Rating: 
Summary: Don't want you, babe
Review: I was very disappointed with this book after reading the reviews. The main character, Renee is supposed to be a bad girl who is reformed but she lies and steals a car from the leading male (a cop) and lights a jeep on fire all in the first few chapters. I couldn't believe anything could ever develop between them after that. I disliked this book because Renee's character seemed weak; relying on female "wiles" to save her from the mess she's in.
Rating: 
Summary: A Pleasing Surprise
Review: I'm so surprised, but I ended up loving this book. This book was actually recommended to me by Amazon.com (you know, that thing that pops up and tells you that "if you are ordering X book, you may like Y book?) when I ordered a Jennifer Crusie book. I took a chance and ordered this novel by Jane Graves. Once I read the cover and scanned a few pages - I wasn't so sure. I'm glad I went ahead and read the book right off and didn't wait - it turned out to be a clever, fast-paced, and well written contemporary romance. You do have to suspend reality to accept the entire premise - realistically, I don't think John would have ever gotten himself involved with someone like Renee (or, at least Renee as she presented herself to him in that diner) but once you accept that fairy tale, the book just takes off. The characters are well written and the relationship between John and Renee is breathtaking - but rings true. John's family is very funny and adds a lot to the story - and that's where my problem is. I'm mad. Know why? Graves includes a sneak at her next book (not due out until Fall 2002!). In this one, she's apparently taking on John's older brother Alex, and I can't wait. I think I would have taken on brother Dave first - I can't imagine how we're going to come to love hot-headed, by-the-book-cop Alex! I hope we do get to meet all the clan one by one (sister Sandy too!!). Well done Ms. Graves!
Rating:
Summary: A DEFINITE KEEPER
Review: It's always a real thrill to find a new author! A sexy story with humor, love, a chase (actually a couple), great characters and a solid plot make this book a keeper. You won't be disappointed. If you like Cherry Adair, Michelle Jerott, Linda Howard and Lauren Bach (another new author with a five plus book entitled LONE RIDER) you will love this book! Can't wait for Alex's story!
Rating:
Summary: Do you like funny?
Review: Jane Graves--who also writes wonderful humorous novels for Duets and Temptation--is one of the funniest writers around. You'll love the story of John and Renee. I won't go into the plot but want to say that there were times I was laughing out loud. I'll never be able to go through MacDonalds drive through without grinning.
Rating:
Summary: I Just Want to Cry
Review: No, wait, I can't cry; I can't let HIM see me cry. But then, I feel like crying, and if he sees me cry, maybe he'll realize what a jerk he's been. No, don't go there: don't you DARE let that jerk see you cry! Makes me want to cry. For cryin' out loud, I GOT YOU, BABE marked my brief and solitary sojourn into the romance genre. On the run for a crime she didn't commit, blonde bombshell Renee Esterhaus bumps into John DeMarco, a stern cop hiding his true heart of gold. John realizes he must do his duty and take Renee in, but there's something about her he just can't put his finger on--even though he'd like to put more than just his fingers on her. The two characters' on-again/off-again relationship results in a 200-plus page tease that calls to mind a futile lap dance that never ends. "Get on with it," I kept saying to this little book, "not that I care, but maybe a real story will emerge afterwards." But I really couldn't find a real story, although I GOT YOU, BABE has an implausible one. From the two protagonists' chance encounter, to all the subsequent escapes and confrontations, to a bewildering crime investigation, to a laugh-out-loud crossdressing conclusion, to all sorts of plot irregularities and errors on the part of the author, I kept wondering why I stubbornly limped to the final page. And I got so tired of countless character introspection--ten pages of Renee wondering what John REALLY thought of her, followed by ten more pages of John returning the favor as he agonizes over Renee. Again, it makes me want to cry. To be fair to author Jane Graves, she does possess a keen sense of humor and an admirable ability to create steamy scenes. Unfortunately, both qualities were not enough to carry this story. I'll give I GOT YOU BABE 2 1/2 stars. But only after a good cry.
--D. Mikels
Rating:
Summary: I Just Want to Cry
Review: No, wait, I can't cry; I can't let HIM see me cry. But then, I feel like crying, and if he sees me cry, maybe he'll realize what a jerk he's been. No, don't go there: don't you DARE let that jerk see you cry! Makes me want to cry. For cryin' out loud, I GOT YOU, BABE marked my brief and solitary sojourn into the romance genre. On the run for a crime she didn't commit, blonde bombshell Renee Esterhaus bumps into John DeMarco, a stern cop hiding his true heart of gold. John realizes he must do his duty and take Renee in, but there's something about her he just can't put his finger on--even though he'd like to put more than just his fingers on her. The two characters' on-again/off-again relationship results in a 200-plus page tease that calls to mind a futile lap dance that never ends. "Get on with it," I kept saying to this little book, "not that I care, but maybe a real story will emerge afterwards." But I really couldn't find a real story, although I GOT YOU, BABE has an implausible one. From the two protagonists' chance encounter, to all the subsequent escapes and confrontations, to a bewildering crime investigation, to a laugh-out-loud crossdressing conclusion, to all sorts of plot irregularities and errors on the part of the author, I kept wondering why I stubbornly limped to the final page. And I got so tired of countless character introspection--ten pages of Renee wondering what John REALLY thought of her, followed by ten more pages of John returning the favor as he agonizes over Renee. Again, it makes me want to cry. To be fair to author Jane Graves, she does possess a keen sense of humor and an admirable ability to create steamy scenes. Unfortunately, both qualities were not enough to carry this story. I'll give I GOT YOU BABE 2 1/2 stars. But only after a good cry.
--D. Mikels
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and funny
Review: Renee Esterhaus didn't rob that convenience store, but all the evidence says she did--and she doesn't plan to stay around long enough to rot in jail. When she barely escapes from a bounty hunter, Renee meets up with vacationing cop John DeMarco and promises him a night he'll never forget if he will take her home. Naturally, she has to lie to him, and naturally one lie leads to another. Renee and John zig and zag toward a relationship, fighting the sexual attraction that draws them together and the distrust that keeps them apart. He lives for his job and harboring a fugitive is hardly likely to lead to quick promotion. Renee knows too much about prison to take a chance on the justice system, especially when the evidence all points directly at her. Author Jane Graves (who writes as Jane Sullivan for Harlequin), turns up the fun in this witty and wacky romantic comedy. Building beyond the initial situational comedy (which sadly is too often the entire humor in romantic comedy), Graves introduces amusing characters (I especially liked DeMarco's all-cop family and the bald and battered bounty hunter Leandro), clever dialogue, and wacky handcuff moments of various types. I GOT YOU, BABE combines laugh-out-loud humor with adventure as DeMarco and Renee try to discover the truth behind the crime. This is Graves's first longer novel and it is a brilliant beginning. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: A Winning Steamy, Sexy Romantic Comedy Mystery!
Review: Renee Esterhaus is in deep trouble. This tall, blonde bombshell has just skipped bail and is running from a charge of armed robbery - that she didn't commit. The evidence against her, the crime weapon and the stolen money found in the back seat of her car, couldn't be more damning. She is also fleeing the 300 pound, gonzo-looking bounty hunter who is chasing her. No one, not even her court appointed attorney, believes she is innocent. Renee, who has a long juvenile rap sheet, has tried for eight years to overcome her past. She has just received a much earned promotion to Assistant Manager at Tolosa, Texas's only 4 star restaurant & instead of a bright future, she is facing 10 years in jail. The idea of 24 hours behind bars, let alone years, gives her paralyzing panic attacks. So she runs. Eluding the bounty hunter, (a hilarious escapade), on foot, sans car, Renee runs into a roadside diner & propositions the first man she sees - a 30-something, hunky, single cop on vacation & dining out. She promises him the wildest night of sex he's ever known if they can just go to his place - not hers - ASAP! How can he refuse ? It was a boring vacation anyway. Thus begins an adventure, mystery romance that will knock your socks off...as my grandmother used to say. Ms. Graves writes wonderfully well, her characters are over the top & her humor will have you laughing out loud. Plus, the romance is Steamy. If you are a fan of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, you will love Jane Graves' Renee Esterhaus. The two writers, Evanovich & Graves, have different styles, but their heroines - strong, gutsy, self-made women - have much in common. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Can't put it down!!
Review: This is the perfect example of the words "Don't judge book by its cover" *grin*. The cover of the book is rather comical but what's inside is entirely different. Sure there are funny scenes, involving handcuffs ... but this book is not only funny but touching as well. Renee Esterhaus is on the run for a robbery she didn't commit. In a desperate attempt to get away from the sadistic bounty hunter who is hot on her trail, she barges into Red Oak Diner, Winslow, Texas and offer a man her body ...that will guarantee the man to scream all the way to Bangkok. Unfortunately, the man turns out to be John DeMarco, a police officer on vacation. This book is definitely a winner and sure do deserve a Rita Award nominations for Best Contemporary Single Title. I started reading this at 3 A.M. in the morning and finished 3 hours later (I'm always a fast reader when I'm into a book I love *smile*) with a smile on my face and a tug in my heart. John is such a delicious sweetheart and Renee is no pushover. I also enjoy the whole DeMarco family. I can't put this down ... and I'm surely can't wait to read Alex story (John's big brother) in October and to meet with the whole DeMarco family again.
Rating:
Summary: A Definite Romantic Must Have
Review: This romantic comedy has it all: Stong characters, sexual tension, and a fun plot. Ms. Graves produces a page-turning book that leaves you feeling all the toss and turns and twists of the story right along with the characters. And the love story is knock-your-socks-off sexy. If you're looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy--this is the book for you.
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