When her thriving celebrity PR firm threatens to tank after she drops hot bad-boy client Simon O'Neal and then her clients begin to drop her, Gail DeMarco ends up in a bizarre agreement with Simon that has them wed (temporarily, they think) and headed for tiny Whiskey Creek, CA, in order to repair Simon's tarnished reputation. Small towns allow for little privacy, and maintaining their fictional marital bliss is difficult at best-until their true feelings come to the fore and things become even more complicated. This title introduces a cadre of engaging characters whose stories are sure to keep readers intrigued and eager for the next in the series. VERDICT A hero in need of redemption, a heroine up to the challenge, and an idyllic California gold country setting brilliantly launch Novak's foray into the thriving "small-town community" market. Novak (In Close), of romantic suspense fame, lives in the Sacramento, CA, area, just a stone's throw from the Sierra foothills and mythical Whiskey Creek. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gail DeMarco is handling the biggest PR campaign of her career: rehabilitate the reputation of one Simon O'Neal, the biggest movie star in the U.S. Simon has been on a downward spiral since his divorce, getting into fights, womanizing, and drinking heavily. He hits rock bottom when a judge rules him morally corrupt and bars him from visiting his son. The publicity stunt for Simon to marry a woman with a wholesome image was Gail's idea, but she didn't expect to be cast in the starring role. She's even more surprised to fall in love with the sensitive man he hides beneath the dissolute facade. Simon originally dislikes Gail, but when she takes him to Whiskey Creek, Calif., a small town far away from Hollywood's temptations, he discovers her passion, loyalty, and sweetness. Their heartwarming romance develops slowly and sweetly. The sex is fantastic, but the best part is how Simon and Gail tease and laugh as they grow closer. Agent: Dan Raines, Creative Trust Literary Group. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.