Devon’s review of Pleasure To the Max! by Cami Dalton
Contemporary Erotic Romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Aug 08
Isn’t it a fabulous surprise when you pick up a book that gives every sign that it is going to be totally ridiculous, but the writer just writes the hell out of it? You are able to suspend all disbelief, and just hop on for a wild ride. Pleasure to the Max! had me a bit leery going in, but despite not quite fulfilling its initial promise, this was a fun read, and one I’m glad I tried.
I picked this book because of a post Karen Scott did several months ago on “One Hit Wonders” of romance. [She did, I know it, I just can’t find it.] Cami Dalton was mentioned several times as an author that readers hoped to see more from. She had published a book for the now-defunct Harlequin Temptation line several years ago. So when her new release popped up, my interest was piqued. Then I took a good look at the book. Dorky title. With an exclamation point. Pleasure to the Max!? Really? Has anyone used “to the Max” since 1985? Gypsy magic and sex spells? Cor-ny! An adventurer hero and a curvy, insecure heroine recently dumped by her emotionally abusive fiancée? Cliché Alert! But the first couple of chapters quickly overcame my misgivings.
Treasure hunter Max is seeking a Gypsy magic box stolen by a adventurer, the heroine’s Great-Aunt. While breaking into her shop, he stumbles into Cassie. The two are immediately gobsmacked and consumed by lust. Little does Max know that Cassie has already activated the box’s magic. They waste no time in getting to the sex. I usually hate it when the couple hops straight into bed, but it was so wittily done (and hot), that I was totally on board. Dalton quickly establishes scorching chemistry and a funny rapport between the two, and it was non-stop action (sexual and otherwise).
Although the story entertained and kept my interest, it didn’t quite live up to the beginning. I was a bit disappointed that Max never quite developed beyond lusting after Cassie, being protective of her, and being confused by both emotions. Cassie’s dizzy, quippy humor began to grate on my nerves a bit. I hate it when heroines do the whole “Hey Buster! You’re stuck with me even though I’m useless in a dangerous situation” bit. Know what I mean? When they get bratty instead of sassy?
Still, fans of romantic comedy will enjoy this one. The author created a hot romance and some laugh out loud moments, and it was a fresh take on a hokey premise. I just wish the banter had been a bit more…restrained, so it didn’t sink to that obnoxious level. Cami Dalton has a strong and entertaining voice, and I’m curious to see what she puts out in the future.
Grade: B-
The Summary:
Cassie Parker’s globe-trotting great-aunt has sent her a Gypsy “lover’s box.” All she has to do is write down her most erotic fantasy, tuck it inside the box and presto! Her own personal sex genie will appear. Right! So Cassie is totally shocked when a gorgeous stranger does show up. And she’s even more shocked by the things she wants to do with him….
Treasure hunter Max Stone isn’t amused. His latest treasure has been swiped and he’s followed it to a dusty little antiquities shop in the States. Surely one woman can’t stand in the way of his retrieving the priceless lover’s box? Little did he guess that he’d have his hands full (literally!) with sexy Cassie. Or that he’d have to hold off on locating the box until after he located his clothes…
Read an excerpt here
