Lisa Plumley Mad About Max

Mad About Max

Lisa Plumley

Zebra, Jul 2006, $6.50

ISBN: 0821776975

In Phoenix Max Nolan believes not to tempt luck; if a suit brings you a break that becomes your lucky suit to wear when you need good luck. However, the superstitious pet boutique owner Max angers his girlfriend of six months Sarabeth over a trip to Aruba with her vs. a pet boutique business venture with his partner Oliver Pickett. In a fit of pique she gives away his clothing including his lucky suit to Successfully Dressed Donations, a charity shop. Desperate to at least get his winning suit back, Max dressed as "Mr. Tighty-Whities" pleads with manager Lucy Logan to cut him some slack and return his suit to him; he even offers to pay. Lucy needing volunteers to work the store blackmails Max into helping out.

Max and Lucy think the other is gorgeous, but neither wants an involvement with the other sex at this time. Meanwhile Max finds he enjoys working at the store especially meeting and helping people. He makes new friends including pals of Lucy, who believe they are a perfect match and plan to see that the newcomer and the manager come tougher romantically.

The relationships between the lead couple (opposites do attract) and another between zany support characters make for a fine lighthearted romantic romp. Max and Lucy cannot resist one another though he insists to himself he is using her charity shop to gain clients from her wealthy donors. Their spats and kisses make for a fine tale that contemporary fans will enjoy (and be reminded to donate those items in the closet not being used - at least give away his that is).

Harriet Klausner