In a world where we can curate different versions of ourselves across various platforms, Ali Rosen’s “Unlikely Story” asks a compelling question: Is it possible to fall in love with someone through words alone? This charming romance novel—Rosen’s third foray into fiction after “Recipe for Second Chances” and “Alternate Endings”—delves into the complexity of modern relationships with sensitivity, humor, and insight.
Set against the backdrop of New York City’s Greenwich Village and London’s vibrant neighborhoods, “Unlikely Story” weaves together the lives of relationship therapist Nora Fischer and British copyeditor Eli Whitman in a narrative that feels both refreshingly contemporary and timelessly romantic.
Plot: An Unlikely Coincidence That Works
Nora Fischer has a secret: for seven years, she’s been writing an anonymous advice column called “Ask Eleonora” for a London newspaper, and somewhere along the way, she’s developed feelings for the column’s copyeditor, known only as “J.” Their communication has been limited to comments in shared documents—no phone calls, no meetings, just words on a screen. When J mentions his relationship has ended, and Nora’s boss invites her to London, she sees it as fate.
Meanwhile, Eli Whitman—the ex-boyfriend of one of Nora’s former therapy clients—moves into her apartment building and immediately clashes with her over his plans to renovate the roof space above her apartment. Their antagonistic relationship gradually evolves into friendship, then something more, after they get accidentally locked on the roof together one night.
In a twist that could feel contrived but somehow doesn’t, Nora discovers that Eli is actually J—the man she’s been corresponding with for years. The revelation forces both characters to reckon with the different sides of themselves they present to the world, and to each other.
What Sets This Book Apart:
Dual identity plot with depth: Unlike typical secret-identity romances, Rosen uses the premise to explore genuine questions about authenticity in relationships
Therapy lens: Nora’s profession provides a framework for examining communication patterns and emotional barriers
Intergenerational friendship: The supporting cast of elderly neighbors adds warmth and wisdom to the narrative
Realistic family dynamics: Nora’s relationship with her eccentric parents feels authentic and nuanced
Characters: Layered Personalities That Evolve
Nora is a fascinating study in contradictions—capable of helping clients navigate their emotional struggles while avoiding her own, setting boundaries professionally but struggling to do so with her parents. Her journey from emotional safety to vulnerability feels earned and realistic.
Eli/J develops beautifully throughout the story. Initially presented as combative and difficult, Rosen gradually reveals the layers beneath his prickly exterior—grief over his grandmother’s death, loneliness, and a genuine desire for connection that he struggles to express. Watching him open up to Nora, both in writing and in person, provides some of the book’s most touching moments.
The supporting cast doesn’t just provide comic relief or plot devices—each character has their own arc:
Dane: Nora’s straightforward best friend who calls out her self-sabotaging tendencies
Kwan and Gladys: Elderly neighbors whose late-in-life romance mirrors and contrasts with Nora and Eli’s story
Tom and Meryl: A long-married couple who provide a model of enduring love and mutual respect
Nora’s parents: Lovable but frustrating characters whose irresponsibility forces Nora to examine her own caretaking tendencies
Themes & Style: Words That Resonate
Rosen’s background as a cookbook author shines through in her sensory descriptions—from the strawberry-rhubarb cornbread Nora bakes to the cheese-laden barge in London where she attends a work event. Food becomes a love language throughout the story, particularly in the black-and-white cookies and scones that symbolize the blending of American and British cultures.
The writing style perfectly balances wit and emotional depth. The first-person narration through Nora’s perspective allows readers to experience her gradual awakening to her own needs and desires, while the texting exchanges between characters capture the unique intimacy of digital communication.
Key Themes Explored:
The masks we wear: How we present different versions of ourselves in different contexts
Vulnerability as strength: Learning to open up despite past hurts
Found family: Creating community beyond blood relations
Setting boundaries: Particularly with loved ones who don’t respect them
Professional vs. personal ethics: How Nora navigates the complexities of her former therapeutic relationship with Eli
Strengths: Where Unlikely Story Shines
Rosen excels at creating a vivid sense of place—the descriptions of New York’s Union Square Farmers Market and London’s Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew make these settings feel like characters in their own right. The novel’s pacing also deserves praise; while this is primarily a character-driven story, there’s enough tension to keep readers engaged.
The development of Nora and Eli’s relationship feels authentic, avoiding both insta-love and unnecessary angst. Their connection builds organically, and their conflicts stem from genuine character traits rather than contrived misunderstandings.
Perhaps most impressive is how Rosen incorporates therapeutic concepts without being didactic. Discussions about boundaries, communication patterns, and emotional availability feel natural within the context of the story.
Room for Improvement: The 4-Star Reality
Despite its many strengths, “Unlikely Story” by Ali Rosen isn’t without flaws:
Coincidence stretched thin: The premise requires readers to accept a significant coincidence that occasionally strains credibility
Pacing lulls: The middle section, particularly after Nora learns Eli’s identity but before their reunion, occasionally drags
Inconsistent villain: Eli’s father is presented as an antagonistic force but remains underdeveloped as a character
Predictable resolution: While emotionally satisfying, the ending follows a fairly expected trajectory for the genre
Comparisons and Connections
Fans of Rosen’s previous novel, “Recipe for Second Chances,” will recognize her talent for weaving food imagery into emotional narratives. However, “Unlikely Story” delves deeper into psychological territory, showing Ali Rosen’s growth as a writer.
The novel shares DNA with contemporary romances like Emily Henry’s “Beach Read” and Christina Lauren’s “Love and Other Words,” all of which explore how writing and words can bridge emotional distances. Readers who enjoy Beth O’Leary’s “The Flatshare” will appreciate the similar exploration of connection without physical presence.
For Readers Considering This Book
You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:
Slow-burn romances with emotional depth
Stories featuring therapists or mental health themes
New York City and London settings
Found-family narratives
Character-driven plots with witty dialogue
This Might Not Be For You If:
You prefer action-packed plots with high stakes
You’re skeptical of coincidence-heavy premises
You like your romance with minimal family drama
You’re looking for steamy content (the heat level is moderate)
Final Thoughts: A Story Worth Reading
“Unlikely Story” by Ali Rosen delivers exactly what its title promises—an improbable tale that somehow feels true to life. Rosen has crafted a thoughtful romance that celebrates the power of words to reveal our truest selves while acknowledging that real intimacy requires showing up in person, vulnerabilities and all.
The included recipes at the end—from Strawberry-Rhubarb Cornbread to Passion Fruit Mousse—provide a delightful bonus, allowing readers to literally taste the story long after the final page.
With its insightful exploration of modern communication, authentic character growth, and heartwarming community of characters, “Unlikely Story” earns its four stars. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unlikely connections turn out to be exactly what we need.