Hooked

Jane May

Clarence Woods has fallen in love. Madalina is the new waitress at the Trade Winds Yacht Club where Woody is the assistant dock master. Woody doesn't believe he has a chance with Madalina because she is so beautiful and he has a lowly job, a beat up pick up truck, and lives with his aunt. Until now all his time, money, and energy have gone into his own boat, the Sea Sponge. When she is fixed up he plans on sailing around the world in her.

Woody takes an independent job on his day off teaching a new yacht owner how to sail and deep sea fish. Woody finds himself fishing alone when he catches a huge tuna - who talks with a Brooklyn accent??? Well, it seems that this is a magic fish. If he lets "The Prince" go, it will grant his wishes. Perhaps this crazy sounding fish can help Woody win Madalina.

So Woody asks. The Prince advises and grants wishes. Madalina starts noticing Woody. But then there is that old saying...Be careful what you wish for - you may get it.

Hooked takes the old fairy tale of the fisherman and the magic fish and gives it a 21st century, Miami, Florida twist. Woody is a likeable, fairly average guy who soon gets in over his head. Jane May has written a short book to capture the "chick lit" audience. Hooked has the prerequisite humor and romance. A bit of supernatural is thrown in. A likeable hero getting in and out of trouble rounds the story out.

In my opinion, the language is crasser than it needs to be. Otherwise, Hooked is cute and satisfying. Jane May gives an over-the-top look at current day Miami that feels too close to reality. This is a book for a couple hours of escape at the beach.

Notice: Suggestive dialogue or situations