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Love in New Orleans #1
So Not My Thing
From USA Today bestselling author Melanie Jacobson comes this adorable new romantic comedy!
I hated Miles Crowe more than itchy socks, “namaste” puns on yoga tank tops, and chigger bites. Combined .
26-year-old New Orleans native Elle Jones used to be the internet's most famous meme for rejection thanks to an embarrassing teenage TV appearance. But she's finally put that past behind her and now she’s killing it as a commercial real estate agent in the coolest neighborhoods in the city.
When Miles Crowe—the former pop star who made her notorious—insists on hiring her to find a property for his jazz club, she’ll do everything she can to get herself fired before he realizes who she is.
But Miles has grown up too, and Elle soon discovers that he is as passionate about the city as she is…and even sexier now than he was then. Will she risk exposing her humiliating past to claim a future with the guy who once nearly ruined her life?
Whitney Award winner Melanie Jacobson returns with her trademark wit and warmth in this delightful story about taking a chance on love .
I hated Miles Crowe more than itchy socks, “namaste” puns on yoga tank tops, and chigger bites. Combined .
26-year-old New Orleans native Elle Jones used to be the internet's most famous meme for rejection thanks to an embarrassing teenage TV appearance. But she's finally put that past behind her and now she’s killing it as a commercial real estate agent in the coolest neighborhoods in the city.
When Miles Crowe—the former pop star who made her notorious—insists on hiring her to find a property for his jazz club, she’ll do everything she can to get herself fired before he realizes who she is.
But Miles has grown up too, and Elle soon discovers that he is as passionate about the city as she is…and even sexier now than he was then. Will she risk exposing her humiliating past to claim a future with the guy who once nearly ruined her life?
Whitney Award winner Melanie Jacobson returns with her trademark wit and warmth in this delightful story about taking a chance on love .
234 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2021
564 people are currently reading
4701 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 590 reviews
June 11, 2022
I didn't make it 10%. Look, if your blurb says "she’s killing it as a commercial real estate agent in the coolest neighborhoods in the city." you might want to make her minimally competent. Is this too much to ask? I don't care if a client is thirty minutes late. Or an hour or two hours or whatever. Until you get confirmation of a no-show, you don't attempt a beignet in your perfect outfit. This is simple adulting. But no, Elle spends an important meeting sugar breasted and it's her own freaking fault.
But this is just the start of incompetence. Next, we see her boss attempting to screw the client over by only offering up mediocre options because the properties are represented by the firm so they'd double-dip the commission and Elle is disapproving enough to stand out. Which is fine, if you're going to commit to the ethical angle. But she doesn't. When challenged in private by the client about why she wasn't enthusiastic, she lies her face off. And continues lying because she doesn't want the client assigned to her because she has history with him.
I quit because an incompetent liar just doesn't interest me. I might have engaged if I had any hint that the ethics were going to be a theme, but Elle barely acknowledges the problem and overtly supports the deception (both internally and in action).
One star because can we not have competent heroines being competent?
But this is just the start of incompetence. Next, we see her boss attempting to screw the client over by only offering up mediocre options because the properties are represented by the firm so they'd double-dip the commission and Elle is disapproving enough to stand out. Which is fine, if you're going to commit to the ethical angle. But she doesn't. When challenged in private by the client about why she wasn't enthusiastic, she lies her face off. And continues lying because she doesn't want the client assigned to her because she has history with him.
I quit because an incompetent liar just doesn't interest me. I might have engaged if I had any hint that the ethics were going to be a theme, but Elle barely acknowledges the problem and overtly supports the deception (both internally and in action).
One star because can we not have competent heroines being competent?
September 19, 2021
i was going to give a higher rating to this, but then more and more things started bothering me and i definitely can't swallow that ending. it was awful but also compulsively readable.
September 9, 2021
It's really a 3 and a half. The concept and plot were great. The story makes you feel for the heroine and tugs at your heartstrings. You can see how cute Miles and Ellie are together. What made this book not so great was all the back and forth. It was like that since the beginning but got even worse as you went on. One minute Ellie didn't like Miles then she did. Then she admitted she liked him but would ignore him. Then a page later she just couldn't stay away from him. I can deal with all the back and forth to a certain extent. The worst was the last 10% when Ellie was very hurt by Miles actions and rightfully so. Miles really wanted her to hear him out but when she called him back 3 days later he was all like we aren't meant to be. It was annoying and out of character for him. This isn't awful but it might give you whiplash.
January 13, 2022
there wasnt much chemistry between the two characters. but i was still enjoying this book until... a few chapters before the end, miles brings up ellie's worst days of life to a reporter like they were nothing, and ellie gets mad AND RIGHTFULLY SO! she stays away from him for a few days while miles tries to get in touch with her BUT then after a few days when she calls back he's like "we arent good together" like what??? and then ellie ended up doing the groveling??? why the fuck?? the way it ended was a total disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2021
Melanie Jacobson takes tropes and spins them into such unique stories filled with humour and heart. I can’t get enough!
Twelve years ago, Miles Crowe publicly humiliated Elle Jones on national TV—and now he needs her real estate expertise in finding a location for his upcoming jazz club. With Miles clueless to her identity, it was fun to see Elle uphold her grudge while slowly falling in love.
Set in New Orleans, there is an unexplainable vibe surrounding this story.
The music …
The food …
The people …
It was so wonderful and immersive!
Miles was a soft-hearted hero that strived for happiness over money. I adored him. I did find Elle incredibly frustrating at times, constantly pushing Miles away, but I appreciate her self-reflection. These two had an uphill battle that was completely worth it in the end.
“But just for the record, Ellie Jones, you are very much my thing.”
I can’t wait for more in this series!
Twelve years ago, Miles Crowe publicly humiliated Elle Jones on national TV—and now he needs her real estate expertise in finding a location for his upcoming jazz club. With Miles clueless to her identity, it was fun to see Elle uphold her grudge while slowly falling in love.
Set in New Orleans, there is an unexplainable vibe surrounding this story.
The music …
The food …
The people …
It was so wonderful and immersive!
Miles was a soft-hearted hero that strived for happiness over money. I adored him. I did find Elle incredibly frustrating at times, constantly pushing Miles away, but I appreciate her self-reflection. These two had an uphill battle that was completely worth it in the end.
“But just for the record, Ellie Jones, you are very much my thing.”
I can’t wait for more in this series!
October 18, 2022
The book itself isn't too bad. I mean, honestly, there is no plot and the relationship between ellie and miles felt a bit forced, but it did keep me entertained. That is, of course, until a few chapters before that nasty, awful ending.
I mean, the jerk here was Miles and yet ellie ended up groveling🤢
I'm going to read the other books just because I'm curious about Chloe and Dylan.
I mean, the jerk here was Miles and yet ellie ended up groveling🤢
I'm going to read the other books just because I'm curious about Chloe and Dylan.
December 2, 2021
2.5* (briesmīgas beigas)
Sākumā šķita, ka būs tīri lasāms rom-com, kas pirms miega varētu nedaudz pakutināt nervus.
Naaaah. Apmēram ap vidu sākās liela muļļāšanās par un ap jūtām, beigās vēl viss noveda līdz briesmīgi saldām un samākslotām beigām.
Sākumā šķita, ka būs tīri lasāms rom-com, kas pirms miega varētu nedaudz pakutināt nervus.
Naaaah. Apmēram ap vidu sākās liela muļļāšanās par un ap jūtām, beigās vēl viss noveda līdz briesmīgi saldām un samākslotām beigām.
August 3, 2021
I seriously loved this book so much!
So I'm a fan of Melanie Jacobsen. She just has such a nice blend of lovable characters, humor, great dialogue, and sweet romance. I think this book is one of my top favorites from her, now. It just hit me in all the right feels: from "aww cute" to "so awkward" to "so heartbreaking" this book evokes quite the range of emotions, but in a cathartic way maybe?
It's hard to say, but I think my favorite aspect of this book was that I could tell Melanie Jacobsen tried so hard--and succeeded--in depicting what healthy communication and respect should be. Not that the characters weren't perfect at this, but when they weren't perfect in this respect, it was addressed in a healthy and open way, usually, and the character in the wrong openly admitted they were wrong, apologized, and respected boundaries. I think this is why Miles is such a compelling leading man to me. He's so respectful and conscientious! He's persistent without being a "I know you secretly want me and even though you keep indicating you want space, I know what you REALLY want so I'm going to invade your space and ignore everything you said" kind of guy. Like, HELLO THAT'S NOT OKAY!! So anyway, I love Miles because he's an extremely decent guy and I think these guys should get showcased more often. Like, when Elle points out when he tells sometime to ignore her because he thinks she's hangry and therefore ruled by her emotions, he thinks about it for a moment, realizes that yes, that was a douchey thing to do, apologizes, and makes it right. WE NEED MORE HEROES LIKE MILES!!
Ahem, anyways, there is many more wonderful things going on in this story. I love how rich it was with New Orleans culture. That was so fun. I've never been there, but I want to. The characters don't just live there, it's actually a pretty important part of the story: the food, the jazz, the neighborhoods, etc.
And I would feel remiss if I didn't say that I also loved Elle. She's a great example of a heroine with great calm and strength protecting a vulnerable and somewhat anxious inside. She's got clear strengths and weaknesses that are relatable and make her very easy to empathize with. I liked being in her head.
I highly recommend this book if you like romantic comedies with a lot of heart. (And if you don't, what's wrong with you??? Just kidding, no judgment. Well, maybe a teeny bit.) This is definitely a book I see myself rereading in the future. Maybe even the near future to relive my favorite parts....
Also, side note for the author: is there going to be a follow up story with Chloe and Dylan? Not sure if it was intended, but I definitely low key ship them at this point and hope they get a story because I think it would be AMAZING. Pretty please? I'll keep my fingers crossed in the meantime. :)
So I'm a fan of Melanie Jacobsen. She just has such a nice blend of lovable characters, humor, great dialogue, and sweet romance. I think this book is one of my top favorites from her, now. It just hit me in all the right feels: from "aww cute" to "so awkward" to "so heartbreaking" this book evokes quite the range of emotions, but in a cathartic way maybe?
It's hard to say, but I think my favorite aspect of this book was that I could tell Melanie Jacobsen tried so hard--and succeeded--in depicting what healthy communication and respect should be. Not that the characters weren't perfect at this, but when they weren't perfect in this respect, it was addressed in a healthy and open way, usually, and the character in the wrong openly admitted they were wrong, apologized, and respected boundaries. I think this is why Miles is such a compelling leading man to me. He's so respectful and conscientious! He's persistent without being a "I know you secretly want me and even though you keep indicating you want space, I know what you REALLY want so I'm going to invade your space and ignore everything you said" kind of guy. Like, HELLO THAT'S NOT OKAY!! So anyway, I love Miles because he's an extremely decent guy and I think these guys should get showcased more often. Like, when Elle points out when he tells sometime to ignore her because he thinks she's hangry and therefore ruled by her emotions, he thinks about it for a moment, realizes that yes, that was a douchey thing to do, apologizes, and makes it right. WE NEED MORE HEROES LIKE MILES!!
Ahem, anyways, there is many more wonderful things going on in this story. I love how rich it was with New Orleans culture. That was so fun. I've never been there, but I want to. The characters don't just live there, it's actually a pretty important part of the story: the food, the jazz, the neighborhoods, etc.
And I would feel remiss if I didn't say that I also loved Elle. She's a great example of a heroine with great calm and strength protecting a vulnerable and somewhat anxious inside. She's got clear strengths and weaknesses that are relatable and make her very easy to empathize with. I liked being in her head.
I highly recommend this book if you like romantic comedies with a lot of heart. (And if you don't, what's wrong with you??? Just kidding, no judgment. Well, maybe a teeny bit.) This is definitely a book I see myself rereading in the future. Maybe even the near future to relive my favorite parts....
Also, side note for the author: is there going to be a follow up story with Chloe and Dylan? Not sure if it was intended, but I definitely low key ship them at this point and hope they get a story because I think it would be AMAZING. Pretty please? I'll keep my fingers crossed in the meantime. :)
February 28, 2024
It started OK. The story felt a bit stretched out, like it could have been shorter. These two have good-friends chemistry, but anything more than that felt very forced. It's not until the 35-ish percent mark that she even started thinking she maybe wanted to kiss him, and even that felt like she was thinking about kissing her brother. It got a bit better after that, but not by much. And it felt one-sided, since we only get her POV. By the 60% mark I was ready for it to end, but it kept going. Neither of them had any communication skills. Wondered how it was that she became a successful realtor. And then shit hit the fan. He did a very awful thing, and then the advice Ellie gets makes it seem like it’s her fault because she gets in her own head too much. And his apology was full of excuses and I hated him, because basically he didn't take responsibility for his part in it, he blamed it all on the cousin, and basically told her she was too caught up on something that ruined her life and made her miserable for years. She was freaking traumatized and he treats the whole thing as if it was nothing. And she justifies him using the same lame excuses he fed her, so I hated her a little, too. And then she thinks she needs to apologize to him, and actually grovels, GROVELS! to him, and I hated the author. Basically, I hated everyone by the end of this.
Also, I just skipped the "lyrics" because they were kinda cringe.
Also, I just skipped the "lyrics" because they were kinda cringe.
May 18, 2022
Decepcionada y mucho.
Estaba a punto decir que había encontrado una historia decente de adultos donde no todo iba a parar al lado sexual pero de nada sirve porque desde la mitad del libro todo se desmorona. Los personajes se vuelven repetitivos con un tira y afloja demasiado absurdo porque son ADULTOS, es pasable con adolescentes pero aquí no.
Agradezco que la autora no dejara tan de lado el trabajo de la protagonista, ya que esto es muy común en este tipo de libros. La protagonista fue agradable hasta cierto punto, incluso pude entender algunas de sus inseguridades y es interesante ver el daño que un meme puede causar en la vida de una persona, por lo cual no entiendo como pudo perdonar aquella experiencia tan rápido, no me gustó la forma en que se manejó el descubrimiento de su identidad. También algunas reacciones de ella eran fuera de personaje, como hacer comentarios de ¿Un hombre y una mujer pueden ser amigos?, me pregunto en que siglo vive.
En cuanto a Miles no hay mucho que resaltar, fue agradable y decente, hasta que llegó el final no entiendo la necesidad de hacer algo tan cruel como traer de vuelta el tormentoso pasado de su novia para usarlo como publicidad, se entiende que no fue totalmente su culpa pero su reacción de aconsejarle a Elle que bromee sobre lo que pasó fue nefasta. Y lo de Aaron simplemente es para que no veamos con tan malos ojos las acciones de Miles.
Realmente estoy interesada en la pareja de Chloe y Dylan sólo por ellos voy a seguir leyendo estos libros.
Estaba a punto decir que había encontrado una historia decente de adultos donde no todo iba a parar al lado sexual pero de nada sirve porque desde la mitad del libro todo se desmorona. Los personajes se vuelven repetitivos con un tira y afloja demasiado absurdo porque son ADULTOS, es pasable con adolescentes pero aquí no.
Agradezco que la autora no dejara tan de lado el trabajo de la protagonista, ya que esto es muy común en este tipo de libros. La protagonista fue agradable hasta cierto punto, incluso pude entender algunas de sus inseguridades y es interesante ver el daño que un meme puede causar en la vida de una persona, por lo cual no entiendo como pudo perdonar aquella experiencia tan rápido, no me gustó la forma en que se manejó el descubrimiento de su identidad. También algunas reacciones de ella eran fuera de personaje, como hacer comentarios de ¿Un hombre y una mujer pueden ser amigos?, me pregunto en que siglo vive.
En cuanto a Miles no hay mucho que resaltar, fue agradable y decente, hasta que llegó el final no entiendo la necesidad de hacer algo tan cruel como traer de vuelta el tormentoso pasado de su novia para usarlo como publicidad, se entiende que no fue totalmente su culpa pero su reacción de aconsejarle a Elle que bromee sobre lo que pasó fue nefasta. Y lo de Aaron simplemente es para que no veamos con tan malos ojos las acciones de Miles.
Realmente estoy interesada en la pareja de Chloe y Dylan sólo por ellos voy a seguir leyendo estos libros.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2021
4.5 💫
Such a cute read , if you're into good, meaningful and clean Romcoms - this is for you!
I loved the writing style of the author and the story line... It was so so good, I was hooked from the very first page.
Honestly, I could feel the reason of her Hate towards Miles .. she's been a meme a joke for ppl to laugh at .. I felt it, some of frnds turned how many of my pictures like that.. Good thing! It never went viral 😂
Blame the authors writing .. it's so good I was totally hooked from first page
Miles .. ah He's such a too good character ,
He's such a babe
I loved the way they both developed feelings for eachother .. they fell for each other characters and heart
It was adorable 😄
I picked up this book when I was a lil stressed and my last read was lets just say So not my thing !
How much I enjoyed reading this 😌
It's got such fun tropes:
Enimies to lovers
Rockstar romance
Sassy and strong heroine
The food, friends, characters, family ,
The characters well built and developed, the story will catch you and give you a good time
Seriously has been such a nice read for me💕
Definitely an enjoyable read.
Recommend!!
Can't wait for the next book in this series
Content: clean romance
Such a cute read , if you're into good, meaningful and clean Romcoms - this is for you!
I loved the writing style of the author and the story line... It was so so good, I was hooked from the very first page.
Honestly, I could feel the reason of her Hate towards Miles .. she's been a meme a joke for ppl to laugh at .. I felt it, some of frnds turned how many of my pictures like that.. Good thing! It never went viral 😂
Blame the authors writing .. it's so good I was totally hooked from first page
Miles .. ah He's such a too good character ,
He's such a babe
I loved the way they both developed feelings for eachother .. they fell for each other characters and heart
It was adorable 😄
I picked up this book when I was a lil stressed and my last read was lets just say So not my thing !
How much I enjoyed reading this 😌
It's got such fun tropes:
Enimies to lovers
Rockstar romance
Sassy and strong heroine
The food, friends, characters, family ,
The characters well built and developed, the story will catch you and give you a good time
Seriously has been such a nice read for me💕
Definitely an enjoyable read.
Recommend!!
Can't wait for the next book in this series
Content: clean romance
July 28, 2022
3⭐
Realmente no sabía como calificar la historia, la protagonista en mi concepto me sacaba mucho de las casillas, comprendo sus temores y sus inseguridades, pero ... Todo estaba en sus manos y todo lo que podía tener era maravilloso.
Milles me gustó, creo que fue muy paciente y la espero bastante... Se equivocó en su momento, claro que sí, pero también fue utilizado en medio de su ingenuidad .
Realmente no sabía como calificar la historia, la protagonista en mi concepto me sacaba mucho de las casillas, comprendo sus temores y sus inseguridades, pero ... Todo estaba en sus manos y todo lo que podía tener era maravilloso.
Milles me gustó, creo que fue muy paciente y la espero bastante... Se equivocó en su momento, claro que sí, pero también fue utilizado en medio de su ingenuidad .
August 17, 2021
Ooh, Very Fun!
Ooh, this one is very fun! The setting of New Orleans, the food, the music, the vibe. It was entertaining and hit my sweet spot today. I really liked it!
Ooh, this one is very fun! The setting of New Orleans, the food, the music, the vibe. It was entertaining and hit my sweet spot today. I really liked it!
September 23, 2021
So my thing!!
This was a great story- I loved Ellie! She is a fantastic protagonist who has lived through one of the worst things social media has to offer. She has grown stronger but still has vulnerabilities and difficulty because of it. Enter Miles and things get a whole lot more interesting- and SWOONY! He has changed for the better over the years and watching him and Ellie get to know each other was my favorite. Such a good love story!
This was a great story- I loved Ellie! She is a fantastic protagonist who has lived through one of the worst things social media has to offer. She has grown stronger but still has vulnerabilities and difficulty because of it. Enter Miles and things get a whole lot more interesting- and SWOONY! He has changed for the better over the years and watching him and Ellie get to know each other was my favorite. Such a good love story!
August 2, 2021
Melanie Jacobsen is an auto-buy author for me. I know that any of her books that I pick up will be one I love. She has such a way of writing characters, and romantic comedy. And her settings seem to pop out of the books. I loved the feeling I got of being in New Orleans with this one, even though I’ve never been there. I need a trip to Cafe Du Monde for sure now!
This book is about Elle. She’s overcome her past. But…it still haunts her. And that past includes Miles Crowe. I had to laugh at the lengths she went to in the first chapter to become invisible to him when he was visiting her real estate agency. But she only made herself more visible, however that happened and she ended up being his real estate agent.
It was kind of funny how the reader knew what had happened between these two. But Miles had no idea. And that was how Elle wanted it. But Miles has changed. He isn’t the same self-centered teenager he was. And Elle was learning that as she went along.
These two had to figure out who they are in the present to reconcile with who they were in the past. And that is a beautiful journey.
I loved every bit of this book! Hopefully there’s more containing some of these same characters.
I was sent an e-copy of So Not My Thing as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
This book is about Elle. She’s overcome her past. But…it still haunts her. And that past includes Miles Crowe. I had to laugh at the lengths she went to in the first chapter to become invisible to him when he was visiting her real estate agency. But she only made herself more visible, however that happened and she ended up being his real estate agent.
It was kind of funny how the reader knew what had happened between these two. But Miles had no idea. And that was how Elle wanted it. But Miles has changed. He isn’t the same self-centered teenager he was. And Elle was learning that as she went along.
These two had to figure out who they are in the present to reconcile with who they were in the past. And that is a beautiful journey.
I loved every bit of this book! Hopefully there’s more containing some of these same characters.
I was sent an e-copy of So Not My Thing as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2022
cuteness overload!
Oh my gosh I just love Ellie and Miles so much.
Ellie is starting to get over her childhood trauma, becoming the first viral meme’s after a horrible rejection from a musician has ruined her life and it’s taken her a while to get her life back on track. She’s determined and hard headed and an absolute joy to read.
Miles’ fame is slowly dwindling… after many years at the height of his fame doing what his people want him to do Miles now knows what he wants and what direction he wants to go in and so he parts ways and does his own thing and that has everything to do with going back to where he’s from and opening up a jazz bar.
When Ellie sees Miles again everything flashes back to the day. She’s sad and hurt all over again and she does her best to avoid him but Miles wants her to help him and her boss agrees.
Watching these two together has been interesting. Watching Miles find out about who she is and watching the pain Ellie goes through is heartbreaking.
And of course with all great romances comes the crash, the moment that splits the two up and has them both hurting and gah, my heart hurt for them.
This was my first read from this author and I definitely loved it. I can’t wait to read the second book! Incredible piece of writing and incredible characters.
Oh my gosh I just love Ellie and Miles so much.
Ellie is starting to get over her childhood trauma, becoming the first viral meme’s after a horrible rejection from a musician has ruined her life and it’s taken her a while to get her life back on track. She’s determined and hard headed and an absolute joy to read.
Miles’ fame is slowly dwindling… after many years at the height of his fame doing what his people want him to do Miles now knows what he wants and what direction he wants to go in and so he parts ways and does his own thing and that has everything to do with going back to where he’s from and opening up a jazz bar.
When Ellie sees Miles again everything flashes back to the day. She’s sad and hurt all over again and she does her best to avoid him but Miles wants her to help him and her boss agrees.
Watching these two together has been interesting. Watching Miles find out about who she is and watching the pain Ellie goes through is heartbreaking.
And of course with all great romances comes the crash, the moment that splits the two up and has them both hurting and gah, my heart hurt for them.
This was my first read from this author and I definitely loved it. I can’t wait to read the second book! Incredible piece of writing and incredible characters.
March 25, 2025
3.5 stars.
Cute!! Like the concept. Felt there were a lot lot of third-act breakups tho.
Cute!! Like the concept. Felt there were a lot lot of third-act breakups tho.
August 1, 2021
Absolute delight. Seriously.
-I now need a trip to New Orleans (which I've never ever desired before)
-Miles is a babe.
-I admire Elle's determination.
-The homes!
-The food!
-The music!
-Seriously amazing cast of supporting characters 👏
-I always love when people have real, honest conversations and face their hard things.
Melanie Jacobson is quickly becoming one of my very favorite contemporary authors with real, flawed characters that grow, change, and build meaningful relationships. And those kisses! 🙌 This book is perfect for when you need a swoony, clean romance that will suck you in right away.
Thank you, Melanie, for my advanced copy of this book! As always, the review is all me.
-I now need a trip to New Orleans (which I've never ever desired before)
-Miles is a babe.
-I admire Elle's determination.
-The homes!
-The food!
-The music!
-Seriously amazing cast of supporting characters 👏
-I always love when people have real, honest conversations and face their hard things.
Melanie Jacobson is quickly becoming one of my very favorite contemporary authors with real, flawed characters that grow, change, and build meaningful relationships. And those kisses! 🙌 This book is perfect for when you need a swoony, clean romance that will suck you in right away.
Thank you, Melanie, for my advanced copy of this book! As always, the review is all me.
February 8, 2025
ETA: Just finished listening to the audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job!
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
26-year-old New Orleans native Elle Jones used to be the internet's most famous meme for rejection thanks to an embarrassing teenage TV appearance. But she's finally put that past behind her and now she’s killing it as a commercial real estate agent in the coolest neighborhoods in the city.
When Miles Crowe—the former pop star who made her notorious—insists on hiring her to find a property for his jazz club, she’ll do everything she can to get herself fired before he realizes who she is.
But Miles has grown up too, and Elle soon discovers that he is as passionate about the city as she is…and even sexier now than he was then. Will she risk exposing her humiliating past to claim a future with the guy who once nearly ruined her life?
MY TAKE
I haven't read a Jacobson book I haven't loved, and So Not My Thing is no exception. My heart broke for what Elle (aka Gabi) went through as a teen. Those years are hard enough but adding on the heartless online treatment by the trolls in the world would have made it unbearable. I totally understood why she wanted to keep the meme tragedy of her past from her adult life.
Enter Miles Crowe, teenage heartthrob, who inadvertently ruined her adolescence all those years ago. He's not the clueless idiot anymore, but who's going to know based upon the temperamental divo reputation he gained all those years ago.
Elle's a real estate agent, and he's looking to open a jazz club. During a meeting with her company, he senses about her his own reservation for the properties being proposed and pushes to have her assigned as his agent. All she has to do is make him mad enough to fire her but not her company.
My heart went out to Miles. I've been that idiot teen with entitlement issues too. Like him, I outgrew it. He's really a great guy now. As Elle comes to find this out, the romance that grows is delicious. But there are still a load of obstacles to overcome, including a meme that's just waiting for an excuse to blow up again--and all the old wounds it created.
4 1/2 stars
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
26-year-old New Orleans native Elle Jones used to be the internet's most famous meme for rejection thanks to an embarrassing teenage TV appearance. But she's finally put that past behind her and now she’s killing it as a commercial real estate agent in the coolest neighborhoods in the city.
When Miles Crowe—the former pop star who made her notorious—insists on hiring her to find a property for his jazz club, she’ll do everything she can to get herself fired before he realizes who she is.
But Miles has grown up too, and Elle soon discovers that he is as passionate about the city as she is…and even sexier now than he was then. Will she risk exposing her humiliating past to claim a future with the guy who once nearly ruined her life?
MY TAKE
I haven't read a Jacobson book I haven't loved, and So Not My Thing is no exception. My heart broke for what Elle (aka Gabi) went through as a teen. Those years are hard enough but adding on the heartless online treatment by the trolls in the world would have made it unbearable. I totally understood why she wanted to keep the meme tragedy of her past from her adult life.
Enter Miles Crowe, teenage heartthrob, who inadvertently ruined her adolescence all those years ago. He's not the clueless idiot anymore, but who's going to know based upon the temperamental divo reputation he gained all those years ago.
Elle's a real estate agent, and he's looking to open a jazz club. During a meeting with her company, he senses about her his own reservation for the properties being proposed and pushes to have her assigned as his agent. All she has to do is make him mad enough to fire her but not her company.
My heart went out to Miles. I've been that idiot teen with entitlement issues too. Like him, I outgrew it. He's really a great guy now. As Elle comes to find this out, the romance that grows is delicious. But there are still a load of obstacles to overcome, including a meme that's just waiting for an excuse to blow up again--and all the old wounds it created.
4 1/2 stars
July 19, 2022
4,5*
August 4, 2021
Romance, contemporary, sweet;
Elle/Ellie/Gabi and Miles' story was such a beautiful picture of life in New Orleans. You felt like family, and saw the gradual opening of Elle's heart as she helps Miles find a site for his Jazz club to spotlight up and coming musicians with beautiful food. Wanting a place with some soul and character, and truly a piece of community, Elle has a hard time with her past (hidden) history with Miles.
Beautifully composed, heartfelt, caring, and deeply drawn characters with conflicts, hurts, worries, disappointments, dreams, and of course, wanting a bit of happiness, love and devotion, this is a beautiful portrait of life, romance, and hope.
Loved the family elements, the bits and pieces of the past that make up this deeply emotional and carefully composed portrait of Elle and Miles' past, present, and future as they are drawn together, and Elle allows Miles into her heart. This novel sings their story in an honest, conflicted, sassy, sweet and devoted way that draws you in. You can feel the music, the emotion, the character, the soul of this deeply moving heart-home story of trust, redemption, forgiveness, community, family, and love. Sweetest song-no novel!!-I have read this summer! Fantastic read.
Elle/Ellie/Gabi and Miles' story was such a beautiful picture of life in New Orleans. You felt like family, and saw the gradual opening of Elle's heart as she helps Miles find a site for his Jazz club to spotlight up and coming musicians with beautiful food. Wanting a place with some soul and character, and truly a piece of community, Elle has a hard time with her past (hidden) history with Miles.
Beautifully composed, heartfelt, caring, and deeply drawn characters with conflicts, hurts, worries, disappointments, dreams, and of course, wanting a bit of happiness, love and devotion, this is a beautiful portrait of life, romance, and hope.
Loved the family elements, the bits and pieces of the past that make up this deeply emotional and carefully composed portrait of Elle and Miles' past, present, and future as they are drawn together, and Elle allows Miles into her heart. This novel sings their story in an honest, conflicted, sassy, sweet and devoted way that draws you in. You can feel the music, the emotion, the character, the soul of this deeply moving heart-home story of trust, redemption, forgiveness, community, family, and love. Sweetest song-no novel!!-I have read this summer! Fantastic read.
February 6, 2024
This was a fun read and had the best New Orleans vibes! I loved the secret enemies to more and the slow bun romance. I read some of this while on a trip to New Orleans and the immersion in to the NOLA vibes and history just hit differently while being there. It was a fast-paced story, but a slow burn and I am a sucker for a well-done slow burn. Miles was such a sweet MMC and loved his song to her! I wasn't the biggest fan of Elle but she was loyal and smart. I can't wait to read the others in this series because the setting was just wonderful and beautifully described, it made me feel like I was there (though I was at one point ;))
October 10, 2021
I wish this book had been more my thing. It is well written and I was invested. It just seemed to have too many reasons I couldn't understand for them not getting together. As I looked back I could see what the author was going for but I just didn't like the trip there as much as I wanted too. The end was great. I love that both got vulnerable and real. This is a sweet romance with some alcohol but no swearing or sex before marriage.
August 17, 2022
it was an easy read but i disliked the last half of the book the constant back and forth, she had every right to be mad at him but the fact that most of it wasn’t his fault and it was his cousins fault and she just accused him without hearing him out. The ending was okay but i would have liked to be dual POV to see both sides of the story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2021
Cute story! There were parts that were complete perfection. But it was also too wordy and I didn’t love the ending as much as I wanted.
Want to read
August 18, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
July 31, 2021
Oh. My. 😍 What a sublime, captivating story.
It's not often I finish a book and simply stare at the final page, lost in a myriad of emotions catapulting from my head to my heart and back again. But that's what I'm experiencing right now. "So Not My Thing" has left me with an inexplicable book hangover.
Like an inspired soundtrack, the melody within the narrative drew me into Ellie and Miles's world, and I cherished each and every moment Ms Jacobson penned.
Elle's sugar-coated determination wrapped around my little pinkie before Miles stepped into the pages. A mess of confidence, hope and a sprinkling of delusion, Elle's strength shone throughout the story - even at the times she didn't think she was strong. I loved her zeal for her beloved Bywater, and commiserated with her when life failed to follow the path she had wrangled for years.
As for Miles, I tried to dislike him, Elle. I really did. But he's so dang likable! His kindness and humility, the way he treated everyone with respect. He never complained when he was blamed for tardiness caused by others (here's looking at you, rude, annoying-cousin-I-never-liked), and his well-rounded character just some of the many lovable things about him.
And the other leading characters: New Orleans and jazz. 😍 Plus Miss Mary, Chloe (will we get her story? Is Dylan a part of it? 😉), and Jordan and his crew.
A beautiful, refreshing and unique story worthy of that coveted place on your bookshelf.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
It's not often I finish a book and simply stare at the final page, lost in a myriad of emotions catapulting from my head to my heart and back again. But that's what I'm experiencing right now. "So Not My Thing" has left me with an inexplicable book hangover.
Like an inspired soundtrack, the melody within the narrative drew me into Ellie and Miles's world, and I cherished each and every moment Ms Jacobson penned.
Elle's sugar-coated determination wrapped around my little pinkie before Miles stepped into the pages. A mess of confidence, hope and a sprinkling of delusion, Elle's strength shone throughout the story - even at the times she didn't think she was strong. I loved her zeal for her beloved Bywater, and commiserated with her when life failed to follow the path she had wrangled for years.
As for Miles, I tried to dislike him, Elle. I really did. But he's so dang likable! His kindness and humility, the way he treated everyone with respect. He never complained when he was blamed for tardiness caused by others (here's looking at you, rude, annoying-cousin-I-never-liked), and his well-rounded character just some of the many lovable things about him.
And the other leading characters: New Orleans and jazz. 😍 Plus Miss Mary, Chloe (will we get her story? Is Dylan a part of it? 😉), and Jordan and his crew.
A beautiful, refreshing and unique story worthy of that coveted place on your bookshelf.
NB I received an ARC of this novel.
February 16, 2023
I love a book set in New Orleans and this book definitely lived up to that!
I went into reading this book without knowing anything about it. At the beginning, I didn't understand why Elle hated Miles, but I quickly got up to speed. With Miles being a celebrity, this was a unique take on a hate to love romance. I thought it was kind of hilarious that this was all over a crazy fan moment and a meme.
Their romance was also slow burn. More hate, to professional, to friends, to lovers. There was also so much about culture and keeping true to ones roots. It didn't touch on the touristy things we always hear about New Orleans, but the actual people and the true culture of the city. That part made me want to visit New Orleans even more.
This was overall a cute rom-com and would definitely read more!
I went into reading this book without knowing anything about it. At the beginning, I didn't understand why Elle hated Miles, but I quickly got up to speed. With Miles being a celebrity, this was a unique take on a hate to love romance. I thought it was kind of hilarious that this was all over a crazy fan moment and a meme.
Their romance was also slow burn. More hate, to professional, to friends, to lovers. There was also so much about culture and keeping true to ones roots. It didn't touch on the touristy things we always hear about New Orleans, but the actual people and the true culture of the city. That part made me want to visit New Orleans even more.
This was overall a cute rom-com and would definitely read more!
April 30, 2022
4⭐
This was a great read! Elle was a viral meme 12 years ago due to Miles Crowe and she's resented him ever since. Little does she know, she's gone be stuck with trying to sell him a property without him realising who she is.
At first I was like meh, Elle should have gotten over what happened to her but learning how it effected her was an eye opener; I felt for her a bit more. Off the bat I loved Miles, he was so sweet. He definitely a matured and I don't think you can hate him because he was young when it all happened.
I'm not so much into music romances but I really enjoyed this so if you like that style, you'll love this.
Content: kissing only.
This was a great read! Elle was a viral meme 12 years ago due to Miles Crowe and she's resented him ever since. Little does she know, she's gone be stuck with trying to sell him a property without him realising who she is.
At first I was like meh, Elle should have gotten over what happened to her but learning how it effected her was an eye opener; I felt for her a bit more. Off the bat I loved Miles, he was so sweet. He definitely a matured and I don't think you can hate him because he was young when it all happened.
I'm not so much into music romances but I really enjoyed this so if you like that style, you'll love this.
Content: kissing only.
June 10, 2022
I loved absolutely everything about this book -- laugh-out-loud narration, enemies-to-lovers, famous musician, broken hearts, incredible character growth, fun New Orleans setting, sassy side characters... I mean, what's not to adore?
One thing that astonished me was that there were no explicit (or non-explicit) scenes in this book, but it had the most incredible shoulder-brushes and almost-kisses I've ever read. Props to Melanie Jacobson!
I will be rereading it (hopefully) many more times.
One thing that astonished me was that there were no explicit (or non-explicit) scenes in this book, but it had the most incredible shoulder-brushes and almost-kisses I've ever read. Props to Melanie Jacobson!
I will be rereading it (hopefully) many more times.
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