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Clanad #1
The Lady and the Unicorn
Janna Cannon scaled the high walls of Rafe Santine's private estate, afraid of nothing and determined to appeal to the powerful man who could save her beloved animal preserve. She bewitched his guard dogs, then cast a spell of enchantment over him as well. Janna's profound grace, her caring nature, made the tough and proud Rafe grow mercurial in her presence. She offered him a gift he'd never risked reaching out for before--but could he trust his own emotions enough to open himself to love?
182 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1983
66 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
227 books7,345 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 12, 2012
I think a lot of these earliest Johansen category romances are downright bad but this one was downright charming in its unabashed unPCness.
Heroine climbs the walls of the H's Hearst Castle-like estate to ask nicely for him to donate $2 million of prime California real estate for a wildlife preserve. H is immediately entranced with the h and agrees if the h will stay with him for 2 months as his "pet". "I happen to want to cage and hold you," he tells her. Be still my beating heart!
In the meantime, he also has his current mistress (whom he calls "stupid" repeatedly) living in the house and doesnt get rid of her until two weeks later. I think the sheets on the H's black velvet (yes, black. velvet.) bed were changed before he started boinking the h but I am not entirely positive. :-)
The main appeal of the bk is the H's jealous obsession with the h. He goes ballistic when he catches his PA touching the h's hair and threatens to ruin a business associate just because the associate's wife's fur coat (made of Bengal tigerskin) made the h cry. When he is not in a shitfit over that, he spends his time worrying that the h is not nearly as obsessed with him as he is with her and that she will leave him.
There are disquieting aspects just below the surface. The H is a control freak who has cameras all over his estate, which comes in handy since he needs to know where the h is at all times, and tells the h what to eat. There is one scene where the H in a bitter mood deliberately bruises the h's wrist and the way he promises never to hurt her read like the empty entreaties of a wifebeater. But I chose not to take it too seriously and enjoy my two hours of reading.
Heroine climbs the walls of the H's Hearst Castle-like estate to ask nicely for him to donate $2 million of prime California real estate for a wildlife preserve. H is immediately entranced with the h and agrees if the h will stay with him for 2 months as his "pet". "I happen to want to cage and hold you," he tells her. Be still my beating heart!
In the meantime, he also has his current mistress (whom he calls "stupid" repeatedly) living in the house and doesnt get rid of her until two weeks later. I think the sheets on the H's black velvet (yes, black. velvet.) bed were changed before he started boinking the h but I am not entirely positive. :-)
The main appeal of the bk is the H's jealous obsession with the h. He goes ballistic when he catches his PA touching the h's hair and threatens to ruin a business associate just because the associate's wife's fur coat (made of Bengal tigerskin) made the h cry. When he is not in a shitfit over that, he spends his time worrying that the h is not nearly as obsessed with him as he is with her and that she will leave him.
There are disquieting aspects just below the surface. The H is a control freak who has cameras all over his estate, which comes in handy since he needs to know where the h is at all times, and tells the h what to eat. There is one scene where the H in a bitter mood deliberately bruises the h's wrist and the way he promises never to hurt her read like the empty entreaties of a wifebeater. But I chose not to take it too seriously and enjoy my two hours of reading.
August 9, 2017
3.5 stars loved the hero's obsession with the heroine!
September 9, 2022
"The Lady and The Unicorn" is the story of Rafe and Janna.
When Janna breaks into the eccentric Billionaire Rafe's house to plead him to save her wildlife sanctuary, she never expects to enamor him or be blackmailed into staying with him for two months.
Rafe is instantly entranced by her beauty and simplicity, and slowly becomes obsessed with her.
We have a super jealous possessive hero, sweet kindhearted heroine, smoking chemistry and lovemaking, loads of jealousy and a HEA.
It is always a pleasant surprise to see an OTT crazy hero in old romances, and Rafe was no exception. He pursued Janna with one minded devotion, and did everything in his power to make her his. The heroine is no sissy, and fights for her independence toe to toe with the hero. Also noteworthy to mention the H goes out of his way to help the heroine in her cause, and does everything to avoid her distress.
High on angst and passion, really enjoyed this.
SWE
4.5/5...Updated to 5 on reread <3
When Janna breaks into the eccentric Billionaire Rafe's house to plead him to save her wildlife sanctuary, she never expects to enamor him or be blackmailed into staying with him for two months.
Rafe is instantly entranced by her beauty and simplicity, and slowly becomes obsessed with her.
We have a super jealous possessive hero, sweet kindhearted heroine, smoking chemistry and lovemaking, loads of jealousy and a HEA.
It is always a pleasant surprise to see an OTT crazy hero in old romances, and Rafe was no exception. He pursued Janna with one minded devotion, and did everything in his power to make her his. The heroine is no sissy, and fights for her independence toe to toe with the hero. Also noteworthy to mention the H goes out of his way to help the heroine in her cause, and does everything to avoid her distress.
High on angst and passion, really enjoyed this.
SWE
4.5/5...Updated to 5 on reread <3
October 20, 2015
You could tell from the start that the hero was very attracted to the heroine and would do almost anything to posses her. It was a sweet story in the love story sense. I would have liked to see more animal interaction with the heroine and animals. I didn't fully understand the whole grandma thing and one off putting aspect of the story was the dialogue between hero and Heroine. 'my earth mother' my little pocohontas and other cringe worthy phrases. Other than that it was a good read.
May 17, 2013
I received this book from Random House Publishing Group -Loveswept via Netgalley for my honest review.
The Lady and the Unicorn took me back. I mean literally took me back, I grew up with my mothers steamy romance novels, Johanna Lindsey and Rosemary Rogers and that was the general feel of this book.
The hero, Rafe, (squee love that name for a hero!!) is a self made billionaire, jaded by life, he just takes what he wants. He is not used to hearing the word no, and he has definitely not had to pursue what he wants in a long time.
His head is instantly turned by Janna, she is an innocent who is totally unselfish, who does not see the world the same as Rafe and those that surround him. She is after a donation of land for her wildlife reserve that he owns. Rafe puts in place a plan, two months with him, totally at his beck and call for the land.
I know that lots of people may find that this book is filled with corny phrases of its time. It was originally published in 1983, but to me this is what was part of the charm of this book. I loved those bodice ripper with the totally unreasonable, take what they want men. Their pursuit very primal and it's why I love my alpha men today. In fact Rafe very much reminded me of a certain Jesse from a very recent series of books, especially his purposeful plan to entrap Janna with pregnancy. I just loved it, call me twisted and backward if you want, I like what I like :)
The Lady and The Unicorn gets 4 stars from me, for making me travel back in time to books that I knew what I was getting when I opened the covers, and that was pure pleasure. Thank you Iris Johansen, I will be amending my awful neglect of your books, this one was a joy to read.
The Lady and the Unicorn took me back. I mean literally took me back, I grew up with my mothers steamy romance novels, Johanna Lindsey and Rosemary Rogers and that was the general feel of this book.
The hero, Rafe, (squee love that name for a hero!!) is a self made billionaire, jaded by life, he just takes what he wants. He is not used to hearing the word no, and he has definitely not had to pursue what he wants in a long time.
His head is instantly turned by Janna, she is an innocent who is totally unselfish, who does not see the world the same as Rafe and those that surround him. She is after a donation of land for her wildlife reserve that he owns. Rafe puts in place a plan, two months with him, totally at his beck and call for the land.
I know that lots of people may find that this book is filled with corny phrases of its time. It was originally published in 1983, but to me this is what was part of the charm of this book. I loved those bodice ripper with the totally unreasonable, take what they want men. Their pursuit very primal and it's why I love my alpha men today. In fact Rafe very much reminded me of a certain Jesse from a very recent series of books, especially his purposeful plan to entrap Janna with pregnancy. I just loved it, call me twisted and backward if you want, I like what I like :)
The Lady and The Unicorn gets 4 stars from me, for making me travel back in time to books that I knew what I was getting when I opened the covers, and that was pure pleasure. Thank you Iris Johansen, I will be amending my awful neglect of your books, this one was a joy to read.
January 16, 2016
3.5 stars
I had no idea what to expect based on the title. I read a lot of fantasy books and this was recommended by a friend so I bypassed the synopsis and dig into task.
Well, it wasn't a fantasy but a modern day romance but the story was different. I felt her emotions when she learned where the fur coat came from. He was hard to like at parts but he did change my mind. He improved a lot.
I had no idea what to expect based on the title. I read a lot of fantasy books and this was recommended by a friend so I bypassed the synopsis and dig into task.
Well, it wasn't a fantasy but a modern day romance but the story was different. I felt her emotions when she learned where the fur coat came from. He was hard to like at parts but he did change my mind. He improved a lot.
August 1, 2022
Още едно приятно лятно непретенциозно боклуче за плажа.
Харесва ми, когато героите са далеч от перфектни, направо си плачат за по-здраво освестяване, и накрая с доста зор стигат до просветлението. В случая героят се осафери по-бързо, и беше този, който задвижи нещата и не допусна мацката да му се тръшка, но без да я унижава и обижда. Накрая и тя се свести, просто имаше късмет, че налетя на човек, който не се отказа при първата и паник атака. И си одялкаха взаимно треските, като си заслужиха хепи енда.
Това ми липсва в сегашните любовни романи - там всички са така дяволски без никакви значими проблеми и крайно съвършени и с комплекс на неразбрани светци, разбирай - инфантилни капсулирани в себе си нарцисисти - че просто е тревожно да се чете.
3,5⭐️
Харесва ми, когато героите са далеч от перфектни, направо си плачат за по-здраво освестяване, и накрая с доста зор стигат до просветлението. В случая героят се осафери по-бързо, и беше този, който задвижи нещата и не допусна мацката да му се тръшка, но без да я унижава и обижда. Накрая и тя се свести, просто имаше късмет, че налетя на човек, който не се отказа при първата и паник атака. И си одялкаха взаимно треските, като си заслужиха хепи енда.
Това ми липсва в сегашните любовни романи - там всички са така дяволски без никакви значими проблеми и крайно съвършени и с комплекс на неразбрани светци, разбирай - инфантилни капсулирани в себе си нарцисисти - че просто е тревожно да се чете.
3,5⭐️
November 30, 2025
Janna Cannon is passionate about saving endangered animals. When the reserve lease is in jeopardy, Janna devises a plan to enlist Rafe Santine’s help.
Rafe Santine is a self made billionaire. Driven toward success in everything that he does, Rafe is not use to the word no. He was enamored by the gumption displayed by Janna so Rafe decides Janna is his newest conquest. He didn’t intend for the tables to be turned on him and soon discovers he doesn’t want to live without Janna.
The only problem, Janna won’t give her heart over to Rafe, who treats people as a disposable commodity. Fitting to hold on to her heart, Janna discovers her assigned captivity with Rafe stimulates feelings she never knew she had.
I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters have obvious personal flaws, baggage that keeps them from discovering true happiness. Watching them work through their issues, struggling with emotions and trying to alter unfavorable behaviors created a wonderful storyline. The passion is fierce between Janna and Rafe, but boy do they need to work on their communication skills.
I did wish that there was more exploration into Janna’s inherit animal magnetism, I thought it would be an extremely interesting expansion to their story.
I found The Lady and the Unicorn a quick, easy, fun and pleasurable read and I couldn’t help but get emotionally drawn into the plot.
This ARC copy of The Lady and The Unicorn was given to me by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
Rafe Santine is a self made billionaire. Driven toward success in everything that he does, Rafe is not use to the word no. He was enamored by the gumption displayed by Janna so Rafe decides Janna is his newest conquest. He didn’t intend for the tables to be turned on him and soon discovers he doesn’t want to live without Janna.
The only problem, Janna won’t give her heart over to Rafe, who treats people as a disposable commodity. Fitting to hold on to her heart, Janna discovers her assigned captivity with Rafe stimulates feelings she never knew she had.
I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters have obvious personal flaws, baggage that keeps them from discovering true happiness. Watching them work through their issues, struggling with emotions and trying to alter unfavorable behaviors created a wonderful storyline. The passion is fierce between Janna and Rafe, but boy do they need to work on their communication skills.
I did wish that there was more exploration into Janna’s inherit animal magnetism, I thought it would be an extremely interesting expansion to their story.
I found The Lady and the Unicorn a quick, easy, fun and pleasurable read and I couldn’t help but get emotionally drawn into the plot.
This ARC copy of The Lady and The Unicorn was given to me by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2021
It was too flowery for me but nice to read a real possessive H!
July 7, 2013
The Lady and the Unicorn by Iris Johansen was originally published in the mid 80's. This book has been re-issued in digital format. This is a Kensington Loveswept publication. I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for this digital copy of this book.
Janna is desperate to save her wild life refuge. The animals must be relocated or wind up caged or who knows what. When Janna finds a suitable property for the animals she finds it belongs to a billionaire that isn't even using the property. All attempts to make contact with the man fails. So, Janna scales the walls of his castle and even manages to charm his guard dogs. Her efforts pay off when she gets a face to face meeting with the elusive billionaire.
Rafe Santine was recovering from a severe illness and was bored to tears. When security picked up an trespasser on his property he is intrigued to find a pretty girl with a cause she needs his help with. She wants him to donate his property which is valued at two million dollars.
Rafe decided to help Janna, but she must stay on his property for two months and he may even ask her to share his bed. Janna readily agrees to the arrangement, informing Rafe that she would view sex with him as simple biological coupling. The only request Janna makes is to be able to call her sick grandmother from time to time.
But, Rafe finds Janna unlike any other woman he has ever known. For the first time in his life, he has met a woman that makes him question his attitude about women. A self made billionaire, accustomed to getting his own way and never having any emotional attachment to a woman before, has Rafe feeling insecure and vulnerable, especially when Janna makes it clear she doesn't feel the same way.
Naturally, his fears are manifested by a bad temper. He becomes jealous and possessive to the point where is nearly drives Janna away.
Janna, has a terrible time understanding Rafe and begins to feel smothered by him. At the same time she is beginning to understand he is struggling with his feelings and doesn't know what to do about them. She is also dealing with the painful reality of her grandmother's terminal illness.
When things take a turn for the worse, both Rafe and Janna have to do a bit of soul searching to realize they must each take steps toward trust and respect for the relationship to continue.
Although this is an older publication, the story is not as dated as some other contemporary romances written during this time frame. Rafe is alpha male and comes on too strong, but you have to read between the lines in this one. Rafe's background is key to his attitudes toward women and he is scared half to death of losing the one woman that touches him on an emotional level.
Janna is much more confident, despite her lack of experience with men. She hangs onto to independence and doesn't back down, but does realize eventually what is really behind Rafe's actions. But, Rafe still must learn to give Janna room to breathe.
This is really a sweet romance. I am happy to see these books being made available again in digital format. Many know Iris as the author of the wildly popular romantic suspense , "Eve" series. This will give these readers a chance to see where Iris got her start as an author and read some really good stories as well.
Overall this one gets an A.
Janna is desperate to save her wild life refuge. The animals must be relocated or wind up caged or who knows what. When Janna finds a suitable property for the animals she finds it belongs to a billionaire that isn't even using the property. All attempts to make contact with the man fails. So, Janna scales the walls of his castle and even manages to charm his guard dogs. Her efforts pay off when she gets a face to face meeting with the elusive billionaire.
Rafe Santine was recovering from a severe illness and was bored to tears. When security picked up an trespasser on his property he is intrigued to find a pretty girl with a cause she needs his help with. She wants him to donate his property which is valued at two million dollars.
Rafe decided to help Janna, but she must stay on his property for two months and he may even ask her to share his bed. Janna readily agrees to the arrangement, informing Rafe that she would view sex with him as simple biological coupling. The only request Janna makes is to be able to call her sick grandmother from time to time.
But, Rafe finds Janna unlike any other woman he has ever known. For the first time in his life, he has met a woman that makes him question his attitude about women. A self made billionaire, accustomed to getting his own way and never having any emotional attachment to a woman before, has Rafe feeling insecure and vulnerable, especially when Janna makes it clear she doesn't feel the same way.
Naturally, his fears are manifested by a bad temper. He becomes jealous and possessive to the point where is nearly drives Janna away.
Janna, has a terrible time understanding Rafe and begins to feel smothered by him. At the same time she is beginning to understand he is struggling with his feelings and doesn't know what to do about them. She is also dealing with the painful reality of her grandmother's terminal illness.
When things take a turn for the worse, both Rafe and Janna have to do a bit of soul searching to realize they must each take steps toward trust and respect for the relationship to continue.
Although this is an older publication, the story is not as dated as some other contemporary romances written during this time frame. Rafe is alpha male and comes on too strong, but you have to read between the lines in this one. Rafe's background is key to his attitudes toward women and he is scared half to death of losing the one woman that touches him on an emotional level.
Janna is much more confident, despite her lack of experience with men. She hangs onto to independence and doesn't back down, but does realize eventually what is really behind Rafe's actions. But, Rafe still must learn to give Janna room to breathe.
This is really a sweet romance. I am happy to see these books being made available again in digital format. Many know Iris as the author of the wildly popular romantic suspense , "Eve" series. This will give these readers a chance to see where Iris got her start as an author and read some really good stories as well.
Overall this one gets an A.
April 10, 2013
Rafe is a man that gets the things he wants, the way he wants them. He came up from nothing his refusal to hear the word no and his drive to succeed has made him a billionaire. It has also gotten him basically put on house arrest due to driving himself so hard he got ill and needs to recover. Rafe is bored doing nothing which makes his already angry and intimidating personality even worse. That is until Janna literally scales the walls to his “castle” determined to talk to him about saving the animals. I actually liked Rafe despite his severe lack of tact or “PCness”. It was made clear, to me, why he was the way was and the struggle to come to terms with needing anything, much less love someone was well done.
Janna is just as determined as Rafe to get what she needs to keep her animals free and that is exactly what he uses against her. Janna has her own issues with getting close to a man. Her inner strength tempered with the vulnerability that she doesn’t want to admit to or show anyone was something I did like.
This is a good quick read. If you have issues with definite alpha males that are over the top and not in the least worried about what others think you won’t like this one. I didn’t think I would – I was wrong.
Also posted on: Darker Passions
(I was given a copy in return for an honest review.)
Janna is just as determined as Rafe to get what she needs to keep her animals free and that is exactly what he uses against her. Janna has her own issues with getting close to a man. Her inner strength tempered with the vulnerability that she doesn’t want to admit to or show anyone was something I did like.
This is a good quick read. If you have issues with definite alpha males that are over the top and not in the least worried about what others think you won’t like this one. I didn’t think I would – I was wrong.
Also posted on: Darker Passions
(I was given a copy in return for an honest review.)
May 15, 2013
Janna Cannon will do anything to save her wildlife reserve, after countless efforts to get in touch with the elusive Rafe Santine, Janna has resorted to breaking and entering. Rafe doesn’t quite know what to do with the woman who scaled his walls and tried to enter his estate without permission, she is stunning, intriguing, and completely like any woman he has met before. Rafe devises a plan to get to know Janna, she agrees to stay on his estate and whatever that entails, he gives her another location for her refuge, if she agrees he might be able to get her out of his system, if she doesn’t he isn’t so sure he will let her get away.
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://singletitles.com/?p=8786
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://singletitles.com/?p=8786
April 30, 2013
Quick read that I enjoyed.
Rafe is very much an alpha male but Janna didn't let him run over her. I wish there had been more about her ability with animals that was kinda just skimmed over.
Rafe is very much an alpha male but Janna didn't let him run over her. I wish there had been more about her ability with animals that was kinda just skimmed over.
July 24, 2017
Almost a historical romance as it is a product of the times it was written.
September 23, 2019
First published in 1983, no wonder it's hard-core old school with echoes of Judith McNaught and the like. The hero is brooding and hard, which is typical of a certain breed of heroes. But what was really worrying was the severe possessive jealousy, which made him act in an extremely volatile manner, try to control the heroine, and on one occasion, even manhandle her, only to become contrite when he realised how his bruising grip had hurt her wrist, promising that it would never happen again. Sound familiar? Shades of domestic violence and a dangerously unbalanced, obsessive personality.
I think the young me might have found this romantic, which is why I have such fond memories of Johansen's Loveswept category romances, but the 41-year-old me is cringing and thinking there can be no HEA for Janna if she opts to stay with this man.
We're supposed to believe that he's insecure *because* he loves her, because he's unsure of her feelings and craves all her attention. We're supposed to accept that he tries to cage her *because* he loves her, because the thought of losing her is too much for him. We're supposed to think his jealous rages whenever he sees her chatting with his butler -- his BUTLER, for God's sake! -- and his young male personal assistant are moving demonstrations of how deeply he's into her, that he sees her as being irresistible to all men. No way, José. He has all the marks of VERY BAD NEWS and STAY FAR, FAR AWAY written all over him.
Janna, on the other hand, is a Mary Sue. Campaigns for endangered animals, has the ability to charm wild animals and "communicate" with them, loves nature and the outdoors, a sort of wild child, girl-woman; virgin and innocent, yet knowing and bold. She has no real personality... she's just a caricature.
Can't recommend this book. Now need to rethink all my Iris Johansens, oh my God!
I think the young me might have found this romantic, which is why I have such fond memories of Johansen's Loveswept category romances, but the 41-year-old me is cringing and thinking there can be no HEA for Janna if she opts to stay with this man.
We're supposed to believe that he's insecure *because* he loves her, because he's unsure of her feelings and craves all her attention. We're supposed to accept that he tries to cage her *because* he loves her, because the thought of losing her is too much for him. We're supposed to think his jealous rages whenever he sees her chatting with his butler -- his BUTLER, for God's sake! -- and his young male personal assistant are moving demonstrations of how deeply he's into her, that he sees her as being irresistible to all men. No way, José. He has all the marks of VERY BAD NEWS and STAY FAR, FAR AWAY written all over him.
Janna, on the other hand, is a Mary Sue. Campaigns for endangered animals, has the ability to charm wild animals and "communicate" with them, loves nature and the outdoors, a sort of wild child, girl-woman; virgin and innocent, yet knowing and bold. She has no real personality... she's just a caricature.
Can't recommend this book. Now need to rethink all my Iris Johansens, oh my God!
December 30, 2024
Sooo for book Club, we are reading this (her first book, or at least, the earliest we could get our hands on) and following it up with her latest release, On The Hunt. This book is a romance which is not my genre, and it is super old 😆 so it's like, soap opera romance. I had to take it for what it was and just giggle at the completely INSANE, narcissistic and toxic personality and behavior that is RAFE. Also, I hope to never read the word "huskily" in the next book... which is a thriller, thankfully.
June 18, 2017
Endangered love
I always admire Iris Johansen ' s way with a story. Predictable, but great fun nevertheless . Having worked with endangered species, however, it's a bit off base on that score. But then, who cares? Enjoy the story for what it is.
I always admire Iris Johansen ' s way with a story. Predictable, but great fun nevertheless . Having worked with endangered species, however, it's a bit off base on that score. But then, who cares? Enjoy the story for what it is.
June 21, 2018
Well, that was fairly terrible...I yet I just continued reading!
January 10, 2019
Psycho meets Mary Sue lol it was Meh with a touch of nah
August 21, 2020
Ugh, such a product of it's time with a broody MC and feathery FC who won't use her intelligence.
August 9, 2022
Loved it!!!
A sweet, lovely, sensible, no drama queen h and an alpha at times sensitive, jealous and possessive H
loved the chemistry between them.
Sex scenes were good.
A sweet, lovely, sensible, no drama queen h and an alpha at times sensitive, jealous and possessive H
loved the chemistry between them.
Sex scenes were good.
August 19, 2022
One of her less interesting stories, complete with unlikable characters.
June 17, 2013
Review by: Sarah
Title: The Lady and The Unicorn
Series: N/A
Author: Iris Johansen
Genre: Romance
Blurb: Rafe Santine is under doctor’s orders: He needs to stay put in his coastal California mansion for two months to recuperate from the pneumonia that nearly killed him. Despite a retinue of mistresses to keep the powerful tycoon occupied, Rafe struggles against boredom—until a stunning woman literally drops onto his estate. She has high demands of him, but Rafe has even greater demands of her. He knows instantly that he must possess every facet of the enigmatic Janna. But the only thing she’ll give him is her body—and for the first time in his life, that is not enough for Rafe.
Janna Cannon is willing to risk it all to save the endangered animals of the wild animal reserve where she works as a game warden. With the land they depend on pulled out from under them, Janna must take a gambit to convince billionaire Santine to give the reserve the real estate they need to keep the animals free. And she’ll need to sneak onto the man’s vast, highly protected property to do it. Much to her surprise, Santine agrees to grant her the land—if Janna agrees to give him herself in exchange. And what begins as luxurious captivity soon turns into an emotional awakening she never expected.
Thoughts: This is a reprint of one of Iris Johansen's books that she wrote for the classic Loveswept series in 1983. I actually read this book many years ago, but it was really nice to re-visit this book! Iris Johansen was actually my favorite author until she started delving more into the mystery/thriller genre rather than the romance novels I am familiar with from her. While I understand her wanting to branch out as an author, I miss her romances something fierce!! Her older books are favorites of mine that I revisit frequently, though it has been awhile since I read this particular one.
In this book, we have billionaire Rafe Santine, who is growing bored during his forced recuperation after an illness. When a lovely intruder finds her way past the walls to his castle - and casts a spell over his guard dogs - he thinks he might have just found something to relieve his boredom. But in the lovely Janna, he may have bit off more than he can chew.
Janna Cannon is passionate about the protection of wildlife - particularly that of endangered animals - and she has come to plead with Rafe to grant them the two million dollar land for a wild animal preserve. But when she's forced to remain on Rafe's estate for two months in exchange, will she find herself losing her heart in the process?
Keep in mind when you are reading these novels, how much the romance genre has changed over the years. Again, this book was written in 1983, so if you haven't read a lot of the classic romance novels from the 80's or from previous years, you might react to the characters and/or the story a little differently. Rafe may come off as a bit dominant and callous compared to today's typical male leads, and Janna is so passive and accepting - and even serene - in the face of this treatment that at times it can seem a bit unrealistic. There are also a few things said throughout the book that are not exactly politically and culturally correct today. (One example, is Rafe referring to her as 'Pocahontas' because of her Native American heritage) But if you can keep in mind when this book was released, and overlook a few things like that, it really is a great read.
Yet, in some ways this book is also a little before it's time - I particularly liked when Janna took Rafe off guard by referring to sex a nothing but a 'biological coupling' - which was a pretty modern view to take back then. And it incenses him to no end throughout the book that she might feel that way about ther lovemaking. And while Rafe is gruff on the exterior, he becomes soft, sweet, and sentimental with Janna - once she 'tames the beast'. The lengths he goes through to keep her with him, and the soft side he displays that is such a contradiction to his character that it had my heart skipping a beat in numerous places throughout the novel. And Janna, while she may seem passive compared to today's heroines, manages to not fall completely under his thumb. She finds small ways in which to show her rebellious streak. And the fact that Rafe realizes that he must soften and change is really quite endearing.
While this book is not my favorite of hers, it does come in somewhere in the top. In my opinion, Johansen is one of the most romantic writers I have ever read. I love her stories from Loveswept! Her books always wring such emotions from me. I love seeing such strong male characters ultimately fall apart at the feet of the women that they love in order to win them forever. Beautiful tale that is definitely a "keeper"!
Rate: A
Title: The Lady and The Unicorn
Series: N/A
Author: Iris Johansen
Genre: Romance
Blurb: Rafe Santine is under doctor’s orders: He needs to stay put in his coastal California mansion for two months to recuperate from the pneumonia that nearly killed him. Despite a retinue of mistresses to keep the powerful tycoon occupied, Rafe struggles against boredom—until a stunning woman literally drops onto his estate. She has high demands of him, but Rafe has even greater demands of her. He knows instantly that he must possess every facet of the enigmatic Janna. But the only thing she’ll give him is her body—and for the first time in his life, that is not enough for Rafe.
Janna Cannon is willing to risk it all to save the endangered animals of the wild animal reserve where she works as a game warden. With the land they depend on pulled out from under them, Janna must take a gambit to convince billionaire Santine to give the reserve the real estate they need to keep the animals free. And she’ll need to sneak onto the man’s vast, highly protected property to do it. Much to her surprise, Santine agrees to grant her the land—if Janna agrees to give him herself in exchange. And what begins as luxurious captivity soon turns into an emotional awakening she never expected.
Thoughts: This is a reprint of one of Iris Johansen's books that she wrote for the classic Loveswept series in 1983. I actually read this book many years ago, but it was really nice to re-visit this book! Iris Johansen was actually my favorite author until she started delving more into the mystery/thriller genre rather than the romance novels I am familiar with from her. While I understand her wanting to branch out as an author, I miss her romances something fierce!! Her older books are favorites of mine that I revisit frequently, though it has been awhile since I read this particular one.
In this book, we have billionaire Rafe Santine, who is growing bored during his forced recuperation after an illness. When a lovely intruder finds her way past the walls to his castle - and casts a spell over his guard dogs - he thinks he might have just found something to relieve his boredom. But in the lovely Janna, he may have bit off more than he can chew.
Janna Cannon is passionate about the protection of wildlife - particularly that of endangered animals - and she has come to plead with Rafe to grant them the two million dollar land for a wild animal preserve. But when she's forced to remain on Rafe's estate for two months in exchange, will she find herself losing her heart in the process?
Keep in mind when you are reading these novels, how much the romance genre has changed over the years. Again, this book was written in 1983, so if you haven't read a lot of the classic romance novels from the 80's or from previous years, you might react to the characters and/or the story a little differently. Rafe may come off as a bit dominant and callous compared to today's typical male leads, and Janna is so passive and accepting - and even serene - in the face of this treatment that at times it can seem a bit unrealistic. There are also a few things said throughout the book that are not exactly politically and culturally correct today. (One example, is Rafe referring to her as 'Pocahontas' because of her Native American heritage) But if you can keep in mind when this book was released, and overlook a few things like that, it really is a great read.
Yet, in some ways this book is also a little before it's time - I particularly liked when Janna took Rafe off guard by referring to sex a nothing but a 'biological coupling' - which was a pretty modern view to take back then. And it incenses him to no end throughout the book that she might feel that way about ther lovemaking. And while Rafe is gruff on the exterior, he becomes soft, sweet, and sentimental with Janna - once she 'tames the beast'. The lengths he goes through to keep her with him, and the soft side he displays that is such a contradiction to his character that it had my heart skipping a beat in numerous places throughout the novel. And Janna, while she may seem passive compared to today's heroines, manages to not fall completely under his thumb. She finds small ways in which to show her rebellious streak. And the fact that Rafe realizes that he must soften and change is really quite endearing.
While this book is not my favorite of hers, it does come in somewhere in the top. In my opinion, Johansen is one of the most romantic writers I have ever read. I love her stories from Loveswept! Her books always wring such emotions from me. I love seeing such strong male characters ultimately fall apart at the feet of the women that they love in order to win them forever. Beautiful tale that is definitely a "keeper"!
Rate: A
September 28, 2019
sweet tale
May 5, 2013
ARC received by publisher via NetGalley
Rafe Santine was strong and unyielding.
Nobody ever refused him anything.
Besides that almost overpowering virility, he radiated an aura of power and leashed danger obviously very intriguing to certain types of women.
Janna Cannon is prepared to do everything in her power to save the endangered animals of the wild animal reserve.
So she tries, and captures the interest of Rafe in a very unforgettable way.
“He finds the situation a bit unusual.”
Santine’s eyes narrowed. “Unusual?”
Dawson nodded. “The intruder came over the wall using a rope and a grappling hook. The video camera picked up the breach immediately, and security turned loose the dogs.”
Santine grimaced. “I can see why the situation is unusual,” he said dryly.
She then not only gets to talk to Rafe but she even gets under his skin.
“Lord, what am I going to do with you?” Rafe murmured softly, rocking her tenderly. “Why couldn’t you have picked someone else’s wall to climb over? My life was so simple before you came along. I don’t want to feel like this, damn it.”
She, of course keeps her heart safe...Or at least she tries..
He would be the worst possible choice for a woman with her own passionate need for freedom and independence. No, she couldn’t possibly yield to that odd melting tenderness she was experiencing with increasing frequency of late. Now that she’d become Rafe’s mistress, she was going to have to be constantly on guard to keep his physical magic from chipping away at her resistance.
Between her need for independence and his explosive temper they offer one hell of a ride.
Rafe Santine was strong and unyielding.
Nobody ever refused him anything.
Besides that almost overpowering virility, he radiated an aura of power and leashed danger obviously very intriguing to certain types of women.
Janna Cannon is prepared to do everything in her power to save the endangered animals of the wild animal reserve.
So she tries, and captures the interest of Rafe in a very unforgettable way.
“He finds the situation a bit unusual.”
Santine’s eyes narrowed. “Unusual?”
Dawson nodded. “The intruder came over the wall using a rope and a grappling hook. The video camera picked up the breach immediately, and security turned loose the dogs.”
Santine grimaced. “I can see why the situation is unusual,” he said dryly.
She then not only gets to talk to Rafe but she even gets under his skin.
“Lord, what am I going to do with you?” Rafe murmured softly, rocking her tenderly. “Why couldn’t you have picked someone else’s wall to climb over? My life was so simple before you came along. I don’t want to feel like this, damn it.”
She, of course keeps her heart safe...Or at least she tries..
He would be the worst possible choice for a woman with her own passionate need for freedom and independence. No, she couldn’t possibly yield to that odd melting tenderness she was experiencing with increasing frequency of late. Now that she’d become Rafe’s mistress, she was going to have to be constantly on guard to keep his physical magic from chipping away at her resistance.
Between her need for independence and his explosive temper they offer one hell of a ride.
April 11, 2013
3 STARS
I remember reading The Lady and the Unicorn when it first came out years ago as a Loveswept book #29. In fact I still may have it in a box in the attic. I still like it. The plot is still good. I still like the characters. Their is still too much sex in it.
Janna Cannon is a very caring person. She works at a wildlife that has just lost it's lease. If they don't find a big enough land for the animals they will have to be sent to different zoos. They found some land but they can't get a hold of the owner Rafe Santine to see if he would donate the land for a new wildlife park.
Rafe is a rich businessman. He has women that stay with him that he buys them expensive jewelry and clothes. He has a temper. A A personality, always wanting to go. Now he is stuck at his mansion while he recuperates for 2 months. He is bored.
Janna decides to scale his 12 foot wall to get the chance to talk to Rafe. The estate has guard dogs at night and they will attack strangers on the property. Janna has the dogs under her control and stops them from going after their handlers.
Rafe is curious that Janna wants to meet him so badly that he has her escorted to him. He thinks she is a hooker.
Rafe decides if she will stay their for the rest of his time their he will give the land worth over 2 million dollars. Janna agrees.
One thing I learned about was tigers and how many tigers it would take to make a fur coat. It really brought it too my attention. How we need to take care of wild animals.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
05/13/2013 PUB. Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept ISBN 9780345546111
I remember reading The Lady and the Unicorn when it first came out years ago as a Loveswept book #29. In fact I still may have it in a box in the attic. I still like it. The plot is still good. I still like the characters. Their is still too much sex in it.
Janna Cannon is a very caring person. She works at a wildlife that has just lost it's lease. If they don't find a big enough land for the animals they will have to be sent to different zoos. They found some land but they can't get a hold of the owner Rafe Santine to see if he would donate the land for a new wildlife park.
Rafe is a rich businessman. He has women that stay with him that he buys them expensive jewelry and clothes. He has a temper. A A personality, always wanting to go. Now he is stuck at his mansion while he recuperates for 2 months. He is bored.
Janna decides to scale his 12 foot wall to get the chance to talk to Rafe. The estate has guard dogs at night and they will attack strangers on the property. Janna has the dogs under her control and stops them from going after their handlers.
Rafe is curious that Janna wants to meet him so badly that he has her escorted to him. He thinks she is a hooker.
Rafe decides if she will stay their for the rest of his time their he will give the land worth over 2 million dollars. Janna agrees.
One thing I learned about was tigers and how many tigers it would take to make a fur coat. It really brought it too my attention. How we need to take care of wild animals.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
05/13/2013 PUB. Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept ISBN 9780345546111
October 5, 2014
Rafe Santine is under doctor's orders: He needs to stay put in his coastal California mansion for two months to recuperate from the pneumonia that nearly killed him. Despite a retinue of mistresses to keep the powerful tycoon occupied, Rafe struggles against boredom--until a stunning woman literally drops onto his estate. She has high demands of him, but Rafe has even greater demands of her. He knows instantly that he must possess every facet of the enigmatic Janna. But the only thing she'll give him is her body--and for the first time in his life, that is not enough for Rafe.
Janna Cannon is willing to risk it all to save the endangered animals of the wild animal reserve where she works as a game warden. With the land they depend on pulled out from under them, Janna must take a gambit to convince billionaire Santine to give the reserve the real estate they need to keep the animals free. And she'll need to sneak onto the man's vast, highly protected property to do it. Much to her surprise, Santine agrees to grant her the land--if Janna agrees to give him herself in exchange. And what begins as luxurious captivity soon turns into an emotional awakening she never expected.
It isn't until half way through the book, that you find out what the title is all about.
And it is just a cool as the book itself. It's a story like only Johansen can make up. Sexy, alluring, dramatic, and hopeful. I highly recommend this one. 5 stars.
Janna Cannon is willing to risk it all to save the endangered animals of the wild animal reserve where she works as a game warden. With the land they depend on pulled out from under them, Janna must take a gambit to convince billionaire Santine to give the reserve the real estate they need to keep the animals free. And she'll need to sneak onto the man's vast, highly protected property to do it. Much to her surprise, Santine agrees to grant her the land--if Janna agrees to give him herself in exchange. And what begins as luxurious captivity soon turns into an emotional awakening she never expected.
It isn't until half way through the book, that you find out what the title is all about.
And it is just a cool as the book itself. It's a story like only Johansen can make up. Sexy, alluring, dramatic, and hopeful. I highly recommend this one. 5 stars.
May 3, 2013
Janna Cannon is passionate about preserving wildlife and improving the life of animals. Which is what brings her to the home of Rafe Santine, she tried to get an appointment with him. When that did not work she decides to use xtreme measures, she scales the walls around his estate. She gets over the walls only to find guard dogs, but luckily for her she seems to have a seventh sense when it comes to animals. Which puzzles Rafe and intrigues him. He thinks she wants to entertain him for the weekend. Once she explains her reasons for being there. He decides she should pay for the gift of his land, with her body. Which she does, but she gets back at him by saying it is only sex and means nothing. This bothers Rafe as he felt it was more than that. For Janna it was more than sex but she is not ready to tell him that. Rafe is an overbearing, hot man who thinks women are to use as he sees fit. As the book progresses you see Rafe fall and fall hard. It is wonderful to see such an alpha type of guy find the perfect woman for him.
May 8, 2013
Iris Johansen has written a lot of stories for Loveswept and some of them are my all time favorite comfort reads. She'd the exception to my rule of not really liking contemporary romance.
I have only recently come across this story in it's new edition - not sure if it has been revamped or not since original release.
This wasn't one of her better offerings but it had the trademark strong/powerful/rich hero jaded by life and spoiled by ultimate power - turned on his head upon our heroine's appearance in his life.
Jenna is also vintage Johansen - feisty and with a cause she's willing to do anything for.
I enjoyed the development of the connection between the two of them but the story lacked that little something to make it on par with the Sedikan series.
I'd still recommend it for I.Johansen fans. It made me quite nostalgic and I admit I later went to my dusty Loveswept shelf to dig up some of her other stories in the line.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have only recently come across this story in it's new edition - not sure if it has been revamped or not since original release.
This wasn't one of her better offerings but it had the trademark strong/powerful/rich hero jaded by life and spoiled by ultimate power - turned on his head upon our heroine's appearance in his life.
Jenna is also vintage Johansen - feisty and with a cause she's willing to do anything for.
I enjoyed the development of the connection between the two of them but the story lacked that little something to make it on par with the Sedikan series.
I'd still recommend it for I.Johansen fans. It made me quite nostalgic and I admit I later went to my dusty Loveswept shelf to dig up some of her other stories in the line.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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