Brandy, You're a Fine Girl by Dee DeTarsio is a tale inspired by the song of the same title written by Looking Glass lead guitarist and co-vocalist Elliot Lurie. Told from the point of view of Brandy the barmaid, it’s an exercise in creative license as the novel continues Brandy’s story from where the song left off. She has abandoned all hope that the sailor she has been waiting for will come home to marry her. If destiny doesn’t come to her, she might as well look for it. This is where she meets a nobleman named Elliot residing at Mondragon Manor. He desperately needs a woman to marry pursuant to the conditions of his inheritance. But tying the knot doesn’t free the couple from serious problems. Brandy must conceive an heir but she is having trouble getting pregnant. One of Elliot’s odd friends named Beau appears on the scene. Brandy falls in love with him and she becomes pregnant. Just when she is thinking of running away with Beau, more problems begin to crop up, as Mondragon Manor is on the brink of financial ruin. On top of that, Elliot and Beau are harboring a deep secret.

As a member of Generation-X, I am very familiar with the song on which this story is based, and the plotting and characterization definitely hit the spot. I love the way Dee De Tarsio brings it all together in a satisfying arc. Brandy, You’re a Fine Girl is an intriguing novel with an equally intriguing premise and characters. DeTarsio keeps all these elements alive by steering them safely through the waters of a storyline that, in the presence of some clichés, manages to create its own twists and turns. It’s a story that carries a flame, one that will resonate until the very last page with these three words: Vengeance is mine. This novel has the realism that fan fiction lovers are likely to devour.

Brandy, You're a Fine Girl by Dee DeTarsio is inspired by the song of the same name by the classic rock band Looking Glass. Set in the 1800s, the story follows Brandy, a young woman of ambition who was ready to say goodbye to her hard days and say hello to a brighter future. Working as a barmaid, Brandy knows her chances are very slim until she meets Elliot. A nobleman in dire need of a wife and an heir before his 30th birthday, he marries Brandy believing that she is already pregnant. Brandy thought her bad days were behind her until her secrets are revealed. While Elliot was a good husband, there was more to life than just living comfortably, and he also had secrets. The addition of Elliot’s best friend Beau makes things difficult for Brandy. She wants to be faithful to Elliot, her heart wants Beau’s love, but can she have it all?

I love classic rock, and anyone who enjoys popular music knows Brandy, You’re a Fine Girl by Looking Glass. Imagine my surprise to find a novel inspired by the song and written so beautifully at that! Author Dee DeTarsio brought Brandy to life and did justice to her character. As iconic as the song, Brandy was a force to be reckoned with in this story. Her character development drove the story forward, brought life to the plot, and made sure readers were invested from the very beginning. Elliot was far too soft for Bandy, but he provided her with temptation in the form of Beau. The tension between Elliot, Beau, and Brandy was too thick to be ignored. The flow was perfect, the narrative style was entertaining, and I loved every second of this fine story!