THE PREDICTABLE HEARTBREAKS OF IMOGEN FINCH

Cursed with being forever second best, a 28-year-old woman risks everything to win the heart of her high school crush.

Imogen Finch is unlucky. Clinically unlucky, according to her clairvoyant mother, who prophesied Imogen’s silver-medal existence when she was only 6. No matter how hard Imogen tried to win student offices and ace math exams, she was forever destined to be runner-up in life—and in love. Every one of her 17 exes not only dumped her but left her for other people. Resigned to mediocrity, Imogen works six jobs in Pitt’s Corner, her small coastal town, caring for her mother and avoiding the pitying stares of her now happily married ex-boyfriends. Despite the blows to her ego, Imogen was never certain she was even in love with her past flames—all except heartbreak No. 1, Eliot Swift. Even though they were never a couple, Eliot was Imogen’s first and only love, the one who didn’t believe in her mother’s miserable prophecy, the one who ghosted her (and the whole town of Pitt’s Corner) 10 years ago. Still nursing her wounds a decade later, Imogen finds her world turned upside down when Eliot’s father dies, forcing him to return to the friends and family he left behind. Seeing Eliot again only confirms Imogen’s feelings for him, but will she be able to separate herself from a fate she spent years believing was irreversible? Firkins’ novel is a special blend of humor, passion, and friendship, with a hint of a sixth sense that sets it apart from other contemporary romances. Every so often, a chapter outlines one of Imogen’s 17 breakups, each more outrageous and humiliating than the last, and it’s impossible to root for anything other than a well-deserved happily-ever-after. Don’t expect Imogen to find her HEA too easily, though; Firkins takes her time with her characters, patiently weaving moments of grief, healing, and understanding to make this friends-to-lovers tale gratifyingly worthwhile.

A quirky romance about second chances for those who come in second place.