Happiness Sold Separately

Dream boyfriend not included.

When she moved to New York, Ryan Hadley imagined living the big-city-sitcom kind of life with all the trimmings -- great apartment, dream job, and a swept-off-your-feet, how-awesome-is-this-guy love. Of course, her real life is only so-so: not outstanding, nor bad enough to require medication. Ryan spends her days at a dreary data-entry job with wannabe-rocker Will, nights at her favorite dive bar with pals Audrey and Veronica, and her spare time daydreaming about the ideal -- but sadly, fictional -- man: if only Mark Darcy wasn''t claimed by Bridget Jones.
Some assembly required.
But two promotions and a record deal later, Ryan''s three closest friends are suddenly moving on up -- while Ryan seems to be treading water. Then Charlie, her college ex and super hottie, appears out of the blue with a success story of his own and more than a little baggage in tow. In a New York minute, Ryan realizes that one doesn''t live off a maxed-out credit card and a year''s supply of squashed Ho Ho''s without learning a few important life lessons. She''s ready to squeeze a five-year-plan for success into just a few crazy months. After all, why be a big-city girl if you''re not going to dream big -- and reach for the stars?