From Publishers Weekly
An author of 75 books in various genres (paranormals, Victorians, Wild West romances, etc.), Child is at her most charming in the contemporary romance series that began with 2004's And Then Came You: Sam's Story, the first in a trilogy about the three Marconi daughters (all workers in their family construction business) and involving several emotionally volatile—and very funny—Italian families in the fictional all-American town of Chandler, Calif. This second installment follows ace plumber Michaela "Mike" Marconi, who's a wisecracking extrovert professionally but mysteriously skittish about long-term love relationships. When equally career-driven scientist Lucas Gallagher buys what a miffed Mike considers her personal dream house, she inserts herself into his house-planning with what the "Rocket Man" considers infuriating confidence, but shies away almost pathologically from their growing mutual attraction. In truth, there's little suspense about the pair's personal secrets and, title notwithstanding, nothing particularly crazy about their love. But it's sassy repartee, not psychological depth, that's the plot's strong point; as a lighthearted read that's as heavy on humor and warmth as it is light on complexity (aside from subplots involving four additional love relationships), the book is a frothy delight. (Jan.)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


From Booklist
For years, plumber Michaela "Mike" Marconi has run from her problems, escaping into daydreams of the perfect home on "her" property. She has built the place over and over in her mind and knows just how it will look. So when she discovers that an outsider has already purchased the land and is building his house there, she is unable to resist the chance to turn the place into the vision she sees so clearly. Amazingly, scientific genius Lucas Gallagher doesn't seem to appreciate her well-meaning interference. But Lucas is fighting his own demons, and his confusion and frustration are palpable as Mike proceeds to make herself at home in his house while her curious combination of brashness and vulnerability sneaks its way into his heart. Child's latest contemporary romance set in Chandler, California, captures with careful, layer-by-layer revelations the personal histories of these two unhappy characters and their slow march toward trust and an all-encompassing love. Lynne Welch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Review
Extraordinary Praise For Maureen Child And Her Novels

Some Kind Of Wonderful
"The terrific Child introduces readers to some wonderful new characters and a very special town. Blending the power of love and forgiveness, Child will touch your heart." -Romantic Times

""Child deftly invokes the full range of human emotion...thoroughly satisfying." -Booklist

"A touching story of friendship, deep love and scorching passion...A very good read." -Old Book Barn Gazette

"A heartwarming read filled with a terrific cast of characters." -Rendezvous Review

"Romance and sexual tension...charming, emotional." -RoadToRomance.com

Loving You
"The boisterous Candellanos are back...in this latest heartwarmer." -Romantic Times

"Packed with very strong characters and lots of emotion...an unforgettable story, and a romance to treasure." -A Romance Review

"Maureen Child always writes a guaranteed winner, and this is no exception. Heartwarming, sexy, and impossible to put down."-Susan Mallery, bestselling author of The Sparkling One

Finding You/ Knowing You
"An absolutely wonderful contemporary romance. A delightful blend of humor and emotion, this sexy love story will definitely keep readers turning the pages."-Kristin Hannah, author of Distant Shores

"The Candellano family is warm and wonderful...you'll get swept up in the lives and loves of these passionate and fascinating individuals."-Romantic Times

"Maureen Child infuses her writing with the perfect blend of laughter, tears, and romance. Her well-crafted characters, humor, and understanding of what it means to be part of a family makes each of her novels a treat to be savored." -Jill Marie Landis, author of Magnolia Creek

"Delightful romances involving colorful and yet realistic characters make these two stories by Maureen Child, a veritable feast for the eyes. The large Italian family of the Candellanos is very convincing and the characterizations are so mature and honest that the author is to be applauded for such skillful crafting and accurate portrayal...the heartfelt emotions leap from the pages, and the delicately blended humor and pathos render these stories memorable...after the exhilarating first story, readers will feel compelled to read the other one too, and neither disappoints. Maureen Child is an author to watch out for."
-The Road to Romance

"A fresh tale of family, conflict, and love...the characters are endearing."-Old Book Barn Gazette

"Both of these novels are engaging contemporary romances with a warm ensemble that feels like the kitchen of many readers. The story lines will hook readers because the characters seem genuine and friendly."-Harriet's Book Review

"Fall in love with this delightful family with these two tales, and prepare yourself for the next installment."--TheRomanceReader.com



Book Description
Lucas Gallagher is the geek who bought the land Michaela "Mike" Marconi wanted for her dream house. She thinks he's infuriating, annoying and totally rude. Yet, he gets to her more than any other man ever has. But though Lucas may be a scientist, he's the rock star of scientists. His inventions have made him millions, his research is reshaping the study of medicine and he holds patents for numerous technological marvels. But now, when it means everything, he's failed. His younger brother, the family's 'golden child' is dying of cancer and Lucas, despite his brilliance, can't help him. In Chandler, he tries to hide from the world he knows.

Mike tried running away from her problems when she was a kid. When her mother lay dying, Mike ran. When her world crumbled, Mike hid. And she's learned that the only way to win is to stand your ground and keep trying. She doesn't understand what Lucas is talking about half the time, but she knows exactly what he's feeling. And while criticizing his complete lack of architectural ability, and remaking the house he's trying to build, Mike finds herself slipping into Lucas Gallagher's life.

She wakes him up and he shakes her up: the two of them are complete opposites, and nothing can keep them apart. Until Lucas's brother Justin comes home to die.



From the Back Cover
#1 bestselling author Maureen Child has won legions of fans with her funny, heartfelt stories of real people...and real love. Her latest novel is the tale of a woman convinced her dreams simply can't come true-until she learns that sometimes, life offers surprises no one can predict. This is Mike's story...

A Crazy Kind of Love

The best plumber in California, Michaela "Mike" Marconi likes to keep her romances short, sweet, and to the point. Her friends think she's just out for a good time, but she has reasons for carefully avoiding relationships with a future. Romance, though, is the last thing on Mike's mind when she meets Lucas Gallagher. Unfortunately, he pushes all of her buttons in a way no man has. But when he learns the truth about her past, Mike is sure he'll be the one moving on.

Lucas might know a lot about women, but he left the 'relationships' to his twin brother. Michaela, aka Mike, infuriates him as much as she entices him. They quickly go from bickering to bed partners, but neither of them is looking for happily ever after. Until Fate steps in when both of their worlds are turned upside down by disaster, secrets and revelations. Suddenly Lucas and Mike only have each other to lean on-but, will either of them take a chance on A Crazy Kind of Love?

"Maureen Child deftly invokes the full range of human emotion...thoroughly satisfying."-Booklist

"Maureen Child is one of the stars in the ascendant...poised for the next big step."-Publishers Weekly



About the Author
Maureen Child writes love stories with humor and warmth and says it's because "Love and laughter go hand in hand. At least, in my world, they do."

Her award-winning novels have been called "simply wonderful," "captivating," and "beautiful love stories that will live in the heart forever." A three-time Romance Writers of America Rita-finalist, Maureen Child lives in Southern California with her family.

You can find her at: www.maureenchild.com

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
This second installment in Maureen Child's Marconi Sisters trilogy -- after And Then Came You -- tells the story of Michaela "Mike" Marconi, the best and cutest plumber in Chandler, California. Mike has spent the summer moonlighting as an unwanted critic in Lucas Gallagher's dream house, changing everything from paint to cabinet pulls, since it's on the property where she always wanted to build her own dream house. Gallagher, an emotionally guarded scientist, finds this intrusive, opinionated, maddening female plumber just too much...to resist. Child develops their physical attraction into something much more, as these two grown-up characters, each with their own set of issues, come to terms with family secrets and disasters, and with each other. The secondary characters are beautifully drawn in this heartwarming contemporary romance with an appealing small-town setting. Ginger Curwen

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Lucas Gallagher is the geek who bought the land Michaela "Mike" Marconi wanted for her dream house. She thinks he's infuriating, annoying and totally rude. Yet, he gets to her more than any other man ever has. But though Lucas may be a scientist, he's the rock star of scientists. His inventions have made him millions, his research is reshaping the study of medicine and he holds patents for numerous technological marvels. But now, when it means everything, he's failed. His younger brother, the family's 'golden child' is dying of cancer and Lucas, despite his brilliance, can't help him. In Chandler, he tries to hide from the world he knows.

Mike tried running away from her problems when she was a kid. When her mother lay dying, Mike ran. When her world crumbled, Mike hid. And she's learned that the only way to win is to stand your ground and keep trying. She doesn't understand what Lucas is talking about half the time, but she knows exactly what he's feeling. And while criticizing his complete lack of architectural ability, and remaking the house he's trying to build, Mike finds herself slipping into Lucas Gallagher's life.

She wakes him up and he shakes her up: the two of them are complete opposites, and nothing can keep them apart. Until Lucas's brother Justin comes home to die.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly