Smart Girls Think Twice

December 15, 2008
The term is over, and sociologist Emma Riley is back home in Rock Creek, PA, for her two sisters' weddings. She also intends to begin a research study of the reasons behind the recent influx of people into tiny Rock Creek by interviewing some new arrivalsstarting with supersexy bad boy Jake Slayter, former extreme sports athlete and current bartender at the local watering hole. Brains and brawn clash from the start, but when scholarly Emma piques Jake's interest by leveling a lecherous drunk with a well-placed hit and her outgoing mother invites Jake to the weddingas Emma's date!the pair strike a bargain that could give them both what they want. A prim heroine with a fiery core and a haunted, searching hero who thrives on the rush of adrenaline join with an abundance of quirky characters to drive the classic plot of this funny, spicy romance to a satisfying conclusion. With her typical sense of humor, Linz has given readers another joyful, laughter-filled story to savorand another view into the charming Pennsylvania town she has created. Linz ("Big Girls Don't Cry") lives in Naperville, IL.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 15, 2008
Linz takes us back to the small town of Rock Creek, Pennsylvania, for her latest romantic romp. Sociologist Emma, sister of Sue Ellen and plus-sized model Leena (Big Girls Dont Cry, 2007), has always been the smart sister, consideredplainer and more reserved than her pretty, personable siblings. Sue Ellen and Leena are both getting married, and while Emmas in Rock Creek for the weddings, she figures she cando an academic study onthe townsrevitalization. When Emma approaches one of Rock Creeks newcomers, hunky bartender Jake Slayter, to interview him, she wishes for once that she werent the ordinary-looking sister. Jake doesnt want to be interviewed for Emmas study: his reasons for coming to Rock Creek are secret. But when he watches the mousy sociologist deck one of the more obnoxious bar customers, Jake begins to view her in a different light.Readers will be captivated as they watch the introverted academic get in touch with her inner warrior and realize her true potential. Funny and poignant by turns, Linzs latest is sure to charm.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)