Robert Hardy's "Longbow" is written with passion and verve. As a result, it is a delight to read. An erudite man, Hardy is sometimes rather intricate in his writing style. But the elegant phrasing Mr. Hardy favors is nonetheless precise and well-crafted. Once the ear becomes accustomed to the music of his language, it becomes a source of delight in itself.

Hardy cannot be faulted on the research for this book. An acknowledged expert on the origins and use of the longbow, he has traced the weapon from prehistory and documents its use in the hunt, as a weapon of war, and in sport. However, much of the book concerns the longbow in the great medieval battles of Agincourt and Crecy, in which Welsh bowmen proved the superiority of the yew bow in combat. But this is more than a simple recitation of the facts of the battles. Hardy has also looked at the men who wielded the longbow, how they were trained, how they lived, and how they were supplied. Such information makes history come alive.

The latest edition of the book includes new information on the archeological finds associated with the Mary Rose, a warship dating from Henry VIII's time, which went down in the Solent in the sixteenth century. Excavated during the 80's, the longbows recovered from the wreck revised many of the notions held about this weapon and its making. One interesting finding was that the draw weights for some of the Mary Rose bows were roughly twice that estimated for similar bows of the time in earlier research. Robert Hardy served as a consultant on this project and brings this first-hand knowledge to bear very effectively in his book.

The book's usefulness is evident when you cruise the Internet and look at the number of archery web sites which quote the book or recommend it as a reference. Invariably, it is cited as a first-rate resource for those interested in the history/making of these weapons. But even for those of us who are simple armchair historians it is a wonderfully intelligent and fullbodied read.

The author provides detailed research on the longbow from prehistory to the present. This book is a must for any student of the Hundred years War! As an avid archer I was quite happy for all the technical information on the art of bowmaking. As a devotee of medieval history I was thrilled by Hardy's scientific analysis of the bowstaves found on the wreck of the Mary Rose. A well written and thoroughly researched book.

A wonderful book. You may remember Mr Hardy as 'Seigfried' in the show 'All Creatures Great and Small'. Well he can write up a storm and enthrall you while educating you in medieval history, metallurgy, and the glories of the Longbow.

This is a book to cherish. You will never think of armour as lumps of silly iron again, and he brings the Longbow to life. If you can read, you will enjoy this - and there's some great pictures too!

The original Bottoming book gave a lot of good information and advice to "bottoms" everywhere. This "new version" contains much of the original "advice," like "connecting" and negotiation, but also has new and much-needed information, such as a big section on meeting someone online via chat rooms, mailing lists and/or Internet newsgroups and how to convert from "cyber" to "real-time," and dealing with the fact that their "reality" may not match yours.

There are also chapters describing different "scenes" (and their 'rewards' and also tips on beginning and ending them)and role play, with short subsections about bondage and submission.

I've always enjoyed Ms Hardy's (formerly under the "Lady Green" pseudonym) and Easton's writing style: informative and at the same time informal enough that you sense they've been through virtually all of the same questions a bottom might ask of themselves or their partners. This truly is an excellent update to a classic SM instructional book.

In this 69 page expansion of the original Liszt & Easton book, several new technological developments are taken into consideration while the wonderful Fish drawings are left out. The book has four main sections: intro, skills, scenes, and conclusion. The basic message is both simple and somewhat revolutionary if you listen to the general BS in the vanilla world: bottoms are powerful. There are layout problems in this edition such as mislabeled sections and as always I would really like writers to do more research and more citations. Only one group of kinky folk are left out of the chapter: the 24/7 or lifestyle persons. But the book is for beginners and in my opinion beginners need to start slowly.

Who would think that being tied up and beaten could be the most pleasurable and empowering experience of one's life? Easton and Hardy's persuasive enthusiasm convinced me.
Concise chapters map out a sensible and intuitive path to bring a novice from fantasy to reality. The warm, personal style is unmistakably the hallmark of Greenery Press - as is the focus on ethics and infinite possiblities. I was especially moved by the underlying message that - rather than recklessly throwing yourself at someone's feet - to be an informed and thoughtful submissive is a rare and valuable gift to a lucky dominant.
For anyone who has nervously surpressed their fantasies of being swept away by a Powerful Creature or used mercilessly by a Stern Master, this book simultaneously reassures, encourages and inspires.

This Book was really great. I loved the action and the scam. It was great. I really think that people 10 and up would enjoy this book alot.

I rented this book from the library and read it in about two hours. I love the action and the suspense of the book. I would reccomend this book to anyone who is 10 or older.

I recieved this book in the mail today from amazon.com.About a half hour ago I finished it and I was really pretty disapointed.the mystery part was very good but a bit confusing.they did mention the whole Nancy/Frank thing although very dicreetly.that should have been brought up more but tahts just my opinion.Maybe if i read the book again it will come across more clearly.

I've only read the first fifty or so Casefiles, but this one was the best. Frank and Joe discover a company that specializes in helping criminals disappear from the police. There are some great thrills and cliffhanger chapters in this one, plus a lot of suspense as the Hardy Boys slowly uncover the scope of the operation.

So, were back to another Hardy Boy Mystery. Full of the usual bombs, guns, and brains. The hardys get involved in a crime cruse in which if a criminal needs an escape. Here's where they go. Skipping from part to part Frank and Joe manage to uncover a crime ring. This ring of crime is different from the rest though, instead of commiting the crimes, this ring helps criminals to get out of the country! The leader of this travle ring, will stop at nothing to get the hardye out of his way! For once, I actually engoyed a Hardy Boy mystery. I didn't just read it to laugh at. This is Franklin W. Dixon at his best.

Absolutely loved this one - Frank & Joe tangle with plenty of high profile international criminals when they try to infiltrate a criminal getaway service. Great camradrie between Frank & Joe..not the least bit kiddish.

Although the style is a little rough around the edges, the novel is still readable. The greatest strength is the characters, especially Sophon. She has a great combination of intelligence and self-esteem, and all her actions are motivated towards protecting important values, most notably, her son Himilco. Story has a lot of good historical detail and gives a sharp realism to life in this ancient world without holding back the narrative drive. The story moves along, and by halfway through I was thoroughly caught up in learning the fate of the characters. What happens to Carthage is a true horror. But Richard Hardy's ending is very moving and inspirational. If you are sick of reading about lawyers and serial killers--or if you just like a good historical novel--this one is worth a look.

I like reading about a woman in the role traditionally protrayed by a man. The characters came alive; I could really "see" them. My husband took the book from me and I had to wait until he was done to finish. We both enjoyed it. Also bought another copy for a friend who is a history buff and he had great things to say about it

Actually my wife has completed the book and really liked it, but said she'd have liked the battle scenes to be shorter. I'm still reading it

The story of a lonely woman caught between love and propriety, self-sacrifice and self-interest, "Two on a Tower" is one of the saddest novels I've read. I kept hoping for a description of a blissful-but-brief interlude for Viviette, but it never materialized. Instead, unhappiness dogged her to the novel's cruel end. Yes, cruel. The final event in the book was an unnecessary stroke. Also, while I usually accept a character's actions, I cannot believe that Viviette NEVER anticipated becoming pregnant. The possibility certainly haunted ME from the moment her secret marriage took place. For all of it's sadness, however, the story is engaging and provides a criticism of the unforgiving social conventions of Hardy's time.

Two on a Tower was the 11th Thomas Hardy's 14 novels that I have read. Hardy can be depended upon to paint a vivid picture of the characters' environment, and their relationships to it, but this time with a twist: One of the two characters being an astronomer, most of the environmental descriptions are of the heavens, and are wonderfully appropriate for the characters' actions and 'aspects'.
Hardy had a gift of creating characters who are fascinating in their personalities and actions, and together with the environmental descriptions, reading his novels is just one step away from watching a really good movie of the story.
Of all Hardy's varied characters, I felt the most sympathy for the two on the tower. Viviette has a great need for love and is selfless in giving it. Swithin, a somewhat naive and literate scientist, is at the same time a tender and faithful lover. Of all Hardy's stories, I hoped that this one would somehow have that "happy ending", and I suffered uncounted times for both characters.
I highly recommend this book for emotional involvement, though it may tear you apart to read it!
I would also recommend another of Hardy's lesser known novels The Woodlanders, which I understand was his own favorite story, and remains mine also.

Beautifully written, Thomas Hardy goes all out to make the reader see, hear, and smell every scene in this book. From begining to end, you never know what's going to happen next, and just when you think the story is calming down, Hardy throws a swerve your way. Great surprises, not predictable at all.

Hardy perhaps one of the better describers of setting of his time, shows once again, why books were so highly read back in his age.

Thomas once again delivered another great book of sadness, happiness, pregnancy and marriage. Although the story is mostly sad, it is still a great book, especially for those who have read previous Hardy books. A great read.

You should consider reading this book. It's got action that won't let you stop reading the book. It is about a hi-jacking of a plane and leads to many close calls and death defying moments. The book has everything you could want in a good book: action, betrayal, and a whole lot of thrill. If you want to read a good book, read this.

I love this book! In it a planeload of people are hijacked by real terrorists at an anti-terrorism seminar. Frank and Joe go undercover and infiltrate the terrorists, in search of their leader. This is a great Casefile. Any fan should read it! IT SHOULDN'T BE OUT OF PRINT!!!!

This book has to be one of the best Casefiles ever written. It mixes a blend of tension and action and keeps a firm grip on the reader, encouraging them to continue. It is written in a film style and leaves the reader a very easy job in picturing the events.

Although it could be argued that the plot (an aeroplane hijacking, and the Hardys' efforts to end it)is difficult to believe, this does not matter as the result is explosively enthralling. It is easy to feel the frustration and jubilation of both the main characters as they move from one scene to the next, having infiltrated the evil terrorist group.

There is a spectacular finale, but if you want to find out what it is, then get this book. It is difficult to get much better than this.

FROM: The Romance Reader's Connection

Dev Carson had recently broken off his engagement to an unfaithful fiancée when he stepped through the doors of the DeWitt Travel Agency. Due to inadequate travel insurance, he was faced with the prospect of spending three weeks in the Caribbean alone on what would have been his honeymoon. Less than pleased, he finally surrenders to the idea of going. A decision which will ultimately be made a little easier when he later spies his beautiful travel agent-topless-on the beach in Cozumel.

Extensive renovations to her office building hampered the travel agency's ability to bring in new vacation business and gave Taylor DeWitt an excuse to visit some properties in the Caribbean, topped off by a few days to herself in Cozumel. It was the first vacation she had taken in years and she relished the prospect of sun, sand and perhaps a wild vacation fling. How could she have imagined that her handsome and disgruntled customer would become her lover for the week?

What happens when a vacation fling follows you home to the real world? Can ghosts of the past be set aside and hearts healed?

SLIPPERY WHEN WET is a must-have for a day at the beach! Dev and Taylor have much in common, their attraction and lusty adventures are a treat to read. Ms. Hardy's talent for weaving creative and sizzling love scenes keeps the reader enthralled and on the edge of her seat! The hero and heroine also share heartache and betrayal in their respective pasts, so this colors their initial view of a relationship and sows the seeds of the obstacle they will face.

SLIPPERY WHEN WET is the third book of Ms. Hardy's UNDER THE COVERS trilogy. Although part of a series, it stands alone well. However, I urge all readers to also pick up the author's previous titles, especially my personal favorite, AS BAD AS CAN BE. -- Melissa Freeman

FROM: Romance Reviews Today

The last person Taylor DeWitt expected to see as she sunbathed nude in the warm Cozumel sun was the man who had stormed out of her travel agency just two weeks ago. Even though she understood Dev Carson's plight -- what man would want to go on his honeymoon without a bride? -- she was still unable to refund his money, since the insurance he chose didn't cover canceled weddings. Now, after two weeks of reviewing property in the Caribbean, Taylor plans to spend the next few days relaxing on the beach with romance novels and sleeping in. But there he stands, looking like a bronzed god with an ironic grin on his face as he gazes down at her unclad body. Is he simply toying with her when he asks her for a date, or is he serious when he says he would like to make her vacation unforgettable? Either way, Taylor can't deny her attraction to him and succumbs to the temptation to have an affair with a man who looks like a model in one of her brochures.

Trying to forget how his fiancée cheated on him, Dev has spent the past two weeks immersing himself in this exotic, uninhibited culture. When he sees the prim lady who refused to refund his honeymoon deposit sunbathing topless, he decides to have some payback. What starts out as petty revenge quickly turns into lust and excitement, though, since Dev is fascinated by Taylor. When he asks her if she would like to spend the rest of her vacation with him, he is delighted when she accepts. He sets out to make sure this is a trip she will not soon forget, and together they explore pleasure in paradise. Dev is reluctant to see it end, even though they have agreed to go their separate ways once their vacation is over. The time he has spent with Taylor has convinced him that she is the perfect match for him, even if she won't admit it to herself. Can he convince Taylor that their affair can last for the rest of their lives?

Taylor is just as fascinated with Dev, but refuses to allow herself to be controlled by another man. She went through that with her first husband, and she has become an independent woman. Now Dev wants to take their relationship to a whole new level, and Taylor isn't ready. Can she overcome her fear of failing in another relationship? Should she put her faith in Dev, with whom she can so easily be herself?

Hot, sexy and just plain fun, SLIPPERY WHEN WET by Kristin Hardy is an erotic rollercoaster ride of witty dialogue and great characters! Taylor is a woman not afraid to take chances, except when it comes to matters of the heart. Her growth as a person who can trust her instincts about relationships is a major theme, and readers will easily identify with it and her. Dev is just the man for her, more than happy showing her the fun that can be had in their tryst, and how much more it could be if she would only believe in him. He is charismatic and an adventurer. Their intimate encounters are passionate and frequent, especially while they are in Cozumel, but never overwhelm the love story. The beauty and wildness of this land adds to the intense and heated love scenes in this book.

A fantastic read for a cool summer night, SLIPPERY WHEN WET by Kristin Hardy is a must read! -- Courtney Bowden

In Baltimore, hard working travel agency owner Taylor DeWitt looks forward to her Caribbean tour of combining business with pleasure. She plans to evaluate various resorts for locations that will provide a delightful vacation for her clients. However, she expects the final week to be all fun and games.

Disgruntled client Dev Carson remains angry with Taylor for refusing to refund his money when his wedding was called off and subsequently the honeymoon he booked was cancalled as well. Dev uses his trip, but upon seeing Taylor, he decides she is perfect for a holiday romance. As they enjoy a heated week of being Siamese twins, they fall in love. However, she was married once and he has his own near marital ax to grind and that makes it appear that once out of Cozumel and back in Baltimore this romance is over.

This is an exciting torrid romance that brings alive the exotic locale so much so that the audience, believing Taylor is real, will try to book a trip there through her. Dev is a strong protagonist and the relationship with Taylor is hotter than a peppercorn. Though the resolution of their differences seems to quick, readers will enjoy this Mexican vacation.

Harriet Klausner

My quirky yet brilliant English teacher assigned this work in the beginning of my senior year. Undoubtedly, I approached this book with much doubt and skepticism. If you know Hardy, you immediately recall his superfluity of detail and monotonous landscaping, which inevitably impedes character and plot development. Suprisingly, though all discouraging factors were present, I found the book exceptionally appealing. Hardy's portraiture of Tess validates him as a captivating author. He draws us into her persona, leaving us trampled and bruised with the grievances of life. He walks us through her struggles, though mangled with her inability to step forward, she still persists.
I highly reccommend this book to any avid reader of British literature.

A true joy to read, Tess of the D'Urbervilles is filled with situations that paint pictures of real life. Hardy knew that Tess' reality was filled with enough emotion and drama that there was no reason to add to it the things fairy tales are made of.

When reading Tess of the D'Urbervilles you are brought into the story by Hardy's suberb way of sketching the scene. Though Hardy's descriptive writing can sometimes be hard to digest, his choice of words allow you to enter the landscape and smell the glen yourself.

Overall, an excellent book for the more ambitious reader, and for the one who isn't afraid of the less popular unhappy outcomes.

This is truly one of Hardy's best books! The story is of a young girl (Tess) who's father finds out that he comes from the old great family of the D'Urbervilles. So the family sends Tess to one of their relations to ask for money but also Tess' mother knows that at the house where she is going to be staying there is a man named Alec and she hopes that Tess and he will marry. Alec is tempted by Tess and seduces her after she has been working at his house for a while. Tess has the baby which soon dies. Tess goes to a dairy farm where she meets Angel, a higher class well edgucated young man. These two fall in love and marry. On their wedding night he confesses to her a bad part of his past and she tells him about her child. Angel can not forgive her and leaves. I will stop here beacause I do not want to ruin the book for you, but I will say this it has a whollop of a finish and you will be surprised!

On a trip to Spain, the Hardys' tour guide is murdered and they are blamed. Furthermore, they are hunted by spies by the KGB and traitors by the Network! That's what makes this an action packed Hardy Boys adventure.

Perhaps one of the tightest situations the Hardys have ever faced is between the covers of this book. When Frank wins a trip to Spain in a contest, the Hardy Boys find that there's a dark cloud in the clear blue skies of Spain. After their tour guide is killed, the Hardys become the number-one suspects for the murder. To make matters worse, the KGB tries to kidnap the Hardys, but they manage to lose them in an annual Spanish festival. In the midst of the Spanish Police trying to lock up the young detectives, the Gray Man who works for the Network shows up, but to the Hardys' surprise, he has been sent by the Network to get the Hardys out of the Network's hair. The Hardys escape the Gray Man with the help of their trustworthy friend Elena. Finally, the Hardys are cleared and are on their way back to Bayport. This book certainly keeps the reader on the edge of his chair until the last sentence

My all time favorite Hardy Case file...and if you're a Frank Fan, this is the one for you. I really can't say much more...