Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

BookTalk

Posey Osterhagen is not a hottie. She’s about 107 pounds soaking wet, with a cow-lick that refuses to be tamed, and a complete inability to dress like a girl. This is a slight improvement over her high school self. Now, no need to feel sorry for Posey. She’s a completely happy, business-owning, big dog loving woman who has had a wonderful childhood and is still surrounded by a loving family and group of friends.

Really, the only thing she’s ever pined for was Liam Murphy…and maybe, occasionally boobs, lol.

But, *Sigh* Liam…A man built like God’s Gift to women. In high school he arrived fresh out of juvie as a motorcycle riding, leather jacket wearing, player. Who’s bad boy traits were revered by young Posey. And to everyone’s surprise he was tamed…by Emma Tate.

Now years later Liam is back in town. A widower with a 14-year-old daughter, Liam has moved to be closer to his wife’s parents. What he failed to remember was his life before his wife…All those girls he loved and left are now the women of the town, their husbands none too happy to see the still sinfully hot Liam back in town. Posey thought she had convinced herself she was over her first crush…

Both are about to find that while High School never dies…sometimes you just need a fresh perspective to find love…

Review

I loved this book so much I could eat it up…again and again.

It was addictive.

One of those girly-chick-lit-trashy-romance types that get me hooked…a gateway drug if you will. It’s like ignoring McDonald’s double quarter pounder for six months, giving in, then craving that damn burger for weeks afterward! The kicker being that while McDonald’s is staring at me from every corner…I’m probably gonna have to wait at least a year for Higgins’s next book! Boo.

True, I could pick up an oldie of hers…but I have to say, this author has gotten better with time. Her latest two books were grand slams for me, while reaching back into her older titles I sometimes feel like something is missing. Like settling for Burger King instead of Mickey-D’s (hmm…craving much? Note: I’m writing this around lunch-time…please forgive the fast food references, lol)

But back to the story. It’s a slow romance, and while Posey is cute, she isn’t a hottie. And Liam doesn’t immediately see her as some beauty. This is a good thing! Instead, he likes her the way she is but the attraction isn’t instant. And nobody ever pretends that it is. Liam falls in love with Posey as a person rather than through lust first. What I loved so much was that the characters were different…not really quirky-different just very real.

In her letter to the reader Higgins notes that this was one of the first times she really gave the man a fleshed out point of view. In this romance we learn (and see) as much of Liam’s past and present feelings as we do Posey’s. Which is necessary because he was part of a pretty big life altering incident in Posey’s past. Liam was her first love crush and also part of a very “Carrie-like” prom scenario. Luckily, one that Posey chooses to see as a definitive mark of character in her background rather than something she carries a grudge for over the years.

I saw the big ending surprise coming…but not that last gift from Liam, and not the third act twist with the old lady. Look for all of Higgin’s hallmarks, the animal love, the fun and unusual jobs, the dysfunctional family love, friendship with the elderly, and a girl who is realistically enjoyable.

In the end I can’t completely put a finger on why I loved this Higgins book head and shoulders above others. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and I couldn’t put it down. Pick this one up for a fun weekend read. You won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 5/5 I want more Higgins right now!!! 

*Book received for review from Harlequin via NetGalley…Thanks!*

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