Spicy rom-com , fake dating trope with a unique twist all set in a North Carolina beach town where horses roam free. Lots of fun supporting characters and small-town charm makes this a perfect read , especially when you need to be transported to the beach

3.5 Stars!

Aspen is desperate to write her next best seller but has been hit with writer's block, so she packs up and heads to the Outer Banks to stay with her sister, Sierra. Brick is the hot playboy in town trying to salvage the touring company he inherited from his grandpa and stay under the radar from all the rumors circulating about him and his love affairs. Aspen wonders if the playboy in town can inspire her to get past the writer's block.

This is a laugh out loud romance, with a little bit of spice. I enjoyed the relationship between Aspen and her sister. After their parents died, they only had each other. Their sisterly banter was hilarious! I almost forgot about Brick's dog Dug, he stole the show.

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst was an enjoyable and lighthearted read, but it didn’t quite hit all the marks for me. The premise is unique and entertaining, and Probst does a great job of setting up an intriguing cast of characters.

That said, Probst’s writing is easy to follow, and the pacing moves quickly, which made it an enjoyable escape. The book had moments of humor and warmth, and if you're looking for something light and feel-good, this definitely delivers on that front.

When her third book struggles to sell copies, Aspen starts to wonder if she has what it takes to create another bestseller. Her writing has improved, but everyone who comes to signings still shows up with her first book. Written as a way to survive her first, and only, heartbreak, her first book has the emotion on the page that she can't seem to come up with in her latest attempts. Now, her publisher is pushing her for a sequel, but they want to read it first.

Aspen goes to stay with her sister for the summer, hoping the change of scenery will help her muse. When they're out for drinks, she hears the story of the local heartbreaker - Brick Babel. He might be just what Aspen needs. Guaranteed a good time, and more importantly, a broken heart. If she repeats the steps of her first book, and can translate her heartbreak to the page, she'll have the bestseller she needs.

The only problem? Brick is tired of his reputation, and even more tired of women throwing themselves at him so they'll have an interesting story to tell. When Aspen comes along, he turns her down. Even though she keeps trying to find ways to talk to him, he's firm and uninterested. Until she comes to him with a proposal - if he can make her fall in love with him, and break her heart, she'll pay for him to revamp his grandfather's business, which is on its last legs. Unable to get a bank loan, this might be Brick's only chance to get the money he needs to realize his grandfather's dream - a dream that is quickly becoming his own.

I was a little slow to get into this one, Aspen's situation didn't draw me in. She had already had success, and trying to write her next books was an unwanted job. She avoided writing, and worked on her pet project, Zany Zoo, a comic that sounded more fun and fulfilling than her novels. Once Aspen and Brick got together though, I did quickly adore them. They way they would talk to each other, and his taking her on dates, and working to get to know her more were so sweet. I loved the guys at the shop next door, and also the way Aspen stood up for Brick, and worked to take on the unfair rumors swirling around him.

I'll definitely be back to read the next one, The Reluctant Flirt, which follow's Aspen's sister, Sierra. I hope to catch a few glimpses of favorite characters, and get to know more about new ones too!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the ARC of this one!

I've been following Jennifer Probst's writing for many years now and I have to admit that daaaaamn, this is her best book. We meet Aspen Lourde, she is a writer, of bestsellers so to speak, and she desperately needs to write another novel, she wants another bestseller, and she would do anything to get it. Anything! Even giving herself a broken heart, and who better than Brick Babel, the city's infamous heartthrob? Everyone falls for it, and Aspen wants to do it too. Brick initially rejects all advances, but Aspen makes him an offer he can't refuse, and the two fake a romance. But are we sure they are seriously pretending? Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read the new book by the legendary Jennifer Probst, and thanks to the author, keep writing!

Book of the Month was a slow start for me and I almost DNF’d it until about 40% through it. It’s a small town spicy romance with fake dating. Even though Aspen could be a little annoying at times I pushed through and ended up enjoying it in the end. It’s a good story, but I just feel like it could have been cut a little shorter in the beginning or maybe a little more exciting/entertaining/interesting. It was just too slow at first.

Loved this book! Our heroine wrote a bestseller straight out of the park. And then her books tanked. All her fans want a part two to her first novel, but she doesn't want to visit it again, since it was about her heartbreak. She decides her best shot is to get her heart broken again. So, she hires a man who is rumored to have broken more hearts than anyone else. But rumors aren't always true and sometimes we become the heartbreaker.

okay well rom coms are back and I felt like I lived through all these characters I want to cry!! brilliant book

This was a good book. Entertaining and engaging. Aspen and Brick were a fun couple to read about. I love the premise of a writer and a rebel (?) (not sure if that is the right word for him). But this trope worked well with these two characters. I was hooked right from the beginning and stayed up way too late reading it. Highly recommend.

A Heartfelt Celebration of Books, Love, and Second Chances!

Thank you NetGallary for an early review copy of Book of the Month!

Jennifer Probst’s Book of the Month is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that beautifully blends romance, friendship, and the magic of literature. Set against the charming backdrop of a small-town bookstore, this story captures the essence of book lovers and the deep connections that stories can forge.

At the heart of the novel is a struggling bookshop owner, whose passion for books is rivaled only by the challenges she faces in keeping her store afloat. When she launches a “Book of the Month” club to reinvigorate the store, she never anticipates how the selections—and the people drawn to them—will transform her life. The book club becomes a catalyst for new relationships, unexpected romance, and personal growth.

Probst masterfully crafts well-developed, relatable characters that feel like old friends. The protagonist’s journey is both inspiring and realistic, with emotional depth that resonates beyond the pages. The novel balances humor and poignancy, ensuring that readers will laugh, swoon, and even shed a few tears along the way.

One of the most captivating elements of Book of the Month is its love letter to books and their power to heal, inspire, and bring people together. Probst infuses the narrative with literary references that will delight avid readers, making it feel like a book lover’s dream.

With its cozy atmosphere, compelling characters, and a touch of romance, Book of the Month is the perfect read for anyone who believes in the transformative power of stories. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jennifer Probst or a newcomer to her work, this novel is a must-read that will leave you with a warm heart and a renewed love for books.

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst @authorjenniferprobst

Aspen Lourde is a bestselling author who keeps churning out books of the month. She is currently facing creative struggles and decides to fake date the mysterious Brick Babel and then break up with him to get some inspiration for her next novel. Brick refuses to fake date her but then agrees in order to save his grandfather’s business. Aspen might have found her muse, but is their story worth sharing?

This book took a while to get going, but once I passed the initial stages, it became fast-paced and enjoyable. The main trope in this is fake dating.

I love how this book revolves around books and the publishing industry. It gives me an insight into the life of an author. Probst skillfully combines the humor of a rom-com with an author's tough life, crafting a story that is both captivating and emotionally impactful.

While the romance between Aspen and Brick is cute, I don't like the third-act breakup (which, tbh we could really see coming from the beginning). Fortunately, the witty banter and evolving relationship between our two MCs add to the novel's appeal.

Overall, this is a good romance although it's not a memorable one. I still enjoyed this. The next book will be out this year and it's already on my wishlist 💖.
𝓜𝔂 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
.
.
.
Thank you Netgalley and Blue Box Press for this ebook.

This was a cute one! I liked it fine but it wasn’t groundbreaking and I didn’t really love it. I did enjoy it.

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst was fantastic! Emotional, on the edge, and stunning prose. I loved it.

Not going to lie this one wasn't for me. I couldn't stand the heroine or the hero from page one. And while I generally like hate to love I've got to at least like one of the main characters in order to enjoy the book.

I have to say that I do love a contemporary love story that is a bit meta - meaning that it's an author writing about a writer. It makes a nice backdrop because it adds a layer of authentic that might sometimes be lacking if not done correctly. Probst did an amazing job of having that great level of meta. The premise is intriguing, the relationship feels like it evolves naturally, and the chemistry is palpable. There is sometimes a bit too much of a heavy hand of the suffering artist trope, but not enough for me to stop reading. The themes of self-discovery and inspiration in unexpected places help to carry it and those who love contemporary romance will love this novel.

In this book we meet Aspen who is a writer who is at a crossroads in her writing career. Her first book went viral and people adore this book however when it comes to her two follow up books have tanked. She feels like she must go through another major heartbreak to recapture the depth of feeling she had as she wrote her first book. She takes a summer vacation to stay with her sister. So long NYC, hello Outer Banks! On her first night out she finds Brick and she is the notorious untouchable man in town. Will she be the one to change him? Overall it is a very cute book and story that is predictable at some points but still makes you want to read it all to find out what happens to everyone. Thank you Netgallery, Blue Box Press and Jennifer Probst for choosing me to be an arc reader of the book.

This was a cute story of an author who is willing to do anything to make another best seller.
FMC Aspen is a best seller and she is in a slump. She tries to sell her most recent releases but the readers want a sequel to her most personal older book. This book was written after a traumatic break up and she poured her heart into this book. So Aspen decides that in order to write another best seller, she may have to experience heart break again. Aspen zeros in on MMC Brick. Brick currently has a reputation that has women creating a support group.
This book was difficult to read for the first few chapters. After the introduction of Brick and the other supporting characters, I couldn't put the book down. I like the chemistry that is built between the two main characters and the way it develops. The did get frustrated with the FMC towards the end of the story because she was treating Brick just like everyone did, and it made her no different from the rest of the town. There was a lot of laughter with the characters Marco, Burger and Patsy.
Overall, this was a fun read, I would give it 3.5 stars, so i rounded it up to 4, I am a sucker for sappy stories.
Tropes:
🐎 Fake dating
🐎Small Town Setting
🐎He Falls Hard

I know this is an arc, but the repetitiveness and other things made me underwhelmed and thinking this is a debut immediately. However, (because i know debus come with a lot of stigma) I liked this contemporary romance a lot more than I thought I would because this spoke to me with stress, muse, and just needing a change of scenery to help bring you back to life so to speak. I can relate so much to this book and that matters to a reader's core! Brick is sometimes a PRICK, the MC should have dubbed him so! but overall, the romance was there and did its job. I love the Outer Banks! Thank you so much to Blue Box Press, Jennifer Probst, and lastly but least Netgalley!

What a wild ride! It had not one, but two of my favorite tropes: books about books and fake dating - talk about a literary match made in heaven! Aspen, a writer feeling the heat from her agent to churn out another bestseller, flees to the Outer Banks to hang with her sis, searching for inspiration or a good old-fashioned heartbreak. That's where she meets Brick Babel, a total heartthrob with a rep for, well, breaking hearts. He needs cash for his tour company, and Aspen needs a heartache, so she proposes a deal that's equal parts genius and harebrained. Aspen's all about getting down to business with Brick, but when things start getting hot and heavy, feelings and emotions get all tangled up with the words she's trying to write. Suddenly, she's all, 'Wait a minute, this isn't fiction anymore - this is our love story!' This book was an absolute blast, with a gorgeous setting, delightful secondary characters, and enough spice to keep things interesting.

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst is a contemporary romance that blends love, self-discovery, and the creative process in a way that feels fresh and heartwarming. The story follows Aspen Lourde, a successful author who is struggling with writer's block and the pressure to replicate her initial success. In search of inspiration, she heads to the Outer Banks, where she meets Brick Babel, a local heartthrob known for his fleeting romances. What starts as a fake dating arrangement soon leads to something deeper, exploring the complexities of love and personal growth.

I really enjoyed the engaging narrative and well-developed characters in this book. Aspen’s journey from a sheltered author to someone more grounded was so relatable, and I loved watching her grow. The relationship between Aspen and Brick was fun to watch unfold. It was sweet and full of charm, and I appreciated how it evolved naturally over time.

The pacing of the novel was a bit slow at times, especially in the beginning, but once the story gained momentum, it became hard to put down. While some parts felt a little drawn out, the overall storyline was heartwarming and full of charm. One of the things I liked most was the balance of romance and self-discovery. It was refreshing to see a character learn about herself and find love at the same time.

In conclusion, Book of the Month is a delightful and feel-good read perfect for fans of contemporary romance. Its heartwarming characters, engaging storyline, and personal growth make it a great addition to the genre. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and relatable romance with a touch of humor.