Okay, here’s the quick and dirty... well, sort of. Naked In Death is the first book in the daunting (almost 40 books!!... and still growing) “In Death” series by Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb. I kept putting off reading it, for that very reason.
Though, after recent reviews by Goodreads friends who have joined the growing legion of “Roarke Groupies”, I was most curious to read this book to find out for myself what the fuss is over Roarke. While I do not feel I have reached full “Groupie” status, I think perhaps a badge of “Rookie Groupie” is in order. ^_^
What is it about Roarke? Well, it’s not just that he is a mysterious, tall, dark and stunningly handsome Irish “bad-boy”, or that he owns like…WHOA! … 20-something % of the world in 2058. It is his intelligence, confidence, drive and determination in getting what he wants - and he wants Eve. And who could resist his oh-so-sweet moments, like with the button and the coffee? *SIGHS* I won’t say anymore so as not to spoil it for those who have not yet read this book, but fans of the series will know what I’m talking about.
Though, after recent reviews by Goodreads friends who have joined the growing legion of “Roarke Groupies”, I was most curious to read this book to find out for myself what the fuss is over Roarke. While I do not feel I have reached full “Groupie” status, I think perhaps a badge of “Rookie Groupie” is in order. ^_^
What is it about Roarke? Well, it’s not just that he is a mysterious, tall, dark and stunningly handsome Irish “bad-boy”, or that he owns like…WHOA! … 20-something % of the world in 2058. It is his intelligence, confidence, drive and determination in getting what he wants - and he wants Eve. And who could resist his oh-so-sweet moments, like with the button and the coffee? *SIGHS* I won’t say anymore so as not to spoil it for those who have not yet read this book, but fans of the series will know what I’m talking about.
I seem to recall, prior to reading this book, people expressing that they didn’t really like Eve. Lt. Eve Dallas reminded me of the character of Charlotte King in the TV series, Private Practice. She is prickly, with a hard shell, and I just knew this had to have been developed as a defence mechanism against some trauma she had suffered previously. What Eve needs is the right touch, à la Roarke. I actually really liked Eve, the tough chick.
I really liked Eve’s friend, Mavis. She was funny and provided the comic relief in the story, like for example, in the scenes below where Mavis and Eve are discussing Roarke:
‘"Is he good? Stupid question," she said quickly. "You wouldn't have stayed otherwise. Wow, Eve, what got into you? Besides his incredibly energetic c**k?"’
‘"Okay, but can you tell me if he looks as good in person as he does in pictures."
"Better," Eve muttered.
"Jesus, really?" Mavis moaned and let herself fall onto the sofa. "I think I just had an orgasm."’Yes, that is the kind of effect that Roarke has. ^_^
One of the issues I did have with the book was with the futuristic elements. For the most part, I did not actually feel immersed in the “future”, but rather, I very much felt like was reading a contemporary novel with bits of unexpanded and unexplained futuristic things dropped in, eg. references to “AutoChef”, “Glida-Grill” etc. without a bit more of a description of it. I mean, you can guess that this “AutoChef” prepares the food in the future, but do we buy the ingredients and put it in there and then a cooked Spaghetti Bolognese comes out? The “Glida-Grill” I assume is a futuristic New York hot dog stand that glides from place to place rather than being set up on a particular corner? While I didn't want an "info dump", I do wish the author hadn’t just dropped names like that, as it took me out of the story, at times.
Very briefly, ...speaking of "briefs", if you keep reading you will be rewarded further on... ahem... Right, as I was saying, very briefly, the plot involves Lt. Eve Dallas investigating a series of murders committed in the “old way” using “antique” guns. These are the guns of today, ie. revolvers, magnums, etc. Roarke is one of her suspects and this is how they meet. "Up against the wall, Roarke, spread 'em!" Well, it actually didn't happen like that... LOL
Overall, I really enjoyed my first “In Death” book and will certainly be reading more - Hey, I want to upgrade to full "Roarke Groupie" status! - though I will most definitely be pacing myself with this massive series.
My Roarke (David Gandy) – Even though Roarke is supposed to have longer hair, I think David Gandy is most definitely gorgeous enough, and has that teasing “rich bad-boy” look about him, to suit Roarke’s personality. Special thanks to my friend, Quinn, for mentioning him! David was a delicious image to have whilst reading.
And since this is NAKED in Death, the following images of Roarke are...*coughs*... well, a must, obviously. LOL Images kindly supplied by my friend, Rane. Thanks, Rane! ^_^
**WARNING: NOT SAFE FOR WORK!**
Roarke - Naked in Bed
The Reward, as promised....
This is Roarke, on his travels, and he just can't stop thinking about Eve. He might own a lot of the world ... but what he really wants is ... Eve. OMG, Eve, you lucky, lucky woman!
Of course, one of the richest men in the world would only wear Dolce and Gabbana briefs.
(Special thanks to my friend, Dina, for the YUMMYLICIOUS video today!)
