Cinderman

TEST

Some readers may wonder why I do so many series romance reviews, but when I come across a special story, I want to make sure that credit is given where credit is due. Anne Stuart has been writing for many years. For me, however, she’s a new author, and one whom I find myself thoroughly enjoying. Cinderman was so different from the average series romance that it was a special joy to read.

Suzanna Molloy is a science-beat reporter who’s been working on a story about Dr. Daniel Crompton, a scientist she met in the past who made a lasting impression on her. Daniel does top secret research and rumor has it that he’s involved in a highly secret and very unusual project. Suzanna plans on being the first to get an interview and a story.

But Daniel is a very private man who doesn’t allow anyone to interfere in his life or in his work. He doesn’t want reporters snooping around, especially Suzanna Malloy, who has a reputation for seeking the truth, no matter what it takes.

Suzanna manages to sneak into Daniel’s lab unexpectedly. She breaches the security systems with no problem, even though they have high-tech security. She roams the lab until Daniel catches her in the act. As he is trying to remove her, he notices a strange smell. An unexpected explosion occurs and Daniel does his utmost to protect Suzanna by covering her with his body and takes the brunt of the explosion. Both of them are covered by a green slime – Daniel more than Suzanna.

Within 24 hours, Daniel does a disappearing act – literally. For parts of each day, he becomes invisible. He is also able to blow things up and set things on fire at will. Suzanna develops her own abilities. Suddenly, Suzanna, nearsighted since childhood, can see without her glasses. Then she begins to read Daniel’s mind.

Wow, talk about a different story line from the cowboys and babies who populate today’s series romances! Cinderman, with its unusual story-line is a definite page-turner. It’s also incredibly well-rounded, with fantasy, romance, action, and mystery components. With all Anne Stuart has packed into every page, there’s not a boring minute in this book.

What I loved most about Cinderman, however, was the humor. Daniel and Suzanna were both strong characters who were able to give each other as good as they got. I loved Suzanna’s penchant for wearing women’s liberation t-shirts with witty slogans on them. I loved the fact that these t-shirts got under Daniel’s skin and could hardly wait to see her change into another t-shirt and see what it was going to say. I laughed out loud often while reading this book and that doesn’t happen to me very often. Some of the humor is very subtle and some is just laugh-out-loud funny.

If you want a light-hearted, funny read, in a book most definitely off the wall, do your utmost to track Cinderman down. It’ll be well worth the effort.

Reviewed by Deborah Barber

Grade: A

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date: 25/09/98

Publication Date: 1994/02

Recent Comments …

  1. excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.

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