By: Kara ConradWeddings can make a girl a little crazy…
Which is probably why Marcee Robbens found herself in the arms of a sexy stranger before the bouquet was even tossed at her best friend’s wedding. And after a night of knee-weakening kisses in handsome Sam McKelvey’s arms, even happily single Marcee is humming the wedding march. So when the sun comes up and Sam hits the road, the usually tough-as-nails beauty finds herself nursing a tender heart…
Sam’s not the kind of guy who would have a super-hot hook-up with a woman he barely knows. But something had him mesmerized—enough for this usually sensible single dad to abandon his responsibilities for one unforgettable night. But Sam never thought his one night stand would turn up as his new next-door neighbor. Or that once he glimpsed the soft side of this captivating woman, he’d find himself falling in love…
Shoes, chocolate, and dimples. Yep, in the first few pages of One Night Stand, Cindy Kirk manages to get in three of our favorite items.
This is a story of two people who have what they both assume is a one night stand, only to find it to be much, much more. Sam is a single parent trying to improve his relationship with his daughter, Fern. He is ‘classically handsome’ or ‘hot and delectable’, depending on which character you choose to listen to (neither option sounds bad, now does it?) While attending a wedding, Sam meets Marcee, who is trying to make big changes in her own life. Beyond these main characters is a memorable cast of secondary characters, some you will love and others you will love to hate.
I read the book several years ago when it was first released, and enjoyed it because of the romance and humor. Now that I am the proud, and often overwhelmed, parent of a teenager, I have a new appreciation for the story! Whether you live with a teen or not, you’ve no doubt heard of their unexplained mood swings and bad attitudes. Cindy’s story also reminds us that teens can be incredibly insightful and, like all of us, do not need to be judged by their appearances.
If you’ve not read this book, you’re missing out! If you have read it, let’s have some fun today talking about the characters and scenes we like best. Cindy will pop in between work commitments, so if you have questions for her, have those ready. Cindy is giving away a copy of her latest Special Edition release, The Christmas Proposition. Find out more about her books on her website.
Now, if shoes, chocolate, and dimples are not enough to convince you to try this book, maybe this will do the trick: “Faster than she could say What the hell? a band of steel encircled her wrist.” Aahhh, nothing says true love like a pair of handcuffs.
As for recipes, a mandatory part of our club, most of you know I am NOT a cook. In fact, ‘Mom’s turn to cook’ usually translates into ‘which drive-thru do we hit tonight?’ However, there are a couple of recipes that are guaranteed hits at my house. Granted, there’s no real cooking involved, but then, that’s just part of their magic. I chose these two because it’s 80 degrees here now and we are enjoying our Spring Break. If your corner of the world has yet to defrost, you may want to save these for later.
PISTACHIO PIE
1 package pistachio instant pudding
1 20 ounce can, crushed pineapples
1 8 ounce Cool Whip
(The recipe also calls for ½ cup coconut and 1/3 cup walnuts, both of which are left out in this house.)
Put pudding mix in large bowl and add pineapple (not drained). Fold in container of thawed Cool Whip. Add to a graham cracker crust and refrigerate for two hours. (My guys also like it frozen.)
BROCCOLI SALAD
4 cups broccoli florets
½ cup carrots, shredded
½ cup sunflower kernels
½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
½ cup purple onion, diced
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
½ cup sugar
Mix broccoli, carrots, sunflower kernels, bacon, and onions. In a separate bowl, combine mayo, vinegar, and sugar. Fifteen minutes prior to serving, add dressing to salad and toss.
