Coming one year after Andersen's highly praised All Shook Up, this frisky romantic caper lacks the effervescent humor of her previous book but compensates with its true-to-life characters and careful treatment of complex issues such as trust and acceptance. Seattle-based restoration designer Veronica Davis never thought she'd waitress at her family's bar, the Honky Tonk, again. But when her ne'er-do-well sister, Crystal, is murdered and the accused—Crystal's estranged ex, Eddie—skips bail, Veronica finds herself filling in at the Tonk and taking care of her six-year-old niece. Her time at the bar would be almost bearable if it weren't for the Tonk's antagonistic bartender, Cooper Blackstock, an ex-marine who assumes that she's merely a replica of her conniving sister. Fortunately, Cooper's stupidity doesn't last long, and the two become engaged in a heated affair. Before they can think of building a future together, however, Veronica must learn to accept Cooper for who he is and Cooper must come clean about his relationship to Eddie. This novel deals with weightier themes than Andersen's earlier titles, but it still sparkles with all the elements that her readers adore—upbeat dialogue, strong sexual chemistry, a touch of suspense and a dash of humor. (On sale Jan. 8)
Forecast:According to Avon, Andersen is "poised for superstardom à la Susan Elizabeth Phillips," and they may not be far off the mark. A glowing cover quote by Jayne Ann Krentz and advertising in
Redbook and the
Romantic Times will help this Avon Superleader become a super seller.
