When you're ready to set aside your heavier hitting romances, the ones that make you weep and pound your fists in frustration for the characters, books like this one are a good one to pick up. "Good Girls Don't" by Kelley St. John is a fast paced and funny delight to read, full of characters that grab your attention. You just want to continue reading to see where their individual situations take them. While I did think the main plot was a little weak, I still enjoyed this light hearted romp of a read.
Colette Campbell, or Lettie as she's known to friends, is ready for a change of scene, at least in her professional world. Working for a company in Atlanta, GA that provides alibis to cheating spouses, vacationing grandparents needing a break from the kids, etc., she's more than ready to pursue her dream job. She's tired of the lies and deceptions and it's beginning to wear on her. When her sister, Amy, asks Lettie to engineer one more lie, this one for a close friend that needs to get away from her guardian for a week of R&R with her tue love, Lettie is annoyed, but wants to make her sister happy. Unfortunately the guardian in question is an old high school friend, one that Lettie did not part with on good terms. Bill Brannon is startled to recognize (over the phone) the woman he never could forget. He's wanted more from the vivacious teenager in high school, and he still wants more to this day. Thinking she lives elsewhere, he convinces Lettie to see him while she "visits" Atlanta. As the two rekindle an old friendship, one that steadily progresses into a flaming torch, will Lettie's lies put a damper on their delicate relationship?
My one problem with this book was the main plot: Supposed "good" girl, Lettie Cambell, lying to her man about her profession, the wereabouts of his niece, etc. It was just a little weak since it was so obvious that she and Bill care so much for one another. Sure, readers will know before ever picking up the book that they will get together, so that's why I felt that a little better conflict between the two would have earned this read five stars. Other than that, I really enjoyed Bill and Lettie's relationship. Bill is such a down-to-eath type that thinks he needs to act the part of "bad boy" in order to win Lettie, while Lettie herself was actually a very sincere and caring individual despite a job that made her seem otherwise. Besides, can you really knock a girl who's saving up to start her own dream business? Lettie's sister Amy, in my opinion, was the true gem of this book. She's into her own dream job in the sex toy industry, which added some really great and fun moments into the story. My only wish for her was that she'd had her own book in which to expand on her character. She was so much fun, but alas, I think too much was revealed about her here to warrant her own book. Bill's niece, Erika, is also an interesting character, kind of a coming of age young woman who makes her first steps into the world of love. So, if you're looking for a good, light read to while away the hours between the heavier romances, give this one a try. Many laugh-out-loud opportunities and interesting characters make it a winner.
K. Montgomery