Absolute perfection. I loved this book. If you've ever seen Shameless on Showtime, this book is that show in print, except the responsible eldest sibling is a guy (Tom) instead of a girl. Tommy struggles to provide and care for his seven siblings and it's a constant battle to keep them out of the (child protective services) system. Enter Bobby, a police officer, who was a childhood friend of Tommy's. Tommy tries everything he can to deflect Bobby's attention and offers of help. He is used to doing things on his own, after all, and he doesn't want to become dependent on anyone who may not stick around, but Bobby isn't having any of it and once he recruits his mom, Tommy is defeated by pure love.This is a beautifully written story. There are obstacles, but the story is not angst written and, even though it very much centers around the family and children, the children don't overwhelm the story. I do love kids and family stories, but so many kids in fiction go past cute and become sassy, annoying and a little too grown up for their own good. That does not happen here. Tommy's journey from being a loner to letting Bobby in is really well done and I loved them as a couple. Everyone in the book kept calling Tommy an asshole, but I don't think he was one at all. When you're used to handling things on your own, it takes a lot to accept help, much less to ask for it.This is a straightforward, feel good read that had me smiling, laughing and getting a little teary eyed. 5 solid stars. I would love to read about Ben and his guy! I connected with this book so hard. I see many readers/reviewers are loving Bobby, but I related best with Tommy. I don't want to downplay the romance or the sex, if that is what you like, because both are very well done in this book ... but the story for me is the dynamics between the family. The journey that they travel, with Tommy in the lead, is gripping.If you've ever seen the show Shameless (I've watched most of the UK version) then you have a good idea of what to expect in The Last Thing He Needs. Good kids trying to make the best of what they have. Excluding the Epilogue, the book covers about a year. As Tommy and Bobby's relationship grows, you can see the positive influence it has over the entire family. A little less jaded, a little less afraid, a little more joy.Some reviews I've seen mention how much this family has to deal with, that it's too angsty or too convenient that they always get the short end of the stick. I disagree. Life is like that and I didn't see it as angsty at all. Actually, I saw it as a bit understated because there wasn't a lot of yelling and tears and freaking out. There were a few things said that some of the characters wish they could take back, but I couldn't fault them in the long run. It happens in big families. And under those conditions ... I think they handled things just fine.This is the rare book where I wouldn't change a thing. Change a few scene, add or subtract a character or two, none of it would matter because this author is talented enough to make them work. It's all in the phrasing and the pacing and the clear identities given to each character that make the overall feeling of this book. I look forward to more.
What do You think about The Last Thing He Needs (2014)?
Book had everything you need to feel emotionally manipulated, but I still loved it.
—Miss_dija
Very nice story. Loved the kids. Bobby and Tom,y were a great couple.
—anya
