Matchbook: The Diary of a Modern-Day Matchmaker

If you're frustrated with trouble on the dating front, not to worry: even the professionals don't always get it right. That's one of the big lessons of Matchbook, an entertaining whirlwind glimpse of the life of a professional matchmaker (in particular, the one whose life is the basis for the LivingTV series "Miss Match"). Samantha Daniels mixes her career--setting up big-bucks clients with the aim of living happily ever after-- with her personal life--where she has her own dreams of a happy ending.

It's a fun, fast beach read that hides solid dating advice in slightly disguised real-life adventures of Daniels and her clients. Each receives a nom de guerre--Ms. Boobs, Brad Pitt Guy, Mr. Metrosexual and The Girl I Always Thought Hated Me are just a few of the bicoastal mix. Daniels realizes that matchmaking is more than just introductions; she recommends therapists, personal stylists, and nutritionists, and provides lessons in body language and dating etiquette. While none of it is necessarily phrased as advice to the reader, there's plenty to learn if you're trying to improve your own romantic life.

The upscale, urban setting is more like Sex and the City than real life for most of us--designer shoes, private cars and trendy restaurants are the rule, rather than the exception. Nevertheless, the background is a big part of the fun; being reminded that millionaires need love too is a fun break from the reality of blind dates and evenings alone. The ending chapter is a list of 101 dating tips, proving that Daniels knows her stuff. Whether she's urging "never give up on love", or "sometimes the more social you are, the more alone you feel", the combination of self-esteem pumping and pointed behavioral suggestions sneaks solid advice into the high-flying fun. --Jill Lightner