Zach is a charmer bad boy. His family is uptight and proper. He feels responsible for his father’s suicide. Jen sees him as a shiftless trust-fund boy, an irresponsible lawyer like her old boyfriend. Though Zach wants no commitment, he would like to make Jen laugh. He has always been up to the challenge before. Jen figures she’s got him all figured out, but she couldn’t be more wrong.

The plan for a sham relationship develops into much more, helped by save-the-earth zealousness and karaoke music.

This is tender, sweet, and a lot of fun. Jen’s coping with the early loss of a breast seems believable and understandable. Her way of introducing the issue to Zach is straightforward and satisfying. Jen is bright and thoroughly likable. Zach is coming of age in the novel. And we love his new maturity.

All the characters are well-drawn and interesting. Both families are well described and bonded by love, although the main characters don’t really see it.

This is far more sweet than sensuous, both in the bedroom and out. Two people really get to know each other, through a series of events heavy on the humor. Zach may have had trouble getting Jen to smile, but I smiled through the entire story. A highly recommended read.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
March 6, 2007