Sweet Liar (edition 1993)

early - during the lost period so not sure when read but remember it was good. ( )

one of my favorite books!i've read it also many times and haven't gotten bored of it! i love how the love story progresses and the way the characters react! wonderful story and also adventurous. ( )

I read this book. I use to own it, but lost in the process of moving. I didn't have this edition. Anyway, this is a good book. Mike was truly a hero. Very smart and he went crazy when he seen white. Poor Samantha. :)Mike and Samantha made a cute couple. ( )

Once upon a time, this was one of my favorite books, but the more I reflect upon this one the less I like it. First off, Jude Deveraux's style is better suited towards historicals than contemporary romance; there's an unrealistic tone that's rather distracting. Granted, I do like Michael Taggert better than many of Deveraux's historical heroes -- who often seem to be jerks in one way or another -- but that's not enough to carry the story. The plot, I'm afraid, feels contrived and weak. Indeed, the larger story about mobsters and murders isn't half as interesting as the romance angle between Michael and Samantha. That there is the strongest point of this book: the chemistry between the two main characters is believable and well-written. I may not have always seen what attracted Michael to Samantha so much, but I believed it when I read it. ( )

An entertaining romance, no matter how many times I read it.
Samantha Elliot has just lost her last family member: her father. His will dictates she live for one year in New York, in an apartment he intended to live in prior to his illness, in order to receive her inheritance. She is to search for her grandmother, who disappeared when Samantha was 8 months old. Samantha's grandmother, Maxie, may or may not have been the mistress of a gangster called Doc. Doc may or may not be Sam's real grandfather.
Samantha's landlord is the handsome (and rich!) Michael Taggert, who helps Samantha heal from her wounds and find out what really happened to her grandmother.

I've read this book several times, and it is one of my favorite romances. There is a minimum of stupid behavior and misunderstandings between hero and heroine. The Taggert family is always pleasant to read about and there are a number of references to other books for Deveraux fans, but not enough to confuse a non-fan reader. The plot-line is believable, and there is enough of a 'suspense' element to add to the plot, but not detract from the romance.

Deveraux states in her end notes that her friend, Judith McNaught, taught her how to "McNaughtize" her books, and it really shows in this one. ( )