It Had to Be You

Rating:
Summary: Okay, but not great
Review: I liked this book, but didn't. Just as I was beginning to like this the characters, Dan would be a little over the top and Pheobe couldn't make up her mind to be a slut or victim. I can't make up my mind if I like this book or not. Kinda reminds me of Dan and Pheobe.... There was a lot of lust, but maybe it's just me, but not enough tenderness and romance. Also, I didn't like Dan seeing two women at the same time with litte remorse.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite book by this author
Review: From the moment you meet the protagonist, Phoebe, you feel sympathetic toward her. She's beautiful and sexy, but has dark secrets that make her vulnerable. She's smart and funny and has a lot of guts. I have reread this book several times because I love the relationship between Phoebe and the hero, Dan. Her sexy outfits and outrageous behavior drive him absolutely wild in several hysterically funny situations. The successes and failures of the football team drive the plot, but I wasn't bored because it centers mostly on what goes on behind the scenes with Dan, the coach, and Phoebe, the owner of the team.

Rating:
Summary: One of the worst romances ever
Review: Don't get me wrong, I'm a hopeless romantic that will go along with even impossible scenarios for a good story. "It had to be You," isn't one of them. I was surprised how many people wrote good reviews for the book on Amazon.

Here's the thing. Phoebe is a bit of bimbo(she has a smart side - that makes a cameo once in a while) and Dan is a jerk. There is lots of sex...but it's very strange awkward sex. The worst of which (and the least romantic) is when Dan and Phoebe have amazing sex (it seemed a little degrading to me, but still)...and Dan asks her about STDs right after. It's disturbing.

I frequently wonder what coupled woulds stay together, after the romance novel ends. I don't this Phoebe and Dan would make it very far -- especially with Dan's abusive nature and Phoebe's insecurities. SEP has even thrown in an Epilogue -- that implies a Happily ever After -- after the ending.

Overall, it's just not a story that makes you feel good and giddy.

Rating:
Summary: very good movie-ish plot
Review: This is the 1st book in the chicago stars series and I read it last, I sort of read the series backwards, so it'll probably affect my review. I think this is a very touching book, and I like how Phillips didn't use her usual conflict. Here both characters have the same rate on the development of their feelings for each other. I think that's perfect, because Dan here is really looking forward to settle down as opposed to the other Phillips' heroes who marries the heroine out of honor/principles. What I dont really like about it is the climax where Phoebe got abducted so Dan could lose the game for her. And of course the double touchdown when there's only 2 minutes in the clock. That's not original. I think it'll look better in a movie than in a book. Anyway, I still like how Phillips balanced Dan scenes(point of views) with Phoebe's, especially ending the book through Dan's eyes. It is a feel-good ending, she didn't overdone it or anything--just right.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but hated the unbelievable climax.
Review: There are so many things to like about this book. The lead characters were funny, complex and engaging. Most of the plot was interesting. Unlike some reviewers, I was not turned off by Phoebe's over-the-top bimbo act. I thought it was consistent with her past experiences, and it was a refreshing change from the heroine who's unattractive or doesn't know how to use her sexuality. My main beef with this book was the hokey, unbelievable climax, where Dan essentially proves his love for Phoebe by being willing to throw the AFC Championship game. Not at all credible, and actually a little disgusting, when you think about it. If you love or are knowledgeable about the NFL, you will hate this book. Otherwise, I recommend it.