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Not What We Pictured
This is absolutely not how they pictured their summer going.
McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She’s spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She’s ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister’s boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right?
Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom’s bed and breakfast is struggling and there’s a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn’t have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska.
With the ring nowhere to be found, all McKenna can do is wait and use the time to build her portfolio and plan her next career move. But she also can’t help getting swept up in Nate’s bed and breakfast renovations and in planning a community concert with the townsfolk. As both await news of Nate’s suitcase, it begins to seem their serendipitous meeting, and the proposal gone wrong, could actually be everything going right . . . and that this may be their chance at a love neither could have pictured.
A clean, witty rom com with a forced proximity trope and a reluctant allies love storyFeatures laugh-out-loud humor and a sweet, endearing coupleThis contemporary summer romance with a Southern small-town setting is great for fans of Sarah Adams, Pepper Basham, and Emma St. ClairIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She’s spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She’s ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister’s boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right?
Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom’s bed and breakfast is struggling and there’s a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn’t have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska.
With the ring nowhere to be found, all McKenna can do is wait and use the time to build her portfolio and plan her next career move. But she also can’t help getting swept up in Nate’s bed and breakfast renovations and in planning a community concert with the townsfolk. As both await news of Nate’s suitcase, it begins to seem their serendipitous meeting, and the proposal gone wrong, could actually be everything going right . . . and that this may be their chance at a love neither could have pictured.
A clean, witty rom com with a forced proximity trope and a reluctant allies love storyFeatures laugh-out-loud humor and a sweet, endearing coupleThis contemporary summer romance with a Southern small-town setting is great for fans of Sarah Adams, Pepper Basham, and Emma St. ClairIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2026
115 people are currently reading
6703 people want to read
About the author
Becca Kinzer
7 books717 followersBecca Kinzer lives in Springfield, Illinois where she works as a critical care nurse. When she’s not busy taking care of sick patients or using up all the storage on her phone with pictures of her dog, she enjoys making up lighthearted stories with serious laughs. She is the author of multiple titles including Dear Henry, Love Edith, which won the 2024 Carol Award for debut novel, and Love in Tandem.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
April 22, 2026
My Quick Takes:
- 4.25/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Genre 📚 Christian Romcom
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none/kisses only
- Content 🤔 adoption, past death of parent, parental abandonment
Another hilarious book from Becca Kinzer!
I’ve read all of Kinzer’s novels and this book had my favorite storyline and comedy so far. I loved the main characters and that her usual background cast of humor had more of a main role in the plot.
Some of the comedic scenes felt a bit long winded to me, but overall it was an endearing story with laugh out loud moments. The side characters are all elderly and I loved that came along with the entirety of the narrative.
I think this novel had the best faith elements of her books to date. I wasn’t sure if it would get there in the end because some of her books have less mentions of faith, but this one was tied up with a lovely bow to point to Christ as our ultimate father figure and source of identity.
- 4.25/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Genre 📚 Christian Romcom
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none/kisses only
- Content 🤔 adoption, past death of parent, parental abandonment
Another hilarious book from Becca Kinzer!
I’ve read all of Kinzer’s novels and this book had my favorite storyline and comedy so far. I loved the main characters and that her usual background cast of humor had more of a main role in the plot.
Some of the comedic scenes felt a bit long winded to me, but overall it was an endearing story with laugh out loud moments. The side characters are all elderly and I loved that came along with the entirety of the narrative.
I think this novel had the best faith elements of her books to date. I wasn’t sure if it would get there in the end because some of her books have less mentions of faith, but this one was tied up with a lovely bow to point to Christ as our ultimate father figure and source of identity.
April 29, 2026
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
rtc...
I'm so curious about this one!
rtc...
I'm so curious about this one!
Read
November 26, 2025All McKenna wants is a perfect setting so her sister can have the perfect proposal. What can go wrong?
A lot, as it turns out.
Not What We Pictured is a contemporary rom-com where everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. This creates countless side-splitting, hilarious moments where you can't help but both laugh at and cringe for the characters at the same time.
McKenna and Nate don't start their relationship off on the best foot. The entire debacle kept me laughing, especially the "chipmunk girlfriend and moose boyfriend" mentioned (if you know, you know). The snippets of "interrogations" at the beginning of some of the chapters were perfect and only made the story funnier.
There is the slightest sprinkling of faith, some heavier kisses, and some emotional pain both characters have to work through. I appreciated the touching spin Kinzer included about adoption. A particular group of slightly-loony locals was another proverbial cherry on top.
All in all, this is a fun rom-com that is sure to make you laugh.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
A lot, as it turns out.
Not What We Pictured is a contemporary rom-com where everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. This creates countless side-splitting, hilarious moments where you can't help but both laugh at and cringe for the characters at the same time.
McKenna and Nate don't start their relationship off on the best foot. The entire debacle kept me laughing, especially the "chipmunk girlfriend and moose boyfriend" mentioned (if you know, you know). The snippets of "interrogations" at the beginning of some of the chapters were perfect and only made the story funnier.
There is the slightest sprinkling of faith, some heavier kisses, and some emotional pain both characters have to work through. I appreciated the touching spin Kinzer included about adoption. A particular group of slightly-loony locals was another proverbial cherry on top.
All in all, this is a fun rom-com that is sure to make you laugh.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 24, 2026
much thanks to netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! all thoughts are my own
The title: yes
McKenna: yes
Nate: HECK YES
All the old southern ladies: oh yeah
Oliver: nahhhh
I'm afraid my family probably thinks I've died in my room a thousand times from the giggling and choked dying of laughter. This is truly the definition of a romcom. It's funny, it's cute, it's a little bit of cringe...it's the whole deal.
I love that there's a light theme of Christianity, but it still reads like a secular romcom (but no spice ofc!)/the Christianity aspect isn't cringy, it only adds to the story. It's a part of the story without us being like "okay we get it".
Only two things that made me go "erm":
1. Why didn't Nate just name his mentor? 😭 He constantly called him "his mentor" but never named him, and that bothered me.
2. The whole bumping lips thing...yeah, that's a weird way to put it. 💀 But it fits with McKenna's personality so I can't fault her for saying that, I guess.
This was absolutely a laugh-out-loud, cutesy romcom that anyone could read! I loved reading it so much, and I'd highly recommend. ✨
~
Binged this in one night. 🤭 RTC!
The title: yes
McKenna: yes
Nate: HECK YES
All the old southern ladies: oh yeah
Oliver: nahhhh
I'm afraid my family probably thinks I've died in my room a thousand times from the giggling and choked dying of laughter. This is truly the definition of a romcom. It's funny, it's cute, it's a little bit of cringe...it's the whole deal.
I love that there's a light theme of Christianity, but it still reads like a secular romcom (but no spice ofc!)/the Christianity aspect isn't cringy, it only adds to the story. It's a part of the story without us being like "okay we get it".
Only two things that made me go "erm":
1. Why didn't Nate just name his mentor? 😭 He constantly called him "his mentor" but never named him, and that bothered me.
2. The whole bumping lips thing...yeah, that's a weird way to put it. 💀 But it fits with McKenna's personality so I can't fault her for saying that, I guess.
This was absolutely a laugh-out-loud, cutesy romcom that anyone could read! I loved reading it so much, and I'd highly recommend. ✨
~
Binged this in one night. 🤭 RTC!
March 22, 2026
"I'll want you, McKenna. I'll want you a year from now. I'll want you ten years from now. I'll never stop wanting you."
5 stars, no question about it!
I'M. OBSESSED. This is one of those books where you have to take caution reading it in public because the number of times I almost burst out laughing is overwhelming (and I don't laugh out loud easily when reading). Literally the entire thing is so funny and quirky!
Not What We Pictured follows the story of McKenna--a photographer seeking more than the life Nebraska is offering her--and Nate--a poet slash son of one of two bed and breakfasts in a small Tennessee town. After a failed proposal for her sister, McKenna being the culprit of the issue, she realizes that she left the family heirloom ring in Nate's possession, and, unfortunately, Nate wants nothing to do with her. She searches for (and appears on the doorstep) of Nate's mom's bed and breakfast, and together, they must figure out how to locate the ring (that is with his luggage that is lost in the airport), how to work out an agreement in the meantime, how to handle the women (and Gus) who are set on getting Nate married and the town thriving, and how to prepare for the groundbreaking upcoming events that could maybe save the small town.
"I need cheese."
"I need a nap," said both Evie and Barb.
"I need everyone to focus," said Georgie.
I absolutely adored the prose. Literally every line was hilarious and so packed with description that painted such a vivid picture. The dynamics between the characters were priceless, and every character was so perfectly unique.
At the same time, the depth behind this story was incredible. McKenna's internal struggles contrasted with her quirkiness was so relatable. There was a beautiful theme of worth, independence, and trying new things.
Kind of felt like she was flirting with him. That or he was so out of practice with how to act around a beautiful woman that he interpreted true emotional distress over murdered chickens as flirting.
I adored the small-town setting and the chickens and Gus and the cheese and the meetings and the Southern lady gossip. AND THE HARRYS. I WAS DYING OVER THE HARRYS. Thank goodness I was alone because if I was in public when reading that part, I think people would have been very concerned.
If you love rom coms with a Southern twist, GO READ THIS BOOK! And if you don't? Go read this book anyway!
I'd recommend this to readers ages 17+ who enjoy:
- small town vibes
- banter and banter and more banter
- the quirkiest characters
- strangers to pleaseleavemealone to lovers
- bed and breakfast settings (chickens and goats included)
- close family
- forgiveness and finding worth
"I want to be the best version I can be of myself. And that's a man who forgives. It's also a man who shows up."
Content to note:
- romance (not beyond kissing)
- sexual references and jokes
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars, no question about it!
I'M. OBSESSED. This is one of those books where you have to take caution reading it in public because the number of times I almost burst out laughing is overwhelming (and I don't laugh out loud easily when reading). Literally the entire thing is so funny and quirky!
Not What We Pictured follows the story of McKenna--a photographer seeking more than the life Nebraska is offering her--and Nate--a poet slash son of one of two bed and breakfasts in a small Tennessee town. After a failed proposal for her sister, McKenna being the culprit of the issue, she realizes that she left the family heirloom ring in Nate's possession, and, unfortunately, Nate wants nothing to do with her. She searches for (and appears on the doorstep) of Nate's mom's bed and breakfast, and together, they must figure out how to locate the ring (that is with his luggage that is lost in the airport), how to work out an agreement in the meantime, how to handle the women (and Gus) who are set on getting Nate married and the town thriving, and how to prepare for the groundbreaking upcoming events that could maybe save the small town.
"I need cheese."
"I need a nap," said both Evie and Barb.
"I need everyone to focus," said Georgie.
I absolutely adored the prose. Literally every line was hilarious and so packed with description that painted such a vivid picture. The dynamics between the characters were priceless, and every character was so perfectly unique.
At the same time, the depth behind this story was incredible. McKenna's internal struggles contrasted with her quirkiness was so relatable. There was a beautiful theme of worth, independence, and trying new things.
Kind of felt like she was flirting with him. That or he was so out of practice with how to act around a beautiful woman that he interpreted true emotional distress over murdered chickens as flirting.
I adored the small-town setting and the chickens and Gus and the cheese and the meetings and the Southern lady gossip. AND THE HARRYS. I WAS DYING OVER THE HARRYS. Thank goodness I was alone because if I was in public when reading that part, I think people would have been very concerned.
If you love rom coms with a Southern twist, GO READ THIS BOOK! And if you don't? Go read this book anyway!
I'd recommend this to readers ages 17+ who enjoy:
- small town vibes
- banter and banter and more banter
- the quirkiest characters
- strangers to pleaseleavemealone to lovers
- bed and breakfast settings (chickens and goats included)
- close family
- forgiveness and finding worth
"I want to be the best version I can be of myself. And that's a man who forgives. It's also a man who shows up."
Content to note:
- romance (not beyond kissing)
- sexual references and jokes
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 29, 2026
Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer is a crack up! From Nate’s factual sense of humor, McKenna’s “helpful” attempts to get her sister engaged to the meeting Minutes.
The story starts in a fresh, unique way, with an accidental armpit kiss that never in a million years should sound charming. But it did. I wanted the best for McKenna because of how fixated she was for making everything perfect for her sister. She didn’t know she deserved the same.
I won’t spill anymore because this is a romantic comedy with heart and is well worth the read!
The story starts in a fresh, unique way, with an accidental armpit kiss that never in a million years should sound charming. But it did. I wanted the best for McKenna because of how fixated she was for making everything perfect for her sister. She didn’t know she deserved the same.
I won’t spill anymore because this is a romantic comedy with heart and is well worth the read!
April 21, 2026
This was a super cute rom com. If you’re looking for something light-hearted, fun, no-spice, with some faith elements woven in, then this is the book for you!
I could not get enough of the banter and comedy in this one. There were so many hilarious moments that had me giggling all the way through. And Gus might just be one of my new favorite side characters of all time. His love of snacks (especially cheese) makes him a kindred spirit.
But honestly? This book just felt like a big hug to me. Even with all the chaos and hilarity happening, you could tell our FMC and MMC were on a path to overcome some heartbreak and feelings of unworthiness. And you just knew, that them finding each other was going to be the key to unlock that door. I loved the reminder that even when we don’t feel loved or worthy of the love being given to us by people we know, we have a Father in Heaven who always had and always will.
Even though their lives ended nothing like they pictured, they ended up exactly where they were meant to be 🩷
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I could not get enough of the banter and comedy in this one. There were so many hilarious moments that had me giggling all the way through. And Gus might just be one of my new favorite side characters of all time. His love of snacks (especially cheese) makes him a kindred spirit.
But honestly? This book just felt like a big hug to me. Even with all the chaos and hilarity happening, you could tell our FMC and MMC were on a path to overcome some heartbreak and feelings of unworthiness. And you just knew, that them finding each other was going to be the key to unlock that door. I loved the reminder that even when we don’t feel loved or worthy of the love being given to us by people we know, we have a Father in Heaven who always had and always will.
Even though their lives ended nothing like they pictured, they ended up exactly where they were meant to be 🩷
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
April 11, 2026
I’m sorry, perhaps I am just not the target audience for this. I did not find the situations McKenna found herself in to be funny. Not at all. She came across as rude and both unable & unwilling to ever listen to others. The circumstances regarding the ring she deliberately lost display a complete disregard of common decency and make her out to be one of those too-stupid-to-live types. And she is horribly ungrateful to the man who taught her everything she is now hoping will be her prime source of income. She decides what is right in her own eyes. And then suddenly, near the end, we are given a two-paragraph commentary from Nate on identity in Christ??? It comes off like the author forgot this is supposed to be a Christian novel, so she throws a little God in there to check off a box. This is the second book from this author I have read and I just don’t find it entertaining.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✧ 𝓟𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✧
I’m very excited about this one, I was screaming when it hit my inbox!! Hopefully it’ll be a good read.
✧𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✧
OMG!!!!! This was everything!!
The most adorable, wholesome and hilarious book I’ve read in ages.
I genuinely couldn’t stop reading the whole time,
This so 2000’s movies coded, I adore Nate and McKenna with my entire heart, their first interaction was insanely hilarious!
This was so chaotic and funny, the banter, the slightly unhinged side characters, the whole absurd situation, I just couldn’t stop laughing. I was addicted to them and to the sweet romance!!!😭
And don’t ask me how she did it but I found myself crying at the end..!
This whole thing was written in the most, wholesome, funny and emotional way.
Such a good read and it definitely worth your time🫶🏻
𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 comes out : 𝗔𝗽𝗿 𝟮𝟭 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲✨
Shoutout to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for e-Arc🫶🏻
I’m very excited about this one, I was screaming when it hit my inbox!! Hopefully it’ll be a good read.
✧𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✧
OMG!!!!! This was everything!!
The most adorable, wholesome and hilarious book I’ve read in ages.
I genuinely couldn’t stop reading the whole time,
This so 2000’s movies coded, I adore Nate and McKenna with my entire heart, their first interaction was insanely hilarious!
This was so chaotic and funny, the banter, the slightly unhinged side characters, the whole absurd situation, I just couldn’t stop laughing. I was addicted to them and to the sweet romance!!!😭
And don’t ask me how she did it but I found myself crying at the end..!
This whole thing was written in the most, wholesome, funny and emotional way.
Such a good read and it definitely worth your time🫶🏻
𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 comes out : 𝗔𝗽𝗿 𝟮𝟭 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲✨
Shoutout to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for e-Arc🫶🏻
April 21, 2026
This was my second read by Becca Kinzer, and I enjoyed this story as much as the first. She's an auto-read author for me now. Her writing is great, filled with humor (sometimes the over the top, ridiculous kind), and carries enough faith to be meaningful.
Nate and McKenna have a remarkably odd meet-cute, one marked by McKenna "kissing" Nate's armpit (according the the record). What starts off as a proposal-gone-wrong for McKenna's sister, along with a series of unfortunate events, pull Nate and McKenna back together. Before long, the two are catching feelings, even though they can't seem to catch a break. McKenna gets sucked into a community event led by a unique group of locals, which just could be McKenna's way to finally get what she wants. When the event turns out to be a bust, it's up to Nate to find a way to pull off a miracle or risk loosing McKenna for good.
This story has strong Murphy's Law vibes, where anything that can go wrong will go wrong! There is so much in this story that is just plain silly and ridiculous, and some characters that will have you thinking "Oh, come on!", but it's part of the story's charm. There's also sweet moments, and hard moments where characters are faced with doing something that feels impossible. I thoroughly enjoyed Nate & McKenna's dynamic. At first, they seem like such an odd pairing, but as I got to know them and they got to know each other, I really liked them together and was rooting for them. I can't say the same about Bobbi or Oliver, and I wasn't the biggest fan of some of the "committee" members. They served their purpose in the story, but man were they annoying most of the time! And don't get me started on all of the Harries! It was complete and utter chaos the majority of the book, and I absolutely laughed out loud so many times. For the record, no snorting occurred, none whatsoever.
The story did have some heavier themes tucked between moments of humor–like Nate dealing with his absentee dad and grief over his mentor's death, McKenna fighting feelings of not being worthy of good things and needing to sacrifice her dreams to support her younger sister, and even Bobbi coming to terms with her selfishness. I appreciated that we had these moments throughout the story that added depth, complexity, and meaning to the story.
The faith content in the story was light-moderate, but done really well. I felt like it did build more towards the ending, which helped bring all of the various characters' storylines and growth together.
What I enjoyed:
📷 Middle Tennessee setting
📷 The bench/bridge scene
📷 The ridiculous local airport
📷 "Committee" meetings
📷 Chickens 🐔
📷 Nate & McKenna as a couple
❌ The pickle salad
⚠️ Content Warnings:
- estranged father
- orphaned sisters (one raises the other)
- almost humorous near drowning catastrophe
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 4.5 stars
Writing: 5
Story & Plot: 4
Faith & Content: 4
Enjoyability: 5
This was a super enjoyable read with lots of silliness, humor, and enough character growth and faith to keep it grounded. I recommend it!
*Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Nate and McKenna have a remarkably odd meet-cute, one marked by McKenna "kissing" Nate's armpit (according the the record). What starts off as a proposal-gone-wrong for McKenna's sister, along with a series of unfortunate events, pull Nate and McKenna back together. Before long, the two are catching feelings, even though they can't seem to catch a break. McKenna gets sucked into a community event led by a unique group of locals, which just could be McKenna's way to finally get what she wants. When the event turns out to be a bust, it's up to Nate to find a way to pull off a miracle or risk loosing McKenna for good.
This story has strong Murphy's Law vibes, where anything that can go wrong will go wrong! There is so much in this story that is just plain silly and ridiculous, and some characters that will have you thinking "Oh, come on!", but it's part of the story's charm. There's also sweet moments, and hard moments where characters are faced with doing something that feels impossible. I thoroughly enjoyed Nate & McKenna's dynamic. At first, they seem like such an odd pairing, but as I got to know them and they got to know each other, I really liked them together and was rooting for them. I can't say the same about Bobbi or Oliver, and I wasn't the biggest fan of some of the "committee" members. They served their purpose in the story, but man were they annoying most of the time! And don't get me started on all of the Harries! It was complete and utter chaos the majority of the book, and I absolutely laughed out loud so many times. For the record, no snorting occurred, none whatsoever.
The story did have some heavier themes tucked between moments of humor–like Nate dealing with his absentee dad and grief over his mentor's death, McKenna fighting feelings of not being worthy of good things and needing to sacrifice her dreams to support her younger sister, and even Bobbi coming to terms with her selfishness. I appreciated that we had these moments throughout the story that added depth, complexity, and meaning to the story.
The faith content in the story was light-moderate, but done really well. I felt like it did build more towards the ending, which helped bring all of the various characters' storylines and growth together.
What I enjoyed:
📷 Middle Tennessee setting
📷 The bench/bridge scene
📷 The ridiculous local airport
📷 "Committee" meetings
📷 Chickens 🐔
📷 Nate & McKenna as a couple
❌ The pickle salad
⚠️ Content Warnings:
- estranged father
- orphaned sisters (one raises the other)
- almost humorous near drowning catastrophe
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 4.5 stars
Writing: 5
Story & Plot: 4
Faith & Content: 4
Enjoyability: 5
This was a super enjoyable read with lots of silliness, humor, and enough character growth and faith to keep it grounded. I recommend it!
*Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2026
6 stars if I could give them. Literally laughed out loud numerous times while listening to this one.
The audiobook narrator is fantastic and made this one live for me.
The audiobook narrator is fantastic and made this one live for me.
September 20, 2025
An adorable romcom that’s perfect for fans of Katherine Center. McKenna is a tall and lovable heroine who is determined to give her little sister Bobbi a picture perfect proposal. The only problem is everything keeps going wrong! She wakes up a stranger so that he’ll move from a bench, but accidentally slips and ends up kissing his armpit. Nate doesn’t want to give up the bench or flirting with a gorgeous redhead that can’t seem to keep from kissing him and follows him all the way to Tennessee for the missing wedding ring that she put in his pocket. A charming small town, hilarious mixups, forgiveness and family make this read an utter delight. A perfect read for closed door romance fans!
November 19, 2025
Another completely hilarious, utterly entertaining, absolutely charming, and slightly ridiculous romcom by Becca Kinzer! McKenna and her sister Bobbi were over-the-top hysterical with their wild imaginations and unfiltered ramblings. McKenna, even in her unhinged state, was quite lovable and her fierce loyalty and love made her a great heroine. Nate was the long-suffering hero with his romantic and tender poetry-loving heart hidden under a gruff exterior. McKenna and Nate exchanged some fantastic barbs and sarcasm at the start which turned into witty and clever banter. Both McKenna and Nate hid deep festering childhood wounds and needed to find forgiveness as well as true worth. I loved the secondary characters in Bugle, TN who helped Nate try to save his mother's bed and breakfast who also happened to meddle and interfere in every aspect of Nate's life.
If you enjoy romcom that brings you to tears with its hilarity and sweetness, this book is it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House via Edelweiss and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
If you enjoy romcom that brings you to tears with its hilarity and sweetness, this book is it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House via Edelweiss and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2026
Overview:
Language 🤐: clean
Romance ❤️🔥: kisses only LV 2 (make outs not descriptive, some innuendoes and jokes about sex nothing that bugged me but may bother some, none were crude in my opinion)
Violence ⚔️: none (there is a hospital trip but from a mishap not fighting, minimal blood and minimal description)
⚠️adoption, grief, strained relationships with father⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Tall/Photographer FMC
- Teacher/Poet MMC
- Chaotic Meet
- Strangers to lovers
- delightful side character
- fake kiss
- He falls first
- reluctant reliance
- forced proximity
- working on repairs together
My Thoughts:
This book was absolutely chaotic and hilarious in the best of ways! It had me cracking up the entire time unsure what mayhem would be unleashed next. From page one to the last this book takes you on a wonderful delightful adventure!
McKenna is working on making sure her baby sister has the perfect proposal so she will be taken care of and McKenna can get out of Nebraska and maybe pursue her dream career. Everything has to be perfect and fall into place, after so many failed attempts this one can not go wrong, sounds simple enough right, but it becomes anything but..
Nate is on his way to go help his mother before starting his new job as a college professor. He is not expecting the tornado that is McKenna to come into his life. After their first meeting where she couldn’t seem to keep her lips off him he thought he’d never see her again.
Both their summers and life’s are absolutely turned upside down. This is one story that takes you on a chaotic ride full of hilarious moments and delightful characters. It kept me in anticipation of what mayhem would next be released or if things would fall into place in the end.
McKenna and Nate are adorable and hilarious and exactly what the other is needing to help shake up their lives in the best of ways.
The meetings with all the other characters just being an absolute delight. The council and their minutes hilarious, the airport staff infuriating but also had me laughing out loud!
For the record…all the cute record keeping and banter perfection!
This was a first from this author for me and most definitely will not be a last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! It’ll give you a good laugh and make you smile like a fool if that’s what you need!
The audiobook for this book was excellently done and quite enjoyable!
Language 🤐: clean
Romance ❤️🔥: kisses only LV 2 (make outs not descriptive, some innuendoes and jokes about sex nothing that bugged me but may bother some, none were crude in my opinion)
Violence ⚔️: none (there is a hospital trip but from a mishap not fighting, minimal blood and minimal description)
⚠️adoption, grief, strained relationships with father⚠️
Tropes/Micro tropes
- Tall/Photographer FMC
- Teacher/Poet MMC
- Chaotic Meet
- Strangers to lovers
- delightful side character
- fake kiss
- He falls first
- reluctant reliance
- forced proximity
- working on repairs together
My Thoughts:
This book was absolutely chaotic and hilarious in the best of ways! It had me cracking up the entire time unsure what mayhem would be unleashed next. From page one to the last this book takes you on a wonderful delightful adventure!
McKenna is working on making sure her baby sister has the perfect proposal so she will be taken care of and McKenna can get out of Nebraska and maybe pursue her dream career. Everything has to be perfect and fall into place, after so many failed attempts this one can not go wrong, sounds simple enough right, but it becomes anything but..
Nate is on his way to go help his mother before starting his new job as a college professor. He is not expecting the tornado that is McKenna to come into his life. After their first meeting where she couldn’t seem to keep her lips off him he thought he’d never see her again.
Both their summers and life’s are absolutely turned upside down. This is one story that takes you on a chaotic ride full of hilarious moments and delightful characters. It kept me in anticipation of what mayhem would next be released or if things would fall into place in the end.
McKenna and Nate are adorable and hilarious and exactly what the other is needing to help shake up their lives in the best of ways.
The meetings with all the other characters just being an absolute delight. The council and their minutes hilarious, the airport staff infuriating but also had me laughing out loud!
For the record…all the cute record keeping and banter perfection!
This was a first from this author for me and most definitely will not be a last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! It’ll give you a good laugh and make you smile like a fool if that’s what you need!
The audiobook for this book was excellently done and quite enjoyable!
April 18, 2026
4.25 stars
Completed: Apr. 18/26
Format: audio and digital ARCs
Narrator: CJ Bloom - not a fan of this narrator. She’s okay but she just doesn’t do a romcom enough justice.
Book #37 of 2026: This was a fun book with lots of hilarity! Basically the entire book is like a “Who’s on first?” comedy sketch… on steroids!
I am not sure why but I did initially struggle to get into this book. Frankly, I think I was just too overtired to appreciate any comedy. So I took the advice of a friend and set it aside for a day. After that, I was breaking out into various spurts of laughter until the end.
The characters are all an absolute HOOT! Except Oliver. He is dry toast. (To each their own!). McKenna and Nate as the main characters are charming and quirky. They begin on a sour and very awkward note; yet, their journey to love is a treat. The seniors and their plethora of club meetings are hysterical! I think I would be finding some good hiding spots after a day or two around them though. lol! I will never be able to look at charcuterie or any dill pickle dip ever again without thinking of them.
Small cons:
1. Cover: I’m not a fan at all of these cartoon-y covers as a grown adult. This one holds no appeal to me. The author is why I chose it.
2. Narrator: She sounds much older than the main characters. She was great for the older characters though.
3. Virtually the same lines were used just a couple paragraphs apart at about the 70% mark. Hopefully that was caught before printing.
I’m appreciative of some serious notes to balance out the book:
1. McKenna’s overwhelming need to be there for her younger sister, even though she is an adult, no matter what. She doesn’t seem to see herself as deserving of good things also.
2. Nate’s estrangement with his father.
3. Whether or not the emu will ever arrive. (Just kidding. Sort of!).
I definitely recommend this book with the snort-worthy humor, whacky seniors, and McKenna’s and Nate’s very unusual journey to growth and love. They balance one another well. Read this novel to turn that frown upside down and forget the stress of the world for a few hours!
* My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy. My honest review is voluntary and represents my opinion in my own words.
Completed: Apr. 18/26
Format: audio and digital ARCs
Narrator: CJ Bloom - not a fan of this narrator. She’s okay but she just doesn’t do a romcom enough justice.
Book #37 of 2026: This was a fun book with lots of hilarity! Basically the entire book is like a “Who’s on first?” comedy sketch… on steroids!
I am not sure why but I did initially struggle to get into this book. Frankly, I think I was just too overtired to appreciate any comedy. So I took the advice of a friend and set it aside for a day. After that, I was breaking out into various spurts of laughter until the end.
The characters are all an absolute HOOT! Except Oliver. He is dry toast. (To each their own!). McKenna and Nate as the main characters are charming and quirky. They begin on a sour and very awkward note; yet, their journey to love is a treat. The seniors and their plethora of club meetings are hysterical! I think I would be finding some good hiding spots after a day or two around them though. lol! I will never be able to look at charcuterie or any dill pickle dip ever again without thinking of them.
Small cons:
1. Cover: I’m not a fan at all of these cartoon-y covers as a grown adult. This one holds no appeal to me. The author is why I chose it.
2. Narrator: She sounds much older than the main characters. She was great for the older characters though.
3. Virtually the same lines were used just a couple paragraphs apart at about the 70% mark. Hopefully that was caught before printing.
I’m appreciative of some serious notes to balance out the book:
1. McKenna’s overwhelming need to be there for her younger sister, even though she is an adult, no matter what. She doesn’t seem to see herself as deserving of good things also.
2. Nate’s estrangement with his father.
3. Whether or not the emu will ever arrive. (Just kidding. Sort of!).
I definitely recommend this book with the snort-worthy humor, whacky seniors, and McKenna’s and Nate’s very unusual journey to growth and love. They balance one another well. Read this novel to turn that frown upside down and forget the stress of the world for a few hours!
* My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy. My honest review is voluntary and represents my opinion in my own words.
April 12, 2026
McKenna is trying to get her little sister the perfect proposal but that turns out to be a lot more challenging than expected. She has to hide the ring in a stranger’s pocket to keep the surprise and then chase said stranger when he unknowingly takes the ring with him. What follows is a laugh out loud story with small town chaos, two strangers having to work together while finding who they are and what their place is in their families.
“I’ll want you, McKenna. I’ll want you a year from now. I’ll want you ten years from now. I’ll never stop wanting you.”
Becca Kinzer has a lively and vivid writing style, drawing you completely into the story. The pace is high and keeps you reading, but without the emotions getting lost. I also really loved the note at the end of the book explaining how it is based a real life events!
Thank you Tyndale House Publishers for providing this e-book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
“I’ll want you, McKenna. I’ll want you a year from now. I’ll want you ten years from now. I’ll never stop wanting you.”
Becca Kinzer has a lively and vivid writing style, drawing you completely into the story. The pace is high and keeps you reading, but without the emotions getting lost. I also really loved the note at the end of the book explaining how it is based a real life events!
Thank you Tyndale House Publishers for providing this e-book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2026
This was such a cute and fun romance! It had me giggling, swooning, no tears this time, but I loved it all the same. I loved the slight Christian aspect to it and no spice, while not being overly cheesy. I loved Nate’s steadiness to McKenna’s quirks and chaos. Coming from a small town myself, this felt very real as far as the dynamic within the community. Small towns are notoriously crazy and gossip spreads far and fast. The little old ladies were a hoot. My favorite character might be Vivi honestly. 😂 Only characters I did not love were Oliver and Bobbi, but I feel like she could totally write a book about them and give us a little more information and insight on their characters. Also, the bumping lips thing was…definitely a little odd and had me cringing. But, I still liked the book a lot, and would definitely recommend!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2026
Rating: 3/5 Stars
I really wanted to love this more because the setup was so fun—I mean, a botched proposal, a missing heirloom ring, and a stranger (Nate) accidentally flying off with it? It's the perfect rom-com recipe. But for me, the "comedy of errors" vibe got a little exhausting.
I liked McKenna's drive as a photographer and seeing her help out at the B&B in Tennessee while waiting for the airline to find Nate's lost luggage (the real villain of the story, honestly). It was cute and clean, but I think I overhyped the
"forced proximity" aspect in my head. It was a sweet read, but it didn't quite have the spark I was expecting.
I really wanted to love this more because the setup was so fun—I mean, a botched proposal, a missing heirloom ring, and a stranger (Nate) accidentally flying off with it? It's the perfect rom-com recipe. But for me, the "comedy of errors" vibe got a little exhausting.
I liked McKenna's drive as a photographer and seeing her help out at the B&B in Tennessee while waiting for the airline to find Nate's lost luggage (the real villain of the story, honestly). It was cute and clean, but I think I overhyped the
"forced proximity" aspect in my head. It was a sweet read, but it didn't quite have the spark I was expecting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
January 1, 2026This was a super cute contemporary romcom that has so many fun hilarious moments that you can't help but laugh out loud and also feel so many mixed emotions. There are faith elements and emotional pain that both FMC and MMC have to work through apart and together which added a layer of realism to the story. Definitely a perfect easy romcom read guaranteed to carry you through ALL the feels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Did Not Finish
January 20, 2026I received a free copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing this one.
I am DNF'ing this one at 5%
I started it and the writing style and tone did just not work for me. It was supposed to be funny, but I did not find it funny and figured it this was how the book started I wouldn't enjoy it. So I decided to DNF it. The blurb made this one sound fun, but while reading it just all felt very convoluted and farfetched and not funny.
I am DNF'ing this one at 5%
I started it and the writing style and tone did just not work for me. It was supposed to be funny, but I did not find it funny and figured it this was how the book started I wouldn't enjoy it. So I decided to DNF it. The blurb made this one sound fun, but while reading it just all felt very convoluted and farfetched and not funny.
April 28, 2026
There were some fun quirky side characters in this one. And the book did make me laugh. But...
I know a rom-com is by its very nature over-the-top. However, I felt like this was missing any character arc or many endearing qualities in our "hero and heroine" at all. Some of the ways the plot was wrapped up didn't make sense to me, either.
Disclosure: I received a digital review copy from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
I know a rom-com is by its very nature over-the-top. However, I felt like this was missing any character arc or many endearing qualities in our "hero and heroine" at all. Some of the ways the plot was wrapped up didn't make sense to me, either.
Disclosure: I received a digital review copy from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
April 21, 2026
Not What We Pictured is another great laugh-out-loud RomCom by Becca Kinzer! There's friendship, family and a small town community. Hi-jinx ensue. And romance!
April 23, 2026
3.5
very fun
loved the dynamic
very fun
loved the dynamic
May 4, 2026
Such a funny story!
May 4, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
April 26, 2026
⭐⭐1/2
Plot is too ridiculous.
Plot is too ridiculous.
October 5, 2025
I am gone. Deceased and will never recover … like are you actually kidding me 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
YES YES YES
💀😏💀😏💀😏💀💀💀💀💀💀
ugh how can this book make me emotional while also be so entertaining
#gilmoregirlssmalltowncoded
*queue eldest daughter
🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠😐🫠
YES YES YES
💀😏💀😏💀😏💀💀💀💀💀💀
ugh how can this book make me emotional while also be so entertaining
#gilmoregirlssmalltowncoded
*queue eldest daughter
🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠😐🫠
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer (April 2026) [reading in March]
10h 57m narrated by CJ Bloom, 352 pages
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance, Romantic Comedy
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations and innuendos
Featuring: Enemies-to-Lovers, Photographer, Small-Town near Omaha, Nebraska; 6'1" FMC, Photography Studio, Los Angeles, California; Fake Dating, Loss Ring, Sexual Innuendos, Kissing, Fictional Small-Town Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Bed & Breakfast, Sisters, Family Dynamics, Meeting Minutes, Parental Abandonment, Buffalo, New York; Tricenarians, Friendships, Farm, Hijinks,
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½📷📚💍🐓👓
My thoughts: 📱 33% 6h 37 minutes left Chapter 28 - This humorous but the writing is kinda clunky.
The Christian Fiction elements were minimal, and there were sexual innuendos that seemed unsuitable for the genre, subtly suggesting lust and illicit sexual activity resulting in pregnancy. The female protagonist offered a few prayers, but they were of a casual nature, similar to what one might hear from a non-believer, such as "Please God, don't let X happen!" The male protagonist mentioned attending an online church service and alluded to God as a father. Based on these criteria, one might even consider John Grisham's works to be Christian Fiction. I would feel comfortable giving this book to one of my children when they were 12-year-old, but I might be hesitant to offer it to a devout Christian, such as my mother-in-law or aunt, as they approach matters of faith with great seriousness and wouldn't find jokes about lust and fornication funny. Ultimately, this is a clean romance. The writing style evokes the feel of a 1970s sitcom, which may be your thing. It tends to emphasize humor more than romance, not quite 3 Stooges. Ultimately, I found the story enjoyable, though it did not fully captivate me.
Recommend to others: Maybe, if you're into Denise Hunter, Melody Carlson, or even the contemporary series of Shelly Shepherd Gray you may want to check this book out.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel, "Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?," "Sisters" by Rosemary Clooney and Trudy Stevens,"Truck Still Works" by Brad Paisley, "Heart Like a Hometown" by Keith Urban, "If You Hadn't Been There" by Dolly Parton, "When Life Gets Broken" by Sandi Patty, "The Lighthouse" by Stevie Nicks, "Once Before I Go" by Barry Manilow, "American Girls" by Harry Styles, "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift, "We Could Have Been the Closest of Friends" by Sammy Davis Jr., "The Creator Has a Master Plan (Peace)" by Louis Armstrong, "Buona Sera" by Louis Prima, "Sakatumi" by Louis Jordan, "Louie Louie" by Richard Berry, Thank You For Waiting (For Me) by Harry Connick Jr., "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, "Just Kiss Me" by Harry Connick, Jr., "That's What Cowboys Do" by Garth Brooks, "It Had To Be You" by Harry Connick Jr., "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, "Take On Me"by A-ha, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes, "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Harry Connick Jr, "You're Where I Belong" by Trisha Yearwood, "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
Books and Authors mentioned: The Fellowship of the Ring by John R. R. Tolkien, VeggieTales by Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki, Life Is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni and Vincenzo Cerami, Seinfeld by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, Rainer Maria Rilke, A Night Without Armor by Jewel, Crowded Tub by Shel Silverstein, Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Toy Story by Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, and Alec Sokolow; E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial by Melissa Mathison, Back to the Future by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, Dirty Dancing by Eleanor Bergstein, Hope Floats by Steven Rogers, Independence Day by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich
10h 57m narrated by CJ Bloom, 352 pages
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance, Romantic Comedy
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations and innuendos
Featuring: Enemies-to-Lovers, Photographer, Small-Town near Omaha, Nebraska; 6'1" FMC, Photography Studio, Los Angeles, California; Fake Dating, Loss Ring, Sexual Innuendos, Kissing, Fictional Small-Town Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Bed & Breakfast, Sisters, Family Dynamics, Meeting Minutes, Parental Abandonment, Buffalo, New York; Tricenarians, Friendships, Farm, Hijinks,
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½📷📚💍🐓👓
My thoughts: 📱 33% 6h 37 minutes left Chapter 28 - This humorous but the writing is kinda clunky.
The Christian Fiction elements were minimal, and there were sexual innuendos that seemed unsuitable for the genre, subtly suggesting lust and illicit sexual activity resulting in pregnancy. The female protagonist offered a few prayers, but they were of a casual nature, similar to what one might hear from a non-believer, such as "Please God, don't let X happen!" The male protagonist mentioned attending an online church service and alluded to God as a father. Based on these criteria, one might even consider John Grisham's works to be Christian Fiction. I would feel comfortable giving this book to one of my children when they were 12-year-old, but I might be hesitant to offer it to a devout Christian, such as my mother-in-law or aunt, as they approach matters of faith with great seriousness and wouldn't find jokes about lust and fornication funny. Ultimately, this is a clean romance. The writing style evokes the feel of a 1970s sitcom, which may be your thing. It tends to emphasize humor more than romance, not quite 3 Stooges. Ultimately, I found the story enjoyable, though it did not fully captivate me.
Recommend to others: Maybe, if you're into Denise Hunter, Melody Carlson, or even the contemporary series of Shelly Shepherd Gray you may want to check this book out.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel, "Who Took the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?," "Sisters" by Rosemary Clooney and Trudy Stevens,"Truck Still Works" by Brad Paisley, "Heart Like a Hometown" by Keith Urban, "If You Hadn't Been There" by Dolly Parton, "When Life Gets Broken" by Sandi Patty, "The Lighthouse" by Stevie Nicks, "Once Before I Go" by Barry Manilow, "American Girls" by Harry Styles, "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift, "We Could Have Been the Closest of Friends" by Sammy Davis Jr., "The Creator Has a Master Plan (Peace)" by Louis Armstrong, "Buona Sera" by Louis Prima, "Sakatumi" by Louis Jordan, "Louie Louie" by Richard Berry, Thank You For Waiting (For Me) by Harry Connick Jr., "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, "Just Kiss Me" by Harry Connick, Jr., "That's What Cowboys Do" by Garth Brooks, "It Had To Be You" by Harry Connick Jr., "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, "Take On Me"by A-ha, "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes, "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Harry Connick Jr, "You're Where I Belong" by Trisha Yearwood, "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
Books and Authors mentioned: The Fellowship of the Ring by John R. R. Tolkien, VeggieTales by Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki, Life Is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni and Vincenzo Cerami, Seinfeld by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, Rainer Maria Rilke, A Night Without Armor by Jewel, Crowded Tub by Shel Silverstein, Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon, Toy Story by Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, and Alec Sokolow; E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial by Melissa Mathison, Back to the Future by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, Dirty Dancing by Eleanor Bergstein, Hope Floats by Steven Rogers, Independence Day by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich
April 22, 2026
Thank you Becca Kinzer, NetGalley and Tyndale house Publishers for this ARC!
A Hilarious and Heartfelt Journey!
From the very first words, this book captivated me! It opens with an amusing misunderstanding: McKenna, the main character, did not kiss Nate the first time they met, despite Nate joking about her being a "nut job." Their initial encounter at the police station, where they're separated in different rooms recounting their side of the story, sets the tone for a delightful read.
Just four days prior, McKenna was filming her sister’s marriage proposal when she discovered a potentially dead body on a bench. Oliver is proposing to her sister Bobbi for what seems like the umpteenth time, and McKenna is determined to ensure this proposal goes smoothly, despite the chaos around them. Bobbi is receiving an heirloom ring from their dying mother, a promise McKenna made. Meanwhile, McKenna is weighing a job opportunity in Los Angeles that could be perfect for her, but first, her sister needs to get engaged.
Oliver claims that McKenna is a jinx and every time she films them, disaster strikes. In a funny twist, McKenna accidentally sprays the body with Windex, which causes the “dead” man to wake up and accidentally knock her over. Their banter is charming; he calls her the "bench bully" as he walks away, and their meet-cute is hilariously chaotic.
Nate, the stranger aka as dead body, came to Nebraska for a sad reason, his mentor's death but finds himself intrigued by McKenna. Their witty exchanges are delightful, especially when Nate calls her "chaotic" and "crazy pants." Their connection builds as they start to bond over the situation, leading to a kiss that sparks curiosity rather than annoyance in them both.
The storyline escalates with Oliver’s disastrous proposal, which ends in comedic mayhem, falling into a river and requiring Nate's assistance, leading to a series of injuries and hospital antics. McKenna once again faces the unpredictability of her sister's engagement, compelling her to stay and help.
As McKenna navigates her chaotic life and the evolving relationship with Nate, the quirky charm of the bed-and-breakfast setting provides a warm backdrop for their growing connection. Despite all the mishaps, Nate and McKenna find themselves drawn to each other, resulting in a series of laugh-out-loud moments that capture the essence of their chaotic romance.
The plot thickens with Oliver's determination to propose to Bobbi again and McKenna's hilarious attempts to retrieve a lost engagement ring. The misunderstandings and character dynamics lead to heartwarming revelations and an uplifting message about love and perseverance.
This book is a whirlwind of humor mixed with heartfelt moments. The chemistry between McKenna and Nate grows as they confront various challenges together. Their banter is sharp, and the situations they find themselves in are nothing short of comical, making for an engaging read.
In the end, I adored how McKenna and Nate found their happy ending amidst the chaos. This was my first book by Becca, and her writing is delightful. I look forward to reading more of her work!
A Hilarious and Heartfelt Journey!
From the very first words, this book captivated me! It opens with an amusing misunderstanding: McKenna, the main character, did not kiss Nate the first time they met, despite Nate joking about her being a "nut job." Their initial encounter at the police station, where they're separated in different rooms recounting their side of the story, sets the tone for a delightful read.
Just four days prior, McKenna was filming her sister’s marriage proposal when she discovered a potentially dead body on a bench. Oliver is proposing to her sister Bobbi for what seems like the umpteenth time, and McKenna is determined to ensure this proposal goes smoothly, despite the chaos around them. Bobbi is receiving an heirloom ring from their dying mother, a promise McKenna made. Meanwhile, McKenna is weighing a job opportunity in Los Angeles that could be perfect for her, but first, her sister needs to get engaged.
Oliver claims that McKenna is a jinx and every time she films them, disaster strikes. In a funny twist, McKenna accidentally sprays the body with Windex, which causes the “dead” man to wake up and accidentally knock her over. Their banter is charming; he calls her the "bench bully" as he walks away, and their meet-cute is hilariously chaotic.
Nate, the stranger aka as dead body, came to Nebraska for a sad reason, his mentor's death but finds himself intrigued by McKenna. Their witty exchanges are delightful, especially when Nate calls her "chaotic" and "crazy pants." Their connection builds as they start to bond over the situation, leading to a kiss that sparks curiosity rather than annoyance in them both.
The storyline escalates with Oliver’s disastrous proposal, which ends in comedic mayhem, falling into a river and requiring Nate's assistance, leading to a series of injuries and hospital antics. McKenna once again faces the unpredictability of her sister's engagement, compelling her to stay and help.
As McKenna navigates her chaotic life and the evolving relationship with Nate, the quirky charm of the bed-and-breakfast setting provides a warm backdrop for their growing connection. Despite all the mishaps, Nate and McKenna find themselves drawn to each other, resulting in a series of laugh-out-loud moments that capture the essence of their chaotic romance.
The plot thickens with Oliver's determination to propose to Bobbi again and McKenna's hilarious attempts to retrieve a lost engagement ring. The misunderstandings and character dynamics lead to heartwarming revelations and an uplifting message about love and perseverance.
This book is a whirlwind of humor mixed with heartfelt moments. The chemistry between McKenna and Nate grows as they confront various challenges together. Their banter is sharp, and the situations they find themselves in are nothing short of comical, making for an engaging read.
In the end, I adored how McKenna and Nate found their happy ending amidst the chaos. This was my first book by Becca, and her writing is delightful. I look forward to reading more of her work!
April 13, 2026
I listened to Not What We Pictured as an audiobook, and honestly—it’s the definition of a romcom in spirit. Cute, charming, a little bit cringe (affectionately), and full of heart. Becca Kinzer’s prose absolutely stole the show for me. Every line felt vivid and intentional, with descriptions so lively I could see the story unfolding. The character dynamics were priceless, each person wonderfully distinct, and the small-town setting was perfection: the chickens, Gus, the cheese, the meetings, the Southern lady gossip… and THE HARRYS. I was losing it over the Harrys.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth behind the quirk. McKenna’s internal struggles, paired with her endearing awkwardness, felt incredibly relatable. Themes of self-worth, independence, forgiveness, and trying new things were woven in thoughtfully. The bed-and-breakfast renovation, concert planning, and close-knit community added such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This is very much a slow-burn, closed-door romance—gentle, character-driven, and focused on growth both individually and as a couple.
McKenna and Nate meet under less-than-ideal circumstances, and while I found them both a little rude (and frustrating) at first, I really appreciated how their relationship unfolded naturally and unhurriedly. Their connection felt believable—actual conversations, flirting, vulnerability, and realistic thoughts about the future included. Nate gently challenges McKenna to choose herself, while navigating his own grief over losing a mentor who was like a father to him, which added emotional weight. That said, the story juggles a lot of plot points, and I did feel like one or two too many took time away from Nate and McKenna.
A few things didn’t fully work for me. The book is written in third person, which I personally struggle with, and I went in expecting more laugh-out-loud humour. While there are witty moments, this read more like a soft contemporary romance than a full-on romcom. Nate’s family backstory—especially his father’s career-first mindset—felt underdeveloped and unresolved. And listen… OLIVER SUCKS. Truly. Sir, if you are actively looking for excuses not to propose while emotionally stringing someone along? Get out.
The audiobook narration by CJ Bloom was a highlight—she nailed both the emotional beats and lighter moments, keeping me fully engaged. I also loved the author’s note at the end explaining how the story was inspired by real-life events.
Overall, Not What We Pictured is a warm, cozy, small-town romance with a strong sense of place, genuine relationship building, and plenty of charming chaos. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but it ended up being a heartfelt, comforting read—perfect if you’re in the mood for something gentle, reflective, and full of personality. 💛
𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 comes out : 𝗔𝗽𝗿 𝟮𝟭 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲✨
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth behind the quirk. McKenna’s internal struggles, paired with her endearing awkwardness, felt incredibly relatable. Themes of self-worth, independence, forgiveness, and trying new things were woven in thoughtfully. The bed-and-breakfast renovation, concert planning, and close-knit community added such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This is very much a slow-burn, closed-door romance—gentle, character-driven, and focused on growth both individually and as a couple.
McKenna and Nate meet under less-than-ideal circumstances, and while I found them both a little rude (and frustrating) at first, I really appreciated how their relationship unfolded naturally and unhurriedly. Their connection felt believable—actual conversations, flirting, vulnerability, and realistic thoughts about the future included. Nate gently challenges McKenna to choose herself, while navigating his own grief over losing a mentor who was like a father to him, which added emotional weight. That said, the story juggles a lot of plot points, and I did feel like one or two too many took time away from Nate and McKenna.
A few things didn’t fully work for me. The book is written in third person, which I personally struggle with, and I went in expecting more laugh-out-loud humour. While there are witty moments, this read more like a soft contemporary romance than a full-on romcom. Nate’s family backstory—especially his father’s career-first mindset—felt underdeveloped and unresolved. And listen… OLIVER SUCKS. Truly. Sir, if you are actively looking for excuses not to propose while emotionally stringing someone along? Get out.
The audiobook narration by CJ Bloom was a highlight—she nailed both the emotional beats and lighter moments, keeping me fully engaged. I also loved the author’s note at the end explaining how the story was inspired by real-life events.
Overall, Not What We Pictured is a warm, cozy, small-town romance with a strong sense of place, genuine relationship building, and plenty of charming chaos. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but it ended up being a heartfelt, comforting read—perfect if you’re in the mood for something gentle, reflective, and full of personality. 💛
𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙙 comes out : 𝗔𝗽𝗿 𝟮𝟭 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲✨
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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