dėl Dezdemonos širdies. Šiek tiek detektyvo, kad nebūtų per saldu. Lengva įtampa tik pakaitina kraują, o dar pridėjus erotikos scenų, ir šmaikščių pokalbių, turėsite lengvą ir gerą knygą smagiam vakarui.
Šio tipo knygos visiškai saugus pasirinkimas beviltiškų romantikų mėgėjams, nes viską vainikuoja meilė ir laiminga pabaiga 💚
Šioje knygoje rasite ir romantikos ir dramų, blogiukai kels pavojų, o šių dienų herojai juos sugavę ir įveikę, gaus papildomų taškų kovojant dėl Dezdemonos širdies. Šiek tiek detektyvo, kad nebūtų per saldu. Lengva įtampa tik pakaitina kraują, o dar pridėjus erotikos scenų, ir šmaikščių pokalbių, turėsite lengvą ir gerą knygą smagiam vakarui.
Šio tipo knygos visiškai saugus pasirinkimas beviltiškų romantikų mėgėjams, nes viską vainikuoja meilė ir laiminga pabaiga 💚
February 2, 2022
3.5 stars
This was fun, even though it was very, very dated. It's amazing how the world of computers and electronics has changed in 26+ years. But that didn't bother me - it was interesting to go back in history before anyone even imagined some of our everyday items. What bothered me was how hurtful so many of the characters were about Stark being a nerd. Apparently the word (and idea behind it) had a much more negative connotation in 1995. I suspect he was on the spectrum and Desdemona was the only person who recognized the fact that calling him a human computer was hurtful.
The storyline reminded me of Jennifer Crusie's books. It was light and a bit madcap, with Stark and Desdemona prevailing over the bad guys. There were lots of quirky secondary characters. And Desdemona was quite pragmatic, which is a characteristic of many of Crusie's heroines.
This was fun, even though it was very, very dated. It's amazing how the world of computers and electronics has changed in 26+ years. But that didn't bother me - it was interesting to go back in history before anyone even imagined some of our everyday items. What bothered me was how hurtful so many of the characters were about Stark being a nerd. Apparently the word (and idea behind it) had a much more negative connotation in 1995. I suspect he was on the spectrum and Desdemona was the only person who recognized the fact that calling him a human computer was hurtful.
The storyline reminded me of Jennifer Crusie's books. It was light and a bit madcap, with Stark and Desdemona prevailing over the bad guys. There were lots of quirky secondary characters. And Desdemona was quite pragmatic, which is a characteristic of many of Crusie's heroines.
dnf
January 4, 2017DNF at 45%. Not going to star it cause I didn't even bother skimming to the end.
I liked the premise of the handsome wealthy but socially inept geek falling for the woman with a family of theatre drama queens. Stark, the geek, was a great character. But Desdemona the caterer with the weird family... not so much. I thought she was judgmental and kept trying to tell him how he should think. Maybe that will change after I DNFed it, but I was so bored by the first half, that I didn't care anymore. I didn't like how he felt he should apologize and grovel to her for his lack of social skills when it was apparent that her skills were sadly lacking as well.
Oh well, I just never know with this author going in if the story will resonate with me or not. But boring is boring.
I liked the premise of the handsome wealthy but socially inept geek falling for the woman with a family of theatre drama queens. Stark, the geek, was a great character. But Desdemona the caterer with the weird family... not so much. I thought she was judgmental and kept trying to tell him how he should think. Maybe that will change after I DNFed it, but I was so bored by the first half, that I didn't care anymore. I didn't like how he felt he should apologize and grovel to her for his lack of social skills when it was apparent that her skills were sadly lacking as well.
Oh well, I just never know with this author going in if the story will resonate with me or not. But boring is boring.
Read
June 9, 2016i love it simply because it made me explore a much more true-to-life environment . everything was new to me especially the nerdy hero who was soooo cool with computers yet uncool when it comes to saying the right things and the way how things ended up . I was so shocked because i wasn't really expecting those things to happen . I hate to spoil so read it if you want to try a much more realistic romantic-suspense novel . I love it because of it's simplicity and the title really suits well with the story inside ;) !
September 7, 2009
Ugh. Such awkward writing. There was no heat, no wit, and no heart. Lots of telling, no showing. The whole dramatic Wainwright family and its supposed traits were so annoying.
I didn't find Stark to be at all interesting or intriguing. When Desdemona decided she was in love with him, it was so jarring and unbelievable.
The "mystery" was wrapped up neater than a Scooby Doo story.
All in all, just so ineptly done.
I feel cheated out of my time.
I didn't find Stark to be at all interesting or intriguing. When Desdemona decided she was in love with him, it was so jarring and unbelievable.
The "mystery" was wrapped up neater than a Scooby Doo story.
All in all, just so ineptly done.
I feel cheated out of my time.
August 23, 2019
3.5 stars
This was nice but sometimes the romance took too much of a backseat to heroine's family drama. Plus I was sure Tony was gonna become bad, but nope.
This was nice but sometimes the romance took too much of a backseat to heroine's family drama. Plus I was sure Tony was gonna become bad, but nope.
April 28, 2022
This is a fun little read
April 15, 2016
Decir que la familia de Desdemona es inusual es quedarse corto… Y decir que Stark es una persona reservada es como decir que en el infierno hace un poquito de calor…
Así que si te gustan las historias de excesos y personajes límites, y no te importan las familias agobiantes y los héroes literalmente literales esta historia te va a encantar.
Nunca antes me había encontrado con un empollón alfa:
“He was dressed in his customary uniform: worn corduroy jacket, jeans, and running shoes. The familiar plastic protector full of pens, pencils, and other assorted objects was in the pocket of his white shirt. Behind the lenses of his glasses, his brilliant green eyes were unfathomable.”
Madre Mía! Casi me muero de verguenza (ajena) con lo del bolsillo! Pero tengo que decir que Stark ha sido realista y fiel a sí mismo hasta el final.
Después tenemos a Desdemona, que no es que vea el vaso medio lleno, es que lo ve a punto de desbordarse. La pobre mujer no tiene suficiente con su familia y va y se enamora de Stark…Si hay una historia de que los polos opuesto se straen, esta se lleva la palma!
Y en cuanto a la historia en sí, tengo que decir que la autora ha hecho un trabajo excelente. Es la primera vez que leo sobre un CEO alfa y me gusta. Además, esto podría haber sido un lío absurdo y absoluto de malentendidos y enfados pero Desdemona no la ha permitido. Ella siempre ha ido un paso por delante de Stark, y lo ha entendido muchísimo mejor que yo… el misterio-suspense ha estado muy bien. Por más que lo intenté no lo vi venir. Y el poquito de insta-lust que hay la autora lo resuelve bien.
Mi único problema con esta historia ha sido, parafraseando a mi amiga de GR Linda, que me han sobrado algunas referencias a que Stark es un ordenador o robot y a que “Los Wainwright somos así” me ha puesto demasiado nerviosa… a mí me ha pesado más que a ti, Linda ;) así que ahí van mis 3.5 stars.
To say that Desdemona´s family is unusual is an understatement... And to say that Stark is a private person is like saying that hell it´s rather warm...
So if you like stories and characters a bit over the top, and don´t mind overwhelming families and heroes that are literally literal, you may love this story.
Never before had I met an alpha nerd hero:
"He was dressed in his customary uniform: worn corduroy jacket, jeans and running shoes. The family protector plastic full of pens, pencils, and other assorted objects was in the pocket of his white shirt. Behind the lenses of his glasses, his brilliant green eyes were unfathomable."
Oh My! Loved the pocket! And I have to say that Stark has been realistic and true to himself from start to end.
Then we have Desdemona, who doesn´t see the glass half full, she sees it on the verge of overflow. The poor woman does not have enough with her family and goes and falls for Stark... If there is a story about opposites attract, this one takes the cake!
And as for the story itself, I have to say that the author has done an excellent job. It is the first time that I read about an alpha CEO and I like him. In addition, this could have been an absurd and absolute mess of misunderstandings and annoyance but Desdemona has not allowed it. She has always been a step ahead of Stark, and she had understand him a lot better than me... the mystery-suspense has been very good. Even though I tried to figure out who the baddy was I did not see it coming. And the author handled good enough the little bit of insta-lust.
My problems with this story have been, paraphrasing my GR friend Linda, that it has been too many references that Stark is a computer or robot and the "because she/he/we is/are a Wainwright " have left me worn out. It has carried more weight for me than for you, Linda ;) so there go my 3.5 stars.
Así que si te gustan las historias de excesos y personajes límites, y no te importan las familias agobiantes y los héroes literalmente literales esta historia te va a encantar.
Nunca antes me había encontrado con un empollón alfa:
“He was dressed in his customary uniform: worn corduroy jacket, jeans, and running shoes. The familiar plastic protector full of pens, pencils, and other assorted objects was in the pocket of his white shirt. Behind the lenses of his glasses, his brilliant green eyes were unfathomable.”
Madre Mía! Casi me muero de verguenza (ajena) con lo del bolsillo! Pero tengo que decir que Stark ha sido realista y fiel a sí mismo hasta el final.
Después tenemos a Desdemona, que no es que vea el vaso medio lleno, es que lo ve a punto de desbordarse. La pobre mujer no tiene suficiente con su familia y va y se enamora de Stark…Si hay una historia de que los polos opuesto se straen, esta se lleva la palma!
Y en cuanto a la historia en sí, tengo que decir que la autora ha hecho un trabajo excelente. Es la primera vez que leo sobre un CEO alfa y me gusta. Además, esto podría haber sido un lío absurdo y absoluto de malentendidos y enfados pero Desdemona no la ha permitido. Ella siempre ha ido un paso por delante de Stark, y lo ha entendido muchísimo mejor que yo… el misterio-suspense ha estado muy bien. Por más que lo intenté no lo vi venir. Y el poquito de insta-lust que hay la autora lo resuelve bien.
Mi único problema con esta historia ha sido, parafraseando a mi amiga de GR Linda, que me han sobrado algunas referencias a que Stark es un ordenador o robot y a que “Los Wainwright somos así” me ha puesto demasiado nerviosa… a mí me ha pesado más que a ti, Linda ;) así que ahí van mis 3.5 stars.
To say that Desdemona´s family is unusual is an understatement... And to say that Stark is a private person is like saying that hell it´s rather warm...
So if you like stories and characters a bit over the top, and don´t mind overwhelming families and heroes that are literally literal, you may love this story.
Never before had I met an alpha nerd hero:
"He was dressed in his customary uniform: worn corduroy jacket, jeans and running shoes. The family protector plastic full of pens, pencils, and other assorted objects was in the pocket of his white shirt. Behind the lenses of his glasses, his brilliant green eyes were unfathomable."
Oh My! Loved the pocket! And I have to say that Stark has been realistic and true to himself from start to end.
Then we have Desdemona, who doesn´t see the glass half full, she sees it on the verge of overflow. The poor woman does not have enough with her family and goes and falls for Stark... If there is a story about opposites attract, this one takes the cake!
And as for the story itself, I have to say that the author has done an excellent job. It is the first time that I read about an alpha CEO and I like him. In addition, this could have been an absurd and absolute mess of misunderstandings and annoyance but Desdemona has not allowed it. She has always been a step ahead of Stark, and she had understand him a lot better than me... the mystery-suspense has been very good. Even though I tried to figure out who the baddy was I did not see it coming. And the author handled good enough the little bit of insta-lust.
My problems with this story have been, paraphrasing my GR friend Linda, that it has been too many references that Stark is a computer or robot and the "because she/he/we is/are a Wainwright " have left me worn out. It has carried more weight for me than for you, Linda ;) so there go my 3.5 stars.
April 3, 2017
This story started off with an interesting premise; the hero, Stark, is left at the altar for the second time and his vivacious caterer, Desdemona, invites him out with her crew so he won't be alone that night. She's warm and has a huge family which contrasts nicely with his solitary, emotionless life. But the romance just didn't quite come together for me. Both of the characters seemed to waiver back and forth between being what their character description says they're supposed to be, and being what the moment requires them to be.
For example, it's stated many, many times that Desdemona is part of this very emotional family of actors and that she's most definitely "one of them" when it comes to her temperament....but she's very rarely ever emotional in the story and the few times she does have an outburst of emotion it just comes across as bizarre. All through the book either Stark or Desdemona's family does or says things that would cause a truly emotional and dramatic person to fly off the handle, but she never gets angry or upset. She knows exactly what Stark "really" means every time he says something stupid or callous and she instantly forgives him for being socially inept. The only time she has an outburst is after they make love for the first time. She waits for him to leave her apartment then opens the door and shouts at the top of her lungs that he gave her her first orgasm, so everyone in the building can know about it, then locks him out of her place when he comes back to try to talk. That's just like, what?
Stark, on the other hand, is billed as being an emotionless robot, completely socially inept and lacking any understanding of how real people think and feel. And sometimes he does act like that, but other times he is completely in tune with other people's motivations. Like when he very insightfully explains why Desdemona's brother, Tony, behaves the way he does. That was practically a psychiatrist's level of understanding. And the image of Stark as both a complete nerd who actually wears a pocket protector (news flash Jayne, computer nerds don't wear those because they don't need to carry pens, they type everything) and an incredibly hot, massively in-shape stud muffin just didn't quite jive.
Overall the characters were inoffensive but bland. The mystery plot was fine but the villain was easy to spot. All in all it was a decent beach read but not one that I'd read over and over
For example, it's stated many, many times that Desdemona is part of this very emotional family of actors and that she's most definitely "one of them" when it comes to her temperament....but she's very rarely ever emotional in the story and the few times she does have an outburst of emotion it just comes across as bizarre. All through the book either Stark or Desdemona's family does or says things that would cause a truly emotional and dramatic person to fly off the handle, but she never gets angry or upset. She knows exactly what Stark "really" means every time he says something stupid or callous and she instantly forgives him for being socially inept. The only time she has an outburst is after they make love for the first time. She waits for him to leave her apartment then opens the door and shouts at the top of her lungs that he gave her her first orgasm, so everyone in the building can know about it, then locks him out of her place when he comes back to try to talk. That's just like, what?
Stark, on the other hand, is billed as being an emotionless robot, completely socially inept and lacking any understanding of how real people think and feel. And sometimes he does act like that, but other times he is completely in tune with other people's motivations. Like when he very insightfully explains why Desdemona's brother, Tony, behaves the way he does. That was practically a psychiatrist's level of understanding. And the image of Stark as both a complete nerd who actually wears a pocket protector (news flash Jayne, computer nerds don't wear those because they don't need to carry pens, they type everything) and an incredibly hot, massively in-shape stud muffin just didn't quite jive.
Overall the characters were inoffensive but bland. The mystery plot was fine but the villain was easy to spot. All in all it was a decent beach read but not one that I'd read over and over
February 14, 2022
Another re-read. Not my favorite in my foray into JAK classics, but pretty solid all the same. Well, I mean except for the computer stuff. Things have changed quite a bit technology wise in the 20+ years since this book was pubbed and that was a little dated. Regardless, it was fun. (And I got a kick out of how Desdemona didn't know how to use email, so there's that!)
So. Desdemona and Stark. He's logical and measured, she's from a long line of dramatic theater-people. They're light years apart in temperament (and Stark dealing with the Wainwright clan was pretty fun to watch!), but they fit well together. Mostly because Desdemona sees deeper into Stark than most people would be willing to look.
We got some high-stakes espionage (although that's not exactly the word I'm looking for), a little case of murder, a little more betrayal, and a few steamy encounters that rock both Stark and Desdemona's worlds. I'm genuinely enjoying diving back into these older JAK books and experiencing them all over again.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So. Desdemona and Stark. He's logical and measured, she's from a long line of dramatic theater-people. They're light years apart in temperament (and Stark dealing with the Wainwright clan was pretty fun to watch!), but they fit well together. Mostly because Desdemona sees deeper into Stark than most people would be willing to look.
We got some high-stakes espionage (although that's not exactly the word I'm looking for), a little case of murder, a little more betrayal, and a few steamy encounters that rock both Stark and Desdemona's worlds. I'm genuinely enjoying diving back into these older JAK books and experiencing them all over again.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 13, 2024
Desdemona Wainwright catered Sam Stark's wedding. She stayed after the guests left the non-wedding to have him pay the catering bill and ended up inviting him to attend a play with her that evening. Later he hires her to be his hostess/plus one, his much younger half-brothers arrive, there is computer hacking, corporate espionage. A fun story
June 19, 2016
Same formula.
Still entertaining.
Still entertaining.
November 30, 2020
Very cute!
January 10, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I just reread this one and was so glad that I did! This is one of my favorites by Jayne Ann Krentz. In fact I love her older books so much more than the ones she writes now.
Trust Me just hit all the right notes for me. I love the characters, they cracked me up. I also really liked the story itself. The plot is engaging and keeps you reading. This is a very fast paced story.
I was so glad to go back and reread this one. Once again I fell in love with Sam. He is just such a great guy even though you might not get that right away. He comes off a little cold and distant, but when you dig into the story you figure out that's not really him at all. He puts a face on for those around him because he really never knows how to act. In his past there wasn't a ton of love given to him.
Now Desdemona on the other hand is stuck in the middle of family love. Sometimes to much of it. All the family love at times blinds her to their faults. She can be a soft touch. She wants to stand strong but her soft heart brings her down to many times.
The best part of this story is how both Sam and Desdemona bring out the best in each other. The fill in where and what the other lacks. No one can figure out Sam as well as Desdemona can. She makes him more human and he won't allow her to be pushed around.
This is a wonderful story that you really need to read. Even after all these years it's holds strong for me.
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I just reread this one and was so glad that I did! This is one of my favorites by Jayne Ann Krentz. In fact I love her older books so much more than the ones she writes now.
Trust Me just hit all the right notes for me. I love the characters, they cracked me up. I also really liked the story itself. The plot is engaging and keeps you reading. This is a very fast paced story.
I was so glad to go back and reread this one. Once again I fell in love with Sam. He is just such a great guy even though you might not get that right away. He comes off a little cold and distant, but when you dig into the story you figure out that's not really him at all. He puts a face on for those around him because he really never knows how to act. In his past there wasn't a ton of love given to him.
Now Desdemona on the other hand is stuck in the middle of family love. Sometimes to much of it. All the family love at times blinds her to their faults. She can be a soft touch. She wants to stand strong but her soft heart brings her down to many times.
The best part of this story is how both Sam and Desdemona bring out the best in each other. The fill in where and what the other lacks. No one can figure out Sam as well as Desdemona can. She makes him more human and he won't allow her to be pushed around.
This is a wonderful story that you really need to read. Even after all these years it's holds strong for me.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
March 18, 2025
ช่วงครึ่งแรกเล่าเรื่องไปเรื่อยเปื่อยมาก หาพล็อตไม่เจอ เข้าใจว่าเป็นช่วงปูเรื่องให้รู้จักกับตัวละคร แต่ก็ไร้แรงดึงดูดจนอ่านแล้วเกือบหลับ กว่าจะมีเรื่องขโมยฮาร์ดดิสก์จนต้องสืบหาคนร้ายก็ครึ่งหลังโน่น พออ่านถึงตรงนี้ค่อยดูมีเรื่องมีราวขึ้นมาหน่อย แต่ก็อ่านแบบง่วงเหงาหาวนอนอยู่ดี แถมพระเอกนางเอกรักกันแบบไม่มีเหตุผลใดๆ ตอนนางเอกคิดในใจว่ารักพระเอกเข้าแล้วคือห๊ะ? รักได้ไง รักที่อะไร?
สิ่งนึงที่อ่านแล้วขมวดคิ้วทั้งเล่มคือความหมกมุ่นกับนามสกุลของนางเอกและเครือญาติ (ญาตินางเอกเยอะมากกกกก) ทุกคนจะชอบพูดว่าคนเวนไรท์อย่างนั้น คนเวนไรท์อย่างนี้ เพราะเป็นคนเวนไรท์ก็เลย บลาๆๆ ซึ่งถ้าเจอแค่เล่มนี้เล่มเดียวอาจจะเฉยๆ แต่ก่อนหน้านี้ตอนอ่านอีกเล่มของนักเขียนคนนี้ ตัวละครก็ชอบพูดนามสกุลไม่หยุดแบบนี้เหมือนกัน พอเจอสองเล่มเลยเกิดคำถามเยอะมากว่าทำไม? น่าแปลกตรงที่ตอนอ่านงานย้อนยุคของนักเขียนคนนี้ (ใช้นามปากกา Amanda Quick) ก็ไม่เห็นมีอะไรแบบนี้ แต่ดันมาเจอในแนว contemporary ทั้งๆ ที่ความเบียวตระกูลแบบนี้มันดูเหมาะกับแนวย้อนยุคมากกว่าอีก
สิ่งนึงที่อ่านแล้วขมวดคิ้วทั้งเล่มคือความหมกมุ่นกับนามสกุลของนางเอกและเครือญาติ (ญาตินางเอกเยอะมากกกกก) ทุกคนจะชอบพูดว่าคนเวนไรท์อย่างนั้น คนเวนไรท์อย่างนี้ เพราะเป็นคนเวนไรท์ก็เลย บลาๆๆ ซึ่งถ้าเจอแค่เล่มนี้เล่มเดียวอาจจะเฉยๆ แต่ก่อนหน้านี้ตอนอ่านอีกเล่มของนักเขียนคนนี้ ตัวละครก็ชอบพูดนามสกุลไม่หยุดแบบนี้เหมือนกัน พอเจอสองเล่มเลยเกิดคำถามเยอะมากว่าทำไม? น่าแปลกตรงที่ตอนอ่านงานย้อนยุคของนักเขียนคนนี้ (ใช้นามปากกา Amanda Quick) ก็ไม่เห็นมีอะไรแบบนี้ แต่ดันมาเจอในแนว contemporary ทั้งๆ ที่ความเบียวตระกูลแบบนี้มันดูเหมาะกับแนวย้อนยุคมากกว่าอีก
February 19, 2021
Notes:
3.5 Stars =)
Yay for libraries!
This may be the first romance I've heard narrated by Richard Ferrone. It was cute.
3.5 Stars =)
Yay for libraries!
This may be the first romance I've heard narrated by Richard Ferrone. It was cute.
June 9, 2010
Once again Sam Stark finds himself rejected at the alter. You think he would be used to it by now. Sam is the owner and founder of Stark Security Systems. He confines himself to logic and order and prefers his computers rather than people with their messy emotions. He was hoping marry a woman to help him deal with the social aspects of his company. He definitely wasn't looking for something as chaotic as falling in love. Desdemona Wainwright finds herself in the awkward position of needing to give Stark the catering bill for the wedding reception. After a few weeks, Stark comes to the conclusion that he doesn't necessarily need a wife to accomplish his goals, a caterer on standby will do the same thing, without the complications of emotional attachments. So, he hires Desdemona to cater his business's social events. Stark finds himself hopelessly attracted to her and he can't seem to keep their relationship purely professional.
The first time I read Trust Me I was impressed with this entertaining story of opposites attract. Stark is introverted and logical while Desdemona is friendly and passionate. It definitely made an impression on me and remained one of those books that I repeatedly would look back and fondly remember. After reading it a second time, I started to notice a few things that didn't bother me the first time, that did bother me now.
It is an interesting conundrum because one of the things that makes the book wonderful also greatly annoys me. I really liked that Desdemona and Stark are so clearly defined by their personalities. They fit very neatly into the category of cold, logical computer nerd (right down to his pocket protector) and flighty, emotional theater supporter. But after a while the categories became to narrow and then the characters almost seemed more cliched than actual people. I got tired of hearing Desdemona use the phrase, "I am a Wainwright, we're theater people" every time she reacts to something. Stark was the same way, only it had to do with chaos and logic.
It's possible that I am just being overly picky because I really liked Trust Me. There is a large cast of supporting characters and they are all vividly and distinctly described. Desdemona surrounds herself with her family and they make up her catering staff. Stark has his two young half brothers living with him and they add to the story as well. Even Starks receptionist with her pithy greetings, and she has a different one for every morning, really adds a fun flare to the book. There are also so many little fun quotes scattered throughout the story. And I'll leave you with an example of one such scene.
He scooped Desdemona up in his arms. Her soft gasp of excitement heated the blood in his veins.
"Am I as light as a thistledown?" she asked demurely. "I've always wondered."
He considered the question carefully. "No. But you don't weigh nearly as much as a mainframe computer."
The first time I read Trust Me I was impressed with this entertaining story of opposites attract. Stark is introverted and logical while Desdemona is friendly and passionate. It definitely made an impression on me and remained one of those books that I repeatedly would look back and fondly remember. After reading it a second time, I started to notice a few things that didn't bother me the first time, that did bother me now.
It is an interesting conundrum because one of the things that makes the book wonderful also greatly annoys me. I really liked that Desdemona and Stark are so clearly defined by their personalities. They fit very neatly into the category of cold, logical computer nerd (right down to his pocket protector) and flighty, emotional theater supporter. But after a while the categories became to narrow and then the characters almost seemed more cliched than actual people. I got tired of hearing Desdemona use the phrase, "I am a Wainwright, we're theater people" every time she reacts to something. Stark was the same way, only it had to do with chaos and logic.
It's possible that I am just being overly picky because I really liked Trust Me. There is a large cast of supporting characters and they are all vividly and distinctly described. Desdemona surrounds herself with her family and they make up her catering staff. Stark has his two young half brothers living with him and they add to the story as well. Even Starks receptionist with her pithy greetings, and she has a different one for every morning, really adds a fun flare to the book. There are also so many little fun quotes scattered throughout the story. And I'll leave you with an example of one such scene.
He scooped Desdemona up in his arms. Her soft gasp of excitement heated the blood in his veins.
"Am I as light as a thistledown?" she asked demurely. "I've always wondered."
He considered the question carefully. "No. But you don't weigh nearly as much as a mainframe computer."
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