A swanky new gig at a luxury artists’ retreat in Muskoka, a delightful canine companion and a chance at a clean start. It should be smooth sailing from here . . .

Everything has fallen apart for Kate Rigsby: she is freshly single—separated from an ex she never really liked—and freshly fired—from a job she never really liked, either. Somehow, she’s reached the age of thirty-one and the only things she truly cares about are her goldendoodle, Eric, her two best friends, and proving to her parents (and, if she’s honest, to herself) that she made the right choice moving to the city. Except, instead of thriving, she finds that her life has taken a nose-dive. So when a job at Treetops Creative Retreat suddenly lands in her lap, she’s thrilled. Three months at a glorified arts and crafts workshop for grown-ups that boasts five-star cuisine and a helipad, and she’ll be well paid? The perfect escape. So what if her contract spans the depths of winter? Neat! A charming life experience! She can learn to snowshoe.

But when Kate arrives at the retreat, nothing is as she imagined. She didn’t read the fine print, her targets are impossible, her boss seems committed to seeing her fail and there happens to be an extremely off-limits fellow staffer who has no business being so gorgeous.

Part self-discovery, part rom-com and part comedy of errors, Reasonable Adults is a hilarious debut about finding yourself—and maybe love—along the way. A little summer-camp romance never hurt anyone, right?

ROBIN LEFLER grew up near Toronto and (briefly) pursued an ill-fated career in equine massage therapy before stumbling into the world of robotics and tech sales. Not How I Pictured It is her second novel. Her first, Reasonable Adults, was published in 2022. Robin Lefler still lives in her hometown with her family and two very needy canines.

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"Reasonable Adults has everything I look for in a rom com; a relatable heroine, dialogue that zings, an original setting and most importantly - a dog. This is fresh, fun, feel-good fiction." — Sophie Cousens, New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year

"A sparkling debut novel about reinvention, self-discovery, and second chances. With a memorable setting at a troubled artists’ colony, a quirky cast of characters, and a double serving of romance and redemption, Reasonable Adults is sure to satisfy.” — Kate Hilton, author of Just Like Family, and Better Luck Next Time

"Written with humor, passion, and oh-so-much romance, this book is spell-binding. I couldn't put it down. Robin Lefler has built a world that rivals the like of all the great rom-coms onscreen and off. I can't wait to see what she does next. Her wit, warmth, and honesty shine through these pages. I will be returning to Treetops as frequently as I re-watch When Harry Met Sally, which is to say I will be re-reading it once a month every month." — Ava Bellows, author of All I Stole From You

“Smart and stylish, Reasonable Adults is a fresh, funny, vividly told story of one woman’s journey from down and out to up and coming. A sparkling debut destined to become the must-read romantic comedy of the season.” — Bobbi French, author of The Good Women of Safe Harbour

"Reasonable Adults is a smart, romantic comedy filled with madcap moments that will leave you laughing out loud. An absolute delight!" — Trish Doller, international bestselling author of The Suite Spot