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Fast Lane Romance #1
Palm Springs Heat
***Palm Springs Heat (Fast Lane Romance #1) was originally released as Fast Lane***
Can an ordinary woman make an international playboy fall in love with her…so she can dump him as soon as he’s hooked? Lara Dixon sets out to make it happen with infamous billionaire bachelor Clay Creighton.
Lara embarks on a mission of justice, certain that Creighton’s Fast Lane media empire, with its philosophy of “fast women, fast cars and fast living,” encourages men to stray from happy homes. And by “men,” Lara means her ex, a Fast Lane devotee who turned out to have had not a single shred of respect for women.
Lara finds backers to help her get revenge on the notorious, but decidedly handsome, tycoon. With new fabulous clothes and a glorious makeover, she infiltrates Clay’s inner circle and uses her research about his likes and dislikes to charm him into believing she’s not just another L.A. woman looking to romance a rich guy.
But as she becomes steeped in the Fast Lane culture during a weekend involving an exhilarating ride in a very fast car and passionate moments in Clay’s very exotic Palm Spring resort, “Heat,” Lara discovers nothing is what she expected. Especially Clay. Women’s perceptions of him, it turns out, are based on fiction—the products of a skilled public relations team. Lara’s startled by how well Clay treats her, how much they have in common—and how much she’s falling for him.
So now Lara has a new problem: Can she put the brakes on her plan to destroy Clay and make the turn toward a happily-ever-after instead?
This light-hearted romp into today’s jet set includes a cast of wacky assistants, bubbly fashionistas and unexpected enemies—and friends.
Palm Springs Heat is a fast, fun read—a contemporary romance with a reminder that nothing, not even a waterfall, is exactly what it seems.
Romance author Donna McDonald (Never Too Late series) says Palm Springs Heat is as intriguing as it is romantic. “As a writer, I have high standards. My phone kept ringing and I pushed everyone away because they were interrupting my reading. The first Fast Lane book kept me turning pages to find out what was really going on.”
Katherine Lowry Logan, author of The Ruby Brooch Palm Springs Heat is a “fun, fun book. Strong women, great descriptions. Very well-written.”
Can an ordinary woman make an international playboy fall in love with her…so she can dump him as soon as he’s hooked? Lara Dixon sets out to make it happen with infamous billionaire bachelor Clay Creighton.
Lara embarks on a mission of justice, certain that Creighton’s Fast Lane media empire, with its philosophy of “fast women, fast cars and fast living,” encourages men to stray from happy homes. And by “men,” Lara means her ex, a Fast Lane devotee who turned out to have had not a single shred of respect for women.
Lara finds backers to help her get revenge on the notorious, but decidedly handsome, tycoon. With new fabulous clothes and a glorious makeover, she infiltrates Clay’s inner circle and uses her research about his likes and dislikes to charm him into believing she’s not just another L.A. woman looking to romance a rich guy.
But as she becomes steeped in the Fast Lane culture during a weekend involving an exhilarating ride in a very fast car and passionate moments in Clay’s very exotic Palm Spring resort, “Heat,” Lara discovers nothing is what she expected. Especially Clay. Women’s perceptions of him, it turns out, are based on fiction—the products of a skilled public relations team. Lara’s startled by how well Clay treats her, how much they have in common—and how much she’s falling for him.
So now Lara has a new problem: Can she put the brakes on her plan to destroy Clay and make the turn toward a happily-ever-after instead?
This light-hearted romp into today’s jet set includes a cast of wacky assistants, bubbly fashionistas and unexpected enemies—and friends.
Palm Springs Heat is a fast, fun read—a contemporary romance with a reminder that nothing, not even a waterfall, is exactly what it seems.
Romance author Donna McDonald (Never Too Late series) says Palm Springs Heat is as intriguing as it is romantic. “As a writer, I have high standards. My phone kept ringing and I pushed everyone away because they were interrupting my reading. The first Fast Lane book kept me turning pages to find out what was really going on.”
Katherine Lowry Logan, author of The Ruby Brooch Palm Springs Heat is a “fun, fun book. Strong women, great descriptions. Very well-written.”
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2011
5 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 9, 2012
When I sit down with a romance novel, or chic-lit as it is fondly referred to in my house, I'm looking for two things - something light and fun to read and a happy ending. These are simple criteria, but Fast Lane far exceeded them. Dave Thome has indeed created an entertaining story that artfully employs just enough suspense to keep the pages turning until the satisfying conclusion. However, Fast Lane is a rare treat for its genre. The characters are complex and engaging, the plot is well paced and surprising, and the details devised for the various locations are creative and intriguing. Fast Lane is a delightful read from start to finish.
March 17, 2012
I really enjoyed this story, which is saying a lot since I haven't been able to get farther than 100 pages in before giving up when I've picked up a romance in recent years. I found the storyline unique, the characters interesting, and the romance believable. And, bonus, it was well-written, which I've found to be rare in the self-published books I've read so far. If you like modern romance, give this one a go. I think you'll be happy you did.
May 2, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book, it is a quick, fun read that has you hooked from the first page.
This book is very well written and Lara is a really good character, this alone has you turning the pages to find out what happens and whether she continues her plan :)
I will be reading more of Dave Thome and have just recently brought Metal mom which I cannot wait to start reading :)
This book is very well written and Lara is a really good character, this alone has you turning the pages to find out what happens and whether she continues her plan :)
I will be reading more of Dave Thome and have just recently brought Metal mom which I cannot wait to start reading :)
April 30, 2012
Really fun read - quite predictable, however it was fun......full of extravagance and luxury - makes you wonder how the other half lives! Loved it - very light read - just what I needed!
November 15, 2012
I'm picky about chick lit. Something about heroines tumbling into the arms of taunt body men makes me want to gorge my eyes out with a butter knife.... But I found this book to be very readable from the beginning to ending.Note I said readable not compelling! This book claimed to be erotic but it's a romance with a few sex scenes, nothing erotic about it. The characters are a little stock character to me. Laura Dixon the protagonist of Palm Springs Heat, gets into the Rotation in an unrealistic finger snap of a second. I expected it to be much more difficult to win the eyes of a millionaire "sex pot" but I guess not! What's the Rotation? The Rotation is a group of pretty girls (very much like Playgirls) that all live under a famous Playboy and just walk around to be seen. Laura Dixon falls in love with M.Famous guy, a bit to quickly for my taste. She actually was sucked into love faster than dust bunnies up a vacuum cleaner.
Insta-Love! Just add water?
Yeah, not feeling that.
So they fell in love faster than a pig off a ledge , almost unrealistically. Because we all know that was infatuation but whatever....
The characters were as shallow as puddle and very stock character. Like the Asian woman who didn't feel pretty because she wasn't blonde like Laura Dixon and didn't "compare". God, that irritated me. The "Mean Abrasive African American Lesbian". Let's just kill two birds with one stone, shall we? The Playboy with the heart of gold....
Hell, let's just make it three birds!
I read the whole book, it's on my shelf. Probably won't read it again but I can see why some people would love it. I'm just not a fan of Insta-Love with Bachelors without even trying. If it was a little more Complex, maybe....
Overall, Fast Lane was a fast paced read that can pass time. Not my style but I'm sure some people found it to be a great summer novel. Which edition is this pro book cover because my cover was horrendous!?I didn't even recognize this book! Lol if "ya'll" saw my cover. You'd pass out... But the new cover is a relief!
Insta-Love! Just add water?
Yeah, not feeling that.
So they fell in love faster than a pig off a ledge , almost unrealistically. Because we all know that was infatuation but whatever....
The characters were as shallow as puddle and very stock character. Like the Asian woman who didn't feel pretty because she wasn't blonde like Laura Dixon and didn't "compare". God, that irritated me. The "Mean Abrasive African American Lesbian". Let's just kill two birds with one stone, shall we? The Playboy with the heart of gold....
Hell, let's just make it three birds!
I read the whole book, it's on my shelf. Probably won't read it again but I can see why some people would love it. I'm just not a fan of Insta-Love with Bachelors without even trying. If it was a little more Complex, maybe....
Overall, Fast Lane was a fast paced read that can pass time. Not my style but I'm sure some people found it to be a great summer novel. Which edition is this pro book cover because my cover was horrendous!?I didn't even recognize this book! Lol if "ya'll" saw my cover. You'd pass out... But the new cover is a relief!
January 27, 2013
I am still smiling and chuckling a bit after reading the blurb at the end of the book from the author. I love where he wrote writing the sex scenes cracked him up! Have to say though after getting control of himself he did a mighty fine job of writing 'cracking' good sex scenes :0)
Okay so who isn't going to be a bit sceptical about reading an erotic romance written by a bloke? I know I sure was but I can promise you though it's written really well and honestly take no notice it's been penned by a man (if that scares you off), it's really good, no actually it's better than good!
He got into Lara's head brilliantly and he wrote with real confidence of all things womanly. Of course Clay's character oozes sex appeal and a swoon worthy personna, he's quite a delicious main character.
The storyline was really good, I loved the idea of 'The Rotation' and keeping up the company image. I even liked the sleaze bucket of an ex husband and boy did that man ever needed to get 'toasted'. Read the book you'll understand what I mean!
Okay so who isn't going to be a bit sceptical about reading an erotic romance written by a bloke? I know I sure was but I can promise you though it's written really well and honestly take no notice it's been penned by a man (if that scares you off), it's really good, no actually it's better than good!
He got into Lara's head brilliantly and he wrote with real confidence of all things womanly. Of course Clay's character oozes sex appeal and a swoon worthy personna, he's quite a delicious main character.
The storyline was really good, I loved the idea of 'The Rotation' and keeping up the company image. I even liked the sleaze bucket of an ex husband and boy did that man ever needed to get 'toasted'. Read the book you'll understand what I mean!
May 12, 2012
Fast Lane is a novel that lives up to its title! It is a heart-racing, pulse-thumping story that starts off fast and accelerates into one of the most interesting, modern day romances that I have had the honor to read in a long while! The fact that a male author writes about romance is interesting in itself, add this to the emotion inspiring storyline and Dave Thomes' ability to portray perspectives of both the male and female characters in this story, makes this a must-read for any lover of romance! Thank you for the opportunity to own Fast Lane via Goodreads First-Reads give away and thank you to the man himself,Dave Thome! I am a fan!
August 14, 2013
This book was GREAT...the plot was amazing!!! The things she did so she could be "undercover" was magnificent!!! It was was really funny...my favorite part was when Lara fainted and Clay was like..."I told you to cut back on the candle power. She's probably got Sun stroke."
It was HILARIOUS!!! It was ROMANCE!!!
It was HILARIOUS!!! It was ROMANCE!!!
June 6, 2012
Fun, fun book. Strong women, great descriptions. Very well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and loved reading a romance written by a man. Looking forward to reading Metal Mom.
February 21, 2017
Lara Dixon is a woman scorned and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! After her marriage fails she's out to bring the biggest fish in the man-whore sea down, Clay Creighton.
Clay is a billionaire playboy, with fast cars, sports, women and a lifestyle image to sell. He's always had a "rotation" three woman who are his constant companions, selling to men the lifestyle that anything is possible, and having 3 woman at his beck and call is the ultimate dream. Lara believes it's Clay's image that made her ex husband think he could be and have what Clay had by cheating on her and indulging in his fantasies. So with the help of another scorned woman she gains an invitation to an exclusive party at Clay's house...
Lara piques Clay's interest within minutes of meeting him and the two spend the night talking and sharing things, the next day in an unprecedented move Clay invites her to dinner at his restaurant. The attraction is there, but Lara wonders if she'll be able to get into the "rotation" and become one of Clay's girls, but she wants more, and finds out he wants more, she's different and is treated as such.
I liked this story, I just didn't like the characters all that much. The names had me re-reading them and were a little distracting. Exotic names are great, just not so good in a book where they feature prominently. Some of plot seemed forced, almost trying too hard to be impressive. Not sure I'll continue with the series, it's middle of the road for me on recommending this book, read it if you want to.
Clay is a billionaire playboy, with fast cars, sports, women and a lifestyle image to sell. He's always had a "rotation" three woman who are his constant companions, selling to men the lifestyle that anything is possible, and having 3 woman at his beck and call is the ultimate dream. Lara believes it's Clay's image that made her ex husband think he could be and have what Clay had by cheating on her and indulging in his fantasies. So with the help of another scorned woman she gains an invitation to an exclusive party at Clay's house...
Lara piques Clay's interest within minutes of meeting him and the two spend the night talking and sharing things, the next day in an unprecedented move Clay invites her to dinner at his restaurant. The attraction is there, but Lara wonders if she'll be able to get into the "rotation" and become one of Clay's girls, but she wants more, and finds out he wants more, she's different and is treated as such.
I liked this story, I just didn't like the characters all that much. The names had me re-reading them and were a little distracting. Exotic names are great, just not so good in a book where they feature prominently. Some of plot seemed forced, almost trying too hard to be impressive. Not sure I'll continue with the series, it's middle of the road for me on recommending this book, read it if you want to.
October 1, 2012
I have a tendency to forgive but never forget, but I suppose that once in a while someone has to step up and take care f business. Lara Dixon is representing all the wronged women that the infamous international playboy Clay Creighton has played with for the past decade plus. She is trying to get into Rotation (Clay always has three girlfriends at a time and he gets rid of one every six months or so) which sound complicated but isn't because she gets into the Rotation quickly.
I was surprised how business like Clay had made all the aspects of his life, especially the romantic side. Lara is a sweet girl, but I can believe that she would be so bitter after her last marriage blew up. I just don't understand why she displaces her anger of a rich stranger because I would rather ruin the ex-husband's life, so I'm surprised that she sticks so long into finding the 'weak' link in Clay's life.
I never understood the link from the title to the actual story, but it was a good story and I never guessed the twist until it was hitting me in the face. This was a quality story that I'm surprised was self published because it was as good as my last Harlequin novel. This had lots of chemistry and little sexy scenes so it was really 'romantic' and not erotica.
204 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
I was surprised how business like Clay had made all the aspects of his life, especially the romantic side. Lara is a sweet girl, but I can believe that she would be so bitter after her last marriage blew up. I just don't understand why she displaces her anger of a rich stranger because I would rather ruin the ex-husband's life, so I'm surprised that she sticks so long into finding the 'weak' link in Clay's life.
I never understood the link from the title to the actual story, but it was a good story and I never guessed the twist until it was hitting me in the face. This was a quality story that I'm surprised was self published because it was as good as my last Harlequin novel. This had lots of chemistry and little sexy scenes so it was really 'romantic' and not erotica.
204 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
November 5, 2012
“Don’t let anybody write your story for you. Say what needs to be said. Write your own story.” ~ Taequanda, in Palm Springs Heat
Often in life, we approach a situation or a goal (or a relationship), letting outside assumptions and expectations fuel our vision, only to discover that the truth of the matter is not at all what we anticipate. The same can be said for Lara Dixon, the protagonist in DC Thome’s debut novel, Palm Spring Heat. In the quote above, Taequanda is talking to Lara, a journalist who is on a hunt for the inside story of Clay Creighton and his man-centered, womanizing business, Fast Lane Enterprises. What Lara discovers once inside Fast Lane’s inner circle, more so when she gets to know Taequanda, is that everyone harbors a secret and no one fits their facade. Lara is torn between writing truth or fiction.
In a post on the blog, Babbles, from Scott Eagan (of Greyhause Literary Agency), Eagan empasizes a few “musts” in category romance novels: not “to see [characters] in bed and having a full on romance after the first meeting” but “to really get to know who these people are AS people. Emotion, motivation, depth.” Thome’s novel gives readers exactly that, a satisfying romance with well-developed characters.
Often in life, we approach a situation or a goal (or a relationship), letting outside assumptions and expectations fuel our vision, only to discover that the truth of the matter is not at all what we anticipate. The same can be said for Lara Dixon, the protagonist in DC Thome’s debut novel, Palm Spring Heat. In the quote above, Taequanda is talking to Lara, a journalist who is on a hunt for the inside story of Clay Creighton and his man-centered, womanizing business, Fast Lane Enterprises. What Lara discovers once inside Fast Lane’s inner circle, more so when she gets to know Taequanda, is that everyone harbors a secret and no one fits their facade. Lara is torn between writing truth or fiction.
In a post on the blog, Babbles, from Scott Eagan (of Greyhause Literary Agency), Eagan empasizes a few “musts” in category romance novels: not “to see [characters] in bed and having a full on romance after the first meeting” but “to really get to know who these people are AS people. Emotion, motivation, depth.” Thome’s novel gives readers exactly that, a satisfying romance with well-developed characters.
May 24, 2015
I just didn't like the concept of the book. Lara decides to take on Playboy, Clay, of Fast Lane basically because her ex-husband is a lying, cheat. Clay has women on this thing called The Rotation. There are only three at a time. One rotates off and another is chosen to replace her. Lara is determined to be that woman so she can get some dirt on Clay and write an article exposing him. The rest is predictable romance with the two falling in love, her being wrong about him and a little more drama thrown in along the way. It is probably just me, but I thought it was really stupid to blame Clay because it seemed like your sleazy ex wanted a rotation of women of his own. That guy had more issues than just that! It was a quick read that a lot of others found to be really entertaining. It just wasn't for me.
July 3, 2014
Can you say, “Just right?” This surprisingly engaging story shows the pitfalls of how a successfully manufactured image can lead to all kinds of mistakes. Lara certainly buys the act along with everyone else. Clay’s handlers ensure it and protect his image. But what she finds when she vows to bring this playboy down, is a man who’s lost the reins of his empire and is as much a victim of spin as she is. There’s an unexpected tenderness inside of him that she warms to, not to mention a sexy seducer as well. Palm Springs Heat is guaranteed to leave you satisfied.
November 9, 2012
This was a fast paced easy to read book. I liked the plot line as described in the blurb and the book sticks to that but things move along a bit to quickly and easily for my taste. There were several little things not to my preferred taste in reading but nothing so horrible it ruined the book. So a book to pass the time but nothing exceptional or overly drawing about it.
January 6, 2015
The Fast Lane Romance Trilogy Box Set by: D.C. Thome
I actually read these books individually first. When I received a copy of the box set I went back and read the books as a group. Certain points I missed the first time were picked up on the second time. Enjoyed more after reading the series together.
I actually read these books individually first. When I received a copy of the box set I went back and read the books as a group. Certain points I missed the first time were picked up on the second time. Enjoyed more after reading the series together.
might-read-freebie
September 27, 2012Free on Amazon 09/24/12
November 30, 2012
This is a great romance with characters that are immensely likable, a plot that thoroughly engaged me, and steamy scenes in romantic settings.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews