My first book by Jennifer Crusie and it was very enjoyable. It had several laugh-out-loud moments and I really loved the leading characters, Jake and Kate. The reason I'm not giving it a higher rating is that at times the book/plot/writing seemed a little simple - I don't know how else to describe it, really.

I'll definitely be reading more of Crusie's books; I appreciated that she didn't employ any of the often-used ploys in the romance genre that drive me so crazy (i.e. huge misunderstandings, bait-and-switches with (serious) potential other romances for either the hero or heroine, emotionally hurting one another so that they can push the other away because of reason X, and etc.).

Jake and Kate were always very honest with one another - especially Kate, she was very upfront and open about her feelings, their relationship, and what she wants. Also, they start out as friends and things don't get romantic until a decent number of pages into the book, so that they've really gotten to know one another. This was nice, making the reader know the relationship was not driven by lust, but actual friendship and respect. ( )

Kate Svenson is your typical uptight career woman on the fast track but she has one problem. She's lonely. So Kate and her best friend devise a plan. Armed with a detailed list of qualifications for the perfect husband, she sets off for a Kentucky golf resort that is prime hunting ground for eligible bachelors.

Jake Templeton is part owner of the resort and the most laid back hero I've ever come across. A former tax lawyer who has left the rat race behind, Jake is now the resort's handyman. He and Kate meet and immediately decided the other is not what they are looking for. Jake thinks Kate is too driven and too much like his ex-wife. Kate thinks Jake lacks ambition and does not meet any of the requirements on her list.

Of course, Kate's plans to find Mr. Perfect go wrong time after time with one dating disaster after another with scenes that were absolutely hilarious. Her dates end up either falling in the pool, hit over the head or in the emergency room. And none of it was her fault :) I'm not a real fan of slapstick humor in romance because I think it's too visual and most authors lack the writing talent to pull it off. But this book is the exception. Crusie succeeds superbly and I found myself literally laughing out loud (and scaring the crap out of my cat, thank goodness Bob wasn't home). The only other author who can make me laugh like that is Evanovich with her Stephanie Plum books.

This was a completely character driven book with a charming and engaging H/H. My favorite scenes were those that take place out on the lake. Kate invites herself along with Jake when he goes fishing in a leaky old boat. Jake fishes without bait because he is too lazy to actually want to catch anything and uses that time to nap. The sassy dialogue during these scenes practically sparkles off the page. All that banter made delightful sexual tension culminating in some yummy sex scenes. It was a wonderful moment when these two seeming opposites realize they are perfect for each other.

Manhunting is a deliciously delightful book. Although Crusie's inexperience shows with a bit of head hopping, I enjoyed it from the first page to the last. It's very short so I think I finished it in a couple hours. When I found myself re-reading favorite passages, I realized I had a keeper on my hands. It ranks right up there with Anyone But You and Welcome To Temptation. (Grade: A-) ( )

I liked this book well enough but I thought it could have been better. The needy heroine introduced in the first chapter bore little resemblance to the dangerous, take-charge character who showed up at the resort. There were a few too many silly, contrived situations, and the romantic conflict seemed to change from one page to the next. Jake and Kate were an attractive enough couple with plenty of chemistry between them but overall the story could have been stronger. ( )

I love everything by Jennifer Cruise! This is the first book that I ever read by her, I found it in a salvation army store. It was the best buy ever, I was hooked from chapter 2!

If you are looking for a laugh out loud, feel good book pick up any of Jenny's books. ( )

Cute, fluffy, and predictable, this is very definitely early Crusie. While it is rather clichéd, and the writing is not technically strong—and I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll ever find a man with a moustache attractive—there is still enough spark in the banter and creativity in the humour to make it more than just a run-of-the-mill Harlequin romance novel. It passed an enjoyable hour or so in work, and if you like Crusie or romance novels in general, you'll probably enjoy this—just don't pick it up expecting to engage your brain. ( )