ARC Book Review: Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter

Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 352 pages
Author: Lynn Painter
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: March 1st, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Things get textual when a steamy message from a random wrong number turns into a thrilling anonymous relationship in this hilarious rom-com by Lynn Painter.

Bad luck has always followed Olivia Marshall…or maybe she’s just the screw-up her family thinks she is. But when a What are you wearing? text from a random wrong number turns into the hottest, most entertaining–albeit anonymous–relationship of her life, she thinks things might be on the upswing….

Colin Beck has always considered Olivia his best friend’s annoying little sister, but when she moves in with them after one of her worst runs of luck, he realizes she’s turned into an altogether different and sexier distraction. He’s sure he can keep his distance, until the moment he discovers she’s the irresistible Miss Misdial he’s been sort of sexting for weeks–and now he has to decide whether to turn the heat up or ghost her before things get messy.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

WITTY & SMILE INDUCING.

I really enjoy Lynn Painter’s books. I love the pacing and how when I look down at how far I’ve read I’m shocked at the rate the pages flew by. Better Than the Movies is still my all-time fav, Mr. Wrong Number was good, but left me wanting in some areas.

Olivia was relatable and ridiculous all in the same breath. I laughed at some of her antics, yet just like Colin, I saw the deeper layers of her personality too. She brought in comedic relief and I smiled many times throughout my read. I ADORED Colin. I’m realizing I love a good brother’s best friend trope. This delivered in that department. Plenty of angst, amazing banter, and heartfelt confessions.

Some of what I struggled with were the other tropes: friends with benefits/this is just a fling kinda vibe. I’ve never loved those plot choices and this was no different. I wish there was a bit more of true relationship dynamic before they jumped between the sheets. If you like a faster burn, this one’s for you! Once we got some feelings established, I was really attached to these two.

There were two miscommunications as the primary romance conflicts. And *sigh* this was not my jam. I understand Olivia’s reaction, but wish she had taken a moment to be upset, and then another moment to go, maybe I should actually let him explain first. It caused unnecessary fights and drama. Don’t get me wrong, the bit of groveling and grand gestures near the end were sweet, there just should’ve been a different angle.

An enjoyable read for me even through the thick of things I didn’t love. I adore Painter’s writing style with dual POV and the humorous quality she adds. I love grinning at my book and swooning over a love interest with dreamy eyes (and a Ryan Gosling look-a-like). I’m excited to read the next story in this world!!

Overall Audience Notes: