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Animal Instincts
Unleashing your inner tigress isn't easy when you're a doormat by nature! Still, after escaping a wretched marriage to a cheating SOB, Dallas party planner Naomi Delacroix isn't about to let another man sweet-talk her into sheathing her protective claws. Not even hunky millionaire Royce Powell, who's hired her to arrange his mother's surprise party. Even if he does make her purr like a kitten with one heated glance... Royce claims he's been in love with her ever since she threw a party for one of his friends six months ago. But if that's true, why is this incredibly eligible CEO currently taking applications for a wife? Despite herself, Naomi is tempted to fill one out. But can her inner tigress believe a man might change his stripes?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
99 people are currently reading
1892 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
262 books27.8k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
July 12, 2018
*7/11/18 Re-read for the billionth time
Oh, this book. This book will always have a special place in my heart. My previous review states as much. But it's kind of funny, the more I read it as I get older, the more problems I find with it. Part of me wants to rip it apart and analyze everything that's wrong with it. Because honestly, some parts of this book are just ridiculous. And awful. The other part of me wants to defend it. Sometimes I read it and think to myself Does it really matter that this book is basically tailor-made for recently screwed over women who are doing their best not to turn into bitter ranting relationship-hating crazy people? I don't know. But it is. If you do decide to read it, just go into it knowing that. If you can try and keep your eyes from rolling to the back of your head so much that they stick that way, you'll have a few hours entertainment all centered around a gorgeous sex god of a billionaire who falls in love (love at first sight, actually) with an emotionally broken 31-year-old woman and decides that his goal in life is to convince her that she's perfect and he's perfect for her and wants to marry her immediately. And he's willing to never been seen with another woman ever again because he wants no doubt in her mind that he worships the ground she walks on. His only flaw and the book's main conflict is that he loves her too much and is willing to marry her before they've even been on an actual date. Which is batshit crazy. And weird. I mean, I love this book. I recommend this book. But only if you know what you're about to read. Great literature it is not. But you can have it when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.
****************
Re-read 2/17
I think the fifth star I gave this book is purely for sentimental reasons. I picked this up at a used bookstore right after my divorce and I was a mess. It was by no means an amicable divorce. I felt like life had torn out my heart, strung it up like a pinata, and taken a great big bat to it.
This book was just what I needed at the time. It's about standing up for yourself. It's about picking yourself up after a heartbreak and learning to trust again, even when you're completely convinced that all men are going to eventually hurt you no matter how lovely they are in the beginning. That spoke to me. I could identify with that. It also has an insanely gorgeous, already completely in love millionaire who is determined to earn said trust from Naomi, and will do anything to get it. I could not identify with that. But that's okay. A girl can dream. I mean, it could happen.
Not a lot happens in this book, it's all about the emotions. Usually, that would bother me, but it just doesn't. It doesn't always have to be complicated. It's very easy on the brain. It takes me about three or four hours to read, basically like watching an extra long romantic comedy. With lots of sex. It's probably not for everyone but I'd say it's my favorite contemporary romance. I read it about once a year because it's just that much fun.
Oh, this book. This book will always have a special place in my heart. My previous review states as much. But it's kind of funny, the more I read it as I get older, the more problems I find with it. Part of me wants to rip it apart and analyze everything that's wrong with it. Because honestly, some parts of this book are just ridiculous. And awful. The other part of me wants to defend it. Sometimes I read it and think to myself Does it really matter that this book is basically tailor-made for recently screwed over women who are doing their best not to turn into bitter ranting relationship-hating crazy people? I don't know. But it is. If you do decide to read it, just go into it knowing that. If you can try and keep your eyes from rolling to the back of your head so much that they stick that way, you'll have a few hours entertainment all centered around a gorgeous sex god of a billionaire who falls in love (love at first sight, actually) with an emotionally broken 31-year-old woman and decides that his goal in life is to convince her that she's perfect and he's perfect for her and wants to marry her immediately. And he's willing to never been seen with another woman ever again because he wants no doubt in her mind that he worships the ground she walks on. His only flaw and the book's main conflict is that he loves her too much and is willing to marry her before they've even been on an actual date. Which is batshit crazy. And weird. I mean, I love this book. I recommend this book. But only if you know what you're about to read. Great literature it is not. But you can have it when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.
****************
Re-read 2/17
I think the fifth star I gave this book is purely for sentimental reasons. I picked this up at a used bookstore right after my divorce and I was a mess. It was by no means an amicable divorce. I felt like life had torn out my heart, strung it up like a pinata, and taken a great big bat to it.
This book was just what I needed at the time. It's about standing up for yourself. It's about picking yourself up after a heartbreak and learning to trust again, even when you're completely convinced that all men are going to eventually hurt you no matter how lovely they are in the beginning. That spoke to me. I could identify with that. It also has an insanely gorgeous, already completely in love millionaire who is determined to earn said trust from Naomi, and will do anything to get it. I could not identify with that. But that's okay. A girl can dream. I mean, it could happen.
Not a lot happens in this book, it's all about the emotions. Usually, that would bother me, but it just doesn't. It doesn't always have to be complicated. It's very easy on the brain. It takes me about three or four hours to read, basically like watching an extra long romantic comedy. With lots of sex. It's probably not for everyone but I'd say it's my favorite contemporary romance. I read it about once a year because it's just that much fun.
September 19, 2017
This was a fun, light and sexy read, featuring a rich, hot hero pursuing a divorced, insecure career girl. Not much new or original, but enjoyable in the way it was constructed, and no stupid misunderstandings (always a plus for me). This story is told in first person, which may be an immediate turn-off for some, but I found it tolerable. If you need a spicy break from heavier fare, give this romance with a sweet HEA a try.
November 9, 2015
POR UM MUNDO COM MAIS ROYCE POWELL!!!
Então, ele a viu em um casamento há 6 meses. E desde então a procurou, ligou, tentou de tudo para se encontrar com ela e nada!
Então, quem mais poderia organizar o aniversário da mãe dele???? SIMMMMMM, Naomi Delacroix!
Ela é uma divorciada, que foi traída, humilhada e não quer saber de compromisso tão cedo. Alias nem de homem ela quer chegar perto! Não, até entrar na sala dele!!!
Ele faz de TUDOOOOOO para ter Naomi, inclusive desafiar o medo dela!!!
O livro é hilário, quentinho, delicinha e com vontade de quero mais!
Eu já tinha lido um outro livro dessa autora e adorei da mesma forma!!!
Adorei!!!
Então, ele a viu em um casamento há 6 meses. E desde então a procurou, ligou, tentou de tudo para se encontrar com ela e nada!
Então, quem mais poderia organizar o aniversário da mãe dele???? SIMMMMMM, Naomi Delacroix!
Ela é uma divorciada, que foi traída, humilhada e não quer saber de compromisso tão cedo. Alias nem de homem ela quer chegar perto! Não, até entrar na sala dele!!!
Ele faz de TUDOOOOOO para ter Naomi, inclusive desafiar o medo dela!!!
O livro é hilário, quentinho, delicinha e com vontade de quero mais!
Eu já tinha lido um outro livro dessa autora e adorei da mesma forma!!!
Adorei!!!
July 24, 2015
OH MY GOODNESS ♥♥♥
Perfection. Funny, hot and lovely :)
HE IS PERFECT.
SHE IS AWESOME.
Ok, I can't even describe how much I recognize myself in her. Don't get angry at her, she's afraid, I'd do the same SHE DID. I understand her. I TRULLY UNDERSTAND HER. All her fears are mine! Her life is my life. Like forreal. I'm afraid of relationships, like her BC every single man I knew was a bastard, like her. And she has a point. I mean, NO ONE can say that their love is forever. NO ONE. People change and love is fucking risky.
But their love is unique...
May 19, 2010
This one had some promising aspects. I was laughing out loud during this first part of this book, but then all of a sudden it just became to "over the top" and unrealistic for me to even be able to suspend belief for a moment...which is funny because this a romance novel!
Here's what I disliked:
1. I don't prefer to read books written in the first person. These kind of books usually leave out to much of what others are thinking. This book is a perfect example of just that.
2. I don't like books where there is no good reason for the couple to be together. This book hopes to get the reader to buy into the idea that is was love (or lust) at first sight for him. I never believed that a rich and classy guy would act and behave like he does.
3. She bugged me.....all the tigress stuff irritated me and I couldn't figure out for the life of me what in the world was wrong with these people.
Stick with her paranormal stuff.....The Darkest series is very good.
Here's what I disliked:
1. I don't prefer to read books written in the first person. These kind of books usually leave out to much of what others are thinking. This book is a perfect example of just that.
2. I don't like books where there is no good reason for the couple to be together. This book hopes to get the reader to buy into the idea that is was love (or lust) at first sight for him. I never believed that a rich and classy guy would act and behave like he does.
3. She bugged me.....all the tigress stuff irritated me and I couldn't figure out for the life of me what in the world was wrong with these people.
Stick with her paranormal stuff.....The Darkest series is very good.
May 27, 2019
4,5 estrellas.
Pues una de cal y otra de arena. Si El guerrero más oscuro me decepcionó, con Deseo salvaje se ha lucido su autora. 👍😍
Lee la reseña en: http://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/20...
Pues una de cal y otra de arena. Si El guerrero más oscuro me decepcionó, con Deseo salvaje se ha lucido su autora. 👍😍
Lee la reseña en: http://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/20...
Read
March 27, 2009Naomi is a newly divorced event planner who has decided to unveal her inner tiger. She is tired to be used by men and now her life will be different... but then she meets Royce, a multimillionar hunk who says he loves her and wants to marry her. What a bastard, isn't he?
Royce is the perfect man: rich, handsome, gentle, clever... you really can hate him, too perfect!
Naomi instead is not so perfect: average beautiful, no a success working girl, not very rich... you really can hate her, too imperfect!
Instead you have a chick lit romance light and funny, to read without stress. The plot line is "classical", cinderella meets prince charming, but the supporting characters are original, I like very much the parents of Naomi.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0373771991/?...
Royce is the perfect man: rich, handsome, gentle, clever... you really can hate him, too perfect!
Naomi instead is not so perfect: average beautiful, no a success working girl, not very rich... you really can hate her, too imperfect!
Instead you have a chick lit romance light and funny, to read without stress. The plot line is "classical", cinderella meets prince charming, but the supporting characters are original, I like very much the parents of Naomi.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0373771991/?...
June 3, 2015
Iba con muchas expectativas sobre esta historia, por eso creo que al final no me conquistó del todo a pesar de que me haya gustado bastante.
La historia de Naomi y Royce es entretenida, aunque Royce me sacaba bastante de mis casillas con sus actitudes. Al final, el amor siempre termina transformando a los personas, aunque hay que poner bastante de uno mismo. Entretenida.
La historia de Naomi y Royce es entretenida, aunque Royce me sacaba bastante de mis casillas con sus actitudes. Al final, el amor siempre termina transformando a los personas, aunque hay que poner bastante de uno mismo. Entretenida.
August 5, 2023
I must admit that this is my first Gena Showalter book. I really don’t know what made me pick this one, but I was glad I did. It was really fun to read, relaxing and fast. I finished it in two days.
May 3, 2010
I won't go into plot details, as they've been covered very well by previous reviews. Instead, I'm going to focus more on Showalter's writing, because she consistently delivers books that are an absolute blast to read.
Untold numbers of writers, particularly in this genre, attempt to create heroes and heroines that are chock full of sarcasm and witty banter. Unfortunately, most of their efforts feel forced and fall flat. Showalter, on the other hand, has a gift for delivering truly funny and clever verbal sparring matches, not only between her heroes and heroines, but between virtually all of her characters. Even better, that banter feels completely natural and organic, which makes it even more entertaining to read.
In this case, the heroine (Naomi) is not only super-witty when it comes to conversing with Royce (the uber-hot hero) and her cousins, and also pretty much everyone else she encounters, but her inner-dialogue is absolutely hilarious, more often than not. Her thoughts about men and her reactions to them are things with which almost everyone can relate. What's more, she recognizes her flaws, and is taking active steps (for the most part) to try to combat them and/or get past them. Her tools for doing so come, in large part, from a self-help book (brief excerpts of which appear at the beginning of each chapter), and while they may not always work exactly as she hopes they will, the results tend to be amusing, to say the least.
As for our hero, Royce is pretty much a dream-man: incredibly handsome and sexy (of course), rich and successful, funny and clever, and can be very, very sweet and endearing. Arguably his most important trait, though, is how take-charge he is - once he focuses his attention on something, he tends to get what he wants, and when his focus is directed at Naomi (as it is for the entire book), we are treated to lots of super-hot, intense scenes.
Naomi and Royce's journey toward couple-dom makes the reader experience pretty much every emotion known to man. Their sexual tension is palpable from the first time they meet in his office, and it only builds and intensifies from there. Their relationship is both fun and hot, but it's not perfect, and here's what kept me from giving this book the full five stars (I'd give it 4.5, actually).
We are told early on and then throughout the book about Naomi's issues with men, and they are certainly understandable. However, even though we see her trying to get past them, it does get frustrating to see her rehash those issues quite frequently, and it takes a very long time until she has her inevitable epiphany. For his part, Royce is nearly perfect, except it seems almost like he takes too much from Naomi in terms of being hurt and disappointed. He's understanding and devoted to her, almost to a fault, but for me, there are times that it seems like he gives and gives, and all he gets in return is heartache and frustration.
As the piece goes on, this pattern comes fairly close to getting old, but the characters' charm (both individually and collectively) keeps the reader interested and invested in them, and rooting for their happily-ever-after.
Additionally, the secondary characters are great, particularly the aforementioned cousins (twins Kera and Mel) - they clearly love Naomi and support her, and it is an understatement to say that their discussions are merely funny. There is a rather brief sublot featuring Mel and Colin (who works with Royce), and since both characters are enjoyable, I would've liked to read more about them.
All in all, this book is by turns super-funny and hot. It does not contain elements of the paranormal, for which Showalter is primarily known; rather, it is a straightforward romance containing likable characters, a dashing hero, hilarious situations and dialogue, and some steamy love scenes. If you're looking for an entertaining read, this is the book for you!
Untold numbers of writers, particularly in this genre, attempt to create heroes and heroines that are chock full of sarcasm and witty banter. Unfortunately, most of their efforts feel forced and fall flat. Showalter, on the other hand, has a gift for delivering truly funny and clever verbal sparring matches, not only between her heroes and heroines, but between virtually all of her characters. Even better, that banter feels completely natural and organic, which makes it even more entertaining to read.
In this case, the heroine (Naomi) is not only super-witty when it comes to conversing with Royce (the uber-hot hero) and her cousins, and also pretty much everyone else she encounters, but her inner-dialogue is absolutely hilarious, more often than not. Her thoughts about men and her reactions to them are things with which almost everyone can relate. What's more, she recognizes her flaws, and is taking active steps (for the most part) to try to combat them and/or get past them. Her tools for doing so come, in large part, from a self-help book (brief excerpts of which appear at the beginning of each chapter), and while they may not always work exactly as she hopes they will, the results tend to be amusing, to say the least.
As for our hero, Royce is pretty much a dream-man: incredibly handsome and sexy (of course), rich and successful, funny and clever, and can be very, very sweet and endearing. Arguably his most important trait, though, is how take-charge he is - once he focuses his attention on something, he tends to get what he wants, and when his focus is directed at Naomi (as it is for the entire book), we are treated to lots of super-hot, intense scenes.
Naomi and Royce's journey toward couple-dom makes the reader experience pretty much every emotion known to man. Their sexual tension is palpable from the first time they meet in his office, and it only builds and intensifies from there. Their relationship is both fun and hot, but it's not perfect, and here's what kept me from giving this book the full five stars (I'd give it 4.5, actually).
We are told early on and then throughout the book about Naomi's issues with men, and they are certainly understandable. However, even though we see her trying to get past them, it does get frustrating to see her rehash those issues quite frequently, and it takes a very long time until she has her inevitable epiphany. For his part, Royce is nearly perfect, except it seems almost like he takes too much from Naomi in terms of being hurt and disappointed. He's understanding and devoted to her, almost to a fault, but for me, there are times that it seems like he gives and gives, and all he gets in return is heartache and frustration.
As the piece goes on, this pattern comes fairly close to getting old, but the characters' charm (both individually and collectively) keeps the reader interested and invested in them, and rooting for their happily-ever-after.
Additionally, the secondary characters are great, particularly the aforementioned cousins (twins Kera and Mel) - they clearly love Naomi and support her, and it is an understatement to say that their discussions are merely funny. There is a rather brief sublot featuring Mel and Colin (who works with Royce), and since both characters are enjoyable, I would've liked to read more about them.
All in all, this book is by turns super-funny and hot. It does not contain elements of the paranormal, for which Showalter is primarily known; rather, it is a straightforward romance containing likable characters, a dashing hero, hilarious situations and dialogue, and some steamy love scenes. If you're looking for an entertaining read, this is the book for you!
January 12, 2025
Se l'avessi letto quando è stato pubblicato probabilmente mi sarebbe piaciuto di più.
May 13, 2014
3.25/5
I'm a sucker for books with the shy, clueless heroine and the relentless hot guy. For the most part, I like the whole resistance and denial, him working to earn her trust. Sometimes the heroine can be wrapped up in her own thoughts for too long, how she's hurt, or she's just not good enough, so the hero breaking those notions can be so much fun.
-In Animal Instincts, it worked, and it didn't. It worked because Naomi did soften up to him, and eventually she learned to trust. Her refusing his advances also meant she wasn't making it easy for him, because if she was, where's the fun in that?
That being said, I think I might have enjoyed it a little more if Naomi hadn't kept mistrusting and doubting Royce for pretty much the entire length of the book, even when he bared his feelings. I understood she'd been through a lot with her ex-husband and dad, but everything Royce showed her was a gesture of love, respect and commitment. He worked towards earning her trust, but I didn't think she ever really worked to earn his, which was kind of unfair for him.
Still, this was a fun, low-angst read. Some parts were real gems, and I enjoyed it. The secondary characters were also hilarious, and I'm glad they all ended up with their HEA. Unrealistic, maybe, but it was nice all the same to have that wrapped up in this stand-alone. This had a real mushy ending, and it left me feeling warm and fuzzy. Mutual respect, unwavering love and loyalty does exist, if you're strong enough to reach for it. :)
I'm a sucker for books with the shy, clueless heroine and the relentless hot guy. For the most part, I like the whole resistance and denial, him working to earn her trust. Sometimes the heroine can be wrapped up in her own thoughts for too long, how she's hurt, or she's just not good enough, so the hero breaking those notions can be so much fun.
-In Animal Instincts, it worked, and it didn't. It worked because Naomi did soften up to him, and eventually she learned to trust. Her refusing his advances also meant she wasn't making it easy for him, because if she was, where's the fun in that?
That being said, I think I might have enjoyed it a little more if Naomi hadn't kept mistrusting and doubting Royce for pretty much the entire length of the book, even when he bared his feelings. I understood she'd been through a lot with her ex-husband and dad, but everything Royce showed her was a gesture of love, respect and commitment. He worked towards earning her trust, but I didn't think she ever really worked to earn his, which was kind of unfair for him.
Still, this was a fun, low-angst read. Some parts were real gems, and I enjoyed it. The secondary characters were also hilarious, and I'm glad they all ended up with their HEA. Unrealistic, maybe, but it was nice all the same to have that wrapped up in this stand-alone. This had a real mushy ending, and it left me feeling warm and fuzzy. Mutual respect, unwavering love and loyalty does exist, if you're strong enough to reach for it. :)
June 11, 2010
Know how sometimes you read a book and think "oh, there was so much I should fault here... yet I totally loved it."? I call this a guilty pleasure read, and Animal Instincts totally qualifies.
The heroine is a plain jane doormat turned "tigress", the hero a very rich handsome man. She goes to work for him (she plans parties) only to find out he's already totally smitten with her and it scares her. Why? She had a yuck dad + jerk ex-husband.
Now, I feel like I could truly rip this sucker to shreds, and logically I should. It could have been so much stronger, there could have been a lot more depth here, the heroine is a ninny, I shouldn't believe that the dude was all "love at first sight", and there could have been a lot more done with the plot. I do wish strongly that more had been done with her standing up for herself/being a strong person. I didn't think that the heroine got what it was she wanted until the very end - that was frustrating.
eh. Whatever. It was what it was. Purely a contemporary romance with lots of cheesy, ooey gooey, wounded woman healed by a good man, lovey dovey, goodness. Reality and logic were suspended for a few hours, and I was utterly, embarrassingly, totally captivated and I dug it.
The heroine is a plain jane doormat turned "tigress", the hero a very rich handsome man. She goes to work for him (she plans parties) only to find out he's already totally smitten with her and it scares her. Why? She had a yuck dad + jerk ex-husband.
Now, I feel like I could truly rip this sucker to shreds, and logically I should. It could have been so much stronger, there could have been a lot more depth here, the heroine is a ninny, I shouldn't believe that the dude was all "love at first sight", and there could have been a lot more done with the plot. I do wish strongly that more had been done with her standing up for herself/being a strong person. I didn't think that the heroine got what it was she wanted until the very end - that was frustrating.
eh. Whatever. It was what it was. Purely a contemporary romance with lots of cheesy, ooey gooey, wounded woman healed by a good man, lovey dovey, goodness. Reality and logic were suspended for a few hours, and I was utterly, embarrassingly, totally captivated and I dug it.
April 19, 2011
I must wrote this here because it's so funny, it's about Royce's parents.. I really did LOL at this and I sooo like the writing of Gena Showalter! :)
"I've never met two people more in need of a divorce. They bickered and fought all evening.
Royce said that's how they express their love. I don't believe him. I mean, please. You tell me if you feel
the love from this conversation (written word for word as I remember it):
Linda: Elliot, be a dear and get me another drink.
Elliot: Get it yourself.
Linda: Get up and fix me a drink, you lazy man.
Elliot: Woman, don't push me on this. I've finally gotten comfortable.
Linda: (sugary sweet smile) I'll push you only when you're standing on a bridge.
Elliot: If I were standing on a bridge and saw you coming, you wouldn't have to push me. I'd jump.
See?
Does that sound "loving" to you? Really, the man had worn a shirt with If You See My Wife Coming, Shoot Me printed on the front."
"I've never met two people more in need of a divorce. They bickered and fought all evening.
Royce said that's how they express their love. I don't believe him. I mean, please. You tell me if you feel
the love from this conversation (written word for word as I remember it):
Linda: Elliot, be a dear and get me another drink.
Elliot: Get it yourself.
Linda: Get up and fix me a drink, you lazy man.
Elliot: Woman, don't push me on this. I've finally gotten comfortable.
Linda: (sugary sweet smile) I'll push you only when you're standing on a bridge.
Elliot: If I were standing on a bridge and saw you coming, you wouldn't have to push me. I'd jump.
See?
Does that sound "loving" to you? Really, the man had worn a shirt with If You See My Wife Coming, Shoot Me printed on the front."
September 19, 2008
Ugh. This author could really do interesting things if only she could get a little depth into her heroes. They're so one-dimensional. Do all her books have a slightly damaged woman getting bossed around by sexy man until she falls for him? Do they all have to end with marriage and babies? It just seems so forced.
If you're a single or divorced self-help-book lover who is convinced all men are evil but really deep down inside just wants a white horse and a walk down the aisle with lots of babies at the end, this book is for you. If you want a little realism and complexity or depth in your romance, pick up something else.
If you're a single or divorced self-help-book lover who is convinced all men are evil but really deep down inside just wants a white horse and a walk down the aisle with lots of babies at the end, this book is for you. If you want a little realism and complexity or depth in your romance, pick up something else.
February 17, 2008
Hired to plan Royce's mother's birthday party, Naomi is unaware that he's been in love with her for six months. However much she is attracted to him, Naomi is scarred by a cheating ex-husband and nasty divorce and is afraid of committing again.
Fascinating. A real departure for Showalter with a contemporary romance with no paranormal aspects. Royce is at first a little overbearing but is perfectly romantic. Naomi is a little less likeable with her trust issues that almost destroy their relationship.
Fascinating. A real departure for Showalter with a contemporary romance with no paranormal aspects. Royce is at first a little overbearing but is perfectly romantic. Naomi is a little less likeable with her trust issues that almost destroy their relationship.
January 24, 2022
Read this so many years ago and specifically picked it up because it is a Ms. Showalter book. The early 2000s was when I went through everything she had written. This is back to her contemporary erotica times. This romance is all about a bitter woman who doesn't believe anything a man is selling her . . . for good reason. Still, in this ridiculously over the top way, the male lead in the story goes to show her that she is the one for him and he'll do what it takes (no matter how unrealistic) to win her hand in marriage. It's goofy at times and sweet.
May 3, 2013
Hace muchos días un libro con tintes eróticos no me hacía pasar un rato tan agradable.
Es una historia divertida, sexy, pasional, romántica, tierna. Naomi es una mujer tan real que me hizo verla en varias de mis amigas, sus miedos, sus fortalezas, su voz interior y esa manera de hablar con ella misma hicieron de este libro una maravilla. Pero lo mejor, lo mejor de todo fue Royce este caballero entra a mi lista de chicos que amo en la literatura.
Me gusto mucho.
Es una historia divertida, sexy, pasional, romántica, tierna. Naomi es una mujer tan real que me hizo verla en varias de mis amigas, sus miedos, sus fortalezas, su voz interior y esa manera de hablar con ella misma hicieron de este libro una maravilla. Pero lo mejor, lo mejor de todo fue Royce este caballero entra a mi lista de chicos que amo en la literatura.
Me gusto mucho.
December 26, 2007
I read this sometime in 2006 and it is NOT a paranormal book. Strictly romance. There are no twists or turns, no suspense and no action, but I enjoyed it. Sometimes, just what we need to read for a chance of pace.
Naomi (recently divorce and a party planner) is courted by Royce (CEO of aeronatuical company).
Naomi (recently divorce and a party planner) is courted by Royce (CEO of aeronatuical company).
May 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this one! It had plenty of humor & that's the biggest reason I enjoyed it so much. I loved Royce, the hero, but I got fed up with Naomi's issues by the end of it all. Ms. Showalter definitely knows how to write a good one though. She's always entertaining.
August 19, 2019
Couldn't even finish it. It went on and on and on. Very little plot, all dialog with pushy dominant male and wishey washy woman.
September 19, 2022
I absolutely love this author, especially her Lords of the Underworld Series. So when I saw this and that it was a different genre I was tempted to try it.
I will be honest, I struggled at times because I did not connect with the main characters' love story.
Royce is extremely controlling to the point he turns up to her house unexpectedly, takes over her life, demands she marry him etc. Without really caring that she does not know him and that her previous relationship traumatised her.
She is afraid of flying. He basically forced her into a plane to the point she fainted. I feel that he did not respect her fear. I understand he wanted to help her get over her fear but it's her fear and should be done to how she needs.
I did not like Naomi either. This inner tigress concept I thought was really cool, empowering. But it made her nasty. Some of her actions and comments just were not needed.
I do however respect that some of those comments came from previous hurts, and as someone who has not been cheated on I cannot begin to understand how that made her feel so that did give me another side of her character and I did feel for her.
I don't think they worked well together. One was forcing a relationship, the other one let it happen because he was rich and handsome. I did not really feel a connection between them.
Saying this though, some of the tigress moments were empowering and an interesting read to how she reevaluated herself and changed, some tips in this book could be used by any woman!
As separate characters I really liked them, how they interacted with the people in their lives and their jobs etc. I did find them very interesting and enjoyed reading their interactions with the support characters.
It did have its very funny moments. Royce didn't have a clue what was going on sometimes but still took it in stride, such as being told to come in a disguise.
I do really enjoy this author and her writing style, although I did not connect how I wanted with the characters' love story I could still connect with the other characters and parts of the story line and still enjoy it overall.
And just because I did not connect with the characters does not mean it was not enjoyable and that I hated it.
Overall it did not take me long to read and I think it is worth reading for your own opinion as you may enjoy the characters and see a spark between the two I missed. I will definitely continue reading this author and give her other romances a go.
I will be honest, I struggled at times because I did not connect with the main characters' love story.
Royce is extremely controlling to the point he turns up to her house unexpectedly, takes over her life, demands she marry him etc. Without really caring that she does not know him and that her previous relationship traumatised her.
She is afraid of flying. He basically forced her into a plane to the point she fainted. I feel that he did not respect her fear. I understand he wanted to help her get over her fear but it's her fear and should be done to how she needs.
I did not like Naomi either. This inner tigress concept I thought was really cool, empowering. But it made her nasty. Some of her actions and comments just were not needed.
I do however respect that some of those comments came from previous hurts, and as someone who has not been cheated on I cannot begin to understand how that made her feel so that did give me another side of her character and I did feel for her.
I don't think they worked well together. One was forcing a relationship, the other one let it happen because he was rich and handsome. I did not really feel a connection between them.
Saying this though, some of the tigress moments were empowering and an interesting read to how she reevaluated herself and changed, some tips in this book could be used by any woman!
As separate characters I really liked them, how they interacted with the people in their lives and their jobs etc. I did find them very interesting and enjoyed reading their interactions with the support characters.
It did have its very funny moments. Royce didn't have a clue what was going on sometimes but still took it in stride, such as being told to come in a disguise.
I do really enjoy this author and her writing style, although I did not connect how I wanted with the characters' love story I could still connect with the other characters and parts of the story line and still enjoy it overall.
And just because I did not connect with the characters does not mean it was not enjoyable and that I hated it.
Overall it did not take me long to read and I think it is worth reading for your own opinion as you may enjoy the characters and see a spark between the two I missed. I will definitely continue reading this author and give her other romances a go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2018
Nuova lettura per me, divertente, rilassante, romantica e anche sensuale. Sì, avete letto bene ha tante qualità. Difetti? Non ne ha, più che altro ci sono molti cliché, ma ormai è difficile trovare un romanzo senza una scena già letta in qualche altro libro.
Io non credo che la Showalter copi altre autrici, certo è che il protagonista pilota un aereo e ha la fissa per i palmari… ma potete soprassedere quando la lettura ha la capacità di strappare un sorriso. E io ho riso più volte.
La protagonista, Naomi, è un’organizzatrice di feste, una donna un po’ sbadata all’inizio, ma davvero simpatica. Alle spalle ha un matrimonio fallito e un ex che tenta di riprendere in mano la loro storia d’amore. Non vuole nient’altro che vivere serenamente, evitando qualsiasi rapporto amoroso e dedicandosi anima e corpo al suo lavoro. Ed è proprio in questo frangente che si ritroverà in una situazione bizzarra e imbarazzante.
Royce è ricco, meraviglioso e tremendamente sensuale. Alle porte del suo ufficio centinaia di donne vestite di verde presentano domanda per diventare la futura moglie. Eh sì, avete letto bene, lui cerca moglie accettando candidature. Ma in realtà vuole altro. Alcuni mesi prima ha visto Naomi ad una festa e ne è rimasto folgorato. E ora lei sarà l’organizzatrice della festa di sua madre.
Tra paranoie e lotte con la sua Tigre interiore, Naomi affronterà tante sfide con se stessa, prima tra tutte la paura di volare. Ovviamente non è quella più importante, ma non posso svelarvi troppo. Vi consiglio di leggerlo. È leggero e il finale è da shock! Chissà… Buona lettura!
Io non credo che la Showalter copi altre autrici, certo è che il protagonista pilota un aereo e ha la fissa per i palmari… ma potete soprassedere quando la lettura ha la capacità di strappare un sorriso. E io ho riso più volte.
La protagonista, Naomi, è un’organizzatrice di feste, una donna un po’ sbadata all’inizio, ma davvero simpatica. Alle spalle ha un matrimonio fallito e un ex che tenta di riprendere in mano la loro storia d’amore. Non vuole nient’altro che vivere serenamente, evitando qualsiasi rapporto amoroso e dedicandosi anima e corpo al suo lavoro. Ed è proprio in questo frangente che si ritroverà in una situazione bizzarra e imbarazzante.
Royce è ricco, meraviglioso e tremendamente sensuale. Alle porte del suo ufficio centinaia di donne vestite di verde presentano domanda per diventare la futura moglie. Eh sì, avete letto bene, lui cerca moglie accettando candidature. Ma in realtà vuole altro. Alcuni mesi prima ha visto Naomi ad una festa e ne è rimasto folgorato. E ora lei sarà l’organizzatrice della festa di sua madre.
Tra paranoie e lotte con la sua Tigre interiore, Naomi affronterà tante sfide con se stessa, prima tra tutte la paura di volare. Ovviamente non è quella più importante, ma non posso svelarvi troppo. Vi consiglio di leggerlo. È leggero e il finale è da shock! Chissà… Buona lettura!
December 3, 2024
O. M. G. I was drained from exasperation by the time I finished this book!
Yet, I stuck it out to the end, no matter how much I wanted to pitch it at my wall. Naomi (her name didn't lessen my discomfort or slight animosity toward her - I very much despised the only two Naomi's I've ever known) was so caught up in her self-induced neurosis over Royce cheating on her simply because her ex-husband had done a horribly sadistic, outrageous number on her. This storyline hit me like the worst nightmare, as I was "taken to the cleaners" by my ex, who was and still is the scumbag who cheated on me, blackmailed my parents, and stole everything that I wasn't wearing. Richard was a sick reminder of my biggest mistake in life.
However, what bothered me most was Naomi's obvious PTSD over what Richard put her through, and how she hadn't gotten counseling to help her deal with her fears, pain and resentment. THAT was painful to go through, over and over, and over again. She literally had me wanting to scream. Royce was a blessing and her archangel for putting up with her, sticking with her despite her scary mood swings. What a beautiful, perfect man!
Bottom line: this author can write, even through topics and issues I find uncomfortable or wish I could avoid. I skimmed very quickly through the majority of the pages in this book I did not enjoy reading about, so I was done in an hour, however, I can still appreciate Gena Showalter's writing talent. I did think Naomi was OTT, but the storytelling and writing skills are indisputable. Three and a half stars.
Yet, I stuck it out to the end, no matter how much I wanted to pitch it at my wall. Naomi (her name didn't lessen my discomfort or slight animosity toward her - I very much despised the only two Naomi's I've ever known) was so caught up in her self-induced neurosis over Royce cheating on her simply because her ex-husband had done a horribly sadistic, outrageous number on her. This storyline hit me like the worst nightmare, as I was "taken to the cleaners" by my ex, who was and still is the scumbag who cheated on me, blackmailed my parents, and stole everything that I wasn't wearing. Richard was a sick reminder of my biggest mistake in life.
However, what bothered me most was Naomi's obvious PTSD over what Richard put her through, and how she hadn't gotten counseling to help her deal with her fears, pain and resentment. THAT was painful to go through, over and over, and over again. She literally had me wanting to scream. Royce was a blessing and her archangel for putting up with her, sticking with her despite her scary mood swings. What a beautiful, perfect man!
Bottom line: this author can write, even through topics and issues I find uncomfortable or wish I could avoid. I skimmed very quickly through the majority of the pages in this book I did not enjoy reading about, so I was done in an hour, however, I can still appreciate Gena Showalter's writing talent. I did think Naomi was OTT, but the storytelling and writing skills are indisputable. Three and a half stars.
March 29, 2025
Never had a fictional character infuriated me as much as this man did. He constantly forces Naomi to do things, he touches her despite her explicitly saying no, and everything he does is so freaking selfish, no matter how many times the author said (through Naomi's thoughts) he was being thoughtful and sweet. He forced her into an airplane because HE wanted her to come with him whenever he traveled. He never had her well-being in mind, only his and what he wanted her to do for him. He’s possessive and controlling, he lies about a lot of things, and the times he says the truth don't compensate for it, in my opinion. The only thing he had in his favor was that he (so far) didn’t cheat (I can’t believe this man would stay faithful for long, though). I never really understood his obsession with Naomi. He saw her once and he was in love. In Love! with a person he hadn’t interacted with. Naomi was very funny, and I really liked her. If this man hadn’t been in the book it would have been so much better. If I could give it less than one star, I would.
December 28, 2017
I absolutely love this book. It had everything I love in a romance book. The characters were memorable, I just wish the main characters had a little bit more in depth back story.
Royce, the main character, was my all time favorite. He was a successful, romantic, eligible bachelor who fell in love with Naomie the moment he saw her at a party and pursued her even after six months of her saying no.
My favorite part of the book was the ending. This is one of the few books who actually got the ending right. Most authors rush the ending and leave us readers in limbo, but Gena Showalter is a genius and defiantly got this right from theme, sex scenes, memorable characters, ending and so much more.
Royce, the main character, was my all time favorite. He was a successful, romantic, eligible bachelor who fell in love with Naomie the moment he saw her at a party and pursued her even after six months of her saying no.
My favorite part of the book was the ending. This is one of the few books who actually got the ending right. Most authors rush the ending and leave us readers in limbo, but Gena Showalter is a genius and defiantly got this right from theme, sex scenes, memorable characters, ending and so much more.
July 8, 2018
This was a good book. The female protagonist grows throughout the novel and learns that not all men are like her cheating ex. However, we don't get to hear from the male protagonist's point of view which is a big pet-peeve of mine. I always want to see both sides and when I don't the book just loses some 'oomph' for me. But the novel was witty and full of sexual tension. I never knew what was going to come out of Naomi's mouth next and that was great. This book is definitely worth at least one read. But if you don't have my hang up about points of view it's probably worth more than one read.
November 3, 2024
Absolutely loved it!
This book is awesome! I absolutely loved every minute of it. The tigress parts were hilarious, as were the cousins, but Naomi was definitely the star of the show. She’s real. She’d been hurt, humiliated, and was still damaged when she met Royce. She knew it, but didn’t realize that she’d been damaged, not broken. It took time, and lots of love, but she finally realizes that she’s not broken, and can have everything she wants.
The book has deep emotional undertones, delivered with humor and care.
This book is awesome! I absolutely loved every minute of it. The tigress parts were hilarious, as were the cousins, but Naomi was definitely the star of the show. She’s real. She’d been hurt, humiliated, and was still damaged when she met Royce. She knew it, but didn’t realize that she’d been damaged, not broken. It took time, and lots of love, but she finally realizes that she’s not broken, and can have everything she wants.
The book has deep emotional undertones, delivered with humor and care.
March 17, 2020
Proprio brutto e con una protagonista davvero scema, l’unico che salvo è Royce ma al pelo! Due cugine strambe, madre e patrigno davvero fuori e in ironia che mi ha fatto cadere le braccia, sarà che a me non ha fatto ridere per nulla, ho provato ad abbandonarlo più volte ma non poteva credere che fosse stato scritto dalle Gena in questo modo e quindi sono andata avanti perché volevo ricredermi, cosa che non è successa naturalmente.
September 16, 2020
There were some real gems in this novel. Gena has such a hold on humour and she uses it well. The worst part is reading at night. My kids and pets are asleep and I start laughing. I cant help it. I love how Gena is consistent with each novel she writes. She can keep an idea or concept and makes it work, eg self help book. I love how unique her characters are. But I really liked Naomi and her panic attacks. For me I get her because I get anxiety too.
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