Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong

“Yeah, that’s not supportive, son.” He met Chris’s eyes. “Supportive is telling her she’s got it, but that you’re there in case she needs you.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Finding Mr. Write

Finding Mr. Write is a rom-com written by someone who doesn’t write rom-coms. Kelley Armstrong writes fantasy, mystery, and horror. This is her first venture into the world of writing romantic comedy and I believe she has succeeded in not only writing an exceptional rom-com, but a fun one, too.

Tired of rejection and with the deck stacked against her as a female author, Daphne McFadden decides to write under the male pseudonym Zane Remington to get her novel out there. What she didn’t expect was a bidding war to occur over her Zombie young adult novel and a huge book deal, when prior, rejection was the norm. Now she is expected to do in-person interviews, and, yikes, a tour. So what does she do? She hires an actor to become Zane Remington. Chris Stanton is not only handsome and well-built, but he turns out to be smart, thoughtful, and he makes the best brownies. Of course the attraction is mutual and the chemistry is off the charts. Everything works out great until a nosey neighbour and some bloggers start investigating: who is Zane Remington? Then the trouble begins. What a great premise for a great rom-com.

“Our first chapter. Pen to paper with the hope of finishing the story.” He met her gaze. “Do you want to start a story with me, Daphne?” ― Chris Stanton

I liked how Armstrong was bold enough to include the very realistic changes that Daphne McFadden, a Canadian author, was asked to make to her book to “Americanize it” for a bigger audience, like changing the setting of her book from the Yukon to Alaska. Armstrong also tackles gender bias and gender stereotypes in the publishing industry. That is, men and women each follow a different set of rules.

As to the goal of writing a great romantic comedy, Armstrong succeeded in achieving this as well. The chemistry and the sexual tension between Daphne and Chris in Finding Mr. Write was hot. There were several laugh-out-loud moments especially at the beginning when we find out that Chris is an accountant who is more comfortable and knowledgeable doing a PowerPoint presentation or a spreadsheet than chopping wood or holding a gun. He had grown into his current “look” from a geeky, acne-ridden teenager.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Writing Mr. Wrong, coming out June 2025.

Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers’ dismay. All efforts to make her produce “normal” stories failed.

Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She’s the author of the NYT-bestselling “Women of the Otherworld” paranormal suspense series and “Darkest Powers” young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (June 25, 2024)
Paperback 8″ x 5″ | 368 pages
ISBN: 9781538742747

Sue Slade

Sue Slade has a Bachelor of Child Study from Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax. After working with children and adults with special needs, she now has her midlife dream job of working with books. Sue manages an independent, locally owned bookstore, Dartmouth Book Exchange. Through her charismatic sharing centred around books and community, Sue has created an engaging cornerstone for authors, customers, and book lovers of all ages. Sue is an avid reader and her reviews cross over many genres.

Sue Slade

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