Crazy for You

by Claire Applewhite

Love at first sight: is it poison or candy? Up till now, Daniel Hunter has been one lucky man; his life, a dream come true. His whirlwind marriage to Bunny Dingwerth, the sole heiress to the Dingwerth fortune, unlocked the doors to wealth and privilege. But when the glamorous Venezuelan model Leila Bolivar enters the exclusive Cinnabar club, Dan's plans suddenly change. He becomes obsessed and hopelessly smitten with her, and unfortunately, he is not alone. Dan's father-in-law and employer, Giles Dingwerth, also knows Leila. In fact, they've been involved for many years. Now Leila appears to be returning Dan's interest, but how can he keep Giles from finding out? They are both crazy for her. With the help of the family chauffeur, a hotel concierge, and numerous other quirky characters, fans of farce and romance will enjoy watching Dan pay for the love of a lifetime.

157 pages, ebook

First published April 6, 2010

About the author

Claire Applewhite is a graduate of St. Louis University, (AB, Communications, MBA), Mercantile Leadership Program for Women. A participant in the Writers Institute at Washington University, and freelance writer—Healthy Cells magazine, House of Style magazine, reporter for Patch.com.

Published works: The Wrong Side of Memphis, Moonlight Becomes You So (2009), Crazy For You (2010), St. Louis Hustle, Candy Cadillac (2011). Website: www.Claireapplewhite.com, radio and television interviews available.

Immediate Past President, Missouri Writers Guild, Board member of Midwest Chapter, Mystery Writers of America. Member, St. Louis Metropolitan Press Club, St. Louis Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, Ozark Writers League and Active Status member, Mystery Writers of America.

Reviews

[Claire]

Shirley K. Murray is a writer living in University City, Missouri.

Dan Hunter knows what it's like to fall instantly in love. From the moment the Venezuelan model Leila walks into his country club "with her dark hair, dark, almond-shaped eyes, and sensuous mouth" (reminding him of Ava Gardner, his favorite movie star from the '40s) he is smitten. He is obsessed. He is also married.

"Crazy for You" is a steady and at-times-amusing mix of French farce and chick-lit. Dan is married to Bunny Dingwerth, a spoiled heiress and airhead who punctuates every vacuous utterance with a pout or a giggle. Her father, Giles Dingwerth, provides Dan with financial support and is his employer as well. (He makes Dan vice president of "something.") And, as we quickly learn, Giles is having a passionate affair with the beauteous Leila.

What follows is a light comedy of errors. Fortunately for Dan, his ardor is reciprocated by Leila, who falls for his rugged good looks, his irresistible smile (which reminds her of Tom Cruise) and his suntan. But how can he and Giles avoid a collision?

Dan needs help and quickly enlists the services of the family chauffeur and a hotel concierge to keep track of Giles. Filling out the cast is a phalanx of mischief-makers, including a parking lot attendant, a hairdresser, a bar owner and a gossip columnist, all mixing and matching their own tangled romances.

But the core issue remains. How can Dan and Giles deal with their increasingly demanding wives? And who will win the seductive Leila?

The author, a graduate of St. Louis University, sets her story in this city. However, there are no local references other than a mention of the Arch. This book is undemanding and moderately racy. Wait for warm weather and take it to the beach.

Shirley K. Murray is a writer living in University City.