Strapless: Australia or Bust: A Novel - Softcover

A former contestant herself in the singles' Dating Challenge, Leigh Riker has lived in both New York City and Cincinnati -- perhaps unconscious preparation for writing Strapless. An award-winning author of nine previous novels, she had "the most fun of my life" with heroine Darcie Baxter's friends, foes and family. When she's not tweaking or tormenting her own characters, Leigh teaches creative writing. She also enjoys travel -- most recently with her husband to Australia -- and in her "spare time" at home indulges her cat Jasmine's many whims. Leigh is at work on a new novel.

Darcie Baxter is desperate to get chosen to help her boss go to Sydney, Australia, to set up and launch the newest Wunderthings Lingerie store. When Darcie is picked over her sneaky, backstabbing coworker, Greta, she's thrilled. In Sydney, Darcie makes an instant connection with sexy sheep rancher Dylan Rafferty, and a one-night stand turns into a romance that lasts the duration of her trip. Darcie is completely smitten with Dylan, but while she wants to pursue her career, he wants a wife who will give him children. Regretfully, Darcie returns to New York, where neither her dishonest ex-boyfriend nor her cute new neighbor can fill Dylan's shoes, but still she doesn't see a possible future with the rancher. At work, she frantically tries to keep the Sydney store opening on track even as Greta does her best to sabotage her efforts; then, when Dylan appears on her doorstep, Darcie is forced to face her undeniable feelings for him. A snappy, satisfying summer read. Kristine Huntley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved