The Oxford American Dictionary defines celibacy as "the unmarried state." There is no definition for it in the Scholastic Children's Dictionary. And stated simply in the Longman Dictionary of American English are the words: "not having sex, especially for religious purposes." And I wondered if there was a definition for the moment when I was about to give up celibacy and was smacked in the face with the ex-girlfriend instead.

These are the words of Casey Beck, a twenty-nine year old black woman from Brooklyn, New York, and the narrator of His Insignificant Other, a contemporary novel about insecurity and betrayal, and how the two play an integral role in the demise of a relationship.

Until three months ago, Casey was satisfied with her life as an adjunct film professor, living in her parents' condo and dating John Paul, the "perfect man." Then the "perfect man" admitted he slept with his ex-girlfriend, Mali, early in their relationship.

Now, Casey is celibate as the result of her boyfriend's indiscretion and on the road to recovery when, without warning, the ex-girlfriend returns. Suddenly Casey finds herself doing a dance of possession not even she knew she was capable of. But is winning the dance more important than preserving her relationship?

Sometimes, the battle of the sexes is fought between women, not women and men. Written with one of the funniest and most honest voices in fiction today, His Insignificant Other is a candid exposé of contemporary urban life and love on the verge of turning thirty.