Hank was the town's favorite and most wanted bachelor. In hopes of kicking off his apple buisness, he needed a loan. In order to get the loan, he needed to proove he has settled and down and is responsible. In comes Maggie-an outspoken teacher-turned author form New Jersy, a stiking difference from a small town where everybody knows each other. He has hired Maggie to pose as his fake wife for six months or until he gets a loan approved. He figured this way there will be no complications and each can resort to thier previous lives flawlessly. Maggie, wanting peace and quite to write her book, took on the job. What they both did not expect was the sexual tension that both find it difficult to ignore. In short, they fall in love with each other...so what is the problem...she is affraid to love and be loved, the town has not grown on her, and slips into a slight depression and isolation. The only joy she finds is being wrapped around Hank's arms. She is a typical chain and ball type of wife..but I love how Hank thinks it is endearing. I did not get the impression of happily ever after...just a marriage of convenience. Sorry to say, but it was a very entertaining book, I especially loved the banter between Hank and Maggie and I especially love Fluffy. There seems to be a trend that is repeatative throughout Janet's short novels: the heroin has charater flaws that make her an unliked character, especially a tendancy of withdrawal or cowardice after the resolution, forcing another absticle for the heroin to overcome before settling into the relationship. The heroes are very easy-going and much mature than the heroin, which that in itself is fascinating. But I reommend this book for light reading on a boring day as it is entertaining. ( )

Living in the small town of Skogen Vermont, Hank Mallone’s youthful antics were part of town legends - as entertainment. Needing a loan from the bank to expand his business, Hank found that those past mistakes really can impact his future. Coming up with a scheme to convince the whole town that he had become a responsible and stable member of the community led him to New Jersey to find a wife. The only person to respond to his request was Maggie Toone, she was tired of living under her mother and Aunt’s judgments. Maggie had decided she needed someplace quiet to write her book and the offer of a fake marriage might just be exactly what she needed.

Each of the characters have such a sense of humor and wit that, when put together makes for a laugh out loud story. The mystery of who is breaking into house and why may be a serious concern but how each of the situations turn out is just one more thing to laugh at. From the dinner party with the ex’s showing up and the flaming table to being kidnapped with the housekeeper and her handy-dandy pocketbook this is a loaded with lots of fun and misunderstandings. There is also a love-at-first-sight romance that has a few highs and quickly turns the fake marriage into a real proposition. I have read several of Janet Evanovich’s re-releases and this, so far is my favorite, it has such a great mix of emotions and out right comedy to keep the pages turning. I can actually say I couldn’t put it down till it was done. ( )

Average Janet Evanovich fare. You won't think too hard, although after reading from these batch of "romance" novels, I am very glad Ms. Evanovich switched to her current genre, otherwise she would have remained an obscure author. These "not Plum" novels are OK if you have nothing else to read and need a day filler for the beach, but don't look for anything great and be prepared to suspend any ounce of believability. ( )

If this had been my intro to this author, I would never have read another one. It must be an early work It was a "harlequin" romance if ever I "read one. ( )

Predictable love story. ( )