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The Naked Truth
Four fabulous authors deliver the whole truth and nothing but the truth about men, women, and the delicious games they play when it comes to love...
Is he into me? Is he just playing games? Falling in love is never easy, but there's nothing like it to keep you on your toes. There are no rules to romance - and usually the only way to get a little is to take the plunge. Here are four original stories about four bold women who risk it all to win at the unpredictable game of love.
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
12 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Donna Kauffman
148 books1,800 followersUSA Today bestseller and award winning author of the Cupcake Club series and the Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia, where she is happily working on the next book in her brand new Blue Hollow Falls series, set right in her mountain home area. When she's not writing, she can be found recapping the popular tv show NCIS for USA Today, or escaping into her garden to play in the dirt. Donna also works as a volunteer wildlife transporter for two local sanctuaries, giving orphaned and injured wildlife a second chance at survival. You can catch up on all of her adventures via her author page on Facebook, or on Twitter, or Instagram @writerchick. Donna loves to hear from readers!
Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.
Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 21, 2010
If you are looking for a read that makes you smile and sigh with wanted romance and makes you wonder why the hell your boyfriend isn't more like the guys you're reading about, this is the book to read. 4 short stories, all of them will make you question why you can't meet a guy like these.. and then it will hit you... DUH! this is a STORY!! This NEVER happens in real life!! Then I look at my boyfriend and think, he may not sweep me off my feet and say those infamous right words at the right time... but he does change the oil in my car and he puts the seat down on the toilet when he's done!
September 23, 2013
Reviewed by Lissa Staley
Posted May 29, 2007
Contemporary Chick Lit
Four flirty stories focus on the attraction between characters who are already coworkers, acquaintances or former lovers. Unique situations help each couple find happiness as intimacies are shared and truths revealed!
In THE WINNING TRUTH by Erin McCarthy, four people compete to win an SUV by trying to outlast each other while living in the car together. Tansey Reynolds shamelessly flirts with handsome carpenter J.T. Kowalski during the auditions for the radio promotion, never expecting to end up seated next to him in the back seat of the SUV. Although their conversations to avoid boredom create an instant intimacy, the sexual tension between them is squelched by the live web camera in the vehicle, and the knowledge that only one person can walk away a winner.
In the second novella, Alesia Holliday shares THE NAKED TRUTH ABOUT GUYS, which is also the name of the popular humor column that C.J. Murphy writes in the Seattle Times. C.J. may get wacky fan mail and marriage proposals from fans she's never met, but she's always been just one of the guys. A makeover and a new attitude help C.J. attract the attention of Hugh, the sophisticated city reporter who's been sleeping his way around the office since he arrived six months ago.
In TRUTH OR DARE, Donna Kauffman places two former lovers together in the remote island mansion of an eccentric billionaire known for his exciting and exotic lifestyle. Bailey Madison has been hired to ghostwrite the biography of the infamous Franklin Dent, never expecting to be working with documentary filmmaker Noah Morrisey, better known to her as the lover who left without explanation or farewell. Sparks fly when Noah and Bailey must experience daredevil adventures firsthand to authentically write about their employer's life.
Concluding with NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, Beverly Brandt puts a new spin on matchmaking with a marriage- preparatory service called Rules of Engagement. It's been almost a year since Madison Case was dumped by her husband in front of a live studio audience so that he could marry her sister instead. This Valentine's Day, Maddie is too busy with work to worry about love. She's coordinating a marriage proposal marathon to coach potential grooms and reluctant brides to the altar. If things go smoothly, Maddie's business will receive some much-needed publicity, but the presence of Scott Seaver, her handsome divorce attorney, is making Maddie nervously question the lies and truths of love.
Ms. McCarthy perfectly captures first-date conversations and the deeper questions and compromises of a more meaningful relationship, all from the back of an SUV. Ms. Holiday's tomboy character won my heart with her amusing perceptions on the truth about guys. Ms. Kauffman's story has the feel of a quirky reality show with both physical and emotional risk-taking. And Ms. Brandt's fun romp is sure to be enjoyed; it's packed with proposals, unlikely lovers and very happy endings. The second novella was my favorite for good romance and great characters, although each story brought a new meaning to the theme of truth in relationships.
Posted May 29, 2007
Contemporary Chick Lit
Four flirty stories focus on the attraction between characters who are already coworkers, acquaintances or former lovers. Unique situations help each couple find happiness as intimacies are shared and truths revealed!
In THE WINNING TRUTH by Erin McCarthy, four people compete to win an SUV by trying to outlast each other while living in the car together. Tansey Reynolds shamelessly flirts with handsome carpenter J.T. Kowalski during the auditions for the radio promotion, never expecting to end up seated next to him in the back seat of the SUV. Although their conversations to avoid boredom create an instant intimacy, the sexual tension between them is squelched by the live web camera in the vehicle, and the knowledge that only one person can walk away a winner.
In the second novella, Alesia Holliday shares THE NAKED TRUTH ABOUT GUYS, which is also the name of the popular humor column that C.J. Murphy writes in the Seattle Times. C.J. may get wacky fan mail and marriage proposals from fans she's never met, but she's always been just one of the guys. A makeover and a new attitude help C.J. attract the attention of Hugh, the sophisticated city reporter who's been sleeping his way around the office since he arrived six months ago.
In TRUTH OR DARE, Donna Kauffman places two former lovers together in the remote island mansion of an eccentric billionaire known for his exciting and exotic lifestyle. Bailey Madison has been hired to ghostwrite the biography of the infamous Franklin Dent, never expecting to be working with documentary filmmaker Noah Morrisey, better known to her as the lover who left without explanation or farewell. Sparks fly when Noah and Bailey must experience daredevil adventures firsthand to authentically write about their employer's life.
Concluding with NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, Beverly Brandt puts a new spin on matchmaking with a marriage- preparatory service called Rules of Engagement. It's been almost a year since Madison Case was dumped by her husband in front of a live studio audience so that he could marry her sister instead. This Valentine's Day, Maddie is too busy with work to worry about love. She's coordinating a marriage proposal marathon to coach potential grooms and reluctant brides to the altar. If things go smoothly, Maddie's business will receive some much-needed publicity, but the presence of Scott Seaver, her handsome divorce attorney, is making Maddie nervously question the lies and truths of love.
Ms. McCarthy perfectly captures first-date conversations and the deeper questions and compromises of a more meaningful relationship, all from the back of an SUV. Ms. Holiday's tomboy character won my heart with her amusing perceptions on the truth about guys. Ms. Kauffman's story has the feel of a quirky reality show with both physical and emotional risk-taking. And Ms. Brandt's fun romp is sure to be enjoyed; it's packed with proposals, unlikely lovers and very happy endings. The second novella was my favorite for good romance and great characters, although each story brought a new meaning to the theme of truth in relationships.
May 20, 2014
4 contemporary romance short stories all without sex.
Erin McCarthy - 3 stars. This author was the reason I picked up this book. Her story is kind of different. The hero & heroine meet trying to win a car (or $25,000) by being stuck sitting in said car until everyone else give up. It was OK. Kind of dull, but OK.
Alesia Holliday - 5 stars. Great story! According to the front of the book, this story won a RITA award. It deserves it! I really like a story when the heroine doesn't grovel when the hero disappoints. Usually it's like "Oh I'll forgive you anything. Bye to my self respect". This story rocks.
Donna Kauffman - 3 stars. Another Ok read. The heroine is pretty ditsy & the male lead a slime ball, but whatever.
Beverly Brandt - 2 stars. This might be a 3 star to some, but it just hit me wrong. The sister is an absolute train wreck. Just not that into it.
Erin McCarthy - 3 stars. This author was the reason I picked up this book. Her story is kind of different. The hero & heroine meet trying to win a car (or $25,000) by being stuck sitting in said car until everyone else give up. It was OK. Kind of dull, but OK.
Alesia Holliday - 5 stars. Great story! According to the front of the book, this story won a RITA award. It deserves it! I really like a story when the heroine doesn't grovel when the hero disappoints. Usually it's like "Oh I'll forgive you anything. Bye to my self respect". This story rocks.
Donna Kauffman - 3 stars. Another Ok read. The heroine is pretty ditsy & the male lead a slime ball, but whatever.
Beverly Brandt - 2 stars. This might be a 3 star to some, but it just hit me wrong. The sister is an absolute train wreck. Just not that into it.
February 26, 2008
This is an four story anthology. I read 3 out of 4 stories (one was in first person, as many of you know I don't like to read first person in romance)
One of the stories is written by one of my favorite authors, Erin McCarthy. Surprisingly, as funny as the story was, it was a very "sweet" story. Erin can write some sensual stuff, but the story isn't her usual style-there is no sex in the story between characters- but the romance and the characters in the story does not disappoint.
Despite what the title leads you to believe, there isn't much bedroom action going on at all in this book, but it is still a pretty good read and has it's sweet moments.
One of the stories is written by one of my favorite authors, Erin McCarthy. Surprisingly, as funny as the story was, it was a very "sweet" story. Erin can write some sensual stuff, but the story isn't her usual style-there is no sex in the story between characters- but the romance and the characters in the story does not disappoint.
Despite what the title leads you to believe, there isn't much bedroom action going on at all in this book, but it is still a pretty good read and has it's sweet moments.
August 14, 2013
This was a good book. I liked all the different stories and their characters. I laughed, smiled, huffed a bit in exasperation, was ready the throw the book a few times, was impatient, and was happy with all the endings. I wouldn't mind reading this again but I wouldn't track it down determinedly. Great for relaxing or just something to read. Some of these characters I really wanted to smack upside the head though. The last ending was a great way to close the book though. Definitely left me with a smile on my face. Overall, I enjoyed reading all the stories. Enjoy
August 11, 2008
I picked up this book since I am a fan of chick lit and this had 4 possible winners. Although most were entertaining, many felt too short or too cheesy. I really enjoyed Erin McCarthy's "The Winning Truth" and am glad I picked up this book as now I have a new author to read. However, I also found an author I can cross of my list: Beverly Brandt. Pick this up and maybe you'll find a new author yourself. I also recommend Whitney Gaskell or Janet Evanovich.
June 27, 2010
This review is based only on the short story by Donna Kauffman, I did not read the three other short stories contained in this book.
I love Donna Kauffman's work. I love her character development and the wit that is contained in all her books, however this story was very disappointing to me. It is so short and the characters so under-developed, I had no love for any of them and the story itself was really not that interesting.
I love Donna Kauffman's work. I love her character development and the wit that is contained in all her books, however this story was very disappointing to me. It is so short and the characters so under-developed, I had no love for any of them and the story itself was really not that interesting.
June 26, 2018
This rating is only for the story by Erin McCarthy which was just this side of boring. She's one of my favorite romance authors and I just feel that she totally blew it with this story. I couldn't even bring myself to read the rest of the book.
May 13, 2008
2 of the stories were OK, the other 2 I didn't bother reading.
May 13, 2009
Alesia Holliday's story about a columnist is a gem-- the columnist's guide to guys is hysterical! (Actually, the column is funnier than the story itself.)
June 23, 2011
Not really my kind of romance.
December 17, 2011
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10335278
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10335278
February 6, 2013
I liked all the stories in the book except the second one. I thought that one was boring and I forced myself to get through parts of it until I finally just gave up on that story.
October 28, 2013
LOVED IT!!!!
July 6, 2016
Love the multiple author books, I always end up with new author to look for!!!!
September 17, 2017
Is this what women want?
January 28, 2021
Charming and Entertaining Contemporary Anthology
4 stars
This is a collection of four contemporary novellas focussing on the misunderstandings between men and women on the path to true love.
THE WINNING TRUTH by Erin McCarthy
Tansey Reynolds has decided to swear off men until she can raise enough money to go back to college. But that is before she meets JT Kowalski in line for a radio station competition. In order to win $25,000 the pair must live together in a SUV where the prize might be even bigger than the cash.
This was a really simple story of a pair that meet and fall in love during a strange radio competition. It was a fine enough story but far from exhilarating or different.
THE NAKED TRUTH ABOUT GUYS by Alesia Holliday
Newspaper humour columnist, C.J. Murphy is fed up with being treated like 'one of the guys' - even if she does tend to dress like one. So she enlists her glamorous best friend to give her a makeover. Soon she has two guys fighting over her but only Hugh sets her pulse racing. If only he can convince her that he likes her whatever she wears.
This was a fun, engaging and cheery story written in the first person. While enjoying the story immensely, for the first 30 pages I genuinely thought that a man other than Hugh was supposed to be the hero of the story!
TRUTH OR DARE by Donna Kauffman
Soap Opera writer, Bailey Madison, has just landed her big break - ghost-writing the autobiography of the wealthy billionaire, Franklin Dent. Unfortunately for Bailey, Franklin also intends to shoot a documentary of his life at the same time and his filmmaker of choice just happens to be Noah Morrissey - the very same man that recently walked out on their 6-month relationship without a word.
I love a story where the characters get a second chance at love and this didn't disappoint. It was entertaining, well-written story with enjoyable characters and an interesting plot.
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Beverly Brandt
It's Valentine's Day and Madison Case has to organise three proposals to help with the promotion of Rules of Engagement - the marriage preparatory place where she works. Unfortunately, everything that can go wrong is going wrong except for the appearance delicious divorce lawyer Scott Seaver.
This was definitely the worst story of the anthology, in my opinion. The goings on seemed farcical, the hero and heroine spent little time together and I really didn't like the fact that Madison's ex-husband dumped her for her surgically enhanced sister on national TV and Maddie didn't even hold a grudge.
Overall, this was an enjoyable enough set of three stories. Being so short, they did tend to lose a lot of the character and plot development you would find in a full-length story, but if you're looking for a quick, fun read then you still can't go wrong with this book.
January 12, 2020
'The Naked Truth About Guys' was my favourite from this anthology!
The characters had a great dynamic that made it a fantastic read on a rainy day.
The characters had a great dynamic that made it a fantastic read on a rainy day.
June 30, 2020
Nice, lighthearted reads. Great for reading between or after emotionally or mentally heavy books.
March 9, 2011
the second story was the only one that did it for me...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews