I am torn on this book. I loved the main character, I loved her story of going out alone to be successful in her chosen field. I love that she gave a big F U to the corporate men. I also loved the family relationships. But, ultimately I did not like the love story, that is obviously the key plot point to the book. What I look for in books is organic stories which you see develop, very much "show not tell". But I found that this book just told me what was going on at any given point, and whilst we knew how it was going to end (because everyone loves the enemies-to-lovers trope), I don't think it was well fleshed out in the middle. A good attempt, a very solid main character, a mediocre love story.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers story and this one did not disappoint. The main characters were realistic and I felt like I could really relate to them. And I loved the plot.

This was a highly enjoyable read! I loved the setting around the opening of a gallery and artists, things I knew nothing about before now. I found all the characters realistic and enjoyed reading and getting to know about each of them.
Would defiantly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This was such a surprise at how much I absolutely adore this book. The writing was so fun and the characters all so relatable, I loved how they showed that life is messy and tough and that romance can blossom in the most unlikely of times. I loved the romance so much, it made me so happy the entire way through!

i loved this absolutely fabulous story. The enemies to lover story is perfect. When she moves home and meets someone who hates on site you know it's going to end up in the best of ways. I really enjoyed this story.

This book had a slower start for me and took a little bit to get used to the writing style, but once I got into it I enjoyed the story.

I enjoyed Katherine's character and how close she is with her family, but also how she grows and realizes she deserves more from the people in her life, whether in her job, relationships, or friendships. She isn't flawless, but she is funny, honest, and has a great heart. I also warmed up to Kit who has a grumpy exterior but means well and is just afraid to open up.

I appreciated the slow build between Katherine and Kit and loved their connection and banter once they moved past their initial reservations about one another. The ending wrapped up a bit too quickly for me, but overall I really enjoyed this one.

The romance is on the light side but there's good character growth so I recommend it for contemporary romance / women's fiction fans. Thank you NetGalley and HQ Stories for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

I ended up DNFing this book 15% in. The premise sounded good, and I really wanted to like, but there was just something about the writing style that I really couldn’t get past. The writing didn't flow smoothly at all, and I was constantly rereading sentences trying to follow along. If I can’t get into a writing style, I can’t read the book. If there are people who aren’t bothered by certain writing styles I think they could still enjoy this story though!

Accidentally in Love is a contemporary romance that follows a woman turning her life around in her mid-thirties, chasing her dream and falling in love along the way. While the book does utilize a couple of contemporary romance tropes I don’t usually like, it’s still a really wonderful read and will suck you right in.

Katharine Patterson has just been passed over- not for the first time – for a promotion she deserved. She works as an art curator in London, and she’s sick of being overlooked in favor of less competent men in spite of her master’s degree. Katharine walks out of her work, completely unsure of her next step. She’s got a kind-of-boyfriend who doesn’t want to meet her family or see her during the week, no job, and an expensive London flat to pay for. Plus, her best friend Lainey is getting married, and Katharine has committed to doing a lot of calligraphy for the event. Katharine’s passion for art originated in her devotion to photography, but she can’t remember the last time she picked up her camera. Unmoored from her life and re-evaluating her choices, Katharine sits at a crossroads.

On a weekend visit home, Katharine realizes how much she’s missed Sheffield, her dad, and her dad’s girlfriend Fiona. She has the idea to make a fresh start back home, and open her own gallery under her own name. Unfortunately, it is on this same visit home that she is introduced to Kit, a local artist her father has befriended, who seems to immediately hate Katharine. Kit accuses Katharine of being biased against smaller artists and only wanting to show big names, and questions her artistic integrity. Being called an elitist doesn’t make Katharine feel any better, given that it’s been a long time since she felt like a real artist. She feels even worse when she finds his website, which showcases his gorgeous paintings and successful art school. Kit’s talent and his complete dismissal of her stings, and Katharine hates to think that he might be right about her.

Katharine sets out to start her own business, but has to make a lot of decisions about what parts of her life will come to Sheffield with her. She dumps her rubbish not-boyfriend, focusses fully on her ambitious project, and starts to figure her life out again. But she keeps running into Kit- rude, cheeky, unfairly talented Kit – who wants nothing to do with her. Katharine has to decide what – and who – is worth her effort, and what her new life is going to look like.

This book has kind of a slow start, but it picks up after about a chapter or so. Katharine has a sharp, caustic voice, and it’s hysterical to read. She is wholly likable and the kind of female lead everyone can see themselves in; she accepts less than she deserves from a man, but takes her power back. She loses satisfaction in her life, and makes a change. While she’s not fearless or flawless, Katharine is brave, funny, and honest. She has a great heart, and is ready to make space in it for anyone who shows her they are worthy. I also loved Kit. I have limited patience for cranky, rude men, but Kit is fun to read about, a person who is afraid to open up, but desperately needs to be seen. Their romance is sweet, fulfilling, and wholesome; it’s a perfect love story of two people who are fairly similar below the surface but have difficulty seeing it. Kit and Katharine lift each other up, which is a refreshing dynamic and really makes you root for them.

Another great thing about this book is the fleshed out secondary characters. Katharine’s family and her relationships with them are great additions to the narrative, as opposed to an obstacle to the rest of the story. Families can be a stumbling block, but in this case, they’re just delightful. The supporting cast creates believable, interesting subplots that don’t detract from the love story or Katharine’s adventures. I adored this book in spite of the tropes I dislike, which are worked in effectively and didn’t bother me. The title and the cover did give me pause, but it’s really an amazing book and I would recommend Accidentally in Love to any contemporary romance reader.

Accidentally in Love by Belinda Missen was such an adorable book! It follows Katharine, a 35 year old woman who quits her job and moves back home to start her own art gallery. Into the story comes Kit, a local artist who throws everything for a loop with his blunt and straightforward attitude.

At first, the story seems like it's moving slowly. But later, I was glad that the author took her time with it and really fleshed out the introduction. It helps you get to know the characters a little better and the way their relationships work. They all have their ups and downs, and the story really focuses on their growth not just as individual people but also together.

One of my favorite parts of the story was the relationship Katharine had with her family. They were open and trusting. They shared without judgement and accepted each other for who they were. They were honestly one of the highlights of the story.

The book is mainly light and fun, but it does have some darker moments. There are some serious issues that are a part of the character's lives but they are not the central focus. The spotlight is on the character's themselves. The banter, and the back and forth conversation really helped to brighten up the book. That's the only thing I wanted more of in the book!

Overall, this book was a cute read that I would recommend if you're looking for a light and fluffy romance. It was fun and sweet, and ended on a very positive note!

A sweet and uplifting British rom-com about following your dreams

I adored Accidentally in Love, but it felt more like chick-lit/women's fiction, rather than a rom-com at times. This wasn't a smutty romance, but was more of a heart-warming tale of starting over, family and friendships, with some romance thrown in!

Belinda Missen took time to stablish Katherine. the main character, before diving into the romance, and I liked that. I love a book which doesn't just focus on the romance, and this one was just full of wonderful side characters! Kath's family were amazing, and there was plenty of page time devoted to her dad, his girlfriend Fiona, and her brother Adam. I loved them as a unit, they were so much fun, and their love and support of one and other was just so genuine, it warmed my soul! I also liked their individual relationships, Kath with her dad, and her touching connection with Fiona. Kath and her brother, Adam had some great banter, and were just so supportive of each other! I would love for him to get his own book!

Katherine was wonderful! So strong, independent, feisty, and yet warm and funny too. This book was just as much about her finding herself, as it was about the romance. Kath had such great character development, and I really enjoyed being there with her on her journey!

Accidentally in Love was also about friendship. Kath had been friends with her best friend Lainey since childhood, and it was an interesting and realistic look at how friendships can change over time, and how difficulties can arise as you both get wrapped up in your own lives.

There was lots of art in this book, and discussions about art, which was great. I don't know much about art, but I enjoyed both of the main character's passion about it.

Kit, the love interest wasn't introduced for a while, and then him and Katherine didn't get on at first. I have to admit that I didn't like him at first, and thought him stubborn, a bit pretentious and judgemental! But he definitely grew on me as I found out more about him, and it was worth sticking with him. Learning why he is the way he is did make me shed a tear or two. Also Kath and him had such a connection, a shared experience, that it was lovely to see them move past their initial hatred of each other. Plus, they have some great flirtation, and witty banter!

The drawback of this book was definitely the lack of communication a few times in the middle of the book. It frustrated me, and I found myself getting annoyed with both Kit and Katherine! The ending also felt a little rushed.

However, if you're looking for an easy, comforting read, I would recommend this, because it made me smile, laugh and cry, then left my little heart feeling full. It's perfect fans of Mhairi McFarlane.

"I do love a good bit of bants."

Accidentally in Love has banter in spades and I gobbled it up. I enjoyed Belinda Missen's One Week 'Til Christmas, but she cements herself as an author to watch with Accidentally in Love.

One week. One fateful week is all it takes for Katharine to lose her job, break up with "the one", and move home to the town she grew up in. But its ok, because she's taken this opportunity to make her dream happen: she's going to use the tiny bit she has left in her savings account to open up an art gallery - something she's been dreaming about for years. She's done with boy's clubs and being passed over for promotions. Now she's in charge.

With a lot of hard work and elbow grease, Katharine is making things happen. If only local artist and pain in arse Kit would get on board. She'd love to show his work for the first exhibit, but he's moody and unagreeable...definitely not in love with her or anything.

And it would be hard not to fall in love with Katharine. The focus of this book is definitely Katharine's development and growth rather than a romance, but that's what makes it so genuine and compelling. She's surrounded by family that makes you want to come over for dinner and a community that wraps her up and supports her. I could definitely see this becoming a movie - one that I would gladly watch again and again.

While the romance isn't the focus, it is worth the wait. Katharine and Kit have chemistry. Their relationship grows slowly but when it rounds the corner into flirting and banter, it's magical. I was snickering while reading and it kept me turning the page.

I'm accidentally in love with this book. I can't wait to see what Belinda Missen puts out next!

Accidentally In Love is a beautifully written and heartwarming read that I absolutely adored. I always know I’m in safe hands when I open a book by Belinda Missen and this one is no exception! From its opening page right through to the very last word, Accidentally In Love feels like being enveloped in a warm and cosy hug. A gentle, lighthearted read that’s often laugh out loud funny, this is the perfect book to read at any time of the year. Whether sitting by the pool in the heat of summer or curled up on the sofa on a cold winters night, this is a story that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and leave a warm glow in your heart no matter where you are.

Katharine Patterson has quit her job, decided to move back home and broken up with her boyfriend all in the space of one week. But Katharine has a plan. She’s going to open her own art gallery, just like she’s always dreamed of. But when she meets handsome and talented local artist Kit, who is quite possibly the most stubborn man she’s ever known, sparks begin to fly. And Katharine, much to her surprise, might be about to fall accidentally in love…

There is a warmth to Belinda Missen’s writing that draws me in, taking a hold of my heart and not letting go until the final page has been turned. With a strong and relatable cast of characters I couldn’t help but fall in love with, there isn’t anything I didn’t like about this book. A heartwarming story full of love and laughter that is pure escapism at its very best, Accidentally In Love is everything I hoped it would be and more.

A gorgeously written romantic comedy that I would highly recommend.

A cute and easy enough read, but definitely not one the better romances that I've read this year. I really wanted more romance. The writing was good and the characters likeable enough, but I found the two main characters to be lacking a bit of chemistry to be honest and the overall plot did bore me at times. Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for a copy of this ARC to review!

I really like Belinda Missen’s books, I can expect a fun read with interesting characters and a good plot. Her books are the kind that you start reading and can’t put down. This book was no exception,

The main character, Kate, was strong and well developed. She leaves her job as a museum curator and opens her own art gallery, where she needs a very stubborn and annoying artist named kit. This is a classic, but very well done, enemies to lovers trope. 4 stars.

Thanks to HQ Digital for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Accidentally in Love is a contemporary romance that follows a woman turning her life around in her mid-thirties, chasing her dream and falling in love along the way. While the book does utilize a couple of contemporary romance tropes I don’t usually like, it’s still a really wonderful read and will suck you right in.

Katharine Patterson has just been passed over- not for the first time - for a promotion she deserved. She works as an art curator in London, and she’s sick of being overlooked in favor of less competent men in spite of her master’s degree. Katharine walks out of her work, completely unsure of her next step. She’s got a kind-of-boyfriend who doesn’t want to meet her family or see her during the week, no job, and an expensive London flat to pay for. Plus, her best friend Lainey is getting married, and Katharine has committed to doing a lot of calligraphy for the event. Katharine’s passion for art originated in her devotion to photography, but she can’t remember the last time she picked up her camera. Unmoored from her life and re-evaluating her choices, Katharine sits at a crossroads.

On a weekend visit home, Katharine realizes how much she’s missed Sheffield, her dad, and her dad’s girlfriend Fiona. She has the idea to make a fresh start back home, and open her own gallery under her own name. Unfortunately, it is on this same visit home that she is introduced to Kit, a local artist her father has befriended, who seems to immediately hate Katharine. Kit accuses Katharine of being biased against smaller artists and only wanting to show big names, and questions her artistic integrity. Being called an elitist doesn’t make Katharine feel any better, given that it’s been a long time since she felt like a real artist. She feels even worse when she finds his website, which showcases his gorgeous paintings and successful art school. Kit’s talent and his complete dismissal of her stings, and Katharine hates to think that he might be right about her.

Katharine sets out to start her own business, but has to make a lot of decisions about what parts of her life will come to Sheffield with her. She dumps her rubbish not-boyfriend, focusses fully on her ambitious project, and starts to figure her life out again. But she keeps running into Kit- rude, cheeky, unfairly talented Kit - who wants nothing to do with her. Katharine has to decide what - and who - is worth her effort, and what her new life is going to look like.

This book has kind of a slow start, but it picks up after about a chapter or so. Katharine has a sharp, caustic voice, and it’s hysterical to read. She is wholly likable and the kind of female lead everyone can see themselves in; she accepts less than she deserves from a man, but takes her power back. She loses satisfaction in her life, and makes a change. While she’s not fearless or flawless, Katharine is brave, funny, and honest. She has a great heart, and is ready to make space in it for anyone who shows her they are worthy. I also loved Kit.  I have limited patience for cranky, rude men, but Kit is fun to read about, a person who is afraid to open up, but desperately needs to be seen. Their romance is sweet, fulfilling, and wholesome; it’s a perfect love story of two people who are fairly similar below the surface but have difficulty seeing it. Kit and Katharine lift each other up, which is a refreshing dynamic and really makes you root for them.

Another great thing about this book is the fleshed out secondary characters. Katharine’s family and her relationships with them are great additions to the narrative, as opposed to an obstacle to the rest of the story. Families can be a stumbling block, but in this case, they’re just delightful. The supporting cast creates believable, interesting subplots that don’t detract from the love story or Katharine’s adventures. I adored this book in spite of the tropes I dislike, which are worked in effectively and didn’t bother me. The title and the cover did give me pause, but it’s really an amazing book and I would recommend Accidentally in Love to any contemporary romance reader.

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Rating edit: 4.5 stars!

Just read 'Accidentally in Love'
by Belinda Missen.

I really liked Kate & Kit n their chemistry. Interesting situations and endearing conversations. I was so looking forward to their meetings and conversations.

The story told in first person and the writing is good n the voice is so relatable n reader friendly. It covers several aspects ___ love, loss, disappointment, friendship, sibling bond, and family ___and everything is so balanced.

Such a lovely, entertaining read!

Could not get into this one I tried multiple times but found the characters shallow and unlikable. This romance was just not for me, I couldn’t buy the connection!

Release Date: September 11th 2020

📖📖📖📖

It’s an eventful week for Katie; she quits her job, moves home, dumps her “boyfriend” and starts renting a space to open an art gallery. Oh yeah and her dad has set her up with an egotistical jerk named Kit. The more Katie tries to be civil, the more he behaves like a dickhead. But you know what they say about the line between love and hate...

I really liked this book. It’s ‘The Hating Game’ but set in England. I didn’t get all the jokes or quips but it didn’t detract from the book. I enjoyed the build and would read this book again.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#bookstagram #netgalleyreads #bookrecommendations. #AccidentallyinLove #BelindaMissen

3.5 stars.
This isn’t a romance novel. This is more of a women’s fictional book with a romantic twist. The overarching story is of personal growth, change, loss of loved ones/grief, relationships in general and self belief.

It’s an easy read but I went into this expecting a romance and for the first half of the book, I was disappointed. The “romantic couple” of the book have their first real conversation 58% into the book. 58%?! There’s slow burn and there’s no burn. It’s not as if during that half there’s something developing, or you’re falling in love with the characters as a reader, one of them barely exists!

Overall, it was an enjoyable read but it would been better if it was advertised better. Oh and it’s not steamy, so don’t worry if that’s something that puts you off “romance”.

I received an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.

This was a really nice read. I liked both characters, there was humour, and there was art - a really nice book for a pick-me-up. I also think that there was a depth to the story that kept me interested.

I would recommend this novel, especially to those who like a feel-good story with a depth that keeps them interested (and a bit of humour).