Ain't Too Proud to Beg    by Susan Donovan Order:  USA  Can St. Martin's, 2009 (2009) Paperback     Reviewed by Martina Bexte Feature writer Josie Sheehan doesn't have a great track record with men; she's lost count of the number of losers she's dated, lived with, or actually considered marrying. So she and three of her equally romance challenged friends and co-workers make a vow that has them all swearing off men for life. They're convinced they'll be perfectly content embracing the uncomplicated affection of their loyal dogs. But some advice from an eighty-seven-year old widow leaves Josie with second thoughts. As per Mrs. Needleman's instructions, Josie makes a list outlining the attributes of her perfect man and then sends it out to the universe. Within days, she's smitten by the sexy CEO of a successful pet franchise, but feels unable to come clean with her friends about breaking her vow. Rick Rousseau's formative years were spent partying and falling into bed with any willing woman. Then a wild, late night motorcycle ride kills his girlfriend and leaves Rick questioning his mortality. After months recovering from his injuries, he immerses himself in new business ventures and embraces celibacy. All bets are off, however, the moment he sets eyes on Josie as she leads her ungainly mutt Genghis into his pet store for a free haircut. Despite warnings from Teeny (Rick's best friend and bodyguard) that Josie and her cadre of snoopy reporter friends could be trouble (especially if they dig into his sordid past), Rick forges ahead. He knows he's found the woman of his dreams, but as fate would have it, his past catches up with him. Now it's not only Rick who is caught in the crosshairs of an old enemy out to avenge his daughter's death, but Josie as well. Despite too many subplots overshadowing the progression of Rick and Josie's rather hurried love story, this frothy and often hilarious romance will keep you entertained. Josie and Rick ultimately find their happy ending despite her interfering friends, his overly vigilant bodyguard, and a killer whose heart really isn't in his appointed task. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews