Exactly how steamy is this story?
R
There's no beating around the bush about it: Sam Spade is a womanizer. Early in the novel, we learn that he's having an affair with Iva Archer. Not exactly model behavior considering that Iva is the wife Miles Archer, Spade's partner at work. Now combine Spade's wandering eyes with the haunting good looks of Brigid O'Shaughnessy, and we've got a perfect recipe for steamy romance.
Brigid's irresistible doe eyes may fool some, but Spade is onto her. What ensues is a heated cat and mouse game, as Brigid and Spade each try to outwit each other. When they finally end up together in bed, the sparks are really flying and it looks like their back and forth battle must be over.
But far from it. The morning after his night of passion with Brigid, Spade sneaks out of bed while Brigid is still asleep to go search her apartment. Did Spade sleep with Brigid simply to use her to help him solve the mystery of the falcon? Or is Brigid the one using her womanly wiles to pull the wool over his eyes?
The intricate dance between Spade and Brigid leads to some sizzling action and culminates in an unexpected twist of events that leaves us wondering why these two lovers couldn't just drop their act already and just admit they're both in love with each other.
P.S. There really isn't too much in the way of explicit sexy times in this novel, but we've opted to keep the rating at an R for the rather scandalous subject matter and consistent violence throughout. If this were made into a modern flick, for example, you can bet that they'd be keeping the 16-and-unders out of the theater.