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Wrong #2

Wrong Timing

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Never in Kinsley's wildest dreams, did he ever expect something good to come from putting that letter in the locker. He had anticipated rejection, and to some extent, that's what he received. Yet, unexpectedly, it also opened the door to everything he had ever yearned for. Despite knowing that Luke is straight, Kinsley strives to convince his heart to give him a break and move on. However you can't tell your heart how to feel, and as Kinsley delves deeper into Luke's world, the harder it is for him to let go.

Meanwhile, Luke, unaccustomed to trusting others, grapples with his own emotions. Struggling to get through the abuse that riddles his home life, to push through the uncertainty even though he can't quite figure out how he truly feels about Kinsley. He is torn between what he's feeling and whether it's right. Never could Luke have anticipated that such a simple act as a misplaced letter would unfurl a tapestry of profound significance; if only he could figure out what it all truly means.

430 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

135 people are currently reading
328 people want to read

About the author

Mallory Grant

3 books64 followers
Mallory is a bit of an introvert, so most likely if you're ever trying to find her, she'll be holed up in her office fast at work, or hiding out at the little Korean cafe down the street with a boba tea and a laptop.

Ever since she was eleven-years-old, all Mallory has ever wanted was to share her stories with the world. Trapped in daydreams during the day and studying her dreams at night, Mallory started to plot before she even knew what plotting was. All she knew was she had so much to tell, and so much to share.

It has always been Mallory's dream to share pieces of her soul with the world. Mallory Grant writes a few different genres. Fantasy has always been her favorite, as a child and now as an adult, lost in worlds and series, hiding under rocks and leaping over chasms, with adventure and romance sub-genre every step of the way.

However, her debut novel, Wrong Locker, is a YA coming-of-age LGBT novel, the first of a series, and so far her most popular published book. With so much more to come, even a few dystopian books in the mix, she's the author to watch out for.

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5 stars
205 (45%)
4 stars
125 (27%)
3 stars
73 (16%)
2 stars
31 (6%)
1 star
15 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Ian.
345 reviews13 followers
March 24, 2024
Somehow the writing is even worse than it was in the first book. The author needs a good editor, like, right now!

EDIT: I'm dropping my score to 1 star because those bonus chapters were the very definition of CRINGE. And that adoption story??? HELLO?????? In what world do you launch a foster/adoption process without your spouse being informed???? Because, what? You just met a random kid in the street and you're like, "I wanna adopt her, prepare the papers", and then you come back home and you're like "suprise!"??????? That's fucking CRAZY!!!!! And NOT AT ALL how adoption LEGALLY works! I'm always able to suspend disbelief when it's necessary, but that was simply too much! 💀💀💀💀💀
Profile Image for Skyler.
98 reviews
February 22, 2025
this serie destroyed me emotionally but wow loved it
Profile Image for Molly.
680 reviews10 followers
May 15, 2024
2.75⭐️

Wrong Timing picks up a few months after Wrong Locker ends. This second half of the story follows Luke and Kinsley as they realize the depth of their feelings, they struggle of navigating their relationship in secret, and try to figure out if they have a future.

They were a cute couple - and also very intense. Kinsley has never been concerned with his sexuality, but Luke has a harder time accepting feelings for a man (boy?). When they finally admit their feelings and start their relationship, they fall hard and fast. Luke finds a sense of calm and peace with Kinsley, and he gives Kinsley the unconditional love and acceptance he's missing from his family. They're many times self proclaimed soulmates, and good for them that they are so sure. It seemed a little over the top to me, but they had their cute moments and I liked that everything worked out for them.

Serina was a fun addition, though everyone with her and Isabella was very hush hush and we didn't get a lot of it. The family drama had a little bit of a disappointing ending, though I'm glad at least one parent came around to support them.

The writing was similar to the first part of the story, in need of a good round or two of editing. It's pretty lengthy and the repetition didn't help. I did skim a few chapters before they got together because it was a lot of the same happening. There was a lot of outside drama and a few things I still have questions about that didn't totally make sense. I did read the bonus chapters, and it was cute to see them living out their happy ending at the ripe old age of 23. I think these books were a fun idea, I'm just not sure they were the thing for me.

Read if you like:
• slow burn
• secret identity/pen pals
• friends to lovers

•••••••••••••••••••••


Random SPOILERY thoughts:

What happened to Shawn? No way did he just live his life normally with the abusive dad.

Not the proposal at 17/18, that made me drop the rating down honestly. They kept talking like they were in their 20s reminiscing when it was like, a year before that they met.

I did read all the bonus chapters. And oh wow...that adoption bonus chapter was something else. I don't think that's how that works?
Profile Image for Steven Goetz.
1 review
May 23, 2024
Beautiful Story

I absolutely loved this series of books. As a gay man, whose family was not exactly supportive of my life style choice when I came out, I found that the two books in this series captured the innocence and confusion most gay kids face when they realise that they are "different" from other kids. But the sweetness of their love for each other was so touching and real that I could relate to what they were discovering about themselves.
I loved every minute of it.
25 reviews
April 2, 2024
Do not buy.

Too much drama ... and the same drama on repeat. Over and over and over again. This 4 hours and 5 dollars I will never get back. I consider the time the greater loss.
Profile Image for Dane Hill.
11 reviews
February 10, 2025
This is basically a review for both books: 4 stars for Book 1, and 2 stars for Book 2.

***SPOILERS BELOW***

Let me start by saying that I've been having a tough time reading books for years now, probably due to anxiety and depression. Hard to concentrate without my mind getting exhausted after a few pages. But I ripped through Book 1 after getting into it, especially once the letters were going back and forth, even staying up nearly all night one time. Unfortunately, Book 2 turned into a bit of a slog after the boys finally admitted their feelings and got together, but I still read through it fairly quickly for me. So, I think that says a lot about Ms. Grant's books, and I thank her for "reactivating" my reading power.

In Book 1, I really enjoyed the strong and super-supportive relationship between Kinsley and Isabella. That kind of went to the wayside in Book 2, which is probably why I didn't enjoy Book 2 as much.

It was a bit far-fetched how physically abused Kinsley and Luke were with absolutely no consequences for the abusers. For heaven's sake, Kinsley almost died after being beat up (twice) at school by Roan. That wouldn't be just brushed aside for lack of evidence, regardless of who his parents are.

Along those lines, I did NOT understand the dynamic between Kinsley and his parents (and sister). First, the sister was always just a complete after-thought character. Kept waiting for something significant to happen with her and Kinsley. But nothing. Ever. (Same with Luke and his brother Shawn, but even worse, much worse, which I'll get into in a bit.) As for Kinsley's parents, they adored him as a child, the mother loving on him, lying in bed with him. But then Kinsley hit high school, and they both hated him...because he didn't play a sport, or date some girl who played a sport? I could never bridge that gap as to why the complete 180 turn in their feelings as parents. They didn't even visit with him in the hospital when he nearly died, or fight for some kind of justice for the attack? Not either time that Kinsley was nearly killed by Roan! Couldn't be bothered. Just NOTHING rang true with the parents' relationship with Kinsley.

Similarly for Luke and his parents & brother, WTF was that. I "enjoyed" that plotline at first, that Luke had a physically, mentally and emotionally abusive home life. But I also didn't get it. Same as with Kinsley, Luke had a happy loving home as a child, but then it suddenly went off the rails. At least this time, we know that alcoholism and mental illness were to blame with his parents, but even that was a stretch, especially with the Dad's bizarre attitude. Luke was literally the Football Captain, Prom King, Most Popular & Sexy Student at their high school and community at large, no hint whatsoever that he was anything but straight. But the Dad thought he was a f*gg*t loser? Give us a scene where the Dad walked in on Luke looking at guys online or something. Give us SOME reasoning for it. Not that it just was the case because of drinking.

Also, I HATED how that whole drama with Luke and his family just...resolved happily? The dad was drunk and physically abusive to the family for years, terrorized all of them, culminating in that final night where he nearly killed Luke, punched Shawn unconscious and essentially kidnapped him, and left their home in ruins. I did like the shock that the father was already prepping, leaving and setting up a frame job on the mother and Luke for many months. You got me there, nice one! Shocked right along with Luke by those revelations. But then...nothing? Luke's in jail for a week, but that's dropped. Nothing more comes of the father "destroying" Luke's workplace either? Last we see of the father is him threatening Luke at their destroyed home a week later after Luke is released from jail, demanding that Luke has to be kidnapped to his new home as well...so that the dad can get the tax breaks?? But Kinsley "pays him off" sort of but not really. And that's literally the last we see of the dad. He turns into Dad-of-the-Year with Shawn.

Which brings me to the absolute worst offense of all with this "resolution" of the brother Shawn. I'm sorry, but this was TERRRRIBLE writing with the Shawn character. Shawn is literally punched unconscious and kidnapped by his drunk father. He would have woken up in a strange new place with his scary-ass blackmailing dad who terrorized the family near all Shawn's life and some mistress woman who was most definitely not his mother. But he texts to Luke all "Luke, you suck. Life is sooo good here with Dad and his mistress now! You're missing out, bro!" And Luke's like "Ok, well, I'm happy for you. Bye forever." Seriously, wtf was all that. The brother is literally never brought up again. I kept waiting for some revelation like the father was still abusing Shawn and faking the texts to Luke, and that Luke would save him and the father would finally go to prison. I was sooo hoping Shawn would be moved into Kinsley's home too eventually. But nope. Apparently, Shawn's new life with his dad really was all rainbows and butterflies all of a sudden.

Btw, Kinsley's family was the richest in town, but there were no spare bedrooms for Luke to have his own? There were just so many missed opportunities. It's Ms. Grant's story of course, but it would have made so much more sense if Kinsley and Luke had separate bedrooms, and they had to sneak around together in the house, especially away from the sister's prying eyes.

The sister was another missed opportunity. Literally, just a one-note character. She's in middle school, has a forever boyfriend that she spends the night with (??) constantly, and absolutely hates her brother because he stopped playing basketball? That's literally everything to her. Literally. Throughout the entire two books.

And as mentioned, Shawn was suuuuch a missed opportunity that I couldn't give Book 2 higher than two stars. Luke should have saved Shawn, moved his little brother in with him & Kinsley, helped look after him like a true big brother. Nope, none of it. Ugh ugh ugh. None of that made any sense.

I did enjoy the new character Serina, but then she just disappeared. She eventually returned briefly to be beaten unconscious at the movie theater, but then disappeared again until the bonus chapter with the wedding. I know this is Kinsley & Luke's story, but we should have gotten to see Serina and Isabella's relationship develop, get to witness Isabella learning that Serina was the one tagging her paint tags. That whole "Isabella has a secret and is upset" was never resolved, but I guess we just assume stuff. Isabella just disappeared too for that matter. Way too much focus in Book 2 on Kinsley and Luke's so-repetitive relationship, chapter after chapter after chapter, which went from 0 to 100 literally overnight. Not realistic and very cringey ultimately versus the original slow burn of Book 1. Book 2 could have been cut in half with a good edit or three.

An editor could have also stopped the constant use of certain words/phrases. What is with "cerulean" constantly being used? Or sea foam (?)? Or coral-colored blushing over and over? As a writer, you have to find new ways to say things, otherwise it comes across as annoying and amateurish.

And then there's the bonus chapters. I didn't mind them for the most part. However, the whole girl adoption was weird and waaay too unrealistic. Should have just been a fever dream for Kinsley, honestly.

Ok, I realize this all sounds like a hated the books, but I really didn't, I promise (other than the Shawn situation). I do wish an editor would have worked with Ms. Grant to hammer out all these points, which I think would have made the books top-notch and even a re-readable favorite. I don't suppose you'd want to re-write the books, Ms. Grant? haha

Promising start to her writing career, but way too many flaws to this second book.
Profile Image for Ariane.
122 reviews2 followers
Read
May 12, 2024
The first half was basically if the miscommunication trope was a book but I still ate it up. I loved how slow burn it was but I lost that feeling when they finally got together and then in went from 0 to a 100 so fast.
The second half was the author not knowing when to let go and end this story. It got sooo cheesy and repetitive even though the end made me emotional ngl. I’m a sucker for weddings what can I say.
Profile Image for enzo.
28 reviews
January 6, 2025
uhmmm i did loved reading this!
kinda enjoyed the writing style as well as how slow burn it goes as i turn the pages! (metaphorically as i read it on my kindle lol)
kinda needed a fight between them cuz... dunno. mayhaps... i'll kinda fantasize bout a romance like the one they had
Profile Image for Loren.
84 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2024
That end scene where he randomly finds a kid on the street and decides to adopt her like she’s a stray cat is a bit odd. All without talking to his husband about adopting a child first, so she’s a surprise when he gets home (he had expected a pet cat or dog).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Charlie.
546 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2025
This book was ok. I still like Luke and Kinsley’s characters and liked them together. There were a couple of things that really knocked down the score - I know it’s supposed to be cutesy but the nickname ‘Pretty Boy’ really grated on me and read as derogatory even though I know it was supposed to be Izzy being cool. Just no. Then from maybe derogatory to definitely derogatory - the f-word was used so many times! So. Much. Homophobia. Like I know Luke’s dad and Roan are abusive but it was used waay too many times for my comfort and there was no real retribution. I mean Kinsley nearly is beaten to death twice and there’s not really any legal action taken.

Also compared to What If It's Us where teen love is expressed in realistic terms where they both make decisions about the future, Luke and Kinsley were all in all the time from when they’re 17 years-old. Is it possible? Sure. Is it likely? Not in the least. I just wonder if the ending in particular would have benefited from some realistic situations outside of relying on Kinsley’s family wealth, absent parents and their ‘soul connection’. I dunno, maybe it’s just me.
Profile Image for Nick Wells.
118 reviews17 followers
September 16, 2024
Some of this story was really cute, I liked the journey of the main characters, but overall it was a little too long.

Carrying on the previous book, this continued to be a slowburn as Luke discovered what his feelings for Kinsley really were, and I enjoyed their journey from friends to lovers. There were some intense parts, around childhood trauma and assault, but the fact they found comfort in each other was sweet. The key tattoo, asking Luke to move in, and Kinsley finding their little girl were all favourite moments.

And the addition of Serina, alongside Izzy, was great! They both brought something different and highlighted the value of good, sassy, supportive friends.

But it did feel like it dragged a little, with a lot of repetition of feelings or scenarios that I’m not sure were needed.

Overall, Kinsley and Luke were relationship goals and I liked a lot of their story.

🕊️🔐
Profile Image for Glenn.
377 reviews
May 8, 2024
Mallory Grant does a great job of providing a rich set of circumstances and angst in developing relationships. This one, the second to the book Wrong Locker, chronicles the aftermath of our two MM characters. Their drama filled lives cause tension in this reader, and I wondered if there would actually be a HEA for this couple. Too many other characters come in as potential interlopers, and the story is drawn out. Sometimes this is enjoyable, but warning here: some of the circumstances are really bad (the list of triggers is long for this book).

A precursor to the HEA is found in the "Paper, cardboard, string, noodle" reference to one of the characters, and warning, there is more than one same-sex bonding going on.

It's a great set of books that should be read one after the other as the second picks up and seamlessly moves past that point.
Profile Image for Joshua Ruse.
98 reviews
June 26, 2024
Alright this one was much better - the plot really focuses on Kinsley/Luke/Isabella/??? and when it was about the development of those relationships, it was really really good. Again though we see literal attempted MURDER at school and nothing is done about it...it's just insanity.

Putting aside the unbelievable side plots and extreme homophobia (borderline unnecessary at some points) I really loved the blossoming Kinsley and Luke's relationship. It gets a little...co-dependent at some points but it's overall cute. A good end to the story.

**Spoilers**
Biggest complain - why the heck is Isabella and Serina's relationship just like one minute in tatters and the next they are together forever. How are you going to write about it but not write about? smh this needed heavy edits
Profile Image for Marian Divilek.
43 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2025
It's hard to put together what you are going through while reading the book, but fear, tears, anger and joy might just summarise it.
It was even more powerful than the first book. The relationship between Kinsley and Luke is getting stronger, but along with their young love so are the pressure at home and tension at school.
There are several critical moments in the book that will leave you breathless, angry, bring tears to your eyes, but also many that will give you hope and confidence, if you have ever struggled with who you were or would be...
The bonus chapters seemed a little out of order at first, but when I read the last one, I understood. And so will you.
I will never forget 4 a.m., the caged bird and the key and Sparrow and Green. They made me stronger too.
24 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2024
Luke and Kinsley are basically my OTP. Like seriously- can they get any sweeter!? After everything they went through and they just are perfect. They hold each other up, they love each other in the best way. In the beginning of the letters Kinsley wrote 'Maybe we’ll be the type of romance that’s talked about, the type of romance that everyone envies and wishes they could have.' and in the end that's exactly what they had. I'm so glad that they were both brave enough to reach for what they wanted and I'm so glad they got out of that toxic town, their toxic homes. And those bonus chapters! *chefs kiss*

I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Mallory Grant's work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marcus Moose.
17 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
100 out 0f 10!

I have read many good books, but it is rare to find a book that you are so emotional invested in that you never want to leave the world and characters. This is one of those book series for me! Thank you for putting such a meaningful romantic book into my library. I am forever grateful for this story! The trauma, heartache, loss, and love of this story keeps you hanging on to every though and word spoken by the characters. I not only bought the books on kindle but also bought the physical books so that I will always have a copy of it close by to reread again and again.
Profile Image for Raven.
157 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2025
Unfortunately was a bit of a let down , not as great as the first one but was still a solid book.
It got very repetitive towards the mid point of the book but I managed to keep up with it and the ending was very satisfying and those bonus chapters made me cry for real.
Just a bit of inconsistencies with the first book that kind of threw me off and the wrong usage of past and present tense and also like unusual switching from first person to third person but i would recommend tho it was a fun book to read and talked a lot of about homophobia and stuff
Profile Image for Rich Oliver.
64 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2025
I really tried to like this book as much as I did the first. But the repetitive nature of it kept that from happening. I tend to agree with the commenters who advocated that perhaps both books should have been edited down and combined into one. The repetition made me take a long break before I came back to it. The first book was far stronger to me.

All that being said, I do love the characters and the specialness of '4 am'. The author has talent, and I look forward to trying more of her work in the future.
Profile Image for _mykee_b.
126 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2025
3.5 for me

I adored book 1 & book 2 finished out Kinsley & Luke’s story beautifully for me.

What I really struggled with was the writing in this one. As much as I enjoyed the story, the writing was rather redundant, stagnant, or just full of poor grammar. Especially towards the end. I think structuring the book a little differently wouldn’t have made it as choppy feeling. And I wanted to know what happened with Shawn. He just..disappeared. There were a few parts I felt could have been tied up more clearly/cleanly but overall, I enjoyed their journey.
Profile Image for t .
69 reviews
November 13, 2024
The first third was easily a 10/10, the dynamic between Luke and Kinsley is incredible to read, I love it so much. I feel like if the first part of this book was added to the first book of the series, I would have definitely loved it a lot more. I still do of course, I especially love how the different topics are discussed and dealt with in this as well as in the first book, it makes it very realistic and emotional.
7 reviews
August 13, 2024
Really really beautiful. I loved it from beginning to end! Wrong Locker and Wrong Timing hold now the title of "favorite book" for me! A brilliant ending for green and sparrow. I cried so much but it was all worth it! It healed a part of childhood me along the way. This book is exactly what teenager me had needed to hear. ♡
5 reviews
March 8, 2025
didn’t want to write this until I read both

This series is so heartbreaking, heartwarming, gutting and relieving all in one I was on the edge of my seat the either time trying to figure out if this was finally the moment to be disappointed but not really because I knew it would come. Just like I know this series will be talked about for a long while.
Profile Image for Becky R.
30 reviews17 followers
May 12, 2024
love the characters

However I have to mention that I’m not a fan of miscommunication and it just continued in this story for way too long. It became frustrating at times. But I’m glad I finished it.
Profile Image for Mona.
5 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2024
I loved every part of this book, every part of this series. I loved the way the books described falling in love, how even the smallest of things and touches were potrayed as something unique and magical.

I think I could say this book showed me what love really is.
Profile Image for Alyl02.
89 reviews
June 29, 2024
Found love

This book was so engaging, more that book 1. The fullness of their love & support that the other didn’t know they needed. Mallory captured love is a way that showed it’s not always easy or what you pictured but what the heart and soul want.
160 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2024
Awesomeness!

I haven’t “happy” cried at a book like that in a long time! What a great read! If I have anything negative to say it would be that there was no, or very little sex written, but it was still one of the best love stories ever!
58 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2024
Heartbreaking and hopefully at the same time

Mallory Grant has written two wonderful Books to make the Wrong series. I can't recommend them enough. The main characters are wonderful, yet so lonely. It's a must read for anyone who feels like there is no one out there for them.
Profile Image for Cass.
29 reviews
November 6, 2024
Good story but lots of spelling errors

The storyline was unique & real but there were so many spelling mistakes & I felt like I had to skip pages just to get to some points. I think with more fine tuning & an editor this could be much better.
Profile Image for Julie Clarke.
10 reviews
December 24, 2024
Kind of dragged. No anticipation. Cute moments but plot was boring and predictable. Loved the first book but once the characters got together all drive for the read left. I tried hard to like the last bit of it but it was a struggle to get through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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