Single Sundays: Until It’s Right by Jamie Howard

Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:

Synopsis for Until It’s Right (from Goodreads):
Haley Mitchell is tired of moping. With her broken heart repaired with a thick layer of duct tape, she’s ready to put her ex behind her and move on. After a chance encounter in a club, she’s convinced she’s met Mr. Perfect. But when he accidentally gives her the wrong number, the stranger on the other end of her texts becomes her confidant.

Kyle Lawson has always had more luck with computers than women. So when the new temp, Haley, arrives, he has the misfortune of falling for her, only to land firmly in the friend zone. But when he learns the mysterious woman he’s been texting is actually Haley, he keeps the entire thing a secret.

As things move straight from platonic to decidedly hot, Kyle must come clean about his secret texting identity and risk losing the woman he’s fallen in love with.

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Standalone New Adult 2016, Favourite Couples
Author: Jamie Howard
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Humour
Heat Rating: really warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: March 1, 2016

This book is a spin-off (of sorts) to Until We Break.

Source & Format: NetGalley–eARC

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I randomly stumbled upon this book when I was looking at books on NetGalley. The cover drew me in but it was the synopsis that had me requesting it immediately (even though I had other books to read). The premise just sounded like so much fun and I needed a lighter New Adult novel in my life.

The Concept:

The idea of a phone number mix up reminded me a lot of Sophie Kinsella’s I’ve Got Your Number and the more recent Call Me, Maybe. I can’t speak for Call Me, Maybe but this book has its own unique plot that separates itself from the rest of the pack.

As for the “spin-off” plot; I didn’t know Howard’s previous book dealt with the characters we see here. Honestly, you don’t need to read Until We Break to understand what is happening in Until It’s Right. They are two completely different stories that only share some common characters briefly. After reading Until It’s Right, I am definitely curious to read Until We Break to get the low-down on what exactly happened.

The Plot:

I am LOVING Until It's Right @JRHoward9! Like, I almost didn't become a productive member of society today because I wanted to keep reading❤

— Lauren (@SERIESousBooks) February 18, 2016

I started this book to give me a break between a YA series binge and immediately got sucked into it. Not only did I love the characters, but I also loved the fast-paced and witty plot.

While the issue with the phones is happening, you also have the blooming real life relationship of Kyle and Haley developing. Which is AMAZING! They are such great, genuine friends that you can’t help but root for them to discover their feelings and make the leap.

You also have their individual character development story arcs as well that are extremely relateable to many readers. Both Haley and Kyle have low self-esteem as well as family issues that readers can understand and empathize with. It makes them seem so real and approachable which was awesome.

The Characters:

Like I said before, Haley and Kyle were so genuine and real. I loved how they approached everything and how they communicated what they were feeling. Some of the best developed characters I have read in a very long time.

Kyle–where can I find someone like him? He’s perfect (at least for me he is).

Haley–I really liked her. I felt like I had a great grasp of who she is as a character and why she feels the way she does about things.

The Romance:

Yahhhh, this was perfect. The sexual tension was just right in this book. You can’t help but root for these two to fall in love as you watch them go through all their trials and tribulations. You can’t even get mad at them when they screw up because you totally get why they act like they do.

Their relationship has a great progression–from friends to something more–and it really is fantastic!