Imogen Finch gave up on her hopes of an art career when it became clear her mother needed a caregiver. Now she makes her home in an Oregon shore town, surrounded by a community that knows and supports her and her mother. She works multiples jobs to make ends meet and has a string of broken relationships.

But then the town mogul dies suddenly, and his son, Eliot, her longtime crush, returns home for the first time in a decade. He is determined to help Imogen break her long curse of always coming in second before he leaves, but ultimately makes it a self-fulfilling prophecy by putting his own wanderlust before Imogen.

Imogen and her friend, Frankie, are such a delight, as are most of the quirky characters in this book. Eliot seems a little selfish and the backstory too long but it’s so much fun, it’s easy to overlook these minor flaws. #ImogenFinch #NetGalley

I enjoyed this. Imogen is an artist who moves back to her small town to take care of her quirky mom while juggling about six jobs. She struggles with self-esteem believing she is cursed to never come in first. Elliot, Franny and Imogen were best friends in school and Elliot was the love of her life but he didn't know it. When his dad passes away he comes home from his traveling and the three friends re-connect. It's a romance with the friends to lovers trope but different.

I felt the characters were pretty well developed. I found Imogen to be endearing. She always puts herself first, with men hoping to be "the one" for them but she is so sweet to her mom. Her mom was such a quirky character. I wish that character was more developed and we learned more of her background. Franny kind of annoyed me in the beginning but she grew on me and Imogen couldn't ask for a better friend.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital copy.

What a heartwarming and lovely love story! Full of relatable and somewhat messing characters. This all makes for a nice read.
Friends-to-lovers
Dogs
Second chance romance
Phenomenal characters
All in all, a very unexpected unique and intriguing story
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of what brings joy and the main characters’ self-worth in this book. I related a lot to the idea of feeling lost in adulthood and unsure of what path to take.

I appreciated the emotional journey that Imogen took the reader on, and I thought this was balanced well with the central plot.

I love that we got to see some of Imogen’s past relationships sprinkled into the story!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for an eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Imogen is left with few choices after college when a foreclosure notice hits her mom's front stoop. She runs home and works tirelessly to survive. But it takes a village and luckily for her, their small hometown supports them with dozens of part time jobs for Imogen and a powerhouse phone tree when her mother wanders off. In the meantime, Imogen's love lift is laughable and no one sticks around. After a somewhat terrible breakup - in a very long stream of them - Imogen runs into her childhood crush and former best friend, Eliot, while cleaning his parent's palatial home after the death of his father and life suddenly looks brighter.
Here's the thing... I really like Jacqueline's writing style. Imogen's character arc is extremely well done and I found her to be very relatable. It can be so easy to get into survival mode caring for those around you. But the romance was not what I wanted and this is one of the few times where I was rooting for a love triangle (as subtle as the potential could be) and hoping that the secondary love interest would end up with the heroine. I loved how Eliot brought out Imogen's renewed drive for self-care but have some serious thoughts about how much she was too willing to compromise for their relationship to succeed. (#TeamDutch)
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

I won a physical ARC in a GoodReads giveaway and also received a NetGalley copy in exchange for my honest opinion - thanks so much to St Martin's Press/St Martin's Griffin for both of these.
The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is a sweet second-chance romance. While Imogen has been destined to never win (as “seen” by her mother’s prediction), it has become a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy as heartbreak #17 has recently occurred. But Imogen’s high school best bud (and secret crush) returns to their hometown for a funeral, and sparks fly. With his help, Imogen enters many contests, from coloring to pancake eating to corn shucking and more, attempting to win something. I really enjoyed hearing what Eliot had been doing since leaving town, and his kind message that Imogen needed to put herself first before she could “win” at anything else in life was a message I agreed with.

I am withholding my review of this title and all SMP umbrella titles in solidarity with the St. Martin’s Press boycott that is ongoing. Please respond to your readers.

Imogen is a sweet, smart and kind heroine who, like many of us, is struggling with self-worth. Eliot is the one who got away and is dealing with some big struggles of his own. I liked this second chance romance. The connection between Imogen and Eliot was endearing and I enjoyed seeing their connection deepen. The story explored what loving someone was really about and how to support your partner. While there are steamy scenes, this story is more than a romance, which added to my enjoyment.

I am interested to see what author Jacqueline Firkins writes next.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

I was not expecting this one to have such a deep well of emotions, but it hits every emotion one could possibly want from a contemporary romance while remaining light despite some dark elements.
Imogen's mom can see the future in the patterns of nature. She's done that all her life and even those that claim to not believe her end up listening to her. So when she told Imogen as a kid that she would forever be the second choice, Imogen spent her childhood and teens doing her best to prove her wrong. Now all grown up and living as her mom's caretaker, Imogen has accepted that fate and moves from one bad relationship to another. Until her mom's latest prediction turns out to be her childhood best friend and crush coming back to their little town and feelings long held back come to the forefront. Eliot left the town where he grew up as soon as he could. He was escaping the cold life his rich parents lived and the limitations they wanted to impose on him. He has spent years living in the wild and traveling the world. But he's back for his father's funeral and it's time to face the truth of his feelings for Imogen. This is the story of how the perpetual second-choice girl and the guy who's afraid to make a permanent choice finally find the happiness they deserve.
The plot turned out to be way more complex than I was expecting, but I felt like that added to the enjoyment. At its core, it's a basic romance story. In reality, it's an intricate weaving of connections, histories, and decisions that show the growth in people and how happiness is something that everyone can find if they're willing to work for it.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the wonderful romance read!

I really enjoyed it. The story lone had been built in beautifully way and treats very sensitive topics with respect and so much love. It was addictive from the first pages and I couldn't put it down. Author created amazing friends to lovers - attraction between this couple is everything, the long road this couple did explains why their romance needed to be created like that. I enjoyed every single twist and turn. This book is definitely must read title, highly recommending this book

I really enjoyed this romance! I loved the concept when I first heard of this book and was super excited when I received an e-arc to read it. Cursed to never be first Imogen Finch has been nothing but unlucky in love. After a slew of failed relationships, she begins to wonder if love is worth all the effort she puts into it: enter Eliot Swift. Long lost friends and long time crush, Imogen knows it could never really work. Even without the curse, Eliot is filled with wanderlust while Imogen is tied and hot-wired to stay in one place. But over a whirlwind few days together, the two begin to wonder if just maybe they could change their fates.

This was a super sweet, second chance/ friend-to-lovers romance filled with tragic love stories, intertwined fates, and a general message of self love and acceptance. A total treat from start to finish!

I just did NOT jive with the two main characters of this novel. They felt so trite, shallow and just walking through life without much substance.

I kept reading, despite my misgivings about this novel, hoping that the last 3rd of the novel would redeem itself, only it didn’t. It had the most RIDICULOUS 3rd act breakup I’ve ever read. I mean who seriously just walks away to wander the world while the love of your life (which apparently both admitted had been a thing for decades) deeply dates another man. I just can’t. TOTAL WASTE.

I did enjoy the supporting characters so much more. I kinda wish that Franny had been the FMC of the story and that Dutch had been the MMC. They were SUCH better people than Imogen and Eliot. Le Sigh. Waste of Time.

Eliot’s father has passed away and he has returned to his home town after being away for 10 years. Imogen has been in love with Eliot since, well, FOREVER! But with Imogen’s track record with love, she just knows she and Eliot will just remain friends forever.

I adored Eliot and Imogen! These two have a past and it just keeps getting in their way. Plus, they are big friends and this just adds to the drama! Eliot has a big hang up with his family and he likes to run away. Imogen is determined that she is cursed. So, will these two work it out and get together. Well, not without some drama, tears and some cute little hiccups!

Need an adorable friends to lovers romance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

“It only takes one variation to turn never into sometimes.”

"The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch" was an enjoyable second chance, friends-to-lovers story.

When Imogen Finch was a child her mother predicted that she’d “never come first at anything or to anyone.” Imogen’s response: challenge accepted. Unfortunately, her valiant persistence against this curse proves futile time and time again (cue disappointing but not surprising heartbreak #17).

I was wholeheartedly rooting for Imogen to at last get a much-deserved win and HEA for once. Imogen has learned to expect and live with her curse for so long, giving up on her artistic dreams, moving back home to care for her mother, and taking on multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. I’m glad that the story didn’t focus only on Imogen’s romantic life but all areas of her life that make her the kind, dependable, hard-working person that she is and we the readers will come to know and love.

An unexpected variation comes in the form of Imogen’s childhood best friend and secret crush, Eliot, who has returned home for his father’s funeral after ten, contactless years away. Although Eliot is having a hard time being home because he hasn’t come to terms with the toxic household he desperately left behind, he’s determined to help Imogen finally achieve her first win at something (a series of fun games/contests/competitions, which were entertaining to read) or with someone until leaves again.

Eliot’s return presents a host of new challenges that both he and Imogen must face. There’s a noticeable strain between them that contrasts with the ease of way between Eliot and their other best friend, Franny. Old feelings reigniting, questions begging for answers, and all the should’ve-would’ve-could’ves run rampant in Imogen.

The sections of the story set in the past that showed some of Imogen’s failed relationships left me enraged on Imogen’s behalf when I read how each ended. As much as Imogen wishes she could be someone’s first choice, she would always put others’ needs before her own, even at her own expense. Despite the curse, she has tried and failed to make things work and my heart just broke for her.

The story takes on a somber tone for much of the novel as Imogen and Eliot really hash through and confront their pasts and what’s derailed their respective lives for so long. The author does a fantastic job plotting a realistic and healthy development and outcome of their relationship as friends and lovers I was very satisfied with.

"The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch" was a quick read with great characters, plot, and conflict. I liked the small, coastal town of Pitt’s Corner, Oregon, US. Imogen really made Pitt’s Corner feel like home with how she lovingly described it and the community that resides in it. The author beautifully exemplifies the complex journey to rediscover what you’ve lost, not settle for less than what you deserve, and practice self-love. This was an emotionally deep and compelling story.

CW: grief, on-page cheating (from the past)

Thanks again St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review!

I really wanted to love this book. I really liked the author’s previous book so I was excited to check this one out. This story didn’t grab my attention and I struggled to get through it. Imogen was a difficult character to relate to and I wasn’t that big a fan of any of the characters really. I didn’t buy that a bestie would have no clue her two friends liked each other. Also wish Imogen didn’t need a guy to help her focus on herself. Just not a story for me, I guess.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Jacqueline Firkins' newest book, The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is a lovely book, with fun, engaging writing and quirky, relatable characters. Imogen's story - of never winning, always being second, and being absolutely devoted to her friends and family - is so touching. I was so drawn in to learning about her life and her long history in her hometown, as well as her friendship with Franny and Eliot. Imogen has gone through a lot, and we learn about all of her past boyfriends and why they didn't work out. Imogen seems to have learned from those experiences too! The relationship that blooms between Imogen and Eliot is just precious.

Despite all that I enjoyed about this book, there were a few things that didn't work for me. First of all, I was confused about why Imogen's mother needed care. Maybe I didn't read it closely enough but it seems like she's just psychic... not mentally/physically impaired. That was just weird to me. If the town is so close knit, why couldn't others step in to help? Additionally, there seemed to be a bunch of extraneous characters - the mistress, Dutch, even Eliot's mom who took up space but ultimately did not play much of a role. Lastly, I was disappointed by the ending. Imogen deserves more... just not my preference! 3.5 stars rounded down

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

This book took me a bit to get into, but I am so glad I did. I have so many feelings going on right now about this story but above all is the thought, I am so glad I read this. Imogene lives in her hometown, taking care of her mom who was an interesting character in her own right. Imogene loves her town, her family as she calls everyone who lives there, her bestie Fanny and her four jobs that hold her world together. Then Eliot, her childhood friend comes back home for his father’s funeral. Eliot has a very complicated relationship with his family who are very wealthy, so he has been traveling for several years, backpacking across countries. He puts his travels up on You Tube, and as soon as the funeral is over will be back on the road, except that he and Imogen have always loved each other. This is the crux of the story and it has hills and valleys of emotions. I truly loved it and realized that I had read this author before and loved that book too. A wonderful women’s fiction at its best. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Every love story is unique and this one felt very true to the characters. Imogen is an interesting character. I liked her resilience and her strength. I loved the dynamics between Imogen and Eliot. They seemed to instinctively know what the other needed. They were so connected. The story isn't the typical love story, but it was perfect for Imogen and Eliot. I found plenty of laughs with the quirky characters and there was a lot of heart in the whole story. It was an enjoyable read and a great book to immerse yourself in. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

In solidarity with the SMP Boycott I will be withholding my review for this title until SMP addresses and denounces the racism and disinformation that one of its employees publically shared via social media and offers tangible steps of how it is going to mitigate the harm caused by said employee.

This is not a reflection of the author personally, nor is it a call to boycott buying this particular book.

I adored this book! Imogen has had many breakups, and is used to them by now. When the love of her life Returns, things start to change for imogen. I loved all the characters in this book. This book isn’t just a romance, it’s a story of self discovery. I adored it!!!