Then He Happened

This is a romantic comedy but it's also so much more. It's a a story of growth and learning to put yourself first and that you are more than how others treat you. Both Jason and Eileen go throughs such growth together, that it was hard to be upset at his playboy ways before they met. He learns he can have a relationship and she learns she is more than enough. It's sweet and funny, and sexy. I listened to the audio now and I loved the narrators and how they brought these characters and the family to life. I had to keep listening because once I started, I couldn't stop.

Then He Happened was a bit more over the top than I expected from Claudia Burgoa with Eileen's family and a couple way too selfish to be getting married, let alone becoming parents. Somehow, though, it worked for Jason and Eileen's story, suspension of disbelief and all. As irritated as I got with Eileen's family and as many times as I fumed at her (yes, I talk to characters! Doesn't everybody?), that's how much I loved Jason. Okay, maybe not at first. He is a playboy, and not a very nice one, but once he and Eileen started spending time together, I started warming up to him. These two have a kind of forced proximity romance as they put their heads together to plan a wedding. The more I warmed up to Jason, the more I thought about the title of this one. It's pretty well perfect for this romance, and to be honest, I'd be okay with Jason happening to me! This couple is so well suited, and the chemistry builds as they get closer. I can't forget the wonderful dual narration by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder. Claudia Burgoa always gives me characters that practically leap off the page, and these narrators take it that extra step and give voice to them. The emotion comes through so well, and even the funny stuff is delivered with impeccable timing. To sum it up, Then He Happened is a little different than I expected, but I enjoyed this couple's journey and it was a nice change for a bit of escapism.

This is my first time reading this authors work and I think I'll read from her again. Eli is a woman who in spite of having to carry the emotional baggage of her family, has managed to make a life for herself. She tries to please everyone and is often an afterthought to her parents and siblings all her life. The way Eli was treated and the fact that she lived with it so long, made me want to yell at someone, especially her parents! Her mom and dad are terrible, neglectful enablers. They push everything on Eli and blame her if anything goes wrong. Jason starts out as an uncaring jilted man but Eli soon changes his outlook not only on life but himself. They're thrown together when they have to plan a quickie wedding for his cousin and her sister. (oh, don't even get me started on her sister) They soon find out that they have a lot in common and soon are spending more and more time together. They both find out that it sometimes takes others to make us realize that you have to forget the past and stand up for for yourself. And I was so glad when they did! Lots of drama with some laughs and steam.