I certainly remember reading FANCY PANTS --- many years ago when it first came out --- and then I immediately reread GLITTER BABY. I thought how marvelous it was to have Susan Elizabeth Phillips writing books. She can write with a wicked sense of humor that she imparts to her characters, endearing them to readers everywhere. How delighted I was to learn that I again would have the opportunity to read another story that features members of the Beaudine and Koranda families.

"Phillips brings her creative spark to her characters, dialogue, setting and story, and she has a rare ability to make one laugh with them as they hope to find love."

CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE opens as Ted Beaudine, the favorite son of Wynette, Texas, is about to be married. He is a good-looking, talented and responsible kind of guy, and his wedding is the talk of the town. The only trouble is that Meg Koranda, the bride’s best friend, just doesn’t believe either of them has found true love with each other. Meg spots this immediately when she arrives in town for the wedding as one of the attendants. After a heart-to-heart talk with Lucy Korvik, the bride, the wedding is called off just as Lucy is walking down the aisle.

The town of Wynette is shocked. This is a community where everyone knows everyone and everything that goes on, around and through town. Meg becomes the easy culprit for the town to blame for the broken relationship. Still, quite a few of the women in town are in love with Ted and hope that maybe now they have a chance to become Mrs. Ted Beaudine.

Meg has her own problems. Besides the town blaming her for the breakup, she is just about broke. Her car is a disaster, her credit card will not take another charge, and her parents and siblings have cut her off. Her family wants her to become responsible instead of gadding about the world. They hope that by not helping her she will stop seeking whatever she’s looking for. Now Meg must stay in Wynette and find a job, which is not easy considering no one really wants to hire her. Eventually she does get work as a maid and as a caddy at the golf club. Her innate fashion sense inspires her to make jewelry that she sells in town. Slowly she begins taking responsibility for herself.

Wynette is a small town with today’s small-town problems. There is not enough business, and Ted, the town mayor, wants to find funding to create a new deluxe golf resort that could provide much needed jobs. Spence Skipjack represents a potential investor; he and his daughter each have set their sights for Meg and Ted, respectively. Meanwhile, Wynette and its residents are becoming used to Meg.

Meg is learning that she likes to work and maybe the town residents. She also finds that Ted is one irresistible man, seeing behind the smart brain and the handsome physique, and she challenges him as few people have in his life. As they spend more time together, their attraction to each other becomes apparent. How will their affair affect the town? The people? And the potential business deal? And who is threatening Meg? There is a host of complications for everyone in the town. Meg and Ted each wonder if this is a short-term affair or maybe real love. Only time will tell.

This story includes a community of characters from previous books. As the author notes, lots of friends wander into this one: the Beaudines from FANCY PANTS, Nealy Case and Mat Jorvik from FIRST LADY, the Korandas from GLITTER BABY, Kenny and Lady Emma from LADY BE GOOD. It is always delightful to see younger characters grow up and find their way in life and love.

CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE again reminds me how a writer’s voice creates a memorable love story. Phillips brings her creative spark to her characters, dialogue, setting and story, and she has a rare ability to make one laugh with them as they hope to find love.