THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED He lied, he cheated. He destroyed her life. How difficult could killing him be? Madeline Piatro devoted four years of her life to her boyfriend Carlton — and, in return, got romance, flowers, and the best sex she'd ever had. But then he dumped her—by e-mail, no less! He used her, he broke her heart...and he even cost her the marketing job she dearly loved. Now Maddy's on a mission. She wants revenge and she wants her career back. But Maddy's about to discover that getting even, no matter how justifiable, isn't as easy as it might at first appear—even with a batch of arsenic brownies, the help of a professional (if bumbling) hit man, and the advice and best wishes of her very best friends. Rights Information Publisher: Avon, Paperback (January 22, 2008) Territory: Worldwide English Rights Available: Translation; Film/TV Reviews: "[A] very funny second novel…readers can’t resist cheering [Maddy] on as she experiments with poisoned brownies and retribution spells. Help comes from an unlikely source, a memorable hit man who provides a juicy cherry on the top of a creamy, dreamy revenge treat." - Publishers Weekly (Starred review) "Barrett’s tale of revenge is one of those rare, impossible-to-put-down books. There’s a plethora of black humor, witty dialogue, and plot twists. The unique, unforgettable characters, from the justice-seeking Maddy to her recovered drug-addicted brother to the sweet-toothed hit man, all come together to make one delectably entertaining story. Barrett, the author of the international favorite The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom (2007), has created another winner with this fast, funny read." - Booklist (Starred review) "This is my first ever book by Jo Barrett and I'll tell you one thing, it will not be the last. It's about getting back your self esteem and getting back the dignity the ex took... This book has it all, romance... a witty storyline and a great cast of characters, you can't ask for anything more... I think Jo Barrett hit this one out of the ballpark and I look forward to reading more from her. Great read!" - The Book Binge "I loved "This is How it Happened"! This book has everything: suspense, action, plus lots and lots of laughs...Carlton is the perfect example of every sleazebag, deadbeat jerk that most women have had the misfortune to run across at least once in their lives. Reading about how Maddy put the jerk in his place was an absolute delight. "This is How it Happened" is a funny, engaging read that I highly recommend!" - Coffee Time Romance "[T]his is a lighthearted zany romantic suspense comedy. Readers will enjoy this humorous farce while pondering whether Maddy’s recipe for brownies will rival that of Alice B. Toklas." - Harriet Klausner "Jo Barrett has written an engaging tale...THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED had me laughing so much I was near tears...it deserves RRT's Perfect 10 award." - Romance Reviews Today (Perfect 10 award) Blurbs: Purchase at Amazon.com

THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED

He lied, he cheated. He destroyed her life.
How difficult could killing him be?

Madeline Piatro devoted four years of her life to her boyfriend Carlton — and, in return, got romance, flowers, and the best sex she'd ever had. But then he dumped her—by e-mail, no less! He used her, he broke her heart...and he even cost her the marketing job she dearly loved. Now Maddy's on a mission. She wants revenge and she wants her career back.

But Maddy's about to discover that getting even, no matter how justifiable, isn't as easy as it might at first appear—even with a batch of arsenic brownies, the help of a professional (if bumbling) hit man, and the advice and best wishes of her very best friends.

Rights Information

Publisher: Avon, Paperback (January 22, 2008)

Territory: Worldwide English

Rights Available: Translation; Film/TV

Reviews:
"[A] very funny second novel…readers can’t resist cheering [Maddy] on as she experiments with poisoned brownies and retribution spells. Help comes from an unlikely source, a memorable hit man who provides a juicy cherry on the top of a creamy, dreamy revenge treat." - Publishers Weekly (Starred review)

"Barrett’s tale of revenge is one of those rare, impossible-to-put-down books. There’s a plethora of black humor, witty dialogue, and plot twists. The unique, unforgettable characters, from the justice-seeking Maddy to her recovered drug-addicted brother to the sweet-toothed hit man, all come together to make one delectably entertaining story. Barrett, the author of the international favorite The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom (2007), has created another winner with this fast, funny read." - Booklist (Starred review)

"This is my first ever book by Jo Barrett and I'll tell you one thing, it will not be the last. It's about getting back your self esteem and getting back the dignity the ex took... This book has it all, romance... a witty storyline and a great cast of characters, you can't ask for anything more... I think Jo Barrett hit this one out of the ballpark and I look forward to reading more from her. Great read!" - The Book Binge

"I loved "This is How it Happened"! This book has everything: suspense, action, plus lots and lots of laughs...Carlton is the perfect example of every sleazebag, deadbeat jerk that most women have had the misfortune to run across at least once in their lives. Reading about how Maddy put the jerk in his place was an absolute delight. "This is How it Happened" is a funny, engaging read that I highly recommend!" - Coffee Time Romance

"[T]his is a lighthearted zany romantic suspense comedy. Readers will enjoy this humorous farce while pondering whether Maddy’s recipe for brownies will rival that of Alice B. Toklas." - Harriet Klausner

"Jo Barrett has written an engaging tale...THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENED had me laughing so much I was near tears...it deserves RRT's Perfect 10 award." - Romance Reviews Today (Perfect 10 award)

Blurbs:

Purchase at Amazon.com