Accidentally Amy is pure Lynn Painter gold.


I’m not always the biggest fan of office workplace romances, but I thought if anyone could get me to love this trope, it would be Lynn. And I am happy to report she did. If you are new to Lynn’s books, then get ready for a rom-com that is funny, witty, and spicy. Lynn is known for her banter that just hits all the right spots, think Gilmore Girls type of banter. There are lots of pop culture references, and sometimes the banter is a bit goofy in the best possible way. Lynn’s books just make you feel happy.

This is a fast and easy read. This book is one of those rom-coms that you can just sit back and enjoy. There isn’t a lot of heaviness to this story, and what I mean by that is there is little to no angst and no real serious topics/issues are woven into the plot. It’s just a fun and light-hearted read, which was what I needed this weekend. The overall story is pretty typical for a rom-com. This plot has no real big surprises, which is not a bad thing in my eyes. Sometimes, you just need to sink into a book that you know you will enjoy without worrying about the direction the author might go.

What makes this story stand out is the banter and the characters that Lynn has created. All the secondary characters are a hoot and are people I would love to have in my life. They add just the right amount of charming chaos to the story to make you smile and laugh out loud. Izzy is a typical Lynn Painter heroine. She is smart, kind, and a ball of chaotic, fun energy. I really get Lorelai Gilmore vibes from her character, which I LOVED. When Izzy interacts with Blake, she just talks nonstop, and when she starts rambling, funny and embarrassing things come out of her mouth. It’s great. I enjoyed her character and connected with her right from the start. Blake is also a typical Lynn hero in the sense that he appears to be button-up and very reserved, but once you get to know him, you realize that he is this sweet, charming, and witty man. Blake’s character is the one who goes through the most growth in this story. He is very rigid in his beliefs, especially when it comes to lying, and he is unwilling to forgive someone if they lie, even if it’s a stupid, small lie. Blake has to learn that life isn’t always black and white and that sometimes you have to operate in that grey zone because life is complicated and messy.

The romance is purrfection. I loved and craved every moment between these two. Like Izzy, I was also swooning when I learned that Blake is a crazy cat man, and the lengths he goes to make sure his cats are taken care of just melted my heart. Everything just worked so well between Izzy and Blake. They have that instant chemistry that just hooks you in. There are some hurdles and challenges that they have to overcome in order to be together. Blake is Izzy’s boss, which means any romantic relationship between them is forbidden. There is also the fact that Blake is super angry with Izzy for lying to him and allowing him to believe her name is Amy. The workplace hurdle was the major challenge that they had to figure out, and I thought Lynn did a good job at working things out in a realistic manner. There is a decent amount of spice in this book, and gosh, that lusty attraction between these two is delicious. Overall, it was a fabulous love story.

Accidentally Amy was everything I hoped it would be, and it was a perfect pick-me-up read.

Thanks Berkley for the arc!

3.5 stars! I mostly enjoyed the banter, it was a fun and quick read. 🥰

This was a cute, fun workplace romance that has everything you would come to expect from Lynn Painter. I loved Izzy and Blake’s meet cute and their banter back and forth!

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ALC.

I really enjoyed this updated version of Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter. This book is super cozy and is sure to give you all the feels. Lynn Painter is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers.

The only comment I really have is that it appears that there is no audiobook being produced for this edition of the book, and that is a little upsetting to me, as a lover of audiobooks, and someone who is involved in the disability community. I know this technically does not have anything to do with reviewing the book, but I thought it was important to point out so that anyone who primarily reads with audiobooks (due to disability 0r otherwise), is aware that this 2025 special edition does not have an audiobook edition as of the pub date 2/14/2024. Hopefully, an audiobook is published for this book soon!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I wish I was able to rate the story more than 5 stars!

Read If You Like:
- Office romances
- Accidental first meetings
- Slow-burn with witty banter
- Grumpy-sunshine
- Fall vibes and pumpkin spice lattes

Accidentally Amy is a fun rom-com that starts with a coffee-spilling meet-cute and takes you on a hilarious, heartwarming journey of unexpected love. Isabella, who accidentally assumes the name "Amy" after a chaotic morning mix-up, doesn’t expect her clumsy run-in with the brooding barista to come back to haunt her at work. But when she realizes her coffee shop crush is none other than her grumpy new coworker, Christopher, the sparks—and the awkwardness—are impossible to ignore.

Isabella is a relatable, chaotic force of nature who radiates sunshine, while Christopher’s gruff, no-nonsense demeanor hides a heart that’s more than ready to fall. Their dynamic shifts as the walls come down, moving from playful bickering to deeply emotional moments that will have you rooting for their happily ever after.

The workplace setting adds an extra layer of tension, especially as their connection grows and secrets (like Isabella’s fake name) threaten to upend everything. The humor is perfectly balanced with heartfelt moments, and the autumnal backdrop—with cozy coffee shops and pumpkin spice everything—gives the story a warm, comforting vibe.

If you’re looking for a feel-good romance filled with laugh-out-loud moments, swoony tension, and a couple you can’t help but adore, Accidentally Amy is the perfect choice. It’s a story that feels like a warm cup of coffee on a crisp fall day—satisfying, sweet, and impossible to put down.

Thank you so much to Berkley for my gifted ARC!

Lynn Painter is one of my favorite writers, her characters are just so realistic and fun to spend time with! Loved this one and can’t wait for more Lynn!

3.5/5 Stars

This was a super fast-paced, easy to digest read. Overall it was cute, with a lot of the classic workplace romance tropes, but started getting a little too cringy for me in the third act. There were a lot of funny aspects, with his cats being stars of the show. I also loved whenever we interacted with Izzy's cousins and wish we got a little more of them! It wasn't my favorite, as there was some miscommunication and power dynamics that I didn't love, but those are very much a me thing and might not bother others!

You can tell Lynn is a YA writer primarily, as many of the things that I like about YA novels was good in this (tension/build up, funny side characters, etc.). However, it started to feel like the adult content wasn't quite there. Some of how they behaved was immature and I struggled with the relationship in the third act.

This was also the case for the romance. I would describe this is an open door romance that leaves the lights off. It technically is on-page spice, but the language is so generic it could have just stayed closed door. Now the lead up to the spice was great though, which again, is something she likely had developed well as a YA writer. The kisses were hot AF but then it just kind of fizzled when it finally came to any more action. The way they discussed sex also felt like teens vs adults, with some of the language being cringey. If you are someone who doesn't like graphic description, you'd be happy with this! But for those who like a little more spice, this will be on the mild side for you.

Overall I think it's a solid read for fans of her novels and those who enjoy a workplace romance. It wasn't my favorite, but it was quick and easy and kept me entertained!

Read If You Like:
Workplace romance
Grumpy x sunshine
Cat dad
Steamy slowish burn

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the free copy of the book!

I ADORED this book!!! The banter between Amy and Mr chest (aka Izzy and Blake) was top notch!! I laughed out loud literally multiple times!
I am usually a smut reader but this book didn’t give us the dirty details and that was PERFECT the romance between them the connection and chemistry was stunning!
I love a book full of text threads too and this delivered!
But I can’t say enough about the BANtER!! The characters were well written so the quirkiness of the banter didn’t feel out of place but just so good!

I love Lynn Painter’s banter and text-convos. They’re always so much fun! Izzy and Blake have amazing interactions, I couldn’t get enough. And I loved their arc, going from immediate sparks to having to pull back, then maybe hoping for friendship before taking on romance. The way it laid a foundation for deeper attachment and connection was fantastic.

Mostly, though, it was an adorable romance and easy to binge. Were there some silly moments? Sure. But overall, I think it’s a great rom-com and even worth a reread when I need a pick-me-up.

One mistaken name on a coffee cup and a run in with your boss who you kind of have a crush on... so begins a texting conversation between two people who definitely are "not" falling for each other... but how long can they keep this going before they both get caught or worse, fired? Izzy is starting her first day at a new job and decides to grab her favorite drink, a pumpkin spice latte.... but when the clock is ticking and her fear of being late leads to her taking another customer's drink and saying that her name is Amy instead and immediately crashing into a very hot guy, things only spiral... because said hot guy turns out to be her new boss, Blake. Blake finds out that Izzy lied about her name but so begins an unlikely friendship through texts that lead to more as both Izzy and Blake swearing to be only friends yet falling for one another. They can't be in a relationship because if anyone finds out one of them could be fired... but they can't stay away from one another either... so what are they gonna do? This one definitely wasn't for me, sadly I just kind of didn't vibe with Izzy's manic pixie chaos gremlin personality or Blake's lack of a personality. I do adore workplace relationship romances but this one just didn't really feel all that interesting to me. I did like the friends to lovers aspect, but I just didn't vibe all that much with the romance between Blake and Izzy. It just didn't feel like there was that much chemistry or romance between the two of them. While this one wasn't for me if you like contemporary workplace relationships, maybe give this a go!

Release Date: January 14, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Literal perfection! I originally read this as a newsletter and I absolutely loved it and I love these new changes! I really missed Mr. Chest and Starbucks Amy and I loved getting the opportunity to experience their relationship in first person now. Their relationship is just so cute and I loved their journey! It’s also the absolute perfect fall read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MeetCute
Workplace romance
Friends to Lovers
Banter
Cats!
Dual POV
Third Person

Izzy and Blake get a cute little coffee shop meetcute when Izzy steals someone else’s coffee and tries to rush out the door in a hurry to avoid being late for her first day on the job. She bumps into Blake and spills coffee on him. She was all giddy and happy and he gave her his number in hopes to talk to her again…. Little did they know she would soon find out he was her boss at her new job. They can’t date, but can they be friends? Do they know how to not cross boundary lines?

Book was a quick read. Cute and had me giggling through it. I listened to the audio and throughly enjoyed it. I love Lynn Painter for her just fun, slow burn romances. Cute romance that’s not revolved around spice.

Lynn Painter writes the best feel good books. This book is no exception. This book has funny, quirky characters that you want to be friends with in real life. It’s a fast paced read that makes you chuckle and feel all the feels.

Lynn Painter never fails to create a story that feels exactlyyyyyy like an early 2000's romcom plot. This is perfect if you're looking for something fast paced, silly at times and romantic.

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group for my ARC!

3.75/5

Isabella Shay is running late for her very first day as an HR generalist with her dream employer. While waiting at Starbucks for her PSL on the first day they are available; she hears "Amy" called three times. Starting to panicking looking at the clock, she makes the rash decision to say, "I'm Amy!" It was the same coffee she ordered and paid for, so no harm done. Until she turns around and collides with a handsome man. They chat for a bit, sparks are flying, and then she leaves and he says, "see you tomorrow, Amy!" Oh no! How could it possibly get worse, right? Wrong! Izzy arrives at her new job, and is introduced to the Vice President of her department, who just so happens to be the same man she collided with at Starbucks. How is she going to get herself out of this one?
Review:
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved Accidentally Amy! I laughed out loud so many times! Izzy's sense of humor is literal perfection, right down to her cat Darkling. Not to mention Blake's cats Hole and Goodyear! And the game Billboard Assholes..... hilarious!!! I honestly just really enjoyed my self reading this. It was light hearted, fun, silly, and just overall a good time! The perfect rom-com in my opinion.
Accidentally Amy is available 1/14, make sure to pick this one up if you need a good laugh!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lynn Painter, and Berkley for this ARC of Accidentally Amy in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a cute book! I really loved it! It was a quick read, adorable, filled with sarcastic banter. I really connected with Izzy and Blake. I enjoy the beginning a lot, how she started off by grabbing someone else's PSL. I also really love how quirky and just herself Izzy is. I really connect with a character like that, who is unapologetically themselves, weirdness and all.

Accidentally Amy delivers a delightful, laugh-out-loud rom-com that’s as sweet and chaotic as its meet-cute premise. Isabella "Izzy" Shay, running late for her first day at her dream job, makes a rash decision when she steals a latte meant for someone else—setting off a chain of events that leads to a memorable encounter with Blake Phillips, the charming yet grumpy man she accidentally drenches in coffee. Painter expertly balances humor, romance, and a bit of workplace tension as Izzy and Blake navigate their quirky, complicated relationship. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and while their banter is snappy and full of comedic moments, there’s a surprising depth to their connection that keeps the story engaging.

While the plot is fun and filled with moments of tension and awkwardness, it follows some familiar rom-com tropes, such as the office romance and enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Blake’s gruff demeanor and Izzy’s determination to make things right offer plenty of opportunities for comedic conflict, though at times their back-and-forth feels predictable. Despite this, the charming writing and likable characters, along with a perfect balance of humor and heart, make Accidentally Amy a breezy, enjoyable read. Painter’s ability to create authentic emotional moments amid the humor ensures that the story goes beyond just being a funny, feel-good romance. Fans of lighthearted rom-coms will find this one to be a delightful escape.

ACCIDENTALLY AMY is absolutely adorable! The story follows a cute lady, Isabella Shay, who is late for her new job. She takes a drink, meant for another woman named Amy, at her local cafe. She promptly smacks into a hunkalicious man and her drink is splattered all over his pristine shirt. Can her day get any worse?

Isabella dashes to her new job, only to discover that the guy she ran into is head of her department. At the coffee shop, Blake was pleasant to her, but at work he is blunt, churlish and demanding. Izzy's spirits deflate. However, that spark that ignited between them at the coffee shop, springs to life as they work on projects together. Blake is still a grouch towards Izzy. What's his problem anyway?

Blake and Isabella's attraction is fiery hot! Only there's trust issues and drama. Will they find a way to put aside their bickering and tango in the sheets?

ACCIDENTALLY AMY is a fun romantic comedy of enemies to friends to lovers. It's a slight take on a forbidden, boss romance. I fell in love from page one. This is my perfect rom-com that hits all the right notes with humor, drama, charm and romance. Ms. Painter depicts vivid scenes so bright that it stays with you long after the last page is read. I absolutely loved it! Fabulous story from my favorite author!

Thank you @berkleyromance for the gifted copy of Accidentally Amy! If you’re in the mood for a workplace romance, full of banter and one chaotic meet cute, this one is perfect. I loved the two main characters, and I loved that we got their point of view through all of the will they won’t they. This one reads quick is very funny and very steamy!!

5 ⭐️ I have not read a Lynn Painter book that I haven’t given a 5 star rating to, and Accidentally Amy is no exception. The characters, the meet-cute, and healthy relationships I cannot get enough of these novels! I loved Isabella and Blake’s banter, the grumpy x sunshine was done impeccably! If you love adorable meet cutes, grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers, and lovable characters pick this one up!

Publishing 1/14/25

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review!