THE SLEEPING BEAUTY PROPOSAL

Dissed girlfriend exacts revenge on her ungrateful lover.

It’s a standard mismatch in literary relationships: cocky, hot boyfriends paired with faithful, mousy girlfriends. These ubiquitous rogues take the love and support of their women for granted. Boston Admissions Counselor Genie Michaels is no exception. For four years, she’s supported her English Literature professor boyfriend, Hugh, as he struggled to complete his first novel. She’s given him pep talks, free editorial services and her undying devotion. Mostly Genie feels lucky to have landed such a handsome and erudite lover. Genie’s dealt a blow when Hugh hits it big with his debut. While on his publicity tour, he unceremoniously dumps Genie for another woman, and she learns of the betrayal when he proposes to this mysterious minx during a Barbara Walters interview. Thanks to a pugnacious friend, Genie decides to turn her adversity into opportunity. Since Hugh never goes public with his fiancée’s name, Genie convinces her friends and family that she was the recipient of Hugh’s on-air proposal. She revels in the bride-to-be glow. She blossoms under all the attention and starts to make changes. In addition to getting in shape and buying fancy undies, she vows to get out of her cramped apartment and into a beautiful new home. That’s where Nick, a hunky carpenter, comes into play. Genie’s brother tries to convince Genie to purchase the home he and Nick are renovating. Sparks fly in this “love at first sight” pairing. But just as Genie seems on the path to happiness, Hugh comes back into the picture. The now sexy Genie finally has some intriguing romantic options. The plot’s not much, but Strohmeyer (The Cinderella Pact, 2006, etc.) succeeds in crafting Genie into an underdog worthy of sympathy. In the end, this plucky girl deserves a Prince Charming.

Pleasing, predictable modern fairy tale.