Book Review: Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance by JJ Knight
As a self-proclaimed romantic at heart, the title Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance immediately piqued my interest, and it didn’t hurt that it comes from the talented JJ Knight, a name that has consistently graced my reading list. The promise of a flirty road trip intertwined with the charm of small-town life—and the unique twist of a rom-com casting expert as the protagonist—set the stage for a delightful adventure. Spoiler alert: this book exceeded my expectations!
At its core, Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance centers on Kelsey Whitaker, a casting assistant whose life is dictated by romantic comedy tropes, yet her own love life feels like a script in need of serious editing. Accompanied by her best friend, Zachery Carter, a Hemsworth-lookalike with a heart of gold, Kelsey embarks on a cross-country road trip to strategically encounter her “Mr. Perfect.” The juxtaposition of her Hollywood expertise with the charming yet sometimes zany small towns she visits is where the true fun unfolds. Knight captures the essence of finding love in unexpected places with humor and heart.
Kelsey is relatable and hilarious; she knows the rules of rom-coms but struggles to apply them to her own love life. This duality made me chuckle as I, too, often find myself stuck between fantasy and reality when it comes to romance. Zachery, meanwhile, is the definition of the “friend zone hero,” silently smitten and brimming with charm but hesitant to express his feelings. Their dynamic is beautifully crafted, filled with both sweet moments and that classic “will-they-won’t-they” tension that kept me turning pages.
Knight’s writing style shines through its humor and warmth. The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader engaged without feeling rushed. I particularly enjoyed Kelsey’s misadventures in her quest for romance, which are both laugh-out-loud funny and painfully relatable. One of my favorite moments comes when she mishaps into embarrassing situations while trying to “engineer” her own meet-cute—hilarity ensues, showcasing Knight’s talent for comedic storytelling.
Fans of romantic comedies will appreciate the witty nods to genre clichés, while those who enjoy friends-to-lovers stories will be enamored by the chemistry that builds slowly throughout the tale. As Kelsey’s journey progresses, so does her understanding of true love—that sometimes, the perfect person is right in front of you.
If you’re in the mood for a fresh concoction of laughs, love, and road trip adventures that blend emotions with playful banter, then Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance might just be your next favorite read. Grab your comfiest blanket and dive into this entertaining escapade—you won’t leave disappointed!
In conclusion, this delightful narrative is perfect for anyone who enjoys feel-good romances filled with quirky antics, heartfelt moments, and a splash of self-discovery. JJ Knight has truly crafted a wonderful tale that left me smiling and, quite frankly, yearning for my own adventure—maybe with a little bit of movie magic thrown in!