I didn't really love how the book started off, especially as it was building the setting in Eloraton because it would jump back and forth between the present with Anders and the past with Pru and how they read about the town in the books. It made things quite confusing since it was change randomly in the middle of the chapters. Honestly, I didn't care about her friendship/moments with Pru and I would have loved if there was more focus on the town itself.

As I read more and more, I realized how dense Elsy was sometimes. I don't understand how she didn't realize Anders was the only one aware of things other characters weren't and I was just waiting for her to put things together. There were interesting parts in the story, like when we realize again how she's in a book with other characters and she gets to experience them through conversations. But as a whole, the book moved so slowly. I wanted more of the romance between her and Anders but even more than 70% through and there were crumbs of their developing friendship/relationship. I feel like the book could have moved a lot faster, especially as Elsy wasn't asking questions she should have been asking. I also was not convinced of the romance between Elsy and Anders. The romance definitely took a backseat for me in this book and I feel like they barely focused on getting to know each other. I wanted more of the town, more character interactions, and just more between Elsy and Anders. The ending was definitely a letdown for me and I expected much more. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters and though I understand most of them were characters in the "book", I still think there could have been more personality and voice. I love the idea of Elsy stumbling upon a town right out of her favorite book, but it was just lacking in the romance department and I think the ideas could have been fleshed out more. Despite this, the author's writing was comfortable and I did grow to like this book more as it progressed.

Another winner from Ashley Poston! Imagine being transported to the pages of your favorite small town romance novel - but you'd have to leave your real life behind - this is the question that A Novel Love Story touches on - I always love how Poston intersperses magical realism into her books, but not enough to teeter on fantasy. Fans of Poston will definitely adore this one come June publication.

Thank you to Berkley Romance for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! Such a unique take on a romance and finding yourself. I cried with this one at the part where the MC meets the author and the author says she doesn’t care if people don’t read her book she just loves writing! I don’t know it just made me realize how much I love reading, especially romance. I also love that she made fun of her own book in this book.

I wanted to like this more than I did. I felt like nothing really happened in the first half of the book. There's only so many times you can read about burnt hamburgers, mint green eyes, and someone who tastes like black tea. I also felt like the main character new the people in the town, but the reader didn't. It was hard to have them be familiar to the character, but not to the reader. The plot picked up in the last quarter of the novel and I enjoyed that part the best. However, it wasn't enough to redeem the entire read for me. Still, patrons should enjoy this book. Although, I wish that I liked it as much as I did the author's previous titles.

I loved The Dead Romantics so I was so excited to read another another book by Ashley Poston. I'm so happy to say that A Novel Love Story did not disappoint! Ashley Poston has a great way of weaving fantasy with romance and I can't get enough! Definitely recommend

Ashley Poston has done it again! A beautiful, modern love story, this time also in the form of a love letter to books, specifically romance novels.

Eileen "Elsy" Merriweather is an English professor who spends her free time reading romance novels with her best friend from childhood, Pru. Her favorite series is Quixotic Falls, four books that got her through an especially painful breakup that has left Elsy lost for direction in life. When her romance book club's annual reading retreat to the Catskills gets cancelled, she decides to go on the retreat by herself, planning to leave her real life behind and immerse herself in Quixotic Falls--and she does!

I always open an Ashley Poston novel wondering what the magical twist will be. After reading The Dead Romantics, I wasn't sure what to expect but The Seven Year Slip was entirely its own thing, the only similarity being how much I loved the characters and how the magic of the story only enhanced it, never pulling you away from the love developing on the page. A Novel Love Story is its own thing yet again. It sets a path that is swoonworthy but also feels very adult. The issues that Elsy and her MMC face are grief and loss, not something as simple as a miscommunication trope to be written out in a couple of pages. For that reason, their love story seems even sweeter. Elsy finding her HEA might take a bit of real soul-searching but since she's the expert on romance novels, we as the readers know she will get there in the end.

A gorgeous book that I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to read. Now I just have to figure out how to wait for the next one.

I was so excited to dive into this book because I absolutely loved The Seven Year Slip. The premise is so intriguing and I was excited to see what happened when the FMC entered the town where her favorite books take place. Unfortunately it missed the mark for me a little bit. I felt that there were a lot of writing discrepancies that had me rereading lines over and over until I just had to keep going.

The romance was a very slow burn, but I loved when it started to pick up. But then it slowed down again and it lost me a little bit.

All that being said, I LOVED how Elsy came back into herself and started to fully appreciate her found family / her best friend. I will always read Ashley Poston and I did have a good time reading this! Thank you so much to net galley for the arc💗

I went into A Novel Love Story with an open mind, as I do with any Ashley Poston novel. This author’s books are so very unique, I’m not even sure how to categorize them when I’m writing my reviews. So far she’s tackled main protagonists who can see the dead (and fall in love with them), slips back and forth in time, and now a book about getting stranded in the setting of a beloved romance series.

First let me say, I wouldn’t necessarily say this is 100% romance, but more a mixture of romance and women’s fiction. Eileen Merriweather is a dedicated romance reader who has recently gone through a terrible breakup. Her coping mechanism lately is to get lost in her books and hide from the rest of the world. As a member of a book club dedicated to one specific author and series, she supported by a group of likeminded people. When everyone drops out last minute for their annual retreat, she decides to go alone. And ends up in the last place she expected–the lovely small town of Eloraton– the setting of her favorite romance series.

It takes Elsy a bit to realize exactly where she’s ended up. Everything feels so familiar, but it’s not until she starts meeting the real-life versions of these characters that she begins to understand, and she decides to stay for a bit, even though the proprietor of the local book shop seems to be in hurry to get her to leave. But things don’t seem to be as perfect as they are in the novels she loves so much, and her favorite couples are stuck in time, frozen just where the author left them in her series arc, before she passed away and left the last book in the series and the conclusion unfinished. So, she begins to “help” where she can, and give advice, but it seems that she’s also messing with the characters relationships and the town itself, and the only person who understands the ripple effects is that grumpy bookstore owner, Anders.

I have a lot of complicated feelings about this book and its execution. As a romance reader I loved the entire premise of getting stuck in the setting of your favorite romance series. Meeting the characters, discovering their motivations, and helping them make decisions along the way. I liked that Elsy eventually came to the realization that her happily ever after was entwined with the towns. I didn’t think the romance aspect was particularly strong, but then again, the revelations about the identity of Anders didn’t really come to the very end, and I understand why this story and romance played out the way it did. Just as an FYI, as with this author’s other novels, this is very much a grief book. I don’t want to give too much away, but grief and the stages of grief do play a big part in the overall story arc.

There was one thing that did irritate me a bit and that is the use of one specific descriptive when talking about the MMC’s eyes. The word mint was used 33 times and it about drove me crazy. My brain kept telling me there has to be a reason why this word is used so many times…like maybe it will come back to mean something later on, and I was kind of correct for thinking that, but for me to actually do a search to find out how many times the word appears should tell you how it stood out to me.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. The premise is so different, and I can’t help but be swept into any story this author pens. I’m also always happy to see easter eggs from her other novels appear. I had a few quibbles, but those were negligible to my overall satisfaction.

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston is the third (and a half) book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed the others, and I loved the concept of this one! I love the side characters in A Novel Love Story, and wish the in-story book series and Rachel Flowers were real so I could read them too.

I wish every situation, every couple's story, was longer and explained more. I think it's purposely written to make the side characters feel more like main character, but we didn't get to know enough about each of them and their relationships to really cement them as characters we should care about.

Additionally, I read a lot of fantasy and love world building! I really wanted to know a lot more about the fictional world they live in. Give me all the details about how it works... Are they stuck there? We know time moves on, so how do they function week to week?

So I like the concept and like the book, but just wish there was more detail!

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for an advanced edition to review.

"A Novel Love Story" was everything I hoped for, especially since it's from Ashley Poston! It seriously tugged at my heartstrings and gave me all those intense emotions!

Our protagonist, Eileen, is a romance aficionado, utterly consumed by the world of a series written by the late Rachel Flowers. Despite her fervent love for romance in literature, she adamantly avoids it in her own life. Like, can you relate?? Because I definitively can.
As her best friend moves forward in life, Eileen feels like she's trapped in a repetitive cycle, much like flipping through the same pages of her beloved novels. However, when plans for her annual book club retreat fall through, Eileen impulsively decides to go alone, leading her on an unexpected journey to Eloraton, the fictional town from her favorite series. Cue the excitement!

In Eloraton, Eileen encounters all her cherished characters and even stumbles upon a charmingly grumpy bookstore owner who seems ripped straight from the pages of her beloved novels. Yet, shockingly, she doesn't recognize him at all! But beyond the thrilling plot twists and charming characters lies a deeper resonance. Eileen's journey mirrors that of many of us in our twenties – feeling stuck, frozen in time, and searching for direction. Ashley Poston deftly weaves themes of self-discovery and growth into the narrative, making it a poignant read for anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of young adulthood.

And can we talk about Ashley's writing? It's positively spellbinding! Her prose is witty, charming, and rich in detail, painting a vivid picture of Eloraton that leaps off the page. The premise of Eileen attempting to bring the town to its storybook conclusion adds an intriguing layer to an already captivating story, leading readers on an enchanting journey filled with surprises and heartwarming moments.

If you're a fan of Ashley Poston's previous works, this book is an absolute must-read! And if you're in the market for a romance with a hefty dose of heart and a sprinkle of magic, look no further – "A Novel Love Story" has got you covered. So, do yourself a favor and snag a copy of this delightful read – you won't regret it! 📚💖

Biggest plot twist ever : I loved this book and even cried at the end ???
I started this book vehemently disliking it. The main reason was that my stupid brain could not understand why the character would end up in a fake town with fake people that i actually had to invest myself into. Then, and that’s due to my stupid brain again, I did not like how the flashbacks were brought and written but I must say I still don’t like it.
The other part though? It grew on me and I’m now happy to announce that i’m obsessed with the idea of ending up in the fake town from your favourite book. I loved the way our main character had to find a way to end her favourite series that couldn’t be finished due to the author’s sudden death.
The romance was absolutely brilliant, the banter and the backstory of our main male character (this is why I cried). I also obviously loved the morality of this book : your story is always only just beginning.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.

I wanted to love this -- I thought the premise was really interesting. But I struggled to get through it. As other reviewers noted, there was some repetition, or it felt like it was dragging on in the middle. I was also really distracted by the premise! I'm not sure I understand how the main character came to stumble upon a fictional town, or how the townsfolks presented (were they really real? How did they leave the town if it was fictional?). That distracted me as I was reading, and I don't feel like I had answers.

Ashley Poston with another banger!!! 4 stars! If you love a cozy small town a la Gilmore Girls, and if you love romance novels (which you obviously do) - plzzz pick this one up!! I liked it not quite as much as the Dead Romantics but more than the Seven Year Slip.

Some small quibbles - the middle felt a bit repetitive and I felt we needed more of the MC"s background earlier to really be attached to her. Her backstory felt a bit contrived.

However, I could not put this down and it gave me many feelings!!!!!

I just love Ashley Poston. The possibility of stumbling into a fictional town!!??? Who wouldn't want to do that on a vacation?! Especially if it your all-time favorite series. (Give me a day with Stephanie Plum, I may not survive, but I bet it would be fun!) I loved how Eileen began to see her great qualities, how she took back her life. And the swoon worthy men of the town!!! Loved it!!

As much as I've enjoyed Ashley Poston's other works, the premises have always been a bit...odd (but really enjoyable!). This one was no exception, but it is now my favorite of her works. I loved reading about Elsy's journey through Eloraton and can't wait to suggest this one to a book club in July!

Ashley Poston is the queen of contemporary romance with a touch of magic. I loved The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip, and now A Novel Love Story,
Elsy finds herself lost on a roadtrip and ends up in the world of her favorite book series. She knows all of the people, the locations, but she has no idea how she got there or how it was even possible. This is a love story, but it’s not heavily focused on romance, there is a lot of self discovery. I loved this book.

If you could spend time inside your favorite romance book, what would you do?

Elsy is a literature professor whom loves a happy endings. Her best friend Pru, convinced her to join a smutty book club, that turned into yearly in person meetings with her bookish friends. This year’s meeting is looking different, as everyone has other plans, but Elsy still wants to drive up to the cabin and spend time with wine and her books. She has some car trouble that causes her to arrive at a small town. Shortly after she realizes, that she’s inside her favorite book.

Ashley Poston’s books feel like a warm hug with a cozy blanket. She knows how to write fiction with a sprinkle of magic. The way she handles heartbreak and grief is so heartfelt.

I had so many feelings while reading this book. I felt so seen as a book lover, when talking about finding your people in the book community. I loved how she touched on the topic of the romance genre in the publishing industry. I loved Elsy’s self exploration and that it’s ok to not know if all endings will be happy. I actually got teary eyed a few times.

I feel like this book is more fiction than romance. The romance part lacked a bit for me. Anders’ and Elsy’s chemistry didn’t fully bloom until the last 30% of the book.
I did find some terms repetitive, like mentioning Anders’ minty eyes and the way he smells like tea.

I had really high hopes, as I adored The Seven Year Slip. It was an overall enjoyable read. The cover is stunning.

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is like living in a warm cup of black tea ☕️ I didn’t know what to expect and I absolutely was swept away in Ashley’s lyrical and poetic writing. There’s books, romance, an orange cat named Butterscotch, Taylor Swift nods only real ones will notice, mentions of her two previous romances/characters (that I also gave 5 stars), true friendships, real experiences with grief, and most of all, magic ✨

Anders and Elsy have my heart. Elsy went through such growth to get through where she was at the end of the book. Her journey reminded me of Lemon’s in The Seven Year Slip. It was great character development. Plus strong female friendships! I teared up at the end, especially when I wasn’t sure how it was going to shake out. And of course, there’s fun animals in this one too 🐦

We should all be so lucky to have a book boyfriend like Anders. I will be thinking about his minty gaze for the foreseeable future.

Shout out to leap year for allowing me to get in one more five star read in before the end of February. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

this was such a beautiful story, Ashley's writing is exceptional and the journey she takes you on is always so emotional, this book was no exception 🥹

Eileen is such an amazing main character. When we meet her, she's broken and lonely and struggling to get on her feet. She's running away from responsibilities and struggling with the feelings of wanting love but never being the chosen one. I truly enjoyed her character and I could relate a lot to her conflict. I loved seeing her growth through the books and finding comfort within her favorite characters.

Anderson was such a great addition and although their connection through the town and their pasts was felt deeply, I still feel like they lacked a more emotional connection. I did enjoy his grumpiness and the way he cared for Eileen but I needed them to communicate way earlier. This book reads more like women's fiction (which I love) though so I was able to look past this.

The story itself is a dream. It is such an intriguing concept and had me hooked from the beginning. Just imagine being able to talk to your comfort characters and to see their happy endings beyond the epilogue.

For some reason, I struggled a bit to get through this book. I think at times, it felt repetitive? A lot of what was going on was with the fictional characters instead of our main characters. It also just didn't pick up until the 50% mark. To me, it felt like all of the important plot points and incidents happen towards the last 30% and I just wish they would've been more spread out.

Overall though, I definitely recommend this book. It gave me such a new appreciation for all of my favorite fictional characters and places and authors. Books are life-changing and this one reminded me the impact that words and stories and characters can have on you and the way we carry them!!

A Novel Love Story is another wonderful Ashley Poston romance full of endearing and fully realized characters. In fact, this might be my favorite of the bunch so far. Eileen Merriweather (don't sing Come on Eileen to her), is floundering. Her fiancee broke up with her a week before their wedding, and ever since then she just can't seem to find the motivation for anything except reading her beloved romance novels. Now the book club getaway she has been looking forward to has been cancelled since it turns out that everyone else has plans this year--even Eileen's best friend, who is about to get engaged to her boyfriend. Elsy can't let it go, however, and decides to set out on the fifteen hour road trip and week reading romance novels in a cabin by herself. Unfortunately along the way her GPS stops working, a giant storm hits, and her car breaks down in a small town that is somehow not on any of her maps...but it does feature heavily in the stack of well read paperbacks she has in her trunk.

Eloraton is the setting of Elsy's absolute favorite romance series, a series that sadly ended before the final book was written with the sudden death of the author. Now she's suddenly in the town, meeting all of her favorite characters and getting to see their happily ever afters play out right in front of her. It's a dream come true--especially since Elsy is eager to forget her real life--except for the fact that the town seems stalled right before the end of the story, and nothing is moving forward. Of course there is also the mysterious (and handsome) owner of the town bookshop, a character Elsy doesn't remember from any of her readings.

Like all of Poston's adult romances, A Novel Love Story is equally about romance and about dealing with grief. Elsy may fall in love in Eloraton, but the bigger part of her story is learning to make her peace with the past and open herself up to the potential for new people to enter her life. Eloraton itself is a fully realized setting with multiple "main characters" walking around at different point in their stories. It reminded me a lot of the first season of Once Upon a Time, where all the stories were paused waiting for something to restore the happy endings. The central romance is well developed, and both characters are forced to confront their issues before being able to move on together. I highly recommend this book (and Poston's previous novels) to readers of romance, speculative fiction, cozy fantasy, and just anyone who wants a sweet story that will also sometimes hit you with much stronger emotions.