Accidentally Amy

Originally published as a serial in the author’s newsletter, this lukewarm friends-to-lovers rom-com from bestseller Painter (Better Than the Movies) improbably hinges on a minor misunderstanding. Determined not to be late on the first day of her dream job at tech company Ellis Enterprises, Izzy Shay decides to do something out of character: she steals an unclaimed pumpkin spice latte that was intended for “Amy.” There’s no major harm done, as she’s already paid for her own drink—until she accidentally spills her coffee down the front of a stunning stranger she dubs “Mr. Chest.” It’s a charming meet-cute and, after some flirty banter, both feel an instant connection. However, upon leaving the coffee shop, Mr. Chest calls Izzy “Amy,” and she doesn’t get a chance to correct him. Later that day she meets the VP of her department, Blake Philips—who turns out to be none other than Mr. Chest. Blake, whose ex-girlfriend lied to him repeatedly, is far from amused by Izzy’s dishonesty. Painter sets myriad obstacles in her leads’ path to love—chief among them being their professional relationship—only to immediately smooth them away. The result is rushed plotting and unbelievable characters driven entirely by their attraction. There are plenty of funny and heartwarming moments along the way, but they don’t add up to a cohesive whole. It’s a disappointment. (Jan.)