Best Book of 2008, really???

I was just notified by Whipped Cream Reviews that my book Rough & Ready has been nominated by their reviewers as one of the best books of 2008! Readers will vote on their favorites to determine the winner. The polls open Monday, February 2nd, and here's the link: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/BB2008.htm If you'd like to vote for Rough & Ready, I'd appreciate it.

Here's what Chamomile, the Whipped Cream Reviewer, had to say about Rough and Ready:


Rough and Ready by Wendi Darlin
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Chamomile

Undercover D.E.A. agent, Hollis McAllister, has learned to guard his secrets well. People close to him are always in danger, and he's never in one place for long. Those are two good reasons not to fall in love. Too bad he slipped up and fell for Taima Everhart when he infiltrated the biggest drug operation in the Southwest.

Drug lord, Marques Santiago sniffs out Hollis. With his cover compromised and local police on the wrong side of the law, Hollis leaves before he has a chance to give Taima an explanation. She hunts him down, but she's not the only one who wants him dead.

Cornered, Taima and Hollis must fight for their lives. She can play rough, but when it comes to Hollis McAllister is she ready to play for keeps?
Rough and Ready is a short story that has it all – intrigue, adventure and passion.

Hollis is a man of mystery and his true purpose isn't revealed until the end, making me wonder about this attractive man. He has regrets concerning Taima, but his responsibilities conflict with his need for her. I was caught up in Hollis' anguish even though I didn't have the whole picture because I could feel his remorse for hurting Taima and I sensed the strength of his character as he works toward his goal.

Taima is a strong, in-your-face woman but when it comes to Hollis, her tough, outer shell is threatened. Forced to believe the worst of him, she sets out to make him pay but the intense feelings she has for him cause her resolve to waiver. Her internal battle between duty and love is a marvel to watch and I admired the way her mind works as she tries to do the right thing.

The pacing of this short story is amazing. I was given just enough information at just the right time to keep me captivated and begging for more about these two complex characters. The fiery passion between Hollis and Taima is explosive and adds so much to the intrigue of their adventure. I highly recommend this tale and I will be reading more by Wendi Darlin.