This book is too adorable and is the fun/fluffy read you need this summer. Starting a new job, Isabella Shay thought she would stop at a coffee shop for a pick-me-up PSL. She didn’t realize that the line after she paid was insane and would make her super late for her first day. Grabbing an unclaimed PSL, Isabella runs into a handsome man. Running off without giving her name to him, he assumes her name is Amy based on the cup she was holding. This is such a cute, cheesy, romantic comedy novel.

Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Painter’s books are so much fun! I’m not going to lie I was a little nervous about reading this book because I assumed there would be some miscommunication, and that is a big no for me in a book, but I can assure you that is not the case!
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Isabella is typically an honest person but on her first day of work she is running late. As she’s waiting impatiently for her psl at Starbucks she finally does something uncharacteristic for her. When a psl for Amy doesn’t get picked up she grabs it. Karma quickly comes back to get her when she spills said drink on a handsome man. Of course, handsome man just so happens to be her new boss.
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Painter always creates the perfect witty banter and heart warming side characters. Plus the made up game the group of friends play is straight up hilarious. I binged this one in a day!
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When I received this ARC, I felt like I remembered this title and cover. After realizing that this is a new edit of a previous story and getting over this non-déjà vu, I wholeheartedly embraced these long lost fictional friends, Izzy, newly hired HR specialist who, in running late to her first day on the job, spills her pilfered (there’s a story there, of course) PSL on Blake, gorgeous VP whose spectacular pectorals she feels up in attempting to blot said latte, earning him the nickname “Mr. Chest.” Their particular oops-I-spUilled-my-caffeinated-beverage meet cute gets a twist when Blake gives Izzy her own nickname: Amy. Not a nickname, as such, in that Blake assumes that’s her name given that it's what’s scrawled on her Starbucks’ cup. Izzy-not-Amy has not really stolen someone else’s drink since she’s already paid for the exact same order. She’s also not not stolen it, however, as Amy, whomever she may be will be out her own PSL fix. At best, it’s a little white lie. At worst, it’s the basis for a misunderstanding that’s blown waaaaay out of proportion, but, as we come to find out in Blake’s new backstory, one that’s at least a little bit justified.

If sparks flew between Izzy and Blake at Starbucks, a veritable inferno ignites between the two when they meet, mere minutes later, in an elevator at Izzy’s new place of employment. IRL, elevators are the work of the devil. In romance, however, they’re an aphrodisiac that incite the two inevitably gorgeous riders to fling themselves on the emergency stop button before flinging themselves on one another.

Though they don’t quite get to consummate this relationship during their elevator encounter, which both interpret as fated, the two feel pretty darn good about where they’re headed despite the fact that they’re still Amy and Mr. Chest and haven’t exchanged, ya know, real names. Minor details in matters of lust. The brakes are thrown on pretty darn quickly, however, when Izzy’s introduced to her boss’s boss, thus (obviously) her boss, AVP Blake Phillips, heretofore Mr. Chest. Impossible workplace romance aside, the real hurdle comes in Blake’s immediately cold response to finding out that “Amy” is actually Isabella Shay. The reason for his arctic disposition?

She lied. Not only that but she’s a thief! Won’t someone think of actual Amy who, sans PSL, is the clear victim of Izzy’s fib. If you, like Izzy, me, and pretty much anyone who thinks that Blake’s completely overreacting to Izzy’s grand theft coffee, are taken aback by how much he’s making a mountain out of the proverbial fall-centric molehill, get in line. AVP Blake Phillips is no longer Mr. Chest. He’s a downright dick. But, as it turns out, he’s a dick with a reason for demanding honesty out of himself and everyone else in his life. So, still a dick but one with a relatively convincing backstory. This is one of the new additions to Painter’s revision of her original story, which was apparently self-published as opposed to this trad one. And it works. In fact, all of the fleshing out of Blake’s backstory - the family he’s given and other tidbits - are, in the words of many a romance hero, everything I never knew I wanted. The characters and their relationship seem much more realized here - because they are - and I love them even more this go around.

Moving along, Izzy acts childish in response to Blake’s overt dickishness and worries she’ll lose her new job, which she not only needs but actually loves. Much to her, but probably more to our relief, Blake won’t fire her. But, he also won’t act on their insta-chemistry because HE. HAS. A. MORAL. CODE. Thus, we’re stuck with that age-old problem: how do the hot and clearly made-for-each-other couple act on their feelings without actually acting on their feelings. Answer: they come up with rules. Blake and Izzy can’t talk outside of work but “Mr.Chest” and “Starbucks Amy” can. While their texts are adorable, it’s not enough for the reader or characters - especially when Izzy finds out that Blake is a bona fide cat daddy who cares for two special needs rescue kitties (swoon!), whom he pretends not to be obsessed with even as he’s making their dinner from scratch.

Thus, loopholes are found and a delightful cast of secondary characters - again, more realized (or invented) here than they were in the previous publishing - is drawn into the mix. Most delightful, for my money, is their game of Billboard Assholes, where there are no winners only less-bad losers. After Blake white-knights Izzy, literally saving her from freezing along the shoulder of the highway as she’s trudging home in a storm, in the dark, (all uphill, of course), they partner together in the game and, after one particular physical challenge, end up giving in to the inevitable. After a watershed kiss (Painter can write the fuck out of a good kiss scene) that changes everything but nothing (THEY. STILL. CAN’T. DATE.), Blake and Izzy spend the rest of the novel navigating their work relationship, sexual chemistry, and, my favorite, burgeoning best friendship.

I’m a fan of pretty much everything Lynn Painter writes, YA or adult, and she’s perfected the ideal book boyfriend, mostly because her characters truly have fun together and are legitimately the other’s favorite person. It’s both the Platonic ideal of friendship and soulmates at once, and who doesn’t want that?

Yet, as Shakespeare mused, the course of HEAs never did run smooth. After the requisite misunderstanding and breakup, Blake and Izzy do indeed get their HEA and, in so doing, become better for it in that our MMC realizes the drawbacks of rigidly adhering to a moral code that harms more than it helps. Plus, we’re treated to a bonus round of Billboard Assholes that has the requisite heat while reading sweet (but not too sweet) to end our tale.

All told, Painter’s new edit is like retouching that back tattoo you got at a music festival in your teens. It was cool in the first place but you kind of forgot about it over the years. Now, however, it’s more vibrant and even better than before.

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the eARC.

I loved Accidentally Amy as an indie, so when I saw it picked up by Berkley to be republished with some mild changes and additions, I wanted it so badly.

And upon reread, I loved it just as much. It brought me the same amount of joy. Witty banter, desperate longing between the main characters, pet names like “dumbass,” an adorable cat dad, and fun side characters.

Accidentally Amy is lighthearted and low angst, and I was smiling the whole time. It’s just so fun and happy. Blake is this cinnamon roll that falls hard for Izzy, who is a bit kooky but devoted to Blake. So glad I got the opportunity to reread this adorable story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I enjoyed this book, it definitely took a while for me to connect to Blake because he was interesting…lmao.

I think that I liked the other romances (Better Than The Movies) and that’s just more Lynn’s zone. This just felt a lil ridiculous to me IG. Felt like teenagers inside adults body and I simply-cannot.

My heart is so happy! I absolutely adored the audiobook and already stopped to buy the paperback when I was only halfway through, cuz there are so many parts I want to highlight and note.

Izzy and Blake are two hilarious peas in a pod! I loved the romance, clever banter, but especially the cat moments. I appreciate when lies and hatred aren't dragged throughout the entire story, causing it to be dragged down.

I went in not knowing what to expect and was blown away. I adore everything about this story, and there wasn't a moment that I wasn't fully invested in this book. Although, now I really want to make a trip to my local Starbucks for a PSL.

I've previously only read Lynn Painter's YA novels, but I thought this was really cute! It was definitely a little YA-coded with the dorkiness and some cringey moments, but they made me laugh. I thought Izzy was adorable and the dorky nature suited her well. I think if I worked in HR I'd be appalled at Izzy and Blake, but I'm not so I was able to get into the workplace romance of it all. It was sweet and I had fun reading it.

premise is a girl takes the wrong coffee cup because she’s afraid of being late and meets beautiful man while spilling coffee on him. que that he’s the vp of her department.

felt very cringy reading and I couldn’t get myself to get interested in the characters. was really excited to read this author for the first time but this book wasn’t simply for me.

it could be someone’s else’s cup of tea though!

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


4.5 hearts

Lynn Painter is the absolute master at banter. I would enjoy her books just for the humor. The dialogue is generally a bit blunt and sassy. The characters go a bit wildly silly and add in pop culture sometimes in some of the banter and it's just fun. It's meant to be a bit outrageous.

The blurb gives up the meet cute between Izzy starting her new job and her boss, Blake. My understanding is this story was originally featured on the author's blog or something as a serial? It was published and in various formats in 2022. I was going to listen to the audio but apparently this 2025 version of Accidentally Amy has been updated in the Ebook version. I'm not sure about any other version.

Amy and Chest are instantly attracted to one another. But Izzy is in Blake's department so dating would be a no-no. So they become friends. There is a lot of texting (NOT sexting) and they get to know each other. It gets harder and harder for them to keep things at friends only. AT least they don't work directly together.

The slow burn of their romance is wonderful. I love the way they tease and support each other in their flow of texts. It's an easy read and doesn't feel as clunky as a text stream might. The way they finally get together is a rush and exciting and heartbreaking. Don't worry - it's an HEA. They work through the problems pretty quickly.

I love a Lynn Painter book, and this one was another fun read. Was it my favorite by her? No, but this was still fun to read and I loved the premise. The meet cute is as adorable as it sounds.

If you are looking for a cute, light-hearted romcom read, then you will enjoy every page of this book. It's literally the cutest romcom read! It has all of the romance tropes: forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, workplace romance, and a bit of forbidden romance. It's the best recipe for a romance book, especially in the fall season. It makes me want fall season again. Definitely give a chance to read.

In a rush to get to work, Izzy takes the pumpkin spice latte she ordered and paid for at the coffee shop. Problem is that the latte belongs to an earlier customer, Amy, who doesn't answer the call of the barista to come get her drink. Izzy grabs the latte and spins around to leave, but instead bumps into Blake, a handsome executive also waiting in line.

This is the meet-cute situation of this rom com. The romance tropes then move on from enemy-lover mode as Blake turns out to be Izzy's new boss. But he thinks that Izzy is really named Amy, and she doesn't correct him at the beginning. Most of the book have the two trying to figure out ways to hide their growing attraction for each other, as work rules forbid fraternization between employees and especially between boss and subordinate. The rationalizations they give themselves for meeting after work and falling in love are quite clever and amusing.

The tropes work for this rom com, and with the sometimes over-the-top love scenes, it's an entertaining read.

Lynn Painter is one of my auto buy authors, her books never disappoint.
Izzy is late from the first day at her new job, so when no one picks up the PSL marked “Amy” she grabs it. Unfortunately she then spills it all over the cutest guy she’s ever met with a gorgeous body. Izzy dubs him Mr. Chest
When she gets to work she’s introduced to the area VP, Blake. He’s got coffee all over his shirt and calls her Amy.
Blake hates dishonesty so he’s disappointed in Izzy even though he’s fascinated by her. Can they find a way to be friends and maybe more?

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Lynn Painter can always make me laugh and swoon! This book was no different and I had such a good time reading it. The story was sweet and easy to read. However, if you are like me and have a harder time reading stories that feel like insta love.. this is probably not for you.

I thought this was a very cute and adorable rom com. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I know I will read more books by her in the future.

I liked the friendship that the MMC and FMC developed through the story. All good love stories should start with a great friendship!!

I did feel this story was pretty predictable and I kind of saw how it was going to turn out but sometimes you just need a light and fluffy romance.

Definitely worth the read if you are a fan of this author!!

Isabella Shay (literally) bumps into Blake Philips at a Starbucks. Blake assumes that Izzy’s name is Amy after she took someone else’s PSL. He only realizes the error once they discover that he is the VP of her department at her brand new job. Blake and Izzy have to navigate their intense chemistry while being professional colleagues.

Accidentally Amy was short & sweet.

What I liked:
- Izzy’s wit, she had me laughing out loud
- The banter between Izzy, Blake and Josh. I loved reading the parts about them, they were so fun.
- The chemistry between Izzy and Blake. I could feel it!
- The dual POVs that was released in the new edition this month.

What I didn’t like:
- Extremely cringey and cheesy.
- The nicknames, I hated her calling him Mr. Chest. I got second hand embarrassment.
- The third act breakup.
- They both seem immature/childish, especially for a VP

I’d recommend if you like cute and quirky romance novels and don’t mind a third act breakup.

Lynn painter does it again. I've always been a big fan of her writing. Her wit and humor along with the banter between her characters! So good!

This was absolutely ridiculous in the best way possible. Lots of unbelievable scenes and the fmc, Izzy, could be a bit insufferable in a manic pixie dream girl/pick me mash up kind of way. Even given all of that I still had a fun time reading this. The banter between Izzy and Blake is hilarious and made me laugh out loud several times. The pacing was quick and it was an uncomplicated story which made it easy to read. Go into this one with minimal expectations and abandon a decent amount of logic and you’ll love it.

Blake and Izzy were an interesting pair.

The story begins with Izzy at Starbucks waiting for her PSL on her first day of work. Running late, she makes an impulsive decision when the barista calls out a PSL for "Amy" three times with no response—she takes it, justifying that she ordered the exact same drink. While grabbing it, she literally runs into Blake. They share a charming conversation, exchange numbers, and part ways, assuming they won’t cross paths again soon... But fate has other plans.

During Izzy's office tour at her new job, she discovers that Blake from Starbucks is none other than her boss—the VP of the company. Their instant spark now becomes complicated by their professional relationship.

I enjoyed this quick, entertaining read. While their interactions and texts were quirky—and their nicknames ("Mr. Chest" and "Starbucks Amy") weren't exactly the best—their exchanges made me laugh. I particularly enjoyed watching their friendship develop as they navigated their attraction while respecting professional boundaries.

The inevitable third-act conflict felt somewhat overblown and could have been resolved through better communication. Though I wished for more maturity from Izzy in that moment, I appreciated Blake's handling of the situation. Blake proved to be a wonderful male lead—thoughtful and intentional in his pursuit of Izzy, planning sweet dates and hangouts. Izzy, with her distinctive humor and quirky personality, was also endearing despite her flaws.

Overall, while not groundbreaking, it was an enjoyable, breezy read that kept me entertained throughout.

Izzy is running late for her first day at her new job. While waiting for her Pumpkin Spice Latte, an order is called for Amy for the exact same drink. After a couple of minutes, Amy doesn’t claim her drink, so Izzy grabs it and pretends to be Amy. However, she immediately crashes into a gorgeous man who flirts with her. As she leaves he says goodbye to Amy and Izzy realizes her mistake. A few hours later, she runs into the coffee shop man again. And then a third time when he is introduced to her as her boss. Blake at that moment learns that Izzy isn’t who she said she was and becomes upset that she lied. Izzy then makes it her mission to become Blake’s friend anyway.

I flew through this book. It read more like a novella to me than a novel which was interesting. This is an insta-love kind of book but they both acknowledge it so I was more ok with that. They state multiple times that they shouldn’t have feelings this strong after knowing each other for such a short period of time. I honestly could’ve used an extra 100 pages of this book. I would’ve like a little bit of a slower burn. A longer period of time for Izzy to win Blake over and some more of his brothers too.

Their banter was top tier, and we know I love some good banter. Blake is like my dream man. He’s a little grumpy but has a heart of gold. He never allowed his grumpiness to become mean. He’s also a cat guy. Izzy is goofy and word vomits constantly. I liked her relationship with her cousin and again, wouldn’t have minded a few more scenes with the two of them.

This book was such a fun ride. I can see people not enjoying it because they might feel it’s not fleshed out enough, but I liked having something fun and straight forward. I also think sometimes Izzy’s goofiness comes off a little immature but it made me giggle. If you don’t mind a little insta-love and like cheesiness, I would pick this one up. If not, this one is not for you.