My take on: Until There Was You

"Holy Bieber!," "Oh Elvis!" If I said that out loud people would look at me like I'm nuts. If I ever say those words internally, I probably am going nuts. But coming from a character in Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins it is very funny.

Cordelia "Posey" Osterhagen is a rather quirky character. She's a tomboy, who loves flannel and work boots. Dresses are a foreign entity to her. Posey is not the type to wear her heart on her sleeve. Instead an off-the-cuff joke or a "Holy Bieber!" will suffice for Posey. But deep down she is still nursing a broken heart. As a teen she was in love with the town heartthrob and resident bad boy Liam Murphy. Just one little problem Liam doesn't even know he broke Posey's heart. He was too busy falling in love with Emma, the town's good girl. Liam and Emma move away from town, and build a life with their daughter, Nicole, in California. Years pass, and yet there's a little part of Posey that still pines for Liam.

When Liam returns to town after Emma's death, Posey is forced to face her feelings. Liam moves back to town to be closer to Emma's parents. But even that has its challenges. Liam is extremely overprotective of his teenage daughter, but in a good way. Liam doesn't want Nicole to fall prey to the type of person he used to be.

Posey's parents, especially her mother, are hilarious on their own. I think they could carry on their own sitcom. Her parents own a local German restaurant, Guten Tag. Posey's mother is the type of parent who would shove a piece of food in your mouth even if you're not hungry. She's always in everyone's business. She's even trying to play matchmaker -- just not with her daughter. Cousin Gretchen, a former TV chef, has returned to town to help out the family restaurant. At first Gretchen seemed all style and no substance. She cares more about looks and style, but as the book progresses there is more to Gretchen.

Posey, who is adopted, feels that her parents hold Gretchen in higher esteem. Gretchen accomplished more in her life and men want her. While Posey is the plain Jane in the corner, who makes a living in architectural salvage. Posey also has a secret "relationship" with Dante, the owner of a rival restaurant. I say "relationship" because they never meet in public and there are no displays of public affection. That's not a relationship, it's not even friends with benefits. A least you can be seen talking and having fun with a friend in public. That "relationship" was an acquaintance with benefits.

Posey has a circle of friends, including her best friend Jon (who just also happens to be her brother Henry's partner). All of that is thrown for a loop when Liam and Posey form their own secret "relationship." You knew that was coming, otherwise there is no point to the book. Although there is a difference to this secret "relationship." While they don't make their pairing public, it seems to have substance. They can actually have a conversation. There is banter, humor and actual romance to this secret "relationship." But even Posey has her doubts. What will make this "relationship" different from Dante? Does Liam care? Is he still in love with Emma? Should she get attached or protect her heart?

This is my second book by Kristan Higgins and I love it. If you read the first two pages and can't identify with the scenario, I don't think I would understand. What am I talking about? Well you will just have to read it to find out!!

Rating: Superb

Note: I received a copy of the book from the author's publicist (Little Bird Publicity) in exchange for an honest review.