Review | Not Exactly What I Had In Mind by Kate Brook
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Not Exactly What I Had In Mind by Kate Brook
2022 Publication Date: June 28
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T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Book
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW
An Engaging and Unexpected Read
It's not often that I come across a debut romance novel that I enjoy as much as I did Kate Brook's Not Exactly What I Had in Mind. From the very first page, I was hooked by the clever writing and sharp observations.
The story follows two roommates, Hazel and Alfie (who have just slept together for the first time)… And Emily (Hazel's sister) and Daria (Emily's wife) as their lives become entangled in unexpected ways.
I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and relatable situations, but Brook also knows how to deliver a gut punch when it comes to emotional moments. This is a warm, funny, and cleverly observed novel about family, friends, and everything in between.
Kate Brook is a talented new novelist with a sharp observational eye, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
FYI: I "read" this book via audiobook... And the narrator, Charly Cave, was excellent! I could not find additional books she has narrated. So, this may be both an author debut and a narrator debut as well... Brava to you both!
Perfect for readers looking for an engaging read that will surprise you... ✨😎✨
Pages: 350
Genre: Best Contemporary Romance Novels
Sub-Genre: Roommate Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Present Day
Location: London (England)
Publisher: Penguin Random House | Penguin Group Dutton
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♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A funny, heartbreaking, and relatable story about family, friends, and what it means to truly be there for those you love in both the good and bad times in life.
Hazel and Alfie are roommates who have just slept together for the first time. As their lives intersect with Emily (Hazel's sister) and Daria (Emily's wife), a complicated chain of events begins to bind them all together.
While Hazel and Alfie are navigating their new "relationship" as roommates with the latest event of having slept together for the first time as well... Emily and Daria are dealing with growing pains in their marriage as they navigate growing their family.
Well-written with relatable characters, the relationships between the four main characters were realistically portrayed and I found myself rooting for them all throughout the book. With each one carving out a unique perspective... yet mutually adding to the whole of making a great story.
Penguin Random House's Not Exactly What I Had in Mind is a warm, clever, and devastatingly relatable novel.
I listened to the entire book via audiobook in less than two days... And would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun yet informative read.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
Life is full of unexpected and unplanned events, but with a positive outlook and the right people to support you, you can find a path to what matters most to you.
Being honest about our emotions and intentions can lead to stronger relationships instead of creating misunderstandings or even missed opportunities.
Family doesn't always mean by blood — it's important to recognize and nurture the relationships that matter most to us.
BOOK QUOTE:
"That way madness lies..." — Not Exactly What I Had in Mind by Kate Brook
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