Catch a Mate

by Gena Showalter

Jillian Greene is always getting caught in the act--it's her job! Working at Catch A Mate, Jillian gets paid by suspicious wives to smile, flirt and prove that no man can be trusted around the opposite sex. Her only ground rule? She never gets physical. Until a heart-stoppingly gorgeous male walks in... Marcus Brody has just been hired as bait to test female fidelity. But the last thing Jillian needs is a partner...especially an infuriating, irresistible man who's got her fantasizing about tearing off his clothes.

Can a savvy modern woman find happiness with the most tempting man she's ever known? "Is" there such a thing as a totally monogamous male?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Adult, Fiction, Humor

380 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.

Reviews

[Corrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

Cute, but a little too chick lit for my tastes in spots. Also it takes place in a laughably short amount of time (three or four days, I believe) and that made it very unbelievable that these two had gone from being adversaries to in love forever.

C+

[♥ℳelody · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just blah. I love Gena Showalter, love her writing style but I think her strengthness is in the PR genre. I wanted to take a break from the LOTU series, hadn't read a light-fluff contemporary romance book in a while. Just wanted a light fun easy read. This was definitely easy but it just fell completely flat in all other areas.

The fact that the H/HR fall in love in the span of a few days is just unrealistic to me especially in a contemporary setting. Sorry don't buy it. It was rushed and not fully delved into IMO. I wish I could say I fell for the main couple and saw their chemistry, but I didn't. I liked Marcus Brody, thought he was a witty and charming guy with a naughty sense of humor. I just didn't believe or buy the whole "I'm falling for you and I'm completely turned on when you snarl at me" angle. I've seen it a hundred times in CR books but in this I couldn't buy it considering the short time span plus it came off cheesy as hell. I know Showalter has pulled off the same thing in some of her paranormal stories where the H/HR fall for each other in a span of a few days, I cut her some slack for that but here I just couldn't buy it because it was incredibly rushed. Like speed-dating-one-night-stand rush. They sleep together after meeting each other 2 or 3 days prior and then they are sharing ILY's. Um what?

Jullian was just too jaded, bitter and bitchy for my tastes. And a little crazy as well. Girl needed to lighten up and let go of the 'all men are pigs' mind set and pull that stick out of her ass. I understood where she was coming from but the constant 'pig' and 'bastard' snarky comments got really redundant and just annoying to read about after a while. I also thought the bickering between the two, especially from Jullian's side was just overkill at times. The arguing and jabs at each other came off childish rather than funny. That whole conference room meeting scene where she makes wise cracks at Marcus and talks back to him in front of everyone was so immature. It didn't come off as funny to me but just really obnoxious and RIDICULOUS. Seriously if I ever talked to MY boss like that, no matter how sexy and yummy he is my ass would be fired in two seconds flat and oh yeah I would have at least felt a shred of embarrassment for making a complete ass out of myself. The girl had no damn tact and lacked self-awareness completely. Another problem I had was Jullian's knee jerk reaction to make Marcus pay whenever he did something 'wrong' or hurtful. That was just stupid to me. What are you twelve? Really lame and adolescent. The whole deer urine fiasco with the light bulbs (yes you read that correctly) was the last straw for me. I mean... really?? Who does something like that?! Dear Showalter, NOT FUNNY. It's such a stupid childish psycho-ex thing to do. I'm sorry someone who does that kind of thing needs therapy pronto not a slap on the back and high five. RME. Ridiculous. She had a lot of issues and resentment which the author handled very lightly like it was a typical way to act. Um NO. A grown adult who pulls stunts like that needs help not be enabled and cheered on. Ugh.

Oh and a side note, having the first sex scene (one of the only two) be a piss-drunk screw on the couch is a total let down. Blah. And the ending was typical CR ending and so cliche and super cheesy.

And as for Jullian's BFF Georgia, she was just as bad. Or I should say worse. Oh g-d was she worse. I really wanted to sympathize with her considering how she was a shy nerdy awkward teen who transformed into a beautiful woman but her constant woah is me 'It's so hard being this beautiful I want a man to love me for me' perception came off whiny, shallow and I'm sorry to say but just freaking pathetic. I just couldn't sympathize with her. Instead of feeling sorry for her I just kept getting irritated with her constant pity-party attitude and wishy washy actions. For someone who kept claiming she wanted a man to love her for her and was sick of being used, she came off really passive aggressive and just fickle in her actions. Through half of the book she's dating a wealthy businessman who showers her w/ gifts and compliments and he proposes marriage yet she is hesitant to give an answer. Here we listen to her moan and whine about not being sure and how can she know if he loves her for her, instead of opening her mouth and talking to the guy or being an adult about it she stalls, doesn't say anything, puts him through a 'test' where the guy ends up dumping her. Proving her right. She gets piss drunk over it crying cause the man had the nerve to dump her. The world is over!!! *cue unattractive 5 year-old-like tantrum* Um....are you kidding me? At this point I really didn't care if she got together with Jullian's brother Brent or not, the man she's been secretly longing for and in love with since childhood. And of course to top it off, he loves her back (of course RME) and is following her everywhere trying to talk her to reason. Sorry, didn't buy it. You supposedly love this woman but have spent pretty much most of your adult life brushing her off? pfft. As much as I would have liked to fall for their 'secretly been in love with you for years' history, I just couldn't get into it. It just came off sad and lame rather than sweet. Mostly because of Georgia and her deep insecurity where she's convinced every man on the planet only likes her for her looks and will leave her once she gains a pound or g-d forbid gets one wrinkle. Oh please. Talk about melodramatic. It was just too much and fell flat for me. It's crap like this that feeds the stereotypical view of all women being self-absorbed insecure ninny-heads. CR authors....please stop! I beg you. It's not funny or cute but embarrassingly cringe-worthy. We all have our cray-cray moments but this book was packed with too much 'please call your shrink. Stat' craziness for me.

[Floripiquita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este es el primer libro que leo de esta autora y la verdad es que me ha parecido muy entretenido. Se trata de una comedia romántica muy divertida con dos personajes que al principio se odian pero entre los cuales hay una gran tensión sexual, que cuando se resuelve... WOW. Si a eso le añadimos un buen elenco de secundarios... estamos ante un libro a recomendar, pena que al final se desinfle un poco.

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Holy Bitter Betty! Damn, I thought I was jaded and cynical but I've got nothing on this chick! Jillian our leading lady has some serious man-hating issues. Marcus, the leading man who gets to deal with this little ball of joy has his own issues. He so charmingly puts women into three categories: cock teases, cock lovers, and cock haters. Be still my heart! So yeah these are the two main components that are suppose to come together and create a wonderful love fest. Color me surprised when it didn't happen, AT ALL.
Let's take a moment and think back to Susan Elizabeth Phillips and her Chicago Stars series. Now think about one of those stories, any one (I'm hella sure you've read them all because frankly who hasn't, well except the side book about Cal's bro. I haven't read that one but really it shouldn't count as part of the series I say!) and take a moment to sigh wistfully about how a man and a woman can be feisty, snappy, and sarcastically fun with each other. Now while you are lost in awesome sexual tension land add all the hate, bitterness, and vitriol you can to the witty, fun, snarky conversations those leading characters had. Now times all that hate, bitterness, and vitriol by ONE MILLION and you have 97% of the dialogue to Catch a Mate.
To add to this wonderful setting the first half of the book is written in short choppy sentences. Marcus thought this. Marcus thought that. I thought UGH!!!
Every time I stepped away from this book it was super hard to pick it back up. All the "I super-duper hate you but oh wait feel this sexual chemistry" was completely exhausting. The dialogue was harsh to my eyes and grating on my ears.
For two over the top jaded cynical people apparently one week is all they need to fall in love, sign over half their business, and move in together with plans to get married. Insane trust issues? Forgetaboutit! Two nights of hot sex cures all!!!!
Jillian's trust issues come about because her dad cheated on her mother and at the end of the book she decides to forgive him. These two pages describing Jillian breaking down and forgiving him were powerful and the only part of the book I respected.
There is a side romance between Jillian's bro Brent and Georgia that I think was suppose to be cute and funny. It was dumb. All the reader sees Brent do is call Georgia everyday and beg her to dump her boyfriend. This man is suppose to have LOVED Georgia forever but all he does is call her; dude it's 2010 put the phone down and try facebook. Geez.
Anyway, I read this book because I saw a lot of wonderful reviews on how funny/witty it was. Bullshit. Just bullshit. I don't believe anyone really liked this book. I almost want to shove this book on friends and be like "read this, read this" (said maniacally) and dare them to say it's good.
This book had lead characters who are extremely cynical, only know each other for a week but still plan to get married, when only until the last 3 chapters or so of the book do they speak civilly to each other (oh excuse me that was foreplay). Oh yeah, and apparently just calling someone everyday is tantamount to a Mecca trip. I've read books before (aforementioned SEP) where the leads are snarky with each other and enjoyed it immensely. The dialogue here wasn't funny or witty to me, just grating. I didn't quite give it a F because before every chapter there were cute/dumb pick up lines that were fun to read; I swear these gave me the energy to keep reading.
Anyway, it turns out that I do like some actual romance in my romance books, so thank you to this book for helping me discover that about myself :)

D-

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read quite a few of GS books, however I have got to say this is my least favourite of all of them. Although it isn't a bad or unenjoyable book, it just isn't very remarkable.

I think my main annoyance with the book is the central couple, i just couldn't see how they could come to a happy ending in such a short space of time, and also the arguing between them is descriped as like thier foreplay which I can totally be on board with, I just didn't think it was particually realistic in this book.

Another annnoying thing is the over use of teh word nipple! Although in the end it just made me laugh

But I did like this book, I especially liked the substory of Georgia and Brents getting together. I thought it was sweet. Also the book is funny, so I warn you not to read it in a public place, laughing by yourself only gets you strange looks as I keep discovering!

In summary I enjoyed reading it, but am glad that I only borrowed it from the library rather then had bought it.

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I picked this book, I was judging it mostly by its cover, which I thought looked really nice. By some miracle, the book was actually quite good, despite my shallow book choosing technique. Normally contemporary romance has often been duds for me.

Anyway, the main characters are hilarious and make one of the most sizzling love-hate relationships. Jillian is a very opinionated man-hater, while Marcus is a woman-hater, in the sense that neither trust the opposite sex. Both of them work as 'bait' in a company that uncovers cheating spouses.

There was a secondary romance with Jillian's brother, Brent, and her friend, Georgia, which was really cute. The other characters are also loads of fun, such as Anne, the mom (who was plain bonkers), and Jake, and more.

There were some annoying parts, like the overly feminist POV, that I guess is character driven, but I see no other fault in this book. A fun ride with quite a few laughs and a neatly tied HEA (for EVERYONE).

Oh yea, I loved the cheesy pickup lines that started each chapter. I really want to see someone try them (not on me, or I might get violent)

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leído el 12/06/2012

ATRAPA A TU PAREJA - GENA SHOWALTER


Jillian Greene siempre es atrapada en el acto -¡es su trabajo! Trabajando en Atrapa a Tu Pareja, a Jillian le pagaban recelosas esposas para sonreír, coquetear y probar que no se puede confiar en el sexo opuesto. ¿Su única regla básica? Nada de sexo. Hasta que un magnífico-electrizante hombre entra en…
Marcus Brody acaba de ser contratado como señuelo para probar la fidelidad femenina. Lo último que Jillian necesita es un socio… especialmente un exasperante, irresistible hombre que la hace fantasear con arrancarle la ropa.
¿Puede una inteligente mujer moderna encontrar la felicidad con el hombre más tentador que alguna vez haya conocido? ¿Existe tal cosa como un hombre totalmente monógamo?

[Océano de libros · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jillian Greene trabaja para una agencia cuyo trabajo es tentar a los maridos de las clientas para saber si son fieles o no. Las cosas se complican cuando entre a trabajar el único hombre hasta el momento, el irritante Marcus Brody que traerá de cabeza a nuestra protagonista.
Primer libro de Gena Showalter que leo que no sea de tipo fantástico o paranormal y debo decir que me ha gustado. No es que tenga nada fuera de lo normal que lo diferencie de otras novelas pero creo que gracias a la forma de narrar de la autora, tan sencilla, amena y divertida hace que te lo leas de un tirón.
De momento creo que es un libro único porque no forma parte de ninguna serie pero tiene tantos personajes y trata específicamente algunas historias que parece que podría dar más de un libro, pero no.
Los personajes principales me gustaron mucho porque tanto Jillian como Marcus son de lo que no hay, me encantó ese pique que tienen entre los dos y la química que destilan, me pasé momentos bastante divertidos.
“Oh, sí. Los hombres eran unos cerdos.
Unos eran cochinillos, todo gruñir pero sin morder. Otros eran cerdos-en-formación, que oscilaban en el límite entre el hombre y el marrano. Otros eran Miss Marranos, aquí no es necesaria ninguna explicación. Y otros eran unos cerdos hambrientos, devorándolo todo a su paso.”
Otro de los personajes que me gustaron fue la pareja de Georgia y el hermano de Jillian, Brent, sobre todo él que es un amor.
Y me quedé superintrigada con Jake, el amigo de Marcus, su historia quedó ahí en el olvido, quizás podría haberle dado continuidad.
En definitiva, es un libro bastante divertido, la típica comedia romántica que te hace pasar un rato ameno.

[diana marcela Ballestas · Rating 5 out of 5]

No soy muy dada a la comedia, pero realmente distruteeste libro, y me reí hasta que me dolió el estomago con las sitauciones tal locas que pasaron los protagonistas de este romance.

Me gustó mucho la forma en la que se contó la histaria de los personajes desde diferentes puntos de vista y como se cubrieron todos los posibles angulos sin dejar espacios vacios y manteniendo siempre la historia de forma fluida y atrayente al lector.

[Kaori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book out of pure curiosity. Once I started to read it, I just couldn't put it down. I was laughing so hard that my boyfriend looked at me as if I was out of my mind. I find the plot quite refreshing, giving a twist on the girl-meets-boy plot. I also find curious the characters occupations.

The main characters are engaging with their love you-hate you-kiss me senseless-I'll stab you in your sleep relationship. True that one of the big issues of this book is about their building sexual tension and also focuses on the points of view of both sides regarding relationship matters (fidelity, trust, commitment issues etc) I also liked the mixed first person approach of the story, giving us both sides at the same time.

The story itself is engaging, funny, tug-of-war between sexes, and as much as I liked it as a whole, there are points that could have been polished more. I would have liked that some characters were more defined or given more pages, delved more into the background of some of them etc. Although it does have a happy ending, I sort of found it a bit anti-climatic, as the whole story builds tensions (of the good kind) from the very start, the end was treated as if it was just ended in a hurry. I wouldn't have minded reading an extra 10 pages to have a more satisfactory end.

I do recommend this book, as it's fun to read and makes you laugh a lot and makes you enjoy the time you invest in it.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this years ago but saw the authors name on something and decided to reread it I love this book and really wish we had a book for Jake he truly needs an HEA

[Alba M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 «Dios Vikingo» Stars ⭐️

Ya sabéis a lo que voy: os cuento algo de la historia.

Tenemos a Jillian, una chica que lleva media vida trabajando en "Atrapa a tu pareja" una empresa a la que acuden mujeres que sospechan que sus maridos las engañan. Allí, observan fotos de todas las señuelos (las empleadas de la empresa) y eligen a la que creen que es más el tipo de su marido. El señuelo coqueteará e insinuará al marido infiel para grabar en una cámara las palabras que lo incriminaran como un infiel. Así que, Jillian está quizá un poco resentida con los hombres... bien, más que un poco resentida, los odia a muerte. Su jefa Anne, es más o menos como ella así que todo está bien en el mundo. O lo estaba... sus sospechas empiezan a acumularse cuando un dios vikingo rubio entra al despacho de su jefa.
Y, aquí tenemos a nuestro vikingo, Marcus. Marcus, sin que nadie en la empresa lo sepa, ha comprado "Atrapa a tu pareja" pero Anne no quiere decírselo a nadie, así que cuando Jillian es llamada a la oficina, Marcus finge estar siendo contratado como señuelo. Obviamente Jillian no lo cree porque sus clientas siempre han sido mujeres con maridos infieles pero Marcus asegura que lo contrario también es posible. Así que Jillian vivirá un par de días en la inópia. Lo que no faltará serán las peleas constantes entre Jillian, ahora alias "Hoyuelos" y Marcus alias "dios vikingo/Markie".

Ya nos ha quedado claro que esta es una historia totalmente de amor-odio. Me encantó nada más empezarla. Es divertida y ha tenido escenas que me he reído en voz alta sin poder evitarlo. Iba todo muy bien hasta que nos metimos de lleno en temas serios.

A PARTIR DE AQUÍ CUIDADO CON LOS SPOILERS

Voy a hablar de los temas serios que me han tocado un poco la moral, por así decirlo. Veréis, el padre de Jillian engañó a la madre de esta con la vecina. Así que la pequeña Jillian pilló a su padre con la vecina en la cama pero se calló por no hacer daño a su madre. Veréis en esto hay varias cosas mal:
• Como padre, el padre de Jillian fue un hijo de puta asqueroso y lo digo, en este momento no por el hecho de que haya engañado a su mujer, es que el muy desgraciado se llevaba a Jillian para que jugase con el gato de la vecina ¡mientras él a dos pasos, en la habitación, se tiraba a la vecina! ¿QUE PUTA MIERDA TE PASA POR LA CABEZA? Es que no lo entiendo.
• Obviamente, la madre de Jillian acabó enterándose de todo pero las cosas tuvieron consecuencias nefastas. La madre de Jillian intentó suicidarse y fue la pobre niña quien se encontró a su madre en un charco de sangre (no murió, gracias a Dios). Así que, que alguien me explique porque los hermanos de Jillian fueron capaces de perdonar a este padre, que ya sabia como estaba su mujer de mal (sufría depresión) y le hizo eso. Es decir, si estabas harto de aguantar a tu mujer depresiva, divórciate y vete a vivir la vida, pero haciendo lo que hiciste y sabiendo lo enferma que estaba sabías que iba a provocarle una reacción tan loca. Yo no podría perdonarlo nunca, lo siento.

En cuanto a su padre, esas son mis quejas pero también tengo para Jillian:
Vamos a ver hija de mi vida. A todas nos ha quedado claro que la empresa contrata a tías guapas, con un cuerpo irresistible y todo eso. Todo lo más sexy que sea capaz de atraer a los hombres para comprobar su fidelidad. Cuando firmaste el contrato sabías que cualquier cambio radical en el físico era motivo de despido. Así que me pareció de PERRA CABRONA que te enfades con Marcus por despedir a Georgina. Que si, que me daba pena, pero estaba en el puto contrato y la empresa estaba en números rojos, no puede mantener a alguien que no puede trabajar. Y os preguntaréis ¿y porque no puede trabajar Georgina? Bueno porque la tipa, en plena crisis existencial y borrachera incluida, se cortó el pelo con unas tijeras casi al ras del cuero cabelludo. Eso podríamos pasarlo pero lo que no se puede pasar es ¡que la tipa se afeitó las putas cejas! Esta fatal fatal de la cabeza. Así que me pareció súper egoísta que ella exija a Marcus que no la despida. El hombre tendrá que tirar por la empresa digo yo, encima Jillian lo chantajea en plan "hazlo por mí" y como no lo hizo corta con él. Eso es chantaje emocional en mi pueblo.

FIN DE LOS SPOILERS

Así que, en resumen: es una historia divertida, de esas de amor-odio que tanto gustan. Es rápida y fácil de leer. La recomiendo aún a pesar de las quejas que he dado jajaja 😉

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, Fun Read With Lots of Snark
If you like your romantic comedy with vicious verbal battles and wicked word wars between the leads, then look no further than Showalter's Catch a Mate. Jillian and Marcus have both been hurt in the past by unfaithful people and they both work in the slightly shady world of disclosure, where they act as bait to lure the spouses and lovers of suspicious wives, husbands, boyfriends, and girlfriends who think their significant other is cheating on them. While their jobs may be a perfect fit for their jaundiced hearts, it's starting to damage their cooling, bitter souls, but when one self-professed man-hater and one man who thinks all women fall into three nasty categories go head to head the sparks start to fly, the insults sling, and the arousal spikes out of control. When waspish, barbed comments are foreplay and the lines between hate and lust blur, watch out, because much hilarity ensues.

While this is a delightful romp and should by no means be taken seriously, I surely wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who's uncomfortable with or dislikes a lot of smack talking between their romantic leads, because the sweet scenes are few and far between in Catch a Mate. This is a book that isn't for everyone, I don't think, but I had no problem with it at all and I thought it was a riot. Sure it's a bit predictable, and sure both lead characters act like immature and spiteful children at times (Lillian more than Marcus), but it's a brain candy book that's supposed to be brain candy and doesn't aspire to much beyond that. This is chick lit romantic comedy to the nth power and that's something at which Showalter excels. Personally, I would have enjoyed the book a little more if there hadn't been the threads of serious issues, issues like Jillian's obviously mentally ill mother and the deeply traumatic scars from her childhood. Like her best friend Georgia's borderline-pathological self esteem and love issues. I also would have preferred a slightly more diverse book, a book that included more of the ancillary characters - Marcus' friends/male bait and the women at CAM. And Jake desperately needs his own book. He deserves it.

I will say the one thing about Catch a Mate that did really bother me was a scene at the end where Marcus is called to Jake's place. The ensuing scene was short and abrupt, and honestly, had their been more time and attention given to it, I think it would've raised Catch a Mate from a four to a five star read for me, because that moment in a romantic comedy is always the paramount moment. It was a little too quick and abrupt for me to really revel in it. Still, I did very much enjoy this read. Showalter didn't disappoint.

~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

[Missy (Missy's Reads & Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that, besides her paranormal Lords of the Underworld series, I've never read any of her other works. If you've read any posts on my blog the past few weeks, you'll know I've mentioned LotU a few times - even in comments on other blogs. Why? I abso-freaking-lutely love the Lords series! I picked up the first one on a whim and haven't looked back since.

But I was always hesitant to read any other type of romance books other than paranormal. I don't really have a problem with other people reading them, I just always associated them with middle-aged housewives who read while tanning and drinking mixed cocktails. Nothing wrong with that - my mom and aunt fit under that category - I just didn't think it was for me. I was wrong!

Like the Lords, I picked this one up on a whim. The cover got my attention, along with seeing that it was written by Gena Showalter. I loved her writing style in LotU, so I assumed her writing would be similar with her other books. A few hours later, I started reading and didn't stop until I was done. I was absolutely hooked!

The premise of the book from the blurb was promising enough. A girl, Jillian, who was paid to go flirt with men and catch them trying to cheat on their wives. She's good at her job and, given her history, it's a nice perk to catch them in the act so she can tell their wives what kind of men they really are. Enter Marcus, Jillian's male counterpart. From the very beginning, it's bad blood between them - spoiler ahead! - and even worse when Jillian finds out Marcus is her new boss. Throughout most of the book, their relationship can best be described as love/hate, kiss me/I want to kill you - type relationship. But, then again, I think that's what makes a great story.

As mentioned earlier, I love Showalter's writing style. It's nice and smooth, just the way I like it. The characters have their own unique voice and personality, which is a big plus for books. I also loved the character interactions, mainly Jillian and Marcus - the witty dialogue made me laugh out loud many times ... much to my husband's dismay, who was playing video games at the time. The ending sealed up the package nicely.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review by Jen:
Jillian doesn't trust men. She watched her dad cheat on her mom and then got a job catching cheating husbands and boyfriends. So, when Marcus becomes her partner at work and she can't stop fantasizing about him, she's not sure what to do if she can't trust herself.

I'm having trouble putting my thoughts about this book into words. I found the plot interesting, but I think it's the characters that ruined this book for me. Gena Showalter has a good concept by starting with a company that catches cheaters and having two main characters that find it hard to trust when it comes to romantic relationships. I can't exactly put my finger on what didn't work for me. The romance was developed. I think I just couldn't care about the characters and that is a big turn off for me. It's a well written book, and I'll probably try another one by Ms. Showalter, but Catch A Mate just fell flat for me.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that this story shows how hard is to trust someone. I have trust issues. So...
Cheating is a bitch. It's everywhere.
I liked the romance but there was a lot of hate... I actually hated him at some point. I didn't like that.
Whatever, it was okay. (So hot)

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read so many Gena Showalter books over the years and this was my first just plain contemporary romance from her. I wasn't sure how it would go and was curious particularly when I read the blurb and discovered what it was about. And after closing the book, I felt that it was fun, sad, and heartwarming all wrapped up in one.

Jillian Greene works for a company who has the dirty job of discovering the fidelity of spouses and significant others for ladies who just want to know if they're being cheated on. For some this would be just a job, but for Jillian who thinks all men are lying, cheating pigs, its almost a calling. Jillian and her friend, Georgia, along with a few other women are 'bait' for the would-be cheaters who wear hidden mikes and catch all the evidence for the poor woman involved. She loves her job and plans to purchase the company when her boss retires, but all that changes when Marcus Brody arrives in the office like a fox set into a hen house. Marcus and Jillian clash from the moment they lock eyes. Unfortunately, clashing isn't all they do because both are strongly attracted too. Both the snarky vitriol and the attraction ramp up high when Jillian learns that Marcus is being brought on and will also be her new partner for her next job.

Marcus can't believe his reaction to Jillian. He now owns the company and will be Jillian's boss though she doesn't know it yet. His calm and cool go out the window and professional behavior...pfft. That's gone too. Jillian's man-hater attitude just turns him on more just as his provoking comments rev her up. They're like fire and gasoline together which only burns hotter when the reveals both professional and personal begin. Can they just keep it to the no-strings attached or are they in danger of letting the other past their long established guard?

There is a side story with Georgia and Jillian's brother, Brent along with the family story line for Jillian that wove through the thing she had going with Marcus.

The plot on this one explored a few different themes that included a heated romance between Jillian and Marcus, but also it included the character growth that both needed, mostly Jillian, so that wounds from the past can heal. It was obvious to me from the beginning that Jillian was a very damaged woman and why, but it took most of the book for her to realize it and start to do something about it. It says a lot about the writing that I was able to patiently wait for Jillian. Marcus was gun shy too, but his thing was more of a person who had suppressed feelings and just needed to take a chance again.
I'm not one for excessive snark between characters when they're in denial, but both these characters seemed to treat it like flirting and foreplay so I just shook my head and read on. Have to admit that this seemed to really work for them because they could barely keep their hands and everything else off each other much of the time.
The thing with Jillian and her dad was the litmus test of the story because in the beginning she absolutely hates him wanting nothing to do with him and this gradually changes as she really starts to look at things more objectively. Cheating and how it affects people is very much the focus of this book. Its a sad and sobering issue underlying the plot. This story also offers hope that those hurt by it can get a fresh chance for happiness.

So in the end, I found this a piece that showcased the flexibility of Gena Showalter's talent as a writer by tackling a serious subject while infusing the story with hope, fun and passion- an enjoyable read. I would recommend this one to Ms. Showalter's fans, but also those who enjoy flirty and spicy contemporary romance.

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 35% . I wasn’t a fan of the couple.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have just finished this book and i have to say it so intresting.I really loved this book because i liked how when they would fight and it would turn on marcus (the hero) and it would also turn on jillian (the heroin) but back to the summary. marcus and jillian hate each other in the beginning and they would always have these fights about who is better female or male? in my opinion females but anyway they both have been scarred in the past by someone they cared for. jillian thinks all men are pigs because she had caught her father cheating on her mother at age 7 and when she didnt tell her mother she then found out and tried to kill herself and jillian found her she was still 7 and she always blamed herself. ever since then she never trusted men and since she works as a person who catches people cheating she always thinks that is what men do always. marcus has a different story he is a male version of jillian he thinks all women are cheaters and always will be because of his ex-wife. he found out she cheated and tried to beg her back but he didnt do it because he loved her no he did it because of his pride but since then he was always thinking the worst of women. but after meeting jillian and when these two fires hit it ignites to a night of drunken passion and soons turns to more. in my opinion this book was hilarous,romantic, and wonderful but a word of caution i do not recomend this book to people who dont like erotic romances i mean i've read worst books than that but warning: this book includes hot rough sex a, great makeout scenes and great swearing. i just love this book!!

[Baylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gena Showalter è una delle autrici alle quali ricorro quando ho voglia di farmi qualche sana risata ed è il motivo per cui mi piace così tanto.
Quindi ho iniziato a leggere Audaci fantasie con certe aspettative, che sono state – purtroppo – in gran parte deluse. Credo che questo dipenda da due fattori.

In primis, le battute di spirito. La Showalter ne è maestra, ma qui le ho trovate trite e ritrite e tutte in linea con Gli uomini sono tutti maiali. Alcune sono divertenti (soprattutto quelle che segnano l'inizio di ogni capitolo), ma alla lunga il leitmotiv è logorante.

Poi i protagonisti non mi sono entrati sottopelle. Jillian è una donna profondamente delusa e sfiduciata verso gli uomini a causa del tradimento del padre nei confronti di sua madre, ma questo aspetto, per quanto emerga spesso nella narrazione, non colpisca come dovrebbe il lettore. Mi è sembrato «annegare» nelle battutine contro il sesso opposto che Jillian e Marcus, il protagonista maschile, si scambiano/rinfacciano.
Lo stesso si può dire di Marcus, lasciato dalla ex per un medico panciuto e più vecchio. L'analisi del suo rapporto con la ex emerge qua e là, ma non riesce a far presa nella mente del lettore. E tutto questo ostacola l'empatia, facendo risultare il romanzo scialbo.

Molto divertente – e in perfetto stile Showalter – il personaggio di Georgia, migliore amica di Jillian, che si rasa a zero capelli e sopracciglia per vedere se il suo spasimante è capace di amarla e apprezzarla lo stesso.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catch a Mate is such a feel good book that anyone who reads it will have a smile on their face throughout the whole story. This books has it all- comedy, lusting, childhood crushes and excellent sex scenes with well written characters. Gena Showalter has written an incredible lighthearted book that had a laugh a minute.

Jillian works for Catch a Mate which is a service women go to basically catch their mate trying to cheat on them. Jillian loves to work there because she is in essence a true man hater because of her father who cheated on her mother when she was younger. Marcus, who is the male counterpart to Jillian who thinks women are evil because of his horrible ex-wife. He buys the business she works for and let me tell you, the sparks fly. The start out having a verbal hate relationship, but in reality it covers their lust filled gazes for each other. Can you imagine what happens next?

There are also a secondary cast of characters that will have you wishing for their own stories. We have Jillian's best friend who was an ugly duckling in school who had a big crush on Jillian's brother. Their little romance is adorable and the total opposite to Jillian's and Marcus's, which is very hot.

If you want a book that will cheer you up about love and finding the right mate for you, you must read this one. There are not enough words that can describe this wonderful, funny read. A little loopy yes, but by the end you will feel so good about yourself and this story.

[Nerski · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favourite of all of GS books which is too bad because I usually completely adore them.
I found the main character to be an idiot who's supposed to be a cynic career woman but is instead a weak-willed vapid nymph who thinks with her panties and the hero is supposed to be an alpha businessman with hidden depths who is instead a complete assh*** who acts like a teenager in post prom heat, is begging for workplace harrassment case and has all the depth of a kiddie pool.
I tried to like this book; I thought the premise sounded really good. but I just couldn't get into it. The whole book was nothing but a bunch of horny idiots spinning in circles trying to get together when one honest conversation on their parts (and this applies to the main and secondary romances) would have put them together from the beginning and made the whole book null.
And the bit at the end, where the woman who was her boss and friend decides to go behind Jillian's back and sell the company and Jillian's baby to a stranger and a male and place all her financial and business independance in the hands of someone she's never met all in the name of helping Jillian be happy? Bitch please.
I know this review is coming off as a rant and I think that my disappointment stems from that I KNOW GS is an excellent author with many many beautiful and powerful romances and this book was just trite and beneath her.

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catch a Mate by Gena Showalter is HILARIOUS.

For every chapter, there was a really funny quote. The quotes itself made me pause because I just had to laugh out really loud.

This is the first book of Gena Showalter that I tried outside the Lords of the Underworld series, and I can say that this book is pretty entertaining.

Jillian Greene is "bait". She is working for an agency which captures husbands philandering to show the wives, to prove that men cannot be trusted. Jillian has been working hard and planned on buying the "CATCH A MATE" agency from Anne.

Marcus Brody, is actually the new owner of Catch A Mate. But he introduces himself as bait, just insinuating that the business is expanding by catering to male clientele too.

Both Jillian and Marcus have intense trust issues. Jillian's father has cheater on her mother and she had caught them. Meanwhile, Marcus has been left for another man by his wife. However, they cannot deny the sizzling chemistry between them.

Catch a Mate is a very good book. The romance aspect was realistic. This book has just convinced me to try Gena Showalter's other contemporary non-paranormal romances. :D

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a whim at the library. I was looking for something corny to read and I thought this would be a fun one. It turned out that it wasn't what I expected at all. It was quite good. The dialogue was great and the chapter headings were pick up lines and some of those lines were far out there and pretty funny and it made me wonder if people actually tried to use them?? Most likely they did because the author did a lot of research in bars - or so says her bio. Anyway. Books like these make me hope that true love truly can be found - in a week even - if ever and that there are soul mates out there for every person. I liked that the characters weren't weak or wishy-washy. I have a hard time with weak Heroines. Jillian was NOT a weak character at all. Marcus - the hero - was an equal match. I wish Gena Showalter would write Jake's story now. I'd like to see him with a "happily ever after." And when you start talking about characters in books like you KNOW them...well it's gotta be a good book then right? LOL

[Issa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ Page 90 I thought this would be cute and quirky but it was simply infuriating. Jillian Greene is a man hater. Marcus Brody is a woman hater. Jillian's hate is a little easier to swallow because while she has no respect for men, she responds in kind to Marcus's hate more than pushing her own on him. But it's a thin line. Marcus is jerk. Jillian's boss sells the company Jillian has wanted to buy to Marcus behind her back because, well I guess because Jillian needs a magical male appendage to solve all her woes and the boss has chosen Marcus's. Not boss of the year. So Marcus owns the company, meets Jillian, is highly attracted to her, and to keep from acting on it treats her like crap so she hates him and won't come on to him. Yes, his attraction is her fault. He of course keeps the fact he's her boss secret. No sexual harassment issues there (eye roll).

Just cannot spend any more time on this thing.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Gena Showalter’s books so I thought that this book would also be one that I would like. I was disappointed in this book. I couldn’t finish this book. This book started out slow and I thought it would get better and pick up the pace further into the book, but that didn’t happen. It was hard to reed a book where the characters clearly didn’t like each other, belittled each other, and got aroused wile trash talking to each other. I could tell that the woman was a man hater and the man was a woman hater, but they both got sexually excited when they were rood and mean to each other. After about the 4th chapter I could not stand reading any more of their trash talking to each other, and stopped reading the book. I would not recommend this book.

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 out of 5 stars. Don't let the rating fool you ... it was a really good book ... cute. I mean I loved all of the characters! Main and secondary stories were awesome! However ... the ending ruined it for me .... it felt like Gena tried to wrap everything up to fast. Yet I don't know how it could have been written any better either. Which is sad since I liked it right up until there was about a quarter left in the book. =0(

Read more of this review here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/01/ive-found-reason-for-me-to-change-who-i.html

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up enjoying this book. The beginning was a little off putting with all the male bashing (not that they don’t deserve it once in a while), but once Marcus and Jillian met and started trading insults everything fell into place nicely.

My only complaint/wish is that Jillian’s brother Brent and Georgia would have gotten their own book. I would have liked to see them with a longer story to their happy ending.

[Aldara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jillian Green se dedica a atrapar hombres mentirosos... Esos que engañan a sus mujeres... Marcus se dedica a atrapar mujeres que mienten a los pocos hombres buenos... Y se enamoran que les puedo decir la historia pasa como en 3 semanas... Pero esas 3 semanas manejan las emociones como si fueran más tiempo bueno al menos para mi... Me gusto como libro de un ratito esos que lees mientras no sabes que leer... Me gusto.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

¡Lo amé!
Ame la idea tan original del libro, y
amé completamente a Marcus.

Pero, mi única pega es el tiempo en el que
'se enamoran' los protagonistas, solo pasan dos
días y es como: 'Dios, la amo es el amor de mi vida.'

Eso me contradijo un poco, pero la trama, los diálogos,
todo eso, lo amé. Y sobre todo los títulos, todos me hacían
reír. Fantástico libro.

4/5