Girl Like You [Paperback]

Whereas The Dating Detox (Gemma's first novel) focused (as you might expect) on the main character, Sass, going on a dating detox (see what I did there?), A Girl Like You is all about getting back on to the dating scene and surviving. Because contrary to what Abigail believes, dating isn't fun, dating is a chore. So it's a Godsend when her flat-mate Robert offers to help her navigate the London dating scene and before you can say `relationship' Abigail is loving and leaving men at every turn. I thought the plot was fantastic. I wasn't completely sure I would be taken in by the book because, frankly, acting like a man would when it comes to dating seems a bit mean and cold-hearted, but it worked. I loved how Abigail went from being shy to being cocky and confident, it suited her and so did the loving and leaving.

But while Gemma tells a good story, it's her characterisation that really blows me away. She introduces us to six or seven characters and as the book progresses they evolve and change and become like one big happy family. It's the wonderful Abigail who takes us through the novel and I loved her immediately. Because we're chucked straight into the story, with Abigail sobbing in a hotel in Japan, I was instantly sympathetic towards her and couldn't wait to find out how it had gotten like that. Abigail was just like Sass, she was fun and someone you could imagine being friends with and that's all I ask from a main character! As for Abigail's friends, Plum, Henry and her sister, Sophie, I found them a very tight circle, and I found Plum particularly hilarious. As for Robert, Abigail's flatmate and London lothario, I liked him. In the beginning, I didn't expect to. He breaks hearts wherever he goes, and doesn't seem the type to settle down but as he and Abigail get to know each other better and begin a friendship, we learn a lot more of him and by the time the first quarter of the book was up I loved him. I am rather fickle like that, I feel.

During the book the lovely Abigail goes through men like I go through hot dinners, I knew who I wanted her to end up with. In fact, I would have cried if the ending had been any different to how I wanted it to be. Because despite wondering how on Earth it could ever work out, I knew that the man I wanted Abigail to end up with was perfect for her. It really was that simple for me, and I was so so pleased to get the ending I wanted. A Girl Like You was just fantastic, from beginning to end and I was grinning like a total idiot by the time I turned the last page. Gemma Burgess may have only had two books published but she has the potential to become a huge Chick Lit star. Her witty way with words, and the way she just tells it like it is is hugely appealing, and it's just so different to most Chick Lit I read, it's a simple as that. I really, really hope Gemma is working on a third novel, because if not then that would be a talent wasted, I am not joking and I absolutely can't wait to get myself a finished copy of A Girl Like You. I hugely recommend you read it, it was fab!

The first book I read by Gemma Burgess, The Dating Detox, had me laughing until the end. I was looking forward to her second novel, A Girl Like You, and was hoping for more of the edgy chick lit, anti-romance story. And I was not disappointed. A Girl Like You opens up with a prelude, something that I know is often advised against, but completely works for this story. Why does Abigail have a black eye and is bawling on the floor of her shower- in Hong Kong? Who is the man that comes to save her? The prelude stuck with my while I read the story, and I commend Burgess on opening with a bang. As the story moves along, Abigail is newly single, coming out of a long term relationship, and in desperate need of dating advice. At 27, she is just now going to embark on her first first date. New flatmate Robert, the friend of her sister's fiancée, is just the guy to help her. Robert teaches Abby how to date like a bastardette, going on several casual dates and thoroughly enjoying her newfound freedom. The supporting cast around Abigail is going through their own troubles, and their stories coincide perfectly with Abigail's dilemmas.

I thought A Girl Like You deserves five big stars. Burgess writes with humor, wit, crass, and honesty about surviving singledom. I laughed my way throughout the chapters, yet connected with all the characters, not just Abigail. I didn't find anything about the story real cliché either, which I thought was fantastic. I hate when I start a book knowing exactly what the characters are going to think, feel, and how they will act. This novel is chick lit, but very modern, very open, and very real. I think a lot of readers will be able to connect with the characters, if not Abigail's then one of her friends. There is something for everybody with this story, and I highly encourage everyone to get a copy. A Girl Like You is my first favorite read of 2011!

A fun read. Too many F-words for my personal liking and the characters were a little bit too quick to have sex with everybody else. The author has an engaging style which is easy and quick to read. Enjoyable plot if a little predictable. Will be checking out other books by this author.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 4 reviews  4.8 out of 5 stars