Honey Moon

Phillips's new novel, a psychology-driven tale of tortured yet shallow characters, can't touch her earlier, delightful Hot Shot. Honey Jane Moon is only 16 but has been her family's commanding force for years when she decides to drive her pretty cousin Chantal Booker from South Carolina to California to audition for TV's Dash Coogan Show. Dash, ``the last of America's movie cowboy heroes'' is indeed impressed--but by Honey, whom he picks to play his daughter. Although suddenly tossed into life's fast lane, Honey still wants just what she always wanted: a close-knit family and some affection. Her South Carolina kin live with her, but their closeness resembles the adhesion of leeches. Dash, who learned about relationships from his ex-wives, turns a cold shoulder to Honey, who desperately needs him to be a real-life father figure, while Eric Dillon, Honey's ``dark, sullen, and gorgeous'' co-star, stomps on the puppy love she has to offer. Yet it is only through their complicated relationships that Honey, Dash and Eric can finally exorcise their personal demons. (June)