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Just One of the Guys

by Kristan Higgins (Goodreads Author)

3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 · rating details · 6,385 ratings · 543 reviews

Being one of the guys isn't all it's cracked up to be...

So when journalist Chastity O'Neill returns to her hometown, she decides it's time to start working on some of those feminine wiles. Two tiny problems: #1--she's five feet eleven inches of rock-solid girl power, and #2--she's cursed with four alpha male older brothers.

While doing a story on local heroes, she meets a h...more

ebook, 307 pages

Published August 1st 2008 by Harlequin (first published October 7th 2007)

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Apr 11, 2013 MrsJoseph rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Chick-lit readers, not for romance readers

Shelves: romance-contemporary, format-ebook, romance, 2012-read, 2012-reviewed, heroine-tstl, romance-not-really, romance-but-is-really-chick-lit, book-rage

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 26, 2009 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009-reads, contemporary-romance, humor, keepers, reunion-romance-theme

Being one of the guys isn't what it's cracked up to be.

Chastity O'Neill is the only girl in a rowdy family of four alpha male brothers, all who are firefighters. Dad is the fire department's captain. Mom is the no-nonesense, take-no-prisoners type.

And then there is Trevor Meade, also a firefighter. An old-fashioned good boy with brown curly hair and soft brown eyes. The honorary O'Neill. Best friend to Chastity's brothers. A real live, walking, talking Vagina Magnet. Trevor is also Chastity's f...more

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Feb 04, 2010 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Recommended to Amanda by: Nikki

Shelves: contemporary-romance, reviewed

This is book number three by Kristen Higgins and my love for her books is growing with every one. This is the sweetest, most keep you on your toes story, filled with family drama that will not only enrage you right along with main character but will also endear the side character to your heart as much as the main character. It will keep you guessing till the very end, which I must say is a very large talent to poses as an author of any type of romance. I can not tell a lie I was sobbing througho...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Tina rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reunion, childhood-friends, heroine-has-lover-after-breakup, heroine-loves-h-more, plain-jane, tomboy, beta-hero, secret-crush, secret-love, cheating-un-romance, h-cheating-with-h, regret-reading

Plot device used in this book:

* Heroine (desperately/pathetically) pining for the hero.
* Cheating on Heroine/Hero - (to be correct, they're not committed to each other since they have BF/GF, but they do go from each other's bed to their BF/GF again).
* Heroine and Hero cheating with each other.
* Plain Jane heroine
* Tom boy heroine - She looks just like a man - with boobs.
* Secret love
* Unrequited love
* Chick - lit
* Characters with low substance
* Beta hero
* First person POV
* Clean romance (no se...more

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May 19, 2011 Diana~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, author-kristan-higgins, 2011-reads

Just One Of The Guys happens to be one of those books where the heroine has always been in love with her first love since the very beginning. It's sweet and I have a thing for that. But due to some difficult circumstances and misunderstandings... things just didn't work out. I've been a fan of Kristan Higgins for awhile now and I've loved every single one of her books. It's charming, witty, and just downright heartbreaking sometimes. I absolutely adored Chastity because even though she's a tombo...more Just One Of The Guys happens to be one of those books where the heroine has always been in love with her first love since the very beginning. It's sweet and I have a thing for that. But due to some difficult circumstances and misunderstandings... things just didn't work out. I've been a fan of Kristan Higgins for awhile now and I've loved every single one of her books. It's charming, witty, and just downright heartbreaking sometimes. I absolutely adored Chastity because even though she's a tomboy and is often "mistaken" for her brother Lucky, she still dreams of love and being married to the guy she loves and children! Trevor happens to be her one true love but unfortunately, because he's always been treated as another brother in her family, things... are definitely complicated. It was frustrating to see her not being with him while she was dating another guy name Ryan. Hah, that was a joke!

But yes, even though they didn't get together until the very end of the book (argh!), I still loved their relationship nonetheless. It was heartbreaking and seriously cute because he pops up when she least expects it! Oh no, Trevor's not her real brother by the way. Her childhood story involving him was very sweet... and I'm just going to leave it at that. And ever since then, he has been treated as family by her family members. I do believe the scene that cracked me up the most was the scene where Chas is on her date with Ryan and Trevor and Hayden (Trevor's ex-fiancee) happened to be there! She gets a green stain on her white blouse right on her breast. I mean what is this! Hahaha. Trevor ends up helping her out and quite frankly, the scene turns out to be hilarious.

Last but not least, there was another part in this story that was rather... very sad. You see, Chastity's mom ended up divorcing her dad because she wasn't able to "wait" for him anymore-- in other words, she had been telling him to retire but he keeps on refusing her. In the end, she ended up marrying another, even though she still loved her ex-husband, and that just breaks my heart. I wanted her to get back with her husband but that didn't end up happening. Overall, I truly enjoyed this book!! 4/5 stars.(less)

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Feb 27, 2013 Stephanie Roach rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wasn't expecting to like this book, but I needed something light and fluffy after a string of depressing books. I surprised myself by really enjoying it. This is a quick read, but has meaningful and poignant moments and I even cried at the end. Definitely worth reading.

I also should mention that this isn't really a romance. I read a few other reviews and people are mad because it's advertised as a romance. To be honest, I either got this free from Nook's Free Book Fridays or I paid like $2 for...more

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Sep 22, 2011 _yay_ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, family, firefighter, first-love, 4-stars

Chastity O’Neill’s clock is ticking. It’s about time to settle down. Moving back home seems like a good idea. Surrounded by family and living in a house she owns is heaven. Almost. Well, not exactly. Being in love with her brother’s best friend Trevor Meade complicates everything. He was her first love and seeing him work his chick magnet magic won’t be easy. Determined to start a family she frantically searches for a male candidate. Preferably one who isn’t intimidated by her sometimes boyish b...more Chastity O’Neill’s clock is ticking. It’s about time to settle down. Moving back home seems like a good idea. Surrounded by family and living in a house she owns is heaven. Almost. Well, not exactly. Being in love with her brother’s best friend Trevor Meade complicates everything. He was her first love and seeing him work his chick magnet magic won’t be easy. Determined to start a family she frantically searches for a male candidate. Preferably one who isn’t intimidated by her sometimes boyish behavior. Hello? Four brothers! He should be taller than her, too. A measly 5’11. Hmpfh. Chastity has come to terms with the fact that Trevor and her simply aren’t meant to be. Moving on. Trying to. If he only…

In my opinion it’s very hard to pull off first person narrative. I applaud all authors who make it work. I’ve read a review of Just One of the Guys and the POV was mentioned. It took me two days to finally decide on buying the book despite my reservations. The blurb tempted me to no end. Man oh man, I wished I had done so sooner. Superb writing - point on! Great sense of humor that had me giggling non-stop. Probably the funniest contemporary romance I’ve read in a long time. Light, cute, but not overly ridiculous. Maybe a tad over the top, yet still completely plausible. Real emotions that latched on to me from the start. I came to know the heroine pretty well. Chastity wasn’t happy with her life; ready for a change. Her thoughts can best be described as a dialogue with her inner self. The first chapter was what got me hooked. It could’ve happened to any one of us. She reminded me of Bridget Jones. Not that she was chubby or shy – the opposite I’d say. It was her way of using humor to deal with setbacks that led to my comparison. The author did a fantastic job creating a heroine many, many women can relate to. The book mainly focused on Chastity. Not just the romance, but all aspects of her new life back in her hometown. Family, job, being single and on the hunt for the happily ever after guy. Husband and daddy material, please! Not an easy task. She wasn’t by any means perfect, but not a helpless little girl either. What had helped form her into a tough chick not willing to take shit from anyone also happened to be the very reason for her bad luck with matters of the heart. At over 5’10 and with four brothers she frequently needed to go up against it’s no wonder guys often shied away from her. My heart went out to Chastity, for I really, really liked her. I couldn’t help myself but wish her nothing but the best. Now, don’t you dare go thinking she’s the boring kind. Far from it actually! The interaction with her family was a delight to witness. And what a big family it was, too. Good thing all the secondary characters where very well developed. So well developed, in fact, that by paying attention to the different dynamics between Chastity and whoever she was talking to I realized just how many facets there were to her personality. Talking about reoccurring characters: I fell head over paws in love with her “ugly duckling” dog. The cover did do him justice. Just thinking about that cutie patootie still makes me laugh. Of course the story scored points with several additional subplots. They enriched the main storyline in a big way. To me, this is a deal breaker. Only two possible outcomes! Either a connection to the mother ship is maintained at all times, or the kiddos are scattered all over – the main plot consequentially smashed to pieces. Where’s up? Where’s down? Higgins mastered the first. Kudos! Chastity’s brothers had lives and the problems that come with it of their own. Same with her parents! However, a strong bond remained, ensuring the puzzle could be completed in the end. It wasn’t all hunky-dorky, though. The heroine had to work for it. It being a happy ending. Aside from lots of family drama, this book was a contemporary romance – just not the regular kind. Seeing her first love Trevor again (he’s part of the family in every aspect except by blood) had her in an emotional turmoil of epic proportions. No wonder she tried her best to move forward and be done with the heartache. It’s just…well…easier said than done. What was different about the romance? I loved that it took quite a while for hero and heroine to give in and act on their feelings. Don’t expect them to fall into each other’s arms halfway through the book. Uhuhu. It wouldn’t have been plausible. The idea behind the complications that kept Chastity and Trevor apart was brilliant. To even consider a future together took courage. I was well aware they’d have to take a big risk (not some outrageous “your life depends on it” risk. We’re talking normal everyday people) and understood why especially Trevor hesitated to do so. In turn, Chastity needed to find peace. There are worse things than being single. Wouldn’t want her to depend on a boyfriend – choosing to be with someone holds so much more appeal. What I didn’t like was the not so satisfying conclusion to Charity’s parents’ story arc. I checked for other books, but it appears it’s not part of a series. A real shame! Also, yes, I found it rather refreshing that the book was about a journey; a journey to becoming a couple and not about an existing relationship. But I wanted to read just a tad more about Chastity and Trevor together. Two or three chapters of blissful happily ever after romance. I was left craving more. 4 stars to Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins!

Beware of Spoilers!
A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested:
° “You gave me a piggyback ride for a mile and a half, Chastity. That’s something a Sherpa should do, not a girlfriend.”
° “His features taken one by one are not so special. Put them together and you have the male equivalent of death by chocolate.”
° “That’s not fair. Here’s Trevor, the vagina magnet, able to seduce in ninety seconds.”
° “Another brief sprint and I’m next to them. Oh, hello boys, I pant. I thought that cluster of heterosexuality was you.”
° “I felt it. He checked me out. He was interested. Until, of course, I’d squashed his testicles into pancakes.”
° “Chastity, you’re such a prude. – Mom, you named me Chastity Virginia, okay? If I’m a prude, it’s partly your fault.”(less)

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Aug 09, 2011 Lisa O. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, adult-fiction

Chastity is a tall, big, healthy girl - a journalist, who comes back to her native town of Eaton Falls after a decade of studying and working in New York. She is also part of a big family of firefighters, the youngest sisters of four equally tall, big and healthy brothers. Chastity is ready to settle down, find a husband and start popping out some kids, but her rather domineering looks do not help in her quest. When she starts dating Ryan - a doctor, perfect husband material - she thinks she's f...more Chastity is a tall, big, healthy girl - a journalist, who comes back to her native town of Eaton Falls after a decade of studying and working in New York. She is also part of a big family of firefighters, the youngest sisters of four equally tall, big and healthy brothers. Chastity is ready to settle down, find a husband and start popping out some kids, but her rather domineering looks do not help in her quest. When she starts dating Ryan - a doctor, perfect husband material - she thinks she's found her perfect candidate, if not for the constant nagging thought in her mind of Trevor Meade, her childood friend and sweetheart, whom she's loved forever but doesn't seem to be interested in her romantically.

FOREWARNING: Unfortunately I am not going to do this book any justice. Fate has wanted me to pick this up mere days after having finished Bachelor Boys and they're too bloody similar in so many ways to be objective about it. I'll be honest and say I preferred Bachelor Boys because, aside from being simply chick lit, goes also a bit deeper into the dynamics of family, love and friendship.

Don't get me wrong, this is great chick lit. Of the laugh out loud kind. I really had a good time reading this book and never once I put it down groaning because of some dumb scene - well, except at the very end for the sappiness, but I do that with all books that feature said scenes. It was completely hilarious at times, I even kind of started picturing Katherine Heigl as Chastity, in one of those exhilarating chick flicks she does, like 27 dresses. The characters are really well developed and the dialogues are witty and fun.
The only thing that bothered me - as in Bachelor Boys, by the way - were the premises. The whole plot rotates around the fact that Chastity is desperately looking for a husband in order to reproduce because she is 31 and she feels it's about time.
This is a load of old, backward bullshit, sorry to say. I can't believe an emancipated woman with a master's degree in Journalism who's lived in the big city would actually think like that. And this coming from a stay at home mom with a degree in translation English/Russian. That would be me.
For this reason I had a few issues empathizing with Chastity at the beginning but, eventually, she came through, because she is extremely funny.

If you need to relax and have a good laugh, this is the book for you. I'll be certainly reading more of Kristan Higgins's books for therapeutic purposes.

Follow me at NightReader
(less)

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Sep 19, 2009 Tam Herra rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fun-lifestyle-reads, favorites, pets, tall-heroine

An interesting book. Less a story about love as the book's description would lead us to believe and more of a story about Chastity O’Neill, who ends up requiting her unrequited love. The reader is thrown into her life shortly after she moves back to her hometown. It just so happens that this point in her life includes certain romantic relationships.

I always enjoy reading about the day to day life of characters and this book certainly provides that. In this case the emphasis is heavily focused on...more An interesting book. Less a story about love as the book's description would lead us to believe and more of a story about Chastity O’Neill, who ends up requiting her unrequited love. The reader is thrown into her life shortly after she moves back to her hometown. It just so happens that this point in her life includes certain romantic relationships.

I always enjoy reading about the day to day life of characters and this book certainly provides that. In this case the emphasis is heavily focused on certain interpersonal relationships (co-workers, family members, romantic interests) but these are not always fleshed out.

There are also some unnecessary additions to the plot, such as a stalker scare at the work place or the details on the frienemy relationship between Chastity and Lucien. I can only guess that these incidences were meant to provide the reader with a fuller understanding of Chastity and how she relies on those in her life. However, in reality, other more interesting and holistic sequences do the same (such as the EMT training). I regret the type-space that was wasted on discussing what I would deem "unnecessary additions to the plot" rather than being used to depict a more in depth picture of Chastity's relationships with more important people in her life such as her brother/roommate Matt. In my opinion, the is a major flaw in the book allowing for the book to drag on at times.
I loved Chastity, she is refreshing and interesting and I found myself adding this book to my favourites just because of her. Other pluses to the story is that it really fun and lighthearted but also felt relaistic, while containing some great funny moments! Also, I genuinely liked Trevor and the brothers and the dynamic they all shared.

There is a time and place for present tense, and it was not in this book. To me the book felt like it had the vibe of a story being told in a lot of key places, not a story in the making. Strangely, this didn't bother me at all times, just periodically through the book. Another negative was that the book seems to drag on at times and by the end it doesn't feel like there is enough details on the romantic resolution.

I'd read this book again because I enjoyed the characters in it and it had a great vibe but I would definitely skim! It's also likely that I will read another novel by Kristan Higgins in the future but perhaps not right away.

The book rating in this case is a 3. A great story, sure, but its lethargic tendencies wore me down from rating it a solid 4.(less)

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Jun 28, 2009 Nisha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone who wants a clean romantic comedy

Shelves: chick-lit, friends-to-lovers, contemporary-romance

I wanted to read this book ever since I heard about it on amazon. It had my favorite theme. Childhood friends who bordered lovers but not quite, because they've been more like family even longer. Its a cute novel. The humor is always fun (as well as her LOTR obsession) and the characters were all quite likable (I loved her brothers and their asking her for advice and her stiff trauma surgeon bf, oddly). Her family is very amusing though slightly dysfunctional (her parents are divorced, but are s...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library, you-did-this-to-yourself

Though some of the antics are positively slapsticky, this was actually really depressing. I normally don't have a problem with first person, but this seemed almost designed to torture readers...and the h. And, let's be honest, there really wasn't a romance at all, 'til the HEA. (view spoiler)...more

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May 06, 2013 Devika rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wanted to love this book, I really did.. After Too Good To Be True, I really had high expectations from Ms Higgins.
However, Just One Of the Guys disappointed me. I found the book to purposefully seek tragic situations, and on finding none, to create tragedies of it's own. Thirty nine years of marriage given up, just like that. I refuse to accept it. Betty decides to seperate because she had enough of waiting for Mike, and apparently, love isn't enough. So how come her sons are so blissfully ha...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Aishwarya Hariharan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kristan Higgins has a gift. For some writers, it's the gift of lyrical prose that makes your heart ache as you drown in it. For others, it's the gift of description. With just a few words, they paint you a picture. For some, it's the ability to lay out intricate plots like no one else(I'm looking at you, GRR) and for others, it's the gift of comedy.

Kristan Higgins has a gift alright. It's the gift of making her characters downtrodden and so pitiful that even people with hearts of stone will bawl...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Patty Campbell rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kristan Higgans never disappoints. Just One of the Guys literally takes you to the last page for the ending you've been hoping for. Her sweet, flawed characters are so real I began to think they were personal acquaintances of mine, so when I got to that last page (by reading when I should have been sleeping) it was a sad farewell.

Chastity Virginia O'Neill, because she has four older brothers and Trevor, has lived her life in a world of testerone. Besides that she's almost six feet tall and can h...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Brandi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was my first time reading this author, and I was really entertained the entire time. Being in Chastity's head was hilarious and cringe-worthy and very real (at least to me - I think very much like her). Her personality was so endearing, and her family totally lovable.

From the blurb, I expected her brothers to be very alpha and domineering and all up in her business, what with her being the baby and all, but in reality, I didn't get that vibe at all. If anything, they were strong characters,...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Jessi rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, appealing-characteristic-story, contemporary, romance

I love this author usually and, while this book wasn't bad, I guess I just expected more.
Like the title suggests, Chastity O'Neill has never really been seen as a sex-kitten. As we are told again and again, she is broad-shouldered, athletic, and five feet eleven inches. And three-quarters.
She's been in love with Trevor for years. They had a fling (one-night stand) in college but Trevor completely shut down after that. His family had broken up soon after his sister's death and the O'Neills becam...more

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Oct 01, 2012 elstaffe rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was an odd experience for me. I found myself liking the heroine better than I had the ones of Higgins' last two books that I read, but the hero really remained a mystery to me. I'm sure it didn't help that the story was told in first person, and so the only inner thoughts I got to see were those of the heroine, but Higgins did this in the other two books of hers I've read as well (Fools Rush In and All I Ever Wanted) and still managed to give the heroes more definition. It wasn't that I did...more This was an odd experience for me. I found myself liking the heroine better than I had the ones of Higgins' last two books that I read, but the hero really remained a mystery to me. I'm sure it didn't help that the story was told in first person, and so the only inner thoughts I got to see were those of the heroine, but Higgins did this in the other two books of hers I've read as well (Fools Rush In and All I Ever Wanted) and still managed to give the heroes more definition. It wasn't that I didn't like Trevor, because I did; it was more that I felt like his motivations and actions were never really completely explained. While this is somewhat understandable for a first-person POV book in which he was not the POV, I was confused as to why/how Chastity didn't seem to spend much time wondering about Trevor's reaction to (view spoiler)...well, lots of things.

A minor complaint (compared to the above) is how the work drama storyline was wrapped up. (view spoiler)

In any case, I am disappointed, because I was expecting to like this book a lot more than I did (a sentiment that may demonstrate why I ended up feeling the way I do now).(less)

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Sep 24, 2012 Sheyla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Chastity O'Neill has loved Trevor Meade as long as she can remember. She has recently moved back home and is working as a journalist. As always in Mrs Higgins books she owns a dog, Buttercup.
Chastity has four brothers, all firefighters. Her father is also a firefighter, but he is separated from her mom. He loves his job more than his wife. Chastity has decided to find a man and settle down, get married, and have kids. She is looking for Mr. Perfect, When she meets a doctor, she decides that he...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Fedora rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Finally read something by Ms. Higgins and enjoyed it but didn't completely love it. She write very entertainingly and it's well done enough that I made it past the first person.

I wanted to like the heroine, Chastity, more than I did. She's not the typical girly girl, since she's grown up with four older brothers, all who have followed their dad's example of being very athletic and active and civic minded. While she's also super strong and athletic herself, she's also really tall and has fallen i...more

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Aug 12, 2012 →kelly♥[: rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: r-a-s

My Rating: 2.0

I'll be honest, I didn't really like the Just One of the Guys. It was supposed to be a contemporary romance book written by Kristan Higgins, a very well known author, but Just One of the Guys lacked major romance to satisfy me. Which is also why I skimmed more than fifty percent of the book, not bothering to read the whole thing.

Chastity. I couldn't stand her. She constantly feels sorry for herself because she's just "one of the guys." Every time she mentions that, I couldn't hel...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Virginia Nelson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Chastity is a jock and the only daughter of the O'Neil family of firefighters. She rows and she is a giant.

I honestly thought I had nothing in common with this heroine and there was no way Higgins could possibly make me identify with her.

Ha! Higgins always makes me identify with the heroine. What was I thinking?

Chastity also can't find love. In a small, charming town, filled with men like the Tooth, what chance has she got?

Especially when she gave her heart years ago to orphaned (by default)now...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Asha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

4 out of 5

Damn, I don't know how to rate this one. It was so compelling that I stayed up till 4 in the morning and yet there were a number of things that annoyed me.

What I liked:

- the point if view that Higgins uses in her books. It's quite uncommon in the romance genre, but I think it's great. By giving an insight into only one character Higgins makes the book so much more interesting.

- the side characters. They were wonderful, especially Chas's family. When the story became dull at times, i...more

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Jun 28, 2012 cupcake rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In honor of the Sharing My Favorite Blog Giveaway, I read a Kristan Higgins book this week. I've read a lot of her books - I love her beyond words - and I find myself parsing them out, making sure I don't read all of them all at once, because then I have to wait for the next one to get written.

Just One of the Guys is pretty standard Higgins fare. It's set in the northeast (in this case, northern New York, as opposed to her more typical locales in New England, and features a young woman trying to...more In honor of the Sharing My Favorite Blog Giveaway, I read a Kristan Higgins book this week. I've read a lot of her books - I love her beyond words - and I find myself parsing them out, making sure I don't read all of them all at once, because then I have to wait for the next one to get written.

Just One of the Guys is pretty standard Higgins fare. It's set in the northeast (in this case, northern New York, as opposed to her more typical locales in New England, and features a young woman trying to find love while dealing with a colorful family.

Chastity Virginia O'Neill is the youngest of five kids, the other four being older brothers. Longtime family friend, Trevor Meade, is sort of an honorary brother, as much a part of the family as if DNA claimed him. When Chastity returns to Eaton Falls, her small hometown in upstate New York, after college, grad school, and establishing her journalism career, she also returns to the specter of Trevor. She has loved him since she was ten-years-old, a love that is largely unreciprocated. In search of romance, she meets Dr. Darling (seriously - that's his name), and tries to see if she can love someone like she loves Trevor.

As with Higgins' books, you know how this will end, but she gets you there in cute, humorous, sometimes heartbreaking ways. I did cry about four times while reading this. Chastity's complete, consuming love for Trevor can only end in one of two ways, and because she misinterprets everything, she comes awfully close to having to settle for a life she doesn't really want. What she wants is Trevor, and having had a brief taste of him when she was in college, she wants more.

He swallowed and gazed at me, serious and quiet. I could see him weighing the intelligence of what we were about to do, what we had already done, could see his hesitation. Because I'd loved him for so long, been crushed by my yearning for Trevor for so damn long, I slid my hands under his shirt and pulled it over his head. "Please stay," I said, kissing his beautiful neck.

The only complaint I have about this book is that we don't get to see the happy couple together romantically for more than a few pages. That's the case with most of Higgins' books, which may be why my favorite is My One and Only, in which our hero and heroine are trapped in a car together for chapters on end.

Kristan Higgins peppers her books with a lively cast of supporting characters, never more so than with this one. What with four brothers, some sisters-in-law, a passel of nieces and nephews, co-workers and firefighters, there are a LOT of people. You get to know most of them, but the danger is not getting to know Trevor as much as you want. A similar problem existed with Malone in Catch of the Day. It's a compliment to Higgins that we want more of her heroes.

Published on cupcake's book cupboard. @VivaAmaRisata(less)

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Apr 09, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Dear Authors: Please give us more heroines like Chas, because she is freaking amazing.

I freaking loved Chastity. Honestly? One of the best female protagonists ever written IMO. How many times do we get to read about a heroine who is assertive without being douchey, generous and big-hearted without being a doormat, and competent and confident without being arrogant? Not often enough, let me tell you. All of these great qualities, but her character is so well-drawn that she is still human and rela...more Dear Authors: Please give us more heroines like Chas, because she is freaking amazing.

I freaking loved Chastity. Honestly? One of the best female protagonists ever written IMO. How many times do we get to read about a heroine who is assertive without being douchey, generous and big-hearted without being a doormat, and competent and confident without being arrogant? Not often enough, let me tell you. All of these great qualities, but her character is so well-drawn that she is still human and relatable -- importantly, she never comes close to falling into the Mary Sue category.

And my favorite part about her -- she had the guts to make some really hard decisions in order to stay true to herself. She makes some mistakes along the way, but when push comes to shove she knows what she needs to do, and she does it. I found her an incredibly empowering and inspiring character to read. Props, Ms. Higgins, props.

Once again, Higgins treats us to a wonderful cast of secondary characters and variety of side-stories. There are also some delightful comedic moments that had me chuckling out loud.

Not to be forgotten is the fact that I adored the leading man, Trevor. I'd read 2 other books by Higgins before picking up this one, and I was seriously beginning to question her taste in men, because I strongly disliked the leading men in those books.

SPOILER: Trevor was a wonderful romantic interest. I see other reviewers are disgruntled because we did not get to see them together in a romantic relationship very much. But you know? It was pretty obvious to me from a few chapters in that he adored Chas, and that he treated her with respect, admiration, tenderness, support, and humor. And those qualities go a very, very long way for me. Even though they were technically not in a romantic relationship, I saw that these two loved each other and treated each other well. They displayed their love for each other beautifully. That is the forecast for the quality of their future relationship. Even though they did not get a lot of "screen-time" so to speak, they didn't need it. You can already see how they are going to be together from the way they interact in the few short scenes they are in. Quality over quantity.

The epilogue was perfect. It was a happy ending without being sappy or overly-sentimental or fairy-tailish.

And I am so, so, thrilled that Chas got such a satisfying and happy ending. I loved her very much and would have been very disappointed if she had gotten anything less.(less)

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Mar 25, 2012 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kristan-higgins, angsty-read, beautiful-epilogues, charming-hero, contemporary-romance, commitment-phobic-hero, emotional-wrangler, endearing-hero, endearing-heroine, childhood-friends, favorite-alpha-heroes, favorite-endings, favorite-heroes, favorite-heroines, good-for-nothing-ex-fiance, good-for-nothing-ex-boyfriend, haunted-by-the-past-heroine, heroine-in-love-with-hero, hot-as-sin-hero, larger-than-life-hero, laugh-out-loud-moments, firefighter-hero, not-your-average-heroine, possessive-heroine, protective-hero, small-town-setting, sweet-heroes, family-drama, first-person-pov

Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins is a book that always ends up in one recommendation list or the other. And the hero Trevor James Meade seems to be a real hit amongst the ladies so much so that I decided to give this book a try because when it comes to Kristan Higgins you are always in for a laugh-fest no matter what.

Chastity Virginia O’Neill is the youngest child and the only daughter in the O’Neill family. She is a plus-sized heroine if there ever was one and a jock to boot, a mark left...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-stars, contemporary-romance, fiction

Enjoyable, but because I read this after so many other Kristan Higgins books, I kept feeling that certain scenes/tropes were better done in other, later books (I'm sorry, but the turkey scene in All I Ever Wanted is untouchable hilarity, so the loose dog scene in this one only made me nostalgic for THAT book). The writing/chapter style of this one was frustrating for me, because chapters would end on ~BIG REVELATIONS~ or ~BIG CONSEQUENTIAL THING~ and then the next chapter would begin at a comple...more Enjoyable, but because I read this after so many other Kristan Higgins books, I kept feeling that certain scenes/tropes were better done in other, later books (I'm sorry, but the turkey scene in All I Ever Wanted is untouchable hilarity, so the loose dog scene in this one only made me nostalgic for THAT book). The writing/chapter style of this one was frustrating for me, because chapters would end on ~BIG REVELATIONS~ or ~BIG CONSEQUENTIAL THING~ and then the next chapter would begin at a completely different point, and not being able to follow through emotions or revelations to their logical conclusions, that was frustrating. I kept feeling jerked around, and it left me with the impression that the plot was the opposite of seamless: the various events of the story were patched together and didn't flow organically.

However, this book does have a likeable heroine and a terrific declaration of love, and because this is Kristan Higgins, there was a lot to be amused and entertained by. (Here's one of the things I get out of reading Higgins: I can look at the ridiculous things that happen to the heroines and feel better about my own life and feel rather competent.) I also came to a slightly more comfortable interpretation of Higgins' reliance on quasi-incestuous relationships. I feel squicky enough pointing it out (heroines often getting together with brother-in-laws, ex-brother-in-laws, or brother figures), and though my favorite Higgins books are the ones that steer clear of that, this book is in the "heroine falls for a guy who is raised as something like a brother to her" vein. The heroine and the hero call the same set of parents mom and dad, so, um. Yeah. But the secondary romance in the book (the heroine's mother's search for a boyfriend) in contrast with the main romance helped to shed some light for me on Higgins' favorite trope. She's doing stuff with a "the love you start with isn't always enough, and it isn't always what you need, so just because it's some kind of love doesn't mean you have to be satisfied by it" theme. I think the trope's still pretty uncomfortable-making, but in this book, at least, it seemed relevant and purposeful.

Also, this book was too othering for my taste, and for me not to mention. Because, yeah, if the token non-white character (as in, the only character identified by their race) is always described, over and over, as doing a "Latin head wiggle" (o.m.g. what does that EVEN MEAN? at least she wasn't also called "sassy"), readers of color like myself might feel a bit alienated. And, while it's nice to know Higgins doesn't limit her depiction of gay characters to the role of stereotypical gay best friend (which happened in one of her other books) it's also pretty uncomfortable that (view spoiler).

Summary: Higgins is a good writer, and this was enjoyable, but it was also pretty irritating in more than a couple ways.(less)

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Nov 27, 2011 Aarann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had a lot of fun reading this book. I loved Chastity, and the relationship she had with her brothers and parents, and of course her dog. I also loved that it wasn't a typical "tomboy gets a makeover" sort of story (although don't get me wrong, I generally love those). Chastity knew who she was and had no desire to change herself to find a mate, even the one guy she's been longing for for her entire adult life. It was nice to find a heroine who, while insecure about aspects of her physical appe...more I had a lot of fun reading this book. I loved Chastity, and the relationship she had with her brothers and parents, and of course her dog. I also loved that it wasn't a typical "tomboy gets a makeover" sort of story (although don't get me wrong, I generally love those). Chastity knew who she was and had no desire to change herself to find a mate, even the one guy she's been longing for for her entire adult life. It was nice to find a heroine who, while insecure about aspects of her physical appearance, doesn't spend the entire book trying to get used to things that make her uncomfortable specifically to land a mate.

HERE BE SPOILERS!

(view spoiler)

NO MORE SPOILERS

But all my complaints aside, I really did love this book, and again, the complaints weren't severe enough for me to have any doubts about the 4/5 stars. It kept me engrossed and entertained that's really what I require from these books. I only recently discovered this author, but I will definitely be picking up more of her books.(less)

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Aug 06, 2011 Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book. Stick with me here. I'm not very good with reviews and the more I like a book, the more I tend to babble, lol. I had been wondering about this author. After getting some opinions on Amazon, I decided to check her out. I started with this one because I've read other books with a similar theme and liked them a lot (Her Best Friend's Lover, Seducing Simon).

It's true that Higgins leans toward the "chick lit" side of romance. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about such a G rated book, bu...more I loved this book. Stick with me here. I'm not very good with reviews and the more I like a book, the more I tend to babble, lol. I had been wondering about this author. After getting some opinions on Amazon, I decided to check her out. I started with this one because I've read other books with a similar theme and liked them a lot (Her Best Friend's Lover, Seducing Simon).

It's true that Higgins leans toward the "chick lit" side of romance. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about such a G rated book, but I could see right away that Higgins has a way with emotions. I went back and forth between laughing and crying the whole time I was reading.

Some people mentioned that they don't like how the author uses depreciating humor at the h's expense. I can totally see how that would put some people off, but I don't really mind. I think it makes for a more emotional read if you're turning red in the face right along with the h. Sometimes it makes it more sad, or even more funny. I've read books that use this strategy before, and I think Higgins does it well.

(view spoiler)

I love books that involve a big family. This one delivered on that front. All of the characters seemed so well developed, even the ones who didn't get much page time. The side characters and their issues flowed into the main plot so nicely. Probably because Chastity was such an integral part of everyone's life. It just supported the familial feeling I had all the way through the book.

I can't rave enough about this book, and I can't wait to read the rest of this author's work.(less)

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Jul 05, 2011 Ori rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, reviewed

Just One of the Guys is rather different because Chastity's not your typical bombshell/waif--she's built like a tank or an Amazon, and that makes for some pretty interesting characterization. Her forays into the world of femininity were hilarious and also sort of touching. She takes initiative to improve her weaknesses, help out her family and friends, and at one point knees someone in the groin. Excellent!

It hits all the right notes and tropes for me--particularly the unrequited crush on brothe...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, nook, 3-contemporary

Chastity is the only girl in an all boys clan. The baby of the family, she has 4 older brothers and an 'adopted' brother. Her father is a firefighter as two of her brothers, one flies a helicopter transporting patients to hospitals and the other 'defuses bombs'. Chastity is a reporter. Unmarried at 31 when 3 of her brothers are already married and with kids she feels underachieved. After a long time, Chastity is returning home and again is treated as one of the guys. But Chastity wants a man, ma...more

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About Kristan Higgins

Hello! I’m flattered that you clicked the button. If you clicked by mistake, well, hello anyway.

I live in a small Connecticut town with a beautiful library, a great agricultural fair, nice people and not much else. I have two lovely, entertaining children and a brave firefighter for a husband, who is, perhaps more importantly, a fantastic cook. Digger from Fools Rush In is inspired my very own Dig...more Hello! I’m flattered that you clicked the button. If you clicked by mistake, well, hello anyway.

I live in a small Connecticut town with a beautiful library, a great agricultural fair, nice people and not much else. I have two lovely, entertaining children and a brave firefighter for a husband, who is, perhaps more importantly, a fantastic cook. Digger from Fools Rush In is inspired my very own Digger, our cheerful Lab mutt. We also have two cats and grieve for an occasional, short-lived beta fish.

I worked as a copywriter until I had kids and started writing fiction when my children graced my life with simultaneous afternoon naps. Writing, I surmised, was infinitely more satisfying than folding laundry, and so I started my first novel. Before long, I had finished Stalking Joe, whose title was later changed to Fools Rush In. Catch of the Day followed, winning the 2008 Romance Writers of America's RITA© award, which just thrilled me to my toes. Then came Just One of the Guys (August 08), Too Good To Be True (Feb 09), The Next Best Thing (Feb 10), and All I Ever Wanted, summer 2010. More books are in the pipeline.

I love to write books about relationships, since the search for love and security is one of the driving forces of life. And I try to focus on an aspect that’s common, if not universal, hence the “stalking” in Fools Rush In and the crush on the unattainable man in Catch of the Day. People ask if I’ve ever stalked a guy. Of course not! Jeez! Come on! It’s fiction! They also ask if I’ve ever had a crush on a priest. Of course not! Jeez! Come on! It’s fiction! As far as being crazy about one of my brother's friends, which is the plot of Just One of the Guys, well, yes to that one. But I'm not naming names. Dating a fictional man, like Grace does in Too Good To Be True? Um...can I take the fifth on that one? Whether it's my own experience or not, I try to find something we can all relate to.

When I’m not writing, I like to be with my kids, goof around with my husband, read, watch baseball, ride my bike and bake. I suffer from chronic bedhead and an unhealthy (and completely understandable) obsession with Derek Jeter, shortstop for the New York Yankees. Like Millie Barnes, I run, which provides the neighbors with some real entertainment.

We spend as much time as possible at our family home on Cape Cod, swimming in the Atlantic, shivering on the beach, swatting horseflies and watching fish evade my lure at Higgins Pond. It’s as close to heaven as it gets.(less)

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Quotes from Just One of the Guys

“And so I make a pact with the devil, or in this case, my mommy.” — 25 people liked it

“Where's your fiancé?" Trevor asks casually. I stiffen slightly, and Trevor steps back a little. "Well," I breathe. "Um, we sort of broke up."

Trevor's eyes widen a fraction, an eyebrow raising in surprise. He stops dancing, but none of the other couples seem to notice, too caught up in being in love. "Why?" Trevor whispers, still holding my hand, his arm still around me.

My hearts thumps harder, slower, each beat waiting for my answer as I stare into Trevor's eyes. I open my mouth to give some answer, some casual it-didn't-work-out kind of thing. But instead, I hear myself say something else entirely.

"Because he wasn't you.” — 18 people liked it

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