In a New York Minute, Kate Spencer, Pan Macmillan, ISBN: 9781529063790

ROMANCE novels are not really my cup of tea. However, every now and again, I come across a story that seems sweet and interesting, and In a New York Minute was one of them.

Unfortunately, the novel was nothing like I had hoped.

The book starts out as a typical romantic comedy… Franny Doyle, the typical girl-next-door, is having the worst day ever. She’s just been laid off from work, and on the way home, she flashes the entire subway after her favourite silk dress is caught and ripped between the train doors.

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In steps the rich and handsome knight-in-shining armour, Hayes Montgomery (the third). He gives her his Gucci suit jacket so that she can cover her modesty. Needless to say, the encounter is awkward, and the two take solace in the assumption that they will never have to see each other again.

However, fate has other plans. And the two total opposites keep running into each other. Again and again.

It was this ‘meet-cute’ angle that attracted me to the story.

And while it is an easy read, it was slathered with clichés and stereotypes.

I felt the book was slightly sexist in that it pitted two women against each other – the seemingly vain but hot Instagram chick versus the laidback, cute but clumsy Franny.

This clashed with the pro-LGBTQ+ and constant eco-conscious rhetoric. In the end, it just felt unnatural and sprinkled into the story for the sake of seeming progressive. I always appreciate efforts to bring awareness to these topics, but it did not come across as authentic.

The thoughts coming from the male protagonist were also a bit misogynistic and cringeworthy. Just check out this ‘gem’: “She looked like an annoyed toddler, and I loved it.”

There were some heart-tugging, melancholic moments, but it was outweighed by the numerous misunderstandings and overall contrived storyline.

Worst yet, and despite this being a romance novel, the chemistry between Hayes and Franny just fell flat. There was no spark between the two of them – at least for me.

However, I loved the author’s nostalgic descriptions of New York City. It was where the author captured a bit of magic between the protagonists and gave us a glimpse into something raw and believable.

I was also disappointed that the author only delves into Franny’s past, which gives her character some sense of depth, however, the same care is not extended to Hayes. For the sake of the story, he just needed to be rich, handsome and loved to jog, it seems.

Admittingly, we do seem to get a sense that he is funny and kind. But most of his dialogue and interactions are around him pining over Franny. The ending was also underwhelming and predictable. – Mariclair Smit – 2/5 stars

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