A promising setup builds to a somewhat disappointing outcome in this first contemporary romance from Ashley, who's best known for her pirate romances (e.g., The Care & Feeding of Pirates
; The Pirate Next Door
). When Brenda Scott, a shy DJ at an unpopular San Diego radio station, gets dumped by her rich, controlling boyfriend, Larry, she comforts herself by downing martinis at a New Year's party. The next morning, she's shocked to find a stranger in her bed, but Nick, the man in question, dashes away before she can find out what occurred. Finally liberated from Larry, Brenda decides to trade in her full-coverage underwear for some scanty panties and a bold new personality. When she bumps into Nick again, she lands a second date with him. Later, she turns on the radio and learns that Nick is the new DJ at a rival station, where he sends out a song asking Brenda to call him back. She does return the call, over the air, starting a public flirtation that grabs all of San Diego's attention. Though her character is occasionally amusing, Brenda's transformation from a nervous girl into a sexy free spirit is predictable, as is the ensuing trouble that develops. The DJ rivalry adds some intensity to the romance, but it never really takes off. Agent, Bob Necoy. (June)
