Title:  The ABCs of You & Me (Right Place, Right Time #3)

Author:  Megan McSpadden

Published:  April 1, 2025

Source:  received in exchange for a review

Type:  e-copy

Blurb: 

Sometimes falling in love is as easy as ABC.

Sophie Hore is ready for a fresh start. Five months after the end of a toxic relationship, she’s excited to take on her new role as a school social worker. But her excitement for the new job takes a surprising turn when on her first day she comes face to face with Foster, her best friend’s brother and the boy she fell in love with at five years old.

Foster Walsh loves his work as an educational assistant despite the ceaseless remarks of disappointment from his family. When he unexpectedly spots Sophie standing at his classroom door one morning, memories of their youth resurface and ignite long buried feelings for his sister’s best friend.

With an upcoming alumni event, Sophie turns to Foster for help. In a bold move, Foster agrees to be her date—under one condition: Sophie will accompany him to an annual barbeque as his girlfriend, in hopes that it will give him a break from his matchmaker friends’ relentless attempts of finding him “the one.”

What begins as an innocent arrangement spirals into a whirlwind of “friend dates” through the alphabet, each testing their creativity to not just come up with a date but keep their feelings under wraps. As the line between pretend and reality blurs, are they prepared for where the alphabet leads?

Check it on Amazon & Goodreads

About the story

Megan McSpadden’s ‘The ABCs of You & Me’ is a heartwarming contemporary romance that explores love, friendship, and self-discovery. As the third book in the ‘Right Place, Right Time’ series, it follows Sophie Hore and Foster Walsh as they navigate their rekindled connection through a creative alphabet-themed dating arrangement. With its charming premise and emotional depth, the novel offers a delightful blend of humor, romance, and personal growth.

Sophie Hore, a school social worker, is eager for a fresh start after a toxic relationship. On her first day at work, she unexpectedly reunites with Foster Walsh, her childhood crush and best friend’s brother. Foster, an educational assistant, has long struggled with his family’s expectations. When Sophie needs a date for an alumni event, Foster proposes a deal—she’ll accompany him to a barbecue as his girlfriend in exchange for his help. This arrangement soon evolves into a series of creative “friend dates” inspired by the alphabet, blurring the lines between pretend and reality. As their feelings deepen, they must confront their past and decide if their love is worth the risk.

Characters & themes

Sophie is a relatable protagonist, balancing vulnerability with resilience. Her journey toward self-confidence is inspiring, making her easy to root for. Foster, on the other hand, is a charming and kind-hearted character who struggles with familial expectations. His growth throughout the novel adds depth to his personality. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions—filled with playful banter and emotional honesty—make their romance compelling. Secondary characters, including Sophie’s best friend and Foster’s matchmaking friends, add humor and warmth to the story.

The novel explores themes of second chances, self-worth, and the importance of following one’s heart. Sophie’s journey highlights the impact of past relationships on self-esteem, while Foster’s struggle with family expectations underscores the pressure of societal norms. The alphabet-themed dates symbolize creativity and spontaneity, reinforcing the idea that love should be fun and adventurous.

Writing and rating

McSpadden’s writing is engaging, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Her dialogue feels natural, and the pacing keeps the reader invested. The alternating perspectives of Sophie and Foster provide insight into their emotions, making their love story feel authentic. The novel’s lighthearted tone is balanced with emotional depth, ensuring a satisfying reading experience.

I did enjoy reading the book. It was entertaining and with funny moments, but at some point it felt too long in a way. The pacing was very slow in some instances and, while I did not mind the slow-burn romance, I did not feel the characters connecting, when they finally did so. This determined me to decrease a little bit the final rating.

Cover Review: I’m not a big fan. I like it, I like the colors and the character art. But it doesn’t feel like the story between the covers, there is not enough connection.

Conclusion

‘The ABCs of You & Me’ is a charming and uplifting romance that celebrates love, friendship, and personal growth. With its unique premise, lovable characters, and heartfelt storytelling, it’s a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance. McSpadden crafts a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, making it a worthwhile addition to the genre.

Let me know in the comments what was the most interesting date you’ve ever had. Have you read this book, or any other by Megan McSpadden?

Until next time, happy reading!

 About The Author 

Megan McSpadden dreads talking about herself almost as much as seeing a snake on a hike. But she knows we all must do scary things so here it goes.

Megan lives in Hamilton, Ontario with her husband, two dogs, two cats and unruly garden. When not writing she can usually be found photographing families (don’t worry they pay her to do it), yelling at her beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, dreaming of travelling somewhere else or cooking something her husband will ask her to make again but knows she won’t because Megan doesn’t do recipes.

She enjoys writing romance that will make you laugh one minute only to cry the next. Don’t ask why because she doesn’t know