Review - My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.
Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend. (Amazon)

My One and Only is Higgin's 7th book.  It is also the seventh book of hers that features (prominently) a zany, yet needy family and a dog.  It is also her first book that I did not buy, but borrowed from the library.  I don't think I will purchase any of her books in the future unless she moves away from the crazy secondary characters and dog shtick.  Don't get me wrong, I will continue to read her new novels, I just won't buy them until there is a change.  The book for me did not get interesting and readable until the tenth chapter.  That was when Harper and Nick left the other characters behind for their road trip. 

It took me a while to like Harper.  In the beginning, I found her to be overbearing and yet needy.  She was willing to marry her boyfriend Dennis just because it was time for her to get married.  So she bought her own ring, had a list of things she wanted him to change, and ignored the signs that he wasn't willing to marry in hopes that she would eventually wear him down.  Also, rather than swearing she used the word "crotch", I have to say that being the same age as her I have never used that word in the contexts she did and it felt unnatural and immature.  But again, once I got to chapter ten and we delve into why Harper is the way she is, she becomes more likable.

To be perfectly honest, if I were just reviewing chapters 10 to 24, this book would an A.  I was invested in the story, Nick and Harper were entertaining and I was rooting for them.  Higgins really has the knack for writing riveting stories.  I even cried once, although to be perfectly honest it may have more to do with my hormones.  I also cried yesterday while watching an episode of the Dog Whisperer - he was helping a rescued dog become less fearful of the world and actually get out of a chair! 

I seem to have a problem of letting things go, authors I enjoy reading are included.  So it is more than likely that I will read the next book out by Kristan Higgins, but please. for. the. love. of. God! get rid of the wacky family members, the dogs, and this need to pair the heroine with a family member's ex, or a family member with the heroine's ex!  It gets tiresome after the seventh book.