Tabs’ review of Training the Temp by Melinda Di Lorenzo
Contemporary Romance published by Tule Publishing 22 Mar 16
This is one of those books where I feel like the author came up with a hook that she then outgrew as the book was actually written. The premise is by far the least good thing about this book. The gist is that the big-shot CEO hero, Parker, is caught on video saying some sexist bull about being able to train a woman to be his perfect wife. When the heroine, Beth, calls him on this just before his “apology tour” press conference, they egg each other on until a public wager has been waged that Parker can successfully wife-train Beth in twenty-eight days. If he’s successful, they get married. If he’s not, then she gets an exclusive interview with him for her employer’s magazine.
It’s the stupidest bet in the history of the world. (Yes, even more stupid than the ones where the dude bets his buddies that he can score with the heroine. And no, I didn’t know that was even possible.) None of it makes a lick of sense. I read the whole book, and I still have no idea how the wager even works. What the heck does “training” entail? How can you empirically prove that it was or wasn’t successful? Why would he want to win and then be married to someone he just met? I still can’t tell you.
The first quarter of the story is hampered by the crazy premise and Parker being a weirdo. I almost DNF’d it when he started sending Beth annoying emails. Luckily, things hit a bit of a groove once some of the trappings go away and Parker and Beth get to spend actual time together. Those bits are fun. They both have baggage, but they’re genuinely nice people. Parker’s family is adorable.
Unfortunately, in addition to the basic premise, there are some other things that don’t entirely work for me. Parker has a “I need you to be truthful” double standard that is pretty obnoxious. He needs her to tell him everything about her past, but he doesn’t tell her a damn thing about his and then gets angry when she brings up the double standard to his face. Also, Beth is a crappy reporter. She admits that she’s new at it but has been surprisingly successful. However, Parker becomes part of her job, but she takes no notes, does no research, and prepares not at all. Even a small amount of basic research would have eliminated much of the big misunderstanding from the tail end of the book.
Overall, this was a fast read that I found enjoyable at times but messy and inexplicable at others. I would be interested in reading Di Lorenzo again and seeing how her writing progresses.
Grade: C
Summary:
Part-time journalist Beth Styles has been assigned the terrible task of reporting on one of Seattle’s most eligible bachelors. All she has to do is get in, get the story, and get out. Everything is going fine, until she opens her big mouth and challenges the man of the hour to a bet. Thank goodness the only thing on the line is her career. And her integrity. Oh, and her hand in marriage…
Real estate mogul Parker Stephenson likes to be in control, and he hates the press, so he’ll do anything to keep from ruining his reputation, including taking on this pretty, mouthy journalist. Even if that means promising – in front of thirty witnesses, no less – that he can make her fall in love with him in just 28 days. Too bad he can’t seem to take charge of her, the way he takes charge of everything else…
