Filed under: B+ Reviews, Reviews
I’ve mentioned before that the contemporary romances that doesn’t feature vampires, campy vampires, werewolves, immortal peril, mortal peril, suspense out the wahoo, or extraordinary extraterrestrial extraneous circumstances seem to be fewer and far between. Every now and again I hear declarations that the contemporary romance is a dying subgenre and it’s harder and harder to find, and that if you’re not an established name, you’ll never get anywhere, because fewer people want to read contemporary romance.
So when Sarah and I read Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy, we were both blathering to each other about how awesome it was and how refreshing to have actual conflict between people caused by realistic tension stemming from ordinary life experiences between two marvelous characters. Contemporary romance done right? More please! So, following this review, read more about a multi-level contest sponsored by Dear Author, Smart Bitches, Berkeley and Erin McCarthy, a contest we hope will be a semi-regular feature here and at Smart Bitches where we try to Save the Contemporary.
***
Dear Ms. McCarthy:
I have a confession to make and it might not be one you want to hear. I know that when you first started out, you wrote funny sexy contemporaries, then you branched out a bit and wrote funny sexy contemporaries featuring vampires. Then you branched out even more and wrote serious contemporaries featuring various immortal beings and those books, well, they just didn’t appeal to me as much as your light hearted contemporaries. So I admit that it was with some glee that I received Flat Out Sexy. I recall reading this book and thinking it was a lot of fun. I hadn’t thought about it again.
Then SB Sarah emailed me about the book with an “Ohmigod, this is great”, it began an exchange of “and wasn’t this a great scene when she wondered if she was a cougar?” and wasn’t it funny when Ryder told the two of them that he was running out of properties for them to have sex on? I ended up reading the book a second time and enjoyed it just as much as the first. Straight contemporaries seem to be a dying breed and I’m always glad to through my support behind a good one.
Tamara Briggs is a thirty-two year old widow with two small kids. Her deceased husband of a famous stock car driver who died in a crash. She’s still, reluctantly part of the racing scene, because her in-laws but if she remarries, it will be to a “man with a regular nine-to-five job, who came home for dinner, and who cut the grass on the weekend. A man who didn’t drive around the track at one hundred and eighty-five miles an hour every weekend, tempting fate.”
Of course, who would rev up her engine but young driver, Elec Monroe. Elec is younger than Tamara, and is the son of a racing legend, Elliott Monroe. He had been part of the racing scene since a youth. Initially, I think Elec is drawn to Tamara because of an aura that he thinks she exudes. He uses descriptions such as “classy, elegant, sophisticated.” I wondered if this was an early signal to readers to prepare them that Elec was going to be emotionally ready for Tamara because the reader has to overcome the suspension of disbelief that a young man who is living a fast and glamorous life would want to settle down with a woman six years his senior. It wasn’t hard to believe that Elec had fallen hard for Tamara. She was a great mother, a good friend, and a caring daughter. Plus, Elec was clearly over the moon in lust with Tamara. I appreciated that Elec was written with a youthful touch, that there wasn’t an attempt to make him sound older or more mature and that he still acted impulsively at times. It made their relationship more genuine and believable.
I know very little about Nascar other than having watched that bad Will Farrell movie, Talledega Nights and some special on RVs on the HGTV network which included a segment about souped up RVs for famous Nascar folks. There were enough details in the story to make it sound authentic to me but a Nascar fan might disagree. While the book doesn’t mention “Nascar”, I just inserted it automatically since it was about pro stock car racing.
It was great fun to watch the older Tamara run like hell after their one night stand and have to bluster about it not being a one night stand when called on it by Elec. In a nice role reversal, Tamara really does want to just have sex with Elec only he doesn’t want that and once he gets an inkling that is all she’s interested in, he takes the opportunity to set her straight.
I appreciated that Tamara’s former husband wasn’t demonized. He fit the stereotypical athlete but not in terms of womanizing. He was more addicted to the thrill and the fame and less addicted to his family. One element that wasn’t explored a great deal was why Elec was different; what was it about his personality or his upbringing or his past (which actually seemed very similar to the deceased husband) that made him less interested in the trappings of a successful race car driver.
Another element that didn’t seem to get adequate attention was the Hatfield/McCoy storyline that was raised between Elec’s family and Tamara’s inlaws, both racing powerhouses. The “secret” of the feud was never revealed. It was unclear why it wasn’t revealed either.
Probably the greatest strength of this book besides the sexiness (and yes, it is super sexy) is the humor, so I’ll end the review with a couple of excerpts. This is a scene from the morning after the one night stand:
She flushed, feeling the heat rise up her neck and into her cheeks. “It’s not what it looks like,” she said to Ryder, which was perhaps the stupidest thing she had ever said in her entire life.
That ridiculous lie in the face of the obvious seemed to break through Ryder’s shock. He burst out with a laugh. “Oh, I think it’s exactly what it looks like.” He grinned. “Guess Elec saw you home safely. Knew I could count on him.”
Ryder moved through the room to his closet, still grinning. “I hate to be the voice of reason—I mean, when does that ever happen? But it’s damn near noon. I have to grab my uniform and head to the pre-race meetings with my team. I would imagine you have to do the same, rookie.”
…
Oh my God.
It was Elec. “I know you,” she said, struck dumb. “You were at a barbeque at the Briggses a long time ago. You got drunk on pilfered beer and took your daddy’s car and did doughnuts on the front lawn.”
Elec rubbed his chin and gave a sheepish smile. “Guilty as charged. But they shouldn’t have left the beer keg unattended. It was too much a temptation for a teenage boy.”
Tamara started to think she just might faint. Dear God in heaven, she had slept with a teenager. She was a molester. She scooted back on the mattress, trying to get off the same pillow as him, put some space, any space, between them. “You were like twelve then! How old are you now? My Lord, Elec, I’m old enough to be your mother!”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said, not looking at all concerned that she had just done a Mrs. Robinson on him. He reached for her, touching her hip, hauling her back a little toward him. “That was more than ten years ago, I imagine. And if you’re old enough to have a twenty-six-year-old child, I’ll eat my car, part by part.”
“You’re twenty-six?” Tamara’s heart rate slowed a little. That didn’t sound quite as bad. She’d been thinking early twenties, but at least he was heading toward thirty.
“Well, almost. In a couple of months.”
“Oh, my God!” She panicked and ducked under the sheet.
The morning after scene is one of my favorites in the book even though the dinner with Elec, Tamara, her friend, Suzanne, Suzanne’s ex, Ty and his bimbo du jour is another priceless piece of entertainment and if a reader is interested in knowing what that scene reads like, well, she’ll have to read the book. B+
Best regards,
Jane
This book can be purchased in trade paperback from Amazon or Powells on November 4, 2008. Ebook format forthcoming.
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And Now: Buy a Contemporary, Save the World
Here’s the deal: we dig this book. We dig this book like damn and whoa, and we think you will too. So, in order to spread the word and the opportunity to read it we’re doing a multi-level giveaway in tandem with our reviews of Flat Out Sexy. Sarah and I are putting money where our mouth is by offering up a 1/3 of the prize money each. We coerced Ms. McCarthy to throw in some cash to the kitty and Berkley is adding 20 copies of the book.
Part the First: free books! Leave a comment, and you’re automatically entered to win a copy. We each have 10 copies of the book to give away, so drop a word Smart Bitches and here and double your chances. Comments will be open for 24 hours starting now.
Second: Spread the Word! Below is a Sprout widget about our campaign, and a simpler animated graphic. Right-click-and-save the graphic, or grab the Sprout for yourself (graphic at the top of the page), and put it on your site. Let us know that you’ve done so via email (sarah at smartbitchestrashybooks.com OR jane at dearauthor.com), and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com, where you can buy this book, or many, many other books may suit your fancy. Spread the word, let us know, and you’re entered to win. That’s it.
The Spread the Word winner will be announced in 1 week, so tune in on Monday 27 October to see who wins a fierce Benjamin in our quest to Save the Contemporary.
Why? Because if there’s one thing that makes us sad, it’s the idea of contemporary romance dying out. So spread the word, buy a contemporary, and save the world.
Count me in for the free book drawing. :)
What a fun campaign idea! :)
Sounds like a great read. Thanks
Me, too! Sounds like a fun book!
I love Erin Mccarthy! The Pregnancy Test was one of the funniest books I have ever read - and so sweet. The ending… *sigh* Count me in on the book giveaway, please
Sounds terrific. Please count me in!
I am such a freebie whore, put me in the draw too please!
I think Erin Mccarthy books are fantastic!! Would love the free book!! Please count me in!!
I’m in!!! I haven’t read Ms. McCarthy, but heard great things, and I love the contest idea!
I became a fan of Erin McCarthy when she won Lori Foster’s writing contest! Flat Out Sexy is on my to buy list now–thanks to your review!
Put my name in the hat please (or random number generator).
This sounds good. I wanna read!! hehe
Sounds great, please count me in!
I am always on the lookout for great stories so count me in!
A straight contemporary? Woohoo!!!!
Well, this book goes on my list!
Me too please!! And it sounds like a wonderful book!
Count me in!
[...] Since the 5th Croft book is in Stephanie’s court right now, and I’m waiting for copyedits on Passion Unleashed, I sort of have a little extra time (which means I’m procrastinating writing a proposal for the 4th Demonica book,) so I did a little blog-hopping this morning. While be-bopping around the internet, I found an interesting post at Dear Author. [...]
I MISS good contemporary romances! Thank you Jane.
I love Erin McCarthy and this book sounds like another winner from her :)
Sounds good — a contemporary without werewolves, vampires or serial killers definitely appeals.
Woohoo! Free book! Gimme! Plz?
*cough* Rephrasing:
Sounds great! Count me in, please!
Wow, what a fun idea for a contest. Please include me in the free book drawing. :)
Sounds great! Count me in!
Please enter me for the free book drawing. Unfortunately I don’t really have a place to put the widget. :(
I’m in!
Thanks for this great giveaway. Wonderful idea. Love Contemporary.
This sounds like a great read! I enjoyed Smart Mouth by Ms. McCarthy but I fear it is hard to find her books around here, save the vampire ones. Being not that much into vampires, I always enjoy learning of a fun contemporary that is not set in that world.
I love Erin McCarthy! The book sounds great.
Sounds like a GREAT book!!
Book sounds interesting and the contest is fun!
*entering*
Thanks for the contest.
Sounds like a fun read. Count me in. Sally
What fun! Count me in. Kay
Erin McCarthy is an auto-buy for me so count me in!
Great idea! Count me in please :-)
Please enter me in the drawing.
Fabulous review. I’ll read this book whether I win the contest or not.
It’s funny, I was only recently bemoaning the lack of good new contemporary romance releases. Jane, if you know of any more please keep sending the reviews and recommendations our way! Count me in for the random draw.
Ooo! I’m so there! :D
Erin McCarthy is flat out one of the best writers of contemporary romance today. More, please!
I love contemporaries too! Which means I’m thrilled to see this contest and post.
Sounds like a fun book. Even if I don’t win a copy, I’ll try it.
Count me in for the free book drawing. But just in case I don’t win, please try to get this book out for the Kindle.
OHH! I want this book. I’ll grab the Save the Contemporary logo and put it to use!
I really like Erin McCarthy, I’ve already glommed her entire backlist and I would love to read this new book.
Off to put the sprout on my blog…
Ohohoh… books :)
Oooooh count me in!!! I adore Erin McCarthy’s books. :D
Sounds like fun! Fingers crossed. : )
I saw this book in Romantic times and so so gald to see her back to writing a straight contemporary!! It is on to buy list!!
I don’t have a website to put the SAVE the contemporary,but could I email to friends who read contemporaries?
Christina T - We definitely need to rethink the “spread the word campaign”. Proof of email might be one way to do it. We can’t change the rules for this one, but we are going to host another campaign in December for a great, great contemporary and we’ll do things differently in that one.
Count me in! I’d love to read a good contemporary. I’m going to check out her back list after this recommendation.
This sounds fantastic. I’d love to read it! Thanks for trying to save the genre. Let’s hope it works.
I’m so happy to see another contemporary from McCarthy! I’ve really missed her.
I’m not always the first to pick up a straight contemporary (what? no vamps? demons? and no reticules and coaches, either? welllllll…) but I’m game to give it a shot. And if I learn a wee bit about racing (in the same way I learn history from historicals, of course - “may contain history-like substance” I always say and I guess this book may contain a NASCAR-like substance?) my husband will be all the more appreciative.
I’m definitely going to check this book out (even if I don’t win one!)
Count me in, I’m all for saving good old fashion contemps!
ok great!!
I will still send it to my friends who like contemporary romance!!!
The book does sound good. Count me in :-)
So excited! Erin McCarthy! Contemporaries! Free Books!
Sounds like a great read and I love a good contemporary read! :)
I can’t resist. Even if I don’t win, I’ll go out and buy it. For one thing, I *write* contemporaries (without a vampire in sight ;?)), so please everyone, let’s keep the hope alive!! :?)
I’m game. It’s been a while since I’ve read a straight contemporary. I think I have one in the TBR pile, but this one sounds good too. and when you endorse it with “damn and whoa”, how can one resist commenting? Plus, I was born in the South, so Nascar was fed intravenously to me as a babe. Not that I watch it or anything, but it’s a kind of an innate Nasdar thing nowadays.
@KMont, I confess that the “damn and whoa” comes from SB Sarah. She wrote the intro but I’ll tell you that I do think it’s worth the tradepaperback price because it is all that it advertises to be: funny, sexy, and entertaining. It might not have the poignancy of say, a Kristan Higgins book, but it’s a real fun read and it was just as entertaining the second time around which can’t be said about all books.
Count me in, please! Looking over the list of books I’ve read this year, straight contemporaries are woefully under-represented.
Count me in. I was just scouring the bookstore stacks (unsuccessfully) yesterday for a straight contemporary.
Just throwing my name in the DA ring–this book sounds awesome.
Awesome! Count me in :)
I really like Erin McCarthy’s straight, light contemporaries - Mouth to Mouth is my absolute favourite, followed by Houston We Have a Problem. They’re funny and hot and on my keeper shelf. I’d love to be entered in the draw. I think Christie Ridgway and Rachel Gibson also do amazing contemporaries, and hope they’ll keep keep writing them as well.
Count me in!!
FINALLY!!! I am obsessed with Erin, but sadly… not other beings from out of this world, so I have been having to re-read (like it was a hardship) her other books…
it will be nice to get a fun, sexy read from her!!! WOOHOO!!!!
I am spreading the word!
This is a great idea! Contemporaries need to make a comeback. Count me in for the book and I’m spreading the word on my blog too.
Thanks for doing this :-D
I just finished Flat Out Sexy and loved it also. So glad we have Erin McCarthy writing contemporaries and keeping the genre alive!
What a great idea you and the SB’s have come up with.
Definitely going to post about this.
Contemporaries are my favorite and I would love to win this one! Please add me to the mix. Thanks.
Sounds like fun! I’d love to read it!
Count me in!
It is beyond awesome to have Erin McCarthy return to contemps because she shines in them. I hope everyone gets a chance to read this, good luck. This is an amazingly fun read!
Erin is one of my all time favorite contemporary authors and like Jane I don’t really care for the darker stories, so when I heard about this book coming out I am chomping at the bit to get it. So pick me please, lol.
I don’t have a website so this is my only chance to win, otherwise, I will be waiting for Borders to open to get it. BTW have you reviewed Erin’s YA book that is coming out in a few weeks, Speed Demon. My daughter can’t wait for it come out. She has already pre-ordered it from Amazon.
I love Erin McCarthy — but only read her contemporaries!!! I’m adding the Spread the Word widget to my blog :-)
Me likey.
Oh yay! I so love fun contemporaries! I can’t wait to read this.
LOL–I put this on my Amz wishlist before I finished reading the post.
I can’t imagine the contemporary romance not lasting. Erin McCarthy, Rachel Gibson, Susan Donovan are some favs., and I love Erin’s contemporaries. Please count me in for the draw, thanks!
Awww, I wish I had a site to put the thingie on.
Please enter me!
I love Erin McCarthy! I can’t wait to read this book!
I am not a fan of paranormal, but I am a huge fan of Erin’s!!
I’m spreading the word! :) Save the Contemporary!!!!!!
Sounds great, count me in!
I definately want in on this contest! I love love love Erin McCarthy!
WooHoo thanks for the great contest! Wishing everyone here a wonderful week,
Donna P.
I enjoy contemporaries and I’ve neither read nor won anything by Erin. I’d love to win!
Thanks for the review and the contest–I’m a big fan of Erin’s contemporaries!
I have several of Erin’s books and love them all. Please put me in for the contest.
Sounds awesome! Please enter me in the contest.
Thanks Jane and Sarah for putting the spotlight on contemporaries! I loved writing Flat Out Sexy, and I am a happy girl to be back writing about average everyday people who are dealing with insecurities and responsibilities, and having some great sex while falling in love . :-D
This sound like a FUN read! Count me in.
And thanks to all the wonderful comments from posters about my previous books! That means a ton to me as I venture back into contemps.
Now back to writing the next book in the series… :-)
Sounds like a really good book. Please enter me.
I really like Erin McCarthy’s contemporary stuff. Especially You Don’t Know Jack. I can’t wait to real Flat-out Sexy.
I’m also getting tired of all the vamps and werewolves. I have done an entire month of paranormal reviews on my site and can’t wait to move on the the holiday romances and contemporaries!
Any contemporary by Erin McCarthy is an auto-read for me! I don’t even care what its about! I know I will buy it, devour it, and love it.
Me! Oh me! Pick me! I want free books! Me me me!
I’d love to read Flat Out Sexy!! Please enter me in the drawing!