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It Shouldn't Be You
To revive his stalled career, jaded journalist Declan Collins is assigned to cover the Hamiltons' extravagant Christmas party—the same Hamiltons who are demolishing the community centre where Declan spent some of the best moments of his childhood.
Addey Bennet, the event planner behind the party, needs everything to go perfectly. Her business is on the line, and so is her chance to mend a strained relationship with her powerful parents—the ones footing the bill.
Neither of them expects the spark between them.
Addey never planned to fall for the man who resents everything her family stands for. Declan never imagined he'd be drawn to the Hamiltons’ daughter. But as tensions rise and emotions deepen, their unexpected connection could cost them everything they’ve worked for—and maybe even a shot at love.
It's Gilmore Girls meets Romeo and Juliet in this heartfelt, kissing only story, combing humour and faith, with sparks flying off the page.
Addey Bennet, the event planner behind the party, needs everything to go perfectly. Her business is on the line, and so is her chance to mend a strained relationship with her powerful parents—the ones footing the bill.
Neither of them expects the spark between them.
Addey never planned to fall for the man who resents everything her family stands for. Declan never imagined he'd be drawn to the Hamiltons’ daughter. But as tensions rise and emotions deepen, their unexpected connection could cost them everything they’ve worked for—and maybe even a shot at love.
It's Gilmore Girls meets Romeo and Juliet in this heartfelt, kissing only story, combing humour and faith, with sparks flying off the page.
- GenresChristmas
368 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2025
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 1, 2025
This was the first book I have read written by Jessica Wakefield, and it will not be my last. It Shouldn’t Be You was perfect. It was an easy read and well written. The storyline was captivating and drew me in from the start.
The character development was great. Declan truly was an onion with different layers to him. There was more to him than first impressions. Getting to see inside the layers of Declan helped shed light on his actions. Watching Addey and Declan fall in love. It was a Romeo and Juliet story of two star-crossed lovers. Taking a step back, it was evident that Addey and Declan weren’t that different. There were a lot of supporting characters that helped support Declan and Addey. One of my favorite characters was Grandma Charlotte Hamilton. She came across as a harsh old lady who didn’t like to meddle in anything. By the end of the book, she jumps in and meddles, and we see the true side to Charlotte.
I loved getting a view on caring for a parent with early onset Alzheimer’s. Seeing how Declan and Nicky did what they could to try to help their mom. It helped shed light on what some people might be going through who are in that circumstance. The hard times of their parent not even recognizing them one day or being angry another day.
The relationship that unfolds between Declan and Addey is so sweet. They both bring out the best in each other and help each other grow. They start out hesitant and not wanting to step across the unseen line of enemy territory. But the more they resist, the more they are drawn to each other and fall in love. Overall, it was a good wholesome romance with nothing ‘spicy’ which I appreciate.
Jessica Wakefield did include prayer, mention of going to church, and reference of God. The book was not overly Christian, but it did point us to God in the situations.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
The character development was great. Declan truly was an onion with different layers to him. There was more to him than first impressions. Getting to see inside the layers of Declan helped shed light on his actions. Watching Addey and Declan fall in love. It was a Romeo and Juliet story of two star-crossed lovers. Taking a step back, it was evident that Addey and Declan weren’t that different. There were a lot of supporting characters that helped support Declan and Addey. One of my favorite characters was Grandma Charlotte Hamilton. She came across as a harsh old lady who didn’t like to meddle in anything. By the end of the book, she jumps in and meddles, and we see the true side to Charlotte.
I loved getting a view on caring for a parent with early onset Alzheimer’s. Seeing how Declan and Nicky did what they could to try to help their mom. It helped shed light on what some people might be going through who are in that circumstance. The hard times of their parent not even recognizing them one day or being angry another day.
The relationship that unfolds between Declan and Addey is so sweet. They both bring out the best in each other and help each other grow. They start out hesitant and not wanting to step across the unseen line of enemy territory. But the more they resist, the more they are drawn to each other and fall in love. Overall, it was a good wholesome romance with nothing ‘spicy’ which I appreciate.
Jessica Wakefield did include prayer, mention of going to church, and reference of God. The book was not overly Christian, but it did point us to God in the situations.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2025
I typically try not to get caught up in romance books, but this book was sweet.
But this book was beautiful, not because it was about two people falling in love, though that is always a beautiful thing, but the story of forgiveness that took place.
Declan and Addy were both betrayed and hurt by bronken parents, something that I think every single one of us has experienced in various degrees. That hurt influenced their lives in negative ways, and particularly for Declan, it made him bitter and angry where he hurt others around him.
But never say never. Because you never know who is going to come into your life to soften your heart and make you want to be a better person, like Addy did for Declan.
But this book was beautiful, not because it was about two people falling in love, though that is always a beautiful thing, but the story of forgiveness that took place.
Declan and Addy were both betrayed and hurt by bronken parents, something that I think every single one of us has experienced in various degrees. That hurt influenced their lives in negative ways, and particularly for Declan, it made him bitter and angry where he hurt others around him.
But never say never. Because you never know who is going to come into your life to soften your heart and make you want to be a better person, like Addy did for Declan.
August 10, 2025
Just fantastic! Two people destined to hate each other, but end up together in the end. This book was fun, funny, and just a pleasure to read. If you love no spice, no swearing, Christian undertones kind of books while also having hilarious moments, this one is for you!
August 17, 2025
Took this book on vacay with me and it didn’t disappoint . Enjoyed the romance and the characters’ flaws that spurned their decisions. I’ve loved this author’s previous books and will definitely continue to read!!
July 12, 2025
I got an ARC from the author and in my opinion this is the best book Jessica's written to date. I really enjoyed the interactions between Declan and Addey. The family dynamics between the two families are very interesting. I think you will love it. I did. The book releases July 29th. Please pick up a copy.
August 15, 2025
4.5/5 Stars!
It Shouldn’t be You was the most beautiful story of redemption & forgiveness! I had some trouble getting into this book at first because of the Alzheimer’s on page and going through that with my own relative, but by the halfway point I was excited to see what would happen next!
The setting was in beautiful Virginia, and I love how Jessica brought some of the rich history of Virginia into the storyline. Dec & Addy were so lovable and it was amazing to see them grow and change over the course of the book. The ending and epilogues were great! (Especially the very last paragraph of said epilogues)
🌶️ Spice: Clean/Only Kissing
🤐 Language: None
‼️ There is a consistent on page battle with Alzheimer’s, if that’s something your family has closely struggled with…this might be a little difficult for you!
This was my first book by Jessica and I think she did a great job telling a beautiful story! ✨
It Shouldn’t be You was the most beautiful story of redemption & forgiveness! I had some trouble getting into this book at first because of the Alzheimer’s on page and going through that with my own relative, but by the halfway point I was excited to see what would happen next!
The setting was in beautiful Virginia, and I love how Jessica brought some of the rich history of Virginia into the storyline. Dec & Addy were so lovable and it was amazing to see them grow and change over the course of the book. The ending and epilogues were great! (Especially the very last paragraph of said epilogues)
🌶️ Spice: Clean/Only Kissing
🤐 Language: None
‼️ There is a consistent on page battle with Alzheimer’s, if that’s something your family has closely struggled with…this might be a little difficult for you!
This was my first book by Jessica and I think she did a great job telling a beautiful story! ✨
September 14, 2025
It Shouldn't Be You by Jessica Wakefield is a well written captivating story about two people who should hate each other.
Watching Declan and Addey fall in love was so sweet. The demise of the Community Center and the strained relationships with their parents, was a bond waiting to happen. Addey's involvement with senior residents and Declan's mother with early stage Alzheimer’s draws them together. Tensions rise and emotions deepen as they find resolution in the spark that happens between them.
This was a fun clean wholesome romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Watching Declan and Addey fall in love was so sweet. The demise of the Community Center and the strained relationships with their parents, was a bond waiting to happen. Addey's involvement with senior residents and Declan's mother with early stage Alzheimer’s draws them together. Tensions rise and emotions deepen as they find resolution in the spark that happens between them.
This was a fun clean wholesome romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
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July 6, 2025A sweet story about family, anger, forgiveness and love.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews