I enjoyed the voice of this book. Poppy is a very relatable character with her insecurities but eventual courage and strength. The story examines the themes of courage, fear, family relationships, grief, self-acceptance and love. The community that is developed in this book is amazing and the reader will find themselves wanting to create their own retreats of supporting women.

I’ve followed Jamie Varon on Instagram for a few years and have always resonated with her writing & perspective on life. I’ve been slowly making my way through her book, Radically Content and was very excited when she announced her first novel, Main Character Energy.

Poppy Banks isn’t living the life she’d dreamt of. Just before she’s about to leave her writing dreams behind, her Aunt Margot sends Poppy a ticket to France and a challenge to write a novel in 6 months at her writing retreat.

I think we’d all benefit from having an aunt Margot (and a Sebastian) in our lives - someone who doles out great advice, unconditional love, and pushes us to live the life of our dreams.

There were times when I found Poppy’s self doubt and reservations to be infuriating; As the reader I found myself daring her to be bold and take risks. But overall I enjoyed the light-hearted story and sweet themes within the book. I devoured the novel in a few short days and remained a Poppy cheerleader til the end.

This book made me want to travel to France.
And get back to writing.
And made me grateful for the love in my life.

“Do it for the plot”

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I connected with Poppy on so many levels, This was such an enjoyable novel that I couldn't help but tear right through it. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys general fiction, women's fiction, and even mysteries. I will be purchasing it for the library.

Reading “Main Character Energy” is like taking an amazing vacation to the South of France. Jamie Varon’s gorgeous descriptions of the food, the sights, the wine, the people will make you feel like you’re sitting on the patio of a lush villa, looking out at the sea.

When Poppy learns that her dear aunt Margot has passed away, she has already hit a low point in her life. To fulfill Margot’s last wish, she must take a trip to France. She decides to go, hoping to learn more about her mysterious aunt. Margot has set things up in advance to help Poppy realize her own potential but first, she will have to conquer her biggest fears and stop listening to her outer critics as well as her inner critic.

Main Character Energy is part uplifting pep talk, part luxurious travelogue and part romance… and ooh la la! Oliver is so swoony. He is sometimes gruff but underneath is a soft, romantic side.

With a host of lovely, enchanting characters and one sweet dog, Poppy is finally getting to be the main character in her own story.

Some content warnings:
-Poppy has a troubled relationship with her mother (who often resorts to fat-shaming Poppy)
-sibling competition and resentment
-there is an aggressive, non-consensual date scene

I would like to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an ARC.

I loved this book, and I loved Poppy. Poppy is a very relatable character. Her struggles and especially her familial issues really spoke to me. Poppy has a that she struggles with, and her journey really brings her to finding herself and learning to prioritize what she wants. Varon does a fantastic job at creating Poppy and her story. I would highly recommend this book to most readers. It is a fun read with great characterization and powerful messaging.

The French Riviera setting was lovely to read, especially now that it's getting very hot and steamy outside! I enjoyed the discussions of stilted creative life a lot, but unfortunately a lot of the rest of this novel felt a bit dry to me, particularly the romance. I also felt like the will-she-wont-she plot went on a bit too long. Overall a sweet read about what it really means to follow your dreams.

My most-anticipated ARC of the year so far. So often, debut novelists get stuck trying to fit into a genre, or sound like they’re “supposed” to when writing a romance, or a mystery, or literary fiction. Jamie Varon’s voice is the true strength of this book, and the world she crafts is singularly her own. Readers who have been with her before the transition to fiction will recognize the ethos of Radically Content in this book and especially in Poppy. It’s refreshing to see a protagonist who struggles with her identity and self-love, who chooses to harness and embrace her perceived flaws rather than try to eliminate them. Varon’s distinctive style will be recognizable across all of her books, now and (hopefully) if she continues to tread deeper into the waters of fiction.

This was such a charming, fun, wish-fulfillment romance! I loved the descriptions of the South of France, the arc about coming into your own as a person and writer, and the way all of the secondary characters and subplots wove together by the end. A total escapist delight!

This book is one of my favorites of the year!! I absolutely could not stop reading this. And I don't know anyone who couldn't connect with Poppy. So amazingly good!!
I just reviewed Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon. #MainCharacterEnergy #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

A fresh, fun, breezy read set in the south of France. Main Character Energy has plenty of charm.

Poppy Banks is at a crossroads. She has given up her lifelong dream of becoming a writer after the latest round of rejections from publishers. Her overly critical mother is playing on Poppy’s last nerve (and destroying her confidence). And, to top it all off, her beloved aunt has unexpectedly passed away. Poppy’s luck may be changing though - her aunt bequeathed her an incredible villa in Cap Ferrat…with some strings attached…

I loved the atmospheric setting of the book and the supporting characters like Aunt Margot, Uncle Seb, and the Colony residents. Poppy is also likable despite her constant self-doubt. Though I adore romance and want to see it in every novel, the central romance in this story lacked chemistry and maybe wasn’t necessary since there were a lot of other elements. The main plot regarding Poppy’s writing aspirations kept me turning the pages. Recommended to anyone looking for an enjoyable beach read (or anyone in the mood to be transported to the French Riviera). 3.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Jamie Varon’s “Main Character Energy” takes readers on an enchanting adventure that explores the concept of seizing control of one’s life and embracing the role of the protagonist. With a delightful blend of mystery, self-discovery, and heartfelt emotions, this novel leaves a lasting impression.

The story revolves around Poppy Banks, a talented writer stuck in a dead-end job, struggling to find her place in the world. Varon skillfully captures Poppy’s frustration, dreams, and desires, making her a relatable and endearing character from the start. As Poppy navigates through the twists and turns of her journey, readers can’t help but root for her success.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its vividly painted setting. The French Riviera serves as a backdrop to Poppy’s transformation, adding an air of sophistication and allure to the tale. Varon’s descriptive prose brings the picturesque villa to life, creating an immersive reading experience that transports readers into the heart of the story.

The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of mystery and personal growth. The unexpected inheritance and the intriguing challenge set forth by Poppy’s late aunt, Margot, inject a sense of urgency and purpose into the narrative. The race against time to complete her novel and protect her aunt’s legacy drives the story forward, keeping readers engaged and invested.

Moreover, Varon skillfully explores themes of courage, self-belief, and the transformative power of embracing one’s true potential. Poppy’s journey from self-doubt to self-assuredness is inspiring, and the underlying message encourages readers to take charge of their own lives, reinforcing the idea that each individual has the ability to be the protagonist of their own story.

The ensemble cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the novel. From the brooding Oliver, whose initial resentment evolves into a captivating dynamic with Poppy, to the conniving tech bros whose intentions threaten to dismantle everything she holds dear, each character feels distinct and integral to the narrative. Their interactions and relationships unfold organically, adding layers of intrigue and emotion to the story.

In conclusion, “Main Character Energy” is a delightful and thought-provoking read that captivates from beginning to end. Jamie Varon’s skillful storytelling, richly imagined setting, and compelling characters combine to create a narrative that inspires readers to embrace their own potential and become the heroes of their lives. With its blend of mystery, self-discovery, and heartfelt moments, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking an engaging and empowering literary adventure.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This was a cute story. I didn't totally love it but I didn't dislike it either. I'm giving it three stars. It is well written but lacked twists to make it a big splash for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.