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Friends and Lovers #1
Friends and Lovers
They'd been close for years, but suddenly Madeline hungered for John in a new way. When they finally touched, passion set their souls on fire…
but their friendship turned to ashes. Now Madeline feared she was no more than a mistress to him. And John was tormented by desire for–and doubts about–Madeline's love. Yes, Madeline loved John. But would love sustain her as they made the sensual journey from friends to lovers?
but their friendship turned to ashes. Now Madeline feared she was no more than a mistress to him. And John was tormented by desire for–and doubts about–Madeline's love. Yes, Madeline loved John. But would love sustain her as they made the sensual journey from friends to lovers?
185 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 1983
129 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,041 books3,097 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 11, 2020
I loved the hero. I loved the heroine. I hated the fact that she'd slept with a married man but of-course she didn't know it at the time. However her chemistry with the hero was sizzling. I loved them together. The angst was delicious. Their banter was funny. The unplanned pregnancy was a bonus. Very entertaining and emotional book.
July 6, 2021
This is a very typical Diana Palmer. The h was sweet, and the H was very typical -- alpha, running hot and cold, flaunting an OW, and finally working his way up to a good stalking to wear her down.
Read
May 16, 2017"Amigos y amantes"
September 19, 2018
read it quite a long time ago.
September 1, 2019
Tantos enredo, por la falta de sinceridad, por temor a salir heridos, demasiado cabezotas en serio.
January 24, 2020
Sizzling chemistry mixed with a sweet friendship ... h gives as good as she gets ...
November 20, 2013
John's a bit annoying to be honest, but the way he tries to win Madeline back with roses, breakfast and being wherever she went, is so cute. I liked him eventually. Even though they have rough moment, I think they're meant to be together. I feel bad for Donald, I hope he gets a very good girl.
Another good book from Diana Palmer. ;)
Another good book from Diana Palmer. ;)
July 31, 2016
One of very few none virgin heroine and some real and fade to black sex scenes. They both have other relationships and partners which is why I did not like this one.
I did not understand their whole friendship in he first place cause it was always friends with sexual tension.
1.5 stars.
It's in my collection but I will not be rereading it anytime soon.
I did not understand their whole friendship in he first place cause it was always friends with sexual tension.
1.5 stars.
It's in my collection but I will not be rereading it anytime soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2023
Μια υπέροχη ιστορία αγάπης από την αγαπημένη Diana Palmer. "Εραστές ή φίλοι", Σειρά Χρυσά και νούμερο 256. Μια ιστορία γραμμένη με ένταση, πάθος, αρκετό χιούμορ που συγκινεί τον αναγνώστη!!! ΜΟΥ ΑΡΕΣΕ ΤΡΕΛΛΑ!!!!!!!!
January 26, 2025
Some books are better left in the past.
July 18, 2017
È raro che io scriva recensioni su libri di questo tipo, perché ne leggo troppi. Ma questo è particolarmente brutto.
Ho letto una valanga di libri rosa, quasi tutti Harmony o comunque della stessa risma, ho sempre trovato la trama costante (lui-lei-si piacciono-si innamorano-succede qualcosa-si separano-tornano assieme-finale felice), ma questo è particolarmente brutto. A parte la traduzione che è una roba orripilante già di per sé, la trama è gonfiata da cose inutili, tipo l'intero discorso sul traffico di droga da parte del poliziotto o la digressione sull'associazione della vicina. Cioè, io sto leggendo un libro rosa sotto le duecento pagine, non mi interessa nulla di giallo o storico.
Il bruto è che Diana Palmer è una specie di garanzia coi romanzi rosa, sono belli, puliti, chiari e con una trama decente, invece questo è carino (non bello o affascinante, carino), un po' confuso, dispersivo e con una mole di cose che accadono troppo vasta e troppo mal spiegata.
Diciamo che è un libro ottimo per passare il tempo, ma niente di più.
Ho letto una valanga di libri rosa, quasi tutti Harmony o comunque della stessa risma, ho sempre trovato la trama costante (lui-lei-si piacciono-si innamorano-succede qualcosa-si separano-tornano assieme-finale felice), ma questo è particolarmente brutto. A parte la traduzione che è una roba orripilante già di per sé, la trama è gonfiata da cose inutili, tipo l'intero discorso sul traffico di droga da parte del poliziotto o la digressione sull'associazione della vicina. Cioè, io sto leggendo un libro rosa sotto le duecento pagine, non mi interessa nulla di giallo o storico.
Il bruto è che Diana Palmer è una specie di garanzia coi romanzi rosa, sono belli, puliti, chiari e con una trama decente, invece questo è carino (non bello o affascinante, carino), un po' confuso, dispersivo e con una mole di cose che accadono troppo vasta e troppo mal spiegata.
Diciamo che è un libro ottimo per passare il tempo, ma niente di più.
February 12, 2023
It was unfortunate that I picked up to read this book right after finishing the amazing Amazon Lily. The differences between the two h, who are almost of similar age, are staggering. Where the AL h was mature, stable, warm and compassionate, the h of this book was self centered, with emotional maturity of 14-15 year old and internalized misogyny to boot- she openly sneered at the young woman who was trying to attract the h's friend H; dismissed her old neighbor as utterly boring and tedious; she disliked the thought of dead wife of a H.
The book lacked character development of the h. She has no one in her life in supporting role; no relatives, female friends, roommate or coworker who would help to flash out her character and life history. The only two friends she did have were two men, who she used for boosting her ego.
It says something that the DP h made the H look like an angel.
The book lacked character development of the h. She has no one in her life in supporting role; no relatives, female friends, roommate or coworker who would help to flash out her character and life history. The only two friends she did have were two men, who she used for boosting her ego.
It says something that the DP h made the H look like an angel.
April 14, 2025
4 stars
I purchased the book Friends and Lovers by Diana Palmer through Kindle Unlimited, and this review was provided freely.
An easily angered and jealous leading male with a tender side, a rocky romance, and a happy ending.
After two years of friendship, mystery writer Madeline Vigny begins to notice her best friend and protector, oil baron and rancher John Durango as a man, which gives John the green light to gasp for more. Unfortunately, traumatized by her first sexual experience, Madeline sends mixed signals, resulting in the frustrated and angry John alienating Madeline just when she was ready to pledge her life to him.
18+ for steamy scenes.
I purchased the book Friends and Lovers by Diana Palmer through Kindle Unlimited, and this review was provided freely.
An easily angered and jealous leading male with a tender side, a rocky romance, and a happy ending.
After two years of friendship, mystery writer Madeline Vigny begins to notice her best friend and protector, oil baron and rancher John Durango as a man, which gives John the green light to gasp for more. Unfortunately, traumatized by her first sexual experience, Madeline sends mixed signals, resulting in the frustrated and angry John alienating Madeline just when she was ready to pledge her life to him.
18+ for steamy scenes.
August 1, 2018
Another outstanding book by Diana Palmer. Loved John's and Madeline's story. They really cared
about each other but wouldn't know that by the way they treated each other. John turned out to be a good guy after all. Hard to put down this book.
about each other but wouldn't know that by the way they treated each other. John turned out to be a good guy after all. Hard to put down this book.
May 1, 2020
Iseng baca, eh malah kebablasan T__T Current read jadinya aku anggurin. Wkwkwkwk. Khas Diana Palmer sih ini. Tapi karakter John temperamen pisan euy. Tarik ulurnya kerad. Mayanlah bailikin mood roman :D
March 14, 2023
Boring.
Boring.
Boring.
Plus, how could one lust over a Hero with a mustache? Burt Reynolds?
Nah ... I'll pass.
No chemistry.
Sexy mustache? Still no.
No connection.
Luckily, it was a short story.
Boring.
Boring.
Plus, how could one lust over a Hero with a mustache? Burt Reynolds?
Nah ... I'll pass.
No chemistry.
Sexy mustache? Still no.
No connection.
Luckily, it was a short story.
August 9, 2024
I didn't like it.
I did not like heroine at all, she wanted hero, but she constantly ran away from him, was mean to him and lied to him. She wasn't even going to tell him about their baby and was just going to disappear.
The hero wasn't horrible, he didn't really get mean until heroine deliberately let him believe that she slept with his cousin. He did go out with another woman once and let heroine think he slept with her, but with how heroine was I can't really blame him. P.
I did not like heroine at all, she wanted hero, but she constantly ran away from him, was mean to him and lied to him. She wasn't even going to tell him about their baby and was just going to disappear.
The hero wasn't horrible, he didn't really get mean until heroine deliberately let him believe that she slept with his cousin. He did go out with another woman once and let heroine think he slept with her, but with how heroine was I can't really blame him. P.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2017
very interesting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2017
An oldie but a goodie
January 28, 2019
I don't know why I picked this up, but I could not get through this. I'm sorry, but if you're "flirting" the way these two were going at it, you were never friends to begin with.
December 12, 2019
read this every year too. :)
January 12, 2020
4.5 stars ... loved it ... i mean ..oh god its a super cute romance ... ...
February 12, 2020
Excellent read as always from Mrs Palmer!
August 5, 2022
Heroine was annoying though. 27, but acted like she was 12
June 10, 2025
1.5⭐️’s
“𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Tropes:
🤍Age Gap
🤍Friends to Lovers
🤍Small-town
“𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Tropes:
🤍Age Gap
🤍Friends to Lovers
🤍Small-town
September 23, 2025
One of her best books yet!
I going to have to buy a copy of it. I will be reading the second one next. It will probably be as good as this one if not better.
I going to have to buy a copy of it. I will be reading the second one next. It will probably be as good as this one if not better.
February 28, 2020
Friends and Lovers
After thinking that she was in love with a want to be writer and giving in to him, she found out that he had a wife and child already. heart broken, hurting and totally disillusioned, Madeline hit rock bottom and walked for miles in the pouring rain. When she collapsed in the middle of a Houston street, John Durango found her and became her friend. But he wanted more but she couldn't get over the fiasco of her first time. John Loved her and was willing to be just her friend until he saw that she was looking at him differently and showing a little jealousy.
After thinking that she was in love with a want to be writer and giving in to him, she found out that he had a wife and child already. heart broken, hurting and totally disillusioned, Madeline hit rock bottom and walked for miles in the pouring rain. When she collapsed in the middle of a Houston street, John Durango found her and became her friend. But he wanted more but she couldn't get over the fiasco of her first time. John Loved her and was willing to be just her friend until he saw that she was looking at him differently and showing a little jealousy.
March 6, 2012
4 1/2 Stars! ~ This early Diana Palmer is a true delight. Madelaine was hurt by her first lover and had sworn off men. Her friendship with John is something she cherishes dearly. But when she suddenly starts to notice him as a very virale man, John notices her noticing and makes his move. Our hero is definitely used to getting his own way, and Madelaine doesn't hold her punches in knocking him down a peg or two. Expect some witty banter to lighten the more intense emotion. I read this in one sitting!
January 30, 2009
Baca buku ini bikin deg2an karena banyak banget adegan romantisnya ^^
Yang membuat berkesan karena hubungan John dan Madeline yang awalnya bersahabat malah ternyata malah saling mencintai..
Memang betul, seharusnya jika mencintai seseorang, harus lebih mengenal dulu pribadinya, so, the best partner for life is your best friend, i believe so.. ^^V
Yang membuat berkesan karena hubungan John dan Madeline yang awalnya bersahabat malah ternyata malah saling mencintai..
Memang betul, seharusnya jika mencintai seseorang, harus lebih mengenal dulu pribadinya, so, the best partner for life is your best friend, i believe so.. ^^V
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews