Drive Me Wild

It's been fourteen years, seven months and ten days since Brent Michael Zartlich kissed Laura Beth Morgan and left his hometown of Beason's Ferry. They had been childhood friends-- his only friend since they were both considered the "town misfits". She, the town doctor's awkward, skinny, coke-bottle glasses kid and he, the boy who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Now Brent Michaels is the drop-dead gorgeous anchor at a Houston TV station and Laura Beth has phoned him requesting help with the town's annual fund-raiser, which this year includes a Dating Game reenactment. She wants him to play the "celebrity bachelor" for the game. After a little coaxing, Brent realizes he cannot refuse his old friend. Little does he realize he is in for the surprise of his life! The tomboy he remembers has blossomed into a beautiful woman. Occasionally an exceptional book will come along. This is that book! If you read only a few romance books each year, I recommend you place this high on your "to read" list. You won't be disappointed. This book is extremely well written and emotionally satisfying. The characters are well developed and the story is fun and at times sad and very, very sexy. It is always a treat to discover a new author who writes so well. I look forward to many good reads from her in the future. Kudos Julie on a job well done.

Julie Ortolon's book is a must buy. That Dating Game scene, where Brent and Laura meet again after years apart, is just glimmering with humor. As I read the book, I found myself rooting for the hero and heroine as their relationship emerged and flourished, while laughing out loud at Julie's wonderfully wicked humor. But let's not forget those wonderful dark moments either, such as when the Brent is forced to admit to his intense desire for committment to the Laura. And Laura carries her share of guilt when she's forced to admit, especially to herself, that she pushed Brent just a bit too far when it comes to that dreamy-eyed committment she desires. And the conflict between the heroine and her father is terrific. I enjoyed seeing her break the paternal reins to become her own person, rather than just her father's daughter. Overall, this is a heck of a book, and definitely a must read.

Julie Ortolon's debut novel, "Drive Me Wild," is a delightful, down-home Texas romance that will having you rooting for the fascinating couple, Laura Beth and Brent, to put aside their picky little differences and just live happily ever after. I enjoyed Ortolon's setting of Columbus, Texas, wishing I could attend the Bluebonnet Tours myself. Her characters are inviting and exciting, leaving the reader to compare them to people they probably actually know. I particularly enjoyed the budding romance between secondary characters, Melody and Greg, and would love to see them have a book of their own! (hint, hint, Ms. Ortolon!) I was also fascinated with the way Ortolon handled the father-daughter conflict and was well satisfied with that resolution. Fans of contemporary romance will find they have a new favorite author to look for in Julie Ortolon.

Julie Ortolon has written a warm, witty, fun, make-you-feel-good, leave-you-smiling story. Brent, the home-town "bad boy" who's made good is a wonderful hero who meets his match in Laura Beth, the home-town "good girl" who is discovering she has some "bad" in her! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two great characters and seeing them discover true love. Run, don't walk, to read this delightful book by a terrific new author!

I must admit that the only reason I originally bought this book was because of a press release I saw while working at a small radio station in Columbus, Texas. The author, Julie Ortolon, was coming here to sign her book at the local Wal-Mart. The press release said that the book was based on Columbus and since this is where I live, I had to see if the comparisons were real to life. Besides, the premise of the book reminded me of the type of book my favorite author LaVyrle Spencer authored. Boy, I loved the book! Words can barely describe it. I laughed outloud and felt like I knew the characters and Beason's Ferry was just like Columbus! But besides that, the book is just great! I can see Julie Orotolon writing a TON of books just like this one in the Spencer style. I cannot wait until her next release. The only bad thing about a great book like this is that it is always hard to find one that is as good or compares to it... thus making the reader want more! The book is a great romance. Romances are meant to be lighthearted and not meant to make a reader think too hard. After a hard days work, we all need a book like this! I found myself rushing home! Don't pass this one up!