I've vowed to improve my neglected vocabulary by reading more literature and looking up any words I don't know. I was originally using a hardcover college dictionary, but I found its size and weight to be cumbersome. I bought this dictionary because I didn't like lugging around the heavy hardcover to and from my easy chair and found it to be a suitable replacement. Rarely can I not find a word in the dictionary that would appear in the college dictionary and it serves my purpose well. It's about the size of a large paperback novel (smaller than War and Peace). The only problem is mine doesn't have the pronunciation key "located on inside of back cover."

What a concept. Take all the known words in the English language, put them all in a book then describe what each word is, and then tell how to pronounce them! Who thought of such a concept? Apparently a person named Webster, that's who!

The book starts and ends appropriately enough with the words "a" (described as "the first letter of the English alphabet) and zymurgy (which is the chemistry of fermentation). And between those two words you'll find descriptions of words whose meanings range from "a vague notion" to "to shrink by a special process in manufacture", and so forth.

Between "a" and zymurgy are fabulous descriptions of words that will amaze you every single time! Guaranteed!

You think your spell check made by Mr. Gates is up to this challenge? "-pede" isn't in the word spell check I have!!! How are we supposed to combine the form of foot or feet without it, Mr. Gates? It seems Mr. Gates mind is made of two many "1's" and "0's", and not enough centipedes!

Also included in this wondrous, unique book is a description of the abbreviations used in this dictionary (how else are you going to decipher "Norw" or "m" without it) and other wondrous subjects.

So if you need a word, and Mr. Gates neglected to place it in his word check, this book is highly recommended for you. Frequently used in my house, where we have centipedes aplenty!

This comprehensive book clearly explains the relationship between nutrition and fertility. The well-written, referenced chapters are easy to follow and truly are essential reading for anyone interested in learning how nutrition affects fertility. Furthermore, most of the information is not readily shared or known by many physicians, so it's not like you will learn it during a doctor's visit. If you are trying to conceive and are experiencing any difficulties, I would **highly** recommend this resource as a knowledgeable guide.

You will not encounter any "birth control mentality" in this book since the author is Catholic. However, her objectivity is clearly not sacrificed as another reviewer commented. Therefore, this book would be very helpful to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Another excellent resource is "The Art of Natural Family Planning" by John and Sheila Kippley. With these two books, I was able to successfully remedy some infertility problems. At age 38 after repeat early miscarriages, I am expecting! The wisdom and recommendations shared in the pages of "Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition" have played a large part in this pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy and post-partum period, I will continue to follow Marilyn Shannon's expert nutritional recommendations.

The third edition of this book includes a wealth of information in the Appendix that is not to be missed. How I wish Marilyn could update this book on an annual basis since she is definitely very aware of the latest research and findings that affect fertility.

Hands down, this book is my top recommendation if you would like to learn how nutrition affects your fertility, if you are experiencing cycle irregularities, or if you are seeking pregnancy. This well-written, informative text will provide THE answers that you will not find elsewhere.

I have been trying to get pregnant for 14 months, with no success. Since I already have a two year old, I thought it would be no problem at all. I have always had irregular cycles and have suffered from different forms of PMS, indicitive of hormone imbalance. My OB is pushing Chlomid, but I am too paranoid about the side effects of this drug. I bought this book because I thought I could change my body. Amazing!! The advice this book gives about vitamins and other natural methods is fantastic. I even determined that I am still slightly lactating from my first child, which could be preventing my second pregnancy!! Of course, M.S. offers natural methods to remedy this situation! I am putting my husband on Androvite and I will be taking a reduced amount of Optivite, plus flax and kelp supplements. I hope this does the trick! It is amazing what we expect the "experts" in the medical field to tell us to help us through this very trying time in our lives. I guess the medical profession has given up on the obvious.....nutrition and exercise!! Wish me luck, and you too. (P.S.....my favorite part of the book is when M.S. says that by no means does "relaxing" help in the conception of a child. If you have heard to "just relax" as much as I have, you will be as happy as I was to see that "relaxing" has no benefit, in print!! Good luck!

What a fabulous book! I have read (no, memorized) the second and third editions and become pregnant twice while following Shannon's advice. I've never written a review before, but I am so impressed by this book I have to take the time. Unlike other books I've read of the same genre, there is so much information packed into this little book that I find something new with every re-read. There is good information for young women struggling with PMS, or trying to generally improve their health or get pregnant. There is good information for women who are pregnant or nursing (indeed I wish I'd had this book when I was doing both). There is good information for women struggling with infertility or miscarriages or age-related infertility. There is good information for menopausal women. And there's even good information about the vitamins and minerals that can enhance your husband's fertility.

The initial section on general nutrition is a great guide to healthy eating with valuable tips about shopping and preparation. (I found Shannon's information about essential fatty acids particularly helpful.) The subsequent chapters hold invaluable information about the role that different vitamins (like B6, folic acid) and minerals (like magnesium and selenium) play in regulating and enhancing a woman's cycle and her fertility (including topics like controlling PMS and handling menopause). Table V, on recommended supplements, has become my personal "bible" for vitamin supplementation - something I never "believed in" before reading this book. As Shannon suggests in chapter 15, I hired a local (Chicago-area) nutritionist to help me with supplements. She read Shannon's book for the first time at my request and confirmed my opinion that this book is excellent. For example, not only does Shannon list recommended daily amounts for vitamins and minerals in her Table V, but she also tells you in a separate column what the latest research shows about toxicity, i.e., at what amount this vitamin or mineral may become harmful.

As a trained lawyer, I appreciate knowing where facts and figures come from, and Shannon provides that in spades in her many footnotes. She is clearly experienced and knowledgeable and she conveys her information well. She's both done her research, and shared her sources with her reader. A special note for women like me struggling with age-related infertility: this book is a great place to start. Shannon herself had a healthy baby at age 47 (almost 48) without using fertility drugs (see the "about the author" section). And she gives examples in her book where her nutritional strategy has helped other older moms to conceive. The rest of my personal story is that I unfortunately miscarried both times I became pregnant recently, but at 39 I'm still hoping for another child, and am following Shannon's advice as carefully as I can, while also trying clomid under an RE's supervision.

Women owe the Catholic Church and the Couple to Couple league, of which Shannon is a part, a great debt of thanks for fostering an environment where this kind of information is gathered, and for motivating Shannon to set it all down in such a readable fashion. (It goes without saying that we need to thank Shannon, too.) Hands down, this is the best book around on the link between fertility and nutrition.

Pygmalion is a brilliant success by George Bernard Shaw to modernize the legendary Greek tale of a sculptor who falls in love with his artsitic creation and wishes to bring her to life. The rags-to-riches tale of Eliza Doolittle captivates the reader with its fast paced storyline, and witty dialogue. Shaw fascinates the reader with complicated characters such as Henry Higgins, Doolittle, and Colonel Pickering. Set in England, during a period of sophistication and elegance, Higgins and Pickering were faced with the seemingly impossible task of transforming a filthy flower girl (Eliza) into a beautiful duchess. The outrageous antics that ensue are both humorous and entertaining. Shaw's playful dialogue and timeless plot have been updated to fit the social and cultural standards of our time. For example, Alan Jay Lerner's My Fair Lady is an internationally acclaimed musical adaptation of Shaw's classic play. 1999 brought yet another adaptation of Pygmalion, in the form of the film She's All That, penned by R. Lee Fleming Jr. This teen comedy brings a new twist to the classic characters of Shaw's play. Pygmalion is a quick read and an enjoyable way to spend the day, and the characters in the story will remain with you forever.

It started out as a play by George Bernard Shaw based on the Greek myth of a man who created a statue and then fell in love with it. The play, which was a spoof on the British upper class, was an immediate success and several movie versions followed. This 1938 version, in black and white, was nominated for four academy awards in 1939 and won an Oscar for best screenplay. Later, it was adapted to the musical hit, "My Fair Lady." The rest, as they say, is history. But Pygmalion should certainly not be forgotten.

The cast is excellent. Leslie Howard is perfect as Henry Higgins, the professor of dialects who transforms a flower girl into a lady. And Wendy Hiller is sensational as Eliza Doolittle. There's a certain regal freshness and her British authenticity comes across beautifully. Even though "the rain in Spain" is spoken, rather than sung, it still keeps the same quality. And there is music throughout as background, lively original music created especially for the film. The supporting cast was excellent too. I particularly loved the performance by Wilfrid Larson as Eliza's father. The film moved fast and kept me totally captivated. The costumes were wonderful and the timing for the comedic moments perfect. I found myself laughing out loud in places and smiling to myself throughout. Certainly, this film has stood the test of time and even though it will always be compared to the musical we all know and love, I must say that Pygmalion can definitely stand on its own. Give yourself a treat and check it out. Highly recommended.

This is an enchanting film for which George Bernard Shaw won an Oscar (which I believe he displayed proudly) for best screenplay after adapting the play "Pygmalion." It is true that the movie lacks the grand production values of "My Fair Lady," but it is much closer to the drama that Shaw had in mind. The dialogue is much richer than "My Fair Lady," which still managed to keep much of the language of the play and some of the movie.

Like many of Shaw's plays, it is built around his pet ideas -- here (in a simple form) the notion that class distinctions are not genuine and could be overcome through education. Unlike some of Shaw's plays which read like socialist tracts, this one has very human characters who keep your interest throughout (in contrast to "Major Barabara" which was a rather tedious movie).

For me, Wendy Hiller make a marvelous Eliza Doolittle. Although Leslie Howard is very good (and presumably what Shaw had in mind), it is hard to forget the bluster Rex Harrison -- a great actor himself -- brought to the role of Professor Higgins. Hiller brings a wonderful dignity and pathos to the role of Eliza Doolittle. The rest of the cast is very good and the sets are very authentically set in Edwardian England.

This is definite buy if you like Shaw, theatre in general, good movies from the 30s, or want to see a richer version of "My Fair Lady."

I purchased this booking seeking to better understand the tactics that the federal government are using to combat domestic terrorism. What I found was a historical account of Mr. Coulson's illustrious career in the FBI, which started with the civil unrest of the 60's with militant groups such as the black panthers, to Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing. No doubt his career was unparralled. His story is very real and paints a picture not only of his role, but the transition of the FBI from the old Hoover regime to modern times. My only critism of this work, was that I was looking for a cut and dry analysis of "counter-terrorism" and a quick read. This is a rather lengthly book, most of which is very interesting, but not something that can be read in one night.

I read this book because I was looking for insights on what really happened at Ruby Ridge, Waco and the Oklahoma City Bombing. I expected a bureaucratic white wash and PR job by another Bureau hack but I was pleasantly disappointed.

The author takes the reader through his long and illustrious career as an FBI agent from the 60's to the late 90's battling Black Panthers, bank robbers, white supremacists and the other scum and villainy of American society. Following the disastrous terrorist attack at the '72 Olympics where Palestinian terrorists killed several Israeli athletes the author got the idea that the Bureau needed a trained counter terrorist team to deal with this kind of thing in the US. He goes on to found the famous (infamous) Hostage Rescue Team that would later play a very prominent role in the Ruby Ridge and Waco disasters.

The author comes across as a very sincere, honest and upstanding man of outstanding character despite a touch of arrogance and a rough macho exterior. He is quick to admit his own mistakes and, surprisingly, those of the Bureau itself. He pulls no punches against the bad guys or his own people. His dry sense of humor and his quick wit defy the stereotypes of FBI agents as stuffy, humorless bureaucrats. The author admits that these figures do indeed exist but he distances himself from this kind of agent.

Regarding the Ruby Ridge and Waco incidents I found the author slipping back into the good-ol-boy mode in the way that he so easily justified the actions that went on there. He was quick to admit that things could have been done better and that mistakes were made but he stops short of saying that the Bureau was out of control and wrongly cost over eighty people their lives. Like most government officials he lays the blame for the tragedies largely at the feet of those the Bureau was after. This attitude seemed out of place following his previous candid remarks regarding the Bureau's actions.

He also somewhat arrogantly derides the right wing opinions of the Bureau's abuse of power and, in some cases, criminal acts. He admits that the Bureau had in the past committed unconstitutional acts but now they are all straight laced professionals who don't do this sort of thing. Then, ironically, he himself is subjected to this very thing when an investigation into the Ruby Ridge shootings finds him on the sharp end of allegations of criminal wrongdoing. The highest leadership of the FBI itself broke its own rules and those of the Constitution to level unspecified and unfounded charges against the author for criminal wrongdoing. He was not told what the charges were or who was bringing them. He was denied the right to refute the charges and he was ordered not to speak to the media.

The Bureau put no such gag order on the prosecution who blatantly spread the allegations to the media bringing death threats to the author and his family. The author found himself being sacrificed on the altar of political expediency after over 20 years of hard service to his country. I found it bitterly ironic that the author could be so naïve as to claim that the Bureau doesn't have an underhanded, above-the-law, win-at-any-cost attitude and yet find himself impaled by this very thing once he became politically inconvenient. I wondered if he had a moment of empathy for Randy Weaver, the Branch Davidians or the countless others who find themselves under the thumb of the federal government. If he did so he doesn't admit it openly but his experience is nonetheless harrowing.

In the end I found the book a very excellent read and it shed a lot of light on the way our federal law enforcement agents think and act. I found this book to be reasonably fair and very believable. I still think that the FedGov is wrongheaded and out of control but this book gave me some hope knowing that there are a lot of honest, stand-up kind of people in the rank and file of the most powerful law enforcement agency in the land.

This book gives you an inside look at the FBI during a period of some controversy (1960's to present) with its history, which covers everything from the Black Liberation Army to the Oklahoma City bombing. I have found it is difficult living through this history and getting all the facts from the media. Also covered are the ATF and U.S. Marshals which Danny O. Coulson encounters.

One of the main topics of this book is the FBI's Counter Terrorist organization, Hostage Rescue Team, and its reasons for coming into existence. Also, the reason for an FBI team as opposed to the very competent Delta Force and Navy Seal Teams.

The book opens with the Oklahoma City bombing, then flashes back to why he became an FBI agent, and follows his career from there. It was interesting to learn that Eldridge Cleaver's deadly Black Liberation Army terrorists were a split off from the Black Panthers, which were based in the San Francisco bay area.

He gives some of his experiences in dealing with the drug traffic, bank robbers and other low-life encounters, but the main thrust of this book is terrorism and its many forms.

From other sources I have some familiarity with the Christian Identity cults (a cult is any group or organization which uses brainwashing techniques to capture and control its members). I had thought they were mostly confined to the state of Idaho, but apparently they are everywhere, and many of these organizations have split off terrorist factions. This book confirms this, but also indicates that it may be worse, in that individuals like McVeigh become their own terrorist organizations.

The author, Elaine Shannon, tells these stories in a very easy manner (except at the beginning which seems to jump around a bit) with insight and humor. I enjoyed Danny O. Coulson's sense of humor and his relationships with other people. I especially found hope in his and the FBI's straightforward willingness to talk to anybody at any time to defuse potential disasters. Also included with this work is a complete index in the back so it can be used for reference.

I discovered that the ATF is greatly concerned with proliferation of fully automatic and large bore weapons among the cults and other groups. While I applaud this endeavor, I hope they learn a little restraint so that these courageous agents may live longer.

Other books I have found of interest in this vein: 1) The Politics of Righteousness : Idaho Christian Patriotism, by James Alfred Aho 2) Snapping : America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change, by Flo Conway and Jim Siegelman

In summary, I found this book to be a fast, entertaining, and frightening read. I believe that it deserves to be read so that everyone will be aware of the dangers we face.

This book was categorized as romantic suspense, I'm guessing that is very different from a straight romance. This book sure was. I expect violence from vampire novels, but the opening was a real turn off, I was heartbroken over the death of Maggie's vampire lover who didn't deserve what happened to him, and did they have to do it while the two were in bed together? Tasteless I thought.

Then there is the cop, the hero, who is a borderline rapist, can't take no for an answer, how hypocritical. Maggie decides she likes it once he gets started so now hey it's okay, just forced seduction. When she decides things are happening too fast for her, Sean acts like a total jerk. Sure some guys act that way, but then there wouldn't be a second date!

Reincarnation becomes the excuse for his behavior. He is drawn to her because of his other life, can't seem to help himself. Ms. Drake gets carried away with the reincarnation theme, extending it to his partner and her's, then doesn't do anything with it.

If anyone deserved to be reincarnated it is Maggie's original vampire lover.

The Ripper plot is okay, the villian satisfyingly demented. I like the development of the vampire king he grows with time, gives vampires a good name. He seems to genuinely care for Maggie. The rules really got on my nerves though. Justice should be served even among preditors.

The end was nice enough if you can wade through the rest to get to it. Not one of my favorites, I recommend Chris Feehan's "Dark Prince" as an alternative this month. ~Leslie Tramposch - PNR Reviews

I must admit that I am new to the sub genre of the vampire romance novel. I love the concept but I have just not found many authors that have thrilled me. Ms. Drake has sold me totally on the idea of a sexy, sensual vampire. I automatically pick up Ms. Drake's historic romance books, now I will pick up her Vampire novels as well!

Maggie Montgomery is owns a clothing boutique in the heart of the French Quarter. This is a special store since it has been in her family for generations. There has been a horrid murder in the French Quarter and there are blood drops found outside her backdoor literally. This leads NOPD detective Sean Canady to her doorstep investigating to investigate this beauty in connection to the blood drops found outside. Maggie is stunned and agrees to help in any way possible. Sean is totally drawn to Maggie in a way that he can't understand and begins to pursue the reluctant lady despite the misgivings he has that she is holding something back.

Maggie has secrets that she is not willing to share, she is a vampire. Needless to say Maggie is away of a past that she and Sean (Sean is an old soul as well) share, as well as the return of an enemy that means to destroy all that she has managed to create. She finds herself drawn to Sean and eventually falls in love with him. She still feels bad about keeping a part of her past from the sexy Sean, and her past may have a connection to the murders that are now plaguing the French Quarter. She may know who is performing the frightening "Jack The Ripper" type murders but is unable to prevent them. See the murder may be another vampire. Eventually Maggie must confront not only her past, but love and trust Sean enough to tell him the truth about her in order to help him catch a killer.

This was an incredibly fast paced book, set in one of my favorite places. Ms. Drake created a wonderful set of characters (both main and secondary characters) that really tell their own story. The chemistry between Maggie and Sean is wonderful, and I love Lucian....I can hardly wait until he get to his story! This book held me spell bound and totally changed my outlook on how good a vampire book can be! Do yourself a favor and get this book, full of suspense, and romance!

I love vampire stories, and I was hesitant on trying a vampire romance since I had tried one before and I was greatly disapointed by another author, boy am I glad I didn't pass this one up!
Ms. Drake(AKA Heather Graham) does a excellent job telling the story of a 200 year old vampire from New Orleans who doesn't think she can love again and does and what she finds is far beyond her dreams.
The back and forth from present day to past was fascinating and I LOVED it! It was like reading two stories at once and then they meshed. Drama, horror and passion, all rolled into one brilliant novel!

~Maggie is the owner of Magdelena's, a boutique in New Orleans that caters to women who love tailormade dresses and clothes to fit them.
The city of the dead, known for its vampires and voodoo comes under attack from a ruthless killer who seems to be copying a hundred-year-old crime again and still is elusive in capture.
Blood drops lead to the quaint shop and to its mysterious owner and Detective Sean Canady must sort through the clues before another victim turns up, more gruesome than the last.
Does the beautiful woman who owns the shop know the killer? Or is she somehow involved...
In a city rampant with death and the occult, fact is sometimes stranger than fiction...

Tracy Talley~@

Ok.. I have not read this book yet, so maybe this is a dumb thing, to write a review, but I read one review I found to be disturbing. A person was discouraging people from reading the book, which is her right. but she also said it was a waste of time and money... that is not true. As any avid readers know, whether you arte into vampires or not, if an author writes a series, like the one started with beneath a blood red moon, wich, I will add... is a wonderful book, you could not possibly be satisfied without reading the whole series, if you are going to continue reading it at all. I have also read deep midnight, and I have to say, that too was wonderful.... and it makes me anxious to read this one. So, if you are afraid you will not like it, that doesn't mean don't read it, just borrow it from a library... just for the background on the characters, it will be worth your while. Especially if you have not read deep midnight yet. A few spots were muddy at first, for lack of prior info. I sign off now, hoping that i have not sounded to dumb.

The second book in the Vampire trilogy, When Darkness Falls (the first "Beneath the Blood Red Moon" a five star book) takes us into Lucian's past and future. Lucian, the king of the Vampires returns as well as other characters from Blood Red Moon - Maggie and Sean, Jack, Mike. And introduces us the Jade MacGregor, a writer from New Orleans on vacation/research trip to Scotland over Halloween. But the trip becomes a nightmare in a Scottish cemetery, when the dead come to life and kills the tourists in her group. She and several others are only spare from a bloody death by a handsome stranger. Jade is found naked on a MacGregor tomb in the cemetery, the police find nothing of the handsome hero or the murderers.

Then we skip ahead, Jade's at home in New Orleans a year later trying to put her life back in order. Everything is going in the right direction...her book makes the best seller list, she is surrounded by family and friends, and her wonderful policeman boyfriend and her are about to take the relationship to the next level. But then the dreams of the handsome stranger start and the survivors of the Scottish graveyard are dying. Someone is watching her, knows her every move, ready to rescue her from the evil that is trying to finish what was started in that graveyard.

And excellent follow-up to Blood Red Moon, the returning characters are like visit old friends and finding out where they are in their lives. I would highly recommend, this is a romantic vampire saga worth investing in. The only bad thing was there are a few loose ends that left me wondering. But may reveal themselves in the next book due out in October 2001.

This book was exiting, hard to put down, many fasinating characters and action packed, read it in one sitting.

Jade MacGregor is on vacation in Scotland on a tour in an old cemetary when some horrifying and grisley murders occur. No one believes her when she says its vampires. A year later she's home in New Orleans, the same type of murders start in New York and then come to her city. The persons killed are the same people that were on tour with her in Scotland. It appears whoever did these crimes are after her. A mysterious man named Lucian who saved her in Scotland is now stalking her. He's king of the vampires and trying to stop the evil ones from continuing their killing.

This story also had a past history of how Lucian became a vampire in 958 AD. It was so well paced and gave the story more character and depth. There's even a selkie in it.

A perfect spooky read for a Halloween night in October. I highly recommend this book. I loved Lucian, he was so mysterious and very sensual.

Anthologies are always tricky because you never know what you're going to get. Sometimes it's a great find: many times you buy it for one author and discover someone new. This anthology is almost like two-in-one, because two of the stories (Foster/McKenna) are very hot, with extremely erotic and spicy themes, while the other stories feel like they belong in another type of anthology altogether because they're bland.

Thea Devine (one of the queens of erotic romance) is extremely and surprisingly toned down in her effort, which I thought was weak compared to other novellas by her. The Suzanne Forster story did absolutely nothing for me, and I don't think it belonged in an erotic anthology - a sensual one, maybe. I thought it was choppy, hard to follow, and kind of creepy.

I've found Lori Foster to be hit-or-miss as a category author, but this story is well-done, and very sexy, with some believable and unexpected twists. I loved the hero in particular.

Shannon McKenna is a new writer of erotic romance and good for her, because her story was my favorite of the four! It was very sexy, edgy and different. The hero and heroine seemed like a good match and their love scenes were... wow.

If you like good erotic romance, then buy this for the McKenna story and enjoy the Foster novella as a bonus. If you're trying erotic romance for the first time, try the Captivated or Fascinated anthologies first because they're more complete and better overall.

First let me say that I purchase anything written by Lori Foster as soon as it is released. I enjoy her books. In purchasing this book, I have found another author who's story hooked me.
Let me reveiw the book in the order the stories are written.

1.Stranger in her Bed by Suzanne Forster - Then story was kinda confusing with a computer sex vidio game and several different names used by the hero.

2.No Mercy by Thea Devine - This story is about a couple that meet again after being divorced for 7 years.

3.Satisfy Me by Lori Foster - When a sex shop open up across the road from where they work, Asia and Cameron meet and the fun starts. This book will have you laughing aloud with the little "misunderstanding" between the couple.

4. Something Wild by Shannon McKenna - A cute flirtation between a woman driving across county and a motorcycle hunk who follows her. I think this was my favorite.

I have to say that the first 2 stories were ok, the last 2 were really great. I have added a new name to my "list of authors I look for whenever I shop" and its Shannon McKenna. All I can say is WOW!!!

I really liked this book of anthologies. There are four stories..........And all of them very Sexy and extremely seductive.

Stanger in Her bed by Suzanne Forster- I didn't get into this one much but I am not into computer games and such.

No Mercy by Thea Devine- I loved this story of seperated lovers and rekindled love with some cool twists. Let me just say very Hot. I read this one twice!! I will pick up more of this authors work.

Satisfy Me by Lori Foster-This story has sister stories in other anthology books by Lori Foster put out by Brava and I loved them too. It was very sexy and very hot about two people needing love the right person in the wrong way. If you like great characters a funny story and great sex you will like most anything Lori foster writes.

Something Wild by Shannon Mckenna- A story about the chase and what to do once you've caught your prey. Very Hot.

Reverend Lawrence Shannon has hit on a point that marriage can be basically a facade and that the true nature of the predatory female will rear its ugly head soon after you say "I DO". Read the warning signs...laugh but be wary. As long as you have the information to decode the subtle warning signs of the predatory creature you might be able to live in peace. The reverend will give you the insight to the basic characteristics and habits( which are somewhat predictable)of the female so that you may recognize and take counter-measures in your relationship. The reverends simple rule to remember is that if your going to get married, be prepared to pay for it! The difference between a wife and a hooker is that you'll pay 100 times more for the wife...and get 100 times less! All hall the Reverend! Preach it Brother!

I first got this book 15 years ago...from a friend and have read and re-read it many times. I am happily married with two wonderful kids and my wife thinks its a gas as well. The one stars are obviously from chicks who fit the "mould" and are upset at being found out. I wonder if everyone knows who the author is? He is or was a commercial pilot for a major airline and has paid MILLIONS to his ex-wives. Boys, read this and look at your lover....and laugh

This book was absolutely hilarious! It kept me laughing from start to finish. This guy obviously went through an awful divorce. Interesting how he has the title of "Reverend" yet uses the "f" word several times throughout the book.... I wish my reverend had such colorful language! I recommend that everyone read this book, guys and girls alike, for a good laugh! Best [price] I ever spent!

I enjoyed this fast paced view into the life of a turncoat. Some interesting introductions to Opus Dei too. However, I found one glaring inconsistency that makes me wonder if something is left unsaid...

The fouth page into Chapter 17 (page 199 in my hardcover edition) the authors detail an investigation into a suspected spy at the FBI. Interviewing his children they "...seconded their father's assertion that his computer skills weren't remotely sufficient to have enabled him to encrypt messages to the KGB on diskettes."

In my reading of the book this occurs before October 1999. This is a full year earlier than the November 2000 acquisition of the KGB files that contained the encrypted diskettes. At the time of the interview the intelligence services did not have the details of Hanssen's betrayal. They supposedly knew nothing about the diskettes.

Did I miss something in the story? Or did the intelligence services know more about the betrayal before October 1999 than the book tells us?

Anyone else find this curious?

I loved every word. The Spy Next Door reads like the great spy book it is. Bob Hanssen is dissected with a scalpel by two skilled and meticulous writers who probe the traitor's life from childhood through his suspenseful and long-overdue capture by fellow FBI agents. After reading the book, I think I finally understand Hanssen well enough to know why he betrayed his country, but like any good mystery, there is no single, simple explanation. Shannon and Blackman explore every avenue and come up with some fascinating clues.

I just finished the two Hanssen books, this one and The Bureau and the Mole, and there is no comparison. I heard a lot from Vise on the radio, but his book is essentially a quickie padded with psychobabble guessing about Hanssen's thoughts and motives. Vise has a few sexy stories and fills around them with chapters of inexplicable praise for Louis Freeh, who must have helped Vise a lot to get such favorable treatment himself when he was being drummed out of the FBI. The Spy Next Door, on the other hand, is carefully researched and beautifully written. The authors work hard trying to explain why anyone with Hanssen's all-American background would commit such heinous crimes, but in the end, they refuse to speculate, laying out what they learned (a lot) and stopping before they go too far. It's a sad tale, but an important one. An easy read, too. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the perfect book to read when you feel as though fate and destiny have left you out of their plans and you are giving up on finding your soul mate. I read this book in about 2 days and it was such an easy, smooth read. For a first novel, I was very impressed and the author, writing about her self basically, is witty and some of the things she says I can totally relate to, or I have felt myself. Though I have not read Bridget Jones' Diary {I saw the movie!! :)} I can see how the two books would be similar. I highly recommend this book about a woman trying to find herself. She has a good relationship with her family but her counselor just...I dunno. I did not like her at all. I think I could have done a better job than that!! Anyway...it is a woman's struggle for independance (and being okai with it), love, and what she wants to do with her life. At 29, she feels she should already know. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

I loved this book. It really is a book about nothing and everything. This is so much more insightful than most of the single white female, where is the man who's going to rescue me from my life while my mother drives me crazy books that are out there these days. I laughed out loud when I read things like "I can't believe I'm dating a guy who plays video games" or "parents are the trampoline of life that you spring from again and again until you are comfortable in the air". What single 30 something woman hasn't dated a guy who plays video games and wondered "what am I doing with him?". I guess if the book is about anything it's probably about someone looking for the easy way out in life while knowing deep inside that until she takes the hard road, nothing's going to change. Shanny tries every trick in the book to avoid deal with the hard road. I anxiously await more books from Shannon.

About this time of year there always seem to be a rash of books which chronicle the lives and loves of 20, 30 or 40 somethings. Over the past few years readers have been introduced to characters from books such as The Diary of Bridget Jones, The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing, The Diary of Bridget Jones, Until the Real Thing Comes Along and this year Dating Big Bird, Jemina J and Getting Over It. Now there is another new entry into this genre which I most heartily recommend. The title is Welcome to My Planet by first time author Shannon Olson and certainly a welcome addition to this genre.

Shannon, tha main character in this book is a refreshing 30 something with considerable agendas in her life. She already has had one major failed relationship which she describes for almost half of the book along with a less than interesting job and mounting credit card debts. Further complicating her life is her mother who also seems to question her marriage and life as well as Shannons. And as if questioning Shannon's life isn't enough then her mother Dorothy always offers her unsolicited advice as well. Along the way we find Shannon attending graduate school, finding a new lover, traveling with her sister and brother-in-law during their honeymoon and finally resloving how she will change not only herself and her life by not telling her mother too much.

Although I am well past this stage of my life, I still enjoy reading these types of books. And I also find that I can still relate to some part of the angst the main character is going through. Welcome to My World is a humorous and clever book which I really enjoyed. At times I even found myself laughing out loud which is always a good sign.

Thanks for a good read, Ms Olson. I think you have a bright future ahead of you and look forward to reading your next book.