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Port Henry #1
The Damsel in This Dress
She's a book reviewer who hates his books.he's a bestselling author who's determined to change her mind–about his books and him. J. Soldier McKennitt, a Seattle detective–turned–bestselling–author has read one too many scathing reviews from Betsy Tremaine of The Port Henry Ledger . Never mind that he's been on the national bestsellers list with each of his 3 books. Never mind that all the other papers consistently give him rave reviews. He decides Betsy must be some frustrated old hag, but when he meets a gorgeous blonde at a mystery writer's conference, he can't believe that this is Betsy Tremaine. Betsy with the hour glass figure any man would kill to get his hands on. Betsy with the quick witty comebacks that sets his nether regions on fire. Now if only he can figure out who's stalking her, their heated relationship may have a chance.
372 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
6 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Stillings
13 books49 followersMarianne’s lifelong love of stories began in childhood, inspired by The Ugly Duckling and her treasured copy of Black Beauty. After a 25-year career as a senior technical writer at Boeing, she turned to creating her own happy endings. A native of Santa Barbara, California, she now lives in Washington State with her husband, three children, two grandchildren, and two rescue dogs. She enjoys quilting, embroidering, crocheting, gardening, cooking, baking, and watching every British mystery she can find.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 19, 2013
First: Far more discerning, better-read readers than I really enjoyed this, so I would take their word for it, if I were you. Seriously.
If you want my two cents, here goes...
The good: I didn't guess who the psycho was by a long shot. The red herrings or McGuffins or whatever the maybes-but-aren'ts are called had me running in circles. I laughed out loud quite a few times. The 'See Dick insult Jane. Look, look, look. Jane knees him in the groin' banter was truly funny. As were other moments early on, given the mutual antagonism/attraction premise of small town newspaper's savage book review-writing managing editor and nationally published based-on-true-crime novelist she savages.
The bad: along with the fresh and unforced funny stuff was groan-worthy, stodgy humor, unclever word play in flat-footed dialogue. The romance 'developed' at first sight and somehow lacked fizz to me. The hero's reluctance to get 'involved' emotionally was repeated often, though I got his point of view after the first two or three times he thinks through why he needs to steer clear of her -- even if she's as adorable to him as a bag of kittens. And she's a goner because he is a very handsome, manly man. Who can blame her? He's hunky.
Relatives and friends add fun: her gorgeous, self-involved mother is a trainwreck of a human but adds a great, tart something. Her father is sweet and there's v. funny dig about Washington state's famous software employer that made me laugh out loud. (I am a devout apple computer owner so an extra ha-ha-ha for that.)
For me, overall the mystery/suspense story seemed to outpace/outclass the romance, which was like a bottle of flat soda - not much sparkle and a little too cloying for my taste.
If you want my two cents, here goes...
The good: I didn't guess who the psycho was by a long shot. The red herrings or McGuffins or whatever the maybes-but-aren'ts are called had me running in circles. I laughed out loud quite a few times. The 'See Dick insult Jane. Look, look, look. Jane knees him in the groin' banter was truly funny. As were other moments early on, given the mutual antagonism/attraction premise of small town newspaper's savage book review-writing managing editor and nationally published based-on-true-crime novelist she savages.
The bad: along with the fresh and unforced funny stuff was groan-worthy, stodgy humor, unclever word play in flat-footed dialogue. The romance 'developed' at first sight and somehow lacked fizz to me. The hero's reluctance to get 'involved' emotionally was repeated often, though I got his point of view after the first two or three times he thinks through why he needs to steer clear of her -- even if she's as adorable to him as a bag of kittens. And she's a goner because he is a very handsome, manly man. Who can blame her? He's hunky.
Relatives and friends add fun: her gorgeous, self-involved mother is a trainwreck of a human but adds a great, tart something. Her father is sweet and there's v. funny dig about Washington state's famous software employer that made me laugh out loud. (I am a devout apple computer owner so an extra ha-ha-ha for that.)
For me, overall the mystery/suspense story seemed to outpace/outclass the romance, which was like a bottle of flat soda - not much sparkle and a little too cloying for my taste.
June 25, 2013
This was a really fun suspense light book. The heroine is a journalist who loathes the hero's books and writes reviews in her small town paper and for some reason the hero keeps responding to her reviews. The hero is a cop and mystery writer plagued by his partner's death. The heroine has a beautiful self-absorbed mother who makes the heroine feel like she is a nobody.
Both the hero/heroine meet a conference and without knowing each others identities are attracted to each other. Then the heroine's stalker strikes again, trapping her mother's dog in the fridge, bringing the hero into the picture.
Now the heroine's stalker was crazy, drugging her, murdering people and the hero gets involved and so does his younger brother, another cop, coping from a divorce from a philandering wife.
The plot was crazy and the poor h/H keep getting interrupted at all the wrong moments. The book left me with a smile on my face which is good.
Claire, the heroine's doctor friend and the hero's bro get their own book.
Both the hero/heroine meet a conference and without knowing each others identities are attracted to each other. Then the heroine's stalker strikes again, trapping her mother's dog in the fridge, bringing the hero into the picture.
Now the heroine's stalker was crazy, drugging her, murdering people and the hero gets involved and so does his younger brother, another cop, coping from a divorce from a philandering wife.
The plot was crazy and the poor h/H keep getting interrupted at all the wrong moments. The book left me with a smile on my face which is good.
Claire, the heroine's doctor friend and the hero's bro get their own book.
November 18, 2015
For when you need a laugh out loud romance
The verbal foreplay between Betsy and Soldier was hilarious. Soldier is a best-seller writer, and Betsy is the editor of the Port Henry Ledger, who hates his books.
She glared at him as she nibbled on her straw. “Okay. Tell me, O Wise One, when was the last time you actually heard anybody use the word ‘empyrean’ in casual conversation, let alone in a crime drama?”
“Is that what’s bothering you about my books? You don’t like my choice of nouns?”
She shrugged. “Among other things.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, placing his knuckles against his mouth in a theatrical gesture of distress. “I obviously didn’t take your reading level into account. I promise, my next book won’t be any problem for you.” He sat back and crossed his arms over his chest.
Every once in a while I like reading a totally ridiculous and very funny romance, without any real drama or angst, just a very romantic comedy, emphasis on the comedy, and this book delivered.
December 2, 2010
I'm giving this 2 stars because I vaguely remember enjoying it the first time I read it. This time around, it was just awful. The writing was atrocious, although I don't want to waste my time looking for the worst of the quotes to include here. And the heroine was pathetic. The dialogue was ridiculous. No more Stillings for me.
January 11, 2018
It's been more than a few years since I'd read this book, and when I discovered it on a shelf while I was weeding out some unwanted books I thought I'd give it a read before I tossed it. However, I'd forgotten how much fun this book was. It's not earth shattering in meaning, deep or introspective. This is just a fun, fast paced, chick-lit novel that will fill in a few hours.
The relationship between Soldier and Betsy is at times sweet and frustrating - which you expect in a romance - but her mother! OMG, she is such a selfish, vain, narcissistic woman who seems to care more for her chihuahua, Piddle, than her only child.
Add to this dysfunctional coterie of characters a stalker, or two, a couple of murders, and a dog in the refrigerator, and you've got The Damsel in this Dress.
3½ ★
The relationship between Soldier and Betsy is at times sweet and frustrating - which you expect in a romance - but her mother! OMG, she is such a selfish, vain, narcissistic woman who seems to care more for her chihuahua, Piddle, than her only child.
Add to this dysfunctional coterie of characters a stalker, or two, a couple of murders, and a dog in the refrigerator, and you've got The Damsel in this Dress.
3½ ★
September 15, 2018
I couldn’t get more than partway into chapter two of this book. It’s a bit funny that a novel that starts with its heroine carping that the hero’s novels are lifeless and cliched should itself be such a mass of cliches.
I honestly had to keep checking the title to make certain I hadn’t read the book before because so many familiar tropes had already stacked up. There’s an attempt at making us think this is a stalker novel, plus a classic misdirection, and a meet-cute, and that was all I could take. Even the dog was a copy.
I suppose that this novel is perfect for readers who love to visit well-worn paths. Unless something new happens later on, it feels exactly like half a dozen books I really enjoyed reading, but, unfortunately, by much better authors. I think I would much rather revisit their works, thanks.
I honestly had to keep checking the title to make certain I hadn’t read the book before because so many familiar tropes had already stacked up. There’s an attempt at making us think this is a stalker novel, plus a classic misdirection, and a meet-cute, and that was all I could take. Even the dog was a copy.
I suppose that this novel is perfect for readers who love to visit well-worn paths. Unless something new happens later on, it feels exactly like half a dozen books I really enjoyed reading, but, unfortunately, by much better authors. I think I would much rather revisit their works, thanks.
October 10, 2019
Betsy Tremaine is asst. editor of the Port Henry Ledger Newspaper and has written a scathing review of Seattle cop/mystery author, J. Soldier McKennitt's latest book. When a copy of the paper is sent to him, he emails Betsy trying to figure out why she hates his work so much. She has just found a threatening note attached to mother's dog's collar and is spooked. A week later, they meet at a mystery writers conference in Seattle and the sparks fly. When threatening attacks happen to Betsy, Soldier and his detective brother Taylor go back on the job to figure out who's stalking her. When the bodies start to pile up, the heat is on to find the stalker.
Fun mystery/romance. Not terribly complex, but nice light read. Some sex.
Fun mystery/romance. Not terribly complex, but nice light read. Some sex.
July 6, 2017
Helpless, she's not...except when she's being stalked by a vengeful, anonymous rival who doesn't let a little thing like murder get in the way of a really good intimidation vibe. Assistance comes in the form of cop Soldier McKennitt, writer of the drivel that Betsy Tremaine detests in her review for the Port Henry Ledger. Will they fall in love or won't they? Will he catch the murderous stalker in time? Will he ever write anything Betsy actually likes? You can find out by reading this delightful romp of a book, filled with smart, snappy dialog and memorable characters. I found it hard to put this one down--a fun, fast read!
July 30, 2020
I don’t usually read romance novels at all but because this was a romance/mystery; I thought I’d go ahead with it. It was definitely an enjoyable read. At times too mushy and sappy sweet (sorry, I just don’t think MOST people experience this kind of romance) but there was plenty of suspense to make it a page-turner.
August 2, 2020
Enjoyed the bits of comedy in this book.
October 9, 2021
Soldier writes bad books.
Betsy calls him out for it.
And they fall in love.
Betsy calls him out for it.
And they fall in love.
August 25, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the banter between the feisty heroine and her hunky Detective.
May 19, 2025
Loved it!
January 8, 2023
I liked the writing style, the characters, and the banter, but it is very outdated, especially when it came to talking about mental health.
January 27, 2016
Read in Japanese ミステリーはお好き。May have been funnier read in English.
Betsy (29?) a newspaper editor, was stalked by someone. She wrote a bad review of a book written by Soldier McKennitt (34?), author/detective in Seattle. He lost his partner, Mark 4 years ago and hasn't been back to work. His brother is Taylor.
They found each other at a boo writing conference. She was not an ugly lady he and his brother made out to be based on her terrible review of Soldier's book. Soldier found out that she has a stalker problem, and starts helping her out.
Stalking started out from phone calls, threat letter on her mother's dog, locking the dog in refrigerator of the hotel room, and killing a woman who drugged Betsy at the hotel. while investigation went on her boss got killed, and her friend Clare (doctor) and Taylor were injured. Soldier and Betsy attack each other with words, but are attracted to each other.
Hot scenes are few and very mild. Jokes were a bit cumbersome when translated into Japanese. Just an OK read.
Betsy (29?) a newspaper editor, was stalked by someone. She wrote a bad review of a book written by Soldier McKennitt (34?), author/detective in Seattle. He lost his partner, Mark 4 years ago and hasn't been back to work. His brother is Taylor.
They found each other at a boo writing conference. She was not an ugly lady he and his brother made out to be based on her terrible review of Soldier's book. Soldier found out that she has a stalker problem, and starts helping her out.
Stalking started out from phone calls, threat letter on her mother's dog, locking the dog in refrigerator of the hotel room, and killing a woman who drugged Betsy at the hotel. while investigation went on her boss got killed, and her friend Clare (doctor) and Taylor were injured. Soldier and Betsy attack each other with words, but are attracted to each other.
Hot scenes are few and very mild. Jokes were a bit cumbersome when translated into Japanese. Just an OK read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2013
Finally, a chick-lit book that I liked! It's possible that might be because of the mystery element, but in any case, I enjoyed reading "The Damsel in This Dress." Betsy is funny, Soldier is a convincing romantic lead, and the supporting cast, while cliched, is good too. The mystery is a bit odd and meanders a bit, but in the end it's interesting. The same can be said for the event that brings Soldier and Betsy together- after a few paragraphs, it's totally forgotten. I would have liked to have seen Soldier lead a session with Betsy interacting, but alas, that's a missed opportunity. Still, it's all a lot of fun.
May 12, 2011
Betsy goes to a mystery conference where she meets Soldier (after writing scathing reviews of his books) and discovers her stalker followed her.
What I enjoyed:
* The characters. They each had their issues, but worked through them.
* Her dad.
* The fact that while there was instant lust, it took a bit and getting to know each other before their was love.
What could have been better:
* The stalker's motive was a bit weak.
*
What I enjoyed:
* The characters. They each had their issues, but worked through them.
* Her dad.
* The fact that while there was instant lust, it took a bit and getting to know each other before their was love.
What could have been better:
* The stalker's motive was a bit weak.
*
July 8, 2011
This was a cute little fluff novel. I probably liked it a little more than the average reader because it was a) about a writer and a reviewer which I find fun and b) because it was set in my home town of Seattle. I love reading books with local references. I liked that the characters didn't do total morphs which I find they often do in romance novels. It was cute.
July 17, 2014
This was a cute light read, I enjoyed the characters and story. As soon as we meet the stalker I knew right away though and that was disappointing. The lead female role was a little pathetic, however I understood why she was like that. Nothing amazing, but when you're in the mood for an easy comfy read it's perfect. I do plan on reading Taylor's story as well.
December 4, 2013
This made me think who the suspect really is. It kept me missing this book whenever it's far from me. Weird but that was how it affected me.
I saw some misspelled names of "Betsy and Soldier" (Besty and Solider), It somehow bothered me but it didn't affect the way I visualized things.
Sigh* What a very nice book. :">
I saw some misspelled names of "Betsy and Soldier" (Besty and Solider), It somehow bothered me but it didn't affect the way I visualized things.
Sigh* What a very nice book. :">
January 1, 2026
Five stars
You will love this funny book! Soldier and Betsy are so cute! I love their bantering. The first time is when they are asked to write a story together. Each one writing a paragraph in a continuous story. What a hoot! She has a stalker...he’s a detective...perfect for each other.
You will love this funny book! Soldier and Betsy are so cute! I love their bantering. The first time is when they are asked to write a story together. Each one writing a paragraph in a continuous story. What a hoot! She has a stalker...he’s a detective...perfect for each other.
August 12, 2014
Lots of humor, bordering on silly but I loved it. This would probably be classified as romantic suspense with the theme of a stalker but the author managed to lighten the dark feel with just the right amount of humor. FYI, Taylor's story is told in Sighs Matter.
September 13, 2011
I really liked this one. It was the usual plot line, boy meets girl and they are at odds, but you know where they will end up. Liked the characters and writing. Fun for my summer pool time reading.
April 22, 2013
If you're looking for a nice trashy romance with a bit of 'loving' and a guaranteed happy ending that isn't totally horrendously written (minus the usual silliness that always accompanies this genre)then look no further.
May 4, 2015
I loved her other books but this one was her first and I could tell. The plot had mild set ups but overall, a romantic suspense and mystery should at least give a chance to the reader for figuring who exactly is the stalker. The person is a complete surprise and i don't like it.
January 11, 2016
I originally read this book for the first time in High school (So almost 10 years ago) and reading it again it reminds me how cute and easy it was. I enjoy Betsy and Soldiers story. I enjoy the light heartedness and the playful banter, the very cliche romance story. It's a cute and fluffy story.
November 12, 2007
Kind of a mindless read, which I enjoy a lot of the time. A crime and a love story. I loved the steamy love scenes, got my imagination running wild.
November 22, 2007
brain candy, which was exactly what I was looking for.
July 12, 2008
This was a great read. Mystery, Hot Detective and Opinionated Lady are a winning combination. I had a hard time putting this one down to sleep.
January 5, 2009
Loved this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews