Customer Reviews

O'Hurley's Return: Skin Deep

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Chantel O'Hurley, the "oldest" of the O'Hurley Triplets, has realized her lifelong dream of becoming a star. Now she has the Hollywood lifestyle, the huge estate, the fans -- and a stalker.

Another reviewer's comparison to the movie "The Bodyguard" is right on, and this thought crossed my mind several times as I read this book. Unlike that movie, the reader never really gets any good clues as to who the obsessive fan might be. The book centers much more on the inital love/hate relationship of Chantel and her new bodyguard Quinn, and then focuses almost entirely on their romance when they fall in love.

In that sense alone, "Skin Deep" was a bit of a disappointment as a "mystery" because the stalker storyline was really only there to move along the romance. But let's be honest -- many NR fans read her books for the romance, not the intrigue. It's only in her newer books that Nora has begun to write really well-crafted mysteries. Since I'm sure the O'Hurley trilogy (plus "Without a Trace", about the triplets' brother) was conceived as being essentially about the lives and loves of these three sisters, NR did her job well here and writes an entertaining, satisfying romance.

Ms. Roberts manages to give each of the triplets in this series a different and interesting story. In Skin Deep you get the glamorous, beautiful and very talented film actress Chantel. She has everything she has worked and strived for except peace of mind. What Nora Roberts does, just about better than anyone else is give the hero and heroine enough friction and conflict to keep them interesting and fresh. Yet even when they are arguing you always have the sense of trust that exists at the core of their relationship. It's a relief to have the couple be able to disagree but know they still have a solid relationship. This comes across as well in this book as in her longer novels. Ms. Roberts is always, without exception a terrific read.
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All of the elements were there! The initial unwillingness to believe in the need for protection regardless of the fear, the abrasive directness of the protector, the unwillingness of the stalked to submit to total "protection". I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It will become a permanent part of my library.

Nora Roberts shares with the reader a realistic glimpse into film making and the acting profession. Acting is actually a strenuous profession, both physically and psychologically, not easy and self indulgent as most people assume stardom to be. [This is one of the "O'Hurley Series" about a theatrical family.]

Chantal O'Hurley is a well-known film star who is wise, strong and beautiful. She has known her whole life what she wants to accomplish and has gone for her goals with clear and realistic expectations. She is aware of her impact on her audience and those with whom she associates, working diligently to have a reputation as a responsible and cooperative actress, and is well aware that she is only part of the movie-making team. She understands the personal vulnerability she has as a star, but has never anticipated that anyone close to her could and would consider stalking her.

At the recommendation of her agent, Chantal hires Quinn Dolan, private investigator for her personal security. Quinn and Chantal try to maintain a businesslike relationship, but as time goes along, Quinn becomes aware that Chantal's beauty is more than skin deep. It comes from her innermost being (which is the source she draws upon for her acting talent); a deep appreciation of life. Chantal, on her side, comes to know that Quinn is more than the tough guy persona seen at first glance. He is perceptive and compassionate, and draws this strength from within himself as well.

Nora Roberts has done her homework here. She puts the reader right into the environment. The details of filmaking, acting and the theatre world ring true. I found myself "right there" on the soundstage, as if I was by the camera (if not in front of it). I have found that I better not start reading one of Roberts' novels if I plan on reading myself to sleep, because I get so involved that I can't stop myself from turning the pages, reading "just one more chapter" until I'm finished, often into the very early morning! This book is just one more example of the power and intensity of her writing.

This is the third book in the O'Hurley series and my least favorite so far. Although there certainly was a love story between Chantel O'Hurley Hollywood actress and Quinn Doran the man hired to protect her, the wasn't the type of book by Roberts which I most enjoy. As I often say, I really love Nora Roberts' pure romance books, not the romantic suspense titles. Having said what I did, though, this is still an entertaining read.

When Chantal receives obsessive phone calls, flowers and notes her agent hires private investigator Quinn who is quite a good looking man. At first there's the usual cat and mouse games between Chantal and Quinn, as she doesn't think he's necessary to protect her and he stubbornly refuses to leave. Clearly there is an attraction between the two of them which both denies and they continue to resist these urges even though it's clear to everyone else something is brewing. As usual there's the standard Nora Roberts reunion of the O'Hurley family as first sister Abby who is now pregnant arrives with her second husband (The Last Honest Woman) and then their parents Frank and Molly arrive for sister Maddy's wedding (Dance to the Piper). But once the family wedding is over, Chantel must reveal a long held secret that none of Quinn's snooping has unearthed and one which may forever change their relationship. As romance readers and Nora Roberts fans know there always must be a happily ever after ending. Quinn eventually finds the stalker, but not before Chantel's life is in danger, and finally Quinn and Chantel are able to pledge their devotion and love to one another.

I imagine that those readers who enjoy the romantic suspense genre will find this book a most enjoyable read.

Skin Deep was the first book I read involving the flamboyant O'Hurley family (my second favorite family created by Nora Roberts - the O'Hurley's place right after the MacGregors). I was so enthralled with this story that I read it in one sitting and enjoyed every minute of it! In fact, I immediately set about trying to find one of the other books with these characters (Without a Trace and The Last Honest Woman are a couple of the other ones).

Chantel O'Hurley had once been a member of the O'Hurley Dancing Triplets until she left the family act and started out on her own, much to her father's regret. But Chantel had done well for herself; after all she was a blonde bombshell and used those fantastic looks and her immense talent to get where she wanted to be: The big screen. Chantel O'Hurley was famous and had reached many of the goals she set for herself. Just when she reached the apex, she started being stalked by an obsessive fan and felt as if her life was in danger. Also fearing for her safety, the studios she was contracted with made her hire a private investigator/body guard. (Ok, so you can probably see where this is heading, right?)

Quinn Doran enters the picture as that private investigator with a tough guy attitude and enough good looks to make Chantel stop and take notice. What neither of them wanted was the mutual attraction that sparked and continued to grow no matter what they did to stop it.

The romantic side of this tale is stronger than the mystery portion, but Nora Roberts douses the reading audience with humor just to round things out a bit. Chantel isn't anyone's dumb blonde and can hold her own in a battle of wits with Quinn, as shown several times during this tale. Chantel's father, Frank, makes a candid appearance just to stir things up a bit and let the reader understand where Chantel gets her spunk. It's a fast paced, fun, well-rounded book that can be enjoyed in an afternoon or weekend if you want to stretch out the enjoyment.

The plot is somewhat predictable, but that doesn't deter from the overall book, as there is enough humor and mystery thrown in the mix of things to make up for the predictability. One thing Skin Deep does show is that Nora Roberts can write a melting pot type book - one with a touch of everything so most can enjoy the story. Her characters are well developed and the settings are very descriptive, right down to the dance step that Frank demonstrates to his captive audience.

If you haven't been introduced to the O'Hurley family, I strongly suggest that you pick this book up and begin your journey. You won't be sorry you did!

When Chatel, a big Hollywood movie star begins to receive obsessive phone calls and letters, she hires Quinn, the five hundred a day bodyguard. He is watching out for her while the staker gets closer and closer, the heat between them turns red hot. This book was a fast and entertaining read. Not the best by Nora but not the worse by far. This is the third book in the O'Hurley series. I would recommend this book because it is a very fast read.

i hadnt realized that this family was a set of books....when i found this one, i was happy to learn of it. a fast read indeed. its a short book, but its pretty good as well. takes you in and wont let you go until you find out who it is ::smile

Once again Nora Roberts reaches out & grabs you with her characters. Immediately, you want to know more about Quinn & Chantal. Why the animosity? You KNOW that as much as these two are fighting with each other, it HAS to be masking something else. I was surprised at the plot twist in this novel. I must admit that I didn't see it coming. After reading this one, I want to get to know the O'Hurley's better. I inted to check out the other books concerning this eclectic family.

She is one of the best authors I have read and she keeps my interest up in all the books and keeps me in suspense.