Shane Bolks The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I've Dated

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly I've Dated

Shane Bolks

Avon, May 2005, $12.95, 291 pp.

ISBN: 0060773103

Accountant Rory Egglehoff understands that there have been three philosophical giants: Aristotle, Confucius and Yoda; the first two she learned about in high school while the latter she saw first hand as a seven years old making the greatest impression on her. Over the years she sought a Han Solo or at least a Jedi Knight in shining armor, but always found nerds except for Hunter Chase, star quarterback and homecoming king, in high school. However the force was not with her as he never noticed a nerd like her.

When Hunter moves into the office next door, Rory concocts a plan to catch the attention of her hero. However, to achieve her objective, she feels she must hide her family and friends from her champion. This backfires as he learns the truth behind her stellar image, which she expects he will laughingly expose at their high school reunion.

Though the Star Wars references are fun, after a time take away from a solid chick lit tale in which a heroine on a quest for love learns to look deep inside a person so that a jock can be smart, vulnerable and caring while a nerd need love and passion. The lead couple makes for a fine storyline as Rory assumes her rogue champion will betray her just like Leia originally expects of Han. Chick lit readers and Star Wars fans will enjoy how the nerdy princess and the courageous Jedi Knight found the force of love.

Harriet Klausner