This was a cute rom com that I ended up skimming for the most part. It started strong for me, but didn't completely hold my attention throughout. I liked the characters and the sisters' relationship was a highlight. I actually enjoyed that more than the romance.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Aspen needs to prove that she's not just a one-hit wonder and needs some inspiration. She heads for the Outer Banks to visit her sister where Aspen soon decides that the best way to create inspiration for her next story is to spend the summer and whirlwind romance that ultimately breaks her heart. Brick Babel is perfect to inspire her innner muse, with the stories of him being the local heartbreaker. Aspen offers to help him out, with his business being on the verge of bankruptcy, if he'll help her out, offering a fake relationship.

The story was cute overall. Initially I wasn't sure if I liked this story but it did grow on me over time. Unfortunately I didn't connect to the characters like I would like, which is the reason for the three stars. But don't let that hold you back from trying this book if you are already a fan of this author or love the trope.

If you love the fake dating trope, summers by the sea, and small town rumors, give this book a try.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Book Review: Book of the Month
In a captivating tale of ambition and self-discovery, Book of the Month follows Aspen Lourde, a once-celebrated author struggling to replicate her past success. Faced with the daunting pressure of proving she’s not merely a one-hit-wonder, Aspen takes a bold step by escaping to the picturesque Outer Banks for a summer of inspiration.
This journey leads her to Brick Babel, a local heartthrob with a reputation as wild as the untamed horses that roam the town. Brick embodies the perfect muse for Aspen—a gorgeous, enigmatic figure who seems unattainable. Despite warnings from those around her, including her sister, Aspen believes that a little heartbreak might just be the spark she needs to reignite her writing career.
The premise of a staged summer romance unfolds in an amusing and heartfelt manner. Brick, initially resistant to Aspen's advances, finds himself entangled in a contract that promises both hilarity and drama. As their fake relationship evolves, the lines between reality and fiction blur, resulting in genuine emotions that neither of them anticipated.
What makes Book of the Month truly remarkable is its exploration of love, ambition, and the unexpected lessons that come from pursuing one’s dreams. Aspen’s journey is not just about finding a story worth writing, but also about rediscovering herself in the process. The novel reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences come from embracing the unknown.
With a blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments, this book is an enjoyable read that resonates with anyone who has ever faced challenges in their pursuit of passion. Aspen's story teaches us that love can be found in the most unexpected places, and that personal growth often comes from navigating life’s twists and turns.
Book of the Month is a delightful reminder that the chapters of our lives can lead to beautiful transformations, making it a must-read for anyone looking to find inspiration in their own journey. #netgalley

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst is a heartfelt, beautifully written romance that blends emotional depth with a captivating setting. The story follows Aspen Lourde, a successful author feeling the pressure of her past achievements, who retreats to the Outer Banks in search of inspiration. There, she meets a charming local who challenges her beliefs and opens her heart in unexpected ways. Probst’s writing effortlessly pulls you in, and the slow-burn romance between Aspen and her love interest is both tender and compelling. The themes of self-discovery and healing are woven throughout, making this a perfect read for anyone looking for a romance with depth and heart.

I always love reading books about books! This is a fun romance novel that will keep you reading especially if you’re a book nerd like me. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box for a copy of this book!

I honestly didn't know what to do with this book...it was really hard to get through, and I'm not sure that I was the target age/phase of life range for it. I would recommend this book for a beach read, but I'm not sure what else.

Thank you to Netgalley for this e-copy of this hot romance featuring the story of Aspen and Brick . Aspen was only able to write a bestseller after her heart was broken by an ex . With 2 follow up flop books Aspen is pressured to do better. She relocates to the Outer Banks from NYC to find inspiration . Thee she meets Brick , a local heart throb with a bad reputation who runs a tour company which is foundering . Aspen makes him a proposal - seduce her and then break her heart and she will help him do renovations to his company . All works too well until they really fall in love . How will this end? Read the book and find out .Great romance.

A little more unexpectedly racier than I had anticipated, this book was a quick, fun, and light read. It was a romance novel set between two characters that seem unlikely fits in the beginning, and what puts them together is not your usual romance formula, but you do cheer for them at the end. I enjoyed it, more than I expected to.

Loved the premise of this book! The characters were interesting. The chemistry between the two main characters is so good! Fun, easy read. Great summer read.

such a unique book!! loved it so much. Thankyou to the Author, the Publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC inexchange for an honest review!🥰💗

The story balanced heavier themes with lighthearted moments, thanks to the community engagement and a lively cast of secondary characters. Brick, the male lead, was a gruff yet endearing hunk whose hidden tenderness made the story feel authentic and enjoyable. Aspen, the female lead, was initially hard to connect with, but as her character developed, I found myself rooting for her.

Part romantic comedy, part steamy romance, this book struck the right balance and delivered a heartwarming story. Brick and Aspen’s romance was sweet and lovely, and I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author in the future!

* 3.25 stars *
While I did grow to like this book, it was a bit of a struggle at first. I felt really offended on Brick’s behalf with so much of the town (and even neighboring towns) spreading rumors about him all based on a woman claiming to be his fiance coming to town after him and causing scenes. No one thought it was weird and shady… they just took this random persons word that he just walked out on her, then somehow became a heartbreaker when he was upfront telling his dates that he didn’t want anything serious and it was his fault they fell in love and were destroyed by him after one date. Come on, can we have better women characters than that. Wow, rant is over now. I’m not sure why it set me off so much at the beginning but I felt justified in my anger when Brick finally told Aspen the truth of everything and she crashed one of the support groups. Besides the reputation nonsense, I enjoyed Brick and Aspens banter and ease with each other. Marco and the guys were hilarious side characters and I couldn’t stop laughing with the book signing scene!

Cute book. I will read anything that is about books. It was a little slow at first, but worth hanging in there to the end.

Aspen is a one-hit wonder author in need of a best seller. Brick Babel (what a name!) is in need of funds to save his grandfather's tour business. What if Aspen and Brick could both get what they want and have a little fun along the way over the course of a summer in the OBX? What could possibly go wrong? Jennifer Probst spins a great rom-com set in the Outer Banks that had me laughing out loud at times (the book signing!) and heartbroken for the main characters in others. The supporting characters, including a trio of stoners and a mutt named Dug, are as captivating as the main characters and the location. A great read that has me already looking forward to the next installment!

BOOK OF THE MONTH is a fun, flirty, feisty romance full of heart and humor. A must-read for Probst fans and a perfect vacation book!

This book felt longer than it actually was. There weren’t any major blowups or problems for the two main characters to work through, which made the middle feel a bit slow. There was plenty of backstory and plot development, but I kept waiting for that big moment to hit.

The story follows Aspen, a best-selling author, and Brick, who inherited his late grandfather’s run-down business. It includes a fake dating trope, but it felt like a reverse version where the woman is established and financially helping out the man—which I really enjoyed!

The second half picked up with some conflict and warmth, touching on themes of hope, letting go, and trusting the future. I loved the ending! Both characters came across as mature—they didn’t hold grudges or act petty, which is always a win for me. I’m super excited for the author’s next book, The Reluctant Flirt, coming out this summer. I can’t wait to dive into the next story!

I found this book to be very slow, and I read the storyline often. I wanted the dialogue and banter to pick up but it drug on throughout the story. There was a good end and a happy ever after.

Aspen Lourde, a once-successful romance author struggling with writer’s block, moves in with her sister in the Outer Banks, seeking inspiration for a story worth telling. She strikes a deal with local heartthrob, Brick Babel, asking him to fake a romance to fuel her next book, but as their staged fling deepens, real emotions begin to complicate things. As Aspen’s novel edges toward truth, she faces the dilemma of whether to write her story or protect her heart.

I enjoyed how Aspen’s story progressed throughout the book, slowly feeding readers the background of how she used her first love to fuel writing her first novel, along with her relationship with her sister, Sierral. Aspen and Brick were cute together, if a little cheesy (the sea turtles), but I would have liked to have Brick a little more rounded out character-wise, and I wouldn’t have said no to more Dug(!) scenes. Overall, it was a sweet, heartfelt romance, with a beautiful Outer Banks setting, and I can’t wait to read the next book, which will hopefully focus on Sierra and Kane, Brick’s current roommate.

Jennifer Probst's Book of the Month is a heartfelt exploration of second chances, healing, and the transformative power of storytelling. This romance novella brings together two deeply flawed but relatable protagonists, offering readers an emotionally satisfying journey.

Book of the Month is a charming, feel-good read that celebrates the magic of books and the connections they inspire. Jennifer Probst has crafted a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever found solace, inspiration, or love within the pages of a book.

I'm sorry, but this was a DNF for me. I just couldn't get into the story. I made it to 60% or so, but had to stop when a sex scene needed over 5 pages. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a good love/sex scene, but I felt this was way overdone.
Thanks for the advanced copy. I didn't leave a review on Goodreads. Perhaps one day I'll pick it back up and finish.