Customer Reviews

Total Eclipse of the Heart

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

... and that pretty much sums up this new novel by Zane. There are some books that you read, and then there are some books that read you. The last time I felt emotional about a Zane book was `Nervous'. Now I know some of y'all might be saying, "why your stupid tail getting all emotional over an erotic book"? Well, after I punched you in the face I would say "read this book first and THEN ask me that question". I swear Zane needs to teach a class on what it takes to write a book because she gets it right (again) with this one.

Yeah, it has all of the insanely hot sex that Zane is known for; matter of fact the way this book starts is enough to have you running and jumping into a bathtub full of ice. As with all of her novels, Zane has created characters that you will love AND hate. Patrick. Patrick, Patrick, Patrick. And Carleigh... her idiot antics made my gall bladder hurt. Zane creates the perfect blend of drama, sex, humor, and strikingly real life situations... almost too real if you want the plain truth about it.

Not quite sure how Zane blends the serious drama and the melting sexuality so perfectly... but she does. I loved how she used the different type of eclipses to introduce the sections of her book. This story brings up some serious questions about relationships and what we do or do not settle for. Is the person you're with your real soul mate? Are you in a relationship because you're scared of quitting and starting a new one, even if the one you are in is abusive? Is it possible to find your soul mate AFTER you've been married? Entertaining, powerful, randy, and insightful, `Total Eclipse' is a perfect way for you to closeout your 2009 reading season.

I had stepped away from Zane for a minute and grabbed this book on impulse. I waited two days to read it, waiting to see a review. BIG MISTAKE! this book was amazing. I read it in 5 hours. There is a huge suprise waiting at the end of the book, the very end. I immediately had to re-read the book just to see if there were any hints to the surprise. I LOVE books like that. Zane did an awesome job at telling a love story that was timeless and classic with a twist to it. This was realistic and very heart warming. Zane definitly brought me back with this book. This is one of my favorites!

I thought nothing could Top a love story like "AfterBurn"!!!! And this has, I love reading Zane and just when i thought she couldn't blow me away...she HAS! This love story, keeps you reading. I finished it in two days and already want to read it again. I highly recommend this book a must in your Zane collection. ENJOY

Brooke Alexander is in a constant battle with her self-worth. She dislikes her job as a waitress and she's displeased over her weight. But her self-esteem issues are not as significant as the love she holds in her heart for Patrick Sterling. Patrick, a notable attorney has the qualities women desire in a man, but he belittles Brooke at every open opportunity.

Damon Johnson loves his wife Carleigh even though she parades him around her friends as a trophy husband. She doesn't respect his career aspirations, their home, nor does she want to have children. In the back of his mind, he wonders if Carleigh is really the woman for him.

A horrific accident causes Brooke and Damon's paths to cross and as they heal, secrets are revealed forcing them to look deeper into their relationships with Patrick and Carleigh. Brooke and Damon met at a time when their lives are in turmoil, but Damon's compassionate and honest persona is the boost Brooke needs to better herself and Brooke's attentiveness and acceptance allows Damon to be the man he wants to be.

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART is a classy, sensual, romantic story. Zane pens this novel with energy and excitement as she does with all her novels, but with a slightly different approach. She sketches a realistic picture showing how people place high standards on outside appearances; and the belief a person's worth is measured by their looks. Also, Zane delves into how person/s already in a committed relationship hanging out with a "platonic friend" can lead to indiscretions. There are many hidden messages inside TOTAL ECLISPE OF THE HEART which will hold its reader captive from the beginning to the end.

Reviewed by Sharon Lewis
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

I usually stay away from Zane's books because of the raunchy sex scenes, but since this book was supposed to be totally opposite, I gave it a try. Total Elicipse of the Heart was well written, but the plot was predictable and borderline boring.

The book fell short of my expectations and unfortunatley, I can't recommend it. :(

Overall rating...2.5 stars. (**1/2)

Before I knew it, I had brought and read this book in a total of 2 days time! It was such a good story line, laid out carefully so that the main characters stood out perfectly. The main story centers around the relationships of Brooke and Damon, both good people, caught up in relationships that aren't good for them in different ways. Eventually they both come together and realize that their own relationships are detrimental to their own well being and move on. Sorry, I don't believe in telling the story, get the book! Anyway, I think all of the relationships that are in each of the main characters lives are interesting and played into the story well. With each person, I felt a kindrance with some person in my life. Even the main "villians" of the story came out in a somewhat positive light as they were more selfish than inhumane. The story was sexy, compelling and well timed. Now for the question Zane asked at the end. Unfortunately, it does matter (I think that Brooke was caucasian), what their race is. In this day and age, too many people are getting together based on color of skin. When I look at the aftermath, one particular group is paying more than any other. The African-American woman. Now, that's not to say that people don't make bad choices, we all do, but I have seen too many AA women who are ready to settle down, without all the baggage, and there are barely any options out there, besides the ones that make me shiver. I wish I could say I am only talking about older AA women, but where I live, even the younger ones are having problems. That's just my opinion, not everyone's. I have to say that this story was wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a good read. I am so glad that Zane put her penmanship into this novel! Awesome!

I actually thought this was a very great read from Zane.I was captivated from the first page.Im glad she brung us something different,I was getting tired with all the "sex with no story" novels.This book was refreshing and I would recommend it.She really made me feel for the characters and their situations.I was shocked by the ending and still find myself trying to figure that part out. But I guess it doesnt matter when true love like that is involved.I had almost given up on Zane but this novel has restored my faith in her work!!Great story overall!!

Zane has truly outdone herself with "Total Eclipse of the Heart"! This story was a drastic change from Zane's usual, but I enjoyed it just the same! I'm glad the raunchy was turned down just a bit.

Slightly overweight waitress Brooke Alexander is in a unfulfilled relationship with wealthy lawyer Patrick Sterling. Patrick's uppity wealthy parents feel that Brooke is beneath Patrick and let her know it whenever they can. Patrick is verbally abusive to Brooke at times and often complains about her weight. Brooke wants out but doesn't feel she has the finances or strength to leave.

Damon Johnson is married to his wife of four years, Carleigh. Damon worships the ground Carleigh walks on and would never dream of hurting her. Carleigh on the other hand allows her friends to make inappropriate sexual remarks about Damon. Damon feels he is only "eye candy or a trophy husband" to Carleigh. Carleigh is not supportive of Damon's entrepreneurial efforts to launch his own dating websites.

Damon and Brooke are two people who will be brought together unexpectedly and tragically, but their meeting seems to be fate, meant to be and a total eclipse of the heart is destined to occur. This book was a bonafide page turner and I was totally shocked at the end about Damon and Brooke!!

I just re-read this book after having it for almost a year and I have to say I really love it. This is so different from the other books that I have read from Zane. The theme of true love was just so prevalent throughout this book. The turn of events that happens in Damon's life is just so unexpected, but is really what makes this book stand out from the rest. Damon was so instrumental in helping Brooke realize her full potential. This is the type of character all men should posses. Well done Zane!

This was a great read from Zane. I was captivated from the first page. I'm glad she brought us something different, It was good to see an actual story line filled with excitement, thought and energy. It still has Zane's popular sexual flair but in a calm sense and not totally raunchy. I was shocked by the ending and still find myself trying to figure that part out. But I guess it doesn't matter when true love like that is involved. Now, I probably wouldn't recommend this book to someone who has not read a Zane book or any erotica for that matter, but all in all it was a good book.