Review: Mister McHottie by Pippa Grant

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Mister McHottie

Why, hello there.

So, I kind of forgot that I like to post book reviews on this blog. I’ve gotten so caught up in my journal and trying not to completely fall apart as the seasons change that I think my brain just lost track of that little tidbit. But I’m back, bay-bee!

I can’t even count the number of books I’ve been burning through lately, mostly to keep me company during bouts of crippling depression, but the one I just finished a few minutes ago is Mister McHottie by Pippa Grant, and let me tell you, I’ve never come across anything like it in my life. I had to do it in two sittings, because a few weeks ago I only got through about 20 minutes of it before I stopped for some reason. Probably another attempt to get off my never-ending erotic novel kick or whatever. But I’m glad I picked it up again.

This book was wholly enthralling, and if I thought that Jasmine Guillory could get me laughing, well, Pippa Grant takes it to the next level. The humour in this book is just so over-the-top. Not all of it lands, but most of it did, if you have a twisted sense of humour like mine. Honestly, art is about being seen, and that’s what I love about media like books and TV and movies. Being able to see myself reflected in someone else and realizing that I’m not alone. I try to reign in my asshole tendencies in good company, but anyone who knows me knows that the more brutally I tease you, the more I love and feel comfortable and at ease with you. As a self-proclaimed chaos demon and manic pixie dream girl myself, I recognized a sister-in-arms.

Oh, right. What’s the book about? Well, it’s the best enemies-to-lovers story I’ve come across in a long time. Ambrosia and Chase grew up together stirring up all kinds of shit with Ambrosia’s brothers, terrorizing the town and each other until things went too far and they parted ways on a very bitter note. Later, they meet again as adults, and everything has changed. And yet, nothing has changed at all, because they still have the urge to terrorize each other. As they work through their trauma and baggage and what they did to each other, they fall reluctantly but irrevocably in love.

Full spoilers, probably, as always.

Now, let’s start with the negative, because why not. We can take it. Like I said, the beginning didn’t really have me desperate to find out more. The whole Hogzilla bad neighbour thing was my least favorite thread and I wish it wasn’t there, I’m sorry. It is relatable, I’m sure, and the way it all got tied up in the end was really cute, but I just found it a little cringey.

Anyway, back to the regularly scheduled programming. This book is bold and audacious. Just utterly ridiculous. But also strikes some very deep chords. I think the motivations and trauma of the characters are so expertly woven. Every time something clicked I felt like I found a little gold nugget, and I got a literal thrill. This is a prime example of show, don’t tell, that I only wish I can learn to emulate in my writing one day. As the characters slowly let their guards down around each other, I was cheering for them and rooting for their healing. And even after being healed, they were still manic pixie chaos demons, which I appreciated all the more. If I get my healing, I fully expect to have that part of my personality intact.

Of all the books I’ve read lately, it was pretty refreshing to have a couple to really root for. You know? It’s not like, “well, I guess they’re the main characters so they have to get together.” No, I really believed their chemistry and felt it (boy, did I feel it!) I wanted them to succeed and come together. And I’m glad that the classic romcom fight that broke them up for a little bit wasn’t too long. I do appreciate the trope, but right now my heart just needs people to like each other. Somewhat.

And yes, I can appreciate them calling their child a demon spawn. Not that I ever have, but I can appreciate the energy.

This book is playful and engaging, once you get into it, and I immediately put holds on all the Pippa Grant books I could find. Which admittedly was only four others, so please, library, get more. This is the kind of book that I would love to see on the big screen. Like a twisted Hallmark movie.

I can definitely see myself reading this one over and over for all the feels. And not just because of Aidan Snow’s narration prowess.

Hey, look at that, I got through it without any huge spoilers, I don’t think. Yay me!

I’d give this a 9.5 out of ten! Pippa, give more library rights to your books!

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