"Uproarious humour in frothy romance"

Outrageously entertaining with wits and office politics, Meggin Cabot who is better known as Patricia Cabot to romance fanatics, fashions her debut contemporary romance The Boy Next Door in an e-mail template-style that is refreshingly inventive. Cabot's central protagonist New York Journal gossip columnist Melissa Fuller is burdened with the task of taking care her neighbour's dog and diabetic cats when she is mysteriously attacked and rendered unconscious. She contacts Mrs. Friedlanders's nephew model photographer Max in the midst of a vacation with his hot date - never expecting the irresponsible Max will renege on a favor from high-school friend John Trent. John is to deceive Mel into believing he is Max while he is happy gallivanting. The plan is foiled when love enters the equation when John, actually a crime reporter with rival publisher Chronicle and low-key wealthy millionaire is enchanted by the simple Mel without the fuss. Even her friend Nadine believes that there is more to meet the eye in this perfect Adonis. When the deception is revealed, will Mel forgive John and solve the mystery behind Mrs. Friedlanders's attack?

Meggin Cabot distinctly emerges as the freshest voice of romance with this frothy romance where the communication by e-mails gradually provides an intriguing glimpse to the hearts and thoughts of the ensemble of goofy, tender characters such as Mel's best friend Nadine and the glam- queen Dolly as they play cupid to the clueless couple. It is utterly hilarious and the pace gains its momentum through the dramatic courtship, gossips, advice dished out by Mel's parents, John's sister-in-law's interference and of course - complaints to Mel's tardiness. This comic riot is such a blast!

Reviewed by Desmond CHan
Posted February 9, 2003

Summary

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