Meet Cute

It’s no secret that I adore Helena Hunting, and after reading over a dozen of her books, I will automatically read anything she writes.  So, when I saw the cover and blurb for Meet Cute, it immediately became one of my most anticipated reads of 2019.  

With that charming illustrated cover, I was expecting a hilarious rom-com about a grown-up fangirl, but Meet Cute is much more emotional and deeper than I was expecting.  But, because it’s Helena, I rolled with it and ended up falling in love with the characters and the story became that much more heartfelt.

Meet Cute Summary

We’re introduced to Kailyn and Daxton through an awkward first meeting (aka “meet cute”) in the quad of their law school.  Kailyn’s fumbling adoration of Dax’s former childhood television character is both cringe-worthy and adorable.  

Dax, being the sweetheart that he is, finds Kailyn’s fangirl status endearing and discovers she’s stiff competition for top billing in their class.  Their friendship turns sour after a misunderstanding and they part ways until years later when Dax’s family needs Kailyn’s lawyerly services.

Both Kailyn and Dax are driven and focused on becoming partners at their respective law firms.  However, tragedy strikes Dax’s family and he suddenly finds himself the guardian of his 13-year-old sister.  

Emme is as lost and heartbroken as Dax, which makes their situation that much more heartbreaking.  Kailyn forges a bond with both Dax and Emme, helping them navigate the legal and emotional issues surrounding their new situation.  

Those old feelings of hate Kailyn harbored for Dax suddenly find themselves turning into something deeper—and much more enjoyable.

Humorous Yet Emotional Romance

I loved the depth of the characters that Helena brings to this story.  Dax is a caring and responsible role model for his sister, outside of a few bumps in the road as he adjusts to his new life.  

Kailyn is professional with a side of quirk, especially with her dorky obsession with Dax’s old television show.  Their chemistry is potent from their first meeting and slowly simmers throughout the storyline, striking the perfect balance of tension with their hilarious banter.   

Even though Meet Cute wasn’t the light and happy rom-com I was expecting, the story is filled with heart, heat, and humor that I found irresistible.  I may have shed a tear or two, but the laugh out loud moments made up for any sadness I felt.  

There were a couple of characters I wouldn’t have minded throat-punching, but that aside, I highly recommend having a Meet Cute of your own.