So much fun. I really enjoyed the characters, and the alternate points of view, especially Chris. It was highly entertaining getting to see his thought process, and his balancing act between his true self and being Zane. And Daphne was really great as well, it was interesting to see some of the things she'd had to deal with, especially the Robbie situation, it felt very believable. Definitely choose the bear. It was also insightful about some of the machinations within the publishing and film industry,
I'll definitely be recommending this one.

Sadly this one didn't work for me. Getting a lot of the relationship development through text and email meant I didn't really feel connected to the characters and their romance. This is also a closed door romance. This is fine generally but personally I think it means you have to show their chemistry in different ways and that just didn't come through for me.

Daphne is a writer who sends her manuscript off with a male name on it after a night of drinking and rejections - it gets picked up by a publisher so her and her best friend go through a lot of hoops to cover her real identity and work it as a pseudonym. Except for some reason it gets decided that they need to hire somebody to play Zane Remington, fictional author. Enter Chris - an accountant who did a bit of acting in high school but is a musclebound treat for the eyes (you won't need to remember this as it gets pointed out every couple of pages at a minimum). For some reason a film crew end up following them around while Chris stays in Daphne's house then they go on a book tour. Everytime they try to kiss a phone rings or there is a knock at the door. Luckily this continuous interruption means that an oral sex in a dark doorway scene is broken up but don't worry Chris fingerbangs her in the back of a town car to make up for it. The two main characters were bland, there didn't seem to be much depth to them. There was no real chemistry - just repeating how attractive people are isn't the same thing. The story was so convoluted and drawn out - it was supposed to have taken place over what a fortnight? And yet it felt like years of my life had slipped away. The conflict was exagerated, I just didn't have a great time with this at all.

This is an exhilarating and humorous romp that takes readers on a wild journey through the intricate dance of deception, romance, and the unpredictable nature of the literary world. This novel delivers a refreshing twist on the traditional romance genre, blending laugh-out-loud moments with genuine heartfelt connections.

The protagonist, Daphne Green, is a talented author facing the pressures of a competitive industry. In a desperate bid to secure her next big break, she impulsively creates a male pseudonym, Zane Remington, only to find herself at the center of a frenzied bidding war that catapults her into sudden fame. The catch? Zane doesn’t exist. Enter Chris Stanton, a financial expert with no acting experience, who steps into the chaotic role of a lifetime: pretending to be the hyper-masculine author Zane Remington.

Daphne’s internal struggles, as she navigates the consequences of her white lie, are both relatable and engaging. Her attitude in the face of mounting pressure highlight her as a very relatable lead. Chris, on the other hand, is an endearing mix of reluctant hero and unwitting romantic. His transition from a numbers guy to a supposed outdoor enthusiast and macho author provides endless comedic fodder, yet also reveals his vulnerability and adaptability.

The romance that blossoms between Daphne and Chris is delightfully organic. The slow burn of their growing affection keeps readers invested. The humorous mishaps and media circus surrounding Chris’s impersonation are balanced with tender moments that showcase their deepening bond.

The setting of Daphne’s remote Yukon home adds an adventurous backdrop that heightens the stakes. The wilderness challenges Chris to embody Zane’s rugged persona while offering moments of breathtaking beauty and isolation that serve as the perfect counterpoint to the media frenzy.

10/10 I would recommend this highly original novel

I am a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong's books and was intrigued to see she had written a romance novel, in a departure from her usual fantasy genre.

This dual POV romance did not disappoint! I found both characters likeable, even though Chris was a little too perfect. The banter between the characters was on par and I laughed out loud several times. The story also has an extra layer of depth as serious themes like sexism and racism in publishing are also tacked.

A recommended read for fans of Emily Henry and Katherine Center.

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Books UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This looks, at first glance, like a romance. And there certainly is a love story but there’s so much more than that. This is a book about how much harder it can be for women to succeed and the extreme measures they must take to be afforded the same opportunities as men. Daphne, our main character has written a YA zombie apocalypse survival love story. She knows it’s good but she can’t get publishers to look at it. She sends it off again under a man’s name and dials up the survival elements in the description and suddenly she’s sold her book! However to keep up the ruse that it’s written by a man, she hires (what she believes to be) an actor to pretend to be the author. Her book is so popular though that things start to get out of hand.

I really enjoyed this because the characters are so wholesome. Daphne is capable, independent and talented. She has some confidence issues and trust issues. Chris is sweet, thoughtful, funny and really eager to please. He is an accountant who is suffering the aftermath of bus business partner’s bad behaviour and takes the job pretending to be an actor in exchange from legal help from Daphne’s best friend. Chris is presented as a whole bunch of green flags throughout this book. A clear contrast from the horrible other men Daphne experiences such as entitled neighbour Robbie.

This book has an amazing setting! Daphne lives in a remote cabin on a lake in the Yukon. We experience all sorts of wildlife, water sports and beautiful vistas. The setting really did take this book up a notch. I also loved little details like Daphne’s protective dog.

This was a really positive reading experience due to the wholesome characters and fantastic setting, alongside the interesting exploration of unfair treatment of women.

I haven’t dived into a Kelley Armstrong novel since the *Women of the Otherworld* series, so I was curious how she’d fare without the magical mayhem. Spoiler alert: no witches, werewolves, or supernatural shenanigans here—just pure, earthly drama. And honestly? It didn’t quite put a spell on me, but it was a breezy read!

Daphne kicks off as a wilderness wonder woman—self-sufficient, fearless, and totally capable of living off-grid. Then there’s Chris, who is basically a human unicorn: sweet, funny, smart, and ridiculously attractive. Armstrong really drives home that last point...over and over again. It almost felt like she ran out of adjectives and just settled on “hot.”

As for their internal dialogues? Picture two teenagers at their first school dance, endlessly analyzing their flirting strategies. "Should I? Could I? Did I just flirt or trip over my words?" It got a bit repetitive and zapped some of their charm.

Sadly, once Daphne falls for Chris, her badassery seems to exit stage left. The plot has its clunky moments, but overall, it's a lighthearted read—perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Title: Finding Mr Write by Kelley Armstrong

Release date: June, 25th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"Finding Mr. Write" by Kelley Armstrong is a charming and captivating romantic comedy that offers a unique and amusing exploration of the publishing industry, gender expectations, and the quest for one's dreams.

At its core, this novel is the tale of Daphne McFadden, a gifted writer who, after enduring a barrage of rejections, opts to submit her manuscript under the guise of a male author, Zane Remington, only to watch it skyrocket to bestseller status. To perpetuate this charade, she enlists the help of Chris Stanton, a man whose appearance fits the bill of her rugged alter ego but is, in truth, an accountant lacking in survivalist prowess.

Armstrong's storytelling is a virtuoso performance, adeptly juggling humour, romance, and profound social insights.

The novel's premise is nothing short of brilliant, serving as a springboard to delve into issues of gender discrimination, sexism, and the inequities of the publishing world. Yet, Armstrong navigates these complex themes with grace, integrating them into the narrative in a way that enriches the story without overshadowing its comedic and romantic essence.

The spark between Daphne and Chris is immediate and electric, their exchanges brimming with clever retorts and a simmering attraction that captivates the reader. The dual perspective narrative offers a deep dive into the psyche of both characters, illuminating their drives and personal growth. The forced proximity scenario, as they embark on a promotional tour together, injects the story with added suspense and humour, rendering their burgeoning relationship both credible and touching.

Beyond the romantic entanglements, "Finding Mr. Write" is a narrative of self-exploration, the audacity to defy societal conventions, and the significance of authenticity. Daphne's transformation from an aspiring writer to a celebrated author, albeit under a fabricated identity, is both inspiring and contemplative. Chris, with his hidden depths and vulnerabilities, enriches the story, reminding us that beneath every facade lies a unique story waiting to be told.

Kelley Armstrong has penned a novel that is not only a delightful and romantic read but also thought-provoking and pertinent. "Finding Mr. Write" is a must-read for fans of rom-coms with depth, featuring characters who are both flawed and endearing, and a narrative that is both humorous and reflective. It serves as a poignant reminder that the most rewarding adventures can be those of discovering one's true self and voice.

Thank you to The Publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK | Piatkus ,The Author Kelley Armstrong & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

When Daphne gets fed up of rejection for her writing she drunkenly makes the decision to submit her manuscript to a publisher under a pseudonym. With a male author's name to it, she's suddenly on the receiving end of a book deal, major money and potential for more to come. The only problem she has is what to do about the fact that it is not under her name.
Her friend Vi - who happens to know of someone in need of extra cash as they are dealing with the fallout from a bad business partner - suggests she pays someone to become the face for her book. Step forward Vi's accountant Chris, who is more than happy to take on the role of Zane Remington in order to make sure he doesn't have to live in his car!
From their first interactions these two have chemistry. The premise - while dealt with in a fairly happy-go-lucky way here - actually makes some very interesting points about the publishing world and the way writers are perceived by those who claim to be supporting them. As their attempts to get through their initial commitments become more bizarre, it is clear that these two have become more than business partners...but will Daphne's readers forgive her the deception?
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this. A feelgood romance with some interesting thoughts on writing and its world.

Finding Mr Write by Kelley Armstrong
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 25 June 2024

Daphne McFadden, aware of the biases against female authors, adopts a male pseudonym, Zane Remington, for her new book. To her surprise, this leads to a bidding war, a lucrative book deal, and widespread fame. Faced with the challenge of proving Zane's existence, she hires Chris Stanton, an accountant, to pose as Zane.

Chris, inexperienced in acting, must convincingly play the role while navigating media attention at Daphne's Yukon home. As Chris struggles with the wilderness, adoring fans, and his growing feelings for Daphne, the deception grows increasingly difficult to maintain, threatening to expose their elaborate ruse.

In "Finding Mr. Write," Armstrong transports readers to the picturesque Yukon, with vivid descriptions that make you feel as if you're experiencing the crisp air and pine scents firsthand. The story features dynamic characters: Daphne, a bold and innovative woman, and Chris Stanton, a mix of rugged charm and unexpected vulnerability. Their sizzling chemistry and witty banter provide plenty of laughs, while their slow-burn romance keeps you hooked from the start.

Beyond the romance, the book addresses important themes like gender roles, sexism, and racism in the publishing industry, adding depth to the engaging narrative.

"Finding Mr. Write" is a perfect blend of swoon-worthy romance, humour, and thought-provoking issues, making it a must-read.

Grab a copy and enjoy the ride!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group UK | Piatkus, and the author, Kelley Armstrong, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

3.5 ⭐

“Finding Mr. Write” is a romance written by Kelley Armstrong. A fast, light and fun novel characterized by effervescent prose, an engaging pace and short chapters. A cute story that entertained me a lot and gave me a few hours of total joy, but unfortunately did not win me over.

Daphne and Chris, protagonists with their respective third person povs, left me rather lukewarm. Okay, I admit that I don't particularly appreciate romance books written in third person, and perhaps that may have influenced me, but I don't know, I found them a bit shallow. I liked them, I followed them with pleasure, but they conveyed little to me. I had the impression that I saw only a small part of them, and that left me definitely dissatisfied. The development of their relationship then seemed rather rushed to me, with feelings appearing a bit out of nowhere. Otherwise, I loved the idea of the novel a lot and although it is not one of my favorite romance novels, I still enjoyed it.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am so excited for this one! What a cool and fun interesting read, I love the concept and can’t wait to see how this unfolds. I look forward to sharing a full review and thoughts very soon as I apologize I’m dealing with some unexpected serious health issues, but I just know this one is going to be good!