Book Review: The Three Month Plan by Kimberley Patterson

Reviewer: Andrea

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Kelly Callahan had everything going for her. Everything that is, except for a relationship. It wasn’t for the lack of trying, it just seemed like she was a magnet for all the wrong ones. But all of that was about to change the minute she laid eyes on Jake.

On a dare from her close friend, Michelle, Kelly accepts a challenge to date and become Jake’s girlfriend within three months. The consequence of losing is global humiliation, and she refuses to lose.

Enlisting the help of her childhood friend and confidant, Brian, Kelly manages to catch Jakes attention. She also unknowingly hooks Brian who tries to sabotage the plan. Kelly finds herself with a dilemma; take the final step with Jake and win the plan or follow her heart and reveal her feelings for Brian.

Review:

Much like its San Diego setting, this novel is as light and sunny as spring-break at the beach. It’s a reminder of that heart-fluttering, “OMG, I can’t wait to see him!” feeling. With little to no sub-story, the plot is uncomplicated, making for an easy read, without the overload of characters and all their accoutrement. In fact, the only real drama belongs to Kelly, and oh to have Kelly’s dilemma!  Two guys—the newcomer, with his dark hair and surfer’s body, and the best friend, with his curling blonde locks and “fix me” complex—vie for Kelly’s hand,.  My, oh my!

A warning, though, the novel is predictable.  Any chick flick fan will see the plot playing out well in advance of the ending.  I felt like I was watching a teen movie on Nickelodeon (but with a lot of sexual tension and a hangover).   It all sort of fell into place a little too simply and unrealistically for me.  Everyone, even the man whore friend, seemed too squeaky clean.  For example, when Brian sleeps with a girl then orders her out the next morning, she quickly forgives him at the next party and even propositions him again. When he refuses, she offers to drive him home!  I don’t know a single woman who wouldn’t want to remove vital parts from his perfect physique, and other than yoga and walking her dog, Kelly doesn’t do much.  Even Brian, who does at least work, waits tables at a beachside hangout frequented by his friends and lots of eye candy.  Maybe this is real life for today’s twenty-somethings, but I’m not completely buying it.

I did like the climactic scene, which was sweet and cornily romantic.  However, I’m not certain it fully redeems the rest of the novel.

3 stars

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