Queen B’s Decree: Mr. Right Across the Street was a cute premise that didn’t totally deliver.
Mia is new to Manchester and hasn’t met many people yet. But what she has discovered while working from home is there is a very attractive man who works out on a strict schedule. Every day. Across the street. Where she can see him from her desk and window.
She eventually meets him when she leaves her hibernation and ventures to the local bar, where Mr. Right is the owner and bartender, Luke. Luke is immediately smitten but Mia is gun shy after hearing about Luke’s rakish ways (look, I’ve been watching the Bridgertons, ok!?). He realizes she lives across from him the next morning and thus begins their communication using notes left on their windows.
Isn’t that adorable?
But here’s where it kind of falls apart.
Mia has had some bad relationships and is reluctant to try something with a manwhore like Luke. So they try friendship instead, although Luke is terrible about hiding his feelings for Mia.
Mia…is what’s wrong with this book. She is so insecure. I have a hard time believing she is an adult when so many of her actions are immature and reminiscent of a teenager. She was so hard on Luke, never once looking at anything from his point of view, nor giving him a chance to talk to her. Mia was constantly running away. And the whole “you’re a cool kid, I’m a nerd and the two shall never be together” schtick was so judgmental. And this when she claimed she didn’t like to stereotype…she constantly did.
Luke deserved better. He was romantic, vulnerable, and loyal.
Side characters were a worthwhile addition, and overall I enjoyed myself. I just felt it could have been just that bit more.
Book: Mr. Right Across the Street by Kathryn Freeman
Series: standalone
Genre: Contemporary
Hotness: mild to medium salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: friends-to-lovers