Title: Good Boy
Author: Sarina Bowen
First published January 31, 2017
269 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781942444305
Rating: 4.03
Overview
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but for Jess Canning it’s a challenge like no other. Not only is she the maid of honor, but the best man happens to be the guy she made a colossal mistake with last spring.
Blake Riley is everything she wants but can’t have, and she can’t afford to let anyone find out what happened between them. Blake, on the other hand, sees this as a second chance to show Jess that he’s not just a bad boy hockey player.
He’s willing to do whatever it takes to win her over, even if it means facing a little (okay, a lot) of resistance. As the big day approaches, Jess has to deal with more than just wedding planning.
Will she let her guard down and give Blake a chance, or will she let her past mistakes ruin her shot at happiness? One thing’s for sure: this wedding is going to be one to remember.
About the Author
Meet Sarina Bowen – an accomplished author with an impressive record of twenty-four USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestsellers. She has written over thirty books, including the popular True North series and Brooklyn Hockey.
Collaborating with Elle Kennedy, Sarina co-authored the WAGs and Him/Us series, among others.
Whether you’re in the mood for a friends-to-lovers narrative or a story about a secret baby, Sarina has you covered. Her books are categorized by trope and style, making it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Stay up-to-date with Sarina’s news and releases by subscribing to her newsletter. You won’t want to miss out on any upcoming books or deals!
Editoral Review
Sarina Bowen’s Good Boy is a contemporary romance that delves deep into the complexities of modern relationships. The author, known for her New Adult and LGBTQ+ fiction, explores similar themes in this standalone novel.
The plot centers around Jess Canning, a young woman who struggles to find her place in her family’s dynamic. When her brother’s best friend, Blake, joins their summer trip to the Hamptons, sparks fly between the two.
However, there are several obstacles in their way, including Jess’s insecurities and Blake’s complicated past. Bowen’s writing style is fluid and engaging, with witty banter and emotional depth.
She creates multidimensional characters that readers can easily connect with, including the charming Blake and vulnerable Jess. The setting of the Hamptons provides a glamorous backdrop for the story, but the author does not shy away from addressing class and social issues.
One of the book’s strengths is its realistic portrayal of mental health and familial dynamics. Jess’s struggles with anxiety and her strained relationship with her parents feel authentic and relatable.
Similarly, Blake’s journey towards self-acceptance and forgiveness adds depth to the plot. However, the novel’s pacing could have been improved in certain parts, with the middle section feeling draggy at times.
Additionally, some readers may find the plot predictable, with few surprises or plot twists. Overall, Good Boy is a heartwarming and emotionally layered romance that explores themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the complexities of modern relationships.
Fans of Bowen’s previous works and fans of contemporary romance will find enjoyment in this novel. Rating: 4/5 stars.
