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.

Friday Book Trailer

Today's book trailer is for Kristan Higgin's All I Ever Wanted.



I read this book last year, and once again based my decision to read it on the cover. I love rocking chairs, houses with wide porches, and Irish Setters so how could I resist? I've enjoyed previous books by Higgins so I was pretty sure I was in for a good read.  The music in this book trailer is very Sex and the City.

Books I Want to Read

Every once in a while I start to think about my favourite authors and with the help of the internet look up information on their new books.  Here are just some of the books I am looking forward to in the next year.

Lara Adrian 

The Midnight Breed series is about vampires and their mates.  The ninth novel, Deeper Than Midnight, is Hunter's story.  I have an idea as to who his heroine is, but it would be a spoiler for people who have not read Taken By Midnight.  The book is scheduled to be released June 28th, 2011.  I did not know until today that Adrian also writes under the name of Tina St. John - I need to read these books too.

Jean M. Auel

I had absolutely no idea until today that the sixth book of the Earth's Children series is coming out soon!  The Land of the Painted Caves continues the story of Ayla, Jondalar, and their daughter Jonayla.  The final book will be released on March 29, 2011. 

Rachel Gibson

 Gibson's newest book is another hockey story.  This time it's about wedding planner, Autumn Haver, and hockey star, Sam Leclaire.  The two spend a wild weekend together in Las Vegas and end up married.  Two years later they meet up again when Autumn is in charge of organizing an event for Sam's hockey team.  It sounds reminiscent of Rachel Gibson's early book, Simply Irresistible, which is one of my all-time favourite books. 

Kristan Higgins

Available on March 29th, Harper James runs into her ex-husband at her stepsister's wedding.  Somehow the two are forced to travel across country together.  If this book is like Higgins' previous ones, there will be a crazy cast of secondary characters working through their own issues.

Lisa Kleypas
Rainshadow Road is the second book in the Friday Harbor series.  It is due out in December 2011.  So far I have not been able to find the cover or synopsis for this book.

Johanna Lindsey

 This book takes us to the kingdom of Lubinia where the captain of the palace guards, Christoph Becker believes that Alana Stindal is not the missing princess but a pretender.  This book will be out June 14, 2011.

 

 

 

Monica McCarty
Monica McCarty is my new go to author for Scottish historical romance.  The next book in her Highland Guard series is The Viper.  This one tells the story of Viper or Lachlan MacRuairi.  It will come out October 25th, 2011.

J.D. Robb

Robb's 33rd novel brings back Eve Dallas, Roarke et al for another mystery.  This time the suspense involves dirty cops.  The book was released on February 22, 2011.

 

Nora Roberts

The Queen of romance's newest book will be available April 12, 2011.  This time Roberts' focuses on firefighting with her characters Rowan Tripp and Gulliver Curry.