He Loves Lucy

Thirty-year-old marketing executive Lucy Cunningham has come up with a brilliant campaign for Palm Club, the hottest fitness club in Miami. Cashing in on the reality television craze, she arranges for an obese person to be assigned a personal trainer at Palm Club. For every pound this individual loses in the next year, they receive a thousand dollars and so does the trainer. The catch-the candidate and the trainers progress will be followed on Wake Up Miami, a popular morning television show. Lucy's boss bullies her into being the candidate. Her boss is incompetent, oppressive, and verbally abusive, but the job market keeps his employees from quitting. At first she refuses, but upon further consideration realizes she could use the 100 grand (yep, she needs to lose a hundred pounds) to start her own firm. Now she is determined to succeed. When Lucy enters the club for the first time-surrounded by the beautiful, thin, famous people of Miami-she wants to drown herself in Milk Duds. In steps thirty-two-year-old Theo Redmond, trainer extraordinaire, who soon puts her at ease. As time passes, she learns he is much more than a pretty face and excellent kisser. Three years ago, Theo Redmond's parents were killed in a boating accident, resulting in Theo dropping out of medical school to raise his little brother, a child who happens to have Down's Syndrome. With the money he can raise by helping Lucy lose the weight, he plans to return to medical school. He soon finds that Lucy's eating and exercise habits aren't the only things packing the weight on her. Lucy's fight, sense of humor, intelligence and, yes, beauty tie Theo in knots. His past pains and present time constraints make him hesitant about having a relationship with her, but the love he feels for her won't allow him to walk away. If you are in a bad mood, having an awful day, or just need a good laugh, read HE LOVES LUCY. Susan Donavan's comical writing style was fun without making fun. I enjoyed reading about a successful, intelligent, beautiful heroine who didn't fit into the size six package society's beauty standards seem to be found in. When I began reading, I worried that Ms. Donavan would hedge on the sexual tension-let's say that I was pleasantly surprised. For a well-rounded, entertaining romance, pick up a copy of HE LOVES LUCY. Reviewed by Deatri King-Bey of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I love this book so much. I read it and I couldn't help but think "Finally,the big girl is getting the man of her dreams". Not only is Lucy Cunningham gonna get paid $1,000 dollars for every pound she loses but she's being trained by the sweet,heart of gold having,gorgeous Theo Redmond. I loved the interaction between Lucy and Theo from when she chokes on a Milk Dud until the very end of the story. He doesn't fall in love with her instantly but he does see the person that's inside first. I love how Theo takes care of Buddy,his brother with Down Syndrome,trains him for the Special Olympics,trains Lucy and helps her deal with all her issues. All the while keeping his dreams of being a doctor alive by studying for his re-entrance exam to medical school. Lucy in turn,while losing all this weight,helps Theo open his heart helping him to believe that he's not meant to be closed off from love. Lucy was a great character all the way around. I loved how funny she was,she was quick witted and very determined to lose as many pounds as she could to realize her own dream of starting her own business. This book is filled with a wonderful cast of characters including: supermodel Gia,Tyson,Theo's best friend and the man who is forever flirting with Lucy,and her nutty,lovable family. While there are those who would want nothing more than to have Lucy fail,she comes out on top,getting everything she's always wanted.

Just picked up her new book and read it in one sitting. I loved it and howled at a lot of it. A 5'7" female marketing exec who weighs 230 pounds gets a health and fitness center client and comes up with a marketing scheme for them. She will lose 100 pounds in 1 year and it will be covered by the local Miami tv station. She and her personal trainer (hunk) will each get $1000 for every pound she loses. I was laughing so hard during the first 6 pages of the book (scene had to do with milk duds) I had tears running down my face. The scene was so funny! I found the book warm and funny and the author handled weight loss, human struggle issues, and being overweight issues in a sensitive way. The book was very encouraging, touched my heart, and a book I really enjoyed.

Susan Donovan has written another touching, funny gem in He Loves Lucy. Lucy Cunningham has landed a top account for her companies PR firm. It's the Palm Club account, but there is a catch. Lucy must put her hands into a personal trainer, Theo Redmond. For each pound lost, Theo and Lucy will receive a bonus of 1k per pound. Lucy's goal is 100 pounds in one year's time. Lucy falls in love at first sight, though their first meeting has Theo reviving her. (Hysterical) She puts those feelings aside since she thinks hunky Theo would never go for her frumpy self. Theo had put his medical career on hold when his parents died leaving him to care for his brother. He plans on using the cash bonus to go back to school. Theo knows he has his work cut out with anti-exercise, milk dud eating Lucy. But he sees in her the real woman of his dreams. Lucy and Theo are a match made in Heaven. Each has been hurt by love in the past, so taking a leap of faith is a struggle. This book really struck a cord with me, most of us are Lucy or know a Lucy. I loved Lucy and Theo's witty exchanges and how they fought their feelings. But lord when they gave in, it was sizzling. This book is a keeper and a treasure. ___