Speed Dating by Nancy Warren

Giving an acceptance speech to her fellow actuaries made Kendall Clarke extremely nervous, so she was counting on her fiancé to give her the moral support she needed. But with just a few hours left before the meeting, the jerk dumped her for one of her coworkers. Then to make matters worse, she found herself locked out of her room wearing nothing but a Victoria Secret slip. Fortunately she bumped into NASCAR star, Dylan Hargreave, who was expecting an actress to pose as his girlfriend so he could attend his ex-wife’s wedding. Choosing the wedding over the awards ceremony wasn’t the easiest decision for a person who normally avoided risks, but how could Kendall turn down one of People magazine’s 50 Sexiest Men of the Year. Soon Kendall finds herself traveling the NASCAR circuit with Dylan as an extended vacation. But since all vacations must come to an end, Kendall must decide whether to return to the safety of her previous life or stick by the one man she truly loves.

As the middle of February draws near, women look forward to one special day, while men look forward to another. One that’s not celebrated with roses, but gasoline and smoking rubber - the Daytona 500. This year Harlequin is celebrating this holiday with four NASCAR themed novels and if Speed Dating is typical of the books, you’re in for a special treat. Nancy’s novel managed to catch my attention and hold it. It’s one of the few books I’ve read recently I could have finished in a single session (and would have, had not the telephone interrupted my, uh, reading time ). I loved her characters, especially the way she managed to incorporate a real NASCAR hero, Carl Edwards, into her story. The story itself was powerful and funny in all the right places. Kudos to Nancy and I can’t wait ‘till her next NASCAR book in November. If you’re a NASCAR fan (and 40% of NASCAR fans are women), or know a NASCAR fan, this book’s a must.

Details: Temptation, February 2007

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: Romantic

Indulge by Nancy Warren

When Mercedes Esteves drew J. Dennis McClary’s business card from the “Booty Bowl”, she knew she was in for a hot time. After all, she was the one that contributed his name in the first place. Her short relationship with Dennis was all about sex – hot sex to be sure, but a real relationship was more than just sex. Not once during the entire time they were together, did Dennis actually take her out on a date. Mercedes was willing to give him a second chance, if he agreed to date her instead of just hopping into bed. But even if Dennis was willing, Mercedes wondered if he could actually stick to the agreement, or would she be the first one to break the new rules?

In the latest book in the For a Good Time Call… series, Nancy creates a set of characters who’s powerful attraction to each other seems to dominates else in their lives. In most reunion stories many years pass between now and when the characters were previously together. However this story brings back characters who’ve been apart for only a few months. I’ve always wondered if you could do this, and Nancy proved you can – but only in a very good story. I liked the way she created a secondary romance featuring Dennis’s assistant and another man from the “Booty Bowl”. Finally I liked the way she used Mercedes’ Mexican heritage throughout the story. I think it really added depth to her character. This is definitely a good story and one I think you’ll enjoy.

As a side note, Nancy’s story featured a walk on role for a couple with the names Wayne and Jill. This is the first time I’ve ever seen our names as a couple in a novel. My only question, is why did she have to make us lawyers? .

Details: Blaze #277, September 2006

Bottom line: A very good book