Janice Maynard, Mating Game

Chicago photographer Nola Grainger cannot believe the stipulation in her late grandma's will; to inherit the Resnick, Georgia estate she must be married in one month and live there six months. Nola has no plans to pull a stunt of saying vows and then divorcing or annulling the nuptials as she believes saying I do should last a lifetime.

Back in her hometown where her grandma raised her after her parents died when she was ten, Nola finds three spousal contenders. Billy was her high school boyfriend who broke her heart. Businessman Marc is her current lover; at least he was until she left Illinois for the deep South. Finally handyman Tanner seems quite a catch. All three are desirable and likable, but only one can go down the aisle with her. However, there is also someone in the shadows who plans to insure Nola remains a spinster for the next four weeks even if it means dangerous accidents must occur.

This is an engaging heated romance whose characters somewhat overcome an overly used plot device. The story line is fast-paced from the opening scene in which the lawyer (out of Mayberry) of Nola's late grandma explains the stipulations and never slows down as the lead female is coldly and boldly in a three set tennis match. Fans will enjoy Nola's stable wondering which stud will exchange vows with her.

Harriet Klausner