HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Katie Lane

Grand Central

September 25^th, 2012

978-1-4555-2236-1

Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by Publisher

Cassie McPherson has always put others first before herself. Working for her family’s construction business, Cassie hasn’t dated much or had a life of her own in awhile. So when she gets the idea to hire an escort for the company’s Christmas party, well let’s just say she needs her head examined. But James is sexy as sin and Cassie is drawn to the hunk. But there is something James is keeping from Cassie that will destroy their budding relationship if it comes out. Can James get Cassie to listen to him or will he have lost the one good thing in his life-Cassie?

I really wanted to love this story. It had the perfect elements of a good romance story-sexy hero, workaholic heroine and the holidays. But the author tries to hard with the storyline. I felt there was just too much of everything, like the author was trying to cram as much as possible in the story as they checked off points on a list. The story with James and Cassie was at times a bit flat. I wanted to enjoy these two together but at times, the sparks between them felt forced or were not even there to build upon. The secondary story of Cassie’s brother, Rory and his romance with Amy was a bit of a distraction and took away from Cassie and James’ story, in my opinion. Their scenes were sweet and cute but the story took away from James’ wooing of Cassie.

Meet Cassie McPherson. A dutiful daughter, she lives and works at her family’s construction business and always puts others first. So when she decides to get a date for her company Christmas party, well let’s just say the holidays just got a bit brighter for her. Cassie is a people pleaser and one who I felt just needed to grow a spine at times. I enjoyed her interactions with many of the secondary characters but when James steps onto the page, their sparks were evident. I just wished the author focused more on them than the rest of the cast of characters. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Cassie’s brothers a lot and there were times I giggled a bit but overall, the characters were either a hit or miss at times for me.

HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS is an okay read that you might enjoy on a quiet afternoon. Ms. Lane delivers a fun if predictable holiday story that will make you smile while you read it. If you enjoy a story with enjoyable characters, than you might enjoy HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Thisis an objective review and not an endorsement.

HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Katie Lane

Publisher:  Forever

Date published:  September 25, 2012

ISBN:  978-1-455-52236-1

Contemporary Romance

Paperback

Reviewed by Lynne.

Obtained via publisher.

 

Cassie McPherson has always put her family’s construction business before pleasure, although she never admits she would rather be doing something more rewarding with her life.  But she is afraid to tell her father, Big Al, the truth.  A daddy’s girl, she is still a bit intimidated by her larger-than-life father.  And having four brothers doesn’t help any.  She has always had to fight for everything she ever wanted.

When her friend, Amy Walker, talks her into going to the company Christmas party, even supplying her with an atypical striking outfit to wear, she still finds herself without a date.  So, as she is accustomed to doing, she hires an escort to accompany her.

When hot and sexy James Sutton arrives the night of the party, it is easy for Cassie to mistake him for the escort she has hired.  Intrigued, and attracted by her beauty, he doesn’t tell her at first his real identity.  For had Cassie known that he was her family’s fiercest business rival, she never would have let him step foot in the door.

Later, when the party ends, Cassie literally falls into bed with him of her own accord, to his great surprise.  But a bigger shock is in store for him when he realizes he has so quickly fallen head over heels in love with her.  Now, the problem is, how does he tell her who he really is without jeopardizing their growing relationship?  And admitting that all he wants for Christmas is her, for a life time?

HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Katie Lane is one of the most entertaining romances I have ever read.  Perhaps it is my own sense of humor, but I have never laughed as much reading any book as I have this one.  Lane clearly has a wonderful gift for humor and originality.  There is no denying Lane’s writing talent or creativeness.

I was snagged from page one of HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS and did not want to put this one down.  It is rare that I want to take the time to reread a book, but this is one of those gems I will make an exception for.  I absolutely love this book.  Lane has a knack for word choices that bring clear pictures to mind and add humor to boot.

The main characters, Cassie and James, are totally engaging.  They snagged my heart right from the start.  Cassie is so independent and headstrong, it is easy to relate to a woman like her in this day and age.  James is indeed the gorgeous hunk that every girl wishes to have for her own.  He is handsome, kind, sensitive, and successful.  More importantly, he is strong, protective, and able to handle himself well in any situation.

The array of minor characters are just as interesting and fun.  Cassie’s four brothers add some warm and humorous scenes to HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  I especially enjoyed the subplot of Amy and Rory’s romance, especially with Gabby, Amy’s daughter, in the mix of things, when Amy took Gabby to see Santa.  It will certainly be a treat if Lane writes additional books on the other McPherson brothers, Patrick, Mattie, and Jake, so we can get to know each of them better, too. 

The Christmas setting brings into play all of the hustle, bustle, and happiness many people enjoy at this time of the year.  Also, the other minor characters, James’s neighbors, are quite interesting to read about in HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  Ms. Ellis is the typical neighbor we all love to hate, although she means well.  And the scene where James is out cutting down a Christmas tree with a steak knife adds a bit of brevity, especially when neighbors James barely knows show up to see what he’s doing. 

I guess if I had one negative thing to say about HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS, it would only pertain to the relationship Cassie has with her brothers.  The fact that they all seem to care about each other and that the brothers look out for Cassie does not coincide with the reality I’ve experienced with having brothers.  But that is not to say that it isn’t possible.  I just don’t see it as completely realistic.  Regardless, HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a great read and one I would recommend to anyone wanting to while away a few hours with a bit of fun and laughter.

HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS is well written and a complete delight, for anyone interested.  I look forward to rereading this story and reading more of Lane’s work in future.  Overall, I think this book is just plain fun.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

 

TROUBLE IN TEXAS by Katie Lane

Publisher:   Grand Central

Date published:   December 18, 2012

ISBN:  978-1455515714

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Book format:  Paperback

Obtained via:  Publisher

Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com

Prim and proper Elizabeth Murphy is the epitome of the small town librarian.  She dresses conservatively, wears glasses that hide her eyes and pretty much follows the stereotype of how librarians have been portrayed in books for generations. Elizabeth hasn’t chosen to appear as she does because that’s just how librarians look. No. It is because of a much deeper history. Still, when confronted by a naked man hand cuffed in a house she recently inherited her life kinda tips on its axis. Did I mention that said inherited house was also one of the most famous brothels in Texas? Well, yes. And the three ladies that still live there were residents of that house of ill repute.

Branston Cates has lived for revenge. He’s spent years plotting and planning revenge on the town of Bramble because a long ago resident murdered a relative over 100 years ago. Between his need for revenge on the town and the death of his wife and young child, Brant is a pretty miserable guy. When he ventures to Miss Hattie’s the last thing he expects is to find himself drugged, stripped and handcuffed to the famous Madame’s bed. When he wakes to a warm woman with eyes he can’t forget next to him Brant begins to wonder if maybe there is more to life that death, grief and revenge.  But can he set aside his protective shell to learn to love again? And even if he does, will the prickly librarian give him a chance?

I loved the first three books in Katie Lane’s HEART OF TEXAS series, GOING COWBOY CRAZY, MAKE MINE A BAD BOY and CATCH ME A COWBOY. GOING COWBOY CRAZY like her HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS were fantastic reads. They had some deep down laughs, wonderful one-liners that just zinged and the loves scenes just had you melting. Ms. Lane gives readers a marvelous blend of romance, humour and just plain good story telling.

TROUBLE IN TEXAS, the fourth installment of the HEART OF TEXAS series was a good read, but lacked a lot of the elements that made the earlier books “can’t put down” fantastic. I tried but couldn’t relate to Elizabeth. It wasn’t her school librarian uptightness – in fact except for being told about it I just didn’t see it.

Through Brant, like Bubba in CATCH ME A COWBOY, readers get to spend some time with younger brother Beau – whose story I am very much looking forward to.  It is looking like his may not be the happiest of endings but I’m still looking forward to it and hope that some of the great humour and romance from the earlier books will be back.

If you have been following the series do read TROUBLE IN TEXAS if for no other reason than to get a bit more of a glimpse of Beau.  If you haven’t, do read the entire series from start to finish, you won’t be disappointed.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

 

A Visit with Katie Lane

Hi Katie!  I’ve been totally enjoying your Deep the Heart of Texas series and totally LOVED Hunk for the Holidays.  Please say this one is going to turn to a series!  I hope so. 

 

I would love to write stories for Matthew and Patrick!

Let’s start with an easy one--how long have you been writing? 

On and off, for about fifteen years.  

What inspired you to pick up the pen (or sit down at the computer) one day and create characters that capture the imagination? 

I started writing stories when I was in fifth grade.  It was just a natural outlet for my overactive imagination.  Years later, I read Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss and I was hooked on romance and wanted to write my own happily-ever-after.  

Most people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous. What’s your take on this?

Lol!  I spend most my time in sweats and slippers.  If people think that’s glamorous, then I’m the queen of glamour. 

What is the most glamorous thing you’ve done as an author? 

I went to New York City for the RWA conference.  And everyone knows that NYC is glamorous.  As for me, not so much.  I stumbled around in awe of the crowds of people, the amazing skyscrapers, and the famous authors.

Your first book GOING COWBOY CRAZY introduces readers to Faith, Hope and Bramble, Texas.  As I was reading it I couldn’t help but think to myself that it was a wonderful cross between URBAN COWBOY and FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. Are you a fan of either?  

I love Urban Cowboy, but I haven’t watched Friday Night Lights. 

Slate reminded me in many ways of Taylor Kitsch’s character Tim Riggins in FIRDAY NIGHT LIGHTS with his easy going personality, the desire to do the right thing and wanting a home and family of his own. The Sheriff also reminded me of the Buddy Garrity character from the show. Have you heard from anyone else?

No one else has mentioned Friday Night Lights, but I can see the similarities.  Small Texas town that loves their football.

Would you like to live in a town like Bramble?

Umm, no.  I love visiting, but sometimes things can get a little crazy in Bramble.  So it's nice to come back to my peaceful, only-occasionally-hectic life.

Faith and Hope are very different from each other and from what some of the “twin research” tells us. How did you keep them separate in your mind? 

To me, they are two completely different personalities so it was easy to keep them separate.

If you could be a character in any of your books who would it be and why? 

I would be Shirlene Dalton Cates.  I just love her positive attitude and sense of humor. (And I’ve always wanted big breasts. Ha!)

Looking over the past year, what has been the best moment for you in your writing career?

Getting the call from my agent telling me that Going Cowboy Crazy sold.  It was an amazing feeling to know that my dream was about to come true.

What do you enjoy doing with your spare time, your non-writing time? 

I love to spend time with my family--my husband, two daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters.  I also like to read and play golf.

What prompted you to write the DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS series? 

I didn’t plan on writing it.  I just started writing a story about a twin searching for her long lost sister and it evolved into this town filled with all of these wonderful characters.   

HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS is pretty different in tone and character personalities. Did you need to do anything special to shift gears to that story? 

No.  The characters are the ones that shape my stories and set the tone.  So I just follow their lead.

If you could invite any famous person, dead or alive, for lunch, who would it be and what would you eat? 

Shakespeare, and we’d eat whatever he wants :o)

You’ve gotten the call, a Hollywood producer is going to bring DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS series to the big screen.  Who do you cast in the major roles? (I think you already know who I’d cast in at least two of those roles.)

I've always thought that Matthew McConaughey would make a great Slate Calhoun.  And Reese Witherspoon a good Faith or Hope. 

What are you working on now? I just finished Flirting with Texas.  Can you tell us a little about it? 

It’s Brant and Billy’s little brother’s story.  Beau is a bull rider who has a way with the ladies.  I teamed him up with Hope’s little sister, Jenna Jay, who is a bit of a fireball.  As soon as I started writing, the sparks flew between these two.  Such fun!

Is there anything you’d like to add? 

Thank you so much for having me.

Thank you for taking some time with us today.

HUNK FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Katie Lane

Publisher:   Grand Central

Date published:   September 25, 2012

ISBN:  978-1455522361

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Book format:  Paperback

Obtained via:  Publisher

Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com

Even though she’s the girl in a family of four brothers, Cassie McPherson holds her own in the family business, M&M Construction. She knows the ins and outs of the business and can take a meeting with the best of them. Relegated to being the firm’s accountant, Cassie aspires to take a much more active role in the business.  With her father recovering from heart surgery she’s stepped up to the helm to run the company. Romance isn’t a priority for her, especially after the stunt her last boyfriend pulled with a rather nice pair of shoes. So instead of finding herself one special guy, or even date around, she turns to an escort service to keep her friends and family from trying to fix her up with that special someone.

James Sutton has built his company from the ground up and become one of the most successful construction companies in town. In fact, he’s taken quite a bit of the business that M&M once commanded merely by bidding a job. When he is asked to a meeting by competitor patriarch Big Al McPherson James does the courteous thing and shows up at the company’s offices.

But it is the night of the M&M Christmas party and when he arrives it is just in time to see Cassie slipping into a scanty little red dress with sexy high heels. When Cassie sees James she immediately takes charge and gives orders to her “escort” about just what will be happening through the evening. Cassie finds herself attracted to her latest escort and with encouragement from her elderly Aunt Wheezy she decides maybe she should see about getting James in the sack. Despite James’s attempts to tell her he’s not what she thinks he is, Cassie isn’t quite in the mood to listen. One thing leads to another and James finds himself falling in love with the feisty McPherson daughter. But given the competition between their businesses, can their love blossom let alone survive?

Katie Lane is my latest auto buy author. She is plain and simple fantastic. I’m not normally a fan of contemporary romance but Ms. Lane is certainly turning my thoughts on the subject around. Not only are her main characters, James and Cassie, fantastically written, Ms. Lane’s secondary characters including Ms. Ellis, Willie the one-eyed cat, Cassie’s brothers and Aunt Wheezy add so much to the story. They left me hoping that the book would launch into a series with stories for each of Cassie’s brothers.  And given Ms. Lane’s fantastic ability to offer some really funny dialogue and scenes, I could see Wheezy having her own story.

Katie Lane gives her readers this super combination of comical scenes accompanied by great dialogue and some of the hottest love scenes I’ve read. There were a few times I was surprised I didn’t see steam coming off the pages. The love scenes aren’t just hot, there is true passion between the couples—not just Cassie and James but also between the other character couples.

If you haven’t read Katie Lane you are missing out on some of the most entertaining reading out there.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.