Dying to Please

Rating:
Summary: Dying to Please = It Worked for Me!
Review: Simply astonshing. The clarity and colour of the author's words brought tears of confusion to my eyes. Page 57, in particular, was so chock-... full of memorable bits that I tore it out and keep it pasted to the inside of my car's windscreen so that I can can be entertained at stoplights or in heavy traffic on the by-pass. Who could forget such nuggets as" "Yeah, that's it. You're right!" or "Maybe tomorrow -- right now I have ricketts."

Splendid -- A MUST read!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Linda Howard's earlier books (before she became really famous, I think!) were much more robust and delved into the personalities and motivations in her characters. Mr. Perfect and now Dying to Please seem very shallow. The dialog is not nearly as heartwrenching as some of her earlier work, and the spicy parts seem contrived, kind of forced into the work because they are now expected. Definitely don't pay full price for this one (I did and was disappointed...)

Rating:
Summary: superb, I recommend this one for Oprah's Book Club
Review: For a man that's dying to please...I'm very pleased. This book has it all, an plot that's failsafe for any family outing. Go out to the beach, put on that spf 100 sunblock and turn those pages with glee. Oh, watch out for little Johnny! He's swimming out too deep again. What the hell, get lost in this gem of a tale and let the lifeguards earn there wages. This book is worth a trip to the emergency room, what better place is there to read. I started reading this book at [a local bookstore] and ended up reading it until I was kicked out at closing time. I returned the next day to finish. For someone that's dying to be pleased, i strongly recommend this yarn.

Rating:
Summary: Another winner from Linda Howard
Review: Linda Howard just keeps writing better and better romantic suspense. "Dying to Please" continues her tradition of outstanding contemporary romances without being a formulistic copycat of Howard's past successes. The first thing I liked about this book was the heroine's career: she's a modern day butler who can also act as a bodyguard. Not only is this unconventional career interesting to read about (I never knew I needed a butler to iron my newspaper), but it also is the backbone of a unique suspense story. Plus, I loved the subtle play throughout the book on "the butler did it." The second thing I liked was that the lead characters both had strongly developed and very realistic characters. Neither is perfect - he's bitter about a recent divorce and she's emotionally reserved - but their character flaws read true and make for a more complex romance. Finally, I liked the fact that Howard didn't try to keep the reader in the dark as to who the villain was. It's usually so transparent in romantic suspense novels that I almost feel like the writer is insulting my intelligence when they try to be coy about "who done it." All in all, this is a good, solid romantic suspense novel and a compelling read. I finished it in one sitting and will definitely put it on my "keeper" shelf.

Rating:
Summary: FOUR and 1/2 STARS to be more precise
Review: I have read all of Linda Howard's books, and reread several over again and again. This is the first hardback I have bought-I usally wait for the library to get it-and I feel it was a worthwhile purchase. I liked the heroine who is both vulnerable and strong; her job of butler was unique plus her being a bodyguard. The hero, who is MR. ALPHA wonderful (my favorite), is a detective with an attitude, but eventually overcomes his prejudices; he grovels quite well, too. When LH's hero's focus on the heroine, it is with an all-consuming passion.

I was disappointed with the portrayal of the villian; he had no substance or depth: he was 'useful' to the plot of the story. Aside from this, I enjoyed DYING TO PLEASE very much. Linda Howard has NEVER disappointed me, and I look forward to purchasing her next bestseller.

Rating:
Summary: Not one of L.H.'s best books
Review: Usually I really like reading Linda Howard's books.
I can't put my finger on it but there's just something
missing in the story between Cahill and Sarah.
It's definitely not as good a read as "Mr. Perfect"
or "Open Season".

Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: Butler, bodyguard, and skilled marksman, Sarah Stevens, loves her job running the household of an elderly judge until the night she walked into a burglary and her world began to fall apart.

After stopping a burglary on the judge's home Sarah is plunged into the spotlight, and into the heart of a twisted stalker. While her fifteen minutes of fame are ticking away, Sarah starts receiving gifts from a madman who will stop at nothing to have her for himself. Dismissing the gifts as strange occurrences , Sarah tries moving on with her life until tragedy strikes...her loving employer is brutally murdered.

As the police begin their investigation they assure Sarah she is not a suspect until another murder occurs and Sarah is the main suspect.

While trying to find the killer and keep her relationship with the lead detective on the case in tow, Sarah finds herself racing for her life as the stalker tracks her every move waiting for the moment to strike.

'Dying To Please' is a good read, it moves at a good pace, and the main character is interesting but the romantic angle thrown in takes away from the suspense. The plot has many twists and turns, and the surprises along the way will keep thriller readers turning the pages but when the love story unfolds it becomes a distraction to the novel rather than enriching it.

Linda Howard has been writing good suspense novels for several years, and she can still be depended upon for a good read, but she should focus more on the mystery and suspense of the novel, and less on the romance.

Nick Gonnella

Rating:
Summary: Classic Linda Howard
Review: If you are a fan of Linda Howard (as I am), you will appreciate this book. Sarah and Cahill ignite this suspense novel with their growing romance. This book is not a great departure in substance or style for Howard. As in her other suspense works, the alpha male is matched by an equally strong female. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: A story that I really got into!
Review: "Dying to Please" by Linda Howard was a romantic mystery that I really got into!

I finished this book in one night. The storyline was that interesting!

The characters are moving and the plot exciting. The dialogue could have been a little more thoughtout but doable. The plot made up for the less excting conversations shared between main characters.

If good romantic mysteries are your thing then you won't want to miss "Dying to Please."

Rating:
Summary: Read it twice to be sure!!
Review: I bought the book the day it went on the shelves. I was not disappointed this time. It seems Ms. Howard has returned to the style of writing for which she became famous. I believe the faithful readers of Ms. Howard will be happy with her latest book. Sarah Stevens is a likable heroine. She's competent, confident and sensitive. Cahill is the perfect compliment to Sarah. It's a good match. Enjoy!!!