SUSAN ELIZABETH PHILLIPS

|| It Had To Be You || Honey Moon || Fancy Pants || Dream A Little Dream || Kiss An Angel || Nobody's Baby But Mine - by Anne Marie || Hot Shot || Nobody's Baby But Mine - by Pam || Heaven, Texas ||

Last review(s) added 6/10/98

What can I say that I haven't already said? "It Had To Be You" is a sensational story and a spectacular romance. I found it to be positively compelling. Definitely a passion-filled love story between two charming and unique individuals. Bottom line -- I absolutely loved it. I had many moments of fun and laughter as well as suspense.

I heard that it was for sale at Wal-Mart. If you're looking for a great romance to read pick up "It Had To Be You" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

Phoebe Somerville, is a wild cookie. She dresses and acts like every woman's enemy. And she has the body to match. Never feeling loved by her father, Phoebe left home and ultimately found herself learning all she could about art. The more Phoebe does to appear outlandish: develops frienships with gays, poses nude for a famous artist, and even befriends many people who have AIDS; and ultimatley die from it, her father can't tolerate her behavior and disinherits her from his will. She has no contact with him for many years and then she hears of his death.

She now finds herself the guardian of her half-sister, Molly. A sister who happens to hate her guts. Remembering what it was like living with her father, being sent off to boarding schools, etc, Phoebe treats Molly with respect and never gives up on the fifteen year old hoping that some day they will have a good relationship.

Admittedly, the biggest shock of her life comes when her father's lawyer insists on meeting with her to read the will. Not expecting anything from it, she tries to put him off. But, apparently, her father made some last minute changes which will impact Phoebe's life in a way she could never imagine ----> She becomes the owner of the Chicago Stars football team! Yes, Phoebe, not her cousin Reed as was expected, but Phoebe. There's a catch (wouldn't we expect this?) The team must win the AFC Championship or she will lose the team to Reed at the end of the season. Phoebe is outraged. Even from his grave her father is still trying to control her. Besides, she doesn't know, or want to know, a darn thing about football.

Dan Calebo, coach of the Chicago Stars, cannot believe what has happened. A woman owner of a pro-football team, of his football team! He is even more exasperated after meeting Phoebe and witnessing the fiasco at her father's funeral.

Sparks are flying almost immediately. And the sexual tension is astronomical. This story is way too much fun and utterly enjoyable! I actually found myself laughing out loud and what a stress reliever that was for me. My favorite time is when Phoebe finally gets her act together and the football season is underway.

Fabulous and definitely a must read!

Ever stayed in one place until the last page was turned? Ever stayed up until dawn to finish a story you just have to know the ending of? Well, if you don't have time to do this, then you're better off waiting until you do before you start "Honey Moon" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

As in some of her books, this one starts early on in the heroines' life. It doesn't just jump right into a romance between hero and heroine. I feel that that is one of the unique qualities that make Ms. Phillips such a wonderful author.

Honey Jane Moon, yes that is her real name, was raised by her Aunt Sophie and Uncle Earl Booker from the age of six when her mother passed away. Being raised by Earl and Sophie isn't the most ideal situation for any child, but none-the-less, Honey made the best of it Of couse, growing up on the Silver Lake Amusement Park with a roller coaster called Black Thunder can have a few advantages. That is, it does until things start to fall apart around them -- literally.

Honey tends to take care of those she lives with including an older step-sister who can't seem to take care of herself. Honey pushes Chantal into a situation that could help them all to survive, only the outcome isn't exactly what she expects it to be. Instead of Chantal being chosen for a screen play, Honey ends up on a TV series that becomes one of the most popular on all of TV.

So, where does the romance come in, right? Well, it comes in the form of, well, nooo, I just can't do it. The back cover says she'll "change forever the destinies of two famous men." So, take your pick, but I won't tell. Just don't miss it, if you can get your hands on a copy (on-line book stores have it, but there's those drasted postage and handling costs.) You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll want Susan to write more!

A spectacular story, compelling to the end! I absolutely love Susan Elizabeth Phillips and her stories. I haven't read one yet that I didn't absolutely love and wouldn't starve myself for more of.

Francesca Day, the most beautiful "British-bauble in Europe's jet-set playgrounds" has to be one of the most self-centered, selfish, and self-absorbed people you will ever meet. But, you will soon love her to death! She is terrible. A spoiled brat! Which, I have to mention, is not her fault. Her mother raised her with this list of notions and she knows no other way to be.

Dallie Beaudine, is one gorgeous hunk of male. He makes his living scraping by playing in golf tournaments. He is satisfied to make just enough to live off of, to drink a lot of beer, and of course, there are the many women who pass through his life - but don't stick around.

Throw together Dallie and Francesca and what do you have? The back cover puts it perfectly with: "They're caviar and beer, kerosene on fire..."

There are so many good things about this book and there many secrets to tumble through, so to keep from giving anything away, I've decided to pretty much stop right here except to say - don't give up before page 100. I found my mind wander a time or two and I was thinking, "Do I really like this girl? Do I want to continue reading about her?" When in all actuality, you need all that background information to help you understand just why she is the way she is. Without it, you would never "feel" the great sense of strength, never have the deep sense of compassion that you are going to have for her when she reaches that one major turning point in her life." From then on, all I could think of was, "YOU GO GIRL!" Dream A Little Dream

Rated 5.0
ISBN# 0-380-79447-0
Copyright 2/98
Reviewed 1/24/98

Contemporary

Positively magnificent! Quite a sense of intense reality is felt after sharing a portion of the heroine's life through this story.

Rachel Stone, previously Mrs. Snopes, is in a spot of badluck. Worse than it's ever been she finds herself stranded on the side of the road next to an old broken-down drive-in. After a rude encounter with its owner, Rachel risks a peek around. She can see that repairs are being made to the dilapidated structure.

Gabe Bonner, brother to Cal Bonner from "Nobody's Baby But Mine," is suffering after the loss of his wife and son. He doesn't want any scrawny little kid around to remind him of his dead son. And Rachel, well, he sees through her too-slender frame to the beauty beneath, and frankly he doesn't want her around either.

When it comes to working in order to feed her son, Rachel will do anything to in order to get Gabe to hire her. Having run from attempted rape by her previous boss, Rachel rethinks things and decides she just might have to do something she doesn't really want to in order to feed Edward her little boy.

What a heart-wrenching story. I shed tears in all the right places and of course laughed too. Even through all the tough times, Rachel possess a wicked sense of humor which she uses to keep her sanity.

If you're looking for a sense of realness in a story, this is the one for you.

Rated 5.0
ISBN# 0-380-78233-2
Copyright 1996
Reviewed 8/28/97 by Pam

Witty, exhilarating, humorous, and absolutely divine is the novel "Kiss An Angel" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. SEP never ceases to amaze me with her talents as a writer and "Kiss An Angel" is no exception. This story is filled with characters that readers can relate to, understand, and above all enjoy to the fullest.

Theodesia Deveraux, Daisy for short, has been issued an ultimatum by her father. She can spend time in jail for the over-abundance of hot checks she wrote after her mother's death, unaware that their would be no money left after all the debts were paid, or she could marry the man he has picked out for her.

Not wanting to spend time in jail, Daisy quickly finds herself wed to Alex Markov, a cold and hard-hearted individual. But, for all his faults, she cannot deny that he is an extremely handsome man.

Daisy has no idea where her new husband is taking her after their wedding and can't believe the site before her when they arrive to their destination. Of all things, she never dreamed she would find herself married to the manager of . . . a traveling circus! With her great fear of animals, Daisy can't imagine how she will survive the next six months. And six months of marriage it will have to be in order for Daisy to receive the trust fund her father has set up for her.

Off you go on a ride you'll not soon forget. Daisy's antics will leave you laughing, sometimes to the point of tears. To her, marriage vows are sacred. And even though her father has forced her together with Alex, she does not take those vows lightly. She uniquely gets rid of every woman she finds Alex flirting with as the circus travels from location to location. This young woman was not short of creative ideas and I was thrilled at her ability to get one up on Alex.

Alex just can't believe that the sexy and highly spirited individual, that is now his wife, is the "spoiled little feather-head with champaign tastes," that her father described her to be. How could a man be so unfamiliar with his own daughter?

Now, I will admit that all will not be peaches-and-cream as Alex and Daisy work through their relationship. Alex has had a horrible past and believes himself incapable of loving another individual. Some hardships will fall along the way and you'll want to pull out some hair, but Daisy's strength will lead you on and wanting to know . . . just how is she going to handle that!

What I really enjoyed about this story was the depth of morality that Daisy led her life by. Premarital sex was not an option and swearing was definitely a no-no. As a child, she was quite aware that her mother's bedroom had a revolving door and decided that she was not going to be the same type of person. She preached constantly to Alex about their sacred vows of marriage and I loved every minute of it!

Throw all that together with a some really great extra's (characters that is) and you will surely find yourself unable to put this book down. I read until the wee hours of the morning.

Rated 4.5
Copyright 1997
Reviewed 7/27/97 by Anne-Marie

Genius physicist professor, Dr. Jane Darlington, desperately wants a baby. But, finding a father won't be that easy!! Her super-intelligence made her feel like a freak growing up and she's determined to spare her own child that suffering. Which means, she must find someone very special to father her child. Someone very . . . stupid!

Cal Bonner is the Chicago Star's legendary quarterback. When she sees him on the television she decides he would be the perfect choice.

She, at the suggestions of an acquaintance, comes up with a real scheme to have her impregnated by Cal.

She decides to pretend to be an expensive "call-girl" who will be presented to Cal as a birthday present by his buddies.

I won't tell you more. It's a very funny, warm and sexy story. Just believe me when I say that there is a real physical attraction and unexpected love between these two characters.

Rated 4.0
ISBN# 0-671-65831-X
Copyright 1991
Reviewed 7/4/97 by Pam T.

What can you say when the hero turns out to be a leather wearing, long haired, Harley riding, sexy to-boot guy? You can say a whole lot until he starts spouting cuss-words like crazy. SEP writes with a unique style that I have not found in anyone else I have ever read. "Hot Shot" is different. I liked it, but it was different.

"Sam Gamble is a brazen young adventurer, he was the most seductive man Susannah had ever met. Cocky and brash, her barged into her life on the back of a motorcycle and, with quicksilver words and a breathtaking vision of the future, swept her away from her safe world into a dzzling destiny . . ."

Susannah has had a pretty restricted life. Her mother showed not interested in her and left her with her grandmother. This woman did little to make Susannah the happy young girl she should have been. Taken away from her grandmother by her step-father, Susannah believe she has found happiness at last. At least, until a strange and terrible kidnapping which Susannah never really recovers from.

Susannah has been molded into the type of person her step-father wants her to be. Quiet, reserved, perfect. She strives to please him at every turn. As a result of this, she loses her sister, her step-father's biological daughter. They do not get along. Susannah tries, but Paige holds a deep resentment for her.

Susannah meets Sam. He lure's her away from her family who she loses as a result. They can't accept Susannah being with that type of person.

Sam, his friend Yank and Susannah start a business in a garage. They struggle and fight to get the company off the ground. In comes Mitchell Blaine a business dynamo. With his help they all work hard and in comes the beginning of the personal computer.

Sam was very belligerant at times. I found that I didn't really like him, but considereing he was supposed to be the hero of the story. SEP throws in some romantic twists and ultimately the reader will be happy for Susannah. It just takes a little bit of doing to get there.

Rated 4.5
ISBN# 0-380-78234-0
Copyright 2/97
Reviewed 5/24/97 by Pam T.

Explosive, alarmingly sexual -- oh, what a story. SEP did super with Nobody's Baby But Mine.

Dr. Jane Darlington is a genius physics professor. She know her biological clock is ticking and thoughts of being a mother haunt her. A golden opportunity is laid in her lap and even her genius mind cannot refuse what she believes is her one chance to have a child.

Cal Bonner, Chicago Stars legendary quarterback, is getting old for his occupation and completely out of sorts with what he'll do with his life after football. Foremost, he can't believe the scheming plan Jane has come up with. And she had the nerve to think he was stupid.

A fun story that will at times make you laugh, but a dramatic side to it will also unfold. A remarkable hit by SEP that you should top your to be read list with.

Rated 4.5
$5.50 USA
ISBN# - 0-380-77684-7
Reviewed 11/2/96 by Pam T.

Wild, fun, full of laughter, that's Susan Elizabeth Phillips novel "Heaven Texas." I had to rate it a five since I stayed up until 1:00 a.m. to finish reading it. A page turner it is and much more. The characters are a combination of craziness, naivete, and are undoubtedly loveable.

Gracie Snow, an extremely naive woman with an awful perm has, throughout her entire life, been considered too homely for her own good. She has taken a job as a production assistant with a small motion picture company, Windmill Studios. Her present project is to escort Bobby Tom Denton to Heaven, Texas, to beginning shooting for the film. A mighty big step-up from her previous job - running the Shady Acres Nursing Home.

Bobby Tom Denton is an ex-football player, an ex only because he injured his knee and is unable to play football again. He is an egotistical-maniac, who thinks quite highly of himself and has signed a contract with a movie company, Windmill Studios. He has already cost the company thousands of dollars from not arriving to the first shooting -- and he doesn't care a lick. He'll get there when he's good and ready and not a moment sooner. Reason: The movie is being made in his home town, Heaven, Texas, and he's not too excited about facing all the people there again. They act as if he owes them something.

Gracie cannot believe the arrogance of Bobby Tom. He has women falling all over him everywhere he goes. He's a playboy if she's ever seen one. She's been very sheltered, and knows she's homely. There is no way a man like Bobby Tom would every look at her twice, she knows that. Gracie's naiveness will make you laugh - how could anybody be so . . . oh, never mind. I guess it's possible. You'll just have to read to see what I mean. I don't want to spoil any of the scenes, least of all the one with the ice cream.

There's a little side romance with Bobby Tom's mother, Suzy Denton. She is a widow who meets the town's most hated man. Bobby Tom is not adjusting well to the idea of her having a new man in her life.

This is a wild and sexy romance. The anticipation of sex is stronger than anything I have every read. When the sex scenes do finally appear, they are better than you could have expected. I enjoyed this story immensely and will watch for more of Phillips novels.

Happy Reading!