Fresh out of college, Lindsay is back home in London, trying to avoid applying for jobs and happily taking care of her father while living large with his hefty bank accounts. She's selfish, self-centered and just a little bit mean. She loves her father dearly, and she thinks nothing of an all-day shopping spree on his charge cards. Lindsay also actively protects him from women who want to marry him for his money.

Three previous fiancées have been dealt with efficiently, but with her dad's wedding to his personal trainer, Karen, looming, Lindsay must take action. With help from her best friend, Gemma, Lindsay offers to take Karen on a "hen" weekend to Ibiza, an extended bachelorette party in which hopefully Karen will do something embarrassing or compromising that Lindsay can use to break up the happy couple before their wedding. When things go terribly wrong, Lindsay might be arrested, the wedding is called off and everyone involved is completely miserable. Can THE MATCHBREAKER use her sneaky skills to reunite her dad and Karen after all?

Chris Manby pulls off a difficult transition here, creating a main character the reader will loathe for most of the book, but then writing a satisfying and redeeming conclusion. Lindsay's transformation is long overdue, but believably written. Manby's creative plotting helps the reader anticipate Lindsay's change in attitude without revealing how it will be accomplished. Surprising given the title, but THE MATCHBREAKER is all about finding real relationships and appreciating true love.

Book Summary

Hell hath no fury like a bridesmaid in an ugly dress...

Thrilled isn't the word for how Lindsey Parker feels when her widowed father announces his plans to marry his personal trainer, Karen. The devoted daddy's girl has already scared off three former fiances, and the new one's got to go too-if for no other reason than her appalling taste in bridesmaids' gowns.

Lindsey's driven to do something pretty drastic, and nearly manages to kill Karen. Fortunately, while her botched attempt at homicide fails, it does succeed in driving Karen away-along with her hideous velour tracksuits. The trouble is, Dad is genuinely crushed. Now, with a change of heart, Lindsey's on the road to something close to redemption.