What can I say? Marie Harte continues to win me over with her sexy heroes and awesome heroines. I'd be Zoe's bff in a heartbeat. I thought she was fun, but grounded as well. Gavin was so hot. I would have snapped him up so fast. They also had a lot of chemistry together, which I always appreciate.

I thought Harte did a fantastic job of tackling Gavin's PTSD. As a marine who saw a lot, he definitely had some issues. I liked that it didn't overwhelm the book (it's a romance after all) it was still included because it's so important. Gavin truly came through as if he was 100% real in those therapy sessions. I also appreciated his family's and Zoe's support in the matter as well.

I really enjoyed the prank wars as well, and I hope they keep on coming in future Donnigan books!

Just the Thing is the second book in Marie Harte's Donnigans series and deals with second Donnigan brother Gavin, who, like older brother Landon came home from the Marines injured. Although Gavin too had physical injuries, it's the guilt of surviving when his friends died that eats him up the most and causes the nightmares that plague his sleep. He's found some semblance of normal teaching a self-defense class at a local gym. While there he meets Zoe who immediately turns him down for a date, and proceeds to continually turn him down for a date.

Little does Gavin know that Zoe, too, is suffering from loss. The loss of her twin sister a few short months ago has left a hole in Zoe's heart. But it's also forced her to look a little at her life and realize that maybe she needs to start living more in the moment. She finally decides to take Gavin up on his offer of a date expecting nothing more than a fling. What neither of them expect are the deep feelings that develop between them.

Just the Thing didn't click for me at first. I wasn't immediately hooked, but as the story went on and Gavin and Zoe's story developed as one about different ways we deal with loss I found myself more drawn in. I loved the contrast between Zoe and Gavin's personal tragedies, just showing the different ways that they were each able to deal with and process their losses, and showing that each way was valid for the different people they are. Yet their losses were still things that gave them a common connection and understanding between each other.

Of course, Just the Thing is a romance, and we wouldn't have a romance without some sexytimes which the story has in plenty. Zoe and Gavin's chemistry jumps off the page, and balances out the more serious tone quite well, without overshadowing the main message of the story.

And of course I liked the connection this series makes with Harte's other series The McCauley Brothers and Body Shop Bad Boys. You don't necessarily have to have read the other series to enjoy this one, but it definitely enhances the read.

The end of the book gives a good glimpse at where the series is going next. Unsurprisingly, sister Hope will be the next Donnigan to find her happily-ever-after

Gavin Donnigan is an ex Marine, discharged due to an injury and he suffers from PTSD.
Zoe York is the unattainable woman at the gym where Gavin is working. Zoe has her own issues, trying to on with life after the death of her twin.

This book gives a realistic and very sensitive look at how PTSD can affect not only the soldier but his family. This was an emotional book that had you in tears one minute and laughing out loud the next. The Prank Wars are hilarious, read the book and find out what they are. I did feel like the book could have done with a few less sex scenes. For me, after the first few, they slowed the pace of the book. I probably would have given it at least another 1/2 star rating except for that issue. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

After struggling through older brother Landon's book, I was nervous about starting Just the Thing. It didn't help that I got some spoilers from a related series that I had not yet finished. And while Gavin's book started out rough, by the end I really liked it.

Gavin (and the rest of the Donnigans) are youthful. The prank wars, the oneupmanship, the bickering both hide and demonstrate a closeness that is heartwarming and endearing. Like the previous book, there is a lot of the Donnigan family in Just the Thing, which turns out to be very good and very important.

Because the fun atmosphere of the Donnigans is tempered by Gavin's PTSD and survivor's guilt from his time as a Marine. He's good as a "good time" guy hiding his pain and inside he is slowly and almost completely falling apart. The intervention that gets him help is in A Sure Thing, Landon's book, so it's not a spoiler. This dual nature of both Gavin and the book literally had me in tears. It's laugh out loud funny one moment and then a few pages later the waterworks start, especially toward the end.

Gavin's desire and need for Zoe mirrors a little too closely older brother Landon's need and love for Ava. Though it becomes clear very quickly that to some degree his feelings for Zoe are masking his pain as well. As expected, events eventually do come to a head, and when they do, it was a flood.

Since Gavin's emotional state is so integral to the plot there are a few points I feel I need to touch on. First, there is very little sugarcoating of Gavin's state. Landon openly has warned family not to touch Gavin if he is upset in his sleep, a clear indicator that there is concern about Gavin's potential to harm someone by accident. Gavin himself warns Zoe that he is unstable. He has several flashbacks during the day, including one at a wedding. Second, Gavin gets help. Yes, it's Ava who convinces him to get that help but he does ask so he is clearly indicating that he understands he needs help and that counseling is something he wants. Some of those sessions are depicted in Just the Thing. Third, his survivor's guilt and his guilt over his role in the Marines (but especially his guilt over his role) are intense and enhanced by some of the events in the book.

I was impressed with the extent to which Gavin's issues are depicted in Just the Thing. I'm not a huge fan of trigger warnings, but I definitely think that if someone is suffering from PTSD or survivor's guilt, there is enough in this book that it could make it worse for a reader. It's not overly graphic but my imagination is more than a little capable of filling in the few blanks and it's not pretty. Also, as a call for getting help, Just the Thing works that way too.

I liked the set up for Hope and struggled with how three series of Harte's are now completely intertwined so it's clear that the books need to be read together.

I like the author and thought the story line was interesting but this book didn't work for me at all. I had a hard time getting into the story. I found that I had to re-read several chapters to understand where the author was going. I also thought it had a sadness that surrounded both characters. I'm not opposed to sad stories but this left me feeling a bit depressed at times.

It's really more like 3.5 stars. I feel I have to dock half for the use of the word "nipplage"

As soon as JUST THE THING hit my Kindle, I was all over this baby. This second book in the Donnigans series is one of my highly anticipated reads of this year and it didn’t let me down one bit. In fact, I was even more impressed by Marie Harte and her writing in this one.

You can definitely read this book as a standalone, but just as a warning, I have a feeling that you’re going to want to check out the other books in the series after because this book is just so good.

This book is Gavin’s book and he’s the fun-loving brother in the Donnigans family. I was so excited to get his story because I definitely think he has the best personality. Harte stays true to his character and delivers a laugh-out-loud storyline that will no doubt sweep you off your feet. This series has quickly become my favorite family-oriented series beating some popular and longer series out there. There’s just something so funny about reading the guys riled each other up. Even just 2% in this book and I found myself laughing my head off. It really is just a grand old time.

As if that’s not enough to persuade you, there’s also a fabulous romance between the hero and heroine. I worried about who Gavin was going to be paired up with and how she was going to measure up to his awesomeness but Zoe is seriously just as spectacular. I have a major girl crush on her as well. Needless to say, Harte has really come up with some amazing characters. JUST THE THING is hands down my favorite book of 2017 so far.

This book could be read as a stand alone – but I think it would be better to read “A sure thing” first – and I recommend as a matter of fact to read the “McCauley Brothers” series first – because the characters are connected and made appearances. Maybe I am anal – I like to have everything in order…

In this book we meet Gavin, a former Marine, injured and retired from active duty and struggling with PTS. And we meet Zoe, an IT instructor, who lost her twin sister at a car accident. Two broken souls.

But they deal in a different way with their injuries.

While Zoe buried herself in work and workout and kept herself busy, Gavin tried to hide his insecurities with snarky comments and manly behavior.

They met at the gym, where Gavin is an instructor and was teaching a self defense class (what a great way to make physical contact…). He asked Zoe for a date several times – but she refused. But at one point she decided to move forward and agreed to a date.

He surprised her with a very untraditional one and – despite their differences – she felt connected.

Although I appreciated some aspects of the story I never really got addicted to this book. I never really felt for the characters. Don´t get me wrong – I enjoyed the book, I liked it enough to finish and I am really interested how the whole bunch of McCauley and Donigans were doing in the future.
I just could not believe these two were meant for each other. Sure – some people say opposites attracts, but I think there should be more than physical attraction. But we do not know how their relationship develope in the future – so of course they deserved their “happily ever after”.

I am waiting for the next book – “The Only Thing” – hopefully about Hope – the only girl in the Donnigan family.

After coming back from war and getting early medical retirement a guy goes throughadjustment period and guilt. While getting help he started working at a gym and was wanting to get to know one lady, but at the time she was going through a big loss in the family and was trying to heal also. Together they help each other out, but it's Rocky for a while.

Every step Gavin Donnigan takes his demons are two steps behind him, he's seen things that would cripple most, but he's found a way to lock it all away... for the most part. His return to civilian life has been rough, but he's found ways to keep himself busy, teaching self defense classes and sweating things out at the gym. Sometimes he finds a way to let go of things and have a little fun, like flirting with a certain sexy blonde that frequents the gym, but as of yet he hasn't been able to get the date he's been asking for...

After losing her twin sister in an devastating accident a few months ago Zoe York has been left a small sliver of the woman she used to be, her grief hangs above her head, with every step she takes. She is trying her best to get back to the woman she use to be, but it is a daily struggle, one that wears her out. So she depends on her work-outs at the gym to re-energize her and keep her mind focused on something other the loss, and once in a while she even has a little fun. Especially when a certain sexy self -defense instructor comes around...

This one had me swooning from the first chapter, I mean what is not to love about a sexy, charming ex-Marine determined to win the heart of the woman he loves, Gavin is definitely going to be hard to beat as my favorite Donnigan!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Gavin and Zoe's story, it had everything a good romance story should have and then some. This is a story about two wounded souls that are in search of a second chance at life, and along the way they discover that after being dealt the worst life has to offer it is truly possible to have a new beginning in life and find the happiness they so desperately yearn for and deserve. I highly recommend this one, it's sure to you leave with a happy heart, and a serious crush on a certain sexy ex-Marine!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Both Gavin and Zoe have survivors guilt, which they are each dealing with. It's unique seeing both lead rolls actually doing great. Gavin would probably tell you he's a mess, but the fact that he's getting regular help for it shows just how well he really is doing.
Gavin's character is this buff gym enthusiast. He has the swagger down pact. But he is so sweet. The way he loves his family says it all. Speaking of family, the prank wars are totally on.
Just the Thing is very humorous and sexy.

This book wasn't for me. I got halfway through and had to stop. Gavin was extremely unlikable. I also couldn't connect with Zoe. Writing wasn't terrible though. It's the reason why I'm giving 2 stars and why I made it halfway through.

This was a beautiful contemporary romance surrounded around a Marine. I enjoyed the romance, the characters and the prank wars. Perfect for a quick read.

Gavin was an amazing male character. He was discharged from the Marines after suffering a gun shot to the lung and his friends dying. This follows him coping with the lost, letting go of his regrets and truly learning to love and live his life. Gavin was fun, bubbly, sarcastic and sexy. He did have his moments, but with all he went through I think he was perfect.

Zoe has just lost the orher half of her --- her twin sister. She is coping with the lost and trying to figure out how to truly enjoy her life and date men as her sister did. Zoe was very driven, hardworking and loveable. I loved seeing her loosen up and just let go from time to time. She was very level headed.

The romance between Gavin and Zoe was good. I loved that Gavin never gave up on asking her out and then when he decided he would she initiated things. They were two peas in a pod. Perfect for helping one another get over their losts and not in a bad way either. They did have a lot of steamy sex, but I enjoyed that they didn't let the sex over take their relationship. They really took the time to build something real.

Totally ship Zovin (Zoe + Gavin).

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Very hot and still sweet and fun even while dealing with serious issues of grief and PTSD. I also loved the mentions of characters from previous books.

Gavin has PTSD from his time in the service and he just takes life one day at a time. He meets Zoe in the family gym where he is a trainer. Zoe has lost someone close to her and is also struggling to get through the day. She isn't interested in getting involved with anyone but Gavin wears her down. Together they can have a future, if they can get over the past. Gavin and Zoe have great chemistry and their red hot romance is off the charts. I really enjoyed this second book in the Donnigans series.

really enjoyed this book

I seriously LOVED this book so much! The story was so good, and so important! Marie Harte is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and I loved seeing Del and the guys in this one!

The Donnigan family is one of my favorites not only for the storyline and characters themselves, but for the absolutely brilliant writing. So very infrequently do you find a writer who can carry the reader through a myriad of emotions in just a few pages as Ms Harte can. Laughing hysterically one moment, then shedding emotional tears of empathy the next, then back to hilarity in the span of just a few pages is a true gift.

Gavin's story is heart wrenching yet filled with humor and passion, Zoe was his balm towards healing. Between them there was an electricity that emanated throughout their story. Gavin with his giant heart and playful nature, was the perfect foil to Zoe's seriousness and outrageously blunt demeanor, both of them hiding deep pain.

I haven't laugh so hard as I did during Gavin and Zoe's contribution to the prank wars...the pranks are one of the highlights of the Donnigan family...they are over the top hilarious and creative.

In the Donnigan family, Ms Harte has created individuals that any reader can relate to and perhaps see a piece of themselves. I look for to the next installment in the series, the ending in this story tee'd up Hope's story perfectly.

This advanced reader copy was provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

This is a sweet, sexy and romantic story about two people hurting who come together and bring each other happiness and lots of hot times.

Gavin has had a thing for Zoe for 4months. They both workout at the same gym. But Zoe is in a lot of pain. Her twin sister died in a terrible car accident and she is the cautious twin. So while she likes Gavin she doesn't want a one night stand.

Gavin is a former military sharp shooter who lost a lot of friends. He is using alcohol and sex to make it fromday to day. He realises what he is doing and decides to stop drinking and having casual sex and thats when he finds Zoe. But she won't have anything to do with him.

Until...Zoe decides to go for it and I loved their first few dates. So many books don't do dates and that is the funnest part of relationships. The two are so fun and sexy together and I loved them. Add in the Donnagan family and well this was a sweet and fun book that I really love.