Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of What I Did On My Summer Vacation by Thea Devine, Debbi Rawlins and Samantha Hunter
Contemporary Romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Jul 08
My reading has been spotty at best this year, and during these trying times I’m glad that publishers are still churning out anthologies. While a lot of readers find anthologies to be uneven affairs, I consistently turn to them when my reading mojo is waning. I’m just now pulling out of a reading slump, and in large part I have Harlequin Blaze to thank. Quick and sexy reads seem to be doing the trick these days, and their latest anthology kept me engaged and turning the pages.
The Guy Diet by Thea Devine
Lo Cavallero is a food columnist who has become disenchanted with her “grab and go” dating lifestyle. Tired of men running for the door after s-e-x, she’s putting herself on a “Guy Diet.” No guys. No flirting. No kissing. And definitely, positively, no sex. She’s ready to settle down and she’s smart enough to know that she won’t find Mr. Right if she’s wasting her time on Mr. Right Nows. But just as she settles in on the Guy Diet, who should appear on the scene to tempt her? Her sexy, handsome boss Jed Costigan.
The writing style here is very snappy, chick-lit first person. It’s also fairly stream of conscious, with Lo having a tendency to ramble a bit. I see some readers having a real problem with it, but anyone who is used to Devine’s colorful writing style will find this considerably reined in from her lusty historical writing days. I could have done without Lo’s roommate serving as conflict, but Jed picks up the slack. No doubt about it, this hero is sex on a stick. Please ma’am, may I have some more?
Grade: C+
Summary:
Disillusioned food columnist Lo Cavallero only wants her men “lite.” But what will happen when dishy newsman Jed Costigan tries to convince her that he’s more than just a scrumptious morsel?
Read an excerpt.
Light My Fire by Debbi Rawlins
Jordan Samms is an advertising executive who is burnt out on her job. Her boss has insisted she take a vacation, and when her best friend dumps their plans at the last minute (code for she’s met a new man), Jordan tries to wriggle out of her vacation. No can do says Mr. Boss, and he books her on an extreme camping trip with Zach Wilde serving as her very sexy guide.
This was a quick, fast read and putting the two characters out in the middle of nowhere created plenty of tension. However, the story stumbles a bit when Jordan finds out Zach’s “big secret.” Frankly, I just didn’t see why it was such a big deal, but hey, that’s me.
Grade: B-
Summary:
Jordan Samms has a mountain to climb-led by supersexy wilderness guide Zach Wilde. Before long, they’re lighting each other’s fire every night. But will the flames stay smokin’ hot or blaze out of control!
No Reservations by Samantha Hunter
Edie Stevens has driven all the way from Cleveland to Cape Cod to have a nice relaxing beach vacation. Instead she’s in for a surprise when she arrives at her rented cottage to find the owner, Joel Roberts, still in residence. Before you can say mix-up with the realtor, the two agree to share the spacious cabin for two weeks. What could happen?
I liked this story a lot, but it really needed to be longer than fifty pages! While the story does end happily, given Joel’s being on the rebound from his divorce, and them going from “sex only” to “I think this might be love” in the span of fifty pages is a bit hard to swallow. Still, it’s a pleasant read, and the hottest story in the bunch.
Grade: B-
Summary:
Edie Stevens is shocked when überhottie property owner Joel Roberts appears at her vacation cottage because of a mix-up with the dates. Seems they’ll steer clear of one another…yeah, but how will they handle the sizzling chemistry?
Read an excerpt.
Readers should never expect a ton of depth in anthology stories, and What I Did On My Summer Vacation is certainly no different on that score. But it’s the perfect summertime beach read featuring quick, sexy stories ideal for soaking up the remainder of the hot summer days… and nights.
Overall Grade: B-
