My Sort-of, Kind-of Hero

by Emily Harper

Etty Lawrence is a bestselling romance author. At least- she would be if she could just get someone to read her books. Apparently, Amazon doesn't consider the 500 books purchased by your mother to be bestseller material.

When Etty's given some simple advice from a friend- write what you know- she takes it to heart. But she's never been in love before, and she doesn't really have time to fall in love and write a novel at the same time. So, she convinces her slightly unwilling lifelong friend, Travis, to let her follow him around and witness real love, first hand. A third person memoir, if you will. Travis is the perfect hero for her story: he's funny, smart, and good looking; only there's one problem. He says all the wrong things. Does any girl really want to talk about the NHL trades? And his jokes would make a kindergarten class roll their eyes.

But the worst part is, Travis's dates laugh at his corny jokes; the jokes he told Etty first. They touch his sweater; the sweater Etty bought him. And the way these women swoon and gush over him...they obviously aren't leading lady material.

Now Etty has to take this love thing into her own hands if she has any hope of writing a bestseller that people other than her mother will buy.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Humor, Adult, Fiction

259 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2014

About the author

Emily Harper has a passion for writing humorous romance stories where the heroine is not your typical damsel in distress. Throughout her novels you will find love, laughter, and the unexpected!

Originally from England, she currently lives in Canada with her husband, children and a very naughty dog.

Reviews

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 3/4 stars to five full ones. Somewhere in there. Only because Thor was mentioned as The Best Superhero?

Seriously, though. This book is exactly what I've been craving since last summer. A sweet, fun, no-over-the-top-sexy-times, RomCom. This is it!!! I felt warm and fuzzy with a little grin on my face. Shared a laugh here and there. Let my heart melt, ending with a happy little sigh. I want more! I want this over and over again. If it were a movie, I'd never stop watching it. (see also What's Your Number?) I don't think I can sing enough praises about this book.

And sorry for singing them off-key...

So Etty is this writer. She tackles historical romances...which aren't my thing at all...but she barely sells a copy without lying or forcing someone into buying one. So she concocts this plan: Switch genres. So contemporary romance it is. The problem is, she needs to see someone find this romance, observe how it's done, then she can write.

She enlists her lifelong friend Travis. Well, more like turned in an REALLY old favor so Travis has to...And she observes this man trying to find love. The problem? None of his dates are any good for him. In Etty's opinion anyway.

And from there, I'm sure you all can guess what happens. I could, but you know, I think if it was any other way, I would be infuriated!

The only thing I could find wrong with this book--outside of the Thor thing...because we all know Captain America is WAY better...to me anyway--is the ending. As in it should have never ended. But what a sweet, perfect end, punctuated with a small epilogue. I couldn't have asked for anything better to read.

ADDING TO ABSOLUTE FAVORITES NOW!

*A JANU-RANDOM READ* - Absolutely off to a wonderful start this year! LOVE THIS ONE!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an adorable read! Full review to come after my blog tour date! :)

UPDATE: (from the blog)

This was such an adorable read! The main characters are funny, and pretty original, and despite my not having an older brother, which in turn had a best friend, I felt like I could TOTALLY relate to the heroine! She's down to earth, knows how to have fun, even if she is a bit quirky, and is looking to answer that age old question: What does love and romance LOOK like?

Etty is a writer, and she's trying to come up with the next great romance novel. And she comes up with this harebrained idea that she should convince her best male friend that she needs to follow him around while he dates someone to watch him fall in love to use as inspiration for her novel. (This seems like EXACTLY the type of harebrained idea that I would come up with to write a book!) :-) Of course, Travis is a bit skeptical of this idea (wouldn't we all be?). But after holding something he'd rather she kept to herself over his head, Etty convinces him that this can work. They come up with this FANTASTIC set of rules for them to follow while they foray into this unknown territory, but both of them struggle to follow them. :-D

*sigh* Travis...I hope one day I find someone just like him! He may not be a perfect person, but he's the perfect person for Etty, if only they could both see it! He's so sweet, and caring...and the banter between the two of them! I just can't get over how much I loved "hanging out" with the two of them (and their friends and family)!

Some readers might complain that there wasn't some great big, huge, black moment...but for me, the way everything progressed throughout the novel felt so NATURAL. It never felt forced or rushed. Real life doesn't always have a HUGE black moment, and I rather enjoyed the story exactly the way it is. :-) It was fun, and light...a breath of fresh air.

So, does Etty pen the next great Canadian romance novel? Does Travis find love? Does Etty? I guess you'll just have to read it yourself and find out!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was contacted by Emily offering me her book to review, I jumped at the chance, this sounded just up my street. Emily is a new author to me and since reading My Sort of Kind of Hero I would definitely want to read more from her.

This is a brilliant chick lit book, it is light and fun. I love the story line of this book, I could visually see it all coming together and the characters were brilliant. This is a story about Etty, she is a struggling writer who has been knocked back several times by publishers and every time she goes to a book signing she hopes there are more people there than just her parents.

The scene in the book store is actually one of my favourites in the book. I love it! I could see it all happening and I felt sorry for Etty waiting for customers to come and ask her to sign her book. I love the glimmer of hope she gets from a boy and later finds out it’s just her friend being kind and trying to support her. This is such an easy read; it was perfect, it had such a good balance of humour, romance and seriousness.

They way the story is written it is predictable but I didn’t mind that in the slightest, I enjoyed reading the story and was racing through the pages, I wanted to see Etty’s relationship develop and want to see her career become a success. I felt that I was able to connect well to Etty, she is my age and trying to create a career for herself of something she has always wanted to do and just needs a break.

Although this is a chick lit book, it is a chick lit with a difference, romance is evident in the book but not in the conventional way.

I would strongly recommend this book to slip into your suitcase this summer for on your holiday, its light, fun and a quick read. After reading this you are going to want to discover more from Harper. I am just sad that it has taken me this long to discover her and that this book is over!

I would like to thank Emily for supplying me with this copy, this has been exchange for an honest review.

[Elley Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute, fun read. Etty has been writing historical romance because she wanted to write and there was a need for them in the market. Now she's trying something new - writing a based-on-a-true story romance. Now she just needs to find the true story to base her novel on... She decided to recruit her brother's BFF (and her childhood friend) Travis. He'll go on dates and fall in love, and she'll follow him around and record it all. What could go wrong?

Etty made me shake my head several times in exasperation, but she's like a puppy and you just can't stay mad at her. I love Travis and I would volunteer in a hot minute to be one of his dates! Yee haw! Etty starts out totally clueless and it's not until she sees Travis on these dates with other women that she starts to see him in a new light. A wonderful romance that I did not put down until I'd read it cover to cover. That cover is all wrong though - he should be wearing a Batman cape, not a Superman one. ;)

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Harper already belongs to my auto - buy author category. After reading "Checking Inn" I have immediately bought her debut novel "White Lies" and it sits comfortably on my kindle and waits patiently to be eventually read by yours truly. I was also very, very excited to learn that Emily is publishing her third novel, squeeeee excited to be honest and couldn't wait to read this gem.

Etty is an author who writes historic romances but her heart - and the hearts of the readers too - is not so much in this genre. After an accidental meeting with a sulky teenager at Etty's books signing "event" and talking with the girl, Etty decides on writing a book about reality romance, it means about a guy feeling in love with a girl. Well, she herself can't fell in love and write a book about this at the same time, can she? Her choice is her best friend Travis and Etty bribes him into letting her taking part in his dates and writing about them. But then the trouble begins. How should Etty write the book when, in her eyes, the girls Travis meet up with are not good for him? They don't understand him as good as Etty does...

Emily has the biggest talent to write warm, likeable, realistic, larger than life characters, characters that you immediately love and root for. I have warmed to Etty from the word go and only strengthen my feelings to her while reading further and further. Etty is spontaneous, she first does and then thinks, she's hilariously funny and I loved her down - to - earth, very easy - going life approach. She's my kind - of sort - of favourite character (can you see what I did here???). I so adored her optimism, every time she had a book signing she so hoped for people to turn on, I mean, people like other people, not her parents or friends. And she worked in a comic book shop with the most hilarious boss ever, who had no idea about comics and tried to went AWOL anytime a customer came through the door, so Etty in fact was like a boss herself.

OK, it is a book not only about Etty but she is so big - hearted character that she actually stoles the whole show, I mean, the whole story, not that I have something against this fact! Travis was warm and very likeable, and he has one of the best Batman secrets :) We also get glimpses at Etty's brother and their parents, and her friend, but really, she in fact dominated the whole story:)

Emily also writes brilliantly funny scenes. She writes this so casually, but you just can't stop imagining it and giggling. One of my favourites scenes is the one at the book signing and when her friend who was there plotted a little to help Etty. Great fun! Also the way she organized the best birthday party for her brother - hell, you must first think of such surprise!
But while I loved the characters, their banter, their thoughts and the way they were jumping off the pages on you, the story felt a little flat to me. At the beginning it has a brilliant, fast pace but then it lost its speed and I had the feeling that the author has just lost her concept or didn't have any idea what to do more. I was expecting a lot of funny dates with Travis and his many girlfriends, and there was only one, not so fun in fact. How should Etty write her book when there were no dates? Also I had a feeling that the plot stopped suddenly, there was no development at all and the last part was much too rushed for my liking.

"My Kind - Of Sort - Of Hero" is a cute, charming story to keep you entertain. It's a love story, not your typical girl - meets - boy, but about a girl who doesn't see that the Obvious One is already there. I enjoyed the fact that it actually felt so realistic, the situations, although of course a little embellished, could actually happen to all of us. Also, the family relationships are greatly written, there is love between all of them and their banter is a real joy. The parents play with, even when Etty behaves like a five year old girl, but it was totally adorable.

Altogether, it is a great book, light, funny and feel - good read, with uplifting and heart - warming story, written with a lot of heart and humour. An easy read, perfect for a quick holiday read or just for one evening. Yes, the story is predictable but it doesn't spoil the fun and I found myself galloping through the pages, keeping my fingers crossed for Etty. I really can't wait for Emily's next book as she has a big talent to brighten the dullest day with her fantastic writing and her engaging story - telling!

Copy received in exchange for a review as a part of Blog Tour.

[The Page Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Sort-of, Kind-of Hero is a fantastically fun love story about finding true love when you least expected it. Etty Lawrence is a romance Author, problem is no one buys her love stories. She decides to switch directions and enlists the aid of her long time family friend to write a story about him falling in love. She joins him on a few dates and suddenly starts wishing Travis would keep those smiles for her alone.

Number of times it made us laugh: 15+

Number of times it made us swoon with envy: 6

Jasmine: I loved being in Etty’s head from the start. She’s got just the right amount of thoughtfulness and neuroticism that kept me rooting for her. I adored one of her signature phrases when it comes to going all out for someone’s special occasion. Whenever Travis asks her how much this [insert nutty, but fantastic gesture] will cost, her response goes something like this “…are we talking about the actual cost, or the price of the joy everyone will get from the experience?”

India: I tend not to like reading about writing but Etty is a lovable character and I sympathize with her enough to be curious about her story. I do think that a lot of her hurdles and frustrations are things that writers can relate to.

Jasmine: The idea for the book Etty was writing was kind of genius to me. I kept thinking that I would love to read it. It was like a reality dating show, but in words.

India: Yeah, I was wondering how this would all go down in real life. I know I wouldn’t want anyone to judge me by the men I’ve dated, much less a close childhood friend of mine, so Travis is definitely generous in his agreement with Etty. And that’s also what sets this book apart from other “books about writing” is that the drama of it comes not in the angst of writer’s block but the unexpected angst that came up from her research.

Jasmine: Never having experienced love is definitely cause for angst as a romance author. After she recruited Travis for her book, I questioned her motives, but I could tell that she genuinely wasn’t aware that her feelings about these women were wrapped up in how she really felt about Travis.

India: Once she started getting kind of judgmental of his dates, I wondered how she didn’t realize what was happening. I guess it’s super-awkward to adjust your romantic mindset with someone you grew up with. I had this childhood friend who felt like a younger brother despite the fact that we were the same age and knew each other since we were five. When we graduated high school, he was still shorter than I was. A year later, he had shot up to 6’5” and suddenly had an attitude and opinion about the men I dated. I should have known what was happening. Especially when he became the first person I talked to in the morning and the last person I talked to at night. He was taller, better-looking, and had a deeper voice - but he still felt like my brother so when things happened I couldn’t get over the awkwardness I still felt about it. I’m always happy for the couples in our situation who could get past that.

Jasmine: Haha, yep. I think we’ve all either been there or fantasized about going there. It was definitely interesting to read as she came to terms with that. Refreshing too, since she accepted how perfect they could be together, without some ridiculous amount of drama a different author may have tried to throw in. She was just a very real character to me and it was entertaining to read. And of course, there were some really funny parts in this book.

India: It’s definitely a cute and different premise that lends well to fun rom-com moments.

Check out the full discussion and an interview with the author at The Page Girls

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

My Sort-of, Kind-of Hero sounded like a brilliant book. A sweet and entertaining romantic comedy was what I was expecting and it definitely delivered. It’s the first of Emily’s books I’ve read, though I’ve heard lots of good things, and I’m sure it won’t be my last. More so even than the romance, I love reading books where one of the characters is an author. That Etty was an author and a struggling one at that was quite endearing to read. Seeing all her rejections and edits and meetings and hopes for some more sales was fascinating, and it was a lot more realistic than seeing her write one book and becoming an instant bestseller, with more than simply her mum buying the copies…

The idea she had for her latest book was great and yet it opened things up to become just a little messy. After somehow convincing her best friend Travis to help her out, she starts accompanying him on his dates in the hope she gets to watch, and write about, him falling in love. Etty and Travis had the type of friendship I love reading about – the one where they’re so happy to spend their time teasing and winding each other up but you know that they will always be protective and loyal to each other. Travis knew she was kind of mad, but he embraced that. Etty’s reactions to Travis’ dates were very funny to read. She was very immature and childish at times, in a loveable kind of way though at times her attitude was a little irritating – not irritating in that it affected how I enjoyed the book but the kind of irritating that would have driven me crazy if I had been the best friend whose dates she was supposed to be watching over.

This book is very short so it’s hard for me to say too much without giving a lot away. But it was just mad and super cute and such an easy read. I loved the quirky concept of the book which made it a fun, light-hearted read. I do wish it had been a longer story though. For one, I didn’t want it to end and then I did think the plot could have been developed and extended further so it didn’t seem as much of a rush to get to the ending. It was a charming story but had Travis gone on more dates, or if more time had been spent seeing Etty try and pull the novel she was writing together, it would have felt more complete. Saying that, My Sort-of, Kind-of Hero was a very satisfying read – I loved how it ended and it left me with a big smile on my face and eager to read more from this author.


*Book gifted for honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would first like to thank Emily for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, this is the first of Emily's books that I have read and it definitely won't be the last. I instantly fell in love with her writing style and the way she makes the characters jump off the page.

I loved the whole concept of this book, it is a brilliant idea having the main character in a book actually writing a book of their own, this gives you an insight to the world of writing and the trouble that it brings with it, the knockbacks, finding the perfect story etc.

This is the perfect chic-lit book, there is nothing unrealistic about the story and although as you go through the story you can kind of guess the ending it still in a way keeps you guessing (due to the fact that Etty is trying to make Travis fall in love with somebody else), but in no way does this make the story less enjoyable.

I loved Etty right from the start, she is such a likeable character and so relatable. She is a fun, twenty seven year old that is just trying to further her almost none existent career as an author. I really liked that she worked in a comic book store, it is a new genre (which is quite popular at the moment), that we don't normally find in this type of book. I really liked the relationship Etty had with all of the other characters especially, it really showed a strong family bond that was heart-warming to see and the way Emily writes the interactions between everyone really puts you in the novel.

What I loved about this book is that it was a romance but in a different way to the norm, there is no 'boy-meets-girl', it is a romance that shouldn't really happen as Etty is essentially not supposed to fall in love with Travis.

This book is full of fun and laughs and I would definitely recommend. I finished this book in a day and giggled the whole way through, it is the perfect summer read and I cannot wait to read more of Emily's novels.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Etty writes historical romance. She's written several books already, but so far she hasn't got many readers and she's still looking for an agent and a publisher. In the meantime she's working in a comic book store. Because her writing career doesn't seem to go anywhere she's going to try something different for her next book. She asks her best friend Travis if she can follow him to documents his love life and she wants to accompany him on his dates. Etty's sure he will find true love and she wants to see it happening, so she can write about it. Travis is the only hero she wants for her novel. He's handsome, he's smart and he's got a great sense of humor. The first date isn't much of a success and Etty interferes several times while she's supposed to watch and pretend she isn't there. She thinks Travis is making mistakes and she doesn't like the girl very much. Will the next date go any better and will Etty be able to write her book?

Etty is funny, kind and she has the most creative and original ideas. I loved the tone of voice of this book. It put a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. This is a terrific love story and it's quite unique, which is something I really liked. I'm a big fan of Emily Harper. She has such a great style and she has the amazing ability to make every single page of the book really enjoyable. I didn't stop reading until I finished the story and it was definitely a happy sitting. There's one scene in particular that I liked a lot. Etty has done something special for her brother's birthday. It's such a generous thing only she would think of and I loved the idea. Everybody should have someone like Etty in their lives. She's absolutely wonderful and her witty comments made me laugh out loud several times. I think Emily Harper is a very talented writer and I can't wait to read more of her books.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour organised by Candlelit Author Services, which I'm more than happy to do.

Etty the lead character knows she has a 'best seller' in her she just has to find a way of getting it onto paper and she thinks Travis, childhood friend and almost brother is the person who can help her do it. She had been writing historic, romance novels - hoping for the big break when on the advise of Travis, switches genre to modern, contemporary romance and persuades him the best way for her to actually write about true love would be to follow him on his journey to finding love himself.

I just knew this book would hit the spot. Emily has a style of writing that had me smiling inanely and laughing out loud whilst at the same time talking to myself. She gave us a more than slightly, ditzy leading lady and a handsome, indulgent prince charming.

It was obvious that both Etty and Travis have feelings for each other, both incredibly comfortable around each other, whilst both thinking their relationship and feelings were simply that of brother/sister. Etty is impulsive and jumps in with both feet, whilst Travis is the sensible, thoughtful one who despite this ends up doing anything and everything Etty demands!

This was a lovely, light, frothy book that does what it says on the tin. An easy read that gives exactly what you'd expect from a modern chic lit author. It's the sort of book that is quite predictable but in a good way. Sometimes we need that fix and to know we're going to get a happy ending. A perfect read to while away a Sunday afternoon and I can guarantee that if you enjoy this book you will definitely love Emily's previous two novels White Lies & Checking Inn.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Harper’s latest book, My Sort-of, Kind-of Hero, is about Etty, a not-so-successful romance author. She decides to change things up a bit for her next novel. She wants to follow around someone, the perfect hero for her book, to observe him falling in love so she can write a realistic romance. Once she realizes that her lifelong friend, Travis, could be perfect for her book, she tries to convince him to let her follow him around. He reluctantly agrees. However, things don’t turn out the way she expected. First off, why is he talking about things that women definitely wouldn’t be interested in? And why is he choosing these women who are clearly all wrong for him?

I had the pleasure of reading Emily Harper’s Checking Inn, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. Harper has done it again. I adored the first half of this book, and I didn’t think it could get any better. I was wrong. I practically had this ridiculously huge grin plastered on my face throughout the entire second half of the book. I’m surprised my cheeks aren’t sore from all the smiling. Etty, with her overanalyzing and speaking-before-thinking ways, is a completely relatable character, and Travis, her funny, sweet, and protective best friend, is someone we all wish we had in our lives. And I absolutely loved their relationship. From their competitive nature with each other to his willingness to do anything for her, I just wanted to read more and more about them. My only complaint, which isn’t really a complaint, is that I wish it were longer. Thank you Emily Harper for writing My Sort-of, Kind-of Hero, which I know I will find myself reading over and over again.

Reviewed by ME for Readers' Favorite

[Paris Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook

This is the first Emily Harper book I’ve read. I was provided with a review copy, and had heard some great things, so I was really looking forward to reading it.

What I hadn’t realised, is just how much I would damn right love it. Emily’s writing is fantastic, in the sense that it is so easy to read because the narrative has such a natural sound. I really loved that. It’s hard to describe, but it almost didn’t feel like reading a book; it never felt like ‘oh now they’re describing the setting,’ or ‘here’s where they’re filling me in on the backstory,’ she nailed the 1st person to the point that Etty was so vivid in my mind, I could hear her telling me the story as if we were old friends gossiping over a bottle of wine.

The book is hilarious to boot, and I merrily laughed out loud throughout. You’ll definitely be wanting to finish it in one quick session, like I did – I couldn’t put it down.

As a writer and book enthusiast, I always enjoy the idea of the MC being a writer. Etty’s struggling at the moment, with a change of genre on the cards and not enough experience of having been in love herself. That’s when her life-long pal Travis comes in. She manages to rope him into letting her accompany him on his dates, to gather writing material. Let’s be honest, you just know from there it’s going to be a) a disaster and b) hilarious!

My Sort-of, Kind-of Hero is a fabulously witty and light-hearted book, and I thoroughly recommend it.

[Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on: http://addictivechicklit.blogspot.com...

After reading and loving Emily's debut novel, White Lies, I was very excited to read her latest book. With a colourful and cute cover, My Sort-of, Kind-of Hero is a lovely, fun light read. Our heroine, Etty, is really likeable and makes you laugh non-stop with her crazy ideas and not so well thought plans. She is like a breath of fresh air.

As for the story, it has this feel-good heart-warming touch that will leave you grinning like a toon. Some of the situations involving Etty trying to sell her books are hilarious and had me laughing out loud. I'm happy that she decided to go for a different genre because her career as a historic romance author wasn't really working.

Travis, Etty's brother's best friend, is the real deal: charming, kind, handsome and ready to do anything for Etty (total bookboyfriend material). And the other characters, like Etty's family and friend, give the perfect sparkle to this cute story. I recommend this book and Emily is quickly becoming one of my favourite Chick Lit authors, with fresh stories and lovable characters. I'll keep an eye open for her future work.

[Jo Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Charlotte at BestChickLit, CandleLit Tours and the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When we first meet Etty she is at a coffee shop working on her latest historical romance offering, but she is suffering from writers block and things go from bad to worse at a book signing when no one wants to buy her books.

Her friend advises that she should write about something that she knows about, Etty hits on the idea to write about someone falling in love like on a reality TV show. Etty convinces Travis to help her out but using a favour he owes her from long ago.

Unfortunately, Etty isn’t too keen on any of Travis’s dates and really does show him up on one of them, as she is jealous. In a lot of ways Etty is immature and all though her heart is in the right place goes over the top in the things she does.

Travis for his part is gorgeous and I could see from page one that he adored Etty, even if she couldn’t see it herself.

All in all this is fun lighthearted take on romance and worth reading, I would recommend to anyone who likes chicklit.

[BestChickLit.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Emily Harper’s biggest fan. No arguments, I just am. Her books just get better and better and My Sort-of Kind-of Hero only goes to prove that.

Etty is simply brilliant as the lead character: she’s quirky, big hearted and slightly in denial about her extreme party planning urges. Emily pens her to perfection and readers will love how fun she makes the story – plus a good few authors will be able to relate to her struggles as a writer. Travis is laid-back and charming, he slots into the story without a hitch and brings out the best in Etty, watching her every move with adorable amusement *dreamy sigh*. The romance builds with a clever subtly and, as the reader, you spot the obvious before Etty does.

I began reading this on a fairly short train journey home. The other passengers surrounding me faded out as I grinned like a lunatic and snorted in amusement, becoming completely absorbed by the story. No doubt I drew a few stares but I didn’t care. I continued reading when I arrived home and didn’t stop until I finished; I couldn’t get enough of that excited butterfly-like feeling you get with a really fantastic rom-com. I utterly loved every single page.

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3

[Konnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was highly disappointing. I didn't find it to be humorous in the least bit and struggled to get through it, even skimming through it because some of the background information was just insignificant.

The writing was very lackluster and boring, and the characters were not developed. Overall, this book was a waste of time for me - just silly and ridiculous.

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay - there are certain areas around Etty's behaviour that really annoyed me (who accuse a woman as 'loose' anymore?! Slut shaming is never okay). But I like the way Travis describe love in the book and enjoyed the read overall.

[Dawn Trlak-Donahue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chick lit

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute read but a very short one

[Sandy Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author!

She's funny without being corny. It's a light fast read. I already read White Lies and loved it too. Waiting as patiently as I can for her next book!

[Salma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soon ,,

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also posted on This Chick Reads

Make sure you enter the INT giveaway on the blog!

*Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

Emily Harper won my heart with her debut 'White Lies' and ever since she's become one of my favourite authors. There's something about Emily's writing, something so warm and unique, it's really hard to explain. But I'm sure of one thing, no matter how many books she writes, no matter if she sticks to chick lit genre or decides to include some other elements (like she did in Checking Inn), I'm still gonna love each of her books.

While her second book 'Checking Inn' is more chick lit/cozy mystery, with her third and much anticipated by many, 'My Sort-Of, Kind-Of Hero' Emily decides to stay loyal to chick lit genre and reward readers with another fun, LOL story perfect for any rom com lover.

The story is focused on Etty, who's a romance writer. But despite being a romance writer, Etty is not having much luck when it comes to her love life. It's rather hard writing a romance scene when you're single and love is no where on the horizon, right? So, she's very much struggling with her writing, and her mum ad friend seem to be the only ones who are buying their books. Now, I don't know why but this part, even though it's told in a funny way, may hit home for many authors out there who are trying to make a living out of their writing. This made Etty seem very real and believable as a character.

Etty is funny and fun, she's one of these characters you wish they were real so you could hang out with them. The story is fast paced (for a chick lit) and I was completely invested in the story throughout. I gotta be honest with you though, despite this being a fantastic and entertaining read, brilliantly written and so so easy to read, Emily's debut 'White Lies' still remains my favourite. It's not that I was disappointed in this book, I don't believe something like that will ever happen (that's how much I love Emily's writing and believe in her talent) but I did enjoy White Lies slightly more.

However, without any doubt, I'm still Emily's #1 fan and feel she's conquering the chick lit stage. She's amazingly talented and delivers each time, creating wickedly funny characters you'll love. Another jackpot for Ms Harper, I'm already looking forward to the next one.

[Tracy Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book by Emily Harper. Etty Lawrence, a struggling romance writer, soon realizes that her writing isn't coming across the way she would like because it's too unrealistic. And it's unrealistic because Etty herself has never experienced real love. Etty, an adorable, overly enthusiastic young woman, is surrounded by people who love and support her, her parents, her brother, her best friend, and her brother's best friend, Travis. They all seem to be willing to do what it takes to help Etty become a successful writer, from buying extra copies of her book to showing up at her book signings. But when Etty gets a very non-traditional idea, one in which she has to ask Travis to let her tag along on his dates so she can see romance close-up, he isn't so sure. And after he allows it, Etty isn't so sure either. No one that Travis dates seems right for him, and he doesn't act the way she thinks he should. And finally, she's not so sure she wants him to be dating anyone anyway. At least anyone who isn't her.
Etty, Travis, and the rest of the character's in Emily Harper's novel are so real and so engaging that it's difficult to put this book down. I definitely look forward to reading more that she has to offer!

[Arin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through Good reads and just received it the day before. I was so impressed I love the cover it's simple and sweet, and the Author had signed it with my name and everything! (Spelled right too!) It made it really special and fun. Two hours ago I picked the book up thinking I would just read the first chapter and try it. Clearly that didn't happen, I just finished it and I can't stop smiling. (My cheeks are actually starting to hurt) This book was just the sweetest thing I have ever read, it wasn't focused on the physical side of the relationship it was about two people who loved each other and loved spending time together. Etty and Travis have been best friends from childhood and I love how the author shows how important it is to have a real relationship with someone. The book was a great easy read, I loved the characters, and her writing style was light and fun. I loved it!

[Kassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a First Reads giveaway and was really looking forward to it. I've heard great things about Harper and try to be as supportive as possible for local authors. This book is a great beach read and was filled with quirky and endearing characters. While the story line itself is not unique, I enjoyed the characters so much (and the Toronto backdrop) that I didn't mind.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy fun read. the plot is very predictable but still pleasant with the quirkiness of the main character. fast amusing chik lit.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute short story

[Farah Merchant · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is so good and it hurts me to see that the reviews aren't as high as they should be. I loved this book and felt like it was well written and I wish people would read it.

Farah Merchant

[Hady · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4
This was freaking cute! super light and funny :)