Funny, charming, and enjoyable romance full of witty characters, even those of us who don't love the Bronte's can love this book!

This was a cute, if slightly convoluted clean romance novel. It had a great premise but I think it suffered from being a little too scattered and introducing too many elements. Never quite kept my attention but overall an enjoyable read.

This is a very interesting book which really does take its hits from Brontë. It’s cute and fun to read from start to finish.

the intro was confusing as was the progression of the story. after a certain point I just couldn't finish it because I was struggling.

I enjoyed all the parallels and nods to classic literature throughout. I found this book to be too long and felt the story could have been wrapped up earlier. Thank you Forever and Netgalley for my copy.

"Blame it on the Brontës" unfolds a tale of academia, love, and literary intrigue. Athena Murphy, an expert in Brontë novels, faces a career dilemma, leading her to write a biography on the elusive C.L. Garland. Returning to her hometown, she encounters her ex-boyfriend Thorne Kent, sparking old emotions. The narrative expertly weaves between Athena and Thorne's past and present, mirroring Brontë-esque romances. While the storyline is engaging, it occasionally succumbs to predictability. The characters, though well-developed, lack certain nuances. Despite these drawbacks, the novel captures the essence of Brontëan love, offering a nostalgic nod to classic literature enthusiasts.

I went into this book with the hopes of an entertaining rom com, and I am pleased to report that I have found just that in this story. However I wish there was more to the story, more substance to the characters. I liked the idea behind the novel but the execution left something to be desired. I think. that when I am reading a romance, I want there to eventually be INSANE chemistry between the characters. Unfortunately I never felt like they liked each other. In my mind there is a difference between hot and cold in a romance. and these characters were either hot or cold, never fully in one field or the other.

Athena Murphy moves back to her hometown in the midwest with the goal of finding out who writes the steamy retellings of classic literature under C.L. Garland. She needs to find out show that she can save her career in California and to write the telling of the secret author. In order to investigate and find out she gets a job at the local cafe that her mom's friend owns only to find out that it's now owned by her ex-boyfriend, Thorne Kent. Athena and Thorne must set aside their differences to work together. However, there may be some steam that starts up with them.

I enjoyed the telling of Athena and Thorne's story along with the family drama that went along with it. Also, Athena's investigative skills to find the author was at times a bit funny.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advance read

Unfortunately this one was just not for me. I wasn't a fan of the writing and was not able to motivate myself to finish it. When I wasn't reading this one I was not thinking about it and I had no desire to read it. Sadly it just did not work for me.

3.5 stars

Dragged on a bit in the first 50%. Not a huge Brontë fan myself so didn’t quite care for the consistent mentions.

Second chance romance, coworkers. Closed door. Writing was quite piece-y at times, secrets obviously not shared to keep the plot going between main characters.

Guessed who Garland was immediately.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me advance access to this title. I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more from this author. As a reader, I am really motivated by character driven stories and I found myself quickly becoming immersed in these characters’ lives. Full review to come.

The blurb for this book immediately grabbed me. I love when we get fresh takes / incorporate some of the beloved classics into modern fiction. I adored all the literary reference sprinkled throughout!

The biggest issue with this book is its length. It is too long and my interest truly waned by about 70%. Athena also grows more and more unlikeable the longer you read, I did enjoy the dual perspective though and think it helped keep you feel a little more of the spark and get to know Thorne better.

It was a cute read and occupied my time as a passenger on a road trip. The banter between Athena and Thorne was cute. I did enjoy the food content and for Athena to start working in the diner to try to figure out who the erotic writer is, but something about the book just didn't grab me. Maybe the length, not sure.

Great characters, good banter. Just a bit long and slow paced. Athena returns home to work on a book to help save her job. Surprised by her ex living now in town and owner of the cafe she’s working in part time

Cute but predictable. I figured things out too quickly and wasn't impressed with the characters and their development.

I received this book for free from netgalley for an honest review.

Really well thought-out book with amazing characters and excellent setting. Love the cover

It was a good book and really enjoyed it all and rooted for this couple to make it. Love it all. read it today you will not be disappointed.

I enjoyed this romcom and found it a cute romp. Well written, I liked the Bronte angle, and the side characters were well fleshed out (the mark of a good romcom in my opinion!)

I liked this book it was fun and easy going. With that said if I had to choose between buying this book and others I’m not sure this would be my first pick while I liked that it was low stakes I usually go for books that pack more action.

Loved the premise of the book and the references to classic literature. Loved some of the banter but had a hard time connecting with the characters and thought it was a bit too long. Could have been the mood I was in - I wanted to love it so much but it just didn't click for me.