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In the Picture
From debut author Ellie Blackbourne comes a festive romance novel of hope, grief and love following a young photographer as she navigates a life-changing changing competition and reuniting with the one man who could wreck it all.
Used to hurtful exits, Devin Mitchell has closed herself off to love. Instead, she has thrown herself into her photography and dreams not of wedding dresses but going back to college.
When she's picked to compete in a competition that can launch her career, she is confident she can beat her competitors--aside from one: Luke Shaw, former best friend, current rival, all-time pain in her ass.
She won’t forgive him. She can't. But when they collide--literally--and Devin is thrust back into Luke's orbit, she knows she is trouble. Because caring and easy-going Luke is a distraction that Devin can't afford. With her eyes on the prize, she must avoid falling for him, or watch her dreams of going to college and escaping her small town fade away.
So why is it she can't stay away?
IN THE PICTURE offers a rivals to lovers premise featuring an Autistic Lead, 2 Bi disasters in a forced proximity setting on a journey through Europe at Christmas time.
Used to hurtful exits, Devin Mitchell has closed herself off to love. Instead, she has thrown herself into her photography and dreams not of wedding dresses but going back to college.
When she's picked to compete in a competition that can launch her career, she is confident she can beat her competitors--aside from one: Luke Shaw, former best friend, current rival, all-time pain in her ass.
She won’t forgive him. She can't. But when they collide--literally--and Devin is thrust back into Luke's orbit, she knows she is trouble. Because caring and easy-going Luke is a distraction that Devin can't afford. With her eyes on the prize, she must avoid falling for him, or watch her dreams of going to college and escaping her small town fade away.
So why is it she can't stay away?
IN THE PICTURE offers a rivals to lovers premise featuring an Autistic Lead, 2 Bi disasters in a forced proximity setting on a journey through Europe at Christmas time.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
47 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Blackbourne
5 books43 followersEllie Blackbourne writes sweet & spicy contemporary romance for those whose stories are not often told. Dealing with themes of mental health, chronic illness or neurodivergence, Ellie can't resist writing complicated girls and boys that will leave you swooning.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 10, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this! I was short and fun and full of Christmas vibes, which made it even more cosy.
I think the main thing that made me love this book so much was how Devin was portrayed and how her traits were so realistic when it came to autism. I have a younger sister who has autism and I could see so many of the similar traits in her as I read.
I liked that it wasn't constantly made clear, but you could pick up on traits throughout the book and because it was a first-person point of view.
There were a few minor mistakes and plot holes throughout the book, but they didn't affect the story at all. I found myself smiling while reading this and thought it was so cute.
I think the main thing that made me love this book so much was how Devin was portrayed and how her traits were so realistic when it came to autism. I have a younger sister who has autism and I could see so many of the similar traits in her as I read.
I liked that it wasn't constantly made clear, but you could pick up on traits throughout the book and because it was a first-person point of view.
There were a few minor mistakes and plot holes throughout the book, but they didn't affect the story at all. I found myself smiling while reading this and thought it was so cute.
December 28, 2024
3.5 rounded up
This is a cute, relatively short, cozy, christmas read! I loved reading through all the different locations in Europe, though I did have to Google what many of them looked like hahaha, but it gave the journey a nice feeling that felt like we had been with the characters longer than we had after going to all these different places with them!
Devin being autistic was also really nice to read, it was really nice seeing much of myself in her in the big and little ways she views and interacts with the world around her, her relationships, and also in turn, how she views herself.
There were some typos throughout but nothing too distracting.
This is a cute, relatively short, cozy, christmas read! I loved reading through all the different locations in Europe, though I did have to Google what many of them looked like hahaha, but it gave the journey a nice feeling that felt like we had been with the characters longer than we had after going to all these different places with them!
Devin being autistic was also really nice to read, it was really nice seeing much of myself in her in the big and little ways she views and interacts with the world around her, her relationships, and also in turn, how she views herself.
There were some typos throughout but nothing too distracting.
January 31, 2025
so cute and fluffy and sorta made me believe that I could find a man in this lifetime? but remembering that Luke is fictional and therefore a perfect example of “man written by woman” brought me back down to earth.
overall, this checked all the romance boxes for me, and I cannot wait for Blackbourne’s next book!!
overall, this checked all the romance boxes for me, and I cannot wait for Blackbourne’s next book!!
July 30, 2024
Confession time. The photographer saw a cover involving a girl with a camera and downloaded this book without even reading the description 😂 It was stuff your Kindle days 🤷🏻♀️ I wanted a lighter read to end July with, and am really glad I decided to give this one a go. It was so cute! I loved Devin as a character, and really appreciate seeing an FMC that’s on the autism spectrum. Blackbourne gave amazing depth to her characters and I loved watching Devin and Luke’s relationship grow! This was definitely a 5 star read for me!
December 7, 2024
There was a lot of potential with this storyline and that is why I kept reading it. Having an autistic mfc was great and could have been expanded on more. Overall, the whole book needs a very strong editing. The timeline, choppiness, and grammar needs to be smoothed out. There was often a typo on every page. With some reworking and editing this story definitely could be rated higher, the bones are there, it needs to be fleshed out more.
October 27, 2023
I was fortunate enough to read an early release of this book and I absolutely adored it. Full of heart, humor, and banter this story had me shipping Dev and Luke so fast. And seeing each of these dynamic characters bring their own history and experiences to this relationship, and then help each other carry the weight as a couple and grow together, was so wonderful.
Featuring a diverse cast and an Autistic lead, I appreciated how Blackbourne deftly wove in how the main character battled a world that sees her as "not normal" and how her Autism is part of her whole self, a real person who deserves love.
Overall, Blackbourne's scene setting and tight writing was a delight. And if you love travel, forced proximity, second chance rivals-to-lovers tropes set in a sparkly and magical Christmas setting, then this book is for you. RUN DO NOT WALK!
Featuring a diverse cast and an Autistic lead, I appreciated how Blackbourne deftly wove in how the main character battled a world that sees her as "not normal" and how her Autism is part of her whole self, a real person who deserves love.
Overall, Blackbourne's scene setting and tight writing was a delight. And if you love travel, forced proximity, second chance rivals-to-lovers tropes set in a sparkly and magical Christmas setting, then this book is for you. RUN DO NOT WALK!
July 30, 2024
This clean romance centres around two characters with a history that are competing in a photography competition. As they travel around Europe, they tackle their pasts and realise their love for each other.
Like many in the genre of clean, wholesome romances on Kindle, I found this an easy but not overly enjoyable read, and maybe I should stop reading these types of books but I can't. If my review seems harsh I apologise, but I will try to be fair and provide constructive feedback.
The book wasn't all bad. The premise was interesting: competitors with a bit of a history coming up against each other and fighting their feelings. The setting was an integral part of the story. The struggles of the main character, Devon, who has autism, added depth to the story and it was refreshing to see her perspective on very daunting events, but also her strength. The chemistry between the main characters was good.
BUT. And there always seem to be buts.
This is a generalisation that applies to a lot of books in the genre. It honestly feels like I'm reading a second draft of the story. A second draft that someone has gone through and carefully line edited (though in this case, quite a few mistakes slipped through). And what I mean is that while the skeleton is there for a good story, there are things that need a lot of developmental work to make it an actual good story.
There is a heavy reliance on hearing the POV character's thoughts and analysis of the situation to drive the story and convey information. This is not fun to read, and while it's fine in early drafts of a book, that information should be conveyed through action in the story. Even if a story is written in first person POV, it shouldn't feel like reading a teenager's diary entries. And it gets repetitive and boring. I'm not against a character spelling out her feelings, but spell it out once and show me through her struggles. I'm not stupid. Don't keep spelling it out for me.
I also think the author underutilised the competitive aspect of the story. It wasn't really rivals to lovers. It was more hurt ex-friend to friends to lovers. They were in competition and that could have added a lot of tension to the story, but it wasn't used as it was very clear Luke (the love interest) was more keen on a relationship than winning anything right from the start.
Maybe I couldn't quite get in Devin's head (the female main character), but I also really struggled to understand why she was so hurt by Luke to start with. He ghosted her. Apparently they were close before this. But it also seemed like they had never met in person? Did I miss something? Like... was what he did that bad? And apparently he adored her back then before he ghosted her, but his grandparents died so that makes him ghosting her okay? I don't know... this whole backstory thing felt weak and confusing.
The big break up scene, typical of a romance, also annoyed me because Luke broke character. Luke is presented as someone who has doted on Devin for years. He absolutely adores her. He is quite understanding of her struggles and apprehensions, and he's willing to take things slow, respect her boundaries, because of this. He's a real lovely guy. Then suddenly, on a day of planned dates, she freaks out (because that's what she is like) and instead of being understanding like he ALWAYS has been, he gets real butt hurt and they break up. It makes no sense.
Devin's grand gesture (her winner's speech) was awful. Girl, you just had a two weeks all-expenses-paid trip around Europe to win a photography competition. You don't thank the competition organisers with a brief "cheers dudes" and then do a monologue about the love of your life. A little bit more gratitude, please. And people don't need to know you spent two weeks messing around with some dude rather than prioritising the competition, only to win anyway. (I'll admit that Luke's exhibit was very sweet though). Devin was quite annoying at times. It felt like I was supposed to believe she's this amazing person who is very unaware of her amazingness, but she was honestly a bit of a drama queen.
Another thing I didnt enjoy. The arc between Devin and her estranged sister was contrived and weird. I'm unsure how their relationship was so awful then suddenly good.
Anyway, that's my review.
Like many in the genre of clean, wholesome romances on Kindle, I found this an easy but not overly enjoyable read, and maybe I should stop reading these types of books but I can't. If my review seems harsh I apologise, but I will try to be fair and provide constructive feedback.
The book wasn't all bad. The premise was interesting: competitors with a bit of a history coming up against each other and fighting their feelings. The setting was an integral part of the story. The struggles of the main character, Devon, who has autism, added depth to the story and it was refreshing to see her perspective on very daunting events, but also her strength. The chemistry between the main characters was good.
BUT. And there always seem to be buts.
This is a generalisation that applies to a lot of books in the genre. It honestly feels like I'm reading a second draft of the story. A second draft that someone has gone through and carefully line edited (though in this case, quite a few mistakes slipped through). And what I mean is that while the skeleton is there for a good story, there are things that need a lot of developmental work to make it an actual good story.
There is a heavy reliance on hearing the POV character's thoughts and analysis of the situation to drive the story and convey information. This is not fun to read, and while it's fine in early drafts of a book, that information should be conveyed through action in the story. Even if a story is written in first person POV, it shouldn't feel like reading a teenager's diary entries. And it gets repetitive and boring. I'm not against a character spelling out her feelings, but spell it out once and show me through her struggles. I'm not stupid. Don't keep spelling it out for me.
I also think the author underutilised the competitive aspect of the story. It wasn't really rivals to lovers. It was more hurt ex-friend to friends to lovers. They were in competition and that could have added a lot of tension to the story, but it wasn't used as it was very clear Luke (the love interest) was more keen on a relationship than winning anything right from the start.
Maybe I couldn't quite get in Devin's head (the female main character), but I also really struggled to understand why she was so hurt by Luke to start with. He ghosted her. Apparently they were close before this. But it also seemed like they had never met in person? Did I miss something? Like... was what he did that bad? And apparently he adored her back then before he ghosted her, but his grandparents died so that makes him ghosting her okay? I don't know... this whole backstory thing felt weak and confusing.
The big break up scene, typical of a romance, also annoyed me because Luke broke character. Luke is presented as someone who has doted on Devin for years. He absolutely adores her. He is quite understanding of her struggles and apprehensions, and he's willing to take things slow, respect her boundaries, because of this. He's a real lovely guy. Then suddenly, on a day of planned dates, she freaks out (because that's what she is like) and instead of being understanding like he ALWAYS has been, he gets real butt hurt and they break up. It makes no sense.
Devin's grand gesture (her winner's speech) was awful. Girl, you just had a two weeks all-expenses-paid trip around Europe to win a photography competition. You don't thank the competition organisers with a brief "cheers dudes" and then do a monologue about the love of your life. A little bit more gratitude, please. And people don't need to know you spent two weeks messing around with some dude rather than prioritising the competition, only to win anyway. (I'll admit that Luke's exhibit was very sweet though). Devin was quite annoying at times. It felt like I was supposed to believe she's this amazing person who is very unaware of her amazingness, but she was honestly a bit of a drama queen.
Another thing I didnt enjoy. The arc between Devin and her estranged sister was contrived and weird. I'm unsure how their relationship was so awful then suddenly good.
Anyway, that's my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
As a photographer on Stuff Your Kindle Day, I just couldn't resist!
I decided to read this without knowing what it's about because I wanted a shorter lighter read. I'm glad I did!
A sweet and hearty filled romance.
The book is dialogue rich and offers up interesting conversations, perspectives and sweet moments that make your heart swell.
The FMCs POV and her experience as Autistic gives the reader a new perspective, helps me as a neurotypical experience the emotions that an Autistic person might go through and how different their logical perspectives are. It forces you to be a bit uncomfortable and feel how the FMC feels. The writing allows for that and I'm appreciative of the writing giving us that experience.
One thing I would like to add is, when Devin didn't know something that was that. For example: Instead of saying she didn't understand someone's emotions or facial expressions and finish it there. Give the reader the opportunity to know and what Devin experiences yet can't understand, so we can gain more insight into how she persives emotions or actions.
It's not a fast paced book, it's a slow and steady book, as I said filled with rich dialogue and emotional twists.
There were moments I wished more interaction occured and more depth to the back stories.
A few spelling errors but it's not the end all, especially being a debut novel. I'd just suggest a closer read through from an editors perspective.
Wishing the Author much success and I enjoyed her writing form, there is room for improvement but definitely keep going.
I decided to read this without knowing what it's about because I wanted a shorter lighter read. I'm glad I did!
A sweet and hearty filled romance.
The book is dialogue rich and offers up interesting conversations, perspectives and sweet moments that make your heart swell.
The FMCs POV and her experience as Autistic gives the reader a new perspective, helps me as a neurotypical experience the emotions that an Autistic person might go through and how different their logical perspectives are. It forces you to be a bit uncomfortable and feel how the FMC feels. The writing allows for that and I'm appreciative of the writing giving us that experience.
One thing I would like to add is, when Devin didn't know something that was that. For example: Instead of saying she didn't understand someone's emotions or facial expressions and finish it there. Give the reader the opportunity to know and what Devin experiences yet can't understand, so we can gain more insight into how she persives emotions or actions.
It's not a fast paced book, it's a slow and steady book, as I said filled with rich dialogue and emotional twists.
There were moments I wished more interaction occured and more depth to the back stories.
A few spelling errors but it's not the end all, especially being a debut novel. I'd just suggest a closer read through from an editors perspective.
Wishing the Author much success and I enjoyed her writing form, there is room for improvement but definitely keep going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2023
What a perfect, cozy read for the winter holidays. I loved exploring different countries alongside my favorite tropes. And I absolutely love this title and cover, they're so fitting.
'In The Picture' sets us on an adventure with a photography challenge and navigates love, friendships, family, rivals, mental health, and more. The MC is Autistic and dealing with issues that many can relate too, and I thought everything was handled well.
Devin and Luke's banter is so fun and I was grinning watching their relationship unfold. Their struggles and fears were real and I was rooting for them to work everything out with themselves and each other. And the way Luke cares for her, *swoon*, def book boyfriend material.
Overall, 'In the Picture' is an enjoyable read with characters who will live rent free in my brain.
'In The Picture' sets us on an adventure with a photography challenge and navigates love, friendships, family, rivals, mental health, and more. The MC is Autistic and dealing with issues that many can relate too, and I thought everything was handled well.
Devin and Luke's banter is so fun and I was grinning watching their relationship unfold. Their struggles and fears were real and I was rooting for them to work everything out with themselves and each other. And the way Luke cares for her, *swoon*, def book boyfriend material.
Overall, 'In the Picture' is an enjoyable read with characters who will live rent free in my brain.
November 28, 2024
This wasn’t a great read in my opinion. There were so many grammatical errors that it made the book challenging to read as I had to go back numerous times to make sure I read the sentences properly. I found it interesting to showcase an autistic girl but the character overall was negative and a little weird. There was no identifiable plot. I thought I was reading about a driven and motivated girl competing in a photography competition with romance enhancing the story but instead it was all about a boy and girl confessing love for each other. I love romance, but the competition side of the story was completed deterred.
January 10, 2025
DNF...
I REALLY wanted to like this book, I really did! With a premise of photography, the holidays and a ROAD TRIP AROUND EUROPE?? Sign me up!
But...
Well...
I was 30% in and they had already visited more than 4 places and I honestly cannot tell you which ones how fast they went by. I kept asking myself where they were and what the rest of the plot was going to be for the next 70% of the book if they've been traveling so much already.
And, to be fair, the characters did not interest me either.
Therefore, with not much of a road trip building and me being uninterested in the main characters, I decided to put that book back on my Kindle shelf.
I REALLY wanted to like this book, I really did! With a premise of photography, the holidays and a ROAD TRIP AROUND EUROPE?? Sign me up!
But...
Well...
I was 30% in and they had already visited more than 4 places and I honestly cannot tell you which ones how fast they went by. I kept asking myself where they were and what the rest of the plot was going to be for the next 70% of the book if they've been traveling so much already.
And, to be fair, the characters did not interest me either.
Therefore, with not much of a road trip building and me being uninterested in the main characters, I decided to put that book back on my Kindle shelf.
December 18, 2025
in the picture
As much as I want to love the book I only like it. It is a great story line but Devin had what felt like the worst character growth ever. I also feel the book could have been half as long and been just fine, some chapters just ended they didn’t really have much flow into the next. There were times where I went back a page to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. The book could have also used a nice thorough editing there are so many mistakes, it makes it hard to read at times. This would have made a great dual p.o.v if Ellie decided to go that route. Luke is a very likable character
As much as I want to love the book I only like it. It is a great story line but Devin had what felt like the worst character growth ever. I also feel the book could have been half as long and been just fine, some chapters just ended they didn’t really have much flow into the next. There were times where I went back a page to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. The book could have also used a nice thorough editing there are so many mistakes, it makes it hard to read at times. This would have made a great dual p.o.v if Ellie decided to go that route. Luke is a very likable character
July 23, 2024
i got a free copy of this book by ellie, and it was cozy to read a christmas romance during the summer heat. it took me a while to get into, but the ending was extremely wholesome. i love luke shaw so much, and im very happy about devin and aileen meeting up again.
thank you for the copy and the read!
thank you for the copy and the read!
December 27, 2024
A sweet story. Loved the autism representation. Just had so many errors in the kindle version, every other page had a wrong word, missing word, or other typo - needs a round of copy editing. I enjoyed reading it just the same.
November 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Not spicy and a perfect romance for the season
August 17, 2025
Just finished, took me 10 hours and I am so sad they weren't consecutive hours because all I could think about when not reading is how much I wanted to be reading it!
November 6, 2024
I love a second chance romance as much as the next girl, but I seriously had a tough time getting behind her frustration, since they basically fell out of touch. The phone works both ways so I feel like her anger isn’t super justified. However, they both got there happily ever after and it all worked out.
August 18, 2024
3.5/5 stars
This was super cute and a fun story!
I probably would have enjoyed it more if I read it at Christmas time cause it takes place at Christmas but I didn’t realize that when I started it. My bad!
This was super cute and a fun story!
I probably would have enjoyed it more if I read it at Christmas time cause it takes place at Christmas but I didn’t realize that when I started it. My bad!
July 15, 2025
In the Picture (2.5/5 stars) had an intriguing premise and a charming setting, but ultimately, it fell a bit flat for me. While there were moments that showed potential—glimpses of wit, emotional insight, and an appealing cozy tone—the overall execution left me wanting more.
I chose this book because it was another clean Stuff Your Kindle Day romance pick.
The pacing was uneven, and I struggled to stay fully engaged throughout. The plot took a while to build momentum, and by the time it did, it felt like the emotional stakes weren’t quite strong enough to carry the story forward. I also found some of the character development a little underwhelming—though there were opportunities for deeper connection and growth, they often felt brushed over or incomplete.
That said, Ellie Blackbourne’s writing does have a certain warmth, and the setting was vivid and inviting. Readers who enjoy a gentler, slower-paced narrative with a focus on atmosphere might still find something to appreciate here.
Overall, while In the Picture didn’t fully click with me, I can see how others might enjoy its quieter tone and comforting setting. I just wish the story had gone a little deeper and delivered on the emotional and narrative potential it hinted at.
I chose this book because it was another clean Stuff Your Kindle Day romance pick.
The pacing was uneven, and I struggled to stay fully engaged throughout. The plot took a while to build momentum, and by the time it did, it felt like the emotional stakes weren’t quite strong enough to carry the story forward. I also found some of the character development a little underwhelming—though there were opportunities for deeper connection and growth, they often felt brushed over or incomplete.
That said, Ellie Blackbourne’s writing does have a certain warmth, and the setting was vivid and inviting. Readers who enjoy a gentler, slower-paced narrative with a focus on atmosphere might still find something to appreciate here.
Overall, while In the Picture didn’t fully click with me, I can see how others might enjoy its quieter tone and comforting setting. I just wish the story had gone a little deeper and delivered on the emotional and narrative potential it hinted at.
August 5, 2024
4.5/5. This book was really good for what I originally thought it was. It was very sweet and sappy and all around gooey and just what I needed to pull me out of the reading slump I could feel myself going into (kudos to Boys of Tommen, they will forever have my heart). I also think the autistic representation in here is a nice touch as well and Luke is just UGH amazing and I love him so much. Definitely recommend this book and I think I’ll re-read this more around christmas time to really get the vibes going.
December 9, 2023
What a charming, heartwarming book! Firstly, if you’re looking for an Autistic lead, look no further. Devin is real and delightful and I wish we could be best friends.
The banter is spot on, the backdrops are stunning and I highly recommend this rivals to romance as the perfect Christmas read.
The banter is spot on, the backdrops are stunning and I highly recommend this rivals to romance as the perfect Christmas read.
January 13, 2024
Sappy & sweet
Adorable and sweet, with a few bumps in the tale to make you cry.
Well worth picking up and staying up too late to read into the wee hours of the morning.
Adorable and sweet, with a few bumps in the tale to make you cry.
Well worth picking up and staying up too late to read into the wee hours of the morning.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews