Tangled Up in Love

June 1, 2002
Wit and charm enliven this sexy romp by North (Dear Love Doctor). When Stacey St. Cyr leaves her PR firm in New Orleans to vacation in Hot Springs, Ark., she ends up in Doolittle, Ark., after her faithful collie, True Blue, falls ill. Enter veterinarian Michael Halliday, a single father affectionately known as Dr. Mike. Michael quickly determines that True is pregnant, but his only remedy for Stacey, who's recently been jilted by her fianc , is to spend more time with her. While True recuperates, Stacey becomes acquainted with Michael and his daughters, Jessica and Kristen, and some of the town locals including two fussy old innkeepers and a pushy realtor. Michael and Stacey appeal to one another both physically and emotionally despite their disparate personalities she's a workaholic and he's laid back about everything but her fear of commitment keeps them from coming together. In a contrived plot twist, Stacey's warring, long-divorced parents arrive on the scene to push the couple together. Humor is an ever-present force throughout, which keeps the story's mood light and its pacing upbeat, but North's plot, as well as her characters' motivations, are underdeveloped. Nevertheless, this sweet, sprightly romance is a soothing salve for the lovelorn.

May 15, 2002
Although this book's action takes place in tiny Doolittle, AR, no-nonsense heroine Stacey St. Cyr is totally Big City-New Orleans, that is. Hard-driving, efficient, and success oriented, she is definitely not in the market for a relationship with the sexy, small-town veterinarian she drags out of bed in the middle of the night when her dog gets sick during a road trip. However, fate, the good doctor, and a few matchmaking townspeople have other things in mind; and before long, Stacey is rethinking her priorities and her life. Funny, witty, and filled with endearing characters, this lively tale features a classic romantic clash reminiscent of the Doris Day-Rock Hudson films and will appeal to fans who like their contemporaries full of laughter, animals, and children. North (Dear Love Doctor) is a best-selling writer and lives in Louisiana.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.