From Publishers Weekly
Temptation Island meets Oprah in veteran author Mallery's (Sweet Success) contemporary romantic romp. When two psychologists with opposing ideas on what makes relationships work agree to a $1-million contest to pair 40 couples, they get more than their hearts bargained for. Jonathan Kirby, who believes sexual heat forges a strong couple, and Taylor McGuire, who claims similar ideas do the trick, were each other's first love 17 years ago, and the conflict and intimacy sparked by coaching the contest couples through a month of living together leads them to reexamine their past decisions and consider the possibility of building a future together. Mallery intertwines the doctors' rekindled relationship with those of three couples in the contest, creating a colorful tapestry of sympathetic characters who at times pull too much attention away from the main show. Marnie, a millionaire beautician with state of Texas decals on her fingernails, is one of the most endearing as she seeks friendship and more with a socially inept programmer whose past dating flops include accidentally poisoning a girl's cat with a gift plant. Although the novel's climax is rushed, this sweet story will delight as it provides food for thought. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
WHAT'S THE SECRET TO EVERLASTING LOVE? Taylor McGuire, a hardworking single mom with a Ph.D. in psychology, believes that compatibility is the key to a successful marriage. Bestselling relationship guru Jonathan Kirby believes it's sexual chemistry. So when these two former lovers meet up on national TV, it's more than just a difference of expert opinion that sets the sparks flying between them. And when Taylor puts forth her theory on love, Jonathan can't help but challenge: "Want to bet?" So begins an unconventional contest -- forty couples involved in a monthlong mock marriage for a chance to win one million dollars -- which puts Taylor's and Jonathan's professional reputations on the line. As the competition heats up, so does the attraction. And as they fall for each other, the two experts realize that love is not a science...sometimes it's just magic.


About the Author
Susan Mallery is the bestselling author of more than thirty romance novels, including Sweet Success. She lives in Washington state (the not-so-rainy part) with her husband and two very charming cats.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Taylor McGuire, a hardworking single mom with a Ph.D. in psychology, believes that compatibility is the key to a successful marriage. Bestselling relationship guru Jonathan Kirby believes it's sexual chemistry. So when these two former lovers meet up on national TV, it's more than just a difference of expert opinion that sets the sparks flying between them. And when Taylor puts forth her theory on love, Jonathan can't help but challenge: "Want to bet?" So begins an unconventional contest—forty couples involved in a monthlong mock marriage for a chance to win one million dollars—which puts Taylor's and Jonathan's professional reputations on the line. As the competition heats up, so does the attraction. And as they fall for each other, the two experts realize that love is not a science...sometimes it's just magic.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly