I liked Jillian's Making the Cut, I did her workouts for 30 days and felt much stronger and her abs work is a killer! AFter her 30 day circuits I started to see a smidge of a 4 pack.
I also did not stop my normal weight lifting days so this was even more weights on my between days...so I kept them somewhat lower so that I wouldn't die! I used it mainly for the circuits and just wanting new ideas in the gym. I learned a ton of new moves and really liked the jump rope addition to my workouts.
I Didn't follow her diet plan at all though and just stuck to my normal. I didn't gain-- and didn't lose sticking to 40/30/30, but I DID look slightly more defined which is what I was going for--that and just new ideas for circuits. I loved her workouts too.....I am all about hard intervals and getting in and getting out and burning loads of calories in the process
But yes, I believe overall she is training someone for an event...I think that would be perfect for someone with those goals (like a wedding). I gave the book to my b.f. who is getting married this summer.