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A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action
Macy's chance for love is slipping from her fingers. College football coach Luke Carter has a penchant for hot-bodied babes, not curvy hairdressers like Macy. And some big-time schools may be luring him away. Then a country singing star's hair emergency turns into a big break for Macy.
Making it in Nashville boosts Macy's confidence, but when Luke interviews for a job at a local university, she'll have to put up or shut up-or lose him forever?
Making it in Nashville boosts Macy's confidence, but when Luke interviews for a job at a local university, she'll have to put up or shut up-or lose him forever?
283 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
9 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Luann McLane
43 books302 followersLuAnn McLane writes sexy contemporary romance with a touch of sass and humor. Published in 2003, her novels have appeared on bestselling lists including USA Today, Nielsen BookScan, Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Her books have been featured selections for Rhapsody and Doubleday Book clubs. A love of country music led her to a collaboration with superstar Wynonna Judd with the novel Restless Heart. A member of RWA, she conducts workshops on a local and national level and connects with readers on social media. She divides her time between Kentucky, Florida and Arizona and when she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys cooking, beachcombing and spending time with friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 22, 2008
Written in the first person, present tense, this book felt awkward to me. If the story would have been outstanding, it might not have bothered me, but much of the dialogue was slightly cheesy so the whole book just felt a little bit off to me. The characters were likeable, but since the book was written from the heroine's first person perspective, I felt like I never knew enough of what the hero was thinking or feeling. The hero's painful past was alluded to but never really explained in detail, so I guess I should have read the previous book, Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots first. I didn't dislike this book, but I am not certain that I enjoyed it enough to give the author another try.
Macy McCoy has had a longterm crush on her best friend's brother, but she believes that Luke Carter is out of her league. After spending a large quantity of time together while preparing for his sister's wedding, Luke seems to show signs of interest in Macy. Macy is afraid that she is mistaken, so she is wary of signaling her interest and being embarrassed. The two finally end up spending an intimate evening together, but they are both facing career decisions that are not conducive to beginning a relationship. Macy is a small town Kentucky hairstylist whose options widen when a famous country music singer comes to her with a hair emergency. The singer offers Macy a job, and it appears that if she moves to Nashville, there will be other opportunities to further her career. Luke, a football coach for their hometown, is interviewing for college football coaching jobs, and is afraid he will relocate to a distant location. Luke and Macy both have to decide what is most important in their lives.
Along with the first person, present tense point of view, there were other things that bothered me in this book. The constant high-fives that the adults engaged in during this book became quickly annoying. If it is as common as this book makes it seem, I am apparently spending time in the wrong places. I would have liked to see the hero and heroine spend more time together in the book. The heroine spent time described in detail with country music celebrities and a food channel chef when I would have much rather read about the developing relationship between the main characters. There were some cute parts to this story, but they did not overcome the problems that I had with the book.
Macy McCoy has had a longterm crush on her best friend's brother, but she believes that Luke Carter is out of her league. After spending a large quantity of time together while preparing for his sister's wedding, Luke seems to show signs of interest in Macy. Macy is afraid that she is mistaken, so she is wary of signaling her interest and being embarrassed. The two finally end up spending an intimate evening together, but they are both facing career decisions that are not conducive to beginning a relationship. Macy is a small town Kentucky hairstylist whose options widen when a famous country music singer comes to her with a hair emergency. The singer offers Macy a job, and it appears that if she moves to Nashville, there will be other opportunities to further her career. Luke, a football coach for their hometown, is interviewing for college football coaching jobs, and is afraid he will relocate to a distant location. Luke and Macy both have to decide what is most important in their lives.
Along with the first person, present tense point of view, there were other things that bothered me in this book. The constant high-fives that the adults engaged in during this book became quickly annoying. If it is as common as this book makes it seem, I am apparently spending time in the wrong places. I would have liked to see the hero and heroine spend more time together in the book. The heroine spent time described in detail with country music celebrities and a food channel chef when I would have much rather read about the developing relationship between the main characters. There were some cute parts to this story, but they did not overcome the problems that I had with the book.
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October 24, 2017If you like small town southern romances, then this is the book for you--especially if you need something that's not too, too angsty in these trying times. Basically Macy has always had a crush on Luke, but then she gets a chance to go on and do bigger things just as he's realizing he has a thing for her. Very character driven with lots of southern expressions. Oh! I do think I should've read the book(s) that come before this one first although I think it still works as a stand alone.
November 9, 2008
A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action is the sequel to Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots. The main characters are Macy McCoy, a hairdresser, and Luke Carter, a high school football coach. At least, I think he was a high school football coach. I don't believe community colleges have state championships and I definitely know that colleges have bowl games.
Anyway, the book is told in the first person view of Macy. The book is quite frothy and fun, but I started to become confused near the end. There were several secondary characters added near the end and they had romantic entanglements, too. Unfortunately, I felt that a lot of the characters' names were similar, which added to my confusion.
It certainly felt like a lot of information was stuffed in near the end as a possible springboard for additional books. I also felt that the primary characters' storyline was left to the side as I neared the end of the book.
Anyway, the book is told in the first person view of Macy. The book is quite frothy and fun, but I started to become confused near the end. There were several secondary characters added near the end and they had romantic entanglements, too. Unfortunately, I felt that a lot of the characters' names were similar, which added to my confusion.
It certainly felt like a lot of information was stuffed in near the end as a possible springboard for additional books. I also felt that the primary characters' storyline was left to the side as I neared the end of the book.
April 25, 2015
This book should get 5+ stars!
Luann McLane is absolutely hilarious! I loved this book. Such a fun read! Full of witty banter and terrific personalities. There was quite a bit going on in the book with all the sideline stories, but none took away from the other. It was just full of heartwarming moments and great laughs!
Even tho this book was also told in the first person and Macy's POV was the only one we were privy to, Luke made his intentions towards Macy from the beginning, not very clear and straightforward mind you, but we all knew he 'liked' her from page one. I think Ms McLean did a better job with Macy's story than Jamie Lee's in regards to story development. This book was truly emotional and fun all at the same time. LOVE IT! Highly recommend this author to anyone looking for a quick, funny read!
Luann McLane is absolutely hilarious! I loved this book. Such a fun read! Full of witty banter and terrific personalities. There was quite a bit going on in the book with all the sideline stories, but none took away from the other. It was just full of heartwarming moments and great laughs!
Even tho this book was also told in the first person and Macy's POV was the only one we were privy to, Luke made his intentions towards Macy from the beginning, not very clear and straightforward mind you, but we all knew he 'liked' her from page one. I think Ms McLean did a better job with Macy's story than Jamie Lee's in regards to story development. This book was truly emotional and fun all at the same time. LOVE IT! Highly recommend this author to anyone looking for a quick, funny read!
April 25, 2010
Luann McLane is a hoot! I loved this book. Such a fun read! Full of witty banter, great relationships among the characters, and the characters all had terrific personalities. I found myself thinking, "Man, I'd love to hang out with these people."
The story itself is a good one, the characters are all down to earth and very likable. My only complaint is that my library doesn't carry more Luann McLane books. So sad!
The story itself is a good one, the characters are all down to earth and very likable. My only complaint is that my library doesn't carry more Luann McLane books. So sad!
February 3, 2010
I really enjoyed Macy as Jamie Lee's bestfriend in Dark Roots And Cowboy Boots. Don't get me wrong I liked her in her own book as well, but I could do without the complaing about her womanly curves which would eliminate 1/4 or more of the book. She is a very fun quirky loveable character most of the time. There were some very funny moments IMHO. Luke well I wish it wasn't written in 1st person he's a hottie I wouldn't have mind hearing his thoughts. Some of the sex scenes were Hot 3.5*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2010
This was a cute story about a woman with opportunities for fame and success dropping into her lap right when her life is at a turning point. It's peppered with country music references and rather funny. Should she move to Nashville and try for success, or should she stay in Hooterville and continue to pine for her best friend's brother? Why can't she do both?
April 13, 2018
another super fun read with lots of action & fun whimsical twists & turns tied up w/a pretty little bow! LOved it!!!
May 1, 2012
I picked this book up at a library book sale because the title and cover caught my attention, proving that sometimes those things really do matter.
Macy works in a beauty salon in a small country town with her best friend, who just got married and is headed off on her honeymoon. Macy has been crushing on Jamie Lee’s brother, Luke, since forever, and during all the wedding planning they’ve been thrown together a bit as maid of honor and best man, making her almost feel like part of a couple. But now that the wedding is over, a feeling of let down settles in.
Luke is a hometown hero, previously as the star of the high school football team, and now as a coach. After getting his heart broken, he’s come back to Hootertown (yes, that really is where they live!), but he’s being courted by some big schools and a new job is just on the horizon, which will take him away again.
While looking through inventory at the beauty shop the day after the wedding, mainly just to be somewhere besides her apartment, Macy is surprised by a country star popping in with a hair emergency. Next thing she knows, she’s on a tour bus headed to Nashville, fixing the star’s hair. And then all sorts of adventures follow as Macy embarks on a new life. Which Taylor, the very down to earth and likable singer, manages to drag Luke into, telling Macy she can thank her later.
This is the kind of book I love. A contemporary romance, with lots of humor and lots of heart. While Luke is your standard hunky cowboy hero, Macy isn’t a stick thin fashionista. She’s curvy and self conscious about her looks, comparing herself to the girls Luke could have if he wanted. She knows he looks at her as a sister, and she debates with herself constantly about whether to pounce on him and make him notice her, or avoid him.
All of the secondary characters, which in addition to the singer include her two backup singers/songwriting partners, her bodyguard, and a television chef, are a little quirky. I laughed out loud more than once. And I’m eager to find the rest of the author’s books and read everything she’s written.
Macy works in a beauty salon in a small country town with her best friend, who just got married and is headed off on her honeymoon. Macy has been crushing on Jamie Lee’s brother, Luke, since forever, and during all the wedding planning they’ve been thrown together a bit as maid of honor and best man, making her almost feel like part of a couple. But now that the wedding is over, a feeling of let down settles in.
Luke is a hometown hero, previously as the star of the high school football team, and now as a coach. After getting his heart broken, he’s come back to Hootertown (yes, that really is where they live!), but he’s being courted by some big schools and a new job is just on the horizon, which will take him away again.
While looking through inventory at the beauty shop the day after the wedding, mainly just to be somewhere besides her apartment, Macy is surprised by a country star popping in with a hair emergency. Next thing she knows, she’s on a tour bus headed to Nashville, fixing the star’s hair. And then all sorts of adventures follow as Macy embarks on a new life. Which Taylor, the very down to earth and likable singer, manages to drag Luke into, telling Macy she can thank her later.
This is the kind of book I love. A contemporary romance, with lots of humor and lots of heart. While Luke is your standard hunky cowboy hero, Macy isn’t a stick thin fashionista. She’s curvy and self conscious about her looks, comparing herself to the girls Luke could have if he wanted. She knows he looks at her as a sister, and she debates with herself constantly about whether to pounce on him and make him notice her, or avoid him.
All of the secondary characters, which in addition to the singer include her two backup singers/songwriting partners, her bodyguard, and a television chef, are a little quirky. I laughed out loud more than once. And I’m eager to find the rest of the author’s books and read everything she’s written.
September 23, 2013
Reviewed by Lissa Staley
Posted June 16, 2008
Contemporary | Romance Contemporary
The huge crush that Macy McCoy has on her best friend's brother is just a waste of her time. As the maid of honor and best man at Jamie Lee's wedding, Macy and her crush are thrown together in every romantic situation imaginable. Luke Carter has been the local football hero for as long as anyone can remember, first as a player and now as the coach at the college. Everyone in town loves him. Even though Macy is irresistibly attracted to the handsome charmer, she can't seem to act on her feelings. She convinces herself that Luke will never be more than a family friend and tries to move on with her life.
When one of the hottest country music stars pulls up in a tour bus in front of Macy's beauty salon on a quiet Sunday afternoon, Macy can't resist the request to hop on the bus and perform an emergency hair treatment. In a whirlwind of successful hairstyle sessions and new friends in the music business, Macy hopes she can finally forget about Luke and find a new focus in her life. Star-struck, Macy decides to move to Nashville to continue working with her new celebrity clients. She thinks she's left Luke behind, but when he interviews for a coaching position in Nashville, Macy may get the chance she missed back home after all.
LuAnn McLane delivers a flirty romance with enjoyable characters, especially the celebrity cameos. Not many people are offered high-profile jobs by major celebrities just when they need to get out of town for awhile, but this highly improbable coincidence makes the adventure no less enjoyable for the reader. Although the dialogue is fast-paced early in the story, readers will be pleased that later on McLane delivers A LITTLE LESS TALK AND A LOT MORE ACTION!
Posted June 16, 2008
Contemporary | Romance Contemporary
The huge crush that Macy McCoy has on her best friend's brother is just a waste of her time. As the maid of honor and best man at Jamie Lee's wedding, Macy and her crush are thrown together in every romantic situation imaginable. Luke Carter has been the local football hero for as long as anyone can remember, first as a player and now as the coach at the college. Everyone in town loves him. Even though Macy is irresistibly attracted to the handsome charmer, she can't seem to act on her feelings. She convinces herself that Luke will never be more than a family friend and tries to move on with her life.
When one of the hottest country music stars pulls up in a tour bus in front of Macy's beauty salon on a quiet Sunday afternoon, Macy can't resist the request to hop on the bus and perform an emergency hair treatment. In a whirlwind of successful hairstyle sessions and new friends in the music business, Macy hopes she can finally forget about Luke and find a new focus in her life. Star-struck, Macy decides to move to Nashville to continue working with her new celebrity clients. She thinks she's left Luke behind, but when he interviews for a coaching position in Nashville, Macy may get the chance she missed back home after all.
LuAnn McLane delivers a flirty romance with enjoyable characters, especially the celebrity cameos. Not many people are offered high-profile jobs by major celebrities just when they need to get out of town for awhile, but this highly improbable coincidence makes the adventure no less enjoyable for the reader. Although the dialogue is fast-paced early in the story, readers will be pleased that later on McLane delivers A LITTLE LESS TALK AND A LOT MORE ACTION!
July 14, 2008
Macy McCoy’s life is about to hit the fast lane. And for a girl from Hooterville KY, that’s a very big deal. Too bad there is no action with her longtime crush on her best friend Jamie Lee’s brother and hometown hero Luke Carter. (Readers of McLane’s Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots will remember Jamie Lee.) With the help of her new friends, maybe she can turn up the heat with Luke.
Not only does LuAnn McLane have some of the best book titles around, her books are laugh out loud funny. Even for a city girl like me. A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action does not disappoint. And now I want more stories about the characters introduced in this book. LuAnn, if you are reading this I definitely want more of these characters. Sam and Lilly have budding romances, will they work out? Will Tammy find love under the spotlight? And I want more cooking with Cody West. (I stopped reading the excerpt from Redneck Cinderella (due out in March 2009!) because I don’t want to know what’s coming next until I can read the whole book.)
Not only does LuAnn McLane have some of the best book titles around, her books are laugh out loud funny. Even for a city girl like me. A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action does not disappoint. And now I want more stories about the characters introduced in this book. LuAnn, if you are reading this I definitely want more of these characters. Sam and Lilly have budding romances, will they work out? Will Tammy find love under the spotlight? And I want more cooking with Cody West. (I stopped reading the excerpt from Redneck Cinderella (due out in March 2009!) because I don’t want to know what’s coming next until I can read the whole book.)
February 24, 2011
I picked up this author because Amazon suggested that if I liked Dixie Cash I may like LuAnn McLane. With similar catchy titles, I can see why one may think that. But to me this author more closely matches Carolyn Brown. They both have a fondness for country music song references.
Macy is a hairdresser and best friend to her love interest, Luke Carter’s, younger sister. She has had a crush on Luke for as long as she can remember, but he’s only seen her as a little sister.
Throughout the book we hear Macy complain a lot about Luke never being interested in her because she as a curvy figure and not that of a Barbie. After a while it becomes a tad too much.
The book does offer a few comedic scenes, but it wasn’t as funny as I was expecting it to be. The relationship between Luke and Macy wasn’t all that interesting. It was more lukewarm instead of steamy hot. They may have had a mutual affection for one another, but I definitely wasn’t feeling the love.
Macy is a hairdresser and best friend to her love interest, Luke Carter’s, younger sister. She has had a crush on Luke for as long as she can remember, but he’s only seen her as a little sister.
Throughout the book we hear Macy complain a lot about Luke never being interested in her because she as a curvy figure and not that of a Barbie. After a while it becomes a tad too much.
The book does offer a few comedic scenes, but it wasn’t as funny as I was expecting it to be. The relationship between Luke and Macy wasn’t all that interesting. It was more lukewarm instead of steamy hot. They may have had a mutual affection for one another, but I definitely wasn’t feeling the love.
January 1, 2014
I can't say that I really enjoyed this book. It was the sequel to another novel that I had enjoyed and I expected more.
The heroine had a lot of insecurities and because the story was told in first person, it seemed as though I was bombarded with low self esteem issues and a lot of what ifs throughout the novel. More importantly, while the author does attempt to provide Macy with opportunities for growth, these chances (meeting celebrities, job opportunities, television appearances) come together almost like a fairy tale, so it does not seem realistic.
Everything just falls into place so nicely, but I don't think Macy really got the opportunity to really stand on her own.
Even the ending suddenly falls into place; Luke has this light bulb moment and then, voila.
I completed the book because I wanted to see how it would end, not because it was a cant-put-it-down page turner.
If you are looking for true romance, then continue looking.
The heroine had a lot of insecurities and because the story was told in first person, it seemed as though I was bombarded with low self esteem issues and a lot of what ifs throughout the novel. More importantly, while the author does attempt to provide Macy with opportunities for growth, these chances (meeting celebrities, job opportunities, television appearances) come together almost like a fairy tale, so it does not seem realistic.
Everything just falls into place so nicely, but I don't think Macy really got the opportunity to really stand on her own.
Even the ending suddenly falls into place; Luke has this light bulb moment and then, voila.
I completed the book because I wanted to see how it would end, not because it was a cant-put-it-down page turner.
If you are looking for true romance, then continue looking.
September 16, 2024
Macy has been in love with her best friend's brother Luke foreverrrr...
However he hasn't noticed her for anything more than his sister's best friend..until his sister's wedding... when you think he finally starts noticing her another little slut bucket ruins it..
So, Macy visits the salon she works for and in walks the country sensation Tammy who has a hair emergency.. Macy fixes her up, and is immediately offered a new life in Nashville.. far from Hootertown, KY.
So, she moves and makes a new life.. And I guess the thing about out of sight out of mind is not as true because Luke actually starts missing our Macy... and guess what happens? Well you'll have to read it to find out.
October 24, 2013
This was the first book that I have read by Luann McLane and it just was not my cup of tea. I hated the character Macy. She was always second guessing herself and thinking to much. Some parts of this book were very confusing. I did like the characters Jamie Lee and Miss Irma. I also felt like there was not enough passion between Macy and Luke. One minute Luke was acting like Macy's lover and then in the next minute he was acting like her big brother. You never really got to know what Luke was thinking or feeling. The only thing really good about this book is the title. I will not be reading anymore books written by this author.
July 21, 2008
i loved this book! once again, luann mclane brings romance and comdey into her books. the characters are fun and had me laughing out loud that my hubby was giving me funny looks. the main character, macy is pretty much a pessimest who's mom had died when she was young and dad is a trucker. she has a ,long time love interest that is her bf's brother and she meets a famous country singer and is offered a chance of lifetime for her. she finally gets her dreams come true including love a career. don't want to give it away, but one thing i love about these books is that are funny!
June 20, 2008
I absolutely LOVE LuAnn McLane! I especially LOVE this book! In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I've teamed up with AuthorIsland .com to offer a great contest in celebration of its release. Just head over to my site, http://novelreads.blogspot.com/ for the details and my full review of this great book!
January 11, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! Macy has always been in love with her best friend's brother, Luke, but he only sees her as a friend. Macy has an opportunity to change her life, which she takes, and it brings Luke back into her life and gives them an opportunity to develop a romantic relationship. Love is always rocky but when these two finally fall in love, it's perfect!
August 14, 2009
Very stupid title for this book. It was originally supposed to be called the Real Mccoy which was a lot more fitting. I had to read it so I could know the ending of Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots. They were very simple, quick, and fun books to read.
February 6, 2013
I THINK LUKE IS AN AWESOME PERSON... IT REALLY TAKES GUTS TO LEAVE UR DREAM JOB FOR ANYTHING.... HE REALLY COMPLIMENTS THE WORD" LOVE".....
AND MACY, IS REALLY LUCKY TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO LOVES HER SO MUCH......
AND MACY, IS REALLY LUCKY TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO LOVES HER SO MUCH......
July 8, 2008
I loved this book. I found it to be very witty, funny and great humor both throughout the story and in the characters.
November 9, 2009
Very easy read. Very hard to put down.
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June 3, 2011It was a fun light mindless read. I'd read the first in the series and liked it and was looking forward to the next installment. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a fun way to pass the time.
September 26, 2012
Couldn't put the book down. Very enjoyable story, kept me laughing throughout. Love it!!!
November 19, 2012
FUNNY!!! I have never laughed so much reading a book as I did this one. It is the perfect mix of romance and comedy! GREAT JOB!
April 16, 2014
Good story, gives you the HEA, but would have liked an epilogue since there are no more books that I could see
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April 21, 2014Sadly, I did not like Macy as a heroine. She came across as immature and whiny. I ended up skimming through most of this, and even the scenes between her and Luke didn't interest me.
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October 4, 2008Not as good as Dark Roots, but still sweet. another that ended easy
February 16, 2011
Ich mochte den Humor, aber es hätten gerne noch mehr Funken sprühen können.
August 8, 2010
What a cute read, i enjoyed it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews