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JUST ONE OF THE GUYS is a contemporary romance about love, the value of family and friends, and passion for pets. Chastity O’Neill – a journalist returns to her hometown and determines to find the love of her life but was torn choosing between her first love Trevor Meade who see Chastity as anything more than just one of the guys and her current boyfriend Dr. Perfect, the better Trevor looks. The story is told in first POV.
Let me just say this out loud before I begin talking about this wonderful piece of writing – I am in loved with this novel, a first for me on this author. There are so many magnets glued all over the pages they pull me right into the mind and heart of each character.
What I like about:
The opening is so captivating I want more. More of the “I THINK WE SHOULD STOP SEEING each other” devastating yet sympathetic in your face kind of line. It arouses my curiosity as what could happen next while caught off guard and unprepared. Chastity’s reactions are so believable, filled with pity and at the same time loads of humor. From the beginning ‘till end the writing is humble yet laughable - more showing than telling I wanted to give Higgins a hug. One that prints to mind is how vivid Higgins painted Chastity’s fear for blood– that moment by moment detail on how she panics with just the idea of the “bl-red stuff” line she utters so quickly I burst into laughter I had to pause for a second. Then there’s the description of Trevor’s black eyes – compared to a molten chocolate I quickly remember how I take pleasure in that molten chocolate cake I once had – so tasty so yummy mouth watering flavor.
But as hilarious as it may sound I discover more to the story than just having fun with Chastity. There is so much love in the air very refreshing dialogues – first love that seems to be unreciprocated, a love is not enough relationship between couple, friendship old and new, relationship with the family, then there is also the love for an ugly looking yet lovable big ear dog. Out of the blue, tears start trickling down – now there is the DRAMA. I love drama – I am a drama queen (I think). I cry for Mike – Chastity’s father feeling devastated. It breaks my heart hearing Chastity and Trevor fight – yes I read but at the same time I can hear the miserable words. Then there’s the tears when the engagement was broken up (you’ll have to read which engagement that is for) and another tears when Mike apologizes to Betty (his ex-wife, Chastity’s mother). It wasn’t enough, I had to cry for the last time (whew) witnessing the “I can’t live without you another minute” part at the end. Yes, yes there is a happy ending after all.
Here’s one thing that makes this novel a gem – it breaks my heart into pieces then like a puzzle it puts me back into one whole piece of heart.
So anything else I should know about Higgins before I dive in to THE NEXT BEST THING and get all lovey-dovey once again? Should I get more tissues for the next batch of tears?
Oh I love this author!! I'm reading The Next Best Thing right now and girl, you are definitely going to need tissues for this one. Or maybe it's just me. I am very empathetic. Or sappy. Or both. Take your pick. It's very good so far. I adore both Lucy and Ethan and there's plenty of other funny and serious drama going on. You'll love it.
ReplyDeleteI have all of Ms. Higgins' books on the shelves, but so far have only read Catch of the Day and Too Good To Be True so far. Of course, I'll probably be finished with The Next Best Thing by tomorrow night. I just want to keep reading and reading... it's funny, and sweet, and kind of sad, too. But not depressing sad.. just well... Lucy's a young widow and ... oh you'll see.
There was a time - not so long ago where I didn't read first person books. But then I started reading and enjoying them and this book is one of the reasons why. And Dear Author just posted about another Kristin Higgins books - another book I really enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteHey Christine, I agree The Next Best Thing is good. I'm on the part now where the in-laws (Marie and Gianni) caught Ethan and Lucy on the floor - shocked in disbelief. LOL. That was a bit funny! So far I haven't used up my tissues yet but why do I have a feeling I'm going to need them soon? Higgins has definitely captured my heart. Her writing is very humble yet very inspiring. I"ll be reading her 3 other books soon once it gets delivered. (unfortunately my library doesn't have them).
ReplyDeleteHi Kristie, First person is not bad at all when the writing is superb. Higgins is by far one of the most entertaining authors to date - even her blogs are marvelous.
Oh Natalie! I'm so glad you enjoyed this book! I thought Chastity has such a funny "voice" and she made me laugh quite a lot. I remember loving the family love in the book, but like you my heart broke when it came to the storyline involving the parents(I cried too). I loved the ending, and that beautiful speech by Trevor.
ReplyDeleteACK!!! *covers eyes* I didn't get to that part yet! LOL
ReplyDeleteI had put the book down over the weekend so that I could finish The Lightning Thief book before I took the girls to see the movie ... and my 10 year old was nagging me to do so like you wouldn't believe. LOL.
I'm determined to finish the Higgins book today, though. I'm really loving it. As per usual with Higgins.
I finished The Next Best Thing AND I LOVED IT SO SO MUCH! Did you?
ReplyDeleteYup I loved it. The story was very personal to me as I wondered if my mother felt the same when my father passed away. At least my father didn't have any past revelations like Jimmy had. But I loved the writing I find it worthy to re-read and learn from her style. Just a thought I like to ponder these days...
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