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A review by crystalleighwrites
Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
FINDING MR. WRITE is the first Rom-Com from author Kelley Armstrong, best known for her Fantasy series. The premise is one that will resonate with every woman writer (and probably most women in general): frustrated with lack of response from agents and publishers, writer Daphne McFadden makes up a male pseudonym and persona and submits queries one night. Unsurprisingly, she gets a much better reaction from agents and publishers and "Zane Remington" sells his book and gets it fast tracked to publication. But the publishers want to set Zane up on interviews! What's she to do except hire an actor to play the role of Zane. Of course, hijinks ensure and after a false start, Daphne and the man behind Zane, Chris Stanton, hit it off, just in time for a US book tour.
The chemistry between Chris and Daphne is established quickly and believably and the banter between them is clever and funny. If you're looking for a MMC with big golden retriever/Travis Kelce on stage at the ERAs Tour energy, look no further than Chris Stanton. Daphne is described and shown as a strong, independent woman without it feeling shoved down your throat. Both leads have fairly fleshed out lives and stakes that feel appropriate for the light vibe of the novel (this is not a Abby Jimenez-esque trauma ride, no shade to those I love them).
There were a few aspects standing in the way of this being a five-star read for me. In the dual POVs, it was sometimes hard to distinguish the POV once you got into the section and possibly some POV slippage. I'll note that this ARC was sent out pretty far in advance, so it's entirely possible this is better in the published version (if it is, I'll re-read and revise my rating). Secondary characters flitted in and out and, with one exception, felt fairly one-dimensional. Some of the complications felt overly forced.
If you're looking for a quick, light read, FINDING MR. WRITE is a great pick!
Disclaimer: This review is of a pre-release ARC and details mentioned may change prior to publication. Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the review copy.
The chemistry between Chris and Daphne is established quickly and believably and the banter between them is clever and funny. If you're looking for a MMC with big golden retriever/Travis Kelce on stage at the ERAs Tour energy, look no further than Chris Stanton. Daphne is described and shown as a strong, independent woman without it feeling shoved down your throat. Both leads have fairly fleshed out lives and stakes that feel appropriate for the light vibe of the novel (this is not a Abby Jimenez-esque trauma ride, no shade to those I love them).
There were a few aspects standing in the way of this being a five-star read for me. In the dual POVs, it was sometimes hard to distinguish the POV once you got into the section and possibly some POV slippage. I'll note that this ARC was sent out pretty far in advance, so it's entirely possible this is better in the published version (if it is, I'll re-read and revise my rating). Secondary characters flitted in and out and, with one exception, felt fairly one-dimensional. Some of the complications felt overly forced.
If you're looking for a quick, light read, FINDING MR. WRITE is a great pick!
Disclaimer: This review is of a pre-release ARC and details mentioned may change prior to publication. Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the review copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Fatphobia, Death of parent, and Abandonment