Book Review: A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
When I first picked up A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn, I was immediately intrigued by the playful nod to the romantic trope of the "meet cute." As someone who loves rom-coms, both in literature and on screen, the premise of a desperate billionaire and a feisty woman searching for a way to make their lives a little less complicated pulled me in. I was ready for a journey filled with hilarity, heart, and maybe even a little chaos—and I was not disappointed.
At its core, the story revolves around Lottie, a woman fresh off being fired and set on tracking down a rich fiancé to take to her former boss and friend’s class reunion. On the flip side, we have Huxley Cane, a brooding billionaire with his own set of problems, caught in a public relations disaster over a failed business deal. Their encounter is anything but fairy-tale-like; there’s no spark at first—just a hilariously awkward exchange that sets the stage for a faux engagement that spirals into something unexpected. The way Quinn crafts their initial connection, filled with witty banter and discomfort, is a clever twist on the romantic comedy genre.
Quinn’s writing style is engaging, breezy, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Her characters are vividly drawn, each boasting unique quirks that make them relatable and entertaining. Lottie’s determination and witty comeback skills are particularly delightful, while Huxley’s initial gruffness hides a lovable marshmallow at his core. As they navigate the complexities of their arrangement, the chemistry between them grows into something palpable, underpinned by sharp dialogue that made me chuckle “out loud” more than once.
One of the standout elements for me was the pacing. While some readers felt it dragged on towards the middle, I found it perfectly balanced the comedy with the underlying tension between the characters. I appreciated that their romance was not rushed—after all, what’s a good rom-com without a little tension? The moments leading up to their realizations of love felt genuine and earned, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying.
A standout quote that resonated with me is Lottie’s cheeky reflection on her situation: “People do crazy things when they’re desperate, and I reeked of desperation.” It’s a funny yet relatable reminder of how we often find ourselves in peculiar circumstances when trying to navigate relationships, especially in the glamorous setting of Beverly Hills.
In A Not So Meet Cute, Meghan Quinn brilliantly blends humor, heart, and a fresh take on the classic romantic storyline. Fans of rom-coms or anyone who enjoys a good laugh mixed with romantic tension will find this book hard to put down. Whether you’re in need of an entertaining escape or simply looking for a lighthearted read that balances comedy and spice, this book delivers!
For me, it was a refreshing palate cleanser from heavier reads, leaving me smiling long after I turned the final page. If you’re ready for an adventure that showcases how love can bloom in the most unexpected of situations—complete with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—A Not So Meet Cute might just be the next book to add to your TBR pile. Happy reading!