Ali Rosen’s third novel, Unlikely Story, weaves together the timeless theme of mistaken identity with the unique challenges of modern digital communication, resulting in a refreshingly contemporary yet nostalgic romantic comedy. Rosen, who previously delighted readers with Recipe for Second Chances and Alternate Endings, brings her characteristic wit and warmth to this New York City-based tale that asks: can you truly know someone through words alone?
At its heart, this novel is a clever homage to Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail (which Rosen acknowledges as inspiration), updated for a generation that communicates through shared Google Docs rather than AOL email. Like the best romantic comedies, it balances genuine emotional moments with laugh-out-loud humor, creating a reading experience that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Plot: Digital Connection Meets Real-World Collision
Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen follows Nora Fischer, a relationship therapist who writes an anonymous advice column edited by a mysterious “J.W.” in London. Their professional relationship has evolved over seven years into a deep friendship conducted entirely through comments on shared documents. Meanwhile, Nora’s carefully ordered life is disrupted when Eli Whitman—the ex-boyfriend of a former therapy client who blames Nora for his breakup—moves into her building and plans noisy rooftop renovations.
What unfolds is a perfectly orchestrated comedy of errors as Nora navigates her growing attraction to Eli while nursing her long-distance crush on J, completely unaware that they are one and the same person. The dramatic irony creates delicious tension as readers watch these two characters fall for each other twice, in completely different contexts.
Character Development: Complex, Flawed, and Endearing
Rosen excels at creating characters who feel fully realized:
- Nora is professionally competent yet personally hesitant—someone who helps others navigate relationships while keeping her own emotional life safely contained. Her character growth as she learns to prioritize her own needs feels earned and authentic.
- Eli/J presents two distinct personas—the combative, defensive neighbor and the sensitive, thoughtful editor—that gradually merge as the story progresses. Rosen skillfully reveals the layers behind his prickly exterior, particularly through his relationship with his late grandmother.
- The Supporting Cast shines with distinctive personalities, from Dane (Nora’s straight-talking best friend) to the elderly neighbors in their building (particularly Tom, Meryl, and Kwan) who form an unexpected support system.
What makes these characters particularly engaging is how their flaws drive the story. Nora’s tendency to take care of everyone but herself, Eli’s defensiveness, and both characters’ fear of vulnerability create natural obstacles to their happiness that must be overcome.
Setting: A Love Letter to New York City
Rosen’s depiction of New York City serves as more than mere backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right. From the farmers’ market at Union Square to the brownstone-lined streets of Greenwich Village, the city pulses with energy and possibility. The juxtaposition of London scenes later in the novel provides an effective contrast while maintaining the urban romantic atmosphere.
The most charming setting element is the converted factory building where Nora and Eli live, populated by eccentric elderly residents who’ve been there since the 1970s. This microcosm of New York creates a sense of community rarely found in contemporary urban novels and serves as a perfect backdrop for their evolving relationship.
Themes: Connection in the Digital Age
Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen thoughtfully explores several themes that resonate in our modern world:
- Authenticity vs. Persona: Can we ever truly know someone through digital communication alone? The novel suggests that while written words reveal certain truths, they also allow us to present edited versions of ourselves.
- Vulnerability and Growth: Both protagonists must learn to open themselves to potential hurt in order to experience genuine connection.
- Found Family: The novel beautifully depicts how chosen families can provide support when biological families fall short.
- Self-Advocacy: Nora’s journey toward standing up for herself—both with Eli and with her demanding parents—forms the emotional backbone of the story.
Writing Style: Warm, Witty, and Accessible
Rosen’s prose strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and insight. Her dialogue crackles with wit and authenticity, while her descriptions—particularly of food—are sensory and evocative. The dual perspective allows readers to understand both Nora and Eli’s motivations, creating investment in their eventual union.
The pacing is nearly perfect, with the central revelation coming at exactly the right moment to maximize both comedy and emotional impact. Even when readers can predict certain outcomes (as is expected in romantic comedy), the journey remains thoroughly enjoyable.
Recipe Inclusion: A Delightful Bonus
In a charming nod to her background as a cookbook author, Rosen includes recipes mentioned throughout the story as an appendix. This unexpected addition enriches the reading experience, allowing fans to bring elements of the novel into their own kitchens. From Strawberry-Rhubarb Cornbread to Shepherd’s Pie, these recipes further develop the sensory world of the novel.
Room for Improvement
While Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen is a thoroughly enjoyable read, a few elements could have been strengthened:
- Professional Ethics: The therapist-patient relationship between Nora and Eli (albeit brief) raises ethical questions that the novel addresses somewhat hastily. A deeper exploration of these professional boundaries might have added complexity.
- London Setting: While New York comes alive in vivid detail, the London scenes feel less distinct and could have benefited from more specific cultural touchpoints.
- Secondary Character Development: Nora’s brother Ike appears primarily as a foil to highlight her people-pleasing tendencies, but his character remains relatively flat compared to other supporting characters.
- Coincidence Factor: The central coincidence—that Eli would randomly move into Nora’s building—requires a significant suspension of disbelief, even for romantic comedy. While Rosen provides explanation through Eli’s connection to his grandmother, this remains the story’s biggest logical stretch.
Who Should Read This Book?
Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen will particularly appeal to:
- Fans of contemporary romance with substance and humor
- Readers who enjoyed novels like Beach Read by Emily Henry or The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
- Anyone who appreciates romantic comedies with strong character development
- New Yorkers or those who love reading stories set in the city
- Readers who enjoyed Rosen’s previous novels, especially Alternate Endings
Final Verdict: A Heartwarming Modern Romance
Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen delivers exactly what its genre promises: a warm, funny exploration of love in all its complexity, with characters who feel like friends by the final page. Rosen has crafted a story that honors the romantic comedy tradition while updating it for contemporary sensibilities.
The novel’s exploration of how we present ourselves differently to different people—and how authentic connection requires integrating those personas—provides depth beyond the typical romantic fare. Rosen reminds us that true intimacy means revealing all sides of ourselves, not just the carefully edited versions.
With its winning combination of humor, heart, and insight into modern relationships, Unlikely Story captivates audiences with its engaging narrative. It’s the literary equivalent of a perfect slice of New York pizza: familiar in the best way, yet still offering its own unique flavor. Readers will close this book satisfied yet eagerly anticipating Rosen’s next literary offering.
For those who finish the novel craving more, try making one of the included recipes while starting another contemporary romance—perhaps Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners or Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation—to keep the warm, fuzzy feelings going just a little longer.
