Short Stories Books

This reader blows away any of Kerouac's work, in my opinion. Huncke was the first to coin the phrase "beat," and also the first to turn on Burroughs to morphine. He's really where Beat started. The book is very interesting, especially in the fact that it is composed mostly of journal-type entries. He writes as he probably spoke: full of slang terms of the time that other authors leave out.

This is a wonderful glance into Huncke's world and the workings of his singular, unique mind.

Herbert Huncke was the true beat. As WS Burroughs wrote, in The Herbert Huncke Reader, "Huncke had adventures and misadventures that were not available to middle-class, comparatively wealthy college people like...me....Huncke had extraordinary experiences that were quite genuine." The sad true is that Huncke was the type that Burroughs wrote about, but didn't like much. He was real. Burroughs was living on trust-fund money for decades (remember that the $200 a month WSB received from family in the 1950s was equal to thousands of dollars a month now-not a bad way to live). Huncke lived the life that others wrote about, but never live. While Burroughs ate steak and drank fine booze, Huncke was still wandering around Times Square. Read the original beat. He makes the other `beat' writers seem like the middle-class dilatants that many of them were. Huncke never fought for the fame, the fortune, and the boys. He was just a "junkie on the prow." This book is truly hip.

Previously known for using the word "beat" to the fullest, thus inspiring Kerouac for an appropriation of a very hip literary movement, there was more to Huncke than just a "jive" talker. As we know, Huncke was a full time junky (what a rhyme!) who had more of an affect on Burroughs than any other beat writer. Likewise, Huncke spent most of his life helping out on the Burroughs' cannabis farm and taking care of Bill's wife Joan who harnessed a difficult benny habit. In Huncke's early years, growing up in Massachusetts and NYC, he used to entertain the boys at local cafeterias with his succinct yet street jargon-fulled stories; clearly he had a talent for story telling. This story-telling is pretty much what makes up the Herbert Huncke Reader. Starting with Huncke's journal, Herbert gets his feet wet with short-story writing, particularly focusing on introspective work-outs and clever anecdotes. Then the books moves to The Evening Sun Turned Crimson, another introspective composition altho mainly concentrating on structural pieces depicting street life, hanging with the beats, and drugs. Next to Reader introduces Guilty of Everything, a comprehensive series of interviews plus outtakes from other journals. Finally the book closes with Previously Uncollected Material, the chapter says it all. Sometimes moving other times raw and scatological, Huncke writes with a unique style that is easy to comprehend and is inspiring. Although not as transcendent as his contempoaries (Burroughs, Ginsberg, Corso), Huncke's writing should not overlooked as "writings of a drug addict," or "a subordinate Beatnik." Huncke did have talent (most notably with recitations) and has definitely worked to the fullest by publishing what he could, despite his painful heroin addiction and ostracization. In my opinion he's a second Neal Cassady (more of a inspiring icon) and definitely had a major affect on the foremost Beat's writings despite his own sparse collection; that's why I think this Reader is important.

There are few authors I feel everyone should read but no matter who you are Herbert Huncke should be read. He is one of the best storytellers/writers I have had the privilege of reading. His stories of sex, streets, drugs, life and friends bring a humanity to what may be considered by many obscure, degenerate, or just plain disgusting, but Hunckeýs stories I believe are non of these. They are filled with love, beauty, pain and always truth. He takes the reader into a world they donýt always want to enter but when the story is finished we are glad we made the journey and had someone like Huncke by our side as a companion.

Kate Bloomfield, a Canadian teenage girl, records her thoughts and feelings through a series of poems and vignettes. The very first page quickly sets the tone of Kate's story - she announces her arrival to the World, but when she gets no response, her Self celebrates with somersaults. The World had its chance, but now it's Kate's turn! Simple stories, like not being able to eat parsnips or being proud to be Canadian, are mixed with longer portraits of Kate, her friends and family. Kate struggles with becoming a teenager and learning more about her parents and neighbors. The reader gets an intimate portrait of Kate and may discover a kindred spirit.

Kate has already appeared in two book, Kate and Look Through My Window, but Hey World, Here I Am! certainly stands on its own. Little's writing style capture the teenage voice perfectly, without any of the angst or drama found in so many other books with a teen protagonist. Kate is caught between a world where she is old enough to have experience and reflect on her opinions, but still new to the world of adults. Truesdell's illustrations, wobbly black and white drawings, are both silly and sentimental. The drawings interact with the poems, somersaulting around the words. Not only will younger readers find a companion in Kate, they will be introduced to poetry and the short story format.

This is my very favorite book. It was delivered in a very timely fashion and it is so great. The main character grew up in Canada and is Jewish and I'm Hispanic and in Southern California, but I so get her!!! The style that she writes with is so simple, understandable, and creative; it's poetic. It would be a great book to read at bedtime with your child or by yourself.

This is such a great book! It's perfect for any young girl. The book has short poems and stories told from Kate's point of view. It's fun, it's happy and it's sad. It talks about friendship,parents and life. I cannot recommend it enough! I read it when I was in middle school, probably. Rereading it reminds me of how much I enjoyed it. Really a great read for anyone at any age, but will speak to a young girl's inner voice. GET IT!

I purchased this book at a library book fair in the second grade. After one reading, I fell in love with the goofy pictures (I like Kate's hair and messy bedroom) and poetry. It combined poetry and pictures, my two favorite things in a book at that time. Over many years, I have gotten rid of the old books of my childhood, but I have never parted with this one. I take it off the shelf about once a year and read it (since I was seven I've read it ten times). I can empathize with Kate and her love of books, spats with her mother, and her dislike of interpreting poetry. Even though I am not Jewish like Kate, after reading the Diary of Anne Frank like her friend, I felt Jewish too. I also write poetry, but they are usually about my cat and nature. After reading this book many times, my love for Hey World, Here I Am! has never faded.

I was about eight years old when my mom first brought this book home for me. I was so thrilled because I shared the name of the character in the book, Kate. I absolutely devoured the book, enjoying it more for the humor Jean Little displays impeccably in her writing, and the utter appropriateness of Sue Truedell's wonderful illustrations. Later, when I was a teenager, I went back and read the poems again because they seemed to describe the utter tumult and solitude that I felt during such a trying time. Poems like "Today," "Alone," and "Yesterday" capture perfectly feelings and emotions that nobody ever thinks to capture, yet Ms. Little does it in such a fabulous way that one instantly understands just what kind of mood she is describing. Now that I am a young woman, near to having a family of my own, I treasure my battered old copy of this book, nearly worn to pieces from repeated readings. Even today I can still find wisdom in every poem and piece of prose. The writer, Jean Little, is blind; I can only say it has sharpened her other senses and her intuition of basic human emotion powerfully. Bravo!

Very often, as it happens in a Beatles album, you find yourself wishing, "if there was only one more song."

I experienced a similar emotion at the end of If by Neeru Nanda. After reading this book, these two letters when combined took on the form of a bottomless hat, filled with one possibility after another.

I don't want to reveal even an iota of so as to spoil the surprise for anyone, but suffice to say, that you are transported from the Himalayan Peaks to the shade of a banyan tree with effortless ease. It is clear that Neeru Nanda has a deep understanding of the collective consciousness of the Indian mind, and I for one, look forward to her next book.

One of my friends gave me this book to read, after he had received it from his Aunt. He told me that I may not understand some of it, but that I should read it anyway. Well I did read it and I could not put it down. And I never once had a hard time understanding what was going on. Even though the stories are set in India, I still understood the meaning of each of them, and after reading them I am left with a realization that this does happen everywhere. The stories are short but so captivating that it is hard when each one of them ends. You just want each one to keep going. The characters are so well thought out and explained that you feel like you know each one and have for a long time. Over all I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read, no matter what age. It is amazing book and I look forward to more gerat stories from the author.

I read the book, 'If'. Quite liked it. All the stories are good, very readable and soulful. Even the author's take on 'If' in the Foreword is most appropriate.

I especially liked the first two stories. 'The Peak' is an excellent depiction of a simple soul, still untouched by the modern materialistic world. 'His Father's Funeral', takes one back to the style of Premchand. 'Memories. And other possessions' is an absorbing story, with which many of the readers would be able to identify themselves in some way.

Well, I can go on and on, but the long and short of it is that the stories start a thought process which stays with the reader, even after the the story has ended.

Expecting to see the author's work in progress (Sanskruti) soon.

Dr. J.K. Mehta

We all get so busy in our everyday life that we have a difficult time identifying with the problems of others or even taking the time to notice the struggles going on all around us. IF is a collection of short stories that forces you to look at the many problems in society. The characters stay with you long after you have finished the book. Although the stories take place in India I could imagine similar situations taking place in the United States or anywhere else.

While the setting for these stories is India, the range is so diverse that it is really limiting to describe this as a book about India. Even those without a connection to the subcontinent will find "If" absorbing, direct, heartfelt and truly universal. The stories are moving without being sentimental and make a strong impact without preaching.

We can all relate to characters like Padma (Memories and other Possessions) who can hardly find time to visit her ageing mother yet remembers her happy childhood in such wonderful detail. Or the young man who becomes a spiritual leader (Sarvaguru) after exploring and struggling with the joys and perils of material life.

A wonderful book and an amazing achievement for a first-time writer!

I have yet to encounter one of the Pantheon folklore series that was not a good read. This is no exception. My regret is that they have not published more and that some of their folklore books seem out of print. I enjoyed this book and I am happy to recommend it. I have one other book on the subject (purchased over ten years ago) and this one complements the first.

By using his extensive knowledge in the Japanese literature, Royall Tyler collected and translated Japanese stories into English and into one volume entitled "Japanese Tales." This book drives the readers to experience the enchanting Japanese folklore and ancient short stories of spirits, demons, monsters, gods, monks, heroes, snakes, robbers, foxes, love, and families. There are 220 tales in this book, which are grouped into sets of four to six tales with each having its own theme or heading. In addition to the sets of the book, there is an introduction which describes the history of Japanese lore and mythology; and the culture of Japan including the capital, provinces, the emperor, ministers, houses, the manners of the Japanese people, and the religion during the period of 9th to 13th centuries. Throughout the selected sets of "Japanese Tales," one can understand the Japanese culture from 9th to 13th centuries by looking at the influences of Buddha and Lotus Sutra, the interferences of gods and goddesses, and the stories of snakes and foxes.

"Japanese Tales" explores the influences of Buddha and Lotus Sutra in the medieval Japanese culture as seen in the sets of 'Monk Jokes,' 'Beyond the Rules,' and 'Parent and Child.' Since the religion of Buddhism officially came to Japan in the mid-sixth century, large temples were built and respected monks were scattered across Japan in which people viewed them as saints, frivolous, worldly, and rich (p. xxxvi - xxxvii). However, the tales in the set of 'Monk Jokes' demonstrated as a way of insult to the Buddhist monks because of their sexual behavior, and this set has a twist and humorous end. But the religion of Buddha also had great positive influences on the Japanese people as their view of life and death. The best example of this is a tale of 'The Stinking Hut' in a set of 'Beyond the Rules.'

The important part of the Buddha religion is its scriptures called the sutras, and Lotus Sutra was the only important sutra in Japan which was a "basic of great many monks" and its powerful spiritual merit was copying the text (p. xxxvii, xliv - xlv). The mention of Lotus Sutra appeared throughout the selected sets as a chant or a benefit for someone in need. A good example of the Lotus Sutra can be seen in a tale of 'Hell in Broad Day' in a set of 'Parent and Child.' The religion of Buddha and the Lotus Sutra made strong impacts upon the rich culture of Japan, as evidenced in the living folklore and tales.

The interferences of gods and goddesses in the tales appeared to be of a great importance for the Japanese people because of hope, prayers being answered, and their roles in the vast universe. The religion of Buddhism has many gods and goddesses which appear or are mentioned in the Japanese Tales as part of the Japanese culture. In a sense, the tales would teach the new Japanese generations about the roles of the gods and goddesses and the lessons from their seen or unseen actions. Like a shocking story of 'Buckets of Marital Bliss,' tales that involved gods or goddesses would seem to have important lessons for the readers or listeners during the period of 9th to 13th centuries. The lessons that were demonstrated to the mortal people in the stories would have included the morals, relationships, virtues, and characters. The interferences of gods and goddesses in the "Japanese Tales" played an important role in a traditional society which formed a moral root of the Japanese culture.

The stories of the "Japanese Tales" consisted of many symbols and hidden meanings as related to the conditions of human beings. There are two major creatures of human conditions that appeared in many of the tales, and these were the snakes and the foxes. The snakes in the tales can "embody sinful" conditions including lust, forbidden desires, and evil while the foxes were tricksters for their own sexual desire, love, family, and they were also messengers of gods (p. xlvix - li.). Like in other foreign stories such as the Genesis story in the Bible, the snakes in the "Japanese Tales" represented evil and the actions of the dark side of all human beings, such as lust and forbidden desires. Foxes, on the other hand, do not represent evil, but they represent something between good and evil. Since they were not viewed as good creatures, the foxes can be tricky in such a way that they can be manipulative in love and family. The fox would change its appearance into a woman to get attention from a man, to feel appreciated and loved. Sometimes, a fox can be a messenger of a god appearing in dreams. These 'messenger' foxes would sometime play a divinity role for Japanese people as they would become important creatures of Japan, while the "manipulative" foxes can be the most annoying yet tricky creatures. While they appeared often in the tales, the snakes and the foxes were important figures for the readers or the listeners as they are the representations of major human conditions in Japan.

In Tyler's "Japanese Tales," one can understand the Japanese culture from 9th to 13th centuries by looking at the influences of Buddha and Lotus Sutra, the interferences of gods and goddesses, and the stories of snakes and foxes from the selected sets. The rich culture of Japan was formed by the impact of the religion of Buddha and the Lotus Sutra which affected Japanese folklore and tales.

A well-written book of tales with an accessible source of traditional Japanese society, Royall Tyler's "Japanese Tales" gave a fascinating picture of the Japanese culture and its people during the period of 9th to 13th centuries. For those who love folklores and legends, this book is most recommended.

"Japanese Tales" is probably the best collection of Japanese folk tales available. Every conceivable piece of folk lore is packed in this book, categorized and deftly translated into English. A host of monsters, ghosts, demons and heroes are packed in tightly, their stories waiting to be discovered.

Of course, with 220 stories in one volume, some of the stories are very short indeed, lasting a half-page at best. Many are just the right size for a child's bedtime story. Some of the stories are longer, but I don't think any of them run over 2 or 3 pages. Some stories have a moral, or tell a cautionary tale, while many are merely there to entertain, frighten or amuse.

As interesting as the book itself is the author's introduction, a 35 page quick course on Japanese folklore and mythology. In it, he outlines some fundamental themes as well as showing the logic behind his categorizing of the stories.

An excellent book, belong on the shelf of anyone with an interest in Japanese folklore.

"Japanese Tales" boasts an incredibly rich assortment of old Japanese stories, most either from or about the Heian period, an early classical golden age of Japanese culture and literature. The stories themselves evoke a great number of moods, and cover topics that run the gamut from vulgar (even the Japanese aristocrats of a thousand years ago enjoyed fart jokes) to austere. Most interesting is the incredible juxtaposition and intertwining of the spirit world with the "real" world. Asking the people of this classical age whether they believed in demons, fox spirits, bodhisattva, and the like would be about as ridiculous as asking people of the modern age whether they believed in puppies and bunnies. It's not a question of belief--these creatures and deities simply "exist".

The translations are excellent, and it is an incredible credit to Royall Tyler that these stories--set in a time a millennium removed and half a world away from the reader--are so accessible and easy to read. Tyler effectively groups the stories by topic, giving the reader a bit of structure to the wonderfully diverse range of tales. The introduction is packed full of information, but perhaps my only (small) complaint is that with the large number of place names mentioned it would have been nice if a map had been included. Overall though, this collection of tales is an excellent addition to the canon of English translations of ancient Japanese literature and provides great insight to the mind and world of Heian Japan. "Japanese Tales" should be a must-read for all people interested in the folklore and literature of Japan.

I rate this book to be Pretty Killer. It is extremely well, written, with translator Royall Tyler keeping up his usual excellence. if you are new to Japanese literature, i reccomend The Tale of Genji (Tyler), The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon, and As I Crossed A Bridge of Dreams- Sarashina Nikki (Morris). Even if you hold little interest in Japan or the literature of such, this book is engaging, amusing, thoughtful, and supplies you with stories you can retell. Read the darn thing.

Since 1995 and the release of "Night Song" there is one thing I look forward to each year; the release of the latest Beverly Jenkins novel. Her latest book (Jewel) did not disappoint. Beverly Jenkins is the only author that renders me physically paralyzed until the last word is read. She is simply a literary Genius and African-American history Champion!! I only wish she could produce these quality reads much more often.

This book, as well as all of the others by Beverly Jenkins was absolutely wonderful!!!! If you want hot, steamy romance and some awesome history this is the book for you. Jenkins cannot publish books quick enough for me to ready them, I will ready any book she sets her pen to produce because they are filled with wonderful and sensual stories. Keep up the good work Beverly, you are an awesome writer!!!

Beverly Jenkins has carried her readers back to Grayson Grove (Vivid) where Eli Grayson, the Colored Casanova of Cass County has to prove he's married in order to get help from G.W.Hicks to reopen the local newspaper, the Gazette. Convincing Jewel Crowley, the rose planting, denim wearing Crowleys' sister to pretend to be his wife for one hour is more than he bargained for. Not only is there a marriage, a murder, and a double shot of romance but some humorous moments as well.

As with all of Ms Jenkins' books, we get another lesson in African American History; however,whether contemporary or historical,Beverly Jenkins cannot write them fast enough.

Ms. Beverly Jenkins has done it again!!!! This book was awesome. I couldn't put it down. Jewel and Eli's relationship was so sweet you couldn't help but fall in with them!!

This book was awesome from the first word through the last. You have a winner Mrs. B. Jewel is a must read and a welcome addition to any library. It simply leaves you wanting more!

regards from Panama, Central America! I bought this book a little bit nervous about the the fact that it's originally written in English, so I thought i could get lost in translation Or that it would be too regional (for example with mexican slangs). But both my kids (7 and 3 years old) have enjoyed it so much that I have to read it at least twice a week as a bedtime story. My older son enjoys the irony very much and the little one loves the illustrations that are rich and original.
Definetely a good addition to any collection!

I really enjoy this book. I think that it is pretty funny. My favorite part in this book is when the 3rd little pig calls the police and they arrest the wolf because they thought that he was trying to eat the little pig for supper.

A delightful twist on an old favorite. A fun story for children and grownups alike and a must own for all pig lovers.

I loved this take on the "Three Little Pigs" as did my kids though for different reasons. My daughter enjoys this book because it is a humorous Wolf's versions of the "Three Little Pigs" her favorite children's classic. I like it because it presented a great sarcastic though honest parady of contemparary Media and American culture. You see according to the wolf, He really didn't mean to blow down the little pig's houses it was all an honest mistake, and the part about him being a big bad wolf? Just a media creation to jazz up his trial and sell more newspapers. Its rare to find a childrens book now a days that are even a little bit creative but this one is pure genius both in it's simplicity but also in the way it portrays the world around us. An outstanding childrens book for the whole family.

A funny book told from the wolf's point of view.

Note to the Teacher: Good book for a mini-lesson to teach benchmark on Point of View.

If you read just one book this year, make it this one. Barbara Haines Howett's book is that good.

Patty Hardin
author of Devil In Her Arms

Ladies of the Borobudur, is a series of linked stories as rich and complex as its setting, 1976 Jakarta. At that time, Pertamina--Indonesia's national oil company and the hope of a stable Indonesian economy--was reeling from appalling levels of debt as well as widespread mismanagement and corruption. To bolster itself, Pertamina partnered with predominantly French and U.S. oil corporations. This ensured a large, expatriate population in the capital city of Jakarta. It also ensured that numerous corporate wives would be thrust into a very traditional society at the height of the modern women's movement. Ladies thoroughly explores what happens when women find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings isolated from familiar tempering forces. "Strangeness" acts as a catalyst, and women's responses are faster, deeper, wilder than they would be at home. While culture-clash is a concept that permeates the book, for expat corporate wives of that era it is a truth denied, only spoken of in whispers; coping only gets them so far, and when it fails, all hell breaks loose. And that makes for fine reading and a meaningful understanding of the pressures on real women in the 1970s.

Howett covers a tremendous amount of ground. Ladies of the Borobudur offers up ten linked stories about nine women who acclimate to Jakarta at the Hotel Borobudur. The common location is a grounding thread, while the linked-story format allows exploration of numerous themes: control, re-invention, escapism, coping, pretense, belonging, fear (especially expressed as anger), victimhood, loss and grief, duality, abandonment, isolation.

Ladies of the Borobudur offers so much--terrific writing, great characters, and a very broad spectrum of themes. Reading it is an enriching experience--I've done it twice so far. Howett is a wonderful wordsmith who gives us an intimate look at real women during a central moment in the history of the women's movement. She puts traditional women under pressure during a time of change, adds catalyst, and shows us what happens. It is sobering, funny, and meaningful. Howett lived through this, and thank God kept her eyes wide open while she did. Her observations are priceless.

Not being a real avid reader of ficiton novels, I wasn't quite sure if this book was for me. But, I suddenly found myself pleasantly surprised and caught up in this book and I looked forward to picking it up to read. In this book, Barbara takes me to Indonesia and really makes me feel like I am right there. The Ladies of the Borobudur all have very different and interesting lives. I easily became pulled into their stories and their lives, which became so real to me. I could not stop reading to find out more about their adventures. This was a good read for me and I look forward to more from Barbara.

The ladies in this book all lead very different, but interrelated lives. Their stories, as Barbara wrote them, grabbed my attention and pulled me into their lives until she ended each one with a new twist. I had to read each story in one sitting as a new adventure. I couldn't wait to begin the next one. Her last statement in the book, "Take along what has meaning for you now and leave the rest for another time" sums up the feelings I was left with at the end of each story. I'm sure as I reread the book, I will find new meanings and adventures that I missed the first time. I'm looking forward to meeting more ladies of the Borobudur.

Author Barbara Howett takes the reader on a tour through the lives of the wives of American oil industry workers who, in 1976 A.D., are taking up residence at the Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Lisa, Maddy, Sharon, Lexie, Srikandi, Ohney, Lila, Edythe, Katherine, Miriam: These wives cultivate relationships with one another, with the citizens of Jakarta, and especially the employees of the hotel.

The text explores the relationships between the wives and their families and friends left behind in the United States as well. Auhtor Howett demonstrates her prose and exalts the reader in her crisp, and tantalizing details that create the background in which this tropical narrative takes place.

Great book. Five stars.

THIS BOOK WAS SO WELL WRITTEN, I ACTUALLY SAW IT AS A MOVIE!!!! I LOVED HOW THEY ACCEPTED KEYTONE AS A BROTHER !!! I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK!!!!! I FEEL THAT I SAID TOO MUCH,I DON'T LIKE TELLING THE STORY,BECAUSE I FEEL THAT YOU'LL GET BETTER ENJOYMENT IF YOU READ IT YOURSELF!!!!! BUY IT AND ENJOY!!!!!!!! DEFINITELY A MUST READ!!!!!!

Darrien Lee does it again this book was so hot i loved it I read the book in 2 days if I didn't have work I would have read the book in a day I love Ramsey, and how her brother's loved thier baby sister. It's a must read.

I am a huge Darrien Lee fan and this book was off the chain like all her previous books. The Chance family are a amazing and loving family and they look after each other the way families should. Keilah is the only girl with 4 loving and handsome brothers plus a 1/2 brother that loves her too! The storyline is great from the beginning to the end and she may be the baby and only female but this sista is tough. Her business partner and lover Ramsey is not only handsome but tough as nails too and he and Keilah make the perfect couple as business partners and lovers. You will love this story and will not be able to put this book down until you finish it. The ending is amazing!

The four Chance brothers took their hustle off the street and became legitimate when they bought a casino, The Lucky Chance. But they can't enjoy there success in peace, there's a secret rival planning a takeover. Keilah Chance is their feisty baby sister, who has her own successful private security business, co-owned with partner, Ramsey Stone. Keilah does not take orders from anyone. She can handle a weapon with the same confidence and intensity that she handles her love partner in bed. The storyline is original and it's a real treat for current and future Darrien Lee fans. So, don't wait, pick up your copy today.

This book was great from the beginning to the end. Keilah Chance is a tough no nonsence young woman who doesn't play games. Keilah lives in D.C. and runs a personal security company with her business partner Ramsey. Keilah and Ramsey get into a personal contract with each other and it may be more than the two of them can handle. Keilah has four brothers that live on the west coast in California and run a very lucrative casino and another on the way. This book starts off with a bang and will leave you wanting more a definite page turner.

I really enjoyed this book.
I loved the chemistry between Hamid and Heaven and the way Hamid wouldn't give up on making Heaven his'.
For some reason the love scenes in this story are way more heartfelt and erotic than in any of the Davis' books I've read. And this is the first Dyanne Davis book that had me crying at times!
The book is money well spend.

Kudos to Dyanne Davis for a very well-written and engrossing book. There are few books that I'll admit to reading from start to finish in less than two days, and this book is definitely at the top of that list. Not because it's a short read but because it was so intriguing that I found it difficult to put down.

The main characters of the book, Heaven and Hamid, are well-developed which is vital in allowing the reader to feel a connection with them on their journey of love. Their conversations and their bickering felt natural and were absolutely hilarious at times, adding the right mix of comedy to keep most readers engrossed.

The issue of their differing cultural backgrounds was expertly handled, and also quite educational. The fact that the characters were shown struggling to fufill their dreams while following their hearts (resulting in difficult compromises) added to the realism of this tale.

I'd definitely recommend this book. It's a fantastic read and kudos once again to Dyanne Davis!

I loved this story...I liked the way that they met and that they were able to overcome their differences to become an item.

I would love to see this book as a tv romance book it was so sweet, if I met a Hamid to love, religion and cultural would be no problem. Glad to see Heaven let down her defences and I understood why her ex did what he did (not saying its right). Hamid was one determined dude even tho Heaven did seem a bit selfish at first but she came good in the end and held her own in his world.

Mrs. Davis has out-done herself with this multicultural romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining ride with Heaven and Hamid. I found the dialogue was witty, funny and very entertaining. I couldn't put it down. The fire and passion between Heaven and Hamid just leapt off the pages. It was like watching a movie. I thoroughly enjoyed their heated fights as well as their passionate,HOT and STEAMY make-ups. This novel was about more than their cultural and religious differences. It was about Heaven's past hurts and Hamid's male ego and pride. It was about finding a way to get past their issues and finding a mutual compromise so that they could to be together and both be happy. I enjoyed watching Heaven change slowly throughout the novel from totally fighting Hamid at every step to finally accepting her fate as his soulmate and still not totally giving up the the fiery, passionate, and opinionated woman that Hamid fell in love with. I enjoyed the closeness of Hamid and his family and the way they accepted and made Heaven feel welcomed. A totally enjoyable read, you will not be disappointed.