THE BACK-UP PLAN is a running joke between sparring law partners. Kristen Grey is a driven lawyer, and has always been married to her work. Her partner in the firm, Jason Mitchell, is a rogue and a playboy. They are the same age, and have been law partners for over 14 years. Neither has had a long-term or satisfying relationship. Five years previously, on Kristen's 35th birthday bash at a popular night spot, she bemoans the fact that she is closing in on forty, and would really like to be married. Jason whips out a cocktail napkin and writes an impromptu legal document stating that if neither of them are married or in a serious relationship by the time they reach forty, they will be each others 'back-up plan'. They both laugh, and life goes on in the same manner as before.

THE BACK-UP PLAN jumps forward five years, and it is New Year's Eve, just seven months away from Kristen's fortieth birthday. She is still alone, and has become quite lonely. Kristen wants to be part of a relationship leading to marriage. In desperation, she asks the horn dog Jason to help her find a man to settle down with. Kristen lists her priorities in a man, and Jason promises to help hook her up with a decent prospect. For her part, Kristen is to help Jason find a solid partner suitable for marriage, and they set each other up with a variety of dates. Unfortunately, whatever woman Kristen brings to Jason, he picks apart and tosses aside without giving them a chance. As to the men Jason brings to meet Kristen, they are almost always far from the ideal man that Kristen is looking for, almost like he doesn't want her to meet a nice man.

Finally, Kristen lucks out. Jason has hooked her up with a doctor, a man who seems to meet all her requirements. They begin a relationship, taking it very slowly as they get to know each other better. Jason is incensed and jealous, and begins a campaign to break the relationship up. He is beginning to realize what Kristen has been unable to, that they are no 'back-up plan'. They could possibly be the real thing for each other if Jason could just get Kristen to look further than his playboy past to see that they should be together.

THE BACK-UP PLAN is the fourth book in Mari Carr's Second Chances series; but is written as a standalone story, and quite sweet. Watching Kristen and Jason sabotage each others dates brings a grin to the readers face. Seeing them slowly begin to see each other in a new light puts an even bigger smile on the readers face. THE BACK-UP PLAN is a fun romp, sexy and intriguing; and a romantic treat for all of Mari Carr's fans.

Reviewed by - Rachel Williams

Book Summary

Kristen Grey has always been married to her work, but as her fortieth birthday looms, she begins to wonder if that’s all there is to life. When her friend Zoey suggests she come up with a goal for a second chance at happiness, the first idea to pop into Kristen’s mind falls out of her mouth—to find a husband.

One night, after a few too many shots of vodka, it falls out of her mouth again, in front of the last man she wants to hear it. Her annoying, cocky law partner, Jason Mitchell. She’s shocked when he vows to help in her quest to find a man.

After all, he has a vested interest in her success. Years ago, they foolishly made a pact that if they hadn’t found “the one” by age forty, they’d marry each other. Time is running out.

Problem is, as Jason and Kristen try to help each other find love, it becomes more and more apparent that maybe the back- up plan isn’t such a bad option after all.

Warning: The heroine in this story has no objection to how her law partner likes to recess. Legal eagle? Nope. Spread eagle.