If Brianna lives her life like a proverbial "doormat," then Kirby is one of those ultra-driven people who's always "stepping" on a doormat (in her $500 pair of shoes) as she makes her way to someplace bigger, better and more glamorous in life. This is how NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST begins.

These two young women, who are at opposite extremes of the personality scale, work steps away from each other at W&L Manufacturing (Whips & Lace Manufacturing, that is), where Kirby is the boss and Brianna is her assistant. Neither woman is happy with her personal or professional life, yet each is secretly jealous of the other and mistakenly assumes the other lives a fabulous, fulfilled life. Little do they know that they are each struggling with lifelong self-esteem issues and both feel like their lives are completely derailed.

Kirby covers this up by being crass, materialistic and going through guys faster than a box of teeth-whitening strips. Brianna deals with her lack of self-esteem by being overly (and annoyingly) nice to everyone and by getting walked on by her worry-wart parents, passive-aggressive fiancé and his mother, and her overbearing voice coach.

During the course of an office bet, Kirby and Brianna become friends. Brianna (always the good girl) helps Kirby try to win the bet. In doing so, each woman ends up having a moment of personal clarity that allows Kirby to develop a sense of empathy and Brianna a backbone.

Most everyone knows a toned-down Kirby or a Brianna and can relate to a version of their over-exaggerated personalities. NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST (by the author of AMERICAN IDLE) is a good read for those long summer days at the beach or lounging at the pool. The only time to strain while reading this book is when reaching for another fruity cocktail with a brightly colored umbrella perched on the side.