In S. Elmsford's "Not My Type," Gina Reyes enjoys a comfortable, if somewhat predictable, life in the Bronx. Her contentment is disrupted by the arrival of Luke Martin, a captivating new coworker who embodies everything Gina isn't – ambitious and effortlessly charming. While Gina silently pines for him, convinced he's out of her league, Luke seems oblivious. Their initial interactions are a frustrating blend of unspoken attraction and missed opportunities. But one unexpected night changes everything, igniting a passionate connection that throws Gina's carefully constructed average life into exhilarating chaos. This is a story about defying expectations, embracing unexpected desires, and discovering that sometimes, the person you least expect can be the one you need most.
Review Not My Type
"Not My Type" by S. Elmsford is a captivating rollercoaster of a read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The premise itself – a seemingly average woman falling for a charismatic but emotionally unavailable coworker – is classic romance territory, but Elmsford injects it with a refreshing dose of realism and relatable struggles. Gina Reyes, our FMC, is wonderfully flawed; she’s endearingly insecure at times, makes questionable choices fueled by her feelings for Luke, and yet, her resilience and loyalty to her friends make her incredibly sympathetic. I found myself both frustrated and empathetic with her choices, a testament to the author's skill in creating a truly three-dimensional character.
Luke, the MMC, is a more complex character. He's undeniably attractive and charming, but his internal conflicts, driven by family expectations and his own self-doubt, create a frustrating dynamic. While I often found myself wanting to shake some sense into him, his internal struggles felt genuine, preventing him from becoming a purely villainous trope. The love-hate relationship I developed with him mirrors Gina's own feelings, making the central conflict incredibly compelling. The tension between their undeniable attraction and the significant barriers between them is masterfully crafted.
The supporting characters are equally compelling. Gina's friends, particularly Tyrese, are a fantastic source of support and comic relief, grounding the narrative and providing much-needed moments of levity amidst the romantic turmoil. Their friendship is depicted realistically, highlighting the importance of strong bonds in navigating life's challenges. I genuinely adored these characters and their unwavering support of Gina. They felt like real people, with their own quirks and personalities, and I found myself just as invested in their stories as Gina's.
The writing itself is engaging and easy to follow; Elmsford has a talent for creating vivid scenes and capturing the emotional nuances of the characters' interactions. The "spicy" scenes, as many reviewers mentioned, are well-written and contribute to the overall intensity of the relationship. The pacing is excellent; the story unfolds naturally, building tension and anticipation effectively, while also allowing room for character development and emotional exploration.
However, the Kindle Vella serialization is a significant drawback. The cliffhanger ending leaves the reader craving more, but the platform's limitations, particularly its regional restrictions and the impending shutdown, have understandably frustrated many readers. The anticipation for the second part is immense, fueled both by the unresolved conflict and the uncertainty surrounding its future availability. I wholeheartedly echo the many pleas for a wider release of the completed story on platforms like KU and Amazon; this would make the novel accessible to a much larger audience, allowing them to fully experience this compelling love story without the added frustration of platform restrictions. The story truly deserves a wider readership.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 0.75 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 298
- Publication date: 2025
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