WIFE FOR HIRE

Hank Malone, small-town-Vermont "bad boy," hires New Jersey would-be author Maggie Toone to pretend to be his wife to improve his image so that he can get a business bank loan for his apple orchard. Of course, the inevitable happens, and Hank and Maggie fall in love. C.J. Critt plunges into the frothy romance with gusto, keeping the tempo fast and the interplay between the main characters sexy, rapid-fire, and funny. A plus is Critt's portrayal of a feisty, gun-toting housekeeper, who keeps the action on its toes. Fans of Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series should not expect a mystery here. But for light listening pleasure, this fits the bill. M.T.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]