Synopsis:
Abby Jimenez’s Worst Wingman Ever is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s make a date of it.
Holly is dealing with the impending death of her grandmother and still reeling from a bad breakup. One bright spot: a Valentine’s Day card on Holly’s windshield—even if it wasn’t meant for her. An amusing mistake soon turns into a lovely exchange of anonymous notes, little acts of kindness, and a growing affection between two strangers. What happens when one of them has to say goodbye?
Review:
Worst Wingman Ever was my introduction to Abby Jimenez, an author I’ve heard incredible things about. I wasn’t blown away by this novella, but it hasn’t put me off checking out her other work.
I think the connection between Holly and the male main character (I genuinely can’t remember his name) would have been more impactful if it didn’t end in romance. The budding friendship felt much stronger to me. I am a sucker for falling in love through anonymous notes/letters though.
This whole section made no sense to me, I think it may have been a trend on TikTok? “You want the guys buying the red tools,” she said, making eye contact with each of us. “Red tools are a green flag.” “Why red?” Mom asked, drying a bowl with a rag. “Those are the expensive, professional ones.” She propped her foot on the edge of Grandma’s bed and did a hamstring stretch. “You could make an exception for a guy with yellow tools if he’s cute enough. But never green. Ever.” “No green,” I said, smacking her foot off the comforter. “Got it.” Mom was shaking her head. “Where did you learn all this?” “I drink iced coffee and I know things.” – The ice coffee bit is funny, but I don’t understand the logic? There’s also a weird comment about men in the paint section being either gay or married. I’d say it’s offensive but I have no idea what point is being made.
Holly’s sister was pretty funny though, her best line is without doubt “I think you underestimate the sex appeal of a man snuggling a guinea pig.” As someone that has had four guinea pigs with a long-term partner, I can confirm this is true.
The overall vibe of Worst Wingman Ever was one of sadness. The relationship between Holly and her grandma overshadowed the very little romance this novella offered. Most of the story is spent talking about how close her grandma was to the end of her life, and then grief in the aftermath. I did like that this instalment had more of a serious tone, but it was a strange choice for a collection of novellas set around Valentine’s day.
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