Married for a Month [Mass Market Paperback]

Susan Mallery (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2001

WHAT'S THE SECRET TO EVERLASTING LOVE?

Taylor McGuire, a hardworking single mom with a Ph.D. in psychology, believes that compatibility is the key to a successful marriage. Bestselling relationship guru Jonathan Kirby believes it's sexual chemistry. So when these two former lovers meet up on national TV, it's more than just a difference of expert opinion that sets the sparks flying between them. And when Taylor puts forth her theory on love, Jonathan can't help but challenge: "Want to bet?" So begins an unconventional contest -- forty couples involved in a monthlong mock marriage for a chance to win one million dollars -- which puts Taylor's and Jonathan's professional reputations on the line. As the competition heats up, so does the attraction. And as they fall for each other, the two experts realize that love is not a science...sometimes it's just magic.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Temptation Island meets Oprah in veteran author Mallery's (Sweet Success) contemporary romantic romp. When two psychologists with opposing ideas on what makes relationships work agree to a $1-million contest to pair 40 couples, they get more than their hearts bargained for. Jonathan Kirby, who believes sexual heat forges a strong couple, and Taylor McGuire, who claims similar ideas do the trick, were each other's first love 17 years ago, and the conflict and intimacy sparked by coaching the contest couples through a month of living together leads them to reexamine their past decisions and consider the possibility of building a future together. Mallery intertwines the doctors' rekindled relationship with those of three couples in the contest, creating a colorful tapestry of sympathetic characters who at times pull too much attention away from the main show. Marnie, a millionaire beautician with state of Texas decals on her fingernails, is one of the most endearing as she seeks friendship and more with a socially inept programmer whose past dating flops include accidentally poisoning a girl's cat with a gift plant. Although the novel's climax is rushed, this sweet story will delight as it provides food for thought.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Susan Mallery is the bestselling author of more than thirty romance novels, including Sweet Success. She lives in Washington state (the not-so-rainy part) with her husband and two very charming cats.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket; 1 edition (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074340596X
• ISBN-13: 978-0743405966
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #983,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Join the Members Only area at www.SusanMallery.com for free excerpts, exclusive short stories, games, and more. And be sure to look for her on Facebook and Twitter. ***

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publisher's Weekly calls Susan's prose "luscious and provocative," and Booklist says, "Novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling." While Susan appreciates the critical praise, she is most honored by the enthusiastic readers who write to tell her that her books made them laugh, made them cry, and made the world a happier place to live.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle. She's there for the coffee, not the weather.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Married for a Month, January 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Married for a Month (Mass Market Paperback)

I throughly enjoyed this story. Taylor McGuire and Jonathan Kirby, both Ph.Ds in psychology, meet by accident but do have a history. Both have theories about successful marriages and end up testing the them in Marriageville, TX. Each has 20 couples matched that must live together for 1 month. The couples we meet are a larger-than-life Texan manicurist who wants the computer nerd, the older couple-he is a retired preacher and she's a sad, lonely widow and 30ish divored couple with 3 children that need the prize money. Ms Mallery has written this with so much humor and feeling that I reccomend it to all. Great Book!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some sizzling moments..., January 11, 2006

By 

cb (Minot, ND) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Married for a Month (Mass Market Paperback)

'Married for a Month' by Susan Mallery is fun lighthearted romance novel. Taylor and Jonathan are both psychologists who set out to decide which of their marriage theories is correct. The author develops a few of the contest couples and how their romances or lack of develops. The twist between Taylor and Jonathan is that they knew each other 17 years ago and for the next month, they are working, eating and sharing secrets with each other. Enjoy ! I would also suggest reading Falling For Gracie by Susan Mallery.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Shared interests versus passion, May 22, 2007

By 

Tracy Vest (Northern California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Married for a Month (Mass Market Paperback)

Reunited after 17 years, psychologists Taylor & Jonathan appear on a talk show outlining their opinions of what makes a marriage work. Taylor believes it is through shared interests that a marriage can be sustained, while Jonathan believes nothing can survive without "heat." After goading by the hostess, they enter into a bet, a la Temptation Island, where 40 couples and paired up and have to live together in a mock marriage for a month for a chance to win a million bucks. Half the couples have shared interest; the other half have "heat". The psychiatrist with the most relationships still standing will have their theories validated. Making matters more interesting is the romantic past the two shared (and a huge bombshell she's kept from Jonathan), as well as the heat that's still present.

Mallery has penned a cheeky and light romance novel with plenty of sizzle, humorous situations, and several distinct couples that are all fully developed characters. I would have liked the spotlight placed on the primary couple a little more, but overall, it was definitely a good beach read.