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Oak Stand #1
Vegas Two Step
From the USA Today Bestselling author of the Cricket Crosby series comes a small town series with big heart, featuring a dowdy librarian turned Cinderella and the bad boy prince of the Vegas strip who takes her breath away!
Nellie Hughes wanted to walk on the wild side ...just once.
A post-makeover vacation fling was all Nellie wanted from Vegas nightclub owner Jack Darby. After all, a librarian from a small East Texas community doesn't have a lot in common with a city slicker like Jack. Sure, their long weekend in Las Vegas was hot, but Nellie has her real life to get back to.
Imagine her surprise when what happened in Vegas doesn't stay there.
Why is her fantasy guy in tiny Oak Stand, Texas? And why is Jack buying a ranch and sitting on her pew at church? Nellie doesn't know whether to celebrate a second shot at love, or run and hide so Jack doesn't discover just how unglamorous and nerdy she really is. But the way Jack's putting down roots and ruffling her feathers, she may not have a choice in the matter.
Could be her dream of a white picket fence and true love is much closer than she thought.
Nellie Hughes wanted to walk on the wild side ...just once.
A post-makeover vacation fling was all Nellie wanted from Vegas nightclub owner Jack Darby. After all, a librarian from a small East Texas community doesn't have a lot in common with a city slicker like Jack. Sure, their long weekend in Las Vegas was hot, but Nellie has her real life to get back to.
Imagine her surprise when what happened in Vegas doesn't stay there.
Why is her fantasy guy in tiny Oak Stand, Texas? And why is Jack buying a ranch and sitting on her pew at church? Nellie doesn't know whether to celebrate a second shot at love, or run and hide so Jack doesn't discover just how unglamorous and nerdy she really is. But the way Jack's putting down roots and ruffling her feathers, she may not have a choice in the matter.
Could be her dream of a white picket fence and true love is much closer than she thought.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2010
165 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Liz Talley
68 books931 followersI unashamedly read, write and love romance books. I adore the weight of a book in hand and the anticipation of a happy ending. I love the journey, the word play and the magic of story. Nothing's better than reading a good book...except writing one. You can learn more about me and my award-winning romances at http://www.liztalleybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 6, 2011
I can't believe I haven't left a review for this book yet! Liz Talley became an auto-buy right out of the gate...She has a terrific, funny voice that makes me think of a Southern Kristan Higgins, and she's created a wonderfully imagined small town (which doesn't seem imaginary...it's so REAL), and the most wonderful characters. If you don't love Bubba, you don't have a heart! And he's just a secondary character.
I loved the central story--a great twist on the buttoned-up librarian on a bender...this time going to Vegas and letting her wild side show. At least a little. But the guy she meets doesn't really belong in Vegas...and the romance is so sweet--there's a scene in a pancake house that will melt your heart!
I loved the central story--a great twist on the buttoned-up librarian on a bender...this time going to Vegas and letting her wild side show. At least a little. But the guy she meets doesn't really belong in Vegas...and the romance is so sweet--there's a scene in a pancake house that will melt your heart!
November 17, 2024
Sweet, fun romp!
Just what I needed this week - and now I might just need to bake a Texas sheet cake for my husband!
Just what I needed this week - and now I might just need to bake a Texas sheet cake for my husband!
September 25, 2010
Such fun!
I had a wonderful time with this story. Nellie wants some freedom and a change, but who isn't sure how far that change should (or can) go, considering her background in the small town in which she lives. But then she gets to Vegas, and, well, Jack Darby is absolutely DELICIOUS...
There's more to both these characters than meets the eye, and it's a pleasure watching their relationship fire up in Vegas, and again in Texas (with complications) when he follows her there. The writing is smart, too. I loved the snappy quips and clever descriptions throughout--not to mention the hilarious quotes from the heroine's grandmother at the beginning of each chapter. This is a funny and fun read that kept me entertained.
I had a wonderful time with this story. Nellie wants some freedom and a change, but who isn't sure how far that change should (or can) go, considering her background in the small town in which she lives. But then she gets to Vegas, and, well, Jack Darby is absolutely DELICIOUS...
There's more to both these characters than meets the eye, and it's a pleasure watching their relationship fire up in Vegas, and again in Texas (with complications) when he follows her there. The writing is smart, too. I loved the snappy quips and clever descriptions throughout--not to mention the hilarious quotes from the heroine's grandmother at the beginning of each chapter. This is a funny and fun read that kept me entertained.
May 14, 2011
Small town good girl and children's librarian, Nellie Hughes, is stuck in a rut. After being convinced by her citied best friend, Nellie agrees to a makeover, an assumed identity and a week long trip to Vegas. Nellie falls head over heels for her fling with club owner Jack Darby, but when she leaves him heartbroken with more questions than answers, he tracks her down to Oak Stand, Texas where he tries to break down her resolve. The story was tightly paced, relatable, and PG-13 steamy. The dialogue was believable, and, at times, comedic. Jack and Nellie are a couple you end up rooting for despite their differences. I couldn't put this book down for more than a day without missing it.
February 27, 2011
Geeky librarian gets a makeover and cuts loose in Vegas, including a fling with a handsome nightclub owner; when she returns to her Texas hometown, she discovers that her Vegas lover has followed her home and bought a horse farm right outside town. I loved the small-town characters and setting of this book, particularly the wise-cracking old women and the Bubba who is almost, but somehow not, a stereotype.
If you like Kristan Higgins and/or Jeannie Watt you will probably also like Liz Talley.
If you like Kristan Higgins and/or Jeannie Watt you will probably also like Liz Talley.
July 10, 2010
I don't read romance for inspiration or encouragement, just entertainment. But I got just that when I read Vegas Two Step by Liz Talley. A hero who knows his life is lacking and a heroine confused about just who she is find each other, lose each other, and then find each other AND themselves again. A great uplifting, funny, sexy, romantic read and fresh take on the mousy librarian theme, with all the excitement of Vegas! Can't wait for her next book.
November 11, 2010
This story was so much fun!!! I just loved it. It was cute and funny and the romance was sweet and sizzling at the same time. Jack is my kind of hero, strong yet caring and willing to learn from his mistakes. Nellie is just a doll and they really suited each other. Very nice job! I can't wait for more from Liz Talley!
April 16, 2024
Not As Closed Door As I Prefer
So most of what I read is closed door when it comes to physical romance. I thought of just returning the book, but I enjoyed the story and wanted to find out what happened to debonair Jack and let-loose-librarian Nellie. It was a cute story with plenty of laughs and a fun ending.
So most of what I read is closed door when it comes to physical romance. I thought of just returning the book, but I enjoyed the story and wanted to find out what happened to debonair Jack and let-loose-librarian Nellie. It was a cute story with plenty of laughs and a fun ending.
November 4, 2024
The plot was good. I enjoyed it quite a bit, although I do not want the open door romance scenes. I just flipped through those pages and happy I did. I would have missed a really cute story.
I purchased the series since I have read this author's other work and think she is very talented. I know it will bring me joy, I just have to read it the way I did the first book.
I purchased the series since I have read this author's other work and think she is very talented. I know it will bring me joy, I just have to read it the way I did the first book.
February 8, 2024
2.5 STARS .It had some really sweet enjoyable moments but I just got really annoyed with Nellie at points. She felt very young for a supposed 29 year old and her reactions were dramatic and self absorbed...anyways, a fine enough read in its genre.
February 10, 2024
Vegas baby!!
Just finished Vegas Two Step and had the best time!! I expected it to be a fun read and Liz Talley did not disappoint! Loved getting to know Jack and Nellie and their story!! Looking forward to reading the next books in Dancing in Texas!!
Just finished Vegas Two Step and had the best time!! I expected it to be a fun read and Liz Talley did not disappoint! Loved getting to know Jack and Nellie and their story!! Looking forward to reading the next books in Dancing in Texas!!
October 21, 2024
Well done!!
Highly recommend reading this fun story. So well written, from first page to the last word. Love. You know when you know. No spoiler alerts from me, except for: Read this book for the no other reason that it will make you happy. Great job Liz Talley! 👍
Highly recommend reading this fun story. So well written, from first page to the last word. Love. You know when you know. No spoiler alerts from me, except for: Read this book for the no other reason that it will make you happy. Great job Liz Talley! 👍
March 17, 2024
Just finished this book. just ordered book 2 Waltz across Texas. Can't wait for the 2 days till delivery.
Read
March 21, 2024DNF after 14%. Slow moving. Nonsensical.
October 6, 2024
A fun read! Looking forward to the rest of the series!
July 2, 2025
1.5 stars
August 3, 2011
Nellie Tucker's a straitlaced librarian whose grandmother drummed into her duty and responsibility. She finally decides to take her friend up on her offer to show her a good time in Las Vegas one weekend after overhearing some high school girls mock her for her uptight and boring way of acting and dressing.
Jack Darby is a wealthy Las Vegas club owner; he and Nellie meet in passing at the airport, but he's preoccupied and she doesn't make much of a first impression. That is clearly not the case with their second meeting, during which the proverbial sparks fly. They enjoy several magical days together, but Nellie can't believe that Jack really wants the real her--the boring, pre-makeover Nellie.
A cute read, but at times I found myself frustrated with Nellie. Overall I enjoyed the characters; Ms. Talley does an especially lovely job with the secondary cast, and I liked them all immensely. I will be reading her work in the future.
Jack Darby is a wealthy Las Vegas club owner; he and Nellie meet in passing at the airport, but he's preoccupied and she doesn't make much of a first impression. That is clearly not the case with their second meeting, during which the proverbial sparks fly. They enjoy several magical days together, but Nellie can't believe that Jack really wants the real her--the boring, pre-makeover Nellie.
A cute read, but at times I found myself frustrated with Nellie. Overall I enjoyed the characters; Ms. Talley does an especially lovely job with the secondary cast, and I liked them all immensely. I will be reading her work in the future.
May 3, 2020
Dealing with a flood in the basement, that's why the review is late.
This one was cute. I loved that she decides to try and get a makeover in Vegas from her best friend Kate, and ends up falling in love. It all starts with a bunch of teen cheerleaders making fun of her grandma dress and stockings and she realizes that she needs a change so she calls her friend in Vegas and decides to go on a girls night out for the week. She meets Jack in the airport and then later on in his club in Vegas. It kicks off from there. There is just one scene where things go awry, and I think she takes it a bit far, but over all, I think it was a very cute story.
This one was cute. I loved that she decides to try and get a makeover in Vegas from her best friend Kate, and ends up falling in love. It all starts with a bunch of teen cheerleaders making fun of her grandma dress and stockings and she realizes that she needs a change so she calls her friend in Vegas and decides to go on a girls night out for the week. She meets Jack in the airport and then later on in his club in Vegas. It kicks off from there. There is just one scene where things go awry, and I think she takes it a bit far, but over all, I think it was a very cute story.
February 11, 2014
A great addition to the Oak Stand world. I realize I'm reading this group out of publishing order, but Liz makes it very easy to love each couple no matter what order you read it in. I was surprised that the majority of the story took place away from the small town, but not disappointed in the least. Liz brings to life the worry of always having to fit in a neat little bow when your soul is screaming out for something else no matter what that bow looks like. I really hope you will take a look at this one. Nellie and Jack will grab you and not let go.
May 25, 2013
This Story is grrreat! It grabs you right in the beginning and you gallup through rooting for Nellie the whole way.
Laughing with her, cringing with her and ultimately triumphing with her. Jack is a perfect Foil for Our Nellie and sees her as desirable when she is clueless about her own charms and abilities.
Packed with Southern Charm and Humour.
Right up there with Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis,Kristin Higgins,Victoria Dahl,Rachel Gibson,Carly Phillips.....
I loved it.
Laughing with her, cringing with her and ultimately triumphing with her. Jack is a perfect Foil for Our Nellie and sees her as desirable when she is clueless about her own charms and abilities.
Packed with Southern Charm and Humour.
Right up there with Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis,Kristin Higgins,Victoria Dahl,Rachel Gibson,Carly Phillips.....
I loved it.
April 10, 2016
Vegas Two-Step is a warm and sexy book.
Nellie (Elle) is creating her own Cinderella story, with her best friend. Jack is in the middle of his own major life changes. After the two have chance meeting in an airport, Nellie decides the makeover and a fun-time is just what she needs.
The couple is great together, and when the weekend is over and Nellie returns to her real world she has much to think about.
Nellie (Elle) is creating her own Cinderella story, with her best friend. Jack is in the middle of his own major life changes. After the two have chance meeting in an airport, Nellie decides the makeover and a fun-time is just what she needs.
The couple is great together, and when the weekend is over and Nellie returns to her real world she has much to think about.
June 30, 2010
A light, fun read. Perfect poolside read. I loved the characters and the authors voice.
February 7, 2011
Very cute story!
March 18, 2011
I enjoyed this book.
March 31, 2011
Love the librarian makeover. Great stuff!
March 9, 2015
I loved this book!!!! It was so awesome!!! I have met liz and she is a great person and writes pure romance and comedy!!!
November 15, 2012
Cheesy librarian romance. I am a sucker for books with librarians :)
January 9, 2014
Really enjoyed.
March 31, 2015
I thought it was really cute. Nice fluffy romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews