Member Reviews
Welcome to Temptation starts off with two cars colliding with each other; the characters bounce of each other, collide with others, who then again bounce, and in the end (almost) everyone lands in their appropriate pocket. In other words, the novel unfolds much like a game of billiard, and if you’ve ever read anything by Jennifer Crusie you will not be surprised to learn that pool billiard plays a major role here, because her novels just are clever that way.
And Welcome to Temptation is one of her best – the plot zings ahead, moves along several deft bankshots and finally is pocketed elegantly. There is host of characters all of which are credible enough to remain plausible even through the occasional spin towards caricature or satire, the writing is polished and hits the spot precisely, and the story packs quite the emotional punch. In other words, this is about as good as Romance fiction gets, is both witty and emotional, funny and moving. Jennifer Crusie is often (and, I think, rightly so) mentioned as the Romance author to recommend to people who do not read Romance fiction; and the reason most frequently cited for that is along the lines of “you don’t even notice you’re reading Romance.” Which, while not completely wrong, is still somewhat off, at least the way I see it – Jennifer Crusie’s novels (even the later ones that branch off into different genres) are deeply rooted in Romance and never pretend to be otherwise; they’re simply not what most show more people (those not reading Romance fiction, anyway) expect Romance to be. They are neither soppy nor clichéd, they are well written in a snappy, fast-moving language, and above all they are fiercely intelligent, juggling, in the case of Welcome to Temptation, a plot involving a dozen major and minor characters, mayoral elections, gender politics, a murder case and wall painting. And pool billiard. And there’s a dog, too. It still is fluff, of course, but does not want to be anything else, and it excellent fluff that is smart and entertaining and does not presume its readers to be stupid. In other words, it is a huge lot of fun and among the most entertaining novels I have read in 2014. show less
And Welcome to Temptation is one of her best – the plot zings ahead, moves along several deft bankshots and finally is pocketed elegantly. There is host of characters all of which are credible enough to remain plausible even through the occasional spin towards caricature or satire, the writing is polished and hits the spot precisely, and the story packs quite the emotional punch. In other words, this is about as good as Romance fiction gets, is both witty and emotional, funny and moving. Jennifer Crusie is often (and, I think, rightly so) mentioned as the Romance author to recommend to people who do not read Romance fiction; and the reason most frequently cited for that is along the lines of “you don’t even notice you’re reading Romance.” Which, while not completely wrong, is still somewhat off, at least the way I see it – Jennifer Crusie’s novels (even the later ones that branch off into different genres) are deeply rooted in Romance and never pretend to be otherwise; they’re simply not what most show more people (those not reading Romance fiction, anyway) expect Romance to be. They are neither soppy nor clichéd, they are well written in a snappy, fast-moving language, and above all they are fiercely intelligent, juggling, in the case of Welcome to Temptation, a plot involving a dozen major and minor characters, mayoral elections, gender politics, a murder case and wall painting. And pool billiard. And there’s a dog, too. It still is fluff, of course, but does not want to be anything else, and it excellent fluff that is smart and entertaining and does not presume its readers to be stupid. In other words, it is a huge lot of fun and among the most entertaining novels I have read in 2014. show less
I don't know how to say this without saying it in this way . . . there are no books like Jennifer Crusie books. There's a rhythm, a beat, a tempo and it's easy to find yourself out of sync with her if you're not paying attention. I mean this as a compliment: like, there is a precision to the timing of her dialogue and it feels like a well-crafted screenplay. A bit of a, "stay in your seats so you don't miss out on the action."
some cw's: death of spouse (MMC's wife dies, historical), death of parent (MMC's father dies, mother of MMC's daughter dies both historical), cheating (FMC is in a relationship with someone when she begins a sexual relationship with the MMC, so technically cheating however it was clear the FMC was trying to break up with this person for a while - and even on page tried to break up with them over the phone but they were trying to manipulate her - long story long, cheating in books isn't an issue for me and the cheating in this book didn't bother me since imo it was a gray area), drugging (FMC's brother drugged someone in high school), on-page sex, difficult family dynamics
some cw's: death of spouse (MMC's wife dies, historical), death of parent (MMC's father dies, mother of MMC's daughter dies both historical), cheating (FMC is in a relationship with someone when she begins a sexual relationship with the MMC, so technically cheating however it was clear the FMC was trying to break up with this person for a while - and even on page tried to break up with them over the phone but they were trying to manipulate her - long story long, cheating in books isn't an issue for me and the cheating in this book didn't bother me since imo it was a gray area), drugging (FMC's brother drugged someone in high school), on-page sex, difficult family dynamics
Sophie is a straight-laced thirtysomething who is happy with the success of her wedding filming business and less than excited to head to Temptation to make a movie with Clea, a former porn star who has connections with her brother. Amy, Sophie’s sister, is thrilled, and try as she might, Sophie can’t really deny her little brother and sister much of anything because she wants to protect them and help them be successful. The mayor, Phineas Tucker, is in for it when Sophie and Amy arrive in town. He’s young, attractive, and rich, which to Sophie sends warning signs every time. He can’t help his attraction, though, and in the end, neither can she.
What I really liked about this book is that there is so much more to it than the romance. The romance becomes comfortable because the other issues are a little stressful, like Phin’s difficult mother, adorable child, and struggle to remain mayor and somehow keep his town happy, as well as Sophie’s trust issues and family hang-ups. There is a lot of sex, but unusually it actually furthers the plot, reveals a whole lot of Sophie’s problems, and once the first couple of scenes are past we don’t get much more description; they think about it, though. I guess that’s normal, but this is one of the racier romances I’ve read lately.
Once Sophie and Phin have a thing going on, the book sort of switches over to a murder mystery and all the small-town rivalries and obsessions are revealed in the search to figure out who show more did it. Sophie is victim of a few attacks and that only complicates matters more. Like I mentioned earlier, I was actually quite into the plot of this one and not just because I wanted to see how the couple got together in the end. We knew that was going to happen, but we didn’t know who was a murderer. I even enjoyed the little side story with Rachel and her struggle for her own independence.
Best of all, this book is funny! I’ve found that my favorite romance authors are those who can pull off banter between the two main characters and leave me smiling, too.
“I love this,” Sophie said, beaming at him. ”I look like hell and you’re chasing me around the kitchen. This is great.”
“I am not chasing,” Phin said.
Sophie undid the top button on her blouse.
“I’m chasing,” Phin said. - p. 190
It’s just cute! I did have trouble picking an excerpt, though, because there are a lot of expletives in this book. Not used in a derogatory way, but they’re there. It’s very playful, like the rest of the book, but it’s definitely there.
I’d recommend this absolutely. I’ll also recommend this even if you’re not looking for a romance. I think there is enough here to make it a great, fun summer read beyond that. It’s flirtatious, witty, endearing fun.
http://chikune.com/blog/?p=968 show less
What I really liked about this book is that there is so much more to it than the romance. The romance becomes comfortable because the other issues are a little stressful, like Phin’s difficult mother, adorable child, and struggle to remain mayor and somehow keep his town happy, as well as Sophie’s trust issues and family hang-ups. There is a lot of sex, but unusually it actually furthers the plot, reveals a whole lot of Sophie’s problems, and once the first couple of scenes are past we don’t get much more description; they think about it, though. I guess that’s normal, but this is one of the racier romances I’ve read lately.
Once Sophie and Phin have a thing going on, the book sort of switches over to a murder mystery and all the small-town rivalries and obsessions are revealed in the search to figure out who show more did it. Sophie is victim of a few attacks and that only complicates matters more. Like I mentioned earlier, I was actually quite into the plot of this one and not just because I wanted to see how the couple got together in the end. We knew that was going to happen, but we didn’t know who was a murderer. I even enjoyed the little side story with Rachel and her struggle for her own independence.
Best of all, this book is funny! I’ve found that my favorite romance authors are those who can pull off banter between the two main characters and leave me smiling, too.
“I love this,” Sophie said, beaming at him. ”I look like hell and you’re chasing me around the kitchen. This is great.”
“I am not chasing,” Phin said.
Sophie undid the top button on her blouse.
“I’m chasing,” Phin said. - p. 190
It’s just cute! I did have trouble picking an excerpt, though, because there are a lot of expletives in this book. Not used in a derogatory way, but they’re there. It’s very playful, like the rest of the book, but it’s definitely there.
I’d recommend this absolutely. I’ll also recommend this even if you’re not looking for a romance. I think there is enough here to make it a great, fun summer read beyond that. It’s flirtatious, witty, endearing fun.
http://chikune.com/blog/?p=968 show less
It’s marvellous to love a book as much on a re-read years later as much as when first read. This is one of those. I still rank this as Crusie’s best book. A steamy small town romance and mystery perfectly blended. This is a rare book where not one sentence seems out of place. With a perfect balance of characters (especially Sophie and Phin), and an ending that still made me laugh and smile, this book brings a bright meaning to carrying on family traditions. Top marks.
This was sexy and fun and entirely satisfying. Yes, the plot was silly, and what I think was supposed to be the big reveal at the end was so obvious and telegraphed before hand that I had to sigh a little. But the characters were fun, the dialogue witty and snappy, and for all that we didn't see many of Temptation's inhabitants, I thought Crusie did a good job of capturing that familiar feeling of small town claustrophobia. Sophie was a solid main character, and I appreciated that Crusie wrote her as strong, not as a Strong Woman; not to mention that she was introduced to better living through mild kink, which was yum :> I'll be keeping an eye out for the loose sequel to this, which is Faking It, I believe.
Welcome to Temptation
4.5 Stars
Invited to Temptation, Ohio to shoot a short film, Sophie Dempsey wants nothing more than to finish the job and get out of town as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, events and sexy mayor, Phin Tucker, conspire against her. Before she knows it, Sophie is embroiled in a multitude of mayhem including blackmail. adultery and murder.
While this is a delightful small town romp with well-developed characters and an engaging storyline, it is also a product of its time (the early 2000s) in terms of the portrayal of and expectations from women in a small town.
Sophie and Phin's opposites attract romance is very appealing and they have fantastic chemistry. The only issue here is that he sometimes comes across as a preppie jerk who needs a good kick in the pants, but he does grovel quite well when necessary.
The murder and mayhem plot is reminiscent of a good British who-dun-it ala Midsomer Murders. There are numerous suspects as almost everyone in town wanted the victim dead, and the entire scenario is laigh-out-loud ridiculous.
All in all, a fun way to spend an afternoon and the book is recommended for fans of Rachel Gibson, Victoria Dahl, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
4.5 Stars
Invited to Temptation, Ohio to shoot a short film, Sophie Dempsey wants nothing more than to finish the job and get out of town as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, events and sexy mayor, Phin Tucker, conspire against her. Before she knows it, Sophie is embroiled in a multitude of mayhem including blackmail. adultery and murder.
While this is a delightful small town romp with well-developed characters and an engaging storyline, it is also a product of its time (the early 2000s) in terms of the portrayal of and expectations from women in a small town.
Sophie and Phin's opposites attract romance is very appealing and they have fantastic chemistry. The only issue here is that he sometimes comes across as a preppie jerk who needs a good kick in the pants, but he does grovel quite well when necessary.
The murder and mayhem plot is reminiscent of a good British who-dun-it ala Midsomer Murders. There are numerous suspects as almost everyone in town wanted the victim dead, and the entire scenario is laigh-out-loud ridiculous.
All in all, a fun way to spend an afternoon and the book is recommended for fans of Rachel Gibson, Victoria Dahl, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
I like quick and dirty reads, and that's exactly what this was. Not only was it amazingly entertaining, it was hilarious and even a little whimsical. It had some fantastic love scenes and even though everything ended as neat as a bow, that's exactly what you want at the end of a book like this. There's nothing especially profound or philosophical, but but you will get a decent appreciation of small town life and how deranged it could be.
{First of 2 in Dempsey series; steam level: frequent}(2000)
I picked this up because I've seen a few positive reviews of Crusie's work around LT and this was one of the books available from my Overdrive libraries.
Two sisters, Sophie and Amy Dempsey, go to a small town called Temptation about an hour away from Cincinnati at the request of Clea, a film starlet whom their brother used to date. She wants to restart her career (consisting of two or three minor films) by filming her 'Return to Temptation' as an audition tape, to be released by a friend of hers who produces porn films. Clea's return stirs up hormones and the town's politics so the mayor and the police chief get involved, ex-boyfriends return and a murder occurs.
I liked the book to start with; it has a light, fizzy atmosphere. But Phin, the 'hero', is checking out the legs of a girl about half his age when we first meet him and is unabashed about looking down cleavages. On the one hand he had a nice personality but on the other he had some creepy characteristics - such as the first few times he and Sophie kissed, he seemed more concerned about his shirt getting rumpled.
I wouldn't call this a romance; as soon as Sophie and Phin set eyes on each other, it's a mutual case of lust which they indulge in at any time and almost any place, even though each of them typifies the sort of people that the other has learned, from bitter experience, are dangerous. It's more about Sophie finding herself, having taken care of her show more two siblings all her life. There were a few moments of farce the several times that the body is discovered and moved elsewhere for someone else to discover. I thought the child (Phin's 9 year old daughter, Dillie) was neither too bratty nor too saccharine and wasn't overused as a narrative device.
The dog was ... interesting; even though it reminded me of the palace dogs in the Minions film, I wouldn't have minded seeing more of him/ her. It seemed quirky that, apart from the three Demspey siblings, everyone else came from one child families. Maybe that's why it's such a small town? (ETA: hang on, my mistake; there was a fleeting mention towards the end that Rachel had two older sisters but we never met them.)
I can't say I cared deeply for any of the characters (and I even tended to forget some of the secondary ones existed until they came along again) but that could be because I was just trying to get to the end as quickly as possible, especially after Phin asked Sophie what her turn-on fantasies were and made some suggestions, one of which I found deeply disturbing and offensive. Not to mention the casual attitude to gun control:
On the other hand, I didn't abandon it altogether because it was still reasonably fun.
October 2021
2.5-3 stars show less
I picked this up because I've seen a few positive reviews of Crusie's work around LT and this was one of the books available from my Overdrive libraries.
Two sisters, Sophie and Amy Dempsey, go to a small town called Temptation about an hour away from Cincinnati at the request of Clea, a film starlet whom their brother used to date. She wants to restart her career (consisting of two or three minor films) by filming her 'Return to Temptation' as an audition tape, to be released by a friend of hers who produces porn films. Clea's return stirs up hormones and the town's politics so the mayor and the police chief get involved, ex-boyfriends return and a murder occurs.
I liked the book to start with; it has a light, fizzy atmosphere. But Phin, the 'hero', is checking out the legs of a girl about half his age when we first meet him and is unabashed about looking down cleavages. On the one hand he had a nice personality but on the other he had some creepy characteristics - such as the first few times he and Sophie kissed, he seemed more concerned about his shirt getting rumpled.
I wouldn't call this a romance; as soon as Sophie and Phin set eyes on each other, it's a mutual case of lust which they indulge in at any time and almost any place, even though each of them typifies the sort of people that the other has learned, from bitter experience, are dangerous. It's more about Sophie finding herself, having taken care of her show more two siblings all her life. There were a few moments of farce the several times that the body is discovered and moved elsewhere for someone else to discover. I thought the child (Phin's 9 year old daughter, Dillie) was neither too bratty nor too saccharine and wasn't overused as a narrative device.
“Jamie Barclay and I made up a mother test.”
“How cute of you,” Sophie said. “No.”
“It’s just four questions,” Dillie said, her cupid’s-bow mouth drooping with disappointment. “Four little questions. Please.”
Sophie sighed. Maybe if she flunked Dill’s test . . . “Shoot.”
Dillie straightened in her chair. “Okay. These are multiple choice to make it easy.”
...
Dillie sat back. “Perfect score.”
“What?”
Dillie nodded. “My dad picked the exact same answers. Even the different answer on number four.”
“You gave your father a mother test?”
“No, I gave him a father test,” Dillie said.
The dog was ... interesting; even though it reminded me of the palace dogs in the Minions film, I wouldn't have minded seeing more of him/ her. It seemed quirky that, apart from the three Demspey siblings, everyone else came from one child families. Maybe that's why it's such a small town? (ETA: hang on, my mistake; there was a fleeting mention towards the end that Rachel had two older sisters but we never met them.)
I can't say I cared deeply for any of the characters (and I even tended to forget some of the secondary ones existed until they came along again) but that could be because I was just trying to get to the end as quickly as possible, especially after Phin asked Sophie what her turn-on fantasies were and made some suggestions, one of which I found deeply disturbing and offensive. Not to mention the casual attitude to gun control:
It didn't help that his dad's .22 was gone from the locked gun cabinet. “Anybody could have taken it,” he told Wes. “The key's on the top, up where Dillie can't reach it, but we weren't trying to keep anybody else out.
On the other hand, I didn't abandon it altogether because it was still reasonably fun.
October 2021
2.5-3 stars show less
Yes, it's porn-y. It's also interesting, well-written, entertaining as hell, and filled to the brim with interesting characters. It's my favorite of Crusie's novels.
Liked reading Sophie using the steps to make a con. The water tower descriptions as a sex symbol were funny as it changed to different colors. I had no respect for the mayor Phin as a sex crazed guy and wondered why Sophie continued to want him for more than sex. Liked Wes as the cop and thought he would have better for Sophie after her "research" was done. Had a hard time keeping track of all the town people because they were in the the beginning and then did not play a part until the murder. I did like that this was more than just a book about sex by adding the murder and the controversies over the idea of a porn movie being made in a small town.
Eek! Accidentally deleted my review for this book, and I'm crushed. There was probably a log of the many, many times I've revisited Temptation. I *love* this hero, and the fact that he and the heroine actually have to learn how to have fantabulous sex. Such a great story.
Reread (7/12): Love how Crusie plays with so many beloved tropes and behaviors. *love* that everyone gets to have normal sex lives outside the main romance (including main characters). Main mystery plot was a little more manic than. I remembered, or maybe I was just so in love with Phin that I never noticed before.
Reread (7/12): Love how Crusie plays with so many beloved tropes and behaviors. *love* that everyone gets to have normal sex lives outside the main romance (including main characters). Main mystery plot was a little more manic than. I remembered, or maybe I was just so in love with Phin that I never noticed before.
Every time I read this book, I love it a little more.
April 2020: The first time I read this, I couldn’t stand Phin. He was a selfish jerk without a lot of redeeming qualities. Reading it 6 years later, now I think of how much pressure Phin is under from Liz and his father’s memory.
April 2020: The first time I read this, I couldn’t stand Phin. He was a selfish jerk without a lot of redeeming qualities. Reading it 6 years later, now I think of how much pressure Phin is under from Liz and his father’s memory.
Bought on Audible
Rating 3.5
What I Loved: Sophie/Amy/Davey! Anytime two or more of the siblings were together it was fun, heart-warming, and always a surprise. I laughed, got sad, and got my heart strings pulled at many times. I also loved the character of Rachel and her quest to get out of Temptation. She reminded me a lot of most of the small town gals I know---they want out and don't want to look back. Her journey and quest to get out of town was surprising and fun. I adored all the Princess Bride and other movie references.
What I Liked: The town of Temptation was full of interesting characters. I think they covered the gambit of personalities and made for some very funny moments. The overall story was well paced, well written, and very funny.
Complaints: I just never warmed to Phin. For a leading man he was a little to arrogant for me right up until the end. I did enjoy the Amy/Wes story and almost wish they were the main couple in this book.
Audio Review: The pacing was fantastic but the narration was a little too twangy for me. Overall though I did enjoy the reading of the book.
Why I gave it a 3.5: Overall this was an enjoyable book but since I never warmed up to Phin it just didn't fill my "love story" quotient for a chic-lit romance novel.
Who I would recommend it too: Chic-lit and Contemporary Romance readers. Please go check out the reviews on Goodreads--the book got a lot of 5's.
Author Website: http://www.jennycrusie.com/
Rating 3.5
What I Loved: Sophie/Amy/Davey! Anytime two or more of the siblings were together it was fun, heart-warming, and always a surprise. I laughed, got sad, and got my heart strings pulled at many times. I also loved the character of Rachel and her quest to get out of Temptation. She reminded me a lot of most of the small town gals I know---they want out and don't want to look back. Her journey and quest to get out of town was surprising and fun. I adored all the Princess Bride and other movie references.
What I Liked: The town of Temptation was full of interesting characters. I think they covered the gambit of personalities and made for some very funny moments. The overall story was well paced, well written, and very funny.
Complaints: I just never warmed to Phin. For a leading man he was a little to arrogant for me right up until the end. I did enjoy the Amy/Wes story and almost wish they were the main couple in this book.
Audio Review: The pacing was fantastic but the narration was a little too twangy for me. Overall though I did enjoy the reading of the book.
Why I gave it a 3.5: Overall this was an enjoyable book but since I never warmed up to Phin it just didn't fill my "love story" quotient for a chic-lit romance novel.
Who I would recommend it too: Chic-lit and Contemporary Romance readers. Please go check out the reviews on Goodreads--the book got a lot of 5's.
Author Website: http://www.jennycrusie.com/
The Dempseys may be a family of con artists, but they stick together. So when younger sister Amy agrees to make a short film for an aging actress, older sister Sophie goes along to make sure things go smoothly. Little does she know her life is about to take a complicated turn - from soft porn to murder.
Phin Tucker comes from a long political tradition - one his mother isn't going to see broken. But when Phin meets Sophie things not only heat up, the political train heads straight for more scandal than the quiet little town of Temptation, Ohio has ever dreamed of.
For a book about movie-making, there are surprisingly few scenes with either actors or filming. But once you get past the missing elements, it's a fast-paced, fluffy and fun.
Phin Tucker comes from a long political tradition - one his mother isn't going to see broken. But when Phin meets Sophie things not only heat up, the political train heads straight for more scandal than the quiet little town of Temptation, Ohio has ever dreamed of.
For a book about movie-making, there are surprisingly few scenes with either actors or filming. But once you get past the missing elements, it's a fast-paced, fluffy and fun.
Welcome to Temptation is the first of the Dempsey series by Jennifer Crusie. Wow - what a hot read. I'd been told beforehand that the book got rather steamy, but I still wasn't expecting the amount of sex within it. Brilliant plot, though, and quite a fun murder mystery. Can't wait to see how the next one is.
Yes, I am addicted to Crusie's books.
See publisher's blurb for clues to the plot, but the situational and conversational humor are the best part of any Crusie novel. Well, and, of course, the characters.
This is another that I started with the paperbacks until they kept wandering off, then I bought the audio.
Aasne Vigesaa has the characters and emotions down to a science, and that is great for us listeners!
See publisher's blurb for clues to the plot, but the situational and conversational humor are the best part of any Crusie novel. Well, and, of course, the characters.
This is another that I started with the paperbacks until they kept wandering off, then I bought the audio.
Aasne Vigesaa has the characters and emotions down to a science, and that is great for us listeners!
What I Loved: Sophie/Amy/Davey! Anytime two or more of the siblings were together it was fun, heart-warming, and always a surprise. I laughed, got sad, and got my heart strings pulled at many times. I also loved the character of Rachel and her quest to get out of Temptation. She reminded me a lot of most of the small town gals I know---they want out and don't want to look back. Her journey and quest to get out of town was surprising and fun. I adored all the Princess Bride and other movie references.
What I Liked: The town of Temptation was full of interesting characters. I think they covered the gambit of personalities and made for some very funny moments. The overall story was well paced, well written, and very funny.
Complaints: I just never warmed to Phin. For a leading man he was a little to arrogant for me right up until the end. I did enjoy the Amy/Wes story and almost wish they were the main couple in this book.
Audio Review: The pacing was fantastic but the narration was a little too twangy for me. Overall though I did enjoy the reading of the book.
Why I gave it a 3.5: Overall this was an enjoyable book but since I never warmed up to Phin it just didn't fill my "love story" quotient for a chic-lit romance novel.
Who I would recommend it too: Chic-lit and Contemporary Romance readers. Please go check out the reviews on Goodreads--the book got a lot of 5's.
Author Website: http://www.jennycrusie.com/
What I Liked: The town of Temptation was full of interesting characters. I think they covered the gambit of personalities and made for some very funny moments. The overall story was well paced, well written, and very funny.
Complaints: I just never warmed to Phin. For a leading man he was a little to arrogant for me right up until the end. I did enjoy the Amy/Wes story and almost wish they were the main couple in this book.
Audio Review: The pacing was fantastic but the narration was a little too twangy for me. Overall though I did enjoy the reading of the book.
Why I gave it a 3.5: Overall this was an enjoyable book but since I never warmed up to Phin it just didn't fill my "love story" quotient for a chic-lit romance novel.
Who I would recommend it too: Chic-lit and Contemporary Romance readers. Please go check out the reviews on Goodreads--the book got a lot of 5's.
Author Website: http://www.jennycrusie.com/
I tried to like this book I really did. Alas it failed for me, the male lead is too smarmy plus there is a part in the book when I realised that he had sex with two different women without changing the sheets in between and the female lead did not seem to mind at all - ewww that was the point where I just started to give up. The dialogue was a bit try hard and did not ring true. The male lead also has a daughter but does not seem to do a whole lot of parenting and he lives with his mother, works in a book store with no customers and wears Armani shirts - c'mon!!
Even though this book is not a part of a series there were many gaps and only after reading other reviews did I realise that it is better to have read Faking It first, this information would have been handy before I started scratching my head wondering what the hell they were talking about. I liked Bet Me but this one did not do it for me.
Even though this book is not a part of a series there were many gaps and only after reading other reviews did I realise that it is better to have read Faking It first, this information would have been handy before I started scratching my head wondering what the hell they were talking about. I liked Bet Me but this one did not do it for me.
After arriving in Temptation Ohio to help her sister film a movie, Sophie Dempsey finds herself wrapped up in small town politics, house painting, soft porn, a murder investigation, and the delightful town mayor.
This was my second time reading Welcome to Temptation (this time for a book group), and again I found it to be a fast, fun and INCREDIBLY sexy read!
Recommended.
This was my second time reading Welcome to Temptation (this time for a book group), and again I found it to be a fast, fun and INCREDIBLY sexy read!
Recommended.
I'm not usually into romance novels, but Welcome to Temptation was a decent read. The characters were well rounded, not the standard cliches I am used to in this genre. I like the term 'Vanilla Porn' which I read for the first time in this book. I think it is a term that could probably be applied here. This is a good book with a real storyline and I enjoyed it.
Sophie Dempsey is the prototypical Crusie heroine -- organized, methodical, taking care of everyone else, trying to hold it all together but starting to unravel at the seams. I like the way Phin unravels her. More than usually tricky murder/theft/sabotage plot.
I unwittingly ended up reading the sequel to this, Faking It, before I read this one. Faking It was my first exposure to Jennifer Crusie's writing and I really enjoyed it. I like this one even better. Both books are chock-full of great characters, laugh out loud moments, believable dialog, and a fast and fun plot. I also love that this author allows her characters to experience intimate encounters that aren't always earth-shattering. I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author.
I'm on a Crusie binge right now. This one had a really complex cast of characters, almost TV drama like. very enjoyable and complex. And fun. It was light on the romance while still making it the main focus of the book. I'm still not 100% over some of Crusie's wording peculiarities, but there is so much about her writing that I admire...
It was funny and charming and had the good things I expect from a Jennifer Crusie book.
The central characters were smart and likeable, the antagonists went from unpleasant to evil.
Audio was not right for me for this book.
The central characters were smart and likeable, the antagonists went from unpleasant to evil.
Audio was not right for me for this book.
A+! I loved this one. The small town setting is perfect, the characters unique, the dialogue biting, and the humor witty. And the sex scenes? Yum.
Sophie and Amy Dempsey come to Temptation, Ohio to make an audition tape for their old friend Clea, an aspiring actress and former porn star. Their arrival and film make the locals suspicious. They have good reason - the tape has become an erotic video. Sophie expects to leave town in a few days, but things like gossip, small-town politics, a sexy mayor, and murder keep getting in her way. With interesting characters, snappy dialogue and exhilarating situations, Crusie's newest will make you laugh and blush at the same time.
I'm on a Crusie binge right now. This one had a really complex cast of characters, almost TV drama like. very enjoyable and complex. And fun. It was light on the romance while still making it the main focus of the book. I'm still not 100% over some of Crusie's wording peculiarities, but there is so much about her writing that I admire...
This started out as typical romance between classes but soon changed with some unique twists and complex plot filled with humor and lots of surprises. A very entertaining story. Sophie and her sister go to small town Temptation to film a movie and before long encounter mayor Phin.
Great characters, lovable and hate-able. Great sex scenes. Sophie and her sister travel to small town Temptation to shoot a video audition tape for an acquaintance. They later find that their star want's to make this video 'vanilla porn'. While shooting, the sisters come across many problems. The sexy Mayor is interested in knowing what they are doing, an so are many towns people. Many things unfold as the video shoot wraps up, ex-lovers, jealous spouses, gossipy towns people, and lots of sex. Hard to put down.
A bawdy, hilarious contemporary romance about a filmmaker who butts heads with the local mayor when she comes to film in Temptation. Run, don't walk, to get this one!
This was pretty fun, but it was so zany I got a bit impatient with it after a while. Plus I wanted better use made of the bookstore as a setting!
Suprisingly good, I read it in one day. I'm not usually into "romance" books, but this is well-written, humerous, and a good quick read.
I was on a reading cruise for Crusie’s books, but after this one, I think I’ll change author for a long time.
The narrative thread of this book is a porn movie. No kidding. I mean, can you go any less romantic than this?
Minus 2 Stars.
The love story between the two protagonist is more a physical story where they say “F-word me” to each other most of the time, which leads to many cheap scenes I could have lived better without. It wasn’t very romantic, maybe more real? Could be, but I don’t think so, it was really exaggerated on the physical attraction and the intimate scenes were too many, over the top, and overstated.
Minus 1 star.
The sister is clingy, selfish, and lies a lot… she annoyed me too much.
Minus 1 star.
At about 60% of the book there’s a crime mystery to solve that is the only thing that saved this book from ending up on the not-to-read-shelf, I still would not suggest it, but I will not ban it to the dreaded shelf. The mystery is interesting, funny in its many facets, and gives a sprint to the book.
Plus 1 star.
The ending is happy and cheesy, just how I like it.
Plus 1 star.
Little spoiler here, this one got the final balance Minus 1 star. Skip if you don’t want to know.
The side story of Rachel, a twenty-years-old good girl that wants to escape the small town, is simply creepy. The author’s idea of her happy ending is to have her move to L.A. with forty-five-years-old king of porn Leo, to start producing soft porn movies. Really?!
The narrative thread of this book is a porn movie. No kidding. I mean, can you go any less romantic than this?
Minus 2 Stars.
The love story between the two protagonist is more a physical story where they say “F-word me” to each other most of the time, which leads to many cheap scenes I could have lived better without. It wasn’t very romantic, maybe more real? Could be, but I don’t think so, it was really exaggerated on the physical attraction and the intimate scenes were too many, over the top, and overstated.
Minus 1 star.
The sister is clingy, selfish, and lies a lot… she annoyed me too much.
Minus 1 star.
At about 60% of the book there’s a crime mystery to solve that is the only thing that saved this book from ending up on the not-to-read-shelf, I still would not suggest it, but I will not ban it to the dreaded shelf. The mystery is interesting, funny in its many facets, and gives a sprint to the book.
Plus 1 star.
The ending is happy and cheesy, just how I like it.
Plus 1 star.
Little spoiler here, this one got the final balance Minus 1 star. Skip if you don’t want to know.
I can see why this book won awards. It is one of jennifer's best works! I cheered and cried with the characters and not just Sophie and Phin but with the minor players to. Rachel really was special to me, so determined. So now I've read Sophine and Davy's stories I need to know more about Amy.
So it took me ages to find this edition! Finally.
I wanted to review this book, but I couldn't quite remember what it was called. ... which doesn't bode well for my review, because I couldn't even remember the name, but anyway!
I read this book in high school and I did enjoy it. It was really light and fluffy. The female character was a little bit flat for me. It was quite funny, and readable - I read it all the way through, even though I didn't completely love it, or even like it. The book seemed to be missing something, though, and I couldn't put my finger on it, and I can't put my finger on it now. And from memory, the sex scenes were a bit of a non-event? The plot was non-threatening, in a way that when you read, you know whatever goes wrong, it'll be okay, so you don't have to worry.
Which is good, because you can relax while you read it, but unfortunate, because it means I don't get attached to the characters.
This book was enough to distract me from school, but forgettable enough that I had trouble remembering the name.
2.5 stars from me. c:
I wanted to review this book, but I couldn't quite remember what it was called. ... which doesn't bode well for my review, because I couldn't even remember the name, but anyway!
I read this book in high school and I did enjoy it. It was really light and fluffy. The female character was a little bit flat for me. It was quite funny, and readable - I read it all the way through, even though I didn't completely love it, or even like it. The book seemed to be missing something, though, and I couldn't put my finger on it, and I can't put my finger on it now. And from memory, the sex scenes were a bit of a non-event? The plot was non-threatening, in a way that when you read, you know whatever goes wrong, it'll be okay, so you don't have to worry.
Which is good, because you can relax while you read it, but unfortunate, because it means I don't get attached to the characters.
This book was enough to distract me from school, but forgettable enough that I had trouble remembering the name.
2.5 stars from me. c:
Pretty good. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, although I thought that Ms. Crusie had a little too many subplots/side stories. Not as good as "Tell Me Lies" or "Crazy For You" but an altogether enjoyable book.
Not bad for a romance novel. Jennifer Crusie is one of the few romance novelists I can stand. No sappy, big busted women falling over large, caveman-like men.
Crusie at her finest. Racy and sexy with characters that make you smile. An entertaining easy read.
Wonderful fun, and a great antidote to a long day. During a crazy week, this was very much my treat to settled down with just enjoy, shutting out everything else.
This was a really slow start for me. I even wondered at one point, if it was worth finishing. I did finish it, and it did get better about halfway through, but the story was never engaging. I just couldn't give it more than two stars.
this is a novel that comes across like one of the grand old high-romp romantic comedies of the forties, but with inventive sex.
I think I didn't enjoy it as much because I read such wonderful reviews of this book when really it's just an average book. I'm glad I read it though.
one of my new favorite authors. she makes you laugh out loud. definetly a different twist on romance novels. i can't wait to read another of her books.
Funny, but a bit more erotic that first one I read.
A bit better to get interested over Tell Me Lies and Crazy for you, but still hard to get through
Did not really enjoy it. I didnt feel the characters, feel the romance. It seemed to be more about the sex than anything else. Would definitely categorize this book in the porn/soft porn category than anything else
Hilarious! The water tower had me in stitches. I thought it was a great book.
This book put me off chick lit. Implausible events and annoying characters.
Not my favorite Crusie, a little too porn-y for me. The characters didn't grab me. the one I foound interesting wasthe mayor,Phin.
This was okay, but I don't understand what all the fuss is about this book. It took me three tries to get through it.
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2009/10/welcome-to-temptation-by-jennifer.html
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2009/10/welcome-to-temptation-by-jennifer.html
total beach read, but very entertaining!
Laugh out loud fun!
I wanted to like this as I have recently received several of her books, but I just couldn't :(
Sweet, light and funny. 3.5 stars.
cuuuuuuuuute!
Entertaining!
fun fun!!
Dempseys, con men, movies, movie stars, murder
From BackCover:
Turn Left at Small Town Secrets
Sophie Dempsey is content living a quiet life filming wedding videos until an assignment brings her to Temptation, Ohio. From the moment she drives into town, she gets a bad feeling; Sophie is from the wrong side of the tracks and everything in Temptation is a little too right. And when she has a run-in with the town's unnervingly sexy mayor, Phineas Tucker, making a little movie turns out to be more than a little dangerous.
Yield to Oncoming Desire
All Sophie wants to do is film the video and head home. All Phin wants to do is play pool with the police chief and keep things peaceful. They both get more than they bargained for when Sophie's video causes an uproar and the proper citizens of Temptation set out to shut them down.
Welcome to Temptation
As events spiral out of control, Sophie and Phin find themselves caught in a web of gossip, blackmail, adultery, murder, and really excellent sex. All hell breaks loose in Temptation as Sophie and Phin fall deeper and deeper in trouble ...and in love.
Turn Left at Small Town Secrets
Sophie Dempsey is content living a quiet life filming wedding videos until an assignment brings her to Temptation, Ohio. From the moment she drives into town, she gets a bad feeling; Sophie is from the wrong side of the tracks and everything in Temptation is a little too right. And when she has a run-in with the town's unnervingly sexy mayor, Phineas Tucker, making a little movie turns out to be more than a little dangerous.
Yield to Oncoming Desire
All Sophie wants to do is film the video and head home. All Phin wants to do is play pool with the police chief and keep things peaceful. They both get more than they bargained for when Sophie's video causes an uproar and the proper citizens of Temptation set out to shut them down.
Welcome to Temptation
As events spiral out of control, Sophie and Phin find themselves caught in a web of gossip, blackmail, adultery, murder, and really excellent sex. All hell breaks loose in Temptation as Sophie and Phin fall deeper and deeper in trouble ...and in love.
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re-read in 2005
Ratings
