#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen spins the unforgettable story of a brilliant young woman and the sexy financial wizard with the power to make her dreams come true.
Mariana Sandell is on a mission to get Louis Benoit alone, convinced that once he listens to her business proposition, he’ll leap at the opportunity. But bypassing his security detail at his chateau is a piece of cake compared to standing face-to-face with the charismatic and assured mogul. For every time his gaze lingers down her body, her pulse races out of control.
At first, Louis is amused by the beautiful brunette who boldly confronts him at his home. When he hears of her million-dollar idea, he’s intrigued. And when she seduces him, he’s pleasantly surprised. Yet he can tell that behind Mariana’s seemingly cool façade lies a vulnerable woman with secrets—and he’s determined to uncover them. But first he must earn her by making her fall hopelessly in love with him.
Iris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
Off the beaten path and sensual. I did so love Iris Johansen's Loveswepts. They are toe-curlingly steamy, yet nothing over the top or TMI territory.
Mariana is a serious geek, as in robot-inventing scientist, geeky. Let's here it for the nerdy girls! Louis is melt-your-fingers hot. He's urbane but rawly masculine. What a nice combination. The chemistry between the two is volcanic. I loved how Mariana is the agressor, even though she's quite the novice at it. Really good love scenes! They both have pain and baggage in their past. But together, their love bond provides mutual healing.
The concepts are somewhat paranormal, but it's done in a subtle fashion that I think wouldn't turn off any but hardened non-paranormal readers. I was happy to find out that this was part of the series of books that Ms. Johansen wrote about Sedikhan, although part takes place in France and Canada. I can't believe I missed reading this one back in the day (making note to find the others in this series).
This was a five star book for me because of the great chemistry, emotional intensity of the romance, and the unique, different feel to the storyline. I'm so glad I found this book in the clearance rack. I would have happily paid a lot more for a good read like A Tough Man to Tame.
"A Tough Man to Tame" is the story of Mariana and Louis. Mariana is a Clanad scientist, who is ever so practical. When she starts dreaming of the playboy Louis, she decides to take fate into her own hands.. This book was the perfect balance between the paranatural and love story. We have the practical and loving heroine, a cynic and brooding hero, explosive lovemaking, revelations- all leading to a HEA. Last book in the Sedikhans- oh HOW I will miss this wonderful and addicting series. Just amazing! Safe with exceptions 4.25/5
Had read it more than 20 years ago. Was really taken with the Clanad / Sedikhan series. So wanted to re-read to find out if held the same appeal as it did all those years ago. It was thrilling to read then and I'm glad to say that it was still thrilling to read!!!!!
This was so not what I expected. I really don't know what to say about it. I will say it was weirdly addictive to read, I just didn't want to put it down. The whole technology aspect was odd but interesting to read about. The story lacked something in terms of real depth but I did enjoy the concept and the characters back stories. I was taken aback at points, mostly by Mariana's brazen attitude. I love how strong and forward she was. Overall this was a quick read but not so amazing that I won't forget it by next year, hence 3 stars.
I found this book to be boring and ongoing. The characters did not appeal to me and the narrator was confusing. I wonder if this is one of Johansen's earlier books and that explains the lack of character development.