I really wanted to like this book but so many things held me back. It was surprisingly spicy, to the point that I skipped whole chapters. The third act break up had me rolling my eyes. The dialogue was cringy at times, and by the end I was skimming to get through it. Sadly, my advice is to skip this one.

I'm not gonna lie...this one started a little rough for me. I am rarely a fan of books whose main characters are authors struggling to write their next book. I always feel like it is a cop out for the actual author who is struggling to write their next book. And those books typically tank for me. This one ended up surprising me. The more I read the more I wondered. This one did feel somewhat autobiographical. In the book, Aspen struggles with writing her next book. She can't quite infuse her story with the necessary emotion to make it great. This one started out the same way. It felt superficial and I couldn't connect...until I could. I don't know if that was an intentional strategy but if it was, it was genius.

In the beginning, the dialogue was stiff and unnatural. The story just didn't have an easy flow and I was certain this was going to be just another cringy, unrealistic romance novel. But... somewhere around chapter 4, something just clicked and I wanted to keep reading. I became invested in this sham of a relationship between Aspen and Brick.I loved their chemistry and the palpable tension in every interaction. Their arrangement was unorthodox and not incredibly realistic but it still worked. It still had me rooting for them and wondering how it was going to play out. I loved the vulnerability in each of the main characters, the romantic beach vibe, and Duncan and Dug were 2 of my favorite characters. I'm not a huge fan of characters with weird names and this one was chock-full of them…Brick, Aspen, Maleficent, Anastasia, Jorel. I rolled my eyes every time a new one was introduced.

I loved the hook for the next book. I didn't even know there would be a next book until that awkward meeting between Sierra and Kane. Now I'm intrigued and can't wait to dive into Reluctant Flirt in June of 2025. I definitely recommend this one to the romantic comedy lovers out there and if you are a little turned off in the beginning, just give it a few chapters.

What do you do when you're out of inspiration? F*ck off to North Carolina.

Aspen fears she is a one hit wonder when her second and third books don't earn out their advances after her bestselling debut. She's under a lot of pressure to Make The Next One Count, and under the advice of her agent, she takes off to spend the summer with her sister on the North Carolina coast. The problem is she wrote that bestselling book after the biggest heartbreak of her life, and she hasn't been able to tap into that same deep well of emotion ever since. She's convinced another devastating heartbreak is the only way to tap into her potential again. Enter Brick, the sulky hotter-than-sin man who moved to town to take over his grandfather's dying touring business and is a known heartbreaker. Everyone advises her against it, and he isn't interested either, until she strikes up a deal he can't refuse.

I'm a little torn on this one, because I feel like it was executed well for what it is, but some of the premises got under my skin a little bit. The setting is idyllic and refreshing, but the gossip mongers in town make it sour. The romance between Aspen and Brick turns out to grow organically, but it's set up under kind of a gross deal they strike up. A lot of things went a little too far over the top for me to give it a full five stars, but I would still recommend it to those who enjoy this genre.

I think my biggest gripe is actually with Aspen and her vice-grip on this idea of the suffering artist. That she can only make good art if her heart is in pieces on the floor. This belief is self-sabotaging and was frustrating to see her cling onto it for so damn long.

Once the romance got going, it was a really sweet story. These two characters had a real connection, and it was really nice to read. Their little adventures were so wholesome.

This was my first Jennifer Probst novel, but it looks like she's quite prolific, and I'm excited to see what else she's got on her backlist!

Aspen has struggled to produce another top selling book after the runaway success of her first book that had been spurred on by the bad ending of her first romance. After a lackluster book signing for her recent book, she decides to go spend the summer with her sister in the Outer Banks to see if she can find inspiration for a new book. Soon after arriving, she is drawn to Brick, who run tours to see the wild horses. He is wary because of how an ex trash talked about him. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the next one.

I was so excited when I saw this book on NetGalley because I love books about books. I’m thinking I didn’t read the synopsis and I sorry I didn’t because this was a complete flop for me. I made it 30% before I jumped to the last chapter and called it a DNF.
Aspen is a one hit wonder author. Her first book was a huge hit because she poured so much of herself into it, writing it after a massive break up. Her second two books were huge nots because she wasn’t fully invested. She decides to visit her sister in the Outer Banks and realizes she needs to force a relationship and break up in order to write another hit.
After jumping to the last chapter I realized I called the path of this book perfectly. One of the things I didn’t like was the Colleen Hooveresque feel to it. I am not a fan of CoHo so perhaps readers who are will find this more enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for an advanced copy of this book. Book of the Month hits the shelves on October 22nd.

4 stars

I always enjoy books about books so this was a fun one. The premise was a bit silly but what trope isn't. I wish the MMC hadn't hidden the truth of his reputation for so long and I don't really understand how the FMC believed it for as long as she did. But he was definitely a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I appreciate the reconciliation not being instantaneous. Overall it was good, easy, and enjoyable.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for providing the ARC.

Aspen Lourde is in a writing rut and only needs to experience a devastating heartbreak to get back to that deeply emotional space she was with her breakout novel. Brick Babel is the small town owner of a touring company on the brink of bankruptcy and dealing with the extensive fallout of his last relationship. He is decidedly not interested when Aspen decides to pursue him in search of this broken heart, but when she shows up with a deal he cannot refuse, he takes her up on it. What starts as a relatively innocuous fake relationship turns very real for both of them when the undeniable attraction they have for each other screams to the forefront. However, Aspen's book deadline is looming which spells expiration for this little tryst they're having, one that suddenly seems so difficult to walk away from.

I really enjoyed the writing for this book and the relationship between Aspen and Brick. She is tender and soft and he is rough with some jagged edges that need to be smoothed out. They complement each other well. My biggest hang-up with this book was how their fake relationship came to be. It felt like extortion, which only made it worse when they ultimately fell for each other. The relationship started out on unequal footing with one person really and truly in control of the outcome. The other party didn't really have a say or they would lose out on a lot of much needed relief. It was interesting that the author chose to go this route when the entirety of Aspen's backstory is enmeshed in a relationship that started out with someone taking advantage of her in a vulnerable position.

Overall, the book was well written and it was very engaging. I loved seeing both Brick and Aspen open up with each other and learn that our life doesn't have to be defined by past mistakes.

The description of this book really sparked my interest, especially as a huge lover of all things books. However, the story started so slow and I was not invested at all in the characters or storyline. I decided to DNF this book at 25%.

So many things I didn’t like about this book. Would have DNF’d it if it wasn’t an advanced copy for NetGalley

To name a few:
- FMC was described as (I’m paraphrasing here) ‘not hot’ a lot
- Mmcs name is Brick, Brick Babel— no thank you
- the whole reason FMC essentially harasses mmc is because of a reputation he has for being a dick and a ladykiller— only to find out their was some mass conspiracy to make the women of the Outer Banks think that he is great in bed but goes around being an asshole. Like what?! And then the FMC believes the story that all these women are lying (which they are in the story but like let’s believe women when they say what happened to them— typically it’s not some big fake ass conspiracy)
- just reads as the author is not a girls girl and I am not here for it.
- also she wants to get her heartbroken so she can write another bestseller but then, checks notes, is upset that she is getting her heartbroken broken? I’m confused 🤔
- if I read something else that is described as ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ I will literally die. I.e “he had a masculine aura and stance”— or some shit.

It’s a no for me

Unfortunately this book was not for me. The setting was great, I loved the small beach town and the animals. I did not love the main characters or the romance. I enjoyed some of the side characters, and honestly would have rather read about them. The scene where the fmc was high really made me cringe. Those htypes of scenes are always poorly done and this was as well. Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the ARC of Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst.

This book started off a little slow for me, but boy when it picked up did it really become enjoyable. I’ve never heard of the author prior to reading the book, but the title and cover caught my attention and the description sounded like something I’d enjoy. Reading about the deal Aspen and Brick set up, just seems too crazy to even work. And really in the end it essentially is. The whole “plan/deal” almost ruins everything. But like all romance books the ending comes back together for the HEA 💕

I did find this book easy to connect with the main characters, especially Aspen. She’s a writer and you hear her describe a lot her struggles as well as her joy. It makes you wonder if this is reality for all writers. Having a colleague who is a published author on the side from his day job I know it’s not always been easy getting published. As I was thinking this, it had me questioning how much of this authors own experiences did she tie into Aspen’s character. AND…the @ tags for several bookstagrammers, how cool was that.

This was a fun read, that made me want to visit OBX as I’ve never been there before. Gave off all the summer romance vibes that seemed to be what she was going for.

If Jennifer Probst writes it, it has a 90% chance that I will eat it up and love it.

Way back when I started my romance reading journey there were a couple of authors that were insta reads for me. Jennifer Probst was one of those and I believe she installed many of my romance buttons.

When I opened this book it immediately pulled me back to those beginning days of me reading actual romance. This is written in third POV and has switches in POV throughout the story. This might make it confusing for a lot of people who don’t normally read a third POV, but it felt like coming home to me.

I am not one who typically enjoys fake dating. It’s too messy for my taste and while I love an angsty ride, the angst that usually comes with this trope is not my jam.
However, this one worked for me! Maybe because of the absolute clear boundaries both mc’s created? (I mean I absolutely adore Brick for even making a contract about the finances, while Aspen was like: nope! To then grudgingly agreeing anyway.)

I did get annoyed with Aspen the further I got into the story. It was obvious her plan wasn’t going to work, even for herself! I understand that she was beaten down by her past so much that she learned to not trust her gut feeling anymore. I adored Sierra for being real with her and giving it to her straight. I just wish we were shown more of Aspen’s realizations in the end. Therefor, the ending felt a bit rushed, and pacing issues is something of a pet peeve of mine.

The steam was hot, Dug was adorable, and I need Sierra and Kane’s story ASAP.

Thank you to Blue Box Press and Netgalley for a complimentary ARC.

Aspen, a writer with a hit book debut and other two not so well received books, decides to go to Outer Banks to spend the summer with her sister. There, she meets Brick, whose business is failing. Aspen decides to make him a proposal that he cannot refuse; she'll give him the money she needs if he dates her and breaks her heart at the end of summer, so that she can recreate what she was feeling when she wrote her first and only successful book.

This was an incredible read, I have enjoyed reading both characters. They went through a lot in their lives and they found each other without even thinking they could fall for each other.
Aspen is fun and caring, even though she was a bit selfish at the end. And it was expected, we were told from the beginning how the story would end.

Brick made this book even more wonderful, his assertiveness and kindness are wonderful traits to find in a man, also in a fictional man.

I'd recommend to read this book because it is a real rollercoaster of emeotion.

Thank you @netgalley and publisher, I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#arc #arcreview #arcreviewer #arcreader #bookofthemonth #jenniferprobst #aspenlourde #brickbabel #hefallsfirst #fakedating #romcom #romancenovel #writer #netgalley #netgalley2024 #netgalleychallende #goodreadschallenge2024 #smalltown #closeproximity #oppositeattracts #newadult #slowburn #spicy

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst offers a compelling exploration of love and personal growth set against the backdrop of a book club. The story features relatable characters navigating their relationships and the challenges that come with them. Probst's writing is accessible and engaging, making it a light read for those who enjoy contemporary romance. While it touches on familiar themes, it provides an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre, though it may not offer many surprises.

3.5 rounded down to 3

Desperate to recapture the magic of her debut novel, Aspen wants local playboy Brick to break her heart. And she willing to pay for the experience. Brick is resistant to the plan at first, but agrees only if the payment will be a loan instead. The two begin spending time together, but what happens when things start to feel real?

Read if you like:
-Fake Dating
-Imposter Syndrome
-Opposites Attract

I was really into this book. I loved the set up and the meet ugly x 2. But the third act completely derailed the story for me. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. It was so frustrating and pointless. It took the characters and their journeys back two steps instead of allowing them to grow.

This book was such a unique and fun meta-reading experience delving into the world of writing about romance while the main character wrote a romance while I read the romance and pondered my own imposter syndrome halted writing dreams. I went in expecting a light-hearted, fun read and was shocked that the emotional depth of both the relationship and the professional development was so achingly familiar and heart-wrenching. I can only hope my own story, both the written and the lived, turn out as well as Book of the Month.

This just wasn't for me and was a DNF after about 25%. A bit too silly and filled with drama for my tastes!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

After reading the premise of this book I had high hopes, it seemed like something easy and quick to read when you just want to relax.
But, about 40% in it started to drag and I began to lose interest in the story. The plot was repetitive and I felt no connection with the characters and their time spent together didn't make me root for them as a couple. I found some parts of the book a bit cringy and too unrealistic.
Although I'm sure some people will like it, this just wasn't for me and it falls into the easy-to-forget category of read books.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Aspen is a writer and her first book was (and still is) a bestseller and has a huge fanbase. Since then she has written two other books that haven't done as well as the first. So now she is under pressure to write a book that will sell better or else her contract will not be renewed. The problem is that her first book was based on her personal experience after heartbreak and she hasn't had a relationship since. So when she visits her sister in Outer Banks for the summer hoping for inspiration and keeps meeting and hearing about Brick, the local heartbreaker and idea takes roots. What if she hired Brick to break her heart in order to be able to write another great book? Of course that idea doesn't go exactly as planned.
I liked reading this book, it had interesting and entertaining characters and the setting in Outer Banks makes me want to book a vacation there and see the wild horses for myself. The story was entertaining and mostly believable. I could not always relate to Aspen and her motivation and I thought Brick was portrayed too often as (over-the-top) masculin and that's why that book isn't 5-stars for me but it is a very entertaining summer romance.

I couldn't stop reading this. The story feels contemporary and captures a millennial romance filled with unexpected twists, yet maintains a steady flow. In many modern romance novels, you often anticipate a perfect moment, only for the author to drop a dramatic twist that disrupts the couple's journey. However, in this novel, the author chooses to keep the story enjoyable and avoids forcing the couple into excessive drama to reach their happy ending.