The inclusion of the romance tropes within the story was well done, very funny and entertaining I laughed many times. This book got down and dirty in a sauna and many other places around the Alaskan setting. It needs to be read by everyone.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
❄️ dual POV
❄️ single timeline
❄️ Alaska setting
❄️ burly, mountain men 🩷
❄️ HEA
❄️ meet not-so-cute 🤪🤪
❄️ grump vs. sunshine
❄️ only one tent 🤪🤪

OMG I enjoyed this read so much!!! I really loved the premise of this book, I LOVE books about books, the banter, the writing style.. this was a very, very entertaining read with all kinds of defences that I absolutely loved 🤪
After Margot Bradley has her private rants leaked (she doesn’t really believe in romances and kind of talks down on her readers) she must move to Alaska to reinvent her image, but switching from romance to murder books. I love that, it is such a fun plot! I’m pretty sure that anyone who reads the description of this book is going to HAVE TO read it 💕
I absolutely loved all of the characters!!! I loved the relationship between the sisters 🩷🩷 I loved reading Forest’s point-of-view and as soon as we saw the worry when he thought Margot might be hurt 🩷💜🩵💜🩷 OMG I fell in love with him instantly!
I really love the multiple storytelling formats in here! It makes it so enjoyable to read! The letters between characters in addition to the regular story-telling narration really made it fun and almost even gave us a few extra POVs 💕
The “only one bed” troupe is so silly to me, I just absolutely love it 🤪 and this one was so fun with its little twist — only one tent 🤪 There were so many tropes in here actually! I’m pretty sure literally any romance reader will enjoy this one 🩷💜

Wow this was such a super cute and sweet read. I really enjoyed it ! The storyline was adorable, the characters were great and the romance just kept me flipping the pages.

4.75/5 ⭐️ ; 2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Enemies x lovers
Opposites attract
Jaded FMC
Slowburn
One tent
Fish out of water
Family drama

This was an incredible debut by the author- I genuinely enjoyed the story so much. The story starts with Margot, the award-winning, romance author being sent by her sister to a wilderness lodge in Alaska with zero outside communication for 6 weeks. The goal is to cut off the outside world and criticism and explore a new literary genre.

Naturally, the lodge owner has an attractive son named Forrest— who happens to be a doctor too 😉

Soooo Margot’s sister (with the help of Forrest) pushes Margot outside of her comfort zone, she finds herself…. and her and Forrest have some pretty heated encounters… there may or may not be a sauna, tent, and hot tub involved at different points throughout.

I actually genuinely enjoyed this FMC throughout the novel. She's jaded about love because her ex totally sucked (so did her dad). Both her and the MMC are caregivers and they have to for once care for themselves.

All in all— the banter, character development, chemistry AND plot to spice ratio were great. The only reason I gave this story a 4.75 instead of 5 was because the ending just kind of ended and left me wanting an epilogue (personal preference here). But honestly, I can’t recommend this book enough. ✨

In this charming and clever debut, bestselling romance author Margot Bradley retreats to a remote Alaskan resort after a scandal ruins her career—her secret collection of cynical alternate endings, Happily Never Afters, has been leaked. Determined to pivot from love stories to murder mysteries, Margot hopes to salvage her livelihood and support her ill sister. But Alaska has other plans: moose chases, a cozy lodge, and the gruff but irresistible Dr. Forrest Wakefield. As sparks fly and rom-com tropes come to life, Margot and Forrest must confront their pasts—and fears of loss—before their story becomes the heartbreak Margot always predicted.

4.5 stars!

Alaska has never sounded quite so appealing. Margot's light, sunny, California blonde is the perfect suit to Forrest's tall, dark, muscly, athletic, rugged, smart, caring... I got lost, what were we talking about? Tropes galore light up this story, as anticipated per the title of the book. Margot even acknowledges the tropes along the way, which adds an extra bit of humor. There's a thread of rebuilding self confidence, taking risks and challenging yourself to go beyond your limits, which creates an uplifting experience for Margot in Alaska. Her sister Savanna sends her on this trip to encourage a reset and renewal and she was spot on with how it would help Margot move on from the scandal. Forrest's relationship with his recovering father is touching, and he and Margot make a super cute leading couple. Easy and enjoyable, with spice!

This book was an absolute joy. Victoria Lavine delivers a laugh-out-loud, heart-squeezing delight that flips the script on romance while delivering a perfectly satisfying love story of its own.

Margot is our hilarious, sharp-edged FMC with a secret soft side you can’t help but root for. Watching her go from writing snarky anti-romance endings to possibly living one herself (accidentally, of course, but something we all dream of tbh) was a journey I'd read again and again. The Alaska setting is both cozy and wild, and Margot’s antics — especially her run-in with a moose, which literally would have made me cry — are pure romcom gold.

Forrest is the perfect grumpy MMC to Margot’s sunshine (a trope we love to see). Their relationship is a slow burn (aka the best kind) full of wit, warmth, and those little moments that sneak up and melt your heart. The emotional layers — Margot’s devotion to her sister and Forrest’s care for his father — ground the story beautifully.

This is a romance with just the right balance of humor and heart. And yes, there’s a mystery element too, but the real magic is watching two people who’ve given up on love start to believe again (needing this right now).

This is for anyone who loves stories that embrace the messy, hilarious, and unexpected paths that can still lead to a happy ending.

This a good light hearted romance. There’s not really a villain which is a nice change. MMC and FMC both have hero complexes, both care for a family member so they understand sacrifices. Is the grand gesture as grand as other stories? No but it worked well and made for a good ending.

3.5 ⭐️ I am coming to enjoy books about writers and this one is a good one. But the highlight of this book was the two main characters yelling at each other from the top of their lungs. This was a trip through the best tropes. We got enemies to lovers, one sleeping bed (bag), snowed in cabin, and a few more.

Thank you Net Galley and Atria books for the eGalley!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc!

If you’re looking for a cozy, funny romcom set at a retreat in Alaska, look no further! Any Trope But You has genuine, likable characters, angst, humor, love, spice, and plenty of moments to tug at your heartstrings. Not to mention, all of your favorite romance tropes are probably in this one!

Margot is a romance author who was just exposed for what is deemed a betrayal to her readers- she doesn’t actually believe in Happily Ever After. When a hacker reveals Margot’s secret documents containing her own personal alternatives to her famous romance books-aptly named the happy never after- Margot is seen as a traitor and a fraud in the romance fiction world. However, Margot needs to continue being an author- it’s what affords her a flexible schedule and enough money to allow her to take care of her sick sister Savannah full time.

Savannah decides for Margot that it’s time for her to disconnect and get in touch with herself, which is why she books Margot some time at a retreat in Alaska. When Margot gets there, determined to work on her murder mystery novel, she immediately jumps into the arms of Forrest- the retreat owner’s son, who just so happens to look a lot like one of Margot’s favorite male characters that she’s written. However, Margot’s walls and icy demeanor are apparent pretty quickly, kicking things off to a rocky start with Forrest.

Meanwhile, Forrest is a doctor who moved to Alaska to take care of his father, who was in an accident recently and is now partially paralyzed. Forrest is determined that no matter how attractive he finds Margot, he can’t get involved with another guest- not after the last time. However, as the two get to know each other better and realize how much they have in common, their attraction just continues to build. Neither one of them thinks they have a shot at a happily ever after, so why not a happy for now?

I really enjoyed this one! I think any romance reader would like this! Forrest and Margot are such great characters and their stories are so interesting. It really shows how much caregivers sacrifice for their loved ones too!

4/5 Stars

I really enjoyed the premise of this book! Overall, it had a ton of cute romance tropes that everyone will love to read and enjoy.

I liked the plot and the way the story kept me interested throughout! The setting was gorgeous and descriptive, making you feel like you’re actually there!

Definitely pick this book up if you want a quick, fun read that is swoony and note-worthy!

I loved this book so much! The writing was really great. As a reader, I was sucked in immediately. I loved that Forrest and Margot were dealing with similar issues and bonded over the struggles caring for relatives. It provided a depth to their relationship that was sweet and believable. The playful exploration of tropes was so fun as well as the remote Alaska setting, side characters, and nature excursions. Really great full circle moment with the ending/grand gesture. Can't wait to read what Victoria Lavine writes next!

Ok this is an amazing debut novel for Victoria Lavine. This book made fun of all the typical romance tropes, but also showed how deep down most of us secretly hope for one to happen in our own lives.
Meet Margot. A romance novelist who has a big secret – she doesn’t believe in HEAs any more. She really only keeps writing romance for her chronically ill sister who she takes care of. When her true feelings are exposed, she is canceled by her fans and publisher. Her sister doesn’t want her to give up so she books Margot a trip to Alaska to do research for her next book.
As soon as Margot arrives, she meets Forrest… more like ends up in his arms! He embodies almost every book boyfriend characteristics – tall, handsome, cancer research physician, who gave it all up to take care of his father and their hotel/expedition business.
All the typical romance tropes ensue for the few weeks Margot is in town. Margot and Forrest’s banter and chemistry is just dripping off of the pages, and I was laughing out loud at so many of the scenes.
This is a fun, beautiful read. It helps you to believe that good things can happen in your life and to also show your true self, even the messy parts.
Thank you to Netgalley and Artria Books for the ARC.

I love just about any book set in Alaska so the setting of this one had me excited and invested in this one. Margot, however, did not. She comes off as extremely bratty and overall annoying. I get where she’s coming from for the most part – she feels responsible for her sister and has the weight of the world on her shoulder by her own doing. But several of the issues she has in this book are of her own doing and the lack of growth was frustrating. I did enjoy this as she started to settle in and I loved her with Forrest so this was entertaining as they slowly made their way together.

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

This was a cute debut!

Romance book author Margot Bradley spends most of her time caring for her sister with a chronic illness. In her spare time, she’s a bestselling romance author. However, Margot doesn’t actually buy what she’s selling. Margot doesn’t believe in Happily Ever Afters. In fact, she has a document titled “Happily Never Afters” where she writes alternate endings to her books that don’t work out as well as the versions she sells. When Margot gets hacked and the HNA document gets leaked to her most devout fans, Margot gets canceled in epic proportions. Seeing that Margot needs a reset, her sister books her an Alaskan getaway for 6 weeks to recharge and recenter herself. It just so happens that the retreat she’s sent to is run by a handsome doctor and caretaker that Margot can’t help but falling into every single cliche romance book trope with.

I was really excited for the premise of this book! The setting is super fun. I actually can’t recall reading any books set in the Alaskan bush (that sounds so wrong HA!). It was a nice change of pace from what I’m used to.

The characters were where it got kind of meh for me. Margot is kind of a brat to be honest. By the end of the book, we totally understand how she got that way and why she’s so skeptical of men, but if I were Forrest, I wouldn’t have given her another thought after the way she treated him. He is literally an angel baby, but for some reason, Margot feels the need to be a grade A jerk to him all the time. She gradually comes out of her shell and opens up, and there is a lot of character growth by the end of the book, but that sour taste from the beginning stuck in my mouth for awhile and made it hard to root for her and Forrest.

Forrest, on the other hand … what a DOLL! That man has no flaws other than caring too much for too many people. I know exactly what it feels like to give up parts of your youth to be a full-time caregiver for a family member. I did love that he and Margot were able to bond over that because it truly is hard to understand unless you’ve been there yourself. They could empathize with each other and understand each other’s decisions when it came to that. No spoilers, but I loved how their story ended in regards to what their family members did for them. It was beautiful. Sweet Savannah and Trapper. No, not every story of chronically ill family members ends that way, but I’m glad theirs got to, even if only in fiction.

I would recommend this book for romance lovers or people who know, or are themselves, chronically ill. That topic was handled very delicately, and as someone who has been on both ends of dealing with chronic illness, I’m very thankful for the author’s dedication to treating that with care.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Lavine, and Atria Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions stated are my own.

4.5 ⭐️ Rounded Up

I ate this book up in one sitting. I loved the drama, the shenanigans, the camaraderie, and of course the romantic tension. I also adore the fact that this is a very self-aware story that both makes fun of and embraces the common tropes and clichés involved in romance writing. It also feels like a homage to the romance community, and I thought that was really sweet.
Margot is a very relatable character. She’s feisty and funny, but also hiding her feelings after having been hurt one too many times. I have to imagine there are a lot of us out there who feel similar. Forrest is in fact the amalgamation of every leading male romance trope, and damn if he isn’t absolutely delicious. I love how they got off on the wrong foot at their first meeting, and enjoyed following along as they learned their preconceived notions were wholly inaccurate. The hint of a love triangle was fun, but mostly because I was never really concerned about the other guy. It just added good tension.
The theme of family duty and guilt added an extra level of dimension to the story which I surprisingly liked a lot. I’m not one for dealing with heavy topics when I read because I like to escape. However, I thought this theme really helped bring out another side to both characters. I liked how it strengthened their relationship, but simultaneously made them realize why they might not last, and how they would never be able to blame each other for it.
All in all, this book was funny, poignant, romantic, and spicy! It’s checks all the boxes for a great romance, and I look forward to reading more from Victoria Lavine!

Thank you to Atria & NetGalley for this ARC opportunity!

A delightful Alaskan adventure, a glimpse of all the favorite romcom tropes, the epitome of the cinnamon roll and the best scheming family members one could ask for!

When Margot's sister sends her up to Alaska for a self induced writer's residency to focus on her next novel, adventuring through the wilderness and falling in love weren't exactly high on her list of expectations. But when she meets Forrest......while they may start as enemies, their similar circumstances bonds the two beyond what they could have hoped for or expected and they start to lean into their feelings, falling deeper and faster than either could have expected. As much as I would have loved an epilogue, the positively sweet moments made this story that much sweeter.

There's something about the romances that take place in Alaska that make me want to get on a plane and find out for myself, and this one is no different!


Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my review!

Thank you to the publishing company and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I started reading this book while in Canada on vacation (yes, I know. Spring break in the cold) and it couldn't have been a more appropriate read. City girl romance author with zero wilderness experience lands in middle of nowhere Alaska after her sister sends her off on a retreat to reinvent herself after her unhappily never after file gets exposed on the internet. Trying to escape from the aftermath of her fall from grace, she ends up falling into the arms of a walking, talking, breathing perfect Book Boyfriend.

I adored getting to know her sister, Savannah through the letters she wrote for her to read while on her retreat. I was able to get to know both of the characters by getting flashbacks from their lives together. And Forrest.... perfect book boyfriend. Checked off all the green flags you can think of. The third act breakup made sense in this book and didn't feel forced. The reconciliation was adorable.

Overall an amazing book that had me chuckling out loud (while on a plane no less), sighing and smiling. Amazing debut novel. I am definitely eager to read more from this author.

Margaret Bradley is a very popular romance novelist who writes sexy happily ever after stories, Unfortunately, after being dumped at the altar, she herself no longer believes in happily ever after. When her public discovers her personal alternate endings to stories she has written, her career is threatened. To help Margaret recover from this disaster, her invalid sister, who Margaret has devoted her life to caring for, makes reservations for Margaret to spend six weeks in a resort in Alaska. The resort, however, is without wifi, is in the middle of nowhere, and the activities involve excursions in the snow, Of course, there is the obligatory hunk who is in charge. Fun story, with thoughts about what is actually important, and fulfilling goals. A quick read, but too much Information about the sexual encounters for me. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.

This book was not bad! I am not usually a big romance fan, so I am not the typically expected reader. However, that doesn't mean that I chose this as a hate read or anything. Since I'm not a romance reader, I pick certain books depending on whether or not I am interested in a specific aspect of the novel – the plot, the characters, etc. I picked this book because, like the main character, I am not a big romance fan, but I can hold my own in a room full of romance readers. When she is found out to be a bit of a fraud, she plans to write a mystery novel while she is away on a writing retreat that her sister set up for her. I found the letters that the sister is constantly leaving for her to be heart-warming, and the constant reference to certain tropes and how cliche that it is they are happening in this novel are a little on the nose, but at least they are aware of it. It was definitely a nice and easy read, especially during the last few months of the semester.

I really liked this one! I loved the setting of Alaska and felt investd in both of the characters. I liked how it was cheesy but owned it completely by agknowledging its cheesiness. The MMC was literally the perfect man. And liked how both the MCs had roles as caretakers that were more important than anything else.