Review: Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
If you know me, you know I love a rustic setting for books. Between the punny title and the cover, I was so in for this book. I had a great time reading it. I love books that throw two characters together and the story requires them to trust each other implicity off the bat. I loved the first half of this book so much, mostly because I loved being in the Yukon. I have an obsession with the Pacific Northwest including Alaska, the Yukon, Vancouver, that whole area.
As a reader and writer, I also love books that explore the publishing industry. As a reviewer, I can’t imagine how hard it is for authors right now to be so available to their readership and have to be ready for criticism at every moment. I’m also very aware that romance, as a genre dominated by women, is often overlooked by critics and the industry. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it made me think.
Synopsis:
“Daphne McFadden already knows that as a female author, the cards are stacked against her. Now she knows just how much. Because her sudden whim to pose as an “outdoorsy hunk of masculinity” male author for her new book just resulted in the unthinkable: a bidding war, a huge book deal, and the kind of fame every author dreams of. Now she’s in big trouble. Because she needs to convince the world that Zane Remington actually exists . . . but how?
By hiring an actor, of course.
Only Chris Stanton is not an actor—not officially. He’s used to balancing the books, not pretending he wrote one. Still, he’s mostly certain he can pose as some overly macho bro-author. But when the media descend on Daphne’s gorgeous remote home in the Yukon, it’s not enough for Chris to just be the face of Zane Remington—he’ll have to become him. All while hilariously balancing the terrifying dangers of the wilderness, a massive femme fandom, and a serious crush on Daphne. But as the hype circus gets more out of control, it’s just a matter of time before someone discovers their little write lie . .” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Premise & Tropes—This wasn’t a fake dating but it was a spin on fake dating that felt fresh and relevant.
The Setting—Obsessed. Incredible. I didn’t want to leave and I was so sad when the characters went on tour!
Commentary on Publishing—This isn’t as intense as Yellowface as R.F. Kuang, but I do think it’s still very important. Is a book taken more seriously if there is a man’s name on the cover? It’s been done so many times throughout history and it seems we still aren’t learning.
What Didn’t Work:
Second Half Pacing—Things slowed down for me a bit!
Second Half Setting—I felt like we lost the connection to where we were in the physical sense.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 4/5
Contenting Warnings:
death of a parent