Love on the Dotted Line: A Novel

by David E. Talbert

The author of the Essence bestselling novel Baggage Claim delivers a provocative and richly entertaining new novel about what happens when love and litigation collide. Morgan Chase, a thirty-four-year-old contracts lawyer, is pushed to her romantic wit's end when she discovers that her boyfriend of nine months, investment banker Marcus Alexander, has been diversifying his "portfolio" with another woman. After a few hours of venting with her girlfriends, and more than a few drinks, Morgan decides that the only way you can guarantee that a man will act right after you've been intimate is if you make him sign a contract before you've been intimate. That very same night, Morgan heads back to the office to create the first-ever relationship contract -- a legal document full of conditions, consideration, and most important, consequences. Sparks fly, tempers flare, and emotions hit the fan when the man Morgan finally convinces to sign her contract is caught red-handed with another woman. What follows is an ingeniously plotted and thoroughly entertaining fusion of comedy, romance, and courtroom mayhem. What happens when love itself is put on trial? One thing's for sure...hell hath no fury like an attorney scorned!

Genres: Fiction, Romance

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 9, 2003

Reviews

[Abbi]

Okay, so I almost gave up on Love on the Dotted Line when Morgan called Marcus after discovering his infidelity. However, I decided to keep reading because honestly, I didn't want to give up that easily on a book just because one of the characters did something that irked me. And I'm glad that I didn't because I literally laughed aloud during the chapters about the trial.

I agree with other reviews about the characters being predictable; but overall, I thought it was a pretty solid novel. As a native of Philly, I also appreciated all of the references to local restaurants like WarmDaddy's and Ishkibibbles. I don't come across many novels set in Philly, so it was nice to read one with a unique storyline filled with a good dose of humor.

[Kim Karim]

Kinda corny, especially some of the ending. Some parts had me laughing. Overall I was glad the man got his in the end.

[Didi Lucky]

How did I get here?

[Claudia]

This book was so funny David really out did himself this time. Morgan, Altima and Ophelia worked at a law firm together. Altima was the nervous one and you didn't have to drag nothing out of her it just came out if you question her to much. Ophelia was the mean one that didn't take anything off of anyone. She told the truth and didn't bit her tongue for any reason. Regardless if it hurt someone feelings or not. Morgan was the one that had the man problems all through the book. She was just to trust worthy and cared to much. Morgan had a neighbor name Andrea that was the funniest out of all of them. He will have you laughing all through the book.

[Magda]

David E. Talbert is a very talented writer. The plot of this book was COMPLETELY ridiculous, yet Talbert combines real emotions and feelings with wit and humor, which makes this book bearable. Morgan is a crazy woman who comes up with a contract to make sure she's never again left to deal with the aftermath of a breakup. There are so many holes in the story that could have been developed to flesh out the characters and create a more realistic sense of empathy for Morgan. Read this book if you're looking for a laugh.

[Imani Faith Morgan]

It is a good book about love and romance. It teaches you how to handle problems either the wrong way or the right way. Morgan(the protagonist) has been heartbroken so many times. So she now makes a fair contract saying that she can sue if the relationship is failed. During this process, Morgan is tested. Bringing her and her co-workers together and really finding her true love, she comes to find that things happen for a reason.

[Racquel]

I guess just by the title, I should have known that this was not anything special. Reading this book was definately a waste of time. The characters were predicatable and not at all real to me. The story alone had no 'umpfh' to it. I normally don't like giving bad reviews but read at your own risk. It was just that bad.

[Kristy]

I picked this book up because it had the most unusual storyline.. I thought the author could pull it off but he couldn't. It was unrealistic and farfetched but if you can get over that.. I guess it's an okay book.

[kayante]

men are betrayers thats why us sister have to be smart about it.

[Kim]

Just not feeling it.

[Barbara]

This book was hilarious, very entertaining!!

[Danielle Mitchell]

This book made me think about creating my own love contract! Very good read!