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A review by ali_k0
So Not My Thing by Melanie Jacobson
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Quick disclaimer: I have met this author several times as we had a mutual acquaintance.
So Not My Thing is a (one-sided) hate-to-love romance set in the heart of New Orleans.
The main character, Elle, was turned into a meme after a humiliating reaction with a teen idol. Since, she had a makeover and thoroughly reinvented herself in an attempt to bury her past. However, when the singer needs a realtor for his new club, she gets roped in to helping him.
I've read a LOT of romance novels but I have never read one with a set-up like this. I was skeptical going into it (like personally I don't think I could EVER forgive such a thing) and put off reading it for a long time because of it, however the author handled it so well. Elles anxiety is never made the butt of a joke, discredited or brushed off. It's a heavy theme throughout the entire book, and Miles goes through great lengths to earn her trust.
They spend most of the book as friends, with both of them navigating their complicated history. Yet, the chemistry between them is undeniable.
I would give this book a higher rating if it were not for one thing: the last ~20 pages. The third act break up was actually decent, however the solution toward it fell flat.
Instead of talking it out like they had for every other issue, the blame gets saddled on her (it's his fault) and so as the big closing act she sings an apology at the club.
It was a cute read, and the end didn't spoil the experience of it in the end. They make a cute, stable couple, and (as someone who's never lived in New Orleans so grain of salt) it felt like the city was breathing off the pages. The characters were great, the story was fun, and I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a slow-burn with a lower page count.
So Not My Thing is a (one-sided) hate-to-love romance set in the heart of New Orleans.
The main character, Elle, was turned into a meme after a humiliating reaction with a teen idol. Since, she had a makeover and thoroughly reinvented herself in an attempt to bury her past. However, when the singer needs a realtor for his new club, she gets roped in to helping him.
I've read a LOT of romance novels but I have never read one with a set-up like this. I was skeptical going into it (like personally I don't think I could EVER forgive such a thing) and put off reading it for a long time because of it, however the author handled it so well. Elles anxiety is never made the butt of a joke, discredited or brushed off. It's a heavy theme throughout the entire book, and Miles goes through great lengths to earn her trust.
They spend most of the book as friends, with both of them navigating their complicated history. Yet, the chemistry between them is undeniable.
I would give this book a higher rating if it were not for one thing: the last ~20 pages. The third act break up was actually decent, however the solution toward it fell flat.
It was a cute read, and the end didn't spoil the experience of it in the end. They make a cute, stable couple, and (as someone who's never lived in New Orleans so grain of salt) it felt like the city was breathing off the pages. The characters were great, the story was fun, and I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a slow-burn with a lower page count.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Cursing
Characters mental illness is Anxiety.