THE NERD WHO LOVED ME – Vicki Lewis Thompson
A Perfect 10
St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 0-312-99856-2
August 2004
Contemporary Romance

Las Vegas, Nevada and Sedona, Arizona – Present Day

Accountant Harry Ambrewster is secretly in love with Las Vegas showgirl, Lainie Terrell, and will do anything to get close to her. He suspects that Lainie is keeping secrets, but that doesn't matter to the love struck Harry. One night while babysitting Lainie's four-year-old son Dexter, a banging on the door announces the arrival of Dexter's father, Joey. Harry immediately assesses that Dexter -- and Lainie -- are possibly in danger from Joey, so he goes to great lengths to rescue them. Harry then whisks them to his mother Rona's house to keep them safe.

Lainie isn't a criminal, but Joey is acting as though she is. All Lainie wants is to keep Dexter safely away from his uncaring father and build a life for herself and her son. She doesn't want to get involved with any man right now, but looking at Harry, she wonders if she should change her mind.  Harry might be a nerd, but his package looks good to Lainie, and she wonders if she should dare open the package to see what's inside.

When Harry and Lainie find out that Joey wants to take Dexter back with him to New York , they devise a plan with the help of Rona, an ex showgirl, and Rona's boyfriend Leo, who may be a mobster. The plan involves leaving Dexter with Rona and then Harry and Lainie taking off to Sedona posing as a married couple interested in a timeshare. Once there, they meet colorful characters who help provide some hilarious adventures. Meanwhile, they indulge in satisfying their sexual attraction to each another.

THE NERD WHO LOVED ME is a fast paced, fun romp that sizzles with not only sensuality, but snappy dialogue. Harry is delightful as a nerd who is just waiting to break out of his boring existence. He longs for Lainie and pretends, while on the lam at the resort, that he is really married to her, and enjoys the benefits of "married life." Lainie might be a scantily clad showgirl in a Vegas show, but she is always a mother first to her son. Lainie indulges in her attraction to Harry, but what happens when they get back to Las Vegas ? Meanwhile, Harry is endearing himself to Lainie as she gets to know the man beneath the accountant suit and appreciates how well he interacts with her intellectual son. But once the danger of Joey wanting to take Dexter is taken care of, will Harry and Lainie be able to make a future together?

Readers who enjoyed Vicki Lewis Thompson's NERD IN SHINING ARMOR from last year when it was Kelly Ripa's reading pick will certainly enjoy her newest offering. THE NERD WHO LOVED ME is a laugh-out-loud book that is entertaining and with characters that will make you smile. I highly recommend this as one to pick up and read during the long hot days of summer, as it is chock full of fun and scorching scenes. Just be sure to have an ice-cold drink at hand to cool you down -- you will need it.

Patti Fischer