Love Spell (Paperback), ISBN 0505524058
Meredith's Wish shines a light on corporate America with a magical twist. Karen Lee's debut novel paints a grim picture of magical beings, a.k.a. genies, facing downsizing and reorganization. Meanwhile, in the corporeal plane, corporate politics turns into fierce competition for the corner office and promotion.

Jim, a djinn with good looks and lots of sex appeal, resides not in the genie lamps of the olden days but in a cell phone. What better place to call home since hi-tech gadgetry replaced all that was once whimsical and magical? But in order to keep his job as a genie, Jim must prove his worth. Unfortunately for Jim, the chairman of the djinni board selects him to prove his worth to Meredith Montgomery.

Dedicated, career-minded, Meredith shines in her profession as marketing whiz. Boyfriends earn a distant second place. This arrangement of her personal life works until her boss issues a challenge to Meredith and her top rival in the company. Each competitor gets assigned to a problem account. Meredith's client, the ruler of a small European principality, prefers to work with married women, because of a long-standing cultural tradition. This presents a major challenge for Meredith, especially since she cannot bear to contemplate losing her promotion to the creep.

Fresh out of suitors, Meredith ponders the situation, envisioning what her perfect man would be: "tall, muscular with black hair and dancing dark eyes." Jim answers the call with a grand entrance in an Armani suit. Disbelieving at first, she cautiously acknowledges her new assistant's presence and, when things turn desperate, asks Jim to play her new husband. Together they commit to the cause while enjoying a roller coaster ride of new emotions and experiences. Meredith and Jim fall in love despite the risks mortal/genie love entails.

Strong imagery and delightful descriptions invite the reader to experience the exciting and downright tantalizing options offered by owning a genie. Karen Lee writes with a witty, quirky voice, which fills the scenes with humor and snappy dialogue. Meredith's Wish does not disappoint with its message that true love is stronger than any magic. Keep an eye on Lee. She definitely looks like a writer to watch.

Meanwhile, I think I'll follow Meredith's lead and dial "YO GENIE!"

Michelle Monkou

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