Customer Reviews

Sex Appeal (Blaze) (Harlequin Temptation)

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

 

 

When I buy a book by Lori Foster, I know I'm going to get a steamy sizzling love story with a healthy dose of humor thrown in. SEX APPEAL gives me all that and more.

Shadow Callahan had Brent Bramwell falling at her feet. Literally. When he loses his footing outside her little shop, little did he know he'd later lose his heart to the unconventional lady wearing a sweatshirt that warned, "You've been a bad boy. Go to my room." Shadow is need of a man. Well, three. That's the number she has left to recruit for her part in the strip mall's Love and Laughter contest and she'd bound and determined to enlist Brent. Brent, on the other hand, is just as adamant about refusing. Not only does he own the strip mall(unbeknownst to Shadow) but entering a Hunk contest is not something a businessman of his stature does. But he doesn't stand a chance against Shadow's determination, especially when he finds himself falling for her romantically.

There's trouble brewing, though, when Shadow finds herself being stalked by a man who's insistent that *he* is the one for her. Anonymous phone calls give way to more sinister events, causing Brent to fear for her life. He takes steps to keep her safe, but Shadow bridles at what she sees as his controlling nature.

Throw in Brent's snooty ex-girlfriend and his equally snooty parents, add Ms. Foster's sizzling love scenes and the reader is in for a story with more steam than a sauna. Shadow is a woman who can hold her own, whether in the bedroom or restaurant. I applauded her attitude and outlook on life and felt she and Brent were quite well-matched.

Lori Foster continues to shine for Harlequin Temptation and I'm looking forward to her first single title for Harlequin, CAUGHT IN THE ACT, coming in September.

I found SEX APPEAL to be a very enjoyable story. I found it to be fast paced and one of those books you hate to see end. Lori Foster continues to show why she is one of the hottest writers in Romance Fiction.

The two main characters, Shadow Callahan and Brent Bramwell are two strong persons who like to be in control of their lives and relationships. They have both experienced heartache in the past and find that if they lose control, they will only find disappointment.

Shadow owns a shop in a complex owned by Brent. But she doesn't know it yet. He is immediately attracted to her, but is afraid if she knew who he really was, then she might treat him differently. An unknown person suddenly is harassing her and Brent takes steps to protect her. The couple thus begin their relationship. Since both like to be in control, they are like a couple in a game of chess, trying to outdo the other. The thrilling conclusion to this "game" ends with the couple happily together and the person harassing her exposed.

SEX APPEAL is the launch of the HEAT series within the Temptation line. HEAT replaces BLAZE, which was known for being more steamier and sexier than the other Temptations. HEAT and Lori Foster continue to deliver in this respect. If you like a little spice in your reading along with a good story, then do not hesitate to read this.

When I buy a book by Lori Foster, I know I'm going to get a steamy sizzling love story with a healthy dose of humor thrown in. SEX APPEAL gives me all that and more.

Shadow Callahan had Brent Bramwell falling at her feet. Literally. When he loses his footing outside her little shop, little did he know he'd later lose his heart to the unconventional lady wearing a sweatshirt that warned, "You've been a bad boy. Go to my room." Shadow is need of a man. Well, three. That's the number she has left to recruit for her part in the strip mall's Love and Laughter contest and she'd bound and determined to enlist Brent. Brent, on the other hand, is just as adamant about refusing. Not only does he own the strip mall(unbeknownst to Shadow) but entering a Hunk contest is not something a businessman of his stature does. But he doesn't stand a chance against Shadow's determination, especially when he finds himself falling for her romantically.

There's trouble brewing, though, when Shadow finds herself being stalked by a man who's insistent that *he* is the one for her. Anonymous phone calls give way to more sinister events, causing Brent to fear for her life. He takes steps to keep her safe, but Shadow bridles at what she sees as his controlling nature.

Throw in Brent's snooty ex-girlfriend and his equally snooty parents, add Ms. Foster's sizzling love scenes and the reader is in for a story with more steam than a sauna. Shadow is a woman who can hold her own, whether in the bedroom or restaurant. I applauded her attitude and outlook on life and felt she and Brent were quite well-matched.

Lori Foster continues to shine for Harlequin Temptation and I'm looking forward to her first single title for Harlequin, CAUGHT IN THE ACT, coming in September.

Shadow Callahan needs to find 10 guys to enter in the sexiest man contest. Fate steps in when Brent Bramwell, falls in front of her window in front of her shop. Sex Appeal features all kinds of interesting "stuff". Brent never thought he would be drawn to someone like Shadow. He always was in control and realised after meeting Shadow that his life was a little too much in control. It is only fitting that Sex Appeal is being used to launch the new HEAT line, since it provides alot of HEAT. Sex Appeal is wonderful. Brent and Shadow are a classic Lori Foster couple and you get to visit a couple of old friends as well. Hurry and get this book, because it will surely fly off the shelves.

When Brent Bramwell peruses his new strip of eclectic shops, one named SEX APPEAL catches his attention. Well, actually, the body in the sweatshirt hanging new blinds revealing curvy hips, slim thighs, and luscious breasts catches his attention. As he approaches to catch a glimpse of the face accompanying the sexy body, a hard fall on the icy sidewalk serves as his introduction to Shadow Callahan.

Shadow explains she's thrilled to meet Brent, and that he's just what she's looking for--for a contest called "Love and Laughter." Each storeowner must find ten men who fit the description of what single women are looking for. Despite Brent's obvious need to control all situations, he's intrigued with Shadow's bold manner. Clearly not interested in a one-night stand, Shadow casts a spell over Brent, leaving him fascinated. Brent realizes that he's been missing out on fun, and Shadow's just the one to fill his need.

The irrepressible Shadow is one of the most engaging, humorous and outrageous characters I have had the pleasure to encounter. Shadow not only to brashly survives the obligatory repressed and staid future mother-in-law, and outwits the money grubbing ex-fiancé, but she manages to remain charmingly vulnerable. Lively, smiling and quick to forgive, Shadow lives life in the dim recesses of security, but in her own indomitable and outrageous style.

Lori Foster is not only on target, but also scores a bulls-eye in her sexy romp, SEX APPEAL. The characters are vividly realistic, the sex scenes sizzle, and the plot rocks. Impossible to put down, time flies when immersed in this in this riveting story. With her sensuous writing style, Foster's SEX APPEAL is very highly recommended.

When Brent Bramwell first saw Shadow Callahan through her store's window, he was so taken aback that he forgot about the ice and slipped. She helps him as he admits that he suffered no physical injuries, but his psyche is a bit embarrassed. Brent learns that Shadow is the proprietor of Sex Appeal, a novelty shop dedicated to having fun. She asks him to be one of her ten representatives in the Southwatch Mall's sexiest man contest with the winner receiving several nice prizes. Brent delays his response and obtains a lunch date with Shadow.

Brent continues to see Shadow, but fails to inform her that he is the owner of the company that leases her mall space. Brent wants someone to want him and not his money. When a stalker becomes increasingly dangerous and threatening Shadow, Brent knows he has found love because he will do anything to keep his beloved Shadow safe. However, he worries about her reaction when she learns who he is.

SEX APPEAL is an entertaining contemporary romance with a side order of suspense. The story line is fun especially when it concentrates on the relationship between Brent and Shadow. However, the stalking subplot though well written and clearly integrated into the central core of the tale still feels like an unnecessary add-on to a novel fostering the concept of enjoying a relationship.

Harriet Klausner

This book is about a lady who owns a specialty shop in a strip mall. The shop is called Sex Appeal and she sells 'toys for adults'. Enter one great looking guy, who just happens to own the strip mall that she is renting from and let the fun begin. Once again Ms Foster's quick wit and ability to write a captivating story about a couple that are truly meant for each other and have a wonderful time getting there. And as usual things are just HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Thanks for another GREAT read Lori! Keep them coming!!

If you have read Lori Foster, run to the nearest bookstore and pick up this book before it sells out. If you haven't read Lori Foster before, then what are you waiting for! Buy this book and get ready to start searching for her backlist. This book is fun and sexy. I absolutely fell in love with this hero. All I can say is when is her next book??? I want more books by Lori Foster.

Sex Appeal is an engaging book, with Ms.Foster's trademarked humor and steamy love scenes, but I felt teased and frustrated with the suspense elements that never fully developed. The sense of menace from the stalker built nicely, only to wind up a throwaway plotpoint, and just when I expected things to get tense and dangerous, the story just skipped over it. Ms. Foster can write good suspense, so I wonder why she left it like this, perhaps she felt constrained by the length restrictions, and should have blown this out into a 400p single title? Other than the heroine acting like a complete ditz when being stalked, and the resolution of the stalker storyline a bit dull, the love story was excellent. Still a worthy read, and an amusing story.

I thought this was a great book of love,humor,and a tad bit of mystery...I loved it...Its very romantic and steamy-Theres enough mystery in the book and sexual tension to keep you turning the pages...Its very HOT HOT HOT...and I think you will be hooked if this is your first Lori Foster book. This is another keeper and will leave you wishing the book wouldnt end!