Member Reviews
I'm going to find this review difficult to write. I get that in theory this is meant to be a somewhat light-hearted take on the battle of the sexes but when two people are expected to engage in sexual relations as a condition of their employment then it crosses the line into very dangerous territory.
The writers are talented so it seems a shame that the story does not live up to the way it was written. The only character I could get behind was Mira - I suspect that I would love a book about her heyday, written by the authors. Everyone else was pretty repugnant, which is not a deal-breaker for me (I fairly often love to hate characters) but I just couldn't connect with them. Probably because of the difficulties I had with aspects of the storyline.
Well, that was a surprise! When I first started this I thought it was cute and clever but as I continued it became something way more meaty. I rolled my eyes when Lucas was noticed by the top brass at the magazine. Like that would happen to a scrub in NYC! Keep going though, like I said there’s more to this story than meets the eye.
The characters and plot were fantastic. The pace was perfect. I wanted a different ending but I won’t go further than that because what I got was the most realistic scenario and truly worked for the story.
This was superb and I would highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and St. Martin’s Press for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great book. The character development was fantastic, and I loved the ending ;) I will definitely be reading more of Jennifer Miller in the future--you have a devoted fan!
After I downloaded this from NetGalley, I had no idea the opening setting would be about One WTC, where I was earlier that day. I thought it was fated for me to read this.
First off, I will admit it was weird and a bit ill to read about a situation that almost felt like prostitution in the name of "journalism." But getting over that, I was really hoping the married authors would find a way to turn this around and everything ended with kind of a realistic... whimper. Sure, I was hoping for a HEA "bang," but I am ok with the direction the writers went.
Enjoyed the tone and style, but with 2 authors writing this, I was hoping for switching the POV back and forth between the 2 characters rather than having this more solidly sit on our male protagonist's shoulders.
This book. This book has me in a bit of a quandary. It’s not whether I liked or disliked story because I absolutely did like it. But what has me tied up as I’m not sure how to express my feelings.
I guess I’ll start at the beginning. One of my first conscious thoughts was that this so much like Sex and the City in many ways. You have Journalists – You have a new guy to the city, bright eyed and bushytailed, but yet so naïve. And then you have sex columnist who writes about her adventures in New York City.
And when they are thrown together, it is funny, quirky, with some really off-the-wall sexy scenarios that just keep you turning those pages for some reason. The further I got into the book, the more I’ve really started enjoying it.
The author team really had their work cut out for them. The topic is so unique and interesting. The characters are inventive and fresh. The topic is classic sexist big boys club with a twist of desperately seeking success. Lucas really was a nice guy, for the most part, and it was very refreshing to read much of the book from a male perspective.
The authors also kept us on our toes with a wacky editor that carried some big secrets in an empire that seemed too good to be true. In the end, everyone was just looking for a way to be happy and employed.
When I first started this book, I wasn’t sure what was coming and it was a bit slow. By a quarter of the way into the story, I knew I was in for the long-haul. This story is super engaging with Carmen and Lucas just end up enduring themselves to me. Plus, there were plenty of twists that kept is real and interesting too!
Not so much a romance but more of a chicklit Characters weren't all that likeable really. And there wasn't a compelling reason to be interested in their story
I enjoyed the premise and the setting of this book. This will likely appeal to readers who are looking for steamy contemporary women's fiction. I would not classify this as either romance or incredibly funny, which is how it is marketed, and for that reason I was disappointed. This book was grittier and more serious than I was anticipating. However, other readers who don't expect a more charming romantic comedy vibe will probably enjoy this book more.
Lucas/Luke was so happy to be in NYC and working at One World Trade even if it was only as a fact checker. He loved how the tap of his I D commended the security bar to a swing down and summon the elevator. Lucas couldn’t afford any missteps, too many people back home believed it was only a matter of time before he sulked back below the Mason Dixon line. Lucas had dropped out of law school after one year and then breaking up with his wealthy pedigreed fiance-Mel- six months before they were to be married. He dashed the hopes and expectations of his family. Never mind Mel and dumped him. Everyone believed Lucas should have done more to try to save the situation even Mel. Lucas and Mel had been together six years but now it was like they had never been together at all. Two months later and she was already in another relationship. Instead Lucas had left for NYC. Other than talking to his brother Sam, Luke hadn’t talked to anyone else in his family since leaving a month ago. Lucas worked for Empire magazine. Lucas stopped at a bar- Kettle Of Fish- and saw a beautiful woman sitting by herself-Carmen scribbling some notes on a napkin and Lucas walks up to her and gives her a sheet of paper. After a few drinks they head to Carmen’s apartment. Carmen is an older women who writes an inspiring account of her time with Lucas but in the pages of Empire magazine. Carmen is the dating and sex columnist for Empire magazine. She wrote a vicious article on Lucas - she nicknamed him” Mr. Nice Guy” and becomes a viral sensation. Lucas decides to write a response and sets up an anonymous email address and writes his rebuttal. Jay Jacobson is a social climbing Editor-In -Chief and senses this could be a way in boosting Empire’s web traffic. Jacobson runs Lucas’s column and it was also a hit. Jacobson goads Carmen into meeting with Lucas again and have then both write about their second meeting.
I just could not get into this book. I couldn’t connect with the characters . I did like the author at least bring up ethics in journalism. I just don’t believe someone like Jacobson would let Lucas stay anonymous. This just wasn’t for me but I am sure someone will really enjoy this.
Unfortunately, I just couldn't finish this. I got about halfway through, but it fell a bit flat for me. I didn't like either of the main characters. I get that it's supposed to feel like Mad Men, but meh. The writing is a bit too dry and slow. I can't stand Lucas and the way he views basically everything, though I can appreciate his vulnerability at times. And Carmen was interesting, but I just couldn't warm up to her.
Mr. Nice Guy is a light, battle of the ambitious sexes kinda rom-com (think How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days with a twist) complete with sneaky double agents and a side of a very sweet Grandma. This book was the perfect male vs. female perspective, presumably because the husband and wife who authored it work extremely well together. They seem like a cool couple that you would want to hang out with!
A great summer read that moved at a quick pace yet didn't feel rushed. I would definitely check out any other books by this Miller / Feifer tag team!
Huge thanks to the authors, Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This husband and wife writing duo made me laugh. A few things within the story seemed a bit unrealistic but I suspended belief for the sake of the story which I'm glad that I did.
Lucas Callahan left his small town existence and carefully plotted life for the Big Apple as a fact-finder for Empire magazine. Lucas didn't let the entry level job deter him from his dream of becoming a journalist--even if he has zero writing experience. He's especially feeling confident after having a one-night stand with Carmen Kelly--Empire's resident sex columnist. At the time Lucas thought she was just an gorgeous New York woman who wanted him. Carmen blasts their one-night stand and Lucas in her column. Lucas responds with a letter signed Mr. Nice Guy. The rivalry begins.
Carmen's editor and Lucas' boss, Jays tells them that they will continue their sexual relationship and write about it in the column. At first, Carmen rips Lucas every chance she gets while Lucas does the exact opposite. He tells her a few shortcomings but mostly he flatters her. But Lucas is also being sucked into Jays web and can Lucas survive a cut-throat manipulative world where Jays calls the shots? Carmen has decided to leave Empire and get away from her editor and ex-lover. She tries to warn Lucas about Jays and how he operates. Is Carmen's warning too late? Can Lucas survive the New York life? What happens if Carmen or Lucas fall in love with each other?
A very witty and well written banter between guy versus girl as they embark on a sexual adventure. I appreciate their perseverance despite what was against them. Fun summer read.
I loved the humour, the style of writing and how the characters were developed.
Even if it's a bit slow at time it's a very enjoyable read.
Recommended!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this ARC
Slow beginning, but around chapter 4 the story picks up. A series of magazine articles by each both Lucas and Carmen discussing their sexual activities. As the series progress, the two find that being a celebrity can be a problem. Amusing.
This was a tough one for me. Mr. Nice Guy looks like a typical love/hate rom-com, but it touched on some deeper subjects. I really enjoyed Carmen, but I could NOT get on Lucas' side. I kept reading, waiting to like him more but it never happened. I also thought that it could have used more in Carmen's POV. She was someone you could root for which I did not feel like Lucas was.
I enjoyed the bantering back and forth of the two main characters Lucas and Carmen. The book was funny, sexy, steamy, and a little romantic. I liked the how it was told from each of the characters point of view. The book did get a little slow in spots, but overall I liked the story. Thanks Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.
I was skeptical about this book at first. I mean, the plot is based on a somewhat ridiculous premise: two magazine reporters have sex with each other on a regular basis and then critique each other.
But despite this somewhat foolish and simplistic plot, I found the book strangely compelling. More than that, really; I found it difficult to put down.
First of all, the writing is clean and concise. In fact, the book is a pleasure to read. Second, the plot is unlike anything I've read before, and it actually gets more complex as you get deeper into the book. The authors throw in a little romance, a little mystery, and it retains the reader's interest. The characters are likable--you really care what happens to the two protagonists--and the dialogue is realistic.
So, in the end, I really liked this book. Granted, it's not literature, but it was a fun, quick read.
I had a really hard time getting into this book. I was bored by Lucas' old life, his need to impress The Editor, and his bag of ties. I was bored by Carmen writing about him, until he decided to clap back. I was invested after that point. I wanted to read more of Carmen and Nice Guy's bantering, and I wanted to read more about Lucas and Nicholas' awkward encounters where Lucas thought he was being gallant for befriending Nicholas. Then it happened. The force of "Screw the Critics" made me cringe. It was still not bad overall, but the fact that it was so involuntary was a real turn off. Now let's talk about Lucas. He got way in over his head, and at first I felt bad. He couldn't do anything right! Except, he was - because he had his integrity. Until he didn't - I then lost all hope in Lucas. I would think a tragic end was coming, and there would be a little lift. Then another inevitable doom, but alas some grace to pick him up again for the time being. It was a roller coaster of Lucas' fate, but I did not enjoy this coaster. It did not give me all the feels in a good way. I really started to think Lucas was the antihero, but really that was all the characters in this book. At some point, everyone except Tyler was an antihero. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I wish I had liked this better, but I did not. It took me a long time to read and I was not satisfied when I finished.
In our 24-7, online social media go-viral lives, it seems natural that two writers would agree to sleep together each week and then post a blistering critique of their encounter online. What a sensational way for their magazine to get views. Can you imagine the readers’ comments? That’s the engaging premise of Mr. Nice Guy.
Young, sheltered Lucas throws off his stodgy life, where he was burdened by parental expectations, small-town southern ways and a fiancée he no longer loved, to seek his fortune in New York City. He succeeds in getting a position as a fact-checker at Empire, the iconic magazine. He meets a variety of interesting characters and has some wild New York experiences, which lead him to be the Nice Guy versus Carmen the Sex Pro in the new sexual advice experiment.
Lucas learns how to have great sex and Carmen learns how to break with her past. Near the end of the book, Carmen reflects that there is sexual desire, but also the desire to be wanted, to be successful, to be worthy. This book is the story of what happens when desires get people into trouble.
Yes, this book has an intriguing premise, and I thought I was in for a witty, zesty read. The cover of the book and blurb led me to think this was a light-hearted romance. And it is classified as a romance on Amazon. But, it is not romance- it’s a mix of literary fiction- some of which is well-written- women’s fiction, satire, and some corporate intrigue, and it is not light-hearted- there is too much clinically-written sex and too many odd events. There’s a lot of telling, too, which makes the plot drag. I really wanted to love this book, but I didn’t bond with the characters or their lives. This story has a gimmick, but no heart.
As one of the characters comments, “To make it in New York, you’ve got to be a little full of yourself and a bit deluded.” I really wanted to love this book, but I felt a bit deceived, too, after reading it.
This isn’t my favorite read- but give it a try! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
This was a very modern romance told from both sides of the relationship. It was set in fast paced New York and in the publishing business. The characters were well written and actually developed as the plot progressed. It was a good story and fun to read. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.