Here's Looking At You by Mhairi McFarlane
Published by: Avon (5th Dec 2013)
Received a copy for review from the publisher, thank you!
Blurb:
Anna Alessi – history expert, possessor of a lot of hair and an occasionally filthy mouth – seeks nice man for intelligent conversation and Mills & Boon moments.
Despite the oddballs that keep turning up on her dates, Anna couldn’t be happier. As a 30-something with a job she loves, life has turned out better than she dared dream. However, things weren’t always this way, and her years spent as the ‘Italian Galleon’ of an East London comprehensive are ones she’d rather forget.
So when James Fraser – the architect of Anna’s final humiliation at school – walks back into her life, her world is turned upside down. But James seems a changed man. Polite. Mature. Funny, even. People can change, right? So why does Anna feel like she’s a fool to trust him?
Why you would love this:
OK, I'm sure everyone who reads chick lit has stumbled upon the most talked-about romantic comedy of 2012, that is You Had Me At Hello? Well, returning with another fabulously charming book this year, I believe Mhairi (pronounced "Vah-Ree) has done it again! I simply adored Here's Looking At You!
I can't believe it's been a year since I read my favourite debut of 2012 and here I am, gushing about Mhairi's latest. Here's Looking At You is your typical ugly duckling story where Aureliana "Anna" Alessi, the pinnacle of the school's biggest loser, undergoes a complete makeover after leaving her nightmares in school. One so great, even her former peers don't recognise her. Cue gorgeous school crush who was the architect of her final humiliation, James Fraser. Now as Anna, she's successful, happy with life and has never looked back, but when Fate cruelly orchestrates their reunion, is it the perfect way for Anna to deliver the greatest payback or a chance for James to make amends?
I flipping loved Here's Looking At You! I think it is the most adorable, absorbing read since You Had Me At Hello. The plot is loosely based on Pride and Prejudice and since it's my favourite classic, I feel that Mhairi McFarlane has cleverly blended reworked the classic with a modern twist. So you can expect the sharp, quick-witted heroine, dashing and proud hero and of course, the (slightly) overbearing mother.
The characters in the book were fantastically written! I warmed up to Anna immediately as she reminded me so much of Elizabeth Bennet and Mhairi has created such a strong, independent heroine that would make Jane Austen proud. As opposed to Anna, there's James, the Darcy-esque hero which you can't help falling for. Armed with the perfect punch lines and buckets of charm, he and Anna surely make a wonderful team. The chemistry between them is undeniably brilliant! The thing is, Mhairi has an uncanny gift at using witticisms and the right amount of sarcasm to deliver the whooping comebacks and verbal riposte.
Here's Looking At You is bursting with charm and witty comebacks which you will devour without the guilty pleasure. Mhairi McFarlane's writing is fresh and sharp like a breath of fresh air, although a bit brusque, but equally enjoyable! An engaging, all-consuming love story-cum-romantic comedy which will leave you with the most dreadful book hangover. A cleverly written and captivating plot? Check. Kick-arse heroine? Check. Dashing hero who will make you heart flutter? Check. Gang of lovable characters? Check. Beautiful ending? Check. Here's Looking At You ticks the right boxes, so what are you waiting for? Get it NOW.
Rating: 10/10
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| Lizzy Caplan as Anna and Brandon Routh (I WIN!) as James |
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