Unconventionally, Elle

by Jourdana Webber

A BOOKLIFE EDITOR'S PICK (as seen in Publishers Weekly)

In this captivating, bold debut, Elle is torn between a new flame and a rekindled love as she rebuilds her life and learns the importance of chasing dreams and fighting for your happily-ever-after.

Elle Watson had it all-or so she thought.

From climbing the corporate ladder to substantial financial success, Elle's life is a master class in ambition. So why is she standing in desperation at the edge of her New Orleans balcony ready to jump?

Blindsided by a betrayal at work and utterly burned-out, Elle says goodbye to the life she thought she wanted and tries to reclaim her happiness. (Because she was happy once, right?) She trades the corporate grind for a fresh start in Boston to pursue her long-abandoned dream of becoming a writer.

As her savings dwindle and deadlines approach, the last thing Elle expects is to fall for Boston's most eligible bachelor, the magnetic Barrett Henry. With his piercing blue eyes and unapologetic dreamer's charm, he's both a distraction she can't afford and a heartthrob she can't ignore.

But then there's the effortlessly suave Jude Ashford. Once collateral damage in her battle between ambition and love, he's the man who knows her better than anyone and the person her heart can't quite let go of. Caught in a whirlwind of emotions as her past and present collide, Elle must confront old wounds, new possibilities, and the hardest question of What-and who-is she willing to fight for?

Love TriangleSecond Chance RomanceDual TimelinesGolden Retriever MMCPerfect for fans of Carley Fortune, Colleen Hoover and Emily Henry

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2025

Reviews

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concept of this book and was expecting something light and fluffy but this turned out much deeper than I anticipated. I loved all of the Boston references as well and as luck would have it I happened to be in Boston while reading this one so that made it even better. I think this book could have benefited from having dual POV but I still enjoyed it as is.

Stella Bloom does great with the narration.

Great debut novel and I look forward to more from this author in the future. 3.5 rounding up.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select | Everwild Publishing for access to the ALC on exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

So…have you ever read a book that hits so close to home on so many levels? Well, this one did for me!

Real family problems.
Real friend problems.
Real boyfriend problems.
Real work place problems.

Elle is a writer. But, she gets used up and abused all the time… and she’s tired of it!

And after ONE LAST STRAW happens at the office, well, she’s just had it!!

Life changes for her at that point and she goes off in a different direction…

At the same time she meets some new friends, and a guy…and … Life Is Good!

We go on and learn all about her new job…friends…relationships.. and his family.
She remains in touch with her lifelong friends throughout.
And…the one that got away pops up now and again, too.

One of her friends encourages her to ‘go for’ a writing competition. But it’s not just ANY writing competition.
It’s THE ONE her grandmother won… many years ago!

So she begins writing, and hopes that maybe, just maybe, this might be her big break.

And then, a very unexpected plot twist opens up…and literally BLOWS UP HER WHOLE LIFE!!

I wanted to cry!😭
I wanted to yell!
I was so very sad for her…

But, I always say things happen for a reason…
And, well, if you believe that too, then go pick THIS BOOK UP!

It broke my heart, BUT, also gave me hope… the true feeling of friendship… and somewhere way down deep… LOVE.

ALL THE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫for me!!!

OH-- and I believe this is a DEBUT novel!!! Kudos!! Looking forward to more from this gifted author!!

#UnconventionallyElle by @JourdanaWebber and narrated beautifully by @StellaBloom.

** THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED, BUT LOOK FOR IT ON SHELVES NEXT WEEK..9/4/25 **

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeSelect and #EverwildPublishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Jazz .☘︎ ݁˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way more emotionally heavy than I expected—but I mean that in the best way possible. I went into this book anticipating a light, maybe slightly fluffy romcom type romance, though what I got instead was something a lot deeper and, honestly, so much better than I was prepared for.

The angst? Delivered. Now, I’m not saying there’s a TON of angst like A Love Letter to Whiskey style, but there are still moments! I was pulled into Elle’s world from the start, and watching her navigate her own journey—with all its heartbreak, growth, and self discovery—was genuinely SO captivating. There are two love stories at play here, and both were so well written that I was reading at top speed just to see what happened next.

I don’t usually go for love triangles (they tend to get MESSY in the worst of ways), but this one? Done so well. No annoying cliches, no screaming “just pick one already!!” moments—none of that. It felt honest and real. I loved Elle’s connection with he who shall not be named (for spoiler reasons), but I understood why it couldn’t work out and was equally happy with who she ended up picking. The choice made sense, and it was well deserved.

ALSO, Finn and Jackson? My babies. They’re the best. I loved Elle’s girl besties too, but those two just stole my heart without permission. Their dynamic, their loyalty—they made me yearn for a real friendship like that.

I was lucky enough to be accepted for the early audiobook, and let me tell you, this narrator DID HER JOB, and she did it SO well. Y’all know I love me a good audiobook!

Overall this read surprised me in the best way. Emotional, romantic, full of drama, and filled with memorable characters. I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes open for more by this author!

3.5 ★

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠!

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5 stars)
Audiobook ARC received via NetGalley. Many thanks!

I know this is a debut and based on the early ratings, I might be in the minority but honestly? I found this book a bit... flat(-ish)?!?

The idea had so much potential: Elle, burnt out and betrayed, walks away from her high-powered corporate life to finally pursue her dream of becoming a writer. That part? Solid. I loved the message of choosing yourself and starting over on your own terms.

But the rest... didn’t really felt the "vibe". I couldn’t fully connect with Elle or any of the character, except her male bff, I loved him :D. I kept waiting for a big twist or something to shake things up... but ...except 1 event, nothing else came up.

The love triangle is front and center, split across dual timelines. Elle’s first love, Jude, is everywhere in this book. Even when she starts seeing Barrett (Boston’s “eligible bachelor”) it always felt like she hadn’t truly moved on. And that’s exactly what was confirmed later on: once she meets Jude again, it’s very clear the feelings never went away. Barrett never stood a real chance, and honestly? I'm not even mad about it,lol... He turned out to be kind of meh and spineless anyway, so... yeah... bye Barrett...you won't be missed! :)

The last chapter switches to Jude’s POV, which was interesting, but I wish we’d seen more of his side throughout. The writing wasn’t bad, and the story’s foundation is fine; it just lacked the energy and engagement I hoped for. Even the audiobook, while smoothly narrated, couldn’t pull me fully in.

This said, I still think is a good debut with a strong potential and I am pretty sure a lot of readers will enjoy it more than I did. :)

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

This was a solid debut about a woman who turns 30 and decides she doesn't want to keep living her uninspiring life working at a company where she's unappreciated. To that end she quits her job in New Orleans and moves to Boston where she enters a writing contest that has her trying to write a novel in a month. While there she meets and falls in love with a new man and is also reunited with Jude, an old flame. I'm usually not a huge fan of love triangle romances but I was satisfied with how this one ends. It's told through Elle's perspective only but does involve flashbacks to her years with Jude. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Wendy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky enough to call this author a friend. But that doesn’t mean my review is not genuine!

This book is such a great read! All the characters are easy to fall in love with or root for (or hate- depending). The story is moving, relatable and can only wish all my girlfriends are the friend that Elle and her girls are - seriously, friendship goals!

Can’t wait to read the official book the second it comes out!!! ❤️❤️

[Courtney S · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What an incredible debut! Unconventionally, Elle by Jourdana Webber completely swept me up. I laughed, I cried, I reflected and most importantly, I felt every bit of it.

The dual timeline structure had me hooked. I couldn’t stop listening because I had to see how it would all come together. And that intro? Absolutely not what you expect from a romance, which is exactly what made it impossible to put down.

One of the things I loved most about this book is how real the characters felt. Every single one of them had a story or moment I could relate to. In a genre where characters often live in glossy, over-the-top versions of reality (which I also love, don’t get me wrong!), this book stood out for its authenticity. I felt like I knew these people, or at least parts of them, from my own life.

Elle’s journey is messy, complicated and honest. She faces some major ups and downs, but stays true to herself and learns to put herself first, and that path ultimately leads to her own well-earned HEA. Her story is a beautiful reminder that success doesn't have to look the same for everyone. It takes her a while to shed the pressure of societal expectations, but once she does? She thrives. And it shows.

This book doesn’t shy away from tough topics. Yes, there’s romance, but it’s not your typical giddy, butterflies-all-the-time love story. It dives into real-life struggles like career burnout, anxiety, depression, grief and that familiar feeling of not knowing which path to take. Life is hard and often unclear, but Elle’s resilience, and the way she grows, felt so grounded and true.

Also: 100/10 for Elle’s small but incredibly supportive circle of friends. The girl has some real ones. And can we please all agree that Margaret is the worst?! WHO DOES THAT AT A FUNERAL?! Girl, bye.

Bonus points: the story takes place in some of my favorite cities and a few bucket-list destinations, which made the whole experience even more immersive.

To all the millennial women out there trying to break the mold and redefine what success and happiness look like: this one’s for you. Elle’s struggles may not be identical to mine, but the feelings behind them? Incredibly relatable.

This is a story and a cast of characters I’ll be thinking about for a long time. I’m rooting for all of them and hoping we get to revisit their world again someday.

What a powerful and refreshing debut. I can’t wait to see what Jourdana Webber writes next!

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC.

[Kristin - The Literal Gal · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Unconventionally, Elle]

Wow! This book was emotional and heavy in a way that a truly didn't expect. Don't let the cutesy cover and advertising fool you- this book is gut wrenching at times and dives into a lot of topics that authors normally shy away from like suicide, emotional cheating, love triangles, loss, and females in a male dominated workplace. Once I got my bearings and understood the gravity of the story, I was able to really appreciate it. I really enjoyed how Jourdana balanced all of these topics with lighthearted banter, lovable side characters, and the main characters love for fashion.

In this book, Elle is trying to recreate her life. I think most women can relate to feelings stuck or like they've chosen the wrong path in life. I loved how Elle bravely navigated all the changes that were thrown at her and comes out better on the other side. As far as romance- the book is dual timeline and Elle is with one man in the present and another in the past. I thought this was a really interesting concept- almost like a love triangle but not? It's honestly the reason I wanted to pick up the book. It was easy to fall for both men in a way that made Elle's turmoil over choosing the right person for her feel very real.

Overall, I thought this was a really good debut.

Grab this one if you love:
✨ Coming of Age + Self Discovery
✨ Who Will She Choose
✨ Not So Love Triangle
✨ Sassy Best Friends
✨ Author Heroine

Please check the trigger warnings. There were lots of heavy topics like mental health and suicide. Protect yourself babes!

📚 Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🎧 Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥Spice Rating: 💗-❤️

🎧 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼...
You can literally never go wrong with an audiobook narrated by Stella Bloom. She was such a great fit for Elle and especially shined while reading her internal monologues. I felt like I was in the characters head in the best way.

Thank you to Jordan Webber and Must Love Audio for this gifted ALC!

Spice Rating
🤍 clean romance
💗 closed door/ fade to black
❤️ spicy content (a few detailed scenes)
❤️‍🔥 explicit, play-by-play (major part of the plot)
🖤 graphic, more than vanilla

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Unconventionally, Elle follows Elle as she walks away from her successful corporate job to chase her dream of writing a book. It is meant to be a story about finding yourself and taking risks to live a more meaningful life. While the idea is inspiring, the story did not quite land for me.

The book jumps between Elle’s current struggles and memories of a past relationship, but the dual timeline felt more confusing than emotional. Instead of feeling moved by her heartbreak, I mostly found myself frustrated. Elle spends a lot of time stuck in the past, still caught up in her feelings for her ex, which made it hard to care about her present journey.

What really took away from my enjoyment was the main character herself. Elle comes across as immature, and her choices, especially around emotional cheating, left a bad taste. Add to that some heavy themes like death showing up more than expected, and the story started to feel weighed down.

That said, I do appreciate the message behind it. Taking a leap for your happiness is a powerful idea. I just wish it had been told through a more grounded character and a story that did not feel so scattered. This had potential to be uplifting and relatable, but it missed the mark for me.

[Sherry Steveson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I feel that there are times when a book is decent and there’s good writing potential but maybe the characters just don’t click for the reader. This is the case for me as I read this one on audio. The narrator is good and I didn’t have any real issues with the narration but nothing really wowed me or pulled me in to feel a connection to the story. It was a bit predictable and if I’m honest could see some of the ways the main characters were self-sabotaging themselves. Sometimes it’s painful to read a story that feels destined in a certain direction without much in the way of nuances to thrill the plot. This is an okay story that I am giving 3.5 stars. I’m rounding up because perhaps the main issue in the story is me the reader and not the narration or the writing so I want to give a debut author some credit.

[Lindy Dierks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled a little bit with this book. There was a lot of back and forth with the timeline and I thought it was confusing. There is kind of a love triangle going on but it’s in different timelines. Again, it just confused me at times.

I loved Elle’s growth in this story. That’s something that was real and present. There was a lot of good emotion in this story. I loved that Elle went after what she wanted in life. The narrator, Stella Bloom, did a phenomenal job bringing Elle to life. I love her voice. I think overall this was a solid story. I wished I could have connected with Elle a little bit more. It could have just been me. 3.5 stars that round up to 4. I received this book from Dreamscape Select and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK! Give me a dual timeline and second chance and I am a happy girl. But on top of that, I loved Jourdana’s writing style, the flawed characters who felt so real, and their development, the different settings, the humor, and the love stories. It evoked so many emotions. Jourdana handles heavy subjects delicately and with grace, but check your trigger warnings. This is her debut and it’s fantastic and I can’t wait for more from her!!

Stella Bloom narrates the audiobook, and her performance is seriously amazing, I could not stop listening. I loved her different voices for all of the characters. The way she brought Elle to life was just perfect, I am so glad I listened!
Produced by Lyric Audiobooks

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
Nonlinear love stories
Coming of age
Self discovery
Chosen family
Writer heroine
Not so love triangle
Dog mom
The best sassy best friends
Golden retriever MMCs
Single POV
Spice

Thank you Must Love Audio, Lyric Audiobooks and the author for the ALC!

[Tara Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely more plot and substance than I was expecting. The romance is angsty and sweet. I loved how the fmc was so determined and confident in choosing herself first. She found a great support system that stayed with her everywhere. I loved all the mental health representation. Overall I thought this was a deep heart wrenching and beautiful story.

[BookishRaquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ | 1 🌶️ | 4.5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Coming of Age + Self Discovery
- Golden Retriever MMCs
- Who Will She Choose
- Right Person, Wrong Time
- Second Chance Romance
- Love Triangle (but not really)
- She's an Author
- Strong Friendships
- Chosen Family
- Witty Banter
- Dual Timelines
- Solo Narration

My Thoughts:
Unconventionally, Elle was a bit of a surprise. I went into this thinking I was going to get something light and fluffy with Legally Blonde vibes. That was not the case at all. This book was much deeper and more emotional than I expected. Told using dual timelines, this book follows Elle's journey of self-discovery and growth. Elle’s story is honest, raw, and real. She goes through love, loss, and plenty of ups and downs, but what makes it special is how she learns to put herself first and find her own kind of happy ending. The book deals with tough topics like grief, depression, self-doubt, and burnout thoughtfully, and it never felt too heavy.

Love triangles are often very messy, but I appreciate how this one was written. It was not super predictable or wildly toxic. I loved Elle’s connection with both men, and it was clear they both cared deeply for her. I felt her final decision made sense for her journey. The friendship dynamics were a highlight for me. I loved how loyal and supportive her friends were. There are a few situations/characters I would have loved to see more fleshed out, and the pacing was an issue at times, but the story is fresh, authentic, and well-balanced. Solid debut.

Narration:
Stella Bloom performs this audiobook solo, and I felt she did an amazing job bringing Elle's complicated yet beautiful journey to life. Stella is incredibly talented and made it really easy to distinguish the many characters. Her performance made this story more enjoyable and created a wonderful listening experience.

Thanks to Jourdana Webber, Dreamscape Media, Lyric Audiobooks, and Must Love Audio for the review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Misty • booksplusplants · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one left me with mixed feelings. The story jumps between timelines, which gets a little confusing at times. Plus, it’s a “not really” love triangle, which just added to the confusion. I think two parts, before & present, might have worked better. Or maybe another round of developmental editing. 

I really appreciated the mental health representation. Elle is in therapy and deals with anxiety and panic attacks, and it’s all shown in a positive, realistic way. Even the male characters show emotion, which I loved seeing.

This isn’t a super heavy on romance, in my opinion. The single POV and so much focus on Elle’s personal growth and healing journey made it feel like woman’s fiction with light romance.

The narration by Stella Bloom was fantastic, as always.

ALC review

Dual timeline
Single POV
Found family
Coming of age
Self discovery

🎧Single narration
🎙️Narrator: Stella Bloom

[Crazy4more · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was annoyed with Elle at times...but I guessed if you needed to put yourself first...so be it!

[Rosa Valenzuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Select for this early listen! Stella Bloom is one of my Favorite Female narrators in a short list of Female Narrators. And while I love that she narrated the whole book, I would have loved a male narrator. Yes, Stella does a great male Voice but for some audiobooks, I still sometimes prefer a male voice to voice the character. For a Debut, this audiobook was wonderful, Jourdana is a first-time author to me and I can honestly say I need more books from her!

The Story of Elle and Jude is one I will love for some time, the way they are, we're, and are again. Some stories are just made to lose oneself and this one was that. Lose yourself to find yourself is what I sometimes say, and well that is what Elle did and I loved it!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I appreciated that this novel included some important themes like depression and choices involving tough choices between career, love life, and family. I didn't find the dialogue as fabulous as that of Emily Henry books, though.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed this book, I cried a bunch to be honest. I like this book because its a reflection of real life in so many ways.

Life goals
In the sense that when you are young you go down the path that your parents, teachers, professors, etc. tell you is best. Sometimes you put their suggestion of your future above what you want for yourself. You take their version of success and happiness as what you should strive for and it isn't until years down the line, you realize that their version is not what you want for yourself. Then you have to leave everything behind and figure out what success and happiness means to you, only you have to live with the consequences of your decisions.

Love
Jude & Elle- The idea that you might find the love of your life at a young age and through circumstances not end up together. It takes more than love to make a relationship work and when you are young you don't see that. All the times they broke up it wasn't because they didn't love each other. I fully support the idea that you can find your person at the wrong time in your life and mess things up because there are lessons you need to learn or you need to grow more as person before you are ready for that relationship.

Barrett & Elle - Another side is that at times you an meet someone and fall in love but ultimately you want different things. I think even if his ex was not pregnant it still wouldn't work. Elle just went from leaving behind the life she made that she didn't want and made her unhappy. I don't think long term she could be with someone who was stuck still in that place. Barrett was stuck in a job he hated, living up to expectation set by his father and even after his death he wasn't going to try and get out of it. He lacked the spine to stand up for himself and just let others walk all over him. To give him some credit part of it was the way he grew up and all his life being told this was his duty to his family, is hard to push those expectations aside. I think he felt he didn't deserve more for himself, even proposing to his ex because she was pregnant is not that he wanted to marry her it was just expected.

Friendships
This part is so important and I feel the author didn't give it as much attention as she should have. Having friend group that as you get other life takes you in different directions. Elle kept saying she didn't know why her grandmother made the choice she did, but Sarah made that same choice. Then there was Rachel who made the choice to start over in NY when Josh got a job offer, also something that Elle didn't do when Jude asked. It was like different version/choices she didn't make. I would of loved to have read about Elle having a more candid conversation with them about the choices they made and why. For her to have a better understand of what happiness and success meant to them. I also didn't like how Elle was friends with Emma, but once she started going out with her brother they barely hung out and we didn't hear about their friendship much.

Overall
I enjoyed the book and would recommend. I was looking to see if this author had other books, was curious about her others works.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unconventionally, Elle took me by surprise in the best possible way. I went in expecting a love triangle, maybe some career drama, but what I got was so much more layered, more raw, more real. This is a story about reinvention but not the glossy kind you see in movies. It’s about what it actually means to break down your entire life and build something new from the ruins. And it’s messy. It’s hard. It’s hopeful.

Elle Watson is one of the most relatable FMCs I’ve read in a long time. She’s brilliant, accomplished, and drowning. Burned out from a high powered corporate career and reeling from betrayal, she makes the terrifying leap to leave it all behind and start over in Boston and to finally chase the dream she abandoned long ago: becoming a writer.

What makes Elle’s journey so compelling is that it’s not linear. Jourdana Webber writes with nuance and empathy, showing us the highs and lows of trying to rebuild your life while battling anxiety, grief, and self-doubt. There’s no magical solution, no one moment where everything clicks. It’s a slow, healing burn. One that feels incredibly earned.

The dual timelines (past and present) add so much emotional weight to Elle’s choices. Seeing her as the corporate powerhouse and then as the uncertain writer in progress created this rich portrait of a woman learning to rewrite her narrative, literally and figuratively. Every therapy session, every panic attack, every hard conversation felt purposeful and grounded.

Now let’s talk about the romance(s). Because… whew. Barrett and Jude. Two men, both wildly different, both connected to key moments in Elle’s life. I won’t spoil where her heart ultimately lands, but I will say: it never felt like a simple “pick one” situation. Jourdana Webber writes them both with tenderness and depth, which made the emotional stakes so much higher. You feel how much these men care for her, and how much she has to reckon with what she truly wants, not what looks good on paper.

The writing is heartfelt, intimate, and occasionally sharp in its emotional observations. There are no grand twists or bombshell reveals, just the quiet unraveling of a woman who realizes that success, love, and happiness don’t have to look conventional to be real.

Yes, the pacing lags a little in the middle, and yes, there were a couple plot threads I wish had been tighter (Barrett’s father’s illness, for one), but honestly? That’s life. Messy. Complicated. Beautiful in its imperfections. This book leans into that. And it worked for me.

If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to start over, or felt like your ambition was at war with your happiness, or wrestled with choosing you over what others expect from you, this book is for you.

Unconventionally, Elle is more than a romance. It’s a tender meditation on mental health, grief, self-discovery, and the bittersweet beauty of second chances.

I cannot wait to see what Jourdana Webber writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jourdana Webber, and Dreamscape Select/Everwild Publishing for the eARC of this book.

[the_nerd_cafephile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select and the author for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love reinvention stories, especially ones where the MCs have the courage to let it all fall apart and build it from scratch. But what I didn't expect was to enjoy, love and root for Elle the way I did. Elle works in a gruelling corporate job with a boss who takes her for granted and men who are waiting to steal her accounts and hard work. When she is betrayed in the worst way, she finally comes to terms with the fact that she is not happy with the world she built and it's time for a change. I expected this to be a story where the character goes through a breezy-ish transition with some obstacles but overall peachy; however, what I got was a raw, honest and, dare I say, grounded story about a woman in her 30s turning her life around for her own happiness, with real issues like dealing with grief, finances, mental health, loss and the curveballs that life throws at you.

The story switches between present and past, conversations with therapist, friends, flirty dates, and cosy trips. Elle follows her dreams with a 'better late than never' attitude. She holds her ground when life tries to pull her off the right track with the help of her support system.

The book, in spite of being a debut, reads well but could shine with a bit more polishing. The narrator was excellent, but I was not a fan of some of the male voices.

I will recommend this story to fans of Sarah Ready, Rowan Coleman and everyone who enjoys a romance with a side of romance and found family.

TW: Anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, emotionally distant abusive parent, loss of parents/grandparents, parental abandonment.

Spoilers Ahead: I genuinely loved how the 'right person, wrong times' played out not once but twice, very organically. A few other things I loved:
• Jude being respectful and a gentleman.
• Barret showing up with all his vulnerability on show.
• Mental health being talked about and represented the right way.
• No cheating
• Elle holding her ground on not wanting children (I hate it when FMC's either magically change their mind or are forced into it)
• All the men in the story showing genuine emotions
• We got characters living entirely different wavelengths of life and yet banding together for each other
• Louie
• The way grief, loss, mental health, panic attacks were shown
• She falls in love and yet lets go, because she is not ready to step off what she knows about herself.

My heart broke for Barret, the way he wanted to reinvent himself too and yet resigned himself to fate. I would love to read his story, just to know he didn't end like his father with Margaret, as he feared. Chris deserved retribution, yet again. That never happens in real life now, does it?

[Nicole Maccaroni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Dreamscape Select and Everwild Publishing for the ALC of this audiobook!

I went into this one completely blind, thinking I had a good idea of what to expect—and I was so wrong, in the best way. This book is absolutely Gilmore Girls-coded: Barrett is totally giving Logan, Elle is Rory to a T, and while Jude might seem like he’d be Jess, that comparison doesn't quite land for me.

At first, I didn’t want to like Barrett…but he grew on me. Just as I was making peace with Elle not ending up with Jude (even though he was her rock and literal savior), the story took a major turn—at Barrett’s father’s funeral, no less (side eye to the ex-girlfriend for that scene).

On the topic of the funeral…why was Barrett’s father’s illness and death so drawn out? One minute he’s in the hospital, the next he’s at work, and then suddenly he’s gone? It felt unnecessarily prolonged and a little confusing structurally—I would’ve preferred it happen all at once for better emotional payoff.

Now…let’s talk about the breakup. I was so frustrated when we found out why Elle and Jude ended things. He gets a dream job in New York (a city she loves), and she refuses to go—claiming she couldn’t find a similar job in corporate America…in New York?! And it’s not like they had to leave immediately—it was months away! If this man is truly the love of your life, you can job hunt between December and June, girl. Elle came off as really self-focused here. I understood that she felt like she had something to prove, but sometimes you need to live your life instead of letting a job define it. I did support her decision to quit—I just wish she had done it sooner.

Jude was so good to her. And the scene on the balcony? Pure magic. It felt like divine intervention—like her grandmother sent him in that exact moment. He was her person…it was just bad timing.

I really enjoyed the ending. I genuinely thought she was going to choose herself and end up alone, which would’ve been a fine arc—but the twist was satisfying and hopeful. I’d absolutely read more from this author, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.

[Michelle Brenner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unconventionally, Elle was decent for a debut novel. I was gifted the audiobook version, narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Stella Bloom. While I enjoyed the book, I did feel that the ending was rushed. It was also disappointing to see how things ended for the other guy. Without giving away spoilers, there isn't much more I can say about that plot point.

~~What I liked~~
-The writing was easy to listen to/read. The story was well thought out and even though I wasn't overly fond of the jumping timeline, I appreciate how everything came together in the end.
-I LOVED the positive position on mental health. While the cover might be happy and bright, the book has some pretty heavy topics in it, so I was thrilled that Elle (eventually) was able to get the help she needed.
-The supporting characters were great and added to the story.
-The angst was real, and it was well done. I also loved the emotion the author had the MALE characters express. Very rarely do we see MMC crying, but these guys were not afraid to express themselves.
-While I'm a momma and love me a good book with a happy family, it is refreshing to have child-free couples too. I mean, there was the dog, right? So it wasn't totally 'kid' free, lol.

~~What I didn't like~~
-The beginning chapter really threw me off. The time line jump was really unusual, I kept thinking I was missing something for the book to start off six years in the past with such drama. That particular drama wasn't addressed until almost the end of the book.
-The romance between Barrett and Elle was pretty nicely documented, but I didn't feel like we got as much from Jude and Elle together. It would have been great to see both in equal amounts.
-As previously mentioned, I felt the ending was rushed, and I didn't like how the 'losing' guy ended up. It was unfortunate and I wish there would have been another way for him to end.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and was glad I took the time to listen to it. If you like your books with a bit of angst, lots of emotion, and a good supporting dog character, this is a book for you.

[Dalyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unconventionally, Elle is a bold, emotionally rich, and compelling debut that blends ambition, heartbreak, reinvention, and romance into a story that feels both modern and deeply human. Jourdana Webber crafts a narrative that explores the tension between who we are, who we once were, and who we hope to become wrapped in a love triangle that feels intense, mature, and grounded in real emotional stakes.

At its core, this is a story of reclamation. Elle Watson begins as the embodiment of corporate success, only to discover that her achievements mask a quiet collapse happening beneath the surface. Her breakdown is written with a raw honesty that resonates deeply, pulling readers into the emotional weight of burnout, betrayal, and the painful yet liberating decision to start over.

The transition from New Orleans to Boston marks a powerful pivot not just geographically but spiritually. Webber’s portrayal of Elle rediscovering her creativity, her courage, and her desires feels empowering and relatable for any reader who has ever chosen to rebuild after losing themselves.

The romantic dynamics are especially well-crafted. Barrett Henry is magnetic, charming, and irresistible in that “golden retriever MMC” way an immediate spark, a bright new possibility. Jude Ashford, on the other hand, brings depth, history, and emotional gravity. The tension between new love and unfinished love feels authentic, heartfelt, and masterfully paced.

The dual timelines elevate the story further, allowing readers to feel the full emotional tapestry of Elle’s past and present. Themes of ambition, identity, love, and healing run through every page, delivering a romance that is not merely about choosing between two men but choosing the truest version of herself.

Perfect for fans of Carley Fortune, Colleen Hoover, and Emily Henry, Unconventionally, Elle is a standout debut with strong commercial appeal, emotional resonance, and a confident voice that marks Jourdana Webber as a rising talent in contemporary romance.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and Everwild Publishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Jourdana Webber did an amazing job with this debut novel. I even double checked that it was a debut because it felt more polished than some first books. Elle felt real and relatable, dealing with situations many of us face at some point in life. We see her navigate work, love, grief, and friendships, and the supporting characters stood out. Not once did I think, "Wait, who is this person?"

This book does have dual timelines, so if that's not something you enjoy, it may not be for you. However, I thought it was done well and, even in the audiobook, it was always clear when it was "now" versus "x years ago."

Stella Bloom's narration was excellent. The audio was clear, she was genuinely enjoyable to listen to, and she had enough range to make each character distinct.

I would definitely read more from both Jourdana Webber and Stella Bloom.

⚠️ Content Warnings: Heavy topics appear on the page and are referenced. Please only read if you are comfortable with them. They include, but are not limited to:

Grief
Suicide or suicidal thoughts
Anxiety and panic attacks
Death
Alcohol use
Minor misogyny

SPOILERS:

I did feel that Elle's reaction to B's father's health issues and the events that followed was a bit strange. This may just be because it isn’t how I would personally respond in these situations. As someone with dogs, I also found the ending with Louie surprising and somewhat unrealistic. Again, that could be because I would never do this with my own dogs. This isn't big, but I also was taken aback whenever NYC was read as "NYC" instead of "New York City" or another variation that is more natural in conversation.

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unconventionally, Elle is a dual timeline romance following Elle as she navigates and balances work and romance while also dealing with her mental health and a constant internal battle to settle for what she has or choose herself and follow her dreams.

The books covers topics including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts which can be triggering to readers/listeners.

In the current timeline, Elle feels burnt out at her corporate job located in New Orleans. Working through anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts with therapy, medication, and support from her friends, Elle upends her life and moves to Boston to pursue a career in writing. With the move, she meets new friends and gains connections that eventually bring her to Barrett Henry, a generational Bostonian that is set to inherit his family's massive real estate business and one of the primary love interests of the story.

In the "before" timeline, the story follows Elle from her time in college to the moment she feels overcome by loneliness and grief. In this timeline, Elle meets New Orleans native, Jude Ashford, while spending time in Nashville. The two have an on again-off again relationship throughout the years, creating an emotional love triangle for Elle.

The narrator, Stella Bloom, captures Elle's emotions perfectly. She delivers wittiness while staying articulate. As a Louisiana native, I truly appreciate the correct pronunciations for names, locations, and andouille sausage.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jourdana Webber for the opportunity to listen to Unconventionally, Elle

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unconventionally, Elle by Jourdana Webber grabbed me right from the first chapter. Elle Watson is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for even when she’s messy, raw, and not entirely sure what she wants. The book opens on such a heavy, vulnerable note with Elle at her breaking point, and then takes us on her brave and sometimes chaotic journey of reinvention. Trading the glossy corporate world for the uncertain grind of chasing her writing dream felt so authentic, and honestly, a little too relatable.

The Boston setting gives the story a fresh, bustling energy, especially when Barrett Henry enters the picture. He’s the charming, dream-big kind of man who feels like he leapt straight out of a romance fantasy. But then Jude shows up as the one who got away, the man who still knows how to read her heart. The tension between moving forward and looking back is palpable, and it kept me hooked until the very last chapter.

As for the audiobook experience, the narrator delivered Elle’s vulnerability and strength with such nuance that it made the emotional beats hit even harder. The chemistry in the dialogue scenes sparkled, and you could feel the difference between Barrett’s polished magnetism and Jude’s familiar pull just through tone and pacing. It really elevated the story.

This isn’t just a love triangle, it's a story about self-discovery, burnout, and the messy, nonlinear path to happiness. Jourdana Webber balances heartache, humor, and hope in a way that feels deeply human and unconventionally romantic.

✨If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to walk away from success to chase something that actually fills you up, this book will hit home.

[Kelsey Snook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ALC!

I was excited for this - I've been following the author on Instagram for a while and was enjoying watching her publishing journey. Unfortunately the book wasn't for me. The story felt underdeveloped and like it hadn't been through a good developmental edit. The story is told in both the present and through flashbacks - I generally enjoy dual timelines, but it was unclear what the purpose of the dual timelines was. Generally in a contemporary romance there aren't two competing love interests unless it's been established as a why choose or a love triangle; the author didn't present it as a love triangle, so it was very odd to be reading chapters about her past lover while she's supposed to be building a relationship with her current partner (if you're not over your ex, it's a bit weird to be seriously dating someone else). The writing felt like the FMC was the problem; she acknowledged that she'd gone to therapy for her depression and other issues but then engaged in other behaviors like cheating (almost) and acting like a child when confronted with needing to make mature, adult decisions. Basically I wasn't sure where the story was going or who I was supposed to be rooting for the whole time; it felt like the book needed more direction. (and why did the FMC think that her ex's mom would talk him out of making a decision the FMC didn't agree with? Very odd to expect a grown man to be controlled by his mother).

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and @EverwildPublishing for this ALC, in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished Unconventionally, Elle by Jourdana Webber, and I truly enjoyed it. Elle’s journey from corporate burnout to chasing her dream of writing is so relatable, especially for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a life that wasn’t quite theirs. The story balances raw emotion with witty banter, and the whole thing feels really authentic.

But what really made this audiobook stand out was Stella Bloom’s narration. She brought Elle, Barrett, and Jude to life with such warmth that I felt like I was right there with them, experiencing all the highs and lows firsthand. Her voice shifts perfectly captured the emotional rollercoaster from Elle’s vulnerable moments to the sizzling chemistry with Barrett and the complicated history with Jude. Honestly, Stella could narrate my grocery list and I’d be hooked.

The dual timelines added great depth, going through layers of Elle’s past while showing her present struggles and growth. I loved how the story wasn’t just a romance but also about self discovery, forgiveness, and figuring out what really matters. It was emotional, a bit messy, and totally engaging.

If you’re into stories about second chances, tough choices, and unconventional love and if you enjoy audiobooks with amazing narration this is the audiobook for you.

Out on September 4!

4.25 Stars!

#UnconventionallyElle, #JourdanaWebber, #NetGalley, #AudibleAudio

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ rounded to 4!

This was a really solid book! I really enjoyed our FMC and the growth and lessons the reader learns throughout. She’s a woman in corporate america that is being taken for granted as well as used behind the scenes with none of the credit [go figure], she finally puts her foot down and leaves to pursue what she wants and needs from life!

I loved that story line and feel like it’s so necessary for young adults and even any adult who is trapped in an unfulfilled life!

You definitely get the long triangle throughout. It’s very clear that one FMC is in love with Jude from start to finish. At times I almost just wished this was written as a second chance romance without Barrett even in it. The romance / relationship was described as such deep love for one another but it never really gave that imo. It just gave that Elle loved Jude and he would always be her person.

I LOVED the Jude POV at the end, i wish we got more of him throughout but thst didn’t change my feelings on the book in a negative way. I just think it would when added so much to the story!

Overall, I really enjoyed the narration / audio. I loved the overall plot/story line. I enjoyed the FMC and Jude. I didn’t really have any feelings toward Barrett at all. But for a debut this was great! I would definitely recommend it! 😊

The Vibes:
-Love Triangle
-It’s always been you
-“Second Chance” ISH vibes near the end
-Corporate Girly standing 10 toes down on what she deserves 👏🏼 🫰