Problem with Love (Sweet Dreams)

Somehow Rosemary Vernon must have missed the day in 8th grade English when the teacher went over plot construction. That would seem to be the only explanation for the uneven pacing and utterly anti-climactic ending of her otherwise rather enjoyable novel, "The Problem With Love". There is no problem with characterization; it's quite refreshing, in fact, to find a heroine who isn't a school nerd, a goody two shoes, or a wallflower in desperate need of a makeover and a shot of self confidence. In fact, main character Cathy Meyers is actually popular, and even seems oddly reminiscent of so many of the over-simplified pretty, flirtatious villains with whom the plain Jane heroine is normally vying for the attentions of the resident dreamboat. The role reversal works perfectly, with vivacious Cathy struggling to make an impression on studious John Crowley, whom her parents hired as a math tutor to help with Cathy's less than stellar algebra grade. The physical and emotional tension between Cathy and John is electric in spots, and John's quiet dignity is a pleasant contrast to the typical jocks and hunks that are so often the object of desire in these novels. The dialogue is sharp, the humor is clever, and the teen flippancy Cathy displays is spot-on. The only real drawback is how the narrative rolls smoothly for most of the novel and then grinds to a sudden halt, with an ending that seems rushed and blasé. These characters deserved a better ending than the one they got.

Cathy is the prettiest and most popular girl at school. She is lots of fun, has lots of friends and boyfriends, and can always be expected to show up at parties. The only problem is that she is failing Math and her parents have hired her a tutor, quiet and handsome John. Cathy loves a challenge and John's annoyance with her obvious flirting makes her even more determined to win him. Will it work? Hint: Cathy learns a lesson in growing up. This isn't an overly deep book; but it is kind of corny and sweet-- fun to read