I think an all trope book is actually kinda fun. At first I was feeling very hallmark cheesy but I enjoyed that.
Overall this was a love letter to the romance genre and its readers of how they long for a HEA and it’s hard to accept anything different, but also understanding the real life struggles that don’t always have a HEA. My only real complaint with this book is it was a little more spicy than I would’ve liked. But in the end it was a cute read!

Thanks to Netgalley & Atria Books for the E-ARC! Loved this so much! Cute characters & loved the wintry setting. Great palate cleanser romance. Will definitely read more.

Margot is a romance author who - record scratch - basically doesn’t believe in love. Untilllll - Forrest. The epitome of every good and wonderful love interest trope out there. Plus they’re in the wilderness of Alaska and I LOVE a good forced proximity vibe.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well the humor flowed within this. The relationship between Margot and her sister was also very enjoyable. Lastly, the raw emotion of both main characters having to be a caretaker for someone - but also in turn allowing themself to never grow was done very well. Overall, I hope Margot and Forrest truly live their HEA (sans beer bellies, hair loss and divorce).

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC.

4.25 - thanks for the eARC NetGalley! All opinions are my own


This book was a fun romcom that hit the mark for me. It was also the perfect mix of spicy and sweet!

Following Margot to Alaska, after her career as an author took a dive, we are graced with all of the typical romcom tropes in ALL of the best ways! Also bonus for the rugged mountain man ;)

Would recommend and excited for it to be released!!

🌟 BOOK REVIEW 🌟
Any Trope But You
By @victorialavinewrites
5 ⭐️/5

🖇️ Forced proximity
⛺️ One tent
🩹 Hurt/comfort
❄️ Cozy setting
🌶️ Some spice

Thank you @netgalley and @atriabooks for this ARC!

Margot is a best selling romance author who no longer believes in happily ever afters. After she gets canceled for a leak of her Happily Never After file where she wrote realistic endings to her stories, her sister books her a six week retreat into remote Alaska for her to reinvent herself. Enter Forrest, the grumpy son of the owner of the lodge where she’s staying. As Margot comes face to face with the tropes she’s scorned, can she change her mind about happily ever afters?

Y’all. This book was adorable and funny and everything you want in a romcom. As a romance writer main character, it’s humorous how aware Margot is of the tropes she’s encountering- “this is just the forced proximity getting to you,” and it’s so fun how the tropes are interwoven into the story. You get so many great ones! I also appreciated that there were several points in the story that smelled like miscommunication and ended with the characters actually communicating like, oh I don’t know, adults. It was refreshing! This book also deals with the tension between the love and responsibility you feel for your family and what you desperately want for your own life. It’s done in such a beautiful way that for those of us who have found ourselves in similar situations this story is especially meaningful. While this book is a debut novel, it certainly doesn’t read that way. No notes, no complaints, just an absolute joy from start to finish!

This debut novel from Victoria Lavine was such a delightful surprise! It’s the perfect love letter to romance readers everywhere! It’s full of heart, adventure and some really great laugh out loud moments. But, most of all there was the tension! And oh what sweet tension there was! I cannot wait to see what Victoria writes in the future. This one was a hit for me!

Jaded by love, author, Margot Bradley has just landed herself in some hot water when her Happy Never After file is leaked to her readers. The file where all her happy endings get their alternate, no so great ending. Now canceled, her sister convinces her this is the perfect time to reinvent herself and write her next novel in a new genre in peace. That’s how she finds herself at a remote Alaskan lodge, clinging to a man in flannel with a moose behind her. Almost immediately all the romance tropes she writes in her books are happening to her in real life. She’s definitely not looking for love. But as she learns more and more about Forrest she’s finding that good men actually exist and he may just be worthy. And, just maybe happy endings really can happen.

I love that this story touches on chronic health issues and the role their caregivers have to play. It’s not easy on both sides. The sacrifices and feelings of being a burden. Margot and Forrest found empathy with each other as they both knew that role well and all they gave up for those they loved. I could totally relate to all the weight you carry being a care giver.

Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books, and Victoria Lavine for allowing me to read an advanced complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An okay read; unfortunately, it wasn't my cup of tea, but that doesn't mean it won't be for some readers.

The story lacks character development, and communication, and has too much internal dialogue. This was supposed to be a romantic comedy, but I didn't find any humor in the story. I didn't like Margot; I found her a little immature for my liking. I couldn't see anything relatable. I can see why other readers will love this story; it has lots of sweet moments and interesting characters, but it also has too many tropes. Unfortunately, it isn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Publishing

This one had a charming setup, setting, and cast of characters. It offers an exciting debut from Victoria Lavine. Fun for fans of Sarah Morganthaler.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I loved this book! I am a novice to the Romance world (not including Romantasy😁). But, despite being a romance beginner, I am familiar with all of the tropes. This book was sooooo cute! And I genuinely laughed out loud numerous times while reading this. Victoria's writing style is so descriptive but never overdone. When setting the scene, the awkwardness that, Margot, our main character would go through, had me cracking up LOL. Also, the genuine love story that was set up between her and and executed was very cute. I felt like I was in a hallmark movie. Victoria Lavine has a new fan in me. I can't wait to see what else she comes up with! 💗

This was a laugh-out-loud, heart-stealing gem that takes everything we love about rom-coms and gives it a fresh, witty twist. Victoria Lavine’s debut masterfully blends humor, heartfelt emotion, and swoon-worthy romance with a dash of self-discovery, all set against the breathtaking (and hilariously inconvenient) backdrop of Alaska.

Margot’s journey from a cynical romance author to someone grappling with the tropes she’s always poked fun at is both relatable and endlessly entertaining. Forrest, the rugged and broody resort owner, is the perfect balance of grumpy and soft-hearted, making every interaction between the two a delightful spark-filled dance.

Lavine expertly weaves together classic rom-com tropes in a way that feels self-aware and fresh, all while delivering a slow-burn romance that’ll have you grinning and fanning yourself in equal measure. Packed with charm, spice, and just enough emotional depth to tug at your heartstrings, Any Trope but You is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a happily-ever-after (or at least a solid chance at one).

Margot Bradley’s secret document of “Happily Never After” endings gets leaked, turning her world upside down. With her career in shambles, she agrees to try her hand at writing murder mysteries while staying at a remote Alaskan resort. Enter Dr. Forrest Wakefield, a reluctant resort owner with a heart of gold hidden beneath a gruff exterior. Margot and Forrest’s chemistry is undeniable, and their push-and-pull dynamic keeps the story moving.
This book is an absolute treat for romance fans. Victoria Lavine masterfully weaves nearly every romance trope into a fresh, engaging story that’s equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. From forced proximity and a moose-induced meet-cute to snowy nights filled with banter, this story is as tropey as it gets—in the best way possible.
Margot’s journey is more than just about falling in love; it’s about rediscovering herself and confronting her fears. Forrest? He’s book boyfriend perfection, with layers that make him more than just the handsome hero. Their connection feels natural, even as they resist it, and the emotional beats are just as strong as the swoony ones.
Lavine’s writing is sharp, witty, and filled with humor, making this debut a standout. While the pacing sometimes felt a bit uneven with the rapid-fire tropes, the overall story kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a love letter to the romance genre that celebrates all the things we adore about it while exploring the vulnerability behind writing and love itself.
If you enjoy romantic comedies with depth, unforgettable characters, and all the tropes your heart can handle, Any Trope But You is a must-read. Lavine is definitely an author to watch!

᪥ Close Proximity
᪥ One Tent
᪥ Snowed In
᪥ RomCom
᪥ Enemies To Lovers
᪥Dual POV

4 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️ (only a few scenes)

I loved the enemy to lovers vibe but also all the other tropes (hence the title). This book was very witty and kept me grinning throughout.

It also had an emotional side to it. Both MC’s have similar caretaker roles that help connect them but also play a major hindrance in their relationship.

It’s such a warm and cozy story that gives you all the feel good vibes.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book prior to release!

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC!

Thoroughly enjoyed this romp through the Alaskan back country. The book is so fun and also very sexy. I was glad to get to read it in winter when the vibes are right for their snowy escapes. Also enjoyed the side characters and animal friends, like the domesticated moose and adorable dog.

The book is very trope-y in a self aware way, though I did at times find it a little much in the first ~third (it got a little repetitive how perfect the love interest was). I found it made the characters have a bit less depth (I’ve seen this book comped to Emily Henry, but I would say it’s not nearly as deep into the character back stories as she goes). But if you’re a romance fan, you’re sure to enjoy the fast read!

I absolutely loved this rom com! It checked every box that I look for in rom coms like spice, sweet, hilarious and great writing. I also loved that the main character is a writer and that it takes place in Alaska. This is a book you won’t want to miss!

our heroine Margot is a romance author that has had the horrible experience of having her secret "Happily Never After" files leaked, with all the erectile dysfunction, beer bellies and cheating spouses she could cram in. it was never supposed to be seen by anyone but her, until a hacker finds it and releases it during a livestream.
jump forward a few week, and Margot's sister has booked her into a remote Alaskan lodge to reinvent and/or find herself.
once at the lodge, she meets Forrest, the epitome of every single trope there is. her "bah humbug" is off the charts. Margot's sister Savannah has arranged for Margot to get out and challenge herself in the wilderness, all while writing a new book in a whole new genre for her.
All these tropes band together into one giant TROPE, and it is delightful. The side characters are likeable, and the book was a delight to read

Obsessed!!! Such a strong debut. I love it when romance authors poke a little fun at the genre. Based on the title alone, you know you are going to encounter many tried but true tropes. I loved the adventures, the caretaking, the quirky inn.. I had a blast reading!

This is my first Net Galley ARC, and it didn't disappoint.

The writing was easy to read and follow even though it was written with two perspectives.

The story of Margot and Forrest had me staying up late to see what was going to happen next. The story had the right amount of adventure and spice.

A romance must read ❤️

I really enjoyed it! It was funny with good humor for each character. I really enjoyed getting both sides and seeing the characters fall for one another. I am biased where I do enjoy a little jealousy from the MMC point of view and him wanting the FMC is badly. The spice was spicinggg which again I'm here for. I also enjoyed the characters being a little older and not in college or fresh out of collage. Gave more life experience than the average romance character written lately. Overall really enjoyed and wouldn't mind more from the author.

2.5⭐️ Overall, this one wasn’t for me.

What I liked:
- The book was funny, especially in the beginning. There were multiple times in the first handful of chapters I found myself laughing while reading.
- I appreciated the way the author included some disability rep in a couple characters and explored the complex nature of caregiving dynamics and how that reverberates through all aspects of life.

What I disliked:
- The synopsis states that the main characters encounter “one unlikely trope after another” so I knew I could expect a collection of tropes being played out… however, even with the title and description, it all felt a little too on the nose. Not only were the tropes being played out but they’re also named outright, either in internal dialogue or aloud between the main characters. I’m definitely a “show me, don’t tell me” reader so this had me rolling my eyes a bit.
- Way more spice than I anticipated, and a lot of which just wasn’t personally my cup of tea. The (multiple) sex scenes were aiming for both roughness/dirtiness and tenderness/sweetness and, in my opinion, achieved neither. I’m not against spice in a novel, especially romance novels, but it has to make sense for the storyline and the characters and this didn’t seem to deepen the dynamic between the characters. Also, the (very) repetitive use of the term “sweetheart” by the MMC to the FMC was giving me major ick.
- Possessive, jealous MMC 🚩
- Lacking character development throughout the story and the dynamic between the two characters felt very immature at times. It was also very insta-lovey to me to the degree it felt problematic (like love bombing).
- Towards the end (last 30% ish), it felt repetitive and I was losing interest.

What I would have liked to see:
- Less of a binary portrayal of caregiving dynamics. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say I think finding balance within caregiving roles is nuanced and complex and I would have loved to see this explored more directly.
- More direct communication between the main characters and leaving space for things to developed and explored (healthy relationship dynamics).
- I would’ve liked to see some of the murder mystery writing Margot was doing, that would’ve been fun.

All that said, I think there’s a lot in this book that will be someone else’s cup of tea (spice, lots of tropes, etc), but it wasn’t mine.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for giving me a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book! Any rom-com having to do with Alaska is always hit with me. It was a great book to read post holidays.