PTSD effects everyone differently. Gavin had a hard time coming to terms with his. Zoe has grief of her own to overcome. they each approach it in different ways. the romance between them was cute and sassy. Again the secondary character are fun. The prank wars were hilarious. Very much an enjoyable book

Time spent with the pranking, close knit Donnigan family is always time well spent, but there’s always an emotional edge as well. Just The Thing is many things – intense, funny, sexy and heartwarming. It will be difficult to walkaway from this story with your emotions intact and untouched.

Gavin has faced the demons of his time in the military every single day. Survivors guilt, PTSD often take over and make his life, his memories a living hell. It’s unfortunate that Gavin is also well able to put up a good front, able to hide behind his fun-loving, jokier personality. He may think he has his family fooled, but that’s far from true as their concerns are obvious. His self-defense class at the local gym has become a place where he can escape to, he certainly never expected it to bring one beautiful, wounded woman into his life as well.

Zoe is dealing with her own trauma. The death of her twin sister recently has sent her on a spiral of grief and depression. She never thought that taking a self-defense class would put her in the orbit of one sexy talking, prankster like Gavin. Or that he’d break down walls to rescue her.

Just The Thing is a story that will move you in one way or another. Full of moments filled with laughter, others with utter despair this one is an emotional journey to love. A visit with the Donnigans is always an adventure and this time around was no different. I enjoyed myself wiped a few tears from sadness and from laughter – and that’s what a good story should do.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

It took me a bit to get into this book. Gavin seemed so immature and childish at first. As I kept reading, getting to know him, and the things he deals with it finally made sense to me. So, I forgave the first 15% or so of this book because it turned out so be so, so good. Poor Gavin and Zoe. Both have been through horrible ordeals and cope (or not at all) in very different ways. I loved their journey together towards love and healing. I really don't know much about PTSD but I think it was a matter that was handled realistically and beautifully. This book gave me all the feels; I even cried a little. A definite must read!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

It started off strong. Funny dialogue, great family dynamics, promise of a great relationship but then it fizzled and I got bored.

Marie Harte writes excellent family-centric series, and she has another winner - The Donnigans. You will love this family, and you’ll love the second, stand-alone book in the series, Just the Thing.

Gavin Donnigan suffers PTSD after being shot and seeing several of his friends killed in action while in the Marine Corps. He’s now medically discharged and home, but he has struggled to transition to civilian life. He’s finally found a sweet spot in personal training and teaching a women’s self defense class at a gym, and things are looking up for him.

Gavin spots “Pink Yoga Pants” girl (Zoe York) at the gym, and he’s wildly attracted to her. Zoe blows off Gavin’s goofy and sweet attempts to flirt and ask her out, but he has her reconsidering her “no.” He’s irresistible. Zoe lost her twin sister in a car accident, and she’s still struggling emotionally. She’s closed herself off and living a muted life, but she decides to take a chance on Gavin. He captivates her and makes her feel again.

Gavin and Zoe are incredibly endearing. I seriously fell in love with Gavin. He’s fun, funny, sexy, and charming. I loved seeing him with his family and witnessing them interact. I’d love to be a member of the Donnigan family! Both Gavin and Zoe have suffered profound loss, and the beauty of their love story is that they can help each other heal because they understand each other.

Just the Thing is heartfelt and poignant mixed with lighthearted, hilarious, and sexy. It’s perfect.

Let me start this review by saying that cover is so much yummy eye candy! Thumbs up to whoever picked this cover it's the best lol! Just sayin'! I loved Gavin back when I read his big brother, Landon's book, A Sure Thing. Gavin was just so goofy and playful that I was drawn to him. So when I seen his book on Netgalley I was so excited for him to get his HEA. Gavin was everything I had hoped for. I smiled a lot while reading this book. Gavin was so funny, charming, and omg sexy. I just loved him to pieces. The things that would come out of Gavin's mouth lol he was just so goofy! Zoe was sassy, bossy, and so serious. It was fun watching her loosen up with Gavin and get playful. I loved that Zoe was so open and outspoken. I thought Zoe and Gavin made a cute couple. They had such great chemistry together in and out of the bedroom. This book touches on some serious issues like loss, PTSD, and survivor guilt. Reading about the pain Gavin, and at times Zoe, was dealing with really pulled on my heartstrings but, for the most part this book just really made me smile and laugh. I enjoyed getting to see the whole Donnigan family again. They are just so loving, supportive, and fun. Ava and Landon are still happy and cute and I loved getting to check in on them. I can't wait for Gavin's sister Hope to get a book! I am seeing a tattooed yummy in her future!

Just the Thing is the followup to A Sure Thing featuring the Donnigan siblings. This is Gavin and Zoe's story. In the first book, Gavin is back from war and not dealing with his trauma in a good way. In this book, he has been in therapy, has a job and is beginning to cope with his feelings about his time in a war zone. He has been trying to get Zoe to go out with him for months. Zoe recently lost her twin sister in a car accident and hasn't had a lot to smile about as she works through her own grief.

I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first one. Gavin and Zoe both had a lot of stuff to work through, but they were good for each other. I loved their banter and watching them fall for each other was a treat. The thing that I loved the most about this story was the realistic way Gavin's PTSD was portrayed. Even at the end, he wasn't "cured" and still had a long way to go.

As in the previous book, the prank wars are still going on. That is always good for a laugh or two. The one that Gavin and Zoe pulled was hilarious. This book sets up for Hope's story. I really look forward to reading that one and hope that Cleo gets her own story!

Just the Thing, by Marie Harte is a humorous contemporary romance that deals with serious issues.

After leaving the Marines, Gavin Donnigan struggled with post traumatic stress and minor physical injuries, as well as overcoming the grief of his three best friends dying in battle. After months of self-medicating with alcohol and women, Gavin is now trying to revive his life with therapy and exercise, especially since he works as a trainer at Jameson's Gym.

At the gym, Gavin encounters the beautiful Zoe York and repeatedly asks her out. Even though Zoe's attracted to him, she's determined to not become another one of Gavin's many women. However, she finally agrees to a date with Gavin. As the story continues, Gavin and Zoe deal with family issues, including major prank wars in the Donnigan clan, as well as their personal tragedies that affect their new relationship.

Since it's the second book in The Donnigans series, it's recommended to start with the first book to meet the other characters, yet it's not necessary to read the books in order.

Just the Thing is geared towards those who enjoy reading contemporary romances, particularly stories involving intriguing character conversations and cliche comments.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

3.75 stars-- JUST THE THING is the second installment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult THE DONNIGANS erotic, romance series focusing on the Donnigan family. This is Marine Gavin Donnigan, and medical IT programmer Zoe York’s story line. JUST THE THING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. THE DONNIGANS is a spin off from Marie Harte’s THE MCCAULEY BROTHERS and BODY SHOP BAD BOYS series. You do not have to have read the previous series to follow the spin off. The Donnigan and The McCauley siblings are cousins.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Gavin and Zoe) JUST THE THING follows the building romance between Marine Gavin Donnigan, and medical IT programmer Zoe York. Working as a trainer at the local gym since returning stateside and medically discharged from active duty Gavin has had his eye on Zoe York for several months. But all attempts at flirtation and fun have been pushed aside by the black-haired beauty and no matter what he does, Zoe continues to play hard to get until one day Gavin is surprised that Zoe is willing to give him a chance. What ensues is the building relationship between Zoe and Gavin, and the fall out when Gavin’s past continues to destroy his peace of mind.

Gavin Donnigan was released from active duty following a mission that went horribly wrong. Not only did Gavin survive a gunshot wound weeks before, but several of his fellow Marines didn’t make it home alive, and our hero now has issues with survivors guilt and PTSD. Throughout the story line we are up close and personal with Gavin’s struggle to move on with his life including the ability to fall in love with the woman that calls to his heart. Zoe York lost her twin sister to a car accident months before and she battles the what-ifs and whys at different times during the day. Moving forward has been a struggle, but each day makes it easier to remember the good time with the sister that she lost. Falling in love with Gavin Donnigan found our heroine looking forward to the future, a future that is in jeopardy with Gavin’s inability to accept the loss of his fellow Marines.

The relationship between Gavin and Zoe is one of immediate attraction but both agree that a permanent relationship at this time in their lives may not be forthcoming. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense. Gavin is willing to submit to the woman he jokingly calls his Mistress.

We are reintroduced to Gavin’s brother Landon and his fiancé Ava Rosenthal, youngest brother Theo and sister Hope, as well as their parents Linda and Van. The Donnigan siblings, as well as newcomers Ava and Zoe, and the Donnigan parental units, continue to play pranks on one another that can get carried away rather quickly. Gavin’s counselor /therapist Lee must remained focused on the man who is slowly succumbing to guilt and remorse; Mac Jameson-the owner of Jameson’s Gym who keeps a steady work environment for our leading hero, and several family members of the men Gavin lost to the war who are desperate to learn anything they can about what happened to the men that they lost. Zoe’s aunt Piper is a firecracker and says it like it is; and Zoe’s co-workers at the SMP Medical Group Mark Swanson and Cleo Brewer butt heads at every turn. There are also several characters who cross over from the author’s Body Shop Bad Boys and The McCauley Brothers series for familiarity and cohesion.

JUST THE THING is a story with moments of laughter and fun; heartbreak and sorrow; emotional breakdowns and too many tears. The premise is engaging, entertaining, dramatic and sorrowful; the characters are colorful, dynamic and real; the romance is spicy, seductive and passionate. JUST THE THING is the story of one man’s struggle to move forward with his life, and the woman who accepts the man that he has become.

Copy supplied for review

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Just the thing
By: Marie Harte
📚💕⭐⭐⭐⭐💕📚

Letting love in!!!

Gavin and Zoe two very broken people not looking to let anyone in to their life. Brought together by a self defense class Gavin a retired marine teaches at the local gym. Both lost people the loved and have horrible survivors guilt. Even though you will get to read and empathize with each person you'll also get the pull to each other.

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Let me start by saying I think I just read a book that had everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a four star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks you Netgally for letting me read and review.

Gavin's got a rough past and coming home with a severe case of PTSD isn't easy for any marine. Finding solace as a gym trainer, Gavin meets Zoe. Sarcastic and sassy, it seems that Zoe has no time for Gavin. But he sees the loss behind her eyes and can't help but tug on the pull he feels between them.

Zoe's loss of her twin sister left a wound she never thought would heal. The guilt she feels for surviving has lead to so much stress that working out is her only release. That is until Gavin, the gym's incessant trainer, sets his sights on her...and her pink yoga pants.

I loved that Harte has a hero that is very real about his PTSD. In the first book we got to see Gavin's struggles (women and booze) before he accepted the help he needs. Having a hero that acknowledges his true weakness is actually showing true strength. Zoe's decision to be a bit more carefree, like her sister had been, was truly inspiring. I loved watching her come alive alongside Gavin.

I'm glad we also got to see some behind the scenes for Theo, the baby Donnigan, and  Hope, the lone female Donnigan. I know these two are both going to have some wild tales. With a lot of sexiness and some downright romantic feels, this series is definitely just the thing you need!

I went into this book with a good bit of trepidation, as I didn't really care for the previous book in the series. Thankfully, this book was a bit better than that first one!

Gavin and Zoe are both tortured by deaths that they couldn't control, but Zoe is coping with it a bit better than Gavin is. Their grief journey made it logical for them to hook up into a relationship, but I was glad that it didn't dominate their relationship either. I especially liked that they were taking their time and getting to know one another instead of just falling into bed and basing their relationship on sex. I liked seeing the relationship grow over time, as well as seeing Gavin take steps toward moving on from his losses as well.

The cast of secondary characters was good. I did like getting to know Theo and Hope a bit better in this story. We also get more of a blending of the author's three major contemporary series (The McCauley Brothers, Body Shop Bad Boys, and this one), and this installment reminded me quite a bit of the author's Body Works series as well. Unfortunately, there was something about the book that didn't hold my interest, but I can't really identify what it was. I found it really dragging in spots and had to force myself to keep reading it. I'd hesitate to purchase this for myself, unless it went on sale, and I'd have to think about reading the rest of the series unless I could borrow them from the library.

This is a very nice, fast paced romantic comedy that actually deals with the side effects of grief as well as PTSD and survivor’s guilt. I enjoyed both Gavin and Zoe although Gavin’s behavior was a little juvenile at times for a thirty-two year old man. His family’s prank war was hilarious and entertaining but I felt like there were moments that it overtook the story. However, my heart hurt for Gavin when he had to face his past and make a decision on how to deal with it. Zoe’s character remained strong and dedicated. She was willing to do whatever Gavin needed to find healing.

This was a fun read with some serious moments, plenty of humor, and some extra spicy bedroom play. No real epilogue and the ending sets us up for Gavin’s sister Hope.

ARC provided by Netgalley

Dual POV
Safe
No apparent triggers

Gavin Donnigan has suffered greatly from his time in the Marines. Determined to get over his unhealthy way of coping, he is seeing a therapist, working at a job that is satisfying and non-stressful and avoiding women... well most most women...

Zoe York is dealing with some loss of her own. Seeing Gavin at the gym, she thinks he is just about the most annoying man in existence... but he brings out something in her she hasn't been able to enjoy since the sudden loss of her twin sister...

This was a fantastic read. While dealing with some pretty heavy issues, these two characters and their banter kept the story light, fun and extremely enjoyable. I love Zoe, she is a strong, independent woman, who is slowly working through how to live life without her twin sister. Gavin is hilarious, and lives to make Zoe smile... even if it's at his own expense. He recognizes the pain in her eyes, and although he is far from being healed of his own issues, he can't help but want something more with Zoe.

This is book two in the Donnigans series and a spin off from the McCauley Brothers series. Therefore we are treated to a revisit of many of our favorite past characters, and an entire hilarious and new family dynamic with the Donnigans.

I laughed, I cried and I loved every single minute of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

both gavin donnigan and zoe york know something about survivor's guilt. they both have experienced loss and are still grieving in just the thing.

gavin is an ex-marine who lost his best friends and unit to an ied explosion in afghanistan. he only survived because he had been shot during a prior mission and was still recovering in the hospital. zoe lost her twin sister in a car accident and is feeling adrift. her sister was the fun, creative twin. the one so full of life that it makes no sense that she is gone.

it takes a while for zoe to realize that gavin is serious in his interest. and when they start dating they really try to start out slow, but the chemistry between them is off the charts. so even though gavin is still recovering from his emotional trauma, something that requires extensive therapy and meditation and coping mechanisms, they end up in a serious relationship quickly.

and it's totally too soon for gavin, who is a total mess. one of the best things about gavin though is his emotional honesty. he's really trying to do right by zoe and everyone else around him. he also wants to be better for his own sake. but it's not going to be easy or a quick fix.

healing from the psychological scars of war is a time-consuming process. which is not to say that zoe isn't battling her own demons. but for her, being with gavin gives her a way to hold on to happier memories of her twin. and she takes her sister's way of being to heart and tries to live her life in a more open way than her natural instinct would have her in order to honor and remember her twin.

as a backdrop to all the grief and romance, we have the continued donnigan prank war. which escalates beyong the immediate family. hope and theo are clearly the next siblings up for stories of their own, though clearly hope will come first given that theo is still college-aged.

Here’s the deal, I’ve been reading author Marie Harte a very long time. The first book I read by her, Enjoying the Show, I’ve probably read fifteen times that’s how much I love it and that series along with her other contemporary series are all favorites of mine. There is something so real about the characters she writes that I want to climb inside her series and have them as my friends. I appreciate that a lot of her characters are blue collar workers (not all, but many), but most of all I love the friendships and the family relationships contained within her book’s pages. She makes it so easy to read and in her latest release, Just The Thing, she gave us a romance between two characters grieving for different reasons but in each other found a reason to smile and more.

After being shot and several of his friends killed, Gavin Donnigan was medically discharged from the Marine Corp and sent home. Gavin’s transition to civilian life hasn’t been easy and for awhile he lost himself in booze and easy women, but his family, therapy, and his job at Jameson’s Gym has gotten him back on track. He loves personal training and doing self defense classes with his brother and if he could only get “Pink Yoga Pants” girl to give him the time of day his day would be made despite the fact that he knows he’s not good enough for her.

After losing her twin sister in a car accident, Zoe York is just trying to get past the grief and live her life. She loves her career, and working out relives her stress and as much as she’d love to admit that the gym’s trainer, Gavin, coming on to her and asking her out bugs her, he also makes her feel alive and vibrant. Taking a page out of her late sister’s book, Zoe decides to give Gavin a date; she just never expects to enjoy his company as much as she does.

I love both of these characters so much, while they both had some issues and they dealt with them in different ways it was obvious that just having someone to spend time with and someone who could understand their grief made life better. There was no doubt Gavin had worse problems and while he was seeking help, it was going to take time for him to deal with everything going on inside his brain. Gavin is one of those people who is great at putting on a happy face, enjoying life, and making those who don’t really know him think he’s just a charming, fun loving guy, but there is so much more to him. Zoe was a spitfire and despite her moments of grief which she was so entitled to, I admired her strength and her dedication to her job. I also loved that she didn’t let Gavin get away with his “normal routine” when it came to women and that Gavin realized he wanted to make the time he spent with Zoe special. I liked that despite these two were really in different places in their lives regarding their careers, it was never an issue between them. Gavin was proud of Zoe’s success and the way those who worked with her spoke so highly of her. Zoe seemed to understand that working at the gym was important to Gavin, kept him busy and made him feel useful and happy. I appreciated that she understood Gavin was at somewhat of a crossroads and she never made him feel “less than” because he hadn’t yet figured out the next step in his life plan.

While this book dealt with some serious issues such as PTSD and losing loved ones, it was tempered with some truly hilarious moments as well. The Donnigans love their pranks and pulling them off on one another gives them great pleasure. Cameo appearances by the McCauley cousins and the men from the body shop made this book just that much more special. And, I haven even mentioned the smokin’ hot sexy times mainly because I’m still trying to cool off from reading them.

If it sounds like I’m gushing about this book and author Marie Harte it’s because I am, Just The Thing was another fantastic book in her body of work and if you aren’t reading this author you are seriously missing out!

Hot and steamy. Likeable characters. Can read as a standalone even though it's part of a series, didn't actually realise that until seeing it on goodreads. Writing was a bit all over the place but still enjoyable

Just the Thing
The Donnigans #2
Marie Harte
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such an emotional read. Make sure you grab some tissues for this one. It has such a great storyline.
Ex-marine with PTSD meets girl at his gym. After hitting on her for months she finally gives in and goes on a safe with him.
Their relationship evolves from there and Zoe has to figure out if Gavin is worth the trouble.
I really enjoyed this one. It took me a bit to finish just because work and life kept getting in the way. But I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it. And the author ended it with a teaser about the next book and I can't wait for that one to come out.
Thanks NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very fun read. Great banter not only between the MC's, but the side characters as well. Gavin came off as an arrogant hottie, but I don't think he truly was arrogant. He had such a great sense of humor and played to that.

His 2 brothers, sister and even his parents made appearances throughout the book and added to the overall enjoyment of this story. They are a close-knit family that played pranks on each other. Immature? Maybe. Funny? Yes. If you have read the McCauley series, we get appearances from them as well.

There are some serious sides to this story, as well. Both Gavin and Zoe have suffered personal loss in their lives and we get to see them balance a new love while dealing with their grief. An opposites attraction that complimented each other very well. I am very interested in reading more into this series. The characters were very easy to fall in love with. ARC provided by NetGalley.

Marie Harte is an enjoyable author. Really enjoying this series, characters are real and so is the romance.