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The "What If" Guy
The "What If" Guy by Brooke MossWhat would you do if your "what if" guy showed up at the lowest point of your life? (Autumn Cole clocked hers with an encyclopedia.)After losing her job at a swanky Seattle art gallery and finding out her father has been hospitalized, single mother Autumn Cole reluctantly returns to her tiny hometown of Fairfield, Washington, to put the pieces of her life back together.Her disgruntled twelve-year-old son isn't thrilled about going from hip to hick, but Autumn's got it worse. She resumes her role as the daughter of the town drunk, promptly facing a crisis with her father that's been decades in the making.Running into Henry Tobler—and nearly breaking his nose in front of a classroom full of twelve-year-olds—is almost more than she can handle, but can rediscovering love–and herself–with her "what if" guy teach Autumn to forgive before it's too late?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2011
5 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Moss
20 books342 followers"I write because if I don't...my head will explode, and ruin the drapes." ♥
Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more.
When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.
Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen.
Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com
Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more.
When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading, watching movies then comparing them to books, wrangling five kids, mugging on one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.
Brooke is also an avid Autism Awareness advocate, and a passionate foster/adoptive mother, who loves to share her experiences with anyone who will listen.
Find Brooke elsewhere on the web at www.brookemoss.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 28, 2011
You guys, I fell into tingly-happy-amazed book love with The "What If" Guy by Brooke Moss almost immediately. In fact, let me go ahead and tell you now that my main complaint is that this is Brooke's first book so there is no back list to go fanatically hunt down and read. I didn't have particularly high expectations since I had no idea what to expect, but let me tell you - the book blew me away! When Autumn and her son move back to her hometown to take care of her father, she runs into Henry, her "what if" guy - the one she never got over. As they get to know one another again, she also mends fences with the friends she left behind after graduating high school.
It is, and I cannot stress this enough, very much a character driven novel. The conflicts are few and the plot is mainly served up via the daily lives of the characters. If you like your romance with high drama and tense situations - this probably isn't the book for you. Obviously I by no means found it boring - I absolutely loved getting to know the characters. Autumn was a clumsy basket-case, her son Elliot artistic and sensitive...and Henry: double sa-woon. He was actually a little too perfect if I'm being completely honest, but I quickly discovered I didn't care. I fell in love with everyone - from Autumn's town drunk father to the town's large supply of gossipy old women. I couldn't get enough of reading about the small town life.
Since I grew up in about the smallest town you can imagine, I love reading books set in rural areas. So many authors don't get it right though - it's rare that they can get all the vibes down correctly. However, Brooke Moss excelled in that area. If I understand correctly - she actually grew up in the same town the book was set in.
As I claimed earlier, Henry and Autumn's path to romance was a little smoother sailing than we usually see in contemporary romance novels. They spent the majority of their time together in the novel extremely happy - and I really enjoyed reading it! I felt really cynical because I kept waiting for horrible things to happen. Not that they didn't have bumps - they did, and one or two were pretty major, just short-lived. I loved them though, they had really great chemistry, another thing Brooke excelled at writing.
But let me tell you, one of the main strengths of the novel was that it was absolutely hilarious. Seriously, I lost count of how many times I laughed aloud (something I normally try to avoid when I'm alone so I don't feel clinically insane). Autumn really knows how to squeeze every last bit of awkward out of every mess she gets herself into, but her voice was awesome - so much fun to read! Here is an example:
"It is extremely difficult to eat a holiday meal with your ex-boyfriend sitting next to you. I took a modest helping of everything, then pretended to nibble on a slice of turkey every time Henry’s eyes roamed in my direction. When his attention wandered elsewhere, I rammed spoonfuls of the gloriously fattening homemade stuffing into my mouth."
See? Pure fun. I recommend this very highly to contemporary romance readers...as long as you can appreciate the fact that the book is about the characters and revolves very much around them versus a specific plot structure. I believe it'll be released in August, but is available now via NetGalley. Really great book, and you can bet I'll be reading whatever Brooke Moss comes up with next!
It is, and I cannot stress this enough, very much a character driven novel. The conflicts are few and the plot is mainly served up via the daily lives of the characters. If you like your romance with high drama and tense situations - this probably isn't the book for you. Obviously I by no means found it boring - I absolutely loved getting to know the characters. Autumn was a clumsy basket-case, her son Elliot artistic and sensitive...and Henry: double sa-woon. He was actually a little too perfect if I'm being completely honest, but I quickly discovered I didn't care. I fell in love with everyone - from Autumn's town drunk father to the town's large supply of gossipy old women. I couldn't get enough of reading about the small town life.
Since I grew up in about the smallest town you can imagine, I love reading books set in rural areas. So many authors don't get it right though - it's rare that they can get all the vibes down correctly. However, Brooke Moss excelled in that area. If I understand correctly - she actually grew up in the same town the book was set in.
As I claimed earlier, Henry and Autumn's path to romance was a little smoother sailing than we usually see in contemporary romance novels. They spent the majority of their time together in the novel extremely happy - and I really enjoyed reading it! I felt really cynical because I kept waiting for horrible things to happen. Not that they didn't have bumps - they did, and one or two were pretty major, just short-lived. I loved them though, they had really great chemistry, another thing Brooke excelled at writing.
But let me tell you, one of the main strengths of the novel was that it was absolutely hilarious. Seriously, I lost count of how many times I laughed aloud (something I normally try to avoid when I'm alone so I don't feel clinically insane). Autumn really knows how to squeeze every last bit of awkward out of every mess she gets herself into, but her voice was awesome - so much fun to read! Here is an example:
"It is extremely difficult to eat a holiday meal with your ex-boyfriend sitting next to you. I took a modest helping of everything, then pretended to nibble on a slice of turkey every time Henry’s eyes roamed in my direction. When his attention wandered elsewhere, I rammed spoonfuls of the gloriously fattening homemade stuffing into my mouth."
See? Pure fun. I recommend this very highly to contemporary romance readers...as long as you can appreciate the fact that the book is about the characters and revolves very much around them versus a specific plot structure. I believe it'll be released in August, but is available now via NetGalley. Really great book, and you can bet I'll be reading whatever Brooke Moss comes up with next!
June 24, 2012
This is exactly what I needed!
The "What If" Guy was such a warm and sweet story about family roots, finding your way through life and second chances. It's a story about Autumn Cole who was in love with a guy named Henry Tobler but broke his heart and hers in the process when she found out she was pregnant with another mans child.
Years later, Autumn and her son go back to her small town of Fairfield to take care of Autumn's alcoholic father when sure and behold who happens to be the new teacher in Elliott school? Why, Henry of course;)
Old flames and a love that never died, these two souls were fated for happily ever after.
There was so many moments that made me smile. I loved every single one of these characters. I loved that Autumn dad got the chance to set things right and even though he seems like a mean cuss he's actually very sweet. I loved that Henry was charming and kind and understood and accepted Autumn for all her flaws. I loved that Autumn was such a nervous little klutz around Henry and he has the war wounds to prove it. I really loved Elliott, and thought his voice for a twelve year old was spot on. But what I loved most about this book was the togetherness of a small town. The over crowded festival, nosy neighbors and enjoying something as simple as sledding and drinking hot coco. The friendship and the endless family support as a community. My favorite moment was when Henry asked Elliott permission in the very end of the story. That has to be the most precious move I've ever seen a character make. I also really appreciated the epilogue. It was the perfect touch and made me sigh in contentment.
Bottom line, I really enjoyed myself with this book. Autumn and Henry have one of those fairy tale stories where you think to yourself what would happen if you ever meet your "what if guy" again. It makes you believe in love and fate and captures real moments where you want to hold on for just a little bit longer. Second chance stories have always warmed my heart and made me smile and I'm pleased to say that this book did exactly that.
Well done!
The "What If" Guy was such a warm and sweet story about family roots, finding your way through life and second chances. It's a story about Autumn Cole who was in love with a guy named Henry Tobler but broke his heart and hers in the process when she found out she was pregnant with another mans child.
Years later, Autumn and her son go back to her small town of Fairfield to take care of Autumn's alcoholic father when sure and behold who happens to be the new teacher in Elliott school? Why, Henry of course;)
Old flames and a love that never died, these two souls were fated for happily ever after.
There was so many moments that made me smile. I loved every single one of these characters. I loved that Autumn dad got the chance to set things right and even though he seems like a mean cuss he's actually very sweet. I loved that Henry was charming and kind and understood and accepted Autumn for all her flaws. I loved that Autumn was such a nervous little klutz around Henry and he has the war wounds to prove it. I really loved Elliott, and thought his voice for a twelve year old was spot on. But what I loved most about this book was the togetherness of a small town. The over crowded festival, nosy neighbors and enjoying something as simple as sledding and drinking hot coco. The friendship and the endless family support as a community. My favorite moment was when Henry asked Elliott permission in the very end of the story. That has to be the most precious move I've ever seen a character make. I also really appreciated the epilogue. It was the perfect touch and made me sigh in contentment.
Bottom line, I really enjoyed myself with this book. Autumn and Henry have one of those fairy tale stories where you think to yourself what would happen if you ever meet your "what if guy" again. It makes you believe in love and fate and captures real moments where you want to hold on for just a little bit longer. Second chance stories have always warmed my heart and made me smile and I'm pleased to say that this book did exactly that.
Well done!
January 3, 2012
This one is a fun little ditty that packs an emotional punch.
Autumn Cole, single mom and daughter of the town drunk, is forced to return to her hometown after losing her job at a swanky Seattle art gallery. Her 12-year-old kid is just as disgruntled about the move as she is and gives her a bad time. Her father has been hospitalized, but is as stubborn as all get out and not easy to care for. And the cherry on the sundae? Autumn discovers her son’s new teacher is also her former college sweetheart, Henry Tobler. Autumn accidentally clocks Henry with a textbook on her son’s first day and then proceeds to make an ass out of herself every time she is around the poor guy. (Non-intentional, of course.)
Sounds kind of cheesy? Right?
Wrong.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a fan of kids in romance novels. I struggle with romance written in first person POV. And I’m bored off my keister with the girl-returns-to-her-small-town-roots-and-finds-love theme. It’s been done. But *this* new author has a fresh and funky writing style that works. She has a genuine gift for writing witty banter that made me laugh out loud and highlight the heck out of my Kindle.
Henry was a real sweetheart and had husband potential. My only complaint is that I would’ve liked to have hopped into Henry’s head to figure out why he did certain things that he did.
Just a side note: I was thrilled to learn that the setting in this book takes place in my neck of the woods. I live in a small bedroom community outside of Spokane, but I (unfortunately) work in the heart of the former meth capital of the US. Turning forty and working in the legal field has left me with a cynical attitude, so it was nice to get this author’s perspective and look at the area with fresh, new eyes. I know exactly which charming restaurant and turn-of-the-century hotel Autumn and Henry visited. And now I have a newfound interest in First Friday!
Autumn Cole, single mom and daughter of the town drunk, is forced to return to her hometown after losing her job at a swanky Seattle art gallery. Her 12-year-old kid is just as disgruntled about the move as she is and gives her a bad time. Her father has been hospitalized, but is as stubborn as all get out and not easy to care for. And the cherry on the sundae? Autumn discovers her son’s new teacher is also her former college sweetheart, Henry Tobler. Autumn accidentally clocks Henry with a textbook on her son’s first day and then proceeds to make an ass out of herself every time she is around the poor guy. (Non-intentional, of course.)
Sounds kind of cheesy? Right?
Wrong.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a fan of kids in romance novels. I struggle with romance written in first person POV. And I’m bored off my keister with the girl-returns-to-her-small-town-roots-and-finds-love theme. It’s been done. But *this* new author has a fresh and funky writing style that works. She has a genuine gift for writing witty banter that made me laugh out loud and highlight the heck out of my Kindle.
Henry was a real sweetheart and had husband potential. My only complaint is that I would’ve liked to have hopped into Henry’s head to figure out why he did certain things that he did.
Just a side note: I was thrilled to learn that the setting in this book takes place in my neck of the woods. I live in a small bedroom community outside of Spokane, but I (unfortunately) work in the heart of the former meth capital of the US. Turning forty and working in the legal field has left me with a cynical attitude, so it was nice to get this author’s perspective and look at the area with fresh, new eyes. I know exactly which charming restaurant and turn-of-the-century hotel Autumn and Henry visited. And now I have a newfound interest in First Friday!
June 11, 2012
3.5 stars
At times the pacing of this book was a bit sluggish for me. However, I did like this story line. It made me: smile, happy, skim parts, and even cry a little bit.
WHAT I LOVED:
1. Henry and Elliot's relationship
2. When Autumn and Henry finally express their feelings to each other
3. Henry and Autumn's first date
4. Henry and Autumn's love for each other & their tender relationship
5. The ending...when we see how Autumn and Henry turn out and how Elliot turns out as a man.
6. The embarrassing accident prone moments with Autumn that always ended up injuring Henry.
At times the pacing of this book was a bit sluggish for me. However, I did like this story line. It made me: smile, happy, skim parts, and even cry a little bit.
WHAT I LOVED:
1. Henry and Elliot's relationship
2. When Autumn and Henry finally express their feelings to each other
3. Henry and Autumn's first date
4. Henry and Autumn's love for each other & their tender relationship
5. The ending...when we see how Autumn and Henry turn out and how Elliot turns out as a man.
6. The embarrassing accident prone moments with Autumn that always ended up injuring Henry.
June 30, 2011
TITLE: The’What If’ Guy
AUTHOR: Brooke Moss
PUBLISHER: Entangled Publishing
In, ‘The ‘What If" Guy, Brooke Moss tells the story of a single mom who has lost her job and finds out her father is in the hospital. She reluctantly decides to return to her hometown to help her father until she gets back on her feet financially. Her twelve year old son is not happy about moving from the city to a very small town. But then, Autumn Cole isn’t too happy about returning to resume her role as the daughter of the town drunk. On her son’s first day at the new school, Autumn runs into an old love. Can he help her learn to forgive before it is too late?
This book is very entertaining but yet somehow feels like it could happen in real-life. Brooke Moss created fully developed characters with just the right touch of both internal and external conflict to keep the story moving along and keep the reader on the edge of their chair. This story was both happy and sad at times....fully riveting.
I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends.
DISCLAIMER: This book was provided to me free of charge by Net Galley in return for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own.
AUTHOR: Brooke Moss
PUBLISHER: Entangled Publishing
In, ‘The ‘What If" Guy, Brooke Moss tells the story of a single mom who has lost her job and finds out her father is in the hospital. She reluctantly decides to return to her hometown to help her father until she gets back on her feet financially. Her twelve year old son is not happy about moving from the city to a very small town. But then, Autumn Cole isn’t too happy about returning to resume her role as the daughter of the town drunk. On her son’s first day at the new school, Autumn runs into an old love. Can he help her learn to forgive before it is too late?
This book is very entertaining but yet somehow feels like it could happen in real-life. Brooke Moss created fully developed characters with just the right touch of both internal and external conflict to keep the story moving along and keep the reader on the edge of their chair. This story was both happy and sad at times....fully riveting.
I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends.
DISCLAIMER: This book was provided to me free of charge by Net Galley in return for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own.
September 5, 2011
Reviewed by Kate
Book provided by publisher for book tour
I wanted to read this story because of one of the first lines in the blurb – ‘Autumn Cole clocked hers with an encyclopedia.’ After accidentally hitting my husband with a 2x4 (among other things…and all totally accidental, I swear), I could relate! The opening language had me completely hooked (see Favorite Quote), but I didn’t have my hopes up for the language and style to continue. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! Brooke Moss’ The “What If” Guy was not all humorous, but also very poignant and managed to capture various emotions so perfectly, you felt like you were talking with your best friend and seeing her heartache.
Autumn Cole is a single mom who just lost her job in Seattle and is heading back to her small hometown, the place she vowed never to return. I could identify with her character and the need to not return to a small town upbringing, once you have been to the ‘outside’ world. The author did a wonderful job of capturing that small-town mentality, where everyone knows everybody else’s business, whether you want them to or not. Autumn’s character ran away, and now has to go home and face the music of her actions; such as, when she didn’t want her best friend to know she had become pregnant and had to drop out of school. Because of her ‘shame,’ Autumn never spoke to her childhood best friend, Holly, since then.
All of the characters in this story are perfectly drawn. The forgiving best friend, who opens her heart and welcomes an old friend back home, as if nothing had happened. The couple who own the local store and know everything that is happening in the small town of Fairfield. The town drunk, who learns before it’s too late that family is important. The local school teacher who comes from San Francisco with big ideas that help those students who don’t quite fit in. The student who is a little bit ‘odd’ but learns to fit in as well as stand up to the local bullies. The woman who comes home, in more ways than one. The characters are all a little different, which is so refreshing to see. There is nothing worse than reading a book where everyone has the same speech pattern, and you get no sense of who they are as an individual. That is definitely not the case here.
This being said, it is more of a character-driven storyline, than one based on a prescribed plot. It is the story of a woman going home and what she finds there. Having been conditioned by so many plot-driven contemporary romances, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, as it were. There were a few shoes placed lightly on the floor, but nothing too shocking or that throws the story completely off-kilter, making you wonder if they will ever get together. I actually enjoyed the change quite a bit! It wasn’t cliche, it was a story of people.
The ‘What If’ Guy by Brooke Moss is now one of my favorites, and one that I would heartily recommend. The language was wonderful and the story flowed at a perfect pace. It’s rare to come across a book were the ending didn’t seem rushed. The word that comes to mind (again) is poignant. This reader felt a part of Autumn’s world and her story, feeling her pain and her wonderment. I wanted to sit down and share a plate of Haystacks with Holly and Autumn, have them as my best friends.
Book provided by publisher for book tour
I wanted to read this story because of one of the first lines in the blurb – ‘Autumn Cole clocked hers with an encyclopedia.’ After accidentally hitting my husband with a 2x4 (among other things…and all totally accidental, I swear), I could relate! The opening language had me completely hooked (see Favorite Quote), but I didn’t have my hopes up for the language and style to continue. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! Brooke Moss’ The “What If” Guy was not all humorous, but also very poignant and managed to capture various emotions so perfectly, you felt like you were talking with your best friend and seeing her heartache.
Autumn Cole is a single mom who just lost her job in Seattle and is heading back to her small hometown, the place she vowed never to return. I could identify with her character and the need to not return to a small town upbringing, once you have been to the ‘outside’ world. The author did a wonderful job of capturing that small-town mentality, where everyone knows everybody else’s business, whether you want them to or not. Autumn’s character ran away, and now has to go home and face the music of her actions; such as, when she didn’t want her best friend to know she had become pregnant and had to drop out of school. Because of her ‘shame,’ Autumn never spoke to her childhood best friend, Holly, since then.
All of the characters in this story are perfectly drawn. The forgiving best friend, who opens her heart and welcomes an old friend back home, as if nothing had happened. The couple who own the local store and know everything that is happening in the small town of Fairfield. The town drunk, who learns before it’s too late that family is important. The local school teacher who comes from San Francisco with big ideas that help those students who don’t quite fit in. The student who is a little bit ‘odd’ but learns to fit in as well as stand up to the local bullies. The woman who comes home, in more ways than one. The characters are all a little different, which is so refreshing to see. There is nothing worse than reading a book where everyone has the same speech pattern, and you get no sense of who they are as an individual. That is definitely not the case here.
This being said, it is more of a character-driven storyline, than one based on a prescribed plot. It is the story of a woman going home and what she finds there. Having been conditioned by so many plot-driven contemporary romances, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, as it were. There were a few shoes placed lightly on the floor, but nothing too shocking or that throws the story completely off-kilter, making you wonder if they will ever get together. I actually enjoyed the change quite a bit! It wasn’t cliche, it was a story of people.
The ‘What If’ Guy by Brooke Moss is now one of my favorites, and one that I would heartily recommend. The language was wonderful and the story flowed at a perfect pace. It’s rare to come across a book were the ending didn’t seem rushed. The word that comes to mind (again) is poignant. This reader felt a part of Autumn’s world and her story, feeling her pain and her wonderment. I wanted to sit down and share a plate of Haystacks with Holly and Autumn, have them as my best friends.
June 29, 2011
The "What If" Guy was the best Cont. Rom. I've read this year. Last year, I was in love with Julia London, this year I'll follow and bother Brooke Moss. Sorry Brooke, there will be serious siren stalking.
Quick Review: All joking aside, this story made me remember my first true love. I had a long deliberation last night on whether or not he would qualify as my "what if" man and sadly he didn't. At least not in the "Henry Tobler" way. Wow, now here's a hero that we can all love. Smart, artsy, and more than a little patient. Who wouldn't love a man who's waited for his love for 13 years? Well, sort of, there was the nasty little divorce issue.
And Autumn is smart, flawed, and not a hottie, at least not in her own eyes. I loved that! And I loved that the book was in first person and I got to experience her love with her. She's a rocking single-mom that doesn't always get it right, but who does?
Every character in the book was well developed and drove the story so hard and fast that I stayed up until the weeeee hours in the morning reading, caught three hours sleep and then finished. Seriously loved this story and every juicy bit of humor, hardship, and lust... oh the lust... but in a sweet way. Closed door sex in this baby, and surprisingly, I didn't mind.
5 Stars and a recommended read if you have kids, a father, a lost love, a hometown you miss, and a desire to be absolutely entertained. Big Siren's squeal to Ms. Moss.
http://sirenssongreviews.blogspot.com...
Quick Review: All joking aside, this story made me remember my first true love. I had a long deliberation last night on whether or not he would qualify as my "what if" man and sadly he didn't. At least not in the "Henry Tobler" way. Wow, now here's a hero that we can all love. Smart, artsy, and more than a little patient. Who wouldn't love a man who's waited for his love for 13 years? Well, sort of, there was the nasty little divorce issue.
And Autumn is smart, flawed, and not a hottie, at least not in her own eyes. I loved that! And I loved that the book was in first person and I got to experience her love with her. She's a rocking single-mom that doesn't always get it right, but who does?
Every character in the book was well developed and drove the story so hard and fast that I stayed up until the weeeee hours in the morning reading, caught three hours sleep and then finished. Seriously loved this story and every juicy bit of humor, hardship, and lust... oh the lust... but in a sweet way. Closed door sex in this baby, and surprisingly, I didn't mind.
5 Stars and a recommended read if you have kids, a father, a lost love, a hometown you miss, and a desire to be absolutely entertained. Big Siren's squeal to Ms. Moss.
http://sirenssongreviews.blogspot.com...
March 15, 2012
OK OK I got to admit it....I'm a small town girl, from a small town. Population of Napavine, WA., when I lived there was around 400. And low and behold I moved back there to raise our kids. So you can imagine how surprised I was to start reading "The What If Guy" by Brooke Moss, and the heroine of this book had to move back to her small town in Eastern, WA., to help take care of her alcoholic father who was seriously ill. She brings her 12 year old son home with her to a town that she turned her back on as soon as she graduated high school, as well as her best friend all thru school. Then...on the day she takes her son to enroll in school, who does she run into by the boy from college that she turned away when she realized she was pregnant by her former loser boyfriend.
Luckily I started this book on a day where I didn't have to follow thru on a lot of responsibilities. Cause, once I started it, I..could...not....put....it....down! One minute I was laughing, the next I was crying, and then I ended up staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish it. This is a book that is gonna stay with me for a long time, and it DEFINITELY one that is going to remain on my KEEPER list.
I love finding new authors and I really think I hit the jackpot finding Brooke Moss! Her books will be an auto buy for me from now on!
Luckily I started this book on a day where I didn't have to follow thru on a lot of responsibilities. Cause, once I started it, I..could...not....put....it....down! One minute I was laughing, the next I was crying, and then I ended up staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish it. This is a book that is gonna stay with me for a long time, and it DEFINITELY one that is going to remain on my KEEPER list.
I love finding new authors and I really think I hit the jackpot finding Brooke Moss! Her books will be an auto buy for me from now on!
August 18, 2011
I will start with a confession. It was the above eyecatching beautiful cover which first caught my attention and made me notice Brooke Moss' debut novel. But then when I read the blurb I was a goner: I love small town romances and second chance love stories even more, and Brooke Moss surpassed all my expectations! It is a wonderful, heartwarming, romantic, emotional yet chuckle out loud story.
The "What If" Guy is the story of how Autumn Cole a thirty-something young single mom leaves Seattle with her teenager son and moves back to her small hometown to take care of her ill, alcoholic father. Autumn was a delightful character. She is clumsy and endearing, and such a girl next door, that the reader can easily identify with her and her feelings and fears.
Henry and Autumn went out when she was twenty and at college. He was the love of her life. Then she discovered she was pregnant and their paths split, but she was never able to forget him. And now 13 years later she runs into him in the last place she would ever think: in her own hometown, in the middle of nowhere.
Henry is the ideal man, he is dreamy. He is gentle, warmhearted (works as a middle school teacher people!) and irresistibly charming. In Autumn's own words:
"He’s the perfect mix of rough and soft. And he has this way about him. Strong, yet so incredibly gentle."
Of course sparks fly as soon as these two just glimpse each other, and Brooke Moss' witty writing made the development of their relationship extremely entertaining and touching:
"It is extremely difficult to eat a holiday meal with your ex-boyfriend sitting next to you. I took a modest helping of everything, then pretended to nibble on a slice of turkey every time Henry’s eyes roamed in my direction. When his attention wandered elsewhere, I rammed spoonfuls of the gloriously fattening homemade stuffing into my mouth."
"Yeah. Friends. It wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted us to admit that we were still in love, to recreate one of our hot and heavy make-out scenes from college, then ride off into the sunset together."
And fear not, because when those spark ignite, the passion between Henry and Autumn is hot hot hot!
"My legs trembled. I grasped Henry’s shoulders and steadied myself. Our kiss was like a tornado, whirling and tossing me in fifty different directions at once."
But at the same time their love has plenty of tender and heart-flutter inducing moments. I don't tear up often or easily when I'm reading or watching a movie, but Brooke Moss managed to make my throat close up several times and I had to swallow that treachorous lump when reading about everything these two went through to end up together.
Henry’s eyes moistened. "You’re the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I think about before I fall asleep at night. We wound up in Fairfield together for a reason."
Brooke Moss has a way with words. How lucky that she decided to share her talent with us and become an author! Her story not only flows naturally, but whirls the reader right along with the events and characters. Some romance novels tell you a love story and you are merely a spectator, but in The "What If" Guy you will feel included and not just as if you were looking in on what is happening behind closed doors.
Besides the wonderful romance of The "What If" Guy I have to applaud Brooke Moss for the emotional depth and variety she brought to a contemporary romance: she explores the rebellious state of mind of a teenager who had to move from the only home he knew to an unfamiliar place full of strangers, the problems and fears of a single mom, what it feels like to grow up with an alcoholic parent, to be the unpopular kid at school who doesn't fit in, and I could go on. But most of all she portrays wonderfully how family relationships are and evolve.
And she tops all of that by interspersing moving scenes with Autumn's dry and sarcastic humour which makes for an explosive combo:
"Chill. It’s a holiday." And what a holiday it was turning out to be. I’d had pies in the oven by seven a.m. and had slaved over my sweet potatoes while the two of them watched television and argued about football versus MTV. So far, the only thing I was exceptionally thankful for this Thanksgiving was Tylenol.
"My son acted as if he were bound for a Turkish prison every time he got on the school bus."
And to end my review I will leave you with the very last paragraph of the novel (so if you'd prefer not glimpse it now is the time to close your eye, though I don't think there is too much spoiler-material in romance novels ;-), because it shows wonderfully everything I love and praised about this novel:
"I still work at the school, teaching history to uninterested sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders. I spend my days talking over the sound of text messaging, whispering, and note-passing, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Why? Because every night, I come home to the most beautiful woman in the world, tangle my hands in her wild, red hair, and kiss her so long and so hard that my knees go weak. And yes, even after all these years together, my knees go weak."
*sighs* Now tell me in all seriousness if it left you cold and didn't make you go "aww".
Verdict: The "What If" Guy is Brooke Moss' debut novel and it is fantastic! It is a heartwarming small town romance, reminding me of Kristan Higgins' stories as it is emotionally deep and spotlights family relationships besides the romantic storyline. As it was stated in the backcover bio of Brooke Moss, "she loves to write stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartwrenching", and I can tell you, The "What If" Guy will make you tear up then laugh til it hurts. Brooke Moss navigates the emotional rollercoaster brilliantly taking you from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other all the while never relenting her grip on the reader's heart and interest. A must read!
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
The "What If" Guy is the story of how Autumn Cole a thirty-something young single mom leaves Seattle with her teenager son and moves back to her small hometown to take care of her ill, alcoholic father. Autumn was a delightful character. She is clumsy and endearing, and such a girl next door, that the reader can easily identify with her and her feelings and fears.
Henry and Autumn went out when she was twenty and at college. He was the love of her life. Then she discovered she was pregnant and their paths split, but she was never able to forget him. And now 13 years later she runs into him in the last place she would ever think: in her own hometown, in the middle of nowhere.
Henry is the ideal man, he is dreamy. He is gentle, warmhearted (works as a middle school teacher people!) and irresistibly charming. In Autumn's own words:
"He’s the perfect mix of rough and soft. And he has this way about him. Strong, yet so incredibly gentle."
Of course sparks fly as soon as these two just glimpse each other, and Brooke Moss' witty writing made the development of their relationship extremely entertaining and touching:
"It is extremely difficult to eat a holiday meal with your ex-boyfriend sitting next to you. I took a modest helping of everything, then pretended to nibble on a slice of turkey every time Henry’s eyes roamed in my direction. When his attention wandered elsewhere, I rammed spoonfuls of the gloriously fattening homemade stuffing into my mouth."
"Yeah. Friends. It wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted us to admit that we were still in love, to recreate one of our hot and heavy make-out scenes from college, then ride off into the sunset together."
And fear not, because when those spark ignite, the passion between Henry and Autumn is hot hot hot!
"My legs trembled. I grasped Henry’s shoulders and steadied myself. Our kiss was like a tornado, whirling and tossing me in fifty different directions at once."
But at the same time their love has plenty of tender and heart-flutter inducing moments. I don't tear up often or easily when I'm reading or watching a movie, but Brooke Moss managed to make my throat close up several times and I had to swallow that treachorous lump when reading about everything these two went through to end up together.
Henry’s eyes moistened. "You’re the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I think about before I fall asleep at night. We wound up in Fairfield together for a reason."
Brooke Moss has a way with words. How lucky that she decided to share her talent with us and become an author! Her story not only flows naturally, but whirls the reader right along with the events and characters. Some romance novels tell you a love story and you are merely a spectator, but in The "What If" Guy you will feel included and not just as if you were looking in on what is happening behind closed doors.
Besides the wonderful romance of The "What If" Guy I have to applaud Brooke Moss for the emotional depth and variety she brought to a contemporary romance: she explores the rebellious state of mind of a teenager who had to move from the only home he knew to an unfamiliar place full of strangers, the problems and fears of a single mom, what it feels like to grow up with an alcoholic parent, to be the unpopular kid at school who doesn't fit in, and I could go on. But most of all she portrays wonderfully how family relationships are and evolve.
And she tops all of that by interspersing moving scenes with Autumn's dry and sarcastic humour which makes for an explosive combo:
"Chill. It’s a holiday." And what a holiday it was turning out to be. I’d had pies in the oven by seven a.m. and had slaved over my sweet potatoes while the two of them watched television and argued about football versus MTV. So far, the only thing I was exceptionally thankful for this Thanksgiving was Tylenol.
"My son acted as if he were bound for a Turkish prison every time he got on the school bus."
And to end my review I will leave you with the very last paragraph of the novel (so if you'd prefer not glimpse it now is the time to close your eye, though I don't think there is too much spoiler-material in romance novels ;-), because it shows wonderfully everything I love and praised about this novel:
"I still work at the school, teaching history to uninterested sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders. I spend my days talking over the sound of text messaging, whispering, and note-passing, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Why? Because every night, I come home to the most beautiful woman in the world, tangle my hands in her wild, red hair, and kiss her so long and so hard that my knees go weak. And yes, even after all these years together, my knees go weak."
*sighs* Now tell me in all seriousness if it left you cold and didn't make you go "aww".
Verdict: The "What If" Guy is Brooke Moss' debut novel and it is fantastic! It is a heartwarming small town romance, reminding me of Kristan Higgins' stories as it is emotionally deep and spotlights family relationships besides the romantic storyline. As it was stated in the backcover bio of Brooke Moss, "she loves to write stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartwrenching", and I can tell you, The "What If" Guy will make you tear up then laugh til it hurts. Brooke Moss navigates the emotional rollercoaster brilliantly taking you from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other all the while never relenting her grip on the reader's heart and interest. A must read!
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
September 18, 2011
Most of us have them.
You know, the one person that got away; the one that from time to time would niggle his or her way into your somewhat peaceful existence.
Well, Autumn Cole has that person. But for her, the thirteen years and the miles apart didn’t seem to have made a difference. Because for her, Henry Tobler would always be the lit torch she would carry around with her forever. When news of her father’s accident and subsequent failing health reached her, she had no choice but to go back to Fairfield. After all, there was really nothing in Seattle that was holding her and her son back. She just lost her job and it just seemed like the next logical thing to do was to go back to her hometown. Boy was she surprised when she ran into Henry again…and in her former Alma Mater, no less.
The “What If” Guy is a heart-warming story about love, family and second chances. For Autumn, it was about making amends to the people who loved her – her father, to Holly, her best friend, and to Henry, the one she jilted because she had this misguided belief to “do the right thing”.
This book had me laughing for the most part and tearing up on some. The struggles that Autumn had to go through while growing up being the town drunk’s daughter were painfully sad. Actually, right from the get go, the Prologue had me misty-eyed. But I’ve always been a very emotional reader so maybe that was just all on me, though. This book was just heady with poignant and moving views of her life then and her struggles as she tried to make another life for her son and her sick father.
I can’t think of any other literary character as painfully clumsy as Autumn. And it was just one of those endearing traits that made me love her character more. She was strong and at times unsure of herself. It was in the way she continually second-guessed herself with raising Elliott, her son and her hot and cold relationship with Henry. All in all, you’ll laugh with her and at her; cry, and sometimes, she’ll make you so mad, you just want to shake her.
I think I fell in love with this tiny town of Fairfield. I even found the gossip-mongering neighbors charming. I love the fact that no matter what, nosy neighbors or not, the whole town raised Autumn when it was obvious that she was really alone even if her father was still there.
I just wished there was some sort of closure between her and her mother who abandoned them all those years ago. She showed up toward the end but they never really talked. I wanted to read some sort of confrontation that would give Autumn at least an explanation why she really left.
Also, I found Henry’s excuses for not calling her a bit weak. Come on man, there are phones in California! The fact of the matter is, I just don’t think he tried hard enough. And Autumn was so quick to forgive. I think I was still mad at Henry even after reading the Epilogue.
{Sigh}.
But hey, you know what? I still think this was an awesome read. Brooke Moss wrote with heart and created a cast of engaging characters. Her pride for the small town of Fairfield was obvious in the way she made fun of the tiny town. But if you look harder, you’ll find her love for it as well. This story moved fast that you'll probably devour this in one sitting. It just took me longer because it was an e-copy (I'm a slow reader when it comes to this format).
A copy was provided by the author and Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
You know, the one person that got away; the one that from time to time would niggle his or her way into your somewhat peaceful existence.
Well, Autumn Cole has that person. But for her, the thirteen years and the miles apart didn’t seem to have made a difference. Because for her, Henry Tobler would always be the lit torch she would carry around with her forever. When news of her father’s accident and subsequent failing health reached her, she had no choice but to go back to Fairfield. After all, there was really nothing in Seattle that was holding her and her son back. She just lost her job and it just seemed like the next logical thing to do was to go back to her hometown. Boy was she surprised when she ran into Henry again…and in her former Alma Mater, no less.
The “What If” Guy is a heart-warming story about love, family and second chances. For Autumn, it was about making amends to the people who loved her – her father, to Holly, her best friend, and to Henry, the one she jilted because she had this misguided belief to “do the right thing”.
This book had me laughing for the most part and tearing up on some. The struggles that Autumn had to go through while growing up being the town drunk’s daughter were painfully sad. Actually, right from the get go, the Prologue had me misty-eyed. But I’ve always been a very emotional reader so maybe that was just all on me, though. This book was just heady with poignant and moving views of her life then and her struggles as she tried to make another life for her son and her sick father.
I can’t think of any other literary character as painfully clumsy as Autumn. And it was just one of those endearing traits that made me love her character more. She was strong and at times unsure of herself. It was in the way she continually second-guessed herself with raising Elliott, her son and her hot and cold relationship with Henry. All in all, you’ll laugh with her and at her; cry, and sometimes, she’ll make you so mad, you just want to shake her.
I think I fell in love with this tiny town of Fairfield. I even found the gossip-mongering neighbors charming. I love the fact that no matter what, nosy neighbors or not, the whole town raised Autumn when it was obvious that she was really alone even if her father was still there.
I just wished there was some sort of closure between her and her mother who abandoned them all those years ago. She showed up toward the end but they never really talked. I wanted to read some sort of confrontation that would give Autumn at least an explanation why she really left.
Also, I found Henry’s excuses for not calling her a bit weak. Come on man, there are phones in California! The fact of the matter is, I just don’t think he tried hard enough. And Autumn was so quick to forgive. I think I was still mad at Henry even after reading the Epilogue.
{Sigh}.
But hey, you know what? I still think this was an awesome read. Brooke Moss wrote with heart and created a cast of engaging characters. Her pride for the small town of Fairfield was obvious in the way she made fun of the tiny town. But if you look harder, you’ll find her love for it as well. This story moved fast that you'll probably devour this in one sitting. It just took me longer because it was an e-copy (I'm a slow reader when it comes to this format).
A copy was provided by the author and Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2011
Converted this reader to contemps!
As a reviewer I usually open my review with a synopsis of the plot but in this instance I feel like the blurb really gives the perfect gist of the story without being spoiler filled. This is a really complex story layered with themes of love, forgiveness, friendship, and responsibility.
I hope it says something about this book that I do not read contemporary romance. It's just not a genre I care for. I'm more of a scifi-fantasy kind of girl, give me something unreal so I can escape from reality for a while. But once in a while—a very great while—a book comes along that catches my interest that is outside my usual tastes and I'll give it a shot. The hook of THE WHAT-IF GUY for me was the locale. Being from Eastern Washington the thought of a small town in the region as the setting caught my eye but really so much of what I read in the blurb felt relatable.
My paranormal romance buddies are gonna kick my butt for saying so but I think Moss has infected me! Since finishing THE WHAT-IF GUY I've been looking for more contemporaries I might like. So how on earth did she pull that off eh? Autumn is a character I think many women can relate to. Growing up in a small town, having big dreams, ending up in a situation where those dreams get skewed, bad romances, lost love. She has so much on her plate and her return to Fairfield to care for her dad seems like an ultimate defeat. It's a train wreck situation as she runs into people from her past, has to face her mistakes, and realizes that maybe the things she ran away from aren't as bad as they seemed.
Autumn's journey is enriched by a vivid and wonderful cast of characters. From her son Elliot and her drunk dad to her former BFF and the folks about town who have looked out for her dad in her absense, the cast of Fairfield is very real and endearing. Henry, the title character, is full of surprises and it's easy to see why Autumn fell for him years ago. Their relationship might be an overall arc for the storyline but is so well woven into the rest of the plot regarding Autumn's father and her son it never stops feeling believable.
By the final chapters I'd had a few sniffle sessions and wanted to smack Autumn upside her head for being dumb but in the end this was one of the most heart-warming and enjoyable romances I have read this year. My only annoyance with the book was that it kind of moved by holidays/seasons for plot points but really it was excusable, I just thought it was distracting.
What more can this paranormal romance fanatic say? I've been converted and it would take one heck of an amazing book to pull that off. If you love chick-litty flavor without the designer label dropping, small-towns and a hero and heroine that are believable I really think you will enjoy this. Well deserving of my 'I loved it' rating.
**ARC received via Publisher.
As a reviewer I usually open my review with a synopsis of the plot but in this instance I feel like the blurb really gives the perfect gist of the story without being spoiler filled. This is a really complex story layered with themes of love, forgiveness, friendship, and responsibility.
I hope it says something about this book that I do not read contemporary romance. It's just not a genre I care for. I'm more of a scifi-fantasy kind of girl, give me something unreal so I can escape from reality for a while. But once in a while—a very great while—a book comes along that catches my interest that is outside my usual tastes and I'll give it a shot. The hook of THE WHAT-IF GUY for me was the locale. Being from Eastern Washington the thought of a small town in the region as the setting caught my eye but really so much of what I read in the blurb felt relatable.
My paranormal romance buddies are gonna kick my butt for saying so but I think Moss has infected me! Since finishing THE WHAT-IF GUY I've been looking for more contemporaries I might like. So how on earth did she pull that off eh? Autumn is a character I think many women can relate to. Growing up in a small town, having big dreams, ending up in a situation where those dreams get skewed, bad romances, lost love. She has so much on her plate and her return to Fairfield to care for her dad seems like an ultimate defeat. It's a train wreck situation as she runs into people from her past, has to face her mistakes, and realizes that maybe the things she ran away from aren't as bad as they seemed.
Autumn's journey is enriched by a vivid and wonderful cast of characters. From her son Elliot and her drunk dad to her former BFF and the folks about town who have looked out for her dad in her absense, the cast of Fairfield is very real and endearing. Henry, the title character, is full of surprises and it's easy to see why Autumn fell for him years ago. Their relationship might be an overall arc for the storyline but is so well woven into the rest of the plot regarding Autumn's father and her son it never stops feeling believable.
By the final chapters I'd had a few sniffle sessions and wanted to smack Autumn upside her head for being dumb but in the end this was one of the most heart-warming and enjoyable romances I have read this year. My only annoyance with the book was that it kind of moved by holidays/seasons for plot points but really it was excusable, I just thought it was distracting.
What more can this paranormal romance fanatic say? I've been converted and it would take one heck of an amazing book to pull that off. If you love chick-litty flavor without the designer label dropping, small-towns and a hero and heroine that are believable I really think you will enjoy this. Well deserving of my 'I loved it' rating.
**ARC received via Publisher.
October 9, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. As a caveat, I am not normally a reader of contemporary romance, mostly because it's supposed to be real. I like my stakes high, and the body count higher. I'm only kind of kidding.
But here's the thing: I couldn't put this book down. I had to know what happened to Henry and Autumn, because, well, I fell in the love with the characters. And that's what sets this book apart from the other contemporary romances I've read (and, eventually, had to put down): the characters were real. They were funny. They were people you might actually meet on the street. And like.
Ms. Moss has crafted a character driven book. So if you're looking for a book heavy on the plot, this isn't it. This book is about people, and they have the spark of real life about them. My one issue--and it really isn't one--is that Henry does seem too perfect, and, well, real men have flaws. But when I think about the first blush of romance, those first few months (or years) when you're falling in love, your man's flaws seem endearing. Snoring--oh, cute. Morning breath--who even notices? So when I thought, "Wow, Henry seems perfect," it's because, in Autumn's eyes, he is. Henry's lack of flaws in this regard was something I was willing to overlook in exchange for a great story with great characters.
A great read for a day curled up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa.
But here's the thing: I couldn't put this book down. I had to know what happened to Henry and Autumn, because, well, I fell in the love with the characters. And that's what sets this book apart from the other contemporary romances I've read (and, eventually, had to put down): the characters were real. They were funny. They were people you might actually meet on the street. And like.
Ms. Moss has crafted a character driven book. So if you're looking for a book heavy on the plot, this isn't it. This book is about people, and they have the spark of real life about them. My one issue--and it really isn't one--is that Henry does seem too perfect, and, well, real men have flaws. But when I think about the first blush of romance, those first few months (or years) when you're falling in love, your man's flaws seem endearing. Snoring--oh, cute. Morning breath--who even notices? So when I thought, "Wow, Henry seems perfect," it's because, in Autumn's eyes, he is. Henry's lack of flaws in this regard was something I was willing to overlook in exchange for a great story with great characters.
A great read for a day curled up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa.
October 12, 2011
Any book set in a small town in Eastern Washington should go on my reading list!!
Finally read it and thoroughly enjoyed it! Off and on I wondered how much of my feelings toward the book were because of the story and writing and how much were from my memories of the area. (I went to Elliot's school; I played softball in "the pit")
The romance between Autumn and Henry was ever-changing and always interesting. Will they? Won't they? *Why* won't they? There was just enough "yeah right" mixed in with the "that could happen" to make it a fun read. I loved the storylines involving Holly and her family and Autumn's dad. The author did a terrific job of changing the story focus at just the right time. Right when I would start feeling like I was done hearing about Autumn and Henry for now and wanted to know how things were going with Autumn and Holly or Autumn and her dad the story would change and let me know.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good "chick lit". No sultry sex scenes, but plenty of pleasant lead-up... Even if you don't know Fairfield, you'd still like the book. But if you have any small (and I mean small!!) town experience you'll like this even more.
Finally read it and thoroughly enjoyed it! Off and on I wondered how much of my feelings toward the book were because of the story and writing and how much were from my memories of the area. (I went to Elliot's school; I played softball in "the pit")
The romance between Autumn and Henry was ever-changing and always interesting. Will they? Won't they? *Why* won't they? There was just enough "yeah right" mixed in with the "that could happen" to make it a fun read. I loved the storylines involving Holly and her family and Autumn's dad. The author did a terrific job of changing the story focus at just the right time. Right when I would start feeling like I was done hearing about Autumn and Henry for now and wanted to know how things were going with Autumn and Holly or Autumn and her dad the story would change and let me know.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good "chick lit". No sultry sex scenes, but plenty of pleasant lead-up... Even if you don't know Fairfield, you'd still like the book. But if you have any small (and I mean small!!) town experience you'll like this even more.
November 7, 2012
The What If Guy is a wonderfully written romance about second chances, forgiving and moving on.
I read this book in one sitting into the wee hours of the night. It was certainly a sweet, contemporary romance. That will have you teary eyed, your heart full and even your heart heavy at times.
The characters are wonderfully created, all being realistic and filled with depth. The country feel about the book was certainly Heartwarming and well put forth.
I enjoyed Brooke Moss's writing, her characters, her descriptions were well envisaged and writen. Giving the story much depth and defintion as you read along. I wss engrossed from within the first pages, compelled to read and throughly enjoyed every chapter and every detail.
For all the romantics at heart, this story is certainly a must read. I eagerly look forward to the next installment. I enjoyed the ending much so, giving the reader a look into that happily ever after and possibly more books to come.
I read this book in one sitting into the wee hours of the night. It was certainly a sweet, contemporary romance. That will have you teary eyed, your heart full and even your heart heavy at times.
The characters are wonderfully created, all being realistic and filled with depth. The country feel about the book was certainly Heartwarming and well put forth.
I enjoyed Brooke Moss's writing, her characters, her descriptions were well envisaged and writen. Giving the story much depth and defintion as you read along. I wss engrossed from within the first pages, compelled to read and throughly enjoyed every chapter and every detail.
For all the romantics at heart, this story is certainly a must read. I eagerly look forward to the next installment. I enjoyed the ending much so, giving the reader a look into that happily ever after and possibly more books to come.
April 9, 2012
Great, easy read. And the fact that is was local didn't hurt, I always like being able to picture the location the book takes place.
This was a contemporary, chick-lit/romance with a PG rating as my friend Tammy mentioned. There was the usual back and forth, does he, doesn't he, should I, shouldn't I, debacle about following your heart, but it was well laid out. Very sweet, romantic story that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes tame, modern romances.
This was a contemporary, chick-lit/romance with a PG rating as my friend Tammy mentioned. There was the usual back and forth, does he, doesn't he, should I, shouldn't I, debacle about following your heart, but it was well laid out. Very sweet, romantic story that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes tame, modern romances.
July 16, 2011
Totally satisfying with wonderfully written characters! This is a feel good book that was a pleasure to read. Just make sure you grab a few tissues, this one tugs on the heart-strings!
February 4, 2017
This book was a nice read that made me emotional. Brooke has done a great job with this book!
October 31, 2011
I adored this book. Heart-warming, funny, it's that "feel good" kind of book that we all need to pick up from time to time. Loved it! Can't wait for Brooke's next one!
September 1, 2011
The “What If” Guy by Brooke Moss is the story of Autumn Cole and how circumstances in her life led her back to the man she fell in love with many years before. As a student in college, Autumn was dating someone she could see herself falling in love with. Unfortunately, two months into her and Henry’s relationship she realized she was pregnant with her previous boyfriend’s child. Autumn was raised in a small town, and this type of upbringing made her feel that she should leave Henry and try to make it work with her son’s father. That was a huge mistake for Autumn, as this man was a complete and total loser who left her before Elliot was even born. Now, twelve years later, Autumn finds herself with no job, no home, and a father who’s health is declining rapidly so she moves back home to Fairfield, Washington. Never in her wildest dreams did Autumn expect to find her “what if” guy, Henry Tobler, teaching in Fairfield.
I found this to be an extremely humorous and engaging story. I found myself laughing at either Autumn, Elliot or Henry on multiple occasions while reading this! Autumn is so nervous upon seeing Henry again when dropping Elliot off on his first day at his new school that she ends up almost breaking Henry’s nose with an encyclopedia! This is only the first of several accidents involving Autumn and Henry. Add in some nosy neighbors who have to know everything that is going on in town, and would love to play matchmaker, and this makes for some interesting interactions.
Added in to these funny occasions are some unfortunate sad parts as well. One of the main reasons that Autumn came home was to help her father out because of his illness. She doesn’t know what is wrong with him because he refuses to tell her, but since he’s always been the town drunk she is pretty sure it has something to do with that. Autumn is finally getting close with her father again, and she realizes that it may be too late. She regrets rarely coming back to visit and not letting Elliot get to know his grandfather.
Autumn’s character goes through many changes throughout The “What If” Guy. At the beginning she is ashamed of having to move back to small town Fairfield from the bustling city of Seattle. She fears that Elliot will not get a good quality education and that her life is over until she can make it back to the city. Over the course of the novel she realizes that Fairfield is not as bad as she remembered, and that many great things can come out of living in a small town. There is real growth in Autumn as she discovers truths about herself, some that she isn’t very proud of, but she learns from these mistakes and works on correcting them. It was nice to see Autumn learn new things about herself and those around her. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those looking for a fun and heartwarming novel. It was a quick yet thoroughly engaging read and is worth adding to your to be read list.
I found this to be an extremely humorous and engaging story. I found myself laughing at either Autumn, Elliot or Henry on multiple occasions while reading this! Autumn is so nervous upon seeing Henry again when dropping Elliot off on his first day at his new school that she ends up almost breaking Henry’s nose with an encyclopedia! This is only the first of several accidents involving Autumn and Henry. Add in some nosy neighbors who have to know everything that is going on in town, and would love to play matchmaker, and this makes for some interesting interactions.
Added in to these funny occasions are some unfortunate sad parts as well. One of the main reasons that Autumn came home was to help her father out because of his illness. She doesn’t know what is wrong with him because he refuses to tell her, but since he’s always been the town drunk she is pretty sure it has something to do with that. Autumn is finally getting close with her father again, and she realizes that it may be too late. She regrets rarely coming back to visit and not letting Elliot get to know his grandfather.
Autumn’s character goes through many changes throughout The “What If” Guy. At the beginning she is ashamed of having to move back to small town Fairfield from the bustling city of Seattle. She fears that Elliot will not get a good quality education and that her life is over until she can make it back to the city. Over the course of the novel she realizes that Fairfield is not as bad as she remembered, and that many great things can come out of living in a small town. There is real growth in Autumn as she discovers truths about herself, some that she isn’t very proud of, but she learns from these mistakes and works on correcting them. It was nice to see Autumn learn new things about herself and those around her. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those looking for a fun and heartwarming novel. It was a quick yet thoroughly engaging read and is worth adding to your to be read list.
October 11, 2011
My Review:
I really liked this book, but it's not one of those books that I can necessarily pinpoint the "why" for that. This is a contemporary novel with a lot going on with the heroine, Autumn.
The story starts with a prologue that takes place 13 years prior to when the book actually takes place. She is breaking up with the love of her life, Henry, whom she has only been dating for two months, but it has been a magical two months. They are in love, but she has just discovered that she's pregnant by the guy that she hooked up with before meeting Henry. The break-up breaks both of their hearts, but to her mind, there is no alternative. She's pregnant with someone else's baby so she needs to make a go at that relationship.
Now it's 13 years later, and she has come home eight month's after losing her job running an art gallery after the economic downturn. She is coming home with her 12 yo son who is not happy about moving. The relationship with his father never worked out so she has always been a single mother. Her father, whom she has only seen once in the last 10 years, is an alcoholic and very sick so she is home to take care of him and to get back on her feet. When Autumn dated Henry, they were living in Seattle, so you can imagine her surprise when she walks into her sons new classroom and discovers that his teacher (in this town of 500 people) is Henry, her true love that she destroyed.
There is so much going on with Autumn, but it's a great story. There is a lot of depth to it and a lot of aspects of the story which I really loved. I adored Henry although his signal were so confusing that it became a bit frustrating. My one issue with this story was that the characters, even at the very end, did not know how to communicate which had already kept them apart for 13 years. I just felt like there should have been more growth in that aspect of their relationship over the years. I loved Elliott, Autumn's son. I can just imagine how hard it would be for an artistic pre-teen to settle into a small town. I thought that Brooke Moss wrote his character really incredibly well. I also really loved the arc of the relationship between Autumn, Elliott, and her father. That relationship has a TON of reasons for it not to work, but it was really beautiful in the way that she wrote them working out their differences.
This is a great book about small town life, about second chances, and about love and romance. Overall, I really, really liked the story. One of my favorite things about how Brooke wrote the story was such a small detail, but it was great for impact. The entire story is written from Autumn's point of view, but the epilogue is written from Henry's. It was such a cool detail that I really LOVED!
This is one of those books that I can see myself reading over and over and coming to love it more and more with each reading. It was just one of those books. Definitely going on my keeper shelf!
I really liked this book, but it's not one of those books that I can necessarily pinpoint the "why" for that. This is a contemporary novel with a lot going on with the heroine, Autumn.
The story starts with a prologue that takes place 13 years prior to when the book actually takes place. She is breaking up with the love of her life, Henry, whom she has only been dating for two months, but it has been a magical two months. They are in love, but she has just discovered that she's pregnant by the guy that she hooked up with before meeting Henry. The break-up breaks both of their hearts, but to her mind, there is no alternative. She's pregnant with someone else's baby so she needs to make a go at that relationship.
Now it's 13 years later, and she has come home eight month's after losing her job running an art gallery after the economic downturn. She is coming home with her 12 yo son who is not happy about moving. The relationship with his father never worked out so she has always been a single mother. Her father, whom she has only seen once in the last 10 years, is an alcoholic and very sick so she is home to take care of him and to get back on her feet. When Autumn dated Henry, they were living in Seattle, so you can imagine her surprise when she walks into her sons new classroom and discovers that his teacher (in this town of 500 people) is Henry, her true love that she destroyed.
There is so much going on with Autumn, but it's a great story. There is a lot of depth to it and a lot of aspects of the story which I really loved. I adored Henry although his signal were so confusing that it became a bit frustrating. My one issue with this story was that the characters, even at the very end, did not know how to communicate which had already kept them apart for 13 years. I just felt like there should have been more growth in that aspect of their relationship over the years. I loved Elliott, Autumn's son. I can just imagine how hard it would be for an artistic pre-teen to settle into a small town. I thought that Brooke Moss wrote his character really incredibly well. I also really loved the arc of the relationship between Autumn, Elliott, and her father. That relationship has a TON of reasons for it not to work, but it was really beautiful in the way that she wrote them working out their differences.
This is a great book about small town life, about second chances, and about love and romance. Overall, I really, really liked the story. One of my favorite things about how Brooke wrote the story was such a small detail, but it was great for impact. The entire story is written from Autumn's point of view, but the epilogue is written from Henry's. It was such a cool detail that I really LOVED!
This is one of those books that I can see myself reading over and over and coming to love it more and more with each reading. It was just one of those books. Definitely going on my keeper shelf!
May 23, 2013
check out this review at
www.Twinsietalk.blogspot.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
@Twinsietalk
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
OMG This book has me in tears....good and sad....cracking up and crying over loss. I have to commend Brooke, she has mad writing skills. I have loved both books of hers and will most definitely keep an eye out for her new releases.
Ok this book is about finding the love of your life but letting him go when you find out you are preggo with another mans baby...GASP...right!! So 13 years later Autumn stumbles into her small town with said child, no baby daddy or job. She moves home with her town drunk dad to get back on her feet and help him because he seems to be sick. She enrolls her son in her old school and walks him to class. When she opens the door her life is forever changed...Henry is the teacher!! She proceeds to bash him in the face with an encyclopedia, drop hot gravy in his lap and pretty much be a total klutz throughout the book. I remember squirming in my chair, laughing out loud at how uncomfortable poor Autumn was feeling!!!
Henry is stunned that the love of his life is here...granted he is married to someone else....but still she is here. Now I must say Henry never really loved the wife but married her because it was kinda expected after 8 years of dating!!! However, Henry's wife doesn't want to let him go. He ran as far away from her as he could get which is how he ended up in Autumns hometown...never knowing it was her town OR that she was returning to care for her father.
The chemistry that Brooke builds for these two people is amazing. From the first scene you can feel their WANTING and their PULL together. I did want to smack Autumn a few times for never giving Henry the chance to explain situations but I also wanted to kick Henry in the butt because he KNOWS how nuts Autumn can get :)
My favorite parts of the book :
1. When Autumn finally admits to Henry she loves him and never stopped all these years. It also happens to take place in front of the entire volunteer fire department. IF you know anything about small towns, gossip runs crazy!! The things Autumn says is hilarious and mortifying!!!
2. I also loved the epilogue. It is told in Henry's perspective. I kinda like getting an insight to his view of everything since the book is Autumns.
3. I also loved the relationship that Autumn and her dad plus her dad and Elliot make. It was very emotional when they are all fishing and her dad lays it all on the line and admits his feelings for them and Henry. It made me teary eyed!!
Ok So I have gone on and on and on but I loved this book. The chemistry was wonderful. The angst was high and the love was all encompassing!!!
www.Twinsietalk.blogspot.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
@Twinsietalk
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
OMG This book has me in tears....good and sad....cracking up and crying over loss. I have to commend Brooke, she has mad writing skills. I have loved both books of hers and will most definitely keep an eye out for her new releases.
Ok this book is about finding the love of your life but letting him go when you find out you are preggo with another mans baby...GASP...right!! So 13 years later Autumn stumbles into her small town with said child, no baby daddy or job. She moves home with her town drunk dad to get back on her feet and help him because he seems to be sick. She enrolls her son in her old school and walks him to class. When she opens the door her life is forever changed...Henry is the teacher!! She proceeds to bash him in the face with an encyclopedia, drop hot gravy in his lap and pretty much be a total klutz throughout the book. I remember squirming in my chair, laughing out loud at how uncomfortable poor Autumn was feeling!!!
Henry is stunned that the love of his life is here...granted he is married to someone else....but still she is here. Now I must say Henry never really loved the wife but married her because it was kinda expected after 8 years of dating!!! However, Henry's wife doesn't want to let him go. He ran as far away from her as he could get which is how he ended up in Autumns hometown...never knowing it was her town OR that she was returning to care for her father.
The chemistry that Brooke builds for these two people is amazing. From the first scene you can feel their WANTING and their PULL together. I did want to smack Autumn a few times for never giving Henry the chance to explain situations but I also wanted to kick Henry in the butt because he KNOWS how nuts Autumn can get :)
My favorite parts of the book :
1. When Autumn finally admits to Henry she loves him and never stopped all these years. It also happens to take place in front of the entire volunteer fire department. IF you know anything about small towns, gossip runs crazy!! The things Autumn says is hilarious and mortifying!!!
2. I also loved the epilogue. It is told in Henry's perspective. I kinda like getting an insight to his view of everything since the book is Autumns.
3. I also loved the relationship that Autumn and her dad plus her dad and Elliot make. It was very emotional when they are all fishing and her dad lays it all on the line and admits his feelings for them and Henry. It made me teary eyed!!
Ok So I have gone on and on and on but I loved this book. The chemistry was wonderful. The angst was high and the love was all encompassing!!!
July 12, 2011
3.5/5 but not quite 4 stars.
Brooke Moss is a talented writer. The "What If" guy is well written. Personally I have issues with psuedo-cheating. The problem for me is that Henry--our hero--is separated, but not divorced from his wife (Who still loves him and wants him back).
The premise/summary goes like this:
Autumn leaves home to pursue college and falls madly in love with Henry. Autumn and Henry are young and in love. Autumn was 18 and Henry was in his early 20's I believe. They had been dating for two months, but not had sex yet. They wanted to wait a bit more.
Autumn finds out she is pregnant. Not able to deal with the heartbreak, she leaves Henry and tries to make it work with the babies loser father (it was a quick fling).
Harry pines for her. Tries to contact her, she refuses to call him or ever speak to him again after she finds out she is knocked up.
13 years later, her dad is in the hospital and Autumn is forced to move back to the small town to care for him, uprooting her son in the process.
Harry had "moved on" and married another woman, though he was not in love with her. His torch belongs to Autumn, always has, always will. He was pressured into marrying her by her family. They have been separated for a year I think. He took a teaching job in a small town to get away from her high society life.
First day of school for Autumns son brings Autumn face to face with Henry, the history teacher.
There was so much miscommunication between Henry and Autumn throughout the entire novel. It got to the point where I wanted to smack Autumn up the side of the head and shout at her to just freaking LISTEN!!! I could understand one or two mis-com's but the whole book featured them, and it kept me from fully enjoying it.
Still, it was a realistic book for sure. I can guarantee that some people have found themselves in the circumstances that the characters were put into.
I really loved Autumns son, he is an artistic emo young man, who has never had a father figure in his life, went to a private school for gifted youngsters and is now moved to a small town where he stands out like a lily in a rose bush.
I felt for Autumns situation growing up with an alcoholic father, who was known as the town drunk and caused her so much grief and heartache and teasing growing up. (I grew up with an alcoholic father as well, though I had a mom to try to keep me insulated from it.
At one point I wanted to just tell Henry to move on and leave her alone, she couldn't be what he needed. Then towards the end, Henry makes a bone headed move (that I understood) but he hurt Autumns son, and that pissed me off a lot.
All and All, it was a compelling story, I had personal issues with it. I'm sure it won't bother most people.
Brooke Moss is a talented writer. The "What If" guy is well written. Personally I have issues with psuedo-cheating. The problem for me is that Henry--our hero--is separated, but not divorced from his wife (Who still loves him and wants him back).
The premise/summary goes like this:
Autumn leaves home to pursue college and falls madly in love with Henry. Autumn and Henry are young and in love. Autumn was 18 and Henry was in his early 20's I believe. They had been dating for two months, but not had sex yet. They wanted to wait a bit more.
Autumn finds out she is pregnant. Not able to deal with the heartbreak, she leaves Henry and tries to make it work with the babies loser father (it was a quick fling).
Harry pines for her. Tries to contact her, she refuses to call him or ever speak to him again after she finds out she is knocked up.
13 years later, her dad is in the hospital and Autumn is forced to move back to the small town to care for him, uprooting her son in the process.
Harry had "moved on" and married another woman, though he was not in love with her. His torch belongs to Autumn, always has, always will. He was pressured into marrying her by her family. They have been separated for a year I think. He took a teaching job in a small town to get away from her high society life.
First day of school for Autumns son brings Autumn face to face with Henry, the history teacher.
There was so much miscommunication between Henry and Autumn throughout the entire novel. It got to the point where I wanted to smack Autumn up the side of the head and shout at her to just freaking LISTEN!!! I could understand one or two mis-com's but the whole book featured them, and it kept me from fully enjoying it.
Still, it was a realistic book for sure. I can guarantee that some people have found themselves in the circumstances that the characters were put into.
I really loved Autumns son, he is an artistic emo young man, who has never had a father figure in his life, went to a private school for gifted youngsters and is now moved to a small town where he stands out like a lily in a rose bush.
I felt for Autumns situation growing up with an alcoholic father, who was known as the town drunk and caused her so much grief and heartache and teasing growing up. (I grew up with an alcoholic father as well, though I had a mom to try to keep me insulated from it.
At one point I wanted to just tell Henry to move on and leave her alone, she couldn't be what he needed. Then towards the end, Henry makes a bone headed move (that I understood) but he hurt Autumns son, and that pissed me off a lot.
All and All, it was a compelling story, I had personal issues with it. I'm sure it won't bother most people.
Want to read
May 21, 2013 Crazed Bookie: The "What If"Guy by Brooke Moss—Blog Tour!
Excerpt:
Seattle, Washington
“Why are you doing this?”
The desperate, sad look in Henry’s eyes made my heart ache. His brown hair fell across his forehead in rain-soaked waves, and his eyelashes gathered in dampened clumps. Henry’s eyes, the same shade of gray as the weeping clouds above us, searched my face for answers I was too ashamed to give.
“What we have is real, Autumn.” He pulled me against his chest. I felt his heart pounding through the wet fabric of his soft, flannel shirt, and we trembled in unison, standing on the front steps of Henry’s apartment building. “Why do you want to break up? Don't you love me?”
“Don’t do this,” I said weakly. My eyes filled with hot tears that threatened to undermine my brave façade. When he grazed his fingers across my cheekbone, swiping away a tear, I instinctively turned my face into his hand, breathing in the warm, outdoorsy aroma of Henry.
My Henry.
He kissed my cheeks, my temples, my shivering lips. My resolve started to crumble. Strength. I needed to show strength. I needed to walk away before I ruined his life, before I hurt him any more than I already had.
“Tell me that you don’t love me,” he whispered into my drenched hair, tangling his fingers in my curls. “Tell me, and I’ll let you go.”
I choked on a sob. I did love Henry. The past two months had been the best months of my life. Not once had I dreamt of meeting someone who made me feel safe, peaceful, beautiful, and deliriously happy, the way Henry Tobler made me feel. I wanted to be with him—and no one else—forever.
“Of course I love you,” I said.
“Then why are you doing this?” His voice cracked.
I shivered in Henry’s arms, not only from the cold, but also from the burden I bore. Pulling back, I raised my eyes to meet his. “I….I’m pregnant.” My words were barely audible over the sound of the pounding rain and passing traffic.
His face morphed from shock to anger, then settled on absolute sadness. We hadn’t slept together yet.
“It was from before,” I explained lamely, feeling dirty as the words came out my mouth. Henry’s shoulders drooped. He released me and a shadow fell across his eyes. That said it all. His girlfriend was pregnant with someone else’s child.
Henry deserved better than me.
I had to get out of here. I backed away, down the cement steps and onto the sidewalk. I rubbed my chest, my heart breaking just beneath the surface.
“I’m sorry,” I said, words quavering. “I’m so sorry.”
I turned and ran. Away from love.
Excerpt:
Seattle, Washington
“Why are you doing this?”
The desperate, sad look in Henry’s eyes made my heart ache. His brown hair fell across his forehead in rain-soaked waves, and his eyelashes gathered in dampened clumps. Henry’s eyes, the same shade of gray as the weeping clouds above us, searched my face for answers I was too ashamed to give.
“What we have is real, Autumn.” He pulled me against his chest. I felt his heart pounding through the wet fabric of his soft, flannel shirt, and we trembled in unison, standing on the front steps of Henry’s apartment building. “Why do you want to break up? Don't you love me?”
“Don’t do this,” I said weakly. My eyes filled with hot tears that threatened to undermine my brave façade. When he grazed his fingers across my cheekbone, swiping away a tear, I instinctively turned my face into his hand, breathing in the warm, outdoorsy aroma of Henry.
My Henry.
He kissed my cheeks, my temples, my shivering lips. My resolve started to crumble. Strength. I needed to show strength. I needed to walk away before I ruined his life, before I hurt him any more than I already had.
“Tell me that you don’t love me,” he whispered into my drenched hair, tangling his fingers in my curls. “Tell me, and I’ll let you go.”
I choked on a sob. I did love Henry. The past two months had been the best months of my life. Not once had I dreamt of meeting someone who made me feel safe, peaceful, beautiful, and deliriously happy, the way Henry Tobler made me feel. I wanted to be with him—and no one else—forever.
“Of course I love you,” I said.
“Then why are you doing this?” His voice cracked.
I shivered in Henry’s arms, not only from the cold, but also from the burden I bore. Pulling back, I raised my eyes to meet his. “I….I’m pregnant.” My words were barely audible over the sound of the pounding rain and passing traffic.
His face morphed from shock to anger, then settled on absolute sadness. We hadn’t slept together yet.
“It was from before,” I explained lamely, feeling dirty as the words came out my mouth. Henry’s shoulders drooped. He released me and a shadow fell across his eyes. That said it all. His girlfriend was pregnant with someone else’s child.
Henry deserved better than me.
I had to get out of here. I backed away, down the cement steps and onto the sidewalk. I rubbed my chest, my heart breaking just beneath the surface.
“I’m sorry,” I said, words quavering. “I’m so sorry.”
I turned and ran. Away from love.
December 10, 2012
The "What if" Guy by Brooke Moss
Autumn Cole after high school broke up with her boyfriend Henry because she was pregnant with another mans baby. She left Fairfield, WA for Seattle and got enrolled in art classes and 12 years later she left there to go back home to tend to her father. The town drunk who had health issues. She brought her son Elliott with her and when he showed up at school she was introduced to one teacher, Henry. Yep the love of her life that she had to let go.
He's as surprised to see here there also, going through a divorce himself. by the time she's left her son in the class she had given Henry a bloody nose as well. What else could go wrong? She had met up with one of her bff's well they broke it off after a few months-she had stopped replying to her letters and calls-she wasn't a good friend.
When her father makes a spectacle of them at Halloween, Mr. T steps in and helps get him home to the couch and has promised to watch out for the bullies at El's school and put a stop to that. She's working at the pharmacy now because she has no other choice.
She's made amends with her BFF also. She spends more time with him and discovers about his past life and what made him come to the town to live in. The surprise holiday meal turns out HOT in many ways...the holiday season is growing on her.
She is devastated to learn of the true nature of all the doctor visits her dad takes when she finds him on the floor in the bathroom and goes with him in the ambulance...
She is able to confide in her friend Holly about her true feeling for Henry as they try to figure out why he runs away after he kisses her..
When she watches Henry leave with the town lady who has it all she goes off on a roll and after watching her friend in the hospital she acts fast, so much time has gone by...
besides sex scenes there is also a birthing that led me to shed some tears, it was so fast paced and serene.
Love that she can do your job and also take care of her career and Layla hires her to do her daughter's bedroom and the town hires her, such an accomplishment!
Also love how she connects with her dad and her son gets lessons from him. Just when things are going right everything goes wrong...
Autumn Cole after high school broke up with her boyfriend Henry because she was pregnant with another mans baby. She left Fairfield, WA for Seattle and got enrolled in art classes and 12 years later she left there to go back home to tend to her father. The town drunk who had health issues. She brought her son Elliott with her and when he showed up at school she was introduced to one teacher, Henry. Yep the love of her life that she had to let go.
He's as surprised to see here there also, going through a divorce himself. by the time she's left her son in the class she had given Henry a bloody nose as well. What else could go wrong? She had met up with one of her bff's well they broke it off after a few months-she had stopped replying to her letters and calls-she wasn't a good friend.
When her father makes a spectacle of them at Halloween, Mr. T steps in and helps get him home to the couch and has promised to watch out for the bullies at El's school and put a stop to that. She's working at the pharmacy now because she has no other choice.
She's made amends with her BFF also. She spends more time with him and discovers about his past life and what made him come to the town to live in. The surprise holiday meal turns out HOT in many ways...the holiday season is growing on her.
She is devastated to learn of the true nature of all the doctor visits her dad takes when she finds him on the floor in the bathroom and goes with him in the ambulance...
She is able to confide in her friend Holly about her true feeling for Henry as they try to figure out why he runs away after he kisses her..
When she watches Henry leave with the town lady who has it all she goes off on a roll and after watching her friend in the hospital she acts fast, so much time has gone by...
besides sex scenes there is also a birthing that led me to shed some tears, it was so fast paced and serene.
Love that she can do your job and also take care of her career and Layla hires her to do her daughter's bedroom and the town hires her, such an accomplishment!
Also love how she connects with her dad and her son gets lessons from him. Just when things are going right everything goes wrong...
August 10, 2011
I received The “What If” Guy by Brooke Moss through Danielle at Entangled Publishing for Brooke’s blog tour. The story follows Autumn Cole, a single mother who has lost her posh job at a Seattle art gallery and is forced to move back to her hometown of Fairfield to help herself recover financially, and to help her ailing father. Billy Cole, also known as the town drunk, as several medical problems thanks to his years of alcoholism, so Autumn moves her and Elliott- her twelve year old son, into her childhood home. Autumn gets the shock of her life after the move- her own son’s history teacher is none other than Henry Tobler- the love of Autumn’s life that she had to leave behind once she found out she was pregnant from a short-lived fling. Now faced with Henry again after all these years, Autumn realizes her deep love from him never faded. How can Autumn carry on with him so close? Could she possibly get a second chance with her “what if” guy?
I absolutely adored The “What If” Guy. The prologue drew me in right away, and the writing was so beautiful throughout. I was enamored with the love story that was full of missteps, bad timing, and assumptions. Autumn and Henry just dance around each other, both so clearly wanting to give their love a second chance, but with so many obstacles now facing them- Autumn’s son, Henry’s still to be finalized divorce, they just never seem to find a chance to really open their hearts to one another. There were plenty of great sub plots as well- the heartbreaking demise of Autumn’s alcoholic father, Autumn’s friend Holly and her expanding family, and the charming town of Fairfield and the characters that fill the streets. The ending completely sold me on giving this five stars. I loved that the epilogue was written in Henry’s point of view, and everything was tied up so neatly that I just felt satisfied when I closed the book. Another favorite in 2011!
I absolutely adored The “What If” Guy. The prologue drew me in right away, and the writing was so beautiful throughout. I was enamored with the love story that was full of missteps, bad timing, and assumptions. Autumn and Henry just dance around each other, both so clearly wanting to give their love a second chance, but with so many obstacles now facing them- Autumn’s son, Henry’s still to be finalized divorce, they just never seem to find a chance to really open their hearts to one another. There were plenty of great sub plots as well- the heartbreaking demise of Autumn’s alcoholic father, Autumn’s friend Holly and her expanding family, and the charming town of Fairfield and the characters that fill the streets. The ending completely sold me on giving this five stars. I loved that the epilogue was written in Henry’s point of view, and everything was tied up so neatly that I just felt satisfied when I closed the book. Another favorite in 2011!
August 8, 2011
From the big city to the hick town where everyone knows her past Autumn suddenly finds herself facing her past in a way she never expected. With the added addition of her twelve year old son Elliot and a drunk father she’s got the odds stacked against her. That is until she stumbles upon her once true love, Henry. What if you could have a second chance at love? Autumn gets the opportunity to during her return trip home and discovers she may find happiness after all.
Brooke Moss knows how to write Chick Lit! I am absolutely in love with her writing, characters, town and the story she put together in The “What if” Guy. From the first chapter I was completely drawn in to Autumn’s struggle and the romance she once had. Not only that, but I adored that she had a teen son. Her character was incredibly easy to relate to and her son was so perfectly written you could imagine his disappointment with his situation as if it was your own child. As for the romance, it was perfect. Henry was perhaps too over the top at times, but the story between him and Autumn was one that made your heart skip a beat the way it does with young love.
In the end, this is absolutely a story I’d recommend to fans of Chick Lit and romance. Set in a rural town that reads just like one you could imagine wandering around with neighbors who’ve known you your whole life, Brooke Moss brings to life a wonderfully realistic and heartwarming story. The “What if” Guy is a story I’d tell readers to run out and pick up! I’m excited to see what Brooke writes next and can’t wait to pick up The “What if” Guy for a second read through, I enjoyed it that much!
Originally reviewed and copyrighted at Chick Lit Reviews.
Brooke Moss knows how to write Chick Lit! I am absolutely in love with her writing, characters, town and the story she put together in The “What if” Guy. From the first chapter I was completely drawn in to Autumn’s struggle and the romance she once had. Not only that, but I adored that she had a teen son. Her character was incredibly easy to relate to and her son was so perfectly written you could imagine his disappointment with his situation as if it was your own child. As for the romance, it was perfect. Henry was perhaps too over the top at times, but the story between him and Autumn was one that made your heart skip a beat the way it does with young love.
In the end, this is absolutely a story I’d recommend to fans of Chick Lit and romance. Set in a rural town that reads just like one you could imagine wandering around with neighbors who’ve known you your whole life, Brooke Moss brings to life a wonderfully realistic and heartwarming story. The “What if” Guy is a story I’d tell readers to run out and pick up! I’m excited to see what Brooke writes next and can’t wait to pick up The “What if” Guy for a second read through, I enjoyed it that much!
Originally reviewed and copyrighted at Chick Lit Reviews.
July 15, 2011
"What If" Guy
\wut if gahy\ , noun;
1. a loose end;
2. an unknown;
3. a guy with whom you had a a wild love for, but stomped on his heart and left him standing in the rain, only to wonder "what if" you had stayed together
The What If Guy by Brooke Moss is super heart-warming. I mostly read paranormal, YA, and Dystopian, but occasionally I like to pick up a contemporary romance novel, and I prefer them with a lot of wit, snarkiness and rugged leading men. Grrrr baby grrrr. The What if Guy totally delivers all of this and more!
Autumn Cole lost her job, sold her possessions and moved from bustling Seattle to Fairfield, the small town where she grew up. She isn't going willingly; she loves Seattle, it's culture and the opportunities it presents for her 12-year-old son, who shows to be wise beyond his years. So Fairfield, with its nosy neighbors and small-town vibe, does not excite her. Nor does living with her alcoholic father.
There was only one thing I can really say I didn't like, and that's the constant back and forth between Autumn and her "what if" guy, Henry Tobler. When she runs into him after 13 long years, I expect friction (which we do get), but there was almost too much of it. At one point, I wanted to yell, "just make up your damn minds!" I do like the developing relationship between she and her father, Billy. It reaffirms the hope that people are capable of change. The dialogue was impeccable and quick, keeping me reading. But the What If Guy is the kind of book that you want to escape into, to get the warm fuzzies. And I was very warm and fuzzy at the end. I especially loved the the way it ended, and I look forward to more from this author.
\wut if gahy\ , noun;
1. a loose end;
2. an unknown;
3. a guy with whom you had a a wild love for, but stomped on his heart and left him standing in the rain, only to wonder "what if" you had stayed together
The What If Guy by Brooke Moss is super heart-warming. I mostly read paranormal, YA, and Dystopian, but occasionally I like to pick up a contemporary romance novel, and I prefer them with a lot of wit, snarkiness and rugged leading men. Grrrr baby grrrr. The What if Guy totally delivers all of this and more!
Autumn Cole lost her job, sold her possessions and moved from bustling Seattle to Fairfield, the small town where she grew up. She isn't going willingly; she loves Seattle, it's culture and the opportunities it presents for her 12-year-old son, who shows to be wise beyond his years. So Fairfield, with its nosy neighbors and small-town vibe, does not excite her. Nor does living with her alcoholic father.
There was only one thing I can really say I didn't like, and that's the constant back and forth between Autumn and her "what if" guy, Henry Tobler. When she runs into him after 13 long years, I expect friction (which we do get), but there was almost too much of it. At one point, I wanted to yell, "just make up your damn minds!" I do like the developing relationship between she and her father, Billy. It reaffirms the hope that people are capable of change. The dialogue was impeccable and quick, keeping me reading. But the What If Guy is the kind of book that you want to escape into, to get the warm fuzzies. And I was very warm and fuzzy at the end. I especially loved the the way it ended, and I look forward to more from this author.
August 22, 2012
I was dubious about reading this book after the prologue. I wasn't expecting one and wasn't sure how it would fit into the novel or if it would draw me into reading much further. I felt the same way a few pages in, but then the novel took off.
The story centers around Henry and Autumn, two adults who were in love for a brief period of time during college before she discovered she was pregnant with a former fling's baby.
Fast forward to 12 years later and Autumn is coming back to the small town she grew up in, - where her father was the town drunk, and she left with the plan to be the next rock star in the art industry. Instead of coming back famous, she's returning as a single mother, broke, without a career and coming home to take care of her ailing father, who still is the town drunk.
The last person she expects to see is the man whole stole her heart all those years ago, in the town she grew up in.
From there it's a case of will they get together or won't they. You know, even before the ending, that they will get together because let's face it, doesn't it always happen in romances. And, like any other novel it has the catty girl trying to steal the main character's man, a few other diversions and a whole lot of drama.
I enjoyed this book. It's a light read, and the characters are worth reading about. In fact the whole novel is really well written. The style and prose of the writing make the story move at a well-pace and the plot sucks you in. Yes, it is predictable but there's nothing wrong with predictability.
Worth reading if you're looking for a little romance to brighten your day. And, the epilogue is written from Henry's p.o.a, which I wasn't expecting but it was still interesting to read.
The story centers around Henry and Autumn, two adults who were in love for a brief period of time during college before she discovered she was pregnant with a former fling's baby.
Fast forward to 12 years later and Autumn is coming back to the small town she grew up in, - where her father was the town drunk, and she left with the plan to be the next rock star in the art industry. Instead of coming back famous, she's returning as a single mother, broke, without a career and coming home to take care of her ailing father, who still is the town drunk.
The last person she expects to see is the man whole stole her heart all those years ago, in the town she grew up in.
From there it's a case of will they get together or won't they. You know, even before the ending, that they will get together because let's face it, doesn't it always happen in romances. And, like any other novel it has the catty girl trying to steal the main character's man, a few other diversions and a whole lot of drama.
I enjoyed this book. It's a light read, and the characters are worth reading about. In fact the whole novel is really well written. The style and prose of the writing make the story move at a well-pace and the plot sucks you in. Yes, it is predictable but there's nothing wrong with predictability.
Worth reading if you're looking for a little romance to brighten your day. And, the epilogue is written from Henry's p.o.a, which I wasn't expecting but it was still interesting to read.
January 28, 2012
I loved this story! I sat down with the intent of reading for just a little bit and didn’t come up until the book was completed. I love when a book grabs me and doesn’t let me go. There were so many things that I enjoyed starting with the cover, it is one that would totally have me picking the book up in a book store. If I am actually in a store shopping, the cover is what pulls me in. The characters and relationships in this book were outstanding. Each and everyone was written to its fullest with care to ensure that background was understood. Autumn’s feelings about her hometown and her dad come across loud and clear right from the very beginning as well as she stress from the loss of her job and having to move her son back to this town because she does not have any other choice. I like the background and watching Autumn, or Auto, grow to love this town and everything and one in it.
The other part of this story that I enjoyed a lot was the fact that it was full of many different emotions, I laugh and I cried and felt a lot all the way through. Not only with Auto but her son, and Henry. The idea that moving back to this small town and being reunited with the man she thought she lost forever is just moving and was done in an excellent way! As a mother, I could completely understand where Auto was in her life and wanting to provide everything to her son and keep him happy!
This is what a contemporary romance should be and I think that it is my favorite of of the year! Great work Brooke Moss!
The other part of this story that I enjoyed a lot was the fact that it was full of many different emotions, I laugh and I cried and felt a lot all the way through. Not only with Auto but her son, and Henry. The idea that moving back to this small town and being reunited with the man she thought she lost forever is just moving and was done in an excellent way! As a mother, I could completely understand where Auto was in her life and wanting to provide everything to her son and keep him happy!
This is what a contemporary romance should be and I think that it is my favorite of of the year! Great work Brooke Moss!
May 19, 2013
Rating 4.5 Stars
Posted on What I'm Reading
Have you ever wonder if the guy you left behind was the "one"? Well, Autumn Cole has always thought of Henry Tobler after leaving him. She never thought she would see him again, funny how fate intervenes in her life.
Yes, I did enjoyed this story. The "What If" Guy has a lot of emotional tension. The tension tends to circle around Autumn and her dynamics between her son, her father, and Henry. Coming back to her hometown hasn't been an easy transition. I loved the dynamics between each of her relationship with the men her life. So, you watch Autumn deal with rebuilding a relationship with her son. Which happens to be a rocky relationship since leaving Seattle. She slowly rebuilds what they had before. Then you have a damage father-daughter relationship that is in desperate repairs before her father dies. I think that was one of the most emotional parts of the story. Finally, Henry. Now this is a complicated relationship with all the "I want you, but I can't right now."
Overall, an emotional read. With a lot of dynamics between the important characters in the story. I adore the story, because it was written in such a fantastic way. I mean Ms. Moss was able to keep me captivated with the whole story. I really didn't want to put the story down. So, if you are looking for an emotional good read, I would suggest The "What If" Guy.
Copy provided by the publisher
Posted on What I'm Reading
Have you ever wonder if the guy you left behind was the "one"? Well, Autumn Cole has always thought of Henry Tobler after leaving him. She never thought she would see him again, funny how fate intervenes in her life.
Yes, I did enjoyed this story. The "What If" Guy has a lot of emotional tension. The tension tends to circle around Autumn and her dynamics between her son, her father, and Henry. Coming back to her hometown hasn't been an easy transition. I loved the dynamics between each of her relationship with the men her life. So, you watch Autumn deal with rebuilding a relationship with her son. Which happens to be a rocky relationship since leaving Seattle. She slowly rebuilds what they had before. Then you have a damage father-daughter relationship that is in desperate repairs before her father dies. I think that was one of the most emotional parts of the story. Finally, Henry. Now this is a complicated relationship with all the "I want you, but I can't right now."
Overall, an emotional read. With a lot of dynamics between the important characters in the story. I adore the story, because it was written in such a fantastic way. I mean Ms. Moss was able to keep me captivated with the whole story. I really didn't want to put the story down. So, if you are looking for an emotional good read, I would suggest The "What If" Guy.
Copy provided by the publisher
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