Vickie Lewis Thompson
Nerd Gone Wild (2005)
Author: Vickie Lewis Thompson
Genre: Romance (Contemporary)
Plot Summary:
Ally Jarrett has recently inherited a fortune from her grandmother - and it appears she has inherited her grandmother's personal assistant, as well. Ally decides to flee his nerdy hovering and pursue her true passion - wildlife photography. Mitchell J. Carruthers, however, the last person Ally Jarrett wants to see on her first day of her new life in Porcupine, Alaska, is her recently deceased grandmother's nerdy personal assistant, Mitchell J. Carruthers. As the new heiress to the enormous Jarrett fortune, Ally isn't about to let any meddling geek stop her from realizing her dream of becoming a wildlife photographer. What she doesn't realize is that Mitchell's dorky orange pompom hat conceals his true identity as a bodyguard and PI. Hired by Ally's grandmother to protect Ally from her evil uncle Kurt, who's after her inheritance, Mitchell never thought his work would take him from warm Bel Air to freezing Porcupine, or that he would find himself falling for his charge. Mitchell worries that his average background makes him a poor match for Ally, but once she uncovers Mitch's true identity, he doesn't stand a chance. The town of Porcupine, whose citizens use sex to compensate for dark winter nights, proves a sizzling and silly setting for Ally and Mitchell's budding romance, as well as for the over-the-top antics of villainous Uncle Kurt and his highly sexed dominatrix girlfriend. Though at times far-fetched, the third romance in Thompson's Nerd series (after The Nerd Who Loved Me) is a delightfully cozy read for a cold winter night.
Geographical Setting: Alaska
Time Period: Contemporary
Series: Listed as the third in the Nerd Series. The author has written several 'nerd' books, but they seem to run more along a pattern than as an actual series with recurring characters.
Appeal Characteristics:
The characters in this book - especially the secondary characters - are quirky and rich in humorous details; the proprietress of the local B&B has a bordello bedroom that absolutely makes the book. The plot is quick-moving and driven by the suspense elements added by the crazy uncle, but even this part of the book is driven by the quirky villians rather than any actual suspense.
Similar Authors: Jennifer Crusie; Rachel Gibson
Red Flags: The sex in the book is steamy and there is some language involved. I think most readers would expect that from this type of book. The only think that might be more than expected might be the relationship between the two villians - perhaps a little more S&M than some readers would be comfortable reading.
The Nerd Who Loved Me (2004)
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson
Genre: Romance (Contemporary)
Plot Summary:
Lainie is a casino showgirl and a single mom. Harry is the casino’s accountant, and has a crush on Lainie. Harry is babysitting her precocious son Dexter when Lainie’s hot-headed ex-boyfriend Joey shows up, so he escapes with Dexter out the window. Joey’s father disinherited Joey’s gay older brother but won’t will the fortune to Joey unless he produces an heir. Lainie doesn’t want Joey because he’s a violent drunk, but she wants Dexter to have a good education. Harry and Lainie stay in a ramshackle resort in Sedona masquerading as a married couple so Lainie can figure out what to do. Lainie breaks a 5-year sexual dry spell and they figure out they are more than sexually compatible. With the help of Harry’s mother’s boyfriend’s business associates, Harry defeats Joey; Harry and Lainie are married in the epilogue.
Geographical Setting: Las Vegas, Nevada and Sedona, Arizona
Time Period: contemporary, not specified
Series: none (although Thompson writes more books in the “Nerd” category.)
Appeal Characteristics:
The characters are stereotypical but not one-dimensional, and the stereotypes are used mostly for dramatic tension. The retired showgirls and other sub-plots are clever and silly, but just as interesting as the main plot and contribute to the plot development. Peripheral characters are almost as developed as the main couple. The pacing is easygoing in the beginning, and builds speed for the final showdown. The female character initiates their first sexual encounter, which fits the contemporary setting well. Sexual description is steamy but accessible, not quite erotica. There are only a few sexual episodes, but the book is full of description of sexual tension. The sexual content is appropriate to the plot and characters. Emotional involvement of the reader is encouraged by everyday conflicts like wanting a grandchild, dealing with bosses, and wanting to impress one’s love interest.
Red Flags: If you’re looking for juicy bits, you only get innuendo until page 181; pre-marital sex--explicit description; no swearing.
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