Even many die-hard romance fans will probably agree with me that most romance is pretty canned -- but every once in a while, a romance novel comes along that really makes a lasting impression.

For me, the deciding factor often is how much I laugh.  Sure, good romance requires passion and conflict, but the really, really good ones -- at least in my book -- are the ones that make me laugh aloud as I read.

Kristan Higgins's Too Good to Be True is one of those.  Grace was badly burned when her fiance left her for her little sister, and now, to top it all off, they're getting married!  Grace is tired of everyone in her family obsessing over her single status, so to prove that she's okay with her sister marrying her ex-fiance, she makes up a perfect new boyfriend for herself.  Unfortunately, things seem to be heating up with her less-than-perfect (but undeniably gorgeous) new neighbor, Callahan.

The novel is written in first person from Grace's point of view -- unusual for a romance novel, but I really liked it.  And Grace is constantly getting herself into hilarious scrapes.  The pretend boyfriend provides plenty of opportunity for comedy, of course.  Add her fiesty little dog and the fact that Grace can't seem to stop herself from spying on Callahan, and you won't be able to stop laughing!

Not many books make me burst out laughing while I read, which is why I think I appreciate books like Too Good to Be True.  After all, love ought to be fun, and Kristan Higgins seems to realize that!