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Using the clever medium of email transmissions from character to character, Meggin Cabot -- author of the popular young-adult Princess Diaries series -- crafts a hilarious story of a New York gossip columnist with journalistic aspirations, romantic complications, and one very large problem: what to do with her comatose neighbor's Great Dane. For Melissa Fuller, the path to true love is riddled with a pretentious ex-boyfriend, a best friend who's marrying into a crazy Italian family, nosy coworkers, and a boss who might fire her at any minute. If that's not enough, there's the mystery of who bonked her elderly neighbor on the head, and whether the neighbor's nephew is the man of her dreams or just a bad nightmare. This zany romantic caper is truly a novel for the 21st century!

From the Publisher

To: You (you)
From: Human Resources (human.resources@thenyjournal.com)
Subject: This Book

Dear Reader,

This is an automated message from the Human Resources Division of the New York Journal, New York City’s leading photo-newspaper. Please be aware that according to our records you have not yet read this book. What exactly are you waiting for? This book has it all:

• Humor
  
• Romance
  
• Cooking tips
  
• Great Danes
  
• Heroine in peril
  
• Dolphin-shaped driftwood sculptures

If you wish to read about any of the above, please do not hesitate to head to the checkout counter, where you will be paired with a sales associate who will work to help you buy this book.

We here at the New York Journal are a team. We win as a team, and lose as one as well. Don’t you want to be on the winning team?

Sincerely,
Human Resources Division
New York Journal

Please note that failure to read this book may result in suspension or dismissal from this store.

*********This e-mail is confidential and should not be used by anyone who is not the original intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error please inform the sender and delete it from your mailbox or any other storage mechanism.*********

Publishers Weekly

In her debut adult novel, Cabot (known for her extremely successful young adult fiction series the Princess Diaries, published under the name Meg Cabot) relies entirely on highly amusing e-mails to tell a fetching meet-cute story. New York City gossip columnist Melissa Fuller is known for being obsessive about Winona Ryder, dating the wrong men and being tardy for work. Arriving particularly late one morning, she explains to her colleagues at the New York Journal that she was detained by the attempted murder of her elderly next-door neighbor, Mrs. Friedlander, who is in a coma. Always the good girl, Mel has volunteered to take care of Mrs. Friedlander's many pets until the neighbor's nephew Max, a famous fashion photographer, can be reached. Her co-workers warn her about Max, a notorious lady's man. Contrary to the gossip, when she meets Max he is down to earth, funny and kind. Despite the strange fact that he likes to be called John and appears to be between photo shoots, she begins to date him and learns that he shares her love for Stephen King novels and natural disasters. It doesn't take long for her to fall head over heels, or for Mel's mom to write, "Get a ring on your finger before you uncross those legs, sweetie." When a mysterious e-mail arrives explaining that there is more to her beau than meets the eye, she is duly upset and uses the power of her pen to get even. But when Mrs. Friedlander's attacker returns, will Mel and Max be able to put their differences aside to catch a killer? Full of clever e-mail banter and tongue-in-cheek humor, this cheeky novel should be enjoyed in one sitting. (Oct.) Forecast: The leap from teen diaries to adult e-mail is a short one, and Cabot should carry along some of her young fans and their mothers, too so long as the name change doesn't confuse them. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Adult/High School-An entertaining romp told entirely through e-mails. Melissa Fuller, celebrity-gossip columnist for the New York Journal, lives a relatively shallow existence until her elderly neighbor is attacked and sent to the hospital in a coma, leaving behind her Great Dane and two cats. Melissa gets help in caring for them from the man who is supposedly Mrs. Friedlander's playboy nephew Max, but who is actually his college buddy doing him a favor, and it all becomes a bit complicated when Melissa falls in love with "Max." Every loose plot thread comes into play in the highly satisfactory conclusion, with just enough twists on the way for a fun ride. The format fits perfectly with the gossipy nature of the book and moves the story along; readers are privy to all of the e-mails, but the characters only get the bits addressed to them. This book has the same breezy style as Cabot's "Princess Diaries" series (HarperCollins) for younger readers. Teens who enjoyed Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary (Viking, 1998) will flock just as quickly to this lighthearted romance.-Jamie Watson, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Gossip columnist falls for gorgeous guy.

Melissa Fuller, 20-something scandalmonger for a New York newspaper, is nicer than most Manhattanites, since she hails from a small town in Illinois. She actually likes her parents, has never attempted suicide, and is sincerely interested in the celebrities she writes about. Her woes are on the wee side: pesky workplace rules about punctuality, a grumpy boss, a nervous about-to-be-married girlfriend. Her boyfriend, reporter Aaron Spender, just dumped her for a luscious foreign correspondent, to Mel’s chagrin. But she has more important things to think about when Helen Friedlander, her neighbor, is whacked on the head by an unknown intruder and left for dead. Apparently the old lady’s only relative is a famous male model and photographer on assignment in Key West. Gee whiz, how is Mel ever going to find Max Friedlander? If she can’t, she’ll have to walk Helen’s Great Dane and take care of those crazy cats all by herself until the old lady is out of the hospital. Ooh! Looks like Max just came back and he is soooooooooooo handsome, even though he has a playboy reputation. If only Mel knew that he was really John Trent, total dream dude, responsible human being, and scion of a wealthy midwestern family. John is returning a favor he owes his scurrilous buddy Max by pretending to be him while Max romps in the surf with a silly supermodel. Mel is smitten, though her girlfriend frets, parents cluck, and grumpy boss sounds off in the e-mails that comprise this cutesy romance. All counsel caution, as Mel begins to suspect that her new boyfriend just might be Helen’s attacker . . . or a transvestite killer . . . or a copycat criminal. As chick sleuths go,she hasn’t got a clue.

Clean-scrubbed, girlish romp from the author of the Princess Diaries YA series—as well as seven historical romancers under the pseudonym of Patricia Cabot.

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To: Mel Fuller <melissa.fuller@thenyjournal.com>
From: Human Resources <human.resources@thenyjournal.com>
Subject: Tardiness

Dear Melissa Fuller,

This is an automated message from the Human Resources Division of the New York Journal, New York City's leading photonewspaper. Please be aware that according to your supervisor, managing editor George Sanchez, your workday here at the Journal begins promptly at 9 AM, making you 68 minutes tardy today. This is your 37th tardy exceeding twenty minutes so far this year, Melissa Fuller.

We in the Human Resources Division are not "out to get" tardy employees, as was mentioned in last week's unfairly worded employee newsletter. Tardiness is a serious and expensive issue facing employers all over America. Employees often make light of tardiness, but routine lateness can often be a symptom of a more serious issue, such as

• alcoholism
• drug addiction
• gambling addiction
• abusive domestic partner
• sleep disorders
• clinical depression

and any number of other conditions. If you are suffering from any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact your Human Resources Representative, Amy Jenkins. Your Human Resources Representative will be only too happy to enroll you in the New York Journal's Staff Assistance Program, where you will be paired with a mental health professional who will work to help you achieve your full potential.

Melissa Fuller, we here at the New York Journal are a team. We win as a team, and we lose as one, as well. Melissa Fuller, don't you want to be on a winning team? Soplease do your part to see that you arrive at work on time from now on!

Sincerely,
Human Resources Division
New York Journal

Please note that any future tardies may result in suspension or dismissal.

To: Mel Fuller <melissa.fuller@thenyjournal.com>
From: Nadine Wilcock <nadine.wilcock@thenyjournal.com>
Subject: You are in trouble

Mel, where were you? I saw that Amy Jenkins from Human Resources skulking around your cubicle. I think you're in for another one of those tardy notices. What is this, your fiftieth?

You better have a good excuse this time, because George was saying a little while ago that gossip columnists are a dime a dozen, and that he could get Liz Smith over here in a second to replace you if he wanted to. I think he was joking. It was hard to tell because the Coke machine is broken, and he hadn't had his morning Mountain Dew yet.

By the way, did something happen last night between you and Aaron? He's been playing Wagner in his cubicle again. You know how this bugs George. Did you two have another fight?

Are we doing lunch later or what?

Nad :-)

To: Mel Fuller <melissa.fuller@thenyjournal.com>
From: Aaron Spender <aaron.spender@thenyjournal.com>
Subject: Last night

Where are you, Mel? Are you going to be completely childish about this and not come into the office until you're sure I've left for the day? Is that it?

Can't we sit down and discuss this like adults?

Aaron Spender
Senior Correspondent
New York Journal

To: Mel Fuller <melissa.fuller@thenyjournal.com>
From: Dolly Vargas <dolly.vargas@thenyjournal.com>
Subject: Aaron Spender

Melissa --
Don't get the wrong idea, darling, I WASN'T spying on you, but a girl would have to be BLIND not to have noticed how you brained Aaron Spender with your bag last night at Pastis. You probably didn't even notice me; I was at the bar, and I looked around because I thought I heard your name, of all things -- weren't you supposed to be covering the Prada show? -- and then BOOM! Altoids and Maybelline all over the place.

Darling, it was precious.

You really have excellent aim, you know. But I highly doubt Kate Spade meant that adorable little clutch to be used as a projectile. I'm sure she'd have made the clasp stronger if she'd only known women were going to be backhanding the thing around like a tennis ball.

Seriously, darling, I just need to know: Is it all over between you and Aaron? Because I never thought you were right for each other. I mean, the man was in the running for a Pulitzer, for God's sake! Although if you ask me, anyone could have written that story about that little Ethiopian boy. I found it perfectly maudlin. That part about his sister selling her body to provide him with rice ... please. Too Dickensian.

So you aren't going to be difficult about this, are you? Because I've got an invite to Steven's place in the Hamptons, and I was thinking of inviting Aaron to mix Cosmos for me. But I won't if you're going to go Joan Collins on me.

P. S.: You really should have called if you weren't going to come in today, darling. I think you're in trouble. I saw that little troll-like person (Amy something?) from Human Resources sniffing around your desk earlier.

XXXOOO

To: Mel Fuller <melissa.fuller@thenyjoumal.com>
From: George Sanchez <george.sanchez@thenyjoumal.com>
Subject: Where the hell are you?

Where the hell are you? you appear to be under the mistaken impression that comp days don't have to be prearranged with your employer.

This is not exactly convincing me that you are columnist material. More like copyedit material, Fuller.

George

To: Mel Fuller <melissa.fuller@thenyjournal.com>
From: Aaron Spender <aaron.spenderathenyjoumal.com>
Subject: Last night

This is really beneath you, Melissa. I mean, for God's sake, Barbara and I were in a war zone together. Anti-aircraft fire was exploding all around us. We thought we'd be captured by rebel forces at any moment. Can't you understand that?

It meant nothing to me, Melissa, I swear it.

My God, I should never have told you. I thought you were more mature. But to pull a disappearing act like this ...

Well, I'd never have expected it from a woman like you, that's all I have to say.

Aaron Spender
Senior Correspondent
New York Journal

Read a Sample Chapter

Boy Next Door

HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

To: Mel Fuller melissa.fuller@thenyjournal.com
From: Human Resources human.resources@thenyjournal.com
Subject: Tardiness

Dear Melissa Fuller,

This is an automated message from the Human Resources Division of the New York Journal, New York City's leading photo-newspaper. Please be aware that according to your supervisor, managing editor George Sanchez, your workday here at the Journal begins promptly at 9 AM, making you 68 minutes tardy today. This is your 37th tardy exceeding twenty minutes so far this year, Melissa Fuller.

We in the Human Resources Division are not "out to get" tardy employees, as was mentioned in last week's unfairly worded employee newsletter. Tardiness is a serious and expensive issue facing employers all over America. Employees often make light of tardiness, but routine lateness can often be a symptom of a more serious issue, such as

• alcoholism
• drug addiction
• gambling addiction
• abusive domestic partner
• sleep disorders
• clinical depression

and any number of other conditions. If you are suffering from any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact your Human Resources Representative, Amy Jenkins. Your Human Resources Representative will be only too happy to enroll you in the New York Journal's Staff Assistance Program, where you will be paired with a mental health professional who will work to help you achieve your full potential.

Melissa Fuller, we here at the New York Journal are a team. We win as a team, and we lose as one, as well. Melissa Fuller, don't you want to be on a winning team? So please do your part to see that you arrive at work on time from now on!

Sincerely,
Human Resources Division
New York Journal

Please note that any future tardies may result in suspension or dismissal.

This e-mail is confidential and should not be used by anyone who is not the original intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error please inform the sender and delete it from your mailbox or any other storage mechanism.

To: Mel Fuller melissa.fuller@thenyjournal.com
From: Nadine Wilcock Nadine.wilcock@thenyjournal.com
Subject: You are in trouble

Mel, where were you? I saw that Amy Jenkins from Human Resources skulking around your cubicle. I think you're in for another one of those tardy notices. What is this, your fiftieth?

You better have a good excuse this time, because George was saying a little while ago that gossip columnists are a dime a dozen, and that he could get Liz Smith over here in a second to replace you if he wanted to. I think he was joking. It was hard to tell because the Coke machine is broken, and he hadn't had his morning Mountain Dew yet.

By the way, did something happen last night between you and Aaron? He's been playing Wagner in his cubicle again. You know how this bugs George. Did you two have another fight?

Are we doing lunch later or what?

Nad :-)

To: Mel Fuller melissa.fuller@thenyjournal.com
From: Aaron Spender aaron.spender@thenyjournal.com
Subject: Last night

Where are you, Mel? Are you going to be completely childish about this and not come into the office until you're sure I've left for the day? Is that it?

Can't we sit down and discuss this like adults?

Aaron Spender
Senior Correspondent
New York Journal

Continues...

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Excerpted from Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot Copyright © 2005 by Meg Cabot. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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