Review: Great addition to a great series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 8, 2014
Erin Nicholas is one of those authors whom I’ve read everything they’ve written mainly because I really love her writing style and also because she’s a contemporary romance girl and that’s primarily what I read. I’ve enjoyed everything she’s written; some books I’ve liked, some I’ve loved, and some are books that blow me away and Up By Five is totally in the blow me away category. There is so much that is right with this book; a hero who is just a wee bit clueless about women despite being a rumored Lothario, a plot worthy of being made into a romcom movie, a supporting cast of characters that make you miss Friends even more than you already do, and a strong, capable heroine who loves to talk dirty, demands attention in bed, and isn’t afraid to say what she wants. I honestly don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a heroine as much as this one, but it’s been awhile. Erin Nicholas has reached a new level in her writing with Up By Five and I for one am so happy I’ve been along for the ride.Conner Dixon is a dedicated son, brother, and paramedic. In addition he’s a man-whore but the ladies all love him, so he obviously does something right. Now that his four sisters are in happy relationships with some of his best friends (despite his initial reservations) he feels like for the first time since his Dad died he can sit back and relax and have some “me” time. It’s going fairly well until he responds to a fire scene on his day off and realizes that Gabriella “Gabby” Evans (one of his crew members) apartment has been totaled. Always the knight in shining armor, Conner insists she stay in his guest room. He just has no idea how having her close is going to change his life.Gabby will be the first to admit that she has a wee bit of a crush on Conner but he doesn’t see her as a woman, he just sees her as a co-worker and really she’s okay with that until the day he decides he’s going to try and embarrass her and she gives it right back shocking Conner and turning him on at the same time. When Conner insists she move in with him following the fire at her apartment, she really doesn’t think it’s a good idea but finds it hard to say no to the ever charming man. She’s got two months left on his crew before she starts med school so maybe some time taunting Conner is just what she needs to blow off steam.This is one of those books where I laughed from the first page right up until the end that’s not to say it didn’t have it poignant moments, it’s sexy moments (although some of those contained laughter as well), and some straight up serious moments but this book was just flat out fun. These were two people who were seemingly on very different paths yet once they merged there was no doubt they were meant to be. While there were many moments of hilarity, there were also those moments where they both had to figure out what they wanted and own up to the fact that things change even if you have a plan.There were so many memorable moments in this book and most of them came straight from Gabby’s mouth. She’s such a feisty heroine and she’s very capable of taking care of herself and helping out all of her family when needed. This is ultimately why she and Conner get along and why they also have trouble. They both are very dedicated to their families but Conner is use to being needed and he thinks he’s the only one that can solve his sister’s problems but Gabby doesn’t need that from him yet he recognizes that’s because no one has ever had to do things for her and he wants to be the one she needs. It really complicates an already complicated relationship but thankfully they both have great friends and family to help them through their crisis. I really can’t say enough about the supporting cast in this book, in addition to all the players from the first four books in this series, we get to spend time with the crew from Ms. Nicholas’ Bradford series and we meet a lot of Gabby’s male relatives who are just as crazy as the rest of the group. This book has a huge ensemble cast but their insight, advice, teasing, and love just add to an already amazing story.I really could go on and on and on about this book but instead I’m just going to suggest you hop over to your favorite online bookseller and pick it up. You won’t be sorry and I can guarantee you’ll laugh a time or two or a hundred. If you haven’t read the first four books in this series, you can read this one as a standalone but I think you’ll enjoy it much more if you’ve read the others first. Once again Erin Nicholas has written a superb story filled with friends, family, love, a whole lot of laughter, and proves why she is one of the best contemporary romance authors out there.Review copy provided for an honest review.