Escapade

I thought I'd read every Diana Palmer ever written, so when I saw this one on Amazon, I was really pleased and assumed it was a new book. So I was surprised when I started to read it and found that it was set in the eighties, with all the misogynistic values of that time. Now, having read other people's feedback, I see that it is, in fact, a reprint of an old story. I think it's wrong of the publisher and the author not to make that clear on the blurb.The story mercifully does not contain any mercenaries. Instead, it focuses on the romances of two women. The main couple are Amanda and Josh. Josh has to be the most arrogant, inconsistent, moody, irrational jerk ever written as a romance hero. He refuses to marry Amanda because he discovers he is sterile, but that doesn't stop him sleeping with her anyway.He pushes Amanda away, puts her in an invidious position at work and then, when she manages to resolve her workplace issues, thinks to himself "he felt a sense of accomplishment as he realised his part in her development." Ugh! This creep blames her for everything that goes wrong but takes the credit for everything that goes right - even Amanda's own personal development as a character. It makes the romance move from far fetched to ridiculous; what kind of idiotic female would rate a man like that?He also has lots of other 'charming' traits - he smokes cigars frequently, he refuses to help his brother with his gambling addiction, he fires one of the managers of the company for adultery (!)Meanwhile, the second relationship in the book reads like a filler; the characters are so thinly drawn that it's hard to really imagine them. There's the usual more-or-less innocent, traumatised heroine and a psychologically wounded hero - the two get together in record time and miraculously overcome serious barriers such as rape with blithe insouciance. As a story line, it's close to being crass.There's some very unpleasant moralising in this book; the adulterous lovers, brought together by miserable marriages, are given scant sympathy and the end to their story makes it read like a Victorian morality tale. It's unpleasantly judgemental and feels quite pious.So, why I have I given the book 3 stars? Well, the writing quality is good and the pace is brisk, so it's an entertaining - if frequently annoying- read. The scenes where the couples actually share loving moments are touching and allow you to drift off to a lovely, romantic place.But is the book worth the money I paid for it? No. Would I recommend it to others? Unfortunately, given that I usually like Diana Palmer books, I wouldn't.Don't waste your money on this one.

Waited a while for this book as it was pre ordered but great read for my mother

Double wow. This lady still has it. I was riveted with everything going on. There was so much happening that it kept me enthralled from the first word till the last. Great read. Narration was awesome too.

Loved this book

Lecture

I don't like when the date on Amazon shows the current date as being thebpublished date. This book has been republished.

This was a very interesting book as it had two love stories running along the same set of tracks.Josh and Amanda, long time friends, New to unexpected feelings. Josh wanted to protect Amanda, she wanted Josh however way she could get him...Nelson and Mirri, we're a side story, but so very touching. As only Diana Palmer can write them.

I have read Diane Palmer book's for years . She is my favorite author.I try to buy all of her book's,and I 're-read them many times. I was so disappointed in Escapade!! It was as if someone else wrote this book. It was about lust instead of love and not much of a storyline. It went from different people without a flowing connection. I sure hope she is back to her regular writings soon !

I usually enjoy her books, but this was as though she had ideas for four books, threw them together, and left substance out of the storylines. First time I was disappointed in her storytelling. Frankly, she should have stood back and questioned the wisdom of this instead of cranking it out for the money. Either that or get a better ghost writer.

As always Diana Palmer delivered the goods,a really enjoyable story.One that grabs hold of you from the very beginning and doesn't let go.

The plot dragged. Mirri & Nelson's story was much more interesting than Amanda & Josh's. The heroine who is happy to be treated like dirt & continues loving the complete heel of a male lead is a little tired.

Too many storylines distracts from the main story and characters. This is also not a new release as indicated. It’s was published many many years ago.

I read this book and could not really get into it -- that happens some times -- but it is a good story

I really liked this book! How it focused on the !ain characters, but also told the story of several others. I love how the author touched on addiction and getting help for it as well.

Love everything about this book. The way Diana Palmer brings the characters alive is absolutely amazing. This book should be a movie for sure.

A good book by one of my favorite authors Diane Palmer everything she writes is pretty good

Love Diane Palmer have all her books. It is always a great story and easy read for pleasure!