Carly Phillips

Contemporary/Hot Zone series

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Summertime, and the livin' is, if not easy, then at least tolerable.

Most of us are cheered by the sunny weather, even if we're enjoying it from the wrong side of the office window.

And some of us are downright gleeful because we've got big plans for a sexy little summer fling -- a vacation getaway.

Whether you're bound for a tropical resort or simply heading up to the roof with a towel and an inflatable kiddie pool, it's all good. Because you'll never be without summer romance and a big, snaxy guy to share it with.

Yep. It's "beach read" time again.

Now, some folks use the term beach read in a demeaning way, as if a book isn't worthy of consideration if one isn't setting aside workweek time to read it.

Can you say skewed perception? What time could possibly be more valuable to us than our vacation time, the time we set aside to do nothing?

Certain books are all the more enjoyable when we choose to read them during precious hours with nothing "better" to do -- novels like "Hot Item," the sassy, smart and appealing new romance from Carly Phillips.

Sophie Jordan makes sure things go her way. Her detail-oriented nature and craving for consistency are two reasons the Hot Zone -- the sports management and PR agency she runs with her two sisters and uncle -- is tops in the industry.

Glitches in the program throw Sophie for a loop -- situations like when Hot Zone superagent Spencer Atkins drops a PR bomb that could cause macho agency clients to jump ship, then blows town without so much as a "no comment."

He leaves Sophie to handle the out-of-control nightmare, as well as one infuriating, maverick and resolve-melting football star who's as adamant as she about finding Atkins.

Riley Nash has been having fun at Sophie's expense for years, flustering the prim beauty with his sexy presence and naughty boy come-ons.

Yet when the two team up to find Atkins, Sophie's the one undoing Riley. The surprisingly warm and sensuous woman immediately zeroes in on the truth -- Riley's desperate to find Atkins to discuss something more important, and more personal, than a contract dispute.

"Hot Item" is a delicious tale of opposites attracting, one of the best themes in romance. It's also got terrific, playful sensual tension, one of the best things about Carly Phillips romance.

"Hot Item" is fun and light. But don't be fooled: Phillips uses her fine storytelling skill to add the thematic substance that makes it a read of note.

"Hot Item" is the perfect accessory for your summer beach read ensemble. You've got a tolerable suit, a lounge chair, and a cool drink. Now all you've got to do is --

Buy the book.

Join Carly Phillips for a guestblog and "Live" blogchat 2pm EST June 20 at Romance: By the Blog!

www.CarlyPhillips.com

Next Week's Review and AuthorView: "Three Little Secrets," by Liz Carlyle