Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton Published by Gallery Books on June 24, 2014
Pages: 320
Genres: Romance
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In this sequel to Wallbanger, fan favorites Caroline Reynolds and Simon Parker negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in Sausalito.
Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on an extended honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy-long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel. And with Simon, her hotshot photographer boyfriend, gallivanting all over the world for his job, the couple is heavy-duty into "absence makes the heart grow fonder" mode. No complaints about the great reunion sex, though!
Then a trip back east to his childhood home has Simon questioning his nomadic lifestyle. He decides to be home more. A lot more. And he wants Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort out their relationship. Sure, more togetherness is a good thing—but does less traveling and working have to mean the other extreme? Apple pie and picket fences?
Once again, I must declare a mea culpa. I read Rusty Nailed, which is the follow-up to Alice Clayton’s Wallbanger, five years ago but neglected to post the review when I started this blog. I’m making up for it now by publishing my old review of Rusty Nailed.
Although this book isn’t quite as funny as Wallbanger I enjoyed Rusty Nailed. When Caroline’s work responsibilities increase and Simon decreases his work travel, Caroline must examine her expectations and desires for their relationship against Simon’s. Alice Clayton continues to reveal the nuances of quirky Caroline with good humor and insight and she solidifies Simon’s place as a fairly perfect book boyfriend.
All the characters from the first book return. Caroline and Simon take sides in an argument between their friends Neil and Sophia and an alleged cheating incident. The Sophia vs. Neil war goes on far too long and by the time things are resolved I no longer cared. The good news is Clive the cat is back! He’s as loveable as ever and his antics helped me to quickly forget any irritation.
About Alice Clayton
Alice Clayton worked in the cosmetics industry for over a decade before picking up a pen (read laptop)She enjoys gardening but not weeding, baking but not cleaning up, and finally convinced her long-time boyfriend to marry her. And she finally got her Bernese Mountain dog.
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