Miss Wrong and Mr Right by Robert Bryndza

*** Review ***

In the realm of crime and psychological thrillers, where twisted plots and dark narratives reign supreme, venturing into the romantic comedy genre can be a breath of fresh air. Such was my experience when I delved into the world of Miss Wrong and Mr Right by the prolific Robert Bryndza—a departure from his usual crime novels that left me pleasantly surprised.

Being an avid follower of Bryndza’s crime series, I approached this romantic comedy with a mix of skepticism and curiosity, armed with a crime novel as a safety net. What drew me to this book wasn’t the genre, but the promise of Bryndza’s storytelling prowess, and I couldn’t help but wonder how the author of gripping crime narratives would handle a lighthearted romantic tale.

The story follows Natalie Love, a successful London theatre manager, as she navigates the complexities of love, choices, and second chances. What drew me to this book was not the genre but the promise of Bryndza’s storytelling prowess. As a devoted follower of his crime series, I approached this romantic comedy with a mix of skepticism and curiosity, armed with a crime novel as a safety net.

The novel opens with Natalie jilting her boyfriend Jamie at the altar, setting the stage for a journey filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists. Fast-forward fifteen years, and Natalie’s life seems picture-perfect—until Jamie reappears, igniting old flames and stirring up a love triangle that turns into a wrecktangle of emotions.

Bryndza’s skillful storytelling is immediately evident. The characters burst onto the page, each with their quirks and charm. Natalie’s eccentric Hungarian gran steals the show, providing not only sage advice but also moments of comedic relief. The dialogue between characters is witty and genuine, and the vivid descriptions bring the larger-than-life characters to reality. I found myself laughing out loud, to the point of choking on my coffee—a testament to the author’s ability to weave humor into the narrative.

The romantic entanglements in the story are beautifully crafted. Natalie’s journey involves three potential love interests—Benjamin, the yoga-loving boyfriend; Ryan, the Hollywood star; and Jamie, the long-lost ex. The unpredictability of Natalie’s choices kept me guessing until the very end. It’s a delightful exploration of second-chance romance, filled with laughter and endearing moments.

The standout character, undoubtedly, is Natalie’s gran, Anouska. With her Hungarian accent and quirky demeanor, she adds a layer of charm to the narrative. I found myself hoping for a spin-off featuring Gran, perhaps titled Gran’s Gone Wild, as her character left an indelible mark on the story.

The characters, despite their flaws, are lovable and relatable. Natalie, with her frizzy hair and imperfect figure, breaks the mold of the stereotypical romantic lead. It’s refreshing to see characters who are not flawless, adding authenticity to the story. The author’s ability to make the characters come alive is commendable.

While Miss Wrong and Mr Right may have moments of predictability and corniness, it didn’t diminish the overall enjoyment. It’s a light-hearted and entertaining read, a perfect escape from the darkness of crime novels. The absence of serial killers is compensated by the infectious humor and genuine warmth that permeates the narrative.

In the end, the novel left me with a feel-good lump in my chest—a rare experience in a world dominated by crime and suspense. It’s a testament to Bryndza’s versatility as a writer, proving that he can excel not only in the realm of crime but also in the exploration of love, laughter, and second chances.

In conclusion, Miss Wrong and Mr Right is a delightful journey into the world of romantic comedy, proving that even the most devoted crime fiction fans can find joy and laughter in unexpected genres. If you’re looking for a novel to lift your spirits and add a dose of fluff to your reading diet, don’t miss out on this heartwarming tale. Robert Bryndza has once again proven his mastery, leaving readers with a smile and a newfound appreciation for the lighter side of storytelling.