Bitchin' Blog Posts
Buy a Contemporary, Save the World: Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy
by SB Sarah | October 20, 2008 | Monday at 10:30 am | 217 Comments
Jane has 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 we 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 Dear Author where we try to Save the Contemporary.
Let it be said: This is a NASCAR romance. I had a ball reading it. There’s a lot of assumptions made about NASCAR fans and the folks who participate in the sport, particularly as far as class and intellect are concerned, and many of those assumptions are plain looneytunes. From the skill and endurance needed to be a successful driver to the extensive education in engineering (at a minimum) needed to be in a pit crew, NASCAR is a greatly misunderstood but very interesting culture. Hm. I wonder if there are any book genres like that.
NASCAR creates a unique environment for contemporary romance in particular because it allows for an entirely new setting for some traditional elements of romance. First, there’s the class and status that come with belonging to a racing family, or being a crew member thereof. Then there’s the wealth of the drivers, their families, and the generations ahead and after them that continue in the racing circuit, and the sheer shitfuckton of money involved in the foundation of the sport itself. Add to that literal life and death stakes and you have plenty of opportunities for external tensions acting against the protagonists that, when placed on a NASCAR track, seem completely different and allow for a new examination of traditional tropes.
What makes Flat Out Sexy so charming and refreshing is that the conflict between the couple stems mostly from between the couple and their perceptions of themselves, but I never once got the feeling they were standing in their own way merely to prolong that tension. Single mom Tamara Briggs is finally reentering her old social circle a few years after her NASCAR driver husband was killed in a race. Elec Monroe is one of the hottest rookies in the current group of drivers, but since he’s a handful of years younger than Tamara, she doesn’t recognize him when she literally runs into him at a cocktail party. Theirs is an instant attraction, and Tamara decides that a one night stand with a man as hot as Elec can’t be a bad thing. And of course, the sex is as incredible as the attraction hinted it would be. But when they wake up the morning after and she realizes that not only is he younger than she is but the son of a family that’s had a longstanding feud with her husband’s family, she’s horrified at herself and decides that once ought to have been enough.
Trouble is, she doesn’t necessarily want that to be the case, and Elec definitely doesn’t want theirs to be a one shot deal. The conflicts large and small that affect their relationship range in size and tenor, from the feud between their families to Tamara’s own feelings of insecurity about her body after giving birth to two children. There’s also the fact that she has children and has been a single, independent mom for a few years now, and is fiercely protective of her family, her routine, and their privacy - particularly in a sport like NASCAR with its own gossip mill. Elec has his own set of issues, including a very personal and sad secret that he keeps from everyone. But Elec is determined to swerve past all of these blocks and simply be with Tamara.
What impressed me time and again about McCarthy’s skill in creating these two characters was their responses to everyday human conflict: they acted like grownups about it. Seriously. Even at her most embarrassed, Tamara owned up to her self consciousness about her body, and Elec was dumbfounded (because really, what guy notices the things a woman notices about herself?) and deliberately thoughtful in how he responded because he wanted to be careful of her feelings. When Elec faced a rip roaring confrontation with his sister, who handles his PR, he admits to having completely forgotten about an appointment she’d made for him, and apologizes. No spoiled diva behavior, no taking for granted his sister’s hard work: he mans up and says he’s sorry. McCarthy’s skill with dialogue - never once did I think “Come on now, people don’t talk like that,” - yields true characters, protagonists and supporting cast alike, who are wonderfully realistic, with nuanced depth and at times heartbreaking problems.
I was rooting for both Tamara and Elec equally throughout the story simply because they had to deal with realistic problems and because they dealt with each one like adults - adults who have the serious hots for one another and can barely see straight from the spicy hot attraction. Dinner parties will never be the same again in my imagination, lemme tell you. Plus, can I say how awesome it was to read about a romance heroine who is middle aged, who has two kids who are elementary-school aged, who holds down a full-time job plus manages her home and family and yes, finds it exhausting but doesn’t need rescuing from her existence? Tamara would be the first to tell you her daily routine is tough - particularly when the kids have the chicken pox - but never once would she wish for some knight on a stallion or some stallion at night to come sweep her out of her life. She loves her life. But sweeping her off her feet for hot sex? That’s another story. She’s on board for that. Me, too.
So what kept the book from solid A status? There was one particularly monumental conflict between them that was never explained in full, never really amounted to the Big Freaking Deal that it did in Tamara’s head, and was never truly resolved even after they’d experienced their super shiny happy ending. (Highlight to read teh spoilerz)
The family feud between the Briggs family and the Monroe family originated with the fathers, and the bad feelings between them come up several times from different characters during the course of the story. But the cause of the feud is never explained, even after Tamara and Elec’s relationship is public, and despite their relationship, the reader never learns how the Tamara’s father in law and Elec’s father deal with the bad blood between them. It’s a huge plot thread that seems to be left dangling, and the lack of resolution is jarring.As I mentioned, McCarthy has Mad Character Creation Skillz, and the population of characters surrounding Tamara and Elec are ripe for stories of their own. I believe that the next one is about Ty, another NASCAR driver, and Tamara’s teaching assistant, Imogen, a super-intellectual Yankee who decides that a close and personal examination of the social and sexual culture of NASCAR is a great subject for her thesis. I’m down with that. Particularly because the initial sparks between Imogen and Ty are as incendiary as those between Tamara and Elec. Erin McCarthy is a fiercely skilled writer, and I’m upgrading my pants from happy to gleeful that I’ve found a contemporary romance that is complex and fascinating, but based firmly in the reality of human conflict, emotion, and triumph.
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.
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 here and at Dear Author 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, and put it on your site. Let us know that you’ve done so via email, and you’ll be entered to win a copy of the book, and a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com, where you can buy many, many books. Oh, the delightful zest of the phrase, “Many, many books.” 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.
Filed: Buy a Book, Save the World, Cross-Blog Debate: Smart Bitches and Dear Author, Go Ahead, Win Some Shit, Reviews, Save the Contemporary, Grade B, Authors, L-P
Tagged: sex, nascar, gossip, contemporary
Naomi Libicki said on 10.20.08 at 10:56 AM
Y halo thar, I can haz free book plz?
I have never been much interested in racing, but I’ve been watching a lot recently because my son loves it. I wonder if there’s a market for Dakar Rally romance?
Moom said on 10.20.08 at 11:08 AM
There’s only so much historical/werewolf and fantasy romance a body can take. I’ve got to say though that if you’re happy to have two female protagonists in your plot there’s some pretty good lesbian romance out there. ‘Sequestered Hearts’ is one that springs to mind for me.
(Totally jonesing for a good book here, too.)
eaeaea said on 10.20.08 at 11:27 AM
Me, too, too.
Great review. I wanna read this one.
I am so over para-normal. Give me normal.
Please.
Deirdre said on 10.20.08 at 11:55 AM
You guys write such good reviews. It would never occur to me to read a Nascar story but this has me convinced to give it a try!
hollygee said on 10.20.08 at 12:07 PM
Me, I wanna read this, too. Please.
ev said on 10.20.08 at 12:07 PM
Ya think? So the fact that number 88 permanently resides in my truck windows doesn’t make me a totally unedumacated redneck?
I am looking forward to a good NASCAR story. This will definately be on my go buy it list and soon.
I wish I had a website to post this on. Will it work on Facebook or MySpace? And if so, how? Technically challanged here. Now give me my toolbox and I am happy. Like the toolshed I put up yesterday.
Oh, damn, there’s that redneck thing again.
I thought you said he was a handful of years younger than her?? this is more like a couple of handfuls and feetfulls too!
spamword-lay36. I wish
Helen said on 10.20.08 at 12:24 PM
I didn’t see anything that said otherwise, so I assume you’re happy to send it to Australia if I win?
It sounds like a great story, anyway, and I do like variety in my reading so I’m on board for not letting the contemporary romance die out. I like paranormals but I wouldn’t want them to be my only option.
Lindz said on 10.20.08 at 12:28 PM
Huh. I don’t generally like NASCAR, but this sounds interesting enough for me to overcome my anti-racing sensibilities.
Indiana= Corn & NASCAR
Pearl said on 10.20.08 at 01:01 PM
I have always liked Erin McCarthy’s writing, since I came back to the world of romance reading after a hiatus. And yes, thank goodness for a book wihtout supernatural/paranormal stuff: I think I am close to baked on the attractions of vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, and aliens—and let’s face it: the genre is getting too familiar (or anemic?) compared to the early stuff.
theo said on 10.20.08 at 01:07 PM
My DH works for a NASCAR team owner. I haven’t been able to bring myself to read any of the stories for one of the reason you mention here. There is a lot of misconception about not only those who participate but the intelligence level of the fan as well. I’ve been around this sport for 25 years and it’s a rare occurrence to find a real ‘dumb redneck’. Most fans might be guilty of rabid fandom over a particular driver, doesn’t mean they have no brain.
If the story itself can overcome the stereotypical fan representation, then I think I’ll have to give this one a try.
Ya’ll do know, right, that us dumb rednecks find it real hard to read though, right?
(jab intenteded) ;)
Sarah Frantz said on 10.20.08 at 01:20 PM
Oh, I’ve been wanting a good contemporary. Me please!
Diana Peterfreund said on 10.20.08 at 01:31 PM
Thirty two is MIDDLE AGED? Sarah! Say it ain’t so!
(spam word: since31)
StacieMc said on 10.20.08 at 01:50 PM
Count me in please!
Joanne said on 10.20.08 at 01:53 PM
LOL! It’s all relative I guess.
Elec? See, it’s not the Nascar theme that would stop me at the blurb but the name of the hero.
But I do like Erin McCarthy’s writing, including her vamps and demons so I would read this based on her paranormals… and I think it’s that diversity is what makes the romance reader’s world go round.
Evaine said on 10.20.08 at 01:59 PM
Oooh… it’s not one of the Harlequin series of Nascar romances! This could be interesting! I shall add it to the ‘to be acquired’ list.
*points to her orange #20 slippers*
We like Nascar up here in Canada too!
Gail said on 10.20.08 at 02:08 PM
Want book. Please.
Marsha said on 10.20.08 at 02:11 PM
I guess here’s a good time to, uh, woman-up and say that I’m ready and willing to learn more about the NASCAR culture. Although I (hope I) don’t perpetuate erroneous stereotypes I certainly haven’t been one to be first in learning more. If I can read this book to start on the path to my own personal NASCAR healing and save the world at the same time, so much the better.
Will try to widget my blog tonight. I am usually woefully inept at that kind of stuff but try I will.
Danielle said on 10.20.08 at 02:13 PM
I can haz competition entry? :)
snarkhunter said on 10.20.08 at 02:15 PM
Ooh, this sounds *fun*.
Want.
Plz.
Faellie said on 10.20.08 at 02:19 PM
Not sure this one will make it over the pond any other way, so maybe you’ll end up helping out one of your European readers?
spamword “hard99”
Chantel said on 10.20.08 at 02:19 PM
I also lament the lack of great contemporary romances as I am not a particular lover of the paranormals that seem so popular right now.
Being an Aussie living in Scotland I must confess to knowing absolutely nothing about Nascar. And romance protagonists behaving like adults - taking responsibility for their own lives and actions - hell yes!
Susan G said on 10.20.08 at 02:21 PM
As much as I like Erin McCarthy’s writing I doubt I would have read this book without your recomendation. I live in “Race City USA” NC so it’s really hard for me to get away from all things NASCAR. It’s not my favorite sport so I don’t look for MORE of it in my life! But this sounds very good so please put my name in the hat.
Lori said on 10.20.08 at 02:21 PM
Oh it sounds like a great book.
And my spam word: distance61. Guess I’m going the distance (or I have already since I’m way past middle aged if middle age is 32).
Wendy said on 10.20.08 at 02:25 PM
No death of the contemporary please! ....and not just because I have accidentally found myself writing one. :P And because I like well-crafted characters, I comment.
Nadia said on 10.20.08 at 02:25 PM
Count me in for the giveaway.
BTW—your review’s just great. Makes me wanna go read it now. :)
Gill said on 10.20.08 at 02:26 PM
No vampires, werewolves, or shapeshifters? Oh my!
Sign me up, please!
rm said on 10.20.08 at 02:31 PM
I’d love the book!
I’d also love to spread the word, but am unfortunately technically as well as blogistically challenged -as in, don’t have one. :-(
SB Sarah said on 10.20.08 at 02:31 PM
Well, I’m thirty-three and figured I was, but age is entirely relative. You totally do have a point, there. I admit: I’ve been inculcated by so many young heroines that I think the default age is somewhere in her 20’s.
Castiron said on 10.20.08 at 02:32 PM
Definitely sounds worth a look!
Rustybelle said on 10.20.08 at 02:40 PM
I hope contemporaries aren’t going to die just as I’ve finally raised my head above the regency parapit (is that an oxymoron or merely a really mixed metaphor?).
So may I please be entered for the loot? Ta muchly.
Poison Ivy said on 10.20.08 at 02:40 PM
I find it scary that you and Jane think the contemporary is in jeopardy. But contemporaries have definitely been seeming worn out lately. I take that as a sign that we need a new paradigm in what is considered the classic straight relationship between a man and a woman. I can’t imagine what it will be. But I can’t wait to see it.
Meanwhile, this book does sound interesting for its honesty in the relationship. But NASCAR? Sigh.
Lori said on 10.20.08 at 02:46 PM
Oooh, sounds great! Sign me up!
Hilcia said on 10.20.08 at 02:48 PM
ROFLMAO—32 is NOT middle aged! Says who?
I miss, miss, miss good contemporary romance! YESSSS! Thank you Sarah and Jane!
dzurlady said on 10.20.08 at 02:57 PM
I’ve never really been that into contemporary novels, but your post has made me think again about the genre. And FOS sounds really interesting.
Eunice said on 10.20.08 at 02:57 PM
Hey, I’m 24, and I’ll tell 32 ain’t middle aged!
Also, put me in for wanting a copy. Commenting, commenting…
Elizabeth said on 10.20.08 at 02:58 PM
I love Erin McCarthy. Well, the 2 books that I’ve read which were You Don’t Know Jack and A Date With the Other Side and I’ve been eager to read more of her books but my library only had those 2. So, you know, I’d appreciate a free book.
Marilyn said on 10.20.08 at 03:04 PM
I love Erin McCarthy, I love Contemporaries, and I love NASCAR! Hooray Jimmie Johnson! Pick me, Pick me!
Vicki said on 10.20.08 at 03:10 PM
So true about the difficulty finding a contemporary that doesn’t have were-somethings in it. I like the idea of urban romance but how many demon spawned heros/heroines can you have? Hope I win the book or I may just have to go out and buy it.
Lori said on 10.20.08 at 03:19 PM
Erin McCarthy is great! Count me in.
Eve said on 10.20.08 at 03:21 PM
Having lived below I-10 for most of my life, I’ve definitely been inundated with NASCAR culture, and not always in a good way. :)
Your review, however, definitely makes me want to read this book. I love when the characters are strong, sexy and the heroine doesn’t need or want to be rescued!
I enjoy paranormals, but everyone needs a break now and then. How many brooding, nightwalking, bloodsucking creatures can there be??
Thanks for putting me in the hat!
Jennie said on 10.20.08 at 03:22 PM
Free book—new to me author, great combo. :-)
Diane said on 10.20.08 at 03:22 PM
The book sounds great.
Jenyfer Matthews said on 10.20.08 at 03:23 PM
I love contemporary romance and am always looking for a new author to try. Thanks!
Sarah said on 10.20.08 at 03:25 PM
One of my friends who knows I read romances bought me a NASCAR romance as a joke, and was shocked when I told him I couldn’t put it down. I’m not into racing and never thought much about it, but the situations in that book really pulled me in. Based on your description, this one sounds even better! And I could really use some brain candy right now.
Marianne McA said on 10.20.08 at 03:26 PM
32 is a mere babe in arms. I think I deserve a free book for being made to feel downright elderly.
Bren said on 10.20.08 at 03:27 PM
Can I just say how damn refreshing it is to read a thoughtful, informative, SCINTILLATING review of what sounds like a great book? I mean, all the reviews HERE are thoughtful, but I am so sick of people discounting any juicy book as being anything other than fluff. Yeah, I know, old news, old comments…..........I just had an encounter with someone from my mother’s group book club who was all up in my face about the genre. Like every book I am supposed to read is supposed to tie my ass up in knots thinking about “my purpose” or “my message” or my fat thighs and gray hair. GIVE ME A BREAK! I ended the conversation by asking her if she watches anything other than PBS, CNN or the History Channel. When she said yes I could tell she doesn’t get it. People, it’s ENTERTAINMENT! Sheesh!
OK - going to get coffee now - WAY too grumpy….......
KellyMaher said on 10.20.08 at 03:32 PM
Well, I picked up Power Play based on your recommendation, so I’ll add this one to my list of books to check out. I’ll agree that the straight contemporary seems to be waning in popularity, but I also think, like historicals, it’s not really going to die. I remember hearing SEP speak once about how she was told she could never sell a book with a rock or sports star as the hero or heroine and then she sold It Had to Be You and that spawned a whole series of books. I seem to be seeing a lot of contemporary books in the last 5-6 years where the hero or heroine is involved in sports. I wonder if that’s going to be part of the evolution of contemporaries like changes in time period seem to have helped historicals.
AndieG said on 10.20.08 at 03:36 PM
I’m not big into Nascar as a rule, but the Smart Bitches have piqued my interest with their awesome review. A free copy would just be icing on the cake!
Rhian said on 10.20.08 at 03:46 PM
As a relatively fanatic Formula 1 fan, I can appreciate NASCAR even if I don’t enjoy it as much. I had no idea that it was seen negatively over there (I’m British). This book sounds great. I’ve had many “Come on, no one speaks like that!” moments recently, and am a little tired of reading about adults who behave like children… but I must thank you for reviewing Caught Running, which I’ve just read and enjoyed hugely for the maturity of the characters and the sweetness of the story. A great contemporary!
amybee said on 10.20.08 at 03:55 PM
I read one other NASCAR novel and it was awful. This one sounds a lot more promising. Maybe I won’t miss Regency England so much…
Maered said on 10.20.08 at 03:59 PM
Love Erin Mccarthy! The Pregnancy Test was one of the funniest contemporaries I have read in a long time. Love her and glad to see her back to straight contemporary. But not a fan of NASCAR..
Denise said on 10.20.08 at 03:59 PM
Please enter me in the drawing.
Chris said on 10.20.08 at 04:01 PM
LOL at Marsha’s comment - she should win a book just for her comment. :)
Mary C said on 10.20.08 at 04:04 PM
Straight contemporary with not-stupid dialogue is my favorite. And Erin McCarthy would be a new author for me.
Leah Braemel said on 10.20.08 at 04:08 PM
YES! Save the contemporary! I love to read modern day heroines overcoming the same time of cr*p I face in real life. Are sales of contemporaries falling because no one’s buying them or because they’re just not available in the stores any more? Chicken or egg?
Sarabeth said on 10.20.08 at 04:16 PM
As someone who writes contemporaries (though unpublished), I will help to save them. And, well, a nice book giveaway would be good, too.
Love Romance Passion said on 10.20.08 at 04:18 PM
Sweet! I’m in! :D
KimmieB said on 10.20.08 at 04:28 PM
I’ve been toying with the idea of writing a contemporary, but have never read one! So maybe I should read a couple of good ones, before I mangle the genre.
Karen said on 10.20.08 at 04:29 PM
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.
Kimberly Van Meter said on 10.20.08 at 04:29 PM
Throw me in the lot! And as an author of contemp romance I sure HOPE for the sake of my career that the genre still has a strong heartbeat! I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy a good para but a steady diet gets a little tiresome.
Jodie said on 10.20.08 at 04:32 PM
Saving the world is my destiny! (It’s possible I have watched too much Heros).
Victoria Dahl said on 10.20.08 at 04:33 PM
Sarah, I think if you are in the midst of young-motherhood, as we are, you feel middle aged. It might have something to do with hearing things like “Mommy! Every time I fart, poop comes out of my bum!!!”
Yeah, last week was a tough week.
That said… AWESOME CAMPAIGN!!!! Ha! You chicks are wonderful.
karmelrio said on 10.20.08 at 04:46 PM
While a piece of my brain went TILT at the hero’s name (my knee-jerk reactions at reading it were 1) “Wow, that’s really… metrosexual”, and 2) a stray “Electra Woman and Dyna Girl” memory) I love Erin McCarthy’s work. And even though I write paranormal, I love to have my palate cleansed occasionally by some straight-up contemporary.
KimmieB said on 10.20.08 at 04:48 PM
I already commented, so don’t count this.
Victoria, were you living in my house this week?! Except instead of poop, my daughter learned if you fart against the sliding glass door, the window fogs up a little. Add a toddler giggles to it, and you get hilarity instead of grossness.
And eye-strain from rolling your eyes so much.
Tina S said on 10.20.08 at 05:01 PM
This is great-I’m not a fan of paranormal romance in general, and I love contemporary! Can’t wait to read this book-I’ll definitely have to look it up!
Lovecow2000 said on 10.20.08 at 05:09 PM
Thanks to the Smart Bitches and Dear Author crowds I’ve started reading contemporaries. This one looks like fun! Please, may I have a copy?
Anne said on 10.20.08 at 05:09 PM
What, no vampire crew chief or werewolf tire changer?
This sounds great. I am thoroughly tired of paranormals, and I love NASCAR. I love books where the lead characters are adults, and behave like it.
MaryKate said on 10.20.08 at 05:14 PM
Yummy! I’m in!
Stacey P. said on 10.20.08 at 05:23 PM
I’m always up for a good contemporary—and I have to admit, NASCAR culture probably would be a very interesting backdrop, now that I think about it. Sounds awesome, I’ll have to add it to my list, :)
Cat Marsters said on 10.20.08 at 05:24 PM
Contemporaries are on the wane? Read British authors: paranormal romance doesn’t get a look-in here. I just glanced at my shelves and there are too many contemp. romances to mention.
I confess to scepticism about NASCAR (and why is it in capitals? does it stand for something?) although I did enjoy Janet Evanovich’s Alex Barnaby books. I’m just nonplussed: at least F1 and rally driving have, you know, corners.
Alyssa said on 10.20.08 at 05:25 PM
Finally! I’ve missed McCarthy’s contemporaries so much! I’m glad she’s back.
Katie Ann said on 10.20.08 at 05:27 PM
Ha, all the “contemporaries” on my TBR shelf are from the 90s and 80s, from glomming backlists of authors, so I’m in no immediate danger of suffering if they go extinct. I’ll second what many others have said, I would never have normally picked up a NASCAR romance, but this sounds awesome.
BTW, if anyone wants another older woman, younger man story that is just amazing, I highly recommend Family Blessings by LaVyrle Spencer. Heroine is dealing with the unexpected death of her son and tries to deny the attraction and growing feelings she has for his best friend as she copes.
Elizabeth M. said on 10.20.08 at 05:30 PM
You must be right about the genre dying because I’m just now learning of it and I’m mad that it’s dying upon my discovery. I hope your campaign works and it rises again! I’m going to launch into a full-scale reading effort to see what I’ve been missing. Thanks so much!
Jessica B said on 10.20.08 at 05:31 PM
I love Erin McCarthy, and I’ve been waiting for one of her contemporaries! So excited about the possibility of a free book.
Madd said on 10.20.08 at 05:43 PM
I love contemporaries and I’ll read pretty much anything Erin McCarthy writes. I’m also waiting for Crusie.
Kimberly M said on 10.20.08 at 05:44 PM
Okay, I will be the first person to admit that I am a Nascar snob. The fact that its a bunch of people making a left turn over and over and over again is a little boring to me. But the history of the sport is fascinating. And this book sounds even more so.
I am a little sad to see the contemporary phase out. But, even so, trends go in cycles. Eventually the market will choke on all these paranormal, and we’ll be back to traditional people and traditional stories.
I’m going to keep my eyes open for this one and snag it when I see it!
Kiajia D said on 10.20.08 at 05:48 PM
NASCAR stands for National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing. It all started with rum runners during the prohibition trying to get away from the law. My great granddad used to be a rum runner, he has some great stories about the early days after the repealed the law.
darlynne said on 10.20.08 at 05:51 PM
Since this site and DA opened my eyes to the wonder of contemporary romance, I’d love to take a ride with Flat Out Sexy book. Count me in, please.
Brandyllyn said on 10.20.08 at 05:52 PM
I had serious NASCAR prejudice until I found out my boss was a NASCAR fan. This is man is required to wear a suit to work every day (in fact, knowing the LA state police, it may be in the gaming rules and regulations that he must) - and if my white-collar well-educated boss likes NASCAR it can’t all be rednecks now can it?
I can understand it as a participation sport - but I still don’t get it as a spectator.
Amy said on 10.20.08 at 05:54 PM
I have all of Erin McCarthy’s books . . . love, love, love her!!
:o)
Rosemary said on 10.20.08 at 05:54 PM
I’m ready for the paranormal novels to die a short and unhappy death. Some authors are inventive, but I now feel like I’m reading the same story 10 times all by different authors.
Silver James said on 10.20.08 at 05:59 PM
What’s scary is that my DH predicted two years ago that NASCAR romances and mysteries would be the next big thing. I should have listened. Count me in for the book here. And if I can figure out how to put the widgets on my blog other than sticking them in a post, I’ll email so I can get in on the other part.
This is a great idea, ya’ll!
Kristian said on 10.20.08 at 06:06 PM
okay… so I admit I am really new to romance in general… but I already have noticed the difficulty in finding a true honest to god romance… without some out of this world creature…. granted, I enjoy those, but I prefer to read about people I can relate to.
I am glad Erin is releasing another… she has become one of my favs!!!
Bev Stephans said on 10.20.08 at 06:15 PM
Count me in!!!
Celia Marsh said on 10.20.08 at 06:19 PM
I do pretty much read anything put in front of me, but I really kinda like the Nascar romances, in part because it’s a culture that surrounded us growing up, but never overlapped with my interests, so I’ve never understood why people watch it, and also because in the ones I’ve read so far there have been total infodumps of explanation of the physics of driving that I can totally see these being used to teach nascar wives enough of the technical detail that they can impress their spouse. :)
That said, i also once ran a poll on my livejournal about the best crossover paranormal nascar romance plot points: http://tanaise.livejournal.com/833507.html
Marie44 said on 10.20.08 at 06:21 PM
I don’t read a lot of contemporary romances (I was a fan of paranormals before they became the new thing, and I’m loving all the options I have now), but this review has definitely intrigued me. And I never turn down a free book. ;)
css124 said on 10.20.08 at 06:23 PM
I haven’t read a contemporary, let alone a good one, in recent memory. I also haven’t read any Erin McCarthy. Would love to give her a try!
StacieH4 said on 10.20.08 at 06:35 PM
I love contemporaries and great ones are getting hard to find so sign me up, please. Thx!
Danger said on 10.20.08 at 06:37 PM
Your review sounded so good, I requested it from the library before I finished the article :)
katiebabs said on 10.20.08 at 06:37 PM
Flat Out Sexy is such a fun read! Erin McCarthy is always one author I can count on for writing great contemporaries.
Defintely will post about this :D
Mar said on 10.20.08 at 06:47 PM
I’m not a big Nascar fan (cars are not my cup o’ tea, unless they’re you know, actually getting me somewhere), but your excellent review has me ready to give this one a chance! As far as spreading the word, I’ve been thinking about starting a new blog, and this is def incentive to get going on that!
Becke Martin said on 10.20.08 at 06:47 PM
I love contemporary romance, whether it’s reading it or writing it. It sounds like Erin has a winner here; I’m definitely going to buy it after reading this review!
Megan said on 10.20.08 at 06:51 PM
Count me in, please! Between this review and DA’s, I now really want to read this. :)
Emma said on 10.20.08 at 06:51 PM
Fun, count me in!
Rhonda Stapleton said on 10.20.08 at 07:04 PM
YAYYYY—enter me, please! I adore Erin’s books (and she’s such a sweetie).
Lizzie (greeneyed fem) said on 10.20.08 at 07:05 PM
Yes, please.
Allison said on 10.20.08 at 07:52 PM
Coming out of lurkdom (spelling?) to post for a giveaway - yay thanks! Appreciate the chanceto win a great read.
Monica Garcia said on 10.20.08 at 08:00 PM
I already had Flat Out Sexy on my wish list and thanks to your review I know that if I don’t win I NEED to go pick it up and read it asap.
Maureen said on 10.20.08 at 08:03 PM
Please enter me!
Eva S said on 10.20.08 at 08:05 PM
I’ve never read a NASCAR but I’d love give it a try….
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