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Hotter In Texas #1
Don't Mess with Texas
Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.
Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it...
Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it...
451 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
57 people are currently reading
2623 people want to read
About the author
Christie Craig
28 books923 followersPseudonym for C. C. Hunter.
Photojournalist, Author and Speaker
Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her seventh humorous single title romance novel, published by Dorchester, will hit the stands in June 2010. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel is scheduled to be released December 2010. Craig’s latest writing adventure is the sale of a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls Camp, that will be published by St. Martins Press in the near future.
Photojournalist, Author and Speaker
Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her seventh humorous single title romance novel, published by Dorchester, will hit the stands in June 2010. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel is scheduled to be released December 2010. Craig’s latest writing adventure is the sale of a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls Camp, that will be published by St. Martins Press in the near future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
June 29, 2013
“I wanted to talk, but I wasn’t going to talk about sex. Not that I don’t like talking about sex. I just prefer having sex to talking about it.” He grinned. “But talking about it isn’t bad.”Don’t Mess with Texas is my introduction to Christie Craig’s writing, and a delight to read! It was fresh, funny, and steamy and I loved the world she wrote. The characters are interesting, quirky people who I want to know more about. Now, I’m fairly new to the straight, non-erotic, non-suspenseful Contemporary Romance genre, and unfortunately I don’t often find the stories detailed or interesting enough to hold my attention. Thankfully that’s not the case with this story!
Story blurb:
Nikki Hunt thought her night couldn't get worse when her no-good, cheating ex ditched her at dinner, sticking her with the bill. Then she found his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and lost her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit. Now not only is Nikki nearly broke, she's a murder suspect.I loved the ‘if something can go wrong, it will’ theme of the story because rather than angsty, those things were all handled with humor. Some of the funniest moments in the story could actually have been dismally dreary, but Ms. Craig did a great job of keeping it light, easy to follow and a joy to read. The family dynamic between Tony, Dallas and their father was laugh out loud funny at times, as well as heartwarming and poignant. The interactions with Dallas and his partners, Austin and Tyler – anyone else notice they’re all named after major Texas cities? – were also pretty darned funny at times, and that’s all part of what made the book so fun! But I have to be honest and tell you, Bud, the English Bulldog with flatulence issues was one of my favorite characters. And speaking of Bud, this was one of my favorite scenes:
Former cop turned PI, Dallas O'Connor knows what it's like to be unjustly accused. But one look at the sexy-though skittish-suspect tells him she couldn't hurt anyone. The lead detective, Dallas's own brother, has the wrong woman and Dallas hopes a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove it . . .
Her heart swelled with hope. “We should start all over, try dating, and just see—”The bottom line – This was a really enjoyable read. Christie Craig knows how to write fun, sensitive, honorable people who I couldn’t help but fall in love with! And the secondary characters were just as interesting, entertaining and captivating as Dallas and Nikki. And speaking of secondary characters, I think one of my favorite side stories was watching Dallas' dad, recently widowed, find new friends and reasons to keep living. I’m hoping that there will be more books coming because Austin and Tyler both need a happily ever after.
He put a finger over her lips. “No.”
Her chest grew tight.
“I don’t want to start over. I want you back at my place. Bud hasn’t been the same. He’s not eating right. I carried him to the vet and he said he’s depressed. He’s farting like crazy and there’s no one there to laugh with me about it. It’s pathetic.”
She chuckled. “This is supposed to make me want to go back?”
He smiled. “You love Bud. Don’t deny that.”
She took a deep breath and decided to be honest. “He’s not the only thing I love, Dallas. And that scares me because if you don’t feel the same way—”
“For God’s sake, Nikki, what the hell do you think I just said?”
She considered his question. “Saying you want me to share your dog’s farts is not saying you love me.” She laughed.
He dropped his head back on the sofa and laughed with her. Seconds later, he looked at her. “Then let me say it. I love you.” He kissed her nose. “I love all of you. There’s nothing I don’t love about you. The way you talk to yourself. The way you care about your crazy grandmother and her friends. The way you accept people and make everyone happy. Including me. You make me happy, Nikki. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been happy? Oh, and I love your body. I really love your body.”
She smiled. “I love you, too.”
“And my body?” he asked, his blue eyes twinkling with sexy humor.
She laughed again. “I love your body, too.”
This ebook was provided free of charge by netgalley.com in behalf of Grand Central Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2011
(Book #1 in Hotter In Texas Series)
Absolutely a delight to read. Christie Craig has hit a homerun with "Don't Mess With Texas." I laughed, teared up, laughed, sighed, laughed, blushed, laughed and laughed and finally finished the last page with a bit of sadness because I did not want this book to end. It made for a great weekend of reading pleasure.
Absolutely a delight to read. Christie Craig has hit a homerun with "Don't Mess With Texas." I laughed, teared up, laughed, sighed, laughed, blushed, laughed and laughed and finally finished the last page with a bit of sadness because I did not want this book to end. It made for a great weekend of reading pleasure.
July 18, 2014
Nikki Hunt meets her ex-husband at an expensive restaurant and then gets stuck with the bill which she can't afford when he disappears. Then she leaves for the grocery store and finds her missing husband dead in her truck. Enter the police who know the wife or ex-wife is usually the best suspect. (It doesn't help that Nikki says she's going to kill him in the hearing of two different people.) Along with the police is Dallas O'Connor, a former cop who was framed for a crime and spent time in prison and is the brother of the cop in charge of the murder investigation. Now Dallas is a private investigator and ready to take on the case and keep one more innocent out of prison. Dallas' brother, Tony O'Connor, is estranged from his wife and wants her back. In addition to investigating the murder he is trying to woo his wife, LeAnn, back into his life.
This turned into a fun, delightful, and entertaining read. The whodunnit wasn't all that difficult to figure out but the romance was sweet. In fact, both of the romances were sweet. There are a few heart-wrenching moments but the tone of the book was light. There were some great extra characters that included Nana, Nikki's grandmother, the members of the Ol' Timers group, Dallas' dad and, of course, the English Bulldog, Bud. Anyone looking for a light Contemporary Romance with a little mystery will surely enjoy this one.
This turned into a fun, delightful, and entertaining read. The whodunnit wasn't all that difficult to figure out but the romance was sweet. In fact, both of the romances were sweet. There are a few heart-wrenching moments but the tone of the book was light. There were some great extra characters that included Nana, Nikki's grandmother, the members of the Ol' Timers group, Dallas' dad and, of course, the English Bulldog, Bud. Anyone looking for a light Contemporary Romance with a little mystery will surely enjoy this one.
November 14, 2011
Easy, cute read with a sexy, sweet hero who likes to save people, especially damsels in distress. Loved the almost final love scene between the H&h. Let's just say a high school fantasy, but the hero's nightmare.
April 8, 2012
I bloody loved this!!
It's light-hearted and fun and fluffy and yet I managed to care deeply for the characters and what was happening to them. It's contemporary romance mostly with a light smattering of suspense to keep the story rolling.
There's a strong theme of people being falsely accused throughout the whole novel and that's how we meet our heroine Nikki Hunt - an impoverished artist going to meet her ex-husband Jack Leon for dinner. He's been begging her for a reconciliation since she discovered him indulging in a bit of How's Your Father on her prized antique sofa with the hired help a year ago. She's finally agreed to meet him for dinner thinking she can go back to him because she's hard up and he can probably pay her Nana's cable bill. We'll get to Nana in a bit. One look at him and she realises that she can't not even for Nana's cable - he promptly abandons her at the restaurant and saddles her with a $200 bill that she can ill afford.
Nikki manages to tell just about everyone she encounters in the next hour that she's gonna kill her ex just as said ex turns up very much murdered in the boot of her car.
Now we get to meet our hero - an ex-cop-ex-con-turned-PI Dallas O'Connor. He's with his homicide detective brother Tony when he gets the call about Jack's unfortunate demise and attends the scene with him. He instinctively thinks "the ex did it" until he notices she's rather green around the gills and goes to steady her when she promptly vomits all over first his shoes and then square in the middle of the chest. Despite this inauspicious beginning, he is very taken with her and decides to take her case as she is suspect no 1 and he specialises in people wrongly accused having done time himself for a murder he didn't commit.
To go any further would be to spoil the plot but it was the richness of the characters including all the background stories that made this story so unputdownable. Nikki's Nana was a total scene stealer always managing to crash a scene with the rest of her Ol' Timers having been dragged away from Annie Oakley dress rehearsals in full costume. I could just see it!!
There's also a very touching secondary love story between Dallas's brother Tony and his estranged wife LeAnn who separated 9 months ago in the most tragic of circumstances. They really tugged on my heart strings and I desperately wanted them to get past their issues.
We also have Dallas's widowed father who's in a sad and lonely place but is about to get hoovered up and dragged back to happiness by Nana's Ol'Timers not to mention Bud, the coffin-dwelling flatulent dog!
Best of all Dallas has 2 ex-cop-ex-con-turned PI drooltastic partners who are both waiting for their tortuous path to a HEA in future books.
It's a whole lot of fun - there's serious issues of false accusation and betrayal and guilt but there's also a lot of humour. Just think cupcakes and bedbugs. I think this is pretty much close to perfection as far as contemporary romances goes.
Can't wait for the next book - bring it on!!
5 stars - contemporary romance
It's light-hearted and fun and fluffy and yet I managed to care deeply for the characters and what was happening to them. It's contemporary romance mostly with a light smattering of suspense to keep the story rolling.
There's a strong theme of people being falsely accused throughout the whole novel and that's how we meet our heroine Nikki Hunt - an impoverished artist going to meet her ex-husband Jack Leon for dinner. He's been begging her for a reconciliation since she discovered him indulging in a bit of How's Your Father on her prized antique sofa with the hired help a year ago. She's finally agreed to meet him for dinner thinking she can go back to him because she's hard up and he can probably pay her Nana's cable bill. We'll get to Nana in a bit. One look at him and she realises that she can't not even for Nana's cable - he promptly abandons her at the restaurant and saddles her with a $200 bill that she can ill afford.
Nikki manages to tell just about everyone she encounters in the next hour that she's gonna kill her ex just as said ex turns up very much murdered in the boot of her car.
Now we get to meet our hero - an ex-cop-ex-con-turned-PI Dallas O'Connor. He's with his homicide detective brother Tony when he gets the call about Jack's unfortunate demise and attends the scene with him. He instinctively thinks "the ex did it" until he notices she's rather green around the gills and goes to steady her when she promptly vomits all over first his shoes and then square in the middle of the chest. Despite this inauspicious beginning, he is very taken with her and decides to take her case as she is suspect no 1 and he specialises in people wrongly accused having done time himself for a murder he didn't commit.
To go any further would be to spoil the plot but it was the richness of the characters including all the background stories that made this story so unputdownable. Nikki's Nana was a total scene stealer always managing to crash a scene with the rest of her Ol' Timers having been dragged away from Annie Oakley dress rehearsals in full costume. I could just see it!!
There's also a very touching secondary love story between Dallas's brother Tony and his estranged wife LeAnn who separated 9 months ago in the most tragic of circumstances. They really tugged on my heart strings and I desperately wanted them to get past their issues.
We also have Dallas's widowed father who's in a sad and lonely place but is about to get hoovered up and dragged back to happiness by Nana's Ol'Timers not to mention Bud, the coffin-dwelling flatulent dog!
Best of all Dallas has 2 ex-cop-ex-con-turned PI drooltastic partners who are both waiting for their tortuous path to a HEA in future books.
It's a whole lot of fun - there's serious issues of false accusation and betrayal and guilt but there's also a lot of humour. Just think cupcakes and bedbugs. I think this is pretty much close to perfection as far as contemporary romances goes.
Can't wait for the next book - bring it on!!
5 stars - contemporary romance
July 25, 2014
This is a fun, light romance even though the plot has Nikki on the hot-seat for a murder rap most of the book. I guess the tone sets that expectation and the feeling that Dallas is competent at his job cements it. Which lets Christie Craig get away with a light touch in the face of a kind-of dire plotline.
And I really liked the Dallas/Nikki romance. They're both a little broken, but that just means that they need each other that much more. So that part was pretty sweet.
What I didn't enjoy was the secondary romance with Tony and LeAnn. It smoothed out in the end and managed to swing around to touching (seriously, there were tears), but the first three quarters (and particularly the first half) of the book has mountains of stupid. And it featured my least favorite trope: someone deciding to come clean and be honest about their feelings only to wuss out at the clutch point and say something completely stupid and utterly unconvincing instead.
Despite evening out in the end, I kind of wish Craig had cut the Tony/LeAnn story and stuck with Nikki and Dallas. Alone, this would have been four stars, easy. The complete disaster that T/L started as had this heading for a grudging three stars on rounding consideration. The ending pulled it well past a three, but I can't quite justify four—it was just too painful to get through.
A note about Steamy: Low steam. There's really only one full-on explicit scene. A few others start, but they all cut early after the flirty bits. There's enough of those that it almost boosts it to mid-levels, but not quite.
And I really liked the Dallas/Nikki romance. They're both a little broken, but that just means that they need each other that much more. So that part was pretty sweet.
What I didn't enjoy was the secondary romance with Tony and LeAnn. It smoothed out in the end and managed to swing around to touching (seriously, there were tears), but the first three quarters (and particularly the first half) of the book has mountains of stupid. And it featured my least favorite trope: someone deciding to come clean and be honest about their feelings only to wuss out at the clutch point and say something completely stupid and utterly unconvincing instead.
Despite evening out in the end, I kind of wish Craig had cut the Tony/LeAnn story and stuck with Nikki and Dallas. Alone, this would have been four stars, easy. The complete disaster that T/L started as had this heading for a grudging three stars on rounding consideration. The ending pulled it well past a three, but I can't quite justify four—it was just too painful to get through.
A note about Steamy: Low steam. There's really only one full-on explicit scene. A few others start, but they all cut early after the flirty bits. There's enough of those that it almost boosts it to mid-levels, but not quite.
July 26, 2014
Don't mess with Texas is a nice, light romance perfect for summer reading. I liked that this just wasn't only a romance, there was a murder mystery as well. The story revolves around our two main characters: Nikki and Dallas. They meet when Nikki is accused of murdering her philandering ex-husband. Of course, the meeting is a little spectacular. At first, Dallas thinks that Nikki murdered her ex. After all, she left a restaurant muttering to herself about killing her ex because he stuck her with the bill. As Dallas got to know Nikki, he realized that she was incapable of killing even a fly. He also finds himself attracted to Nikki.
I liked the romance aspect of this book. The romance built slowly and was accentuated with some "potholes" along the way as Nikki and Dallas got to know each other. There was also a side plot with Dallas' brother Tony trying to win back his estranged and grieving wife LeAnn.
I loved the supporting characters. Nikki' Nana was a hoot and a power to be reckoned with. I also enjoyed the side story of Dallas' brother Tony as he tried to get his estranged wife LeAnn back.
All in all, a fun summer read.
I liked the romance aspect of this book. The romance built slowly and was accentuated with some "potholes" along the way as Nikki and Dallas got to know each other. There was also a side plot with Dallas' brother Tony trying to win back his estranged and grieving wife LeAnn.
I loved the supporting characters. Nikki' Nana was a hoot and a power to be reckoned with. I also enjoyed the side story of Dallas' brother Tony as he tried to get his estranged wife LeAnn back.
All in all, a fun summer read.
December 1, 2011
3-1/2 stars. Not quite as amusing as other CC books that I've read but still a good solid mostly lighthearted read. Lot's of interesting characters and a solid lead couple. There was also a side story about the hero's brother getting back together with his wife which was nice. There was an interesting little mystery which played out well. One thing I like about CC is that the crimes in her books are more normal type crimes. No serial killers or terrorists etc. Just ordinary police work or in this case PI work. The story isn't all technical but neither is it just glossed over as a way to get two people together. If there's a PI and a client then I want to see some effort involved in solving the crime. That was nicely done here. I enjoyed both the heroine who thankfully did not do any TSTL stuff and the hero who knew what he was doing job wise but really made mistakes in their relationship but he was so charming and sorry and rather bumbling that you really couldn't hold it against him.
Looking forward to the next one.
Looking forward to the next one.
November 7, 2011
DMWT is a whole lot of book for a great price!!! $5.99 for the ebook, which makes this naughty girl really happy =)
Where to start...I read this book at the close of one of the most hellish weeks I've had in a long time, it didn't take long for Christie to have me smiling and chuckling. (for Naughty D's friends that only like Erotic romances, I have to tell you this is 100% contemporary romance, but definitely a great read)
Dallas is a former cop, who's ex-wife deserted him when times got rough, therefore he's sworn off all relationships, except for no strings attached booty calls. Nikki is a divorced artist who caught her husband with one of her gallery employees and divorced him. Neither Nikki nor Dallas are big on trust, but from the minute Nikki pukes all over Dallas, he's drawn to her and swears to help prove her innocence. But there's a big problem, a string of bad things keep happening to Nikki and it's making Dallas want more..maybe. And the fact Dallas's brother Tony is the investigating officer in Nikki's ex-husband's murder case does not help matters. Dallas' attempts to get Nikki in bed and Nikki's attempts to fight it are funny and cute. I don't think I'll ever be able to say or hear the word "cupcake" without giggling again. Dallas' business partners Austin and Tyler add in humor to the developing relationship and I love the teasing between the three men.
There is a secondary relationship between Tony and his estranged wife LeAnn, that had me just as enthralled as the developing romance between Nikki and Dallas. Tony and LeAnn's story is about two people being torn apart by the unimaginable, but still being in love. I have to admit I was pulling for them and there were moments in their story that brought tears to my eyes.
To view the entire review visit:
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Where to start...I read this book at the close of one of the most hellish weeks I've had in a long time, it didn't take long for Christie to have me smiling and chuckling. (for Naughty D's friends that only like Erotic romances, I have to tell you this is 100% contemporary romance, but definitely a great read)
Dallas is a former cop, who's ex-wife deserted him when times got rough, therefore he's sworn off all relationships, except for no strings attached booty calls. Nikki is a divorced artist who caught her husband with one of her gallery employees and divorced him. Neither Nikki nor Dallas are big on trust, but from the minute Nikki pukes all over Dallas, he's drawn to her and swears to help prove her innocence. But there's a big problem, a string of bad things keep happening to Nikki and it's making Dallas want more..maybe. And the fact Dallas's brother Tony is the investigating officer in Nikki's ex-husband's murder case does not help matters. Dallas' attempts to get Nikki in bed and Nikki's attempts to fight it are funny and cute. I don't think I'll ever be able to say or hear the word "cupcake" without giggling again. Dallas' business partners Austin and Tyler add in humor to the developing relationship and I love the teasing between the three men.
There is a secondary relationship between Tony and his estranged wife LeAnn, that had me just as enthralled as the developing romance between Nikki and Dallas. Tony and LeAnn's story is about two people being torn apart by the unimaginable, but still being in love. I have to admit I was pulling for them and there were moments in their story that brought tears to my eyes.
To view the entire review visit:
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
March 14, 2017
I'll admit I had high hopes for this book. It seemed really cute and I had heard a lot of good things about it. But no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get into it.
Nicki Hunt needs cash because she's flat broke. If she doesn't get money soon then she's going to lose her art gallery. After getting a phone call from her wealthy ex-husband, she goes to dinner with him thinking that maybe she'll be able to overlook his cheating scum-bag ways for a reunion. After he vanishes in the middle of the meal on a phone call and doesn't return Nicki finds herself stuck with the bill. Fuming, she returns to her car only to find her ex dead and stuffed in the trunk. Nicki is immediately the prime suspect with only P.I. Dallas O'Connor believing that she didn't do it.
Craig has a light writing style that I typically enjoy in contemporary romances. However, a lot of the jokes in the book seemed like cheap shots; such as a gassy dog and birds pooping on nurses. Dallas also didn't work for me. I think he was supposed to be an angsty character who slowly starts finding some happiness. But this just didn't work with the slap-stick comedy tone of the book. Next to that it made Dallas seem pouty and a bit of a tool. I did like Nicki though. She was an entertaining character and I loved her relationship with her grandmother. Despite that, I probably won't be picking up another Craig book in the future.
Nicki Hunt needs cash because she's flat broke. If she doesn't get money soon then she's going to lose her art gallery. After getting a phone call from her wealthy ex-husband, she goes to dinner with him thinking that maybe she'll be able to overlook his cheating scum-bag ways for a reunion. After he vanishes in the middle of the meal on a phone call and doesn't return Nicki finds herself stuck with the bill. Fuming, she returns to her car only to find her ex dead and stuffed in the trunk. Nicki is immediately the prime suspect with only P.I. Dallas O'Connor believing that she didn't do it.
Craig has a light writing style that I typically enjoy in contemporary romances. However, a lot of the jokes in the book seemed like cheap shots; such as a gassy dog and birds pooping on nurses. Dallas also didn't work for me. I think he was supposed to be an angsty character who slowly starts finding some happiness. But this just didn't work with the slap-stick comedy tone of the book. Next to that it made Dallas seem pouty and a bit of a tool. I did like Nicki though. She was an entertaining character and I loved her relationship with her grandmother. Despite that, I probably won't be picking up another Craig book in the future.
July 30, 2014
My first book from this author and most probably not the last.
My rating would be around 3.5, if I could, as the editing wants improvement. But I enjoyed this reading throughout and it made me smile regularly, so I feel generous enough to round it up.
It's a light-hearted romantic comedy, with an underlying investigation. The tone is often quite funny, without getting into eye-rolling farcical moments. Overall it was a pretty down-to-earth people-next-door type of story and characters. Basically there's one hot scene in the whole book, though the attraction between the characters cannot be doubted.
I also really enjoyed the secondary story between the hero's brother and his estranged wife, though it was blacker than the average tone of the book. It also dealt with a difficult topic that I really stumbled across
Besides the editing and some grammar mistakes, the ending felt a bit rushed.
I recommend it though to readers looking forward to a light and entertaining, though realistic enough contemporary story.
I might well get the following two in the series and would look forward other books from this author.
My rating would be around 3.5, if I could, as the editing wants improvement. But I enjoyed this reading throughout and it made me smile regularly, so I feel generous enough to round it up.
It's a light-hearted romantic comedy, with an underlying investigation. The tone is often quite funny, without getting into eye-rolling farcical moments. Overall it was a pretty down-to-earth people-next-door type of story and characters. Basically there's one hot scene in the whole book, though the attraction between the characters cannot be doubted.
I also really enjoyed the secondary story between the hero's brother and his estranged wife, though it was blacker than the average tone of the book. It also dealt with a difficult topic that I really stumbled across
Besides the editing and some grammar mistakes, the ending felt a bit rushed.
I recommend it though to readers looking forward to a light and entertaining, though realistic enough contemporary story.
I might well get the following two in the series and would look forward other books from this author.
September 18, 2015
Overall I guess liked it. It kept me engaged. Nikki annoyed me, I thought she was winy (oh poor me!) and a bit stupid at times. Dallas wasn't much better. He would think about how hot Nikki was at inappropriate times. I did enjoy the side romance with Tony and LeAnn (and it all would have been fine much earlier had they TALKED). The who-done-it was a bit of a let down.
The best parts of this book: the coffin sleeping dog (and dog farts) and Nikki spewing vomit all over Dallas.
I normally don't notice typos unless they are obvious. This one had some ones I saw (like Brain for Brian).
The best parts of this book: the coffin sleeping dog (and dog farts) and Nikki spewing vomit all over Dallas.
I normally don't notice typos unless they are obvious. This one had some ones I saw (like Brain for Brian).
September 21, 2011
I always have the best time when I read a Christie Craig book. I constantly smile, sometimes laugh, and usually sigh quite a bit over her heroes. In this new trilogy she’s given us three very drool-worthy men who have been betrayed, nearly lost everything, and are now doing what it takes to help people who find themselves in the same predicament they were in at one time, when those who should have stood by them instead turned their backs and left innocent men to suffer dire consequences. You can just imagine what kind of scars that left on our gentlemen.
Nikki is contemplating getting back together with her cheating ex-husband. She needs financial help, you see. Otherwise, there’s no reason for her to give up her current life to go back to the old one that didn’t work for the longest time. But she’s promised her grandmother she’ll have cable in her room at the seniors’ home. So Nikki is meeting the ex for dinner to talk. Thank goodness on seeing him she realizes she can’t go through with her crazy idea. However, she’s determined to get a meal out of it. Things never progress past their first few words to one another and Nikki stealing a shrimp from Jack’s plate, because Jack is in the middle of a phone call that doesn’t sound good at all. He walks out of the restaurant to finish his call, leaving Nikki to pick up the check. Pissed and ready to kill the jerk, what she’s not ready for is finding him really and truly dead. In her trunk.
Taking on cases in which he and his partners, all of them ex-cops, just know the suspect is innocent is how Dallas, Austin, and Tyler make sure others don’t spend time in jail wrongly accused of a crime. Sixteen months behind bars is no picnic, and if they can stop that from happening to someone else, they’ll do whatever they have to to keep injustice at bay. Nikki is now one of those people, and Dallas is immediately taken with this woman who barfs all over him. Twice. And the laughs begin. If you’ve not read a Christie Craig book before, you’re in for a delightful time on top of the mystery of who killed the ex and the fun times in the bedroom.
Though Dallas’ brother, Tony, the cop, keeps looking at Nikki as his prime suspect, despite Dallas’ involvement in the case and with her. And speaking of Tony, we get a lovely secondary romance with him and his estranged wife, LeAnn. They’ve suffered a horrendous loss which drove them apart, and Tony’s tired of LeAnn still pushing him away. So he takes his homecoming into his own hands, moves back home, and drives the woman crazy with his sexy antics. But LeAnn gives as good as she gets, turning the tables on Tony quite nicely. There are other secondary characters who are loads of fun too: Nikki’s grandmother and the old-timers running around in their Annie Oakley get-ups, and even Bud the bulldog, who loves his coffin for sleeping, gets into the picture, falling in love with Nikki too. He’s not as slow as Dallas. Good dog.
Dallas has his reasons, though, for being slow. He’s kept the ladies at bay after some lovin’ and he likes it that way. Though since he’s met Nikki, he’s not sure why. And he’s not sure about the feelings that have cropped up whenever he’s near her. Nikki does acknowledge her growing feelings for Dallas to herself at least, knowing it’s best to leave now and not let things go any further, especially when the man concentrates on the here and now and not the future. But every time Dallas looks at her, touches her, kisses her, everything else falls away and he talks her into one more day.
The dialogue is snappy and fast, so pay attention. Everyone gets into the fray at one point or another, free-for-alls that are hilarious. We get to know Austin and Tyler a little, and I enjoyed their relationship with Dallas. Going through their unjust incarceration, losing the support of those who should have stood behind them, well, it definitely brought them together in more ways than one, and I’m looking forward to their books.
I thought twice about not mentioning the stupid and frivolous lawsuit the Texas Department of Transportation brought against Ms. Craig for an injunction to stop this book’s release, claiming the title infringes on their logo for their anti-litter program. But, nah, their overzealousness and overreaction (“The book,” TxDOT’s suit says, “contains numerous graphic references to sexual acts, states of sexual arousal, etc.” Please!) has been the best advertising on the planet for Don’t Mess with Texas. As a retired court reporter, I’m glad the judge is one with good sense to see the case had no merit. You don’t always see that in the legal system, which plays into the pages of this book so nicely. So if you’ve just thought about buying DMwT and haven’t yet done so, get out there and pick it up now. You’ll have a great time reading, you’ll be supporting one of the genre’s best authors, all the while sticking your tongue out at injustice of all forms. Never thought you could contribute so much by being a romance reader, huh?
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Nikki is contemplating getting back together with her cheating ex-husband. She needs financial help, you see. Otherwise, there’s no reason for her to give up her current life to go back to the old one that didn’t work for the longest time. But she’s promised her grandmother she’ll have cable in her room at the seniors’ home. So Nikki is meeting the ex for dinner to talk. Thank goodness on seeing him she realizes she can’t go through with her crazy idea. However, she’s determined to get a meal out of it. Things never progress past their first few words to one another and Nikki stealing a shrimp from Jack’s plate, because Jack is in the middle of a phone call that doesn’t sound good at all. He walks out of the restaurant to finish his call, leaving Nikki to pick up the check. Pissed and ready to kill the jerk, what she’s not ready for is finding him really and truly dead. In her trunk.
Taking on cases in which he and his partners, all of them ex-cops, just know the suspect is innocent is how Dallas, Austin, and Tyler make sure others don’t spend time in jail wrongly accused of a crime. Sixteen months behind bars is no picnic, and if they can stop that from happening to someone else, they’ll do whatever they have to to keep injustice at bay. Nikki is now one of those people, and Dallas is immediately taken with this woman who barfs all over him. Twice. And the laughs begin. If you’ve not read a Christie Craig book before, you’re in for a delightful time on top of the mystery of who killed the ex and the fun times in the bedroom.
Though Dallas’ brother, Tony, the cop, keeps looking at Nikki as his prime suspect, despite Dallas’ involvement in the case and with her. And speaking of Tony, we get a lovely secondary romance with him and his estranged wife, LeAnn. They’ve suffered a horrendous loss which drove them apart, and Tony’s tired of LeAnn still pushing him away. So he takes his homecoming into his own hands, moves back home, and drives the woman crazy with his sexy antics. But LeAnn gives as good as she gets, turning the tables on Tony quite nicely. There are other secondary characters who are loads of fun too: Nikki’s grandmother and the old-timers running around in their Annie Oakley get-ups, and even Bud the bulldog, who loves his coffin for sleeping, gets into the picture, falling in love with Nikki too. He’s not as slow as Dallas. Good dog.
Dallas has his reasons, though, for being slow. He’s kept the ladies at bay after some lovin’ and he likes it that way. Though since he’s met Nikki, he’s not sure why. And he’s not sure about the feelings that have cropped up whenever he’s near her. Nikki does acknowledge her growing feelings for Dallas to herself at least, knowing it’s best to leave now and not let things go any further, especially when the man concentrates on the here and now and not the future. But every time Dallas looks at her, touches her, kisses her, everything else falls away and he talks her into one more day.
The dialogue is snappy and fast, so pay attention. Everyone gets into the fray at one point or another, free-for-alls that are hilarious. We get to know Austin and Tyler a little, and I enjoyed their relationship with Dallas. Going through their unjust incarceration, losing the support of those who should have stood behind them, well, it definitely brought them together in more ways than one, and I’m looking forward to their books.
I thought twice about not mentioning the stupid and frivolous lawsuit the Texas Department of Transportation brought against Ms. Craig for an injunction to stop this book’s release, claiming the title infringes on their logo for their anti-litter program. But, nah, their overzealousness and overreaction (“The book,” TxDOT’s suit says, “contains numerous graphic references to sexual acts, states of sexual arousal, etc.” Please!) has been the best advertising on the planet for Don’t Mess with Texas. As a retired court reporter, I’m glad the judge is one with good sense to see the case had no merit. You don’t always see that in the legal system, which plays into the pages of this book so nicely. So if you’ve just thought about buying DMwT and haven’t yet done so, get out there and pick it up now. You’ll have a great time reading, you’ll be supporting one of the genre’s best authors, all the while sticking your tongue out at injustice of all forms. Never thought you could contribute so much by being a romance reader, huh?
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
September 26, 2011
My Review:
This book had absolutely everything that I love in contemporary romance! It was fun. It was entertaining. It was suspenseful. It had a wonderful story line. It had wonderful characters. It even had an amazing sub-story that moved me to tears. Wow! I loved this book!!!
This book is the first book in a trilogy about three former cops: Dallas, Tyler, and Austin, who started a PI business after they were framed for murder and spent 16 months in prison, unjustly accused before the facts came out. Their goal with the business is to eventually get revenge on the drug dealer that framed them, but also to help others find justice when they are unjustly accused. One of those unjustly accused just happens to be Nikki, who is being accused of killing her ex-husband, who was found dead in her trunk. The cop investigating the murder is Tony, Dallas' brother. They were eating dinner together when the call came in and just happened to be eating at a restaurant next door to the store where Nikki discovered Jack in her trunk.
The story line in this book builds and twists and bends, but at the heart of it, is a fabulous romance. I loved both Nikki and Dallas. These are two divorcee's who have been burned by love and neither one of them want to ever go through that again, so they both have big-time commitment issues. BUT they can't resist when their sexual chemistry becomes combustible, especially since they are living together for Nikki's safety.
This book is one full of characters that make it charming and irresistable:
*Dallas, Tyler, and Austin- these guys went to jail for 16 months. Can you imagine that as cops? OMG, and they are more than a little bitter about it, but it has created a bond between the three of them that is unshakable, no matter how much hell they give each other.
*Nikki- Nikki is scarred after being abandoned by her parents to a grandmother that wasn't even related to her and by a husband who couldn't keep his dick in his pants. She's an artist and owns a gallery, but is barely keeping her head above water financially.
*Tony- Dallas' brother and the detective on Nikki's case. He's a hard-nosed cop trying to get to the truth, but all the evidence is pointing at Nikki as the killer. He is also dealing with the loss of his wife who he has been estranged from for 9 months, LeAnn. Their story was emotional and heart-rending. OMG, I bawled at the end of their story.
*Nikki's grandmother and her crew- This elderly group is doing a play of Annie Oakly. Nikki's grandmother is Annie and she is a character. So funny and so sweet. She was an amazing addition to the story.
*Ellen- Nikki's employee and best friend who is also stabbed the night Jack is murdered. I LOVED her esp. when she was doped up on morphine...OMG, so freaking funny!
*Bud- Dallas' gassy dog who likes to sleep in the coffin that was left behind in their offices. He was always great to provide a bit of a silly funny into the story.
Really, this was just an amazingly fun story. I laughed. I definitely cried. I had no idea who the bad guy was. It kept me guessing and it most definitely kept me entertained. I love that it is set in Texas and that the three guys are named after Texas towns. My ONLY complaint that I have about this book is that the next one isn't out for another year, Blame It On Texas, out Sept, 2012. *whining*
June 1, 2012
I have mixed feelings about this book. This is one of those stories where the two main characters are the ones I like the least. All the supporting characters are more interesting people with more interesting story lines. My biggest issue with fun, flirty, girly books like this is all the stereotyping. I find this kind of novel rarely shows realistic (at least in my world) portrayals of men and women and their relationships with each other.
Nikki Hunt did not kill her ex-husband. Really she didn't. He invited her out to dinner, a very expensive dinner, and left her to pay the bill. OF COURSE she mumbles and grumbles about wanting to kill him-- who wouldn't? So when she finds him dead in her trunk, her words come back to haunt her and now everybody thinks she did it.
Dallas O'Connor is a former cop who was wrongfully accused of murder. He's now a PI intent on clearing the name's of others who have been unjustly accused. He meets Nikki and now he's a special sort of PI: a Dick who thinks with his dick. (Sorry, I could't resist.)
He runs his PI firm with two other ex-cops named after Texas cities: Tyler and Austin. And the name of their firm is (ready for this?) Don't Mess with Texas.
There is a subplot involving a kid named Nance. Dallas took his case because he truly believes the kid is innocent. Sadly, Nance's story falls flat as Nance is used as a plot device to further the relationship between Dallas and Nikki. His case and the solving thereof didn't have any oomph.
There is another subplot involving Dallas's cop brother Tony and his estranged wife LeAnn. Those characters are far more involving and perhaps they should have their own book.
So what did I love about Don't Mess with Texas? The humor. The interactions between the characters. The farting dog who sleeps in a coffin. Nana and her crazy group of Ol' Timers. They were great. Dallas and his relationship with his brother Tony and their dad. Tony and LeAnn's relationship. The brotherly type love between Dallas, Austin, and Tyler. It made me want to eat cupcakes.
What I hated: The played out stereotype of guys thinking about nothing but sex. Really?? Way too many mistakes an editor should have caught. Tons of them. Am I the only one who picks this stuff out? The mystery took backseat to the romance and ultimately was resolved in an unsatisfying manner. I was pages from the end of the book thinking "Are they even going to tell me who the murderer was?" And when it was finally revealed I was like "Oh...whatever."
Nikki Hunt did not kill her ex-husband. Really she didn't. He invited her out to dinner, a very expensive dinner, and left her to pay the bill. OF COURSE she mumbles and grumbles about wanting to kill him-- who wouldn't? So when she finds him dead in her trunk, her words come back to haunt her and now everybody thinks she did it.
Dallas O'Connor is a former cop who was wrongfully accused of murder. He's now a PI intent on clearing the name's of others who have been unjustly accused. He meets Nikki and now he's a special sort of PI: a Dick who thinks with his dick. (Sorry, I could't resist.)
He runs his PI firm with two other ex-cops named after Texas cities: Tyler and Austin. And the name of their firm is (ready for this?) Don't Mess with Texas.
There is a subplot involving a kid named Nance. Dallas took his case because he truly believes the kid is innocent. Sadly, Nance's story falls flat as Nance is used as a plot device to further the relationship between Dallas and Nikki. His case and the solving thereof didn't have any oomph.
There is another subplot involving Dallas's cop brother Tony and his estranged wife LeAnn. Those characters are far more involving and perhaps they should have their own book.
So what did I love about Don't Mess with Texas? The humor. The interactions between the characters. The farting dog who sleeps in a coffin. Nana and her crazy group of Ol' Timers. They were great. Dallas and his relationship with his brother Tony and their dad. Tony and LeAnn's relationship. The brotherly type love between Dallas, Austin, and Tyler. It made me want to eat cupcakes.
What I hated: The played out stereotype of guys thinking about nothing but sex. Really?? Way too many mistakes an editor should have caught. Tons of them. Am I the only one who picks this stuff out? The mystery took backseat to the romance and ultimately was resolved in an unsatisfying manner. I was pages from the end of the book thinking "Are they even going to tell me who the murderer was?" And when it was finally revealed I was like "Oh...whatever."
February 3, 2012
I have only read one story by Christie Craig before; but this one seems to gather a lot of positive reviews, so I decided to give it a try.
Unfortunately, I will be one of the minorities, since I'm not completely in love with it. I have few issues with it.
One, I wonder why the cops are so sure that Nikki is a suspect simply because she said that she would like to kill her ex-husband? She doesn't have the physical trait to do so. Plus, she screams and vomits when she discovers his body. I mean, really? The cops don't have any other suspected theories??
Two, Nikki is only one of those heroines, who seems to have bad lucks coming over her, and she doesn't really do ANYTHING in this story, except wondering why it happens to her, and then try to fight her attraction towards Dallas, and then struggles with internal issues about trust. As a reader, I need fictions with heroines that have more spine, thank you.
Third, I also have issue with the hero, Dallas, who seems to have internal lust monologue over Nikki, when he has two cases in hand. I'm annoyed with it. I wish he can focuses on his cases rather than what his d*ck needs.
Four, what's with the gay joke? I don't like it.
The plot that actually gives this book 3-star rating (rather than less) is actually the seconday love story between Dallas's brother, Tony, and his estranged wife, LeAnn. Their issue is much more significant than Dallas and Nikki (spoiler: ). I'm more invested with their story because here are two people, who clearly have lost something important, but they are still in love with one another. I probably pay more attention to them rather than the two main characters.
Unfortunately, I will be one of the minorities, since I'm not completely in love with it. I have few issues with it.
One, I wonder why the cops are so sure that Nikki is a suspect simply because she said that she would like to kill her ex-husband? She doesn't have the physical trait to do so. Plus, she screams and vomits when she discovers his body. I mean, really? The cops don't have any other suspected theories??
Two, Nikki is only one of those heroines, who seems to have bad lucks coming over her, and she doesn't really do ANYTHING in this story, except wondering why it happens to her, and then try to fight her attraction towards Dallas, and then struggles with internal issues about trust. As a reader, I need fictions with heroines that have more spine, thank you.
Third, I also have issue with the hero, Dallas, who seems to have internal lust monologue over Nikki, when he has two cases in hand. I'm annoyed with it. I wish he can focuses on his cases rather than what his d*ck needs.
Four, what's with the gay joke? I don't like it.
The plot that actually gives this book 3-star rating (rather than less) is actually the seconday love story between Dallas's brother, Tony, and his estranged wife, LeAnn. Their issue is much more significant than Dallas and Nikki (spoiler: ). I'm more invested with their story because here are two people, who clearly have lost something important, but they are still in love with one another. I probably pay more attention to them rather than the two main characters.
August 1, 2013
Look at this cover. Based on this cover, what do you think this is about? Would you look at that and say, I bet this book is about a woman who is being accused of murdering he ex-husband and she falls for the private detective that saves her ass?
No.
Just no.
Miss Author, slap your cover designer and fire him/her promptly.
Other than being disappointed that this was in no way a cowboy book, it was rather funny. The story was lame and the love story even lamer, but the scenes were funny. Loved Bud, (the bull dog), and the fact that he slept in a unused, new coffin. Little notes like that. Oh yeah, the hot pink couch was a hoot. But honestly... I have zero desire to read the other books in this series.
No.
Just no.
Miss Author, slap your cover designer and fire him/her promptly.
Other than being disappointed that this was in no way a cowboy book, it was rather funny. The story was lame and the love story even lamer, but the scenes were funny. Loved Bud, (the bull dog), and the fact that he slept in a unused, new coffin. Little notes like that. Oh yeah, the hot pink couch was a hoot. But honestly... I have zero desire to read the other books in this series.
August 13, 2012
Grade B-
3.5*
This is an enjoyable book, even if there's nothing especially unique about it. It's a predictable romance and even as the characters tell themselves they need to back off or stop the relationship "before they fall in love,' the reader is never in doubt of the eventual end. What makes it enjoyable is the light touch of the writer, the decent suspense plot, and solid characters. The book has a few humorous moments, but thankfully doesn't digress into too much silliness.
Recommended for those who enjoy light contemporary romantic suspense with a dash of humor.
3.5*
This is an enjoyable book, even if there's nothing especially unique about it. It's a predictable romance and even as the characters tell themselves they need to back off or stop the relationship "before they fall in love,' the reader is never in doubt of the eventual end. What makes it enjoyable is the light touch of the writer, the decent suspense plot, and solid characters. The book has a few humorous moments, but thankfully doesn't digress into too much silliness.
Recommended for those who enjoy light contemporary romantic suspense with a dash of humor.
October 30, 2011
I really really enjoyed this book. Brava to Christie Craig! It had a lot of funny moments, great romance & just the right amount of suspense. I will definitely be reading the next book in her "Hotter in Texas" series.
September 23, 2013
4,8 von 5 Sternen
*Wie kam das Buch zu mir*
Auf das Buch bin ich aufmerksam geworden, als ich auf C.C. Hunters Website unterwegs war, auf der Suche nach Informationen zu ihrer Shadow Falls Camp Reihe. Erwachsenenliteratur schreibt sie unter dem Pseudonym Chirstie Craig, ihre Jugendbücher unter dem Namen C.C. Hunter. Das Cover des Buches hat mich gleich in den Bann gezogen und ich erwartete ein locker leichten Chicklit-Roman mit ein wenig Cowboy oder zumindest Kleinstadtfeeling. Bekommen habe ich allerdings etwas ganz anderes, aber dazu später mehr.
*Aufmachung/Qualität*
Das Cover ist großartig, aber passt meines Erachtens kaum zur Handlung und vor allem hatte es mich etwas völlig anderes erwarten lassen. Das Buch hat überhaupt keinen Cowboy- , Kleinstadt- oder Texas Style. Es könnte auch gut in einer Großstadt wie New York spielen.
Die Verarbeitung ist typisch für englische Taschenbücher eher schlecht. Der Buchrücken bekommt selbst bei sehr vorsichtigem Lesen deutliche Leserillen.
Die Seiten sind typisch dunkel und rau. Sie sind allerdings voll gedruckt ohne das die Schrift zu klein wirkt. Man bekommt hier viel Story für wenig Geld.
*Meinung:*
Obwohl ich etwas völlig anders erwartet habe, wurde ich sehr gut unterhalten. Ich würde dieses Buch nicht wirklich als Romantic Suspence einordnen, aber ich habe nicht viele Vergleichsmöglichkeiten, da ich dieses Genre nicht gern lese. Er las sich ein wenig wie ein Detektivroman mit sehr hohem Romance-Anteil. Leider wurde die Reihe (noch) nicht ins Deutsche übersetzt.
Die Grundgeschichte handelt von Nikki Hunt, die unter Mordverdacht steht. Sie hat ihren Ehemann ermordet in ihrem Kofferraum gefunden, nachdem sie unter Zeugen mehrfach beteuert hat, dass sie ihn umbringen will. Das ganze war aber in einem völlig anderen Zusammenhang und auch der Grundtenor der Geschichte ist sehr humorvoll und nicht auf Suspence ausgelegt. Auf den Mann, der sie von nun an versucht aus dem Gefängnis herauszuhalten und auch ihr Herz zu erobern, trifft sie bereits am Tatort oder besser gesagt dem Ort, wo sie ihren Mann im Kofferraum findet. Es handelt sich um Dallas O'Conner, einen Privatdetektiven. Wie sich die beiden kennenlernen ist schon mal genial witzig und ich möchte es hier nicht verraten. Die Chemie stimmt von Anfang an und alle Charaktere, auch die Nebencharaktere, wirken echt und man fühlt sich direkt wohl in der Welt. Ich möchte gar nicht viel mehr zur Grundhandlung sagen, außer, dass Dallas noch zwei Partner hat (im Detektivbüro) und es einen recht hohen Anteil an Detektivarbeit gibt. Stellenweise hatte ich das Gefühl ein Adventurespiel aller L. A. Noire vor mir zu haben. Verschieden Fragen werden gestellt, Orte besucht, Zeugen befragt.... Trotzdem war es mir nicht zu viel, obwohl ich Romantic Suspence Bücher sonst gar nicht lese. Die Beziehungen und Interaktionen der Charaktere standen immer im Vordergrund und die Charaktere waren sehr sympathisch und individuell.
Der Schreibstil lag mir sehr. Er ist unglaublich locker und humorvoll. Alles wirkt sehr real. Auch wenn die Hauptperson lange Zeit in Gefahr ist, wirkt die Story nie bedrückend. Trotzdem ist sie aber emotional. Geschildert wird die Story aus der dritten Person und in der Vergangenheit, was gut zur Story passt. Wir haben somit sowohl Einblicke in Dallas als auch in Nikkis Erlebnisse an wenigen Stellen sogar Einblicke in die Vorgänge des Lebens von Tony, Dallas Bruder, und dessen Ehefrau LeAnn. Diese unterschiedlichen Handlungsstränge störten den Lesefluss in keinster Weise und waren einfach nur sehr interessant bzw. unterhaltend.
Ich empfand das Buch als ziemlich spannend. Man will wissen von wem Nikki nun Gefahr droht, ob sie doch noch verhaftet wird und wie der ganze Mord tatsächlich passiert ist. Die Auflösung ist nicht extrem überraschende, aber man wird das ein oder andere Mal auf eine falsche Spur geführt. Leser dieses Genres werden aber sicher sehr schnell alles durchschauen. Mich, als Vermeider dieses Genres, konnte es sehr gut unterhalten. Auch die Liebesbeziehung entwickelt sich recht langsam und ich fieberte mit den Charakteren mit. Oft war ich auch ein wenig angespannt, weil ich dachte Nikki würde etwas passieren, was die Geschichte an diesen Stellen sehr spannend machte.
Emotional sprach mich die Geschichte sehr an. Das ist für mich immer der entscheidende Punkt. Ich fieberte und fühlte mit den Charakteren mit. Außerdem gab es auch wieder ein wenig Drama, was ich ebenfalls in einem guten Buch erwarte. Die Familien der beiden Hauptcharaktere spielen eine große Rolle und machen die Geschichte sehr emotional. Ich möchte hier nicht zu viel verraten, aber man wird sich an die Charaktere binden.
Die Charaktere sind ebenfalls großartig und sehr individuell. Nikki ist unglaublich sympathisch – so jemanden wünscht man sich als beste Freundin. Sie hatte eine schwierige Beziehung und Kindheit und ist daher etwas vorsichtig, trotzdem ist sie aber nicht in sich gekehrt sondern offen und es wird hier nichts übermäßig dramatisiert. Dallas hat ebenfalls eine schwere Zeit hinter sich, familiär als auch liebestechnisch. Er wirkt sehr versiert in seiner Arbeit und macht durch sein sympathisches Auftreten selbst für jemanden wie mich, die keine Krimis mag, die Detektivarbeit unterhaltsam. Auch die Nebencharaktere sind interessant. Hier ist vor allem Nikkis Großmutter und Dallas Bruder,Tony, hervorzuheben. Letzterer spielt eine sehr große Nebenrolle. Streckenweise verfolgen wir sogar sein Leben, da auch er Familienprobleme hat, die sich erst nach und nach offenbaren. Ich hatte zwar sehr schnell vermutet was da los ist, aber ich fand die Sache mit dem im Dunkeln lassen des Lesers sehr geschickt inszeniert. Das Leben von Tony ist sehr interessant und sein Charakter hat für mich fast die Show für Dallas gestohlen. Über Tony hätte ich wirklich gern ein eigenes Buch gelesen, aber man hat auch hier genug Szenen von ihm. Seine Frau LeAnn arbeitet als Krankenschwester und ist ebenfalls sehr sympathisch. Die Emotionen der Nebencharakter werden genauso überzeugend geschildert wie die der Hauptcharaktere.
Die Liebesgeschichte ist herrlich und wirkt sehr realistisch. Sie entwickelt sich sehr langsam, aber Dallas schließt man bereits am Anfang ins Herz, weil er sich so um Nikki kümmert. Trotzdem wird er nicht als Superman dargestellt, sondern ist von seinen Gedankengängen und Witzen, die er mit seinen Partnern macht, sehr männlich. Das gefiel mir sehr gut. Beschützertyp und freundlich ja - Weichei und Ja-Sager nein. Nikki hat große Bedenken sich wieder auf einen Mann einzulassen und hat momentan auch andere Probleme. Später wenn das ganze ins Rollen kommt, hat sie dann Zweifel an Dallas Beweggründen und Plänen für die Zukunft. Hier kommt es zu den typischen Mann-Frau-Beziehungs- bzw. Verständigungsproblemen – Der Mann sagt etwas ohne sich viel dabei zu denken, die Frau analysiert das bis ins Kleinste aber natürlich nur für sich und macht es nicht offen. Zum Schluss zieht sie sich zurück, weil sie meint aus seinen Worten etwas bestimmtes herausgehört zu haben und er hat keine Ahnung warum sie sich so verhält. Ich konnte hier mit beiden Charakteren mitfühlen und es wirkte einfach schrecklich realistisch. Trotzdem war mir Nikki in den Situationen näher und ich hätte Dallas manchmal eine über den Schädel ziehen können, wenn er wieder was unbedarftes sagte und sie damit noch weiter in ihr Tief brachte ohne es zu merken. Alles in allen sind die beiden aber ein echtes Traumpaar. Die Liebesgeschichte hat einfach genau die richtige Mischung aus Gefühl, Drama und Erotik für mich. Auch die Liebesgeschichte um die beiden Nebencharaktere Tony und LeAnn, die beide miteinander verheiratet sind aber eine große Krise durchlebt haben, war sehr unterhaltsam und mitreißend. Von der Intensität der Gefühle hatte diese Liebesbeziehung auf mich noch einen größeren Reiz ausgeübt als die von Dallas und Nikki, aber sie wurde nicht in den Vorderfund gerückt oder lenkte zu sehr von der eigentlichen Liebesbeziehung/Geschichte ab. Die Autorin fand genau das richtige Maß.
Die erotischen Szenen sind nur spärlich in den Text eingebaut, sind dafür aber sehr gut geschrieben. Hier gibt es keine obszöne Wortwahl oder zu explizite Beschreibungen – einfach perfekt.
Warnungen: leicht explizite erotische Szenen (Warnungen sind bei mir nicht negativ wertend gemeint, sondern nur ein Hinweis für die Leser, die aus persönlichen Gründen ganz gezielt bestimmte Inhalte vermeiden möchten.)
Grundidee 4,5/5
Schreibstil 5+/5
Spannung 4/5
Emotionen 5/5
Charaktere 5+/5
Liebesgeschichte 5/5
*Fazit:*
4,8 von 5 Sternen
Dieses Buch ist in allen Komponenten (Story, Emotionen, Liebe und Spannung) perfekt abgestimmt. Den kleinen Punktabzug gab es für mich nur, weil ich nicht in diesem Genre lese und aufgrund des Covers mit etwas ganz anderem gerechnet hatte. Daher war es besonders überraschend für mich, dass es mir so gut gefallen hat. Vor allem die beiden Hauptcharaktere und die grandiosen Nebencharaktere haben diese Story für mich zu einem wahren Genuss gemacht. Der locker leichte und humorvolle Schreibstil unterhielt mich sehr und wurde durch genau die richtige Portion Drama in der Liebesbeziehung abgerundet.
Reihe:
Only in Texas
Blame it on Texas
Texas Hold 'Em (erscheint im Februar 2014)
*Wie kam das Buch zu mir*
Auf das Buch bin ich aufmerksam geworden, als ich auf C.C. Hunters Website unterwegs war, auf der Suche nach Informationen zu ihrer Shadow Falls Camp Reihe. Erwachsenenliteratur schreibt sie unter dem Pseudonym Chirstie Craig, ihre Jugendbücher unter dem Namen C.C. Hunter. Das Cover des Buches hat mich gleich in den Bann gezogen und ich erwartete ein locker leichten Chicklit-Roman mit ein wenig Cowboy oder zumindest Kleinstadtfeeling. Bekommen habe ich allerdings etwas ganz anderes, aber dazu später mehr.
*Aufmachung/Qualität*
Das Cover ist großartig, aber passt meines Erachtens kaum zur Handlung und vor allem hatte es mich etwas völlig anderes erwarten lassen. Das Buch hat überhaupt keinen Cowboy- , Kleinstadt- oder Texas Style. Es könnte auch gut in einer Großstadt wie New York spielen.
Die Verarbeitung ist typisch für englische Taschenbücher eher schlecht. Der Buchrücken bekommt selbst bei sehr vorsichtigem Lesen deutliche Leserillen.
Die Seiten sind typisch dunkel und rau. Sie sind allerdings voll gedruckt ohne das die Schrift zu klein wirkt. Man bekommt hier viel Story für wenig Geld.
*Meinung:*
Obwohl ich etwas völlig anders erwartet habe, wurde ich sehr gut unterhalten. Ich würde dieses Buch nicht wirklich als Romantic Suspence einordnen, aber ich habe nicht viele Vergleichsmöglichkeiten, da ich dieses Genre nicht gern lese. Er las sich ein wenig wie ein Detektivroman mit sehr hohem Romance-Anteil. Leider wurde die Reihe (noch) nicht ins Deutsche übersetzt.
Die Grundgeschichte handelt von Nikki Hunt, die unter Mordverdacht steht. Sie hat ihren Ehemann ermordet in ihrem Kofferraum gefunden, nachdem sie unter Zeugen mehrfach beteuert hat, dass sie ihn umbringen will. Das ganze war aber in einem völlig anderen Zusammenhang und auch der Grundtenor der Geschichte ist sehr humorvoll und nicht auf Suspence ausgelegt. Auf den Mann, der sie von nun an versucht aus dem Gefängnis herauszuhalten und auch ihr Herz zu erobern, trifft sie bereits am Tatort oder besser gesagt dem Ort, wo sie ihren Mann im Kofferraum findet. Es handelt sich um Dallas O'Conner, einen Privatdetektiven. Wie sich die beiden kennenlernen ist schon mal genial witzig und ich möchte es hier nicht verraten. Die Chemie stimmt von Anfang an und alle Charaktere, auch die Nebencharaktere, wirken echt und man fühlt sich direkt wohl in der Welt. Ich möchte gar nicht viel mehr zur Grundhandlung sagen, außer, dass Dallas noch zwei Partner hat (im Detektivbüro) und es einen recht hohen Anteil an Detektivarbeit gibt. Stellenweise hatte ich das Gefühl ein Adventurespiel aller L. A. Noire vor mir zu haben. Verschieden Fragen werden gestellt, Orte besucht, Zeugen befragt.... Trotzdem war es mir nicht zu viel, obwohl ich Romantic Suspence Bücher sonst gar nicht lese. Die Beziehungen und Interaktionen der Charaktere standen immer im Vordergrund und die Charaktere waren sehr sympathisch und individuell.
Der Schreibstil lag mir sehr. Er ist unglaublich locker und humorvoll. Alles wirkt sehr real. Auch wenn die Hauptperson lange Zeit in Gefahr ist, wirkt die Story nie bedrückend. Trotzdem ist sie aber emotional. Geschildert wird die Story aus der dritten Person und in der Vergangenheit, was gut zur Story passt. Wir haben somit sowohl Einblicke in Dallas als auch in Nikkis Erlebnisse an wenigen Stellen sogar Einblicke in die Vorgänge des Lebens von Tony, Dallas Bruder, und dessen Ehefrau LeAnn. Diese unterschiedlichen Handlungsstränge störten den Lesefluss in keinster Weise und waren einfach nur sehr interessant bzw. unterhaltend.
Ich empfand das Buch als ziemlich spannend. Man will wissen von wem Nikki nun Gefahr droht, ob sie doch noch verhaftet wird und wie der ganze Mord tatsächlich passiert ist. Die Auflösung ist nicht extrem überraschende, aber man wird das ein oder andere Mal auf eine falsche Spur geführt. Leser dieses Genres werden aber sicher sehr schnell alles durchschauen. Mich, als Vermeider dieses Genres, konnte es sehr gut unterhalten. Auch die Liebesbeziehung entwickelt sich recht langsam und ich fieberte mit den Charakteren mit. Oft war ich auch ein wenig angespannt, weil ich dachte Nikki würde etwas passieren, was die Geschichte an diesen Stellen sehr spannend machte.
Emotional sprach mich die Geschichte sehr an. Das ist für mich immer der entscheidende Punkt. Ich fieberte und fühlte mit den Charakteren mit. Außerdem gab es auch wieder ein wenig Drama, was ich ebenfalls in einem guten Buch erwarte. Die Familien der beiden Hauptcharaktere spielen eine große Rolle und machen die Geschichte sehr emotional. Ich möchte hier nicht zu viel verraten, aber man wird sich an die Charaktere binden.
Die Charaktere sind ebenfalls großartig und sehr individuell. Nikki ist unglaublich sympathisch – so jemanden wünscht man sich als beste Freundin. Sie hatte eine schwierige Beziehung und Kindheit und ist daher etwas vorsichtig, trotzdem ist sie aber nicht in sich gekehrt sondern offen und es wird hier nichts übermäßig dramatisiert. Dallas hat ebenfalls eine schwere Zeit hinter sich, familiär als auch liebestechnisch. Er wirkt sehr versiert in seiner Arbeit und macht durch sein sympathisches Auftreten selbst für jemanden wie mich, die keine Krimis mag, die Detektivarbeit unterhaltsam. Auch die Nebencharaktere sind interessant. Hier ist vor allem Nikkis Großmutter und Dallas Bruder,Tony, hervorzuheben. Letzterer spielt eine sehr große Nebenrolle. Streckenweise verfolgen wir sogar sein Leben, da auch er Familienprobleme hat, die sich erst nach und nach offenbaren. Ich hatte zwar sehr schnell vermutet was da los ist, aber ich fand die Sache mit dem im Dunkeln lassen des Lesers sehr geschickt inszeniert. Das Leben von Tony ist sehr interessant und sein Charakter hat für mich fast die Show für Dallas gestohlen. Über Tony hätte ich wirklich gern ein eigenes Buch gelesen, aber man hat auch hier genug Szenen von ihm. Seine Frau LeAnn arbeitet als Krankenschwester und ist ebenfalls sehr sympathisch. Die Emotionen der Nebencharakter werden genauso überzeugend geschildert wie die der Hauptcharaktere.
Die Liebesgeschichte ist herrlich und wirkt sehr realistisch. Sie entwickelt sich sehr langsam, aber Dallas schließt man bereits am Anfang ins Herz, weil er sich so um Nikki kümmert. Trotzdem wird er nicht als Superman dargestellt, sondern ist von seinen Gedankengängen und Witzen, die er mit seinen Partnern macht, sehr männlich. Das gefiel mir sehr gut. Beschützertyp und freundlich ja - Weichei und Ja-Sager nein. Nikki hat große Bedenken sich wieder auf einen Mann einzulassen und hat momentan auch andere Probleme. Später wenn das ganze ins Rollen kommt, hat sie dann Zweifel an Dallas Beweggründen und Plänen für die Zukunft. Hier kommt es zu den typischen Mann-Frau-Beziehungs- bzw. Verständigungsproblemen – Der Mann sagt etwas ohne sich viel dabei zu denken, die Frau analysiert das bis ins Kleinste aber natürlich nur für sich und macht es nicht offen. Zum Schluss zieht sie sich zurück, weil sie meint aus seinen Worten etwas bestimmtes herausgehört zu haben und er hat keine Ahnung warum sie sich so verhält. Ich konnte hier mit beiden Charakteren mitfühlen und es wirkte einfach schrecklich realistisch. Trotzdem war mir Nikki in den Situationen näher und ich hätte Dallas manchmal eine über den Schädel ziehen können, wenn er wieder was unbedarftes sagte und sie damit noch weiter in ihr Tief brachte ohne es zu merken. Alles in allen sind die beiden aber ein echtes Traumpaar. Die Liebesgeschichte hat einfach genau die richtige Mischung aus Gefühl, Drama und Erotik für mich. Auch die Liebesgeschichte um die beiden Nebencharaktere Tony und LeAnn, die beide miteinander verheiratet sind aber eine große Krise durchlebt haben, war sehr unterhaltsam und mitreißend. Von der Intensität der Gefühle hatte diese Liebesbeziehung auf mich noch einen größeren Reiz ausgeübt als die von Dallas und Nikki, aber sie wurde nicht in den Vorderfund gerückt oder lenkte zu sehr von der eigentlichen Liebesbeziehung/Geschichte ab. Die Autorin fand genau das richtige Maß.
Die erotischen Szenen sind nur spärlich in den Text eingebaut, sind dafür aber sehr gut geschrieben. Hier gibt es keine obszöne Wortwahl oder zu explizite Beschreibungen – einfach perfekt.
Warnungen: leicht explizite erotische Szenen (Warnungen sind bei mir nicht negativ wertend gemeint, sondern nur ein Hinweis für die Leser, die aus persönlichen Gründen ganz gezielt bestimmte Inhalte vermeiden möchten.)
Grundidee 4,5/5
Schreibstil 5+/5
Spannung 4/5
Emotionen 5/5
Charaktere 5+/5
Liebesgeschichte 5/5
*Fazit:*
4,8 von 5 Sternen
Dieses Buch ist in allen Komponenten (Story, Emotionen, Liebe und Spannung) perfekt abgestimmt. Den kleinen Punktabzug gab es für mich nur, weil ich nicht in diesem Genre lese und aufgrund des Covers mit etwas ganz anderem gerechnet hatte. Daher war es besonders überraschend für mich, dass es mir so gut gefallen hat. Vor allem die beiden Hauptcharaktere und die grandiosen Nebencharaktere haben diese Story für mich zu einem wahren Genuss gemacht. Der locker leichte und humorvolle Schreibstil unterhielt mich sehr und wurde durch genau die richtige Portion Drama in der Liebesbeziehung abgerundet.
Reihe:
Only in Texas
Blame it on Texas
Texas Hold 'Em (erscheint im Februar 2014)
September 19, 2019
My favorite character was the grandmother, but overall, not a bad story though who the murderer was and why the murder occurred were not what I was expecting.
Nicki goes to meet her ex-husband for dinner expecting he wants to reconcile. Although she has her own business, it barely makes ends meet, never mind support herself, her staff, or her grandmother. When he steps out to take a call and doesn't return, she isn't feeling very charitable towards him and tells the waiter that she is going to kill him. When she goes back to her car after having to pay the expensive bill, she finds her ex dead in the trunk of her car and those very words will come back to bite her in the butt. The detective on the case is sure she killed him until his brother, a PI, decides that she is being unjustly accused and decides to help her out. Dallas is sympathetic to anyone accused of a crime after having spent time in jail for the exact same reason. From here on out, the story revolves around Nicki and Dallas' romance, clearing Nicki from a murder rap, solving another case Dallas has been working on, and his brother's romantic efforts to get his wife back. In general, I'm good with a few plotlines in a story, and happy with the way things turned out, but sometimes the story felt like it dragged with so many issues to resolve. The grandmother, Dallas' dad and Dallas' business partners added some humor and common sense to the overall book, not to mention the dog. I love stories with pets. It helped when things felt like they were dragging.
Par for the course, no romance is smooth sailing. After having been burned by friends and his ex-wife when Dallas was accused of killing someone, Dallas isn't keen on another long term relationship and is constantly pointing that out to Nicki. So of course when things start to get serious, his continually putting his foot in his mouth almost costs him the girl. Nicki wasn't chomping at the bit to get into another serious relationship herself, but she didn't throw that in his face as often. Instead, as her grandmother said, she expected things to go wrong so already had one foot out the door. When Dallas gave her a reason to walk out, she didn't hesitate. At this point, we've wrapped up the other 3 plotlines, and this one just took a sledgehammer to get these two to see what everyone else already knew. I'm actually excited to see the business partners meet their matches. All of the characters were fairly likeable, and of course, the guys were hot so of course, they need to meet their future better half next, right?
Nicki goes to meet her ex-husband for dinner expecting he wants to reconcile. Although she has her own business, it barely makes ends meet, never mind support herself, her staff, or her grandmother. When he steps out to take a call and doesn't return, she isn't feeling very charitable towards him and tells the waiter that she is going to kill him. When she goes back to her car after having to pay the expensive bill, she finds her ex dead in the trunk of her car and those very words will come back to bite her in the butt. The detective on the case is sure she killed him until his brother, a PI, decides that she is being unjustly accused and decides to help her out. Dallas is sympathetic to anyone accused of a crime after having spent time in jail for the exact same reason. From here on out, the story revolves around Nicki and Dallas' romance, clearing Nicki from a murder rap, solving another case Dallas has been working on, and his brother's romantic efforts to get his wife back. In general, I'm good with a few plotlines in a story, and happy with the way things turned out, but sometimes the story felt like it dragged with so many issues to resolve. The grandmother, Dallas' dad and Dallas' business partners added some humor and common sense to the overall book, not to mention the dog. I love stories with pets. It helped when things felt like they were dragging.
Par for the course, no romance is smooth sailing. After having been burned by friends and his ex-wife when Dallas was accused of killing someone, Dallas isn't keen on another long term relationship and is constantly pointing that out to Nicki. So of course when things start to get serious, his continually putting his foot in his mouth almost costs him the girl. Nicki wasn't chomping at the bit to get into another serious relationship herself, but she didn't throw that in his face as often. Instead, as her grandmother said, she expected things to go wrong so already had one foot out the door. When Dallas gave her a reason to walk out, she didn't hesitate. At this point, we've wrapped up the other 3 plotlines, and this one just took a sledgehammer to get these two to see what everyone else already knew. I'm actually excited to see the business partners meet their matches. All of the characters were fairly likeable, and of course, the guys were hot so of course, they need to meet their future better half next, right?
November 10, 2011
Wasn't Totally Sold
She didn't do it. Nikki Hunt didn't kill her ex-husband. Sure she was angry at him. And, okay, she may have been overheard - twice - saying something about killing him. He ditched her during a dinner that he had invited her to and stiffed her on the check! And the only reason she was meeting him to begin with was her wretched financial situation. She couldn't afford a candy bar, let alone a five star meal, so yes, she may have muttered under her breath about offing the jerk and those mutters may have been overheard. It isn't like she would ever actually do it. Hell, she didn't even use kill traps on mice!
Try convincing the cops of that, though.
Okay, the facts that his dead body was crammed into her trunk and she was the listed beneficiary for his life insurance were a mite damning, but she didn't do it!
When Dallas O'Conner was a cop, he was set up and did time in prison before his name was cleared. Now he and his two best friends, also former cops sent to prison along with him, are private investigators. It shouldn't be at all surprising that they specialize in investigating cases for the unjustly accused.
Stumbling onto a murder scene with his homicide detective brother Tony and coming face to face with a shaken Nikki was a coincidence. Being puked all over while he was talking to her was just bad luck...that his partners would be tormenting him over forever. Still, he believes her when she says she didn't kill her ex, and there are too many suspicious things going on around her that have to be connected to his murder. In fact, not only is he positive Nikki Hunt didn't kill her ex-husband, he's pretty sure she's in danger from whomever did.
Speaking of pretty... When she's not projectile vomiting all over him, Nikki is definitely all kinds of that, and soon it becomes more than just a job to keep her fine behind out of prison...it may just be his reason for being.
~*~
It didn't take me too long into this latest Craig book to realize I was going to be in the minority with my review. Don't Mess with Texas is certainly classic Craig. It's romantic suspense with plenty of humor and instant, sizzling chemistry between likable characters. It reads easy, with a fast pace and some nice depth of plot provided by a couple of strong ancillary storylines, including a secondary romance thread that had a lot of appeal. Yet despite all that goodness, I had some problems with it.
As much as I enjoyed Nikki and Dallas, they're fairly interchangeable with all the other Craig romantic lead characters I've read: macho manly man gets a rise from weaker female lead who needs a man to help her out/protect her from whatever danger she's gotten herself into. Nothing there to dislike, really, but I prefer a bit more strength and independence in my female lead characters and more equality in the gender roles.
I also wasn't sold on why Dallas' brother Tony was so set on Nikki as the most likely suspect, especially after tallying up the events that occur the night of the murder. Not to mention the doubt caused by sheer logistics and scene evidence. It never seemed feasible, even initially, that the petite Nikki could kill, then physically dump her larger ex into her trunk given her size and without getting any blood on the clothes she was wearing, be cagey enough to ditch the murder weapon, then scream when she "discovered" the body, drawing instant police attention. The ills and imps of that threw off my ability to fully embrace the core of the plot concept.
Beyond that, I struggled with the development of the romance arc throughout the book. Most of the relationship conflict was the result of a lack of communication - not a favorite theme of mine - and there was a lot of waffling from chapter to chapter by both characters regarding the depth of their feelings for each other and the importance of the relationship to each of them. That was especially troublesome in this case, where the characters have known each other for too short a span of time to warrant a relationship longevity issue.
I wish that the secondary plotline between Tony and LeeAnn had been given more room for development. It was one of the high points of the book for me and had a lot of story potential that I would have enjoyed seeing expanded.
Unfortunately, there's something else that's been bothering me about the last few books I've read by Craig, an issue that has had an impact on my rating of this book and my willingness to read others by Craig. This is the sixth romantic suspense I've read by Craig and out of those six books, four of them have included material and/or characters disdaining homosexuality, or using gay stereotypes as punchlines or to infuse humor into various situations. This seeming trend disturbs me on a personal level and fosters an impression of a lack of sensitivity awareness that makes me uncomfortable. In a day and age where children are killing themselves because they're traumatized or hopeless because of their sexuality, macho men threatened by pink couches sort of loses comedic appeal for me. This sort of humor no more appeals to me than racial humor.
I wanted to settle back and enjoy this book for it's lighter-toned suspense and humor, for the hallmark Texas settings and manly men, for the quick and easy read that's pure pleasure. And honestly, even with one or two of the exceptions I mentioned, there were pleasant stretches in which I was able to do so. Craig writes entertaining books. The problems I had with this one may have tarnished the gold for me, but I'm the first one to say that I know I'll be in the vast minority.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Forever publisher Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
She didn't do it. Nikki Hunt didn't kill her ex-husband. Sure she was angry at him. And, okay, she may have been overheard - twice - saying something about killing him. He ditched her during a dinner that he had invited her to and stiffed her on the check! And the only reason she was meeting him to begin with was her wretched financial situation. She couldn't afford a candy bar, let alone a five star meal, so yes, she may have muttered under her breath about offing the jerk and those mutters may have been overheard. It isn't like she would ever actually do it. Hell, she didn't even use kill traps on mice!
Try convincing the cops of that, though.
Okay, the facts that his dead body was crammed into her trunk and she was the listed beneficiary for his life insurance were a mite damning, but she didn't do it!
When Dallas O'Conner was a cop, he was set up and did time in prison before his name was cleared. Now he and his two best friends, also former cops sent to prison along with him, are private investigators. It shouldn't be at all surprising that they specialize in investigating cases for the unjustly accused.
Stumbling onto a murder scene with his homicide detective brother Tony and coming face to face with a shaken Nikki was a coincidence. Being puked all over while he was talking to her was just bad luck...that his partners would be tormenting him over forever. Still, he believes her when she says she didn't kill her ex, and there are too many suspicious things going on around her that have to be connected to his murder. In fact, not only is he positive Nikki Hunt didn't kill her ex-husband, he's pretty sure she's in danger from whomever did.
Speaking of pretty... When she's not projectile vomiting all over him, Nikki is definitely all kinds of that, and soon it becomes more than just a job to keep her fine behind out of prison...it may just be his reason for being.
~*~
It didn't take me too long into this latest Craig book to realize I was going to be in the minority with my review. Don't Mess with Texas is certainly classic Craig. It's romantic suspense with plenty of humor and instant, sizzling chemistry between likable characters. It reads easy, with a fast pace and some nice depth of plot provided by a couple of strong ancillary storylines, including a secondary romance thread that had a lot of appeal. Yet despite all that goodness, I had some problems with it.
As much as I enjoyed Nikki and Dallas, they're fairly interchangeable with all the other Craig romantic lead characters I've read: macho manly man gets a rise from weaker female lead who needs a man to help her out/protect her from whatever danger she's gotten herself into. Nothing there to dislike, really, but I prefer a bit more strength and independence in my female lead characters and more equality in the gender roles.
I also wasn't sold on why Dallas' brother Tony was so set on Nikki as the most likely suspect, especially after tallying up the events that occur the night of the murder. Not to mention the doubt caused by sheer logistics and scene evidence. It never seemed feasible, even initially, that the petite Nikki could kill, then physically dump her larger ex into her trunk given her size and without getting any blood on the clothes she was wearing, be cagey enough to ditch the murder weapon, then scream when she "discovered" the body, drawing instant police attention. The ills and imps of that threw off my ability to fully embrace the core of the plot concept.
Beyond that, I struggled with the development of the romance arc throughout the book. Most of the relationship conflict was the result of a lack of communication - not a favorite theme of mine - and there was a lot of waffling from chapter to chapter by both characters regarding the depth of their feelings for each other and the importance of the relationship to each of them. That was especially troublesome in this case, where the characters have known each other for too short a span of time to warrant a relationship longevity issue.
I wish that the secondary plotline between Tony and LeeAnn had been given more room for development. It was one of the high points of the book for me and had a lot of story potential that I would have enjoyed seeing expanded.
Unfortunately, there's something else that's been bothering me about the last few books I've read by Craig, an issue that has had an impact on my rating of this book and my willingness to read others by Craig. This is the sixth romantic suspense I've read by Craig and out of those six books, four of them have included material and/or characters disdaining homosexuality, or using gay stereotypes as punchlines or to infuse humor into various situations. This seeming trend disturbs me on a personal level and fosters an impression of a lack of sensitivity awareness that makes me uncomfortable. In a day and age where children are killing themselves because they're traumatized or hopeless because of their sexuality, macho men threatened by pink couches sort of loses comedic appeal for me. This sort of humor no more appeals to me than racial humor.
I wanted to settle back and enjoy this book for it's lighter-toned suspense and humor, for the hallmark Texas settings and manly men, for the quick and easy read that's pure pleasure. And honestly, even with one or two of the exceptions I mentioned, there were pleasant stretches in which I was able to do so. Craig writes entertaining books. The problems I had with this one may have tarnished the gold for me, but I'm the first one to say that I know I'll be in the vast minority.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Forever publisher Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
July 11, 2019
The book was not as fun as I wished but it was well enough I want continue this series.
This was the first novel by Christie Craig with several interconnected plot lines. Each plot itself was interesting and had likeable characters but all three together just got too much for me and I wished in the second half of the book they all get to the point and to see if I guessed the perp correctly. Comparing to the other books I read by this author I prefer the single plot books much more and hope very much this was a single experiment this way though looking at the page # of the other two book in this series - especially the last one - I doubt it very much. Still I look forward to continue.
This was the first novel by Christie Craig with several interconnected plot lines. Each plot itself was interesting and had likeable characters but all three together just got too much for me and I wished in the second half of the book they all get to the point and to see if I guessed the perp correctly. Comparing to the other books I read by this author I prefer the single plot books much more and hope very much this was a single experiment this way though looking at the page # of the other two book in this series - especially the last one - I doubt it very much. Still I look forward to continue.
March 7, 2014
"I love you. I love all of you. There’s nothing I don’t love about you. The way you talk to yourself. The way you care about your crazy grandmother and her friends. The way you accept people and make everyone happy. Including me. You make me happy, Nikki. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been happy? Oh, and I love your body. I really love your body." - Dallas O'Connor
Sit down and get ready, ladies, for the ride of your life! Christie Craig's PI trio is here to rock your socks off - in the most fabulous and hilarious way possible!
Dallas O'Connor has been misjudged and betrayed before - the first makes him want to protect Nikki Hunter and prove she's innocent, the second has him trying to keep his heart from falling for her angelic looks and kind soul. Nikki, on the other hand, has way too much on her plate already to be looking for her kind of forever in the sexy PI's arms. She's the main suspect in her ex husband's murder case, she is flat broke, and her sexual life is so not something anyone would envy... What's a girl to do when her heart and mind are at war with each other? And who DID kill Jack Leon, anyway?
Christie Craig took what could have been a typical romance born during a murder investigation, twisted it, and turned it into one of the hottest suspense romances. Her plot is a cliché, used many times, and told twice as much. Boy is a private investigator or cop, girl gets accused of something she hasn't done. Boy defends her and fights to prove her innocense. Boy and girl fall in love. We've all read it or watched it at least once in our lives - especially us women, something about a big, manly detective protecting us clicks in our feminine hearts, no matter how tough we say we are, don't you think?
Even so, her approach on the matter was delightufl, and rather refreshing. While her main male leads are all roughened up from the betrayal they've faced and the cruelty of the world around them, they still take the time to show they're actually very humane, and that, above all, they're still three MALE FRIENDS. Why am I putting emphasis on those two words? Well, let's just say that the banters between those three were precious! I even have them memorized!
Dallas was admittedly not my favourite of the three. Not that he wasn't dreamy or anything - God, the man sure knew how to talk to make even a reader's panties go to hell, not just Nikki's - but he lacked that something that could have done me in. I had to give it to him, he was sweet, and protective, and all pure male, but honestly, his motto sucked. I understand where he's coming from, I really do - hell, I would have deprived myself from any interractions with the opposite gender if I had been through what he had - , but one would have to be blind not to see how Nikki was feeling. And okay, even if it wasn't obvious on her part, saying all those things in front of her every time was very hurtful. I mean, sure, you're not certain of your footing with relationships, because you've been burned, but this gives you no reason to deny things between you and Nikki so vehemently when someone asks you - IN FRONT OF HER! It doesn't take a genius to know she will one day have enough and leave your sweet ass.
As for Nikki, if you haven't already guessed on my rant above on how stupid Dallas's actions were, then I'll tell you right now - I loved her! She was cute, and I could sympathize with her, and unlike Dallas, she wasn't trying to hold him away emotionally while humping his sexy body. She had morals, and her kindness was beyond enough to make me melt and care for her. And despite what everyone said, I was all in for her wanting to keep her distance from Dallas. Alright, she was hurt in the past and shouldn't think all men are the same, but she was still far better in my list than the PI - I just can't get over the vulgar way he treated the whole thing between them, I guess...
But the amazing parts of the story weren't reserved only for the main couple. Turns out Mrs. Craig has quite the talent in telling two love stories - at the same time! So, Dallas's big brother, Tony, and his distanced wife, LeAnn, were also trying to make things work between them - and damn me, it was so sweet and so right, I wish all marriages could get as good as theirs. The good thing about it was that both love stories were fantastic, and actually shared the book successfully, without the main couple stealing the glory from the secondary one, and vice versa. Two in the price of one!
Ellen was a wonderful main heroine's best friend, too, even if she didn't get enough "screen time" - who am I kidding, that morphine-induced monologue on how she would jump Tony's bones or, hell, Rick's, will forever stay ingrained in my mind! Speaking of Rick, who wants to bet this seemingly chauvinistic pig is actually a big bad softie? Oh, and don't forget Nana - ok, a question here, why do the crazy grandmas always bring out the most laughs? I see a literal pattern here, hmmm...
So, you want your fair dose of suspense, plot twists, and a good whodunnit love story? Look no further, because Don't Mess with Texas is just the series opener you need - and really, who would want to miss out on a two-in-one deal in romance, anyway?
Find this and other reviews on:http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Sit down and get ready, ladies, for the ride of your life! Christie Craig's PI trio is here to rock your socks off - in the most fabulous and hilarious way possible!
Dallas O'Connor has been misjudged and betrayed before - the first makes him want to protect Nikki Hunter and prove she's innocent, the second has him trying to keep his heart from falling for her angelic looks and kind soul. Nikki, on the other hand, has way too much on her plate already to be looking for her kind of forever in the sexy PI's arms. She's the main suspect in her ex husband's murder case, she is flat broke, and her sexual life is so not something anyone would envy... What's a girl to do when her heart and mind are at war with each other? And who DID kill Jack Leon, anyway?
Christie Craig took what could have been a typical romance born during a murder investigation, twisted it, and turned it into one of the hottest suspense romances. Her plot is a cliché, used many times, and told twice as much. Boy is a private investigator or cop, girl gets accused of something she hasn't done. Boy defends her and fights to prove her innocense. Boy and girl fall in love. We've all read it or watched it at least once in our lives - especially us women, something about a big, manly detective protecting us clicks in our feminine hearts, no matter how tough we say we are, don't you think?
Even so, her approach on the matter was delightufl, and rather refreshing. While her main male leads are all roughened up from the betrayal they've faced and the cruelty of the world around them, they still take the time to show they're actually very humane, and that, above all, they're still three MALE FRIENDS. Why am I putting emphasis on those two words? Well, let's just say that the banters between those three were precious! I even have them memorized!
Dallas was admittedly not my favourite of the three. Not that he wasn't dreamy or anything - God, the man sure knew how to talk to make even a reader's panties go to hell, not just Nikki's - but he lacked that something that could have done me in. I had to give it to him, he was sweet, and protective, and all pure male, but honestly, his motto sucked. I understand where he's coming from, I really do - hell, I would have deprived myself from any interractions with the opposite gender if I had been through what he had - , but one would have to be blind not to see how Nikki was feeling. And okay, even if it wasn't obvious on her part, saying all those things in front of her every time was very hurtful. I mean, sure, you're not certain of your footing with relationships, because you've been burned, but this gives you no reason to deny things between you and Nikki so vehemently when someone asks you - IN FRONT OF HER! It doesn't take a genius to know she will one day have enough and leave your sweet ass.
As for Nikki, if you haven't already guessed on my rant above on how stupid Dallas's actions were, then I'll tell you right now - I loved her! She was cute, and I could sympathize with her, and unlike Dallas, she wasn't trying to hold him away emotionally while humping his sexy body. She had morals, and her kindness was beyond enough to make me melt and care for her. And despite what everyone said, I was all in for her wanting to keep her distance from Dallas. Alright, she was hurt in the past and shouldn't think all men are the same, but she was still far better in my list than the PI - I just can't get over the vulgar way he treated the whole thing between them, I guess...
But the amazing parts of the story weren't reserved only for the main couple. Turns out Mrs. Craig has quite the talent in telling two love stories - at the same time! So, Dallas's big brother, Tony, and his distanced wife, LeAnn, were also trying to make things work between them - and damn me, it was so sweet and so right, I wish all marriages could get as good as theirs. The good thing about it was that both love stories were fantastic, and actually shared the book successfully, without the main couple stealing the glory from the secondary one, and vice versa. Two in the price of one!
Ellen was a wonderful main heroine's best friend, too, even if she didn't get enough "screen time" - who am I kidding, that morphine-induced monologue on how she would jump Tony's bones or, hell, Rick's, will forever stay ingrained in my mind! Speaking of Rick, who wants to bet this seemingly chauvinistic pig is actually a big bad softie? Oh, and don't forget Nana - ok, a question here, why do the crazy grandmas always bring out the most laughs? I see a literal pattern here, hmmm...
So, you want your fair dose of suspense, plot twists, and a good whodunnit love story? Look no further, because Don't Mess with Texas is just the series opener you need - and really, who would want to miss out on a two-in-one deal in romance, anyway?
Find this and other reviews on:http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
May 3, 2021
As always Christie is funny as...well, you know. Her humor comes out of nowhere and catches you off guard. I love this author! This book mixes a little mystery, suspense, sexy private investigators with quirky heroines. What's not to love?
September 21, 2011
Glancing at the check, she muttered, "I'm going to kill him!"
"Kill who?" the waiter asked.
"Who do you think?"
One minute Nikki Hunt was telling anyone who'd listen that she wanted to kill her ex-husband who'd stuck her with the bill at an expensive restaurant, and the next she found him dead in the trunk of her car. Have you ever wanted a do over?
Earlier that evening, Nikki had met with her ex to discuss the possibility of reconciling, but before they could get into any discussion Jack, Nikki's ex, had left the table to take a phone call. He never returned, leaving Nikki with the bill. Now the primary suspect for her ex's death, she needs to prove she didn't do it. Luckily for her, the man whom she'd recently tossed up some of her expensive meal on took pity on her and decided to help her. Dallas, a private investigator, decided after talking with her that she was innocent. Ironically, minutes before he'd made a bet that she was guilty of murder. With little more than a gut feeling to go on, he'll have to find out who else might have wanted Jack Leon dead. Did I mention Dallas' brother, Tony, is the cop investigating the murder?
First of all, let me say I just loved Ms. Craig's writing style. It has a certain charm that makes it delightful to read. The story was lighthearted and had me grinning from ear to ear. The characters were likeable and easy to relate to. The instantaneous attraction between Dallas and Nikki was fun to see, especially from Dallas' point of view. His thoughts cracked me up and had me wondering if that is really how men think. I wouldn't be surprised. An example would be of him going through Nikki's apartment. As he's checking to see if the person who broke into the apartment is still there, he can't help picturing her taking a shower or in her in the bed as he goes through room by room. Talk about a one track mind.
I loved how Nikki tried to resist Dallas' advances. She felt she should keep their relationship strictly platonic. I liked how she kept teetering between whether she should or shouldn't give in to him.
I also enjoyed the secondary romance of Tony, Dallas' brother, and his wife, LeAnn, who've been separated. The way Tony attempted to seduce his way back into his wife's life made me laugh. You couldn't help but like him.
Wondering why the book is called, 'Don't Mess With Texas'? It's because that's the name of Dallas' PI firm.
If you're looking for a book to put you in a good mood, then I highly recommend this one. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a Steam rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed and are grinning from ear to ear. Overall, I gave it 5 out of 5 roses. I felt it had the perfect blend of romance, humor, and mystery.
To read a Q&A with Ms. Craig, enter a giveaway for this book (now through September 25th), and read more of my reviews please visit my blog at: http://www.seducedbyabook.com/2011/09...
"Kill who?" the waiter asked.
"Who do you think?"
One minute Nikki Hunt was telling anyone who'd listen that she wanted to kill her ex-husband who'd stuck her with the bill at an expensive restaurant, and the next she found him dead in the trunk of her car. Have you ever wanted a do over?
Earlier that evening, Nikki had met with her ex to discuss the possibility of reconciling, but before they could get into any discussion Jack, Nikki's ex, had left the table to take a phone call. He never returned, leaving Nikki with the bill. Now the primary suspect for her ex's death, she needs to prove she didn't do it. Luckily for her, the man whom she'd recently tossed up some of her expensive meal on took pity on her and decided to help her. Dallas, a private investigator, decided after talking with her that she was innocent. Ironically, minutes before he'd made a bet that she was guilty of murder. With little more than a gut feeling to go on, he'll have to find out who else might have wanted Jack Leon dead. Did I mention Dallas' brother, Tony, is the cop investigating the murder?
First of all, let me say I just loved Ms. Craig's writing style. It has a certain charm that makes it delightful to read. The story was lighthearted and had me grinning from ear to ear. The characters were likeable and easy to relate to. The instantaneous attraction between Dallas and Nikki was fun to see, especially from Dallas' point of view. His thoughts cracked me up and had me wondering if that is really how men think. I wouldn't be surprised. An example would be of him going through Nikki's apartment. As he's checking to see if the person who broke into the apartment is still there, he can't help picturing her taking a shower or in her in the bed as he goes through room by room. Talk about a one track mind.
I loved how Nikki tried to resist Dallas' advances. She felt she should keep their relationship strictly platonic. I liked how she kept teetering between whether she should or shouldn't give in to him.
I also enjoyed the secondary romance of Tony, Dallas' brother, and his wife, LeAnn, who've been separated. The way Tony attempted to seduce his way back into his wife's life made me laugh. You couldn't help but like him.
Wondering why the book is called, 'Don't Mess With Texas'? It's because that's the name of Dallas' PI firm.
If you're looking for a book to put you in a good mood, then I highly recommend this one. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a Steam rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed and are grinning from ear to ear. Overall, I gave it 5 out of 5 roses. I felt it had the perfect blend of romance, humor, and mystery.
To read a Q&A with Ms. Craig, enter a giveaway for this book (now through September 25th), and read more of my reviews please visit my blog at: http://www.seducedbyabook.com/2011/09...
September 19, 2011
Nikki Hunt is not in love with her ex-husband. Not even if it will help her out of her financial difficulties. She's agreed to meet him for dinner but decides she will absolutely not get back together with him. Once she gets there, however, he's distracted and on the phone. He tells her he needs a wife to move up in the law firm he works for, then when he gets another call, he goes outside to take it. Nikki waits....and waits....and waits. She realizes she's stuck with a bill that she can't afford, and she's pissed. She leaves the restaurant, runs out to buy some medicine for her upset stomach, pops the trunk to her car, and finds her husband inside - dead.
Dallas O'Connor is a private investigator. He takes on cases of people who he believes are unjustly accused of the crimes they're being charged with. With each case, it's personal - Dallas was wrongly convicted and sent to prison with two friends. Once their conviction was overturned, the three friends started Don't Mess with Texas Private Investigations. Dallas is with his brother Tony, a cop, when Tony gets a call about a murder scene right around the corner. Dallas heads over with Tony, and begins to think Nikki Hunt may need his services...
My thoughts:
Don't Mess With Texas was not at all what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. Based on the title and the cover, I thought it would be a Cowboy Romance, but it's not. Don't Mess With Texas is a funny, sexy, sweet and sometimes wistful Contemporary Romance. Although they meet under dubious circumstances (trust me, you don't want to be eating when you start this book) the attraction between Nikki and Dallas is hot. I like that they fight it though, and try to concentrate on clearing Nikki from the top of the suspect list in her ex-husband's murder. Several times I went back and forth trying to decide "whodunit"; and in the end, I guessed wrong, lol.
Ms. Craig paces the story well, there's a nice flow between the plot and the romance, as well as the secondary storyline of Dallas' brother Tony. Tony and his wife LeAnn are having problems, and reading their attempts at moving on from tragedy was both sweet and heartbreaking - the events on page 414 brought tears to my eyes.
The cast of secondary characters is varied and entertaining: In addition to Tyler and Austin, Dallas' partners in Don't Mess with Texas Private Investigators, there's Nikki's grandmother, Nana, is a wild woman who speaks her mind and protects Nikki like a bear protects her cub; Nikki's friend and co-worker Ellen, who has a hysterical scene in the hospital wherein she propositions the male healthcare workers and cops who come in to her hospital room to question her; Dallas' client, Nance, a young man accused of murder, and last but not least, Dallas' gassy dog Bud.
This is my first ready by Christie Craig and I intend to read more, I thoroughly enjoyed Don't Mess With Texas and recommend it to anyone looking for a read that's got an interesting plot, steamy scenes and a sense of humor.
Dallas O'Connor is a private investigator. He takes on cases of people who he believes are unjustly accused of the crimes they're being charged with. With each case, it's personal - Dallas was wrongly convicted and sent to prison with two friends. Once their conviction was overturned, the three friends started Don't Mess with Texas Private Investigations. Dallas is with his brother Tony, a cop, when Tony gets a call about a murder scene right around the corner. Dallas heads over with Tony, and begins to think Nikki Hunt may need his services...
My thoughts:
Don't Mess With Texas was not at all what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. Based on the title and the cover, I thought it would be a Cowboy Romance, but it's not. Don't Mess With Texas is a funny, sexy, sweet and sometimes wistful Contemporary Romance. Although they meet under dubious circumstances (trust me, you don't want to be eating when you start this book) the attraction between Nikki and Dallas is hot. I like that they fight it though, and try to concentrate on clearing Nikki from the top of the suspect list in her ex-husband's murder. Several times I went back and forth trying to decide "whodunit"; and in the end, I guessed wrong, lol.
Ms. Craig paces the story well, there's a nice flow between the plot and the romance, as well as the secondary storyline of Dallas' brother Tony. Tony and his wife LeAnn are having problems, and reading their attempts at moving on from tragedy was both sweet and heartbreaking - the events on page 414 brought tears to my eyes.
The cast of secondary characters is varied and entertaining: In addition to Tyler and Austin, Dallas' partners in Don't Mess with Texas Private Investigators, there's Nikki's grandmother, Nana, is a wild woman who speaks her mind and protects Nikki like a bear protects her cub; Nikki's friend and co-worker Ellen, who has a hysterical scene in the hospital wherein she propositions the male healthcare workers and cops who come in to her hospital room to question her; Dallas' client, Nance, a young man accused of murder, and last but not least, Dallas' gassy dog Bud.
This is my first ready by Christie Craig and I intend to read more, I thoroughly enjoyed Don't Mess With Texas and recommend it to anyone looking for a read that's got an interesting plot, steamy scenes and a sense of humor.
January 4, 2016
A wonderfully light read. It has romance a bit of a mystery, and some humor thrown in. Christie Craig adds another great work to her growing stack of success.
Summary:
Nikki Hunt thought she could go back to her no good, lying, cheating ex-husband, but upon seeing him in the restaurant they were meeting at, she quickly changed her mind. She probably wouldn't have even entertained the thought if she didn't need money to help pay for her Nana's cable. Her struggling art gallery isn't bringing in a whole lot, but she's determined to make everything better. Her ex, Jack, is a snooty lawyer who wants a wife on his arm for a promotion at work. His cheating and subsequent divorce could have ruined him. Nikki is further reminded of why she can't be with Jack when he attempts to dictate her behavior, what she eats and what she drinks. Te last straw is when he leaves Nikki with the check (she most definitely can't afford), and walks without a word. Plotting how best she can kill him, Nikki starts home, but starts feeling sick. When she stops at a gas station for medicine, she vomits into her grocery bag. Not wanting to ride home with the smell, she decides to put it in the trunk. She wasn't expecting to come face to face with the vacant eyes of her ex, Jack, in her trunk. Dallas O'Connor was having dinner with his brother next door to the convenience store when his homicide detective brother, Tony, gets the call. He decides to tag along, being an ex-cop himself. Although quick to judge that the ex-wife is guilty, he knows what its like to be unjustly accused of a crime (him and his PI partners, Tyler and Austin, were wrongly accused of and arrested for murder and stealing drugs). After meeting the sweet, beautiful Nikki, he decides to put his PI firm on the case to prove her innocence. It may also have something to do with the little spark he got from barely touching her. Nikki is terrified, she's sick, has a stranger offering his services on the case, and is a lead suspect in a murder. On top of all that, she finds that her best friend was attacked and badly injured while at the gallery. She doesn't understand whats happening, but decides to lean on Dallas in the meantime. Through a series of scary experiences, Nikki comes closer to Dallas. They are both scared, both having been hurt in the past, but can't seem to stop themselves. The race is on to find a killer before they get to Nikki or she is arrested for a murder she didn't commit. While trying to keep Nikki safe and his hormones in check, Dallas has a young kid to clear of robbery and a dog custody battle with his ex-wife, who also wants his body, to maneuver. Can Dallas and Nikki move on from a painful past before its too late and they lose the best thing thats happened in their lives?
There was a lot going on in this book. We had Dallas and Nikki's story, but we also had Tony and LeAnne's story. The supporting cast played a large roll in this book, and it was all seamlessly interwoven to create a great book. Cant wait to read Tyler's story, and Austin's isn't coming out fast enough. <3
Summary:
Nikki Hunt thought she could go back to her no good, lying, cheating ex-husband, but upon seeing him in the restaurant they were meeting at, she quickly changed her mind. She probably wouldn't have even entertained the thought if she didn't need money to help pay for her Nana's cable. Her struggling art gallery isn't bringing in a whole lot, but she's determined to make everything better. Her ex, Jack, is a snooty lawyer who wants a wife on his arm for a promotion at work. His cheating and subsequent divorce could have ruined him. Nikki is further reminded of why she can't be with Jack when he attempts to dictate her behavior, what she eats and what she drinks. Te last straw is when he leaves Nikki with the check (she most definitely can't afford), and walks without a word. Plotting how best she can kill him, Nikki starts home, but starts feeling sick. When she stops at a gas station for medicine, she vomits into her grocery bag. Not wanting to ride home with the smell, she decides to put it in the trunk. She wasn't expecting to come face to face with the vacant eyes of her ex, Jack, in her trunk. Dallas O'Connor was having dinner with his brother next door to the convenience store when his homicide detective brother, Tony, gets the call. He decides to tag along, being an ex-cop himself. Although quick to judge that the ex-wife is guilty, he knows what its like to be unjustly accused of a crime (him and his PI partners, Tyler and Austin, were wrongly accused of and arrested for murder and stealing drugs). After meeting the sweet, beautiful Nikki, he decides to put his PI firm on the case to prove her innocence. It may also have something to do with the little spark he got from barely touching her. Nikki is terrified, she's sick, has a stranger offering his services on the case, and is a lead suspect in a murder. On top of all that, she finds that her best friend was attacked and badly injured while at the gallery. She doesn't understand whats happening, but decides to lean on Dallas in the meantime. Through a series of scary experiences, Nikki comes closer to Dallas. They are both scared, both having been hurt in the past, but can't seem to stop themselves. The race is on to find a killer before they get to Nikki or she is arrested for a murder she didn't commit. While trying to keep Nikki safe and his hormones in check, Dallas has a young kid to clear of robbery and a dog custody battle with his ex-wife, who also wants his body, to maneuver. Can Dallas and Nikki move on from a painful past before its too late and they lose the best thing thats happened in their lives?
There was a lot going on in this book. We had Dallas and Nikki's story, but we also had Tony and LeAnne's story. The supporting cast played a large roll in this book, and it was all seamlessly interwoven to create a great book. Cant wait to read Tyler's story, and Austin's isn't coming out fast enough. <3
September 26, 2011
Dallas O’Connor is a former cop who went to jail for a murder he didn’t commit and whose wife left him in the process. Now he runs a PI business, Don’t Mess with Texas, with two other former officers that were framed along with him. Together they hunt down the man responsible for their incarceration and help those who might be unjustly accused as well.
Nikki Hunt is a divorced artist and gallery owner down on her luck financially. When her cheating ex-husband calls her up asking to meet him for dinner she decides that she might be able to stomach getting back together with him in order to have some money and be able to pay her grandmother’s cable bill. But when he seemingly walks away and sticks her with the $200.00 dinner check Nikki reconsiders, only to find out that she has bigger problems then her financial woes when she finds her ex-husband dead in the trunk of her car.
Out to dinner with his brother, Detective Tony O’Connor, Dallas tags along when he’s called in on a homicide case. Seeing the evidence before the suspect Dallas jumps to the conclusion that this woman must be guilty, but when he comes face to face with the sexy Nikki Hunt he knows that there is no way she is capable of murder and decides to help her. Even after she throws up on him, twice! Now they must find out who hated Jack Leon enough to kill him before the real murderer finds Nikki. As the plot thickens though, so does Dallas and Nikki’s passion for each other; will they be able to let go of past hurts to find a future of love?
Don’t Mess with Texas was a delight to read and had me smiling the whole time!
A fast moving plot with witty dialogue makes the perfect contemporary romance and Christie Craig’s writing style delivers this in spades! I loved the main couple of Dallas and Nikki; both characters were full and rich while their relationship and journey to it was believable. With a romance that was light-hearted but still overflowing with emotion and suspense.
I was glued to the pages trying to figure out who the real murderer of Nikki’s ex-husband was and am happy to say that I had no clue until almost the very end. Laugh-out-load humor was sprinkled into every page with Dallas’ two sexy partners, Nikki’s nana and the Ol’ Timers gang and a dog named Bud with bad gas who likes to nap in a coffin. All of which who were intriguing side characters that added wonderful dimension to the overall story. Don’t Mess with Texas was a real feel-good read.
Besides the main plot of Dallas and Nikki’s romance and murder mystery there is also a heart-tugging sub-plot of Dallas’ brother, Tony, and his estranged wife that brought me to tears and just made me fall in love with this book even more.
Don’t Mess with Texas was a fabulous first time read for me from author Christie Craig and I look forward to the next two stories in this series featuring Dallas’ partners, Austin and Tyler!
Nikki Hunt is a divorced artist and gallery owner down on her luck financially. When her cheating ex-husband calls her up asking to meet him for dinner she decides that she might be able to stomach getting back together with him in order to have some money and be able to pay her grandmother’s cable bill. But when he seemingly walks away and sticks her with the $200.00 dinner check Nikki reconsiders, only to find out that she has bigger problems then her financial woes when she finds her ex-husband dead in the trunk of her car.
Out to dinner with his brother, Detective Tony O’Connor, Dallas tags along when he’s called in on a homicide case. Seeing the evidence before the suspect Dallas jumps to the conclusion that this woman must be guilty, but when he comes face to face with the sexy Nikki Hunt he knows that there is no way she is capable of murder and decides to help her. Even after she throws up on him, twice! Now they must find out who hated Jack Leon enough to kill him before the real murderer finds Nikki. As the plot thickens though, so does Dallas and Nikki’s passion for each other; will they be able to let go of past hurts to find a future of love?
Don’t Mess with Texas was a delight to read and had me smiling the whole time!
A fast moving plot with witty dialogue makes the perfect contemporary romance and Christie Craig’s writing style delivers this in spades! I loved the main couple of Dallas and Nikki; both characters were full and rich while their relationship and journey to it was believable. With a romance that was light-hearted but still overflowing with emotion and suspense.
I was glued to the pages trying to figure out who the real murderer of Nikki’s ex-husband was and am happy to say that I had no clue until almost the very end. Laugh-out-load humor was sprinkled into every page with Dallas’ two sexy partners, Nikki’s nana and the Ol’ Timers gang and a dog named Bud with bad gas who likes to nap in a coffin. All of which who were intriguing side characters that added wonderful dimension to the overall story. Don’t Mess with Texas was a real feel-good read.
Besides the main plot of Dallas and Nikki’s romance and murder mystery there is also a heart-tugging sub-plot of Dallas’ brother, Tony, and his estranged wife that brought me to tears and just made me fall in love with this book even more.
Don’t Mess with Texas was a fabulous first time read for me from author Christie Craig and I look forward to the next two stories in this series featuring Dallas’ partners, Austin and Tyler!
September 13, 2011
DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS by Christie Craig
09/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 464 pages
Are you willing to take a chance and bet that our love will lead to everlasting?
When you are standing in front of the most gorgeous man, you have ever seen the last thing you want to do is puke on him, twice. However, Nikki Hunt is not your ordinary girl and having just found her ex-husband in the trunk of her car murdered her throwing up on anyone is the least of her worries.
Dallas O’Connor is the kind of man that knows better than to judge a case by its obvious evidence and he sees allot of things in Nikki but murderer is not one of them. He and his two best friends were falsely accused and imprisoned due to quick decisions to close a case. Now they fight for the underdog and find a way to free the innocent while tracking down the person that wrongly sent them to prison. Right now, he sees Nikki and while getting her off on the charges is his first priority he does think freeing her of her clothing might be his second, but he can keep business and pleasure separate right?
Nikki and Dallas discover that someone believes she knows a secret they do not want revealed at any cost. The mysterious person has no issue using violence against anyone that is going to stop him or her from the search for what Nikki has. While Nikki had no on-going relationship with her ex-husband, apparently she has something of his that is so important she needs to die over it. Whatever this mysterious something is Dallas is going to figure it out, immediately and keep Nikki safe in his arms. The only obstacle to his solving the case is his brother the police officer trying to convict her and Dallas himself if he cannot concentrate on solving the problem and stop thinking about the delightful time he wants to have with Nikki sans clothing of course.
With a slow burning relationship brewing between them, family surrounding them with unasked for opinions, and a murderer lurking behind them what is to stop Dallas and Nikki from falling in love?
This book hits on every level of a romance reader wish list. You have a great set of main characters, secondary characters with their own stories that add so much to the book, and a mystery to solve. Read this book and remember what it is like to let go of past pain and say hello to a future of love and happiness. Big sigh goes here!
09/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 464 pages
Are you willing to take a chance and bet that our love will lead to everlasting?
When you are standing in front of the most gorgeous man, you have ever seen the last thing you want to do is puke on him, twice. However, Nikki Hunt is not your ordinary girl and having just found her ex-husband in the trunk of her car murdered her throwing up on anyone is the least of her worries.
Dallas O’Connor is the kind of man that knows better than to judge a case by its obvious evidence and he sees allot of things in Nikki but murderer is not one of them. He and his two best friends were falsely accused and imprisoned due to quick decisions to close a case. Now they fight for the underdog and find a way to free the innocent while tracking down the person that wrongly sent them to prison. Right now, he sees Nikki and while getting her off on the charges is his first priority he does think freeing her of her clothing might be his second, but he can keep business and pleasure separate right?
Nikki and Dallas discover that someone believes she knows a secret they do not want revealed at any cost. The mysterious person has no issue using violence against anyone that is going to stop him or her from the search for what Nikki has. While Nikki had no on-going relationship with her ex-husband, apparently she has something of his that is so important she needs to die over it. Whatever this mysterious something is Dallas is going to figure it out, immediately and keep Nikki safe in his arms. The only obstacle to his solving the case is his brother the police officer trying to convict her and Dallas himself if he cannot concentrate on solving the problem and stop thinking about the delightful time he wants to have with Nikki sans clothing of course.
With a slow burning relationship brewing between them, family surrounding them with unasked for opinions, and a murderer lurking behind them what is to stop Dallas and Nikki from falling in love?
This book hits on every level of a romance reader wish list. You have a great set of main characters, secondary characters with their own stories that add so much to the book, and a mystery to solve. Read this book and remember what it is like to let go of past pain and say hello to a future of love and happiness. Big sigh goes here!
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