Thank you @berkleyromance for the free copy!

The FMC goes on a week long immersive experience of her favorite book series (think of a mix between a book con with something like the star fall ball) only to run into her coworker who she does not get along with and would never be interested in something like this. And they both work in publishing which I just found fun and a bit meta them debating genres and of course respect for Romantasy coming out on top.

This is dislike to lovers where they BOTH need to learn something. The FMC has a history of only seeing what she wants to see in relationships and sticking with people who treat her poorly. The MMC is stuck in a pessimistic cycle of if you never try to find magic well then you’ll never find it. They both help each other find that middle ground and yes he’s abrasive at first but by the end when he’s trying to create her dream romance for her I was swoony giggling kicking my feet. And when she learns that reality can be just as good as the fantasy you make it up to in your head if you prioritize yourself and the right people 🥹

The side characters were also highly entertaining, especially a certain actor *in character* vs out as the series leading man- and his rival. I felt like I was really there at the experience I ate up allll the little details. Easy 5 stars from me!

Book Boyfriend is a romcom about a woman at a convention for her favorite fantasy series when her arch nemesis from work arrives. Enemies to lovers but mixed in with a book world for the ultimate booknerd book. This was really cute and I found myself becoming immersed into this fake world created for the book series. The details were astonishing - as if the authors were writing two books at once. It made me giggle, sigh and swoon. So much fun to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and the Wibberley/Siegemund-Broka writing team for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

I think you can get all you need to know about this title from one look at the cover: a vacuous cute girl twirling her hair and daydreaming, oblivious to the real-life guy in front of her.

Jennifer Worth is a superfan of a romantasy world clearly based on a certain Court of Thorns and Roses called Elytheum. After a public breakup Jennifer retreats to a week-long immersion experience in "Elytheum", held at a university in North Carolina. She's looking forward to a week dwelling in her chosen fandom and is unpleasantly surprised to discover Scott, her work nemesis, in attendance. He is apparently "taking notes on how to be a better boyfriend." Sorry not sorry but that premise is absolutely ridiculous. I didn't connect much with Scott but it was still better than the vague distaste (at best) and outright repugnance (at worst) I felt for Jennifer. She was SO immature. She was rightfully called out by multiple characters for ostriching herself in a fantasy world to avoid the real one. I also found her behavior with Scott to be astonishingly juvenile. The banter was more like bickering, in a "fifth graders who have a crush on each other but resort to hair pulling and name calling" sort of way. Romance, not so much.

Where I really felt the premise had charm was in the concept of "finding your people." There's no harm in being REALLY INTO something, and it's so much fun to find and connect with others who appreciate the same things you do. The only times I actually liked Jennifer were those few times when she was doing immersion experience activities with Lark and Brit (and even Amelia, Fred and Erik). As a personal growth/friendship story that portion was a win. Unfortunately, the entire romance portion was just... not very romantic.

I read really positive things about this author duo's other work so I would be interested to check it out, but this one did not do it for me.

⭐⭐

2.5 ⭐️ (I Rounded up)

I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.

The premise was adorable—
who wouldn’t want to attend a Romantasy book convention themed around their favorite series, complete with cosplay? And falling for a guy dressed as your favorite book boyfriend? Such a fun idea!

There were definitely some cute romantic moments, but the FMC felt a bit immature at times, which made it hard for me to fully connect with her.

That said, I think plenty of readers will enjoy this one for its fun and lighthearted plot—it just wasn’t for me.

ARC BOOK REVIEW

Book Boyfriend by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-broka
3 STARS

Thank you, Berkley Romance, for the #free eARC of this book! #berkleypartner

SYNOPSIS: “Jennifer Worth lives to escape into the world of her favorite romantasy series Elytheum Courts, where the romance is sweeping and the men are brave, chivalrous . . . and winged. Newly single and craving connection, she travels to an immersive fan experience celebrating all things Elytheum, only to see the last face she expected—Scott Daniels, her work nemesis, whose disinterest in Jennifer’s favorite series and standoffishness have made their publishing jobs feel like a feuding fae court.

Except the Scott she encounters there, in his secondhand cosplay outfit, is . . . different. Swaggering, flirtatious, confident. Unlucky in romance himself and inspired by Jennifer’s love for the swoonworthy men of Elytheum, Scott is determined to remake himself into the perfect book boyfriend.

Jennifer has no interest in helping the man who vexes her every workday and dismisses her fictional fantasies, but as the immersive convention activities force them together, they’re surprised to discover magic like none Jennifer has ever read about. But is enemies-to-lovers romance only for books, or can Jennifer and Scott bring the trope to life?”

REVIEW: Who doesn’t love a book boyfriend!? The whole book is centered on a week-long experience in a beloved fantasy world…with fantasy-type characters we all love!

I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Jennifer and Scott. Their interactions were full of playful pettiness and undeniable chemistry. The banter between them was truly entertaining!

However, while the chemistry was undeniable, I struggled with Scott’s character development. His shift from disdain for Jennifer’s romantic ideals to suddenly being passionate about her felt more like physical attraction than emotional growth. Though I loved the fun of their evolving relationship, there were moments when Scott’s behavior seemed downright mean.

This was my first book by these authors, and I’m so excited I finally got to dive into their work! I’m so excited to explore more.

Publisher: Berkley Romance
Pub date: 2/25/25

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

I really loved the premise of this book. I am fully on board with an emotionally stunted man and an optimistic lady who find common ground. I loved that this took place at what seems like, essentially, one of the most amazing immersion experiences I've ever heard about (seriously, people should take notes). I loved that Scott was taking notes on how to be a better "book boyfriend" because his own dating life was in shambles.

My biggest issue with this book was the almost immediate 180 Jen did to create the conflict piece of this book and the whiplash the reader got when she changed her mind just as quickly. It felt very rushed and unnecessary, even though I know there needs to be conflict and resolution. I just wish this piece had been thought out a bit more and implemented as a more cohesive element of the book. It really tanked what was otherwise a great book for me.

As a lover of romantasy novels I was excited to see this synopsis about a young woman, unlucky in love, who loses herself in her favorite romantic fantasy novels Elytheum. In a fantasy world your dreams of the perfect man are delivered via fiction, keeping the hope a live that someday you’ll find your own hero, albeit unwinged. When Jennifer gets dumped by her current boyfriend, her week is free for her to go live out her fantasies at an immersive Elytheum event. She hopes to leave all her real world troubles behind, but when she gets to the event she discovers her work nemesis wearing leather. Scott is determined to solve his own relationship troubles and is determined to turn himself into a perfect book boyfriend. Jennifer wants nothing to do with Scott yet he keeps turning up and the notes he’s taking seem to be working in his favor.

There were some really fun elements to this story. Who wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in their favorite fantasy world, including their dream boyfriend? My hand is raised right along with yours! There were some cute moments where Jennifer is living out her dream, meeting people and making friends, but there were moments where it felt like the author’s leaned a little too hard into the fantasy taking me out of the story. I struggled with some chapters where the story felt a little cumbersome and the budding relationship was more antagonistic than frenemy. The story was a little problematic for me and I had trouble feeling good about Jennifer and Scott as a couple.

There were some happier moments. I loved that Jennifer, who seems to have trouble making friends and meeting people, seemed to be in her element. She put herself out there and really let herself enjoy the experience with a new group of non-judgemental friends. Those scenes were great and I loved the women helping women theme but unfortunately this was a romance novel and I couldn’t get past not liking this pairing as a couple. Maybe you’ll feel different?

"he grins - my favorite of his grins, knowing and wry and warm and very, very Scott."

this book was so very sweet and relatable that it almost made me feel like I was Jennifer (**swoon every time Scott called her Jen**). Jennifer going out to this immersive experience for her favorite book series was an experience that I feel like, as an avid romantasy girlie, I would totally be on board with! the found family, the connection with her favorite fmc, and so much more had me giddy during the entire book!

I will say, I think because it was almost TOO relatable, I found myself taken out of the story a little bit. I felt so much for Scott when he wanted to become the perfect 'book boyfriend', and it had me thinking that while us women are out here chasing this dream of men, some men are trying to win the same women over. obviously, I only feel comfortable having that sympathy towards mister Scott because he was one of my favorite characters. AND THE FOUND FAMILY! ugh to have people you love because you love the same things ... its a bond that cannot be faked!

If you’ve ever wanted to live inside your favorite fantasy series— or wished for a boyfriend straight off the pages of your favorite book— this is for you! And it’s out today! I was honored when @berkleyromance asked me to be part of this book tour— so thanks to them for the #gifted ARC.

📚 There’s been a theme in romance lately of MC’s getting sucked into their favorite book or TV show so I was a bit worried that’s what was going to happen here, so I was relieved when that was NOT the premise. Instead— picture this: an ‘experience’ week where fans get to spend a week inside their favorite fantasy series— with character interactions, meals, classes, etc. It sounds so fun!

📚 What to expect:
- enemies to lovers
- fantasy fan fun
- self discovery journey

📚 What I loved:
- the premise and setting
- the FMC’s personal journey
- the ‘grand gesture’
- the bigger message behind it all

📚 What I wanted more from:
- to really make enemies to lovers work there’s usually a very hidden/creative/surprising reason they got off to a bad start — in this book that part felt phoned in
- I’d say the same about the third act break up (though the grand gesture was pretty redeeming)

📚 The lesson the female MC learns at the end of this all really brought this book home for me. While some her of actions were immature, you definitely see some character growth. I’d recommend this for fantasy fans or romance readers who get swept up by the idea of a ‘book boyfriend.’ There’s just as much fun on these pages as there is romance!

Disappointed to say I didn't love this, when I've enjoyed Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka's previous books. I'm always excited by a fandom element in a book, and Book Boyfriend riffs on romantasy fandom in its lead character Jennifer's obsessive fandom of a romantasy series called Elytheum and its setting at a weeklong fan event. The details are great and the convention is well-imagined, though at times I felt the obsessiveness was over the top and all that really defined Jennifer. The authors' adult romances have also previously felt more mature than this one, which had moments that made me feel it could have been better as YA or with a younger adult protagonist. Still, this had its fun moments, especially tied to the setting and recognizable romantasy elements.

Rivals to lovers
Book about books
Fandom book dreams come to life

What a fun read, as I found myself laughing out loud. Imagine your literal dream book setting, and transport yourself there for one of kind RomCom. For the book girlies who feel like we’ll never find a man as amazing as our book boyfriends, this book is for you!

Thank you Berkley Romance

Jennifer is a romantic who escapes from reality with her favorite fantasy series. Scott and Jennifer are workplace rivals that end up staying at the same week long Experience for Elytheum readers. The book series comes to life with paid actors, contests, dress up, and themed parties. As the Experience turns into a competition, Scott and Jennifer are neck and neck, and grow closer through their banter and bonding as they each find clues.

I thought the pacing was slow and I wish we got to see more from Jennifer than her book obsession. I was not convinced that Jennifer and Scott had enough of a connection or chemistry to have a romantic relationship. I also thought the content was too Elytheum heavy. I did think the library scene was cute and the horseback riding!

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Romance, and the authors for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a light cute romance book. The main theme of the story really reaches book lovers out there and helps us relate to the different characters in the book (being a romantasy lover myself I loved all the little references and thought it captured well the way I feel about my favorite series). I thought it was a pretty quick read and I really wanted to love it but it fell a bit short for me. The FMC's inner monologue felt very repetitive and made me want to skip over parts of the book. The pace was pretty slow to start with but picked up around 30% in. As much as I loved the whole book fan take with the characters I did not really care for any of them except maybe the MC which for some reason I really enjoyed. The story was good but did not get me excited enough to keep my attention for long or to binge it. I can definitely see the appeal and how many readers will love this book.

I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn't work for me. I found it to be a little too cheesy and cringey. It relied a lot on tropes and was meant to be a nod to the fandom but I found it just too much for me. I think others could enjoy it, but it was really hard for me to get into. I tried doing it on audio as well but wasn't engaged that way either. Nothing against the author or others who liked it, but just didn't work for my taste!

Jennifer is newly single and frustrated with a guy at her publishing job named Scott. He’s everywhere, taking notes, dissing her reading choices and generally driving her crazy.
She’s ready for a vacation at an immersive die-hard fan experience based on her favorite fantasy book series, Elytheum Courts, where the men are brave, chivalrous, and winged.
Given Scott’s disdain, she’s shocked and annoyed to find him at the fan experience. He seems different too, nicer, funnier and definitely more attractive.
There’s a scavenger hunt competition for dinner with the hero of the series, who happens to be Jennifer’s book boyfriend. Unfortunately, every time she searches for a clue she trips over Scott, and as the week passes she finds him more and more appealing and they start to fall for each other.

This is a charming and humorous enemies to lovers romance. I liked the description of the fan experience, and the romance between Jennifer and Scott feels authentic and natural. I hope you’ll enjoy reading this as much as I did!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jennifer is newly single. She attends an immersive fan experience of “Elytheum Courts”, her favorite romantasy series, to escape her new reality. Unfortunately, her work nemesis, Scott, is also in attendance. But this Scott, in his secondhand cosplay outfit, is different. As the two are thrown together by activities and competitions, Scott is slowly transforming into Jennifer’s perfect “book boyfriend.”

This was a unique enemies to lovers story about a book fandom. It was a fun read about self-discovery and finding love in unexpected places. I loved Jennifer and Scott’s banter and their competitiveness during the activities of the fan experience. They both shared some laugh out loud and heartwarming scenes, and I adored the ending. It was such a lighthearted romance with a touch of fantasy.

A very fun concept and per usual with these authors, the banter is well done. For a few reasons, this wasn't my new favorite by the authors. If you are someone who feels really passionately about your romantasy fandom, you might connect with this one more than I did. I didn't quite buy into Scott's reasons for showing up at the experience, and in general there were a few too many things that felt like really convenient coincidences to pull the story together. It's entertaining, but not where I'd recommend starting with the authors' books.

When I read the summary to this book I thought it sounded promising. I was slightly hesitant to read it as the last book I read by the authors, The Breakup Tour was a miss for me. As this is my second book by the duo I think their books just aren't for me. I DNF'd this one 25% in. I had high hopes for the storyline and it just missed the mark for me entirely. I think this book needs to be marketed differently than a romance book for it to reach an audience that will thoroughly enjoy it til the end. From the portion of the book I did read I appreciated the story concept and the banter between the two MCs. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Read If You Like:
- Enemies-to-lovers romance
- Fandom culture and book conventions
- Workplace rivalry
- Slow-burn relationships
- Witty banter and forced proximity

Jennifer is a superfan of the popular romantasy series *Elytheum Courts*,and attends an immersive convention dedicated to the series, only to find her work rival, Scott Daniels, there as well. Their unlikely encounter forces them to interact outside the office, blurring the lines between professional antagonism and something far more personal.

The novel shines in its depiction of fandom culture, celebrating the passion readers have for fictional worlds and the friendships that form around them. The convention setting adds a unique backdrop, allowing Jennifer and Scott’s relationship to develop in an environment where reality and fantasy intertwine. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and their gradual shift from rivals to something more is deeply satisfying.

Beyond the romance, this book also explores themes of self-discovery and personal ambition. Jennifer’s journey is not just about love but also about learning to trust herself and embrace the things that bring her joy. Fans of slow-burn romances and bookish love stories will find plenty to adore in this charming, heartfelt read.

Thank you so much Berkley for my gifted copy!!!

Very grateful to @berkleypub @berkleyromance for the free book, opinions are my own #BerkleyPartner

I was really excited for this book, but it didn’t fully work for me. The concept—an immersive fan event mixed with a workplace enemies-to-lovers romance—sounded fun, but I struggled to connect with the characters. Jennifer and Scott’s dynamic felt more forced than natural, and I didn’t find their romance very compelling.
That said, I did enjoy the bookish setting and the fandom elements. The scavenger hunt and cosplay aspects were fun, and the banter between Jennifer and Scott had its moments.
If you enjoy fandom-centered rom-coms, forced proximity, and workplace rivals-to-lovers tropes, this might be a great read for you. It just wasn’t my favorite from these authors.