
Member Reviews

The Plot Twist was a charming love story filled with heartwarming moments, personal growth, and unexpected friendships. Allie and Martin’s connection was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Their mutual struggle with writer’s block led to a creative partnership that not only helped them find inspiration but also fostered a deep, meaningful bond. I especially loved how Martin took on a mentor-like role in Allie’s life, guiding her in ways beyond just writing. The found family element was beautifully woven in, reminding me why I enjoy this trope so much—sometimes, the people who support us the most come from the most unexpected places.
Allie and Will’s romance was sweet and believable. While certain moments felt predictable, their willingness to take risks and step outside their comfort zones made their journey enjoyable to follow. However, there were times when the pacing slowed, and I wished for more development in certain areas—particularly in exploring Allie’s personal growth. Some moments felt like missed opportunities for deeper emotional impact or character expansion.
Overall, The Plot Twist was an engaging and heartfelt read. While I wished for a bit more depth in some parts, the themes of creativity, love, and found family made this a satisfying and uplifting story. Fans of slow-burn romances and stories about writers finding their voices will appreciate this book.

I wasn’t sure how this book was gonna go since the beginning started off a little rocky for me but I kept going and things got better!!! Who doesn’t love a romance book that involves authors? And when a book has the found family trope I’m gonna eat it up every time! The romance of this story was a little underwhelming but I can’t wait to see more from Eleanor’s writing in the future!

I ended up really enjoying this story! The first 3-4 chapters felt a bit bumpy with many characters and problems being introduced, but the book got better with every chapter. I ended up liking the cast of characters a lot and especially the three main characters Allie, Will and Martin. Allie is the female main character and quite likeable at that. I enjoyed tagging along on her writing journey and her love story. Will is the love interest and an interesting character. He is quite mysterious at times and I like how his story unfolds over time in the book. Martin is Allie’s writer friend and buddy. They work nicely together and I like Martin as a character. He is funny and quite direct in his ways. What I would not have needed is possibly the side plot around the evil publisher Jake. It was enjoyable but not needed in my opinion.
All in all I’m happy to have received this ARC and can recommend it to anyone being interested in publishing and the process of writing and likes romances!

This was an enjoyable read and, as always, I am intrigued by books with writer/bookish characters.
However, I felt it lacked romantic elements, with most of Will & Allie's relationship development happening off-page. We missed out on the sweet moments, the spicy moments, and all the moments, really, right up until the end of the book.
Overall, a lovely, intriguing read missing just a few key elements to make this romance reader ecstatic.

By the end of the book i was gripped! I initally picked this book up during a book slump and ended up getting so invested in the characters and just wanting to keep reading until everything was resolved.
While the main character made mistakes and frustrated me at times i couldn’t help but sympathise, this novel puts such a real and insightful spin on the hardships of writers block and the impact that personal life can have on the creative process. (Even though the FMC makes her life way harder than it has to be!)
Throughout the story, I found myself liking the love interest more and more, much like the main character does, despite not wanting to get close to anyone for fear of a repeat of her unsuccessful past, as well as the fear of losing the ability to write again after finally getting inspiration after months of not writing. I was a bit aprehensive at the begining when Allie met her love interest, Will, while still in a relationship with Disappointing Dom, but as the story unfolded and everything was revealed I got swept up in the emotions...even when Allie found out Will was closer to her than she realised...
And let’s not forget about the friendship!! I’m so happy that Allie’s life was about way more than just boys, and showing such an imporant and supportive friendship was just as needed. I was also pleased to note that the friendship wasn’t just there to further the story; Allie was also there for both of her friends, expressing her happiness at their good news and knowing that they had their whole lives outside of Allie helped me to get invested in the characters, even believing Allie’s assumptions about her friends.

I think I thought this was one of the other books with this title. This book was fine. I was a huge fan of the tone of the writing it took quite a bit for me to get into it and unfortunately I never really ended up getting attached to any of the characters. I feel like maybe it just felt rushed and underdeveloped? I think maybe in such an overcrowded market where like 6 different books have basically the same cover and title there are just more exciting options? I wanted to love it, I'm sorry. This just wasn't it for me.

After writing several bestselling romantic novels, Allie experiences writer's block and wonders if her relationship is rooted in her lack of romantic plots. The story's plot is multilayered and features complex characters and many humorous situations. Allie meets Martin, a once-famous older author who shares her writing impasse. Their serendipitous meeting helps and hinders them both and provides the title's plot twist. Meeting Will is lust at first sight for Allie and delivers the story's sweet, slow-burn romance. Contemporarily relevant and pacy, it's an engaging read. It does move between scenes haphazardly, but this is deliberate to mirror Allie's emotions and writing difficulties. I like the originality, the complex characters and the exploration of modern love.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. I want to be upfront that I did DNF this book after 51% as I was expecting a more romance heavy novel versus a literary fiction/mystery novel.
Based on the cover and the blurb of the book, I was expecting a lot more romance in this book. At 51%, we had only encountered one romantic scene when I was begging for more. I loved the concept of a romance writer going through a breakup and then becoming interested in a man who is a caterer.
I felt the plot moving from the romance aspect when we focused on the crime novel writer, Martin. Once we started getting into his story and everything going on with his kids and wife, I was completely lost and couldn't continue. I really wanted to know what happened with Allie and Will but it seemed we were barely getting those scenes.
I did enjoy getting to know Allie and the publishing sides to things. I also enjoyed the friendships that were developed in this book. I think if this was marketed more as a literary fiction or a mystery, it would find the right audience.

I’ll give this book 2.5 stars, rounded up, because I DNFed it and I believe this is an “it’s me not you” situation. I may have slept on a gem here. I was far enough into the book to determine that it wasn’t for me.

The Plot Twist has a fun and refreshing concept—two writers swapping genres to overcome their creative slumps while forming an unexpected bond. Eleanor Goymer delivers an engaging, lighthearted story that blends humor, romance, and a touch of self-discovery.
The premise sets up the potential for a witty and emotionally rich romcom. The writing is charming, and fans of cozy bookish romances will still find plenty to enjoy. If you love stories about writers, genre-swapping chaos, and a mix of humor and heart, this is worth picking up. While it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential, it’s an entertaining and feel-good read.

It’s a cute story around writers block and what we use for inspiration. Just a sweet romantic read reminding you to root for the happily ever afters no matter what the age.
If you’re into books about writers, creative struggles, or just need a pick-me-up, this might just be your book. It’s predictable in the best way, like your favorite rom-com movie.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

It’s a cute story around writers block and what we use for inspiration. I couldn’t get behind Allie as the main character, her inner monologue bothered me for a reason I can’t put my finger on but I really liked Martin, Jess, and Will. So I was able to continue for them.

The Plot Twist was such a cute romantic fiction. I loved that Allie was a writer working on her novel and the mentor relationship she had with Martin. I loved the backroom drama at the publishing house for the side story line. Allie was a wee bit frustrating at times with the choices she made, BUT the character growth was good and I adored Will as her lead. Just a sweet romantic read reminding you to root for the happily ever afters no matter what the age.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK- one more chapter for the ARC.

Cute romantic comedy! This book was a lovely read and to see all the characters find their own happy endings was really sweet.
There was a lot of plot packed into the book but it was fairly well rounded and everything was wrapped up well with not too much going on to be left confused.
The characters depth was great and having your own guesses turn out to be completely wrong at some points was great fun to read.
Pacing was brilliant. Always kept wanting to turn the page and keep in going until the next chapter.
I'm not a fan of third act breakups generally so wasn't my favourite part to read but it did move plot fairly quickly and didn't drag it out which I do greatly appreciate.
The full circle sort of path it took as well was good and I enjoyed all the throwbacks to the same locations used throughout. Really make me feel like I was actually travelling around London with them.
Overall, a great read if you're after a cute romance, I shall definitely be reccommending to my friends who love this genre.
Favourite Quote - Dating etiquette could go to hell, there was nothing sexier than a man being straightforward and honest about what he wanted.
Favourite Character - Martin

The Plot Twist is a romcom whirlwind about author Allie. Allie has writer's block and a mind that travels a mile a minute. Panic ensues when she has nothing to show to her editor.
And I'm afraid this is the part of the story in which I stopped reading - around about the 7% mark. I hate to do this to a book, but I have to say it. It isn't very well-written. The prose just doesn't flow. At times, I thought I was reading a screenplay with the author moving the different characters to and fro. We have an overuse of names when refering to the characters, mindless repetition of known facts and poor use of the English language.
I couldn't get into it I'm afraid, which is a shame as the premise sounds new and exciting. Give it a good rewrite and edit and I'm sure it will score a lot higher.

The plot list had a slow start but once you get into the book it was pretty cute. I loved the relationships that the main character developed but I wish there was more of a focus on romance. I thought it was cute how it showed her downfall and then rediscover of her love of romance once she finds love. I would have loved more backstory on her character as well as Will. Pretty cute story though focusing on the world of authors.

I really liked this book. It’s the kind of cozy, feel-good rom-com you want to curl up with on a lazy Sunday. Allie, a romcom writer with major writer’s block, teams up with Martin, a grumpy crime novelist, to swap plots and get their creative juices flowing. Cue an unexpected friendship. The same night she meets Martin, Allie also runs into a cute caterer named Will who might just be Allie’s real-life leading man.
The writing is sharp and funny, and I adored the dynamic between Allie and Martin—it’s like a quirky professor-student relationship with loads of heart. The romance with Will is sweet, though I wish we got a bit more of him. Still, it’s a fun, easy read with just enough drama to keep things interesting. It's also an interesting view into the world of publishing in the UK.
If you’re into books about writers, creative struggles, or just need a pick-me-up, this might just be your book. It’s predictable in the best way, like your favorite rom-com movie. Definitely adding Eleanor Goymer to my must-read list!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

When struggling with writers block and a break-up, Romance write Allie crosses paths with a well-known crime writer and they decide to help each other out. Martin is stuck in the past and struggling to write something current and Allie is struggling to write in her own field.
The premise for the story is great and the characters are likeable. Iw as able to identify with Allie at many points in the story.

Allie is going through a rough patch—battling writer's block, facing an identity crisis, and struggling with a failing relationship. To make matters worse, her publisher is demanding a manuscript, and her ruthless new boss only adds to the pressure.
Just when things seem hopeless, she meets Martin, a seasoned crime writer. With sincerity, they open up about their troubles and realize that working together might be the key to overcoming their personal and professional struggles.
Amidst the chaos, Allie finds herself unexpectedly single—only to cross paths with Will, a charming caterer who makes her question whether romance is truly dead.
The Plot Twist is a light, charming read that kept me engaged from start to finish. There's something special about books that center on writers, and this one was no exception—I enjoyed every page.

The Plot Twist by Elenore Goymer is the perfect feel-good read—the kind of rom-com you’d want to curl up with on a rainy day. It has a lighthearted charm that keeps you turning the pages, even if the concept leans toward the predictable. But honestly? That’s part of its appeal. It has that Hallmark movie feel, where you know how things will play out, yet you’re happy to go along for the ride.
The story follows a successful author struggling with writer’s block, feeling the pressure of an impending deadline. In desperation, she turns to another writer for help—someone who, compared to her, feels like a relic of the past. As they bounce ideas, share anecdotes, and swap plot twists, inspiration finally starts to spark again.
Of course, keeping this collaboration under wraps proves trickier than expected. The protagonist, Allie, insists on secrecy… only to promptly spill the truth to a few people. Her actions might seem silly, but they’re also entirely believable—I know people who would do the exact same thing in her shoes, which makes the story feel more grounded and relatable.
At its core, the book explores themes of self-doubt, self-sabotage, and the fear of ruining a good thing before it even begins. There’s an excitement and intrigue to watching it all unfold, and the writing has a modern feel without being overly heavy-handed in its messaging.
Overall, The Plot Twist is a quick, easy, and entertaining read—perfect for a holiday escape or a lazy Sunday afternoon. If you love rom-coms with witty banter, endearing characters, and a touch of chaos, this one’s worth picking up.