Sheer Pleasure

By Maggie Shayne

Slip into three enticing stories from the USA Today bestselling author. In "Daydream Believer," a clairvoyant haunted by visions of a mysterious stranger finds herself drawn to a lawman with a psychic gift of his own. But it will take more than a glimpse of the future to save her from a killer-it will take the man of her dreams. Though she's the model of modesty, a young entrepreneur is reluctantly transformed into a runway model for her burgeoning lingerie business-so much so that her own roguish boss doesn't even recognize her And she's about show him that flowers and candy just can't compare to "Leather and Lace." In "Awaiting Moonrise," a professor enters the steamy bayou to find a new species of animal, convinced that her quarry has sparked the rumors of a werewolf in the region. Instead, she finds temptation in the form of a creature straight out of her most sensual nightmares.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425214583
• ISBN13: 9780425214589
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.2" x 0.8" x 5.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Great Short stories!!!

Well, I finished reading these--putting each story in perspective--as short stories.....I would have to say that I liked "Awaiting Moonrise" the least---I found the doctor that turns into a wolf quite captivatiung, but the scientist lady just irritated me. Leather and Lace??? I laughed alot with that one--that one was pure unadulterated fantasy..to be sure. The Guy---Mr. Gable--was kindda hot however, and so was the girl. My favorite was the very last one--Daydream Believer.... I really liked Megan--and Sam---well, he's just the type of cop I wouldn't mind investigating ME! LOL!

5 Klovers! Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques

Maggie Shayne's single author anthology, Sheer Pleasure combines three stories previously published in other anthologies in one new volume. Leather and Lace (originally published in Sinful), Awaiting Moonrise (originally published in Hot Blooded), and Daydream Believer (originally published in Man of My Dreams) comprise a wonderful introduction for this reviewer to Maggie Shayne's considerable talent. In fact, I am at this moment hanging my head in shame when I realize that I actually OWN the anthology Man of My Dreams, but had not yet read Shayne's story in it, having been in the throes of my newfound Sherrilyn Kenyon addiction when I bought it. In my defense, I fully intended on reading all of the stories in that anthology one day, but I purchased it because of Kenyon's story in it. Now I could kick myself. But I intend to make up for it by buying more of Maggie Shayne's books ASAP. Not only is she at the top of my book wish list, but I've already bought a few of her other books based on how much I enjoyed Sheer Pleasure. And I'm scouring all of those overlooked stories in other anthologies in my library, looking for other jewels I've missed... ~Leather and Lace~ Plain, tweed-wearing, no-nonsense secretaries do NOT play at being lingerie models. Martha Jane Biswell is adamant on this point when her friend and business partner tries to convince her to step in last minute as a lingerie model for their all-important runway debut - that very night! But Martha is down on her luck, and has everything riding on the success of this night. When she dons a beautiful mask to wear with each outfit, she realizes the freedom to become the woman she always wanted to be... The kind of woman even her sexy ex-boss, Richard Gable, would desire... This was probably my favorite story in the anthology. For anyone who has ever harbored a secret infatuation for their boss, Leather and Lace will stoke the fires of fantasy a little hotter than before... And if you haven't ever had such desires about an employer, you'll wish you had a boss like Richard Gable, no doubt! ~Awaiting Moonrise~ Science Professor Jenny Rose was in the bayous of Louisiana to investigate rumors of a new species of animal that had been spotted recently. She never expected to come face to face with the mythological lycanthrope! A dangerous encounter with the werewolf lands her in the examining room of the mysterious Dr. Samuel La Roque. But the good doctor seems as dangerous as the elusive loup garou, and her body's response to him even more treacherous! I confess that I am a sucker for a hot shape shifter tale (no pun intended, lol), and Awaiting Moonrise did not disappoint me in the least! Double up my love of sexy werewolves with my love of hotter than hot Cajun men, and this one sent my temperature up a couple of degrees, I'm sure! As if that weren't enough, Shayne spins this story with a great bit of suspense, and peppers it with a little Voodoo mojo for good measure.

4 stars

**** What does a logical scientist discovery the reality of lycanthropy, a playboy realizing that his secretary is more than a reliable helper, and a psychic's visions of murder and the breaking of a curse all have in common? Two things, love and the fact that they are written by the talented Maggie Shayne. The strongest entries in the collection are the bookends, Leather and Lace and Daydream Believer. In the former, if you ever wished Steve Trevor would wake up and realize Miss Prince was a gem in her own right, then you'll be smiling at the end of this one. Daydream Believer is an edgy murder mystery that I wish was longer, having a surprise twist at the end reminescent of Ellery Queen. Ms. Shayne's versatility as a writer is showcased here, and while it lacks her trademark vampires, this anthology is definitely worth your time, whether a new or old fan. ****

three well written fun novellas

"Leather and Lace". Kayla pleads with her prim and proper roommate Martha Jane Biswell to model their latest Leather and Lace lingerie; reluctantly as a favor she agrees because she needs the money and hopes her former boss Clark make that Richard Gable of Gable Brothers Department Stores would not be there. She wanted him, but he fired her replacing her with his bimbo niece. Due to illness and the stupidity of his sibling Richard attends the show and is captivated by the new model Valentine. "Awaiting Moonrise". Following up on a rumor of werewolves in the Bayou though she expects to find a previously undiscovered animal species, Dunkirk University Cryptozoology Professor Jenny offers herself as human bait to lure the creature into a trap. However, though animal magnetism ignites her and her prey, Samuel is no ordinary animal or human. "Daydream Believer". In Pinedale, Celestial Bakery owner Megan Rose has a vision of the missing woman Sarah Dresden so she calls Police Chief Skinner. When she is proven right he sends Detective Sam Sheridan to investigate Megan. These three well written fun novellas are reprints from previous anthologies in which Maggie Shayne was one of the contributors. Though two are supernatural romances and the other a traditional contemporary, the entries are fun to read as each one stars an interesting female protagonist and the hunk salivating over them. Harriet Klausner