REVIEW: Shut Up and Kiss Me by Christie Craig

Shut Up and Kiss Me
By Christie Craig
Copyright 2012


Genre: Romance

My regular readers are staring in horror, saying “Romance? But she doesn’t read romance!” They’re right, I don’t…normally. But I’m glad I read this one.

Most romance novels are gooey and cloying, in my opinion. I know who is going to get together by the second chapter, and the things they go through are usually stupid. If they would TALK to each other, they wouldn’t have so much trouble. But this was a free download, and I decided to give it a chance.

Shala is a PR agent, hired to increase tourism for the town of Precious, TX. Of course, she runs afoul of the local sheriff, Sky. Also of course, they’re both gorgeous, hot-bodied centerfold types, who are going to end up together. But that’s not what makes this a great book.
There is a mystery here, which is easy to figure out, but that’s secondary. The enjoyment comes from the characters and their craziness. As in most romance novels, the characters hide things from each other, aren’t totally honest, and expect their partner to read their mind. The majority of their problems come from misunderstandings. But oh, the insanity those misunderstandings cause in Precious!

The most fun comes at Jose’s expense. This poor character can’t get a break, no matter what he does. How can you have any dignity when you come face-to-face with your first love (and her current boyfriend) while you’re sitting in her tub, bathing in V-8 Juice and Summer’s Eve douche? That indignity comes after a car crash, a face full of thorns, and a run-in with an angry skunk. But poor Jose has more to endure.

Craig had me laughing aloud by the second chapter. This book is a hilarious romp. If, after reading it, you can look at a bottle of mustard without laughing aloud, you need to go back and read it again. And yes, I’m going to look up other books by this author. Everybody needs a good laugh now and then.

Book downloaded free from amazon.com as part of a promotion.

Critiques, Anyone?

Man, I need to be careful what I ask for! The TWC Spotlight just came out yesterday morning, but readers have swamped my inbox with comments and suggestions. It's pretty clear that my original idea (to do a one-page critique in the Spotlight each month) isn't going to touch the demand. It looks like nearly EVERYBODY wants me to slice them up...I mean, give them a critique. lol

While I get ready for my trip and sort through all your suggestions, I'm considering moving this idea to the Forum and doing something weekly or semi-monthly. I'll let you know more in a couple weeks.

Some people have made other good suggestions for TWC Spotlight changes. The team is discussing these, and you may see some other changes in future issues.

Speaking of the Spotlight, do you realize you can get YOUR name in there too? We're always interested in articles. We can't afford to pay yet, but we are a published clip, and we give a generous bio box with links. (Submission Guidelines)

People commented that they enjoy our book reviews, and would like to see more. So if you write reviews, take a look at the Schedule page. Have you written a review for any of our upcoming guests? If you'd like another place to post it, I'd like to see it. Again, we offer a bio box with links.

Right now the Spotlights are archived here but it's not the best set-up. I'm working on moving the archive to our own site where the Spotlights will be easier to find and read.

Lots of work to do! But first, I'm going to have fun in tonight's Open Chat. Then I'm going to pack my clothes and go away for the weekend.

Have a great Fourth!

Audrey