Fast Women (2004) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 2 stars

“Well, of course it's Jennifer Crusie and I love everything she writes. And of course it made me want something from the characters... In this case, delicate white china, especially the tea cups. I don't know how she does it, but this woman should invest in selling the products she write about... I'd be broke. :)

Another nice feature was the fact that this book made me laugh out loud. A common occurence with her books, but seemed even more common in this book. When the arm broke off the chair in Gabe's office, I lost it.

That all aside... I couldn't really get into the Gabe romance. He was just so stiff and void of energy and excitement. It felt like their affair had a lot in common with convenience and a little, maybe nothing, with chemistry. I just couldn't believe that the character he was would suddenly loosen up and be sexually adventurous, then right back to his dry dark presence. Not sexy.

That was the difference. This book was a lot of things... Interesting, mystery, funny, addicting... But definitely, definitely not sexy. Can't do it all every time though, can you?

Still a great Crusie novel.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Beach Book... Fast read... Funny, very funny at times.”

• Rated 3 stars

“I like Jennifer Cruisie books...I have read several but not all. Combination of mystery & romance with a little comedy thrown in. Light, fun reading.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Every JC book is an enjoyable read and this one's not an exception. Although there are a lot of characters introduced in the early chapters, I always wondered who's who and how is s/he related to someone. Great character development, nothing is in a rush, love scenes are put in awesome timing and sometimes not so much detail. The woman is headstrong and doesn't let up which will leave you wondering if she could compromise with the man, who never budges in an argument. JC just lets her characters talk and in that way you'll get to know them too. Not as funny as 'Faking It' but it's a very good read. Makes you feel light in the end.”

• Rated 4 stars

“February 2009 (c) Gracie C. McKeever

Nell Dysart is recently divorced and needs something to help her get over the hump of loss and the capricious end of a union that she thought was okay up until the moment her husband said he was leaving her. When a friend recommends her for a job at a detective agency, Nell thinks she might just have found her niche.

Gabe McKenna is a no-nonsense, dominant man who doesn't like change. When he hires the waif-like Nell, he assumes he has gotten an efficient and submissive woman who will do her job and nothing but her job. He's in for a rude awakening.

Between office politics, petty quarrels and numerous family and friends' interference, Nell and Gabe's romance evolves into something that neither of them expected nor believes they want. But then the gloves come off and they realize that they are not ready or willing to live without each other, no matter how crazy they drive each other. Problem is, there's someone out there who doesn't just want to drive them crazy, but see them out of the way or dead--whichever serves his/her agenda of keeping their crimes a secret.

This story was at times overrun with too many characters to a point where I was confused who was doing who and what to whom. For the most part though, I was able to follow it and that fact that the subplots and characers were engaging and colorful helped.

Nell and Gabe are complex, intriguing and flawed characters who recognize what they need is in each other and are willing to overlook their flaws to get to the good stuff. I liked that about them, and most of the characters in this book.

Good story, good plot, great characters and lots of snappy, witty and realistic dialogue. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“This was the first book that I've read by Jennifer Crusie. It just caught my eye as I was roaming through the library. I really enjoyed the book, so I'm starting another by her today. I loved the light, conversational tone of the book. It was almost like having a conversation with someone. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“My favorite Jennifer Crusie alongside Welcome to Temptation.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Another funny story with a mystery. However, this one I found to drag a bit (the mystery part in particular). Although it was a wonderful read, it seemed to have a few rough spots, but all in all it was enjoyable with many funny moments and contained great banter between the characters.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Loved it! As I do all of Jennifer Crusie's books. The characters, story, dialogue...all wonderful. Her books always bring a smile to my face and cause me to feel upbeat. Yet another winner.”

• Rated 3 stars

“This was very fun to read - I read in less than 24 hours.”