Lulu Flannery loves living in her hometown, Louisville, especially during the weeks before the Kentucky Derby. The lavish fundraising parties, the famous horse owners and trainers in town for the event all add to the excitement of the crowd as the city fills with tourists. Lulu always just watches the Derby on television though, since she doesn't really care for horses. She's happy to concentrate on her work as a glass artist, which keeps a roof over her head, although that roof could use new shingles. A rental agent convinces Lulu to stay with a friend and rent out her bungalow for two weeks to a horse racing fan. Although the money is too good to pass up, Lulu is concerned about having a stranger stay in her home, especially when she discovers who it is!

For Cole Early, this is the year he's going to win the Triple Crown. He already has a celebrity reputation as "King Cole" the well-dressed, handsome horse trainer, and when his horse wins the Derby in a few weeks, he will be on his way to success. Cole didn't anticipate that no hotels would be available for miles around Louisville though, and he's finding the little bungalow he rented to be a bit distracting. He's intrigued by his fantasies of the woman who lives here, imagining from her possessions that she's captivating, exotic and passionate. When he finally meets Lulu, he's surprised by the reality, but not disappointed. Lulu and Cole couldn't have less in common, except for the attraction developing between them!

This novel takes the actual Derby house rentals in Louisville and imagines a fabulous romance developing from the situation. The writing captures the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, although actual scenes featuring horses are minimal. The author's note at the end clarified which tourist attractions are fictitious or based on actual locations, which readers appreciate when learning about a new locale through fiction. With well-developed, entertaining characters and humorous dialogue, FAST AND LOOSE will keep you reading until the end of the race.

Book Summary

Thoroughbred trainer Cole Early needs a place to stay while his horse is preparing for the Kentucky Derby. With Louisville booked solid, he snaps up the snug little bungalow his real estate agent miraculously finds.

Glass artist Lulu Flannery has agreed to rent out her house for Derby, but quickly begins to worry. What if her boarder is someone like that rowdy “King Cole” person who keeps popping up in all the places she seems to be? A guy like that could really mess with a girl’s feng shui.

But it isn’t Lulu’s feng shui that Cole is interested in. Especially after he discovers she’s the mysterious woman whose house is filled with such sensual indulgences. What’s a guy gotta do to bring the passion out of the self- possessed Miss Flannery?

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