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Why Him?

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Me and love go together like oil & water.

Hence why I’ve never been with a man. What’s the big deal anyway?

The kind of men I like never like me, and the men who do like me?

Oh right, there aren’t any.

The last one ended up falling in love with my best friend.

I have bigger things to worry about anyway.

Like saving my library from demolition.

Until he shows up.

A tattooed bad boy with a body that belongs on a romance book and eyes that undress me with every glance.

Gulp.

He’s trouble.

Ex-con kind of trouble.

Hooking up in the car kind of trouble.

I’m not that girl—at least I didn’t used to be.

He’s the definition of what I shouldn’t want.

So it begs the question.

Why him?

558 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2024

411 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

Ali Parker

367 books2,056 followers
Ali Parker is a full-time contemporary and new adult romance writer with more than a hundred and twenty books behind her. She loves coffee, watching a great movie, and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. The man is hot. Hello.
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.

Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
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5 stars
263 (60%)
4 stars
113 (25%)
3 stars
41 (9%)
2 stars
13 (2%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Janet Simmons.
734 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2024
I don't think I've ever given Ali less than 5 stars before, but I think this book is just too long and draws in places where it could have been shortened or omitted.
That said, I ❤️ loved the storyline and characters in the book. Archer and Mary Ellen were so cute right from the start to the end. His family is another story, though. In all the years I've been reading, I don't think I've ever come across another family like them.
Mary Ellen has the best group of friends ever, such a great support system, everyone should have one like it.
The rest of the story you will have to read. It is well worth your time and energy.
Standalone, easy read, HEA.
Profile Image for Lauren Adams.
51 reviews4 followers
April 18, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a truthful review.

This story follows Mary Ellen and Eugene ‘Archer’. Mary Ellen is a reserved and shy librarian who is down on her luck. Two of her best friends (and roommates) recently got into serious relationships and moved out, her precious library is about to be demolished for upscale apartments, and she has a pretty nonexistent love life. Then enters Archer. Archer is the stereotypical “bad boy” biker - all swagger and good looks. He poses as confident and nonchalant, however, he is just another lonely soul seeking companionship and acceptance after a monumental decision made in college cost him his freedom (briefly) and families trust and respect.

Upon meeting Mary Ellen immediately judges Archer. The saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ fits their encounter perfectly. What started out as small glances quickly turned into flirtatious notes, a conversation, then dating. Archer learned from Mary Ellen about the impending closure and demolition of the library and made it his personal mission to try to stop that from happening.

Throughout the book Ali Parker does an amazing job of adding layers to the characters and their personalities and backgrounds. Archer is one giant contradiction, which makes his character “real” and more personable. She develops Mary Ellen’s character in much of the same way.

Although this was a cute story and Ali Parker is phenomenal with words, I did feel that the writing was very repetitive. There were several chapters in the book that could have been condensed as sentences were repeated but in a different wording. What was over a 500 page book, could have been written in less and would have had the same impact and storyline.

Overall, this is a great love story with trials and tribulations for the characters. It was a solid 4-star read only for the fact that the story was drawn out and tedious at times.
Profile Image for Ally Doby (Schleicher).
1,126 reviews13 followers
April 24, 2024
*4.75 stars*

This is book three of this interconnected standalone series. This story is told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA.

Mary Ellen and Archer are adorable together. Their attraction, flirting and chemistry were the perfect fit for each other. I loved how patient, supportive and loving Archer was with Mary Ellen. I also loved how protective Mary Ellen was over Archer, even during her heartbreaking moments, when it came to her friends and his family’s treatment over him.

I love the bond between Mary Ellen’s friends and their significant others. I loved their support and welcoming of Archer into their group. Archer’s family was crazy, but I was happy to see things turn around for them and Archer.

I love all of Ali Parker’s books, but this one was over 500 pages, which was a very long read. There was a lot of repetition in different wording. I think with the repetition reduced in chapters, the story could be shorter and still have the same enjoyable impact and storyline.

Regardless, this was a sweet story and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I was provided an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
April 19, 2024
I love that we get to come back and see another of these best friends find her forever partner, and I particularly loved that this time it was quiet, bookish Mary Ellen who we’ve seen have so much bad luck be our leading lady. There are a lot of different threads that make up this story, and there’s a lot of book to tell it. Too much? Maybe a bit for my preferences, but every part builds to make the greater whole. And I’m not sure if we’d have the same reaction to Archer if we didn’t see all of the different challenges he needed to overcome. This pair was utterly adorable together. It was so sweet and so much fun to witness the way Archer encouraged Mary Ellen to step out of her comfort zone, and to see how she was such an inspirational light in his life making him want to be better. I enjoyed this so much and I can’t wait to see what the author has up her sleeve for the remaining single ladies.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
9,376 reviews140 followers
April 19, 2024
This is a well written book with strong characters in Mary Ellen and Archer. It's a story of two people who have an instant attraction yet seem to be opposites in many ways. The author takes you into their lives with friendship, trust, romance and love and has them working together to save her beloved library. She brings a strong cast of secondary characters and tells the story in the dual POV. She moves the story fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
Profile Image for Apryl Johnson.
35 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2024
Don’t judge a book by its cover and opposites attract are the perfect way to describe this book. Mary Ellen and Archer couldn’t be more opposite. We have a quiet librarian and a big tattooed biker. Archer made one very poor life choice in college that cost him 18 months of freedom. After he got out he just wanted space and quiet. Mary Ellen is tired of seeing her best friends/roommates finding the loves of their lives and moving on without her. She wants to find what they have.

One day Archer goes into Mary Ellen’s library and they discover a mutual love for books. Archer leaves Mary Ellen a note in a book one day. What starts as flirtatious notes tucked into books turns into dinner dates. As they start to open up to each other Archer encourages Mary Ellen to reach beyond her comfort zone.

When Mary Ellen loses her job and her library is threatened by developers wanting to tear it down to build luxury condos, Archer discovers a new purpose and realizes that he doesn’t have to be defined by his past mistake. While he is striving to help save the library a community desperately needs, Mary Ellen helps Archer regain something he thought he’d lost forever.

This book is sweet, heartwarming, and full of second chances. Having already read two of Mary Ellen’s roommates’ stories I was excited to be able to follow along on Mary Ellen’s journey this time. In true Ali Parker fashion, this book is worth the time. The characters grow throughout the story keeping the reader engaged and wanting to know what will happen next. I loved how Ali didn’t come right out and tell the reader what Archer’s mistake was. You end up immersed in the story more because you keep wondering.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this novel by the author in exchange for my honest review.
252 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2024
Why Him? is one of the most emotional, delicious, heart-throbbing romances I’ve ever read. I felt the chemistry between Mary Ellen and Archer, and I adored being connected to her community of women who fiercely protect their love and commitment for each other. Trust me when I say that you will appreciate each scene of this novel that is set in the backdrop of my most favorite place on earth - a library.

Mary Ellen loves being a librarian, but unfortunately that might not last much longer if Hunt Properties gets the zoning approved to demolish it and build high rise luxury apartments with amenities galore in its place.

When motorcycle rider Gene Archer enters the library, Mary Ellen is not sure what to make of the hot man who wants a quiet place to read, and Archer immediately has sexy images of what he could do to the bespeckled librarian. Their attraction comes as a surprise to both of them, but as they get to know each other better, there is no denying its existence.

Archer spearheads a fundraiser to help save the library and plans to hobnob with Dallas socialites at his brother’s birthday party to create interest in the cause. Unfortunately, Archer’s mother throws him under the bus by revealing his convict status to Mary Ellen, and their story changes from romance to tragedy.

And that is just the beginning of this complex story of two lost, insecure people who find each other despite incredible odds, including two virulent women who try to keep their love and their dreams from becoming reality. I have been an Ali Parker fan for years, and I continue to be impressed with her stunningly original, creative plots and characters. This is a must read for all romance lovers!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lyn Brownlie.
684 reviews15 followers
April 18, 2024
An unlikely match
Can a bad boy and an inexperienced librarian really fall in love?
So different in every way but both deep down wanting to find that special connection with someone.
I loved the closeness of Mary Ellen and her best friends and her passion for fighting for the library that she so dearly loves.
Then enters Archer into Mary Ellen’s beloved library, a sexy tattooed biker that has her thoughts and feelings in turmoil.
Slowly getting to know each other through their library interactions Mary Ellen realises that there is more to Archer than his bad boy looks.
Confidences are shared but important information is withheld, only leading to heartache and trouble when it comes to light.
Will Archer’s past come crashing down on him and alter his relationship with Mary Ellen?
A beautiful story about not judging a book by its cover, learning to put your trust in the right people, forgiveness and finding your way back to the people you love.
This is book 3 in the A Girl’s Bestie Rom Com Novel series but can be also read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Vicki Wayne.
130 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2024
So...this really starts off as good girl meets a bad boy and life is happily ever after...but in typical fashion, the author really takes this to the next level. It's a long read - but it is full of juicy details. In the beginning, Archer has a huge chip on his shoulder, and probably with good reason. Mary Ellen is just a sweet girl who loves her job as a librarian - home town as home town gets. These two characters should NOT fall for each other...but of course they do! I love how the author really weaves in real life problems - family, friends, money, societal pressures and for a little mix up, the fact that Mary Ellen is a virgin! The characters that move in and out of the story line do more than just add color - they give more life to the story. Now, that said, there COULD be a little more character development to a handful of folks, and maybe a little less stereotypical comparisons...but overall, it's still a great story and worth the read. Thanks to the author for providing another amazing novel in the series.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
April 21, 2024
Molly enjoys her job as a librarian as it suits her personality perfectly however that job is in jeopardy if the redevelopment plans for the site proceed. While working at the library she meets Archer and once she gets past her initial reservations regarding the fact that he is a biker the sparks fly but she is about to find out there is a lot about him that she doesn’t know.

Archer has made mistakes in his past that he is still trying to overcome. Molly not only makes him want to be a better man, but he also wants to support her by doing what he can to ensure that the library doesn’t close. When the details of his past are revealed will it bring them closer or tear them apart?

The lifestyles, backgrounds and personalities of Molly and Archer couldn’t be more different but the feelings they share for each other are the same even if they had to overcome some turmoil and outside forces along the way.
1,659 reviews9 followers
April 18, 2024
Mary Ellen and Archer will have your heart in a twist!

Mary Ellen’s goal is to save the community library where she works. Archer’s goal is to get his life back on track after making a mistake in college and going to jail for eighteen months. He comes from a prominent family, but doesn’t quite fit in, yet. Of course they meet in the library. Attraction is the name of the game between these two that keeps growing and growing. He appears very cocky, but is he really? Mary Ellen is very shy and inexperienced. Why then, am I so attracted to this bad boy biker? Why him? These two face challenge upon challenge upon challenge. They can’t cut a break. This is a very emotional story that I loved from beginning to end. My heart broke time and again through this book.
Profile Image for Jean M.
426 reviews8 followers
April 18, 2024
Archer and Mary Ellen met at the library where Mary Ellen worked. There was an instant attraction to each other although they both had issues to overcome, more so with Archer who had spent time in prison.
The story flowed along with ease, covering the Mary Ellen’s job at the library, Archer’s former cellmate, and Archer’s relationship with his family. There was a lot going on to keep it all interesting.
There were some teary moments across the book, especially the wedding wows of their friends. In addition Archer’s mum was terrible with him and that showed his vulnerability.
Mary Ellen despite her demeanour had a very strong character and she wasn’t afraid of standing up for the library and also Archer when he needed it.
A thoroughly enjoyable book which tugged at your heartstrings.
Profile Image for Mindy.
152 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this story between Mary Ellen and Eugene 'Archer'. Mary Ellen is such a quiet reserved woman who loves everything about her job at the local library. Being surrounded by the books and the peacefulness of the library. But when her job is threatened because they want to tear down the library to build high dollar condos, Mary Ellen has to figure out a way to save her library.

Archer is a hottie biker who made some bad choices in college and did some time in prison. He's been trying to redeem himself to his family ever since, but they seem to look at him as just a troublemaker. When he goes to Mary Ellen's library to find a book, he finds an instant attraction to the quiet librarian instead! Can the two of them work together to save the library? And how long can they fight their attraction for each other?!

I loved getting to know all the characters in this book. While it's part of a series it can definitely be read as a standalone.
560 reviews
April 22, 2024
Ali Parker is one of my favorite authors, no mater the story she captures it and her readers immediately. This is the 3rd book in this series, Mary Ellen and Archer's book.
When they say opposites attract, or dont judge a book by its cover, well, they both apply with these 2. Mary Ellen loves her job as a librarian, she has not had much luck in the love department, until she meets Archer...the bad boy, or is he? Although there is a lot to digest in this book, I think every detail is needed in this story to get a better understanding of both Archer and Mary Ellen as they both have obstacles to overcome (Archer more than Mary Ellen).
I loved the characters in this book and look forward to another one
I received an ARC copy from the author and freely give my review
138 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2024
This is the 3rd book from A Girl's Bestie series and this one can be read on it's own. This book kind of pull me from the very beginning and kept me till the end. When they say opposite attract each other and I believe that it's true as you can find in this lovely book. Loved how Mary Ellen's tried her best to not lose her library. Loved the chemistry between Archer and Mary Ellen. There is everything that you will want to read in this book... chemistry, love, trust, friendship, teamwork and so on. Highly Recommended!!!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kathy.
353 reviews5 followers
April 19, 2024
Mary Ellen and Archer, opposites attract at its finest! These two couldn't be more different but, they sure fit together where it counts! The librarian and the tattooed motorcycle riding hunk, which also spent time in prison! Out to save her library, because they both like to read books. His dysfunctional family sure causes ups and downs, especially his Mom. If it isn't one thing, it's ten others with these two. He does seem to have a dark cloud following him, but she's the sunshine of his day. They do need each other. It's a joy to read, you never know what's coming next! Thanks Ali, it's a good addition to the Girl's Bestie Rom Com Series!
80 reviews
April 20, 2024
Wow.....Ever heard the saying 'Opposites Attract', well that definitely is what happens here. Mary Ellen, an innocent looking librarian, sees Archer, a gorgeous, tattooed man looking like a biker. The story helps you get to know the characters closer, romance at its finest....until she meets the unforgiving, vengeful family. Lots of ups and downs, with twists and turns in the love story. Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down, I enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend this book to read if you enjoy the good girl, bad boy kind of storyline.
946 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2024
Don’t let the page count deter you. Yes, the story is long. But it doesn’t feel that way.

When Archer rumbles up to Mary Ellen’s library, all tattoos and ex-con bad boy, she never could have imagined the impact he’d have. She was his total opposite, the meek little mousy librarian. What started with notes slipped between the pages of romance novels turned into heavy flirtation over plans to save her library and an undeniable connection.

With a story this long there were bound to be problems for our main characters - and I loved both the conflict and its resolution. This was a really great story and I hope to see more of these characters in future books.
1,076 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2024
This book did an outstanding job of holding my attention, drawing me into the story with realistic characters . Mary Ellen and Archer are an unlikely pair drawn together through their love of books. The library where Mary Ellen works is scheduled to be torn down. The attraction between Mary Ellen and Archer started as a slow burn to a roaring fire. Their relationship, the fight for the library and Archer’s past come to a point where they have to deal with their life issues. This book is worth reading not just once but twice.

This Bookfunnel ARC is well written and a fantastic read.
113 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2024
This is the latest in the besties series, it can be read as a stand alone, but as it involves other characters from the series it is best read in sequence in the series. This is Mary Ellen’s story, the shy, unlucky in love librarian! When a tattooed biker starts attending her library Mary Ellen isn’t quite sure how she feels about him, can she like many before her, can she learn not to judge a book by its cover and in the process open up her opportunities and horizons? A book to challenge preconceptions. I received this as an ARC
Profile Image for Jeanette.
532 reviews
May 4, 2024
This is a wonderful story about opposites attract. It features Mary Ellen, a librarian, and Gene Archer, a tattooed, motorcycle rider. They may be opposites but they seem perfectly suited for each other. You’ll see their lives from a dual POV and see their friendship, their trust grow, romance begin and lead towards love. You’ll see them work together to save Mary Ellen’s beloved library. I love how the story grabbed me and didn’t let me go. It had such beautiful scenes painted that I felt like I was part of the story.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,283 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2024
This is the 3rd book in this series. The stories are all interconnected and standalone. The story stars Mary Ellen and Archer. This is a couple you can’t help but like both and root for. It is a sweet and adorable read. They were made for each other and I enjoyed the read. Sometimes, it’s nice to relax and enjoy something sweet and adorable. I loved Archer’s character. His love and patience for Mary Ellen was sweet. The secondary characters were not lays so nice and it was refreshing how he supported her. A must read.
166 reviews
April 18, 2024
I must say this story moved me. It’s about learning to forgive yourself for the mistakes you’ve made and taking ownership of your own actions. It’s about trust, friendships, and love.

I liked that there were multiple view points coming from the story. It showed the view point from parents, friends, strangers, people you think are friends, and lovers. I loved how the story is set around the library since I love, love, love books! I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.5k reviews155 followers
April 19, 2024
Mary Ellen And Archer are heartwarming characters that had me all caught up in this story. She is a librarian who has no time for relationships because the men she like doesn't like her that is until Archer who looks nothing like the men, she wants set foot in the library. He is a biker with tattoos, and she is drawn to him. Will she finally get her chance for happiness.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
2,895 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2024

This story has a woman that seems to not have with it takes to attract a man. She’s determined to just keep her library instead. He’s a guy that mad a mishap in college and ended up in trouble. Now he’s pay the prank just wants to start over. They meet at the library and seem to be attracted to each other. But will they have a chance as they are so different? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
49 reviews
April 22, 2024
Finally we get to see Mary Ellen find her match after everything happened with the misunderstanding with Jameson. Archer isn't who Mary Ellen see herself with when they first meet because of his biker attire. Archer shows her how their differences make up a prefect pair when he helps to try to save the library that she is working at. I love the see how being with Archer allows Mary Ellen to get out of her shell even after dealing with the ups and downs of their relationship.
113 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2024
Its a good read. Happy that Mary Ellen was the next in the group of friends to have her story told. Both Mary Ellen and Archer have their own idiosyncrasies', but they mesh as a couple. Librarian vs Perceived Rebel bad boy... The characters are well developed with a great emotional ride. It's a great #3 in the series. Can't wait to see who is next. This story was a little long for Ali Parker, not her usual writing style. A good 3-day weekend read.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.3k reviews19 followers
May 3, 2024
This was Archer and Mary Ellen’s story. Her and love go together like oil & water. The last one ended up falling in love with her best friend. But she has bigger things to worry about. Like saving her library from demolition. Until Archer shows up. A tattooed bad boy with a body that belongs on a romance book and eyes that undress her with every glance. This was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
779 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2024
I received this book as an arc member give my thoughts of own free will. This is Mary Ellen story a women that works at the library and has very little experience with men and doesn’t trust well . Archer walks in a guy who loves to read books and rides a motorcycle and has tattoos . She isn’t sure about him if safe or not . Page turner loved it .
49 reviews
April 18, 2024
Love it!! Mary Ellen is the kind-hearted librarian who captures the attention of the fierce, biker Archer within the walls of the library. Despite his troubled past and the disdain from his unkind family, Archer manages to break down Mary Ellen's walls and worms his way into Mary Ellen’s heart. They become each other’s safe space!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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