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Dual Image
An actress yearns to become the real life love interest in a screenwriter’s heart in #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts’s Dual Image.
In a role that propelled her to daytime television stardom, Ariel Kirkwood’s soap opera character reflects her actual playful personality. So when she gets cast as a devious bombshell in famous screenwriter Booth DeWitt’s semiautobiographical film, her dreams of a silver screen career seem assured. Impressed with Ariel’s believable portrayal, Booth can only see her as his heartless ex-wife, the basis for the character. Reading between the lines Booth projects on set, Ariel finds herself falling for the hopeful man beneath the cynicism. To make Booth see that the real Ariel is offering him a chance for love, she’s going to have to change her act.
In a role that propelled her to daytime television stardom, Ariel Kirkwood’s soap opera character reflects her actual playful personality. So when she gets cast as a devious bombshell in famous screenwriter Booth DeWitt’s semiautobiographical film, her dreams of a silver screen career seem assured. Impressed with Ariel’s believable portrayal, Booth can only see her as his heartless ex-wife, the basis for the character. Reading between the lines Booth projects on set, Ariel finds herself falling for the hopeful man beneath the cynicism. To make Booth see that the real Ariel is offering him a chance for love, she’s going to have to change her act.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 1985
501 people are currently reading
1210 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,208 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
March 21, 2020
"Dual Image" is the story of Ariel and Booth.
Firstly *claps*
Ah my heart! SO GOOD!
The book has our h- the positive, vivacious and strong soap opera actress, who plays a psychiatrist as well as acts out the role of a conniving woman, who shelters animals and saves everyone in need, and who is the most supporting friend ever. She meets the H, a super cynical writer who is in process of making a movie about his life, including his selfish ex wife. Utterly disillusioned about women, he never expects the h to be a warm ray of sunshine in his life, or that he cannot stop thinking about her. Soon she invades his life, and his heart..
A GREAT read with an amazing h and a brooding H. I liked how she faced every situation, her outlook in life and her strong determination. The H tries to resist her throughout, but ultimately gives in. There is a subplot involving her nephew's custody battle, that provides the much needed angst and the book ends on a sweet note.
Heavily recommended!
Safe
4.5/5
Firstly *claps*
Ah my heart! SO GOOD!
The book has our h- the positive, vivacious and strong soap opera actress, who plays a psychiatrist as well as acts out the role of a conniving woman, who shelters animals and saves everyone in need, and who is the most supporting friend ever. She meets the H, a super cynical writer who is in process of making a movie about his life, including his selfish ex wife. Utterly disillusioned about women, he never expects the h to be a warm ray of sunshine in his life, or that he cannot stop thinking about her. Soon she invades his life, and his heart..
A GREAT read with an amazing h and a brooding H. I liked how she faced every situation, her outlook in life and her strong determination. The H tries to resist her throughout, but ultimately gives in. There is a subplot involving her nephew's custody battle, that provides the much needed angst and the book ends on a sweet note.
Heavily recommended!
Safe
4.5/5
June 12, 2023
A solid category from the 1980s but just not my preferred trope set (hero resents the heroine because he is too broken to love, custody issues with heroine's nephew)
July 6, 2017
Oh 1980s... *sigh* How sweet you were. Things were so much simpler back then. The prose is a little purple when it comes to the sex scenes - waves crashing, galaxies being formed and weird shit like that. But it was sweet and sensual, so it worked. The characters were really interesting. Ariel was effervescent and I adored her. I wish she had opened up a bit to Booth about her drama, but otherwise she was exactly the type of character I was looking for in a lighthearted read today. I have a girl-crush on her. Booth was a great balance of shadow and order, totally brooding and angry about having pesky emotions. Ariel and Booth sizzled together. I really liked the scenes they shot for the soap opera and movie. Little subplots entertained but didn't take away from the story. I only wish we got to find out whether or not the movie was a success. An epilogue would have been nice. Otherwise, this was a fun read that gives me faith in other older novels by Nora Roberts.
May 14, 2019
Another old school romance by Nora Roberts, this time featuring a very good actress and the screenwriter of her latest role.
Booth based his latest script on his own experiences with his ex-wife, and initially doesn't think that the bubbly Ariel he's attracted to could do the role of the manipulating diva justice, but is surprised and confused by how close to her she comes.
Ariel, who is also attracted to him, is much less reserved with her feelings and openly tells him how she feels about him, but they decide to keep their relationship professional, considering that they'll be working together for a while. Things don't remain platonic between them however, but they both have their own share of trust issues for different reasons that they have to deal with before reaching their happily ever after, .
Booth based his latest script on his own experiences with his ex-wife, and initially doesn't think that the bubbly Ariel he's attracted to could do the role of the manipulating diva justice, but is surprised and confused by how close to her she comes.
Ariel, who is also attracted to him, is much less reserved with her feelings and openly tells him how she feels about him, but they decide to keep their relationship professional, considering that they'll be working together for a while. Things don't remain platonic between them however, but they both have their own share of trust issues for different reasons that they have to deal with before reaching their happily ever after, .
April 4, 2019
3 stars for another great one from NR ... awesome actress h and macho, broody H ...
June 1, 2016
Dual Image is classic early Nora Roberts. Ariel is a soap opera star. Her character on her soap opera is a smart yet meek woman. Ariel longs to play someone with more substance. She reads for the part of a villain in an upcoming television movie. Booth is the screenwriter and thinks Ariel is perfect for the part... a little too perfect. He has been burned by his ex-wife and refuses to fall for her.
I thought this was a cute romance. I loved Ariel. She is smart, independent and a free spirit. Her devotion to getting custody of her nephew made her loving heart show through. Her scenes with Scott were really cute. I did think the "I Love You" came a bit early, but I did feel like they spent time getting to know each other before leaping into bed. I didn't really care for Booth at first. but he grew on me.
One of the fun things about the story is the scenes of the soap opera and movie that are included in the book. They really brought me back to the 80s when I used to watch General Hospital after school. So cheesy and dramatic! This is one of Ms. Robert's better throwback books. Definitely give it a try!
I thought this was a cute romance. I loved Ariel. She is smart, independent and a free spirit. Her devotion to getting custody of her nephew made her loving heart show through. Her scenes with Scott were really cute. I did think the "I Love You" came a bit early, but I did feel like they spent time getting to know each other before leaping into bed. I didn't really care for Booth at first. but he grew on me.
One of the fun things about the story is the scenes of the soap opera and movie that are included in the book. They really brought me back to the 80s when I used to watch General Hospital after school. So cheesy and dramatic! This is one of Ms. Robert's better throwback books. Definitely give it a try!
January 21, 2021
Een echt ouderwets nora Roberts verhaal
March 24, 2020
Spoilers ahead, 2.5*
Ariel has been acting in a soap opera for 5 years, she's a bubbly, energetic, bright eternal optimist who's able to adapt very well into her acting roles. When the opportunity arises to audition for a part in writer Booth's latest film she's excited to branch out in her acting
Booth is a broody award winning writer who's latest work is based quite a bit on his relationship with his ex wife. Her actions caused him to be disillusioned and distrustful to all women. Ariel is like a breath of fresh air but her resemblance to his ex and her uncanny ability to portray her makes Booth afraid to trust.I
*********
Ariel was almost a little too prefect but I liked her, she realized very early on that she loved Booth and embraced it wholeheartedly. He did hurt her with his mistrust at times and I wanted her to be harder on him but she forgave very easily yet she wasn't quite a doormat
Booth was ok but his issues lasted until the almost bitter end, even when he confessed his love he was still quick to jump to conclusions based on a n article on Ariel then all is forgiven and the end.
While the book wasn't bad I had a couple of issues especially Ariel's resemblance to his ex and his frequent comparison of the two. This book also ended abruptly which I believe is a trait of this author's.She has yet to embrace the Beauty of an epilogue from what I've read from her
No cheating
Ex drama
Celibate H
h celibate too (I think)
Ariel has been acting in a soap opera for 5 years, she's a bubbly, energetic, bright eternal optimist who's able to adapt very well into her acting roles. When the opportunity arises to audition for a part in writer Booth's latest film she's excited to branch out in her acting
Booth is a broody award winning writer who's latest work is based quite a bit on his relationship with his ex wife. Her actions caused him to be disillusioned and distrustful to all women. Ariel is like a breath of fresh air but her resemblance to his ex and her uncanny ability to portray her makes Booth afraid to trust.I
*********
Ariel was almost a little too prefect but I liked her, she realized very early on that she loved Booth and embraced it wholeheartedly. He did hurt her with his mistrust at times and I wanted her to be harder on him but she forgave very easily yet she wasn't quite a doormat
Booth was ok but his issues lasted until the almost bitter end, even when he confessed his love he was still quick to jump to conclusions based on a n article on Ariel then all is forgiven and the end.
While the book wasn't bad I had a couple of issues especially Ariel's resemblance to his ex and his frequent comparison of the two. This book also ended abruptly which I believe is a trait of this author's.She has yet to embrace the Beauty of an epilogue from what I've read from her
No cheating
Ex drama
Celibate H
h celibate too (I think)
July 4, 2019
Ok, here I go again. Going back to read an 80s era Harlequin. Sometimes these don't work out so well for me upon revisit ( hello: Aftershocks by Catherine Coulter and Long Time Coming by Sandra Brown)
But whew, this was a good throwback!
The heroine, Ariel, is a soap opera actress who is also a brilliant actress overall. I imagine her acting ability being kinda like Judith Light's when Judith played Karen Wolek on One Life To Live or maybe Michelle forbes when she was Sonny/Solita on The Guiding Light.... but I digress.
The hero, Booth, is a brooding writer whose latest brilliant magnum opus is a fictionalized searing indictment of his toxic marriage to yet another actress. He apparently has written Oscar winning screenplays for his Oscar winning ex and thus has a lot of clout in movie circles.
His new book is being turned into a movie and he is looking for the perfect actress to play his awful ex.
Ariel is well named. She is a bit of an airy-fairy full of light and love and laughter and is secretly trying to get custody of her dead brother's son from his meany old grandparents.
Booth is a well known Harlequin hero archetype... rich and dark and hurt by love and mistrusting of women. He especially mistrusts actresses and super especially mistrusts good actresses.
Ariel's audition for the role of his awful ex is so good and uncanny that naturally she must be as awful as his awful ex, right? But Airy-Fairy Ariel is nothing of the sort.
They embark upon a romance because they feel the chemistry for each other right away. Ariel throws herself into it with her full chest because that is how Ariel rolls, but Booth is super resistant. Always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I got a little tired of his judginess, but since he is so helpless against his fascination for Ariel it isn't as bad as it could be.
The awful ex makes an appearance and it really as awful as he has painted her to be. She tries to stir up trouble but it mostly slides off the awesomeness that is Ariel.
This was an easy listen on audio with the narrator going slightly over the top with Ariel's voice. She made her out to be super dramatic sometimes. But overall it was light and fun. Reminds me of why I used to like Harlequins back in the day. And a rare revisit to an old skool romance that holds up well and does not make me want to tear my eyeballs out.
But whew, this was a good throwback!
The heroine, Ariel, is a soap opera actress who is also a brilliant actress overall. I imagine her acting ability being kinda like Judith Light's when Judith played Karen Wolek on One Life To Live or maybe Michelle forbes when she was Sonny/Solita on The Guiding Light.... but I digress.
The hero, Booth, is a brooding writer whose latest brilliant magnum opus is a fictionalized searing indictment of his toxic marriage to yet another actress. He apparently has written Oscar winning screenplays for his Oscar winning ex and thus has a lot of clout in movie circles.
His new book is being turned into a movie and he is looking for the perfect actress to play his awful ex.
Ariel is well named. She is a bit of an airy-fairy full of light and love and laughter and is secretly trying to get custody of her dead brother's son from his meany old grandparents.
Booth is a well known Harlequin hero archetype... rich and dark and hurt by love and mistrusting of women. He especially mistrusts actresses and super especially mistrusts good actresses.
Ariel's audition for the role of his awful ex is so good and uncanny that naturally she must be as awful as his awful ex, right? But Airy-Fairy Ariel is nothing of the sort.
They embark upon a romance because they feel the chemistry for each other right away. Ariel throws herself into it with her full chest because that is how Ariel rolls, but Booth is super resistant. Always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I got a little tired of his judginess, but since he is so helpless against his fascination for Ariel it isn't as bad as it could be.
The awful ex makes an appearance and it really as awful as he has painted her to be. She tries to stir up trouble but it mostly slides off the awesomeness that is Ariel.
This was an easy listen on audio with the narrator going slightly over the top with Ariel's voice. She made her out to be super dramatic sometimes. But overall it was light and fun. Reminds me of why I used to like Harlequins back in the day. And a rare revisit to an old skool romance that holds up well and does not make me want to tear my eyeballs out.
May 19, 2021
Нежна и романтична история, с някои трогателни моменти, но имах нужда от по-друг край в този смисъл, че останаха някои въпроси за кариерата на героинята.
Ариел е актриса, а Бут е написал сценарий за филм, в който разказва за манипулациите на бившата си жена. Актрисата много прилича на нея когато си играе ролята, а в същото време е коренно различна по характер. Бут обаче слива двата образа на моменти, а Ариел е готова да му покаже какво значи истинска любов, ако той се разкрие за нея. Имаше сцени в книгата, при които и на мен ми се сливаха снимките от филма с историята между Ариел и Бут и не можех да ги разгранича. Заснемането на филмите беше много подробно и реалистично описано. Долу-горе ми стана ясно какво напрежение и дискомфорт е да си актьор. Малко схематично са предадени пък за сметка на това образите на героите, но Нора Робъртс умее да пише романтика. Има и по-интересни книги от тази, но не съжалявам, че я прочетох, защото вече не се пишат такъв тип любовни романи и днес този начин на писане вече изглежда ретро.
Ариел е актриса, а Бут е написал сценарий за филм, в който разказва за манипулациите на бившата си жена. Актрисата много прилича на нея когато си играе ролята, а в същото време е коренно различна по характер. Бут обаче слива двата образа на моменти, а Ариел е готова да му покаже какво значи истинска любов, ако той се разкрие за нея. Имаше сцени в книгата, при които и на мен ми се сливаха снимките от филма с историята между Ариел и Бут и не можех да ги разгранича. Заснемането на филмите беше много подробно и реалистично описано. Долу-горе ми стана ясно какво напрежение и дискомфорт е да си актьор. Малко схематично са предадени пък за сметка на това образите на героите, но Нора Робъртс умее да пише романтика. Има и по-интересни книги от тази, но не съжалявам, че я прочетох, защото вече не се пишат такъв тип любовни романи и днес този начин на писане вече изглежда ретро.
March 23, 2021
I'm a big fan of Nora Roberts. For me, what makes her stories so heartwarming is the fact that while they're romances, the romance part of it isn't the be all end all. All her stories have strong, warm family and/ or female-female relationships and friendships. She rarely puts a woman against another woman "just because". My favourite series are the books about the Stanislaski family, the Dream series, and her books set in Ireland.
This, Dual Image, was the book I read most recently. While some aspects are dated (the constant smoking for example), overall it remains a very likeable book. I absolutely adored Ariel, the protagonist. She is strong and resolute, but also so kind and caring. The best part about her is how level headed she is, and while she very much loves Booth, you know that IF things don't work out between them, she is certainly not a woman to just wither away. She would be sad but would give herself time, come to terms with it and healthily get over it.
This, Dual Image, was the book I read most recently. While some aspects are dated (the constant smoking for example), overall it remains a very likeable book. I absolutely adored Ariel, the protagonist. She is strong and resolute, but also so kind and caring. The best part about her is how level headed she is, and while she very much loves Booth, you know that IF things don't work out between them, she is certainly not a woman to just wither away. She would be sad but would give herself time, come to terms with it and healthily get over it.
February 29, 2020
Mijn bespreking in het Nederlands: https://alimolenaar.nl/stukjes/theate...
April 16, 2020
*4.5 out of 5 Stars
November 26, 2021
This was originally published in 1985 but it holds up well. I can't remember if I've read it before, but I liked it a lot on this read.
June 19, 2024
This is a cute little bit of fluff that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Escapism at its finest.
Escapism at its finest.
July 22, 2025
Een leuk, aangenaam, vlot lezend romantisch boek.
April 4, 2020
It was an exceptional book! I adored Ariel's personality and I think she's an incredible woman. Strong, loving, special ... She conquered Booth, such a serious man ... Nora Roberts has once again succeeded in proving that the extremes are attracting. Such a childish woman and a man who matured too quickly. I love the fact that she would have chosen Scott instead of Booth and I am very happy that she didn't have to. I admit, I'm a little jealous of her ... a little more ... She's gorgeous, talented, and she can eat whatever she wants without worrying about her gorgeous silhouette. I recommend to all fans of a romance book with well-developed and profound characters!
January 8, 2015
Another fairly average book - this was readable, enjoyable, kept me engaged and paced very well. The characters were unique and well written. The love scenes weren't the least bit graphic and of the fade to black variety. Ariel Kirkwood is an actress - she's overly bubbly, energetic and has a frantic sort of energy. She is an eternal optimist and I, personally, did not care for her as a character. She was borderline Mary Sue in that she was a perfect actress able to completely morph into a character in which she had nothing in common and she did it instantaneously. She also fell in love instantly, accepted it without question and when the hero hurt her feelings, she was very quick to forgive and forget. It felt so unrealistic. The hero, Booth, is a very bitter man, having been burnt by his previous wife...an actress who hid her true self. And so, he's rather haunted by Ariel's ability to become his ex-wife and is not so quick to trust her or enter into a relationship with her. He prefers to be alone with his bitterness. He frequently hurts the heroine with his lack of trust and his tendency to compare Ariel to his ex-wife. His character's not so bad. Their romance sort of occurs in the typical fashion - attraction, heroine insta-love, hero fights it, hero gives in, heroine admits love, hero freaks out and runs away, hero gives in and finale!
SPOILER ALERT: The ending was a bit strange to me... Mixed into all of the above is a sub-plot in which Ariel is trying to win a custody case so she can raise her 4-year-old nephew Scott. In all her monologued complaints about the hero not trusting her, Ariel never once mentioned Scott to the man she loved. He's supposedly the most important thing in her life...if she wins custody of him, she's going to have a child to raise...which means the hero is going to have a child to raise. I think that is an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT factor to reveal to someone you are convinced you will marry. They never talked kids - does he even want any? It just seems dishonest not to have full disclosure here. And even weirder is that, bitter and solitary Booth didn't have a problem with the kid. He had a problem with Ariel's not trusting him with the info. Seemed very strange.
SPOILER ALERT: The ending was a bit strange to me... Mixed into all of the above is a sub-plot in which Ariel is trying to win a custody case so she can raise her 4-year-old nephew Scott. In all her monologued complaints about the hero not trusting her, Ariel never once mentioned Scott to the man she loved. He's supposedly the most important thing in her life...if she wins custody of him, she's going to have a child to raise...which means the hero is going to have a child to raise. I think that is an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT factor to reveal to someone you are convinced you will marry. They never talked kids - does he even want any? It just seems dishonest not to have full disclosure here. And even weirder is that, bitter and solitary Booth didn't have a problem with the kid. He had a problem with Ariel's not trusting him with the info. Seemed very strange.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2022
Dual Image
2 Stars
Nora Roberts is an incredible author, and her books, even some of the earlier ones, are often re-reads. Unfortunately, this one, originally published in 1985, is dated and it shows.
The heroine, Ariel Kirkwood, is one of the rarest of breeds - an excellent actress who is also fundamentally sweet and unambitious. She adopts three-legged cats, takes on every cause known to man, and is in the midst of a custody battle for her orphaned nephew. No idea when she finds time to fall in love, but she does.
The hero, Booth DeWitt, is a famous screenwriter whose latest script focuses on his diabolical and manipulative ex-wife, whose actions have resulted in a deep and abiding loathing for women in general and actresses in particular. In fact, Booth is a raging misogynist, and if Roberts had written this book today it would be a flop.
Booth and Ariel have zero chemistry and their interactions are actually cringeworthy. To top it all off, he smokes and the idea of kissing that mouth is a huge turn-off.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book not even to die hard Nora fans.
2 Stars
Nora Roberts is an incredible author, and her books, even some of the earlier ones, are often re-reads. Unfortunately, this one, originally published in 1985, is dated and it shows.
The heroine, Ariel Kirkwood, is one of the rarest of breeds - an excellent actress who is also fundamentally sweet and unambitious. She adopts three-legged cats, takes on every cause known to man, and is in the midst of a custody battle for her orphaned nephew. No idea when she finds time to fall in love, but she does.
The hero, Booth DeWitt, is a famous screenwriter whose latest script focuses on his diabolical and manipulative ex-wife, whose actions have resulted in a deep and abiding loathing for women in general and actresses in particular. In fact, Booth is a raging misogynist, and if Roberts had written this book today it would be a flop.
Booth and Ariel have zero chemistry and their interactions are actually cringeworthy. To top it all off, he smokes and the idea of kissing that mouth is a huge turn-off.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book not even to die hard Nora fans.
October 20, 2020
What kept me reading this book was Ariel fighting for custody of her nephew. What frustrated me was that the fighting Ariel had in her did not show towards Booth. Don't get me wrong. [SPOILER] I understood why Booth had trust issues. But having him comparing Ariel to his ex, but also keep going with the relationship took to long. In my opinion a man should be able to decide earlier on. Despite this all it was a good enough story to keep reading. Booth made me imagine David Boreanaz. I totally recommend everyone to do the same.
December 28, 2021
I've always been a Nora Roberts fan; but I like her books that have a little more meat to them other than boy meets girl, they fall in love, face difficulties and then everything turns out great. I had to skim through this book to skip over some of the repetitive love declarations. This books could have been far better had Booth's ex wife kidnapped little Scott and created a crime drama to go along with all the schmaltz. NR missed an opportunity to create a little more depth to her plot.
Therefore, I found it unappealing. It was a buy 3 books deal and I could have skipped all 3 of them.
Therefore, I found it unappealing. It was a buy 3 books deal and I could have skipped all 3 of them.
January 29, 2014
Dentro do estilo que a autora já nos habituou, desta vez entramos nos meandros do cinema e dos bastidores da TV. Gostei do Booth e da Ariel e da forma como ela rompe o cinismo e a aversão dele pelos relacionamentos. Com aquele típico happy ending que nós gostamos.
January 6, 2010
Review haiku:
Actress plays ex-wife.
Writer tries not to love her,
But can't help himself.
Actress plays ex-wife.
Writer tries not to love her,
But can't help himself.
April 10, 2015
Thank you, Nora Roberts, for another amazing book.
September 11, 2021
Um livro morninho, com uma personagem feminina encantadora. Já do protagonista masculino não posso dizer o mesmo. Muita prepotência e recalcamento que transbordam a todos nas relações interpessoais.
May 25, 2018
I didn't actually want to read this book, I unknowingly got it as a duo with this authors short novel The Best Mistake. (I didn't notice it was one book-two stories, not one story only.) But I am so glad I did! I would recommend this book even to those who don't like romance novels.
I loved it! I loved the way it was written, I found the main character, Ariel, incredibly likable, and weirdly enough for me cause I'm the opposite of her personality, relatable. I liked her so much I wasn't even mad she didn't tell Booht about her custody battle for Scott. Although I did want to hit her upside with a newspaper because she really should have told him and it is incredibly unfair to that to someone you're dating, but I wasn't ever mad about it and I didn't hate her for it like I usually would; the character of Booth was also likable, it would have been really easy for him to come across as an ass but you can actually understand and sympathize on his distrust of women, actresses specifically, he was in an abusive, toxic relationship when he was younger and that left its scars.
The chemistry between Booth/Ariel was incredible, I found myself smiling at a lot of their scenes. They reminded me of a Hallmark couple at some points, which me loving Hallmark liked.
The sex scenes are not erotic at all, or explicit, they're very artsy and emotional which to me is perfectly fine because I didn't pick up this book for erotica.
I had to have a little laugh when cause I couldn't help but imagine how twitter fandom would react if something like that were to happen in our 2018 world.
The thing that surprised me most about this book is how much it sucked me in, I was hooked on this like if I was reading a good mystery book!
Part of me wishes we would have gotten to see if the movie was a success and whatnot giving the book a more closed ending but I don't really mind.
I'm not usually one for romance books but 'Dual Image' has made me interested in checking out more of Nora Roberts works.
I loved it! I loved the way it was written, I found the main character, Ariel, incredibly likable, and weirdly enough for me cause I'm the opposite of her personality, relatable. I liked her so much I wasn't even mad she didn't tell Booht about her custody battle for Scott. Although I did want to hit her upside with a newspaper because she really should have told him and it is incredibly unfair to that to someone you're dating, but I wasn't ever mad about it and I didn't hate her for it like I usually would; the character of Booth was also likable, it would have been really easy for him to come across as an ass but you can actually understand and sympathize on his distrust of women, actresses specifically, he was in an abusive, toxic relationship when he was younger and that left its scars.
The chemistry between Booth/Ariel was incredible, I found myself smiling at a lot of their scenes. They reminded me of a Hallmark couple at some points, which me loving Hallmark liked.
The sex scenes are not erotic at all, or explicit, they're very artsy and emotional which to me is perfectly fine because I didn't pick up this book for erotica.
I had to have a little laugh when cause I couldn't help but imagine how twitter fandom would react if something like that were to happen in our 2018 world.
The thing that surprised me most about this book is how much it sucked me in, I was hooked on this like if I was reading a good mystery book!
Part of me wishes we would have gotten to see if the movie was a success and whatnot giving the book a more closed ending but I don't really mind.
I'm not usually one for romance books but 'Dual Image' has made me interested in checking out more of Nora Roberts works.
April 18, 2018
I swear, there isn’t a topic that Nora hasn’t covered in her books, or a career choice. We’re now up to actress/soap star. And, though we’ve seen writer several times, I think this may be the first instance of television writer.
As a side note, I feel like these 80s romances should come with the PG13 “Historical Smoking” tag because there is a lot of smoking. It’s so funny how something used to be so ingrained in our culture, and now it almost seems out of place.
I really liked Ariel. I want her to be my best friend, she’s just that type of girl. She’s interesting, and always herself. (Well, except when she is acting). And, even though Booth was really withdrawn at first, I ended up really liking him, too.
And there was a whole separate storyline that isn’t mentioned in the description of the novel, but that creates a lot of drama outside of everything else between Ariel and Booth. And this whole part really just touched my heart, so much. I think it drove a lot of the story, and, in reading the description, I never even knew it was a part of it. I’m not sure if that was done intentionally or not, but I definitely think it’s worth mentioning that there’s something there besides the romance between the two characters, and the movie they are working on together.
I was originally going to give this book 4 stars, but I’m knocking it down a star, because all of the stuff with Liz, and the movie, never really panned out. Like, yes, they made it, but what happened next? I just felt like, at the end of this one, I ended up wanting more. But, ultimately, I still enjoyed it.
As a side note, I feel like these 80s romances should come with the PG13 “Historical Smoking” tag because there is a lot of smoking. It’s so funny how something used to be so ingrained in our culture, and now it almost seems out of place.
I really liked Ariel. I want her to be my best friend, she’s just that type of girl. She’s interesting, and always herself. (Well, except when she is acting). And, even though Booth was really withdrawn at first, I ended up really liking him, too.
And there was a whole separate storyline that isn’t mentioned in the description of the novel, but that creates a lot of drama outside of everything else between Ariel and Booth. And this whole part really just touched my heart, so much. I think it drove a lot of the story, and, in reading the description, I never even knew it was a part of it. I’m not sure if that was done intentionally or not, but I definitely think it’s worth mentioning that there’s something there besides the romance between the two characters, and the movie they are working on together.
I was originally going to give this book 4 stars, but I’m knocking it down a star, because all of the stuff with Liz, and the movie, never really panned out. Like, yes, they made it, but what happened next? I just felt like, at the end of this one, I ended up wanting more. But, ultimately, I still enjoyed it.
February 25, 2022
Cu o pungă cu alimente pe un braţ, Amanda deschise uşa casei. Radia de fericire. De afară se auzea ciripitul păsărilor care se bucurau de soarele primăverii. Lumina se reflectă de pe aurul verighetei ei. Recent căsătorită, de trei luni, era nerăbdătoare să pregătească o cină specială, intimă, pentru a-i face o surpriză lui Cameron. Programul ei solicitant de la spital şi de la clinică o împiedica adesea să gătească, iar ei, ca proaspătă soţie, îi făcea plăcere această activitate. În după-amiaza aceea, când două programări îi fuseseră anulate pe neaşteptate, intenţiona să pregătească ceva sofisticat, elaborat şi memorabil. Ceva care să se potrivească unei atmosfere cu lumânări şi vin.
Intră în bucătărie fredonând, o exteriorizare a emoţiilor rară pentru ea, căci era o femeie rezervată. Cu un zâmbet satisfăcut scoase din pungă o sticlă cu vinul de Bordeaux preferat de Cameron. Studie eticheta păstrând pe chip un zâmbet, amintindu-şi de prima dată când băuseră împreună o sticlă. Fusese atât de romantic, atât de atent, îi oferise atât de mult din ceea ce îi trebuia ei în acel moment al vieţii.
Aruncând o privire la ceas văzu că mai avea patru ore întregi până urma să se întoarcă acasă soţul ei. Suficient cât să pregătească o masă elaborată, să aprindă lumânările şi să aranjeze paharele de cristal.
Mai întâi, decise, avea să meargă la etaj să se dezbrace de costumul şi pantofii comozi. Sus avea un caftan lung din mătase, transparent, în nuanţe de un albastru palid. În seara aceea nu avea să fie psihiatru, ci femeie, o femeie foarte îndrăgostită.
Intră în bucătărie fredonând, o exteriorizare a emoţiilor rară pentru ea, căci era o femeie rezervată. Cu un zâmbet satisfăcut scoase din pungă o sticlă cu vinul de Bordeaux preferat de Cameron. Studie eticheta păstrând pe chip un zâmbet, amintindu-şi de prima dată când băuseră împreună o sticlă. Fusese atât de romantic, atât de atent, îi oferise atât de mult din ceea ce îi trebuia ei în acel moment al vieţii.
Aruncând o privire la ceas văzu că mai avea patru ore întregi până urma să se întoarcă acasă soţul ei. Suficient cât să pregătească o masă elaborată, să aprindă lumânările şi să aranjeze paharele de cristal.
Mai întâi, decise, avea să meargă la etaj să se dezbrace de costumul şi pantofii comozi. Sus avea un caftan lung din mătase, transparent, în nuanţe de un albastru palid. În seara aceea nu avea să fie psihiatru, ci femeie, o femeie foarte îndrăgostită.
February 18, 2025
She’d never missed a cue or a call in her life, but when it wasn’t directly concerned with work, time was something to be enjoyed or ignored.
p. 263
You write to be to read, but don’t you first write to express yourself?
p. 285
Ruts are monotonous places, but so easy to stay in.
p. 298
When whatever’s frozen inside you thaws, I think you’ll be a lemor Kable man.
p. 308
There was no thing like a child, with its innocence and lack of restrictions, to give and take of love.
p. 311
There’s nothing more solid than love. Nothing more easily given or withheld.
p. 343
And the hardest of it was the desire. It shifted and rip out continually under the surface of his thoughts.
p. 352
Kindness gave her hope.
p. 355
He knew very well that one of the quickest ways to become vulnerable to someone else was to become concerned with their problems.
p. 394
Everyone had his or her own means of dealing with the darker emotions. Booth’s was to draw into himself; hers was to let them lash out. Either way, anyway, the resolution would come.
p. 433
They damaged each other. You know, sometimes I think people can be attracted to the specific persons who are the worst for them.
p. 456
“But you’re full of life—the joy of it. It’s not that you don’t face the hard side when it comes up, but you don’t look for it. It seems to me DeWitt does.”
“Maybe—maybe he expects it. If you expect it and it happens, you aren’t as staggered by it. For some people, it’s a defensive move.”
p. 457
p. 263
You write to be to read, but don’t you first write to express yourself?
p. 285
Ruts are monotonous places, but so easy to stay in.
p. 298
When whatever’s frozen inside you thaws, I think you’ll be a lemor Kable man.
p. 308
There was no thing like a child, with its innocence and lack of restrictions, to give and take of love.
p. 311
There’s nothing more solid than love. Nothing more easily given or withheld.
p. 343
And the hardest of it was the desire. It shifted and rip out continually under the surface of his thoughts.
p. 352
Kindness gave her hope.
p. 355
He knew very well that one of the quickest ways to become vulnerable to someone else was to become concerned with their problems.
p. 394
Everyone had his or her own means of dealing with the darker emotions. Booth’s was to draw into himself; hers was to let them lash out. Either way, anyway, the resolution would come.
p. 433
They damaged each other. You know, sometimes I think people can be attracted to the specific persons who are the worst for them.
p. 456
“But you’re full of life—the joy of it. It’s not that you don’t face the hard side when it comes up, but you don’t look for it. It seems to me DeWitt does.”
“Maybe—maybe he expects it. If you expect it and it happens, you aren’t as staggered by it. For some people, it’s a defensive move.”
p. 457
March 26, 2021
I actually enjoyed this very much. 4.75 stars.
Not perfect, but the entertainment and chemistry was up there!
Could have been longer to further tease out the different plot threads e.g. more about Scott, was the movie successful, would we meet Booth's family, what about Ariel's remaining family?
Scott almost could have disappeared from the story, to be honest, but it wasn't too contrived. I also adored Stella for being a genuine friend to Ariel. The other thing I liked here was no big fat misunderstanding between Booth and Ariel.
P.s. the updated cover is much prettier than the one on GR!
Not perfect, but the entertainment and chemistry was up there!
Could have been longer to further tease out the different plot threads e.g. more about Scott, was the movie successful, would we meet Booth's family, what about Ariel's remaining family?
Scott almost could have disappeared from the story, to be honest, but it wasn't too contrived. I also adored Stella for being a genuine friend to Ariel. The other thing I liked here was no big fat misunderstanding between Booth and Ariel.
P.s. the updated cover is much prettier than the one on GR!
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