SOMEONE LIKE HIM

Author: Karen Kendall ISBN: 0060007230 10/2003 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: AVON

She's Not in Kansas Anymore Ordinarily, small-town girl Lavender "Vinnie" Hart would never have come to New York, but her younger brother, a boarding school student, needs her support. So she finds a job as live-in "nanny" for a high maintenance pooch and moves into the luxurious Manhattan penthouse of architect Nicholas Wright. In a snap, Vinnie's living the high life, but there's an unexpected snafu: the difficult dog's gorgeous owner takes Vinnie's breath away! Nick's too busy with his hectic, success-obsessed life to deal with the spoiled haute couture canine he inherited. Now Vinnie, with her sexy exuberance and charming unpredictability, is becoming an even bigger distraction! Nick's all Big City stress and sophistication; she's genuine, warm-hearted country. A relationship could never work since they have absolutely nothing in common -- or is a girl like her perfect for someone like him? Visit Karen at http://www.karenkendall.com

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Oh, I really, really enjoyed SOMEONE LIKE HIM. This story reads like a fairy tale with a wealthy, sophisticated hero paired with a poor, unworldly heroine. The combination provides a fast, fun and sexy read without being goofy.

The hero, Nicholas, and heroine, Lavender (Vinne, for short ), are central to this character-driven tale with the dog angle a catalyst for bringing the two together. Vinnie's younger brother also serves to loosen the uptight, cynical Nicholas up.

Nicholas, in particular, is a well-defined character. He has flaws, for sure, but Ms. Kendall painted his character well. At one point in the story, Nicholas reflects that he has always considered himself a "manly man". Oh boy, was he ever. He was, well, simply delicious.

SOMEONE LIKE HIM was my first Karen Kendall novel. It will certainly not be my last.

Debbie Jett