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. ( )

Kate, like so many Crusie heroines to follow her, is on a mission to fix her life. She's successful, but unsatisfied, so between Kate and her best friend Jessie, they come up with a plan to rejuvenate her love life. Kate makes a list of criteria for eligible men, and Jessie urges her to go on vacation at a resort catering to singles--the perfect place to meet men fitting Kate's list.

So she goes, and determinedly starts dating one man after another who seems just fine on paper. And every single date ends in disaster. I'm not going to list the disasters and spoil them for you, but take my word for it--they're hilarious. Kate finds herself spending more and more time relaxing with resort handyman Jake, and proving that when it comes to love, the best laid plans of women... well, in this case, they lead to unexpected results.

Even though this is early Crusie, it's still got that special something. The snappy dialogue is immediately recognizable, as is the seriousness underlying laugh-aloud humor. In this case, a lot of the seriousness comes from communication issues, and a sub-plot between Jake's brother and his girlfriend does double duty both showing Kate that maybe she doesn't really want what she thought she want, and demonstrating the follies of miscommunication.

There's also the serious issue of ambition and goals and one's definition of a full life, and that's echoed in the sub-plot about new friend Penny, who's at the resort for one last fling before getting married.

I've got to say something about the humor, because far too many authors just don't understand the concept. They'll take the idea of the dating disasters and throw them into a story thinking that the more outrageous they are, the funnier. But in Manhunting, and indeed in any Crusie novel, it's not just a silly situation--the silly situation means something. The disasters aren't just random disasters--they connect to the characters in specific ways. It's like watching RHPS and the difference between throwing slices of toast at and thowing spitballs; between shouting "so does Janet!" and shouting "you're an asshole!" Sorry for the digression--there was a discussion elsewhere, and this seemed to illustrate my point, which was that Jennifer Crusie does humor right.

Anyway, Manhunting is just a joy to read. It's fast-paced and short enough that it can be read in one or two sittings, which you'll want to do anyway--it's hard to put down. The perfect read for a gloomy not-yet-spring day. ( )

Quicker, lighter, simpler storyline than Crusie's previous books ( )

Laugh Out Loud funny! I picked this up at a local book sale and was so glad I did! I stayed awake until 1:00 am just to finish it! The characters are likable and the story is fast paced. I will definitely pick up more of her books and just added her to my favorites list! ( )

After reading the first half of my thesis, my mentor suggested I read this book, primarily because both Crusie and I have heroines who go out on a series of bad dates. Well, that and the fact that Crusie is fantastic at writing romantic comedy.

Kate Svenson is attractive, intelligent, successful and rich. She's also lonely and longing to find Mr. Right. So, being a woman of action, Kate devises a PLAN, and The Cabins resort in Kentucky seems like the perfect place to see her PLAN through. Why? Well, The Cabins is guaranteed to be full of rich, successful, suitable businessmen who will most likely be perfect for her.

The problem, though, is that all of those rich, successful, suitable businessmen start dropping like flies around her. Kate's first date ends up in the swimming pool. Another breaks his ankle. One has a heart attack after she beats him on the golf course (he cheats, by the way). In fact, none of the business men are really all that suitable when it comes down to it. By and large they're all pompous, unethical or boring--or combinations thereof.

Enter Jake Templeton.

Jake seems like the very antithesis of what Kate's looking for with his ragged blue jeans, drawl and penchant for napping in a row boat out on the lake. However, there's definitely more to Jake than meets the eye. Ends up he's actually intelligent, retired, and rich, not to mention the co-owner and financial backer for The Cabins.

Jake had come back home to Kentucky after a broken engagement, wanting to escape from the Wall Street rat race.

As Kate soon learns--appearances can be deceiving. There's more to Jake than meets the eye, and after lazy mornings spent "fishing" the two begin to develop a friendship tinged with a strong attraction.

While I'm still fairly new to Crusie's writing (which is amazing considering how much I love romantic comedy), this novel is definitely typical Crusie, meaning it's fast-paced, funny and has some great characters. Like Bet Me's Minerva Dobbs, Kate Svenson also has a somewhat less-than-skinny body. I love the fact that Crusie isn't afraid to write heroines who don't fit some unattainable ideal of beauty, but who are still attractive and lovable not to mention intelligent, strong, sexy and witty.

That being said, this book wasn't without its flaws. Granted, it was also Crusie's first novel, so flaws are to be expected.

The main thing that stood out to me was head-hopping. Obviously, it's a huge pet peeve of mine. Nothing draws me out of a story faster than switching POV's mid-paragraph or even mid-scene. Amazingly, though, I still really enjoyed this book, which is a tribute to Crusie's story-telling abilities.

Kate's growth was especially enjoyable to watch. She goes from being a workaholic who saves the asses of unethical businessmen to finding her passion (saving small, independently-owned businesses) and leaving the corporate world behind. It's a really good illustration of how difficult it can be for women to balance having a career with having a personal life, and how sacrificing one for the other isn't always the answer.

Overall this was an enjoyable read, and one that I would definitely recommend to anyone who appreciates a good, sexy romantic comedy. ( )