Misty Simon

About the Author

Misty Simon is the author of more than a dozen novels, available in electronic and print format. You can visit her site to learn more.

I love this writer. Why? Not only is Ms. Simon a sweet person, but she (along with the wonderful Wendy Markham) introduced me to the world of big, beautiful heroines.

About the Book

Poison Ivy was the first novel I ever purchased from Draumr Publishing, and it hooked me. The story introduces you to Ivy Morris, a 24-year old who isn’t quite comfortable in her own skin. Everything about her life is bland, from her clothing to her love life. When she inherits a “costume” shop from her aunt in Martha’s Point, Virginia, she jumps at the chance for a much-needed change of pace.

Except this isn’t your ordinary costume shop (it caters to raunchy, older women and sex parties), and this isn’t your ordinary sleepy, southern town. Mysteries and murders are afoot, and before long Ivy’s life is in danger. With the help of resident hunk Ben Fallon, can she help catch the real killer before it’s too late?

What I Loved

There is a lot of cute going on in this story. Ivy’s sisters, otherwise known as the “Bouquet” —Daisy, Rose and Magnolia— are one example. I enjoyed Ivy, especially her dry wit and view of the world around her. Here’s an example of Ivy dealing with one of her customers:

from pages 24 + 25

I pulled out the teddy in a size I thought was appropriate for her rounded figure and, when I turned around, found she already had another piece draped over her finger. But there was so little material involved in the lace and silk teddy she held, I knew it couldn’t be more than a size two.

Jackie, in all her round, curvy glory, was a size two if I could still wear clothes from a children’s section. She was closer to a size sixteen, which is still beautiful, but there was no way a two was ever going to fit her.

While I tried to come up with some way to diplomatically get her to buy a size closer to her own, she pulled another small teddy from a drawer in a tall, skinny lingerie chest. Another size two, if I wasn’t mistaken, and this one a satin baby doll dress.

Okay, tact was the word of the day. “Perhaps you’d like to look over in this section,” I said, still trying to keep customer relations on good terms. I’m all for buying a size smaller to give yourself some incentive, but I’m also honest enough with myself to buy something I had a hope of fitting into on a good day.

“No, thanks,” she said. Panties were picked up and discarded or set aside on the top of a short cabinet to her left as she continued to pull from the tall cabinet. I was getting the idea of the way things were set up in this little back room side shop and she was in the tiny women’s section. She wouldn’t find anything there that would fit her unless she was looking for underwear to wear on her head.

I decided to try again against my gut instinct, which told me I was not going to get her over in the right area. I wanted happy customers and I couldn’t see Jackie being happy with panties she couldn’t wear especially considering the prices were nothing to sniff at. One of the lines from my very valuable book lessons ran through my head: ‘Happy customers are returning customers’.

Picking up a pink thong in a sixteen, I walked over to the chest of drawers where she stood.

“Maybe these are what you’re looking for. They’re really pretty and soft to the touch. And, um, sexy.” Not my best first pitch as a saleswoman, but I’d tried.

Jackie turned and her hazel eyes softened as they looked at the frilly pink and white lace garment. It was definitely as cute as some of the things manufacturers put out for the slimmer of our species. Her eyes lit up and she rubbed her hands together. I had a sale. Crisis averted and a happy customer all rolled into one. I definitely could do this every day.

I was so proud of myself. I let her take the panties out of my hand and waited to see the expression of joy on her face when she noticed how I worked to please the customer. Unfortunately it did not go as planned. She unfolded the panties, looked at the size on the distinctive tag and her eyes went red.

I swear fire brimmed in her gaze. She shrieked something in this banshee voice that made it almost impossible for me to distinguish most of her words. I did, however, make out the word “bitch” a couple of times before she stalked out of the lingerie room. She slammed the door with enough force to shake the bells on the revealing belly dancer outfits.

Ivy cracks me up throughout the story. Her self-deprecating wit mixed with a hint of vulnerability make her endearing. I also LOVE that the story isn’t about her losing weight to find a man. As shown on the cover, Ivy is a curvy girl and she looks amazing. She attracts the attention of resident heartthrob, Ben Fallon, a man I want to steal for my own. The chemistry between them smolders and leaves me eager to read more.

Recommendation

If you haven’t read her work, what are you waiting for? This is definitely an author to keep on your bookshelf. Ms. Simon’s work is available from Draumr Publishing in both electronic and print formats.

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