Dancing Naked in Dixie

Jul 22, 2012 Buggy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, ebook, shelf-12

Opening Line: "The new editor needs you, Julia." …Dolores Stanley leaps over the cubicles and follows me like a panther stalking its prey.”

This was an unexpectedly good read and I say that because I went into Dancing Naked In Dixie never having heard of author Lauren Clark before and with a limited idea about the story. However Dancing turned out to be one of those awesome little surprise find books and fans of the chick-lit genre in particular will enjoy this one.

Travel writer Julia Sullivan g...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Author Anna del C. Dye rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a fun ride Dancing Naked in Dixie has been. I wondered about the name and almost didn’t pick it up. I am glad I did. If not I would have missed out on an excellent, clean tale. I really enjoy the witty and accelerating scenes that seem to leave you without breath until you turn to the next page. It is a well-done tale, written in a very fun and fast pace. The given descriptions and history are quite complimentary to this story and are delivered nicely.
Reporter Julia Sullivan lives a hurry-u...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Dianne Socci-Tetro rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

I am amazed that I liked this book as much as I did. I did not find this a light read, something to be finished with in one night. I found this book something that I had to put a little effort into and I really liked that. This book is not fluffy drivel---it is several stories in one and has an ending that I think I should have seen coming, but still didn't expect.

We open with our heroine Julia needing to meet with the new owner of the travel magazine that she works for, who also happe...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Brianna Lee Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arr, romance, chick-lit, contemporary, r2r

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading “Dancing Naked in Dixie” by Lauren Clark. This Chick Lit book is a must-have for the summer – a total beach read. The characters and story line were great; I found myself interested in this book right away. I loved the romance, suspense, and humor that Ms. Clark fused together. This book definitely deserves a 4 STAR rating; I would read more of Lauren Clark’s work and recommend “Dancing Naked in Dixie” to re...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Lorelei's rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm always in search of new authors, and boy was I pleasantly delighted with Lauren Clark and her book Dancing Naked in Dixie! As soon as I read the first pages, I was drawn into the story. Loved Julia from the start and could picture her right away. I loved her personality, and the hero Shug, well, wasn't he a charmer and had me swooning through the story! There's also other characters like her boss, the best friend and many others that simply had me entertained and wanting to continue reading...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

I fell in love with Lauren Clark's writing style after reading "Stay Tuned," so needless to say I was totally excited when I learned that she had written another southern based novel.

Julia is a paid travel writer for Getaways magazine, so she is used to globe trotting, visiting exotic places so that she can write her stories. After returning home from her latest trip she meets and is a bit shocked as to who the new editor of Getaways is, and when he informs her that he is planning on taking the...more I fell in love with Lauren Clark's writing style after reading "Stay Tuned," so needless to say I was totally excited when I learned that she had written another southern based novel.

Julia is a paid travel writer for Getaways magazine, so she is used to globe trotting, visiting exotic places so that she can write her stories. After returning home from her latest trip she meets and is a bit shocked as to who the new editor of Getaways is, and when he informs her that he is planning on taking the magazine in a different direction so instead of Julia heading off to Bali for her next story she is going to Eufaula, Alabama even though she swore she would rather dance naked than to go to Alabama. Since her job is on the line it's Alabama or bust for Julia!

Funny is an understated word in describing this story. The dialogue moves along at a very fast pace, pulling you along into the life of Julia, a character who is disorganized, a fly by the seat of your pants kind of gal, although she swears she is going to get organized once she learns to use her iPhone.The old adage of if it can go wrong it will go wrong fits Julia to a tee, because something is always happening to her. There is a serious side to Julia as well, we learn that she is often lonely, and that she misses her mother even though she has been gone for two years.She has her dependable boyfriend Andrew but she knows they will never marry. The author paints a vivid description of the events going on in the story, I had to laugh out loud at the description of Julia disembarking from her rented SUV because I totally have the same problem.I really enjoyed the colorful cast of characters that were a part of Eufaula, often quirky with true southern charm, they were so easy to envision,it was like I could hear their southern twanginess inside my head!

If you enjoy a grantastic story with southern charm, and a quirky cast of characters, along with a fast paced plot,some laugh out loud moments, a smattering of romance along with father/daughter conflict your going to love "Dancing Naked In Dixie" by Lauren Clark!
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Sep 12, 2012 Angie Holtz rated it 3 of 5 stars

From Lilac Wolf and Stuff

Before we have any misunderstandings, I did enjoy this story...for the most part. Julia did start getting on my nerves when she had accident after accident and whatever man happened to be around jumped in to take care of her.

The other issue that popped up were the numerous inconsistencies. I was honestly surprised to see the number of early readers she thanked. They really should have let her know about them. Take the boyfriend, for example. Early in the book she goes in...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Nikki McCarver rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have seen this book plastered all over the blogs and even though I haven't read anything like this before, I was intrigued. So when I saw it pop up on the circuit, I immediately grabbed it and was not in the least bit disappointed in the read. I instantly felt a kinship with Julia. I'm never late to work, but other places? Well...that's another story. And even though organization isn't my strong suit, I get my stuff done. Just don't try to figure out my system..lol..you won't. And I swear that...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Lorelei's rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm always in search of new authors, and boy was I pleasantly delighted with Lauren Clark and her book Dancing Naked in Dixie! As soon as I read the first pages, I was drawn into the story. Loved Julia from the start and could picture her right away. I loved her personality, and the hero Shug, well, wasn't he a charmer and had me swooning through the story! There's also other characters like her boss, the best friend and many others that simply had me entertained and wanting to continue reading...more

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Jul 26, 2012 brandy oliver rated it 4 of 5 stars

First I have to say, that there is an amazingly delicious recipe at the end of this book that alone is well worth grabbing a copy of this book:)
I have always been fascinated by the South, (I'm in the Northeast), so I was pretty anxious to read this book. Even if I am not really a romance novel fan, I do enjoy reading about other places, and learning new things, especially places that intrigue me.
The story does flow very nicely, and the author has a very pleasant way of introducing all of the cha...more First I have to say, that there is an amazingly delicious recipe at the end of this book that alone is well worth grabbing a copy of this book:)
I have always been fascinated by the South, (I'm in the Northeast), so I was pretty anxious to read this book. Even if I am not really a romance novel fan, I do enjoy reading about other places, and learning new things, especially places that intrigue me.
The story does flow very nicely, and the author has a very pleasant way of introducing all of the characters, and scenes. Very descriptive, and definitely feels like you are there in many scenes! (One of my favorite parts of reading books is for the escape, so this was very appreciated!!)
It certainly wasn't a story I have read before, nothing close, and unfortunately, this is the first I have read by Lauren Clark. I will be checking out more of her work in the near future! I would like to see a second part to this story. (HINT:)
The characters are charming, well, most of them, I am not to thrilled about Shug's woman, but I don't believe we are supposed to be! I was very impressed with how the story twists and all of the excitement that I didn't expect to have in a romance story. (I have no idea why, but romance stories always seem to bore me, and the romantic movies) But this was a lot different then any I have ever seen or read. The author also really keeps your attention in this book, with something always going on, and she is outstanding at making every small detail, so interesting.
I did like Julia, as a character, and all of the drama and issues she was going through since the start of the book, and how her career was on the line, she seemed just like a very normal career woman. However, she had lots of her own problems to deal with, most recently, her job. She is a travel writer, and is so used to traveling to gorgeous, faraway places, until her creativity and writing started to decline and her new boss decided to not print her last article. He sent her to Alabama, which she thought was ridiculous, and tried to refuse to go, until she realized it would be her job that is taken from her next. So, she agrees, reluctantly, (saying she would rather dance naked.. hence the title), and from that point the story really takes off.
I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys romance novels, drama, this is a good choice for taking along on vacation, an airplane ride, a hot summer day, spent in the shade. Any chic literature fans will certainly love how Julia, grows and heals and becomes the young woman at the end of the book!

** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **
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Jul 09, 2012 Books Mom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, women-s-fiction

Frequently funny, occasionally touching but always entertaining, Dancing Naked in Dixie is a keeper for your bookshelf.

Julia is a writer for a national travel magazine, and her life is a complete disaster. Her last review from her trip to Italy was a washout. Her new boss, who just happens to be her father, gives Julia an ultimatum. Go to Eufaula, a town in Alabama, do a write up on this town, or you no longer have a job.

Julia is totally disorganized and has no way or desire to change. However,...more

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Jun 25, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 4 of 5 stars

A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

I requested to review DANCING NAKED IN DIXIE because I have a good friend who was born, bred, and returned to Eufaula after her husband’s military career. Plus my father’s family is rooted in Mississippi, just over the Alabama border. How could I not want to plunge into this story of southern hospitality?

Julia quickly learns how strong she can be when she lands in hot water with her bo...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-summer-must-reads, blog-tour-review, atomr-book-tours, apr-2012

First I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to AToMR tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour. This is the first book I have read by Lauren Clark and let me tell you it will NOT be the last.

Dancing Naked in Dixie was full of humor, suspense, and romance. Julia is a travel Journalist and she goes from story to story reporting back what she can. Then one day her assignment is to report on a historical project from Eufaula Alabama. If any of you readers are familiar with the south you will...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

A LASR BEST BOOK!!

Dancing Naked in Dixie is a fun story with the feel of both “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Hart of Dixie”. This one will take you on a ride from the hustle and bustle of city life to the laid back, everybody-knows-everybody small town, southern life. As you turn the last page, you'll be surprised, and sad, that it's over already.

When magazine travel writer, Julia's, career takes an unexpected turn, instead of heading to b...more Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

A LASR BEST BOOK!!

Dancing Naked in Dixie is a fun story with the feel of both “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Hart of Dixie”. This one will take you on a ride from the hustle and bustle of city life to the laid back, everybody-knows-everybody small town, southern life. As you turn the last page, you'll be surprised, and sad, that it's over already.

When magazine travel writer, Julia's, career takes an unexpected turn, instead of heading to beautiful, exotic Bali, she ends up being sent to Eufaula, Alabama. She's to write about their annual “Winter Pilgrimage” in a bid by the magazine to start a series on the “local flavor”, off-the-beaten path places of America. She arrives thinking she can make this a quick trip, interview a couple of people and be on the next plane back to civilization but the people of Eufaula have other ideas. And when Julia meets her charming, handsome tour guide, Shug Jordan, she suddenly doesn't mind so very much.

The character of Julia is at once sassy, vulnerable and very real. Her life seems to be one of chaos, where she thinks she's in control but she's right on the verge of losing it completely without even realizing it. She's still hurting from her mother's death and blaming her father for things he's done in the past and the pain she feels from both is tangible. Her reactions to different situations are realistic enough that I found myself either laughing out loud or tearing up, and her internal dialogue is hilarious. As a native New Yorker, her response to the “hospitality” of the deep south was absolutely priceless, and the situations that she somehow manages to get herself into had me laughing and sometimes cringing in sympathy at the same time.

The other characters, and the setting, in this book are so expertly written that you can picture the town, the people and the atmosphere. It makes you want to visit, or move to, the deep south so that you can be a part of this world. Each character has their own quirks and personality that makes this little town comes to life in your head, leaving you wanting to know them. Well, most of them anyway. Usually, when I can say this about a book, I have a favorite secondary character that won me over more than the rest. I honestly don't know that I could pick one in this book because they are all so distinct from each other and so much fun that I loved them all. Turns out, Julia ends up feeling much the same way. And, if you've ever spent any time in the south, you will understand the culture shock that she feels when she finally does make it back to the city.

The plot had enough things going on in it that it kept moving at a good pace and the culmination of most of these things at the end totally surprised me. I'm usually pretty good at predicting the ends of movies and books, but this one got me. I loved it! There is an element of romance in the book, but it's a sweet romance, much like your first crush turning into your first love. We also get a nice wrap up at the end, with both the romance, and a couple other subplots that you want to see how it works out. That said, however, I could see this one turning into a series with the town, and the people, as the focal point. It would definitely be a fun series that I, personally, would love to follow.

From Julia's first taste of sweet tea and visit to the local diner to being given items “on the house” that are a staple in the south but foreign to most New Yorkers to every single “bless your heart”, this story was a fun book that had me laughing or crying throughout. I was sad when I turned the last page. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. Lauren Clark is definitely going on my watch list. Her voice is distinct and her writing fun – just the kind of author I love! I will be highly recommending “Dancing Naked In Dixie” to anyone willing to listen to me!
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Jun 13, 2012 Ed Butler rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a great read! Normally my taste in fiction runs along the lines of Elmore Leonard or Michael Connelly, but when I had the chance to acquire an autographed copy of Dancing Naked in Dixie - well, I couldn’t resist. Usually it takes me at least ten or fifteen pages to get the cadence of an author with Lauren Clark it took a paragraph. Her prose is fluid and her descriptions are vivid.
Julia Sullivan is a travel writer for Getaways magazine. She usually jets around the globe writing about exotic...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Suzie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, america, america-south, blog-tour-book, clean-read, fiction, kindle-book, modern, romance, romance-modern, romance-pg, rrrc-s-book-challenge, travel

This book has two main characters Julia and Shug. Okay what a name Shug. Well if you are from the south then you know we have names or are give weird names at birth. Sometimes these names are acquired while we are growing up and they stick with us for life. Shug was suppose to be named after a coach at Auburn University.

Julia is a writer for a national travel magazine. Shug works at the historical commission in the city of Eufaula, Alabama. Yes, this is an actually city in Alabama. Even the even...more This book has two main characters Julia and Shug. Okay what a name Shug. Well if you are from the south then you know we have names or are give weird names at birth. Sometimes these names are acquired while we are growing up and they stick with us for life. Shug was suppose to be named after a coach at Auburn University.

Julia is a writer for a national travel magazine. Shug works at the historical commission in the city of Eufaula, Alabama. Yes, this is an actually city in Alabama. Even the event Pilgrimage is an real event that happens in Eufaula (pronounced you-fall-uhs). The words underlined will take the reader directly to the websites. After reading about these actual events I am planning on making one of these amazing tours just to enjoy this history.

Her new boss gives Julia an ultimatum. Either go to Eufaula or you no longer have a job at this magazine. Julia is furious. Of course she is furious, who would not be. However, Julia knows that she needs to change some things in her life she just does not know how. She keeps saying that if she would organize her life it would help but we all know what happens when we just talk about something and never act on what we think. Julia tells the new boss that she had rather dance naked…! Well she might not actually dance naked but she comes close to that while in Eufaula.

Poor Julia is a magnet for bad things. If it could go wrong or happen then it happens to Julia. To me, Julia is one of those people who everyone loves but would hate being. She is always missing an appointment, deadline or just cannot find what she is looking for. She cannot keep anything organized including her desk, life or just stick to a schedule. She is always on the go. Never stopping for a breath or to smell the roses.

When Julia meets up with some southern hospitality, she is in awe. After living in the north and traveling all her life, she does not know how to react to the open friendliness. Yes, in the south, we have never met a stranger and everyone is called sugar, hon, sweetie or something along those lines. I admit that I do that to everyone. I will be at work and say “Hey sweetie, will you…” to an associate or a temporary employee. The younger generation just laughs at me. When I have traveled for work and say something along those lines I will admit to receiving strange looks.

Needless to say, I loved this book. Then it was high in southern terminology. This book takes an on-the-go person who never stops for the small things in life and turns her into one who knows how to enjoy the little things that life offers.

If I have to write a quick short blurb about this book, it would be the following: “The best read for southern life and hospitality”.

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May 28, 2012 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: Goddess Fish

Shelves: book-review

This was a really fun read. I enjoyed the writing style of Lauren Clark and the story line really gripped me. Being a southern girl myself, I really wanted to dive into a book that would make feel right at home. Lauren Clark's Dancing Naked In Dixie did just that for me and then some! With great characters, fun-filled plot line, and southern charm, Dancing Naked In Dixie is a fantastic read!

Julia Sullivan, a New York-based travel writer, used to the hustle and bustle of life in the writing field...more This was a really fun read. I enjoyed the writing style of Lauren Clark and the story line really gripped me. Being a southern girl myself, I really wanted to dive into a book that would make feel right at home. Lauren Clark's Dancing Naked In Dixie did just that for me and then some! With great characters, fun-filled plot line, and southern charm, Dancing Naked In Dixie is a fantastic read!

Julia Sullivan, a New York-based travel writer, used to the hustle and bustle of life in the writing field, and life in New York, is asked to save her job by completing a southern based assignment. Her assignment? Taking on writing an article about The Pilgrimage, a festival of sorts, in Eufaula Alabama. This isn't your normal assignment. When Julia arrives in Alabama the fun just begins. She meets a very, um, how to put this, "different" set of people than she's used to. Now, when I say these folks are "different" I don't mean crazy different (although, so people have been known to call us southerners crazy, just cause!). I mean she meets people who listen to country music, say ya'll, drink good ol' southern sweet tea, and enjoy the fantastic charm-filled southern life. To that I can relate. We southerners really are a fun-loving bunch!

But, along the way, Julia finds out that secrets can be found anywhere, including this small-town Alabama place. Not to mention that sometimes, the host can delightfully yummy! As Julia chases her story, she finds that New York Yankee-fied life isn't all it's cracked up to be. And that sometimes, Dancing Naked In Dixie is just the eye opener one needs to see that being happy in life, isn't always about hustle, bustle and fanciness. It's about being true to yourself.

I definitely recommend this novel with 5 Books and hats off! I loved the southern charm that Lauren Clark wove into the story. It made me feel right home. If you are looking for a wonderful story filled with laughter, heartache, and love, then look no further than this small-town USA read. Grab ya'll some sweet tea, sit down on your back porch, and enjoy a relaxing chick-lit novel that will leave you feeling right at home in good ol' Dixie! Well done, Ms. Clark! You've gained a new fan :).(less)

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May 22, 2012 Tracie Banister rated it 5 of 5 stars

From the hustle bustle of Manhattan to the easygoing charm of small-town Alabama, author Lauren Clark takes the heroine of Dancing Naked in Dixie, as well as readers, on a memorable journey. How travel writer Julia Sullivan's experiences in these two wildly different locales affect and change her is the heart of this very engaging story.

Thanks to her profession, Julia has spent most of her time on planes and in hotel rooms. She's a bit scattered and commitment-phobic when it comes to men, so th...more

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May 22, 2012 Marlene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Originally posted at Reading Reality

Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark lives up to its teasing, tantalizing title. Every single bit of it. And it's marvelous, in more and surprising ways than you might expect from the breezy picture on the cover.

Globe-trotting travel writer Julia Sullivan sputters that she'd rather dance naked for her next assignment than go to Alabama. However, she's going to Alabama, and there is no way she's getting out of it.

Julia's been in kind of a slump recently. Like...more

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May 19, 2012 Kevin Carey-Infante rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everybody

Lauren Clark has done it again—this time with "Dancing Naked in Dixie!" I was sucked in from the very first sentence:

"The new editor needs you, Julia." …Dolores Stanley leaps over the cubicles and follows me like a panther stalking its prey.

Julia Sullivan is a travel writer at Getaways magazine, headquartered in the heart of New York City. Julia is your typical New York businesswoman - always on the run, balancing her busy career with her fast-paced life like a world-class circus juggler. She is...more Lauren Clark has done it again—this time with "Dancing Naked in Dixie!" I was sucked in from the very first sentence:

"The new editor needs you, Julia." …Dolores Stanley leaps over the cubicles and follows me like a panther stalking its prey.

Julia Sullivan is a travel writer at Getaways magazine, headquartered in the heart of New York City. Julia is your typical New York businesswoman - always on the run, balancing her busy career with her fast-paced life like a world-class circus juggler. She is paid to jet set around the world and write quirky articles about her travels, articles that have won her every major award possible for her industry. Her personal life is filled with never-ending charity events, cocktail parties, museum openings and her often much neglected boyfriend, Andrew. The balls that she has managed to so expertly balance and keep in the air for so long are all about to come crashing down around her. Her new boss, David, Getaways new editor, whom Julia despises, has come to the conclusion that Julia's writing has lost its edge and it's time to take some drastic measures. Julia's cushy lifestyle is about to change when David cancels her upcoming trip to Bali, instead sending her to a small town in Alabama to cover the annual Christmas Pilgrimage. This is Julia's last chance to pull her writing and her life together. What ensues is a whirlwind journey into the Deep South that will run you through the gamut of emotions - you will laugh out loud; you will cry; you will pull for Julia through each and every one of her struggles; and yes, in the end, you will even find yourself falling in love with her.

Ms. Clark's ability to bring her characters to life is second to none. Be careful…if you close your eyes for a moment you just might find yourself being transported to Shorter Mansion enjoying one of PD's Pillow Pockets. This is one piece of chick lit that this guy really enjoyed! I have no doubt that you will too.

I can't wait to see what else life has in-store for one Julia Sullivan. Stay Tuned!
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May 18, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-shelf, contemporary-romance

After reading this delightful book, I am so immersed in Southern culture that I have a hankering for an RC Cola and a moon pie with a decided tendency to open my mouth with ‘y’all’ and ‘bless your heart’. No I am not poking fun not even a little since I love the Southern lifestyle and relate a smidge since I am from Western farm and ranch country. The story mentions such corollaries as ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and that is not far off for relating to this tale.

It is the story of a NYC journalist for...more After reading this delightful book, I am so immersed in Southern culture that I have a hankering for an RC Cola and a moon pie with a decided tendency to open my mouth with ‘y’all’ and ‘bless your heart’. No I am not poking fun not even a little since I love the Southern lifestyle and relate a smidge since I am from Western farm and ranch country. The story mentions such corollaries as ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and that is not far off for relating to this tale.

It is the story of a NYC journalist for a travel magazine who has let her work (and life) get slip-shod since the death of her mother. Upon returning from an assignment, she finds a new editor in charge who delivers an ultimatum. She has one more chance to keep her job. He is sending her to a small community in Alabama to cover the attractions of the area that are highlighted by the Christmas Pilgrimage (dinner and a tour of historic homes and places around the community). Naturally, to one who travels to Italy, Belize and the South Seas this is a decided slap in the face and she goes on her assignment prepared to hate it all assuming that the editor has set her up to fail.

Julia Sullivan leaves the Atlanta airport and discovers that she has entered a foreign world unlike any other that she has been to before. A world that is slower-paced, suspiciously more friendly and curious, and still retains heat and humidity in winter. They speak different, their food is different, they dress different, and hey they even think differently. Who names their family members after Auburn University football coaches- even the girls? Julia’s friend at the travel magazine, Marietta, has done some research and told her that college football, family ties and religion are a big deal.

Entering the community of Eufaula, Alabama to do a few interviews, take a tour, and snap a few quick photos before jumping on a plane, Julia’s pretty certain of her game plan. She can then get back to her many activities including a long term relationship that has stagnated, but lingers on without the final break up because she is always jetting off to the next travel assignment. Not too long after arrival, something starts to happen to her when she is confronted by the down home charm particularly the charming southern man acting as her liaison to the community. In spite of broken windshield, fire ants, awkward dinners, jealous girlfriends lost luggage and attacking bees, she loses interest in her hasty departure plan.

Shug Jordan (yes, you read it right; it’s not a misspelling) is the local historical commission worker and preservationist for Eufaula’s past. He has a part time job in the family construction company, but works full-time on his passion- the historic homes and places in the area. He has a beautiful flirtatious girl friend, Mary Katherine, whose eyes shoot jealous daggers at Julia. Shug is counting on Julia to write a story that will catch the eye nationally and bring tourism and thus funds to Eufaula which will pay for the preservation work and maintenance. But he is up against some big corporation that wants to come in, tear it all down, and put up condos. Time is running out as the city board is highly in favor of ‘phase III’ development and will soon vote on the issue. The travel article may be too little too late.

It is observing Shug’s passion and zeal to fight the developers (or should I say just observing and being with Shug, period), befriending Shug’s sister, PD, with her big dreams for a bakery, and getting to know all the small town characters that make Julia very reluctant to part when the time comes for her to return to New York and write her piece. And this is where the story got even more interesting.

Dancing Naked in Dixie should come with a warn label about not reading this in public. I laughed out so many times with no possibility of being discreet about it. The story is in Julia’s first person voice. She has impulse issues, distractedness, and disorganization warring inside her all the time that have gotten worse since her mother succumbed to Lou Gehrig’s disease and her father left them. You can imagine how these difficulties would be an issue for someone whose job is to observe, interview, and report on a schedule. So, yes, keeping up with the direction of her thoughts, her take on things and the plot of the story was rather entertaining at times.

The plot itself was a combination of Julia’s self-discovery and the battle with the developers. Personally, I was more interested in Julia’s issues than the other which really only took off as a storyline in the latter part of the story. There is a light romance possibility that slowly grows and strengthens through the story, but it stays very much on the sweet side with an absence of steam and heat and does not get acknowledged because they both have significant others. To be blunt, no sex and no passionate declarations. Truthfully, neither would have fit this story.

The characters, along with the back drop, were probably the best part of the story. Both NYC and Eufaula were described in such a way that they acted more the part of characters. You could almost feel a heartbeat and personality because of their differences. The main characters were loveable and I was connected to them. It was the strong secondary people that took a fairly simple read and made it a fun and kept my interest. Each small town and each office has these types- the dragon executive secretary at the magazine, the best friend gossip in the next cubicle, the gas station attendant who wants to chat, the inn owner with aspirations for the Broadway stage, and the family oddities. Too fun! The scene on her last flight and time in the airport was a riot, but I will not spoil it for you.

So if you like a sweet romantic comedy between a charming Southerner and a quirky Yankee, give it a try.
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May 16, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lauren Clark has done it again. I loved Stay Tuned, and was excited when I found out she had another book out. In both of her books she's been able to truly capture the world the character is involved in.... which in turn captures the reader and pulls them along for the ride. Julia is a lovable character! I love how she has her own little quirks. Big ones too, like adjusting to ADD without medication. Little things like that make her more believable as a character. Julia's life has had some bum...more

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May 02, 2012 Mindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dream-reader-dreamer2229-blo

Book Review of Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark

Book Synopsis:

Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Lisa Markson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark. This was an excellent book. The storyline captured my interest from the beginning to the end. Julia is a jet setting writer for a travel magazine. She basically lives in hotels and out of her suitcase ever since her mother died from ALS. One day after coming back from an assignment she is faced with meeting her new boss and much to her dismay it turns out to be her estranged father....more

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Nov 27, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dancing Naked in Dixie is delightfully entertaining with vivid descriptions of small town life from the strong characters, sweet tea to good “ole” southern charm.
NYC and Eufaula, Alabama are as different as night and day and Julia thinks she will breeze in and out, take a quick tour with interviews and photos only to realize there is more to discover not only about the town but in her own life as well.
PS . . . . I love Roger. . . . Will he be my friend? LOL

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May 31, 2012 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Julia Sullivan is a globe trotting travel writer for Getaways magazine. Upon returning to NY from her latest assignment in Italy, Julia is shocked to find that her estranged father David is the new editor at the magazine. David tells Julia that the magazine is going in a new direction: instead of jet setting around the world, their American readers want to read about "out-of-the-way" local places to visit. He promptly tells her that she is going to Eufaula, Alabama to cover the local Pilgrimage...more Julia Sullivan is a globe trotting travel writer for Getaways magazine. Upon returning to NY from her latest assignment in Italy, Julia is shocked to find that her estranged father David is the new editor at the magazine. David tells Julia that the magazine is going in a new direction: instead of jet setting around the world, their American readers want to read about "out-of-the-way" local places to visit. He promptly tells her that she is going to Eufaula, Alabama to cover the local Pilgrimage festival, and that it is a 'take it or leave' proposition that could cost her job if she refuses. Well shut my mouth! Alabama? Julia tells Michael that she'd rather 'dance naked' than take the trip down south to Dixie. Grudgingly, Julia sets off on a journey where the pace is slow, the townsfolk are friendly and engaging with their Southern hospitality, and moon pies and RC cola are king! From the start of her stay in Eufaula, Julia quickly finds herself getting in the middle of mishaps and drama: choking on "too sweet" sweet tea, fire ants, town politics, secrets, betrayals and family drama. What she takes back to NY from her stay in Eufaula is more precious than any of her worldly travels: self-discovery, love, friendship, family, and a new way of life. So come set a spell and pass the glass of sweet tea as Julia goes on a journey of self-discovery in little ol' Eufaula, Alabama!

Dancing Naked In Dixie is a lighthearted fun Southern fiction that will keep you laughing and entertained as you turn the pages. The storyline is fun and flirty, the reader is immediately drawn into Julia's journey to Dixie, filled with a lot of humorous adventures and enough drama to keep you guessing what will happen next. With a cast of fun loving characters that will keep you in stitches, you can't help but embrace them to your heart and enjoy their company. The author does a fabulous job of providing the reader with a real flavor of small town Southern life with it's regional mannerisms, language and beautifully descriptive settings. The author's witty humor shines through with all the "hey y'alls," "bless your little hearts!," "hells bells" and other classic Southern phrases. With enough drama, mishaps, secrets, family fun and good ol' Southern hospitality, this neat little novel provides a nice balance of romance, mystery and suspense. As a fan of everything Southern, even though I am a Yankee (I must have been a Southern Belle in another lifetime), I couldn't help but be drawn into this fun story.

Dancing Naked In Dixie is an enchanting story that has a powerful message to share: that everyone needs to take the time to slow down, smell the flowers, and appreciate the little things in life. I would definitely recommend this novel, it's a fun read that will keep you laughing and satisfied long after the last page has been read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event.

Virtual Book Tour Event: On Thursday, May 31, 2012, in association with Virtual Book Tour Cafe, author Lauren Clark participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
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Jun 15, 2012 Andrea Guy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, ebook, goddessfishbooktours

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it much. I really wasn't sure how I felt about Julia. She didn't really click with me much at the beginning. However that changed when she arrived in Georgia and she turned into a sort of Calamity Jane!

Broken car windshield, fire ants, bee stings and turned ankles!

Nothing good seems to happen to her in Eufaula, except maybe Shug, who comes with a quirky family and a very possessive girlfriend, Mary Katherine, who you w...more

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May 30, 2012 Krystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

When Julia leaves her town to travel to the South, she enters a new world. She has to pick up and understand certain mannerisms and adjust to how things are done in Eufaula. The reader will likely find Julia's experiences hysterical as she struggles to get her bearings in Eufaula.

Julia's character was nice enough, the reader will likely connect to her by the middle of the book. The other characters are a riot. Some have that old Southern charm while others remain Southern gentlemen. There are o...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Andrea Heltsley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-books-for-review

This was a pretty good book. I really enjoyed the southern charm. This author took factual bits of information from a town and turned them into an upbeat romantic comedy.

The main character Julia, opens the book with her world being turned upside down. She arrives back home only to find that her career has taken her for a loop. Her boss is a part of her past and she isn't sure how to deal with it.

Her jet set mediocre life gets a facelift as she travels to Eufaula, Alabama for the story that will...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Sara Nowlin-Edens rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lauren Clark is a former TV anchor and journalist bringing her second novel, Dancing Naked in Dixie, to readers. This contemporary women’s fiction (dare I say chick lit?) is a cute novel in which her heroine undergoes every imaginable problem just to meet her own problems.

Julia is a magazine travel writer living in fast-paced New York City. She is accustomed to traveling the globe when her editor suddenly sends her to the whopping town of Eufala, Alabama. Yep, you heard it here folks. Paris and...more

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