Review: And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper

And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper
Women's Fiction/Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance
Gallery (July 27, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-1439168776
320 pages
Review copy received from publisher

Synopsis from Amazon:

"If Singletree’s only florist didn’t deliver her posies half-drunk, I might still be married to that floor-licking, scum-sucking, receptionist-nailing hack-accountant, Mike Terwilliger."

Lacey Terwilliger’s shock and humiliation over her husband’s philandering prompt her to add some bonus material to Mike’s company newsletter: stunning Technicolor descriptions of the special brand of "administrative support" his receptionist gives him. The detailed mass e-mail to Mike’s family, friends, and clients blows up in her face, and before one can say "instant urban legend," Lacey has become the pariah of her small Kentucky town, a media punch line, and the defendant in Mike’s defamation lawsuit.

Her seemingly perfect life up in flames, Lacey retreats to her family’s lakeside cabin, only to encounter an aggravating neighbor named Monroe. A hunky crime novelist with a low tolerance for drama, Monroe is not thrilled about a newly divorced woman moving in next door. But with time, beer, and a screen door to the nose, a cautious friendship develops into something infinitely more satisfying.

Lacey has to make a decision about her long-term living arrangements, though. Should she take a job writing caustic divorce newsletters for paying clients, or move on with her own life, pursuing more literary aspirations? Can she find happiness with a man who tells her what he thinks and not what she wants to hear? And will she ever be able to resist saying one . . . last . . . thing?

Molly Harper's Jane Jameson paranormal romances are a favorite of mine due to their hallmark smart wit. She employs a great blend of physical and intellectual humor that, along with an abundance of colorful characters, make for some of the most fun reading I've had. Her foray into realistic fiction is no exception. And One Last Thing... is a plausible account of a wronged woman's journey in emotional recovery, personal growth and rediscovering love that's both poignant and hilarious.

I love heroines like Lacey. Sure, she bemoaned her plight after finding out about her husband's affair, but she also did something about it. Not all of her actions are the wisest, but they usually lead to one juicy conflict or other. She's a smart woman that doesn't waste her potential, though she may occasionally need prodding from friends and family.

Set in a close-knit, Southern community, Harper's story is filled with plenty of the gossipy and traditional secondary characters that you would expect to find, as well as some wonderfully unique ones (i.e. Lacey's gay brother, Emmett, and ball-busting divorce lawyer, Samantha). Among the latter lies Monroe, an author and Lacey's new neighbor. His initial impression is of a rude, presumptive and blunt jerk. This, however, changes quickly as he and Lacey bond and develop a strong friendship like only two people in a somewhat isolated area can. The romance that subsequently grows is sweet and (almost) low-key due to the time spent on their friendly foundation. Of course, it's not always hearts and flowers. The two of them have strong personalities and - combined with Lacey's new found resolve to remain in control and not lose herself to a man again - a lot of the latter half of the novel's conflicts arise while watching them try to sort it all out.

As far as love-interests go, Monroe's okay. He fits the bill, is ultimately likable and suits Lacey. However, I wasn't enamored of him. I just didn't find him sexy enough or something, though that has more to do with my personal preferences than any real issue with the book. Regardless, I greatly enjoyed reading this one and Harper remains on my list of authors to watch.

Grade: B+

Visit Molly's site and blog for more info about her and her novels.

Other reviews:
The Book Lush - 4.5/5
Rex Robot Reviews - 4/5
Book Addict - 5/5

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