Kiss Me While I Sleep: A Novel

Book Description

If you sense someone’s watching you from afar, or if you feel a shadow other than your own at your back, I might as well pack it up and call it a day.

It’s a job that makes a killing. Efficient, professional, and without apology, Lily Mansfield is a hired assassin, working as a contract agent for the CIA. Her targets are the powerful and corrupt, those who can’t be touched by the law.

Now, after nineteen years of service, Lily has been drawn into a dangerous game that hasn’t been sanctioned, seeking vengeance for her own reasons. Each move bolder than the next, she is compromising her superiors, drawing unwanted attention, and endangering her very life. Though stress and shock have made her feel somewhat invincible and a little cocky, Lily knows that she too can be taken out in an instant. And if it’s her time, so be it. She intends to go down fighting.

A CIA agent himself, Lucas Swain recognizes the signs of trauma in the line of fire. His orders: either bring her in or bring her down. Yet he too is drawn into the game with Lily Mansfield, dancing on a tightrope as he tries to avoid a major international incident while still battling a tenacious foe who is dogging their every step. Keeping laser focus on the task at hand while vigilantly watching her back, Mansfield never sees the lethal peril that lies directly in her path . . . and how loyalty has a price.

Chock-full of the intrigue, breathless action, and sensuality that have made Linda Howard the master of romantic suspense, Kiss Me While I Sleep is a daring thriller of passion, sudden twists, and richly imagined characters who live and breathe in readers’ hearts. It is the most gripping and complex novel of Linda Howard’s career.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Linda Howard is the award-winning author of many New York Times bestsellers, including Cry No More, Dying to Please, Open Season, Mr. Perfect, All the Queen¿s Men, Now You See Her, Kill and Tell, and Son of the Morning. She lives in Alabama with her husband and two golden retrievers.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

wow!.......2007-09-24

I have recently become addicted to Linda Howards novels and i have loved every one i've acquired.

It'll make you think, if nothing else!.......2007-08-08

We've all seen Alias, with kick-butt heroine Sidney and dreamy hero Vaughan; great show. Now meet the most unusual heroine ever: Lily Mansfield, assassin! Yes, you read that right, assassin, contracted by the CIA at eighteen to get rid of evil, corrupt targets. At one stage in the book she mentions she threw up for days after her first hit. Who can blame her? As the years go on Lily gets tougher, harder, faster, moving like smoke as she completes her assignments. She's now in her thirties, very clever, a master of disguise and possessor of several aliases plus a hidden stash of money. When she suddenly goes out on her own and assassinates the man responsible for killing her best friends and their daughter, the CIA decide to eliminate her as a rogue agent. (The scene where she takes this guy out is chillingly hair-raising, by the way, totally mesmerizing to read as her need for revenge unrolls.) The CIA send agent Lucas Swain after her, a lean-hipped, laid-back, easy-talkin', gorgeous, sexy, totally yummy cute guy, with a zest for life in total contrast to his deadly job. He finds her in the middle of a gun battle in France. She's outside the facility where a deadly avian flu is being deliberately cultivated, side by side with the antidote the company plans to `sell', and so make millions. Of course, the sons of the man she assassinated also want to kill her, and they own the above facility. Things get very murky in terms of motive and deed and greed. Swain doesn't exactly advertise he's there to bring Lily in, dead or alive. In true Linda Howard form, Swain and Lily fall in love: unexpectedly, hard and fast. Each with their own agenda, each hiding secrets and lies, each totally hot for the other. In the end the double twist will make you gasp - we didn't see it coming. Oh, just take the afternoon off and read the book. It pushes romance further than ever before, with a bold take-no-prisoners approach and fragile moral boundaries that might shock you.

Not one of my favorites.......2007-01-26

I have to say I wasn't able to get that interested in Kiss Me While I sleep. It began good, but quickly lost momentum. I found that nearly all the characters were repetitive in how they reached the same conclusions, and was really rather boring to read the same information over again with a different character. There wasn't even that big of a difference in their viewpoints, despite the fact that two were CIA agents (Lily a rouge), and the other a supposed terrorist or mafia type villain. Another notch against this novel is that the two characters, Lily and Lucas begin their relationship with a lie. Which wouldn't be entirely bad, but to have it continue through out the entire novel when the two characters are trying to build a supposed relationship? Then only to have Lily, a character built to resemble a strong, intelligent woman to fall back into the arms of a man she never truly new and who lied to her through out their entire relationship? It had me rolling my eyes and I felt that the characters deserved better than that. In all, I wasn't impressed with this novel. What could they possibly build their relationshp on? Past lies?
I love most of Linda Howard books, but for some reason, the spy/government conspiracy novels just don't pair with her other romantic/suspense novels. In all, read it, but take it from a library because to me, this book isn't worth buying.

Favorite recommendations: Drop Dead Gorgeous, Open Season, Heart of Fire and Mr. Perfect.

Don't Waste Your Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will be Sorry!!!!!!.......2007-01-05

I really wish I had taken notice of all the negative reviews of this book. This was certainly one of Howard's worst efforts. I can't even describe just how bad this book was. The plot completely unbelievable and just plain silly. How simple vengeance turned into an act of "saving the world," I will never figure out. The characters were completely underdeveloped. There's no "spark" between the hero and heroine. They go from acquaintances to lovers in the blink of an eye. Even worse, the love scenes, (always one of Howard's best efforts)were completely drab. I also figured out who the "bad guy" was mid-story. It was just that predictable.
I have a shelf full of Howard's books, both hardback and softcover. This will not be one of them. As a matter of fact, I'm listing it for sale on Amazon right now!!!If you really want to read this story (and what true Howard fan wouldn't??)please, please, please check it out at your library. That way, you won't feel cheated out of of 20+ bucks.

I noticed that Howard has another book coming out later this year. That will be two books in one year, where she usually does one. Could feeling rushed and overwhelmed by deadlines be the reason she released such "trash" to her loyal fans? Who knows?

Linda Howard has you going right up till the end!!.......2006-12-22

I thought this was a great book that keeps you guessing till the very end. I still ended up surprised by the ending and very pleased. The book is a quick read and keeps you interested all the way through. I have enjoyed all of her books and am always looking for her next one out.

Book Description

The rapid growth of gemological sciences and mineralogy requires a comprehensive dictionary for gemologists, mineralogists, geologists, jewel dealers, industry, and hobbyists. The second edition of this dictionary contains about 25,000 entries – about 9,000 more than the first edition. The comprehensive definitions are now completed by more than 1,500 charts, diagrams and figures. The author offers a one-stop reference to any matter dealing with gems and gemology.

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Emily The Emerald Fairy (Jewel Fairies)
Daisy Meadows
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 043993530X

Book Description

Jack Frost is up to no good again! This time, he's stolen the seven jewels from Queen Titania's crown. Without them, the Jewel Fairies can't do their jobs. The magic in Fairyland is fading fast!

Without her magic emerald, Emily the Emerald Fairy can't see the future! Can Rachel and Kirsty help make things right again?

Find the sparkly jewel in each book and help bring the magic back to Fairyland!

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Attractive...mildly biased?
A great introduction to emeralds
"Emeralds, filled with information"

Emeralds (Fred Ward Gem Books)
Fred Ward , and Charlotte Ward
Manufacturer: Gem Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Prospecting & Mining | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Rocks & Minerals | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1887651055

Book Description

Part of the Fred Ward Gem Book Series. This lavishly-illustrated book in the all-color seriess includes History & Lore, Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Created Emeralds, Fakes, and Imitations, and Buying and Caring. This book provides the ideal introduction to one of the world's most famous gems. Follow author Fred Ward around the world in search for the most important examples of this and historic gemstone.

Customer Reviews:

Attractive...mildly biased?.......2006-07-15

This is a highly attractive book; the photographs actually almost made me salivate. The majority of emeralds in the marketplace are reprehensible--the ones pictured here prove that emeralds done right are among the most transcendently lovely objects on earth.

Ward clearly knows his emeralds (and other gemstones); he effectively and clearly transmits the basic information important to emerald novices. For example, he's correct to note that most people don't realize their emeralds have been oiled, and he puts to rest any criticisms of oiling--it makes the stone the best it can be be, after all.

I can tell he started out as a journalist. He has a very investigative-journalist, breathless tone. I think it works for the most part, especially when he's rhapsodizing over discoveries of sunken treasure or fabulous royal jewels attached to epic legends and lore.

But he is mildly biased against certain types of stones. He excessively disses the Egyptian mines. I'm glad he delves into the history of Cleopatra's mine, and I even appreciate his attempts to theorize as to the real chemical composition of the alleged "emeralds" from Egypt. However, he sprinkles in derogatory references to the Egyptian mines throughout the entire text, finding them vastly wanting. I think this is overkill. Colombians are the best--we get it.

Also, he frequently disparages ancient South American (Incan, for e.g.) and Egyptian empires' facility with stonework and knowledge of stones. He writes things akin to, "while we would never find such simply drilled, untumbled stones attractive, the ancients knew no better.." Actually, I quite liked the simple, untumbled emeralds he showcased; some of the ancient jewelry was quite stunning, and while it's not to my tastes to wear, I know several schools of people who are into that whole "organic" look.

By the way, this is a very slim volume. It's suitable either for complete novices or for collectors who want anything on their favorite stones.

A great introduction to emeralds.......2001-12-29

This book is a fairly short book on Emeralds. Ward gives the reader a great introduction to the world of emeralds without losing the reader in a bunch of scientific jargon. Though the book is very short for its price,it is full of great color pictures and information. The photography in this book alone makes it a must have for emerald lovers. The only complaint that I have about the photograph is that many of the pictures are taken zoomed in so the reader has a tough time determining the actual size of the subjects. Ward touches on the ancient history of these beautiful gems and explores modern day sources of the world's emeralds. Ward also discusses treatments of emeralds before sale, care of emerald jewlery, and there is a particularly interesting section on the making of synthetic emeralds. I would recomend this book to anyone with an interest in emeralds, but I would not recomend it to those looking for a particularly scientific book or a buyer's guide. This little book is packed with information and photographs that won't let you down.

"Emeralds, filled with information".......2001-02-17

I read Fred Ward's book "Emeralds", a part of his gem series, for an oral report I had to do for school. This book is packed with information on emeralds, from general info, to the cutting process; this book has it all! Not only is Fred Ward a talented author and researcher, but also he takes magnificent photographs. This book has lots of beautiful pictures of emeralds from all over the world. Fred Ward gives you a history of emeralds and their importance with the ancients. And shows and tells you about some of the beautiful jewelry that emeralds are in today, as well in the past. It even has a buying guide that shows what to look for when buying emeralds. I did tons of research for my report, and used a lot of books, but none of them even came close to "Emeralds".

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Hot Stones Cold Death
Gripping Mystery!!
From A Murder-Mystery Lover
Wow, a good whodunit!
A Gem of a Mystery!

Hot Stones: Cold Death
Barbara Fleming
Manufacturer: Silver Maple Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Murder on the Gold Coast

ASIN: 0970897006

Book Description

A riveting thriller which follows a young D.C. police detective, Lieutenant Matthew Alexander, as he solves two brutal murders and the theft a fabulous emerald necklace from the Smithsonian's gem collection. The action in Hot Stones * Cold Death swirls around the theft of a dazzling and priceless emerald necklace from the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History in the dead of night. The same night as the theft, two young intruders are savagely murdered and both of their bodies are strangely staged in an African village diorama where they are found by hysterical tourists the next morning. Because the murdered intruders are ritually attired as African warriors down to their spears and shields, and because they are murdered during the Smithsonian's budget hearings, the homicides take on political overtones that heighten the otherworldly aspect of a gruesome, barbaric act of violence. Sensitive to the possibility of international entanglements, museum security staff! waste precious hours shoring up their defenses and alibis before summoning the DCPD homicide division. By the time the DCPD arrives at the Museum of Natural History on the Mall, the victims have been dead at least twelve hours. The case is assigned to Detective Lieuitenant Matthew Alexander, a young man on his way up in the DCPD who has an impressive hit rate in solving difficult homicide cases. Lieutenat Alexander and his partner, Sargeant Jake Jackson, face a wall of resistance as they encounter blanket denials of any knowledge of the theft or murders from museum staff. Matt Alexander finds little evidence to indicate a motive for the murders, and even less to help in identifying the victims whose mug shots and fingerprints are conspicuously absent from both the District and federal police files.

Customer Reviews:

Hot Stones Cold Death.......2005-01-30

Who would consider the Museum of Natural History in the Smithsonian Institution to be the site of murder and intrigue? Barbara Fleming's novel, Hot Stones Cold Death, proposes such a scenario. Detective Matthew Alexander leads a diverse slate of characters in a novel that is as much a tale of "who done it" as it is a tale of "how could it." Two dead men in a historical exhibit is mystery enough. Add to the mix the theft of a priceless emerald necklace, voodoo dust, and a fail-proof security system. Uncooperative witnesses, anal-retentive administrators, and an investigative detective who is harassed at work and misunderstood at home are all effective tools in Fleming's skillful hands. The author weaves an intelligent tale that incorporates crisp details, cultural relevance, African history and religion, gemology, and a keen eye toward the workings of a criminal investigation. The complications and road blocks build until a missing link shows up with questions that lead to some key answers. Hot Stones Cold Death leads the reader through a carefully plotted maze that fascinates at every turn.

Reviewed by Chiquita Mullins Lee

Gripping Mystery!!.......2004-03-15

"HOT STONES, COLD DEATH was a fantastic read! I really enjoyed the suspense and getting to know the charcters' foibles and special interests. The pace was fast with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed. Great book! Great mystery! Can't wait to have some of my friends read it so we can talk about it."

From A Murder-Mystery Lover.......2003-07-03

Hot Stones * Cold Death by Barbara Fleming is well worth your time. It has a great mystery plot. I welcomed the list of primary characters. Although, I didn't need it for long.

If you like/love mysteries, then you will definitely enjoy this book. The dialogue is witty. The characters are believable. The setting is realistic. Thank you Ms. Fleming for a story well done. I look forward to reading more of your work.

Wow, a good whodunit!.......2003-06-25

Mrs. Fleming's publisher sent In the Company of My Sistah bookclub a copy to read and review.
I finally go around to it. I enjoyed the novel soo much, I wonder
why I waited.
It opens with a bang!. Two bodies in the Smithsonian, WOW.
Excellent writing. A good story line. A great whodunit. The
characters were believable. The portrayal of the bureaucrats and their actions were so on target.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I am definitely recommending my
bookclub and others read this mystery.

Jo D Wright - ITCOMS
itcoms_bc@yahoo.com

A Gem of a Mystery!.......2003-05-08

Barbara Fleming's Hot Stones, Cold Death is a murder mystery featuring veteran Washington, DC Detective Matthew Alexander and his sidekick, Jake Jackson. The mystery opens with two black men found dead dressed in African warrior regalia in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Their bodies are curiously arranged in an African Village diorama complete with spears, shields, and a priceless emerald necklace. At first glance, it looks like a theft gone wrong, but something lies beneath the surface that does not sit well with Matt and Jake. The detectives are faced with few clues, airtight alibis, and a hostile environment in which the highly connected museum staff wants the case closed as soon as possible. They follow leads that take them all over DC; from posh Georgetown to the crackhouses of Florida Avenue. A lucky break, another body, and follow through on a haunting suspicion allow the detectives to apprehend the culprits and resolve the mystery.

There are many characters in this story and the author provides a great service to the reader by providing a list of primary characters and their roles at the beginning of the novel. Even with the helpful guide, the author's handling of dialogue between characters is somewhat awkward and cumbersome at times, especially when familiar characters referred to each other by first and last names. Despite the issues with dialogue, this reviewer found the plot to be original and very well paced. The author introduces twists and turns at appropriate intervals to keep the reader interested until the end. This is a light, easy read; appropriate for a summer afternoon.

Phyllis
APOOO BookClub, Nubian Circle Book Club

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Diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire facets
Gary R Grelick
Manufacturer: G.R. Grelick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B000722USQ

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Great First Time Novel

wonderful
THE EMERALD STONE
DJ Loomis
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1425907253

Customer Reviews:

Great First Time Novel.......2006-05-16

Prejudiced because the author is my son's mother-in-law, but it is a great adventure story for young readers. Bought them for my grandkids.
Hope for a sequel.

wonderful.......2006-05-13

this book really made me want to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. I enjoyed it very much and hope to see more from this new author.

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The Emerald Stone by Wanda Lee Aragon

The Emerald Stone
Wanda Lee Aragon
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1413793746

Book Description

In a quaint village known as Utopia, the inhabitants live worry free—until a chain of events rewrites their future. Legend has it that an old man named Gihan and his loyal Raven were chosen to be keepers of a Magical Emerald Stone. Power lives within it, but unbeknownst to the inhabitants, dreadful consequences wait for those who try to steal the Emerald. Judah, a wealthy resident, cunningly presents an irresistible proposition to the inhabitants. Valor, a courageous dragon with bat-like wings, becomes a protector and guide. Travel with him as he meets Delosus and his devious conniving sidekick, the malevolent Leprechaun. This legend can breathe new life into the mind's eye. Gallant heroes and loyal friendships of the fourteenth century will capture your attention as you follow their paths. What does it take to keep goodness alive? This legend contains within it a solution that can only be understood in the realm of imagination!

Customer Reviews:

The Emerald Stone by Wanda Lee Aragon.......2006-05-27

Matthew (11 Years Old)

The Emerald Stone was a very descriptive book with expressive details. It kept my interest throughout the book because it described the characters and events clearly. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Science-Fiction books and mysteries.

MALAY COLLINS - Master Thief of the East: The Eye of Black A'Wang; The Emerald Buddha; The Black Stone of Agharti

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MALAY COLLINS - Master Thief of the East: The Eye of Black A'Wang; The Emerald Buddha; The Black Stone of Agharti
Murray (pen name used by William Fitzgerald Jenkins - Will F. Jenkins) Leinster
Manufacturer: Black Dog Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 192861907X

Precious-stone Jewelry: A 10.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring; a Superb Emerald and Diamond Ring, an Diamond and Sapphire Parue Other Valuable rings, Bracelets, Earrings, Brooches, Necklaces; A Group of Fine Furs.

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Precious-stone Jewelry: A 10.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring; a Superb Emerald and Diamond Ring, an Diamond and Sapphire Parue Other Valuable rings, Bracelets, Earrings, Brooches, Necklaces; A Group of Fine Furs.
Parke-Bernet Galleries
Manufacturer: Parke-Bernet Galleries
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K6ZHWA

Stone in the Sword, The: The Quest for a Stolen Emerald

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The Stone in the Sword
The Sword in the Stone
The Stone in the Sword

Stone in the Sword, The: The Quest for a Stolen Emerald
Derijim Robins
Manufacturer: Candlewick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0763603139
Release Date: 1998-06-01

Customer Reviews:

The Stone in the Sword .......2007-02-12

In reading The Stone in the Sword, or the Quest for a Stolen Emerald, prepare to follow an adventure requiring both wit and skill. This fantastic book is filled with many hidden objects waiting to be found by the reader! The Stone in the Sword is a masterpiece for the whole family to enjoy -- a wonderful book to have on hand for a rainy day or a moment of boredom. The story follows Loefric, a young squire who while polishing his master's sword the day before the well-known winter jousting tournament, loses a precious emerald that is afixed to the sword. As the gem falls to the ground, Loefric's michievious monkey grabs and makes off with the emerald! Loefric is soon in hot pursuit all over the castle and beyond after his pet trying to retrieve the precious stone. He soon learns that it is not just a monkey that might want an emerald, and will he recover the emerald in time?
With wonderful illustrations that lend a perfect medieval atmosphere, this book is both exciting and hard-to-put down, and requires skill and concentration to help Loefric retrieve the gem in time for the tournament! And not only does one follow Loefric in his timely quest, they have to find and identify people and things along the way!!
This book is definitely, without hesitation a 5 stars book, enjoyable for ALL ages, to be read again and again with objects to find everytime! Get this book and you will not regret it!!!

The Sword in the Stone.......2000-03-30

The Sword in the Stone is a fiction book about a young, poor boy named Arther. He is a squire and is going to assist a knight in a contest. Auther meets Merlin, a magician. They become good friends and Merlin shows Auther all of his magic. Auther forgets the knights swords and has to find another sword quickly. Auther goes to the sword in the stone and pulls, and it comes right out. He is now hailed as King Auther.

The Stone in the Sword.......1999-12-15

My four-year-old son loves this book! He likes the "eye spy" aspect of the story and all of the clues that lead you through the book. The colorful and very detailed drawings will appeal to any child -- boy or girl. It is appropriate for his age, and I believe he will like it for a few more years. We recommend this highly.

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