Hot Stuff [Mass Market Paperback]

Elaine Fox (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2004

Love Is for Losers

Or so Laurel Kane believes. After wasting too many years looking for "the One," the attractive, level-headed journalist for the Washington tabloid DC Scene is convinced that mad, passionate, crazy love is an impossibility past thirty. A practical, sensible system's the only way to choose a spouse. And she's willing to argue her theory with anyone -- including the criminally gorgeous coffee guy, Joe, who supplies her with her daily caffeine fix.

It turns out Joe has strong opinions of his own on the subject, and Laurel figures her readers might enjoy sharing their fiery exchanges of ideas. But once the coffee cart debates become the hottest thing in print, Laurel finds herself in hot water -- because sexy Joe is suddenly determined to prove to her that head-spinning, knees-weakening love is possible. And in this particular battle of the sexes, the loser might actually win . . . if she ends up losing her heart!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elaine Fox has spent enough of her life dating to know that the scenarios described in this book are completely plausible -- though she disclaims any direct experience with any of them. Fortunately, however, she has been able to parlay this extended search for romance into a career and hopes her readers appreciate the cathartic experience while living happily-ever-after lives themselves. Elaine currently lives in Virginia.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: Avon; Reissue edition (March 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060517247
• ISBN-13: 978-0060517243
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,372,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A cute, feel-good romance, August 2, 2006

By 

Donna K. "bookcrosser" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hot Stuff (Mass Market Paperback)

A fun story about a jaded woman who has very cynical and hardened ideas about love and marriage, and the romantic man who sets out to soften her outlook and open her heart. Joe is a wonderful character - I could fall head-over-heals in love with him myself! I appreciated the gentle way he led Laurel to view love in a different light and come to her own conclusions, rather than force his ideals onto her. The dialogue was snappy and entertaining. The only reason I didn't give it a higher rating is that the story could have been faster paced and told in 50-75 less pages.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun snappy romance, March 20, 2006

By 

Tanya L. Schaub "TSchlaack" (Livermore, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hot Stuff (Mass Market Paperback)

I found this romance to be fun, fast paced and made me laugh. The premise is that Laurel has decided after way too many failed romances that she is not going to marry for love and in fact the best idea is for her to "arrange" her own marriage. This premise is cemented in her brain when her boss gives her a book to review that is about the very same subject. (Point)

Joe is a wealthy self made man of coffee shop fame. But, he has gone undercover with a coffee cart to research a new shop location. He is immediately drawn to Laurel. Joe is definitely a believer of love before marriage. (Counterpoint)

Laurel decided to use her and Joe's opinions for her article (to prove she is right) which throws them together in different situations to see how each opinion will play out.

Fun story that also looks at speed dating in a humorous way. If you want a light fun romance to read, this is a good one.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars PLUS!, May 12, 2004

By 

Sophia Nash "Romance Author" (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hot Stuff (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a really smart romantic comedy! It had me laughing out loud in so many places and rushing through the pages to finish it in 2 nights. There was something about it that reminded me of the wonderful movie "Someone Like You" with Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd - but this book was better. The author explores the eternal question of finding a life-long mate: Should one follow a sensible plan in finding a spouse or keep searching for heart-pounding passionate love? The hero really knocked me off my feet with all the right ingredients: strong, compassionate, great one-liners, and as sexy as they come. And Fox has a way of making the reader jump into the skin of her heroine. (...)