✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

Any Trope but You by Victoria Lavine (OUT NOW)

4⭐️

A sweet story of love, family and reinvention featuring ALLL of the best romance tropes?? SET IN ALASKA?? I’ll take it! 👌🏻

I absolutely ADORED these MC’s and the strong connections they had to their family members. Their dedication to caring for loved ones with complex health needs felt so raw and honest and it helped us to better understand the weight that they carried on this journey! I think this was the most powerful part of the book and is something that a lot of readers will connect very deeply with.

Of course, this one is also filled with lots of fun moments, a love connection formed between a California writer and a doctor from middle of nowhere Alaska is bound to be an adventure! Not to mention, the chemistry between Margot and Forrest is HOT HOT HOT! 🥵⛺️

As a wilderness type herself, I wish we had gotten a bit more out of the excursions! I feel like there was a lot of untapped potential for personal growth within this aspect of Margot’s Alaskan journey but looking back they were almost an aside to the plot and were not used in a way that propelled things forward. This caused the middle of the book to feel a bit slow for me but definitely not a deal breaker by any means!

A stunning debut that I will absolutely be recommending to everyone!

🗻🫎🌲⛺️

Thanks to the author, @atriabooks and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! ANY TROPE BUT YOU is OUT NOW! ✨

So much love for this book! I was laughing out loud by page 3 and enjoyed the entire book from start to finish. Will be recommending widely to my romance readers.

3.75🌟
A jaded romance author who has given up on love, escapes to a rural cabin in Alaska once her "Happily Never Files" leaks, sharing all of her alternate "realistic" endings to her novels. While there, she runs head first (literally) into a man that could be straight from her books and thus ensues 6 weeks of living trope after trope.

This book was cute, light and a good time. I really liked how the fmc made fun of the tropes that came into play in her life while in Alaska. It gave a silly self awareness to the romance genre as a whole, that sometimes tropes are over the top, but still so much fun. The banter was really cute between are fmc and mmc and I unexpectedly lol'd a handful of times. The pacing seemed slow in the beginning and then the ending was super rushed, it didn't feel quite right. I needed an extra chapter/epilogue after their reconnection.

Some of the tropes and microtropes included
•carrying the heroine
•enemies to lovers
•forced proximity
•damsel
• forearms
• doctor/phd for a good cause
• just one time
• one tent
• strip for body warmth
• "lift your arms above your head"😍
• nickname that turns from mocking to sweet (California/sweetheart)
• bearded giant with a heart of gold
•Mmc cares for fmc while sick/hurt
• too big to fit
• snowed in

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Atria & NetGalley for the ARC! Reading the synopsis had me wanting to jump into the story right away and I’m so glad I did. Margot and Forest our main characters were so relatable and I love them for it. Get every trope you can possibly think of in the mix and it’s a done deal for every romance reader! I can’t believe this is Victoria’s debut novel, I will be reading anything and everything she has to publish moving forward.

I loved the story and thought it was so cute! I thought the aspect of caring for someone through an illness was very well done and thought out. I did wish we got a little more of the story for what happened after since it felt like the ending was a bit rushed.

This was a fun quick read. I enjoyed how we got to see the main characters growth and how much they changed throughout the book. I liked the settting and how it was very outdoorsy.

Margot and Forrest were a delight! I loved how Lavine wove in the tropes, using them against Margot as she brought her back into the fold of romance. Lumberjack, doctor, all-around perfect male lead? Check. Can't wait to see what Lavine comes up with next!

This book was everything I needed and more for a perfect romcom. It made me laugh and lose count of the times I smiled. It was filled with the best banter and also made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It made me just feel everything and I loved every second of it. I loved Margot and Forrest. Their meet cute? TOO FREAKING PERFECT. The slow burn between these two was so dang good but then when they finally stop holding back? 😮‍💨 Another thing I loved? Forrest’s use of sweatheart for Margot. Like, I liked that term of endearment before but damn did Forrest have me turning to putty every time he used it.

It also had me wishing chopping wood was an Olympic sport because I too would watch the ever living heck out of it. Alas it isn’t, but it did have me going down a rabbit hole of men in flannel and watching lumberjack videos 😅

I truly cannot wait to see what else Victoria has planned for us in the future!!!

A delightful, trope-filled romp, Any Trope but You is a love letter to romance readers who know their grumpy/sunshine from their fake dating and enemies-to-lovers. Victoria Levine delivers a very cute, very steamy story packed with sharp banter, self-aware nods to romance clichés, and chemistry that practically leaps off the page.

The book leans into its genre with charm and confidence, and while the male main character might feel a bit too perfect at times, it’s a forgivable flaw in a story that fully embraces the fantasy. If you’re looking for a fun read that celebrates everything that makes romance novels so beloved—while also poking a little fun—this one’s for you.

This book spoke to me in a way I could have never predicted and quickly became my favorite read of 2025 so far. Victoria Lavine somehow put literal magic into these pages and was able to capture all the feelings of love, and yearning, and hope in the face of hurt, and the magic that a person who truly sees you brings, and somehow wrap that all up into a perfect story.

There were so many moments across this book where I felt like a window to my heart had been pried open and was being reflected back to me on page and it was so so beautiful. This was a love letter to romance in both the genre and the love shown and I need everyone to read it! Forrest and Margot showcase such immense vulnerability with each other and with their families it was impossible not to root for them the entire time.

Margot and her sister reminded me so much of the love shared with my own sister, who I speak to every day and is truly my other half, that this through line also just felt so special. Lavine wrote such earnest relationships all around though that you cannot help falling in love with Savannah and Trapper and Jo and maybe even Ollie as well. If you are a fan of the human experience and need a reminder of how beautiful the world is when we let love in, this book is the one for you (and even if that isn’t you, this book is for you!)

Okay on a less serious note please enjoy this non-comprehensive list of reactions this book brought out of me:
* Declared definitively on my story that male yearning has been resurrected and Forrest Wakefield is leading the charge
* Took multiple laps around my house taking calming breaths
* Approximately 100 he’s so hot statements
* 62 (and counting) notes and tabs
* Cried real disgusting sobbing tears
* Book was so good I had to write this review on a computer because I couldn’t get my thoughts together on my phone

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC! ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. How can you not fall head over heels for Margot and her caregiving mixed with real life work balance. Her break from her usual author life, leads to a hysterical compilation of tropes while attempting to avoid all things romance. You will swoon for Forrest and get butterflies for this heartfelt story. Amazing debut!

So many tropes, so little time! This book delivers on what it promises, a ton of classic romance tropes done surprisingly well. I loved nearly everything about this book - the Alaska setting, the grumpy doctor, turned mountain man, a really beautiful sister relationship, a cute dog, lovable side characters, and some quality emotional baggage to be worked through. I was hooked! There is the genre typically "we can't be together because of..." to set up a grand romantic gesture at the end. And it is worth it, but if I have one complaint it's that the ending did feel rushed and we didn't really get to sink into our MC's HEA for much time. I would've loved to see more of an epilogue to really see how everyone turns out.

Love love love this book!!!! I am one to love a book featuring an author character, so I was excited going into this, but even better this is a romance readers heaven. The carefully constructed tropes that felt so real in every way possible while also being the most over dramatic tropes is amazing.

This is a true love story not only about a significant other, but family. Both characters have a deep love for their family member who is dealing with an illness and understand the sacrifice that you make for family. What I love the most is that everyone really did get their HEA in the end, which is a big topic in the book.

The plot of being in Alaska is super fun as well. The weekly outdoor exertions were so fun to read about and imagine them out there doing them. I honestly wish there were more Bullwinkle features because he was a favorite for me.

Forrest & Margot endured trope after trope and each one was just as fitting as the one previous. Margot knows a thing or twenty about tropes since she’s a romance writer, but one who secretly doesn’t believe in happily ever afters…. Until her secret gets out of the romance community. Then she is banished to Alaska by her sister to work on her next manuscript.

I’m floored this is a debut novel. It was so eloquently written. This was 5 stars for most of it, although I started to teeter a bit after so many pop-culture / Taylor Swift references that just do not age well. The ending was a tad bit rushed, but maybe I just wanted a little bit more like maybe an epilogue into the future.

Do not skip the acknowledgments at the end. Talk about really tying it all together and bringing me to tears! I will definitely recommend this for a lighthearted, fun read and look forward to the next book!

Many thanks to the Author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Best wishes for a fabulous release.

Any Trope But You is such an enjoyable read. It's a love letter to the romance genre. I loved the premise and Alaska setting, and I adored the characters. The book is funny, emotional, sweet, and full of favorite romance tropes. The main heroine, Margot, is prickly but relatable, and the hero, Forrest, is the perfect romantic hero (literally!). I highly recommend Any Trope But You to all romance readers. Run, don't walk to the store to get your hands on this debut rom-com.

Any Trope But You
By Victoria Lavine

I wanted to love this. It sounded right up my alley. But for me, it’s boring and overwrought. The main characters are Margot and Forrest are genetically blessed caregivers. Margot for her sister and Forrest, his Dad. Margo is a romance author who has been cancelled. Forrest is a doctor who has come home to help his Dad. They have both been abandoned by love. Margo comes out to Alaska to Forrest’s family retreat for 6 weeks to finish a book. There were bad exes, troubles with work, a rival for Margot’s affection and a cast of non memorable characters at base camp. They have baggage and they are not fun. It’s not a comedy or drama, it’s tedium. Not a fan of the dialogue, lack of chemistry and boring details. It’s a 2 for me. Obviously others reviewers loved it more. I tried the Audio version too. It didn’t help. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the eGalley.

While slow to start, i admit I almost dnf at the beginning. I ended up not being able to put down once the story really picked up. Great read.

4.5 stars

I was super intrigued by the idea of this book when I read the blurb. A romance author who doesn't believe in love?! A "Happily Never After" file that causes her to get cancelled when it is released against her wishes to the public and a firestorm of backlash?! A trip to the Alaskan wilderness to find herself!? Yes, yes, and yes.

This book took me a hot minute to get into. I wasn't a fan of the pacing of the first couple of chapters--there was a lot of history and development slammed right into the first couple of chapters, requiring the author to lean back on "tell, don't show" to make it all work, and I'm not a fan of that type of writing. Moving further into the narrative, there were a few scenes where I was not on board with the FMC's attitude. I was able to reconcile those as her just being a total fish out of water with a very jaded and distrustful mindset, but it ultimately contributes to why I'm rating this one four stars.

BUT....once I got beyond that, I found myself getting completely caught up in this beautiful story of finding love-with another, yes, but also with yourself!

I loooooved:
--The thoughtful narrative surrounding both the FMC and MMC being caregivers to chronically ill family members. This was a huge part of their characters, and I thought that the burden of being a caregiver and how that can impact other relationships was beautifully addressed. I also loved that the person being cared for found ways to reclaim their autonomy, and established a system of healthier boundaries while still ensuring their medical needs were met. Seeking ways to claim freedom while acknowledging our duties to those we love was artfully addressed.
--The spice was spicing! Lots of tension and "I want you but I just can't do this!" 3 chili peppers for 2-3 open doors scenes and delicious "will they/won't they" slow burn.
--The third act felt realistic, earned, and like a natural progression of both of their attitudes and needs. It was heartbreaking, but seemed absolutely understandable and I really appreciated that the sadness and heartbreak was accompanied by acceptance and appreciation for what they shared rather than anger or animosity.

I particularly enjoyed the commentary on the social impact of romance books--how they can influence real life relationships positively and negatively; the hope and courage a good romance can provide to someone down on their luck. I completely agree with the statements on the romance reader community-lovely, inclusive, supportive, hopeful dreamers, each of us! I really valued and connected with the idea that our "HEA" can be a state of gratitude for the things we have done, the people we have been with, and the acceptance and appreciation for the path our life is on.

Overall, although I acknowledge a bit of a slow start, I'm positively thrilled I was able to read this story and found so many delightful moments and lessons I'll carry away with me!

In "Any Trope But You", you'll find:
--Enemies to lovers with a slow burn
--Caregiver/caretaker MCs
--Romance author FMC
--"Too good to be true" MMC
--Journey of reinvention after a crisis
--L.A. girl out of her element in the Alaskan wilderness

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!

Favorite Quote:
"I think what I didn't understand about Happily Ever After is that there are some people who come into your life-even for just a moment-who have the power to fundamentally change you forever. They're the people who see right through all your masks, and all our bullshit, and love you anyway. And not just despite all your wounds but because of them too. You're safe in their hands for as long as you can hold onto each other, but even when it's time to part ways, you leave knowing you've been truly seen."

Any Trop but You was SO cute and I loved the Alaskan setting! This is kind of read that makes you laugh out loud one minute and clutch your heart the next. The book is trope filled and kept me on my toes the entire time! It’s fun, cozy, and surprisingly emotional in the best way. If you love character driven stories with great banter and real heart, this one’s for you.

“Any Trope But You” is a smart, heartfelt rom-com with a unique premise. After her secret collection of “unhappy” endings leaks, bestselling romance author Margot gets canceled and escapes to a remote Alaskan resort to write a murder mystery (because why not?). But instead of murder, she runs into Forrest—a broody former cancer researcher turned reluctant innkeeper—and suddenly she’s living every romance trope she’s ever mocked.

Margot’s snark meets Forrest’s no-nonsense energy, and their connection is as frustrating as it is undeniable. From forced proximity to moose-related chaos, the trope overload is intentional, hilarious, and honestly kind of perfect. But it’s not just about the laughs—this story has depth. It digs into family, loss, and learning how to show up for the people who matter.

The Alaskan backdrop is gorgeous, the emotional moments hit just right, and the balance of humor and heart keeps things grounded. It’s sharp, self-aware, and genuinely moving. Victoria Lavine may be new, but this debut delivers—and I’m already ready for her next one.

Thank you to @victorialavinewrites, @atriabooks and @netgalley for the gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.