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Right Guy, Wrong Time: A #MeToo Love Story
Edie has what seems like an almost-perfect life: awesome friends, a comfortable apartment she shares with the world’s greatest cat, and a dream job as a record label talent scout. But all is not what it seems. Conflicts are heating up in her life and at work, and things take a serious turn for the worse when she is raped while on a date. Navigating pleasure, work, friends, and her forever-changed mental state after her assault is hard enough. But when the perfect guy turns up at the worst possible time, Edie has to figure out what romance and sex mean to her in the aftermath of rape. This offbeat feminist romance moves beyond “girl meets guy,” dealing empathetically with sexual dysfunction, the ubiquity of rape culture, and what recovery can look like in the #MeToo era.
Although it tackles a difficult subject, Right Guy, Wrong Time does so in a way that empowers the reader. The protagonist of this New Adult novel is a relatable character who in many ways provides a good role model for others.
Categories: New Adult, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Romance
Although it tackles a difficult subject, Right Guy, Wrong Time does so in a way that empowers the reader. The protagonist of this New Adult novel is a relatable character who in many ways provides a good role model for others.
Categories: New Adult, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Romance
- GenresRomance
205 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2019
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 8, 2021
| Read on Reader Fox |
Rape is a trauma. What's worse is it's often a trauma the victim has been indoctrinated into blaming themselves for. We question how much we are to blame for what happened to us, what we could have done differently to avoid such an outcome. This moment replays over and over again in our minds, seeping into both mundane and important moments of our lives. We question if it even really happened. We do this even though the only one to blame is the rapist.
I read this Right Guy, Wrong Time, under a different title, for the first time in 2019. I recall, at the time, thinking this was not a book that I would read lightly. Due to the title, which was jarring and uncomfortable, I went into the read thinking that I would read it as critically as possible.
What I learned was that the situation the main character finds herself in is jarring and uncomfortable.
And it would have to be. This is an incredibly insightful and respectful account of a young woman's struggle to work with the incredible trauma that comes from having been raped. It follows the delicate mind-work surrounding its aftermath, realizing the truth as it is and coming to terms with it. This book handles the subject matter well, portraying the difficulty of functioning with trauma in a society that just does not take it seriously. A society that is, unfortunately, filled with troubling men and women who feel entitled to the bodies of other people.
I said it before; Right Guy, Wrong Time is, without question, the best portrayal of the aftermath of a rape I have ever read in a novel.
I have been deeply impressed with the novel as a whole. And I think it's important to note how direct the novel is in addressing feelings people experience in real life. But it's also important to recognize that the traumatic themes discussed within this book are very difficult to read. Our main character truly suffers in many ways. The trauma follows her throughout so many moments in her life after the event.
Rape is not something to cover up in something pretty, not meant to be shielded from or ignored. Rather, this is something that we need to discuss and tackle head-on in every single way possible. We need to until we live in a society, and world, that takes these issues seriously on every level. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the event. This trauma does not leave its victims. It permeates their entire lives, from work-life, to friendships, to relationships.
This doesn't ever fully leave you, even if it sometimes becomes easier to live with.
In its original publication, Right Guy, Wrong Time was marketed as a romantic comedy. At the time, I did not see it that way. And I'm genuinely pleased to see that this was toned down a bit in the new publication. Now, we see this book presented to the world as a realistic look at what recovery looks like after rape.
To me, this novel is kind of a dark and therapeutic book. It's one that takes a real and deep look at the painful and damaging experience of life after rape trauma. Recovery is not an easy path by any means. While it may not be one you have to take alone, it is one that leaves you with harrowing experiences. The trauma alone allows even the simplest of moments to send you back deep into that dark place.
I do genuinely believe that this is a book that is important for others to read. It'll be important to survivors of abuse, experiencing someone shedding light on their experiences. And it will be important to men and women who don't fully understand this trauma. I genuinely believe it has the ability to open eyes. Just what does someone go through after they've been sexually assaulted? How does it take over their lives? What mundane and important moments does it seep into?
I was especially impressed and pleased to have seen the inclusion of vaginismus represented in Edie's story, as well, something I have never seen before.
It's not a perfect novel. But it is an important one.
I've left this book feeling better for the fact that it exists. I found myself relating, in many ways, to Edie as she struggled through the aftermath of her rape and multiple assaults. I've left this book feeling as though, for the first time, I see a character who understands something painful I've been through. They understand it on a deeper level than most. And this is something I've not had the experience of feeling before.
I've also left this book hopeful. I'm hopeful, as the world continues to spin, we'll one day have a world where people are respectful of boundaries. I'm hopeful there will be a world where survivors of these traumas will find empathy and understanding in their path to recovery.
I know these feelings aren't all due to this book. Many came from the growth of the #MeToo movement, which the author has admitted fueled some of her writing as she was working on a draft when it began.
I am glad to have read it. I think I am better for having read it. Maybe, others will be, too.
| Reader Fox Links |
The thought of her even doubting for a second that I was telling the truth was even harder. I was having trouble convincing myself that it had happened--that that had really happened, to me--
Rape is a trauma. What's worse is it's often a trauma the victim has been indoctrinated into blaming themselves for. We question how much we are to blame for what happened to us, what we could have done differently to avoid such an outcome. This moment replays over and over again in our minds, seeping into both mundane and important moments of our lives. We question if it even really happened. We do this even though the only one to blame is the rapist.
It was as though every feeling that I'd done such a good job of ignoring had come rushing down on top of me all at once.
I read this Right Guy, Wrong Time, under a different title, for the first time in 2019. I recall, at the time, thinking this was not a book that I would read lightly. Due to the title, which was jarring and uncomfortable, I went into the read thinking that I would read it as critically as possible.
What I learned was that the situation the main character finds herself in is jarring and uncomfortable.
And it would have to be. This is an incredibly insightful and respectful account of a young woman's struggle to work with the incredible trauma that comes from having been raped. It follows the delicate mind-work surrounding its aftermath, realizing the truth as it is and coming to terms with it. This book handles the subject matter well, portraying the difficulty of functioning with trauma in a society that just does not take it seriously. A society that is, unfortunately, filled with troubling men and women who feel entitled to the bodies of other people.
I said it before; Right Guy, Wrong Time is, without question, the best portrayal of the aftermath of a rape I have ever read in a novel.
...the exact same feeling of helplessness and hopelessness and fuck fuck fuck.
I have been deeply impressed with the novel as a whole. And I think it's important to note how direct the novel is in addressing feelings people experience in real life. But it's also important to recognize that the traumatic themes discussed within this book are very difficult to read. Our main character truly suffers in many ways. The trauma follows her throughout so many moments in her life after the event.
Rape is not something to cover up in something pretty, not meant to be shielded from or ignored. Rather, this is something that we need to discuss and tackle head-on in every single way possible. We need to until we live in a society, and world, that takes these issues seriously on every level. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the event. This trauma does not leave its victims. It permeates their entire lives, from work-life, to friendships, to relationships.
This doesn't ever fully leave you, even if it sometimes becomes easier to live with.
It was hard not to hate men, sometimes. Not all men--well, not Phillip, at least-- but I would walk down the street and look around and wonder how many of those men had made someone feel the way I did.
In its original publication, Right Guy, Wrong Time was marketed as a romantic comedy. At the time, I did not see it that way. And I'm genuinely pleased to see that this was toned down a bit in the new publication. Now, we see this book presented to the world as a realistic look at what recovery looks like after rape.
To me, this novel is kind of a dark and therapeutic book. It's one that takes a real and deep look at the painful and damaging experience of life after rape trauma. Recovery is not an easy path by any means. While it may not be one you have to take alone, it is one that leaves you with harrowing experiences. The trauma alone allows even the simplest of moments to send you back deep into that dark place.
I do genuinely believe that this is a book that is important for others to read. It'll be important to survivors of abuse, experiencing someone shedding light on their experiences. And it will be important to men and women who don't fully understand this trauma. I genuinely believe it has the ability to open eyes. Just what does someone go through after they've been sexually assaulted? How does it take over their lives? What mundane and important moments does it seep into?
I was especially impressed and pleased to have seen the inclusion of vaginismus represented in Edie's story, as well, something I have never seen before.
It's not a perfect novel. But it is an important one.
I just feel like I'm broken and I'm dragging you along with my brokenness and it doesn't feel fair because I don't know if I'll ever be normal again.
I've left this book feeling better for the fact that it exists. I found myself relating, in many ways, to Edie as she struggled through the aftermath of her rape and multiple assaults. I've left this book feeling as though, for the first time, I see a character who understands something painful I've been through. They understand it on a deeper level than most. And this is something I've not had the experience of feeling before.
I've also left this book hopeful. I'm hopeful, as the world continues to spin, we'll one day have a world where people are respectful of boundaries. I'm hopeful there will be a world where survivors of these traumas will find empathy and understanding in their path to recovery.
I know these feelings aren't all due to this book. Many came from the growth of the #MeToo movement, which the author has admitted fueled some of her writing as she was working on a draft when it began.
I am glad to have read it. I think I am better for having read it. Maybe, others will be, too.
| Reader Fox Links |
February 23, 2021
I receive a print ARC [Advance Reader’s Copy] of this book from the publisher and the following is my honest opinion.
While one of the most beautiful, most marvelous things any woman can experience in her life is that of giving birth to her first child; the most terrifying, the most horrific things any woman can experience is being rape. It’s one thing being raped by an unknown, sex-craved male; being raped by a guy a woman has dated a few times already can have a profound effect on her psyche and the way she’ll engage in sex going forwards.
One of more prevalent movements these days involving women is the ME TOO [#MeToo] movement which is a social movement that is against sexual abuse and sexual harassment towards women, where people publicize allegations of sex crimes. And one to the more aspects of this is that of being raped. Luckily, I’ve never had to endure this dramatic event in my life, but those women who have know all to well of the traumatic impact experiencing this has had on their lives.
When the book arrived, I immediately tore into it, and I got immediately swept into the shoes of the book’s protagonist, Edie, and felt particularly all of the nuances she was experiencing.
And like Edie, being in her shoes, I also would have had no idea whatsoever of how my now status post, shell-shocked existence might be transformed. Would Edie’s work ethic be changed, especially with any relationship she might have with her coworkers? And what about her desire to do things she used to love to do? But, most importantly, being a woman, how would Edie’s attitude about romance and sex be changed, especially when a new guy is about to enter her life, at the one of the untimeliest moments of her life, following the still lingering repercussions of her recent date rape.
When a new guy enters her life, while she’s still recuperating from the rape culture omnipresence in her life as she recovers from her horrific ordeal. There’s a lot of romantic comedy through the pages of this book coming from a feministic POV which adds to the complexity of what role romance and sexual interactions will now play in her life.
While it is a fictional storyline, it’s still fraught with real life reminders of a woman experiencing her life again being raped. It is a storyline that any woman who has experienced the horrors and social aftermaths of being raped can relate to, as well as giving any other woman a sense of what it’s like going through this experience and surviving so they can live again.
Given the above, I’ve given the author, Ms. MacGregor 5 STARS for her endeavor here.
While one of the most beautiful, most marvelous things any woman can experience in her life is that of giving birth to her first child; the most terrifying, the most horrific things any woman can experience is being rape. It’s one thing being raped by an unknown, sex-craved male; being raped by a guy a woman has dated a few times already can have a profound effect on her psyche and the way she’ll engage in sex going forwards.
One of more prevalent movements these days involving women is the ME TOO [#MeToo] movement which is a social movement that is against sexual abuse and sexual harassment towards women, where people publicize allegations of sex crimes. And one to the more aspects of this is that of being raped. Luckily, I’ve never had to endure this dramatic event in my life, but those women who have know all to well of the traumatic impact experiencing this has had on their lives.
When the book arrived, I immediately tore into it, and I got immediately swept into the shoes of the book’s protagonist, Edie, and felt particularly all of the nuances she was experiencing.
And like Edie, being in her shoes, I also would have had no idea whatsoever of how my now status post, shell-shocked existence might be transformed. Would Edie’s work ethic be changed, especially with any relationship she might have with her coworkers? And what about her desire to do things she used to love to do? But, most importantly, being a woman, how would Edie’s attitude about romance and sex be changed, especially when a new guy is about to enter her life, at the one of the untimeliest moments of her life, following the still lingering repercussions of her recent date rape.
When a new guy enters her life, while she’s still recuperating from the rape culture omnipresence in her life as she recovers from her horrific ordeal. There’s a lot of romantic comedy through the pages of this book coming from a feministic POV which adds to the complexity of what role romance and sexual interactions will now play in her life.
While it is a fictional storyline, it’s still fraught with real life reminders of a woman experiencing her life again being raped. It is a storyline that any woman who has experienced the horrors and social aftermaths of being raped can relate to, as well as giving any other woman a sense of what it’s like going through this experience and surviving so they can live again.
Given the above, I’ve given the author, Ms. MacGregor 5 STARS for her endeavor here.
February 4, 2024
Pains me to give any book that addresses #metoo and SA a low rating, but I didn't like this or find it well-written at all. There was zero character development, zero heart and zero feels about anything.
This book read more like a long essay than a novel. I didn't connect with most of it and did not like Edie's POV at all. If anything, her voice was grating. The only part I resonated with was when Lena spoke about her own experiences and the aftermath.
Philip was one-dimensional with no personality of his own. He is repeatedly described as being such a good and perfect guy, despite barely having any scenes in which he's actually doing something other than bare minimum. There's no chemistry or banter or good conversation, which is baffling for a book described as a love story.
I find it incredibly weird and unbelievable that the protagonist seemed to barely know Philip (again, he is seriously underdeveloped as a character) but declares him to be such as perfect dream guy. She also proclaims in Chapter 16 that "Philip had all but cured me" like???
And of course the book ends with the protagonist finally managing to have sex again. Of course. Because it's always so linear and straightforward, that there can only be a happily ever after if Edie is able to have sex again.
While I'm glad the book highlights some really difficult topics, the execution was lacking. So was the exploration of said topics, especially considering the fast pace. There was too much telling, and not enough showing or engaging the reader. I can't help but feel seriously disappointed.
Thank you BooksGoSocial for the Netgalley ARC.
This book read more like a long essay than a novel. I didn't connect with most of it and did not like Edie's POV at all. If anything, her voice was grating. The only part I resonated with was when Lena spoke about her own experiences and the aftermath.
Philip was one-dimensional with no personality of his own. He is repeatedly described as being such a good and perfect guy, despite barely having any scenes in which he's actually doing something other than bare minimum. There's no chemistry or banter or good conversation, which is baffling for a book described as a love story.
I find it incredibly weird and unbelievable that the protagonist seemed to barely know Philip (again, he is seriously underdeveloped as a character) but declares him to be such as perfect dream guy. She also proclaims in Chapter 16 that "Philip had all but cured me" like???
And of course the book ends with the protagonist finally managing to have sex again. Of course. Because it's always so linear and straightforward, that there can only be a happily ever after if Edie is able to have sex again.
While I'm glad the book highlights some really difficult topics, the execution was lacking. So was the exploration of said topics, especially considering the fast pace. There was too much telling, and not enough showing or engaging the reader. I can't help but feel seriously disappointed.
Thank you BooksGoSocial for the Netgalley ARC.
January 30, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of this book under a different title and reviewed it then but would like to share my review here, under the new title and cover, as well.
It took me a little while to get into this book, it was not really what I was expecting. Although I'm not sure what I actually was expecting. Once I got into it I enjoyed it. It comes across as a pretty heavy and serious story dealing with sexual assault and rape culture. However there is humor intertwined which makes it a little lighter and the romance was very good. It really highlights just how life changing a traumatic event can be and how difficult it is to understand for those who have not experienced such events.
I think a lot of people who have personal experience with this topic would benefit from reading it.
I would like to add that while the previous title and cover were a challenge for obvious reasons, this new one seems to be the polar opposite. The first was edgy, pushing boundaries, very taboo, borderline inappropriate, but made me think 'what on earth could this be about?', made other people say 'WTF are you reading?' Under this new name and title I'm not sure I would have given it the time of day. Probably would have scrolled right past it. This one seems very immature and soft compared to the previous. Like maybe even high school girls would pass it by. However, if it is a younger audience you are targeting, then it's definitely more appropriate. But I don't think this is a story for just young people. I feel that women of all ages will appreciate this book and I think there must be a middle ground title/cover that would be more attention grabbing for all audiences.
It took me a little while to get into this book, it was not really what I was expecting. Although I'm not sure what I actually was expecting. Once I got into it I enjoyed it. It comes across as a pretty heavy and serious story dealing with sexual assault and rape culture. However there is humor intertwined which makes it a little lighter and the romance was very good. It really highlights just how life changing a traumatic event can be and how difficult it is to understand for those who have not experienced such events.
I think a lot of people who have personal experience with this topic would benefit from reading it.
I would like to add that while the previous title and cover were a challenge for obvious reasons, this new one seems to be the polar opposite. The first was edgy, pushing boundaries, very taboo, borderline inappropriate, but made me think 'what on earth could this be about?', made other people say 'WTF are you reading?' Under this new name and title I'm not sure I would have given it the time of day. Probably would have scrolled right past it. This one seems very immature and soft compared to the previous. Like maybe even high school girls would pass it by. However, if it is a younger audience you are targeting, then it's definitely more appropriate. But I don't think this is a story for just young people. I feel that women of all ages will appreciate this book and I think there must be a middle ground title/cover that would be more attention grabbing for all audiences.
March 14, 2021
I originally received this book through the LibraryThing Member Giveaway program under a different name in 2019. Right before the name change, I was sent a request to review the novel under its new title.
Right Guy, Wrong Time was actually more enjoyable the second time around, and it had nothing to do with the name change. I read the book under its original title two years ago, and I changed enough in two years that my experience with the book was different. For instance, the sex scenes in the novel were entirely unchanged, but I enjoyed them more this time. I was surprised when I read my old review and saw that I thought they didn't fit, as they are a very important part of Edie's recovery and the book would not be complete without them.
I found this book to be an important depiction of the way rape can affect the lives of the people who have to survive it. Edie is an enjoyable and realistic character, which makes reading about her struggle an emotional journey. I found that her multiple experiences with sexual harassment after her rape were written well. They were a good reminder that many women have to suffer through many counts of non-consensual sexual encounters, and not just one traumatic event.
I found that Edie's lack of the word "rape" gave the novel a very realistic feel. It was nice to read a character who went through similar struggles to me. It can be really hard to put a name to traumatic experiences that happen to us, and Edie's struggle to use the name made me feel for her more.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I am not much of a re-reader, so the fact that I enjoyed it more the second time around solidifies for me the fact that it is a well-written novel. I would recommend this to anyone struggling with the after-effects of sexual assault, those who know people who are suffering, or for just anyone looking for an emotional and realistic book. I think that it's important that we have more novels that highlight the journey of recovering from a sexual assault, and Louise MacGregoor did a great job of writing one.
Right Guy, Wrong Time was actually more enjoyable the second time around, and it had nothing to do with the name change. I read the book under its original title two years ago, and I changed enough in two years that my experience with the book was different. For instance, the sex scenes in the novel were entirely unchanged, but I enjoyed them more this time. I was surprised when I read my old review and saw that I thought they didn't fit, as they are a very important part of Edie's recovery and the book would not be complete without them.
I found this book to be an important depiction of the way rape can affect the lives of the people who have to survive it. Edie is an enjoyable and realistic character, which makes reading about her struggle an emotional journey. I found that her multiple experiences with sexual harassment after her rape were written well. They were a good reminder that many women have to suffer through many counts of non-consensual sexual encounters, and not just one traumatic event.
I found that Edie's lack of the word "rape" gave the novel a very realistic feel. It was nice to read a character who went through similar struggles to me. It can be really hard to put a name to traumatic experiences that happen to us, and Edie's struggle to use the name made me feel for her more.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I am not much of a re-reader, so the fact that I enjoyed it more the second time around solidifies for me the fact that it is a well-written novel. I would recommend this to anyone struggling with the after-effects of sexual assault, those who know people who are suffering, or for just anyone looking for an emotional and realistic book. I think that it's important that we have more novels that highlight the journey of recovering from a sexual assault, and Louise MacGregoor did a great job of writing one.
December 26, 2021
This is an interesting story that deals with a subject that’s often hard to talk about. Edie has a great life, working in a job that she mostly enjoys and spending time with good friends, but when a date she goes on turns bad, she ends up being raped. The rape leaves lasting damage and affects her everyday life. Soon she finds it hard to trust men and struggles with getting on with her normal life. And when problems at work make things worse, can she ever overcome what she’s been through?
This is an interesting romance which touches on the difficult subject of rape, but it’s done in a really great and sensitive way and I like how Edie copes and what happens overall. At the start of the story Edie ends up on a date, one that turns out horribly as she is raped. The rape itself isn’t described too graphicallly and is quite short, but the effect that it has on Edie and her life is long lasting. The rape is, understandibly, traumatising and Edie has a hard time admitting that it happened to anyone, even herself, I like how she found it hard to even say the word ‘rape’ when it happened, as if not saying it made it easier to cope.
As the story progresses Edie finds it hard to return to normal life, sometimes seeming to cope well and at other times really not. I like how this book didn’t shy away from showing the true effects of what happens when someone suffers a traumatic event like rape. Despite some difficulties though she’s determined to not let the rape affect her and I love what happens when Philip enters her life. There are several men Edie comes across in the story and none of them are like Philip. I don’t want to give away what happens, but I like the contrast that Philip is to the others and how funny, loving and patient he is.
Along with the story of her private life, Edie’s working life is made more difficult by a work colleague who treats her in a bad way, refusing to see her opinions and decisions as valid. I like what happens with this story around Dominic and how it concludes. He’s an annoying character but shows how many men often dismiss women’s talents and I like what happens later on with the story and how Edie handles things with him. The book on the whole is good and I like the different relationships that Edie has with different characters and what happens, especially her relationships with her friends, Philip and her cat! As she tries to move on with her life she finds herself struggling with her new relationship with Philip.
I like how these problems Edie ends up having were shown, I won’t detail what happens to her but I like how this story shows that people can’t just ‘get over’ something as traumatic as rape and how it can effect their lives long afterwards in different physical and psychological ways. Edie ends up struggling to have a sexual relationship, but I love how amazing Philip’s character was with this and how he sticks around despite all that is happening. I really love how this whole story concludes, both with Edie’s private and working life. I especially enjoyed what happens with her career at the end and it feels like a brilliant ending considering all she’s been through.
There are several sex scenes in the book and I feel I should point out something about this as I was personally thrown by the cover and description of the book as they don’t really show that this is a more steamy/graphically detailed romance story. Although the first half of the story doesn’t really have any sex other than the rape which is not very detailed, the second half, especially towards the end has quite a lot of graphically described sex scenes which, when you look at the cover, you might not expect from this book. To me the cover (which I do like!) and desciption feel like they fit a slightly lighter style romance story, which threw me a bit, although the story is still a good read and one I enjoyed despite this brief confusion! 😀 The book has frequent swearing with the f word and even the c word used but nothing else I believe which could be considered triggering other than a brief rape scene at the beginning which isn’t too detailed but sets the story for what happens later with Edie.
Overall I did enjoy this book. It was a quick read but featuring a tough subject which I feel was handled well and showed a brilliant overall message of positivity around moving on after a terrible and traumatic event. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of what can happen in the aftermath of rape though and I like how this story handled everything that happened. The author’s done a great job of putting together a romantic story but one that focuses on this difficult subject. I liked what happpened to Edie and the other characters. If I’m honest I would have loved to read even more about her friends and her personal life, especially when one of them reveals something to her, but I just love how the story went and the ending is just brilliant leaving you with a smile on your face.
This is a great story, espcially in the wake of the #MeToo era and one which I’m sure many will enjoy. I personally would have prefered a story that was less graphically detailed when it came to the sex, but that is just me, and I’m sure many will enjoy this book.
-Thanks to the publisher for a free copy for review.
This is an interesting romance which touches on the difficult subject of rape, but it’s done in a really great and sensitive way and I like how Edie copes and what happens overall. At the start of the story Edie ends up on a date, one that turns out horribly as she is raped. The rape itself isn’t described too graphicallly and is quite short, but the effect that it has on Edie and her life is long lasting. The rape is, understandibly, traumatising and Edie has a hard time admitting that it happened to anyone, even herself, I like how she found it hard to even say the word ‘rape’ when it happened, as if not saying it made it easier to cope.
As the story progresses Edie finds it hard to return to normal life, sometimes seeming to cope well and at other times really not. I like how this book didn’t shy away from showing the true effects of what happens when someone suffers a traumatic event like rape. Despite some difficulties though she’s determined to not let the rape affect her and I love what happens when Philip enters her life. There are several men Edie comes across in the story and none of them are like Philip. I don’t want to give away what happens, but I like the contrast that Philip is to the others and how funny, loving and patient he is.
Along with the story of her private life, Edie’s working life is made more difficult by a work colleague who treats her in a bad way, refusing to see her opinions and decisions as valid. I like what happens with this story around Dominic and how it concludes. He’s an annoying character but shows how many men often dismiss women’s talents and I like what happens later on with the story and how Edie handles things with him. The book on the whole is good and I like the different relationships that Edie has with different characters and what happens, especially her relationships with her friends, Philip and her cat! As she tries to move on with her life she finds herself struggling with her new relationship with Philip.
I like how these problems Edie ends up having were shown, I won’t detail what happens to her but I like how this story shows that people can’t just ‘get over’ something as traumatic as rape and how it can effect their lives long afterwards in different physical and psychological ways. Edie ends up struggling to have a sexual relationship, but I love how amazing Philip’s character was with this and how he sticks around despite all that is happening. I really love how this whole story concludes, both with Edie’s private and working life. I especially enjoyed what happens with her career at the end and it feels like a brilliant ending considering all she’s been through.
There are several sex scenes in the book and I feel I should point out something about this as I was personally thrown by the cover and description of the book as they don’t really show that this is a more steamy/graphically detailed romance story. Although the first half of the story doesn’t really have any sex other than the rape which is not very detailed, the second half, especially towards the end has quite a lot of graphically described sex scenes which, when you look at the cover, you might not expect from this book. To me the cover (which I do like!) and desciption feel like they fit a slightly lighter style romance story, which threw me a bit, although the story is still a good read and one I enjoyed despite this brief confusion! 😀 The book has frequent swearing with the f word and even the c word used but nothing else I believe which could be considered triggering other than a brief rape scene at the beginning which isn’t too detailed but sets the story for what happens later with Edie.
Overall I did enjoy this book. It was a quick read but featuring a tough subject which I feel was handled well and showed a brilliant overall message of positivity around moving on after a terrible and traumatic event. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of what can happen in the aftermath of rape though and I like how this story handled everything that happened. The author’s done a great job of putting together a romantic story but one that focuses on this difficult subject. I liked what happpened to Edie and the other characters. If I’m honest I would have loved to read even more about her friends and her personal life, especially when one of them reveals something to her, but I just love how the story went and the ending is just brilliant leaving you with a smile on your face.
This is a great story, espcially in the wake of the #MeToo era and one which I’m sure many will enjoy. I personally would have prefered a story that was less graphically detailed when it came to the sex, but that is just me, and I’m sure many will enjoy this book.
-Thanks to the publisher for a free copy for review.
November 20, 2023
I had to take some time to reflect for this review. It is such a heavy, personal and unfortunately more common than anyone would want it to be tooic. As a woman myself i could connect and resonate with quite a bit that was discussed. I think the thing i struggled with was the depth at which it affected her and the building of the new relationship. Understandably there were time jumps but i just didnt get the depth i was looking for. I think the title of the story is also deceiving and perhaps that is why i felt a little unfullfilled? It isnt accurate. I think it was a good attempt at telling a slightly different angle to such a traumatic event and i would have liked to have felt it more deeply which is why i couldnt rate it 5 stars, my actual rating is 3.5 stars but have rounded up. There were also some typos in the copy i received as i was fortunate enough to read this through Net Galley.
November 21, 2023
✨ Thank you to Louise for the ARC E-book via NetGalley ✨
5⭐️
I was going to give it a 4/5 review as that is my go to with books I really enjoyed but there’s nothing I disliked or could pick apart about this book which is why I’ve changed and given it a 5.
I absolutely flew through this book. It’s short at 157 pages, but it didn’t feel rushed to make everything fit, everything flowed really well.
The prologue is the rape and while it’s not extremely graphic, you’re present for the assault and there are some descriptors so it is something to be aware of if you are sensitive to.
Edies emotional state throughout this book felt real, not gimmicky and her progression felt natural. I think this is why the ending really hit with me, I was rooting for her not to be consumed by it and she didn’t let it. She had a great support system but she was brave with Philip (big fan of his btw) and it was a satisfying close to the book.
Will be recommending to others.
5⭐️
I was going to give it a 4/5 review as that is my go to with books I really enjoyed but there’s nothing I disliked or could pick apart about this book which is why I’ve changed and given it a 5.
I absolutely flew through this book. It’s short at 157 pages, but it didn’t feel rushed to make everything fit, everything flowed really well.
The prologue is the rape and while it’s not extremely graphic, you’re present for the assault and there are some descriptors so it is something to be aware of if you are sensitive to.
Edies emotional state throughout this book felt real, not gimmicky and her progression felt natural. I think this is why the ending really hit with me, I was rooting for her not to be consumed by it and she didn’t let it. She had a great support system but she was brave with Philip (big fan of his btw) and it was a satisfying close to the book.
Will be recommending to others.
December 31, 2023
Book Review 📚
Right Guy, Wrong Time by Louise MacGregor - 4/5 ⭐
Trigger warnings guys. Takes a lot to scare me off but a heads-up for those who need a trigger warning 🖤
Wow. This book was incredibly heavy! And yet MacGregor managed to keep me in line and on track with reading. I was a mess when reading certain parts, knowing how often stuff like that actually happens. But MacGregor weaves you through and makes the story beautiful.
I loved following out FMC on her journey throughout this book, and it will definitely be one that sticks with me. It was just so beautiful to watch everything fall into place and you'll cry happy tears.
Beautifully written and great descriptions throughout the book, it was a phenomenal read.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
Right Guy, Wrong Time by Louise MacGregor - 4/5 ⭐
Trigger warnings guys. Takes a lot to scare me off but a heads-up for those who need a trigger warning 🖤
Wow. This book was incredibly heavy! And yet MacGregor managed to keep me in line and on track with reading. I was a mess when reading certain parts, knowing how often stuff like that actually happens. But MacGregor weaves you through and makes the story beautiful.
I loved following out FMC on her journey throughout this book, and it will definitely be one that sticks with me. It was just so beautiful to watch everything fall into place and you'll cry happy tears.
Beautifully written and great descriptions throughout the book, it was a phenomenal read.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
June 1, 2021
At first I wasn't impressed by the writing, and the story with no nuance, but the more I read the more I felt a deep empathy and understanding for Edie, who is struggling after being raped by her date. Unfortunately the frustrations, anger, and confusion she feels are far too familiar to every woman in the world. I didn't like the writing, I thought the overall story was trite, but I can't help but like this book because it made me remember my younger self so clearly.
November 30, 2023
Right Guy, Wrong Time by Louise MacGregor follows Edie in her journey after being raped. This book starts in the immediate aftermath of her being raped and shows the journey of her sharing the traumatic experience with her friends whilst having to put up with negative males in her life and work and cope with her feelings of love towards another individual whom she genuinely loves and wants to be with. Edie then quits her job after the situations which happened at her place of work.
For my full review please visit: https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
For my full review please visit: https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
April 4, 2024
I received this book as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers group. I liked the book overall; I think every woman can empathize with the issues the female protagonist faces, whether you've been in her specific situation or not. As women, we've all been subjected to clueless men and unwanted sexual advances of some kind. The portrayal of the issue of date rape and its emotional and physical aftermath felt very realistic, including her journey through the effects of experiencing date rape and into her healing process. I realize that one of the functions of this book is as commentary on current sexual issues, but for me this piece of fiction would have been more satisfying to read if Edie was shown confronting her rapist. The fact that she didn't felt realistic, though. And although it was billed as a love story (and the whole literary function of Philip was he was the right guy at the wrong time), I would rather have liked to see Edie go through her personal growth and healing on her own rather than coping with a new relationship (and having a man help to "save" her from her trauma). But maybe that's just me. It was a quick and meaningful read, so if you like fiction that covers serious and current gender issues then this is a good book for you.
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