Overall Grade: A- / B+
Tropes: FMC with secrets; anti-heroic vibes, protective MMC; football romance; insta-attraction; small town vibes; romantic suspense; serial killer fun
Honestly, Tijan is always a surprise. You’re never certain what you’ll get when you jump into one of her books, but there is a certainty that you won’t leave it the same person. Her newest book, My Anti-Hero, held me in its thrall. There are so many aspects to this book that engaged me from page to page. Let me count the ways…
- Tijan has this way of changing her writing style. For this book, there was a starkness to her writing style. It contrasts with the secrets of the story, the quiet unraveling of Billie and Brett. Tijan’s intentionality in this is impressive.
- The evolving storyline with its many twists and turns. I did see the book’s secrets, but Tijan moved it around enough that it kept me guessing and wondering if I had it all wrong.
- I ADORE that Brett and Billie are endgame from almost the beginning. Their romance and eventual love are the foundation of a suspenseful thriller, which is really the focus of this book. Even when one of them considers pulling away, Tijan shuts that down through the power of their connection, reminding us that there are more serious issues in this book, say a serial killer.
- My Anti-Hero is on trend with fans’ obsession with crime thrillers. Tijan deftly entwines parts of her Fallen Crest/Roussou universe with her Enemies football world, and she pins it with the suspense of the world of serial killers. All of this conspires to keep you turning each page whether it be for a glimpse of a former beloved character (Mason and Samantha) or the intricacy of the suspense plot (is Billie really safe?).
There is much to love about My Anti-Hero: their undying love, the Tijan universe nods, the spice, everything. I simply couldn’t put this story down. You don’t need to read any of those stories mentioned above to read this one. In fact, if you’re a crime junkie, you should pick this one up and get lost in its secrets. However, if you’d love to be in on Tijan’s Easter eggs, start reading her booklist. You will NOT regret it. Oh…and thankful that Brett and Billie got their happily ever after.
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 