"I really like the concept of this story--it's science fiction, but it's not too far-fetched, and may already be happening to people in our society. The plot was straight-forward, and moved along at an even pace. The conflicts in this story were very realistic--how do you choose between two equally attractive alternatives, when your head tells you one thing and your heart tells you another? Sarah deals with her problems in a level-headed way, and yet finds herself succumbing to the longings of her emotions. The rest of the cast of characters--a fairly large group--are well delineated and are interesting people in their own right. In fact, there are a few of these secondary characters whose stories I'd like to read in the future. While the male/female love scenes in this novel are more sensual than graphically erotic, and they are very hot. I enjoyed this one and I know that you will too! 5 Angels!"--Jean, Romance Reviews
"The scenarios that Sarah gets involved with in the virtual world are truly fantastic situations that are very enjoyable to read about. The contrast between the virtual world of the study and Sarah's actual real life world provides for lots of funny, sad, and plain old memorable situations. Virtually Yours is a sweet gem of a story that will satisfy any romance fan. Get your hands on this book! Overall rating: 4 Stars!"--Sarah W., Romance Reviews
"Ms. Inman has written a wonderful story that is a must read from me and I will be certainly singing its' praises to everyone I know. 4 1/2 Stars!"--Sheryl, www.eCataromance.com
"Crystal Inman has written a beautiful contemporary romance that shows that something wonderful can happen when and where you least expect it. Sarah's personality is tender and heartfelt; she cares about everyone whether they are real or not. The author has done a great job describing the emotions in a way that immediately draws the reader into the story. Although a majority of the plot is held in the Virtual Reality world, it is rewarding and enduring to watch the passion and chemistry grow between Sarah and Blake. Readers will be rooting for Sarah to have the man of her dreams. The moments of passion they spend in each other's arms are as sizzling as they are romantic. This is the first published story for Crystal Inman, and she has done an unbelievable job. The development of the story is wonderful and created a story that was nothing but pleasurable to read. I would strongly recommend this book to others as well as plan to read her upcoming works. Virtually Yours offers readers delicate romance that is sure to be a favorite for any one that is a sentimental romantic like myself. I was left breathless with the beauty of Susan and Blake. I can only hope that there is a story out there waiting to be written as a follow-up. I would love to check into Susan and Blake's world again and see if her big sister, Jess, finds a dream man for herself. Crystal Inman has done a tremendous job with Virtually Yours and has definitely earned 5 Angels!"--Jessica, Fallen Angel Reviews
"Crystal Inman's Virtually Yours totally sucked me in. I loved the story line so much. It reminds me of the trials and tribulation one faces when meeting people on-line. You never know if tall, dark and handsome is just a figment of your imagination unless you actually meet him. Read and find out for yourself--I absolutely insist that you do so. 4.5 Blue Ribbons!"--Carol, www.romancejunkies.com
"Virtually Yours is the debut release for author Crystal Inman. Ms. Inman, your romance voice is outstandingly fresh and your road to success is paved in gold! Not only is the premise novel, it is written in a hand by an author who certainly knows her craft. 5 Hearts!"--Janalee, www.loveromances.com
Chapter 1
Sarah Sharpe studied the five other people in her group. They each had placards in front of them with their names and ages printed neatly. Their ages ranged from eighteen to fifty-one. She inwardly groaned. Alice, the oldest, was insisting on being the sole test candidate. Jeffrey, the youngest, had tuned her out and proceeded to point out he was the best for the study. Bruce, a little older than Sarah, at thirty-five, was trying to calm them both down. Margie, forty, was applying lipstick, and David, twenty-eight, was about to fall asleep.
Sarah grimaced as the impact of what she had gotten herself into hit her. None of them could leave this room without deciding who would participate in the special case study. Sarah had participated in case studies before and had enjoyed every minute. She usually just filled out a questionnaire and turned it in. It was an easy fifty bucks, and the holidays were creeping up on her.
Sarah wanted to help her older sister, Jessica, this year. Jessie's children had wish lists that were as long as their arms. Jessica held down a full-time job and was a single parent. Sarah loved and admired her. And this year, she was going to do what she could to help. Christmas was roughly three months away, and Sarah hoped it would be enough time. Sarah worked as a school secretary during the day and loved every minute of it. But she had been thinking about the holidays for awhile.
Riley and Heather had burst into the office on the first day of school. "Aunt Sarah!" Heather wrapped her six-year-old arms around her aunt and kissed her soundly on the cheek. Riley looked everywhere but at the display. He waited until Heather moved before he stuck out his hand.
Sarah's lips twitched. "No hug for your Aunt Sarah?" Riley glanced left, then right, and hurriedly bent down to hug her. At ten, he was already looking like the man he would become.
"What can I do for you two? In trouble already?"
Heather rolled her eyes. "No, Aunt Sarah. We wanted to ask you something."
Sarah nodded and smiled. "You go right ahead, hon." Heather glanced at Riley for help.
He sighed. "It's about Mom." He lowered his voice.
Sarah leaned forward. "Yes?"
Heather plopped down in Sarah's lap. "Good grief, Riley!" Heather turned back towards Sarah and explained. "We found what we want to get Mom for Christmas."
Sarah looked expectantly from one to the other. "And..." she prompted.
"A ring." Riley's voice broke the silence.
"How do you know she wants that?" Sarah asked.
"Easy," Heather replied. "We were going school shopping, and we passed by this pretty case with lots of rings in it. The woman asked Mama when our birthdays were. Then she said she could make a ring and put us in it."
Riley frowned. "Our birthstones, Heather."
"Whatever." Heather waved her hands. "Anyway, Mama got all quiet and looked really hard at the rings. Then she said 'Thank you', and we left."
"Did she say anything about it again?"
Heather nodded. "I asked her in the car. She tried to smile, but she couldn't. She said 'not right now'. Which is what she always says when we can't afford it." Heather turned towards her aunt. "Can you help us, please? Mama would be so happy."
Sarah looked at Riley and then at Heather. "I'll see what I can do." Riley's relief was evident and Heather let out a cheer.
Sarah called the store and asked for the total price of the ring. The 14K gold ring with three genuine stones was around two hundred and fifty dollars. She immediately began thinking of ways to make it happen. She called Jefferson College to see if they were doing any more studies. And now, here she was. Sarah's eyes scanned the table again, and she shook her head. The first level of hell, she thought grimly.
The researchers stood behind the thick glass and studied the participants. Alice and Jeffrey argued loudly. David, apparently able to tune everything out, slept soundly. Margie had moved to mascara. The head researcher pointed to Sarah.
"She's the one. Tell the others to leave." His assistant scurried to do his bidding. "And Paul..." the assistant turned around, "bring her to my office."
Sarah looked up as the door opened, and a short, bald man in a lab coat came inside. His voice rang out. "Thank you for your time everybody. You are free to leave."
"Who's the guinea pig?" Alice frowned.
Paul made a mental note to cross her name off future studies. "You will be compensated for your time spent here."
Margie nudged David, and they both left.
Sarah stood up slowly, already thinking about where else she could find the money, and pushed her chair in to the table. She smiled at Paul and turned towards the doorway.
"A moment please."
Jeffrey pushed through them and left the room. Paul shook his head. "Need to do a study about manners," he mumbled.
Sarah grinned. "Or lack thereof."
"You're right, Ms. Sharpe," Paul said and chuckled. "But for now, I'd like to offer you the opportunity to be in this special case-study."
)
