WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?

Author: Patricia McLinn ISBN: 0373247494 4/2006 CATEGORY Publisher: SILHOUETTE

Zeke Zeekowsky left his hometown of Drago, Illinois the day after high school graduation, vowing to be a success. Now that he's succeeded beyond even his dreams, he's returning as guest of honor for the most important even in town, the annual Drago Lilac Festival. He's going to face surprises as he discovers what's changed in Drago, but the biggest surprise might be what hasn't changed: that Darcie Barrett is the best friend a guy could want.. Isn't she? .

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I have to admit that this book had me from the dedication, when I discovered it was dedicated to McLinn's hometown of Lombard, Illinois. Well, what do you know; Lombard is where I'm originally from, too!

But anyway, I enjoyed the book for its own merits as well as its dedication. Darcie, the heroine, is a real treat, and the writing is quite sophisticated for a category romance.

Darcie Barrett, a police officer, is stuck between her hometown and "Zeke" Zeekowsky, the town geek-turned-billionaire, who she conspires to entice home to judge the local Lilac Queen contest and other festivities. Zeke, who is one of those anti-social, absent-minded scientist types, is obsessed with his inventions, and can scarcely cope with all the attention. Darcie and Zeke grew up together, and in fact, lost their virginity to each other, though they had more of a friendship than a romantic relationship. They are now in their mid-thirties, and both are still unattached. But Zeke is pining for the golden girl of their high school years, and Darcie has smartened up enough to be fed up by that. She also isn't impressed by his demands that she ignore her job to run interference for him.

Will Zeke look up from his computer long enough to find true love? Buy the book and find out!

Heather Hiestand