Gail Kennedy - Julie Kenner
Kennedy, Gail - MOUNTAIN DREAMS (Laughing Owl Publ. - 1998) (4)
MOUNTAIN DREAMS is Ms. Kennedy's very entertaining debut
novel, which contains two separate contemporary stories
under one cover.
"Five Steps to Flirting"
Regina Citrano is the only single female of her generation left in the family, and unless she can come up with a plan (and a man) on her own, her well-meaning but zany relatives are going to keep trying to find her a husband. It's not that she doesn't like men—she certainly does, but the truth is Regina is possessed of a case of terminal shyness, and try as she might, she just can't seem to push by that malady to find her Mr. Right. All of that changes, and rather quickly, when she reads a magazine article titled, "Five Steps to Flirting."
Eager to try out the article's suggestions on an unsuspecting male population, Regina dons a flame-colored wig and heads over to the local airport. Figuring that the airport, with its varied assortment of transient men, will provide a fertile practice field on which to develop her flirting skills, Regina proves to be a more than an apt pupil. Suddenly finding herself hip-deep in males, she is really getting the hang of it when one guy separates from the crowd to stand head and shoulders above the rest—namely Tyler Novak. Although he is attracted to "Red," unfortunately he also thinks she is part of a gang of smugglers who are trying to transport stolen valuables out of the country. In a series of slapstick encounters and comedic misunderstandings, Regina and Tyler find that the road to happily-ever-after is fraught with bumpy landings.
"Sunday School and the Secret Agent"
Susan Stewart is in trouble—deep, deep trouble of the most embarrassing kind. It's almost time for her high-school class reunion, and as luck would have it, everyone from her mother on down to the smirky, smug ex-beauty queen from her graduating class is expecting her to show up on the arm of the virile undercover agent to whom she's engaged. The trouble is...that macho hunk is only a figment of her very active imagination, and all the wishing in the world can't make him materialize. Enter one "studly muffin" in the form of Ric Ramsey. Well, now....maybe the world, as she has known it, will continue to rotate after all. Unfortunately, Ric has his own hidden agenda, and there are more than a few misunderstandings to clear up before Susan can "go home again" and show up at the reunion with
a real man instead of a dream one.
The two stories in MOUNTAIN DREAMS are cleverly written, and the antics and quirkiness of the two heroines and their male counterparts caused me more than a few outright guffaws. Regina (AKA "Red") and Susan were wacky, wonderful, and more than a match for the two headstrong, but very engaging heroes, Tyler and Ric. My only suggestion would be that you not read the stories back to back because the characterizations and plot lines are somewhat similar. If you're in the mood for a few hours of fast-paced diversion, pick up a copy of MOUNTAIN DREAMS and slip into two wonderful, lighthearted tales of love and laughter. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
Kenner, Julie - NOBODY DOES IT BETTER (HT 772 - 2/00) (3+)
Paris Sommers has a problem. After writing a series of spy
novels under the pseudonym Montgomery Alexander, her publisher
has insisted on meeting the "reclusive" author and sending him
on a publicity tour. How can Paris reveal that Montgomery
Alexander, supposedly a retired spy, is just a figment of her
imagination?—or so she thinks, until she sees him across
a crowded room!
Devin O'Malley needs money, and needs it fast, so he can pay off his father's gambling debts. The perfect con has just dropped in his lap, so why shouldn't he pretend to be this Montgomery Alexander? But can he bring himself to blackmail someone as sweet and appealing as Paris, someone he could really love?
Debut author, Julie Kenner, has written a sexy and fast-paced romance with a hero worthy of Remington Steele. The attraction between Paris and Devin is evident from the first chapter. The love scenes are steamy, but even more important is the sexual tension that builds up in every situation. It's clear that the main characters enjoy each other's company, and that makes the bedroom scenes even more satisfying. The somewhat predictable plot and conflict seems a little forced, mostly a matter of misunderstandings and lack of communication, but it serves its purpose to bring the hero and heroine together. NOBODY DOES IT BETTER will surely keep you warm on a cold winter's night. ~Karen Wheless for Bookbug on the Web
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