Welcome to Temptation: A Novel (Dempsey)

---

And the plot is mostly about a fifty year old ex porn star trying to make soft core porn for a comeback and her old hardcore porn producer is trying to get her to scrap the soft porn and come to the dark side for one last romp. Again, NO producer is going to make a deal with a fifty year old to do porn. Anyway, I skimmed a little after the halfway point and by that time I had to sit up and say to myself, "Self, you know you can't finish this book. I know how it ends because I skimmed the last two chapters but, yeah, there's that large chunk toward the end that I didn't bother to read.

I have in my hands "Getting rid of Bradley" also by Crusie and since her novels have gone from Great to Good to Did-Not-Finish this is her fourth and final chance. I still have a stack of her books on my shelf that I got from the library, but I'm pretty sure I read the best two she'll ever write "Bet Me" and "Agnes". View all 8 comments. I really really liked this book. I have two regrets about this book though, 1 it was written by the same author as the last book that I read, Faking It. I bought them at the same time but I should have read them in reverse order.

They are not a series persay, but they had several common characters. The timeline of this book was about 2 years prior to the other book. I could still follow both books very well, it just would made more sense had I known. The second regret was that once I finished t I really really liked this book. The second regret was that once I finished the book, I went to the authors website and read her biography.

I so wish that I had done this before I started reading either of these books. These few statements say it all: In the summer of , she began to research her dissertation on the impact of gender on narrative strategies, searching out the differences in the way men and women tell stories. As part of the research, she planned to read one hundred romance novels and one hundred men's adventure novels. The romance novels turned out to be so feminist and so absorbing, that she never got to the men's adventure fiction and decided to try writing fiction instead.

Her solo novels continue to explore women's journeys, especially issues dealing with relationships, friendships, community, and creativity. So now I get it!! I understand what the author is trying to do here with her books. Not like I didn't figure it out in same ways on my own, it was just helpful to read her process.

What I like about this book as well as the other one, is that they were about real relationships. The people argued and were irrational sometimes. They lied sometimes and were honest other times. They had quirks and character flaws. They loved people, and sometimes they were hurt, sometimes not. It was real life kind of stuff. I have actually not yet gotten around to doing some of the things that went on in this book, but I am sure some people have.

Romance is one of my guilty pleasures to read This one was just great! Totally over the top and corny, but such good escapism! Sophie and her sister Amy travel to the small town of Temptation to film a movie for a hollywood star Clea, who grew up there. On the way they crash into another car, and that is the beginning of their troubles. There is way too much to go into in detail, but Sophie soon starts falling for the town mayor Phin, her sister starts falling for the town cop, her delinquient brother shows up, Cleo's ex husband shows up causing trouble, someone shows up dead, Sophie inadvertently ends up making a porn film, and on top of all that, someone is trying to kill her!

I'm surprised I enjoyed this so much. I have read only one other book by Crusie, Bet Me, and I must have been one of the only people on the planet who read that and was less than impressed! But I liked the premise of this one, and it shows up on peoples favourite romance lists all around the world so it was about time I read it. I couldn't source a copy reasonably priced that is so ended up opting to use up a credit on audible. Glad I did, the audio version was great! At first I didn't like AAsne Vigesaa's seemingly monotone voice, however I'm not sure if it was her voice or my annoyance that shifted, but soon I was absolutely hooked!

I loved her rendition of all the characters, especially Clea! I think it is the quirkiness that got me in this book. All of these over the top, out of control situations had me laughing out loud! I just loved the witty dialogue between the characters. I loved Sophie, and the tension between her and Phin.

I also enjoyed reading about the town. Temptation felt like a character of its own with all its fun residents and events. Don't think I would have wanted to live there though. I do have criticisms, it was a little long, and I had a bit of a problem with the male lead Phin and his attitude, but I was easily able to just forget about the things that were annoying me, and just enjoy the fun!

Welcome to Temptation

Would I recommend it? This book ain't for the youngins!! Quite a few steamy scenes! For more reviews visit my blog www. Jun 22, Miriam rated it liked it. As in this painting, the temptations of the small Midwestern town conveniently named Temptation were not apparent to me. That's ok; one thing I appreciate about Crusie is how she creates characters who are attractive to and romantic with one another specifically, as individuals, rather than being idealized in generically sexy ways.

I was willing to buy that this mayor jerk despite encumbering bitch mother and precocious daughter and this rotting, ill-decorated house in this boring, oppressivel As in this painting, the temptations of the small Midwestern town conveniently named Temptation were not apparent to me. I was willing to buy that this mayor jerk despite encumbering bitch mother and precocious daughter and this rotting, ill-decorated house in this boring, oppressively conservative, horrible humid small town were what Sophie wanted even if they all sounded like Hell to me.

Oh, but Temptation is supposed to lead us to Hell! Maybe this is all a secret coded religious message about avoiding Temptation? Mm, probably not, but I'll avoid the town just in case. Feb 12, Meredith rated it did not like it Shelves: I'm one of the four people in the world who hate this book. Admittedly, there's a lot to like about this book. The Julie and the Bear story, the dog, the dialogue, some of the time, and some other stuff, I guess, but I get so hung up on the stuff I hate about this book I can't seem to remember any other good stuff. Let's break down my issues, shall we?

Phineas Tucker, for one. He is, not to I'm one of the four people in the world who hate this book. He is, not to put too fine a point on it, a jerk. I don't think Sophie's first impressions of him are too far off--he's a snob, and arrogant, and sometimes mean. He breaks one of my cardinal rules of dating: I think it's about the rudest thing you can say to a person you care about.

It's not ok with me. Phineas runs a bookstore. In a town of like people. Seems so unlikely, but Crusie wants us to believe it, despite the fact that he never actually has a customer. The fact that we learn about his daughter at almost the halfway point of the book is inexcusable. What a great dad. I just can't feel empathy for Amy or Davey. I like her whole "steps to the con" idea but again, just not a lot of sympathy for her. She knows what she's doing is wrong. And she does it anyway.

See a Problem?

I'm not a big fan of voyeuristic sex, so I couldn't sign on to that either. I just wasn't buying into the romance, really. Why was Phin so into Sophie? Why didn't Sophie stand up for herself and not allow the film to degenerate into porn? To be honest, the best part of this book was Leo.

Poor, pitiful porn king. Anyway, I don't get it. Why does everyone like this book so much? What am I missing? View all 5 comments. Jun 23, Didi rated it really liked it Shelves: Another great book by this talented author! I am loving the way JC writes: You'd think most books were good on the subtle aspects of things the author wants you to pick up on, but no. And I love that. I loved Bet Me, and I loved this.

I'm a bit of a sucker for small town romance, it's always so sweet and atmospheric. This book was no different. She was a little anal at first but real Another great book by this talented author! She was a little anal at first but really came into herself. She was kind and sweet, always putting others before herself. But she had insecurities and a sexy mayor like Phin Tucker rolled right into those. Bored and tired of his job and his town, he's curious about Sophie and attracted. Third person dual pov's are the best. Phin was sexy as hell, his slow and sure loss of control over his feelings for Sophie was beautiful to see.

The secondary characters were wonderful. Amy irritated me for a while there, always relying on Sophie and being selfish in wanting only what she wanted, never what her sister did. She grew up a little by the end so I was cool with her. The murder mystery was mild and almost comical when everything was revealed.

Loved the ending, loved seeing how everything panned out. I'm very glad I discovered this author, her writing is refreshing even despite being around for a long time. She knows how to write a male pov and write it realistically, and that is not the norm. I know this is only the second book I've read by her, but I'm willing to make that statement.

View all 24 comments. Aug 09, Jenger rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Just from the title you can probably guess this is what I call a "smut novel". Honestly, I would really rate it as a 4. It is a true guilty pleasure, at least for me. Embarrassing to say, I've read it three times, each time straight through. I'm not a huge fan of these types of books but Jennifer Crusie did it right with this one. The quirky characters are engaging, the steamy scenes aren't gratuitous, overly graphic, or repetitive, and the storyline isn't just a contrived venue for the author Just from the title you can probably guess this is what I call a "smut novel".

The quirky characters are engaging, the steamy scenes aren't gratuitous, overly graphic, or repetitive, and the storyline isn't just a contrived venue for the author to demonstrate numerous different ways to describe a "hoo-ha", "tally", and what to do with them. Sorry if I offended anyone with my pre-school referral to body parts - it's a hazard of my profession. And if you enjoy this you should definitely read Crusie's later novel, "Faking It" - another guilty pleasure, 2nd only to "Welcome to Temptation".

Jul 28, Barbara rated it it was amazing Shelves: This is the second book you've recommended to me and it was as great as the last! The chemistry, the suspense, the fun and the not at all what you expected ending is what makes this book a total keeper. But I have to warn you View all 13 comments. Oct 27, Sara rated it it was ok Shelves: The narrative thread of this book is a porn movie. I mean, can you go any less romantic than this? The sister is clingy, selfish, and lies a lot… she annoyed me too much.

The mystery is interesting, funny in its many facets, and gives a sprint to the book. The ending is happy and cheesy, just how I like it.

Paperback Editions

Little spoiler here, this one got the final balance Minus 1 star. It's not my favorite by Crusie that would be Bet Me , but it is one that I come back to frequently. I've said recently that I don't think "humourous" books are for me, and I still think that's true because I stumble over most of them, but the humour in this one works for me. It's a little bit more subtle and doesn't feel forced unlike some others I've read. But it's the dynamics between fa 23 March But it's the dynamics between family and friends and lovers that Ms.

Crusie really captures well. Their connections were so well shown that it engendered a connection to me. Dialogue is crisp, and conversations are real. What draws me back to this book the most though is the pure fun of it. That's not something I'd normally think of a book with a murder mystery and blackmail in it, but when you add in ice cream, accidentally making porn, a con-dog, pool as in billiards , movie quotes, lots of music and more it really can't help but being fun.

Welcome to Temptation Had both,an excellent murder mystery plot line and well constructed characters Wish there had been an epilogue after the ending though,felt a bit incomplete. View all 6 comments. Dec 23, Laura Kyahgirl rated it really liked it Shelves: Oct 25, Anne rated it liked it Shelves: This is the first book I've read by Jennifer Cruise, and it was pretty good.

There were a few things I didn't like, though. First, it didn't start off very strong and I had a hard time getting into it. Once I got into it I really liked it, but the first few chapters were a struggle for me.

Second, the whole book seemed dated because Sophie kept referring to herself as an Outsider and Phin as a Town Boy. It had the distinct smell of an eighties movie starring Molly Ringwald. That is no 3. That is not necessarily a bad thing, I just wasn't expecting it. Especially since I believe Welcome to Temptation was first published in Third thing that bothered me was that I thought the book was supposed to be kind of funny.

I read a few reviews that led me to believe I would chuckle out loud at this one. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I smiled a few times while reading this It was cute and sweet, but nowhere near hilarious. Or maybe it just wasn't my kind of humor Ok, even after all of that I still really liked it. So if you're in the mood for something cute, sweet, and sexy then Welcome to Temptation would be a great choice! View all 10 comments. So many players, so many games.

It was kind of difficult to keep up with all the characters and families and motives! As for the story, it was enjoyable; however, I wouldn't say it's going to be particularly memorable. The author set this up to be a series, but I don't think I'm invested in any of the characters enough to continue with it. But I've been proven wrong before! Mar 09, Jacob Proffitt rated it it was amazing Shelves: Okay, short review as that seems to be all I'm capable of, lately. This is my first from this author and what a ride! The main characters were simply fantastic and the supporting cast were great as well.

Welcome to Temptation has a light, easy style that conveys a story that is really quite complex--which turns out to be a fantastic way to convey a complex character-driven story if you can pull it off.

And Crusie pulls it off very well indeed. I loved Sophie and Phin was a great match for her an Okay, short review as that seems to be all I'm capable of, lately. I loved Sophie and Phin was a great match for her and seeing them become each exactly what the other needs was great fun. A note about Steamy: Crusie has an interesting way with the steam in this book--something I haven't noticed elsewhere.

The actual explicit bits are quite rare and very short--a page and some at most. This book had, I think, three actual sex scenes and none more than two pages and one less than one. However , Crusie also puts in a lot of both build up and wind down so not only are those scenes surrounded by emotional byplay that makes them seem longer than they are, the same emotional notes are hit frequently throughout the book so it feels like there is a lot more explicit stuff than there really is.

Those resonances feel explicit because the themes used evoke the actual explicit parts so well. It's an incredibly clever way of making the steam permeate the novel without overloading you with anatomy. View all 4 comments. Mar 12, Bark rated it liked it Shelves: Everyone loves this book but if I'm going to be honest I have to admit that it was a real struggle for me to finish.

If I hadn't been having it read to me via audiobook, I don't think I would have stuck it out. Until now I've enjoyed all of the Crusie books I've read but this one just didn't resonate with me. It's about a pair of sisters who visit the town of Temptation to shoot a documentary style movie featuring a fading movie star at least that's what I got out of it.

The sisters have alway Everyone loves this book but if I'm going to be honest I have to admit that it was a real struggle for me to finish. The sisters have always been outsiders and were raised by a con man and though they're harmless enough they rather thrive on being a little 'bad'. Naturally, one of the sister's falls for the upright mayor.

They have lots of supposed fantasy sex that was a bit boring, if you ask me and the mayor gets into hot water because the town is afraid the movie the sisters are making is going to be nothing but porn. Someone dies, a water tower gets painted several times, the aging starlet has sex with the son of her former lover, a young girl falls in love a porn producer I found this storyline creepy-gross and other assorted things happen that I found unbelievable.

This book had character development, a great setting, and steamy scenes that kept me reading with few breaks. I finished it in two days! I tend to be cynical about cheesy romance novels - and thoroughly dread picking one up. This book is NOT that! It is a good story along with the fun sex scenes - rare. I discovered Jennifer Crusie books about 6 or 7 months ago I have now purchased from Amazon read about 6 of her books I have written "no spoilers" here Just my 2 cents worth of my opinion about this book. There are at least three chapters where I laughed so hard, I had tears in my eyes.

One in particular was so funny I had to stop reading Other chapters, I had a lot of laughs and smiles. Jennifer Crusie also writes "great hot sex" chapters I have read dozens of "funny romance" novels by other authors. But, Jennifer Crusie is my favorite. Besides the great humor, and steamy sex I love how she makes each character so unique from each other. If you've never read one of Jennifer Crusie books One person found this helpful.

I am constantly amazed by Jennifer Crusie's writing talent. Although I have long known that she produces some of the greatest dialogue around - such as in "Bet Me," I wasn't yet aware of her range in characterization and plots. Sophie Dempsey is the eldest daughter in a family of "gypsies. Sophie is the one member of the Dempsey family that does not have a police record. As the eldest, she has spent a lifetime of sacrificing her needs to look after her siblings - Amy and Dave. They are a close family who believe that "family comes first. She has met the sexy new mayor, Phineas Tucker, but for the first time is torn between loyalties.

When she meets his beguiling daughter, Dillie, Sophie doesn't stand a chance. Like all small towns, Temptation is not one to easily embrace new comers. It is a town where gossip travels like the wind and tradition is to be carried on at all costs.

Detalhes do produto

However, Temptation has never met a woman like Sophie, a dichotomy of innocence and predator. I loved Sophie's "Five-Step Program: Make the Mark smile. Get the Mark to agree with you. Make the Mark feel superior. Give the Mark something. Get what you want and get out. The characterizations in this book were magnificent. I loved the ending to this book with Sophie's thoughts on the political posters. It was just hilarious and hopeful and you truly got the sense that this could work See all reviews. Most recent customer reviews. Published 2 months ago.

Published 7 months ago. Published 10 months ago. Published 11 months ago. Published 1 year ago. Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers.

Learn more about Amazon Giveaway. Set up a giveaway. Customers who bought this item also bought. Pages with related products. See and discover other items: There's a problem loading this menu right now. Get fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. View or edit your browsing history.

Get to Know Us. English Choose a language for shopping. Amazon Music Stream millions of songs. Amazon Drive Cloud storage from Amazon. Alexa Actionable Analytics for the Web. AmazonGlobal Ship Orders Internationally. Amazon Inspire Digital Educational Resources.

Amazon Rapids Fun stories for kids on the go. Amazon Restaurants Food delivery from local restaurants. ComiXology Thousands of Digital Comics.

• Brother & Sister
• A Multi-Site Church Roadtrip: Exploring the New Normal (Leadership Network Innovation Series)
• The Cambridge Introduction to Postmodern Fiction (Cambridge Introductions to Literature)
• Cornerstone
• Gwydions Brief (and other stories)
• Di Pizza e Pizzerie, Capitolo 8 - LA COTTURA (Italian Edition)