The Best Man Switch
Grade : B+

The Best Man Switch is a better-than-it-sounds story of a woman baffled by twin brothers, but who manages to fall in love with the right brother (for a change).

Mitzi Campion has given up on men. Two of her former relationships dumped her in favor of "more interesting" women; the third became a monk. With such a miserable track record, Mitzi flies to Austin to be the maid of honor for her best friend's wedding, but she holds no hope that romance will be included in the package. Best friend Kay, however, is trying desperately to match-make Mitzi with best man, Grant Whiting, a "great guy, who would be just perfect" for Mitzi.

Straight-laced, workaholic Grant can't get away from business long enough to go to the wedding rehearsal and dinner, so he begs a favor from his identical twin brother, the ne'er-do-well, fun-loving Ted. Besides, Kay's been singing Mitzi's praises and Grant smells set-up. He's recently divorced from a woman who left him for a wealthy Arab prince (not something most readers can identify with, but it works well enough in this zany story), so Grant is nowhere near ready to get involved with another woman.

In his efforts to keep Mitzi's claws out of his brother, Ted manages to alienate her to the point where she hauls off and slugs him in the jaw - a completely out-of-character move for the normally rational and non-violent Mitzi. What follows is a funny ride involving an attempted hostile take-over of the brothers' business, Grant's falling for Mitzi while Ted maneuvers to keep them apart, a feisty Dachshund named Chester, and a twin-switch story that actually works.

The author has a light style that keeps the story moving with humor and creativity. When I first saw the title, I couldn't help but cringe, but found myself enjoying it much more than I'd thought possible. It's reminiscent of the old '30's "madcap heiress" movies that were so predictable, but never failed to be funny. The cast of secondaries completes the tone to perfection, especially the clueless, yet good at heart, Ted; watching Ted get his come-uppance was a delight, a truly "Joy"ful experience.

While The Best Man Switch is not a major keeper - the ultimate conflict was a little contrived, it seemed, just to lengthen the story, plus a sweet love scene would have really been a nice addition - but it has a certain energy and charm that makes it hard to resist. Mitzi and Grant make a sweet couple and it's easy to see why they fall in love.

Occasionally, I wish a romance story I've read would be made into a movie. I can see this story transferring easily to the screen. In many ways, it's really a delight.

Reviewed by Marianne Stillings
Grade : B+
Book Type: Series Romance

Sensuality: Kisses

Review Date : August 4, 1999

Publication Date: 1999/06

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