Pregnesia by Carla Cassidy - Guest Review

by SB Sarah Monday, August 10, 2009 at 04:33 AM
Our Grade:
C
Title: Pregnesia
Author: Carla Cassidy
Publication Info: Harlequin 2009, ISBN: 037369413X
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Book Cover The following guest review was written by SB Nonnie, who appears sporadically, mostly waving her arms in excitement and causing everyone in a 3 mile vicinity to break themselves laughing. Without further ado: Nonnie.


26 Reasons PREGNESIA is the Best Book in the History of Pregnant Amnesiac Romance

    Before I get to my list, I must say that I am no good at reviews. I am, however, pretty good at lists, so I am going with what I know. Besides, there are so many awesome vignettes and moments in this story, there’s no way I could formulate all of it into a cohesive whole. So a list it is. It should probably go without saying that spoilers abound in this, so consider this your official warning. Also, even though I do a pretty good summary of the plot here - take my word for it, the true glory of PREGNESIA must be experienced firsthand. So without further ado, my top 26 reasons PREGNESIA by Carla Cassidy is the best book in the history of pregnant amnesiac romance.

    #1: The book is flipping entitled PREGNESIA. PREG-EFFING-NESIA. This is a level of genius previously unheard of anywhere, even at Harlequin. Now I highly doubt Ms. Cassidy had anything to do with this title - I know how they roll at Harlequin - and yet she had the grace, the wisdom, and the awesomeness to embrace it. Or at least not to bitch and cry to the internets with it. Kudos to you, Ms. Cassidy.

    #2: The hero of this book, Lucas, is a former Navy SEAL, who, along with 2 other former Navy SEALs, opened a repo company called Recovery, Inc. At first glance, this seems rather…lame. But this is no normal repo agency, bitches. They repo airplanes, yachts, and mother-effing PEOPLE (from terrorists), yo. They are a serious bizness repo agency. Navy SEAL style. I would have known this had I read the first two books in this series, but as they were entitled INTERROGATING THE BRIDE and HEIRESS RECON instead of, I don’t know, SHEIKTASIA and COWBOYTOPIA, I didn’t read them. This book stands alone well enough though, and since from what I can gather it seems the heroine of book two was a tragically misunderstood Paris Hilton-heiress type, it’s probably for the best.

    #3: The heroine of this story is pregnant. And she has amnesia. A pregnant amnesiac. YES. She has taken shelter in a car the hero is repossessing. But don’t worry, the hero is quick to assure the bloody and battered heroine he isn’t a skeezy repo man - he usually only repos expensive crap like planes. And millionaires. He is also quite quick to inform the heroine he is a former Navy SEAL. Because simply saying he was formerly in the military would not be cocky enough.


[PLEASE NOTE - THE REST OF THE REVIEW CAN BE A LITTLE SPOILER-Y - READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.]

More,more,more!>

Comments

Picture of Jody Jody said on...
08.10.09 at 05:06 AM

This is so not a book I would ever read, but my life has been enriched beyond measure by SB Nonnie’s review.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

ways45:  In 45 ways OR MORE did I love this review!

Picture of MamaNice MamaNice said on...
08.10.09 at 05:08 AM

#‘s 6 & 7 just about did me in.

So with the amnesia and all, how do they KNOW she’s in her 8th month? Do they swing by the MiniClinic at Wal-Mart for a quick check?

So glad to see all that time using the ShakeWeight paid off for Julie.

Awesome review!

Picture of Lolita Lopez Lolita Lopez said on...
08.10.09 at 05:19 AM

OMG. I have to buy this book. I just hit 36 weeks with our first kiddo this morning and have this unnatural and slightly frightening craving for all baby-themed Harlequin books. They’re just so addicting!

Picture of RStewie RStewie said on...
08.10.09 at 05:38 AM

I can unironically say that I’m not really into the Harlequins, but this review is full of WIN!  I was dying by the time I got to #7, and knowing I wasn’t even NEAR the end was beyond exciting.

Great review!

Picture of MadMaxine MadMaxine said on...
08.10.09 at 05:39 AM

SHEIKTASIA and COWBOYTOPIA

Win! And what a great way to start off a Monday at work! Thanks Nonnie!

Picture of Elizabeth Wadsworth Elizabeth Wadsworth said on...
08.10.09 at 06:01 AM

I’m tempted to buy this, just for the relative rarity of a TSTL hero (a TSTL Navy Seal, no less!)  He sounds like the kind of ex-military man who’d become a Mall Ninja and patrol Abercrombie and Fitch with a surface-to-air misssile ‘cause that’s, you know, stealthy.

Picture of Heather (errantdreams) Heather (errantdreams) said on...
08.10.09 at 06:01 AM

Okay… item #22 actually has me wanting to read this book, JUST TO KNOW what the effing plot hole is! Thank you SO much!

Excellent list. ;)


nearly49: hmm, 26 is not nearly 49. And hey, neither am I!

Picture of Terisa Wilcox Terisa Wilcox said on...
08.10.09 at 06:12 AM

Great list!  I’m tempted to buy this book just because of it and I usually don’t do Harlequin…well not since I was 13 anyway.

Picture of Madd Madd said on...
08.10.09 at 06:17 AM

I don’t think I could hang with this book. I do have a few things to point out about the review though.

Point 1: There are plenty of women who look awesome pregnant. They even had one on a Playboy cover once.

Point 2: You can have sex at 8 months. I wasn’t uncomfortable until my last month with any of my pregnancies.

Point 3: The villain could have shot her in the head and taken the baby all quick and dirty like. Actually, given the fact that this was a cult, they could have arranged facilities and personnel to do a c-section and then done whatever with mommy, who would no longer be of use to them.

Picture of Isabo Kelly Isabo Kelly said on...
08.10.09 at 06:19 AM

I am still snorting with laughter. Best review ever! Nonnie is a geius. Thanks for providing such an excellent review.

Picture of Darlene Marshall Darlene Marshall said on...
08.10.09 at 06:24 AM

Awesome review!  I love me some lists!

Picture of Anna the Piper Anna the Piper said on...
08.10.09 at 06:30 AM

Pregnesia?! PREGNESIA?! Who came up with this title? And HOW? How did they pitch it? I have visions of somebody going “It’s like Brangelina! It’ll totally play!”

Sure, if by “totally play” you mean “sounds like some new horrid disease”. “I can’t come into work today, I’ve got PREGNESIA!”

Picture of Randi Randi said on...
08.10.09 at 06:35 AM

I totally want DocTurtle to read this book! LOL. Awesome review!!!!

Picture of Chicklet Chicklet said on...
08.10.09 at 06:37 AM

SHEIKTASIA and COWBOYTOPIA

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, SEALacious.

This is the best-written review I’ve seen in weeks. An excellent start to a Monday!

Picture of West West said on...
08.10.09 at 06:37 AM

I Heart Nonnie.

MamaNice- I had the exact same thought about the ShakeWeight (I imagine I’ll be getting mileage out of that for years).

Picture of Kate Jones Kate Jones said on...
08.10.09 at 06:49 AM

Dammit, I so totally commented on the wrong post. 
I blame the tears of laughter from Preggo McMemory Loss

Picture of mirain mirain said on...
08.10.09 at 07:00 AM

Nonnie, you make the book sound so-bad-it’s-good, but I’m sure it could not possibly be as funny as your review!

Elizabeth, if you want a TSTL special forces hero, try Lora Leigh’s “Maverick”.

Picture of Mhlia Mhlia said on...
08.10.09 at 07:22 AM

Oh lord, I loved me this review.  So so funny, and now I want to read the book, but can it stand up to the review?  I’m just not sure!

Picture of darlynne darlynne said on...
08.10.09 at 07:23 AM

Best start to Monday ever. Thanks, Nonnie. And you are definitely good at reviews.

Picture of Anony Miss Anony Miss said on...
08.10.09 at 07:31 AM

This review rocked. Like, Boulder, Colorado rocked.

Can we talk about the cover artwork? Is it me, or is her belly bulge popping out about halfway down her thighs - and yet her hand on it is oddly Pillsbury Dough-Boyesque?

Picture of Lori Lori said on...
08.10.09 at 07:36 AM

Pregnesia is without doubt the best title, Harlequin or otherwise, ever.


Companies that specialize in repo-ing airplanes, yachts and other high end stuff from deadbeat rich folks actually exist and I’m sure that more than a few of them employee former SpecOps guys. There aren’t a lot of legit. non-law enforcement jobs that call for the SEAL basic skill set but that would be one of them.

Picture of nutmeag nutmeag said on...
08.10.09 at 08:01 AM

You are the awesome, Nonnie. Can’t wait to read more from you. And this book sounds insanely great and right up my alley. Badly-written romance is the spice of life.

I live for camp!

Picture of Carla Cassidy Carla Cassidy said on...
08.10.09 at 08:10 AM

10 Reasons I love this review and other musings by the author of Pregnesia

1.  Any publicity is better than no publicity
2.  My original title was Pregnesia-The Story of A Pregnant Princess with Amnesia Who Lusts For An Ex-Navy Seal Turned Sheik Cowboy.  Unfortunately, it was too long.
3.  Any publicity is better than no publicity
4. I was working out my issues about being kidnapped by a blood-thirty cult who might think I was eight months pregnant.
5. Any publicity is better than no publicity
6. I was hoping you’d tell me about the big plot hole.  It’s been bothering me for months!
7.  Any publicity is better than no publicity
8. Stay tuned for my next blockbuster - Virgin Bride With Secret Babies Wants A Cop who Rides The Range
9.  Reading the Review Made me think of comfort food.  Thanks for giving me a reason to eat a box of Twinkies, four cupcakes and a box of macaroni and cheese.  And it’s not even noon - and now I will have to watch out for those evil cult members who might lust after my pseudo-pregnant body!
10.  Thanks for reminding me you gotta take the good with the bad and I hope readers will check out my next book, Five Minutes to Marriage and my OCT release from Signet - Up Close and Personal.  Hey, I should be able to get a little self-promo from all this!
Carla Cassidy

Picture of Heather (errantdreams) Heather (errantdreams) said on...
08.10.09 at 08:15 AM

Heeee! Love your response list, Carla.

BTW, that reminds me, her name sounded familiar, and I checked my shelves and found I have two of her books including “Up Close and Personal,” which I got to review recently. Really enjoyed those two!

I do want to see BAM cover-snark this! It’s, umm, ripe for it. So to speak.

Picture of West West said on...
08.10.09 at 08:16 AM

8. Stay tuned for my next blockbuster - Virgin Bride With Secret Babies Wants A Cop who Rides The Range

Ms. Cassidy, It’s nice to know you have a great sense of humor. That totally made me spew my cranapple all over my shiney new computer. It is offically broken in.

Picture of Jennie Blake Jennie Blake said on...
08.10.09 at 08:32 AM

Love the review; love authors with a sense of humour.  Ms. Cassidy, your response to the review made me add your name to my “check out this author” list.

Also, LOVE the list.  Love it. Love it.

Picture of JoAnn Ross JoAnn Ross said on...
08.10.09 at 08:32 AM

I should be writing, but was tweet-lured over here.

Carla, you know I’ve always loved your books!  Your LOL spew coffee response reminded me why. 

Of course now you have me craving mac and cheese.  I hear you can get it fried.  On a stick.  Talk about your perfect comfort food.  And if I could only become a pregnant amnesiac, hey, I’d forget I’d eaten it.  So there’d be no lingering guilt involved.

Picture of Chicklet Chicklet said on...
08.10.09 at 08:44 AM

Of course now you have me craving mac and cheese.  I hear you can get it fried.  On a stick.

The Minnesota State Fair is only 16 days away! Just sayin’.

(Every year, the local newspapers carry a story about whatever new foods are available on a stick at the Fair. I am a complete nut for the Fair who takes a day off work each year to attend. Although I’ve never had mac-and-cheese on a stick.)

Picture of Janet Miller/Cricket Starr Janet Miller/Cricket Starr said on...
08.10.09 at 08:52 AM

Okay, this is why I love ebooks.

I saw this review, which totally rocked. And I have to get this book!

So I go onto FIctionwise, use my micropay credit to buy it at my Buywise discount ($3.83) in secure eReader format. I open up eReader on my iPhone. Prenesia is now mine, all mine in less time than it took to write this message.

Bwaahaha!

Picture of Kwana Kwana said on...
08.10.09 at 08:55 AM

Now I have to read this book. Love the fantastic review and adore Carla’s perfect response.

Picture of Kelli Collins Kelli Collins said on...
08.10.09 at 08:56 AM

I’m jealous I didn’t write this (both the book and the review). A new level of blogtastic (both reviewer’s and author’s posts).

Reviewer sounds suspiciously familiar…

Picture of Bonnie Vanak Bonnie Vanak said on...
08.10.09 at 08:57 AM

Like JoAnn, I was tweet-lured over here.  Carla, you are too funny. I predict your next blockbuster the “Virgin Bride With Secret Babies Wants A Cop who Rides The Range” will soon be a new continuity series. With sheikhs.

Madame Bonnie sayeth it is so. Go align your Twinkie chakras and go forth and write those vigin-riding cowboy cops!

Picture of tabithaspike tabithaspike said on...
08.10.09 at 08:58 AM

I think I have to buy the book just because Carla was such a good sport!

Picture of CourtneyLee CourtneyLee said on...
08.10.09 at 08:59 AM

The awesomeness of the review combined with the author’s grace and humor make me want to glom Carla Cassidy. I’ll definitely be picking up PREGNESIA just on principle. :)

Picture of JoAnn Ross JoAnn Ross said on...
08.10.09 at 08:59 AM

Chicklet, Here’s a link to the comic book literacy blog where you can see a picture of mac-and-cheese on a stick.  http://tinyurl.com/nwvypd

Also, in my ongoing procrastination, I just googled your fair and here’s a blog where it was available there (I suppose last year) from a place called Axel’s: http://tinyurl.com/l2ozfd  It’s on page two.

I haven’t been able to find out whether we’re going to have it at our TN Valley Fair in Sept. But since cooks in the South seem to have never met a food they didn’t think would taste better deep fried, I’m counting on it.  :)

Picture of ArkansasCyndi ArkansasCyndi said on...
08.10.09 at 09:00 AM

Well done Carla. I will be picking up your books if you are half as funny as your reply!

Thank goodness coffee cup was empty

Picture of KC KC said on...
08.10.09 at 09:01 AM

OMG Awesome!

Picture of Louisa Edwards Louisa Edwards said on...
08.10.09 at 09:02 AM

Everything about this post makes me want to read the book. The review is hysterical, and Carla’s response takes the whole thing to a new level. This should go under the heading of Authors Behaving Excellently!

Picture of Anna the Piper Anna the Piper said on...
08.10.09 at 09:17 AM

Carla Cassidy said:

2.  My original title was Pregnesia-The Story of A Pregnant Princess with Amnesia Who Lusts For An Ex-Navy Seal Turned Sheik Cowboy.

LOL! Ma’am, my hat is off to you. But shouldn’t that have been “The Story of a Pregnant Princess With Amnesia Who Lusts For A Highlander Ex-Navy Seal Turned Sheik Cowboy In a Snowstorm”? ;)

Seriously though, props to you for good-sportitude!

Picture of JoanneL JoanneL said on...
08.10.09 at 09:20 AM

There should be an annual
Macaroni & Cheese Luncheon
given in honor of all authors who show a true sense of self and humor when faced with what could be considered—by some—as a not-exactly-rave review.

With lolipops & chocolate for dessert.
And the readings of excerpts.

Nice review, great response.
Rock on Ms Cassidy!

Picture of Natasha A. Natasha A. said on...
08.10.09 at 09:26 AM

Oh fantastic review!  My coworker (whom I forwarded this to) just bought the book because of the review!

Picture of Lynn Raye Harris Lynn Raye Harris said on...
08.10.09 at 09:29 AM

I’m another Tweet-lured person!  And I can truly say that Carla is a classy lady!  As someone who has known her for more than a decade now, I can also say her response doesn’t surprise me.  She’s funny and writes awesome books. 

Great way to respond, Carla!  I snorted coffee, which wasn’t comfortable, but it was totally worth it.  That mac & cheese sounds good.  Mmmmm…..

Picture of Heather (errantdreams) Heather (errantdreams) said on...
08.10.09 at 09:37 AM

Cheesecake Factory makes AWESOME fried mac-n-cheese, even if it isn’t on a stick. ;)

And wow, what a great counter-example to those earlier author meltdowns that have been making the rounds.

Picture of carolyn jewel carolyn jewel said on...
08.10.09 at 09:45 AM

I was already thinking of buying the book because I <3 Nonnie so much. But now I also <3 Carla Cassidy.

Picture of Gina Gina said on...
08.10.09 at 09:52 AM

Between the review and the checklist from the author, I must buy this book for my iphone. I will be anxiously waiting the sequel to Pregnesia, hopefully titled “Momnesia: the story of a mother that forgets who she is due to sleep deprivation” or “Teennesia: the story of a mother who forgets who she is on purpose”.

Both of you ladies made me smile today. Thanks.

Picture of Leslie Kelly-Parrish Leslie Kelly-Parrish said on...
08.10.09 at 09:55 AM

Can we please start an “Authors Behaving Well” category for Ms. Cassidy? Pretty please?

What a great, fun and good-natured interaction. And yes, any publicity is good publicity…I just ordered this book!

Picture of phadem phadem said on...
08.10.09 at 09:56 AM

Best time on the interwebs in oh so long. Yes, I must say even over Doc Turtle’s Dark Lovah serial reviews. Although that’s the 2nd best time on the interwebs lately, so hats off to the SBs for having #1 and #2 spots filled.

Like everyone else, the author’s response made it golden. The review was made of awesome, but the author response sealed it.

Picture of Tina C. Tina C. said on...
08.10.09 at 09:58 AM

He acts like a shy debutante. “What are you doing? I do declare… Lawks-a-mercy!” AMAZING.

Too too funny!  And kudos to the author for reacting so gracefully in response.  I thought Up Close and Personal was a great read, btw.

Picture of Liz Liz said on...
08.10.09 at 10:02 AM

I was hoping you could help me.  I read this one book about a pregnant amnesiac, who was hurt in a train wreck, and winds up with her ex-boyfriend who doesn’t think that the baby is his because they hadn’t been together in 4 months and she is too tiny to be 4 months pregnant.  I don’t remember the name of the book and I think the author was Tara Taylor Quinn, but it was part of a 2 in 1 book, in which the other story was Fade to Black by Amanda Stevens.  There was also a prequel about the heroine’s identical triplet sister, who blamed herself for their other sister’s murder and this heroine’s accident.

Both of these books were really good, and the prequel also prominently featured pregnant teenage girls.

Picture of JulieLeto JulieLeto said on...
08.10.09 at 10:06 AM

I, too, was lured by the tweets.  Carla, you win…hands down.  I felt horribly guilty about laughing at the review until I read your response.  Class to the nth degree.

I think everyone should go out and buy a copy just to show you some comfort and love, to go with the Twinkies and Mac n’ Cheese.  (On a stick?  JoAnn, you SLAY me.)

Picture of EC Sheedy EC Sheedy said on...
08.10.09 at 10:08 AM

Carla, you are funny, fabulous, and a great sport. I think you just turned lemonade into champagne!

Picture of Jodi Jodi said on...
08.10.09 at 10:10 AM

This entire post, both the review and comments, is completely made of awesome. I’m going to buy this book IMMEDIATELY based on Nonnie’s gold star review and Ms. Cassidy’s classy and funny response. Love you guys!!!

Picture of Amanda VM Amanda VM said on...
08.10.09 at 10:16 AM

Natasha A. said on…
08.10.09 at 09:26 AM
Oh fantastic review!  My coworker (whom I forwarded this to) just bought the book because of the review!

I totally did. *sigh* No more making fun of her for reading them I guess….

It’‘s ok, I usually read fantasy novels and wish they were sexier. Now, maybe I will find the balance I crave.

Picture of Carrie Lofty Carrie Lofty said on...
08.10.09 at 10:24 AM

Funny review. Classy response from the author.

It’s hilarity *and* class FTW!

Picture of Bev Bev said on...
08.10.09 at 10:27 AM

I’m still crying!!! My sister and I had the best time reading this review. Far and above the best I’ve read to date.

And Carla, you are an absolute sport. I don’t usually read intrigue, but I will buy this one because you’re response was SPOT ON!! Should all authors deal with review with such aplomb. :)

Bev

Picture of Kathleen Kathleen said on...
08.10.09 at 10:35 AM

This review was completely amazing. I think I need to go buy some PREGNESIA now!

Picture of Vicky Dreiling Vicky Dreiling said on...
08.10.09 at 10:37 AM

Carla,

Go you!  Just don’t kick yourself in the head. :-) 

And yes, your conference buddy (that would be moi), alias the marketing ho approves:  Any publicity is better than no publicity.

Cheers!

Picture of Janice Maynard Janice Maynard said on...
08.10.09 at 10:37 AM

Having been on the receiving end of some “ouch” reviews, I have to appluad Carla’s humor and grace.  :)

Funny review, classy author, and yes - any publicity is better than none at all!

Picture of Rhonni Rhonni said on...
08.10.09 at 10:55 AM

All my loves in one place!
Witty snark, clever self-snark, and food-on-a-stick.

As long as self-promotion is happening, anyone near Orange County New York can get Fryed Mac & Cheese, followed by Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake dipped in Ghiradelli Chocolate ... on a stick of course.

(That’s how I pay for my Romance Novel addiction.)

We’re at the New York Renaissance Festival, so there are Puffy shirts as well.

Picture of Tracy Cooper-Posey Tracy Cooper-Posey said on...
08.10.09 at 11:13 AM

Fabulous review!  And my hat off to you, Carla Cassidy, for such grace under fire.  I’ve always been totally terrified about the idea of the ladies here ever getting hold of one of my books.  Now I’m starting to wonder if it would be so bad if they totally destroyed me (as I’m quite sure they would!), if only I maintained your Grace Kelly charm.  Kudos to you!

Cheers,

Tracy

Picture of Babs Babs said on...
08.10.09 at 11:19 AM

Based on that most excellent response from Ms. Cassidy I think I’ll have to pick up this title…

Picture of Kalen Hughes Kalen Hughes said on...
08.10.09 at 11:20 AM

8. Stay tuned for my next blockbuster - Virgin Bride With Secret Babies Wants A Cop who Rides The Range

I’m guessing VIRGINIA might be too simple a title?

Picture of Mulberry Mulberry said on...
08.10.09 at 11:22 AM

OMG! What a way to recover from a s****y day at work. A glass of wine, the funnisest review ever, the best by 100 miles author response ever ever ever!

Carla, I haven’t read an Intrigue for years. But Pregnesia is gonna tempt me to read at least one more.

Picture of Danielle Yockman Danielle Yockman said on...
08.10.09 at 11:27 AM

LMAO! That was so entertaining! SB Nonnie you get an A+ on your review!

Picture of Sarah S Sarah S said on...
08.10.09 at 11:29 AM

This logo is, and I shit you not with this, a triangle with an all seeing eye in the center.

COUNT OLAF????!!!!

Picture of Glynis Glynis said on...
08.10.09 at 11:33 AM

Loved the review. (Coffee through nose!)

Loved the author’s response. (Class-act and funny? Oh, my.)

Ergo, there’s a new reviewer to love and an author’s work to explore.

It’s made of win!

Picture of Star Opal Star Opal said on...
08.10.09 at 11:45 AM

Oh, Nonnie, you is awesomeness!

I actually saw this today while in a bookstore totally not buying more books…
<_

<
>

_>
Okay, maybe a couple.
...Five.

I stopped. Just stopped. Pregnesia. “Oh wow,” says I. Alas, I passed up this gem. Woe. But to think it followed me home in a review on the same day. Weird.

Picture of West West said on...
08.10.09 at 11:48 AM

COUNT OLAF????!!!!

Oh man. My computer is not going to survive this topic.

Picture of Candy Candy said on...
08.10.09 at 11:56 AM

This is now officially my favorite romance review of all time.

As I said earlier to Nonnie: Preg. Motherfucking. Nesia. That title alone is enough to bring the Baby Jesus to my heart, though hopefully not to my womb.

Picture of Star Opal Star Opal said on...
08.10.09 at 11:58 AM

Wow did that type face thingie ever not work out. Never mind!

Ms. Cassidy, having read through the comments, thank you for being a -funny!- class act. I may have to check out your work now.

Picture of Alyssa Day Alyssa Day said on...
08.10.09 at 12:07 PM

WTG, Carla!!  Welcome to the joy of the snark and a good laugh (from the author of the sword penis book, LOL).  May your sales soar and happy readers abound!! :)

Picture of Randi Randi said on...
08.10.09 at 12:08 PM

@ Chicklet: I love me some fried Twinkie on a stick. Mmmmmmmm.

nature93: there are about 93 non natural foods at the MN State Fair.

Picture of LG LG said on...
08.10.09 at 12:28 PM

Pregnesia!  I would have though “The Amnesiac’s Baby” or “The Mother-to-Be’s Lost Memory” or even “The Amnesiac Mother-to-Be and the Navy SEAL,” but apparently the people at Harlequin were really trying to set this one apart.  LOL!  I love this review!

Picture of Elizabeth Elizabeth said on...
08.10.09 at 12:28 PM

Ricockulous is my my new favourite word and I want to start using it in conversation immediately.

Picture of JewelTones JewelTones said on...
08.10.09 at 12:32 PM

I saw this book the first week it came out at Target and bought it.  Read it over the weekend and I actually liked it.  It was a fun read.  Sure there’s suspension of belief and all that… but it’s a rare treat when I can like the story (why is it romances are always “guilty pleasures”?) and laugh and still get a nice romance out of it.  :)  I’ve passed it on to my mother who, when she saw the title, actually said, “Pregnesia?  What does that mean?”  ...should I warn her?  *G*

Picture of Alison Alison said on...
08.10.09 at 01:15 PM

Oh, dear god that was funny!  I <3 Nonnie and Carla Cassidy.

Picture of rebyj rebyj said on...
08.10.09 at 01:33 PM

I’ve just made it to #4 so far. I had to stop just to say if a man who deals with LUXURY items took me to freakin walmart, I’d kick his Navy Seal ass! lol
Off to finish the list. too too funny!

Picture of Maria Bustillos Maria Bustillos said on...
08.10.09 at 01:58 PM

Wait though does he REALLY SAY “Lawks-a-mercy!”??!!

REALLY literally say it?!

I must know.

Picture of Maria Bustillos Maria Bustillos said on...
08.10.09 at 02:00 PM

Also:  go Carla.

Picture of Jody Jody said on...
08.10.09 at 02:24 PM

Ricockulous

Does that not sound like a Hogwart’s spell?

Hermione pointed her wand at Ron and shouted, “Ricockulous!”
...and they lived happily ever after.

Picture of Narwhallove Narwhallove said on...
08.10.09 at 02:37 PM

I’m going to bellow “RICOCKULOUS!” to my boyfriend tonight in bed and see what happens.

I’m laughing so hard that I almost forgot I am burning to death in this heat wave!

Picture of Stelly Stelly said on...
08.10.09 at 02:49 PM

What a wonderful review and what a wonderful list!  Thanks for the laughs!  :D

Picture of CourtneyLee CourtneyLee said on...
08.10.09 at 03:01 PM

Talk of the MN State Fair, near which I live, is depressing me. It’s starting soon, just in time for me to be recovered from getting my stone-filled gallbladder taken out so I can’t eat much FRIED FOOD. So much for trying out all the new fill-in-the-blanks on a stick. :(

want78: I want to try all 78 fried foods on a stick, but I can’t.

Picture of Bonnie C Bonnie C said on...
08.10.09 at 03:07 PM

I was 50/50 on picking up the book based soley on the review… but Carla’s brilliant response drove it home for the win.

It’s times like this I love the Kindle app on my iPod.

Picture of West West said on...
08.10.09 at 04:15 PM

Does that not sound like a Hogwart’s spell?

[Hermione pointed her wand at Ron and shouted, “Ricockulous!”
...and they lived happily ever after.

I swear, my computer is not going to make it through today. People keep making me spew.

Picture of kinseyholley kinseyholley said on...
08.10.09 at 04:17 PM

Carla, your response is simply awesome - and hell, a C on SBTB is nothing to be ashamed of.  I don’t read category romances - I’ve picked up maybe three in my life, never finished one - but I’m getting this one for sure.

Picture of infogenium infogenium said on...
08.10.09 at 06:13 PM

I was buying this book for the title anyway but the review and the author response have made it even more tempting. Too too funny. Thanks

Picture of Tabby Tabby said on...
08.10.09 at 06:39 PM

I have to hope I’m not the only Burn Notice fan who heard the description of the hero and immediately pictured Sam Axe.

Picture of KJsGrrl KJsGrrl said on...
08.10.09 at 06:58 PM

OMG!  There is just soo much to love about the review and the comments that have followed.  And to think, I’ve learned a new word: Ricockulous!  Definitely would love to plan a trip to Sheiktasia and Cowboytopia. LMAO! 

This has to be one of the best reviews EVAH!  I got the odd looks from the hubby while reading this one - I mean, how often does a man hear his wife shout RICOCKULOUS!!!

aj

Picture of samantha Lynn samantha Lynn said on...
08.10.09 at 07:04 PM

I know when I want to kidnap someone on the down-low, I hop in my van PLASTERED WITH MY CHURCH LOGO in order to do it

So, they go to the same bodyshop Torchwood uses, then?

Picture of SandyLou SandyLou said on...
08.10.09 at 07:57 PM

This post is exactly why I Luurrve this blog. Great reviewer and great author! Hats off to Nonnie & Ms. Cassidy.

Picture of mingqi mingqi said on...
08.10.09 at 08:35 PM

love the review!  I will definitely be coming back to find this review again when I need something to make me LOL

Picture of medumb medumb said on...
08.10.09 at 10:40 PM

This review is all kinds of brilliant!

And am definitely going to have to dust off some of my Carla Cassidy books for a re-read. Best review response from an author ever.

And Nonny needs to do more reviews!

Picture of Ebony McKenna Ebony McKenna said on...
08.10.09 at 11:29 PM

Kudos to Carla Cassidy - best author response I’ve ever read.

And what a funtastic review as well, thanks so much Nonny.

Picture of Kaetrin Kaetrin said on...
08.10.09 at 11:44 PM

Excellent review Nonny!  I’m glad I wasn’t drinking anything when I read it or I would have given my sinuses a clean out for sure.

Kudos to Ms. Cassidy for a gracious and funny response.

WIN!

Picture of Susan/DC Susan/DC said on...
08.11.09 at 01:43 AM

When I wake up at 3:30 AM and can’t get back to sleep, what do I do?  I turn to the Internet.  Smart Bitches and Nonnie B totally make up for the fact that my head will be hitting the desk around 3:30 this afternoon.  Although my co-workers may wonder why I’m giggling as I fall asleep during meetings (although that happens anyway, even when I wake at a normal hour). 

Ms. Cassidy definitely gets to wear the Classy Author tiara (wonder if they have those on Second Life), both for her grace under pressure and also for thinking up the title. Until I read her post I imagined the marketing meeting where someone earned a big bonus for thinking up a title that was at once ricockulous (do I get points for using that in a sentence?) and brilliant—this one stands out for both telling you immediately exactly what you’re getting and being totally unique in a sea of forgettable and interchangeable titles.  Way to go!

Picture of Carin Carin said on...
08.11.09 at 05:07 AM

Must have more Nonny!  What a great way to start the day!!

Picture of Isabo Kelly Isabo Kelly said on...
08.11.09 at 06:57 AM

Carla you are my hero. Class act, lady. I am now off to buy all your books because this level of humor and grace MUST be supported.

Picture of mirain mirain said on...
08.11.09 at 07:24 AM

Now some cooking show should have a challenge where the chefs have to make mac n cheese stay on a stick.

Picture of TaraL TaraL said on...
08.11.09 at 07:40 AM

Add me to the list of new fans, of Nonnie and Carla.. When I read the review, I went and put Pregnesia on my wish list. When I read Carla’s response, I went back and clicked “Buy.”

I’m also on the list of those giggling over ricockulous,  or I was ‘til DH ruined it for me. He said, “It sounds like a disease. You know: (in his best doctor voice) The patient developed a severe case of scrotal ricockulous which could only be cured with a series of shots.” Of course, now I’m giggling over that….

Picture of Anne Anne said on...
08.11.09 at 07:44 AM

Reporting from libraryland here:
Apparently this book was recently on a purchase list for the library.  The Fiction specialist, who has to look at hundreds of titles, remembered this for its unique title.

So the title is working for ya Carly!  Rock on with your bad self!

Picture of vicki vicki said on...
08.11.09 at 08:16 AM

As the proofreader who worked on this book, I really, really wanted to change “jiggling memory” to “jogging memory.” But I was compelled to keep Carla’s choice and voice intact. The title settled it for me.

Admittedly, I rather enjoyed this book.

Picture of Carin Carin said on...
08.11.09 at 08:20 AM

I read the review earlier and just now came back for the comments!  So much awesome on one post!  but I need to say, I meant to write “Must have more Nonnie!” (mispelled her name!)

Second:  “Teennesia: the story of a mother who forgets who she is on purpose”.  This is AWESOME!

Third:  Carla rocks!  I hope every single book you’ve ever written flies off the shelves today and that even Kindle runs out of copies!

Picture of badinfluencegirl badinfluencegirl said on...
08.11.09 at 08:40 AM

1. best book review ever so i have tweeted.
2. i NEVER pay full price for a romance novel (okay once a year or twice but really that’s it, i get them out of the laundry room) but i will buy this one based on the reviewers repeated capital letter injunctions to do so.
3. carla cassidy you are a class act
4. macaroni?  deep fried?  on a stick?  cheese too????
5. foodgasm
6. sexy fantasy - laurel k. hamilton, kelley armstrong, patricia briggs etc
7. sam axe makes my heart pitter pat a little… even though he’s too old for me
8. pregnant women are hella the sexy miss reviewer
9. i have to buy this book.
10. and then the comments?  the comments?  thank goodness i wasn’t drinking/eating anything!

Picture of Lane Lane said on...
08.11.09 at 08:58 AM

@ mirain :

Now some cooking show should have a challenge where the chefs have to make mac n cheese stay on a stick.

Well, it wasn’t actually on a stick, but Alton Brown did fried Mac n Cheese on his episode For Whom the Cheese Melts (pt 2) of Good Eats.

Picture of Jamie Jamie said on...
08.11.09 at 09:11 AM

After seeing this turn up both here and on JABBIC, I went and checked my local big box store’s website. Good news! Pregnesia’s in stock.

I’ve never bought a Harlequin before. I feel all nervous.

Picture of militaryspouse militaryspouse said on...
08.11.09 at 09:31 AM

Sold out at WalMart-St. Albert.  Had to travel into Edmonton to buy this (much to the amusement of my kids)

Picture of mirain mirain said on...
08.11.09 at 09:32 AM

Leftover mac n cheese fried with bacon is an awesome (if unhealthy) breakfast. But keeping it on the stick would be the challenging part.

Picture of Bonnie C Bonnie C said on...
08.11.09 at 09:58 AM

So I kindle-app’d the book yesterday and have made it just past the Wal-Mart/pink babies onboard/advertised cult kidnapping section. While I did snort box merlot through my nose in a couple of spots, I am enjoying this much more than I expected to.

Although now I will have to use all my mental prowess to keep the image of Sam Axe out of my head when reading… perhaps I can alter the image to a younger though no more sexy Bruce, say Ash or Brisco…

Picture of Suze Suze said on...
08.11.09 at 12:58 PM

… perhaps I can alter the image to a younger though no more sexy Bruce, say Ash or Brisco…

Dude!  Autolycus!  Prince of Thieves!  (not very SEAL-ish, but still.  Smexy!)

Oops, tried to post a picture, but I’m on a borrowed computer and failed completely.  Google Bruce Campbell as Autolycus and enjoy…

Picture of Lizabeth S. Tucker Lizabeth S. Tucker said on...
08.11.09 at 01:26 PM

So, they go to the same bodyshop Torchwood uses, then?

Seriously, I just got done cleaning the computer off and you had to mention Torchwood?!?!?!?!?  Bring back Ianto Jones!

deep61 Oh yeah, this is definitely a deep pile of fun and cheese and fun author responses.

Picture of Nadia Nadia said on...
08.11.09 at 02:29 PM

Review + author response + comments = trifecta of win

Ok, here’s how ricockulous I can be, especially considering my vast years of romance reading:  I saw this book on the library shelf, and did not get the title at. all.  I thought to myself that they must have shelved a Spanish-language book in the wrong section.  Looooser. 

But now I know, and knowing is half the battle.

Ms. Cassidy, I’ve only read your Bombshells, which, need it even be said, kicked ass.  But after this, I must read more.

Picture of shewhohashope shewhohashope said on...
08.11.09 at 02:35 PM

I’M SOLD.

Picture of Cindy Gerard Cindy Gerard said on...
08.11.09 at 02:41 PM

I love you Carla.  You’re such a grown up. :o)

Picture of Jennifer Jennifer said on...
08.11.09 at 03:02 PM

Awesome, AWESOME review and author response.

Picture of Casey Casey said on...
08.11.09 at 05:53 PM

Pregnesia.  Preg-f**king-nesia.  *headdesk*

I don’t think I could pick up this book without horfing - the whole OMG BAYBEES genre makes me ill - but that review was hilarious!  And kudos to Carla Cassidy for responding with such grace and humor.

Whoever did that cover needs to take Anatomy 101, though…her belly shouldn’t be around her freaking KNEES.  Maybe she’s shoplifting luxury items from Wal-Mart.

Picture of Kylie Creel Kylie Creel said on...
08.11.09 at 06:09 PM

Didn’t anyone tell any of you that making a pregnant woman laugh in her third trimester is dangerous? LOL My baby is kicking the crap out of me because I’m giggling so hard and my hubby is looking at me like I have horns on my head! Carla, you are AWESOME. What a great sense of humor you have! I, too, hope all your books fly off the shelves and I know that I’ll be grabbing this book simply because I *know* I suffer from PREGNESIA from time-to-time! Ricockulous.. omg! *snort*

Picture of Elissa Wilds Elissa Wilds said on...
08.11.09 at 07:09 PM

Awesome review!! Carla, I heart you. I’m buying this book. Now.

Picture of DanielleO DanielleO said on...
08.11.09 at 10:09 PM

the review - I laughed ‘til I cried… or at least had tears in my eyes.  And chuckled at the author’s response.

Thanks so much!

Picture of Lisa richards Lisa richards said on...
08.12.09 at 05:54 AM

Just added this book to my next must buy from Harlequin. Great review and fortunately my coffee was in the cup and not in my mouth(lol)

Picture of Carolan Ivey Carolan Ivey said on...
08.12.09 at 10:38 AM

Should not have been eating when I read this… [wiping screen]  FWIW, I think the book sounds smashing. HQs are what they are - entertainment!

Picture of Erin Denver Erin Denver said on...
08.12.09 at 12:59 PM

AWESOME. Your review was EFFING AWESOME. Thanks for the mid afternoon hilarity.

Picture of Bonnie C Bonnie C said on...
08.12.09 at 03:23 PM

Suze… nice recall on the Autolycus. But I have to say that my Hercules/Xena lurrrve(tm) will forever belong to Joxer the Mighty (roaming through the countryside…with Gabby as his sidekick, fighting with her little stick…).

It’s hard (hur) for me to shun Teh Bruce in that way since he’s the reason I found and Love Burn Notice in the first place.

Picture of Asli Asli said on...
08.12.09 at 05:19 PM

LOLLEERRRSSS… and just when i thought the day wasn’t going to pass, i stumbled upon your kick ass review…

Picture of Maya Maya said on...
08.13.09 at 07:57 AM

For the last three days, every time I come back to check what’s new at SBTB I also have to read this review again, I loved it so much.  What will Nonnie review next????

Picture of Brenda Brenda said on...
08.14.09 at 02:17 PM

Maybe she’s shoplifting luxury items from Wal-Mart

.

honestly, I was doing fine, just snickering until I got to Casey’s comment…mygawds & gawdess…FELL off the couch burst out laughing…
Nonnie nicely done
Carla…absofreakinlutely the BEST response on-a-stick EV-ah
so much classier than some author’s responses I’ve seen…and caused me to come out of lurkdom to post in thanks to your class….I spin in a circle (have no idea where you are) in a standing ovulation to your greatness!!

Picture of Kat Kat said on...
08.14.09 at 03:50 PM

It’s hard to write while tears are running copiously down your face, but I will do my best. Nonnie, I bow to your list. OMG, numbers 6 and 7 nearly did me in.

Two of my family members have been by to check on me. The dog is now resting on my feet in case I need comfort, and the cat is in my lap. When the phone rang, my mother thought I was horribly upset about something, and I started laughing all over again.

Carla Cassidy, I’ve read Up Close And Personal, and really, really liked it! I shall now buy Pregnesia and enjoy it in all its glory.

It’s late Friday, and I bet no one will even read this, but still, I have posted.

Picture of Amber Green Amber Green said on...
08.14.09 at 04:38 PM

Kylie, laughing is good for you.  It exercises the baby-holding muscles, and secondarily the muscles that make baby-making fun.  Read it again.

Picture of Sinful Sinful said on...
08.21.09 at 02:13 PM

WOW - First visit - I’ve been missing out on a ton of fun. 

Super review - have to read the book - can’t be that bad - but even if, my Books I Love To Hate shelf has room.

To the mac & cheese folks - from Martha’s lips to my finger tips:  Mac & Cheese as a condiment for hot dogs!!!!!!!  Wonder if that came with a side of fries!

Picture of Kiersten Kiersten said on...
08.27.09 at 07:18 AM

This is awesome. Ms. Carla - class act all the way. Ricockulous, Autolycus, and Torchwood - oh my!  The SBTB readership rocks my world with the magnitudes of awesome. Definitely going to pick up Pregnesia if only to support the sisterhood (don’t usu. buy category) and the divine Ms C.

Picture of fassbaby fassbaby said on...
08.28.09 at 03:03 PM

Brilliant review! So much so that I ordered the book off Amazon just so I can tuck it into my hospital bag and have it with me when my little one (due any day!) is born!

Picture of Casse Casse said on...
09.28.09 at 01:02 AM

I marched up to my boss and demanded that he order Pregnesia by Carla Cassidy “THIS INSTANT”!  The review made me really want read it and then Carla’s hilarity made me not feel a bit a shame when I read that book in the breakroom for the world err my co-workers to see.  And when they began to snicker at the cover, instead of cringing I shall point my angry finger and say “PREGO amnesiacs need lovin’ too!  Don’t judge me!”  And I shall continue reading over a bowl of microwave velveta (cause those suckers are good!)

Picture of Red L. Red L. said on...
10.01.09 at 06:13 PM

#11—Preggo McMemory-Loss

I have not had the case of the giggles like that in years.  Wonderful review, thank you!!

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