'Accidentally in Love' by Belinda Missen

 

'Accidentally in Love' front cover

'Accidentally in Love' by Belinda Missen - ARC Review

*There are NO spoilers in this review!*

A huge thank you to Net Galley and HQ for accepting my request for this ARC in exchange for my review!

Description:

In the space of a week, Katharine Patterson has quit her job, decided to move back home, and broken up with the guy she thought was the one. 

No big deal. Because Katharine has a plan. She's going to open her own art gallery, just like she's always wanted. What she's not going to do is worry about boyfriends.

Then she meets Kit, a handsome and talented local artist. He might be the most stubborn person Katharine has ever met. He might also make her feel like no one ever has before. And Katharine might be about to fall accidentally in love...

Goodreads Rating: 3.86        My Rating:  4.2

First Impressions

When I read the description for this book, I really, really, REALLY wanted to get stuck in. I loved the idea of new-found independence and taking risks but I'm a huge sucker for romance at the same time, so all of this rolled into one just seemed brilliant! As well as this, I have never really read any books set in the North of England so I loved being able to read about Yorkshire since it really is beautiful (I may be bias since it's my home).

The first few chapters flowed in a really natural way: nothing felt rushed or forced, but it wasn't too slow either! You are given the time to understand Katharine's mindset and what led to her decisions to quit her job, end her relationship, and move back to Sheffield from London without it taking up too much time. Her first meeting with Kit was very intense - I didn't really expect him to have such a rude and defensive exterior - BUT I knew there was definitely more than what meets the eye with him, much like all of the other characters, and couldn't wait to find out more!

The Characters

Each character is introduced at a good pace and the relationship Katharine has with them is fairly easy to pick up on, which made the read much more engaging. I can only compliment Belinda Missen on this, she really has a knack for creating brilliant characters and showcasing them beautifully!

Katharine really did need appreciation for her talents which she did not have from her work in London or John - I'm not even going to get started on John! Her journey and development throughout the book is both realistic and humbling as she is unlearning some snobby habits and standing up for herself a little more!

Kit came off as quite standoffish at first, but there was definitely a heart of gold in there which I could tell by the way he cared for his students' art being showcased. The way he opened up during the course of the book was so beautiful, you could understand that he was coming from a place of pain and was quite scared of being vulnerable again.

Other characters include Katharine's brother, Adam, who was such a sweetheart! The bond that they both have was lovely to read about and really reminded me of my own brother, so I was able to connect with Adam in that way. Katharine's best friend, Lainey, is questionable: her wedding is important, but she kept brushing Katharine to the side when she needed her. In all, each character had something completely different about them and were significant in their own way which I loved! 

Why I Loved This Book

To start with, all of the characters are 35+ years old, so the story feels much more realistic and the characters have a huge backstory that has shaped them to be who they are which you don't really have in many YA books! The attention to detail in each character really shows, whether they are in the book for 30 chapters or 3, so I never felt confused about who certain people were or what they brought to the novel.

As someone who doesn't really know much about art or artists, I did feel a little bit worried that there would be chunks I wouldn't understand. HOWEVER, I could pick up some terms and have a good idea about what was meant during some chapters, so try not to let this scare you off! 

At so many parts of 'Accidentally in Love' I found myself with a cheesy smile and warm cheeks FOR them, it was just so endearing to read about Katharine and Kit's relationship blossoming into something so lovely! Throughout the whole book, I never felt bored or that I didn't want to finish, it was quite the opposite actually. 

Conclusion

'Accidentally in Love' jumped out at me as soon as I saw it, so I couldn't wait to start! Katharine was easier to understand than a lot of other protagonists considering the many different things going on in her life, and every other character was introduced in perfect time! I slowly fell in love with all of the characters in one way or another, and was reminded of my own family and home quite often which was really warming. 

Belinda Missen has such a natural flow to her writing which made this a relaxing and easy read, while still catching your emotions and allowing you to form your own bond with the characters and book itself. Overall, I absolutely loved this book and feel so honoured to have been able to read an ARC! I honestly and completely recommend 'Accidentally in Love' for romance lovers, more mature readers, anyone! 

Let me know what you think! :)