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An Original Sin
MEN'S BODIES WERE HER BUSINESS
Fortune MacDonald listened to women's fantasies on a daily basis as she took their orders for customized men. In a time when the male species was extinct, she was a valued man-maker. She had created some of the best prototypes around - from Stud-Muffin-Stuart to the ever-popular Hunka-Hunka-Burning-Love-Leroy model.
So when she awoke to find herself sharing a bed with the most lifelike, virile man she had ever laid eyes or hands on, she let her gaze inventory his assets, from his long dark hair, to his knife-edged cheekbones, to his broad shoulders, to his jutting - well, all in the name of research, right? - it didn't take an expert any time at all to realize that he was the genuine article, a bona fide man....And when Leith Campbell took her in his arms, she knew real passion for the first time...but had she found true love?
Fortune MacDonald listened to women's fantasies on a daily basis as she took their orders for customized men. In a time when the male species was extinct, she was a valued man-maker. She had created some of the best prototypes around - from Stud-Muffin-Stuart to the ever-popular Hunka-Hunka-Burning-Love-Leroy model.
So when she awoke to find herself sharing a bed with the most lifelike, virile man she had ever laid eyes or hands on, she let her gaze inventory his assets, from his long dark hair, to his knife-edged cheekbones, to his broad shoulders, to his jutting - well, all in the name of research, right? - it didn't take an expert any time at all to realize that he was the genuine article, a bona fide man....And when Leith Campbell took her in his arms, she knew real passion for the first time...but had she found true love?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 1999
11 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Nina Bangs
43 books673 followersTalk about misspent youth. What did I do during those lazy summer days of childhood when I could’ve been honing my writing skills? Nothing. Okay, so I spent a lot of time dreaming I was a cowgirl with a trusty black stallion. Oh, and I read every Walter Farley horse novel. I was an only child so I relied on my imagination to supply the excitement in my life.
By high school, I’d decided to trade in my lariat for a trench coat. I was into dark and dangerous. As an intrepid foreign correspondent, I’d stalk the mean streets of the world. Did I actually write anything? No, but I did read all of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.
I worked at a department store during college. My short stint in the accounting department taught me a lot about math. Three hundred-dollar shortages plus hysterical tears equaled instant move to gift-wrap. A career in math was not in my future. I didn’t care because I’d discovered “real” literature. I plowed through James Joyce’s Ulysses and Tolstoy’s War and Peace. If it didn’t make my eyes cross then it wasn’t worth reading. Yes, I admit it, I was a literary snob.
Nina and best buddy, Barbara Joyce.
Folk singers extraordinaire.
But there’s just so much “real” literature one person can take. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in English Literature and a determination to avoid books that induced eye crossing or had tragic endings. The only things I managed to write during those years were research papers.
I taught second grade for several years then spent two years in Dublin, Ireland. A friend and I supported ourselves by singing folk songs in Irish pubs. We weren’t great, but we were young, enthusiastic, and wore short skirts. It was obviously my destiny to be the next Judy Collins. I spent a lot of time poring through music books.
Returning to New Jersey and reality, I taught elementary school until I grew restless again. My cross-country odyssey included stays in Arizona, California, and Texas. Along the way, I indulged my love of horses. No black stallions, but I did have several beautiful Arabian mares. I read tons of books on breeding and showing.
Somewhere between California and Texas I grew addicted to romance novels and cats. The cat’s independent attitude was exactly the quality I admired in my romance heroes. And once I decided to try writing my own romances, I made sure a cat crept into each story.
Texas is my permanent home. I’ve come full circle. Born in San Antonio, I spent most of my life in New Jersey. Maybe the Texas in my blood accounts for my attachment to strong men, fast horses, and wide-open spaces. My love of cats? Haven’t a clue.
By high school, I’d decided to trade in my lariat for a trench coat. I was into dark and dangerous. As an intrepid foreign correspondent, I’d stalk the mean streets of the world. Did I actually write anything? No, but I did read all of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.
I worked at a department store during college. My short stint in the accounting department taught me a lot about math. Three hundred-dollar shortages plus hysterical tears equaled instant move to gift-wrap. A career in math was not in my future. I didn’t care because I’d discovered “real” literature. I plowed through James Joyce’s Ulysses and Tolstoy’s War and Peace. If it didn’t make my eyes cross then it wasn’t worth reading. Yes, I admit it, I was a literary snob.
Nina and best buddy, Barbara Joyce.
Folk singers extraordinaire.
But there’s just so much “real” literature one person can take. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in English Literature and a determination to avoid books that induced eye crossing or had tragic endings. The only things I managed to write during those years were research papers.
I taught second grade for several years then spent two years in Dublin, Ireland. A friend and I supported ourselves by singing folk songs in Irish pubs. We weren’t great, but we were young, enthusiastic, and wore short skirts. It was obviously my destiny to be the next Judy Collins. I spent a lot of time poring through music books.
Returning to New Jersey and reality, I taught elementary school until I grew restless again. My cross-country odyssey included stays in Arizona, California, and Texas. Along the way, I indulged my love of horses. No black stallions, but I did have several beautiful Arabian mares. I read tons of books on breeding and showing.
Somewhere between California and Texas I grew addicted to romance novels and cats. The cat’s independent attitude was exactly the quality I admired in my romance heroes. And once I decided to try writing my own romances, I made sure a cat crept into each story.
Texas is my permanent home. I’ve come full circle. Born in San Antonio, I spent most of my life in New Jersey. Maybe the Texas in my blood accounts for my attachment to strong men, fast horses, and wide-open spaces. My love of cats? Haven’t a clue.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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January 7, 2025Was it good? Not particularly, but I still enjoyed it.
July 4, 2011
Moving on to my third and final book in this experience. The cover is very “Twilight.” It’s an all too common affliction these days. It’s a hand holding an apple, but with elegant wallpaper behind it. I scan the back page and notice that people in Australia have to pay 14.95 for their copy. What a rip off. I’m not even getting out of my seat to read somewhere else. But on the off chance I could be surprised, here we go.
Prologue
Fuck me. It starts out with dialogue, but in italics, like an internal monologue. But the verbiage comes off as narration. Using the first person, as if we are being directly spoken to. I’m not sure what POV we are taking yet. And then I run into Nina Bangs favorite word: butt. Already, my elbow is on my keyboard shelf, my head in my hand. I’m shielding my eyes from the frustration and embarrassment that no one is experiencing but me. Now the protagonist of this little self serving diatribe is concerned about his “upset tummy.”
I see the end of this prologue in sight. Then the most trite paragraph comes up.
“One’s gotta be a real babe, though. What can I say, I love women. Hey, a guy’s gonna be a guy.”
In 21 words, this has managed to be the most common, overdone, cheesy statement so far.
Again, two pages in, I give up.
Prologue
Fuck me. It starts out with dialogue, but in italics, like an internal monologue. But the verbiage comes off as narration. Using the first person, as if we are being directly spoken to. I’m not sure what POV we are taking yet. And then I run into Nina Bangs favorite word: butt. Already, my elbow is on my keyboard shelf, my head in my hand. I’m shielding my eyes from the frustration and embarrassment that no one is experiencing but me. Now the protagonist of this little self serving diatribe is concerned about his “upset tummy.”
I see the end of this prologue in sight. Then the most trite paragraph comes up.
“One’s gotta be a real babe, though. What can I say, I love women. Hey, a guy’s gonna be a guy.”
In 21 words, this has managed to be the most common, overdone, cheesy statement so far.
Again, two pages in, I give up.
September 22, 2025
the version of this book i read had a different cover, this cover is about as corny as the book was 😂 the plot sounded so intriguing...a distant future where men are extinct and she designs "prototypes" of men if ya know what I mean 😉, she somehow time travels to the future where men are not extinct and forms a relationship with a Scottish highlander. SO promising! this book failed for me because, for one, she wrote his accent so odd in the book I had to decipher wtf he was saying. for two, they banged by page 20, I was already bored, no build-up, no relationship, and yes, I like my spice with some yearning, at least a first name basis!! sis wasted no time to get down and dirty!! I usually love these corny little paranormal romances, but this one did not hit the mark for me
January 12, 2011
This book was a fun read.
When Fortune wakes up in a strange place, with a REAL man, she realizes she's so not in her time (2300) anymore. What's more, a REAL man is with her. Not a robot she's created, but a living breathing hunk of a speciman that makes her question everything she's believed about the sterile, placid, calm, boringness of her world.
Then again, if a Scottish hottie like Leith Campbell dropped into my life...well, I'd droll for a bit and then tell him I'm happily married. Oh, but the fantasies...
When Fortune wakes up in a strange place, with a REAL man, she realizes she's so not in her time (2300) anymore. What's more, a REAL man is with her. Not a robot she's created, but a living breathing hunk of a speciman that makes her question everything she's believed about the sterile, placid, calm, boringness of her world.
Then again, if a Scottish hottie like Leith Campbell dropped into my life...well, I'd droll for a bit and then tell him I'm happily married. Oh, but the fantasies...
May 13, 2011
SHE's from 2300, he's from 600 years earlier...a chaos creating creature posing as a CAT picks them up and drops them in bed naked in 2000.
A bit of a twist to the time travel books that I've been reading. I kept wondering HOW they could ever be happy in any time frame, his-hers-theirs.
This was not one of my favorites by Nina Bangs, I could put this one down, and really couldn't on some of the others, but it was fun and funny.
The cat stole the show!
A bit of a twist to the time travel books that I've been reading. I kept wondering HOW they could ever be happy in any time frame, his-hers-theirs.
This was not one of my favorites by Nina Bangs, I could put this one down, and really couldn't on some of the others, but it was fun and funny.
The cat stole the show!
February 14, 2012
Umm.....where do I begin, other than I read two pages and it was a crock of shit? Maalox should sue for use of their name in this book, it is that bad.
Read
January 2, 2023Well, this is the first double time travel book I've read, I'll give you that, Nina Bangs. I can't say I liked this but I also can't say I didn't enjoy it, so here we are with no rating, only regrets.
Pull quotes/notes
"Man-maker conventions were hell." (10) what an opening line!
"Leith followed them into the theater, glancing at the movie's title as he did so. 'Highlander?'
'Yeah. The latest one.'" (228) and this is how I learned there were multiple Highlander films
"A part of his body that was always alert to possibilities swelled in anticipation." (244)
"The door swung open, and she attacked. 'How nice of you to show up occasionally.' She hoped he recognized the phoniness of her smile. 'I suppose I can cancel the missing-person's report?'
He stared uncomprehendingly. 'Missing-person's report?'
She felt like gnashing her teeth. How could she crush him with her witty sarcasm when he didn't understand her meaning?" (342) honestly always kind of a problem with sarcasm
"'Houston, we've got a problem.' (376) given that this story is set in Houston, well played, Nina Bangs
Pull quotes/notes
"Man-maker conventions were hell." (10) what an opening line!
"Leith followed them into the theater, glancing at the movie's title as he did so. 'Highlander?'
'Yeah. The latest one.'" (228) and this is how I learned there were multiple Highlander films
"A part of his body that was always alert to possibilities swelled in anticipation." (244)
"The door swung open, and she attacked. 'How nice of you to show up occasionally.' She hoped he recognized the phoniness of her smile. 'I suppose I can cancel the missing-person's report?'
He stared uncomprehendingly. 'Missing-person's report?'
She felt like gnashing her teeth. How could she crush him with her witty sarcasm when he didn't understand her meaning?" (342) honestly always kind of a problem with sarcasm
"'Houston, we've got a problem.' (376) given that this story is set in Houston, well played, Nina Bangs
Read
May 24, 2020DNF at around 24%. Just can't get into it. I'm in a bit of a reading slump, which may be part of the cause or may be worsened by trying to force this one. I feel like the writing itself is good but the characters aren't acting realistically for the situation and overall it's just an odd read. Also, maybe it's just my attention span while reading this, but it seems like the settings keep jumping around. Like, a read a page where they'd spent the afternoon shopping and eating and suddenly in the middle of the dialogue they're waking up the next day?
That last thing is probably my bad. Regardless, I've been having really mediocre luck with books lately.
That last thing is probably my bad. Regardless, I've been having really mediocre luck with books lately.
January 11, 2023
This is an interesting twist on a time traveling romance. With the hero Leith coming from 300 years in the past and Fortune coming from 300 years in the future there was always going to be a clash of cultures. The villain of the story is a cat (or at least he takes that form). The story is a little slow at the beginning but by the end I just couldn't wait to see how it would end.
June 25, 2022
This is one of my favourite books to re-read. Leith and Fortune are well matched and I always laugh out loud at the beginning.
Ganymede is a funny puck esq character and this book just makes me happy.
Ganymede is a funny puck esq character and this book just makes me happy.
May 9, 2019
I miss 'my' Genymede. The one we learned to love. But otherwise it was good.
May 20, 2019
R Rated.
July 5, 2020
Sexy time travel. A very goofy but fun book!
June 21, 2023
It is a good book for its autor
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
Ok...this book was cute. It surprised me. It was a little repetitive at times but all in all a very cute (& very weird) story.
November 18, 2010
An Original Sin, is an early Nina Bangs story and would best be described as a sweet romantic comedy. The Heroine, Fortune MacDonald, could perhaps be played by Sandra Bullock and the Hero, Leith Campbell, played by a hunk with sensitivity and muscles, oh and he must look good in a kilt too.
I enjoyed this book, though it wasn't earth shattering, but the demon/cat Ganymede sure provided some laughs.
The premise is that Ganymede is a troublestarter and decides to meddle in people's lives as he is sick of starting earthquakes and floods.
He pulls Fortune from 2300 and Leith from 1700, a couple of years after the infamous Glencoe Massacre. The massacre wherein the Campbells tried to wipe out the MacDonalds.
He intends to make them fall in love and then separate them back to their own time. He forgets that people don't always do what he expects.
I enjoyed this book, though it wasn't earth shattering, but the demon/cat Ganymede sure provided some laughs.
The premise is that Ganymede is a troublestarter and decides to meddle in people's lives as he is sick of starting earthquakes and floods.
He pulls Fortune from 2300 and Leith from 1700, a couple of years after the infamous Glencoe Massacre. The massacre wherein the Campbells tried to wipe out the MacDonalds.
He intends to make them fall in love and then separate them back to their own time. He forgets that people don't always do what he expects.
January 4, 2013
I LOVED this book! Have to say though, that when I started it, I wasn't sure I was even going to read it. I love historical fiction, time travel...but future stuff? And the year 2300??? Wasn't long getting hooked though, and Leith's character was just perfect! I realize some people wouldn't find this book to their liking, but even if I hadn't loved the story, I would have given it at least 3 stars for the way it was written. It was innovative, and fun, and I was never bored, which for me, is a pre-requisite to finishing a book. I would recommend this to anyone who loves romance, time travel, historical fiction, and books with cool twists in them! I will definitely read it again, and what's more, I'm going to buy a hard copy ASAP for my bookshelf!! This isn't the first Nina Bangs I've read, and I think she is now a favorite author!
October 11, 2022
The narration of the devil (or whatever he was) was annoying. I skipped it. I skipped a lot of it after a while...a skimmed to the end type deal.
The FMC being from 300 years in the future was interesting.
IDK this book was just kinda...simple. Or something. The amount of times they were on top of each other was ridiculous. Also if someone just suddenly is on top of you I know my first reaction wouldn't be "oh, how sexy!" it would be "get the fuck off." Maybe that's just me though.
Thankfully my e-book copy had a different cover. This one is...whew. So bad. (I've since changed this to a different edition so I don't have to ever see that monstrosity ever again.)
The FMC being from 300 years in the future was interesting.
IDK this book was just kinda...simple. Or something. The amount of times they were on top of each other was ridiculous. Also if someone just suddenly is on top of you I know my first reaction wouldn't be "oh, how sexy!" it would be "get the fuck off." Maybe that's just me though.
Thankfully my e-book copy had a different cover. This one is...whew. So bad. (I've since changed this to a different edition so I don't have to ever see that monstrosity ever again.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2016
I like time travel romances but I just couldn't get into this one. I prefer one of the characters to travel to the other's time period but for both of them to be pulled from their time period and sent to a complete new time period for both of them I just couldn't take. It is definite twist to the usual time travel romance but it seems like it would just add unnecessary confusion to the story by trying to get them both adjusted to a new time period. I didn't read the whole book so i'm not sure how it ended.
September 10, 2010
That jerk of an ice-cream man parked his butt outside the house. I should go out, order a cone, then suggest a few creative uses for it. If he doesn’t do a quick disappearing act, he’ll find nebular plants aren’t the only things that can have massive meltdowns. How dose chocolate fall-out sound? I don’t know what game he’s playing, but he’s playing with in expert.----by Nina Bangs
this is currently my favorite quote from this book so far.
this is currently my favorite quote from this book so far.
February 2, 2013
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11681531
An okay time-travel romance. I liked the characters, but I got a little annoyed at the writing (do your lips really get swollen every time you kiss someone?? -- even just one kiss??) -- but it was a good palate cleanser between some of the heavier books I have been reading.
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11681531
An okay time-travel romance. I liked the characters, but I got a little annoyed at the writing (do your lips really get swollen every time you kiss someone?? -- even just one kiss??) -- but it was a good palate cleanser between some of the heavier books I have been reading.
March 10, 2011
This was a great book. When I was getting closer to the end I probably would have given it four stars if I had stopped then. But the ending earned that last star. My favorite character had to be the cat and I almost wish that they had written more from his point of view. I am glad I bought a physical copy of this book because I will be sure to read it again.
February 7, 2016
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7...
I can't believe I've had this one so long before reading it. This was a cute story. It has time travel and a frisky cat who's also a cosmic troublemaker. It really could have been pared down by 100 pages and it would have improved the story. I like this author, but this wasn't her best by a long shot.
I can't believe I've had this one so long before reading it. This was a cute story. It has time travel and a frisky cat who's also a cosmic troublemaker. It really could have been pared down by 100 pages and it would have improved the story. I like this author, but this wasn't her best by a long shot.
March 22, 2016
Nina Bangs is one of my favorite paranormal authors. That said, this time-travel novel was not as exciting for me as the vampire novels. Still, it was written in Ms. Bangs clever style with the necessary romantic tension, but it seemed to drag in parts.
I'm glad I read it, but it is not one I'd re-read.
I'm glad I read it, but it is not one I'd re-read.
March 29, 2011
Very enjoyable book. Loved the antics of the cosmic troublemaker cat who kept me laughing out loud, loved the chemistry between the characters, but in the end the lack of a plot beyond romance deducted a star. Nina Bang's knows how to write and this book reminded me of how much I enjoy her books.
June 19, 2011
Overall, a good story. I wasn't a big fan of the "cosmic troublemaker's" comments, though. I just didn't like the "dialog" I think.
Also, the ending, while ok would have been better if only...but I won't spoil it for those who want to read.
Also, the ending, while ok would have been better if only...but I won't spoil it for those who want to read.
July 25, 2013
I'm loving this book :) I don't see what other people hate about it. Give the book a chance before you throw it out, can't just judge a book after reading the first two pages. I like how this book keeps you wondering about what the CAT is and what his plans are going to be for Leith and Fortune.
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July 22, 2016Friends and I found this book at the used book store. Amused ourselves with dramatic readings on the back cover and decided this must be read, just for the LOL's. It fluffy, no-brainer reading perfect for the stressful holiday season.
November 14, 2010
A pretty good companion to the other paranormal Nina Bangs novels
January 17, 2011
Such an adorable story that holds just the right amount of humor while being well balanced with heart-wrenching scenes that make this story one romance that I will enjoy reading over and over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews