Passion The Books

This is perhaps the most unique book on chocolate ever compiled! Boynton's humor shines on every delightful page of this very informative little book. EVERYONE who appreciates chocolate should sit down for a charmed repose and numerous chuckles some rainy evening to read it. It will surely lift your spirits, inform, and lodge itself in your pleasure-memory like the precious morsels we so cherish! This is one of my all-time favorite books!

...and for that matter, for anyone who likes to laugh out loud. Boynton is a comic genius - both as an illustrator and as a writer. Despite the large amount of real information she provides about chocolate and its history, she never forgets to entertain.

And her comment on why carob is not a satisfactory substitute for chocolate should be sent to every health food store in the world. I won't spoil anyone's fun by quoting the final line. Just add the book to your shopping cart and read it yourself! (No, I am not related to Boynton and don't own stock in Amazon.)

I cannot imagine a better combination of information, humor, and fun concerning the great pleasure we all get from chocolate.
The only thing missing from this book were instructions about which chocolates to have ready to fortify yourself as you read and ponder Chocolate -- The Consuming Passion. Since the book describes every possible kind of chocolate (from baking chocolate to white chocolate . . . and of ever possible shape and quality), I suggest that you stock up every variety you can think of. Naturally, you will then get more benefit from the book if you eat a sample of what is being described as you proceed. I estimate that at least five pounds of each type mentioned is about the right quantity. Then, you can savor the experience . . . no matter how fast you eat chocolate!

Ms. Boynton notes that "this book was written for the Chocolate Elite -- the select millions who like chocolate in all its infinite variety, using `like' as in `I like to breathe.'"

Before going on, let me mention that I had the great honor of providing strategic consulting services for a chocolate business in 1973. It was heaven. I can still remember the wonderful aroma of the plant! In the process, I was thrilled to find out how chocolate is grown, processed, and turned into finished products like chocolate chips. Since that time, I had never seen a book that shared the same kind of information that I learned from working with my client . . . until Chocolate -- The Consuming Passion. So at an information level, the book is terrific.

You should know that the humor is even better than the information though. Just when you've really gotten the scoop on what semisweet chocolate is, Ms. Boynton will drop in an unexpected joke. For example, she describes in great detail what happens with chocolate when it is too hot or too cold. Then you turn the page and find that above Dow 4000 chocolate also conglomerates, and you see a list of all the companies that have acquired chocolate businesses.

Ms. Boynton's trademark hippos seem especially appropriate in the context of being a serious chocolate aficionado.

The subjects covered are truly broad. You begin with a little history of chocolate, including how it was pronounced in different languages. Later, you return to that theme . . . and find out how to ask for chocolate in many more languages. The details on the definitions and ingredients of various chocolates are thorough without being boring. The humor keeps lifting your spirits while refreshing your taste for more information. The humorous "recipes" for making items out of chocolate are pretty funny. I especially enjoyed the suggestions for what to use the results of cooking flops for instead.

Now, I was most impressed to find that Ms. Boynton took on the really big issues. Why is 55 percent of all ice cream consumed in the vanilla flavor while only 9 percent is chocolate? Why are delightful chocolate truffles given that cautionary name suggesting moldy forest floors? Is white chocolate (which lacks chocolate liquor) really chocolate at all?

I recommend that you buy a copy for yourself . . . and everyone you know who really likes chocolate!

What could be more fun than learning and laughing about something you love while you directly enjoy some? What other subjects offer this opportunity?

Develop your tastes and your interests at the same time by being prepared to experiment!

I have always had a soft spot for anything Sandra Boynton does, but "Chocolate: The Consuming Passion" is probably my favorite of her books. I have bought it for more chocolate-loving friends than I can count and they have all been thrilled with it.

Boynton deftly blends together her signature cartoon animals (who for the most part try to look dignified in less than dignified circumstances--the key to their hilarity), actual chocolate facts (on the front of the book, it says, "Written, Illustrated, and Overresearched by Sandra Boynton"), and a heaping helping of utter silliness. Boynton tosses her own opinion in wherever possible:

"Those who favor dark chocolate have little patience with cute candy."

"Whoever said, 'The best things in life are free' was, of course, just kidding. The best things in life go for $6.50 a pound and up."

"Chocolate is not a privilege; it is a right."

"If the remotest possibility exists that you could become snowbound, take this simple precaution: Remove and discard all insulation from ski jacket. Replace with seven lbs. (approx.) of shaved chocolate. Resew seams. Warning: Never warm up in front of a fire without first removing jacket."

See especially Boynton's sections on white chocolate and carob (as you might expect, she's a dark chocolate snob, as are so many chocolate aficionados) and her hilarious explanation of the "myth of chocolate's fattingness." Boynton gives helpful information on opening up your own cacao plantation--on which you will need "4,000 or so cacao seedlings and time" and an international section on how to ask for chocolate in half a dozen languages.

There are even recipes, including one for "Chocolate Chip Cookie (Theoretical yield: 48 cookies, 2 inches each) and "Hippo Pôt de Mousse." This book has pleasures that keep on giving even after the first, second, or fourteenth reading.

This is a lovely book! Beautiful and funny illustrations, delicious recipes, interesting facts ... "Chocolate The Consuming Passion" covers basically everything any chocolate lover would want to know. It includes chocolate profiles, information about different kinds of chocolate, chocolate myths and funny observations. One example is this: "The greatest tragedies were written by the Greeks and by Shakespeare. Neither knew chocolate." Of course, there is no causality, but still!

Although this book is written for children, any chocolate lover will adore it, regardless of age. Actually, one does never really grow out of picture books, at least not the good ones.

The first time I saw this book was in the window of the best chocolate store in my town, The Belgian House of Chocolate. I knew I must get it! I have not been disappointed.

This book recovers a much needed perspective for the evangelical church-- the importance of theology (what we believe about God) and intimacy (how well we know God). Too often, we get caught in the middle, in methodology (how we do things). Most books, most conferences, etc., deal with "how" instead of the other, more pertinent issues, which Piper relays from Edwards in this book. (I see this most often in the "church growth" movement-- where pastors all get together, go to conferences, and seek to copy what's working in some other place in the country, rather than struggling to know God in the present.)

J.Edwards was one who, according to Piper, was steeped in both theology and piety-- both, without neglect the other. Theology without intimacy leads to cold, dry orthodoxy. Yet, intimacy without theology often has no moorings... no depth...

The book is challenging... and will stretch you to move beyond simply copying the methods of others (whether you're a church leader or whatever) and get back to the God you know and relating to that God as you seek to know Him and make His glory known.

The End for Which God Created the World represents the core of Jonathan Edwards's thought. Edwards's thesis is this: God designed everything to revel in his glory, and he desires for us to take joy in his magnificence. What's more, those who enjoy God will enjoy him with ever-increasing joy for all eternity. Isn't that a breathtaking thesis?

Edwards marshalls huge amounts of scriptural evidence to support his claim, and, as always, he brilliantly answers philosophical objections against what the scriptures reveal about the matter. His writing throughout is penetrating, perceptive, persuasive, and deeply worshipful.

I think John Piper's goals in his contribution to this work were to whet the reader's appetite for the feast of The End for Which God Created the World and to make the work more accessible to the average reader. He succeeds in both respects. After reading Dr. Piper's introduction I was eager to plow forward, and, while reading The End . . ., I found Dr. Piper's explanatory footnotes helpful.

The End for Which God Created the World is a majestic work, and I am grateful that John Piper took the time to re-introduce it to the general public. May God use this humble offering from Jonathan Edwards's pen to help our tragically parched world find the living water flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb!

The book is in two parts. The second part of the book is an essay by Jonathan Edwards called, "The End for which God created the World." Edwards lived in the 18th century and was a careful and brilliant thinker. Needless to say, the essay is very tough read. I tried reading it slowly and carefully, but I gave up and decided to read it in normal mode. I plan to go back in a year and try it again. The essay needs to be digested slowly with multiple readings. Piper has added many footnotes to help guide the reader through the more difficult passages.

The first part is Piper getting you prepared emotionally and physically for the intellectual climb. He does an excellent job of encouraging the reader to make the climb for the view is great from the top.

The book is worth reading even if you don't understand it. It helps bring into focus all of Piper's writings.

This is a solid, powerful, stunning, and most biblical text from both Jonathan Edwards and John Piper. This book includes Edward's essay titled "The End for Which God Created the World," along with comments and further delineation from John Piper. To read Edwards sometimes takes much concentration and hard work, and Piper has done a great job bringing this work to life.

The first part of the book is an introduction to Edwards's work, by Piper (a sort of commentary, if you will), and the later part is the actual work of Edwards's. Piper begins by expressing his concern about the issue at hand, and then leads into a discussion of not only Edwards's life but his work as well. Piper comments on Edwards's conclusions in relation to Piper's concerns in his current ministry and then allows the reader to take what Piper has discussed and make application of it through Edwards's original work.

The thing I find most interesting about this work is its relevancy. What I mean by this is the fact that Edwards's wrote this work 200+ years ago and it is still pertinent to our own culture today (sure proof that the Truths of God endure forever). This is a great text, solid theology, and extremely relevant reading for today. I heartily recommend this work!

This is a general comment on Piper's books. I deeply appreciate the work of John Piper--especially his emphasis on missions and on living God-centered, Christ-exalting lives of worship. And I am Augustinian, so I love Piper's theology and am thrilled that he has become so popular. But I do want to provide a warning. Piper's main emphasis is (and you'll read this over and over again) "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied (or delighted) in Him." This is a biblical and wonderful proposition that Piper became aware of through the writings of Jonathan Edwards. To Edwards, this proposition was one small part of his theology.

But Piper has taken this idea, which he calls "Christian Hedonism," and built his whole life and ministry around it. The problem is that if you read enough Piper, you will begin to focus on the FEELING of being delighted in Christ, rather than on Christ Himself. And when your feelings don't match what you want them to be, you will become disheartened. (And let's face it, few of us have the emotional intensity of John Piper.) At that point, your feelings (of being delighted in God) become the object of your desires and, thus, an idol. Yes, they are feelings TOWARD God--but those feelings are NOT GOD. And when the focus of your life has become your emotions, it has deceptively become an idol.

I know Piper fights against this tendency. But I'm afraid he is often unsuccessful. The fact is, the Christian life is not going to be one of unending joy in God. Read the Psalms to see how often the psalmists cry out in agony and desperation and sadness to the Lord. Read Romans 7 to find out how tough and discouraging the Christian life can really be.

According to Piper, our happiness in God should be the driving motivation in our life. But when Christians are inevitably not overflowing with delight in God, then under Piper's framework, the only solution is to seek that feeling of joy rather than just do our duty. There are times when duty and obligation (which Piper hates) are the only motivations for the Christian to be obedient and live a life of faith. I agree wholeheartedly with Piper that delight in God is a much better motivation for the Christian than duty. But when that delight is not there, we still must be faithful and obedient, and we can't always wait on our feelings to drive us on toward the prize.

Read Piper's books. And enjoy his passionate and Christ-exalting preaching. But beware and repent when your emotions--rather than the Triune God Himself--become the focus of your life.

Sometimes we all need wise words to help us create, manifest or to just be. Brian has written words of wisdom with his book The Big Glow. Like most of us he is wishing for Peace and he is expressing this in every word. This book is exactly what the title reads Insight, Inspiration, Peace and Passion. His labor of love and it shows.
Thanks Brian for showing us your glow!
~Melissa A. Stone, CMT and Fitness Professional and author of "The Key To Life Is..Balance,"

At first I was reluctant to purchase yet another book on spirituality, fearing that it would just take me out of the present moment and further away from myself.

Oh how wrong I was!

This book does the exact opposite! It's like a trusted companion. Someone whom you will look forward to spending time with. It reads more like a conversation then a book and encourages you to respond.

I feel a sense of freedom, of not being a prisoner of my own mind or someone else's when reading Brian's words. There is enough space between the pages of this book for it's readers to grow, express (write, dance, love, and just be) and explore. You are not just learning material (which that happens too), but you learn about yourself in the present moment.

Peel back your layers and get to the heart of the matter. Let these words color your world and bask in your GLOW!

There is a profound simplicity about the writings that Brian has shared with us, that speaks to a multitude of states the mind can be in at any given time. Some quite reflective, while some make you smile, others stir the emotions. A diverse book of introspection, souvenirs of life.

Laurie Carty
Host of Abundance Alley Radio

The Big Glow: Insight, Inspiration, Peace and Passion

I started reading this book when I first received it and loved it.. I decided to take it on my honeymoon. Its a book about love..
self love...being love and sharing love... Brian is very gifted in his prose.. His character comes thru with each word.. and he is a very special soul..here to share ! I can feel this from his words and I have never personally met him..This says alot !
I suggest reading it ! Having the book around on the kitchen table as we do and pick it up when you have a second and read a chapter.. Its set up that way... or take it on a hike or sitting near moutains by water as I did..or put it in your backpack and bring it out when you need a lift.
It is sure to inspire you and even shift your mood and focus !
I am grateful that he wrote this !
We need more like this today !
Tara Broughten

What a marvelous gift I gave to myself and to my entire family!
Brian Piergrossi is a vessel of light, healing, unconditional love and transformation to the world. Through his book "The Big Glow", he reminds us of the simplest pleasures of life and inspire us to better know our own divine selves! In essence he tells us that in the state of bliss everything is loved and how bliss is not a feeling but a state of being! I love reading this book by myself or with my children! I highly recommend that you read it aloud and feel every word deep within your soul, simple poems become prayers and declarations of personal freedom and exaltation. It's so much fun to just close my eyes and open the book to any page and find the perfect message to begin my day. This book is so unique that can be read from the end to the beginning or randomly as your heart calls for it. Go for it and treat yourself to this literary treasure.

If this book doesn't convince you that you need to understand what God's will and eternal purpose is, nothing will.
I would say this is one of the best discussions on what God is really doing today.. actually, what He started before there was ever space and time and is continuing to do today.
If you want Christ to be central in your life and if you want to be working with Him as His purpose is worked out and is being accomplished in this hour, then this book is for you.
God's Ultimate Passion is full of revelation, hope and encouragement... it will cause you to see God's Passion.

This book is one of the best ever written on God's eternal purpose. Viola provided me with a whole new perspective on the mind of God and helped me understand better the Scriptures through which He reveals His mind. You will learn to look at the Bible very differently from what most have been taught, and some people will probably be threatened by this approach. I still strongly advise you to read this book and keep an open mind. If you do, Viola will take you on a journey into God's heart. There, you will learn what His desires are and how you can be part of their fulfillment! You will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the deeper life, and see why it is so important that Christians commune with each other in unity with Christ as their only head. Viola will show you how the three great images of the Church (the Bride of Christ, the House of God, and the Body of Christ) are reocurring themes in the Bible which reveal the Father's ultimate purpose for His Son, and the Son's ultimate gift to His Father. This book is one of the greatest helps I have yet discovered for helping believers get beyond themselves and live for God's purpose. This is a must-read!

This is not just a random book I picked up. It is the book I wished I had written myself. Over the past few years I have been teaching and researching on mainly one single subject. I have become obsessed with this subject because I now know that this is really the Subject of all time, for it is God's obsession and His ultimate passion! I used to think that the Church was just a temporary necessity to help us endure and be strong until Jesus comes back. Who needs each other when we are face to face with Jesus? Who needs a messed-up church when you have a worldwide theocracy during the millennium rule of Christ? When I read, "When that which is perfect has come, then that which is imperfect will be done away" ...I saw nothing more imperfect than the church! So good riddance... come Lord Jesus! But I was very wrong.
You see, I understood very little of God's ultimate passion. I had an incredibly weak idea of God's purpose on this earth and therefore my part in it. I knew God loved me and wanted me to live forever, but as to why, how and for what, I had no idea. Oh, I thought I had it all figured out, but as I began to delve into the full richness and the glory God has stored up for us, it was as if a cascade of light flooded my soul. I now tremble at how huge God's purpose is for us! Not that I am aware of the fullness of it all, for now I realize that I have only explored a single speck of light out of a whole universe of galaxies. I am such a baby in this subject!
This book is a brand new book, written by another explorer, who is also a baby. However he has seen many things I have not and he is as enthralled with it all as I am, so I am recommending this book in hope I can recruit you to explore with us. So PLEASE, read this book... but nibble on it for you will miss out on most of it if you guzzle. And do not stop with this book, but continue to explore. And if we could share together our discoveries beyond this book, it should change how we act, love and dream, for it really does matter how we see the big picture.

Once Again Viola hits a home run - a most inspirational and insightful book.
Frank Viola continues to be a voice in the wilderness.

In "God's Ultimate Passion", Frank Viola emulates a man pursuing the heart of God responding to His irresistible invitation to spiritual union. This three fold story of God's romance and plan for the Bride of Christ, the dwelling place (house) of God, and the Body of Christ (the Family of God) is solidly based on Biblical teaching.

This is God's own love story. It is the story of a redemptive love, which draws the Bride of Christ into an expression of ultimate passion. The bride captivated with the bridegroom revels in his grace, to accept his love.

Frank writes with an exciting intensity and vision that is persuasive. He moves the reader to a positive response and life changing action "to let Him build us together with others in the way that He has always wanted...So that He might have His House upon this earth."

Viola is a gifted communicator stirring the reader to awaken a new perspective of self, God and the potential lying dormant within, "crying out for expression."

This is a book for "revolutionaries who are reaching for God's highest."

This is the first step towards healing & improvement if you really love each other.

This book has been replaced by Susan Page's more recent book "Why Talking is Not Enough," which is basically "If We're So in Love..." with a new title and expanded ideas. This book has the "5 Sacred Actions" of a spiritual partnership; the newer book has "8 Loving Actions." All the other ideas are the same. There is no need to buy both books. But definitely buy one of them, if you're interested in a marriage book that presents a different, new, and substantial way of looking at your relationship and yourself. Susan Page offers real wisdom (not a word I use lightly)!

As a pastor, I have given away many copies of this book to people struggling in intimate relationship--and I've used it in my own marriage.

There are many classics of spiritual wisdom and many nuts-and-bolts self-help books on relationship. Susan Page brilliantly combines the two. Her gift is to translate spiritual ideals into practical, understandable, and eminently achievable goals for everyday living in spiritual partnership--the Buddha channeled by Ann Landers!

Read this book, apply its lessons, and transform yourself and your relationship.

If you are seeking to feel love in your heart but feel blocked because your partner is clueless, uncooperative, self-centered and blames you -- or for any reason "because of him/her" and you suffer because it feels like no matter how hard you try, the patch doesn't hold -- this is the book that teaches, guides and encourages you how to get back to the love, how to create powerful and healing changes, how to feel safe and connected with yourself, how to look at your partner again with loving and how to work with yourself in your own healing and strengthening. And, your partner is not required to read the book, work the suggestions or be molded by you. You reclaim your power and your energy investing in what can truly make a deeply valuable, loving, rich and life-changing difference--you work with you. I've been working these techniques for over 20 years, in marriage, and have been learning about and thriving far beyond I ever thought possible. It didn't take long for small miracles to begin AND they continue to unfold and to grow for both of us. Susan Page has offered a truly generous gift with this book for all people--currently coupled or not.

I found this book when browsing through the many relationship books and decided to give it a read on a whim. My boyfriend of 2 years and I have been struggling recently and I needed help.

This book is all the help I could want AND MORE. I feel so positive and recharged about our relationship ALREADY and I just finished reading it. I KNOW that what's in this book can help my relationship and I know it could help others. This is a MUST BUY, even if you aren't having PROBLEMS right now... The Sacred Acts will help keep you from having HORRIBLE problems in the future.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Melody Beattie tells of her exeperience of great human tragedy with integrity and brutal honesty. Her book ends with a greater understanding of the human heart and with a message of hope.

Melody Beattie has great infornation in this book to help you help yourself

This book has been the most helpful book that I have read since my 15 year old son died of suicide in May 2006. She knows exactly how we who have lost children feel. It gave me hope. She made me feel more "normal". I have read Melody Beattie for years and was deeply touched by this book. I would highly recommend it to all bereaved parents.

Melody Beattie's book is a profoundly poignant, honest, courageous, heartfelt, and inspiring journey from being shattered at the loss of her precious 12 year old son, to learning how to embrace life again, and how to love and live fully.

It is not an easy journey, and takes time to adjust, and plunge wholeheartedly into the life circumstances you are facing NOW, so that you can re-claim the love in your heart that you can give both to yourself, and others who do need you.

I was deeply touched at how Melody shares generously with depth, and inspiration that anyone who is suffering from loss will gain tremendous benefit from reading this beautiful gift to humanity.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is in grief, as well as to grief support groups, so you can re-gain your life set by Melody's example. It is a beautiful and genuine one.
Barbara Rose, author of "Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE" and 'If God Was Like Man'
Editor of inspire! magazine

Melody Beattie's book is a profoundly poignant, honest, courageous, heartfelt, and inspiring journey from being shattered at the loss of her precious 12 year old son, to learning how to embrace life again, and how to love and live fully.

It is not an easy journey, and takes time to adjust, and plunge wholeheartedly into the life circumstances you are facing NOW, so that you can re-claim the love in your heart that you can give both to yourself, and others who do need you.

I was deeply touched at how Melody shares generously with depth, and inspiration that anyone who is suffering from loss will gain tremendous benefit from reading this beautiful gift to humanity.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is in grief, as well as to grief support groups, so you can re-gain your life set by Melody's example. It is a beautiful and genuine one.

Highly recommended! Barbara Rose, author of, `Individual Power' and `If God Was Like Man'

I enjoyed this book - it is a powerful guide. As in Creating Extraordinary Joy by Chris Alexander, this book is packed with useful information.

To read this book is to see Hilda Villaverde from her core. Her honesty is refreshing as she guides the reader through her unique experiences with fear and her overwhelming desire and commitment to live on the "other side", Love. Her inspiration is infectious and inspiring. This jewel of a book offers ideas and affirmations to assist you in transforming your life from fear to love. Living in Arizona, I have been blessed with the honor of meeting and getting to know Hilda as a minister and speaker. She is a remarkable, beautiful woman filled with love, compassion and courage. You will be blessed with wisdom, candor and hope when you step into Hilda's journey. Rich blessings to each of you as you journey along your own unique path.

Hilda provides an extremely reader-friendly text, reminding us that spirituality surrounds us each and every day. Her grass roots experiences allow you to realize no special skills are required to open this dimension. A book which truly provides peace and confidence to the reader.

I started reading Ms. Villaverde's book on a plane and I could not put it down. Her story is compelling, her narrative powerful. Even though we each have a little different story, so many of us embrace the same fears. Reading this book changed my life in a very visceral way. It will change you, too.

This book is a valuable experience for anyone who reads it. As Hilda faced her challenges, she learned about herself and her spirituality. It is a great example for each and everyone. Once you read it, you'll want to share it with friends, family and strangers. Well worth the time.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK..IT IS SO EASY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND. ITS WORTH THE FULL PRICE. HIS TIPS WORKS AND HE SPEAKS FROM EXPERIENCE NOT FROM A PHD ....YOU WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK AND THEN PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS.

This book is insightful and very pratical.. a good handbook to guide parents along..
namaste!

Parenting With Fire: Lighting Up the Family with Passion and Inspiration

I Love all of Shmuley's books. He does NOT give you the "Jewish way" he gives you the human way of doing things. He does not "preach" to you but makes you realize there is a better/different way. I will continue to purchase and take to heart his books and advice.

This was such a quick read and the author has a great down to earth style to his writing. I was very humbled by this book. I think it gives such excellent ideas about living your best life and creating the same for your children. I'm going to 4 baby showers this year and I will be giving this book as a present to every one of the moms!

This is a great and a MUST read! He does have religious references-- after all he is a Rabbi-- but, if you take his religious references as just that, an example, he has a great message of intregity.

Taming the Wolf was a exuberant read not only were life issues dealt with but the insecurities of the main characters were real and vulnerable enough that the story allowed for the reader to get a understanding of how these issues made Samara and Marcus the people they were. Maureen Smith takes her readers on a fast ride through DC, New York, & Atlanta as Marcus & Samara fall in love.

Samara Layton was the girl that everyone wanted to be with the mother who has the statue of a Hollywood celebrity but Samara was not that girl she was the girl who only wanted her mother's love. When she finds herself doing the one thing she hates more than anything to save her community organization she finds herself in the hunting zone of Marcus Wolf. Marcus Wolf would rather be doing anything other then sitting at a fashion show but this one particular fashion show would make an impact on his life like none other. Marcus had trust issues when dealing with women that all stemmed from his mother. Having a big heart, he always was willing to lend a helping hand so when Samara comes to him requesting financial backing to save her community center he willingly gives it to her.

Neither Marcus or Samara realize they are falling in love until its to late and they find their selves on the run away path to love but not before drama can interrupt their love tryst. With mutual family drama, Marcus & Samara find that even complicated emotional baggage cannot over ride true love.

Maureen Smith writes a story that shows love can overcome any obstacle as well as succeed even when the odds are against it. Taming the Wolf was a story that could be read quickly because of how well it flowed from beginning to end.

I loved this book! The two main characters were soooo... Hot together.
Maureen Smith possesses such a strong, decriptive narrative of the chemistry between Marcus and Ms Dubois. I really love her writing style and can't wait for her new book. She is now on my list of favorite authors. This book is a must-read for romantics.

Of all of her novels, I think this is my least favorite. Not that it wasn't good, because it was. But I think I'd gotten spoiled with the romantic suspense ones and this one kinda surprised me.

Marcus Wolf however, is right up there with Garrison. The story was cute and sensual and had almost everything I was looking for. I think I'm going to go back and read it, maybe change my mind a little.

THIS IS A LOVE STORY WHICH I LOVED!!! THE CHARACTERS, THE LUSTING SCENES, THE LAUGHTER, AND THE TEARS... IT WILL KEEP YOU READING, BELIEVE ME!! VERY ORIGINAL, THE STORY WAS WONDERFUL!!! LOVING FOR LOVE? OR NOT REALLY LOOKING FOR LOVE? READ THIS TO GET SOME IN SIGHTS!!!! **SWEETNESS**

Maureen Smith is officially my best story writer. I love her books. They are filled with detailed scenes, romance, and love scenes. She describes the perfect gentleman with a wild side that every woman goes crazy over. I will definitely buy all of her books. She is great at building up the tension between the characters without making you bored. A definite must read!!! The plot thickened with every chapter. My mouth was gaped wide open the whole time I read the book. If it wasnt the plot shocking me it was the steamy love scenes. I have to say this was her best book EVER!!!

This is my third time purchasing this book. Every time I loan it to someone they never return it and I have to purchase it again. Note to self: this book would make a great gift holiday, birthday, or someone coming out of a bad break up. The zodiac traits and compatibility connections are soo true, that I only date signs that I'm compatible with, and I have a very stable relationship with the one matched for me.
Thanks Thelma

THIS BOOK IS SO ACCURATE IT IS SCARY. I LOST ONE BOOK, HAS SOMEONE TAKE THE OTHER, AND NOW I AM ON MY WAY TO BUY IT AGAIN. THIS IS A MUST HAVE BOOK BECAUSE IT WILL BRING TO LIFE ALL OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS AND SHOW YOU THE VERY THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN THAT RELATIONSHIP. JUST TRY IT. IT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!

From reading my sign and analyzing others from other signs, this books almost hits it on the spot! The author (I don't know how) really did her homework. I recommend this book to people who have a high interest on Zodiac signs in relation to love. Now don't get me wrong, not every characteristic is going to be about you.

i've had this book for many years and finally decided to write a review about it. the book is tailored towards black people so that makes it unique. i really love this book and everytime i encounter a new guy i flip to the book, i almost have it memorized on certain parts. the author is on point. i read what she said about my sign and realized that yes, she knows what she's talking about. there are tons of good examples throughout the book and solid information about each sign. it's not filled with a lot of heavy jargon, it's actually funny without being silly and useless. you can get a quick fix or read more in-depth, it's all there. this is a wonderful book to share with friends that get a kick out of astrology and are dating, engaged or married. i would love to see the author update the book, i'd be among the first to buy the revised edition!

She outdid herself with this one. I'm an astrology buff, so I know that Venus represents your love signs as well. And I not only read the interactions between sun signs, which represents your personalities, but where Venus was too.

My partner at the time had his Venus in Gemini, and mine is in Aries. I would read the book and die laughing, because she describes a Gemini-Aries relationship to a hilt! It was just like our conversations were coming straight from this book. It was too funny.