Linda Howard Book Junkies discussion

Corporate secretary Claire Westerbrook finds it hard to believe a man like Max Conroy is truly interested in her. Gathering information about Claire's boss in preparation for a company takeover, Max is surprised when he finds himself falling in love with Claire. Sparks fly when Claire discovers the truth, forcing her to confront her own feelings for him.

I know I have read it, but it has been awhile. I am looking forward to it.

Almost Forever is book #2 in the Spencer-Nyle Co. Series. It is an oldie but I'm looking forward to reading it.

Look forward re-reading Almost Forever.
I vaguely remember this story but I know that the hero, Max Conroy appeared in Sarah's Child. He was very nice man and caring towards Sarah (he was not always so nice in AF). Sarah & Rome make a brief appearance in Almost Forever.

Oh yay! Thanks to Dee, I can now read this book with the group..! So excited! Thank you Dee!! :)

This book is from her Alpha-hole period. I liked Max in Sarah's Child and was glad to see he got his own book, but from the reviews I've read LH made him a real jerk before she redeems him. Knowing that before I read the book will help me keep perspective.

Tanvi wrote: "Oh yay! Thanks to Dee, I can now read this book with the group..! So excited! Thank you Dee!! :)"

Your welcome

When I read this story years ago, then I liked it but now...not so much! Max was too pushy, bullying and impudently using others for his own purposes. Sorry don't find this kind of behaviour irresistible even if the man is handsome.
Claire often sounded unnecessary wimpy with her insecurities.

I so agree with you, Eve. I particularly don't like the ruthless type of person, be it man or woman, that will use a person for in this case both information and a challenge. When Claire finds out she was used for information about her boss she had to feel so betrayed. I think that is the worst feeling in the world.

One thing I have a hard time with is how can someone really fall in love in a couple of days?

Claire may have been wimpy but part of that was her age. Perhaps as she got more experience she may have grown out of it.

Let's not forget how "deep" Clare feels things. I'm not surprised at all that she believed she was in love with a man who was a virtual stranger. He didn't pursue, he paid attention, loved children and he was the perfect gentleman. I was surprised that she didn't realize that he has a few secrets of his own, but she rarely pulled her head out of the ground to consider anyone's feelings other than her own.

You totally have some good points, Anita. I keep thinking that back when the book was published that attitudes were only beginning to change about women becoming self-sufficient. Would she have had enough on the ball to actually think critically that maybe he wasn't as good as she hoped.

I just finished reading Almost Forever and I enjoyed it a lot. I liked the characters of Max and Claire. I thought it was unfortunate that Max was put in the position that he was in, but I didn't think of him of a bad or conniving person. Claire was an introvert and there is nothing wrong with that. I am sure that much of that was a result of her divorce and also feeling that she couldn't compete with her beautiful, successful and outgoing sister. I was so happy when Max stood up to Virginia on the two different occasions that Max and Claire encountered her socially.

I just got done ordering Bluebird Winter which is Derek Taliferro's story and the third book in the Spencer-Nyle trilogy. I'm anxious to read it.

I'm saving "Bluebird Winter" for my Christmas season reading.

Anita wrote: "I'm saving "Bluebird Winter" for my Christmas season reading."

That's a great idea. If my memory was better, I would do that too; but by December, I will have forgotten who Derek Taliferro is.

Just finished reading Almost Forever about an hour back and really enjoyed it. It did take me about a week to read even though it was such a short book as I had a lot going on and couldn't focus enough - that may have colored my experience - I skimmed quite a few pages in the middle.
I like Max - sure, he is a completely self-assured arrogant jackass but I think he was good for Claire - all the special attention and care he gave her - it was in his nature to never back down from a challenge but also to protect what was his...only he didn't consider that he should be protecting Claire from himself as well.
I love how he always stood up for her, never even letting her say anything bad about herself. Claire had issues - a lot of them - and the only way she dealt with them was by building up walls and Max was the only one who saw that, even when he didn't know why all those walls were there.
I don't like that he could compartmentalize business and pleasure separately like that and not see how much he'd hurt her...I get that he was only doing his job but he broke her trust and made her feel dumb and insecure. And it took him so long to realize that he actually loves her - someone who knows himself so well would be a bit more aware of his emotions, right?
Anyway, I still adored them together and I would be lying if I said that Max didn't make me swoon every time he watched or thought about Claire, or stood up for her or fought for her. I really did enjoy it!

Hi Tanvi, Have you recovered from your trip to the US? I think it would take me a month or better, but that is just old age.

I do like men that are self-assured, and maybe a little arrogant. I also understand (because of when it was written) that Claire could be so naive, but I think he was utterly obtuse of him to think that he could take the information she gave him and her not to feel betrayed. I also didn't like how the story went from that point. He fixed it that she got a better job and then he could fall into her bed again. Maybe because the story was so short that the story just left me flat.

Hi Dee! I think so..it took me quite a while to rest and recover completely..though my schedule is still quote mixed up and I'm having to push myself to work a little everyday. But it's a lot better now! :)

*quite

I'm glad you are better. I hope you are back to writing.