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. ( )

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. ( )

This book was a good read, not a great read. It seem to have more of a Harlequin romance novel feel to it. ( )

If you are looking for a funny light headed book than you need to check this one out.

Finding Mr. Right is not all that easy when you are Kate Svenson but it can be fun trying! ( )

Great read! ( )

This had some laugh-out-loud funny moments but lacked some of the sparkle of other Jennifer Crusie's I've read. That said, if I didn't know how good she could be, I'd have been quite impressed by this chick lit offering! ( )

You always know what to expect from Jennifer Crusie :)
This book had a more serious tone than most of the ones I've read so far, but it's so funny at the same time. It's obvious to anyone but themselves that Kate and Jake are mad about each other, but it wouldn't be half as funny if it was otherwise. They just *had* to go through all that scenes before finally having sex - yeah, it's a Crusie book, what were you expecting? ;o)
It's a fast paced book, unputdownable. And I had a great time reading it. ( )

Not one of Crusie's best, but it was okay. I didn't really like the characters and the plot was lacking. The ending felt a little rushed like she wasn't sure what to do with it. I wouldn't suggest putting it at the top of your tbr pile, but if you have to read it then check it out from the library. ( )

Cute, but nothing special - definitely not her best work. The funny parts weren't as funny as they usually are, the characters a little one-dimensional. It's a good book for a quick read with only half your focus on the story. ( )

Needed something good to wash the taste of the Wolfe out of my head, so turned to this frothy confection. Lacks the mystery component I usually like in her work, but still an enjoyable love story between a hard-driving woman and a drifting-nowhere man. ( )

http://imaromancereader.blogspot.com/... ( )

Another fun read from Jennifer Crusie. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I always find her characters endearing. I liked the storyline of this one as well. While the end is always predictable, in a way that's part of the charm. Its nice to read about love working out. Showing that maybe in reality we all simply work too hard at it. ( )