Review: Some Sort of Happy by Melanie Harlow (Happy Crazy Love #1)


"I don't think I'm good enough for you, you know that. And I'm going to frustrate and confuse you, just like you said. Maybe it's the OCD, maybe I'm just difficult--I have no fucking clue. But I won't deserve all the chances you'll have to give me."


She wrapped her legs around me and took my face in her hands. "I'm going to give them, though. And if that makes me a fool, well..." She smiled. "At least I'll be your fool."


Being portrayed as a villain on a reality dating show wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't cost Skylar Nixon her job and her title and crown as Cherry Queen. Then she feels rejected by the hot guy at the beach who witnessed her stumble and nearly fall flat on her face. When she spots him again at her sister's bakery, she soon realizes that he's none other than Sebastian Pryce, a high school classmate who much preferred to be left alone. A decade later, he's turned into an undeniably good looking guy but still seems to be averse to socializing, especially with Skylar. What she doesn't know is that he's had a crush on her since high school, and has fantasized her countless times. The attraction between them now is mutual and intense, but will Sebastian's OCD sabotage what he has with Skylar or could they find happiness together?

Some Sort of Happy is the first novel in the Happy Crazy Love series and my very first read from bestselling author Melanie Harlow. It was difficult to NOT fall in love with quirky main characters Skylar Nixon and Sebastian Pryce! They both had their individual neuroses, possibly further heightened when they were trying to decide whether or not to pursue a relationship with one another. Admittedly, Sebastian's obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) was far more difficult to deal with than Skylar's insecurities and self-doubt, leading to moments of self-sabotage. But I loved how these two so wanted to be happy in the now even though they were hesitant to look towards a happily-ever-after because of everything going on with Sebastian. The many struggles made the sweet and steamy moments worthwhile.

OCD is something that shouldn't be taken lightly, and for all intents and purposes, it was never handled that way here. The author highlighted that this was not a simple matter of constant hand-washing or repetitive behaviors. OCD is complicated and is a diagnosis that requires regular assessments and coping mechanisms. But even with OCD being such a huge part of Sebastian and Skylar's love story, it wasn't just about that. These two were both experiencing changes in their professional and personal lives and while they didn't think they were worthy of each other, there was a great deal of love and acceptance to be found. In the midst of the seriousness of Sebastian's OCD and how he chooses to let it impact his relationship with Skylar, there's a lightheartedness to the story that made me smile and laugh a few times.

With my list of romance books being on the more serious side as of late, reading Some Sort of Happy was like a breath of fresh air that I most certainly appreciated. I delight in discovering new authors who are able to get an actual laugh out of me and finding Melanie Harlow's Happy Crazy Love series is a highlight in my 2015 reading journey. Since the follow-up to this series starter is about Natalie Nixon, a book that I read and also loved right after finishing this one, I think it's safe to assume that eldest sister Jillian will also get her story told later on, and I'm definitely looking forward to it. With a pair of irresistibly charming main characters in Skylar and Sebastian and a story that I can honestly say I've never come across before, I count Some Sort of Happy as one of my top reads for 2015 and shall recommend this five-plus-star book. ♥

Date Read: 25 November 2015

Learn more about Melanie Harlow.

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