Aspen is down in the dumps after another book she's written is not successful. If she doesn't pull off another bestseller, she going to need to re-think her career. Deciding to get out of the city, she drives to her sister's. Aspen is convinced that her heartbreak and grief at the loss of a relationship is what spurred her to write the bestseller. Brick is running a business that is failing. He doesn't have the money to renovate and revamp his business. Aspen somehow convinces him to be her fake boyfriend and she'll give him the money to reno. But, he has to break up with her so she can write the next bestseller. Neither one expects to fall in love. Being together was so much better than being apart. These two characters needed each other to push themselves to try new things, to take risks, to dive into something they loved. They encouraged each other and had great camaraderie that turned into so much more.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

Jennifer Probst’s Book of the Month is a contemporary rom com about a writer, Aspen Lourde, who wrote a smash hit, Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover, based on her own breakup with an ex who left her at the altar. Years later, Aspen finds herself in a rut with her writing. Her new books are not selling because they lack the emotion and depth of her first book. To give her fans and the publishers what they want, Aspen decides to leave New York City for the summer and travel to the Outer Banks for some inspiration. While there, she concocts a plan. She is going to ask the local heartthrob, Brick Babel, to date her and ditch her. Then she can finally write another impassioned best seller that will have her readers lining up for her books again.

Brick is a local tour guide who inherited his grandfather’s run-down business. When Aspen propositions him with a summer of swoon and spice in exchange for a hefty sum of money, he feels like he can’t refuse. This is exactly what he needs to save Ziggy’s Tours and keep himself afloat financially. He takes the money and turns on the charm. Time to break some hearts.

What I liked about this book:

Great setting and side characters: We get a big-city-to-beach-town vibe in this book with classic small-town characters to match. Plus, there are wild horses, baby sea turtles, and all-night picnics on the beach. It is a perfect setting for romance.
The spice: Brick and Aspen get into the fake dating game and seduction is definitely on the table. Brick coaxes Aspen out of her shell and they have a lot of *ahem* fun together. He gives her plenty to write about in her new book.
However, I just couldn’t get totally into Book of the Month. The pace was slow. The dialogue between Brick and Aspen was a bit clunky. It was difficult for me to buy into the building chemistry between them. In some instances, it almost felt like the fourth wall broke as the author was trying to describe the world of publishing and book promotion through Aspen’s point of view. For example:

Curiosity lit his eyes. “Was there a book club or influencer that made the difference in it going viral?”

She smiled. “I like to say it was the perfect storm, where every good review or shout-out counted, but there were certain influencers who were next level. For example, @jens_toweringtbr, @2babesandabookshelf, @secretreadinglife, @megsbookclub, and @nurse_bookie created videos that made readers want to click.”

Did I just read a not-so-subtle shout-out from the author to her own favorite influencers? Even if fictional, this exchange yanked me right out of the story.

I also wished for a more developed backstory for Brick. I liked him as an MMC. He is spicy and sweet. Yet when we got to the point in the story where the reader learns if Brick is truly deserving of his reputation as a heartbreaker, I felt Probst’s explanation fell flat.

While Book of the Month may not have been the right read for me at this moment, I’m glad to have been introduced to Probst’s writing and spend some time with the characters on the shores of the Outer Banks.

I was straddling the line of loving this book and hating this book lol
Some parts were pretty cringe and the FMC reeked of desperation ... it was not appealing. Brick was a decent MMC, but I was put off by how much they discussed him in reference to hookups (or lack of).
The summer romance idea was nice, though wish the execution could have been a little better. felt this one dragged a bit too much for my liking.

I had a hard time buying into the premise of this book at first, but quickly fell hard to the characters, and was desperately rooting for Aspen & Brick.

Aspen is a best-selling author struggling to come up with a story her readers will love again. Brick is a jaded bachelor with a crumbling family business he's working on bringing back to life. The two meet and agree to an interesting deal that will work for both of them.

Set in the Outer Banks, this is a great summer love story, with just the right amount of spice.

Thank you to NetGalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review

This is a book about Aspen Lourde, a best selling romantic author living in New York. She is an author and is suffering from writer's block. She goes to spend time with her sister who lives at the beach in hopes that it will inspire her to write another best selling book She then crosses paths with Brick Babel, one of the most talked about town bachelor. Sparks start to fly. Aspen gives Brick an offer he can't refuse and the fake dating relationship begins. But what starts out as fake suddenly turns real.
This book is heart warming and packed with lots of emotion.

Thank you to Netgalley and Blue Box Press for this advanced copy.

I give it a 3.5 stares

A book about books.... yes please!
A wonderfully written, captivating read, with a storyline I easily lost myself within.

Intriguing premise as as author has reached writers block for her next great novel! She trying to follow in the heels of a best seller and needs heartbreak inspiration.
Enter Brick, a womanizer, but he refuses to pretend to be her love and then break up. However, to save his family business, he needs to money. What can go wrong?
Set in the Outer Banks, Aspen soon finds she gets more than she bargained for in this romantic romp.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

I really loved this romance. The chemistry between Aspen and Brick was amazing and I love a HEA!! I also enjoyed learning more about the world of book publishing so that aspect kept my interest throughout the story. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Aspen's latest book does not have the success of her first. She wrote that quickly after suffering a terrible betrayal and break up. She decides to visit her sister for a change of scenery. When she meets Brick and learns of his reputation she decides he is just what she needs to write her next blockbuster. Her plan doesn't go a expected, discovers a place she falls in love with and that there is more to Brick than his supposed reputation, She has a hard decision to make. Book or Brick? Which will she choose?

Aspen and Brick are single people in town and she strikes up a deal with him. They both get something out of the deal but they definitely get more than they bargained for! The chemistry between them is off the charts and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop once all the cards were on the table. No pressure! I really enjoyed this read.

**Review of *Book of the Month* by Jennifer Probst**

Jennifer Probst's *Book of the Month* is a delightful and engaging read that beautifully blends romance and self-discovery against the stunning backdrop of the Outer Banks. The story follows Aspen Lourde, a once-celebrated author struggling to replicate her previous success. As she grapples with writer's block and the pressure of expectations, she embarks on a summer adventure that promises not only inspiration but also a chance to find herself.

Aspen's quest for a new bestseller leads her to the enigmatic Brick Babel, a local heartthrob whose wild reputation makes him the perfect muse. Their initial arrangement—a fake summer romance—sets the stage for an entertaining exploration of love, vulnerability, and the fine line between fiction and reality. Probst masterfully captures the tension and chemistry between Aspen and Brick, creating a dynamic that keeps readers invested in their journey.

The writing is sharp and witty, with Probst’s trademark humor shining through. Aspen's determination to chase her next big story, even at the risk of her heart, adds a layer of complexity to her character that is both relatable and inspiring. As the plot unfolds, the stakes rise, and the characters must confront their own feelings and fears, leading to poignant moments of growth and revelation.

What I particularly loved about *Book of the Month* is how it transcends the typical romance narrative. It’s not just about finding love; it’s about understanding oneself and embracing the unpredictable twists of life. The themes of identity and resilience resonate deeply, making this book not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Overall, *Book of the Month* is a charming, heartfelt read that will leave you laughing, swooning, and contemplating your own story. Jennifer Probst has created a captivating tale that celebrates love in all its forms while reminding us that sometimes the best stories come from the unexpected chapters of our lives. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a refreshing romance with depth and warmth!

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst
#romcom 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Great banter. Great characters. Even the supporting characters are great. This looks like it's going to be a series bc JP is already working on what looks to be focused on the sister of this FMC, Aspen. Yes, most of the characters have no traditional names in this book. But at least they are easy to pronounce, unlike fantasy names. Lol.

This book is about Aspen and Brick. They have a deal that he will make her fall in love with him and then break it off to break her heart. So she can write her next best selling book. YES, this premise is a bit ridiculous, thus why it lost a 1/2⭐ from me. But this is a romcom. So we all know it's doable. 😂 BUT we also all know how this one is going to turn out. Predictable. And I can't usually predict stories well. Bye-bye to another 1/2⭐.

ALL OF THAT SAID... this surprisingly spicy book was really great! Loved the dialogue. The side stories that we know will someday be their own main stories. And funny thing is that there are lots of great ideas for marketing a business in this book. I will definitely choose another book by JP!

#blueboxpress #netgalley
#bookofthemonth #jenniferprobst

This one was an unexpected surprise, and now I’m most definitely a fan! It’s my first book by this author. Now I’m looking for more!

Aspen is a writer, a successful one by any yardstick, but now she’s chasing her next bestseller. Her first book was a huge hit, and she followed it with two more novels that were well-written, but they seemed to fall flat. When she goes to her book signings, the readers are asking for a sequel to the first offering. Her agent, her editor, her publisher are all encouraging, pushing, and pressuring her for the same thing. In desperation she leaves her apartment in New York City and goes to stay with her sister who lives in the Outer Banks. She devises a plan that she believes will lead her to be able to have the heart necessary to pen a sequel that will satisfy everyone, especially her self, but it involves getting her heart broken. She thinks she can endure this, but oh boy! She bites off more than she can chew.

This covers so much growth, experience, hurt, and love! I don’t want to spoil anything, but it’s a tale that I loved and Aspen is a very endearing character. There’s a small plot line about another endeavor that I really liked and a teaser for another book featuring Sierra, the sister.

Can you tell I loved it? 4.5 stars! Highly recommend!

A great story by Jennifer Probst! I couldn’t stop reading once I started. I enjoyed these characters and going on their journey.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Book of the Month had all the elements I usually love: it’s a book about books, dives into the publishing world, has a fake dating trope, and explores themes of grief for both main characters. On paper, this should have been a win for me. But in execution, it felt more like a Hallmark version of what it could have been. The story touched on their grief and struggles, but it didn’t go as deep emotionally as I’d hoped, and everything seemed to fall into place a bit too easily.

Aspen and Brick were likable characters, and I enjoyed the premise of their staged romance, but their connection felt rushed, and the romance didn’t have the emotional depth to make it feel truly real. For readers who enjoy light, feel-good romances, this book could be a great fit. For me, it was an entertaining read, but I found myself wanting more complexity and depth to fully connect with the story.

Reviewed for NetGalley:

I honestly did not like the main character, Aspen, and the lengths she would go for her next novel.

I would have much rather had the entire story in Brick's perspective, as I found him endearing and likable.

As a big fan of books centered on authors, I was thrilled to dive into this one. With a struggling writer, a picturesque North Carolina beach town, and a charming local trying to save his family business, it seemed to have all the right ingredients. And there were some standout elements—I really enjoyed the male main character (Brick) and the delightful business owners next door.

However, the story didn’t quite deliver as I’d hoped. I found it difficult to connect with the female main character (Aspen) and struggled to understand her motivations. The premise of her needing to live out every fictional situation before she could write about it felt like it undervalued the role of imagination in the creative process, making her actions feel forced. There seemed to be a dozen ways she could have solved her problem that didn’t involve hiring someone to break her heart. Additionally, a few plot points felt unresolved, leaving loose ends that left me wanting a more cohesive ending.

While there were some enjoyable aspects, I ultimately finished this book feeling underwhelmed.

Aspen needs to write a sequel to her best selling novel Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover - quick! So she hires the local bad boy, Brick to be her muse. Lots of witty banter and plenty of spice lead to love and now Aspen has to make a choice…love or her book. Really enjoyed this story and all the characters. Set in Outer Banks the connection with nature felt real.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As a reader I love anything with a reader or author. Seriously it feels so right.

This was my first book by Probst and I really enjoyed it. The author did a great job with descriptions and details of the setting. I felt like I was in The Outer Banks (minus John B). I love any romance story with a sense of community which this one contained!

I am not a fan of the FMC. She just gave me the ick, but we love Brick.

This was a fun! It was nice to keep it sunny and summery while it gets cold outside. I think the setting really is the best, and she was great at describing it, making it feel like a character on its own.
The story was sweet and spicy, funny and heartfelt. It was the perfect summer read, or book to keep you warm for the upcoming winter!