Reviews...            

"...an affecting blend of humor and true-to-life conflict."
-- Romantic Times

ROSE AWARD NOMINEE
CARRIED AWAY
Donna Kauffman
Harlequin Temptation # 874
April 2002
ISBN 0-373-25974-3
Series Romance

Three days of uninterrupted sleep is what ICU nurse Christy Russell needs, but not what she gets. Christy gets a rude awakening when she is literally snatched from the bed and tossed over a man's shoulder in her underwear. Finding herself tossed in the backseat by a gorgeous male, who then proceeds to lecture her on upsetting her friend's wedding day, Christy gets angry over what's happening. A case of mistaken identity, a too tight bridesmaid dress, and no sleep, Christy should be upset. One look at the sexy man in his uniform, and Christy's thoughts drift toward spending time in the sheets with him rather than much needed sleep.Former Special Ops Lieutenant Commander, Trevor McQuillen, can't believe Vivian would stand up her friend when she's the maid of honor. Promising the bride that he will return with Vivian, Trevor gets directions and heads to get her. Trevor arrives to find the door unlocked, the lady in question sleeping and when he tries to wake her, finds himself almost pulled into bed. Trevor tosses her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, carries her out to his car, where he then dumps her in the back and begins to lecture her. Trevor can't help but notice how beautiful she is, even when giving him the evil eye. Arriving at the church, Trevor discovers his error...he's gotten the wrong girl. Or has he?

Author Donna Kauffmans's newest Temptation, CARRIED AWAY, perfectly blends humor, romance, and intriguing characters in one fell swoop. Trevor and Christy are perfect for each other, and it's not long before they feel as though they've known each other forever. Trevor realizes she's the woman for him, and now just needs to convince her. Christy's fear of storms brings out protective streak in Trevor, one he's never felt for another woman. The secondary characters are great and shed some light onto Trevor and Christy. I thoroughly enjoyed CARRIED AWAY, and found myself laughing so hard, tears ran down my cheeks. While reading CARRIED AWAY, I found myself remembering a scene from AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, where Richard Gere's character comes and sweeps Debra Winger off her feet, taking her away from the drudgery of her life. CARRIED AWAY simply took my breath away with the romance and
passion between Trevor and Christy.

Ms. Kauffman pens a sexy, funny romance that will stay with the reader long after the book is over. Amazing and delightful characters, outstanding storyline, I simply couldn't put the book down until finished. For a delightful read, pick up CARRIED AWAY today, you won't be disappointed. Fans of Ms. Kauffman will enjoy her newest creation.

--Robin Peek

Carried Away by Donna Kauffman
FOUR HEART rating
(Harl. Tempt. #874, $3.99, PG-13) ISBN 0-373-25974-3

As a reviewer, I spend a certain amount of time warning you about my prejudices and explaining my sense of humor so you’ll know why I found a particular book less than satisfying even though other people might like it.
It’s very liberating to confess one of my partialities. I adore love stories that have real people in them. Sure, it’s nice to read an extravagant fantasy every now and then, but mostly my favorites (whether contemporary or historical) are books that sound like there was a romantic courtship and happily-ever-after for people who could live down the hall from me (or in the next village or whatever). Never mind the prince; give me
Mister Charming any day.

Enter Trevor McQuillen. Trevor is a “can-do” kind of Best Man so, when it looks like someone named Viv might ruin the bride’s day by skipping the wedding (someone told Viv that the misguided, matchmaking bride also invited Eric, Viv’s overbearing ex-husband) Trevor goes after her. He drives to Viv’ s house, drags her out of bed, tosses her and the bridesmaid’s dress into the back seat of his car and gets her to the church more or less on time.

Except it turns out the groggy size-12 woman squeezed into the size-10 bridesmaid dress (it was either that or have him drag her into the church in her underwear) isn’t Viv. It’s Christy Russell, an ICU nurse who’s
half-comatose after working three shifts and isn’t quite sure what’s happening except that it involves a really good looking man and she’s dying to see the look on his face when he discovers his mistake.

With both of them trying to figure out how he can make it up to her (Christy has some ideas, but they don’t know each other that well...yet), Trevor takes Christy home after the wedding. After making him promise that he will not, repeat not, permit the bride to reveal where Viv is hiding out, Christy goes back to sleep, only to be awakened several hours later, once again by Trevor. Eric somehow discovered that Viv has gone to her parents’ lakehouse, and is probably on his way there now. Christy and Trevor pile into his car and they’re off to the rescue.

And so a relationship begins. It might be a shaky beginning, but it is a beginning nonetheless. Then Ms. Kauffman does several things right. Perhaps the most important is that she successfully creates, sustains and builds some real sexual tension between these two characters. People (not just reviewers) complain that in short format books characters are rushed into lust before anybody - character or reader - is ready for it. That is not the case here. The relationship heats up at a believable pace, with a nice blend of action and insight into the characters’ thoughts. By the time it bursts into flame, we’re all really ready for it.They are also likable, believable characters who sound like they live in the real world. Both Trevor and Christy have lives they like, their own needs and their own insecurities, and they have to find a way to make room for
each other and their relationship. But they want to, so that helps them get there. They’re also both smart and equipped with fully functioning senses of humor, and that helps the reader enjoy it.

There are secondary characters who are much more than just caricatures pasted on the scenery, which is nice, but the story focuses firmly on Trevor and Christy, and that’s even better.

My one quibble is that occasionally everything grinds to a halt for some pop relationship psychology. It was pretty unsubtle and I had to make myself read it - my eye just automatically went into skim mode. Rather than
conversations, they were little lectures on Trust and Compromise and Relationships. Like just about anyone who has a mother, when I hear - or, in this case, read - anything with that tone, my mind gears down and wanders off. Other than that? It’s entertaining. It’s romantic. It’s the kind of book that reminds me why I haven’t given up on series romance.