The Plot Twist Review

Eleanor Goymer's new romance is here and you can read my review below

3 stars

Out: Now

After writing a few successful romantic comedies Allie is late sending in her next book. While dealing with crippling writer's block she meets two men at a work party who change everything. Martin Clark, a famous crime novelist, who is having trouble writing and Will the gorgeous caterer. With their careers on the line, the two writers decide to switch plots. Inspiration for each other's books is the game, two books the gain — and a mentor adjacent friend for Allie to boot. Things with Will are squarely in flirty rom-com territory. Can she handle more? Can she have it all?

The premise is clever though it may seem a little over the top, but the way the story is successfully laid out by the author, it just makes sense. Also the 'instigators' are believable as characters and extremely likeable so that helps. And understandably flawed. The pacing is exactly what is needed. It's as fun as you think, as well as feelgood and heartfelt.

Allie's internal dialogue is relatable, presenting as a realistic thinking process, with intruding, seemingly random ideas, worries and feelings that jump on her train of thought. Her POV is lovely in its expressiveness, honesty and humor. Her social awkwardness — which is not as bad as she believes — is endearing. The tendency of her imagination to run away with best-case or mostly worst-case scenarios is endlessly entertaining for me.

It's insta physical attraction and there's nothing wrong with that. A yummy-looking man with a great sense of humor who can cook professionally is worth the swoon. I guessed the 'big' reveal concerning him from the beginning. There are more characters to like of course, each with their own thing and one we plot along with the protagonist to ensure their downfall.

I really like that there are full-fledged paragraphs, not the one after another two-sentence ones that seem to be the style lately. If you are in the book industry like me, or just love books, their whole plan will be so entertaining. And watching a creative process is always engaging, even more so an unconventional one like this is. I wish we had had more of that.

Sometimes the protagonist's self-doubt is a bit repetitive and grating. The obstacles she puts in her way unnecessary and a bit foolish. She is worried about the wrong things. This unfortunately took away from her character. Also Dominic is used and mentioned way too often.

The was fun, adorable, full of delicious awkward often comedic situations, and smile-worthy.