Deviant Quill
Brandy, You're a Fine Girl - Dee DeTarsio

Barmaid Brandy seizes on a plan to become that good wife and escape her life of drudgery. A pregnancy would be just the thing to get him to marry her. When that doesn’t work, she crosses paths with Elliot, a nobleman in need of a wife and heir by his fast-approaching 30th birthday, or else his inheritance will go to his scheming cousin Clarence.
Once married, Elliot’s problems appear solved, and Brandy has a kind husband and a warm and comfy new home, even if it is full of Elliot’s odd band of friends. Everyone tries to get along and put up with Brandy’s strange cravings and profanity-laden drama, until they discover she was never really pregnant.
She fears she’ll be kicked out, but not to worry—there’s still time for Elliot to fulfill his husbandly duty and save the day. Or is he... up to the task? When Elliot’s handsome — and virile — best friend Beau shows up, Brandy promptly falls head over heels. She becomes pregnant, but will it be too late? Swearing she can live on love, Brandy dreams of running off with Beau, until she discovers a shocking secret about her husband and his best friend.
Will the baby arrive before Elliot’s 30th birthday? Will it even be a son and therefore true heir? And who is the mysterious one-armed carpenter from Brandy’s past? Fear not — Brandy always has a back-up plan. From the tarnished silver locket (that turned her neck green, but may hold a pirate’s map), to a secret passageway containing hidden treasure, Brandy is determined to get by on her wits and her tits.
The #1 hit song, Brandy, You’re a Fine Girl, was written and composed by Elliot Lurie and recorded by his band, Looking Glass. Dee DeTarsio is an award-winning writer living in southern California. She hopes Elliot Lurie enjoys Brandy living her best life and enjoying fine adventures!
My Review: If you saw the title, you probably already have the tune playing in your mind. I wasn't around when Looking Glass released the song. I was about 30 years in the making, but when I got my hands on this unreleased book (coming in spring 2022) I was asked if I knew the song. I had no idea. So it's perfectly readable even by people like me. It's not your classic romance novel but filled with suspense and intrigue. Aside from that, Dee DeTarsio is a master at creating witty dialogue and vivid images shared by the narrator. I don't always like reading fiction written in the first person, but this one was so well-crafted and full of irony it kept me glued.
Publisher: Addison & Highsmith (February 8, 2022)
ISBN-10: 1592111394
ISBN-13: 978-1592111398