Brazen - June 1999

She's the perfect daughter ... almost.

Samantha Reed is willing to settle into marriage as a trophy wife to a wealthy older man—if it will help her aging father pay off his debts. But not before having her first, last and only fling—cramming a lifetime's worth of lust into one weekend. When her car breaks down near a roadside tavern, she sets her sights on a sexy bartender—the perfect man for her love-him-and-leave-him fantasy. Only it never occurs to Samantha that she might fall in love—or that Mac might have a few fantasies of his own ...  

A note from Carly: the story behind the tale: Back in my prepublished days, my husband and I took a trip to Arizona where I was inspired. I fell in love with the state, the climate, the atmosphere, and the idea for my first "hot" book was born. Brazen was my tenth completed manuscript over seven years and my first attempt at something this sizzling. I targeted Harlequin Temptation and it was in the early days of Blaze. I didn't know if I could write it until I tried and these characters spoke to me. I hope they speak to you too! I have a soft spot for this particular story and characters as well as the early cover which is one of my personal favorites. Enjoy!

 

Book Details

Harlequin Enterprises, HQN,
Mass market paperback, January 2007, ISBN# 0-373-77289-0

Wheeler Publishing,
Large print hardcover, August 2005 ISBN: 1-597-22010-8

Harlequin Enterprises,
HQN reprint, April 2005 ISBN: 0-373-77080-4

Harlequin Enterprises,
Original publication: Temptation, Blaze # 736, June 1999 ISBN: 0-373-25836-4

Awards

• USA Today (#91)
• Waldenbooks Series Romance Top Ten Bestseller
• Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award Nominee, Best Harlequin Temptation
• Romantic Times W.I.S.H. Hero Award
• Golden Quill Contest Finalist, Arizona Desert Rose RWA Chapter

Reviews

"Brazen has all of the ingredients for one hot and passionate love story.... As their story enfolds, both characters not only learn about each other but also about themselves.... Their journey is one you won't want to miss."
   ~Marilyn Shoemaker

"Wow. This story should come with a heat index warning. Carly Phillips has penned a sensual tale of falling in love when you least expect it."
   ~Jasmin