Book Review: In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer

Do you find that your mood or current life situation effects what books you read? I've definitely become more aware of this over the last few years. When I have a lot going on, I tend to go for books that are more light-hearted, easy, and entertaining. 

Thankfully, I got the opportunity to read a book that ticks all those boxes; the debut novel In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer, which is released this week through Pan Macmillan Australia.

This is a romantic comedy that is set, as the title suggests, in New York. It begins with a woman named Franny who is fired from her job, and whilst she is heading back home on the subway, complete with cardboard box filled with her personal belongings, her dress gets caught in the subway doors and rips all the way up. Franny is mortified that her dress now resembles a hospital gown and scrambles for something or someone to come to her rescue.

Enter businessman Hayes, who kindly gives her the suit jacket he is wearing. Franny is extremely grateful, and wants nothing more than to put the entire embarrassing episode behind her. However, unbeknownst to Franny and Hayes, a fellow commuter has captured the entire incident and shared the video across her social media platforms, dubbing the couple as the '#Subway QT's'.

The couple are given the opportunity to meet again, this time on live television after the clip starts going viral. Franny just wants the opportunity to thank Hayes again and put it all behind her, but it doesn't quite work out that way...

I thought that this book was a great read with a decent cast of characters, including Franny's two best friends, Cleo and Lola. The romance wasn't overdone, which is a win for me. I also enjoyed reading about all of the New York landmarks, foods, etc as it really helped set the scene and gave the story and extra layer of depth.

The story is told in alternating chapters from Franny and Hayes' perspectives, and I particularly liked Franny. I would recommend this novel for those looking for a fun and easy read, and for those who enjoy romantic comedies.

In A New York Minute is available through Pan Macmillan Australia, RRP $26.99