Review: Came out of nowhere!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 11, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.You know how you hear all of those cliché marketing buzzwords like "a hidden gem" or "surprise find" or something along those lines? Every single one of them could apply to this book. I had never heard of this title before it made its way to my inbox, but boy am I glad it did."But I think it's been fairly well established that I'm an unbelievable wanker in every way."A Toast To the Good Times is the story of Landry Murphy, (self-proclaimed) resident screw up. Landry is the oldest of three kids of a stereotypical Irish family from New Jersey. He had made his way to Boston after a brutal falling out with his father over the survival of the family business, a local watering hole. Instead of taking over for his father, Landry buys his own bar and makes an attempt to prove he can make it on his own. Can Landry get his act together and finally turn his life around? Fixing the relationship with his dad and family and find one woman who can possibly tame him?"Living with Mila was like having a sister-like person around. Only less annoying. Maybe like a pretty cool cousin. Or, I guess, I could call her a best friend."Mila is the nerdy librarian roommate of Landry. She is unapologetic in her quirkiness and nerddom, which makes her a loveable character. She has an Emily Dickinson tattoo and wears Jane Austen granny panties with an ode to Mr. Darcy...dear lord, can you get any more loveable? Unfortunately she believes her nerdiness puts her out of Landry's league. Can she convince Landry that she's not the sweet innocent little thing he thinks she is and to take a chance on her as more than just a friend?"Here's my advice, son. Stop worrying about the other guys who are better and f&%$ups from your past. Because there are better guys and you have been a huge f&%*up. But you deserve that girl more than anyone else, because you understand a true vintage. You know how rare it is, among all there is to choose from, to find something so delicate and sweet, but also fulfilling and robust. She's the champagne son, and you'll be able to celebrate with her for the rest of your life. You need that. You really do."A Toast to the Good Times is a very fast, easy, enjoyable read. The banter between the characters, the family members especially, is well written and downright hilarious at times. The authors have done an excellent job in creating characters with depth. I loved Landry and Mila as a couple and loved the family dynamic. This book takes place around the holidays so it is an exceptionally good choice for this time of year, especially since the resolution of the conflict is heartwarming. (I know, it sounds so cliché, but really, who doesn't love to see a family come together, especially around the holidays?). The relationship between Landry and his father is just as important as his relationship with Mila.Don't get me wrong; yes, there is plenty of hearts and flowers, but boy is there some heat involved too! Landry is total swoonworthy (gah! His name is Landry Murphy, that sucked me in right there....Irish bad boy? Yes, please!). He is the libation-swilling rake of a man (and he's a bartender, he knows his way around a drink or two) with a heart of gold. He'll also sweet-talk those panties right off of ya!A Toast To the Good Times is five incredible stars. Reading a whole book from a male POV is refreshing to say the least, especially with a character as raw and honest as Landry. It really felt like a lot of the angst and pretense you get with your typical YA romance was missing and it just felt a lot more honest. I can't wait to see what this pair of authors comes up with next!