Read: May 29th - June 6th
Format: E-book
Rating: No rating, DNF @ 25%

I'm so sad to be DNF-ing a book about an author because I LOVE bookish books. But after chapter 1, I just could not get into this. The writing doesn't grab me, and I don't really feel any chemistry between the two leads. Yes, they relate on the whole "family member with disability we dedicate our lives to" thing, but that's it. And they barely understand much past that before they're giving each other the "I want to kiss you" eyes.

Also, something about the way the MC refers to things as tropes comes off as cringe to me.

Between the writing not really gripping me, the characters also not really clicking with me (either together or separate), I'm just not going to continue.

Others have really loved this book, though, so I hope more can as well 💙 It just won't be me.

Unfortunately, this story wasn't for me. I DNF'ed not too long into the story when the author meets a guy who has all of her favorite characteristics that she has put into her main male characters in her romance novels. For some reason the story just felt too much too quickly.

Any Trope But You is a delightful and self-aware romance that playfully embraces everything I love about rom-com tropes, while also poking fun at them. The story follows two former best friends turned enemies who are forced back together by a fake dating scheme, only to find that old feelings never truly disappeared.

Victoria Lavine strikes a perfect balance between humor, heart, and heat. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is electric, and the emotional depth gives the story real staying power. It’s a love letter to romance fans, especially those who live for second chances, forced proximity, and a well-earned happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC!

Victoria Lavine's debut, Any Trope but You, is a charming nod to the romance genre, embracing beloved tropes while delivering a heartfelt story. Set against the snowy backdrop of Alaska, the novel introduces us to Margot, a romance author grappling with her own disbelief in happily-ever-afters, and Forrest, a former cancer researcher turned resort caretaker 🫶

Their interactions are laced with witty banter and undeniable chemistry, making their journey from reluctant acquaintances to something more both entertaining and endearing. Lavine masterfully weaves in classic romance elements (forced proximity, a single tent scenario, and meddling family members) without making them feel clichéd.

Beyond the romance, the novel delves into deeper themes of personal growth, familial responsibilities, and the challenges of confronting one's fears. The emotional depth adds layers to the narrative, ensuring it's not just a lighthearted read but also a reflective one.

While the pacing occasionally slows, particularly in the middle chapters, the engaging characters and heartfelt moments more than compensate. For fans of Emily Henry or those seeking a cozy read that celebrates and playfully critiques romance tropes, Any Trope but You is a delightful addition to your bookshelf. ✨

I love that the main characters were both caretakers. The way the author developed that plot line was done very well. It gave the caretaker viewpoint in a realistic and thoughtful way. Having that as the reason why their romance wouldn’t work was realistic and had me rooting for them even more.

More emotional depth than I would have guessed from the cover and title (not that either are bad, just was surprised by the added layers of multidimensionality than a simple 2D design and quippy title). Pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it.

This book was a literal rom-com fever dream and I loved every second of it! Margot, a romance author who no longer believes in love (cue the drama), escapes to Alaska after a public scandal — and immediately falls (literally) into the arms of a broody, wood-chopping, secret-doctor hottie named Forrest. I mean... come on. PERFECTION.

It’s packed with tropes — forced proximity, only one bed, “stay close or freeze” — and the best part? Margot knows she’s in a trope and calls it out every time. Her self-awareness made the whole thing hilarious and so relatable.

The banter? Top-tier. The chemistry? Off the charts.

My only tiny complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed, but honestly? I didn’t even care. I was too busy screaming, swooning, and falling in love right along with Margot and Forrest.

So if you love the giggling-screaming-crying-throwing-up kind of romance where the author knows exactly what you want and delivers!!! go read Any Trope but You. Just be warned: you’ll finish it and immediately start romanticizing your own life. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll start counting the tropes you're accidentally living too. (totally didnt count but..2!!)

Thank you NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion!!

I do love me some Alaska-based books, and this one had me hooked from the snowy start. An author rewriting her books with sad endings? Yes, please. Toss in a family reconnection, a moody Alaskan setting, and a slow-burn romance with just the right amount of tension? Chef’s kiss, indeed. The ending felt a bit rushed—like the book realized it was late for a flight—but honestly, I was already sold. I even picked up a physical copy for my shelf, which is basically my version of giving it a standing ovation.

Still waiting on the day I find a romance novel that I truly love. This was NOT it. Margo is the most annoying female main character we could have had, because while her situation makes sense and I feel bad for her, she is SO annoying and mean to Forrest for no reason. And yet, somehow he thinks that she's God's gift to men. I couldn't stand their relationship. They are very loving and caring to their family members, but almost treat them as though they are invalids, which really frustrated me.

It also didn't make sense as to why Margo was cancelled. So she wrote alternate endings to her romance stories - WHO CARES?? It wasn't believable, which took me out of the story right at the beginning.

This is a skip.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this title, but unfortunately it didn’t quite capture my interest. While the premise was promising, I found it difficult to stay engaged. That said, I’m sure it will find its audience with readers who connect more strongly with the writing style or pacing.

This book started out strong and I really enjoyed the first half. It was a fun romance whoring all of the love tropes. The second half fell flat and the overuse of “sweetheart “ 13 times was cringey. The cover is perfect.

I really enjoyed this! It’s funny and heartfelt and every bit (even the third act breakup) felt like it could be real. Forrest is such an evolved MMC and Ellie is the kind of FMC that you can really stand behind. They are both the primary caregivers for disabled love ones with chronic illnesses and I thought that theme was handled beautifully.

I definitely recommend this romance as a fun read with some depth. It’s not your typical cookie-cutter romance. Oh, and it takes place in Alaska! What’s not to love??

A romance author who doesn't believe in happy-ever-after secretly has a happy-never-after file and her entire career is about to
encounter a huge plot twist.

Perhaps a getaway to clear her mind, find inspiration, and perhaps realize that it is possible to find love and live happily ever after...for real is the solution to her recent misfortune. I'm just not sure that North Star Lodge in the middle of nowhere Alaska is what she had in mind.

If Margot Bradley can embrace the list set forth she will receive a letter of encouragement from her sister, will it be enough to pusher her forward and embrace the changes she needs to make?

It's time to find out what happens when a fish out of water meets a cinnamon roll who has a few secrets of his own that will force a struggling author to navigate through a few tropes in her own love story. If everyone can survive through the secrets, angst, and think outside the box two strangers will discover the real reason readers devour romance novels.

This was not for me, and I may need to be choosier with romcoms. Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am working through my backlog, and will be momentarily posting reviews for the stories I have yet to get posted but have finished reading.

There is something about a Rom-Com book that leans into the troupe of rom-com books that I love... It cracks me up when the main character says something like "of course there will only be one bed"

This book gave me the laughs I wanted with the great banter, the common troupes of rom-com and a unique reason that the main character was out in the middle of no where in Alaska... the setting was perfect for setting up the normal "only one bed" themes without trying too hard.

I really loved the characters too. They felt real.

Any Trope but You is a witty and heartfelt contemporary romance that cleverly plays with classic romance tropes while delivering a fresh story. Victoria Lavine creates lovable characters and sharp dialogue that keep the pages turning.

The novel balances humor, tension, and emotional depth, focusing on authentic connections and personal growth. Sometimes you want the tropey romance, and this one delivered. It’s a fun and satisfying read for fans of romantic comedies with heart.

I loved this forced proximity, hate to love romance set in the Alaskan wilderness. Margot was a great fmc and loved her as a romance author who sees romance tropes all around her on this trip. Which of course leads to her and Forrest to get closer. They work so well together and loved seeing them get closer and care for each other even though they tried to stay away from each other and their feelings. While I loved the romance, I also loved seeing their individual growth and how they helped each other through some of the harder things and feelings they were dealing with. I loved so much about this book and its characters!

What a delightful surprise! Any Trope But You is a debut that instantly charmed me with its humor, heart, and clever take on classic romance tropes. From start to finish, the story is packed with fun moments that had me smiling—and often laughing out loud.

The chemistry between the two main characters is fantastic, and their banter is truly a highlight of the book. It felt natural, sharp, and just the right amount of flirty. The way the author wove various tropes into the plot was seamless and playful without feeling forced, making it a joy for any romance lover.

Cute, witty, and full of heart, this is a feel-good read that left me excited to see what this author does next. A must-read for fans of tropey romances done right!

This book was recommended to me, but the first chapter didn't draw me in, and I didn't find myself connecting to any of the characters.

He’s quiet, broody, and hates everyone. She’s bubbly, kind, and impossible to ignore. Their dynamic? Pure gold. The slow burn, the soft moments, the way he starts to care—ugh, so good.
If you love a grump getting ruined by love, this one hits the spot. 💛🖤