A modern way of finding love. One deserted island of luxury. Two people. Three get out of jail free cards. And a whole lot of possibilities.
Melinda takes the advice of her best friend, Chris. She signs up to a new dating service that pairs you statistically to the one you’re supposed to love. Finding it — love that is — using the more conventional methods, has not been a successful venture for Mindy, and with her biological clock ticking, she uses a more desperate method and takes the plunge into a possible happily ever after.
The thing is, when she boards the boat to a secret location, she doesn’t realise the man waiting for her is someone she’s previously met.
Chance encounters occur more frequently than we realise. Being blind to them is part of a bustling world. But, being faced with them can lead to a hilarious three weeks between two opposites who might just attract.
Belle Brooks is the International bestselling author of seven novels and multiple novellas. She lives out in the country of Queensland with her incredibly tolerant and crazy family. She writes contemporary romance, romantic comedy and contemporary women's fiction ranging from young adult to adult audiences. She also writes crime and psychological thrillers.
MISS NOT TOGETHER, Belle's next full-length novel, is set to release February 10th, 2019. It is now available for preorder.
MISTER UNO, Belle's next short story, is set to release January 25th, 2019. It is now available for preorder.
For more information and for a schedule of events, please visit bellebrooksauthor.com.
To contact Belle, please email bellebrooksauthor@gmail.com
OMG this book was bloody hilarious; I laughed till I had to cross my legs and run to the loo (you'll get this if you have kids like me) My other half thought I was losing the plot and kept giving me concerned glances with the strange noises that were coming from my corner of the lounge. I can honestly say it's been a while since ive found a story so bloody funny. "That Guy" should seriously come with a disclaimer; beware danger of serious injury through laughter. Ive previously read this author's "Game Of Life Series" which I adored by the way. This was so different and definitely shows this author's complete diversity as she switched genres so seamlessly and I enjoyed this just as much as past reads despite them being so different. This is the story of Melinda and Arlie and the trials and tribulations they traversed on their journey to coupledom; It wasn't smooth or completely rock free but it was certainly honest and unique. I also want to put out there how much I adored Mindy's bestie, Chris. In my opinion, everyone needs a Chris and for me, he really stole the show; he was the man. This was a fabulously funny romp that I generally appreciated; loved it so much. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of "That Guy" of which I have reviewed voluntary. All opinions are entirely my own give this a go You'll be laughing till you cry.
Ok, so, I waited 24 hrs after reading this to calm myself down a little bit before writing something nasty, as I don't want to insult the author.
Regardless, I am still pretty angry for wasting my money on this "book" - and given the reviews it seems I am in a minority.
I thought I was getting myself some fluffy, funny, lighthearted, witty romance (the words "choking hazard" should have warned me), but instead I got a "romance" insulting my intelligence.
Here we have Melinda - Mindy - the quintessential adorkable, quirky heroine prone to awkward and humiliating situations and a heartbreaking backstory. Right.
Instead, Melinda is annoying, OTT dramatic, with no backbone or any social skill at all and just plain stupid scardy cat. Her view of herself is traumatic to read, basically she hates herself and views other women (and people in general) just in regards of their looks. She's very shallow and tends to be judgemental. She is used to run from her problems and not to deal with them head on and is an expert in throwing herself many pity parties (I suspect no one would invite her to a real party anyway). She feels as though she is a failure and a loser and you know what? She is.
The hero, Arlie, is so perfect and sweet, that it makes my teeth hurt. He is hot, sweet, smart, reads, loves cats, makes her feel comfortable . I, as well as Melinda, have been wondering, what does he see in this trainwreck of a heroine? Why does he want her so desperately? Did he fall on his head multiple times? Maybe, but a head injury or not, he deserves much better. Right, Melinda?
Her "quirkiness" is probably caused by some serious damage to her selfesteem and please, give me a break with the doctor nonsense. She is too stupid to be a doctor, with "diagnosticts being her thing" especially.
Funny thing was that up until like 70 % of the book I was so angry while reading this, it was enfuriating, but suddenly, the switch flipped and Mindy realizes her true worth? She goes 180° in a few pages, it just isn't believable.
Other characters are not even worth mentioning, Chris was an epitome of gay stereotype, that I wanted to smash my head with a glitter unicorn stick.
So that's it. Do I want to read this again? Hell no. Have I had a good laugh as promised? I didn't laugh once! Will I read anything by this author? No.
This was my first read from Belle Brooks and while I typically gravitate towards the angsty romance I do enjoy the occasional rom com here and there.
That Guy was an entertaining read with a cute and quirky storyline. Filled with a some very comedic situations I definitely found myself giggling. And let’s just say I will most certainly laugh every time I see KFC. You’ll have to read this to find out why of course.
Melinda and Arlie have a few early on encounters that definitely had me looking forward to what will happen between them. And circumstances put them together on a island on a dating show that is a bit similar to the bachelor except without any competition. With the two of them basically alone with each other on an island things are bound to happen. Walls will come down, a few unfortunate yet funny AF moments happen and we find out things aren’t as they appear.
There is also one supporting character that I absolutely loved and that was Melinda’s best friend Chris. He was hilarious and I could definitely see myself becoming friends with him.
Now these characters and this storyline is set in Australia so there is quite a bit of what I’m guessing is Australia terminology or slang used that I didn’t quite get but for the most part I was able to work my way around the slant that I maybe didn’t understand. At times however I did find there were things whether they be situations or what the characters were doing that just seemed to kind of happen out of nowhere that I’ll be honest confused me a bit. We also had a few characters that I thought would have a bigger role then they actually did. I don’t quite connect with the two main characters as much as I would have liked but overall I would say this was enjoy this book.
If you are a fan of rom coms with a sweet and hilarious meet cute I do think you will love this one.
Hilarante y mega dulce! ¡Necesito un amigo como Chris por favor!
That guy de Belle Brooks
Mí humilde opinión:
La vida de Melinda no es nada emocionante.
Vive en un triste apartamento con su gato Fletcher. A pesar de que tiene un título en medicina es recepcionista en un sitio de escoltas.
No tiene completa confianza en ella porque tiene una talla grande y no es buena para hablar con los hombres.
Por su torpeza, tiene tendencia a protagonizar los episodios más embarazosos.
Su vida amorosa es nula, nunca tuvo novios y los únicos encuentros con hombres fueron tristemente en estado de ebriedad.
Pero como una eterna romántica quiere enamorarse, encontrar un hombre que la ame y formar una familia.
Su mejor amigo gay Chris la inscribe en un sitio de citas con resultados desastrosos. Es después de su primera cita a ciegas con un asesino de gatos que se encuentra de nuevo con Arlie.
Arlie es un hombre hermoso que conoció en un supermercado y que el destino lo colocó en su camino para que sea testigo de sus locuras y vergüenza.
Ella cree que tuvieron una conexión, con él pudo hablar a pesar de que la vio hacer muchas veces el ridículo.
Pero cuando él le pide su número cuando se despiden, su llamada nunca llega.
Así que cuando Chris la empuja a inscribirse en un reality show sobre encontrar el amor en una isla exótica no duda... Melinda está cansada de no vivir la vida, tiene 30 y decide arriesgarse a todo.
Nada la preparó para encontrarse con su misterioso hombre en la isla y está a punto de abandonar esa locura solo que él no la dejará...
¿Será que finalmente encontró a su Sr. perfecto?
Me encontré con una lectura tan divertida, tan profunda y con diálogos geniales que no pude dejar de sonreír y reirme, me encantó la historia de Mindy.
Me enganchó de principio a fin y me enamoré de sus personajes.
Sobretodo del extravagante amigo gay Chris.
Las situaciones en las que se mete Mindy no pueden ser más ridículas y tontas. No creía que podía pasarla tan mal pero lo hace tantas veces que me daba risa y lo sentía a la vez por ella.
Es un personaje tan honesto que me llegó porque te podes identificar con ella. Tiene sus problemas de autoestima, sus rarezas y sueños por alcanzar que llegué a entenderla perfectamente.
Chris es todo color y alegría, es extrovertido, leal y no respeta el espacio personal. Me encantó y envidié el tipo de amistad que tiene con Mindy.
Arlie era el señor perfecto en boxers rosa!! Me gustó que no fuera el típico arrogante, a pesar de ser rico actuaba como una persona cualquiera haciendo las compras en un supermercado!
Él solo buscaba una mujer que lo amara por él y no por lo que tenía. No le importó que Mindy fuera de talla grande. Me gustó eso más, que vio su belleza real.
La autora es una narradora increíble.
Me ha tenido en la historia desde la primera página y ha logrado que me mantuviera allí enamorándome de los personajes y disfrutado está aventura con mil emociones por lo que sucedía.
Una comedia romántica que sin dudas conquistó mí corazón.
I’m serious! Do not eat or drink while reading this book. I snorted, choked and spat my drink, and, my husband looked suspicious at me like I’d smoked some weed or something! NO!! I’m reading this hilarious as all hell book from Belle Brooks, and she nailed the humour like a boss.
There is nothing I can add to the positive and well worded reviews already posted, except to say that I re-iterate every positive opinion. It is unendingly hilarious and romantic, and, it showcases the best in the unconditional love of a family, and most especially the love of a best friend. Even it that friend is gay, flamboyant, completely over the top and has no knowledge of boundaries and personal space!!! He is team Melinda all the way, her best friend and personal cheerleader: everyone needs a friend like Chris!
Mindy is the clumsiest chick with the worst luck that I have ever heard of. I howled with laughter at the shenanigans going on between her and Chris, as well as her epic aversion to conversing with a man. Doesn’t stop her looking at a handsome man though. Intently. Bordering on all out stalker rated staring. But if said man approaches her in any way, she plays possum, much to the entertainment of Chris, and also myself!
One such man is Arlie Blight. When he shows up in more than a couple of the same places as Mindy, she surprises even herself with her ability to squeeze out a couple of words in his presence. He draws her out like no other man has before. But there is definitely more going on behind the scenes with him.
This book is every bit as entertaining as every other review is going to tell you, and I highly recommend this as a must read! You just have to, you won’t be sorry. 5 wet myself laughing Stars.
Guess I’m in the minority as I didn’t find this book that funny and I really hated the main female character. I thought she was immature and her low self esteem was not an attractive quality. Most of the “funny” stuff fell flat and the chemistry was lacking (maybe because I didn’t like Mindy). The plot twist at the end was odd to me. I really had high hopes with all the raving reviews, but I was sorely disappointed.
3.5 stars "He's so perfect, like the ultimate macaroon, and I'm so ... I'm a cream bun. A gooey white mess."
Writing romcom suits Belle very well. This book is hilarious! I'm not easy to laugh out loud while reading but this book made me do it more than once. So the humor in this story takes up a great portion. Maybe a little too much.
This is not my first book by Belle and so I know she's got a big talent to write characters you can easily connect with. To make you feel what they feel. To feel the attraction and chemistry between the characters. I really missed that in That Guy. So, IMO this got all a little lost in favor of humor.
"...because being around Arlie is like walking through a freshly mowed park on a warm summer afternoon after it's rained: refreshing, comforting, fresh."
Don't get me wrong here. I really enjoyed reading Mindy's and Arlie's story and I laughed and smiled a lot. I also could totally relate to Mindy, her self-perception, her insecurities, her want to be loved and being in love.
But I had trouble to connect with Arlie. He was as mystic to me at the end as he was right from the beginning. We didn't learn really much about him and even though I could sense what Mindy saw in him and why she fell in love with him, I couldn't see or feel it myself.
Also the end felt rushed to me. There were so many questions I had and I couldn't really understand why Mindy clearly didn't or didn't voice them. IMO she accepted all to easily.
"Every nerve ending my body possesses is overcome with electrical pulses, because kissing Arlie Blight is more magical than a rainbow-coloured dildo with eight speeds of delight. It's so much better."
That Guy is a hilarious light summer read: If you need something to lift your mind of your everyday life this is the perfect book to do so!
P.s.: And Belle is right - everybody needs a Chris in his life! I certainly wish I had a Chris <3
That Guy is a funny, light and easy read and Belle totally rocked this romcom. Mindy is so funny, and she is so relatable to real life women having insecurities and the way she looks at life. Her best friend, Chris is hilarious. The way they talk to each other made me laugh so much. Everyone needs a Chris! Then, their is Arlie, who has witnessed many of Mindy’s crazy moments and loves them. They have instant chemistry. I wont give anything away, you’ll just have to read and experience all the LOL moments!! Belle was meant to be an author, she can seriously write any genre!
I’ve read it three times, and it’s still HILARIOUS!!!!! Belle Brooks mastered the ugly cry with Always You. She mastered the mind f*ck with the Game Of Life Series. Now, she’s mastered the rom/com with That Guy!!!!! I don’t do spoiler reviews, but I will say “jellyfish” ... Trust me, you’ll understand!!!!! Get ready to laugh you @$$ off with this book!!!!
I liked this book enough but I can't believe I didn't realize this book was trying to be funny because I never laughed--not even once.
My guess is that the stereotypical gay best friend was supposed to the punch line. If that's the case the author failed because I found him to be annoying more than anything.
This book had me laughing from page 1. Chris, Mindy, Arlie......all of the characters in this awesome book are written so well. In some parts I had issues reading through my laughing, especially where Chris was involved. Definately an uplifting read
An amusing and fun read . A girl with a hang up on herself about weight , confidence and cake A boy with a perfect face and body who needs her soul mate . And a best friend to die for Everyone needs a Chris in their life .
Okay so the warning given, dont consume beverages while reading, was totally accurate. I cannot even begin to describe the hilarious scenes that happen. Melinda has the worst luck mixed with the inability to stop saying things out loud that shes thinking haha So Melinda and Chris have the most incredible friendship ever! I wish I had myself a gay bff like she does, jealous. The love they have for each other is amazing. He pushes her when needed yet is kind and loving other times. When he pushes her to enter a reality show to find true love she ultimately gives in and does it. Enter Arlie, well we do meet him prior in the book but this is so much better than the supermarket haha. Arlie is a carefree character who really has so much self confidence. Nothing seems to phase him or embarrass him, which is great because of Melinda's inability to not embarrass herself. They are just truly a match made in humor heaven.
DNF at 3%. What...TF. No, I didn't get far with this. Because in that 3%, I got:
- the heroine is talking to food (in her head), in the grocery store. - she's a doctor with absolutely no confidence, apparently in anything she does. - she equates her worth with her looks, and thinks that "men that look like that" would never be interested in her. - she's about to stroke out over the fact that she's turning 30 and still single.
What an absolute hoot, l feel like l have just watched a slap stick comedy film, and laughed throughout.
Melinda is very clumsy, and funny, and kind but she also is very skittish. She is a doctor, but a horrible event in her past has made leave her dream job. A humiliating date in her youth has made sure that she never dates anyone, at all. So Melinda would rather run from any situation , before she could possibly get hurt again. She thinks she is unlucky, unattractive and will never have her HEA. The only man in her life is her best friend Chris, who is nothing short of a diva, but he keeps on trying to help her find love , even if it's through dating sites.
The story changes when Melinda gets accepted as a contestant on a tv show. OMG, the hilarity that ensues, when she meets the other contestant, her secret crush. She finds herself in situation after hilarious situation, that will leave you howling with laughter. My favourite one being when she goes canoeing with the sexy hot "secret crush" guy, too funny.
Arlie who is the hot guy with Melinda in the show is developing feelings for her. Her innocent and painfully shy actions are working on his heart, but she keeps running. He has to gently inch his way into her mind, cause her heart and other parts are already, ready to jump the hot guy. Melinda is scared, she doesn't beleive such a guy could like her. But Arlie is a determined man, so candel light dinners, reading her romantic books, and amping up the sexual chemistry will have to work.
There is so much hilarity in this story, it's never ending . l have never read so many different euphamisms for a vagina ever. Chris is a brilliant character, a diva through and through who loves Melinda dearly. l think this would make an excellent holiday read, it's definitely a feel good book. What a versatile author Belle Brooks is, she has given us a thrilling series, a mind play, lots of angst, and now humour, just brilliant.
I tried. Really. I did. Put the book down. Picked it back up. Couple days later- read two pages. Lots of eye rolls. Put it back down. Repeat.
Everyone has a different sense of humor. This one just didn’t work for mine.
I could see why a lot of people would enjoy this read. I couldn’t get into it.
I don’t find the h cute, I find her lacking self-esteem to the point of being neurotic. She needs therapy. A LOT of therapy.
The first couple pages in the book, she slaps an elderly mans hand and growls at him for trying to buy ‘her cake’ at the grocery store. All while she mentally berates herself for being over weight? Then immediately stalks the H- while saying things mentally such as- ‘me likey’... this makes me cringe.
Her klutzy awkwardness came across as mentally disturbed, and I just didn’t see the ‘cute’ or humor in it.
I’d say give it a try, as it might be enjoyable to you. I just prefer a h with a little back bone, sarcasm, wit, and a love for cake that doesn’t send her in a weight depressed spiral.
Belle Brooks this story is witty, hilarious, and sugary sweet. It makes you laugh so hard you almost pee your pants throughout this book. The twists and turns keep you grinning from ear to ear! There are flying vibrators, bunny pjs and everything in between. You must meet Priscilla and find out about KFC.
Then there’s Chris, who is Mindy’s gay best friend, and he will make you love him from the first sarcastic, funny thing he says or does. He is the glue that holds Mindy and this story together with just enough sass and his crazy antics. But he is loyal and protective and I want a “Chris”in my real life. To be honest, he steals the show when he’s around. Everyone needs a Chris or there life is incomplete in my opinion.
Arlie is sexy and smart but he has some secrets that he isn’t ready to share with Mindy and so does she. Their attraction is like a volcano erupting it’s so hot. But Mindy is quirky and crazy and she doesn’t do love? Can the crazy girl get the mysterious, sexy guy? Does real life fit in with paradise?
Belle Brooks this Rom-Com is realistic, exciting, fresh and fun and must be read by anyone with a wicked sense of humor. One of the funniest books I’ve read this year!
From page one, readers will fall head over heels for quirky, lovable, dysfunctional Mindy. She is a hot mess of insecurity and lack of experience. But she wants the same thing most of us do -- true love. Her sidekick Chris (an out loud and proud homosexual) has zero filter -- and I mean, zero, making way for a perfect duo who are a little Lucy and Ethel and a little Will and Grace (with rainbow colored vibrators, of course!). That Guy is a perfect summer read -- light, hysterical, endearing, page-turning sugary, romantic gooeyness. What I enjoyed the most about it was the down-to-earth, flawed characters that you'll be able to relate to and want to cheer for. But that didn't make this rom-com predictable by any means. There were a few fun twists and turns I didn't expect, and that made it all the more delicious and page-turning to see what would happen next. If you love to laugh, like a sweet romance, and want to cheer the quirky, adorably awkward heroine on and see her get her HEA . . . then this is the perfect read for you.
Belle Brooks can truly write any genre/subgenres. That Guy is about a socially awkward girl who has felt with bullying and ridicule, thus believed she wasn't worthy of the good things in life. Melinda was hilarious, sometimes in an overly awkward kinda way. I lived her character. Arlie was the hot stranger that happened to witness a few of these hilarious moments. When Melinda makes a last ditch effort to rid the negativity out of her life she applies to a reality dating site. Much to her surprise it will end up being her biggest hurdle of her life. The hilariousness and the sexiness that ensues will warm your heart and make you laugh so much. This book is a romcom for sure and somehow still manages to pull your heart strings
And let me just say Chris is ah-may-zing!!! He needs his own book I loved him so much!
This is my first Belle Brooks book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Melinda has some baggage, but not like dramatic ex drama, but self confidence, self awareness, life changing career experience. She easily runs away when things get tough in her head. Her saving grace is someone named Chris, her BFF! He cracks me up and I want a Chris in my life. He pushes her to do things out of her comfort zone, and she is talked into signing up for a dating show. I don’t want to say too much, because the guy she ends up seeing on the “show” is someone she’s had run ins and interactions with in the past. This was a cute read. I liked it. Melinda is someone relatable. She wasn’t perfect, flawed and has deep issues that I could see it being a real issue in real life.
This book was just ok to me. Nothing stood out to make me love it. I felt the characters were only skin deep, nothing to make them stand out and connect with. This book touts being extremely funny, well I did my laugh once. Maybe it's just because I didn't get the humor. I knew the parts that were supposed to make me laugh, they just didn't. The leading lady was very down on herself for most of the book and very flip floppy. The leading guy was a little better but really just blah. They super gay best friend felt like a cliche that was trying too hard. Overall not a book I would recommend. It's fast paced, simple, and has an happily ever after. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Belle Brooks has proven yet again that she can write anything and I mean anything, from tear markers like Always you, to psychological thrillers to a modern woman wanting what we all do and that is to find the one mean for us.
Melinda takes her friends advice and goes to an island with a dating service and she is supposed to meet up with the one she is meant to be with.
Ok here is the deal and I can not stress this enough!!!
DO NOT !! I REPEAT DO NOT drink while reading you will end up with it mainly on your reading device from laughing and enjoying this book!!!! Belle Brooks I will read your books anytime!!!!
Romcom with several laugh out loud moments, as well as some cringe-worthy moments as well. Because, even if Melinda was smart, she also did a lot of weird things. And she had so little self confidence. Until she really met Arlie, that is. Sparks flew between those two from their first meeting, even if Melinda did her best to resist. Or hide under a table when they had a chance meeting... Basing part of the romance on a typical reality TV show, Brooks brought out all the stops. Both when it comes to the romance, and with the humor. I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt, and I still had to continue reading.
Oh this book! Another well written story by Belle Brooks. It will make you laugh, cringe, and smile. Melinda is hilarious without trying to be and makes you root for her to have happiness. The male character (who I'm not naming intentionally) is sweet, perceptive, and real. I was rooting for the two of them as soon as they met. Melinda's best friend, Chris, is obnoxious in the best way. Another in your face character with even more comic relief. This is a definite must read, pick it up today for a great fun read!
Belle has truly shown us that she can write any sub genre, she is a very special author! That guy is amazing, I honestly didn’t know where this book was going, I was laughing so hard one minute, and then heart pounding the next. The twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for a clue as to what will happen next. I’m not going to lie, she has created a beautiful island which I want to visit, and I’m desperately hoping we will have a sequel, I absolutely love Chris and need to hear his story ❤️
How did this supposedly win a best romance award?! Where is the humor, the guy busting laughter that it was reputed to have? My lips did not lift a once. The h was completely unlikable. She was a basket case without a grip on sanity. The H, no way would be think her antics were cute, let alone pursue her. I drug myself through to the half way point, from there it was skim to the end. His truth was ridiculous. The six months forward look had me cringing.
I admit that I am not a huge romance reader and I have never read a RomCom. That being said I was given a chance to read an ARC of this absolutely hilarious sexy as hell tale of Melinda and Arlie! Chris is a to die for side kick! I laughed out loud so many freaking times! I am hooked Belle Brooks! Truly hooked!!
This was a surprisingly hilarious and sugary sweet story. This was a first read by Belle Brooks and I’m so glad to have read it. This will have you laughing out loud one minute and swooning the next. The chemistry was hot but the slow build up was better. I loved the sweet and sexy and the little twist of fate. This was a fun, sweet quick summer read! Definitely won’t be my last Ms. Brooks book.