3.5✨ – A cute and cozy read! Let’s get into it.

First off, big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

The book started off really strong—I was hooked on the dynamic between the characters, and it genuinely felt like a true enemies-to-lovers story. It was super entertaining, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

That said, it did lose some momentum as it went on. It suffered from a bit of a mid-book slump and took a while to pick back up. I think it was all the dialogue? I love watching characters get to know each other, but I also feel like every conversation in a book should serve a purpose, and that wasn’t always the case here. Rosie’s ex was a total narcissist, and it clearly messed her up, yet she never really had a deep conversation with Aiden about it. She mentioned Simon briefly, but only in the context of his views on romance rather than what he actually put her through. Meanwhile, there were entire dialogue sections that felt random and forgettable.

There were also some corny moments, but I’ll admit I’m picky with romcoms. The NYC references especially bothered me—it gave off major I’m not a native New Yorker vibes, which is a personal pet peeve. Like, just say the airport instead of “as soon as I heard you went back to Tennessee, I went straight to LaGuardia.”

That being said, the ending was pretty cute! The book had a lot of strengths—great characters, a solid plot—but certain missteps made it feel just okay for me. One thing I loved was the book’s concept. The excerpts were such a fun addition, and I adored how they tied into the characters’ relationship. The scene where they wrote the sex scene together over the phone? Absolutely fantastic (and hot, not gonna lie 🥵). That aspect definitely made the book stand out!

I’d still recommend this to romcom lovers! 💕

Katie Holt’s Not in My Book is a fiery, fast-paced romance that had me hooked from page one. When two competitive writers in New York, Rosie and Aiden, are forced to team up after their classroom arguments get out of hand, sparks fly in all the best ways. Rosie’s witty, passionate, and refreshingly real, while Aiden brings just the right mix of charm and arrogance to keep things interesting. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension—both in their writing and their relationship—is impossible to resist. This story is equal parts steamy and heartfelt, and I loved every second of their rollercoaster romance!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Not in My Book” was such a fun and engaging read! I loved the chemistry between Rosie and Aiden—their banter was sharp, and the tension kept me hooked. The concept of them co-writing a novel was executed so well, and I really enjoyed how their relationship developed through their manuscript. My only small complaint is that I would have loved to see some chapters from Aiden’s perspective to get a deeper look into his thoughts. Still, it was a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance, and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from Katie Holt!

Cute story. I first fell in love with the cover and the title and once I started reading I really had a great time. I know it is nothing groundbreaking but it's still a cute book if you want to read something easy and fun. 3.5 stars!

Thank you to Alcove Press and to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was such a fun and innovative romance. An enemies-to-lovers romance between two creative writing grad students, who after a heated argument in front of their entire workshop, are told to write a project together or drop the class. Slowly Aiden and Rosie's hatred turns into understanding which turns into friendship which turns into more.

I thought the premise of this book was very cute and unique. Writing the development of the characters relationship through their shared manuscript was new and a good way to move along the plot of the story. I enjoyed how the author also used it to show where there were differences between the "fake" story and the characters' story and how that made the characters feel. The bedroom scenes were quite spicy as well. I really enjoyed the Peruvian culture and traditions sprinkled throughout the book as well (we love to see Latinx representation!!). Lastly, the author does a great job of using New York City and the changing of seasons as almost a character in this book. I often felt like I was walking along the East Village with Aiden and Rosie while reading. I will definitely be reading whatever Katie Holt reads next.

This was a cute enemies to lovers story with a fun premise. And a great book by a debut author; I’m intrigued to see future titles from this author

Overall, I enjoyed this book! I loved the characters, Rosie and Aiden, and that they Were supposed to write a book together even though they were "enemies". I like the growth they make throughout the story until the "problem" comes. It was predictable and the way it was handled was childish and I was honestly on Aiden's side. For the most part I really liked this book and will probably read more from this author!

Got this as an e-arc. Thanks to NetGalley ❤️

Katie Holt has done wonders in her debut book. In my opinion, a good book is the one where you want to go back to read even when you're busy with some task or the story is already running inside your head and the same thing happened to me.

I love the flawed characters, who were trying just like normal human beings. The whole process and their arcs made them relatable.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book ❤️
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✨ My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✨ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Chapters to avoid spice: 17, 24, 26, 27

From the moment I started Not in My Book, I knew it was going to be a favorite. The story follows Rosie and Aiden, two academic rivals forced to collaborate on a literary fiction romance project. Divided into the stations of the year (a clever nod to their one-year course), the book beautifully tracks their evolving relationship through the seasons.

One of my favorite aspects of this story is the classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic mixed with forced proximity—always a winning combination. Watching them go from reluctant partners to something more was incredibly satisfying, especially with how their book project mirrored their real-life romance. Art imitating life has never been funnier or more endearing.

By 10% into the book, I had a strong hunch—Aiden has definitely had a secret crush on Rosie for a long time, and watching that unfold was everything. The way their first romantic moments were technically just homework assignments(like their staged date) made their slow-burn even more adorable. And Aiden? He immediately earned his spot on my book boyfriend list. That date—where he paid, shared his pasta, got dessert, and showed Rosie he actually notices little things about her? Perfect.

Even though their first date wasn’t overly romantic (since they were still awkward rivals), their true emotions spilled out through their shared document, making it one of the most wholesome aspects of the book. And let’s talk about how Rosie stays past her shift just to keep Aiden company when she sees how tense he is around his father. And how Aiden buys her ice cream as a thank-you? Sweetest. Thing. Ever.

Then comes the ultimate swoon moment—Aiden offering to spend Christmas with Rosie so they don’t have to be alone in the city. Their bookstore scene was another standout: the way they exchanged book genres, had an almost kiss, and of course, Aiden paying for her books (which is basically the way to my heart). And when he says "then show me", I was literally kicking my feet and giggling.

But Chapter 17? Hands down, one of the best chapters I’ve ever read. The way they pour their feelings into their characters, saying what they can’t say out loud? So much love, angst, and emotional depth—I was truly blown away. Their Christmas gift exchange was another sweet, meaningful moment, but Aiden wearing red on New Year's because he wanted love with Rosie? That was next-level romantic.

And then the scene that destroyed me: "Can you do that for me, baby?" "I wore red, too." … I was on the FLOOR. Also, I fold when book boyfriends say "good girl". I have no shame.

The final note Aiden leaves for Rosie in their manuscript? Heart-melting. It actually made me cry.

The only small gripe I had was with the conflict—I saw it coming, but I felt like Rosie overreacted so much that it made her seem a bit childish. Still, it didn’t take away from how much I loved this book.

Aiden is book boyfriend material, the romance was beautifully written, and the connection between these two felt so real.

I absolutely adored this book and gave it 5 stars. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Where I will post my review:
GR: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6754262801
IG: https://www.instagram.com/beawritesandreads/
BLOG: https://open.substack.com/pub/bookscommentary/p/not-in-my-book-by-katie-holt?r=fjvxq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

⋆˚࿔ not in my book review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

4.5 stars! What an amazing debut! Aiden Huntington and Rosie Maxwell had amazing chemistry, this was a great example of the rivals to love dynamic I enjoy. Their contrasting dynamic and interests really added to their banter, it was always fun to see them roast each other. At the beginning Aiden really was getting on my nerves as a fellow reader of romance. But as I continued to read and he opened up to her more he really started to grow on me 🥺 Seeing their own romance involve as their book character's (Hunter and Max) romance involved was such a fun way to see their dynamic shift. They were able to be more open with each other through their art of writing. Ultimately, it was a great read! I was kicking and giggling my feet the whole way through and will definitely keep an eye out for this author's future books!

“The only thing every love story really has in common is that it's worth it.”

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

Thank you netgalley and alcove press for an arc in exchange for an honest review <3

This was my favorite book of 2024. The banter between MCs was to did for. Seeing how they wrote a book together and how it gave glimpses to feelings they had for one another was my absolute favorite. Katie Holt’s writing style is fascinating and has you turning the pages so fast to see what happens next.

A very interesting read. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book. It wasn't really for me, but I am sure that it will be loed by the right audience.

I loved this one - I enjoyed the premise of this story. Academic rivals who have secret feelings for each other. They are thrown together on an project - they argue frequently but also have undeniable chemistry. I found this one refreshing, different and charming. I also enjoyed how this book was about a book. Overall a great story if you are in the mood for a warm fuzzy lovey feeling. Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Okay this book was seriously so cute, I think it’s a new favorite of mine. Any romance that includes books is an immediate must read for me. The banter was so good and the way the characters were written was done so well. It felt like watching a romcom!

Not in My Book By Katie Holt is a fun and engaging enemies-to-lovers romance. While the storyline reminded me of other romances I’ve read recently, her sharp writing and witty banter made it feel fresh and entertaining. The characters were memorable, and their chemistry kept me hooked. Romance readers who love clever dialogue and a well-executed trope will thoroughly enjoy this one. 3.5 stars from me.

This is a delightful and sexy romance that will captivate readers who adore lighthearted, humorous, and hopeful stories about enemies-to-lovers relationships, meta romance, and the thrill of finding love in the unlikeliest of places.

This was my first Katy Holt book and I was so pleasantly surprised! It was pitched as a story that Beach Read lovers (ME!) would enjoy, and I absolutely did. Like January and Gus, Rosie and Aiden are academic rivals (she's the sunshine, writing HEAs, and he's the rain cloud, writing sad and 'realistic" endings). It's as if we go the pre-Beach Read story of January and Gus while they were still in college!

I'm all about an enemies to lovers academic plot line, and this absolutely scratched that itch. The banter, the chemistry, the tension, all 10/10. I will absolutely be reading more of Katie Holt's books in the future!

Whew, what a fun book! Rosie and Aiden are MFA graduate students at NYU. Rosie is a romance writer while Aiden writes literary fiction. The two are at odds, with Aiden relentlessly critiquing Rosie's work. When Ida, the professor in charge of their writing group has had enough, the two have to team up to write a book, a love story no less, in order to get back in her good graces and avoid failing the class.

Things I liked: Rosie's Peruvian heritage and cultural representation, especially the nuances of being multiethnic; Rosie's family and friends; the spice; Aiden's backstory; the homesickness while also falling in love with a new home.

Things I didn't like: I thought Ida's assignment (the whole premise for the story) was... kind of inappropriate and unbelievable, but we suspend disbelief; I wasn't sure that Aiden really ever fully took accountability for his earlier cruelty to Rosie regarding the romance genre; I wish we had gotten a more fleshed out discussion of WHY romance is so denigrated. This book is compared to Beach Read, but Beach Read hits that nail right on the head.

Overall, a very enjoyable book, but it could have been a home run with some adjustments. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a steamy, heartfelt rivals-to-lovers tale about graduate students Rosie and Aiden, forced to collaborate on a romance story while confronting their undeniable chemistry. Their banter and barbs are both sharp and endearing, making their love language a delightful mix of raw emotion and fiery wit. Watching their relationship unfold—especially as it bled into the story they wrote together—was captivating, allowing them to communicate feelings they couldn’t admit out loud.

Aiden’s devotion to Rosie was particularly sweet, as his vulnerability and awkwardness made their dynamic even more compelling. Katie Holt’s debut shines with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a fresh take on romantic storytelling.

While the third-act breakup felt unnecessary and dragged down the final chapters, the rest of the book delivered in every way: tension, yearning, and relatable characters. Overall, this was a fun, unique romance, and I’m eagerly anticipating what Holt writes next! Highly recommend!

Thoroughly enjoyed this one though perhaps I just enjoy reading about writing. Chemistry was great though perhaps the conflict got a bit much.