Kathleen Tessaro The Flirt

The Flirt

Kathleen Tessaro

Avon, Jun 24 2008, $13.95

ISBN: 9780061125768

Unemployed wannabe actor Hughie Armstrong Venables-Smythe needs to make some quick money so he can continue to seek his big break. He responds to an odd ad and is hired as a flirt; he assumes his acting skills will make him successful at his new hopefully temporary vocation though he plans to give Oscar winning performances when on the job.

However, Hughie is attracted lingerie boutique owner Leticia Vane, who is much older than him. She shocks him with her belief that trysts should be short, quick and especially with no attachment strings. When the notes and cards containing clues begin to arrive, she is fascinated by her secret admirer. As Hughie continues his campaign, he and Leticia begin to fall in love, but her interest remains with an unknown paramour

This terrific most likely implausible contemporary tale reminds this reader of Deuce Bigelow with its combining humor and the serious issues especially loneliness confronting the female clients. Already confused about his life, Hughie takes the role seriously and gives his best performance, which enables readers to better understand what disturbs the women he flirts with. Readers will appreciate Kathleen Tessaro ' s fine London Swings but underneath the swingers face difficult decisions re what they want out of their respective lives.

Harriet Klausner