“When I look out into the vast universe, I realize that a lot of stuff is really not that big of a deal.”

Annabelle is an impulsive, outgoing, brilliant graphic artist who is twice divorced; she tends to fill the missing gaps of her mother’s death by marrying emotionally unstable men. She went to Arizona when her best friend called and told her about a job opportunity. There, she rented a guest house at a mansion of a retired businessman named Nick Daire. With the abundant rules set by Nick, Annabelle is intrigued to know more about her mysterious landowner.

The book is written from the viewpoints of Annabelle and Nick that gives readers a better understanding of their actions and attitude. I like how this story is very substantial; it covered topics about self-growth and adjusting to change. The main characters are both beautiful disasters. But despite that, Annabelle and Nick are very relatable and easy to love. Their character development throughout the story is very admirable; it was lovely to see them move on from their past and grow into a better person. On the aspect of romance, I got worried at first since they did not encounter until 4-tenths of the way into the story(they used paper to communicate), but their love story still turned out to be oddly amusing. Their funny, sweet, sarcastic, and heartfelt moments made me smile a lot while I read it. The ending fell flat for me because it felt like some gaps were missing in the story (it won't make a significant difference, but it would be nice to know about it); it seemed rushed too.

Overall, this is a very entertaining and lovely book. If you are into the grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers trope, then this book is great for you!

Before jumping into WAIT FOR IT, I had no clue what this book is about. But since Jenn McKinlay is one of my favorite authors, I instantly read whatever new book she puts out. This one is a Women’s Fiction novel that has a very strong romance in it. Since Mckinlay also writes great romances, I was all for it.

However, I found myself losing interest in this book pretty quickly. I’m still not sure why I didn’t find it interesting, but Annabelle just didn’t grip me like I wanted her to. I liked her, but nothing about her personality or journey personally made me want to read this faster. As a result, it took me a longer time to finish it. However, that’s not to say that all of it is boring. There are some highlights that balance in it. However, I can’t say that it was a favorite of mine from McKinlay.

Thank you to @berkleyromance for ARC of this book. I love a close proximity mixed with a sunshine/grumpy MCs so this was right up my alley. Oh Nick, you got me with your great notes and desire to stay a recluse. My heart broke for him as he tries to figure out what is wrong with him. I adore how determined Annabelle was at meeting Nick and their connection. This was a cute story that addresses other issues such as work harassment, abuse and drugs and the author did a great job of addressing these issues in the book.

4.5 Stars

What a fun and cute read! This is the first book I read from this author and now I'm a fan. Wait For It is the perfect weekend romcom book that will have you laughing at Annabelle Martin and all her antics! Annabelle is a great character - she's quirky and spontaneous, but she has such a good heart. She leaves behind the east coast to take on a new job in Phoenix to work with her best friend.

Annabelle ends up renting a guest house from a mysterious and cranky landlord. This cranky landlord is Nick Daire. Nick is going through a lot of health issues and it's caused him to be recluse in his own home. He's angry and pushing everyone away. And even though his new tenant pushes his buttons on all his rental rules, Nick can't stop entertaining the idea of Lexi. And she maybe the perfect match to help Nick overcome his issues!

What I also love about this books are the side characters, from Jackson and Lexi and even "Sir!" Another great weekend read for any rom com fans!

This was a super cute book. I am not sure if I would call it "meet cute", but it definitely had flair to it. Annabelle flees Boston to work for her best friend and her husband as a creative director. She is staying In a rental cottage for a person named "Daire: She is given a list of rules about a mile long and wonders what she got herself into, the strange part, her friends won't tell her anything about him

Annabelle has bigger problems, a co-worker has it out for her, Carson wanted her job and will do anything to sabotage it. I think we have all had a Carson at one point in our professional careers.

Meanwhile back at home Annabelle is convinced Daire is an old ogre, until she come face to face with the hottest guy she has ever seen, however, he is medically dependent on a staff he has had for months and s the angriest person on earth. Can Annabelle break his shell?

This was a cute fast paced read!

Well this was extremely cute and I loved it so much! As someone who struggles with severe panic attacks it was refreshing for this topic to be touched upon. I loved Annabelle and Nick but that girl needs to slow down on saying yes to a very important question! Super quick, fun, easy summer read. Highly recommend picking this up!

This is my favorite trope - enemies to lovers with a slow burn of attraction. And, this book also has a cute cat named Sir. Yes, I am a cat lady!

Nick and Annabelle are both reeling from life events, and trying to figure out their future. Paths cross, and Annabelle soon finds herself renting Nick's guest house in Phoenix. The lust and attraction was slow to develop, but the storyline worked. Nick having suffered a stroke in his late 30's, after living a fast life of women and wealth. Ananabelle, divorced twice by the age of twenty-eight, is a rescuer of men and motherly.

Wait for It is a tender love story of two people NOT looking for love but finding it. This book does not shy away from some heavy topics woven satisfyingly through the story - PTSD, panic attacks, death of parent, grief, childhood abuse and abandonment and sexism.

A feel good romance that was a pleasure to read.

Thank you Berkley and NetGally for a complimentary copy of Wait for It by Jen McKinlay.

This was about as sweet as a rom-com could be without tipping over into cheesy. Light and breezy, but dealt with some serious issues, this is a perfect summer read!
Annabelle is a 2 time loser at marriage but she has some great friends who see how amazing she really is. After a mixup with her second ex, she decides it’s time to make some changes and accepts a new job in Phoenix to try to boost herself back up. In the move, she rents a little cottage on a property with a grumpy old man type landlord, who she is introduced to by his welcoming note taped to her door of his list of dos and dont’s for living there, which of course she proceeds to break to try to test him and in the process, they strike up a friendship which grows and deepens when they realize they can help each other get over their pasts.
But Nick isn’t who she thinks. He had a stroke at 35 which left him with lots of anxiety and left behind physical issues that rendered him almost agoraphobic. His sister that he hasn’t seen in 20 years after they were adopted to separate families is back in his life and he doesn’t know how to relate to her. Jackson, his best friend, trainer and confidant is his only link to the outside world besides his housekeeper. They realize how good outgoing Annabelle would be for him and don’t let him push her away when she is persistent in trying to win him over.
I loved their banter and the sarcasm and how much the characters grew both individually and together as the story went on. Even the supporting characters grew and added much to the story. Definitely recommend this one!
Thanks to Berkley Publishers and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.

So much love for this one! A feel-good delightful romance!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The author developed a fabulous plot that was fun to read and so realistic. The characters were a delight and I loved the balance that she created with Nick and Annabelle.

Not only do we get the personal aspect between the characters but we also get the work-life aspect too. McKinlay beautifully creates a story that adds so many different layers – fun, sexy, quirky, heartful, emotional. She hits all of the hot spots we look for in a complex multi-dimensional read.

This book was a surprise for me as a new reader of her stories. Wait For It is definitely a book and an author that I will read again!

A huge thank you to PRH International, Berkley Pub & NetGalley for providing me with a copy! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This had the perfect combination of romcom feels while tackling serious topics well without being too heavy! I rushed through most of the first half because it was so good!

The grump/sunshine, slow burn, enemies to lovers romance Anabelle and Nick had was to die for! The pacing was perfect and I had the best time reading their verbal sparrings and banter! The whole premise to landlord and tenant and having their identities hidden for more than a quarter in was set up so well and it was fun seeing Anabelle’s reaction when she saw that her broody, retired tenant was none other than hotshot Nick Daire. When they got together, their chemistry came naturally! The smut was light but deliciously written!

Amidst their love story, this also talked about heavier topics involving workplace bullies, broken family relationships, stroke and mental health. It was explored in a way that made the characters more relatable and real with their issues and flaws and how they dealt with those problems imperfectly.

Overall, I enjoyed this and I would recommend for fellow romcom lovers!

I was attracted to this book as a fun summer read set in Phoenix (since I'm from Arizona).

Some of the descriptions of AZ made me cringe and the book's premise for the "situation" that Phoenix rent prices are too high so she has to live with a random man is simply not true - tons of affordable places where she could be by herself and not live with a random. OR MAYBE SHE COULD LIVE WITH HER RICH BFF WHO LIVES IN PHOENIX?!

There were a lot of tropes including the workplace enemy and it just felt a little overworked for me. I rolled my eyes quite a bit.

Annabelle is a wild child divorcee at 28 (how) & Nick is a stroke survivor. I'm glad they found love but overall was a bit bland and forced for me.

Based on the cover, one would think that Wait For It by @mckinlayjenn is an easy breezy romp in the pool love story. Look at them float, they are having so much fun. Despite what the cartoon cover would suggest, “Wait for It” has some weight to it (that should be the book’s tagline, I expect royalties for coming up with that). It is love story about people who hide from their problems in various ways. Everyone needs a therapist in this book, some are even successful in finding one.

Annabelle is an impulsive artist from Boston who has been twice divorced, because she used marriage in her early 20’s as a way to deal with her mother’s untimely death from cancer. She hastily accepts a job in Phoenix as the creative director of a graphic design firm her friends own. They find her a sweet rental in a rich guy’s pool house. Said rich guy is Nick and he is a 30-something year old shut in (a fine looking, six-packed shut-in as all hermits are, amirite?). Nick had a minor stroke 9 months prior and now has intermittent unexplained neurological symptoms which make him scared to leave the house. Let’s cut to the chase- Nick has a panic disorder and anxiety and also is buried under a dirty laundry pile of suppressed childhood psychological trauma that he has never dealt with. Boyfriend needs some intensive counseling, but refuses it. Because Annabelle likes to fix and marry broken men, she immediately sleeps with and falls in love with broken Nick. Thankfully broken Nick’s penis works just fine.

This book was pretty good and entertaining with main characters who are lovable disasters. There are a few plot holes, but these are minor and didn’t ruin the book for me. Would recommend as a low-stakes quick vacation or weekend read.

Smut- 3.3 stars
Romance- 3.75 stars
Story- 3.75 stars
Sexy Shut-Ins- 4 stars (subtract a star for likely vitamin D deficiency)

"Wait For It": 5⭐

(Unpaid Review: thank you to @netgalley, @jennmckinlay and @penguinrandomhouse for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review.)

I haven't read "Paris Is Always A Good Idea". I picked this one up because the premise really called to me. As I began to read it, I felt major "Me Before You" vibes and I thought: «yes, this is your book, Cris». What I loved most on this book was the mutual infatuation of the main characters. Their love is the love you see in movies; is the love your parents tell you about when you're a kid and make you wanna feel it when you grow up; is the love you come to feel for someone in your life. Nick and Annabelle were just absolutely perfect.

The side characters were also absolutely incredible, Lexi and Jackson were that power couple that leaves you wanting MORE! I admit I was a bit cautious when reading into Lexi's story but I was instantly drawn to her: she seems so little and precious, a flower really. But even a flower has thorns and is ready to spike.

Absolutely incredible. One of the best romances I've read this year, for sure. I can't wait to read more from this author! Definitely a new favorite! ❤️

I absolutely loved this read!! I was hooked from the first chapter. Annebelle's story was a joy to read! Nick's story was just as interesting! Both characters were relatable, had great sense of humor, and had a obstacles they need to overcome.. I honestly was always between laughing one moment to tearing up throughout the story. I still think about the first chapter. It was the best start to a book I have read so far. If you are a fan of laughing, office rivalries, mysterious landlords, witty banter, and character development this is a must read for you!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I will be hand selling this title to customers for sure!! Can't wait to have a physical copy in my hands!

I really enjoyed this sweet romcom set in Phoenix.

Annabelle Martin is looking for a fresh start after her move across the country. In Phoenix she has to deal with her reclusive landlord as well as a scheming coworker. Nick Daire is Annabelle’s grumpy landlord, who is not who he seems at first.

Wait for it has one of my favorite romance tropes, a grumpy hero and a sweet/sassy heroine.
The couple’s conflict comes when they both have to face their underlying insecurities and anxiety. I especially enjoyed the way the author presented the characters’ emotional journey throughout the book.

There is another character in this book, Jackson, who works for Nick. I really hope he gets his own book because he was such a good friend, especially in times of trouble.

An added bonus for me was that this book is set in Phoenix. I liked hearing about all the city hotspots Annabelle visited throughout the book, including places I like to visit myself.

I am a sucker for this kind of book. There is the quirky, artsy free spirited beautiful woman and the uptight, reclusive ,brooding and handsome man. They are at odds at first but they eventually come to care for each other but ,ultimately , obstacles prevent a happily ever after until they come the a realization that they cannot live with each other and find some way to jump the hurdles in the way. It is not a new story, but if told well, it captivates me every time. One essential ingredient is compelling characters and chemistry. Check and check. I enjoyed the way their relationship started with letters before they had even met in person. It allowed an emotional connection to build before the physical attraction did. When they did meet in person the sparks flew and as a reader I was emotionally invested in their relationship. Of course, a great setting doesn’t hurt and I was intrigued from the moment Annabelle arrived at the guest house. What single woman wouldn’t want that set up. ( aside from all the rules and the bare walls) Nick was compelling as the damaged boy in an even more damaged man’s body. It didn’t take long for his sweetness, charm and caring nature to shine through. One aspect I found particularly well done was Nick’s condition. The affects of his stroke, his PTSD and panic attacks were thoughtfully and realistically portrayed. (As was his reluctance to set aside his pride and get help. ) While Nick’s issues were the greater obstacles for Annabelle and Nick, Annabelle was not without her own relationship baggage and work challenges. This was not my favorite part of the story but it did show us the spunky,capable,side of Annabelle as she grew professionally and in self confidence. I also have to mention my two favorite supporting characters, Jackson and Sir. Jackson was my hero in the story with a heart as big as his muscles and a chivalrous nature. And , Sir added even more charm to an already charming story, I could go on and on but I will end by saying thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC of this heartwarming and butterfly inducing story.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

CW: stroke and recovery, PTSD, panic attacks, death of a parent (past), grief, parental acholism and abandonment (past), sexism

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f frenemies to lovers
-close/proximity
-a bit epistolary
-a cute cat
-grump/sunshine
-found family
-sloooow burn
-this is just a hook up

I really enjoyed how both Nick and Annabelle were at a crossroads when we met them. The romance itself was slow to show itself but it was fitting for the book, both MCs dealing with figuring out their lives, slowly interacting with each other. I loved the use of the notes, I am trash for an epistolary.

Annabelle adjusting to working full time, no longer freelancing. While there were some plot holes with her job overall I appreciated how she fought for it and grew in her role as a professional. While I am in no way an artist, I really appreciated that part of her personality.

Nick was a grump for a million reasons, and I found his struggles with his anxiety and his health so realistic. How he pushed people away. But was a secret cinnamon roll on the inside, slowly letting Annabelle break the rules and into his heart.

This was a tender story of two people not looking for love, find it. While it dealt with some heavy topics I didn't find it too heavy. I would love to see more with the secondary characters, just an enjoyable read I was sad to put down.

Rating: 4
Steam: 3 (use of vague terms, you know they're having sex but not very descriptive)

While trying to escape her current situation, Annabelle impulsively accepted a temporary job offer, picked up her life, and relocated to Arizona. There, she had to adjust to her new work environment, a stricter schedule, and her prickly landlord Nick. When she finally found herself face-to-face with Nick, she had to decide if she was willing to open herself up to something more permanent.

McKinlay’s Paris is Always a Good Idea was an instant hit with me, and I was eager to read more of her work. Once again, McKinlay delivered a story that was comical, warm, sweet, and swoony.

The book started out with some huge rom-com type moments. I was instantly smiling and laughing. The story alternated between Nick and Annabelle’s points of view, and I won’t lie, it took quite a while for the two to finally meet in person. Honestly, I didn’t notice this fact at the time because I was enjoying all the other pieces of the story. There was quite a bit packed into this book, but it just added to the fun and heartwarming feel of the story.

Though we had to wait for it (you see what I did there?), the romance was well worth it. I know there are tons of sunshine + grump lovers out there, and these two played their respective roles expertly. Nick and Annabelle was fantastic together. There was great banter, chemistry, and undeniable connection. I loved how they often found themselves confessing secrets to each other, confirming that this ran deeper than mere attraction.

Annabelle and Nick had both suffered personal losses which affected them in different ways. I was glad I was able to learn so much about their past because it made those steps forward so much more meaningful. The healing they did, together and apart, was important, and I was happy to bear witness to it.

Other highlights:
• Sir, the cat 😼
• The letters! 💌
• Jackson ❤️
• Shooting stars 🌠
• New beginnings
• Forgiveness 🕊️
• Happy endings 👩‍❤️‍👨

This was a beautiful story of facing your demons and finding the inner strength to take chances on yourself and others as you try to navigate your way through this life. You know I am always seeking the trifecta of laugh-smile-swoon, and Wait for It didn’t disappoint.

Wait for It by Jenn McKinley is a wonderful standalone novel. We meet our heroine, Annabelle Martin, who lives in Boston and is a very good graphic designer; she has been married twice at 28 years old, remaining friends with her ex. Annabelle is fun, outgoing, impulsive, reckless, but she is a master at creating fabulous designs. Her best friend Sophia, begs her to move to Phoenix and become their creative director for her graphic design studio; since she knows that Annabelle is what she needs for her company. When Annabelle’s ex starts what looks like another marriage proposal, she immediately shouts about her job offer, and is planning to move to Phoenix. Annabelle is now on her way to Phoenix, to take over the creative director position with Sophia and Miquel’s company.
Miquel (Sophia’s husband) is owed a favor, and manages to get 6 month lease on a guest house at a mansion for Annabelle to use. The owner, Nick Daire, is retired and reclusive, and Annabelle never gets to see him, other than notes he leaves to her that give her strict rules (no use of pool, no guests, no pets, etc). She assumes the cranky landlord is old and rich, and when she finally forces herself to meet him, she is shocked to see he is her age, and totally gorgeous. Seems Nick suffered a stroke a year ago, and keeps this information private; he has a cook, gardener/driver and trainer. In a short time, Nick begins to find himself attracted to the beautiful and outgoing Annabelle, who manages to push his buttons, and a sizzling romance begins.
Nick trains to build his body, but he has anxiety attacks, due to fear of getting another stroke; but Annabelle senses his anxiety is holding him back, having had some of those signs after the loss of her mother. Nick is very stubborn; will he allow Annabelle to help him?
Nick has not seen his family for over 20 years, and when his sister shows up out of nowhere, he refuses to help her. Annabelle tries to convince him to open up to her, but his stubbornness forces the sister to leave. When Nick finds out that someone at Annabelle’s company has been sabotaging her, he makes plans to put her in charge of a new client for the graphic design company, using his sister and Annabelle. The nasty person in the company continues to try to cause damage, but together with her team, who has become loyal to her, she manages to be a step ahead.

I really loved Annabelle and Nick together, as they had amazing chemistry. It was also wonderful to see Annabelle and her graphic design team work be her friends; as well as the sister becoming her friend too. The overall story was very well done, with some major issues such as, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, fear, family issues and emotional stress. Very well written by McKinlay.

What follows is a wonderful, heartwarming romance, which as noted has some issues along the way. Nick needs to come to terms to being able to step out into the public, and learn to deal with his fears. Annabelle was a great heroine, though she too needed to learn when to step back a bit. Wait for It was a fun fabulous read, which was so very well written by Jenn McKinlay.

Wait For It focuses on two people going through new stages of their lives. Annabelle, a twice divorced twenty-something, decides to move to Phoenix to help out her friend in a new graphic design role. Her new landlord in Phoenix is Nick Daire, a very rich, very handsome man who recently suffered from a stroke, which leaves him occasionally needing a wheelchair.

They both have their own issues going on, but their notes back and forth to one another seem to drive them together. The two main characters don’t officially meet until a third of the way through the book, but their chemistry was palpable. I wasn’t expecting so much of the book to focus on their own individual lives outside of their relationship. Nick was heavily focused on his condition and his family drama, while Annabelle’s story was very focused on her work. I would have appreciated a bit more romance and a bit less independent story lines that felt a bit repetitive.

Overall, I was desperate to know if Nick and Annabelle ended up together, since there were several barriers standing in their way. I would definitely recommend this to someone who wants to read about complex characters where the entire story doesn’t revolve around their romance.