Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today's post is going live a little late. Why? Well, I had an uber long shift yesterday at work and being today is my day off, I slept a little bit...not much, but a little. ^-^ Anywho, seeing as the title I've chosen is a drop in, not a tour, it suited my timing just fine...and it means that YOU get a little happy ending for your day. Wait a second...don't read into that too much, or perhaps DO...
You see, the title on deck today is a Contemporary Romance with a bit of spiciness. What's that? Oh, you don't think so. I get it. It's the cover. It looks so cutesy and demure, all the things that tangle up to make a sweet romantic tale about two souls destined to fall in love, right? WRONG! Fooled you! There is MUCH more lurking beneath that pastel veneer, and some things are going to take you on the wild side. So, ladies, if you'd be so kind as to join me (fellas...you can too, but I'm thinking you'll be drawn to other elements) as we take on today's ebook of choice...
by
Natalie Charles
9781501164545
Pocket Star Ebook
About the book...
In this warm, charming, and hilarious romance, a kindergarten teacher and children’s book author attempts to write erotica—and sets out to find the right Mr. Wrong for some hands-on inspiration.
Lettie Osbourne has lived her whole life by the book. Sweet, predictable, and certainly not living life on the edge, she’s always been content to make a living as a kindergarten teacher who writes adorable children’s books on the side. After her fiancé leaves her, Lettie decides she is perfectly content to accept her fate as mother to her beloved dog Odin and favorite auntie to her niece and nephew.
But then everything changes.
When Lettie’s publisher decides to sell only erotica, her editor convinces her to turn up the heat and throw some spice into her vanilla life. Lettie sets out to find the perfect man to inspire her writing...and finds him in her school’s vice principal, Eric Clayman. As Lettie and Eric grow closer and her writing gets steamier, she’s left wondering: is Eric Mr. Wrong? Or Mr. Right?
Lettie Osbourne has lived her whole life by the book. Sweet, predictable, and certainly not living life on the edge, she’s always been content to make a living as a kindergarten teacher who writes adorable children’s books on the side. After her fiancé leaves her, Lettie decides she is perfectly content to accept her fate as mother to her beloved dog Odin and favorite auntie to her niece and nephew.
But then everything changes.
When Lettie’s publisher decides to sell only erotica, her editor convinces her to turn up the heat and throw some spice into her vanilla life. Lettie sets out to find the perfect man to inspire her writing...and finds him in her school’s vice principal, Eric Clayman. As Lettie and Eric grow closer and her writing gets steamier, she’s left wondering: is Eric Mr. Wrong? Or Mr. Right?
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Meet Lettie Osbourne...
...Kindergarten teacher by day, children's book writer by night...until now.
You see, life has decided to throw our dear Lettie a few curve balls, recently. Beginning with her now ex-fiance's change of team, continuing with Brunhilde's total love and affection for her (okay, totally sarcastic...the woman has it in for her, clearly), and finally her NEW publisher's demands for a genre change. Yes, it seems the house that took over, doesn't publish children's books...but rather books that they may ultimately result FROM...if you catch my drift. *ahem* She CAN get out of writing the final book in her contract, but she'll have to pay back the advance and yeah, she's a teacher. They may built up the future of tomorrow, but their paychecks don't quite reflect it. So, it's goodbye Princess Peapod and hello boardroom dalliances, with all the accompanying "accessories". Can she do it? Why sure! She's talented...all it takes is the right inspiration. Good things there's a new Vice Principal in town...
Meet Eric Clayman...
...mild mannered Middle School teacher turned temporary elementary school Vice Principal who's easy on the eyes, but not so easy on the heart.
He's a breath of fresh air to the stagnant whiffs left behind by a particularly fragrant staff member, and the curious departure of the person whose role he is filling...not to mention a great balance for the Rule of Gretchen (affectionately known as Brunhilde in better circles...*smirk*). He's smart, talented, and prone to awkward meetings and interactions with members of the opposite sex that he feels attracted to. What could go WRONG? Oh so much. From unwittingly giving five year olds adult lollipops to acting as a modern day Peter (you know, the guy who denied the big G three times as foreseen?) in the worst moments possible, he's got his work cut out for him if he wants to become Mr. Right. Good thing teachers are known for their patience...
Okay, so here's the thing. I REALLY loved this book! The story, the characters, the twists and turns, it all adds up to a fun read. You cared about Lettie and her quest. I mean, the only thing funnier than Lettie trying to right erotic fiction would be yours truly writing it, but her humor and warmth, the way she cares for her relationships and even her efforts to step out of the box, really make her shine. Grant it, I could have TOTALLY done without the whole BDSM research...only two pages and EXTREMELY mild, but totally not my thing, in the least...but she was being a responsible writer. It was research and a way to help shake things up in her life in order for her to truly embrace her multi-faceted self. (Good for you Lettie!) The interactions between her and Mr. I'm-ridiculously-handsome-and-charming-for-the-role-I'm-playing Clayman ran the gambit of lukewarm to scorching to did-we-even-turn-the-burner-on. Yes, there are serious ups and downs with a lot of play in-between, and even though I wanted to smack him upside the head a time or two, he's really a good guy at heart. We just have to give him a chance, much like our gal Lettie, to see if there is a potential HEA for them yet...
Recommended read for adult Contemporary Romance fans who don't a mind a little spice with their sweet. If you're looking to heat up your summer nights, or a quick grab for your vacay bag that won't turn heads as much as say a "Debbie Does..." type title, this one's for you. *wink*
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About the author...
Natalie Charles believes she writes warm-hearted contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her mother believes she writes pornography. When she's not writing, Natalie can be found avoiding housework, baking, or engaging in eccentric do-it-yourself projects. She lives in a tiny town in Connecticut with her husband, their two young children, and a disobedient dog. Natalie loves connecting with readers! Visit her at nataliecharlesromance.com, facebook.com/
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Special thanks to Melissa at Simon & Schuster for the print edition for review. (THANK YOU!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via Pocket Star Ebooks, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, so be on the lookout for it at an online retailer of your choosing.
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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