Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.
This book was so cute and fun and adorable! Ironically it was also not the only book in June that I read where the main characters names were Chris and Daphne, so those must be two popular names for romance authors now. And I think they are nice names. I have never read a book by Kelley Armstrong before but I definitely plan to look out for more books by her in the future! If you are looking for a fun read with a romance that has amazing chemistry, then this is the perfect book for you. Highly recommend this one!!
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What happens when your big break is fake?
Finding Mr. Right was such a fun little rom-com from one of my auto-read authors. Packed full of dramatized publishing insights, Canadian wilderness quips, tension, and ultimately joy. Daphne and Chris were everything I needed from an author × accountant playing fake actor playing fake author romance!
I really love Kelley Armstrong’s writing and ability to write for so many different genres. I’m a huge fan of her Rockton series, which is more of a mystery thriller ride, but it was nice to see her write an outright romance. I feel for her first romance foray this was good.
Daphne is unable to get her manuscript accepted until in desperation she submits her work under a man's name. Surprised when it is accepted she ends up in a tough situation. Then comes Chris, an adorable accountant who ends up becoming the face of her alter ego. I love that both of them are sweethearts that are above and beyond capable in their personal lives. I was slightly worried about a misunderstanding in Chris’s personality dragging out but thankfully by chapter 7 everyone knows how the other person truly is. Despite knowing that at some point the public will find out about this arrangement it doesn’t feel like a cloud overhead the whole time. It’s sweet and vulnerable getting to the reveal.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
DNF at 47%. I just couldn’t get into this one and found myself skimming a lot and wanting to be done with it. There weren’t really any stakes, the plot felt meandering and predictable, and even though the concept sounded good from the synopsis, the execution of it just made me feel icky (as a woman writer myself). Plus, I didn’t understand why Daphne needed to write YA when it felt like the author didn’t understand the genre herself. Why couldn’t Daphne’s book just be an adult novel, which is clearly the author’s specialty? Anyway, this book was not for me, and honestly, I’m not sure it’s for anyone.
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
Thank you NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong and Forever. I have such a soft spot for books that wrap the plot around instances of workplace or industry discrimination or challenges due to gender. This year I have read a few books with this underlying theme and this one, much like the others, hit me right in the feels. Throw in a dynamic canine side-kick and book-centered themes and it’s a home run for me. This book gave me moments of ick (but intentional plot-centric ick), moments of laughter and moments of suspense and tension. I really loved the dive into the Yukon, a place I’d never really thought much about and the absolute badassery of Daphne juxtaposed with the sweet nerdiness of Chris.
Light-hearted and a pretty quick read. Finding Mr. Write follows the story of debut author Daphne who hires an an actor to act as her nom de plume after submitting her manuscript with the name Zane Remington. She didn't count on Chris to be so involved in the process - doing author talks, event panels, and even stay with her in her remote Alaskan home - which only further complicates Daphne's eventual decision to reveal Zane's true identity as her fanbase grows. As a big fan of Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series, this was a fun pivot into a slight behind-the-scenes of the writing and publishing process for authors - especially authors who are women who may choose to use a pen-name. There were a few awkward scenes and the miscommunication/major conflict between the MCs felt rushed in comparison to the rest of the book's pacing. Overall, a fun read with some humorous dialogue and plot points. 3.5/5
FINDING MR WRITE by Kelley Armstrong is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romance story line focusing on author Daphne McFadden and accountant Chris Stanton aka Zane Remington.
Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Daphne and Chris) FINDING MR. WRITE follows in the wake of Daphne McFadden’s struggle to get her manuscript aka latest book published. Believing the book would be better accepted from a male author, Daphne McFadden invented author Zane Remington, a pseudonym that would quickly need a face to be placed into public domain. Enter Chris Stanton, an accountant who claims to be a model and actor but a man who is completely unaware of what is about to transpire. As Daphne’s book becomes a number one best seller, a book and media tour requires a public face, and Chris is about to be thrown in head first. All does not go according to plan as guilt begins to blur the edges of success, and betrayal comes at the cost of Daphne’s life back home.
The world building follows Daphne and Chris as they continue their ruse. Daphne as ‘Zane’s assistant, and Chris as Zane Remington, number one best seller but someone is about to uncover the truth, and our couple must come clean or face the fall-out to come.
The relationship between Chris and Daphne begins when Daphne hires Chris to be the face of her new book. Chris claims to be an actor and a model but his own persona is predicated upon a lie. As the couple are forced to work together, their attraction to one another, cannot be denied. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.
We are introduced to several members of Daphne’s publicity and publishing team, most of whom are completely unaware of what is about to transpire.
FINDING MR. WRITE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and blackmail, friendships, family, acceptance and love. The premise is charming and captivating; the characters are desperate and dynamic; the romance is subtle.
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Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC
I thought this was fairly cute romantic comedy. Chris and Daphne were quick whitted and funny. I did have an issue with my copy. The footnotes were not formatted properly, which just resulted in a chunk of text at the end of the paragraph with no way to reference them. The story did feel repetitive with Chris constantly trying to prove himself.
This book was ok for me. It wasn't terrible and it wasn't amazing. I found it light hearted and about superficial, particularly in the 'romance' aspect. While the author did well cover hard topics of feminism, sexism, and racism, the actual romance part of the book fell flat.
I didn't mind Daphne as a FMC. She was smart and complex - Chris was *meh* and didn't really appeal to me. I didn't see his depth or sincerity, and it was hard to root for them as a couple. The miscommunication wasn't the best either, and the spicy scenes were awkward.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure about how to rate it. On one hand, I had a great time reading it. I liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was also quite nice. However, it was extremely slow paced. I would be reading for a long time and then I would notice that I only made about a 2% progress. It felt like I was reading so much more than I actually was.
It wasn't a bad book by any means. I just think it could have been an easy 5 star read if the pacing wasn't so slow. But I would definitely read more romcoms by this author!
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book for free through NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As a child of the 80s who wanted to be Laura Holt when I grew up, I was predisposed to like this novel. The main character hires an accountant/actor to play the author of her book; said author is named Zane Remington!!! That being said, Armstrong did not disappoint. Chris and Daphne were delightful and their dynamic pitch perfect. Even if you aren’t a child of the 80s this should be on your summer reading list.
I loved Finding Mr. Wright it was a sweet slow burn romance about an author tired of rejection who decides to submit her book under a male name pseudonym. She’s quickly offered a publishing deal but now needs to find a man to play the part so she can keep everything going. Now she’s met her match with Chris who needs money to set his business issues right but has the perfect body type to play her alter ego Zane Remington.
Wonderful writing and such a sweet story.
This was fine. I didn’t care for the characters. Didn’t feel myself rooting for or believing in the romance. Overall just wanted to skim it to get to the end. The plot wasn’t anything amazing, and as a general rule the miscommunication trope is not one that’s done well, which was exactly how I felt about this one. There were no teeth in the story, no bite or grit or anything that really hooked me or stood out as worth recommending. So honestly I’d just pass. I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
After having her manuscript rejected again and again, Daphne decided to submit it under a male pen name, and suddenly there was a bidding war and book deal. Needing a man to pose as Zane Remington, she hires Chris who initially rubs her the wrong way but grows on her as he sheds his alter ego. Will Daphne be able to open her heart to love again?
I had such a great time reading this book! I found the premise to be brilliant while not shying away from taking some shots at the publishing industry. There was some commentary woven into this tale as well as lots of other interesting bookish bits, but it was the characters and their romance that had me hooked.
Chris was such a fun character. He was trying to rebuild his life following the demise of his accounting business. Down on his luck, he was grateful for the job and wanted to be the best Zane Remington he could be. His alter ego was nothing like him, and it was "real" Chris who won me over. With his beefcake looks and his golden retriever heart, Chris was the perfect hero for Daphne. She needed someone to soften her edges while appreciating her strength. But don't worry, Mr. Perfect did make some mistakes. The beauty was that he learned and attempted to fix those mistakes.
Daphne was an architect who opted into off-grid living following her mother's death. In isolation, she was able to write the zombie romance of her heart. She knew her way around the great outdoors and reveled in the demanding beauty of the Yukon. After being abandoned in her time of need by her last romantic partner, Daphne was not too quick to tie herself to another. I think she was smart to take it slow and make him earn her heart.
Can we talk about the setting? The beginning of the book was set in the Yukon and the descriptions were breathtaking. Though I am not sure how I would fare in the winter, I could definitely appreciate the woodsy goodness most other times of the year. Armstrong used the setting well, too. There were some humorous and fun events that took place while they were at Daphne's home which I really enjoyed.
This book had me hooked from the first line (wait until you read it!), and I was quickly invested in seeing Daphne succeed in the publishing industry by any means necessary as well as seeing her get her HEA. This book was funny, swoony, and simply a great time.
Kelley Armstrong writes every genre with her trademark smooth writing and irresistible characters. Finding Mr. Write is a fun and engaging read. I loved the chemistry between Daphne and Chris.
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Romantic comedy is not this author's usual genre, but I really enjoy her work. The premise really makes sense in this crazy world. A female writer used a male pen name in hopes of getting her book noticed. It worked - too well!
Daphne has done well for herself both as an architect and as a writer. She hires her lawyer's accountant to act as her pen name thinking it will just be a few photos. Chris had a partner in business who was very unreliable and now he is trying to get his finances back on track. To Daphne's surprise, her book is a bestseller and she is attracted to Chris.
Daphne and Chris dance around each other for numerous reasons. Neither has had the best relationships in the past. Daphne, more than Chris, is afraid of being hurt again. Chris is also attracted to her and pretty serious about a relationship. But they are also employer - employee, don't live in the same town and now there are interviews and book tours and signings to fill their time.
Daphne realizes she must come clean that she is the author. Chris, her lawyer, her agent, her publicist, and her publisher all seem to have ideas about the best way to do it. I really like how even though both Chris and Daphne made mistakes they were willing to learn and talk them out and forgive each other. They were great together in the end.
Kelley Armstrong has been a favorite of mine for years. I've enjoyed her mystery/thrillers and paranormal books and was surprised she ventured into the romcom world but I wasn't disappointed. This book is so much fun.
Daphne panics when submitting her novel to an agent and creates a male pen name after a frustrating series of rejections. Not only does it get picked up by an agent but soon she is on the publishing train and people want to know more about Zane Remington. Daphne's desire to stay out of the spotlight has her hiring a guy to play the part of Zane, but it soon gets out of hand as the book takes off and the lies mount up.
Chris takes the role of Zane Remington because he quite simply needs the money after his accountant partner bleeds their company dry with his drug habit. When Chris meets Daphne he tries to keep up the image that the role requires but finds that he wants to share his true self with her.
I love the dual point of view and the hilarious banter. When your son catches you smiling at your book, you know you are reading a winner. This is the perfect summer read!
Thanks to Forever for an advanced copy of Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong.
This was such a fun romance about a female author who writes under a male pseudonym and the man she hires to play the role in public. Daphne has received rejection after rejection so she decides to submit her book under a male name. She's shocked when it sells at auction and so she hires Chris to play her male author persona - Zane Remington. As her book climbs high on the best seller lists and she's forced to travel as his PA.
This went a little differently than I thought but I found it funny and enjoyable to read. I loved the Yukon parts and seeing the book tour. Obviously, there is miscommunication here between Daphne and Chris.
if you're looking for a fun book check this out.
Finding Mr. Write was a fun, feminist romance with one of the best dorky, cinnamon roll love interests I’ve seen in a while! I really enjoyed Chris and Daphne’s chemistry and banter. The whole premise was super refreshing and I laughed out loud several times. I learned right after reading this and Finding Mr. Write is this author’s first contemporary romance and she did a fantastic job! The only reason I didn’t rate this five stars is because I’m not a big fan of the miscommunication trope and that was the driving force behind the third act breakup. Overall, this is definitely something worth reading and I can’t wait to see if Armstrong continues writing in this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, and the author for sending me an early copy!
Kelly Armstrong's books are my favorite to get lost in and enjoy no matter what genre they are! Rom-coms are not the usual for her, but Finding Mr. Write was so much fun, and I'd love to see more like this from her in the future! Daphne and Zane...I mean Chris's romance was fun and humorous. I immediately was drawn in to this book and hated to see it end.
If you're a Kelly Armstrong fan like I am, you will absolutely love this!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: 25 June 2024