This is my second book by this author. I found the first one, The Best Man, charming and (for the most part) entertaining. So, I was willing to read this newest release. While there were good moments, I don’t know if it lived up to the first book.
One thing this author does well is male banter. The scenes between Tyler and his brother and other male friends were amusing and gave a real sense of their characters. You know that Tyler has something deeper inside of him than the “God’s Gift to Women” that his reputation proves.
He is a very strong personality. Plus, in terms of the setting, he is on home turf. This puts Holly, his neighbor, and focus of attention (both good and bad) at a distinct disadvantage. Not only is she new to the area, but she’s also hiding a few secrets, which makes her very cautious.
In light of Tyler’s demeanor, this makes Holly seem weak. The problem is that I don’t think she was, but he just overpowered her at almost every turn. As I mentioned in my previous review, this may be a cultural thing, but it was a little difficult to get used to.
I also had a difficult time with the ages. Tyler’s attitude would have made a lot more sense if he was pushing 30. But at pushing 40 it seemed almost creepy. Again, that could be cultural. But his “player” ways and attitude toward women seemed more fitting for someone a decade or so younger.
I think I understand why the author chose to make him this age, though. The whole conceit is that he finally realizes that he needs to settle down and stop being a jerk and that Holly is the person he wants to do that with, but given their initial meeting and rocky start, that’s challenging to say the least.
I still think it would have worked better had he been younger. At least, I would have bought into it more. But that’s just me. It didn’t bother me entirely, but it did make me wonder why he couldn’t have been younger. Would that have made it more acceptable? I don’t know – it’s an interesting thought.
Are we pre-programmed to think that certain things should occur at certain ages, and that one should be a grown up by a certain age, or at least curtail certain behaviors? I didn’t expect to think so deeply about a RomCom, to be honest.
Anyway, it was still a good story, and there was some crisp and fun dialogue. Other readers may have a completely different experience. It was a good book.
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