Resorts Books

Jim Kaese and Paul Huddle have given us a reference work, not a discussion of what it means to be an athletic-minded traveler nor how to become athletic minded if you are a traveler doubling as a couch potato.

Mind the subtitle: 'Where to work out and stay when fitness is a priority.'

If a reference book for your or your travel agent is what you need, this is your book.

If you want to figure out how to maintain some level of fitness in an ever-changing travel environment that seems to mock the very thought of it, this is not your book. Those books do exist (see my other reviews) and you'd be wise to buy one of them.

The book under review here is organized by major U.S. metropolitan areas. Since airport fitness facilities are still not widely available, the writers have to presume you're willing to part company with two taxi fares for many of the venues. Things get a little better on the hotel side, where noticable improvement in most major hotel chains now makes it possible to get a workout without falling down the steps, where you are fortunate to be found within the week.

Bottom line: the book delivers what the subtitle promises.

JUST QUICKLY SKIMMED THROUGH YOUR BOOK.
THIS IS GOOD FOR THE BEGINER, BUT I CAN NAME AT LEAST A DOZEN HIGH ENERGY TOP OF THE LINE PLACES TO WORK-OUT WHILE TRAVELING.
I CAN DO THAT IN ABOUT THREE MORE CITIES.
I THINK THIS IS GOOD FOR TRAVELERS IN THEIR OWN HOTEL.
PERIOD.
MY WIFE COMPETES IN TRI'S ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND I AM THE VACATION PLANNER.
WE BOTH LIKE TO HAVE UPDATED EQUIPMENT WHEN WE TRAVEL, SO I MAKE IT A POINT TO INVESTIGATE THE AREAS.
NICE ATTEMPT, BUT THEY MISSED MANY GREAT PLACES.

AL

I received the Athletic Minded Traveler for Christmas. I was skeptical at first since I thought it was just another travel guide. Once I started looking at the book, however, I realized that it was extrememly helpful and the pithy writing made it a pleasure to read. Morover, the easy to use summary for the hotels allowed me to quickly and easily choose a hotel on my first business trip of 2006. (The guide was right on the money about the hotel.) This is an invaluable tool for anyone who travels, whether for business or pleasure--it even covers smaller cities like Cleveland and Madison, WI). Today, whilst surfing the web I found the author's website, which expands on the book. The site has even more information such as running routes and thorough restaurants recommendations for healthy eating on the road. From now on, I'm going to consult the book and the web site before I travel.

I gave several of these as xmas gifts to friends who travel for business
and all of them can't stop raving about how useful it is--the authors
obviously did their homework. I even got an email from one of my friends
while he was on a business trip to tell me that he just got back from a
health club recommended in the book where he ended up running next to a
woman who asked him out for a date! Bet the authors never thought they
would be making love matches!

I've actually used this book in a number of the cities and it saved me time and energy trying to find someplace to workout.

Real information the hotels won't give you. How many times have we called hotels and been told they have something only to get there and its not the case?

This book will make working out on the road extremely simple whether you are a casual athlete or an Ironman Triathlete!!!!

If you want useful and great information about DISNEYLAND. This is the book you want.

If you have never been to Disneyland before, then I strongly recommend reading this guidebook before you go. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the park, learn how fast passes work, figure out how to use the train and monorail, and plan which attractions to see. Especially helpful is the calendar which lists high, medium, and low-traffic dates. Shoot for less crowded days if you can!

Great book with lots of information for anyone traveling. My nine-year-old son is the biggest fan of the book, he can't put it down!

It was very thorough about times, content of restaurants, rides, themes.
It gave helpful hints about best hours and days to visit each area.
Even a few coupons included.

Very helpful, easy to read, great guide to add to the excitement of getting ready for the trip of a lifetime for us travelling from Australia in October 2008, but also provides you with essential information. Also brought "the unofficial guide to disneyland" which is also very good, but we keep picking up this one because of the pictures and ease of finding information.

There are some rave reviews about this book already posted. I do not want to unduly detract from this excellent book. However, I do believe some balance should be given. This book, as a vacation guide, is ok. It provides a broad sweep of resorts and fine ski areas, but without any indepth insights about any of them. If you're interested in trying out a new area, this guide is excellent as a starting point for your web research. You will need other guides, or dig out on the web or from references, to really plan out your trip.

I was particularly disappointed with the lack of information available on Northeast areas, but perhaps my expectations were off...again partially due to the rave reviews on this site.
For example, 1 page is given about the Lake Placid region. Perhaps this region is more well known than others so a reminder is not needed?

Fundamentally, I think this guide tries to take on too large a geographic region. I was looking for a few selections in different price categories that were independently reviewed,
and best-in-class. This book doesn't quite hit that mark.

My husband and I have used this book to plan more than ten vacations and on each one we've had a great time. We are at two different levels of skiing (beginner/intermediate and intermediate/advanced), but using this book we have been able to find places that are perfect for both of us. Every place we have been to has had great food and amenities, too, which we read about beforehand. It has been really nice to know that we can plan a vacation being confident that when we get there, we'll have a great time.

Cross-Country Ski Vacations is a delicious introduction to North American cross-country ski resorts and a refreshing testimonial to what's best about snow: skiing upon it!

Jonathan Wiesel's humorous dialogue leads readers past the continent's biggest mountains and over the finest snows while highlighting lodges, food and services. In particular, I enjoyed the personal connection that the writer gives within each chapter by introducing readers to the local skiers or the local history.

It's obvious that the writer has skied every one of the trails in his book and that he would love to have each reader join him on the cross-country ski pistes.

Cross-Country Ski Vacations is a delicious introduction to North American cross-country ski resorts and a refreshing testimonial to what's best about snow: skiing upon it!

Jonathan Wiesel's humorous dialogue leads readers past the continent's biggest mountains and over the finest snows while highlighting lodges, food and services. In particular, I enjoyed the personal connection that the writer gives within each chapter by introducing readers to the local skiers or the local history.

It's obvious that the writer has skied every one of the trails in his book and that he would love to have each reader join him on the cross-country ski pistes.

Thanks to Jon Wiesel for doing the leg work for this great guide--and kudos for presenting his exhaustive research with such style and wit. It's been a wonderful help in planning (and dreaming) for family ski vacations; I've also used it extensively for my business. It's clear Wiesel has done his homework, and he understands what skiers are looking for: We want to know how good the tracks are, but we also want to know about the food, the beds, the hosts, etc., not to mention approximately how much money we'll be spending and how long it will take to get there. And the best thing: Weisel's love for skiing comes across loud and clear--echoing the way so many of us feel about the sport. Thanks!

Wild Ride is a great book. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. It entertaining from beginning to end.

This is an anthology with interlocking stories written by LuAnn.

The first story is Whiplash - Andrea (Andi) Cooper is a travel writer, but when Janelle Port of Living Large magazine calls to offer her a terrific assignment she tries to turn it down. Apparently Oliver (Max) Maxwell, owner of Wild Ride Resort an adult amusement park had requested her to do a feature for the park. Andi does not approve of how he has ruined the Island it is located on, but there was no getting out of it. Upon arrival, Andi and Max meet under circumstances that cause an embarrassing misunderstanding. Right from the beginning Andi and Max are like striking a match in combustible material. Is Max just after a "five star rating" any way he can get it?? Or is there more to this interlude??

The second story is Hold On Tight - Travis Mackey is an ex-pro bullrider turned Country Star after a near fatal accident. Krista Ross is the director of entertainment for Wild Ride Resort, but actually is the "right hand man" for Max. She has a prejudged concept of what Travis is going to be like, and a don't mess with me attitude. Travis cannot put his finger on what it is about her that stirs his blood right from the initial introduction. This is a great story that finds Krista having to fight childhood issues and prejudices when she finds that Travis is taking down all her defences. Travis on the other hand is determined to unearth the real Krista that he can see snippets of at times, and wants this uptight, hot little number to be his exclusively. Can he bring her around to his way of thinking ??

The last in the anthology is Worth The Wait which finds childhood friends, Cole Forrester and Jenna Wagner, filling in for Cole's sister and her new husband on their honeymoon trip which had to be cancelled for unforeseen reasons. It was to late to get a refund, so they thought it would be a good idea to use the trip up. Jenna had always had a crush on Cole when she was younger, and figured that since she was now older she could handle this since she was over him. Big mistake. Cole finds himself in a catch 22 clause when he desires to have Jenna for more than just one week. Can he get her to love him the way he loves her??

These three intertwining stories are hot. They will burn up the pages and have you fanning yourself, but they are well written, and packaged as they are makes for one hot, hot enjoyable read.

This is a fun, romantic, sexy and luscious anthology of three stories that take place at the magical and hot Wild Ride Resort. I liked the lady characters, Andrea (travel writer), Krista (hotel Exec.) and Jenna (schoolteacher), and their masculine counterparts. I really enjoyed the setting and all the adult fun that takes place after sunset. The roller coaster was fun that stops right in the hotel. I can still smell the coconut oil, feel the sun, and sense all the excitement in the jacuzzi. Other reviews have covered the plots, suffice to say everyone find total love and outrageously fine sex. The book is filled with mature, confidant men and women. I liked it and passed it on to a friend. Mahalo!

Loved it but the only thing is i thought it would have been a little bit more erotic but the love scenes were still great the story and concept of the hotel were also great...
A book for you to enjoy and keep for your collection...


.........................ENJOY THE BOOK.........................

Wild Ride By LuAnn McLane is a pulse pounding sexy and sassy anthology.

Whiplash has Travel Writer Andi Cooper being assigned the story of writing about the hot vacation spot. Wild Ride resorts is not on her list of places she would ever want to go but this is a plum assignment and is willing to give it her best shot. Oliver Maxwell's resort is becoming a must visit vacation destination, he would really like it to get an excellent write up in a travel magazine to help it grow. Max and Andi's first meeting is off the charts in sexual chemistry. They both agree to put their relationship on a more professional level but their bodies have other ideas.

Hold On Tight is Krista Ross's story. Krista is Max's right hand woman, she is in charge of entertainment and the like. She has agreed to pose as country superstar Travis Mackey's girlfriend to give him a rest from all the groupies. Krista hadn't planned on her own deeply buried country roots calling her to spend all her time in Travis's arms. Travis a former bull-riding champion had turned to singing to make a living but something is missing from his life. He thinks he has found it at the Wild Ride Resort. Krista and Travis on the surface seem so different but their attraction and caring bring them together.

Worth The Wait have Cole Forrester and Jenna Wagner agreeing to spend a platonic vacation together at the resort. Tricky since both have the hots for each other. Neither thinks the other returns the same feelings but once they act on them all bets are off. Cole and Jenna really burn up the pages. Their friendship over the years helps them to work through any misunderstanding they have outside of the bedroom.

Wild Ride is a smoking hot anthology. Each story adds a different and exciting twist to each couples passion. The resort adds an exciting and tantalizing element to each story. Looking forward to the next book by LuAnn McLane.

I am so happy to have stumbled upon Barbara Bretton. Her writing, storylines, characters and settings are all very believable and absorbing. The title of this book is a bit weak and I felt it didn't really describe the book but, aside from that, it was a wonderful book. I think women of all ages would enjoy this book and its characters. The characters were rich and complex, Bretton was able to make me laugh and tear up at various points, and the story was full and highly believable. Bretton even delicately touched upon 9/11 through one of her characters and I thought it was tastefully done and very realistic. This is only my 2nd Bretton book, but I will be reading all her books from now on. Highly recommended. 5 Stars!!

"Girls of Summer" was my first Barbara Bretton book. I really, really fell in love with her style of writing and her characters. I just loved Ellen, Deirdre and Hall...and of course Stanley! I can't say enough about this book...except that I really look forward to read the pre-quel to this, as well as all of her other books. Way to go Barbara, you have a winner here!

I truly enjoyed this follow-up novel to A Soft Place To Fall! It's a heartwarming story about small-town life in coastal Maine, written in brilliantly realistic detailed characterizations and relationship dynamics (not just romantic relationships, but also friendships and family-life). The author's style easily draws the reader into the town so that you feel a part of this lively community and its people become your friends.

This sequel to the wonderful "A Soft Place to Fall" is not as good as the first book, but it is sweet and lovely nevertheless, and a nice and easy read.

This trip back to the insular Maine town of Shelter Rock Cove focuses on ob/gyn Ellen Markowitz, a single woman in her thirties whose 6-month engagement has just ended as the book begins. There's really no love lost, but Ellen is justifiably humiliated and at loose ends, and the last thing on earth she needs is her hippie dippie half-sister Deirdre blowing into town without warning. But that's Deirdre, and this time she's not alone. She has a barely running old heap of a Hyundai, a large harp, a 110-pound dog named Stanley--and, as Ellen quickly finds out, an agenda.

And so begins a summer that changes many lives, including those of Ellen, her sister (and another one to boot), and her handsome, thrice-married medical partner, Hall Talbot, whose friendship means more than Ellen can admit.

This book is basic Bretton--not every loose end is tied up, not every plot line is explained, but who cares? The book, like all her work, is simply charming.

I read A LOT of romance novels and even some suspense, but there are very few contemporary romances that I could get into, although I'm not sure why.

This is the 2nd book I've read from Barbara Bretton. The other was Shore Lights which I like alot, but I'd have to say that "Girls of Summer" was better. It hooked my interested right away and held it the whole way through. I know it's a good book when I'm really sad when I get to the end.

I'm now looking for another book to read & I looked at "A Soft Place to Fall", but it's kind of hard since I started with the second in the series... I hate when I do that!

I will definitely be looking at other Barbara Bretton books in the future.

by far the best way to review and select resorts for your purpose. very easy to use, accurate and INDEPENDANT.
money well spent to ensure you go to the best place for you.

A nice collection of information but for what I was looking for the web had as much information on what was where and how much it cost. This book is not worth as much as others becuase it lacks the reader input and real experience of going and being there. Most info can be picked up from travel guides and brochures.

This is a wonderful resource with loads of candid opinions on what's great and not so great in the Alps. It is an overview and does not go into tremendous detail on any one resort, but if you are trying to pick from the overwhelming range of choices, this book will definitely help. Be aware, the book is written from a decidedly British point of view so it places much value on some criteria that American skiers may not value quite as highly (i.e. whether on-mountain dining is of a high enough quality). Also, don't rely on the section covering US resorts for anything other than a humerous glimpse at how the Brits size up places like Vail and Lake Tahoe (both criticized for "lack of non-skiing activities"). There are no photos and the mountain maps give only the broadest idea of the mountains and terrain offer, but the individual writeups are worth their weight in gold.

I have used this book over several editions to help me plan and book ski-holidays in Europe and the USA.

What the other reviewers don't mention (and neither does Amazon) is that the book is published by the not-for-profit Consumer's Association [of the UK], which is a similar organisation to Consumer's Union in the USA.

The American based reader will also need to realise that most UK skiers will be booking a 7-14 day package (which includes flights, usually charter for Europe, transfer and accomodation) with one of the large UK tour operators. Many will be booking accomodation ("chalets") which doesn't show up in the normal hotel guides for the resort since it is run exclusively by the tour company (and can be very cost effective, the operators will often sell the accomodation seperately). Another point for the independant and USA based skier is that UK tour companies often get discounts on lift passes booked through them (5-10% in Europe, 30-40% in USA).

This book is an excellent guide to the world's best ski resorts. While it is true that Europe is more heavily covered in this book; the largest of the North American resorts are reviewed as well (Vail, Breckenridge, Whistler, Killington, etc.). There are even some details provided on other locations (South America, New Zealand, Japan), although not as in depth. One of the nice features of the book is that it rates each resort for beginners, intermediates, experts, off-piste, and snowboarders. The book provides an honest assessment of the pros and cons of each resort (nightlife, accessibility, snow quality, etc.). Highly recommended for planning a long ski vacation. Trail maps are provided although not very detailed due to space limitations.

This was the first book that I have read by Denise Hunter. I really enjoyed it. The story is very interesting, and the characters are very likeable. She really throws a twist in at the end, and when it is over, you want the story to keep going. She is a very realistic Christian writer. I have been a Christain for over 25 years, and I am far from perfect, neither are her characters. There is a book two to Mending Places called Saving Grace. I plan to order that one as well.

Mending Places interested me from the beginning. I read the back cover and wanted to see how the author worked through the conflict. It was a bit slow to start (for me,) but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. The conflict with her sister's marriage was realistic and gut-wrenching, and I wish it had turned out with a happier ending, but hey, that's not reality. In regards to Hanna, I liked the way the author brought everything to a climax toward the ending. I felt Micah's pain as well as Hanna's. It is a wonderful story of forgiveness. Though it may seem unrealistic to some, I've known people in weirder situations. I liked the redemption piece and felt like the author handled the resolution beautifully.

This book seemed to have a little bit of everything...romance, suspense, drama, etc. In this book, Hanna is struggling to
keep her family business afloat when she hires Micah. Hanna is struggling with a rape and Micah is struggling with scars
(literally and figuratively) from his childhood. The two make an interesting discovery about the other, but can they save
their budding relationship? I loved how this author brought the two broken souls together, talking about the need to
forgive, and how they need each other to heal.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. That book will focus more on Natalie, who was introduced in "Mending Places", but I'm still hoping to get a glimpse into Hanna and Micah's life and how they work through their relationship. The
author did such a good job making it clear how much the two loved each other.

This book was unrealistic in it's character's emotional processing and the events that took place are highly unlikely. Author depends a lot on God's character and grace and attributes it to human characters... I'm sorry, but if i was raped horribly and it took ,what seems like,less than 24 hours to forgive the person who did it... that would be miraculous, but it is written normal as can be in this story. secondary characters were given far too much detail only to leave readers hanging in the end; thinking their involvment would have been more meaningful. Vague references to time passing " and they talked late into the night" (about what? why even mention it?), filler material that wasnt necessary.
sorry to say, but i took the offer to return it to publisher for my refund. have yet to receive the refund, but that's a whole other story...

Where do we draw the line? Are some things too big for us--or for God--to forgive? Denise Hunter tackles this question in a way that shows God's ability to transform broken lives. A highly recommended read.

Art Mumby and his sister Myrtle live in an alternate universe in 19th century space in a house that orbits the planet Earth. Workmen disrupt their family life while undertaking extensive remodeling and repairs, so when their mother receives an invitation to an asteroid belt resort hotel named Starcross, their father urges them to take a vacation while he stays behind to supervise the carpenters. Art also hopes that this will distract Myrtle from her tiresome heartsick longing for Jack Havock, the dashing young space pirate the Mumbys met in their previous adventure, chronicled in LARKLIGHT.

The asteroid belt is between Mars and Jupiter. Millions of Earth humans, Martians and other beings live on them. In fact, the Starcross asteroid once was a part of Mars that had broken off millions of years before. When the Mumby trio arrives at Starcross, they are disoriented by its appearance. It looks like an old abandoned building at first glance, but as they approach they see it is a large, lovely hotel overlooking a white sand basin. The hotel is run by Mr. Titfer, along with a wide array of automated robots. Art and Myrtle wonder where the ocean is; the invitation specifically mentioned "sea bathing," and Myrtle brought the latest in bathing costumes. When Mr. Titfer informs them that the tide has been out for one-hundred million years but comes in every 12 hours or so, their question is simply answered with a riddle.

While Myrtle and Mother sleep, Art explores his room. In his closet he finds a hatbox. Somehow, Art knows that Mr. Titfer's hats are the best ones in the universe (this is odd because, until he saw a train station advertisement for Titfer's Top-Notch Toppers as they traveled to Starcross, he had no idea Mr. Titfer had anything to do with hats). Art feels an irresistible urge to wear the hat, but as he gets ready to place it on his head, he is distracted by a voice saying "Moob!" As he tries to find whoever uttered that word, Art realizes that the ocean has come in.

Things grow more mysterious when the Mumbys go down to breakfast, for one of the guests is someone they know well...in disguise. While swimming, Myrtle and Mother discover two people who have been changed into Venusian Changeling Trees. Meanwhile, guests are talking about hats and dreaming about them. When Mother and Art are chloroformed into unconsciousness, a wild, time-traveling adventure ensues across prehistoric Mars.

This is a rollicking, jolly good adventure filled with bizarre characters, including knitting goblins. Although young readers might be put off a bit by the old-fashioned style and the plentiful (silly) footnotes, patient booklovers will be rewarded with an imaginative romp. The book is beautiful, with its heavy pages and ornate black and white illustrations. It's also hilarious (as when Myrtle takes over the tale only under the condition that "Mr. Wyatt" NOT illustrate her in her night clothes. When the page is turned, there she is, nightgown and all, with the caption "Myrtle in her night attire.")

STARCROSS could be read as a stand-alone, but why would anyone choose to miss out on the first book, LARKLIGHT, yet another delightful read?

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

The sequel to Larklight does not disappoint. Art and Myrtle are off on another delightful journey through space. The author's creative Victorian-era space traveling story has an imaginative plot. I especially love the collaboration between the author and illustrator. This series is loved by my family.

Art Mumby and his sister Myrtle live in an alternate universe in 19th century space in a house that orbits the planet Earth. Workmen disrupt their family life while undertaking extensive remodeling and repairs, so when their mother receives an invitation to an asteroid belt resort hotel named Starcross, their father urges them to take a vacation while he stays behind to supervise the carpenters. Art also hopes that this will distract Myrtle from her tiresome heartsick longing for Jack Havock, the dashing young space pirate the Mumbys met in their previous adventure, chronicled in LARKLIGHT.

The asteroid belt is between Mars and Jupiter. Millions of Earth humans, Martians and other beings live on them. In fact, the Starcross asteroid once was a part of Mars that had broken off millions of years before. When the Mumby trio arrives at Starcross, they are disoriented by its appearance. It looks like an old abandoned building at first glance, but as they approach they see it is a large, lovely hotel overlooking a white sand basin. The hotel is run by Mr. Titfer, along with a wide array of automated robots. Art and Myrtle wonder where the ocean is; the invitation specifically mentioned "sea bathing," and Myrtle brought the latest in bathing costumes. When Mr. Titfer informs them that the tide has been out for one-hundred million years but comes in every 12 hours or so, their question is simply answered with a riddle.

While Myrtle and Mother sleep, Art explores his room. In his closet he finds a hatbox. Somehow, Art knows that Mr. Titfer's hats are the best ones in the universe (this is odd because, until he saw a train station advertisement for Titfer's Top-Notch Toppers as they traveled to Starcross, he had no idea Mr. Titfer had anything to do with hats). Art feels an irresistible urge to wear the hat, but as he gets ready to place it on his head, he is distracted by a voice saying "Moob!" As he tries to find whoever uttered that word, Art realizes that the ocean has come in.

Things grow more mysterious when the Mumbys go down to breakfast, for one of the guests is someone they know well...in disguise. While swimming, Myrtle and Mother discover two people who have been changed into Venusian Changeling Trees. Meanwhile, guests are talking about hats and dreaming about them. When Mother and Art are chloroformed into unconsciousness, a wild, time-traveling adventure ensues across prehistoric Mars.

This is a rollicking, jolly good adventure filled with bizarre characters, including knitting goblins. Although young readers might be put off a bit by the old-fashioned style and the plentiful (silly) footnotes, patient booklovers will be rewarded with an imaginative romp. The book is beautiful, with its heavy pages and ornate black and white illustrations. It's also hilarious (as when Myrtle takes over the tale only under the condition that "Mr. Wyatt" NOT illustrate her in her night clothes. When the page is turned, there she is, nightgown and all, with the caption "Myrtle in her night attire.")

STARCROSS could be read as a stand-alone, but why would anyone choose to miss out on the first book, LARKLIGHT, yet another delightful read?

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

I so enjoy the world of the Mumbys! This is a wonderful sequel to Larklight!
It was so much fun visiting with returning characters, again! And we encounter both new and returning villains as well.
I thought the plot, characters, style of writing (which is excellent and delightful!) were all consistent with that of Larklight, and I didn't feel that the author "cheated" with any of the characters to fill the second book with plot.
The plot was exciting and intriguing again. And while I didn't feel it was *quite* as detailed and smooth as in Larklight, I still thought it was very well done.
My only other *complaint* (and it isn't really even a complaint) is that I would have liked more with some of the characters from the first book. I think the first book had a little more endearing-ness because all the characters were being initially introduced, as was the world as a whole. But, that said, what we did have with the characters was delightful.
If you liked Larklight I really think it's worth it to read Starcross!
4 stars compared to Larklight, but 5 stars compared to most other books as a whole.

I really loved this book. It wasn't quite as good as the first one, but it was still spectacular. I love the witty, neo-victorian voice and the characters are memorable as always.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1QSCAHPI3DQ1M Wondering about the taboo life of a swinger? Here's a safe and fun way to check it out!

Yeah, I found a new author!!! I picked up this book by chance and couldn't put it down. Storyline was good and enough intimate scenes to keep you hot...

Melissa Woods and Shane Mason were best friends, and she considered herself a little in love with him, but when he asked her to go to a resort called Sweet Surrender that caters to swingers, she was dumbfounded. Melissa had planned on turning him down until she found out her sister Elaine was planning to go there with her husband. Now it was her mission to go there and do reconnaissance for Elaine hoping to dissuade her from going. Melissa and Shane were planning to pose as husband and wife so that he could make a decision whether or not to buy the place.

Ty Adams and Suzanne Fox were also close friends posing at the resort as a married couple. She owns the resort, and Ty as a private investigator, suggested the deception so they could check out the potential buyer. The only problem was they didn't know who it was, so they planned to get to know the new visitors hoping to identify the buyer. When Ty saw Melissa, he immediately wanted her, and thought she was either the buyer or a representative for the buyer. She wasn't his normal type, but something in her pulled at him, and he was going to have fun finding out her secrets as he gets close to her body.

Melissa didn't think she would enjoy the resort, but with Ty's help, she found a closet exhibitionist within herself that loved getting out. She also found herself participating and enjoying things she never dreamed possible before meeting Ty. When everyone discovers that looks can be deceiving, and many misunderstandings take place, it takes digging deep to resolve the feelings involved.

I enjoyed the sensual sexy play of this book, but found it lacking in the end. I would have liked some resolution, and genuine deep emotions developed between Ty and Melissa, but the book ended pretty abruptly leaving me with a feeling they wouldn't make it as a couple.

Melissa Woods' friend, Shane Mason, is considering buying a swinger's
resort in The British West Indies called The Sweet Surrender. He wants
to check it out, so he asks Melissa to go with him and pose as his
wife. She agrees, after hearing that her sister and her husband are
planning to go to the same resort in the future. Melissa wants to
gather information on the resort and persuade her sister not to go.

Private investigator Ty Adams' friend Suzanne owns The Sweet
Surrender. The club is losing money, and she knows she has to sell,
although she hates it. She asks Ty to go with her to the resort
because she thinks the prospective buyer is sending in a spy to see
how things work, and she wants Ty to find out who the spy is.

Ty immediately suspects Melissa, because she seems to be uncomfortable
at the orientation. He's very attracted to her, so spending time with
her won't be a problem. At first, Melissa is appalled by the club, and
its activities but as she begins to sample the offerings, she finds
that rather enjoys the swinger's lifestyle, and that she's very, very
attracted to Ty.

The tag on Swing says to "Leave your inhibitions at the door." In its
place you'd better bring a bucket full of ice. On second thought, make
that several buckets. Swing is hot, there's no doubt about it. Ms.
Carew has crafted a novel that captures the spirit of a swinger's club
very well. The sex is hot, and the games the couples play are fun and
varied.

I enjoyed the book, but would have liked to see a little more alone
time between Melissa and Shane, to cement their relationship. I'd
hoped to get that at the end and was disappointed that I did not.
Despite that, Swing is a sexy and entertaining romp. Readers who enjoy
stories about uninhibited sex with various and multiple partners will
love Swing.

Amelia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

What would you do for a friend? Would you go to a sex resort and do anything that was asked from you. An easy question to say yes or no to, but for Melissa it is one that will determine her future with Shane. He is the guy she has fantasized about for years and also her best friend. The thing is Shane doesn't see her as a sexy woman. He sees her just as a friend. Talk about a low blow to her self-esteem. She never expected him to ask her to accompany him to The Sweet Surrender, a swinger's resort. Melissa is no innocent and has read about these people that swap wives or girlfriends for sex but never imagined Shane was into it. Would this be the place that will finally make Melissa wanton, sexy and desirable to Shane? Or will it be her downfall.

Ty is an ex security guy who will do anything for his friend Suzanne. Upon hearing that a potential buyer is coming he knows that he must protect Suzanne. Wondering if it is Melissa that could be the potential he is not sure whom to protect now. He knows Suzanne is a great seductress but seeing Melissa makes him wonder if maybe it's time to join in the activities at the resort. One thing for sure is that Melissa is no innocent and he is definitely willing to show all the sexual sides of the resort. The thing is can he do it without losing his heart or his friendship with Suzanne.

Man oh man this one was one roller coaster of sex, passion and oh so vivid you can imagine yourself at the resort. It was interesting as a reader to read that this swinging business does exist and not all of it is seedy but somewhat loving. Melissa is a woman who is timid and it takes one good-looking man like Ty to bring that inner sensuality and passion in her out to play. Great book and can't wait for more by Opal Carew. Ms. Carew has wonderful imagination and great talent.

Genre: Erotica
Hearts: - 5/5
Reviewer: Melinda of Night Owl Romance
Date: 1/30/2008
Night Owl Romance Online Version: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=1189

© Night Owl Romance 2007-2008

Plot:
You are Cordinally Invited . . .

to your brother's wedding, where he will marry rich, famous Marni Shay, at the River Lodge, the most elite resort in Colorado, the state you choose to escape your family, except they'll all be there. Enjoy then fun-filled days of avoiding your mother, who still thinks your not girly enough; plannig your brother's bachelor party, because you are his best man, er, girl; and, oh yeah, trying not to drool all over Hot Conner, who happens to be in your english seminar AND work at the River Lodge. Put your best foot forward, and . . . Don't miss the most joyous celebration of the year! ( Yeah right)

This book was AMAZING! I love Biff's character. I really recomdend buying this book because it has everything. Laughs, love, reality, and creativity. I just finished it and now I am reading for Christmas. It also has some adventure and action but more just fun.

I was very disappointed with this book. It was simplistic, predictable, and I was not quite sure what the point of it was. It wasn't horribly written, but it wasn't a page turner. I did not find it amusing, although I could see the effort on some parts. I finished it because I pretty much finish what I start, but personally, I wouldn't recommend it.

This book is very entertaining, i finished it in one sitting. Biff and Jane are really cool characters to read about.
i would get it for sure.

How would you like the given name Farrah? Exactly! That's why Farrah decides to go by her middle name, Jane, when she starts at Colorado University. Colorado was as far as she could get from her family. By using Jane, no one could possibly figure out that she is part of the THAT Morris family.

Everything is going along perfectly for Jane. She even had a real conversation with Hot Connor the last day of the semester. Though that only happened because they collided into each other after finals. But now, she's off to River Lodge to attend her brother's wedding. Of all the places he had to choose to get married, it had to be in her safety state of Colorado. Well, Jane plans to make the best of it, not really understanding why her brother, Jonah, would choose to marry Marni Shay, besides her being rich and famous. At least Marni has a cool younger sister, Biff (her real name is Buffy, but don't you dare call her that!), that Jane immediately bonds with.

What can possibly go wrong? Of course, the reader knows that something has to happen. And that turns out to be that Hot Connor WORKS at River Lodge. He actually seems pleased to see Jane. But that's probably because Biff told him that the two girls are nannies for some rich family. Not quite true, of course. Jane's family's wealth represents all that Connor resents.

So now, Jane has to pretend she is the nanny to her two younger brothers whenever Connor might be around. As can be expected, things don't always turn out the way that she wants. Jane has to juggle wedding preparations, avoiding Connor at the wrong moments, and being extra-attentive to her younger brothers as a front for her deception.

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Harrison, but it definitely won't be my last. Jane was a lot of fun and the misfortunes she finds herself in are very comical, but point out the problems when you don't tell the truth from the beginning. One small lie builds into a waterfall of lies that soon create a disaster for Jane. Only by coming clean does she have any hope of a happy ending.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

I loved this book! The story is just so funny and original I couldnt put it down. I recommend this book to all who love romantic comedies. Jane is a real girl that many can identify with. I really like that Jane was an older girl in college and not the typical 16 year old experiencing her first love, cause thats how it was for me. This was book was light hearted and wonderful to read. I cant wait to read another novel by Emma Harrison.