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Ella Varner prides herself on being reasonable. As advice columnist, Miss Independent, Ella solves the problems of others with controlled, logical solutions. But her own life takes a chaotic turn when her sister abandons her baby in Ella's care. Ella's determined to search out the father and make him take responsibility for little Luke. The number one name on her list? Jack Travis. Jack has never let women get into his heart--he enjoys them, but he doesn't get emotionally invested in them--until Ella appears on his doorstep accusing him of being Luke's father. When Ella demands he take responsibility, Jack decides to take Ella's heart as well. I've been anxiously awaiting SMOOTH TALKING STRANGER ever since I read BLUE-EYED DEVIL. As soon as I received my copy, I settled in for the read--and didn't come up for air until I reached 'the end'. I absolutely loved everything about this book, from Ella's sensitivity and sassiness, to Jack's charm and code of honor. Even little Luke wormed his way into my heart with his cute baby factor. Lisa Kleypas knows how to write believable, complex relationships, and once again, I was sucked in to Ella and Jack's world with surprising ease. How did I love this book? Let me count the ways. I loved the way Ella shouldered the responsibility of Luke with such determination to do right by him. She wanted what was best for him from the very start, and set about becoming the very best surrogate mother even though her own mother was the worst kind of example. I loved the way Jack maintained an air of confident womanizer on the surface, but was so much more underneath. He's the kind of man who isn't afraid to go after what he wants, even when what he most wants is Ella's love. I absolutely adored the way he steamrolled over Ella's hang-ups, and was willing to be there for her even when she didn't think she needed him. He didn't let him push her away; he pushed until she realized that she wanted to let him in. I loved the poignant, funny banter, the passionate and tender intimacy--and every word on every single page. Jack makes the book, but the book wouldn't be half of what it was without Ella. The two compliment each other so well, and are such a great pair that you find yourself wrapped up in the both of them. SMOOTH TALKING STRANGER is my absolute favorite of Lisa Kleypas' contemporary romances. But that doesn't mean I'm not chomping at the bit to get to Joe's story. I hope it's coming soon! If you haven't read SMOOTH TALKING STRANGER, you don't know what you're missing. Run to the bookstore and find out! Reviewed by Cindy |
SMOOTH TALKING STRANGER Rating:
Posted April 2009 |
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