Family loyalty is one of the strongest forces in Some Girls Will Some Girls Won’t by Joe Smalle. Although the novel includes romance, ambition, business, humour, crime and suspense, many of its most important decisions begin with a simple desire: to protect the people who matter most.
At the heart of the story is Kevin “Bubbles” Tyler. After the sudden death of his father, Kevin watches his mother struggle emotionally and financially. Their once-stable family life changes almost overnight, leaving both of them to adjust to loss and uncertainty. Kevin’s grief is deep, but so is his determination. He does not want his mother to spend the rest of her life worrying about bills, unexpected expenses or an insecure future.
That sense of responsibility becomes the foundation of his ambition.
Kevin’s Success Begins with Love for His Mother
Kevin’s unusual mail-order scheme is certainly bold, but it is not driven only by greed. He wants to escape poverty, yet he also wants to create a better life for his mother. As money begins arriving, his first thoughts are often about what he can do for her.
He contributes more to household expenses, reassures her that she no longer needs to worry and even arranges a Caribbean cruise so she can enjoy something exciting after years of sacrifice. These choices reveal an important side of Kevin’s personality. Beneath his charm, secrecy and entrepreneurial instincts is a devoted son who has never forgotten what his mother endured after his father’s death.
His loyalty also explains why success matters so much to him. Money becomes more than a symbol of status. It represents safety, freedom and the ability to care for someone he loves.
The Lasting Influence of Kevin’s Father
Although Kevin’s father dies early in the story, his influence continues throughout the novel. Memories of working on cars, playing golf and sharing family routines shape Kevin’s values and decisions.
Even Kevin’s purchase of a Ford Cortina carries emotional meaning because it reminds him of the car his father once owned. The vehicle is not simply an expensive possession. It becomes a connection to a happier period in his life and a reminder of the man who taught and guided him.
This emotional bond adds depth to Kevin’s journey. He is moving forward, but he is also carrying his father’s memory with him.
Loyalty Beyond Blood Relations
Joe Smalle also shows that family loyalty is not limited to biological relatives. Albert “Tank” Daniels becomes deeply connected to Tommy and Linda Marshall. What begins as temporary work develops into trust, companionship and love.
When Tommy dies, Tank supports Linda through her grief and uncertainty. He helps her face difficult decisions about the family business and promises that she will not have to face the future alone. Their relationship demonstrates how chosen family can become just as meaningful as the family people are born into.
However, the novel also reveals the darker side of loyalty. Love and grief can push people toward dangerous choices. When someone close to Tank is harmed, his desire for justice and revenge pulls the story into much more serious territory. His actions show how loyalty can provide strength but it can also blur moral boundaries.
The Emotional Foundation of the Novel
Throughout Some Girls Will Some Girls Won’t, characters repeatedly make decisions based on responsibility, devotion and the fear of losing those they love. Kevin wants to protect his mother and build a future with Debra. Tank wants to support Linda and defend the life they created together. Even business and financial decisions are often tied to preserving homes, relationships and family legacies.
This is what makes Joe Smalle’s novel more than a story about an unconventional scheme or a young man’s rise to wealth. It is also a story about the promises people make to one another and the lengths they will go to keep them.
For readers who enjoy character-driven fiction filled with emotional relationships, British humour, ambition and suspense, Some Girls Will Some Girls Won’t offers a compelling reminder that family loyalty can shape a life for better or for worse.
