The Catch

by Mark Mason

Kirsty is everything Sam has ever wanted in a woman - gorgeous, funny, bright, brilliant company. But when he asks her to marry him, he doesn't reckon on her response.The catch.For Kristy to accept him, he's going to have to prove he's marital material. Over the next twelve weeks, she's going to give his behaviour points (though she won't explain how he scores them). If his total hits 1000, then she'll be his bride.However much Sam does the ironing or puts the loo seat down, his tally resembles Norway's in the Eurovision Song Contest. Where's he going wrong? Assembling a sex war cabinet of best mates George, and Pete, Sam is no closer to an answer ... until the additon of work colleague Amanda opens his eyes to the surprising truth about what really winds women up ...

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance

339 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Mark Mason's previous non-fiction includes The Importance of Being Trivial, Walk the Lines, The Bluffer's Guide To Football and The Bluffer's Guide To Bond. He is also the author of three novels, and has written for most British national newspapers (though never about anything too heavy), and magazines from The Spectator to Four Four Two. He lives in Sussex with his partner and son.

Reviews

[Night · Rating 3 out of 5]

I re-read this book for Cynthia's Summer Challenge 2009. The story is told from man's viewpoint, so I'm not sure whether this book is a lad-lit or chic-lit. Lad-lit for chic readers, maybe?

The plot is very interesting. Sam has to earn 1,000 points in order for Amanda, his lover, to accept his proposal. Amanda will notify his current points every week without revealing her rating system. Sam will have to figure out what he should or shouldn't do.

As a woman, I love seeing Sam being kept in the dark and suffer. (We women are all good torturers!) But I couldn't help secretly wishing to see Amanda fall from her high horse just once.

All in all, this book is catching in the beginning, dragging in the middle and ending with a nice touch.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read this before a few years ago and though it was time to give it another airing. It is funny but I found sometimes I wanted to punch both him and his girlfriend. I found some of his friends somewhat sketchy but I did like the stuff about Danny the annoying 13 year old with 'issues.'

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise sounds daft but it actually works really well. I enjoyed Sam as the narrator, and the funny moments that come from both the main plot and the subplot. If you want a light read, this one is pretty fun.

[Goleva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mislim, tema nije loša, on zaprosi devojku sa kojom živi i ona mu zada test da za nekoliko nedelja skupi određeni broj bodova i on organizuje krizni štab, upada u neke glupe neprilike i vrhunac je srbin generalissimos negativac, mislim da ću se po tome jedino i sećati ove knjige.

[Darko Kovac · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok i ništa više :)

[Claire Daubney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was good to read a book from a man's perspective. Had a good little twist at the end.

[Marija · Rating 3 out of 5]

super za ubit vrijeme, lako se i brzo procita i zabavna je =)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definately a book from a blokey bloke's perspective.
Easy read, could read in one go. Enjoyable though.

[Oleg · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is it doing on my Kindle??? Perfect scenario for a "love story movie".