Dream Guy

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY DEC 13, 2004

When Annie Long's boyfriend dumps her via videotape, a brilliant idea comes to her: if the perfect man doesn't exist, she'll create him. Halliday's modern-day Pygmalion fairy tale immediately turns techno, as Annie just happens to design video games for a living. Her boss, Matt, is less than thrilled with her outline for Joe Video, a man who always listens, doesn't steal the remote and even helps you discover your sensual side, but his disdain doesn't stop Joe Video from going over big with the corporate powers that be. Annie's triumph proves hard for Matt to swallow, especially since she has made it clear that Matt himself is far from the perfect man. True, he's looking for fun and she wants commitment, but that doesn't stop him from feeling territorial when the gorgeous guy she selects to play Joe Video starts putting the moves on her. As for Annie, the perfect guy doesn't make her heart race nearly as fast as her grumpy boss. This fun but far-fetched romp abounds with clich s the flamboyantly gay best friend, the gruff but lovable guy and his straight-shooting mother-figure/housekeeper, the corporate bigwig whose mantra is "sales are sales are sales," etc. Those looking for conventional thrills and instant gratification, however, may find this a good match.