The Not-So-Perfect Man - by Valerie Frankel (Paperback)

About the Book

Stunned when she is left widowed and a single mother after being happily married, Frieda Schast discovers that it is difficult to plunge back into the dating game.

Book Synopsis

In Valerie Frankel's witty novel, a single mother must choose between "the perfect man" or the imperfect one who seems oh-so-right for her.

The decree has been set. It's time to find Frieda Schast a man....

As far as her family and friends are concerned, Frieda has been the grieving widow for long enough. At 35, she's still (relatively) young, still (adequately) attractive. Her sex drive is very much alive; even Frieda admits she'd like to put it to use again. Besides, she has a son who certainly needs a father figure. With visions of the perfect second husband in mind, Frieda's sisters start to send eligible males in her direction.

Big sister Ilene has found the ultimate unattached catch: a gorgeous, independently wealthy, successful, divorced father, pillar of society and paragon of potential. What more could a single mom ask for? Apparently a lot more than loved ones realize. Frieda's own efforts bear very tasty fruit. Sam is young, talented, devoted, and incredibly sexy--though broke, only sporadically employed, and clueless about kids. But he makes Frieda feel brand-spanking-new, in a most wonderfully wanton way. When all is said and done, does Frieda really need the "perfect man"...or the far-from-ideal man who's perfect for her?

From the Back Cover

As far as her family and friends are concerned, Frieda has been the grieving widow for long enough. At 35, she's still (relatively) young, still (adequately) attractive. Her sex drive is very much alive; even Frieda admits she'd like to put it to use again. Besides, she has a son who certainly needs a father figure. With visions of the perfect second husband in mind, Frieda's sisters start to send eligible males in her direction.

Big sister Ilene -- herself substantially married -- has found the ultimate unattached catch: a gorgeous, independently wealthy, successful, divorced father, pillar of society and paragon of potential. What more could a single mom ask for? Apparently a lot more than loved ones realize. Frieda's own efforts bear very tasty fruit. Sam is young, talented, devoted, and incredibly sexy -- though broke, only sporadically employed, and clueless about kids. But he makes Frieda feel brand-spanking-new, in a most wonderfully wanton way. When all is said and done, does Frieda really need the "perfect man" ... or the far-from-ideal man who's perfect for her?

Review Quotes

"Frankel's wit and playfulness make the tale scroll right along." - Publishers Weekly on The Accidental Virgin
Praise for The Accidental Virgin: "Stacey Temple's adventures are often laugh-out-loud funny, making it impossible not to root for Frankel's plucky, determined heroine." - Booklist on The Accidental Virgin
"Amusing farce, with pearls of urban wisdom and some great zingers." - Kirkus Reviews on The Accidental Virgin
"Valerie Frankel knows how to create a wicked, sexy story." - Ottawa Citizen
Praise for Hex and the Single Girl: "Had me laughing to the last magical page." - Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries
"Glib and funny, Frankel's always wickedly entertaining." - People
"If you underestimate any of the characters in Smart Vs. Pretty, then you do so at your own peril." - Andrew Postman, author of Now I Know Everything
"Sexy, yes. Smart, yes. Funny, yes." - Laura Lippman
Praise for The Girlfriend Curse: "Another humorous, crowd-pleasing romp." - Booklist
Praise for I Take This Man: "Reading a novel by Valerie Frankel is like hanging out with your favorite and funniest friend." - Melissa Senate
"Smart Vs. Pretty is blithe, sly, and hip-and wicked enough to be really fun." - Marcelle Clements, author of The Improvised Woman: Single Women Reinventing Single Life
Praise for Smart Vs. Pretty: "Charming and highly entertaining. A must-read for anyone who has a sister." - Candace Bushnell, author of Sex in the City