“Rescue Me” by Rachel Gibson (contemporary, Avon, June 2012, $7.99, 384pp)

Summary:
Mercedes (Sadie) Howell is a successful realtor who returns to her small hometown in Texas to attend her cousin’s wedding.  Seen as a maverick by the proper ladies of town, she hasn’t returned since her high school graduation.  She arrives in town in time to rescue former Navy SEAL Vince Haven whose truck has broken down on his way to Lovett to visit his aunt. Will these two outsiders fit into Lovett, TX or cause a scandal?

Review: (This reviewer gives "Rescue Me" 3 of 5 stars)
This book was good, but while it had its funny moments in many ways it dragged.  Vince and Sadie spend more time apart in the first half of the book than together.  One thing that bothered me were all the current event references, which I believe will date the book quickly, and make this one not something to be picked up and enjoyed time and again.  But all and all a decent read.

“Any Man of Mine” by Rachel Gibson (contemporary, Avon, May 2011, $7.99, 384pp): My decision to read this book is an excellent example of how internet buzz, both good and bad, influences my book reading decisions. I received a review copy of this book several weeks ago from Avon Books. I’m not big on books with sports themes, professional sports heroes (or heroines), etc. I don’t hate them; I just have other books that I want to read more. I opened the package and put the book aside. I figured if I had time I might get to it, but didn’t make reading it a priority.

However, there was then lots of discussion online (Twitter, blogs, etc) about this book – especially about the hero, Sam. Many people reacted quite badly to him. Many people on Twitter used the term asshat quite liberally. But, on the other hand, there were several people who really enjoyed the book (and some who enjoyed it despite agreeing about Sam being an asshat). With each mention of “Any Man of Mine,” I felt more compelled to check out the book for myself.

A broken jock and bubbly actress make a great match

“Nothing But Trouble” (Contemporary, Avon , 354 pages, $7.99), by Rachel Gibson: Former NHL player Mark Bressler is damaged goods.  As captain of the Seattle Chinooks, his career is sidelined after a car accident leaves him severely injured and unable to play hockey. And to top it off, his team goes on to win the Stanley Cup without him.

Mark doesn’t want to depend on anyone. His prickly demeanor has forced several of his previous home health care workers to quit.  Enter Chelsea Ross, a large-breasted aspiring actress hired by Chinooks management to be his latest caregiver.