Customer Reviews

All U Can Eat (Berkley Sensation)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have always been an Emma Holly fan since I picked up and loved Menage. I enjoyed the last two Holly books I read (The Demon's Daughter and Strange Attractions), but they hadn't enthralled me the way her earlier books had, which is probably why I hadn't read her newer releases... until now. All U Can Eat is a buffet of the most explicit, albeit delicious sex scenes out there. The sex is mingled with colorful characters and a wonderful plot to boot. Frankie Smith is the owner of a popular diner in a small California town. She has it all, a successful small business, wonderful friends and a gorgeous boyfriend. But her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her right after they have sex. Things get worse when she discovers a few days later that he is engaged to someone else. But to make matters worse, a dead body is found in the back of her diner, and Frankie is one of the suspects. The only thing that could help her cope with these events is the sexy young man who shows up out of nowhere looking for work and a home and Jack West, the gorgeous police chief who has been lusting after Frankie for as long as he could remember. However, he will have to put his reawakened libido aside when questioning Frankie about the murder. There are some twists in the novel.

This is one of the most explicit novels I have read and I love it! I enjoyed it almost as much as Beyond Seduction and Personal Assets, my favorite Holly novels. The scenes with Frankie and Mike, the young stray looking for a job, are scorching. The scenes with Pete and Dave are also hot. They remind me of the stuff Holly wrote in Menage and Strange Attractions. She seems to enjoy writing male-with-male scenes in her books and often makes her heroes either bisexual or as having bisexual tendencies. This doesn't bother me, for I've enjoyed Holly's male swingers scenes, but I know this sort of thing goes beyond some people's comfort level. So, if you're the sort of reader who's put off with males who are comfortable in their sexuality to do things with men as well as with women, then you should steer clear from this one. It is only fair for the reader to know what he or she is getting themselves into. Anyway, the characters are rather interesting here and the sex scenes are well blended with the overall plot. The mystery aspect is kind of predictable and this is something Holly should work on if writing mysteries is something she plans to do more of in the future. Jack West is my favorite character. It is clear from the beginning that he is not just Frankie's potential sex partner but also her love interest. I enjoyed the development of this character and the sexual tension between him and Frankie is classic Holly writing. All U Can Eat is one H-O-T read! This is a book you should take to read on the beach. Just be sure to head for the ocean and splash about in cold water if you don't have a partner handy while reading this. This novel has reawakened my love for Holly's writing and I look forward to reading her future books.

I loved this book. This is classic Emma Holly. Like I always say, no one can write better erotic fiction then she, she is the Queen. I bow down to her. While I love all of her writing I love her erotic stories the best because she writes hot erotic stories but with emotions and feelings. Now I know her eroticas are not for everyone but I love it and she hits everything I love to read in her books.

The heroine in All U Can Eat is Frankie Smith and the owner of the All U Can Eat diner. Jack West, the chief of police has been in deep lust with Frankie for awhile and since her boyfriend just broke up with her she's now available. There are obstacles in Jack's way, such as the hot new male cook and this little murder invstigation but never fear, the journey is well worth it.

Although this book is a totally different story with totally different characters the feel of the book was very similar to Cooking Up A Storm which I loved. Those of you who are fans of Emmas won't be disappointed and those who have never read her, if you're ready to have your toes curled, check this book out.

Ever since I first picked up her steamy historicals BEYOND INNOCENCE and BEYOND SEDUCTION I have been a huge fan of Emma Holly. Her sensual writing was so well done with mesmerizing and wonderfully plotted stories I continued to follow her when she journeyed into the paranormal realm. So far I have never been disappointed and not offended by hot steamy stories, but I confess, this one came awfully close to crossing the line of my comfort zone.

Ms. Holly is still writing her signature hot and sensual stories, only I did not see this having as much of an entertainment value as her past efforts as it seemed to focus more on the lead character, Frankie Smith's sexual escapade aspects as shock value. The storyline of a murder investigation that pointed to one of her sexual partners seemed overshadowed by the intensely erotic couplings of the female lead. In her attempt to get over being jilted by her long-time boyfriend she is doing her very best in testing the newly available waters with several new partners while the investigating officer and Chief of Police, Jack West would like nothing better than to become one of those partners.

Fans of Emma's have come to expect the high degree of sensuality that resonates with whatever genre she happens to turn her very creative imagination and pen to. While this reviewer's personal inclination gravitates more towards the one on one romantic relationships, those with more adventuresome tastes will surely enjoy the vividly descriptive escapades that abound throughout in this latest publication. My personal tastes aside, it was very tantalizing, very graphic, and recommended with a warning regarding the explicit and erotic sex. Bottom line - I have seen this author produce a much stronger plot without resorting to so much shock value.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

Having read books by Emma Holly before (Beyond Innocence, Personal Assets), I knew what I was getting into - an ultra-sexy love story. What I got was that, and more.

Frankie Smith, owner of the popular diner All U Can Eat, is dumped by her long-time boyfriend, but she doesn't let that get in the way of her job, or her self-esteem, at least not too much. A hard-working woman with a strong sexual appetite, Frankie is not at a loss for male companionship, and lets herself enjoy the attention, realizing not all men take her for granted.

After a particular enjoyable evening, Frankie wakes up to find a dead body behind her diner, and it's someone she knows. Calling the police brings Chief Jack West to her door, a rugged, private man who immediately gets her attention when he frisks her per police procedure. Only then does she find out she's a suspect, which doesn't sit well with her, but decides to cooperate with the police as best as she can so at least her diner will re-open quickly and she can get back to her life.

Jack has been fighting his attraction to the sexy diner owner for a long time. Having a screwed-up past, he can't imagine ever ending up with a woman like Frankie, but that doesn't make him want her any less. While he knows it's not professional, in addition to solving the crime that took place, his sole concern is clearing Frankie's name as a suspect, which means he's spending lots of time with her, both a pleasure and a test of his self-control. Yet Jack isn't the only one feeling the attraction; Frankie can't stop thinking about Jack and definitely wants to fulfill his fantasies....

If you've never read a book by Emma Holly, be prepared for how sexual her stories are. Not a lot is taboo, but that doesn't mean it's all about gratuitous sex. Even the most erotic encounters are emotional, and breath-takingly sensual. Holly has created a strong, honorable woman with Frankie, one who is not shy or afraid to ask for what she wants sexually. Frankie is a woman who refuses to apologize for what she does in her private life. I applaude Holly's creation of such a heroine - why shouldn't a woman enjoy herself as long as no one gets hurt and commitments aren't betrayed? There's a bit of role reversal here with hero Jack being the one who hasn't had a lot of relationships or even sexual encounters, yet he still has his own fantasies that he longs to act out with Frankie. It's rather refreshing to have the parts switched, and I was glad that Jack wasn't judgmental about Frankie's personal life. The murder mystery was enjoyable even if it wasn't a big surprise who the killer is, and peeking into the private lives of many of the other residents of Six Palms is titillating. I would definitely recommend this scorchingly hot story.

I've read it twice. Isn't that what you do with a great story? Right after you finish it the first time (because you read it too fast and KNOW you missed parts), you turn around and start it all over again?

Frankie owns a very popular diner where the populace meet to enjoy good food and good company. She's just been dumped by her model lover (good riddance, if you ask me!). She is not long without company for her affections. Competition is stiff! *VEG*

Our hero, police chief Jack West, has lusted from afar for quite a while. He is now faced with his first opportunity to get closer to Frankie and becomes very frustrated because she is the prime suspect in his current murder case. Because he has to stay away while the case is in progress, it leaves the field open for others to enjoy the woman he'd like for his own. I really loved Jack. He's the kind of gentle loving hero that grabs me by the heart.

This is one of Emma's VERY hot contemporaries. I loved the quote on the front of the book - "Holly brings a level of sensuality to her storytelling that may shock the uninitiated." This is the first time I've known she was interested in mystery telling. A marvelous addition to Emma's writing career!

After a torrid bedtime romp, Frankie's lover Troy tells her he's leaving. Dumped, the diner owner comes face to face (or rather face to engagement ring) with the gal that he left her for. Rather than cry, she beds the stranger she's hired as a cook and manages to come across a dead body in the alley behind her diner, becoming a suspect in the murder when the weapon is found in her storeroom. Chief of Police Jack West has lusted for her for quite awhile and wants to clear her as a suspect before pursuing her. Faster than you can say Miranda rights, she's back in bed with new cook Michael, and then with the local bi-sexual tag team who have bedded (and videotaped) numerous local women. You'd think with all that action in a matter of days that the Chief would be turned off at Frankie's antics... But no. In between viewing homemade porn and couplings with Frankie, Chief West finally solves the crime that most readers guessed by chapter 3.

Holly can always be counted on to provide a good, dirty read. She falters when she attempts to add suspense, since that's just not her strong suit, resulting in predictable and uneven mysteries. While this one is very titillating, I found the voyage into role playing both cringe-worthy and laughable. Much better Holly reads to check out are "Personal Assets" and "Cooking Up a Storm."

This got me hot, very hot. And that's how I like my erotica! I liked Frankie and the supporting characters alot. Some have said that the suspense plot was thin but I enjoyed it. Towards the middle I figured out who the killer was but it was still a good read.

I enjoyed this novel more than Cooking Up A Storm. I understood Frankie's motivations more than Abby's in CUAS. It was nice to see how the relationship between Frankie and Jack developed.

My only negative was this: I found it hard to believe that Jack would have unsafe sex with Frankie an hour or so (was it even that long?) after he found her having sex with Dave and Peter (who have sex with each other) and knowing that she slept with Mike on the first day she met him. Who does that?????

Having read all of Emma Holly's books she keeps getting better and more outrageous everytime! This super-sexy gem is no exception, but--beware--the sensuality is as rich as a chocolate ice cream, hot fudge sundae. Just like that treat, if you're not ready it can be too much! Her female heroine is lucky enough to have a boatload of yummy, skilled males at her beck and call and lusty enough to enjoy throughly each one. The detail provided in the love scenes is plentiful and allows you to completely mentally enter each encounter. I fear it takes experience having sexy encounters in kitchens, showers, etc. to get so many fine details noted. Overall, it's a funny, joyful celebration of a book with great characters and a delightful setting in a neo-modern diner. Don't miss this treat and --by the way--you can add another cherry on top of my double chocolate sundae!

In Six Palms, California after five years together and one last sexual encounter, Troy Wilcox informs Frankie Smith he is leaving her. At her diner Frankie realizes why Troy suddenly dumped her when his caffeine junkie boss Karen Ellis orders milk. Police Chief Jack West, who desires Frankie offers to arrest Troy, but she says do not bother.

Frankie hires a new cook Michael True; they sleep together until they hear a noise. They investigate and find the corpse of Tish Whittier in her alley. Jack, who has worked homicide in Los Angeles, takes charge of the official investigation. However, the feisty fighting Frankie takes charge of the case as she knows she is the prime suspect. She plans to uncover the real culprit's identity not realizing the trouble that will bring to her from the residents who prefer secrets remain buried and from Jack wanting to keep his beloved safe.

ALL U CAN EAT feels like a throwback to the 1930s lighthearted romantic whodunit romps. The fun story line stars an enchanting courageous female protagonist who will have the audience wonder whether she will turn to Michael or Jack as she conducts an amateur sleuth investigation that drives the Chief who loves her crazy for several reasons. Emma Holly cooks up an amusing sexually heated (profanities included) romantic mystery that has readers following the clues in and out of the heroine's bedroom from start to finish.

Harriet Klausner

Emma is a great writer. If you a freak like me and you love crazy love stories with bizarre three-some's and thing like that. Or if you love to read about men enjoying each other then this writer and her books are for you. LOVE THEM SO MUCH i have ordered all of her books and am loving reading them...