After his long-term crush and co-worker Nikki Coleman throws ice water in his face, Mitchell Stone gives up the frustrating Chicago dating scene to play the field as a philandering, womanizing "dog" in Robinson's follow-up to Between Brothers. Mitchell and Nikki share narrative duties as they skirt the land mines of sex and relationships on their own terms. Mitchell seeks advice from a friend and notorious ladies' man, Tony Gooden, while Nikki searches for an attorney after her boss sexually harasses her. Lawyer and ex-boyfriend Barry takes on her case, but his underhandedness leads Nikki to hire Mitchell's brother, Marvin, instead. Mitchell, meanwhile, under Tony's pushy tutelage, continues halfheartedly "dogging" his way through a bevy of beautiful women. A string of coincidences reunites Mitchell and Nikki, culminating in a relationship seminar presented by Mitchell's Aunt Rhonda, which proves revelatory for them both. When one of his conquests confesses she's pregnant, Mitchell rethinks his future and faces up to his true feelings for Nikki, just as her lawsuit is about to be resolved. Though this morality tale isn't particularly innovative, as evidenced by the steady stream of fish in the sea, skeletons in the closet and wild horses, Robinson handles his subject matter with plenty of attitude. As in his debut, brisk plotting, snappy vernacular and resilient characters keep things entertaining. Agent, Elaine Koster. (Oct. 15)
Forecast:This spunky title will please fans of E. Lynn Harris and Omar Tyree. Five-city author tour.
