Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton

Synopsis:
In this sequel to Wallbanger, the second book in the Cocktail series, fan favorites Caroline and Simon negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in San Francisco.

Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on her honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel on Sausalito. So with her hotshot photographer boyfriend gallivanting all over the world for his job, she and Simon are heavy-duty into “absence makes the heart grow fonder” mode. Neither has any complaints about the great reunion sex, though! Then Simon decides he’s tired of so much travelling, and he’s suddenly home more. A lot more. And wanting Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort their relationship out. Neither wants “out of sight, out of mind,” but can they create their own happy mid-ground cliché?

My Review:
3 stars — Meh, it was ok.  It had some great moments.  I really do like her friendships with Mimi and Sophia, and that side story could be kind of fun (though the Sophia/Neil stuff got a bit crazy).  And some of her interactions with Simon were adorable and sweet (and he made my heart clench with the bits about his past).  But I guess I just couldn’t vibe with her brand of crazy in this one, so it left me out in the cold….   I guess I got a little bored with it too…so much could have been solved by just talking to the other person.  I know that this happens in real life too, but I don’t have to read about it for 300 pages, kwim?  Now I have to decide if I read the other Alice Clayton book I own (the Unidentified Redhead) and get them all out of the way, or if I move on to something a little different and give myself a break…