Hello, and welcome back! It’s officially autumn here, though it’s not quite cool enough this week to suit me. I know, I’m picky, but after the hot and sticky weather we had here non-stop throughout the summer, I’m beyond ready for something cooler. Something cool enough to justify curling up with a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate while doing my reading and job searching. Soon, I imagine.

This time out, I have the latest from Christie Craig, Don’t Mess With Texas (Grand Central, received from publisher). I was very glad when I heard Ms. Craig had landed with a new publisher after her old publisher had financial issues and went to e-books last fall, and even happier when this book landed on my desk. Nikki Hunt’s bad night gets even worse when her ex winds up dead in her car trunk and the police begin to suspect she had something to do with the murder. P.I. Dallas O’Connor has had his own issues with the law, and he’ll do all he can to clear Nikki’s name. That’ll be a little more of a challenge since his brother is the lead detective and is absolutely certain Nikki is a killer. When I see Ms. Craig’s name on a book, I know I’m going to get a story that will be filled with humor and peopled with characters whose interactions will be steamy and touching. Dallas is terrifically sexy, though Nikki’s in no place to think about a relationship, serious or otherwise, but there’s simply no way she can resist the hunky P.I. I quite enjoyed this one, with its laugh-out-loud moments and steamy interludes, though I will say it didn’t make me laugh nearly as hard as her last book did--that one actually made me cry from laughing so hard, so much that my guys were shaking their heads at me like I'd lost my mind. I’m borrowing four of Cupid’s five arrows for this one. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a rainy fall afternoon and a great addition to my Craig collection in the book room.

Until next time, happy reading!

Romance Novels Forum

Christie Craig