I requested this back in May and was so excited to finally have been approved a couple of days ago. I needed a romcom to break me out of my hospital marathon reading slump.

The good: I saw a lot of myself in Annabelle, with a quick wit, dry humor, no holds barred, I am who I am type of person. You are my people, I like reading these characters.

The even better: Disability and mental health representation. Nick has suffered a stroke and uses a wheelchair. He has PTSD from this event, and if you’ve had any type of crisis in your life and have PTSD as well, you know what it’s like; the panic attacks, the anxiety, the losing your breath, it all. I love the way the author covered this, in addition to the way she handled living with a disability. It’s tough, and to use the character’s words, you DO feel like a burden on others. It’s a mental gymnastics game you’re always trying to overcome.

The bad: this was very Hating Game-esque type dialogue, from the workplace to the bedroom. Ie: not even remotely believable. I can be particular about my steam, but man; this just didn’t get me going. Spoiler, but this is a romance, so you probably already know; Nick calls Annabelle a “goddess” repeatedly in the bedroom among other things and it’s just corny. If my husband said that to me, we’d go from 60 to 0 real quick.

There’s a workplace dual where a male character maliciously calls Annabelle a “bitch” (and this is just one incident, let’s not forget when he told her to hike up her skirt on top of a table) and let me tell you that man would be fired QUICK. It’s all for the sake of the story, but again, I’m trying to grapple with the realism.

Was it fun, mindless, and a quick pick me up? Yes. Like I said, if you’re into the Hating Game type romance, you’re gonna like this one.

VERDICT: rounded up to 3 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the MH and disability rep

Thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for an ARC of this one. Pub 8/10!!

The intro to Annabelle's HEA journey started out on the hilarious side of embarrassing. Her people loving heart and fear of hurting others leads to a disastrous ending of one relationship. It does, however, catapult her in an unexpected direction. Annabelle leaves all she knows in New York and heads to warm and sunny Arizona to take a 9-5 at her best friend's design firm. As housing is initially problematic, she finds herself in a guest house of an unknown hermit, Nick Daire. No matter what she types into Google, he remains a mystery. His obnoxious rules and letters further intrigue her people-pleasing heart.
This dual POV enemies-to-lovers romance can be read as a standalone, but I did love the random - albeit brief - mentions of Chelsea from Paris is Always a Good Idea. I had fairly high expectations going into this novel and my only mild disappointment was completely a personal set of preferences in regards to what I consider sincere apologies and ultimatums. I love Jenn's voice and already anticipating her next release.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

The romance between artist Annabelle Martin and her reclusive landlord Nick Daire is well-developed in a dual narrative that allows the reader to delve into both characters' backstories. I loved the chapters told from Annabelle's point of view. Reading her story felt like chatting with a friend, poolside in a gorgeous Arizona setting. Annabelle has so much joy for life and gets into completely relatable situations, like when she regrets wearing high-heels on her first day in the office or tries to keep her cool when cornered in the elevator by an obnoxious co-worker. This is a fun summer beach read that touches on the subject of mental health.

Jenn McKinlay’s new romance Wait for It is one of the most delightful books I’ve read so far this year. I’m pretty sure I had a smile on my face almost the entire time I was reading it. It follows Annabelle Martin, a young woman who loves her job working as a freelance graphic designer but who has grown tired of the cold and dreary Boston winters. She also has not one, but two ex-husbands even though she’s only in her twenties. Annabelle just really needs a change. When her best friend Sophie offers her the job of a lifetime to come and work for her in Phoenix, Arizona, Annabelle jumps at the chance. There’s just one drawback – based on his endless notes about rules, rules, and more rules, her anonymous landlord appears to be a cranky “Get off my lawn!” kind of guy. Even though her friends warn her against approaching the guy, Annabelle considers herself a charmer and is convinced she can win him over so he’ll relax the rules. She has no idea what she’s in for…

Enter Nick Daire, said landlord, who actually isn’t an old curmudgeon after all, but instead is a gorgeous young man who has recently suffered a stroke and is wheelchair bound. Nick used to be a successful businessman but this stroke has really done a number on him both physically and emotionally, and so he has chosen to live as a recluse, shutting out almost everyone he knows. Nick didn’t even want to rent out his guest house but was talked into it by Sophie’s husband, who Nick owes his life to. Nick can’t wait for his tenant to move out in six months and has absolutely no intention whatsoever of interacting with her. He has no idea what he’s in for…

I can’t even express how much I enjoyed watching these two characters. I loved watching their relationship grow from little snarky letters taped to doors to them finally meeting in person and bonding over of all things, a stray tuxedo cat Annabelle has named Sir. It was so clear to me from the moment we meet each of them that they’re perfect for each other and I just couldn’t wait for them to figure it out too.

I also really enjoyed the journeys of personal growth both Annabelle and Nick experience. They both have plenty of flaws that they need to work on, like Annabelle’s need to “mother” the men she dates and Nick’s fear of appearing vulnerable in front of anyone, even those who love and care about him. I love watching characters really learn from their mistakes and grow, and both of these characters do. Wait for It does explore some weighty topics with respect to mental health, but the author does a wonderful job balancing this more serious topic with the lighter romance.

If you’re looking for a fun and sweet romance that will leave you with a smile on your face, check out Jenn McKinley’s Wait for It. You won’t be disappointed!

Annabelle is ready to run away from her life, so when her best friend offers her an amazing job, she packs up and moves to Phoenix. When she arrives she is quickly intrigued by her mysterious cranky landlord. But when she meets Nick, she is shocked to find out his is actually attractive. Nick has chosen to live a secluded life after suffering a stroke a year ago. He still has moments where he is unable to use his left side, and is often in a wheelchair. It isn’t the stroke he hasn’t recovered from, but actually fear that is causing him to have panic attacks. Nick and Annabelle are drawn to each other despite not walking to get involved and begin to help each other in more ways than one.

Early on in this book there was a line “Personally I don’t trust people who don’t like Bundt cake.” And I was sold from that moment. This book has it all, laugh out loud moments (the engagement ring situation had me DYING), a sweet slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, a woman KILLING it at work, great friendships, and some amazing personal growth. I read this one in one sitting by the pool and it made me so happy. If you are looking for a great summer romance, look no further!

Thanks to Berkley for the advanced copy

I remember when Jenn McKinlay said her first couple attempts at writing romances didn’t go well. She switched to mysteries because she continually killed off people in her romances. She’s proven she can write sparkling contemporary romances, as shown in her latest, Wait For It. It also doesn’t hurt that she makes me homesick for Arizona.

Annabelle Martin’s best friend, Sophie, knows how to entice the freelance graphic designer. Offer her a job as creative director of her company in Phoenix while Annabelle is suffering through a Boston winter. Even so, Annabelle is reluctant to leave her safety net in Boston, until she realizes her first ex-husband, Jeremy, is about to propose. In a frantic attempt to ward that off, she tells him she’s moving to Phoenix.

Sophie and her husband, Miguel Vasquez, owners of Vasquez Squared, a graphic design firm, even find Annabelle a place to rent, a guest house on a palatial estate. But, they warn her against trying to get to know her landlord, Nick Daire. When Annabelle sees his list of regulations, everything from no pets to no music after 9 PM and no swimming in the pool, she’s too impulsive and too much of a rebel to abide by all those rules. One by one she breaks them, until she decides her elderly landlord can just kick her out, and she decides to break all kinds of rules in one night.

Nick Daire is a recluse. He made his money in the construction trade, but had a stroke at 35. He doesn’t want anyone to know he uses a wheelchair. He’s afraid his bad leg will give out on him. His doctors, his staff, and his physical therapist are the only ones who know. But, if Annabelle continues to push his buttons, he may have to confront her.

Nick and Annabelle both have issues in their background. She’s handled hers by marrying anyone who asks. Now, she’s escaped to Phoenix, but she has to deal with a co-worker who wanted her job. She’s lonely, doesn’t know anyone in Phoenix except Sophie and Miguel, and they’re now her bosses. And, she’s struggling to prove herself at work while dealing with her artistic tendency to run on her own schedule. Nick’s issues have to do with his childhood, and his fear of abandonment now. He won’t let anyone get close because they’ll only leave him. He certainly doesn’t want Annabelle to get too close.

I’m a fan of romances in which we see the story from the point of view of both protagonists. We get to see Annabelle’s reaction to her landlord, and his frustration and interest in his new tenant. And, their correspondence is so fun. He writes “Tenant” and signs his demands with “Landlord”, while she draws colorful pictures of Phoenix on her responses.

Jenn McKinlay’s romances always sparkle. She creates believable flawed characters, but allows them to find their path to happiness. They struggle, and they often face confrontation. But, it’s always obvious that her characters will find a happily-ever-after. And, in her recent books, no one gets killed.

Looking for a contemporary romance with humor and delightful characters? Try McKinlay’s Wait for It.

Wait for It is written in dual perspectives, of protagonists Annabelle and Nick. Annabelle is a freelance graphic designer in Boston who hasn’t hit 30 yet but has two ex-husbands under her belt; meaning she falls hard and fast when it comes to love. After a near re-proposal from ex-husband #1 lands her into the hospital and having to wait for something to “pass” (this part had me in stitches!), she accepts a job offer as a creative director for her best friend’s design firm in Phoenix, Arizona.

Nick is Annabelle’s landlord of the guesthouse located on his property that she is renting. After several rules and notes later, the people pleaser in Annabelle makes it her goal to finally meet her landlord in person who has been holed up in his massive house for the entire few weeks she has been there. She is surprised to find that Nick is not who she thinks he is and one of my favourite moments was when they finally meet.

I loved the build up in this story and that Nick’s past was a heartbreaking one, which made Nick a grumpy and a hold-everyone-at-arm’s-length man. This provided a layer of depth that made the story more profound. I thought Jenn developed and called upon Nick’s mental health issues in an impressive way and helped communicate that the symptoms from mental health issues can take on so many different forms.

Amongst all the flawed characters, adorable visiting cat and chaotic happenings, I recognized a common thread of love, friendship and realizing that one can be imperfectly perfect for someone else and this story is a great example of this theme.

Thank you to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the advanced reading copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wait For It Is a fun enemies to lovers with a slow burn and a little bit of self improvement.

Annabelle who at 28 has been divorced twice decides to accept her best friends job offer and move to Phoenix after ex-husband #1 proposed to her again... She's excited about her new role as Creative Director for a graphic design firm and intrigued by her curmudgeonly landlord and list of rules. Nick is in his 30s and since his stroke 9 months ago had stayed hidden in his house. Can they help each other with their own personal issues?

This was a cute romance and I liked the work storyline and the friendships between Annabelle and Sophie. PTSD, anxiety, grief and mental health were a big part of this book. I liked Jackson, Nick's physical therapist/ friend and the notes were my favorite part of the book. The ending wasn't my favorite, but if you're looking for a quick read romantic comedy for the pool this is perfect.

I did like the nod to get last book with the line Paris is always a good idea 😍

I enjoyed this one. I was invested enough that I finished in two days. That being said, it’s not going to be a favorite.

I liked Annabelle and Nick but there were definitely some character traits I found frustrating. I mean, Nick is a jerk. It’s somewhat within reason, but man. And Annabelle is a little all over the place for someone her age. Not that you can’t be figuring things out, but being on time and stuff like that, especially for work.

Their relationship was odd in the fact that they didn’t meet until like 45%. It also moved incredibly quick which felt just weird.

I did love seeing some of the other elements of the story - Nick’s work to help families who are impacted by a member with substance use disorder; and the mental health aspect of a traumatic physical injury/illness.

I think overall this book had a lot of elements. Some came together for me and some didn’t.

Well, this one was a charmer. It worked in so many different issues, while still having a big-hearted romance at the center. Annabelle is the kind of character you want to be friends with- she owns her flaws and knows who she is, and her humor and kindness radiate off the page. Jenn McKinlay has solidified her place as not just a cozy mystery queen but a talented romance writer as well.

Such a great story! It had workplace drama, a main romance, friendship and a secondary romance! A book full of wonderful things Intrally enjoyed reading!

This book has been getting some VERY mixed reviews but I personally really loved it. This is definitely a SLOW burn romance. Our main characters don't actually meet in person until about 40% into the book. I didn't mind this so much though because they trade witty notes and we get a dual perspective, getting into the minds of both Annabelle and Nick. Fans of Paris is always a good idea will recognize Annabelle from that book featuring her sister and there are a couple cute Easter eggs for the keen of eye to pick up in this book, which I loved.

Graphic designer/artist Anabelle moves to Arizona when her friend Sophie offers her a job and her second ex-husband's second marriage proposal goes disastrously wrong. Yes, Annabelle's personal life is a bit of a mess. An impulsive, people-people pleaser, it's no wonder she falls head over heels for her hot landlord with a severe anxiety disorder who is recovering from a stroke. I loved that Nick was dealing with his own mental health and physical disabilities. He also has a complex back story, coming from drug addicted parents who gave up him and his sister to foster care. Nick's sister Lexi reappears in his life when she moves to Arizona to create a Net-zero affordable housing complex. I thought the family relationships and domestic abuse storyline were sensitively handled.

More than just a light rom-com, this romance is full of complex characters, found families, and toxic workplace relationships. Not to worry though, there's also plenty of chemistry and humor in this open door romance with a cute kitten sidekick. I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it for fans of Paris is always a good idea, Twice shy or Roni Loren's Say everything series. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.

This was an entertaining romance that features a female MC who is a hot mess and a curmudgeon male main character. I liked Annabelle from the start. Even though she needs to get her life together and is a bit of a mess, only someone as reckless and impulsive as her could help Nick pull out of his seclusion. They had great chemistry in the steamy scenes and I wanted more of them!

Their relationship moved a bit too fast for my taste. One minute they were strangers who kind of disliked each other and then the next minute they had to have each other. I got a bit of whiplash from Nick flip flopping with how he felt about her and it was a bit perplexing at times. I also wished that there were more scenes of the two of them, building their connection, instead of so much focus on Annabelle's job, the jerk Carson and his shenanigans, and the drama with Lexi.

I've seen positive reviews of this book and overall I think it was enjoyable. The steamy scenes definitely were what kept me interested in the story.

Steam level: 🔥🔥½
⚠️: mention of addiction, cancer & death of a parent, depression, anxiety, panic attacks.

Wait For It
Jenn McKinlay

When I read a Jenn McKinlay book, it feels like a satisfying and delightful cup of tea. It warms my soul, and the aroma opens up my senses to an uplifting and hopeful feeling.
I am also a Stroke Nurse, so having a character who is a young stroke survivor really did pique my interest in reading this heart filled story.
Both the characters are lovable, with their own sets of flaws, yet their ability to take chances and move on from their life challenges, is really so emotionally uplifting for me to read.

This novel is centered on Annabelle Martin who has had a tough time adulting, with a few bad choices in relationships. She moves from Boston to Arizona to start fresh with a new job. She rents a guest house and speaks to her landlord Nick Daire in handwritten notes. Annabelle finally meets Nick and is surprised to see that he is young and wheelchair bound. Once Annabelle and Nick meet, the tone of the story changed and I was so emotionally invested with their story arc and the development of their relationship.

The writing really drew me in – the characters’ complexities, inner turmoil, and growth was so satisfying to read that I loved every moment.

This was another five star winning Jenn McKinlay read for me.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the gifted ebook. All opinions are my own.

This one started on such a high note for me! Twenty-eight and twice divorced, a graphic design position leads Annabelle to a fresh start in Arizona. Upon arrival, not only is she faced with challenges in the workplace, but Annabelle also has the luxury of renting from Nick Daire, the mysterious, curmudgeon landlord next door.

Using notes to communicate his explicit rules, Nick and Annabelle don't truly meet until almost halfway into the story, which I surprisingly enjoyed! The first half of the story really delved into each character separately, with Nick adjusting to the lasting affects from a stroke, and Annabelle standing her ground against a toxic coworker. Annabelle was a bit reckless—definitely too much at times with her tardiness—but I adored the way her cleverness and impulsiveness irritated the notoriously grumpy Nick.

Unfortunately, I eventually lost a bit of interest as the story progressed. There were certain subplots that felt unnaturally rushed within the story for me. And while Annabelle and Nick had sweet moments together, much of their relationship was spent in conflict, making it hard to believe the level of happily-ever-after given. I enjoyed this overall, and I’d still recommend for a romance that’s more emotionally heavy, but I preferred the first half.

Wait for It is a slow-burn with sort-of-enemies to lovers featuring Annabelle and Nick who are both trying to figure out their lives.

CW: stroke and recovery, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, death of a parent (past), parental addiction (past), abandonment (past)

Annabelle is impulsive and reckless at times. At 28, she's already been divorced twice and managed to avoid getting proposed to for the second time by one of her ex-husbands. Deciding that a change in scenery might actually be a good thing, Annabelle leaves Boston and moves to Phoenix where her friend is offering her a job. It's the fresh start that Annabelle desperately needs. I enjoyed watching Annabelle navigate her transition from freelancing to working full-time in an office.

Then comes Nick, a grump that is Annabelle's new landlord because he owed her friend a favor. His struggles and anxiety felt realistic. He was dealing with trauma after trauma and tried to push everyone away from him. I enjoyed watching the notes he passed back and forth with Annabelle and the way that she slowly burrowed her way into his heart.

I would have loved more development with Annabelle's friends and Nick's sister and personal trainer. Overall this was an enjoyable read that had me crying at one point and laughing at others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Wait for It didn't quite meet my expectations. While this is a book I probably wouldn't have picked up, it was a book club choice so I decided to give it a chance. I was excited to get out of my comfort zone. Unfortunately, a lot of it didn't work for me. Let me break it down:

- My biggest issue with the book is Carson. He is such an unlikeable character and pretty much for no reason. He really didn't propel the plot forward. I didn't understand his character or why he was in the book.
- Annabelle has like no character growth. She is twice-divorced and seems to understand that she falls in love too fast and too hard. Then, she still gets engaged at the end of the book to Nick? Even though they've technically only been together a month or so. I don't get it. I don't even think they went on a proper date.
- Sophie and Miguel. They were a super cute couple, but the issues they had also seemed a bit forced.
- The romance between Annabelle and Nick seemed way too forced. It happened super quickly, and I struggled to really believe it.
- The book also seemed to be setting up sequels, which is fine, but it seemed a bit too obvious to me.

I ended up bumping up the book a star though because I think it does a good job of discussing grief and trauma, and I liked a lot of the banter.

Wait for It is a delightful contemporary romance! It's a quick read, as I devoured this one in just a few hours. The writing style is nice - I always love a dual perspective in alternating chapters.

Annabelle is a fixer. I could really relate to her relationship approach and understood her struggles. I also loved that she was a graphic designer because I have a graphic communications background as well.

Nick is afraid to show his weaknesses and prefers solitude. I found his stereotypes a little frustrating, but he grew on me as a character as well. I enjoyed the complexity of his relationship with his sister, Lexi, and their reconnection.

I think this book would be great for a book club because there are a lot of opportunities to discuss popular themes with this plot. Running away from your problems, building walls to protect yourself, starting over and stepping out of your comfort zone are all relatable experiences.

The ending was a little off for me. It felt rushed and I'm not sure I really liked the last few pages!

Overall, this is a cute rom com if you're looking for a light read and enjoy playful banter!

I received a gifted galley of WAIT FOR IT by Jenn McKinlay for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

WAIT FOR IT follows Annabelle and Nick. Annabelle is twice divorced with a messy relationship with her ex. When her best friend offers her a job in Arizona, it seems the perfect time to leave behind a cold winter for warmer temperatures. The job seems ideal and her friend sets up her up to lease a guest house for six months to give Arizona a shot. Unfortunately not everyone is happy to have her as the new creative director and her new landlord is reclusive but not shy with delivering a lot of rules about how she may make use of her new home.

Nick is the landlord and he’s had a rough time of it. He suffered a stroke and is still dealing with the after effects that leave him lacking confidence in his ability to do most things on his own. He has a fantastic support network, but he expected to be fully recovered by now and the doctors can’t figure out where his lingering weakness is coming from. His new tenant is someone he feels obligated to take in, but she’s flaunting all of his rules and pushing him out of his comfort zone.

This book was a lot of fun to read. There’s a horrible enemy at work that you can love to hate, a contentious relationship between the two mains which brings out a lot of humor and chemistry, and several other fun relationships that develop along the way. It takes a close look at anxiety and both physical and mental illness as well.

This book had a lot of interesting characters with layers to delve into and good humor along the way. It is well worth adding to your TBR! WAIT FOR IT is out on 8/10/2021!!

Jenn McKinlay is one of my favorite writers (and I think my most-read author of 2021). She has a wonderful voice, skill, and a knack for creating well-plotted non-romance storylines. As usual with her work, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as whole, but this time... something felt off. I can't quite put my finger on it. Could it be the unrelatability and at times unlikability of the main characters? The truly bizarre pet name of "goddess"? The staccato pacing of the romance? That I have no idea why the book has its title? I don't know. There wasn't anything I strongly disliked, just a few things that rubbed me the wrong way.

In this story, artist Annabelle moves to Phoenix to become creative director at her old friend's graphic design firm. In a truly hilarious first chapter, we are introduced to one of Annabelle's two ex-husbands (and yes, she is only 29) and get a look at some of the more impulsive sides of her character. This trait, thankfully, fades as the book goes on (my baby's all grown up!), and we see Annabelle come into her own in the professional world. Of course, while that's going on, we have back-stabbing, jealous, and probably psychotic coworkers (well, really just one: Carson), and a reclusive mysterious landlord who Annabelle soon learns is reclusive and mysterious but not the old man she was picturing.

I actually think the Carson subplot was my favorite aspect of this book and really what kept me going. I was never fully invested in Annabelle and Nick's romance, since it seemed to spring out of nowhere and then burn fast and bright without much development. I almost think--and I NEVER say this--I would have liked this more as a women's fiction book, with more focus on Annabelle's growth, her friendships with Sophie and Lexi, and her work struggles.

In the end, I still definitely recommend this book. It has the McKinlay flair and is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. With so much going on--in a good way--it would be hard not to love some aspect of the book.

Thanks to Berkley for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 8/10