Annabelle gazed wistfully toward the doorway. "If I could put my brain in her body, the world would be mine for the taking."

"Ease up, Dr. Evil."

Here's the thing: This novel actually delivers.

I usually neither review romance novels, nor do I admit to reading them (lie, I bitch about them all of the time). But it's like this: most of the time I don't like them, and the rest of the time I'm ashamed of myself. Haha.

But I'm handing it to S. E. Phillips, this might be my favorite.

First on the agenda: one of my pet-peeves are quirky characters. Not the ones with actual personality, but those that are quirk upon quirk like it's cute after it gets old. Good God, my man. Gives me the heebie-jeebies.
And, of course, the "quirky" character you're repeatedly told is quirky, but see no actual sign of it.

C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER!

Anabelle is actually quirky. It's not insisted in every other description that she is. In fact, I don't think the word "quirk" ever even came up. But, man, at one point I paused my reading and laughed. I realized, so that's what it looks like when it's done right. Endearing, adorable, funny. Never once crossed the line of "irritating".

Yeah. Myth busted - it can be done right.

"You think this is funny, don't you?"
"Yeah, but I'm ashamed of myself."

Frankly, this is the first time in a long time I read about a couple that works. Not in bed and not because of the crazy "chemistry". His super-duper "alphaness" doesn't cross lines into crimes against humanity, and their toughness isn't another word for "cold".
They worked because their sense of humor was enough to charm my pants off from the very beginning; because their interactions are so perfect it makes them one of those "jolly gosh, I wish I had somebody like that" couples; and because they're not inherently disgusting people that the author is trying to make you believe are just in love.

Both of them are great people, despite their misgivings and pasts. There's not one point in this book when I was outraged by something the other did. They weren't jerks, they didn't do anything unforgivable, they didn't sin against humanity (which I find a lot of these "hunks" in romance novels do, though their counterparts aren't far behind with moral amputation) - the problems they had, they had because they were flawed and shit happens, and it's instantly, miraculously more believable.

I loved that they were there for each other. She called, he came. Simple as that. They could depend on each other, like best friends do. So can I hear a "hallelujah"?

Also, this book made me laugh. It's just... It's funny, I swear. I didn't bust a gut laughing, but these two were hilarious to me, and I found myself underlining (kindle) their exchanges from time to time. It was a really simple, fun novel.

Plus, none of it is as obnoxious as I've gotten used to getting from the genre. Sure there are a couple of corny sentences, but they're in the right place at the right time, and not spewed everywhere like a bad joke.

Annabelle didn't exactly hate her sister-in-law, but she wouldn't be the first person standing in line if Candace turned up needing a kidney.

One of my favorite parts was how Belle's family was shown. Heath's and Annabelle's perspectives couldn't have been more different, and both of them were sincere, believable and it made for a depth of insight into family machinations I wasn't expecting. It was just well written.


So... Yeah. This review is all over the place, but it just comes down to the fact that (despite not being perfect, or the height of literature) this novel is a cut above in its genre.

I read other S. E. Phillips' novels, and none of them really did it for me (sperm stealing, seriously...), but I'd send her a flower arrangement for this one. It surprised me how much I genuinely enjoyed it.

So go read it and tell me if you felt the same :)

3.5

Ugh, this was my second SEP book and she just does not do it for me. Everything she writes is so dated. I usually don't mind, but it just rubs me the wrong way. I was excited for both books, but they were ultimately disappointing (even though there were some aspects I enjoyed). Also, the way she discussed how someone transitioned was not cool, even though things were resolved at the end. I don't think I can continue reading her works.

thoroughly enjoyed. made me laugh.

Laughed out loud throughout this book. Characters you could fall in love with, cheer on, get angry with. Didn't want to put it down!

This was one hilarious and well written book.

I liked the characters and the story was entertaining but it’s very dated. It was very much a book of its time. It could be very cringey at times.

I was very intrigued by this book. I actually started it at work (shhhh!) and couldn't put it down. I liked the bantering between Annabelle and Heath . I liked how they became friends before giving into the attraction.

And I'll admit, I loved that Annabelle acted like what happened between them didn't matter and kept trying to set him up with women.

I was cringing when he met her family and proposed. It was a horrible moment. He should have waited. Gone with his plan and wooed her.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.