Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Unconventionally, Elle by Jourdana Webber follows Elle Watson, who has spent years building her career, only to have her trust broken when her coworker, Chris Johnson, manipulates his way onto the Calloway account she had fought tirelessly to win. When her boss tells her that the client wants Chris instead, while she’s on the only vacation she’s taken in ten years, Elle decides she’s had enough. She quits corporate America, leaves New Orleans, and returns to Boston, to the condo where she grew up with her grandparents, hoping to rediscover herself. A random text from Jude, her first love from a Nashville internship twelve years ago, stirs up old emotions and memories of what could have been. As Elle reflects on her choices and what success truly means, she realizes her heart has always belonged to writing. Now freelancing for Boston Social and crossing paths with the intriguing Barrett Henry, Elle must face the question that could change everything: What does her future look like if she finally stops being torn between two men?

Unconventionally, Elle is a heartfelt and beautifully written story. The plot flowed naturally, exploring Elle’s personal growth with raw honesty, while the characters felt wonderfully real and relatable. Jude was passionate, the kind of first love that lingered. Barrett had a calm steadiness that made him easy to fall for. Supporting characters like Sarah, Finn, and Rachel added warmth and levity throughout the narrative. These characters helped ground Elle through her transformation. The group chats between Elle and her friends showed how friendships can withstand distance when there are genuine connections. Jourdana Webber’s storytelling style is vivid and emotional, reminiscent of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers and Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him. Fans of contemporary romances would likely find themselves laughing, aching, and reflecting along with Elle.