What a Woman Needs

Fennell's Manley Maids series improves in this sweet, if predictable, follow-up to What a Woman Wants. Heartthrob and "starlet heartbreaker" Bryan Manley loses a bet with his sister and owes her a month's work at her cleaning company. The last thing widow Beth Hamilton expects is to have People Magazine's "Next Biggest Thing" on her doorstep, ready to scrub her floors. Raising five children after the death of her husband in an airplane crash has left her harried, publicity-shy, and in no mood for a relationship. The ambitious Bryan has a weather eye out for his career and knows that getting involved with an encumbered woman might endanger his popularity. Bryan and Beth realize they could be each other's safe haven, but when the paparazzi sniff out a juicy story and Bryan starts filming with a sexy co-star, their affair might fizzle out before it can begin. Points to Fennell for making Beth's kids (ranging from adorable 5-year-old to sullen teen) likable without being saccharine as they individually deal with their father's death. Agent: Roberta Brown, Brown Literary Agency. (June)