Review: The Mane Attraction

Reviewed by Jen
 

Who says you can't go home again?  Sure, most of the folks in Smithtown would be thrilled never to see Sissy Mae Smith ever again; also true: the feeling is mutual.  But when the bounty on Mitch's head nearly gets him killed, Sissy can't think of a safer place to take her dear friend to recuperate.

The friendship between these two is really the core of the book.  Sissy and Mitch are two characters who are larger than life.  They both need to control everything around them. They both swim in self-confidence.  And in each other, they have found kindred spirits. They can talk to each other like no one else can: they tease, they mock, and they cut straight through the niceties.

While both swear nothing romantic or physical can ever happen between them, the sexual tension is present all the time.  Often, it's couched in a joke, but it's still there nonetheless.

"I've had a near death experience, Sissy... and I'm really horny. Uh... think we can--"
"No. We can't. And you couldn't even feed yourself too long ago."
"It was all that chicken soup. It cured me."
"Yeah. Right. And stop touching!" She slapped his hand away again.
"Oh come on Sissy. I almost died. Can't you help me out?"
"You did not and I'm not having sex with you 'cause you almost died."
"Fine. Hand job?" 

This was pretty much the dynamic between them for most of the book.  Mitch is charming, and over the top lazy and hungry... which means he is constantly telling Sissy how she should be pampering and feeding him.  It should be utterly obnoxious, but with Mitch, it's not.  He is funny and it's clear he thinks the world of Sissy Mae.  She feels the same way.

It actually took longer than I expected for these two to leave the strictly-friends zone, but once they did, they were going at it like rabbits until the end of the book.   The only times they weren't doing it were when Mitch was eating, playing football, or trying not to get killed; or when Sissy was trying to protect herself from her crazy family members and stupid ex-boyfriend.

Yeah, there is some other stuff going on outside of the relationship.  Surprisingly, little of it had to do with the hit on Mitch. Most of it was family drama among the members of the Smith clan... Sissy being out of control and larger than life... and Mitch being hungry, horny, and more than a little full of himself.

The book is funny and light. The characters are likeable and entertaining.  This entire series is that way.   They all kind of feel alike and there's not really much depth.  But they're kind of charming and they make me laugh.

Rating: B

Click to purchase: Amazon

The Mane Attraction

by Shelly Laurenston

Release Date: November 1, 2008

Publisher: Brava