Title: Talk Me Down
Author: Victoria Dahl
First published December 25, 2008
347 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780373773565 (ISBN10: 0373773560)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
When her career as a high-profile romance writer comes to an abrupt halt, Sophie Sullivan leaves the city and heads back to her hometown of Willow Creek. But her return seems to have stirred up old feelings and reignited the flames of an old heartbreak.
Enter Sheriff Cole Davidson, the boy-next-door who had once stolen her heart. Cole is all grown up now and is the town’s most eligible bachelor, but he has no plans of settling down anytime soon.
However, when Sophie becomes the target of a stalker, Cole is the only person she can turn to for help. As they work together to unravel the mystery, Sophie and Cole find themselves falling for each other all over again.
But will Cole be able to accept Sophie’s true identity as a romance writer, or will he let his traditional values get in the way of their happily-ever-after?
About the Author
My love for writing stemmed from my mother’s love for popular fiction. As a child, I would sneakily read inappropriate books that my mother left lying around, and I have her to thank for my passion for writing.
My first published book was To Tempt a Scotsman, a historical novel that won the Golden Heart award. My second book, A Rake’s Guide to Pleasure, was excerpted at the back of Scotsman.
My agent suggested that I try my hand at writing a contemporary romantic comedy due to my all-around goofiness. I had a blast writing Talk Me Down, which follows the story of a young woman who returns to her small hometown in Colorado and creates a stir with her secretive career and her relationship with the chief of police.
Tara Parsons at HQN loved it too, so be sure to check it out if you’re a fan of cold weather, hot sex, and dirty jokes. It will be out in January 2009.
My family and I reside in a stunning ski town in Utah, although I don’t ski. I’d rather stay inside with a hot toddy and a good book while watching the snowfall.
It’s breathtaking to see from the inside! Despite the crowded house with dukes, Scotsmen, police chiefs, and naughty ladies running around, my family is very understanding about my imaginary friends. It’s a good thing because they refuse to leave!
Editoral Review
Victoria Dahls Talk Me Down is a delightful romantic comedy that will have readers laughing out loud, swooning over the charming hero and rooting for the endearing heroine. First published on December 25, 2008, Dahl masterfully intertwines wit, humor, and steamy love scenes to create a compelling and entertaining story that explores the complexities of relationships.
Dahl is a prolific American romance novelist, known for her contemporary romance works that feature strong female characters and engaging plots. Her stories are characterized by their witty, humorous dialogue, and relatable characters that readers can easily connect with.
Her background as a former librarian is evident in her writing, as she often weaves literary references into her stories. Talk Me Down is set in Tumble Creek, Colorado, a quaint small town where everyone knows each other’s business.
The story follows the lives of Molly Jennings, a small-town librarian, and Ben Lawson, a famous suspense novelist. Molly has had a crush on Ben since high school, but he never noticed her until now, when he returns to his hometown to get inspiration for his next novel.
The main conflict in the story arises from the fact that Molly is afraid of heights, and Ben loves to push her out of her comfort zone by taking her on adventurous activities. Will their relationship survive the challenges that come with Ben’s profession and Molly’s fears?
Dahl’s strength lies in her ability to create authentic characters that are flawed and relatable. Molly is a refreshingly real heroine, with genuine insecurities and self-doubts that readers will sympathize with.
Ben is the perfect balance to Molly’s serious and organized personality, with his carefree and adventurous nature. Their chemistry is electric, and the love scenes between them are steamy without being gratuitous.
The pacing of the story is well-crafted, with just the right balance of humor, romance, and conflict. The plot twists are unpredictable, keeping readers on their toes until the very end.
The setting of Tumble Creek is charming, and Dahl’s descriptions of the landscape make readers feel like they are experiencing the beauty of the town firsthand. Talk Me Down is not without its flaws, however.
The ending felt a bit rushed and left some lingering questions unanswered. Additionally, the conflicts that arise in the story are predictable and stereotypical of the romance genre, which may make the book feel formulaic to experienced readers.
Despite these limitations, Talk Me Down is a must-read for fans of the romance genre. Dahl’s writing is engaging and entertaining, and the characters are unforgettable.
The story’s emphasis on facing one’s fears and taking risks will resonate with readers who are looking for stories that inspire them to be brave. Talk Me Down is a witty, heartwarming, and lighthearted romance novel that will delight readers from beginning to end.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Recommended for: Fans of the romance genre who are looking for a fun, entertaining, and steamy read.
