Should’ve Been You by Nicole McLaughlin is the third book in her Man Enough series but I did not have a clue about that when I first downloaded and began reading this book. Honestly, you don’t need to read the other books to be able to know what is going on in this book. You might be able to appreciate the other couples mentioned. Otherwise, this book is pretty easy to get into. Should’ve Been You is a contemporary romance set in Kansas and a super quick read.
Nicole McLaughlin’s Should’ve Been You follows main characters Jase and Becca who basically alternate third person point of views. The two have a long history as neighbors, but never really became close friends or anything. Jase grew up in an abusive home but found comfort with Becca’s family. One night, he is removed from his home and stays with Becca’s family. Becca’s twin, Hannah, tells Jase that Becca thinks he is smelly and doesn’t want him staying in her room. Meanwhile she goes back to Becca and tells her something along the lines of Jase thinks she’s gross. I forget. Anyways, it causes the two to not really like each other. Hannah though becomes best friends with Jase and the two have a weird back up couple friendship. Until Becca comes back in town and Jase realizes maybe he pursued the wrong twin.
Jase is pretty much a cowboy. Much of the book follows as he tries to breed this steer and make his money and build his business. He’s a good guy for the most part. Oh also he is in the National Guard and all his friends get together before drill weekend. Speaking from experience, that can be common. My husband is in the guard and his guard friends sometimes come over here and stay on drill weekend or they go out for dinner. Then there’s Becca who isn’t single when the book begins. However, she ends up being free and clear to hook up with Jase. Anyways, she is a teacher and she’s portrayed as a little bit aloof. She’s not a bad person though.
On the whole Should’ve Been You is a really fast read. I mean, it is basically a novella. There are a few cringeworthy moments and some icky commentary on Becca’s looks that make my skin crawl in the wake of #metoo. However, ignoring all of those parts, this is an okay read. It’s nice for like vacation or just one of those read between heavier books sort of reads.
Other reviews of Should’ve Been You by Nicole McLaughlin:
- Mom With A Reading Problem – “The plot and romance were rushed“
- Harlequin Junkie – “I wish I enjoyed the characters more than I did“
- Under The Covers Book Blog – “a cute read and I breezed right through it“
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Hey April! Trisha – formerly of eclectic/eccentric – here. I used to read Romance novels like a fiend; then I fizzed out on it for awhile; now I’m back in for a quick one now and again. Like you though, I find my reading has changed a bit with #metoo and the resurgence of feminism. If you are interested in reconnecting, I am starting over in the blogging world at https://unfinishedintellectual.com/ Hope to see you there.