CATCH A MATE

Author: Gena Showalter ISBN: 0373772351 6/2007 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: HQN

Jillian Greene is always getting caught in the act—it's her job! Working at Catch A Mate, Jillian gets paid by suspicious wives to smile, flirt and prove that no man can be trusted around the opposite sex. Her only ground rule? She never gets physical. Until a heart-stoppingly gorgeous male walks in... Marcus Brody has just been hired as bait to test female fidelity. But the last thing Jillian needs is a partner ...especially an infuriating, irresistible man who's got her fantasizing about tearing off his clothes. Can a savvy modern woman find happiness with the most tempting man she's ever known? Is there such a thing as a totally monogamous male?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I have thoroughly enjoyed Gena Showalter's paranormal novels, and although contemporary novels are not my favorites, CATCH A MATE has definitely won me over.

Jillian Greene has lumped all men into one category, ever since her mother tried to commit suicide when her father had cheated on her. Marcus Brody has felt the same about women since he discovered his wife cheating on him. To make matters worse, both of them work as bait helping suspicious mates catch their partners in the act of cheating. In this line of work it's hard to find any reason to trust the opposite sex, and watching these two break through each other's barriers is a fun, and sometimes emotional romp.

Jillian always had plans to buy the company she works for from her boss, so she is in for a big shock when handsome Marcus comes in, announcing he is the company's new owner. On top of that shock, are the many changes he plans on making to the firm, including requiring all the ladies to have a male partner for protection when out on an assignment. Marcus is drawn to Jillian immediately, and has him wishing to break his own rules regarding employee relationships.

Both Jillian and Marcus are extremely likable characters, and the secondary characters are as well. CATCH A MATE is much more than a war of the sexes story, and Ms. Showalter does an amazing job of exploring the legacy cheating leaves on all members of a family. It's a perfect summer read that is witty, intelligent, and definitely a sensual escape! I recommend this and all of Gena Showalter's novels. Happy reading!

Deana Monteleone