Rating: 4/5

I have to admit, One of The Good Guys by Aramanta Hall pleasantly surprised me. When I first picked up the book, I thought I knew exactly what direction it was headed in—but boy, was I wrong. This book took me on a twisty, unexpected journey, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it.

Aramanta Hall crafts a complex, layered plot that constantly kept me guessing, with themes that challenge both societal norms and the reader’s expectations. This isn’t just a thriller that’s about "whodunnit" or "what happened"—it’s a book that makes you reflect on relationships, morality, and how people perceive themselves versus how they are seen by others.

Plot Summary of One of The Good Guys

At the center of the story is Cole, the self-proclaimed "good guy" of the title. In his own mind, Cole is kind, caring, and loving—basically the dream partner. But the reality of his life tells a different story. His relationships never work out.

As Cole navigates his personal life and relationships, he becomes increasingly convinced that the women in his life just don't appreciate the "good guy" he is.

The real tension in the novel, however, comes from the layers of ambiguity and misperception. Is Cole really as good as he thinks he is, or is there something deeper, darker lurking beneath the surface of his good-guy persona? One of the things that I loved most about the book is how Aramanta Hall presents each character’s version of events with enough room for doubt. Hill does an excellent job creating characters who are morally ambiguous. 

Character Development in One Of The Good Guys

The complexity of the characters in One of The Good Guys is one of the standout elements of the book. Cole, as the main character, is so wrapped up in his own narrative that he can’t see where things go wrong in his relationships. He believes he’s always the victim, never the perpetrator. His emotional detachment and lack of true self-awareness are so well written, you almost feel bad for him... until you don’t.

Feminist Themes Explored by Araminta Hall

What I particularly appreciated about One of The Good Guys is its subtle yet strong feminist undertone. Hall doesn’t spoon-feed you feminist messages; instead, she weaves them seamlessly into the fabric of the story. Through Cole’s relationships with various women, Hall explores how societal expectations of men and women shape personal dynamics. It’s not just a critique of toxic masculinity, but also an exploration of how women are expected to bend, accommodate, and change to fit into the lives of men who believe they’re "good guys."

One theme that stood out to me is the idea of ownership in relationships. Cole’s inability to maintain lasting relationships isn't just about his romantic failures, but his need for control and validation from the women in his life. This need stems from his inherent belief that because he’s a “good guy,” he deserves a particular type of relationship—and when he doesn’t get that, it’s the woman’s fault, not his. This is where Hill’s writing shines—she takes what could have been a straightforward narrative and injects it with layers of social commentary and thought-provoking themes.



Pacing and Structure of the Book

The pacing of One of The Good Guys is generally steady, though there are moments where the plot seems to drag a bit. This is largely because the book spends a lot of time inside Cole’s head, reflecting on his past relationships and trying to justify his actions to himself. While this inner monologue is fascinating and essential for building character depth, it sometimes slows down the story’s momentum. That said, the slow burn is worth it, as it ultimately leads to a satisfying, though not entirely shocking, conclusion.

Conclusion on One of The Good Guys

Overall, One of The Good Guys is a thought-provoking thriller that keeps you on your toes. It’s a book that not only entertains but also challenges you to question the way you think about relationships, morality, and what it really means to be a "good guy." While it’s not without its flaws—mainly in pacing and structure—it’s still a gripping read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a feminist thriller with complex characters and an unexpected plot.