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Walker Brothers #1
She Drives Me Crazy
When she was good, she was very, very good
When Emma Frasier returns home to Joyful, Georgia, she's greeted with the kinds of winks and lusty grins one might offer…an adult film star?
But when she was bad
Thanks to small-town gossip and citizens who clearly need to get a life, Joyful's residents think Emma Jean is the "famous star" building a strip club in town. And that her barely concealed…uh, attributes are the ones gracing the new interstate billboard.
She was better.
As if being taken for a blue movie queen isn't rattling enough, there's Johnny Walker, the local bad boy turned good-a man who tempts Emma to be just as wild and wicked as Joyful thinks she is.
When Emma Frasier returns home to Joyful, Georgia, she's greeted with the kinds of winks and lusty grins one might offer…an adult film star?
But when she was bad
Thanks to small-town gossip and citizens who clearly need to get a life, Joyful's residents think Emma Jean is the "famous star" building a strip club in town. And that her barely concealed…uh, attributes are the ones gracing the new interstate billboard.
She was better.
As if being taken for a blue movie queen isn't rattling enough, there's Johnny Walker, the local bad boy turned good-a man who tempts Emma to be just as wild and wicked as Joyful thinks she is.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Kelly
279 books406 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times Bestselling author, Leslie Kelly writes sexy romances and dark romantic thrillers. A four-time RWA RITA Award nominee, eleven-time Romantic Times Award nominee and 2006 RT Award winner, Leslie has become known for her delightful characters, sparkling dialogue, and outrageous humor in her romances, and for the dark grittiness of her thrillers. Since the publication of her first book in 1999, Leslie has gone on to pen more than forty sassy, sexy romances for Harlequin Temptation, Blaze, and HQN.
In 2009, Leslie began tapping into her love for dark suspense by penning several books under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish. The Black CATs and Extrasensory Agents series quickly put Leslie on the must-read list of romantic-suspense fans.
Tired of writing under various names, Leslie decided to go into her next genre--futuristic thrillers with a suspense element--under her real name. She released her dark, gritty Veronica Sloan books, and reissued the Black CATs series, as Leslie A. Kelly.
Leslie lives in Denver with her husband Bruce--her real-life romance hero. Visit her online at lesliekelly.com (for her sexy romances) or at leslieAkelly.com (for her romantic suspense.)
New York Times Bestselling author, Leslie Kelly writes sexy romances and dark romantic thrillers. A four-time RWA RITA Award nominee, eleven-time Romantic Times Award nominee and 2006 RT Award winner, Leslie has become known for her delightful characters, sparkling dialogue, and outrageous humor in her romances, and for the dark grittiness of her thrillers. Since the publication of her first book in 1999, Leslie has gone on to pen more than forty sassy, sexy romances for Harlequin Temptation, Blaze, and HQN.
In 2009, Leslie began tapping into her love for dark suspense by penning several books under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish. The Black CATs and Extrasensory Agents series quickly put Leslie on the must-read list of romantic-suspense fans.
Tired of writing under various names, Leslie decided to go into her next genre--futuristic thrillers with a suspense element--under her real name. She released her dark, gritty Veronica Sloan books, and reissued the Black CATs series, as Leslie A. Kelly.
Leslie lives in Denver with her husband Bruce--her real-life romance hero. Visit her online at lesliekelly.com (for her sexy romances) or at leslieAkelly.com (for her romantic suspense.)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 14, 2015
I'm getting bored so I'll do a review of this book using some of the songs in my playlist..
Rumor has it:
Like when we creep out, and he ain't around
Haven't you heard the rumours?
Let's talk about the Walker Brothers and Emma. Once upon a time, seventeen year old Emma was the girlfriend to the bad boy, Nick Walker. But because we're talking about the raging teenage hormones and prom night, Emma gave her v-card to Johnny Walker (older brother of Nick Walker and the ultimate bad boy of all bad asses) at the gazebo under the canopy of a thousand stars. I won't divulge anymore spoil but let's just say those were the most magical. Let's just say that after that scene in the gazebo, these these three people part ways with a big misunderstanding.
Stay with me:
Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love 'cause I'm just a man
Johnny Johnny Johnny.
Bizarre Love Triangle:
Every time I think of you
I get a shot right through
Into a bolt of blue
It's no problem of mine
But it's a problem I find
Living the life that I can't leave behind
There's no sense in telling me
The wisdom of a fool won't set you free
But that's the way that it goes
And it's what nobody knows
And every day my confusion grows
Emma? When you sing this song for Johnny, remember that I get what you're feeling sister.
I Heard It Through The Grapevine:
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
Gossip gossip gossip. Who doesn't love a good gossip? We're talking about Southern folks here and in the world of literature (I don't know if this is true in real life. I've never met a true Southerner), these guys were known to stick their noses to each other's business. And that's where our story comes in.. All because of a nasty humor.Heh.
Superman:
Girl, don't be afraid to put your trust
In someone who, who will love you
Love you completely, take the time, do it right
Make you forget those tears you cried, it'll be alright
Have no fear, your superman is here
Fast forward. Johnny is now a D.A and though he may have a reputation of bad boy, Emma knows that Johnny has a soft heart and has a hero complex. We can't argue with that statement because no matter how much Johnny would like to stay away from Emma, he keeps on saving the poor (literally) woman.
She will be loved:
Beauty queen of only eighteen
She had some trouble with herself......
One good thing about this book. It uses a lot of person's POV. One of that is Daneen. She's the queen bee back when they were teenagers. Suffice to say, she's a real pain in the ass and it has been proven that she sleeps with married men. She may be a bit on an anti-heroine but all she ever wanted is to be loved by the only man that she loved.
I'm not going to post an ending song for this review. That will be a spoiler. :)
This book is a surprise. I saw some low rating reviews but nevertheless, I love the plot of this story. Imagine going back to your little hometown and majority of the people think that you're a porn star. The humiliation would be to die for. It may be funny in third degree view but I feel sorry for Emma's life. She lost her job. She was bankrupt. She has 0 dollars and 0 cents to her bank account and someone stole the land her grandmother wanted her to have.
Rumor has it:
Like when we creep out, and he ain't around
Haven't you heard the rumours?
Let's talk about the Walker Brothers and Emma. Once upon a time, seventeen year old Emma was the girlfriend to the bad boy, Nick Walker. But because we're talking about the raging teenage hormones and prom night, Emma gave her v-card to Johnny Walker (older brother of Nick Walker and the ultimate bad boy of all bad asses) at the gazebo under the canopy of a thousand stars. I won't divulge anymore spoil but let's just say those were the most magical. Let's just say that after that scene in the gazebo, these these three people part ways with a big misunderstanding.
Stay with me:
Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love 'cause I'm just a man
Johnny Johnny Johnny.
Bizarre Love Triangle:
Every time I think of you
I get a shot right through
Into a bolt of blue
It's no problem of mine
But it's a problem I find
Living the life that I can't leave behind
There's no sense in telling me
The wisdom of a fool won't set you free
But that's the way that it goes
And it's what nobody knows
And every day my confusion grows
Emma? When you sing this song for Johnny, remember that I get what you're feeling sister.
I Heard It Through The Grapevine:
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
Gossip gossip gossip. Who doesn't love a good gossip? We're talking about Southern folks here and in the world of literature (I don't know if this is true in real life. I've never met a true Southerner), these guys were known to stick their noses to each other's business. And that's where our story comes in.. All because of a nasty humor.Heh.
Superman:
Girl, don't be afraid to put your trust
In someone who, who will love you
Love you completely, take the time, do it right
Make you forget those tears you cried, it'll be alright
Have no fear, your superman is here
Fast forward. Johnny is now a D.A and though he may have a reputation of bad boy, Emma knows that Johnny has a soft heart and has a hero complex. We can't argue with that statement because no matter how much Johnny would like to stay away from Emma, he keeps on saving the poor (literally) woman.
She will be loved:
Beauty queen of only eighteen
She had some trouble with herself......
One good thing about this book. It uses a lot of person's POV. One of that is Daneen. She's the queen bee back when they were teenagers. Suffice to say, she's a real pain in the ass and it has been proven that she sleeps with married men. She may be a bit on an anti-heroine but all she ever wanted is to be loved by the only man that she loved.
I'm not going to post an ending song for this review. That will be a spoiler. :)
June 25, 2025
Took a long time to get started. I think it took till half way through the book she finally got all the way out of the convertible and stepped back into her old life in Joyful, Georgia. Whhhooeeee, but once Emma and D.A. Johnny Walker got started - though, the fun never stopped. Adorable and sexy. Don’t we all wish our very first time at “love” was that fabulous? I can’t remember what the rest of the book was about. 😝
June 25, 2025
We’ll go with 3.5 as the spice was entertaining…………😜
June 25, 2025
fun easy read!
Want to read
January 22, 2021
Funny and sexy romance
5 stars
This was my first book by Leslie Kelly and I'm so glad I picked it up on impulse despite having heard nothing of Ms Kelly's previous work.
The story revolves around good-girl Emma Jean Frasier who is back in her hometown after ten years away - and Johnny Walker, the bad boy turned good whom she has never forgotten.
Small town gossip soon labels Emma as the famous porn star who has come to build a strip club in the little town. Throw in dodgy town officials, pecan pies, lust and murder and soon Emma isn't acting as sweet as she seems and Johnny is enjoying every minute of it.
Emma, Johnny and the large cast of secondary characters are all wonderfully written and you really get to know and like them through their interactions with each other. Emma is someone you can really root for and admire and Johnny is the wicked bad boy we all love. The story is fun and fresh and there are some lovely sexy moments thrown in to top it all off.
I really enjoyed this story - the romance was definitely central but the mystery and murder elements made it something extra. I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy fun, romantic stories with something different mixed in and an ending that will really make you sigh. I will certainly be keeping a look out for other books by Leslie Kelly in the future.
June 30, 2019
View point switches between characters at odd times, without transition. Makes the story awkward to follow. Lost interest before 50%, skimmed to finish because town has likable characters.
March 23, 2022
Cute Rom/Com.
quit-reading
December 4, 2024I read a few chapters. Hated the writing style and didn't care about the characters.
March 19, 2015
Emma Frasier returns to Joyful, GA after losing her life savings, her job and her home when her boss and best friend embezzler their clients and fellow employees' mutual funds and skip the country. Broke she turns to her one asset, the home and land left to her by her grandmother. However, news of a porn star coming to Joyful to open a strip club on her land at the same time she returns gets the rumor mill turning. Joyful is also the scene of an embarrassing prom night and a breakup with a local bad boy whom she hopes never to see again, but is the first person she sees when she returns. The story had some funny scenes and was very sexy, but I think the main characters could have done with a little less groping at every opportunity. There were some interesting side stories that were handled well and a nice lead in to the story of the brother for the next book. However, the 2 main characters couldn't seem to be in the same room without making out before any kind of conversation. It made it hard to take them seriously when the plot called for it.
January 28, 2012
OK, so despite the playful cover and the name of the main cahracter being Johnny Walker, I absolutely loved this book!!! Once you read the back story involved with each of the characters you begin to understand things like how Johnny Walker's name suits him, Emma Jean is all but a sweet southern girl, and the town of Joyful is definitely full of all things joyful and scandalous!!!
Emma Jean returns to Joyful broke and on standing on her last leg after fleeing Joyful ten years earlier that left her the topic of scandal for years to come. I love how her relationship with Johnny forms despite both of their preconceived notions of the last night she spent in Joyful!! I love how all the minor characters intertwine and really give you a feel for their small town. Theirs plenty of sex, humor, scandal, mystery and an all around great read!!! I recommend this to anyone in need of a nice breathe of fresh air by an author who ALWAYS delivers and never leaves you wondering what if.....
Emma Jean returns to Joyful broke and on standing on her last leg after fleeing Joyful ten years earlier that left her the topic of scandal for years to come. I love how her relationship with Johnny forms despite both of their preconceived notions of the last night she spent in Joyful!! I love how all the minor characters intertwine and really give you a feel for their small town. Theirs plenty of sex, humor, scandal, mystery and an all around great read!!! I recommend this to anyone in need of a nice breathe of fresh air by an author who ALWAYS delivers and never leaves you wondering what if.....
June 8, 2016
There are two ways to hopelessly date a book. One is by references to technology the other is by references to contemporary politics and political figures. The first is unavoidable and completely understandable. The second? Not so much. I mean seriously... snarky comments about Newt Gingrich? Newt Gingrich?? How many readers even vaguely know who he is anymore let alone can appreciate the snark? I suppose the snarky comments about interns behind closed office doors will prob still ring a bell with many people bc of the Presidential scandal associated but even that has faded and I, for one, dislike being reminded, especially in fiction I read for escape from the real world, and especially when it's so entirely out of left field, unrelated to the story or the tone of the story. Sticks out like a sore thumb to me and derails my enjoyment. Editorial fail, in my opinion. :-(
But other than that, it was a good book! :-)
But other than that, it was a good book! :-)
February 27, 2012
No conocía a esta autora, pero me ha gustado como escribe, y si localizo la historia de Nick Walker, el hermano de Johnny, la leeré aunque ya no transcurra en Joyful.
Es una lectura amena y muy entretenida que va desenredando un ovillo de tramas que, al principio, no sabías que estaban ahí, y no por ello dejas de disfrutar al descubrirlas.
Lee el resto de la reseña en español en mi blog:
http://resumiendotodo.blogspot.com/20...
Es una lectura amena y muy entretenida que va desenredando un ovillo de tramas que, al principio, no sabías que estaban ahí, y no por ello dejas de disfrutar al descubrirlas.
Lee el resto de la reseña en español en mi blog:
http://resumiendotodo.blogspot.com/20...
June 15, 2009
This book was almost too sweet for words. I loved it so much, and it was such a pleasant and comforting read. I think the mistaken porn star bit went on a little too far in the book, but the truth was resolved in a very appropriate way. Johnny and Emma Jean were such a fun couple and I loved their story.
May 18, 2014
Oh this was awesome!! I loved every minute reading this book about the town of Joyful and the relationship between Emma and Johnny. Talk about hot steamy and just so damn sweet I almost got a toothache. There was a great blend of angst, drama, a little suspense, rumour mongering, jealousy and love that made it perfect!
June 6, 2016
3.5 Stars
Very enjoyable with amusing characters and an even more amusing premise to jump start the story. Lots of very fun moments staggered with some scenes that dragged for too long. But ultimately a humorous and entertaining story that was just so much fun to read!
I'm going to compile all of my thoughts into a series review after I finish the second book... very soon.
Very enjoyable with amusing characters and an even more amusing premise to jump start the story. Lots of very fun moments staggered with some scenes that dragged for too long. But ultimately a humorous and entertaining story that was just so much fun to read!
I'm going to compile all of my thoughts into a series review after I finish the second book... very soon.
June 13, 2015
This was not a stellar book, but I don't believe it was designed to be that. I like the growth of the characters and how Emma comes to grips with what is going on. It is typical small town gossip mill type book. Escape reading but not the meat of a 5 star book.
April 3, 2012
Quirky Southern hospitality, sweet tea, pecan pie, beauty parlors, and two people with two names - Emma Jean and Johnny Walker. God, I love the South!
April 25, 2012
Very cute!
May 13, 2013
I don't even know why I picked this book up, but it wasn't bad. Is a bit R rated, that was unexpected. The storyline isn't bad.
February 4, 2013
Great story, good characters, great love story. Hot but not graphic. You'll never think of pie the same way again.
January 18, 2016
Romance, humor, sarcasm, teasing and steamy sex, this book has it all. I loved it and it's staying on my kindle for good.
April 15, 2013
A good book by Leslie Kelly!!
This is a new author book for me and it was really good to read....!!
It is a simple, easy, funny and romantic book. I enjoyed reading it.
A lazy weekend read....!!
This is a new author book for me and it was really good to read....!!
It is a simple, easy, funny and romantic book. I enjoyed reading it.
A lazy weekend read....!!
September 25, 2009
Modern
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews