Forget being taken away by Calgon; instead pick up Second-Guessing Fate by Claire Robyns. I laughed so much reading this book, I had to forego drinking to eliminate the risk of aspiration. The premise for this book is not new, and some of the scenarios seem similar to the movie How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days , but even with that I found this book extremely humorous. Add into that mix a luscious courtship, and you have an charming read.

Gemma Cameron, an American, spent her most of her childhood and young adulthood in London, only returning to the U.S. after her fiancé cancelled their wedding the night before via text. After a five year dry spell, she wonders if she will ever find love. After her mother makes a snide comment about the uncertainty of Gemma ever getting married and having children, she lets her best friend Helen ply her with liquor. In her inebriated state, she agrees to visit Helen’s fortune teller, Madam Hooch.

Expecting to be conned by some ancient woman, Gemma is not disappointed. After paying a hundred dollars for a thirty minute reading, she is told: “Eez a big love and the man, ah, he eez dark and so handsome but eez no good for you. He break your heart. . .” After “the big breaky heart then you find soul mate.” On top of that Madam Hooch tells her that she will receive a big promotion, and has already received an inheritance. Since Gemma owns her own company, thus eliminating the possibility of advancement and she sure doesn’t recall any bequest, she refuses to drive Helen’s car when Helen explains that Madam Hooch told her a black cloud is hanging over it. After Helen sideswipes a silver Audi Roadster, and discovers that her insurance has expired, Gemma is sent in to charm and distract the owner.

A month ago, tall, dark, and handsome Nick Delaney’s girlfriend of a year unloaded on him calling him “the missing link.” Being dumped for the first time at thirty-six definitely dented his ego so he is determined not to let it happen again. He doesn’t understand the primal urges that swamp him when he looks into Gemma’s gorgeous hazel eyes. She’s not really his type and he doesn’t need a rebound relationship, but before he knows it he has offered to forget the accident if only she will have dinner with him. Gemma agrees but Nick knows that he has been had, and she will be a no show. Surprising them both, Gemma does arrive at the restaurant.

As the rest of Madam Hooch’s predictions come true, Gemma realizes that Nick is the one that eez no good for her. Finding that she is really falling for him, Gemma realizes that she needs to get out of the relationship fast. However, Helen tells her that for her to find her soulmate, Nick has to dump her. Using all her ingenuity, she comes up with numerous foolproof scenarios but surprisingly Nick is very tolerant. Nick, determined not to be the Neanderthal his ex-accused him of being, reaches deep within himself for acceptance of Gemma’s change in personality. With his friends’ encouragement, he is determined to be a beta man.

From the very first chapter, I knew that this was going to be fun, entertaining book. While it is not perfect, with a flashback scene in the middle of the book that is confusing at first and the confrontation scene toward the end could have been written with more impact, the author does so many things right. Both Gemma and Nick are appealing characters. I especially loved seeing the caring side of Nick. The sexual attraction between them is tantalizing. Then of course there is the humor I mentioned before as well as the actual courtship. I know I mentioned it before, but I love books with this scenario, instead of the usual, “Oh, we are attracted to each other so let’s hop into bed.”

If you enjoy romantic comedy as much as I do, then you don’t want to miss this book. I know that I will definitely be watching for more new releases by Claire Robyns.