Elaine Fox’s novels are never dull, and Hot Stuff is no exception. This is a fun book, and it has certainly made me laugh. After many failed romances, the thirty-something Laurel, a writer for DC Scene, decides enough is enough and gives up on falling in love. She thinks that “arranging” her own marriage would be a better idea. Her thinking is fueled by the book her demanding editor, Rulinda, insists that she read. The book is entitled Love Is Not the Answer.
The male protagonist is Joe, a witty, good-looking guy. He owns a coffee cart outside of Laurel’s office. When Laurel and her friend Angela patronise his stall at the beginning, he feels attracted to Laurel but doesn’t think much of it. Just who is Joe? Is he merely a coffee cart guy, or is there more to it? One thing is for sure: he is a wonderful person with a great personality.
Laurel shares an excerpt from the book she’s reading to Joe to prove a point. He thinks that the book is crap. It then leads to them working together on an article for DC Scene featuring Plain Jane and Regular Joe. After that, a series is born because readers love it. One angle they take is speed dating, along with arranged marriage (something Laurel thinks she believes in).
The story is great and definitely interesting. It is also touching towards the end. I don’t think I’d want to stop reading Elaine Fox because, in my humble opinion, she churns out really great stuff.
