Sybil’s Review of The Kept Woman by Susan Donovan
Contemporary Romance released 27 June 06 from St. Martin’s

I liked!

There was a big plot hole, at least in my mind that just has to be over looked. The fact that this is such a big fat hairy deal Sam has to sign a confidentiality agreement it doesn’t make sense they (Jack, his people and Sam) keep telling people. Kara asks Sam be Jack’s fake fiancee in front of Monte and I get that Monte is Sam’s BFF. But duh… why doesn’t Monte have to sign an agreement? And the kids are told and good night they are kids! So this ‘secret’ was set to spill from the get go.

Once I just got over that huge lil detail, and went with it, I found the whole story very amusing, quick, quirky and entertaining. Loads better than He Loves Lucy, which I didn’t enjoy at all.

And yes, Jack was a big ol bastard who has fucked his way through town but really so what? That is the point, rake falls in lurve! Right after they do the deed for the first time this cracks me up:

“Oh well, you know I wasn’t exactly suave. You felt too good for me to manage suave. And it’s been a while for me, too.”That made her laugh. “Oh?”

“It’ll be three weeks on Tuesday.”

“My God, how have you survived?”

He patted her shoulder. “I ask myself the same thing every day.”

hee, the whole scene is just a laugh, or maybe you just have to read it… hmm or I could just be twisted. OH! maybe all of the above

Anyway, the kids are a bit much at times and Sam has a serious TSTL moment at the end but neither killed my enjoyment factor. I will be looking for her next book…

Grade B

WHEN A GOOD-GIRL DIVORCEE
Playing by the rules has left Samantha Monroe with an AWOL ex-husband, maxed out credit cards, and the task of raising three children on a hairstylist’s salary. It’s time for a new game plan. When Sam learns that politician Jack Tolliver needs someone to play the part of his fiancee for six months in return for a generous paycheck, she’s ready to sign up on the spot.

MEETS A BAD-BOY POLITICIAN
Jack needs Sam and her kids to help tone down his image from womanizing cad to dependable dad. But he was expecting Sam to be a frumpy single mom, not a wickedly smart, sexy redhead. Keeping nosey newshounds from discovering that his engagement is a charade is going to be a tough job, but one mind-blowing kiss from Sam and suddenly Jack is ready to put in all the overtime necessary…

LOVE WINS IN A LANDSLIDE…
Now, with scheming opponents itching to bring Jack down, Sam’s ex returning to stir up trouble, one stubborn pre-schooler, two squabbling teenagers, a crazy dog, and some out-of-this-world sex, Jack and Sam are discovering that playing make-believe can be complicated-but not nearly as much as falling in love…