Okay, I was lucky! Recently, I read an advanced reading copy of Marianna Jameson's BIG TROUBLE and I enjoyed it so much, I just had to read this author's debut novel, MY HERO. When I turned its final page, I immediately looked for my "BANR" list (Buy Author's Next Release). Certainly, Jameson's first two books are a reader's delight! They are delightfully light, they are delightfully witty, and they are delightfully dreamy. Marianna, I want a Casey brother!
Chas Casey wanted no long-term commitments in his life. He liked his single way of living and he wanted to keep it that way. Not in this lifetime would Detective Chas Casey leave behind a widow and a bunch of fatherless kids! Without reservation, the police department was his life and his chosen career. His entire lifestyle was easy . . . until Miranda Lane entered the picture. The woman was driving him crazy! The more he knew of her, the more he wanted! At first, all he wanted was Miranda Lane soft and horizontal, but then . . . all he wanted was to get past her carefully constructed attitude and biting sarcasm. Suddenly, Chas Casey and his carefully built single life were in complete disorder.
Southern romance author, Miranda Lane (aka Randi Rhodes) was attractive, smart, and observant. And currently she was suffering from a severe bout of writers' block. Although, her latest book was progressing, it was progressing slowly and painfully. Both her agent and editor were insisting it was too wimpish. They wanted more pizzazz. Miranda Lane needed a hero! She needed Detective Chas Casey. The man was perfect and she was going to use him - commercially and personally. After all, Detective Casey was the quintessential alpha male. Finally, F.I.N.A.L.L.Y, the writing gods had sent her a gift. The man was gloriously attractive and his mouth was straight from heaven itself - a mouth so soft, so sexy, so luscious! They were perfect for each other. Their relationship was perfect. The man wanted no commitments; she could live with that; in fact, she wanted to live with that. No commitments, no future, no heavy ties binding the heart, they would have nothing but the fun of now.
Not to take anything away from MY HERO, but I did enjoy Jameson's BIG TROUBLE more (A- rating). Still, MY HERO remains a very good book. However, it was Jameson's continual emphasis on the heroine's many hang-ups that is responsible for the rating mark-down. Simply put, the heroine's arrested behavior outwore its usefulness!
Nevertheless, if these two books are any indication of this author's work, Ms. Jameson's future certainly shines! Although, Marianna Jameson maintains a smooth writing style, it is her subtle humor that scores big-time. Jameson's wit is first-class and that establishes pure reading delight.
Grade: B
MaryGrace Meloche.
