Publication June 16, 2026
If you've ever wished a character from a much loved book could show up at your house, then this might be the book for you. Maybe. How about if it isn't your favorite character that shows up? How about if, whoa, it's the villain of the story. Even worst, you're the one who wrote the story and made them a villain? While there's far more depth to it than this, that's what happens to romance author Gertie Bickerstaff who thoroughly enjoys writing happily ever afters. Unfortunately for Gertie, real life isn't as easy. She's been dumped by boyfriend Henry. Gertie is complicated but aren't we all?
Enter River Oakley, the ruggedly handsome, hot cowboy who has been the "bad guy" in Gertie's popular romance series. River is just as confused about why he's there as Gertie. I mean, his character resides in a small town in Texas where he's all about, well, everything being a cowboy involves, but he now finds himself in England in Gertie's studio apartment. The entire scene of Gertie discovering him on her couch as she emerges from her bath is hilarious. I'm leaning toward thinking most of us would be just as bumbling and confused as her, even if fully clad. That scene, which appears to be the result of a manifestation ceremony held by her quirky but lovable neighbor Mrs. Casablanca with an assist from her adorable little dog Squishy, is hilarious. And that's just the beginning of this romp through a magical (in more ways than one) romance. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters, real and supposedly fictional.
I don't want to give away much of the plot as it's too delightful not to be met fresh. Let's just say, Mrs. Casablanca's efforts to help solve not only Gertie's writer's block but help her past her grief over not just her own broken romance but the death of her sister start the ball rolling. I guess Mrs. Casablanca got tired of having her sleep interrupted by Gertie wailing in her bathtub at night in the next apartment. It's great fun watching River thaw gradually and mellow as he and Gertie move from being strangers to friends to romance. Not to mention as he learns about life and the foods of England. Let's just say, he definitely wasn't a tea fan. Squishy adores him from first encounter, however, and, well, I've also said "listen to the dog". There's fake dating initially as Gertie thinks maybe River can help her win back boyfriend Henry, but deeper issues abound. Far from being a villain, River helps Gertie find herself, so to speak, and become stronger. Gertie has never healed from the death of her sister, who Gertie had leaned on all her life, and even now can't bring herself to take flowers to her grave despite several efforts. Henry came into Gertie's life soon after her sister's death and Gertie had fallen into using him as her shield much as she's done all her life with her sister. River's unexpected appearance kicks start lots of changes, in both of them, actually.
They face big decisions and while it isn't easy, there is hope. Has Gertie found her own happily ever after? There is lots of humor in the story and the back-and-forth between Gertie and River is a delight, not to mention the adoration Squishy has for him. But, then River finds his way home. What now? I'm definitely not giving away any of the ending. It may make you both laugh out loud and cry. Of course, this is a romance, so you know the happily ever after is coming. It's a fun ride getting to it, however. For those who care, there is some open door spice but it's well-handled and not offensive. Self-reflection abounds is all I'm going to add. Thanks #BerkleyPublishingGroup for this early introduction to the work of author Kirsty Greenwood. This was my first read of her but it most definitely won't be my last. In fact, I have the previous novel on order. Grin.
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