When I saw Not How I Pictured It available on Netgalley, I immediately requested it. I really enjoyed Reasonable Adults and am always eager to read more from Canadian authors. I skimmed the blurb and crossed my fingers that Kensington would approve my ARC request. I was so excited when they did.
Thanks to Netgalley & Kensington for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Book Information
Publisher: Kensington
First Published: Apr 23 2024
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Ness Larkin, a former child actor, has agreed to participate in a reboot of the teen drama that made her famous. Ness has been out of the spotlight for a long time, making ends meet like an average person. This reboot is her chance to get ahead and finally right some old wrongs. The tension between Ness and her former castmates flares on day one, and it looks like it will be a lot more complicated than she’d initially thought. While on the way to the exotic resort film location, things take a wild turn, and the cast will have to work together much more closely than expected.
Since I only skimmed the blurb, I was unprepared for the entire cast to get stranded on a remote island in the first couple of chapters. It was such a turbulent ride! Locked-door mysteries are one of my favourite plot devices, and Not How I Pictured It executes it wonderfully. I learned who was behind the mayhem and trickery when the characters did. Everyone on the island has excellent motivations, and a heavy cobweb of mistrust connects each person.
While the shenanigans keep escalating, every cast member achieves significant character development. Old grudges from when they were teens get rehashed with 20/20 vision, and new problems arise from their challenges surviving on the island. Each character is nuanced and complex. I was so surprised by Daisy’s unexpected skills and impressed with Libby’s acerbic wit. Ness stepped up to every challenge and she performed outstandingly.
Not How I Pictured It is definitely a romance novel, but I wasn’t sure if they’d make it to a happily ever after. I was impressed by how patient and kind Hayes is, There may be low steam, but the high emotional intimacy throughout this story makes it so heartwarming. I am really satisfied with this book.
Overall, this is another knockout from Robin Lefler. It has well-executed plot devices and a great second-chance romance. I had a hard time putting it down, and I connected with all of the characters. Looking forward to more from Robin!
