ARC Review: The Best Man by Kristan Higgins
Author: Kristan Higgins
Title: The Best Man
Release: February 26, 2013
Series: Blue Heron #1
Reviewer: Lil
Source: Harlequin / NetGalley
| Book DepositoryFaith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there….
Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief-and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosÉ, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk…
You want to read a really good book? Then this book isn’t for you. BUT! If you want to read one of the BEST contemporary romance novels I’ve ever gotten my greedy little hands on? THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU! I am a long time Kristan Higgins fan and to be honest I was a little worried when this finally downloaded onto my e-reader. I mean how many awesome reads can one author have before she has a dud? I was worried that this was going to be it.
You probably think I was overreacting, but wait this wasn’t just any new book! This new series, Blue Heron is a series set in The Finger Lakes, I grew up in Western New York and have a strong affection for the area. Would Kristan be able to capture the natural beauty of the land and water? Would there be inconsistencies when it came to logistics, architecture, and most importantly the hometown feeling that is such an integral part of the region? These are things that I obsessed with because I wanted to adore this book. I wanted to get lost in the vineyards and dive into the lives of Faith, Levi and their families. And Ms. Higgins delivered. Big. Time.
Poor Faith Holland. Talk about unlucky in love. She’s experienced quite the roller coaster on her road to finding her HEA. Of course in true Higgins fashion we learn all about her troubles through Laugh OUT LOUD moments. At one point I’m not only guffawed, I snorted. Yeah and in public. So attractive, thanks for that one Kristan. Faith has hasn’t become jaded over her failures at romance but she sure has become pragmatic and maybe a little paranoid. Background checks and stakeouts aren’t too good for this woman, she’ll do whatever it takes to keep from having her heart broken again. The thing I love about Faith is she takes control of her destiny. Faith doesn’t whine, she drinks it. Faith doesn’t pass out the blame, she holds it close to her heart. She is a REAL person and that is one of the things I love about Kristan Higgins, she develops characters I can relate to and believe in.
Levi is impossible not to fall in love with. I am putting him just below Mr. Darcy on my Favorite Male Literary Leads List (Mr. Darcy is NUMBER ONE). He’s honest, rough around the edges, and so sexy. I was so sick of leading male characters that were too polished and way too vocal with their emotions. So yeah Levi isn’t the best communicator. And oh man, he can be a smart ass and maybe even a little mean. But when it comes down to it? Levi is honorable, loyal, and his emotions run deep and the woman who he falls in love with will have to have the guts to dig deep to find them but it’s totally worth it in the end. To sum it up, Levi is a real life leading man, he really does exist and I am positive I won’t be the only one to recognize him.
If there was any doubt before The Best Man, Kristan Higgins has solidified herself as one of the best romance novelists writing today. I am putting The Best Man at the top of my Best Reads of 2013. The Best Man not only left me fulfilled, it left me inspired. I want to move people with my stories like Kristan continues to move me. I laughed, I cried, and had to get an iced cold drink more that once *wink*wink*. It’s not easy to weave a story about love and family and keep it not only compelling, but sexy and funny too. But Kristan Higgins sure makes it look like it is.
~Lil
I love Kristin Higgins books!
This book is so good!
Lil, you must have read my thoughts! Kristan IS an amazing author and I couldn’t have expressed my feelings any better. Great review! ;D
Wow I never saw the notice for your commenf :( Thank you! I honestly still feel I didn’t articulate how much I loved this book. It is her best work yet…. and that is saying tons because I have adored each and every book Kristan has released.