I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book really lived up to it's title. It was cute. It was also fun and I really enjoyed reading it!

*Thanks to Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for this eARC; the review is my own.*

When I requested this book, I expected it to be cute--a fun way to pass some time while waiting for my husband to catch up in the book we're reading. But I didn't expect it to be this cute. I didn't expect it to enjoy it so much that I was no longer impatient to continue reading my other book. That's what happened, though. This book is adorable.

Character development was surprisingly thorough for something that's not even 250 pages. I loved Frankie and Graham (both mid 30s). Some may find their journey from strangers to love to be a bit quick, especially after the heartbreak Frankie experiences early on in the book. But I was totally fine with it--my husband and I knew we were going to get married two weeks after we started dating, and we've now been happily married 20 years. But I digress. I liked how Frankie and Graham helped each other be more themselves, if that makes any sense. Frankie didn't have to be Georgina Justice while she was around him, and he (as Eleanor pointed out) allowed himself to feel things again. Speaking of Graham's sister, Eleanor (17), I loved her, too. The way she and Mrs. Lewis schemed to get Frankie and Graham together was quite amusing, especially since Graham was so completely oblivious to it.

I think the one thing that bothered me was Frankie's insistence that Crestford House and all of its history should belong to the world and be open to visitors. Yes, it's important for people to see and experience history. But Crestford House as their home and property. So I disagree with Frankie on that. Nobody should feel obligated to open their house to strangers or make their family's possessions available to the public simply because they're antiques. I wouldn't have minded her suggestions had they merely been a way to preserve and maintain the estate (which was falling into disrepair), but her belief that the Phips-Harington history should belong to the people irked me.

However, I can overlook that flaw (because everyone has flaws), and say that I still really liked this book. If you like your rom-coms filled with spunky heroines, gruff heroes, and a somehow humorous macabre history of a quirky estate, try this one out. Plus, I feel a second book in the works, and I'll be there for it.

Two quotes stuck out to me as I was reading:

"Readers don't mind grumpy heroes but they don't want it spelled out for them in the title."
- This is absolutely true. I find it rather off-putting when a title totally spells out the tropes, like The Grumpy Firefighter Next Door or Stranded with Her Best Friend's Brother (I'm totally making these up, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were actual titles). Dear authors, use those as your placeholders while you think of real titles, but please don't publish your books like that.

"There are more feelings than ways to describe them."
- Fact. Just like there are more colors than we have words for, we feel things more than we can describe them. I love it. What a great and simple way to articulate something so true.

Love books about writers, so that was very cute to read. The storyline, although very descriptive, felt a bit flat which was a bit disappointing. I also had a bit of a hard time with the 3rd person POV because I haven't read that in a while so I had to get into it again.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the unique setting. English manor houses are pretty common in regency books, but I've not seen many in contemporary stories. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of some of the different rooms like the smoking room and the ballroom. I was a little thrown off by Graham's POV being in 3rd person present. It felt unnatural to me, although that's mostly because I haven't read other books like that. Once I got to know Graham, it made more sense for him to think like that, but I think it threw off the whole story for me. I liked the fact that Frankie was an author. As a reader, it's always fun to get a little peek behind the scenes and see how an author's mind works. And including some parts of the story she was writing was such a fun way to lead up to an amazingly romantic end-of-story moment. This was a cute romcom with a few deeper topics to keep things interesting. Sweet/clean romance readers will want to add this one to their TBRs.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book definitely got better the farther I got into it. The whole fiancé who’s a jerk and wedding dress thing seemed a bit much for real life. But everything else was fun. The stories surrounding the castle and the family she meets in England were odd and fun and I loved getting to know Graham and his sister Eleanor. The main character, Frankie, had a fun overlapping story going on using a novel she was writing. Overall, a cute story.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book had some pluses and minuses for me. It started off really slow and I almost stopped reading about 20% of the way through because of it. Also, I was confused by the switches in tenses. The FMC, Georgina, was in 1st person while the MMC, Graham, was in 3rd person, which was a bit jarring for me. Once I got used to the tense switches and Georgina and Graham were together more often, the book started to feel like it was in the groove and was flowing better until the end where I felt like there was tension thrown in for the sake of tension.

What I enjoyed about the book was how the characters grew and realized they had to let go of the past to live in the present. I thought this aspect was beautifully portrayed in both Georgina and Graham’s life and was ultimately what brought them together.

Unfortunately the book felt a bit flat for me and I found a few typos and extra words that the editors have missed.

The premise is good and I'm a sucker for any romance novel or movie that involve a Brit MMC and/or someone who works in publishing or is a writer, but I found the attraction between the FMC and MMC empty around the 40/50% mark. I wish there were more direct hints towards the development of feelings, rather than sometimes overdoing it when it comes to the physical attraction between the two characters.

I also think the MMC was far too focused on other people's and his family's social standing, even though his title pretty much amounts to nothing. I found that quite tedious.

It's just not a book for me, but I'm sure others would enjoy it!

I have a soft spot for novels about writers, and The Meet Cute Manuscript is that and so much more as main character Frankie Brown aka author Georgina Justice not only is writing a romance but living out a romance in real life!! Now I don’t read Regency romance books and so I didn’t appreciate the references as much as one could, but I did love the historical fiction component. As well as Kimberly’s dedication to her husband and use of trebuchets throughout the novel!! This book is a cute as the title states!!

3 stars

The premise of this book had all the ingredients I usually adore: a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, British charm, and a literary heroine rediscovering her romantic spark. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect with the story the way I’d hoped.

One of my biggest hurdles was the dual POV. I found the switches between their perspectives jarring, and I often had to reread sections to figure out what was going on due to the different tense/and POVs in first vs third person.

That said, I can absolutely see this being a hit for readers who enjoy quirky, modern-meets-Regency storytelling and love a reserved, brooding British hero. The atmosphere is charming, and the writing itself is witty in parts, I just wasn't the right reader for it.

I really thing the POVs were the biggest problem for me. I own a ton of Kimberly's other books so I plan to read those, so take me with a grain of salt. I read a ton of rom-coms each year so thats why I think the POVs were why I struggled so much.

Wishing this one all the success with the readers it does connect with!

SCREAMS IN BRITISH ACCENT Oh my GOD, what did I just read?? I am officially OBSESSED. Thank you SO MUCH for the ARC—because wow, I devoured this book like it was the last crumpet in the manor pantry. 😭💋

Okay, let’s break it down. First off—Frankie. Miss Georgina Justice. Frankie freakin’ Brown. Bestselling Regency author, romantic queen, and total hot mess in the most relatable, loveable way. She’s smart, she’s vulnerable, she’s hilarious—and the way she just crumbles after that very public breakup?? Girl, same. And when her bestie ships her off to some grand old English manor to recover (please someone do this for ME), that’s when the REAL magic starts.

Now let’s talk about HIM. Graham Michael Phips-Harington. Viscount Rosebury. That name alone made me blush. He’s grumpy, broody, noble, sarcastic, secretly soft... he’s my new religion. AND THE CHEMISTRY?! THE SLOW-BURN? I was literally giggling and kicking my feet like a teenage Victorian ghost in the conservatory. 🫠🕯️

Also??? The whole double storyline??? Like Frankie is writing a romance WHILE LIVING A ROMANCE??? Genius. Meta. Art. I was living for the way fiction and reality blurred like one of those foggy English mornings. And the setting—the manor, the ghosts, the paintings, the old trunks full of secrets and history?? Literal aesthetic heaven. Give me a map, I’m moving in.

AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT GRUMPY/SUNSHINE??? Opposites attract??? It’s giving Jane Austen meets Emily Henry meets the warm hug of a cozy blanket and a well-timed kiss. 💋

This book was funny, swoony, tender, and gave me butterflies in all the best ways. I laughed, I sighed, I highlighted like half the dialogue. It’s clean romance but the TENSION??? I needed a fan. 🫠

To sum it up: I’m in love. With the book. With Frankie. With Graham. With ghost stories and conservatories. 10/10 no notes. Stephanie Alves wishes she wrote this level of swoon (JK ILY Stephanie). Please let me live inside this book forever. 📖🏰

BRB rereading. And yes, this is your sign to read it NOW. 💋💋💋

The Meet-Cute Manuscript by Kimberly Duffy is a sweet romance that combines everything I love into a book. American Georgina Justice is an amazing writer know round the world. After a very public break-up with a wealthy man her agent sends her to England to help her make a come-back. Graham Michael Phips-Harington, Viscount Rosebury, is an engineer who builds trebuchets and is trying to save his Georgian manner.

For me this story pulled together all the things I love and was a joy to read. This well played romantic comedy had me laughing out loud and swooning while hoping to meet a viscount engineer. I enjoyed the Regency romance within the story that Georgina Justice was writing. The heroine was multi-layered and I enjoyed watching her make peace with her past, move forward, and fall in love. Graham was a great hero and his sister dazzled with humor and life.

I enjoyed this humorous, romantic, and sweet story. The Meet-Cute Manuscript by Kimberly Duffy is one you do not want to miss. I highly recommend.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

What a wonderfully exciting and immersive story- it perfectly combines romance along with historical fiction so effortlessly whilst keeping the reader engaged throughout the book. The book focuses on a lady known as Frankie (with her pen name of Georgina Justice a renowned romance author) and her decision to take a break to England after her life in New York takes a turn for the worse. Frankie's editor and friend Ashley instills that the break away will inspire her writing process and give her a new lease on life and it may in fact do just that- (with a few bumps along the way).
This was such an enjoyable, humorous book that I absolutely devoured in two sittings.
A huge thankyou to both Victory Editing Co- Op along with Net galley for the opportunity to read the ARC of this wonderful story.

I was so excited about Kimberly Duffy’s switch to contemporary romantic comedy! Georgina Justice, famous American romance author, heads to England for research under her real name Frankie. She rents a room in a British manor house from the lady of the house-unbeknownst to the brother in charge, Graham, Viscount Rosebury. Jilted by her long-term boyfriend, Frankie seeks inspiration from manor’s history and even heirloom clothing in hopes of convincing herself to believe in love again-perhaps with the shy, practical, trebuchet-loving viscount. It did take me a little bit to get into this story but once I did I could NOT put it down. What British romance-loving American woman doesn’t daydream about what it would be like to fall in love in the British countryside?? Frankie and Graham have so much chemistry- there’s plenty of yearning in this slow burn romance! Between a gorgeous manor property, meddling younger sister, treasure hunting, ghost stories, and a villainous ex, The Meet Cute Manuscript has more than enough fun to keep you on your toes! I definitely recommend this book for Duffy fans and new readers alike!

*I was provided a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed above are my own and I was not required to give a review.

✉️Review: The Meet-Cute Manuscript

🍫Rate: 5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💞Praise: So so so so adorable! Frankie is my new favorite book character! Our beautiful regency romance author is trying to heal from a breakup from an ex-fiance. Yikes! She decides in order to continue working on her next novel getting inspiration by being in England is the ticket! (Yes please!) Graham is the ultimate grumpy recluse and I could not get enough of them! Men who tend to be grumpy definitely have the most secrets! LOL

☕Characters: Another character I absolutely without a doubt adored was Graham's younger sister Eleanor! She definitely has a good heart and her meddling I considered the most entertaining! Her personality is kind of like a tiny dessert you couldn't get enough of and just wanted more! While Graham and Frankie are navigating a romance you definitely sense a lot of whimsical moments and a lot of heartfelt moments leading up to each page. That definitely grabbed my attention!

🥃Extra: I have read Kimberly's books in the past and I was so excited she was writing a contemporary romance! I knew I had to pick it up immediately and I was so glad I was picked to read it!

🍵Bravo!

DNF at 36%

This book sounded very cute and ticked several of my favorite boxes (Regency, enemies to lovers). But the execution just wasn't there for me. I found the characters to be flat and I found myself not wanting to continue reading the story.

This book was the perfect blend of romance, history, and self-discovery. Frankie—who’s secretly bestselling author Georgia—is hiding out in the English countryside after a very public breakdown. She’s supposed to be alone, focusing on her next novel and healing... but then the grumpy older brother of her host unexpectedly arrives.

What follows is a slow burn filled with witty banter, emotional depth, and a setting that makes you want to book a trip to the UK immediately. I loved watching Frankie figure out who she is outside of the public eye—and the romantic tension? Chef’s kiss.

It’s heartfelt, charming, and completely unputdownable. If you're a fan of hidden identities, forced proximity, and emotionally satisfying love stories, this one’s for you.

The story follows Frankie Brown. She is better known as Georgina Justice, best selling regency romance author. Unfortunately she has a very public break up with her fiancé, who is also well known. Ashley, her best friend and agent convinces her to get out of the country so she can focus and finish her manuscript. She books her a place in the English countryside for two months. When her driver pulls up to basically a castle called Crestford house, she thinks she’s traveled back in time.
Crestford house is a private residence with a brother and sister in residence, Graham and Eleanor. Graham was perfectly content in doing his projects and hobbies, Eleanor is tired of living in crumbling remains. With the money coming in from someone staying two months, they can make lots of renovations.
The beginning with Georgiana and her break up started off strong. Once she arrived at the castle, I loved the description of the surrounding area and the introduction to Eleanor. Unfortunately I did not feel a great connection with Graham. Yes, I know he is supposed to be the grumpy recluse, but it just didn’t sit right with me. I thought the descriptions of the ancestors was interesting, but there was just too much bland rambling in the middle of the book. The saving grace for this book was the last 25% and I really enjoyed it. A great conclusion and happily ever after made up for all the downtime. This is a clean contemporary romance with a little bit of historical flair. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4.5 stars ✨

"... Every life is self-contained. We all make our own choices about what we want our story to be.' "

👠 Release date: Tuesday, April 22nd; it's available now! 👠

I couldn't stop reading this amazing novel. I cried. I laughed. I giggled - quite literally over the grumpy engineer Graham and bright, beautiful writer, Frankie. This contemporary romance knew what it was doing, giving me all the feels and swoons - and! The fact I got my regency historical romance as well!

I love the fact this story has a story within it (as Frankie writes her new manuscript).

If you want both contemporary and historical romance, this hits the sweet spot!

The internal conflict of Frankie is totally relatable with how she struggles with the lies and tension with her family (especially towards her father). The fact, she wants to separate her identity with Frankie and wants to be Georgian Justice (her pen-name), but now she's realizing she is Frankie and she desires her own story. Then there's Graham, he was relatable with grieving his parents and having to grow up soon to take her of his sister and wants nothing to change.

I highly recommend this wonderful romcom with deep emotions and sweet, hot kisses! 💕

Thank you Victory Editing Co-op, via NetGalley! I received a copy from Victory Editing. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

The Meet-Cute Manuscript by Kimberly Duffy sounded like a book I could enjoy and spend a few hours reading. I was struggling as I read to connect with the characters. I really wanted to like Georgina/Frankie but I could not see her as someone I could meet in life. I want a romance to be a story that makes me swoon and cheer for the romance to fill me with emotions.
This is the first book in the series and I will read the next one to give the series a chance.
Thank you NetGalley, Kimberly Duffy and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the copy of The Meet-Cute Manuscript. This is my personal review.

A few issues
Brett coming back at the end seemed out of character. I would have much rather seen Frankie fly back home to help her family.
I did enjoy getting to read some of her manuscript though the book. A nice touch.

The wedding dress is kind of unbelievable. Did I miss her getting the dress fitted to her right then? Hard time believing the dress was so custom they wouldn’t do any form of return when she was still in the shop when wedding was over.