The summer of 2012 was a rough summer, with me being a complete mess in all things possible. So without a doubt when I saw “A Girl’s Guide to (Man) Hunting” by Jessica Clare, I bought it. Let me explain the book before the judgments start rolling in. It’s not an actual guide for women, but a novel.
Miranda Hill lives in a small town in Texas, where she remains shamed from an event that involved the love of her high school life, Dane Croft. Dane left to play professional hockey, and she’s hated him ever since. When he returns, she starts to plot his downfall with an event just as embarrassing for him as he did to her. Little does she know, what she thinks she knows might not be true. The story is told in both main characters’ point of view, which I love. I like getting both perceptions on the events going down in the book from both characters, because everything isn’t always what it seems.
This book was easy, breezy and fun. It was quick, and I could easily imagine it becoming a romantic comedy. Every girl dreams of getting one guy from her past back, and Hill gets that chance. The book is sort of like “John Tucker Must Die,” except for a more mature audience. I loved the plot, but I probably wouldn’t have gone to such extremes as Hill does in the book. I love the best thought-out plans going awry idea Clare gave to this book. It doesn’t deeply involve the reader, but it’s sassy and light.
There was surprisingly not a lot of angst in Hill. I’m not blaming her for being bitter, but she doesn’t let it completely take over. I mean, of course she resents the way she is constantly treated in town, but she’s still likeable. The media depicts Croft as a ladies man/play boy. I love characters like this because of the cliché actual nice guy who lives inside the tough exterior. The secondary characters were awesome. They each had a voice other than annoying best friend because Clare is making books based on these characters as well.
It’s a cute book for those who love happy endings and revenge. It’s a great pick-me-up for when you’re feeling down. I recommend it to any lady who has been having a rough time — like I was. I give it three out of five stars.
