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Anybody But Him
A deliciously funny rom com from Random Romance. What happens when you fall in love with the man you hate?
Nicola Doyle's dating record is a disaster, and it doesn't improve when she returns to Redgum Valley, after an absence of twelve years, to look after her increasingly eccentric parents. There, she's thrown into regular contact with Blair Morrissey – the very reason she couldn't wait to leave town in the first place.
The decade-old scars are still raw from that humiliating day in high school – when Blair went from the boy she loved to the boy she hated.
Except Blair doesn't seem to be a ‘bad boy' any more – in fact, he's charming, infuriatingly helpful and extremely attractive.
If only Nicola could forgive and forget . . .
Nicola Doyle's dating record is a disaster, and it doesn't improve when she returns to Redgum Valley, after an absence of twelve years, to look after her increasingly eccentric parents. There, she's thrown into regular contact with Blair Morrissey – the very reason she couldn't wait to leave town in the first place.
The decade-old scars are still raw from that humiliating day in high school – when Blair went from the boy she loved to the boy she hated.
Except Blair doesn't seem to be a ‘bad boy' any more – in fact, he's charming, infuriatingly helpful and extremely attractive.
If only Nicola could forgive and forget . . .
150 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Claire Baxter
65 books62 followersClaire Baxter writes contemporary romantic fiction of all lengths. Her short stories have been published in commercial women’s magazines around the world, while her novels have been translated into 20 languages, and have finalled in the Romance Writers of Australia's Romantic Book of the Year Award, the Booksellers’ Best Awards, the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and the Cataromance Reviewers’ Choice Awards.
Before following her passion to write full-time, Claire was an award-winning corporate communications manager. Earlier, she worked as a translator and a PA.
Claire grew up in Warwickshire, England, but for more than 20 years has called Australia home. She considers herself lucky to live near one of Adelaide’s beautiful metropolitan beaches where she loves to walk and think up stories.
Before following her passion to write full-time, Claire was an award-winning corporate communications manager. Earlier, she worked as a translator and a PA.
Claire grew up in Warwickshire, England, but for more than 20 years has called Australia home. She considers herself lucky to live near one of Adelaide’s beautiful metropolitan beaches where she loves to walk and think up stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 1, 2013
We all have that one person female or male from school that we hated, just could not stand them for whatever reason, yes most of the time for us girls it is a boy that either broke our heart or a girl that stole our man!
No matter none of us can wait to let payback be sweet or to just get the heck out and as far away as possible.
This is exactly what Nicola does, after the hero of her heart Blair becomes the piece of ice in her heart, she takes off and never looks back, only circumstances bring her back and instead of Blair being the cool as ice, heartless idiot he use to be, he is the complete opposite, and she finds herself falling for him yet again, but this time she will not forget the past, after all a leopard cannot change his spots.
The main characters were both well written and very likeable. I found them both cute and understanding when needed but also could understand for example when Nicola holds back her forgiveness.
I liked that the author kept it light yet at the same time gave enough insight into the past and future for this couple to keep me entertained and not bored with too much detail or too much this and that and what if and don't.
The author kept it real with realistic explanations and outlooks.
The read is the perfect length to allow a reader to escape from it all and go to the magical world of romance blossoming when forgiveness finally comes into play, at no stage did it feel like the road to happiness was being dragged out, as is the case in many reads and you simply want it to end just so you can be able to say "Oh okay so that is how it ends".
I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for something fun and exciting, that delivers a nice message of letting of of the past. A very pleasant afternoon read, however the ending was a little too predictable, I would have liked to see the author pull a rabbit from the hat, just to give it that bit of flare at the ending.
4.5 star review
"Forgiveness is never easy, and neither is love"
July 4, 2013
Disclaimer: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way.
Anybody But Him is short and sweet. It's the story of Nicola, an 28-year-old accountant who lives in Sydney. Her older sister, Una, takes care of their parents, who are a bit loopy. When Una wants time and space to finally write the novel she's had in her head for ages, she demands that Nicola move back home for a couple of months. They swap houses so that after all these years, Nicola once again lives in the town she's wanted to escape since she was 16.
The reason she wanted out of there goes by the name of Blair Morrisey. The novella opens with a scene of Nicola at high school. She's writing some truly awful love poetry about sexy Blair in her journal, when some guys who think they're too cool to live on this planet spot her, take the journal and start reciting the whole thing.
Believe me, those are probably the worst poems you'll ever read, but they are supposed to be horrible and not just because it's a teenage girl writing them. Later on, it's revealed that Nicola is dyslexic. First of all, I thought this was a very nice touch. It's not every day you read about a heroine - let alone a romance novel heroine - with a learning disorder of sorts. More than that, Nicola's dyslexia is not just a quirk or a gimmick. It's not the convenient reason why she feels different from the entire world. No, she has tried to work around her dyslexia, and it's one of the reasons that she's become an accountant, since what she lacks in letter skills, she more than makes up for when it comes to numbers. This is just one of the reasons why I found Nicola refreshing as a heroine.
Back to the high-school prologue. In all honesty, I don't understand Nicola's decision to write something so private in the middle of a playground. It felt too convenient to me. So the cool kids steal her journal and just then Blair walks by. They show him the poems as well and he's super mean about them. From then on he apparently tortures Nicola until she finds a way to leave town.
This was my first major problem with the premise. I'm already apprehensive when I read a bully-turned-lover arc. I refuse to believe that you can ever start a healthy relationship with someone who has caused you such physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. However, for the most part, we are told that Blair laughed with her parents, which is still a truly shitty thing to do. I thought it was unnecessary to go so strong as to make Blair a "bully". He simply could have teased her repeatedly, or gotten on her nerves, and then it would have been acceptable that she forgives him after a quick apology. However, you could argue that grown-up Blair does try to make amends with his actions and that his verbal apology is only a confirmation that he truly regrets how he treated her when they were kids.
Another thing I liked about Nicola is that she remained very ambiguous to the Blair issue. She did acknowledge that he had grown since their teen years, but that fact in itself is not enough for her to accept his avances. She repeatedly turns down his offer to go for a drink, and her reason is more than just "he used to be mean to me". Nicola doesn't believe she'll stay around. After the three months are up, she'll move back to to Sydney and she doesn't see the merit of starting something serious because it would inevitably have to become a long-distance thing. Props to Blair here, who doesn't necessarily see this as an issue. He's willing to go with her when she moves back, but not because he wouldn't be capable of living life without her.
They actually have some good conversations about what it would mean if they got serious and they come up with several options. This, I liked. I just wondered why the MC had to be so dramatic and say that Blair was the main reason she left town. It seems to me that there were a myriad other things that, when combined, resulted in Nicola's move to Sydney, just like there could have been a whole array of other reasons why she wanted to have a relationship with "anybody but him". No, I was not fond of the "bully" element. I use this term lightly because Blair did not read as a bully to me.
What I will say is that this novella did not read as a formulaic romance. Obviously every genre has its formulae, but ever since I read A Natural History of the Romance Novel for a school assignment, I can't help but label certain plot events with one of the eight stages Pamela Regis lists. This is a personal issue, but it often makes for the fact that I think: "Well of course this convoluted/convenient/far-fetched/dramatic/etc. event has to happen. How else would we introduce a barrier, create romantic suspense and come to a satisfactory love declaration?" Obviously, this is why me and my brain don't always get along so well, but I'm happy to report that Anybody But Him reads much more natural than that.
There are a few things that still bugged me. For once, I think Nicola's parents could have used some more attention. Now they act as these amorphous beings that move the plot forward. If they really were such a burden on their daughters, I would have liked to know more about that. It also bothered me that Nicola possesses a talent to make someone's issues all about her. If her best friend is worried her husband is cheating on her, Nicola will make it so that they are talking about her failed relationships in the next minute. She does this a lot and it annoyed me.
I have one last issue with Nicola. As I mentioned before, she's very good at her job. When she moves back, she quickly finds new work. Several of her co-workers and even her boss feel the need to point out that she's "obviously overqualified for this work" and that they are so grateful that she's not above working for such a small company. The worst part was one of the first conversations she has with her assistant, where he rattles of the Nicola Doyle Wikipedia page and of course she was "the youngest in her line of work" to ever do something special somewhere even more special.
Again, this is a personal issue. It's something I see a lot, especially in mystery/crime series with a female detective. Said detective always has to be extremely gifted and, more importantly, the youngest woman ever to make her station. I still see this as an imbalance based on gender, because men can obviously be much less qualified and still hold the same job. Often, they even get paid more for the same work. For once, I would like to read about a woman who is good at what she does because she's a good worker, or because she has talent, or because she's a quick thinker, but not because she is the youngest - if not only woman - in her fictional universe who possesses these qualities.
In the end, Anybody But Him is a cute story that can be read under two hours. It has a bit of everything: romance, mystery, coming-to-terms, and a good best friend. There were parts that definitely could have used more explanation or attention, but overall it was a light, fun and fluffy read.
Anybody But Him is short and sweet. It's the story of Nicola, an 28-year-old accountant who lives in Sydney. Her older sister, Una, takes care of their parents, who are a bit loopy. When Una wants time and space to finally write the novel she's had in her head for ages, she demands that Nicola move back home for a couple of months. They swap houses so that after all these years, Nicola once again lives in the town she's wanted to escape since she was 16.
The reason she wanted out of there goes by the name of Blair Morrisey. The novella opens with a scene of Nicola at high school. She's writing some truly awful love poetry about sexy Blair in her journal, when some guys who think they're too cool to live on this planet spot her, take the journal and start reciting the whole thing.
Believe me, those are probably the worst poems you'll ever read, but they are supposed to be horrible and not just because it's a teenage girl writing them. Later on, it's revealed that Nicola is dyslexic. First of all, I thought this was a very nice touch. It's not every day you read about a heroine - let alone a romance novel heroine - with a learning disorder of sorts. More than that, Nicola's dyslexia is not just a quirk or a gimmick. It's not the convenient reason why she feels different from the entire world. No, she has tried to work around her dyslexia, and it's one of the reasons that she's become an accountant, since what she lacks in letter skills, she more than makes up for when it comes to numbers. This is just one of the reasons why I found Nicola refreshing as a heroine.
Back to the high-school prologue. In all honesty, I don't understand Nicola's decision to write something so private in the middle of a playground. It felt too convenient to me. So the cool kids steal her journal and just then Blair walks by. They show him the poems as well and he's super mean about them. From then on he apparently tortures Nicola until she finds a way to leave town.
This was my first major problem with the premise. I'm already apprehensive when I read a bully-turned-lover arc. I refuse to believe that you can ever start a healthy relationship with someone who has caused you such physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. However, for the most part, we are told that Blair laughed with her parents, which is still a truly shitty thing to do. I thought it was unnecessary to go so strong as to make Blair a "bully". He simply could have teased her repeatedly, or gotten on her nerves, and then it would have been acceptable that she forgives him after a quick apology. However, you could argue that grown-up Blair does try to make amends with his actions and that his verbal apology is only a confirmation that he truly regrets how he treated her when they were kids.
Another thing I liked about Nicola is that she remained very ambiguous to the Blair issue. She did acknowledge that he had grown since their teen years, but that fact in itself is not enough for her to accept his avances. She repeatedly turns down his offer to go for a drink, and her reason is more than just "he used to be mean to me". Nicola doesn't believe she'll stay around. After the three months are up, she'll move back to to Sydney and she doesn't see the merit of starting something serious because it would inevitably have to become a long-distance thing. Props to Blair here, who doesn't necessarily see this as an issue. He's willing to go with her when she moves back, but not because he wouldn't be capable of living life without her.
They actually have some good conversations about what it would mean if they got serious and they come up with several options. This, I liked. I just wondered why the MC had to be so dramatic and say that Blair was the main reason she left town. It seems to me that there were a myriad other things that, when combined, resulted in Nicola's move to Sydney, just like there could have been a whole array of other reasons why she wanted to have a relationship with "anybody but him". No, I was not fond of the "bully" element. I use this term lightly because Blair did not read as a bully to me.
What I will say is that this novella did not read as a formulaic romance. Obviously every genre has its formulae, but ever since I read A Natural History of the Romance Novel for a school assignment, I can't help but label certain plot events with one of the eight stages Pamela Regis lists. This is a personal issue, but it often makes for the fact that I think: "Well of course this convoluted/convenient/far-fetched/dramatic/etc. event has to happen. How else would we introduce a barrier, create romantic suspense and come to a satisfactory love declaration?" Obviously, this is why me and my brain don't always get along so well, but I'm happy to report that Anybody But Him reads much more natural than that.
There are a few things that still bugged me. For once, I think Nicola's parents could have used some more attention. Now they act as these amorphous beings that move the plot forward. If they really were such a burden on their daughters, I would have liked to know more about that. It also bothered me that Nicola possesses a talent to make someone's issues all about her. If her best friend is worried her husband is cheating on her, Nicola will make it so that they are talking about her failed relationships in the next minute. She does this a lot and it annoyed me.
I have one last issue with Nicola. As I mentioned before, she's very good at her job. When she moves back, she quickly finds new work. Several of her co-workers and even her boss feel the need to point out that she's "obviously overqualified for this work" and that they are so grateful that she's not above working for such a small company. The worst part was one of the first conversations she has with her assistant, where he rattles of the Nicola Doyle Wikipedia page and of course she was "the youngest in her line of work" to ever do something special somewhere even more special.
Again, this is a personal issue. It's something I see a lot, especially in mystery/crime series with a female detective. Said detective always has to be extremely gifted and, more importantly, the youngest woman ever to make her station. I still see this as an imbalance based on gender, because men can obviously be much less qualified and still hold the same job. Often, they even get paid more for the same work. For once, I would like to read about a woman who is good at what she does because she's a good worker, or because she has talent, or because she's a quick thinker, but not because she is the youngest - if not only woman - in her fictional universe who possesses these qualities.
In the end, Anybody But Him is a cute story that can be read under two hours. It has a bit of everything: romance, mystery, coming-to-terms, and a good best friend. There were parts that definitely could have used more explanation or attention, but overall it was a light, fun and fluffy read.
July 3, 2013
In Anybody But Him by Claire Baxter: You have sisters Nicola & Una trading places for a couple of months. Una is a writer and is in desperate need of a break from their parents. Even though she lives in a separate house from them, they are quite a handful, especially their forgetful father.
Nicola Doyle has come home to Redgum Valley. She is staying to keep an eye on her eccentric parents. But the first person she comes into contact with besides her parents, is the one person she would rather never have seen again EVER. The one and only Blair Morrissey her first and only true love. He wasted no time embarrassing her repeatedly in high school once he learned of her crush. He teases her so often it had left emotional scars. Years later he has changed, now helpful, thoughtful and still so very good looking.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the two sisters working together to help each other. I also enjoyed "Dammit" and for some reason the name just fit. I also liked that Nicole matured enough through the help of Blair to realize her parents were special, even if a little quirky. You also learn to admire Blair for all he suffered as a young kid. While he apologizes to Nicola it doesn't excuse the way he teased her in school. I also did not feel this great love connection between these two, attraction yes, but not the love. Still a very enjoyable read!
4/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nicola Doyle has come home to Redgum Valley. She is staying to keep an eye on her eccentric parents. But the first person she comes into contact with besides her parents, is the one person she would rather never have seen again EVER. The one and only Blair Morrissey her first and only true love. He wasted no time embarrassing her repeatedly in high school once he learned of her crush. He teases her so often it had left emotional scars. Years later he has changed, now helpful, thoughtful and still so very good looking.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the two sisters working together to help each other. I also enjoyed "Dammit" and for some reason the name just fit. I also liked that Nicole matured enough through the help of Blair to realize her parents were special, even if a little quirky. You also learn to admire Blair for all he suffered as a young kid. While he apologizes to Nicola it doesn't excuse the way he teased her in school. I also did not feel this great love connection between these two, attraction yes, but not the love. Still a very enjoyable read!
4/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2013
Anybody But Him (Random Romance)
ANYBODY BUT HIM by author Claire Baxter is a Random Romance release for July 2013.
Nicola Doyle couldn't leave her small town home fast enough after the way she was treated and bullied during her school years. But going to the big city, she reinvented herself. Now she worked in a corporate world and had made a name for herself.
Then she had to come back to her hometown for her parents. And guess who she runs into?
Blair Morrissey, her teenage crush later turned into hatred. But Blair is no longer the same school boy he was. He was a charming and attractive man now. Would Nicola let her attraction to Blair lead to it's natural conclusion? What about her corporate job in the big city?
ANYBODY BUT HIM is a delightfully sweet romance. I loved the quirky characters of Nicola's parents. Author Claire Baxter brought this exceptionally realistic romance that will touch your heart and make you shed tears.
Recommended for all lovers of romance.
ANYBODY BUT HIM by author Claire Baxter is a Random Romance release for July 2013.
Nicola Doyle couldn't leave her small town home fast enough after the way she was treated and bullied during her school years. But going to the big city, she reinvented herself. Now she worked in a corporate world and had made a name for herself.
Then she had to come back to her hometown for her parents. And guess who she runs into?
Blair Morrissey, her teenage crush later turned into hatred. But Blair is no longer the same school boy he was. He was a charming and attractive man now. Would Nicola let her attraction to Blair lead to it's natural conclusion? What about her corporate job in the big city?
ANYBODY BUT HIM is a delightfully sweet romance. I loved the quirky characters of Nicola's parents. Author Claire Baxter brought this exceptionally realistic romance that will touch your heart and make you shed tears.
Recommended for all lovers of romance.
April 16, 2018
3 years, 5 months
Huh. IDK what to say about this one. Again, didn't find it funny. I also did NOT believe in the relationship at all.
In thinking about this read, it took me a while to figure out the disconnect – it was the dialogue. This book has TON of dialogue but very little to no inner monologues. There are no introspective moments where the reader can see the heroine fall in love. We never get a real chance to see her grow and mature. The reader mostly gets a lot of snappy dialogue which never gives the chance to emotionally connect with the characters.
Huh. IDK what to say about this one. Again, didn't find it funny. I also did NOT believe in the relationship at all.
In thinking about this read, it took me a while to figure out the disconnect – it was the dialogue. This book has TON of dialogue but very little to no inner monologues. There are no introspective moments where the reader can see the heroine fall in love. We never get a real chance to see her grow and mature. The reader mostly gets a lot of snappy dialogue which never gives the chance to emotionally connect with the characters.
September 11, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance novella by Claire Baxter for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which was the Irish connection. The heroine, Nicola Doyle, might have grown up next door to me. The fact that she had an elder sister named Una and that her parents were an elderly, mildly eccentric Irish couple who were also loving parents - just let's say I related.
The experience is so common. Was there ever a boy you had a crush on at school, or maybe when you were still on the naive side, at work? And did someone ever betray you and let him know how you felt? And how did he react? Was he honoured to be your choice, or did he laugh you to scorn? And when his reaction was the latter, didn't you hate him forever and ever? Of course you did. I know I did.
But just suppose there was a heart rending reason behind that dismissal of your heart's true feelings? Suppose he really, really hearted you but had a very pressing reason why he couldn't follow up on that attraction? Well, wouldn't it be just great if, a few years on, when you're both mature and responsible adults, you got a second chance at a relationship? Wouldn't it be, fabulous, fantastic and superlative, to say the least? 'Course it would.
Mind you, Miss Nicola Doyle will have to get past a few things first. Like having the man who humiliated her as a teen as her next door neighbour. Ever ready with a helpful cup of sugar, not to mention a maddening little dog called Dammit. Yes, indeed. Irish ladies are not to be trifled with even if they are first generation Australian. Until Nicola sees the light, she'll continue to date losers and wonder what is the matter.
Another thing I love about this book is, it's a sweet romance, which means I can share it with my teenage daughters. Provided they've done all their homework, of course.
And a note to the author, Claire Baxter. I particularly enjoyed that conversation the heroine had with Opal on the relevance of designer labels and whether it's really sensible to just cut them off and have done with it. I hope my girls will read that and take note. They'll probably relate to the eccentric Irish mother, though.
Because this ticks all the boxes where a romance is concerned and a few more besides, I'm giving it a hi five (or is it high five? And does it matter?).
I received a review copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 1, 2013
Nicola and her sister, Una, are swapping living spaces for three months. Nicola has come home to Redgum Valley to help watch their absent-minded and eccentric parents while Una lives in Sydney so that she can write her book.
Nicola's next door neighbor, who, of course, has an adorable dog, is Blair. Nicola had a huge crush on Blair in high school and even wrote a poem about him. He publicly rejected and humiliated her and from that moment on, she has hated him.
This sweet romance is told completely from Nicola's POV. You get to see her reaction to Blair re-appearing in her life. You get to discover who Blair really is and her changing opinions and feelings for him.
I was charmed by this book as much as Nicola was charmed by Blair. Blair and Nicola are smart, intelligent people with a quick wit. I enjoyed seeing them fall for each other.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.
Nicola's next door neighbor, who, of course, has an adorable dog, is Blair. Nicola had a huge crush on Blair in high school and even wrote a poem about him. He publicly rejected and humiliated her and from that moment on, she has hated him.
This sweet romance is told completely from Nicola's POV. You get to see her reaction to Blair re-appearing in her life. You get to discover who Blair really is and her changing opinions and feelings for him.
I was charmed by this book as much as Nicola was charmed by Blair. Blair and Nicola are smart, intelligent people with a quick wit. I enjoyed seeing them fall for each other.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.
July 7, 2013
2.5 stars
Anybody But Him is a sweet romance and a quick read. Unfortunately,characterization takes a back seat to fun and witty dialogue. A LOT of dialogue. So much that I felt like this could have been a great play. Blair is charming and funny, and his little dog, Dammit, likes to steal the show. Nicola gets herself into ridiculous scrapes that Blair is all too willing to help her out of, too bad she holds a grudge on him for his high school misbehavior.
The characters were quite thin, and this is a rare case when a bit more exposition would have been nice. I didn't really know what anyone looked like or what their character traits were beyond being too clever for their own good.
Overall this little novella could have used some more meat on its bones, what was there was pretty tasty and I would consider this author again.
Anybody But Him is a sweet romance and a quick read. Unfortunately,characterization takes a back seat to fun and witty dialogue. A LOT of dialogue. So much that I felt like this could have been a great play. Blair is charming and funny, and his little dog, Dammit, likes to steal the show. Nicola gets herself into ridiculous scrapes that Blair is all too willing to help her out of, too bad she holds a grudge on him for his high school misbehavior.
The characters were quite thin, and this is a rare case when a bit more exposition would have been nice. I didn't really know what anyone looked like or what their character traits were beyond being too clever for their own good.
Overall this little novella could have used some more meat on its bones, what was there was pretty tasty and I would consider this author again.
December 31, 2016
just so so.. nothing special or exciting. she hates him bcoz her boys classmate found her poem to him and read it loudly and then hand it over to him and he just brush it off and get her poem back to her own hand, all the while she expected that he got down on 1 knee and declare "my... i feel the same too" -crap delusional hi school girl type. she got nothing of it, she then hate him, she leave town w/that memory, and she back in town 10yeras after w/the same hatred, du'uh... she's a grown up women who cant let go hi school memory, it' not like she was bullied or abused by him and her friend. but she did had an issue in school. she didnt like her parents who apparantley seeing as a weird old couple by his and her friends, which means she also weird, while all she wants was being cool.
so, the character in this novel is in their 28-ish above something, which means i though this would be some kind of adult way of handled thing. but i feel that the main girl was acting like she was still in college or something. she hate him, but still cant resist to curious about his live and she showed it too to him. it's ike someone who got diabetes and need to stay away from the sweets or died, she, here keep on taking a bite for everything, but still hate him. ugh...
all in all, i was more interest w/her friends story about her cheating husband who left her bcoz his first love was back in town.
but that's me.
so, the character in this novel is in their 28-ish above something, which means i though this would be some kind of adult way of handled thing. but i feel that the main girl was acting like she was still in college or something. she hate him, but still cant resist to curious about his live and she showed it too to him. it's ike someone who got diabetes and need to stay away from the sweets or died, she, here keep on taking a bite for everything, but still hate him. ugh...
all in all, i was more interest w/her friends story about her cheating husband who left her bcoz his first love was back in town.
but that's me.
July 14, 2017
ANYBODY BUT HIM by Claire Baxter is a short, sweet, and comforting contemporary romance about not judging a book by its cover, or in this case, its high school history. I give it four stars for its humor, realism, and relatability.
In ANYBODY BUT HIM, Nicola Doyle returns to her hometown after several years living in Sydney, Australia, in order to "take her turn" in supervising her aging parents, switching places (and houses) with her sister Una for the summer. Nicola immediately runs into her high school crush, the ever-so cool and gorgeous Blair Morrissey. Only now, Blair is much more gentlemanly and interested in "Nicki". Nicola battles her supreme irritation with Blair while she settles into a new, albeit temporary, job, looks in on her parents, reconnects with her best friend, and navigates the local dating scene.
As the summer goes on, Blair becomes something more than an annoyance, and for a while, Nicola isn't sure what, exactly. A slip and fall at home causes Nicola to reach out for help, and Nicola's perspective begins to change.
I really enjoyed ANYBODY BUT HIM. It was funny and sad, but completely realistic. Most often it is a high school reunion that throws former crushes back together. Here, it is the health and well-being of aging parents that brings Nicola and Blair face to face with each other and with the painful truths about their high school histories.
I loved how the characters' relationship changes incrementally. Yes, the "I love you's" at the end seemed a bit hasty, but that is most likely due to the length of the novella, rather than the length of their acquaintance in the book. The romantic relationship was slow and based on multiple interactions, not just one or two incidents, and the heat level is sweet (1 out of 5). Aside from the mature themes mentioned above and the name of Blair's dog, this book is appropriate for all ages.
The pacing and length of the novella provide readers with a break after work for a few days, or a relaxing Saturday, if you have nothing else planned. Readers should take note that there are many phrases and words which are taken from UK or Aussie English, which provides the novella with an authentic feel (set in Australia, sounds like Australia) and the added bonus of expanding the reader's cultural knowledge.
I highly recommend ANYBODY BUT HIM for any reader's enjoyment.
In ANYBODY BUT HIM, Nicola Doyle returns to her hometown after several years living in Sydney, Australia, in order to "take her turn" in supervising her aging parents, switching places (and houses) with her sister Una for the summer. Nicola immediately runs into her high school crush, the ever-so cool and gorgeous Blair Morrissey. Only now, Blair is much more gentlemanly and interested in "Nicki". Nicola battles her supreme irritation with Blair while she settles into a new, albeit temporary, job, looks in on her parents, reconnects with her best friend, and navigates the local dating scene.
As the summer goes on, Blair becomes something more than an annoyance, and for a while, Nicola isn't sure what, exactly. A slip and fall at home causes Nicola to reach out for help, and Nicola's perspective begins to change.
I really enjoyed ANYBODY BUT HIM. It was funny and sad, but completely realistic. Most often it is a high school reunion that throws former crushes back together. Here, it is the health and well-being of aging parents that brings Nicola and Blair face to face with each other and with the painful truths about their high school histories.
I loved how the characters' relationship changes incrementally. Yes, the "I love you's" at the end seemed a bit hasty, but that is most likely due to the length of the novella, rather than the length of their acquaintance in the book. The romantic relationship was slow and based on multiple interactions, not just one or two incidents, and the heat level is sweet (1 out of 5). Aside from the mature themes mentioned above and the name of Blair's dog, this book is appropriate for all ages.
The pacing and length of the novella provide readers with a break after work for a few days, or a relaxing Saturday, if you have nothing else planned. Readers should take note that there are many phrases and words which are taken from UK or Aussie English, which provides the novella with an authentic feel (set in Australia, sounds like Australia) and the added bonus of expanding the reader's cultural knowledge.
I highly recommend ANYBODY BUT HIM for any reader's enjoyment.
November 12, 2018
Anybody But Him - Ho Hum Gee I wonder where this story is going to go, sigh, predictable, lame and nothing really exciting in it at all - a shorter form book and part of an omnibus, pretty ordinary.
April 15, 2019
Was really sweet.
September 30, 2013
I absolutely love it when a story has me so gripped that I have these rather loud outbursts of unrestrained laughter and Anbody But Him did just that, offering me a brief escape for a couple of hours. It is a laugh-a-minute account of Nicola Doyle’s return to Redgum Valley and her childhood home.
Former Financial Controller of a huge corporate giant, Nicola recently walked out of her job and decided to come back to Redgum Valley to keep an eye on her parents at her sister, Una’s, behest. Only planning on being there for three months, she’s not prepared for an encounter with the pesky little Dammit to lead her back to the one person from her childhood whom she absolutely hates, Blair Morrissey.
The prologue so deftly sets the scene for the animosity between Nicola and Blair and my heart was in my mouth, empathising with her at the sheer embarrassment of the situation – as teenagers, I’m sure we all at some time experienced a situation similar to this.
But Blair has seemingly grown into a man who bears no hint of the boy he once used to be, even if Nicola can’t see this at first and, from a scathing comment at their unexpected first meeting after twelve years – “Of course no. I didn’t think you’d manage to retain the information, that’s all” – to Nicola running into car trouble after a night out with her “down in the dumps” best friend Lainey, being locked in a bathroom with no handle and an accident on the back steps of her sister’s house, with Blair coming to the rescue on all three occasions, Nicola slowly begins to question her lonely existence in Sydney and eases into a friendship with him – a relationship in which he is eventually comfortable enough to reveal a little known fact about his own childhood and offer some insight into the way in which he viewed her “unhappy” home life.
With the time fast approaching for her return to Sydney, Nicola, for the umpteenth time finds herself reflecting on the past and trying to figure out what it is she really wants. Thankfully, Blair comes to the rescue (again) and Nicola’s teenage dreams are finally realised.
I really loved this story and found myself immersed in Nicola’s life with her worrisome parents “He looked at her as if she’d fallen out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down” along with her keen sense of humour “His memory was like a piece of Swiss cheese – random holes appearing with no pattern” whilst also enjoying the shenanigans of Dammit “The dog sniffed her, then dashed off, apparently satisfied with his work”.
Both Nicola and Blair are well-developed and extremely likeable (I also loved Nicola’s parents’ eccentricities) and the dialogue, as also Nicola’s thoughts, are succinct and effective giving the reader a really good sense of everyone’s quirks and backstory, without any unnecessary padding. Claire Baxter has kept her chapters short and punchy and, while introducing secondary characters, she does so skilfully and with purpose, giving the story an element of suspense as she incorporates some twists and turns (such as the discovery Nicola makes while temporarily employed with a firm in town and her best friend, Lainey’s relationship problems), thereby keeping it exciting.
Anybody But Him is a delightfully sweet and pacy romantic comedy which, while exploring themes of aging parents, re-discovering who we really are and forgiveness, is light in tone.
Former Financial Controller of a huge corporate giant, Nicola recently walked out of her job and decided to come back to Redgum Valley to keep an eye on her parents at her sister, Una’s, behest. Only planning on being there for three months, she’s not prepared for an encounter with the pesky little Dammit to lead her back to the one person from her childhood whom she absolutely hates, Blair Morrissey.
The prologue so deftly sets the scene for the animosity between Nicola and Blair and my heart was in my mouth, empathising with her at the sheer embarrassment of the situation – as teenagers, I’m sure we all at some time experienced a situation similar to this.
But Blair has seemingly grown into a man who bears no hint of the boy he once used to be, even if Nicola can’t see this at first and, from a scathing comment at their unexpected first meeting after twelve years – “Of course no. I didn’t think you’d manage to retain the information, that’s all” – to Nicola running into car trouble after a night out with her “down in the dumps” best friend Lainey, being locked in a bathroom with no handle and an accident on the back steps of her sister’s house, with Blair coming to the rescue on all three occasions, Nicola slowly begins to question her lonely existence in Sydney and eases into a friendship with him – a relationship in which he is eventually comfortable enough to reveal a little known fact about his own childhood and offer some insight into the way in which he viewed her “unhappy” home life.
With the time fast approaching for her return to Sydney, Nicola, for the umpteenth time finds herself reflecting on the past and trying to figure out what it is she really wants. Thankfully, Blair comes to the rescue (again) and Nicola’s teenage dreams are finally realised.
I really loved this story and found myself immersed in Nicola’s life with her worrisome parents “He looked at her as if she’d fallen out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down” along with her keen sense of humour “His memory was like a piece of Swiss cheese – random holes appearing with no pattern” whilst also enjoying the shenanigans of Dammit “The dog sniffed her, then dashed off, apparently satisfied with his work”.
Both Nicola and Blair are well-developed and extremely likeable (I also loved Nicola’s parents’ eccentricities) and the dialogue, as also Nicola’s thoughts, are succinct and effective giving the reader a really good sense of everyone’s quirks and backstory, without any unnecessary padding. Claire Baxter has kept her chapters short and punchy and, while introducing secondary characters, she does so skilfully and with purpose, giving the story an element of suspense as she incorporates some twists and turns (such as the discovery Nicola makes while temporarily employed with a firm in town and her best friend, Lainey’s relationship problems), thereby keeping it exciting.
Anybody But Him is a delightfully sweet and pacy romantic comedy which, while exploring themes of aging parents, re-discovering who we really are and forgiveness, is light in tone.
December 17, 2013
I was easily able to identify with the main characters which made it difficult to put the book down. Old emotions surface when one returns to the town in which they grew up; sometimes even hate. But, whether we want to or not, we all have to deal with such emotions at some point in time in our lives. As adolescents we try to bury those emotions because we don’t know how to process such feelings or maybe we did not want to deal with them in the first place. How would it make you feel to find out that your preconceived notions were utterly wrong and you wasted so much precious time harboring ill feelings because you were misinformed? Not everyone gets the chance to start over but when afforded such an opportunity, the soul can be truly cleansed. I think each and every one of us has something from our past for which we wish we could get a “do over.” Just think about how differently we handle things even a few years after high school. This book really made me stop and think about how I handled people in high school AND how they handled me. There are plenty of things that I wish I would have responded to differently ...
Anybody But Him is a breezy, delightful, contemporary romance about letting go of the past, growing up, and not judging a book by its cover. Author, Claire Baxter also touches upon more serious life events such as fraud, aging parents, and divorce; however, she does so with a light hand.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the two main characters and watching the dynamic of their relationship change as the story unfolds. I found the ending of the book to be a bit hasty; however, I was able to chalk that up to the length of the read versus the length of the relationship. I would have liked to have seen a longer glimpse into the lives of Blaire and Nicola; perhaps just another chapter or two! The romance in this novella is refreshing as it is slow-paced. I was somewhat taken aback to find that there was no sex within this book; however, for me, that did not take away from the storyline.
Although there are mature topics interwoven throughout the story and Blair’s dog is named Dammit; I would have no problem recommending this book to a teenager. I think they could easily identify with the life moments that the author has created.
Please check out our FULL Review at Griffin's Honey Blog http://bit.ly/1cNH8uP
Anybody But Him is a breezy, delightful, contemporary romance about letting go of the past, growing up, and not judging a book by its cover. Author, Claire Baxter also touches upon more serious life events such as fraud, aging parents, and divorce; however, she does so with a light hand.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the two main characters and watching the dynamic of their relationship change as the story unfolds. I found the ending of the book to be a bit hasty; however, I was able to chalk that up to the length of the read versus the length of the relationship. I would have liked to have seen a longer glimpse into the lives of Blaire and Nicola; perhaps just another chapter or two! The romance in this novella is refreshing as it is slow-paced. I was somewhat taken aback to find that there was no sex within this book; however, for me, that did not take away from the storyline.
Although there are mature topics interwoven throughout the story and Blair’s dog is named Dammit; I would have no problem recommending this book to a teenager. I think they could easily identify with the life moments that the author has created.
Please check out our FULL Review at Griffin's Honey Blog http://bit.ly/1cNH8uP
January 1, 2016
2.5 Stars! Light, sweet, and humorous, Anybody But Him is the perfect read between two heavier novels. Claire Baxter has some wonderful romances, and Anybody But Him is the perfect addition if you're looking for something short and sweet. Note: due to brevity, I use a 3 Star rating system for short stories and novellas.
Summary:
Nicola Doyle has never forgotten her embarrassing childhood. Not the numerous times her parents did something eccentric in the public eye, and certainly not the continuous mocking she received from her classmates, but especially her crush, Blair Morrissey. Nicola escaped that life as soon as she could, and she left small-town living behind. But now she's back. Doing her daughterly duty, looking after her aging parents while her sister takes a much-needed break. Despite not being thrilled about being stuck in her hometown Redgum Valley, for three months, Nicola is happy to get away from her high-powered stressful job, and her disaster of a dating life. Unfortunately, it doesn't improve while she's home, and to make matters worse, she is thrown into regular contact with Blair. It soon becomes apparent that the scars from her past are still raw. What happens, though, when you start falling for the man you hate? Can secrets Blair kept about himself turn it all around? If only Nicola could forgive and accept that the once "bad boy" is now a charming, talented, thoughtful, and attractive man.
This was a cute second chance romance. Nicola was a fun character with her humor and being accident prone. I enjoyed seeing her learn to look at her past and especially her parents in a different light. Nicola was a good friend, smart, and beautiful, but struggled with letting her past go. I only wish we had a little more of a conclusion on the issue with her dad. I was curious to know what was wrong with him and how his driving test went. I loved Blair. He seemed so sensitive and sweet. I wanted more of him, and I think it would have been cool if we got some scenes from his POV. I loved how he treated Nicola, and it was obvious he was sweet on her. Overall, this was a nice breather, light and fun. I think it could have easily been a longer novel with more fleshed out characters. Some of the Australian quips gave me pause, but they were fun to read. My only criticism is the lack of epilogue. I wanted to know how their future turned out. <3
Summary:
Nicola Doyle has never forgotten her embarrassing childhood. Not the numerous times her parents did something eccentric in the public eye, and certainly not the continuous mocking she received from her classmates, but especially her crush, Blair Morrissey. Nicola escaped that life as soon as she could, and she left small-town living behind. But now she's back. Doing her daughterly duty, looking after her aging parents while her sister takes a much-needed break. Despite not being thrilled about being stuck in her hometown Redgum Valley, for three months, Nicola is happy to get away from her high-powered stressful job, and her disaster of a dating life. Unfortunately, it doesn't improve while she's home, and to make matters worse, she is thrown into regular contact with Blair. It soon becomes apparent that the scars from her past are still raw. What happens, though, when you start falling for the man you hate? Can secrets Blair kept about himself turn it all around? If only Nicola could forgive and accept that the once "bad boy" is now a charming, talented, thoughtful, and attractive man.
This was a cute second chance romance. Nicola was a fun character with her humor and being accident prone. I enjoyed seeing her learn to look at her past and especially her parents in a different light. Nicola was a good friend, smart, and beautiful, but struggled with letting her past go. I only wish we had a little more of a conclusion on the issue with her dad. I was curious to know what was wrong with him and how his driving test went. I loved Blair. He seemed so sensitive and sweet. I wanted more of him, and I think it would have been cool if we got some scenes from his POV. I loved how he treated Nicola, and it was obvious he was sweet on her. Overall, this was a nice breather, light and fun. I think it could have easily been a longer novel with more fleshed out characters. Some of the Australian quips gave me pause, but they were fun to read. My only criticism is the lack of epilogue. I wanted to know how their future turned out. <3
August 1, 2013
Nicola is back in her home town of Redgum Valley for three months while she house swaps with her sister. She also is watching over her eccentric parents who have always been a bit high maintenance so her sister needs a break from them as well. Nicola is between jobs so she agrees. She’s not got fond memories of her home town but she’s going to muddle through. Her friend Lainey gets her a temp position at her place of business that allows her the freedom to look after her parents as well.
Nicola is not happy when she runs into Blair Morrissey. Nicola was a bit of a nerd in school and Blair and the other kids made fun of her. Nicola had a huge crush on Blair until her love poetry was found by another student and shown to Blair. Now Nicola is determined to stay away from the man, even though he’s filled out quite nicely in the years since she’s seen him last.
Nicola and Blair keep running into each other and when Nicola needs help and no one else is available she calls Blair. They become something like friends and Blair keeps asking her out for a drink but Nicola keeps turning him down. When it gets closer to the time when Nicola is due to go back to her life in Sydney she realizes that she certainly doesn’t hate Blair like she thought – in fact she’s pretty sure her feelings run much deeper and much more positively than that. But has Blair had enough rejection and moved on?
This was a great little novella. It was a wonderful length for the story and gave us good insight into the characters without drawing things out. We saw Blair and Nicola’s friendship blossoming despite Nicola’s attempts to stop it. Nicola eventually sees into her own heart and her past and realizes that neither she nor Blair or the same people as they were back in school and that she needed to let things go. In doing that she could open herself up to something beautiful between the two of them and I loved seeing her grow.
The story also has lovely secondary characters in Blair’s dog, Dammit, Nicola’s parents who are a crack up and her best friend Lainey. The entire cast of characters made this book a quick and fun read that had me smiling most of the way through it.
Rating: 4 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
Nicola is not happy when she runs into Blair Morrissey. Nicola was a bit of a nerd in school and Blair and the other kids made fun of her. Nicola had a huge crush on Blair until her love poetry was found by another student and shown to Blair. Now Nicola is determined to stay away from the man, even though he’s filled out quite nicely in the years since she’s seen him last.
Nicola and Blair keep running into each other and when Nicola needs help and no one else is available she calls Blair. They become something like friends and Blair keeps asking her out for a drink but Nicola keeps turning him down. When it gets closer to the time when Nicola is due to go back to her life in Sydney she realizes that she certainly doesn’t hate Blair like she thought – in fact she’s pretty sure her feelings run much deeper and much more positively than that. But has Blair had enough rejection and moved on?
This was a great little novella. It was a wonderful length for the story and gave us good insight into the characters without drawing things out. We saw Blair and Nicola’s friendship blossoming despite Nicola’s attempts to stop it. Nicola eventually sees into her own heart and her past and realizes that neither she nor Blair or the same people as they were back in school and that she needed to let things go. In doing that she could open herself up to something beautiful between the two of them and I loved seeing her grow.
The story also has lovely secondary characters in Blair’s dog, Dammit, Nicola’s parents who are a crack up and her best friend Lainey. The entire cast of characters made this book a quick and fun read that had me smiling most of the way through it.
Rating: 4 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
September 9, 2013
1.5 stars.
I thought the hero was too much of a bully in the past and not all that much better in the present. Teasing her present day when he knew what he did in the past didn't exactly endear him to me. I understand his initial reaction to the events in high school, he was a kid and embarrassed. However, that he continued to harass her shows to me a character flaw. I thought the book gave him a pass for bad behavior. Meanwhile, Yes. Teenagers will do stupid things, teenagers can be mean and say things without thinking. I'm raising two of them. However, most also have a conscience and many possess a good and honorable heart so don't go out of their way to target one person to pick on them. His apology didn't ring true to me, I didn't even feel as if what he did made any impression on him at all until he realized it had on her. The conversation between the two of them where she had to explain why what he did was wrong amazed me. He has no capacity for empathy even as an adult?
He also told her part of his behavior was to keep her distance. That was accomplished after the poetry incident, so why was it necessary to continue the harassment? Preventive measures? If she was stalking him that would have been one thing, she wasn't.
Meanwhile, why was the heroine always put in ridiculous situations just for the hero to rescue her. It just made her look foolish. I was cringing through a lot of this.
I thought the hero was too much of a bully in the past and not all that much better in the present. Teasing her present day when he knew what he did in the past didn't exactly endear him to me. I understand his initial reaction to the events in high school, he was a kid and embarrassed. However, that he continued to harass her shows to me a character flaw. I thought the book gave him a pass for bad behavior. Meanwhile, Yes. Teenagers will do stupid things, teenagers can be mean and say things without thinking. I'm raising two of them. However, most also have a conscience and many possess a good and honorable heart so don't go out of their way to target one person to pick on them. His apology didn't ring true to me, I didn't even feel as if what he did made any impression on him at all until he realized it had on her. The conversation between the two of them where she had to explain why what he did was wrong amazed me. He has no capacity for empathy even as an adult?
He also told her part of his behavior was to keep her distance. That was accomplished after the poetry incident, so why was it necessary to continue the harassment? Preventive measures? If she was stalking him that would have been one thing, she wasn't.
Meanwhile, why was the heroine always put in ridiculous situations just for the hero to rescue her. It just made her look foolish. I was cringing through a lot of this.
July 10, 2013
Overview
What happens when you fall in love with the man you hate?Nicola Doyle’s dating record is a disaster, and it doesn’t improve when she returns to Redgum Valley, after an absence of twelve years, to look after her increasingly eccentric parents. There, she’s thrown into regular contact with Blair Morrissey – the very reason she couldn’t wait to leave town in the first place. The decade-old scars are still raw from that humiliating day in high school – when Blair went from the boy she loved to the boy she hated.Except Blair doesn’t seem to be a ‘bad boy’ any more – in fact, he’s charming, infuriatingly helpful and extremely attractive. If only Nicola could forgive and forget . . .
My Thoughts
I was looking for a book to read to take me out of the dystopia and erotica curve that i've been on, and this was a cute story. we're introduced to Nikki who finds herself returning home to help out with her parents who have always been a bit colorful, while also allowing her sister to get some peace of mind and do something for herself for once. Niki is a successful accountant in her own right who lives in Syndey i believe and she's swapped her home and life with her sister so that she can pick up some slack.
What she gets is a quick smack in the face of a reminder from when she was in high school. she had this huge crush on Blair - this Jock popular guy and he embarrassed her full force.
So this story takes us on a journey of Niki trying to figure out how to make it through a 3 month stay back home, while finding a comfortable place in a small company where her best friend works as a receptionist (and who is having her own relationship troubles that we delve into a bit) and continually crossing paths with Blair who she still feels some bit of unease around.
All in all, we go on a mini roller coaster with these guys, nothing unexpected, but quite enjoyable none the less. Definitely a good summer read and something to add to my YA type books to quench that bit of a thirst. (cliche much?)
What happens when you fall in love with the man you hate?Nicola Doyle’s dating record is a disaster, and it doesn’t improve when she returns to Redgum Valley, after an absence of twelve years, to look after her increasingly eccentric parents. There, she’s thrown into regular contact with Blair Morrissey – the very reason she couldn’t wait to leave town in the first place. The decade-old scars are still raw from that humiliating day in high school – when Blair went from the boy she loved to the boy she hated.Except Blair doesn’t seem to be a ‘bad boy’ any more – in fact, he’s charming, infuriatingly helpful and extremely attractive. If only Nicola could forgive and forget . . .
My Thoughts
I was looking for a book to read to take me out of the dystopia and erotica curve that i've been on, and this was a cute story. we're introduced to Nikki who finds herself returning home to help out with her parents who have always been a bit colorful, while also allowing her sister to get some peace of mind and do something for herself for once. Niki is a successful accountant in her own right who lives in Syndey i believe and she's swapped her home and life with her sister so that she can pick up some slack.
What she gets is a quick smack in the face of a reminder from when she was in high school. she had this huge crush on Blair - this Jock popular guy and he embarrassed her full force.
So this story takes us on a journey of Niki trying to figure out how to make it through a 3 month stay back home, while finding a comfortable place in a small company where her best friend works as a receptionist (and who is having her own relationship troubles that we delve into a bit) and continually crossing paths with Blair who she still feels some bit of unease around.
All in all, we go on a mini roller coaster with these guys, nothing unexpected, but quite enjoyable none the less. Definitely a good summer read and something to add to my YA type books to quench that bit of a thirst. (cliche much?)
July 7, 2013
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – I really enjoy the Random Romance series. I know that I’ll get a fun story that’s well written and will make me smile. I’m particularly a fan of the ‘pink ones’ – described as a romantic comedy. Anybody But Him fits beautifully into that description and would in my opinion, make a great movie. It has all the elements of a good rom-com – misunderstandings, quirky characters and a gorgeous love interest. There’s also a dash of crime and match making added for extra interest.
Nicola Doyle is forced to return to the country town where she was a teenage laughing stock at the hands of Blair Morrissey. Now a star on the city’s financial scene, Nicola finds returning home to look after her eccentric parents a chore. Fortunately, she has her best friend Lainey to support her – but nobody told her Blair was still in town! Blair seems oblivious to his past wrongs, but Nicola won’t let things go – not even when they are in frequent contact!
I loved the crazy situations that Nicola regularly found herself in that required Blair’s help – they made me laugh, especially the bathroom scene. I also liked the mystery that was happening in the workplace, but I thought it was done and dusted rather quickly (however, this is a novella so maybe I’m in the minority). Nicola’s parents were also a nice light touch – both were infuriatingly funny. Blair also forces Nicola to keep things light – she has a tendency to ruminate over things - and wins the prize for fantastic (but not politically correct) dog name.
Baxter also gets the setting of the country town just right – from the fishing by the river to always running into someone you know.
A sweet romance that has plenty of subplots to keep you entertained. Definitely reading more by Claire Baxter.
Thank you to Random House Australia for the eGalley.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Nicola Doyle is forced to return to the country town where she was a teenage laughing stock at the hands of Blair Morrissey. Now a star on the city’s financial scene, Nicola finds returning home to look after her eccentric parents a chore. Fortunately, she has her best friend Lainey to support her – but nobody told her Blair was still in town! Blair seems oblivious to his past wrongs, but Nicola won’t let things go – not even when they are in frequent contact!
I loved the crazy situations that Nicola regularly found herself in that required Blair’s help – they made me laugh, especially the bathroom scene. I also liked the mystery that was happening in the workplace, but I thought it was done and dusted rather quickly (however, this is a novella so maybe I’m in the minority). Nicola’s parents were also a nice light touch – both were infuriatingly funny. Blair also forces Nicola to keep things light – she has a tendency to ruminate over things - and wins the prize for fantastic (but not politically correct) dog name.
Baxter also gets the setting of the country town just right – from the fishing by the river to always running into someone you know.
A sweet romance that has plenty of subplots to keep you entertained. Definitely reading more by Claire Baxter.
Thank you to Random House Australia for the eGalley.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
August 7, 2013
Anybody But Him
by: Claire Baxter
Should you read this book?
Answer: YES
(if you want an entertaining read)
Here's why:
This novella was very entertaining. It is a sweet, honest romance that will make you fall in love. Personally, it took me awhile to get used to the Australian English, but after I got over that it was an enjoyable read. It made me laugh and cry, which in my opinion is the mark of a good book with a dynamic story. The main character Nicola Doyle was likable, I found her instantly relate-able with her terrible dating history and dislike of her hometown. When she is forced to move home to take car of her ageing parents Nicola must reconcile the awkward teenager she was with the elegant woman she has become. She reconnects with her childhood best friend and faces her former nemesis/childhood crush.
Claire Baxter does a great job of developing Nicola but all the auxiliary characters fall flat. This may be because it is only a novella and Claire did not have the time to develop the rest of the characters or it could be here style. I really enjoyed the sub-plots, so it would have been nice if they had been further developed. As this is the first book I have read by Claire Baxter, I am not sure. There were also several times in the novella when it jumps over a few weeks in Nicola's life, but it is not clear at first that a large chunk of time has passed.
That being said, I completely enjoyed this novella. I look forward to reading more by Claire Baxter and I suggest you do the same.
Overall, it was entertaining but for me the true judge of a book is if I would read it again. In the case of Anybody But Him, I would happily read it again in the future, which is why it has received a YES rating.
See the rest of my reviews here: http://shouldyoureadthisbook.blogspot...
by: Claire Baxter
Should you read this book?
Answer: YES
(if you want an entertaining read)
Here's why:
This novella was very entertaining. It is a sweet, honest romance that will make you fall in love. Personally, it took me awhile to get used to the Australian English, but after I got over that it was an enjoyable read. It made me laugh and cry, which in my opinion is the mark of a good book with a dynamic story. The main character Nicola Doyle was likable, I found her instantly relate-able with her terrible dating history and dislike of her hometown. When she is forced to move home to take car of her ageing parents Nicola must reconcile the awkward teenager she was with the elegant woman she has become. She reconnects with her childhood best friend and faces her former nemesis/childhood crush.
Claire Baxter does a great job of developing Nicola but all the auxiliary characters fall flat. This may be because it is only a novella and Claire did not have the time to develop the rest of the characters or it could be here style. I really enjoyed the sub-plots, so it would have been nice if they had been further developed. As this is the first book I have read by Claire Baxter, I am not sure. There were also several times in the novella when it jumps over a few weeks in Nicola's life, but it is not clear at first that a large chunk of time has passed.
That being said, I completely enjoyed this novella. I look forward to reading more by Claire Baxter and I suggest you do the same.
Overall, it was entertaining but for me the true judge of a book is if I would read it again. In the case of Anybody But Him, I would happily read it again in the future, which is why it has received a YES rating.
See the rest of my reviews here: http://shouldyoureadthisbook.blogspot...
June 21, 2013
In this sweet novella, we are introduced to Nicola, a successful business woman who has recently returned home for a few months. Little does she know that those three months will re-introduce her to the man who shattered her heart in high school and lead to a different perspective on events that have happened in the past. Blair is the handsome, charming, artistic high-school-heart-breaker, but he very quickly makes it clear that things are different now from what they used to be. Blair is easy to like and makes an effort to welcome Nicola back home. Meanwhile, Nicola despises Blair and has a very tight grip on the past and everything negative thing that has ever happened to her. Eventually, Blair is able to break through Nicola’s walls that she has put up and teach her that sometimes, we have to let go of the past in order to have a future.
I really enjoyed the majority of the characters in this book. Blair seemed sincere and his excuses for what happened in high were legitimate (even though they were excuses for bad behavior.) I loved Nicola’s parents and their quirkiness (definitely some dementia going on that was never fully addressed.) I was happy to see that Nicola’s best friend was able to move on and find happiness for herself. But despite all of that, I never warmed up to Nicola. She seems to base her whole life around judgment. She holds onto the quick judgments she made as a child (which were distorted) and uses them to color her world. She is also very concerned with everyone else’s judgment of her and allows that to impact her confidence and ability to be herself. I like to think that Blair eventually helped Nicola to overcome her strong hold on the past but it would have been nice to see some of that happen in the book.
p. 134
I really enjoyed the majority of the characters in this book. Blair seemed sincere and his excuses for what happened in high were legitimate (even though they were excuses for bad behavior.) I loved Nicola’s parents and their quirkiness (definitely some dementia going on that was never fully addressed.) I was happy to see that Nicola’s best friend was able to move on and find happiness for herself. But despite all of that, I never warmed up to Nicola. She seems to base her whole life around judgment. She holds onto the quick judgments she made as a child (which were distorted) and uses them to color her world. She is also very concerned with everyone else’s judgment of her and allows that to impact her confidence and ability to be herself. I like to think that Blair eventually helped Nicola to overcome her strong hold on the past but it would have been nice to see some of that happen in the book.
p. 134
February 17, 2017
Well written, but lacking in any sexual tension or steam. Really needed male POV. Parents were cute, and very true to life for some of us. Not a re read for me. Sorry to damn it with faint praise, but it just seemed that it had promise and then petered out.
July 12, 2013
What can I say? Who in their lifetime, as a young adult, can say they have never been made to feel like Nicola (or like Blair Morrissey liked to call her Nicki Doyle)? If they tell you they haven't I would say they are lying. Nicki grew up in a small town with a best friend who always had her back, which she really needed. You see Nicki came from a very eccentric family or at least her mom and dad were. Her and her sister were the laughing stock of the town or so she thought or some made her feel that way. Then on top of that you add that she was dyslexic and having a no self-esteem and a crush on a guy that when he found out she wrote poetry about him brushed off as if she was a speck at the bottom of her shoe she was crushed now to be back home to care for her parents for three months to give her sister a rest. When said crush Blair appears before her eyes. Mr. Toads Wild Ride has nothing on these two that is for sure. It does have the HEA but to me it felt a little to rush in the relationship after the reveal of his past. There were no real feelings. Talked about on either side then boom. I like it though and would recommend it.
September 24, 2013
Ms. Baxter's contemporary romance is witty and heartfelt. I loved Blair and Nicola's relationship or lack there of. They have history and need to hash things out to get to the bottom of things. Nicola had to come to terms with her feelings and she it is mite slow but does work it out in the end. Blair has some issues he needs to come to terms with as well. I really savor the friendship that Blair and Nicola develop. Blair seems to be in the right place at the right time. But, Nicola does not always feel the same way. One of my favorite parts in when Nicola gets locked in the bathroom. Oh and the need for a plumber. I felt so bad for Nicola. I was thrilled to laugh about it even though Nicola did not find it funny. Ms. Baxter does an excellent job with character development and the plot of the book was fun!
I would take great pleasure in reading more from Ms. Baxter! I hope she writes Lainey's story as she needs a happily ever after!
Just FYI~ This contains no sexual situations or swearing.
I would take great pleasure in reading more from Ms. Baxter! I hope she writes Lainey's story as she needs a happily ever after!
Just FYI~ This contains no sexual situations or swearing.
July 19, 2013
Anybody But Him is sweet and quick read. I enjoyed reading this one. It’s a cute read that you can finish in less than a day. I love Nicola. She had dyslexia, but that doesn’t stop her from doing her best and becoming an accountant. Blair was really charming and nice. He's the kind of guy I know I would fall in love with. The minor characters like Lainey, Dammit and Nicola’s parents were lovable.
I really like enjoy the dialogue in the story. I definitely love the conversation between Nicola and Blair. They are really witty and fun together. I can’t stop reading it from the moment I open the book. I wanted to know why Blair was being so mean towards Nicola in high school. And I did found out why. It was kind of sweet and sad. The story was straightforward without major twist. I think this is perfect for anyone who was looking for a quick romantic comedy.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really like enjoy the dialogue in the story. I definitely love the conversation between Nicola and Blair. They are really witty and fun together. I can’t stop reading it from the moment I open the book. I wanted to know why Blair was being so mean towards Nicola in high school. And I did found out why. It was kind of sweet and sad. The story was straightforward without major twist. I think this is perfect for anyone who was looking for a quick romantic comedy.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2013
Anybody But Him is a cute, sassy, funny romantic comedy. It started out a little quirky and confusing, but midway through I was hooked on the story of Nicola being back in her small hometown. The characters, plot and dialogue were believable and well-written. The only idea I thought might have been farfetched was the initial meeting between the Nicola and Blair. Once they met, their interactions were natural and fun.
I was satisfied with the predictable happy ending - I like a happily ever after in romcoms and chick lit.
This novella struck me as a streamlined, briefer Jill Mansell-type story. I totally enjoyed it and will read more by Baxter.
My favorite detail in the book was the dog's name. Quite clever.
This advance review copy was given to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was satisfied with the predictable happy ending - I like a happily ever after in romcoms and chick lit.
This novella struck me as a streamlined, briefer Jill Mansell-type story. I totally enjoyed it and will read more by Baxter.
My favorite detail in the book was the dog's name. Quite clever.
This advance review copy was given to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 27, 2013
‘Nicki?’
‘Nicola.’
‘Do you fancy going for a drink one night?’
‘A drink?’ she said, frowning as if it was an unfamiliar concept.
‘Yes,’ he said. ‘You know, a beverage. A libation. Wet stuff in a glass. It’s meant to make you feel good.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ll be busy that night.’
‘I didn’t say which night.’
‘No, I know.’ She shrugged as she carried the leftover food to the fridge.
(lol at the above passage)
one of many little moments between the hero and heroine. the heoine had loads of memorable embarressing lol moments that was truelly funny to me but you also understand her as well.
i liked blair that he was very sweet and he really matured over the years. and there was many facets of him that the heroine didnt know.
and who names there dog Damnit? lmao
a realy great relaxing book!
‘Nicola.’
‘Do you fancy going for a drink one night?’
‘A drink?’ she said, frowning as if it was an unfamiliar concept.
‘Yes,’ he said. ‘You know, a beverage. A libation. Wet stuff in a glass. It’s meant to make you feel good.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ll be busy that night.’
‘I didn’t say which night.’
‘No, I know.’ She shrugged as she carried the leftover food to the fridge.
(lol at the above passage)
one of many little moments between the hero and heroine. the heoine had loads of memorable embarressing lol moments that was truelly funny to me but you also understand her as well.
i liked blair that he was very sweet and he really matured over the years. and there was many facets of him that the heroine didnt know.
and who names there dog Damnit? lmao
a realy great relaxing book!
August 6, 2013
I was provided with a copy of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review. This was a sweet little read. I understand Nicola's not wanting anything to do with Blair after the total embarrassment of everything that happened in High School. Blair was cruel to her, and she just got on with her life without him and everyone else in her little town. Nicola returns to town to give her sister some time off and time away after 12 years. Fate has a way of throwing Nicola and Blair together, and they find out things about each other that make a difference today. 12 years changes people, some for the better. The writing is nice and smooth, I did have to try to figure out what a few things are due to different words usage in Australia, but it was all good. A sweet romance about love lost and then found again, even when you never thought it was possible.
September 8, 2014
I was gifted this book by Random House Australia Pty Ltd via Net Galley to read and review.
I loved this quirky read it made a change from some more serious ones I have been reading lately.
Her parents were a bundle of laughs, very eccentric, but loveable.
I remember my days at school, many years ago, and there is always ONE that is either spiteful or just takes the sheer mickey out of you each time they see you. It can leave you a little scared.
Reinventing herself when she left her home town seemed to have helped a lot.
The nice love affair in this book was gentle and progressed well.
Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
The author is one I have never read before, will definitely be reading more of her books.
I loved this quirky read it made a change from some more serious ones I have been reading lately.
Her parents were a bundle of laughs, very eccentric, but loveable.
I remember my days at school, many years ago, and there is always ONE that is either spiteful or just takes the sheer mickey out of you each time they see you. It can leave you a little scared.
Reinventing herself when she left her home town seemed to have helped a lot.
The nice love affair in this book was gentle and progressed well.
Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
The author is one I have never read before, will definitely be reading more of her books.
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