Review: Mating Rituals of the North American Wasp by Lauren Lipton

Last word first: Somewhat disappointing. Great ideas, but the characters were lacking.

Description: Peggy wakes up one morning in Las Vegas next to a total stranger. She sneaks away, but a few days later she recieves a call informing her that *surprise* she's married to the guy, Luke. Completely embarrassed, she intends to get the marriage annulled ASAP. Fortunately for the continuation of the storyline, Luke's aunt hears about the marriage, and makes them a deal: if they can stick it out for one year, she will give them the family home (an enormus mansion). But after a few months of pretending to be married, Peggy thinks she might just be falling for her husband.

My thoughts: I thought that the concept of this book sounded cute and funny when I first heard about it. I still do, actually. However, the reality just didn't meet my expectations. I didn't like any of the characters! They seem good in theory, but for some reason they just felt flat to me. And why doesn't Luke ever talk? I had a hard time believing the romance in this book, because I just didn't ever see a reason for them to even like one another.

Sorry this is such a short review, but I really just don't have much to say about this book. I don't mean to sound overly harsh, I just thought this concept could have been very cute and funny if it was handled a little differently.

About Lauren Lipton: She is currently fashion, beauty and lifestyle editor at ForbesWoman magazine. She has also contributed features on society and media to the New York Times Sunday Styles section. A former Wall Street Journal staff writer, she reported on copycat brides who steal their friends' wedding ideas, pajama parties for grown women, and luxury homes with his-and-hers garages.