She Drives Me Crazy
Leslie Kelly
Harlequin HQN, Mar 2005, $6.50
ISBN: 0373770316

In Joyful, Georgia, County Prosecutor Johnny Walker learns that Emma Jean Frasier was returning to town after being away for almost a decade. Johnny remembers escorting Emma Jean to the prom in her only year in town, but they were caught naked in a nearby gazebo as passion had flared between them. Though he thinks little of her for not showing up at her grandma's funeral, he scoffs at the rumor that she is a porn star opening up a strip joint.

Emma returns to the home she inherited from her beloved grandma to rebound from losing her nest egg and her job when her boss embezzled the money before skipping town. Her first moment in town she sprains her ankle. This makes her dependent on the one person she hates and loves, Johnny. As their feelings that never had a chance to grow as teens explode as adults, neither knows what they want, only who they desire. However, a murder intercedes with the sheriff leaning towards Emma as the culprit unless Johnny can prove otherwise.

Fans of contemporary romance (not sure you can say second chance as one date seems a stretch for their first time around) will enjoy this fine tale due to the lead couple; Johnny and Emma know they love the other, but assume their feelings are unrequited. Meanwhile, the townsfolk bring out the best and worst in these two stars. SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY is an amusing gender war tale and although the suspense comes late, readers will take delight in the humorous sparring highlighted by the romantic secret that Johnny reveals at the end.

Harriet Klausner