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Second Chances
Just Not My Type follows a high-powered fashion editor and single mom, who moves back to her hometown and finds life takes an unexpected twist when her childhood nemesis reenters her life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of going back to where you came from—not just physically, but emotionally. What happens when someone who has built this glossy, “big city” life suddenly finds themselves back in the small town where everyone knows their teenage nickname? That tension between who you were and who you’ve become is such a rich space to explore. Add in a certain childhood nemesis who refuses to stay in the past, and it became the perfect storm for drama, humor, and a little swoony chaos.
I found all your characters entertaining and engaging. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I really enjoyed writing about Keith. He’s one of those characters who seems simple on the surface—a little smug, always quick with a smirk, but underneath that is a deep well of kindness and loyalty. Capturing that balance, his “smirkiness” alongside his quiet softness, was surprisingly challenging. Finding the right words to show both sides of him without making him feel contradictory took some work, but that complexity made him one of my favourites to bring to life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Second chances—whether in love, career, or self-discovery—were a big one for me. I wanted to explore what it truly means to start over, not as a wide-eyed twenty-something but as someone who has already weathered life’s messes and learned from them. There’s also a strong thread of identity: Who are you when you strip away the titles, the job, and the carefully curated image? And, of course, family. No matter where life takes you or what stage you’re in, there’s something grounding and often healing about returning to your roots.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to continue the story. Is there a second book planned?
Not with this story. When I finished writing Just Not My Type, I felt a sense of closure—like Amber’s journey had come full circle. By the end, she was exactly where she needed to be, ready to live her life on her own terms. For me, that felt like the right place to leave her—happy, grounded, and complete.
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Just Not My Type
Neha Singla’s Just Not My Type follows Amber Carter, a high-powered fashion editor navigating the chaos of single motherhood, career transitions, and an emotional return to her small hometown, Nelson Bay. The story begins in the hustle of New York City, where Amber juggles her glamorous job with raising her young daughter, Charlotte. When life pushes her toward change, she makes the bold move back home, prompting a heartwarming and hilarious rediscovery of family, friendship, and love, with a hefty dose of small-town drama, awkward first dates, and designer birds.
Reading this book felt like catching up with an old friend who has a knack for storytelling. Singla’s writing is breezy and full of life. She’s got a real talent for capturing the everyday absurdities of parenting, dating, and work life without ever making it feel heavy. I laughed more than once, especially during Charlotte’s wild bird-feeding episode and the painfully relatable dinner date with Ray the stitch-counting doctor. Singla’s sense of humor is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Even when things get emotional, the tone stays grounded. There’s warmth in every chapter, and even the side characters (shoutout to Nana and the artistically dramatic Sam) feel like people I’ve met somewhere before.
But what I liked more than the laughs was the heart of it all. Amber’s inner struggles, feeling torn between ambition and motherhood, being pulled by roots and wings, felt real and raw. There were moments I had to pause because the emotions hit home. The way Singla explores the messiness of modern womanhood without sugarcoating it was refreshing. I didn’t always agree with Amber’s decisions, and there were times the plot felt a bit too neat or whimsical. But I cared. I was rooting for her. I felt like I’d lived in her shoes, even just for a little while.
Just Not My Type isn’t just a rom-com or a cozy family drama. It’s a story about choosing joy, about finding clarity in chaos, and learning to laugh at life’s ridiculous timing. If you’re someone who enjoys heartfelt stories with quirky humor, smart women, and the occasional seagull mishap, this one’s for you. It’s a perfect beach read or a pick-me-up on a rainy day.
Pages: 191 | ASIN : B0DVPNS1GL
LITERARY TITAN 