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The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch
A beautiful story of friendship, and second chances at love.
Imogen Finch has just been through her seventeenth breakup. She saw it coming, so she's not as crushed as she might be, but with all seventeen of her exes leaving her for other partners, she's come to believe a prediction her well-intentioned and possibly clairvoyant mother made over twenty years ago: that Imogen would never come first at anything or to anyone. Is her love life failing due to a magical curse? Insufficient effort? Poor timing or personality mismatches? Everyone has opinions on the matter. Imogen's ready to give up altogether. But when Eliot Swift, her secret high school crush, returns to their small coastal town after a decade of nomadic travels, Imogen has new motivation to try again. Eliot's full of encouragement. He suggests that her curse is not only imagined, it's easily breakable. All they need is one win--any win--and she can believe in love, and in herself again.
From trivia games to swimming races to corn-shucking contests, the pair sets out to snag Imogen her first first. But when victory proves more elusive than Eliot anticipated, and when his deep-seeded wanderlust compels him to depart for far away places, Imogen fears she's destined to remain in second place forever. Fortunately for them both, sometimes magic lingers in the most unexpected places. And love is far from predictable.
Imogen Finch has just been through her seventeenth breakup. She saw it coming, so she's not as crushed as she might be, but with all seventeen of her exes leaving her for other partners, she's come to believe a prediction her well-intentioned and possibly clairvoyant mother made over twenty years ago: that Imogen would never come first at anything or to anyone. Is her love life failing due to a magical curse? Insufficient effort? Poor timing or personality mismatches? Everyone has opinions on the matter. Imogen's ready to give up altogether. But when Eliot Swift, her secret high school crush, returns to their small coastal town after a decade of nomadic travels, Imogen has new motivation to try again. Eliot's full of encouragement. He suggests that her curse is not only imagined, it's easily breakable. All they need is one win--any win--and she can believe in love, and in herself again.
From trivia games to swimming races to corn-shucking contests, the pair sets out to snag Imogen her first first. But when victory proves more elusive than Eliot anticipated, and when his deep-seeded wanderlust compels him to depart for far away places, Imogen fears she's destined to remain in second place forever. Fortunately for them both, sometimes magic lingers in the most unexpected places. And love is far from predictable.
340 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2023
73 people are currently reading
16118 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Firkins
6 books397 followersJacqueline's a writer, costume designer, and lover of beautiful things. She's on the full-time faculty in the Department of Theatre & Film at the University of British Columbia where she teaches character design, world building, script interpretation, and period costume construction courses. When not obsessing about where to put the buttons or the commas, she can be found running by the ocean, eating excessive amounts of gluten, listening to earnest love songs, and pretending her dog understands every word she says.
**A note about my reviews. As is probably obvious, I post reviews primarily to celebrate other authors and their books. I won't say I love a book if I don't, but I will focus on the things I like and/or the things I think readers might want to consider when choosing if a book might be right for them. If you're looking for more critical reviews, they're easy to find on here. We live in a world where tearing people down is often celebrated more strongly than lifting them up. Consider my universal 5-star ratings and my focus-on-the-positive book reviews a teeny-tiny rebellion against that attitude, and one that only works because I'm one voice among many. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to provide thoughtful reviews, no matter the stars. And happy reading.
**A note about my reviews. As is probably obvious, I post reviews primarily to celebrate other authors and their books. I won't say I love a book if I don't, but I will focus on the things I like and/or the things I think readers might want to consider when choosing if a book might be right for them. If you're looking for more critical reviews, they're easy to find on here. We live in a world where tearing people down is often celebrated more strongly than lifting them up. Consider my universal 5-star ratings and my focus-on-the-positive book reviews a teeny-tiny rebellion against that attitude, and one that only works because I'm one voice among many. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to provide thoughtful reviews, no matter the stars. And happy reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 679 reviews
August 27, 2024
Imogen’s mother makes predictions. They aren’t always clear what they all mean, but one prediction from when she was younger has followed her through her whole life. She wouldn’t ever be first.
And so, because of this prediction, no matter how hard she has tried to win competitions, or be selected as the one and only with many of her boyfriends, she never quite succeeds.
And yet, there is something lovable about Imogen and her spirit. She is a great friend, she takes care of her mom, she has several jobs in which everyone adores her (including the dogs she walks) and there was one person she hasn’t ever forgotten, Eliot.
The question is, can she break this curse prediction of her mother that can help her find her own happily-ever-after?
The story is captivating, heartwarming and heart-felt with characters you want to hang out with and believe in.
In this second chances trope, readers are treated to Imogen’s journey of hope and resilience, of friendships and love and personal growth.
Sometimes stories like this are the escape we need at the right and perfect time.
4.5 stars rounded up.
And so, because of this prediction, no matter how hard she has tried to win competitions, or be selected as the one and only with many of her boyfriends, she never quite succeeds.
And yet, there is something lovable about Imogen and her spirit. She is a great friend, she takes care of her mom, she has several jobs in which everyone adores her (including the dogs she walks) and there was one person she hasn’t ever forgotten, Eliot.
The question is, can she break this curse prediction of her mother that can help her find her own happily-ever-after?
The story is captivating, heartwarming and heart-felt with characters you want to hang out with and believe in.
In this second chances trope, readers are treated to Imogen’s journey of hope and resilience, of friendships and love and personal growth.
Sometimes stories like this are the escape we need at the right and perfect time.
4.5 stars rounded up.
August 21, 2023
the setup…
Imogen Finch is an artist but she hasn’t drawn anything in a long time since she returned home to Pitt’s Corner, Oregon to look out for her mother who is considered to be/possibly clairvoyant. Long ago she declared that Imogen would never come first with anyone or in anything and that prediction seems to be prescient. After seventeen breakups (she was the one being dumped) and a nonexistent career, that phenomena seems to also have taken root in Imogen’s head. That’s until Eliot Swift returns home after more than ten years. He was her secret love but was also her best friend along with Franny Rockwell. The three of them were inseparable until Eliot left and he drifted away from both of them.
the heart of the story…
Imogen is the most interesting character with the sunniest dispositions and attitudes…except when it comes to how she sees herself. Those seventeen failed relationships were real and she deserved much better. The vignettes about some of them are interspersed throughout the story and while heartbreaking to read, they informed me more about Imogen and her choices. I was fearful of Eliot’s return given her strong and seemingly unrequited feelings for him but this man got who she is and was determined to get her to embrace it. Some of their scenes together are the most romantic I’ve ever read and utterly lovely. Their quest to find contests she could win were fun and imaginative, providing a sense of their strong connection.
the bottom line…
This was a lovely but often sad story about a young, talented woman with a big heart who didn’t believe she deserved being first for anyone. Imogen was selfless to a fault and though I was extremely wary of Eliot whose need to travel the world felt ominous, his devotion to Imogen was undeniable. I loved how he respected and treated her, as well as her friends and those in the town who were very protective of Imogen. There’s something poignant about the story, sometimes evoking joy, laughter and sadness in the same moments, that made it special. It seems to be Firkin’s signature and I’ll always read whatever she writes for that reason.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Imogen Finch is an artist but she hasn’t drawn anything in a long time since she returned home to Pitt’s Corner, Oregon to look out for her mother who is considered to be/possibly clairvoyant. Long ago she declared that Imogen would never come first with anyone or in anything and that prediction seems to be prescient. After seventeen breakups (she was the one being dumped) and a nonexistent career, that phenomena seems to also have taken root in Imogen’s head. That’s until Eliot Swift returns home after more than ten years. He was her secret love but was also her best friend along with Franny Rockwell. The three of them were inseparable until Eliot left and he drifted away from both of them.
the heart of the story…
Imogen is the most interesting character with the sunniest dispositions and attitudes…except when it comes to how she sees herself. Those seventeen failed relationships were real and she deserved much better. The vignettes about some of them are interspersed throughout the story and while heartbreaking to read, they informed me more about Imogen and her choices. I was fearful of Eliot’s return given her strong and seemingly unrequited feelings for him but this man got who she is and was determined to get her to embrace it. Some of their scenes together are the most romantic I’ve ever read and utterly lovely. Their quest to find contests she could win were fun and imaginative, providing a sense of their strong connection.
the bottom line…
This was a lovely but often sad story about a young, talented woman with a big heart who didn’t believe she deserved being first for anyone. Imogen was selfless to a fault and though I was extremely wary of Eliot whose need to travel the world felt ominous, his devotion to Imogen was undeniable. I loved how he respected and treated her, as well as her friends and those in the town who were very protective of Imogen. There’s something poignant about the story, sometimes evoking joy, laughter and sadness in the same moments, that made it special. It seems to be Firkin’s signature and I’ll always read whatever she writes for that reason.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
November 5, 2023
The Predicable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch by Jacqueline Firkins
Contemporary chick lit.
Imogen Finch has been through a lot of heartbreak. 17 and counting. Her mother made a prediction more than twenty years prior that Imogen would never come first at anything or to anyone. Is it self destructive behavior or could her mother be clairvoyant? As each man leaves Imogen, she finds it harder to commit, knowing what’s coming. When Eliot Swift returns to town to deal with a family situation, Imogen is happy but knows he will not be staying. Her heart wishes otherwise.
From the title, we know that Imogen and relationships don’t work but we hope for the best. All the contests that are attempted are amusing but sadly reinforce her curse. I wanted a magical cure but it’s not that easy. I really wanted Eliot to wake up and fortunately Imogen convinces him to seek therapy.
I don’t want to spoil the story. It’s categorized as a romance and it ultimately is but for me it was really too little, too late. Saying that, she is only twenty nine so for her, there is a lifetime ahead still.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary chick lit.
Imogen Finch has been through a lot of heartbreak. 17 and counting. Her mother made a prediction more than twenty years prior that Imogen would never come first at anything or to anyone. Is it self destructive behavior or could her mother be clairvoyant? As each man leaves Imogen, she finds it harder to commit, knowing what’s coming. When Eliot Swift returns to town to deal with a family situation, Imogen is happy but knows he will not be staying. Her heart wishes otherwise.
From the title, we know that Imogen and relationships don’t work but we hope for the best. All the contests that are attempted are amusing but sadly reinforce her curse. I wanted a magical cure but it’s not that easy. I really wanted Eliot to wake up and fortunately Imogen convinces him to seek therapy.
I don’t want to spoil the story. It’s categorized as a romance and it ultimately is but for me it was really too little, too late. Saying that, she is only twenty nine so for her, there is a lifetime ahead still.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 26, 2023
I just…absolutely adored everything about this. One of my favorite second chance romances I’ve ever read. Firkins could not have handcrafted a swoonier Anita-specific hero if she’d tried. And there are birds! Gah.
November 20, 2023
**ARC of this book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This book is what I like to call a "therapy romance" - she has some issues, he has some issues but the love between them will help them overcome their struggles. Its a really enjoyable premise with almost guaranteed character development so your usual romance have a certain weight to it. But this one was not as enjoyable as I expected.
Imogen Finch always comes in second place - doesn't matter if its a spelling bee contest or relationship with anyone. After 17 breakups all of which ended because the guy found "someone better" she is convinced that she is cursed and this is how her relationships will always look like. Add some serious people-pleasing issues and Imogen is stuck - only semi-happy, always bracing for incoming breakup. That is until Eliot Swift comes back to town with his daddy issues and deep need to keep running away from them (in literal and metaphorical sense). Imogen and Eliot quickly rekindle their connection and soon they will help each other move past their traumas. Unfortunately, romance is the weakest part of the book - it is almost not there. Playful banter is replaced by therapy-like sessions where main characters probe into each others hearts and minds in a quest to help them heal. While its sweet and there are some profound things being said it just did not work for me, I did not feel any chemistry there.
It is actually a shame that this book focuses on the romance because everything outside it is really good. I really loved Pitt's Corner and all it's residents, enjoyed Imogen's friendship with Franny and have a special place in my heart for Imogen's mom. And I would gladly read more about them instead of Imogen-Eliot time together.
A bit meh.
This book is what I like to call a "therapy romance" - she has some issues, he has some issues but the love between them will help them overcome their struggles. Its a really enjoyable premise with almost guaranteed character development so your usual romance have a certain weight to it. But this one was not as enjoyable as I expected.
Imogen Finch always comes in second place - doesn't matter if its a spelling bee contest or relationship with anyone. After 17 breakups all of which ended because the guy found "someone better" she is convinced that she is cursed and this is how her relationships will always look like. Add some serious people-pleasing issues and Imogen is stuck - only semi-happy, always bracing for incoming breakup. That is until Eliot Swift comes back to town with his daddy issues and deep need to keep running away from them (in literal and metaphorical sense). Imogen and Eliot quickly rekindle their connection and soon they will help each other move past their traumas. Unfortunately, romance is the weakest part of the book - it is almost not there. Playful banter is replaced by therapy-like sessions where main characters probe into each others hearts and minds in a quest to help them heal. While its sweet and there are some profound things being said it just did not work for me, I did not feel any chemistry there.
It is actually a shame that this book focuses on the romance because everything outside it is really good. I really loved Pitt's Corner and all it's residents, enjoyed Imogen's friendship with Franny and have a special place in my heart for Imogen's mom. And I would gladly read more about them instead of Imogen-Eliot time together.
A bit meh.
October 18, 2023
It’s like this was written for me. The title, the cover, the sprinkle of unexplainable magic within an otherwise traditional contemporary romance—absolutely everything about this book appeals to me.
According to one of her mother’s many prophecies, Imogen Finch is seemingly cursed with forever being second best—including in her relationships. Seventeen breakups behind her, all involving being dumped for another person, Imogen has accepted her fate. But that hasn’t stopped her from yearning for something other than failure.
Especially now with Eliot Swift temporarily back in town, an old friend Imogen has been longing after for ten years. With Eliot convinced the curse can be broken, it’s an altogether adventurous, angsty, supremely soft romance as the two enter one ridiculous competition after another to prove it.
Not only was the chemistry immediately palpable (I still get giddy thinking about their knee taps), I especially loved the way Imogen and Eliot realistically communicated through their conflicts. A truly unique story with a meaningful message!
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
According to one of her mother’s many prophecies, Imogen Finch is seemingly cursed with forever being second best—including in her relationships. Seventeen breakups behind her, all involving being dumped for another person, Imogen has accepted her fate. But that hasn’t stopped her from yearning for something other than failure.
Especially now with Eliot Swift temporarily back in town, an old friend Imogen has been longing after for ten years. With Eliot convinced the curse can be broken, it’s an altogether adventurous, angsty, supremely soft romance as the two enter one ridiculous competition after another to prove it.
Not only was the chemistry immediately palpable (I still get giddy thinking about their knee taps), I especially loved the way Imogen and Eliot realistically communicated through their conflicts. A truly unique story with a meaningful message!
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 8, 2023
I loved that this book was different from all of the contemporary romances that I've read recently. The plot didn't move forward based on lack of communication, but based on the different needs and desires of the characters. The challenges they faced were unique to them.
There were a couple of instances where I thought the author was going to take the story in a direction that used tropes I don't care for, but then the story would shift and I'd realize that the way the plot point was used was very realistic.
I found myself thinking about this one on several occasions when I had to put the book aside to do other things. I found it to be very well written and I look forward to reading more by Jacqueline Firkins.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There were a couple of instances where I thought the author was going to take the story in a direction that used tropes I don't care for, but then the story would shift and I'd realize that the way the plot point was used was very realistic.
I found myself thinking about this one on several occasions when I had to put the book aside to do other things. I found it to be very well written and I look forward to reading more by Jacqueline Firkins.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 6, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 31, 2023
Imogen Finch is always second-place. In relationships, she is always the one who is cast aside while her partner chooses a life with someone else. In every contest or game she has ever participated in, Imogen has never- not once- won first place. So, when her most recent boyfriend breaks up with her for someone else, Imogen is not surprised and continues to live her life- working multiple part-time jobs and trying to take care of her mother whose premonitions and visions make her the town outcast. But when Imogen’s high school crush, Eliot, comes back to town for his father’s funeral, Imogen is once again inundated with all of the feelings she had for Eliot in high school but this time- Eliot feels them, too. But Eliot is a world-traveler, recording his adventures for his highly successful YouTube channel, and, after the funeral, Imogen knows that Eliot will be back on the road again. This time, Imogen knows she is not going to win, but is it even worth trying?
“The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch” by Jacqueline Firkins is a heartfelt story of love and friendship. Right away, I felt a kinship with Imogen who, in her late twenties, is so used to being the consolation prize she expects nothing else, putting a damper on any relationship she dares to attempt. Imogen narrates the story and many chapters end with snippets of Imogen’s previous relationships, cementing the second-place feelings that Imogen has.
Firkins has a way of taking a romance novel and adding creativity and a layer of individuality to them, making them even more entertaining and page-turning. In “Imogen”, the delightful eccentricity of Imogen’s psychic mother added a few laughs and helped to define Imogen’s character, both as to why she was the way she was and why she felt tied to her hometown. Firkins’ novel flows seamlessly, and doesn’t overdo it on the erotic or the saccharine, which can be a downfall in a lot of romance novels.
I am not a huge romance fan, but I enjoyed Firkins’ previous novel, “Marlowe Banks, Redesigned”, and decided to take another chance with “Imogen”, and I’m glad I did! Firkins’ relatable, quirky main characters make her novels the emotional, enjoyable and delightful reads they are and I look forward to any of Firkins next works.
Expected publication date: October 31, 2023
Imogen Finch is always second-place. In relationships, she is always the one who is cast aside while her partner chooses a life with someone else. In every contest or game she has ever participated in, Imogen has never- not once- won first place. So, when her most recent boyfriend breaks up with her for someone else, Imogen is not surprised and continues to live her life- working multiple part-time jobs and trying to take care of her mother whose premonitions and visions make her the town outcast. But when Imogen’s high school crush, Eliot, comes back to town for his father’s funeral, Imogen is once again inundated with all of the feelings she had for Eliot in high school but this time- Eliot feels them, too. But Eliot is a world-traveler, recording his adventures for his highly successful YouTube channel, and, after the funeral, Imogen knows that Eliot will be back on the road again. This time, Imogen knows she is not going to win, but is it even worth trying?
“The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch” by Jacqueline Firkins is a heartfelt story of love and friendship. Right away, I felt a kinship with Imogen who, in her late twenties, is so used to being the consolation prize she expects nothing else, putting a damper on any relationship she dares to attempt. Imogen narrates the story and many chapters end with snippets of Imogen’s previous relationships, cementing the second-place feelings that Imogen has.
Firkins has a way of taking a romance novel and adding creativity and a layer of individuality to them, making them even more entertaining and page-turning. In “Imogen”, the delightful eccentricity of Imogen’s psychic mother added a few laughs and helped to define Imogen’s character, both as to why she was the way she was and why she felt tied to her hometown. Firkins’ novel flows seamlessly, and doesn’t overdo it on the erotic or the saccharine, which can be a downfall in a lot of romance novels.
I am not a huge romance fan, but I enjoyed Firkins’ previous novel, “Marlowe Banks, Redesigned”, and decided to take another chance with “Imogen”, and I’m glad I did! Firkins’ relatable, quirky main characters make her novels the emotional, enjoyable and delightful reads they are and I look forward to any of Firkins next works.
July 27, 2023
This book was truly a delightful read. But if I'm being honest, I really couldn't connect to it and I can't place a finger onto why. I really liked the characters. I really liked the second chance romance...
oh, I think I know.
Honestly, I didn't want the main couple to end up together.
Idk. I think the more I thought about it, the more sad I got. Again, I liked the characters, and the charm of the town, but as I consider it, it'll stick with me, but not in a way I would like.
Though I did love the writing, and would check out other books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for a chance to read and review.
oh, I think I know.
Honestly, I didn't want the main couple to end up together.
Idk. I think the more I thought about it, the more sad I got. Again, I liked the characters, and the charm of the town, but as I consider it, it'll stick with me, but not in a way I would like.
Though I did love the writing, and would check out other books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for a chance to read and review.
May 18, 2023
If you're a fan of the second chances at love trope, than this book is great for you!
The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is the sweet romance with mutual pining and character development.Overall the pacing of the story was good and reading this book was fun.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is the sweet romance with mutual pining and character development.Overall the pacing of the story was good and reading this book was fun.
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2023
Omg that was awful. They're so cringe and uninteresting. She's literally still a loser at the end who doesn't even get fully picked by her boyfriend. She might have been first if she chose the bartender. Eliot is literally not even that good of a person. He's very boohoo I'm rich and misunderstood and I don't want to be fancy boohoo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2023
This book started out so good and then went downhill quickly for me.
I think one of the problems here is that it was trying to walk the line between funny and emotional without going too far into one territory, but that just made it all feel mediocre.
- Imogen and Eliot admitted their love for each other so fast. It was so weird after being separated for 10 years and supposedly in love with each other for a while.
- The ending was not what I wanted. At all. I didn't feel like we really solved the problems that were here.
- The losing/never being first thing was in the story but in a background kind of way. I thought it was going to play a bigger role and we'd see Imogen doing fun games and things with Eliot, which I guess they did, but the vibes were off.
Overall, it's a big no from me, unfortunately.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I think one of the problems here is that it was trying to walk the line between funny and emotional without going too far into one territory, but that just made it all feel mediocre.
- Imogen and Eliot admitted their love for each other so fast. It was so weird after being separated for 10 years and supposedly in love with each other for a while.
- The ending was not what I wanted. At all. I didn't feel like we really solved the problems that were here.
- The losing/never being first thing was in the story but in a background kind of way. I thought it was going to play a bigger role and we'd see Imogen doing fun games and things with Eliot, which I guess they did, but the vibes were off.
Overall, it's a big no from me, unfortunately.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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August 7, 2023
So, I'm an idiot. I thought this would be a light, fun rom-com to make me feel warm an fuzzy inside. The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is so much more than that.
Firkins takes this rom-com and digs into questions of self-worth, self-confidence, and finding someone who makes the effort. I loved reading Imogen's story, she was sweet, kind, and almost painfully reminded me of my own insecurities. I also loved this quirky cast! They were all so much fun to read about and I loved the whimsy that Imogen's mom brought to the narrative.
Eliot Swift, the love interest, was a different sort of hero. He conquers his own struggles without boxing Imogen in and a really appreciated that, it felt fresh and different to the typical rom-com tropes.
I did have to take a star away because personally, this book was too steamy for me. I feel like such a contradiction because I love rom-coms, but I don't like reading the steamy bits! I do my best to skip them lol.
Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for the arc in exhange for an honest review.
Firkins takes this rom-com and digs into questions of self-worth, self-confidence, and finding someone who makes the effort. I loved reading Imogen's story, she was sweet, kind, and almost painfully reminded me of my own insecurities. I also loved this quirky cast! They were all so much fun to read about and I loved the whimsy that Imogen's mom brought to the narrative.
Eliot Swift, the love interest, was a different sort of hero. He conquers his own struggles without boxing Imogen in and a really appreciated that, it felt fresh and different to the typical rom-com tropes.
I did have to take a star away because personally, this book was too steamy for me. I feel like such a contradiction because I love rom-coms, but I don't like reading the steamy bits! I do my best to skip them lol.
Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for the arc in exhange for an honest review.
September 15, 2025
3.5 Stars
Like most of my 3-3.5 star reads, it's hard to articulate my thoughts into a coherent review. I'll mention a couple of things I liked and disliked. I enjoyed Firkins' previous adult release much more than this one. I wasn't particularly fond of either the hero or the heroine in this story. My feelings were basically, meh. I preferred the idea of Dutch (the local bartender) over Elliott as the hero. He wasn't as developed as a secondary character, but what I knew about him was enough.
December 21, 2023
Justice for Dutch.
December 21, 2023
I just did not vibe with this one sadly. It was a slog to get through :(
I understand the entire point of Imogen being cursed was the basis of this story but it got so old so fast. It truly felt like the same story repeatedly told over and over, with tiny variations to the men that were involved with Imogen.
I didn't connect with Eliot at all, in fact, I kind of thought he was a douche. The ending was predictable, and it made me dislike Imogen because she .
Anyways, I started reading this book right when I moved cross country, and it was very easy to disregard as I got used to my new job.
On to more fun things :)
I understand the entire point of Imogen being cursed was the basis of this story but it got so old so fast. It truly felt like the same story repeatedly told over and over, with tiny variations to the men that were involved with Imogen.
I didn't connect with Eliot at all, in fact, I kind of thought he was a douche. The ending was predictable, and it made me dislike Imogen because she .
Anyways, I started reading this book right when I moved cross country, and it was very easy to disregard as I got used to my new job.
On to more fun things :)
June 8, 2023
The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch was a lovely read. Imogen Finch finds herself back in her hometown, caring for her aging and deteriorating mother and giving up her dreams of being an artist to work multiple part time jobs just to get by. Imogen's world is shaken when her first love and best friend (before he totally ghosted her while he was out exploring the world) returns home to attend the funeral of his estranged father. Layer in that Imogen's mother claims to see the future and identified a curse that Imogen will never be first to anyone.
I adored Imogen's small town, her network of friends, and her support system. This was a sweet book, definitely worth the read.
I adored Imogen's small town, her network of friends, and her support system. This was a sweet book, definitely worth the read.
October 30, 2023
Tropes:
Friends To Lovers
Second Chance
Open Door
Small Town
Oh Imogen, what an absolute gem! I couldn't get enough of her character. She is quirky, caring and just so sweet.
The character growth in both Imogen and Eliot was beautiful, both in terms of togetherness, and also apart.
I so appreciated the realistic timeline regarding therapy. It isn't something that can be fixed or changed in just weeks. It's hard work and takes time.
Overall a very enjoyable read from the main characters point of view. I recommend!
My thanks to SMP Romance and St. Martin's Press for this gifted copy.
Friends To Lovers
Second Chance
Open Door
Small Town
Oh Imogen, what an absolute gem! I couldn't get enough of her character. She is quirky, caring and just so sweet.
The character growth in both Imogen and Eliot was beautiful, both in terms of togetherness, and also apart.
I so appreciated the realistic timeline regarding therapy. It isn't something that can be fixed or changed in just weeks. It's hard work and takes time.
Overall a very enjoyable read from the main characters point of view. I recommend!
My thanks to SMP Romance and St. Martin's Press for this gifted copy.
October 31, 2023
The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch is not just a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end—It is a heartfelt journey. Imogen herself is an extremely relatable and likable character; I was in her corner from the very first page as she suffers through yet another breakup, the latest in a string of breakups that convince her that she is destined to always come in second—in love, in life, and in every crazy contest she enters! My heart ached for her as she doubted herself, and for the fact that she never put herself first—so why should anyone else? She has a best friend, a mother who is flighty (who might or might not be able to predict the future), but the biggest love of her life might very well be the one who got away, the first of many who she realized didn’t put her first. Eliot (he who got away) was a fascinating character, with demons and heartbreak of his own, and the journey is as much his as it is Imogen’s. This is a wondrous book, filled with moments of joy and love and laughter, but its poignancy is what tugged at my heartstrings, and what makes this a very extraordinary journey.
December 11, 2023
Review to come.
December 28, 2023
The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jacqueline Firkins
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Imogen Finch has just been through her seventeenth breakup. She saw it coming, so she's not as crushed as she might be, but with all seventeen of her exes leaving her for other partners, she's come to believe a prediction her well-intentioned and possibly clairvoyant mother made over twenty years ago: that Imogen would never come first at anything or to anyone. Is her love life failing due to a magical curse? Insufficient effort? Poor timing or personality mismatches? Everyone has opinions on the matter. Imogen's ready to give up altogether. But when Eliot Swift, her secret high school crush, returns to their small coastal town after a decade of nomadic travels, Imogen has new motivation to try again. Eliot's full of encouragement. He suggests that her curse is not only imagined, it's easily breakable. All they need is one win--any win--and she can believe in love, and in herself again.
From trivia games to swimming races to corn-shucking contests, the pair sets out to snag Imogen her first first. But when victory proves more elusive than Eliot anticipated, and when his deep-seeded wanderlust compels him to depart for far away places, Imogen fears she's destined to remain in second place forever. Fortunately for them both, sometimes magic lingers in the most unexpected places. And love is far from predictable.
My Thoughts: Imogen Finch is an uninspired artist that has been dumped seventeenth (17) times. Imogen believes she has been cursed by her mother, whom predicted that Imogen would never be anyone’s first or anything’s first. Enter Eliot Swift who returns home after ten long years. When they were growing up, Imogen, Eliot, and Franny were thick as thieves, until Eliot left. Eliot believes that Imogen can break this “magical” curse if she falls in love. They set on a path to find Imogen a win. This follows the tropes of second chance romance, small town, and friends to lovers.
The story is narrated in third person with flashbacks of some of the failed relationships. Going through some of the failed relationships was heartbreaking and you could see that Imogen definitely deserves better. Some of the scenes between our MCs are sweet and endearing and really moved my heart. You could really see the connection that they shared and that still burns bright. The chemistry was strong between the MCs, and I loved how they communicated, it just worked for them. The characters were developed well with depth, witty banter, chemistry, a true emotional connection, and were creatively woven throughout the story. The author’s writing style was complex, funny, thought-provoking, slightly poignant, intriguing, and engaging.
This was a beautiful, slightly sad story that I really enjoyed. The story will cause a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I was joyful, and I was sad. The only con is that it took too long to get to the romance part of the story. I loved Firkins previous book and this one, both following the same format. I highly recommend this to other readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jacqueline Firkins
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Imogen Finch has just been through her seventeenth breakup. She saw it coming, so she's not as crushed as she might be, but with all seventeen of her exes leaving her for other partners, she's come to believe a prediction her well-intentioned and possibly clairvoyant mother made over twenty years ago: that Imogen would never come first at anything or to anyone. Is her love life failing due to a magical curse? Insufficient effort? Poor timing or personality mismatches? Everyone has opinions on the matter. Imogen's ready to give up altogether. But when Eliot Swift, her secret high school crush, returns to their small coastal town after a decade of nomadic travels, Imogen has new motivation to try again. Eliot's full of encouragement. He suggests that her curse is not only imagined, it's easily breakable. All they need is one win--any win--and she can believe in love, and in herself again.
From trivia games to swimming races to corn-shucking contests, the pair sets out to snag Imogen her first first. But when victory proves more elusive than Eliot anticipated, and when his deep-seeded wanderlust compels him to depart for far away places, Imogen fears she's destined to remain in second place forever. Fortunately for them both, sometimes magic lingers in the most unexpected places. And love is far from predictable.
My Thoughts: Imogen Finch is an uninspired artist that has been dumped seventeenth (17) times. Imogen believes she has been cursed by her mother, whom predicted that Imogen would never be anyone’s first or anything’s first. Enter Eliot Swift who returns home after ten long years. When they were growing up, Imogen, Eliot, and Franny were thick as thieves, until Eliot left. Eliot believes that Imogen can break this “magical” curse if she falls in love. They set on a path to find Imogen a win. This follows the tropes of second chance romance, small town, and friends to lovers.
The story is narrated in third person with flashbacks of some of the failed relationships. Going through some of the failed relationships was heartbreaking and you could see that Imogen definitely deserves better. Some of the scenes between our MCs are sweet and endearing and really moved my heart. You could really see the connection that they shared and that still burns bright. The chemistry was strong between the MCs, and I loved how they communicated, it just worked for them. The characters were developed well with depth, witty banter, chemistry, a true emotional connection, and were creatively woven throughout the story. The author’s writing style was complex, funny, thought-provoking, slightly poignant, intriguing, and engaging.
This was a beautiful, slightly sad story that I really enjoyed. The story will cause a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I was joyful, and I was sad. The only con is that it took too long to get to the romance part of the story. I loved Firkins previous book and this one, both following the same format. I highly recommend this to other readers.
November 22, 2023
Brilliant execution! I couldn't put this one down! The characters are beautiful, complicated, messy, and so full of life and love that you can't help but connect to them. The friendships and relationships are just the same, which makes them that much better. I loved how this story unfolded and I was not at all disappointed with the ending.
Well done, Jacqueline Firkins! 👏👏👏 I am looking forward to reading more stories from this brilliant mind!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.
Well done, Jacqueline Firkins! 👏👏👏 I am looking forward to reading more stories from this brilliant mind!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2023
4.5 stars. I loved this book! It was so fun, yet thoughtful. It’s a romance for sure, but the central focus is on accepting yourself and determining what you really want. I would call it contemporary women’s fiction. It was funny and flirty and sexy, and I really enjoyed everything about it. The only thing that is keeping me from giving it the full five stars is that I felt it was a bit longer than necessary, but I still highly recommend it— you’ll really enjoy your time with these characters.
October 19, 2023
Imogen Finch believes her psychic mother’s prediction that she will never come in first at anything or to anyone. She has seventeen failed relationships that prove it out. When Eliot Swift, her high school crush returns to town after a decade, she’s willing to put her heart on the line again. Eliot left town after high school and now has four million subscribers to his solo travels around the globe channel.
I really enjoyed the author's previous novel Marlowe Banks, Redesigned (Oct 2022). I knew this would be an open door book and lean strongly towards women’s fiction with an ultimate romance. This is really Imogen’s journey. Eliot is sweet in wanting to show her the curse isn’t real, but he is also very emotionally broken by his wealthy but distant parents. Even as Imogen finds joy in getting to spend time with him and express long held feelings, he is a wanderer. As the story unfolds, there are flashes back to previous relationships that reinforce her belief in the prediction.
I liked the story. It is engaging, spicy, has humor but ultimately the prediction is also very sad. I wanted the bartender guy to be the one to break the curse. The best friend is funny and of course has boundary issues. And mom is sweet too. But her gift is ultimately sad as well. I’m giving four stars because the book deserves it but I can understand where others may not think the ending is a happy ever after. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
I really enjoyed the author's previous novel Marlowe Banks, Redesigned (Oct 2022). I knew this would be an open door book and lean strongly towards women’s fiction with an ultimate romance. This is really Imogen’s journey. Eliot is sweet in wanting to show her the curse isn’t real, but he is also very emotionally broken by his wealthy but distant parents. Even as Imogen finds joy in getting to spend time with him and express long held feelings, he is a wanderer. As the story unfolds, there are flashes back to previous relationships that reinforce her belief in the prediction.
I liked the story. It is engaging, spicy, has humor but ultimately the prediction is also very sad. I wanted the bartender guy to be the one to break the curse. The best friend is funny and of course has boundary issues. And mom is sweet too. But her gift is ultimately sad as well. I’m giving four stars because the book deserves it but I can understand where others may not think the ending is a happy ever after. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
October 16, 2023
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
This is such a hard review to write because I absolutely adored Marlowe Banks, Redesigned, so I was anxiously awaiting this book and it just didn't work for me. I thought the curse part of the book was interesting. It was a unique take on a character problem in a book, and I appreciated the oringinality. I absolutely loved all of the side characters in this one - Franny and Dutch and even Imogen's mother. But I didn't like the romance here. 🙈 I am not sure if I needed two narrators - Imogen and Eliot - or some more development towards the ending. I honestly wished she would've ended up with Dutch because he seemed like that character that would put her first throughout the entire novel. Ending up with Eliot still traveling most of the time still felt like she ended second and the curse was going strong. I am glad she accomplished solo goals, but when it comes to a romance, I expected there to be a bit more with the characters coming together than there was. I just didn't like these two together and thought they both deserved someone more acclimated to their current lifestyles. I still look forward to reading what this author writes in the future.
This is such a hard review to write because I absolutely adored Marlowe Banks, Redesigned, so I was anxiously awaiting this book and it just didn't work for me. I thought the curse part of the book was interesting. It was a unique take on a character problem in a book, and I appreciated the oringinality. I absolutely loved all of the side characters in this one - Franny and Dutch and even Imogen's mother. But I didn't like the romance here. 🙈 I am not sure if I needed two narrators - Imogen and Eliot - or some more development towards the ending. I honestly wished she would've ended up with Dutch because he seemed like that character that would put her first throughout the entire novel. Ending up with Eliot still traveling most of the time still felt like she ended second and the curse was going strong. I am glad she accomplished solo goals, but when it comes to a romance, I expected there to be a bit more with the characters coming together than there was. I just didn't like these two together and thought they both deserved someone more acclimated to their current lifestyles. I still look forward to reading what this author writes in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
If this book is any prelude into what 2024 holds…this is going to be a very, very good year. This story made me walk the fine line of wanting to devour it in a matter of days, and taking my time, savoring each page.
I went with the latter.
This story was beautiful.
I have this weird theory, that every book I read, that truly grabs me, is meant to come into my life right now. There were a lot of similarities within this story that paralleled my life. It only made me love this story that much more.
Imogen and Eliot were some of my favorite characters, both together and apart. I loved their story and the honesty of it all. I loved how Imogen’s heartbreak was described, and the maze her heart had to go through. It was all very real, and very honest.
I loved the raw honesty and dynamic that Eliot had both within himself, and with his parents.
I read a quote once that said if you want a story to truly connect with its readers, it has to have truth in it. It’s in the truth that people find the ability to relate to the story.
And that’s what made me love this story so. I could relate to it all the way through.
Beautiful.
Wonderful.
A love story for the ages.
I went with the latter.
This story was beautiful.
I have this weird theory, that every book I read, that truly grabs me, is meant to come into my life right now. There were a lot of similarities within this story that paralleled my life. It only made me love this story that much more.
Imogen and Eliot were some of my favorite characters, both together and apart. I loved their story and the honesty of it all. I loved how Imogen’s heartbreak was described, and the maze her heart had to go through. It was all very real, and very honest.
I loved the raw honesty and dynamic that Eliot had both within himself, and with his parents.
I read a quote once that said if you want a story to truly connect with its readers, it has to have truth in it. It’s in the truth that people find the ability to relate to the story.
And that’s what made me love this story so. I could relate to it all the way through.
Beautiful.
Wonderful.
A love story for the ages.
June 4, 2023
4.75 stars 🌟 I LOVE IMOGENELIOT WITH MY WHOLE HEART 🙈🫶 they will forever be my favorite best friends to second chance lovers 😭 this book was so so fantastic. from the knee knocking to the maturity and character growth from both of these characters 🧗♂️👩🎨🐾 i loved this couple so very much and i am so glad to have read this book!! there is not a single flaw in this and i hope people enjoy it as much as i did when it comes out in october (which is the sweetest and most meaningful thing for this couple) 😇 10/10 would recommend
a special thank you to netgalley and st martins griffins press for the an arc in exchange for an honest review!
a special thank you to netgalley and st martins griffins press for the an arc in exchange for an honest review!
July 5, 2023
I can totally see Imogen and Eliot's love story turned into a movie. The plot is so easily enjoyable and the characters so sympathetic that I can't help but highly recommend.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.
September 14, 2023
I really enjoyed the writing in this novel. Although it had more “open door” scenes than I would typically enjoy, I realize that is completely a personal preference and regardless of that I really liked the writing style of the author. Without spoiling or giving too much away, I found the ending somewhat unsatisfying. Would recommend to anyone who doesn’t mind a spicy book with some language.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2024
I won’t say much about this story except for the zero chemistry component between the main character Imogen and her high school love Elliot.
The end.
The end.
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