Review : Too Good to be True
Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins
Pages : 379
Genre : Chicklit, Romance
My Rating : 
From the Back of the Book :
When Grace Emerson’s ex-fiancé starts dating her younger sister, extreme measures are called for. To keep everyone from obsessing about her love life, Grace announces that she’s seeing someone. Someone wonderful. Someone handsome. Someone completely made up. Who is this Mr. Right? Someone…exactly unlike her renegade neighbor Callahan O’Shea. Well, someone with his looks, maybe. His hot body. His knife-sharp sense of humor. His smarts and big heart.
Whoa. No. Callahan O’Shea is not her perfect man! Not with his unsavory past. So why does Mr. Wrong feel so…right?
I first heard of Too Good to be True at S. Krishna’s Books, and I’m so glad I did! You know I’m usually not one to fall for pure romance novels, but Higgins’ writing felt a lot more like the chicklit I enjoy so much. It was cute, fun, sexy and perfectly entertaining, with a good portion of romance on the side for those who enjoy it!
Grace is an entertaining character, but also an interesting one. She’s a history teacher and a Civil War buff who enjoys participating in reenactments. She’s been inventing herself boyfriends from time to time through her life, so why not do it again? It sounds like a silly idea that can only turn badly, right? Well, yes; but it also turns out to be extremely fun. It’s written with humor without being completely silly. Just enough to keep things light and make you turn the pages quickly. Grace was also easy to sympathize with, and her voice was perfect for the narration.
I love that the story was more about Grace’s life than about Grace’s romance uniquely. Her family was complex, entertaining and frustrating at times. Natalie, Grace’s younger sister, was a little spoiled without being insufferable, but I really appreciated her older sister, Maragaret; I would have loved to know more about her. As for Callahan, he was sexy, yes, although a little extreme at time in his reactions. But the romance was cute and I fell for it completely.
I really enjoyed Too Good to be True, and I would definitely read more by the author – if I was able to find her books; even Amazon.ca was a dead end on this one. Fortunately, my bookstore’s website and Amazon announce reprints for the beginning of 2010. Meanwhile, you can visit the author’s website to learn more about her and her books.
I read it earlier this year and because it made me laugh so much it’s on my 2009 favorite books list. I’ll read another book from Higgins!
Oh this one sounds really good. I’ve been feeling in the mood for chicklit lately (I’m thinking maybe grabbing a Sophie Kinsella) but I’m definitely going to add Kristan Higgins to my wishlist, especially if reprints are around the corner.
Sounds very interesting to read.
I have to say that the books that you are reading now, wow, do want to know what you think of soulles.
Nina
I’m not much for pure romance either, but you’ve sure made this sound good.
I love a good chicklit and this one sounds like one I would really enjoy!! I’ll have to see if my library has it! Thanks for the fun review 🙂
I’ve been on a slight romance jag lately, this sounds perfect. I love the boy next door/girl next door plot almost as much as best friends falling for each other.
Also, did you know that non-Wordpress users can’t subscribe to comments any longer?
I’ve never heard of this one before but it sounds really good! Thanks for the review 🙂
Mary : I laughed out loud too at some points! That’s generally a sign of a good book!
Bella : Yes, from Amazon I see “publishing dates” again for January 2010. That’s not too long a wait, and it really was a sweet read. 🙂
Nina : Yes it is, and Soulless is too! Very original so far!
Kathy : It was. I’m not that much into romance usually either, but sometimes, a little fluff is good for the heart.
Staci : I hope you can find it – and if so that you’ll enjoy it.
Lisa : I think you could like this one then. I thought despite the plot being more common, the execution made it fun and fresh. Also, I don’t get why the comment thing don’t work. 🙁 I looked at the settings and it should be working; I guess I’ll have to investigate on the wordpress forums.
Amber : It is! I’m glad I got to read it!
At last. A review from Kay that isn’t about werewolves and vampires :))
I am so gonna buy this if I find it. Thank you so much Kay! This is interesting.
Definitely sounds right up my alley — and I love the cover! Glad to know the little sister wasn’t totally annoying… I get so tired of that plotline in chick lit!
I enjoyed this one and Just One of the Guys by this author. I always see her books at the UBS, so you could check there.
And you’re right, creating a fake boyfriend has a lot of potential to go wrong, but KH handled it really well.
I found a couple of her earlier books at a used book store. Also, have at least one on my Kindle.
This definitely sounds like something I would enjoy too! Glad to hear that you liked it. Definitely adding it to my vacation reading pile.