Crazy for You (original 1999; edition 2000)

In fanfic circles, there’s a recurring debate on warning labels — what should you warn for in a fic, and are you the author really obligated to inform readers in advance that this story contains rape/character death/original characters/slash/poor grammar/goat sodomy/professional wrestling? And one counter-argument that’s often raised is that we don’t expect published books to have warnings; if you’re squicked by a particular topic, you can darn well avoid a book until you’ve gotten confirmation from a review that it doesn’t contain your squick.

So here’s a warning for this book: If you have ever had a really creepy ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend, one who didn’t get that you two were separate individuals rather than you being a clone of them, one who ignored you when you said “I want to break up”, this book may squick you. (Then again, you may find it cathartic.)

It’s a funny book with a lot of fun characters and a really sweet central romance, but it was obvious to me from the moment he appeared that one character was a real creep, and I’ve dated someone on that particular scale of creepy. I ended up skipping or skimming all the scenes from that character’s viewpoint, and his general presence and actions made the book much less enjoyable for me. ( )

OKAY. You may have noticed that I have become slightly addicted to Jennifer Crusie’s books. The thing is, I generally really like her characters and plot and am slightly uncomfortable with the amount of, err, stuff that goes on. However, I did really like Trust Me on This. So I’d say, depending on your personality/comfort level, tread carefully. But she’s also a smart, fun read. ( )

Just to say upfront that I'm a HUGE Jennifer Crusie fan. I thought I had read pretty much all her books, but once I started reading his one (I've been re-reading all her books for several months now) I realized I hadn't read it before. I very much enjoyed it. While the story is somewhat the typical formula of Crusie, that doesn't matter as the characters, their relationships, and the dialogue are what is most enjoyable. I found the stalking ex-boyfriend a bit unnerving, as I'm sure was the intent, but that storyline didn't go too far, which I appreciated. I read Crusie's books for the smile that they bring over and over. And this, like most of her books, did not disappoint. ( )

High school art teacher Quinn McKenzie is tired of going home at night to beige furniture and a gentle bulldozer of a boyfriend. The catalyst for change? One small, shivering, overly submissive dog - a dog Quinn's boyfriend refuses to consider keeping. And suddenly Quinn's world expands - a new house, new man, new... stalker?

Funny, scary, ominous and cheerful by turns, the tone is a bit schizophrenic, but the end is happy. ( )

This book is pure Cruise. Hillarity and insanity and all the reasons why she was my favourite of all Harlequin Desire writers for a long time. The characters are all funny and believable and their interactions guaranteed to make you laugh! ( )