Honestly, this one was a little hard for me to keep track of. There aren't a ton of characters, but the name changes occurring right at the beginning of the book (granted, they are part of the ruse and the plot depends on it loosely) made it challenging to follow. Once they adopted their real names, though, I was in! Super cheesy and cute, this had all the makings of a lightly steamy vacation read that I'll keep going back to.

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC!*

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Finding Mr. Write releases June 25, 2024

Daphne is a female author residing in the Yukon, and has decided to publish her book under a male pseudonym; though none of her publishing team is aware of the fact that she’s a woman because she has hired a man named Chris to be the public face of her pen name.

The whole narrative was basically taking steps to devalue her as a woman in a professional space, which I found hard to be excited for (ex. pretending to be the maid at her own home when there were in-person interviews).

Chris ended up being much more than just the face behind the name, and seemed to be making executive decisions relating to interviews and book signing tours. The level of involvement started to annoy me early on and I don’t know why Daphne had to make so much more trouble for herself when it’s not unheard of for some authors to keep a low profile. I’m sure she could have worked out a deal that didn’t amount to such a headache while still keeping a pseudonym.

The relationship to me felt forced, and the interview that took place at Daphne’s home was so drawn out, which didn’t leave much room to unpack the final resolution of revealing her true authorship and all of the depth and nuances that surround that conversation. A lot of the scenarios came across as ridiculous or exaggerated, which made it harder for me to form any sort of attachment.

Kelley Armstrong takes a break from her amazing supernatural novels to write a rom-com that has some awesome twists and turns. Being one of my favorite authors, I wasn't sure what to expect from this departure from the normal. Her normal fast-paced plot and great characterization are present in this new rom-com novel.

Daphne lives off the grid in a remote region of Canada for a reason. She doesn't like attention. After her mother's long battle with cancer, Daphne fulfilled many of her bucket list items including writing a novel. Reeling from the constant rejections from publishers, Daphne submits her novel under a man's pen name. Right away the novel is picked up and pushed through to top out on the best sellers list. In trouble, Daphne seeks help from a friend who recommends an accountant (who is in trouble and also a former actor) to play the role of the male author.

With Chris by her side, Daphne wades through the patriarchal landscape of publishing and frantically tries to keep everything together.

I adore both Daphne and Chris as characters. The situations they find themselves in are hilarious. The landscape is beautiful in the remote woods of Canada. Definitely planning a trip up to a remote area of Canada with my bear pepper spray in hand. I love the non-traditional responses from both protagonists that differ greatly from typical situations characters find themselves in within rom-coms.

I’m so conflicted about my feelings for this book. I was so excited to see that the FMC lives in the Yukon. I’ve been to Whitehorse a couple times and love it, and loved that aspect of this book. Unfortunately it’s really not a big part of the book, which isn’t a fault of the book, just a bit of a personal disappointment.

Where this book lost me a lot was that it was very, very shallow. Daphne and Chris get along great, and really like each other for who they are (when he actually lets her get to know him) yet even with that, his appearance was constantly talked about, all the way to the very end of the book. Sure, he’s sweet, but keep in mind that he’s super hot. So smart, but also totally hot. Supportive of her career? Absolutely. And hot. It got exhausting. Especially because he was just as aware of it and shallow about it.

I expect basically all romance novels to have a typical ‘third act conflict’ in them, but unfortunately this one didn’t work for me. I thought that the characters were very hot and cold on if they had good communication (which was refreshing!) but at times it was like they had no idea how to talk to each other. It didn’t make sense for the characters, for me.

I do think a lot of this could come down to the author just not being for me, and I think I’m settling my rating of this book at 2.5/5 and while I personally don’t plan to reread it, I would recommend other readers at least try the sample because I do think it will be a good fit for many others.

Bit of a personal gripe, but I think that while the cover is gorgeous, it doesn’t represent Daphne well. She’s described as curvy, with wide hips, can barely wear a button up because the buttons pull at the chest, and almost 6 feet tall. I just had a different vision of her in my head, I guess. But I do think the background of the cover is very striking.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had originally found the first two chapters a bit clunky in the writing style and DNF’ed this ARC early on, but I had no issues with it this time around, so I think that was more on me than the book. I am so glad I came back to this story!

What happens when Daphne McFadden, fed up with the publishing world and the patriarchy, drunkenly submits her novel’s manuscript to a publisher under a masculine penname? She gets a six figure book deal, realizes she’s in over her head, and then hires a hot man to play the author, of course!

Chris, said hot man, is actually an accountant whose ex-business partner put him in a bit of a financial lurch, and agrees to play Zane Remington (the name!!!) because how hard could it be? He takes a few photos and does some phone-interviews and makes some easy cash. He’ll never have to leave Vancouver. There shouldn’t be a tour or any in-person interviews unless the book does super well - well beyond expectations for a debut.

So when the book lands on top of the New York Times bestseller list, Chris and Daphne are thrown together in person, building off the chemistry and friendship building cross country, and into an in-person interview at Daphne’s Yukon residence.(Because a man like Zane Remington would have also lived off the grid - why would Daphne have changed that detail?!) From there, it’s a whirlwind book tour filled with building romantic feelings, professional realizations, internet nonsense, and more dashes of the publishing industry.

I loved this book. It was fun, cozy, silly at times, and heartfelt. Chris and Daphne worked so well together as the team behind Zane Remington as a team in life. Open and honest communication - we love to see it! I especially loved that the third-act conflict wasn’t only romance-based; in fact it was focused on Daphne coming out as the actual Zane Remington and those repercussions!
I really can’t wait for this book to come out and for others to fall in love with it like I did!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was such a fun concept, plus it’s written by Kelley Armstrong who usually writes paranormal/fantasy. It was cool to see her write something different.

I felt the length and pacing of the book worked well but some of the plot points felt forced. Like the miscommunication towards the end. I also felt the romance was missing something special. I think I needed more little moments between the MCs to really feel the connection.

This is a quick romcom that will be perfect for summer! Definitely a beach read!

Looking for a book that is well written but light-hearted? This rom-com fill fit that desire.
Written by an author that is out of her typical genre, the book doesn't stray from rom-com and delivers a cute and slightly sappy book (but aren't all rom-coms slightly sappy?).
I chose this book because I am a fan of the author, and she delivered. The main character is well developed with depth. The leading man also has depth and a backstory. All of the boxes are checked - strong lead female, affable leading man, understanding editor, sexist neighbor, sexist/old-school/outdated businessman - all of the requirements are there to set the scene for the book (which would also make a fantastic movie).
The two things that led to the four star rating were the repeated reminders of the romantic interest's repeated reminders of his job and the romantic rendezvous. The initial rendezvous stepped out of the simple rom-com (pg-13) to a most definite adult only (r or nc 17) rating.

I would recommend this to rom-com fans and fans of Ms. Armstrong. It is enjoyable and will put a smile on your face.

This was such a fun story to read. The characters are extremely believable, to the point where you want to cheer them on even as you're shaking your head at them. I love the premise behind the plot, that we still have a ways to go towards equality among the sexes, but I appreciate that it wasn't shoved in our face through the whole book. The struggles the main character went through were so relatable. Her feelings of insecurity and second guessing herself made her, not just relatable, but likeable too. The male lead was equally well written and I loved that he wasn't perfect. That he made some mistakes along the way and had many of his own, very relatable, cringe worthy moments too. Together it all wrapped up into a slow burn romance that was charming, full of hilarious antics, and the perfect weekend escape read. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a light yet engaging read.

ARC Review: Finding Mr. Write
Releases on June 25, 2024

This was the first book I’ve read by Kelley and I thought it was very enjoyable! Both characters were instantly likable, strong, and funny. I found myself giggling and wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next. I couldn't get enough! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun delightful romance!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #FindingMrWrite

Would you put a man's name on your work to have it published? It's been done in the past, but how would that play out in modern society?

I usually read Kelley Armstrong for her supernatural mysteries so when she announced a rom com coming out I had to check it out.
The beginning was slow to start with my favorite pieces being the texting conversations. For me the plot really picked up with the extended in person meeting of the main characters so the middle of the book was my favorite part not only for the setting being like home but it became more solid and real. The characters thought process mirrors my own if the events had happened to me, and I absolutely love that. I loved much of the humor throughout the book. This wasn't bad for one of my favorite authors first forays into this genre.

A cute romance tied in with great atmosphere and a strong female character who will do whatever it takes to get her job done. Daphne tries to find the perfect outdoorsy hunk of masculinity guy but she realizes it is hard to do then she thinks.

Interesting and different view of authorship. And how to get noticed and inadvertently not be known in the publishing business. “What a tangled web we weave…” Will true love prevail?

Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong is a delightful rom-com that packs a powerful punch. Daphne's decision to submit her novel under a male pseudonym exposes the pervasive gender bias in the publishing industry. Armstrong skillfully weaves this important social commentary into a fun and engaging story.

Set in the wilderness of the Yukon, the vivid descriptions transport you to the remote area. The book tour scenes are particularly steamy and add an exciting element to the story.

What I loved most about this book is its pace. The plot moves at a perfect clip, keeping you engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making you care about their journey. Daphne's transformation throughout the story is both empowering and inspiring.

Overall, Finding Mr. Write is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies. It's a feel-good book with a serious message that will leave you smiling.

I loved the romance in this book. I loved the setting. (I loved the dog!) The only thing I did not love was that the premise was so filmsy and easily fixed. Her submitting it with a male pen name could have easily been addressed as soon as they purchased her novel. That said, I was able to ignore how frustrating I found it and enjoy the rest of the story... which I did. Greatly. It's just such a fun, great read. It made me want to visit the Yukon.

A beautiful romance! I loved the characters. I laughed out loud, and rooted for the romance. A must for all rom com lovers!

Thank you to NetGalley and to Forever Publishing for the ARC of Kelley Armstrong's Finding Mr. Write.

Kelley Armstrong is a must read, auto buy author for me. Havens Rock, A Stitch in Time, Rockton, Cursed Luck, Otherworld, Nadia Stafford, etc. - I really appreciate her work - they're always fun, though on a few occasions they can get a bit dark. This is her first romantic comedy book, so a different genre, though she does write a lot of romance in other spaces. She talks about how the movie The Lost City influenced this plot a bit - and I do see that resemblance, and I really enjoyed the movie so was happy to see a book with that vibe.

I think, and I did the same thing to Sarina Bowen's first thriller, The Five Year Lie, that if it's an author I autoread I might judge it a bit more sternly because I know the larger breadth of their work, vs giving exceptions to debuts or a first time trying a new author. I do want t applaud how many authors right now are trying out different genres and styles, romantasy being the major pivot. It's awesome they're taking risks and flexing their writing muscles, I think I just might get a bit bummed when I know the author could take a story really next level and it falls a little flat on their first attempt.

Finding Mr. Write is about Daphne, an author of a young adult book that she has written under a pen name, Zane Remington. When her publisher wants to meet her/set her up for her 6 figure payour and promo, Daphne's best friend finds her someone to "be" Zane" in her place so she does not lose her book deal. Chris Stanton knows Daphne's best friend (she's his lawyer, he's an accountant) and he volunteers for the role. But when the book debuts as #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List and the publisher wants more and more from "Zane", Daphne and Chris have to find a way through it, all while falling for each other.

Armstrong lives in the Yukon (I follow her on Instagram) and so the setting of this book she knows inside and out. I would have LOVED if the book was just a rom com in the woods because the first 40% or so of the book that takes place here is really vivid and strongly written.

Past that, the plot and the characters have some troubles.

Chris is very attractive and the publisher loves his look and wants to really emphasize how hot he is -- but this is a book for young adults, not new adults or adults, so it seemed a bit cringe to use a person in this way in 2024 to sell books to teenagers.

Chris also pretends to be an actor for the first 25% of the book, and this has no basis in anything besides Daphne saying 'I should hire an actor'. Why her best friend tries to be sneaky about this instead of just saying, "Hey, yeah, I know a guy" and why Chris then pretends to be an absolute douche the first several chapters -- to me it made him so unlikeable and extra. He could have just been like "Yeah, I'm going through a tough spot right now, what do you need from me as Zane?" and instead him taking parking spots from people, pretending he doesn't read books and sending shirtless pics to the publisher and stuff just seemed so over the top.

Having pen names is really common, and the young adult dystopian realm is pretty much owned by white woman authors, so Daphne's original plan was very JK Rowling circa 1996. This is not meant to disparage woman authors though - the discrepancies between pay are real and do still exist in 2024.

I don't want to go on because generally speaking I liked the book, and I was willing to overlook the parts I didn't, but I do wish the foundation of the plot and characters had been a bit different to make for a stronger story. I'd still read whatever Kelley has next in the pipeline.

2.5 stars rounded up.

This book had so much potential, but it just dragged on and was a bit over all the place. The premise is Daphne, an architect who dreams of being a writer, keeps getting her manuscript turned down by publishers. She decides to submit it under a male pseudonym and BAM! The deal comes through. Unfortunately her publisher is breathing down her neck to get an author photo for the book, and she hires and actor to play the role. He is handsome and outdoorsy and perfect to play a brooding new literary talent. Except Chris isn't really and actor, but was referred by Daphne's lawyer friend. He's really an accountant who likes to bake brownies, so he has to really lean into the alpha-male role.

When they meet, it's insta-love for him, and she just is really attracted to him. The book promotion takes off and they travel together under the guise that she is his assistant. Daphne is torn between feeling proud for making a book that people are loving, but not getting recognition for the book.

What really bogged down the book for me was all the scheduling logistics for the book tour...let's take a plane...wait for a hotel room check-in....it took away from the heart of the matter as far as gender/power in the publishing industry. As far as romance go, I did not feel swoony over the romance and really did not get a sense of who the two leads were.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. This was a fun book. Rom com is not the usual for this author as I've read some of her other things, but she pulls it off splendidly. I greatly enjoyed this book and I haven't enjoyed a rom com in a while to be honest. The story was fun, the characters were well developed, and I couldn't put the book down. I will be recommending this to all of my friends who read, and I will be buying this when it's officially out.

Thank you to NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong was such an entertaining read!

I know this is Armstrong’s first rom-com and I really think it was an excellent start in the genre for her! If you are already a fan of her books, I seriously recommend you give this a try! You’ll love her familiar writing style as it brings to life these characters and the scenery, even though this is a much lighter story than most of her other work! Armstrong has written some incredible couples over the years and has definitely got a wonderful sense of humor that’s been present in her previous books. So it wasn’t surprising to me how great a job she did here where she got to really focus on those aspects!

Finding Mr. Write was so sweet, so romantic, and so funny! This is the type of book that will remind you why you love rom-coms. I flew through this book because of how much I was rooting for our couple Daphne & Chris!

I loved the dual-pov, which I think was so necessary for the story. It was important to see both of their thoughts and feelings. I know not everyone loves dual-POV books, but I really think if you’re going to give one a shot this is a good pick. I definitely saw the value in having both Chris & Daphne’s perspectives, and I think others will agree it was the right way to tell this story! I was a little hesitant to see that the POV alternated often mid-chapter, but I really was won over by what insight we gained each time we switched.

Both Daphne and Chris are so lovable for different reasons! They’re solid characters who feel real as individuals, and I think that’s why their relationship is one I loved to see growing throughout the book! Their connection together feels so genuine because they felt so genuine individually, if that makes sense. Other minor characters were also so well-written! I really enjoyed Sakura which I didn’t quite expect, but that’s always a nice surprise!

The weakest part of the book for me was the very beginning. There’s a few chapters, really just chapters two and three, where a lot of it is messaging back and forth between Daphne & Chris. I do feel like it did work for establishing the premise of the book, where Daphne needs a man to become the male pen name she used to get her book published, and for getting us to where we needed to be to bring the two of them to the same location. I just didn’t love it. It’s a very small section of this story, but definitely my least favorite part.

That said, once I was past it I couldn’t put the book down. Everything worked for me after that. So I definitely would encourage anyone to keep going if you’re not loving that little section. I assume most people will be absolutely fine with it, I don’t have a real complaint beyond messaging in books not being my cup of tea and it was quite a bit of the first few chapters.

Overall, Finding Mr. Write is a fun rom-com I definitely recommend! I loved the slow-burn, loved the banter, loved the stakes, and I could just keep going! Anyone who likes those things and is looking for an easy lighthearted read should be looking for this book when it’s available!

The cover of this book & description totally intrigued me. Easy, fast ready - perfect for summer. I loved the characters in this book & their chemistry. There are several steamy love scenes- a definite plus. I am hoping Armstrong will continue writing in this genre- pick this one up!!

Thank you NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC copy of this book.