"Fine contemporary romance"

In Manhattan, Samantha Brady feels like a failure. She has had no success as a writer, believes her biological clock is ticking after babysitting the neighbor's infant, has yet to meet Prince Charming, and depends on her roommate stockbroker Jack Turner to cover much of their expenses. Their parents back in their hometown of Rhinebeck, New York hope Jack and Sam, best friends, would become more, but both fears romantic entanglement with one another could devastate their friendship.

Jack helps Sam with her depressed mood while she encourages him to leave his SOB of a boss to start his own firm, which he does. One night of celebratory inebriation leads to an evening of love making. The next morning Jack fears for their friendship while Sam knows he is her Prince Charming. Knowing she is asking for trouble, Sam plans to convince him that they belong together that is until she realizes she is pregnant and becomes unsure as to whether Jack loves her more than just the mother of his child and best friend.

Though the tale of best friends falling in love has been used numerous times as a plot device and adding a pregnancy almost as frequent, Millie Criswell writes a fine contemporary romance starring amiable nice people. Readers will agree with the parents of the lead couple that Jack and Sam belong together more than just as platonic roommates. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this warm uplifting New York tale due to the genial cast that makes this romance fun to read.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted June 24, 2005

Read an Excerpt

Summary

Samantha Brady's to-do list is simple...

Sell her novel, have a baby and find the man of her dreams-- though not necessarily in that order. Trouble is, she has writer's block, hasn't had a date in months and lives platonically with her best friend, Jack Turner, the only man who has ever met her Prince Charming criteria.

She and Jack have always avoided romantic entanglements of any kind, especially with each other. No strings. No fuss. No heartaches. Until one night of too much wine and too few inhibitions takes their friendship to a whole new level, and leaves Sam pregnant.

But maybe a few "strings" are just what the roommates need to realize that life could be so much sweeter as the perfect couple!