Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I’m honestly waffling between a 3 and a 4 star on this one. It was super cute! And it had a lot of genuinely funny banter, and some great spicy scenes.

But, overall it fell a little short for me. I think partly cause the sister and the sappy relationship drove me nuts and partly because it was a little *too* meta. I get she’s a romance writer who recognizes tropes and that’s the whole point of the book, but kinda lost the humor after Margot exclaims for the umpteenth time “this is a trope!”

This was a fun read overall though

Loved the setting and romance between Margot and Forrest. I loved their understanding and patience with each other. Watching Margot discover how strong she truly was. was such an amazing experience. I loved the meddling side characters and all the adventures they went on. The tension of the will they/won't they had me rooting for them the whole time.

This was sweet! Immersive writing and lively characters. The repeated mentioning of tropes felt heavy handed to me. As a romance reader especially, I didn’t need them pointed out every time they appeared. The characters were very much in their own way which got frustrating, but I really enjoyed the tension they had and the deep understanding they built with one another.

The tropeiest romance and I loved every second of it. This book felt like a love letter to every romance reader’s favorite trope, and still somehow surprised me and had me invested!

Margot is a romance writer that was caught with Happily Never After endings for all of her books. Once she is cancelled, she escapes to Alaska to try her hand at thrillers. Upon her arrival, she finds herself in the arms of Forrest (yes, Forrest…yes, literally in his arms) and from there all of our favorite romance tropes commence.

Margot is taking care of her chronically ill sister in CA and Forrest returned to Alaska to care for his father after his injury. Can they find a way forward? Spoiler? HEA is a favorite trope.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this delightful and inventive debut, Margot Bradley, a disenchanted romance author, seeks refuge in Alaska to reinvent her career by writing a murder mystery. However, her plans are quickly derailed when she encounters the charming resort proprietor, Dr. Forrest Wakefield. The novel expertly blends humor and heart as Margot grapples with her cynicism and Forrest faces his own emotional barriers.

Set against the picturesque Alaskan wilderness, their story unfolds through a series of endearing and unexpected romantic tropes. The chemistry between Margot and Forrest is palpable, creating a compelling narrative about love, loss, and second chances. This book offers a fresh take on romance, mixing wit with emotional depth, and is sure to captivate readers who enjoy stories of love found in the most unlikely places.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read "Any Trope but You". I wanted to love this book - the setting (Alaskan wilderness, how fun!), the story (get away to reinvent yourself! Possibly fall in love in the process!) - and while I loved the way it concluded, there were many gripes I had along the way, including how the word "trope" was mentioned 34 times in a book with 31 chapters. It got old really quick. I'll absolutely read whatever Victoria Lavine writes next (and also I'm a hopeless romantic, always ready to try again!) but this just wasn't my favorite.

Note: set in Alaska, not a Christmas read! Not all snow is December 25.

Bestselling romance author Margot Bradley escapes to a remote Alaskan resort to reinvent herself and write her first murder mystery. She has to escape because a online event reveals her disbelief in Happily Ever Afters, Margot finds herself canceled by her fans and publisher. Desperate to support her chronically ill sister, she reluctantly embarks on this new genre, but the rugged resort proprietor, Dr. Forrest Wakefield, complicates matters. He left his promising career as a cancer researcher to care for his ailing father, and he’s not looking for any distractions. As Margot navigates moose encounters and unexpected romantic tropes, she and Forrest discover a deep connection that forces them to confront their fears and the realities of their pasts. The story is a delightful blend of humor, emotional depth, and clever nods to classic romance tropes like meet-cutes and forced proximity. I thought this was a unique premise and the fun characters make it a great read filled with laughs, heartfelt moments, and a touch of whimsy that resonates long after the last page.

This book was one of my favorites that I read over the Christmas break. Mostly because of the playful exploration of beloved romance tropes, coupled with a fresh and self-aware narrative. Margot's journey of self-discovery and her relationship with Forrest encapsulate the charm and warmth that fans of the genre crave. Also, hello, hot doctor!!! This debut novel is a joyful celebration of romance that balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good love story. It’s a great tribute to the romance genre and romance readers. I loved it! The book comes out April 1, 2025, so you have to rush out to get it. Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy.

A nice winter read that could easily be enjoyed all year round for a cozy and romantic movie type fun

Any Trope but You was a highly enjoyable book that had a fantastic romance storyline but was so so much more than that! I really enjoyed the growth and development of Margot and Forrest's relationship but their strong connections to family, friends, and careers really added depth to the story and the characters.

Any Trope but You by Victoria Lavine is a delightful debut that celebrates romance tropes with a wink and a fresh perspective. This story had me grinning from the very first page, as Margot, a disillusioned romance author, and Forrest, a grumpy yet endearing Alaskan resort proprietor, find themselves swept into what feels like a real-life rom-com.

The nods to classic romance tropes—meet-cutes, forced proximity, and even the moose-induced leap into someone’s arms—were clever and fun without feeling overdone. Margot’s internal conflict about happily ever afters and Forrest’s reserved yet caring nature gave the story a layer of emotional depth that complemented the humor and charm.

I loved the unique premise of a romance author attempting to escape her genre only to live through all its quirks, and the Alaskan setting added a cozy, atmospheric touch. While the story was a joy to read, some of the emotional beats felt a little rushed, especially toward the end, and I would’ve loved a bit more development in Forrest’s backstory.

That said, this is a truly enjoyable read that had me laughing, swooning, and cheering for Margot and Forrest. If you’re a fan of romances that don’t take themselves too seriously while still delivering plenty of heart, Any Trope but You is a must-read. I’m excited to see what Victoria Lavine writes next!

I absolutely fell head over heels for this story. It was so beautiful seeing someone who was so jaded, find their belief in love again. I loved being a part of Margot’s journey and the chronic illness representation in this story. As a chronic illness sufferer, I felt seen in a way I never have before. I am so looking forward to reading more of Victoria’s work.

I am obssessed with this book!! I loved the self awareness of it and Margot and Forrest are just completely red hot together. Can’t wait to see what the author does next!!

What a fun debut! Victoria Lavine has written a great romcom full of complex characters and a beautiful setting. Definitely recommend.

A female romance novelist falls on hard times and she sister sends her to Alaska to have a life reset. While in Alaska she learns a lot of new valuable skills and finds the meaning of love.

Loved any trope but you book. It was auch a cozy book with winter feels. Would read more from her in th future.

This book was stunningly beautiful and I feel so grateful to have started my year off with such a phenomenal read!

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, and I can’t wait to give it!

Margot Bradley is successfully prolific romance author and has an extensive fanbase of dedicated readers (Victoria Lavine just added me to her own fanbase!) but she harbors a hidden secret…she’s not sure she believes in the HEA’s she’s writing. Fleeing the anger of her fans and romancelandia, she meets everyone’s wet dream, Forrest Wakefield, and ventures into the Alaskan wilderness.

Margot and Forrest have so much in common and it creates such an honest and raw bond between the two of them. Their story is so real and believable which is what kept me engrossed from the first page. I couldn’t put the book down! Even though I can’t imagine embarking on my own Alaskan adventures, this book made me feel capable as I watched Margot and Forrest heal and fall in love and enjoy some quality “being-naked-is-the-only-way-to-share-body-heat-and-avoid-hypothermia” time. I absolutely adored the “meta” take on romance writing as Margot explored all the tropes we love and how Forrest seemed to perfectly represent every good characteristic we want in our romance MMCs.

Lavine presented a realistic take on chronic illness and disability and how all involved parties have to navigate questions of growth, independence, love, and self-care.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, despite its snowy setting, think it’s a read for any time of year! Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Victoria Lavine for this early digital copy!

"I think he sees every hidden part of me, and for the first time ever, being known doesn't feel like a threat. It feels like coming home."

I LOVED this book! It follows Margot Bradley, a bestselling romance author who gets cancelled after her fans find out she doesn't believe in love. So, in an attempt to rebrand, she goes on a trip to a remote part of Alaska to work on her new mystery novel. However, when she gets there, she seems to fall into every romance trope that exists with the one and only Forrest. Dr. Forrest Wakefield left his dream job as a cancer researcher to come back to the Alaskan wilderness to help care for his ailing father. The last thing he needs is some city girl tagging along on the resort's expeditions. However, as Margot and Forrest are forced together, they soon learn they have a whole lot more in common than they previously thought.

"There's a hollow ache in my chest that goes a little too deep to maybe ever fully heal. But the thing I've learned about hollowness — the kind that's carved from pain— is that the deeper it goes, the more room it leaves for love. And when love finally rushes in, it fills every dark and twisty crevice with a light almost too brilliant to bear."

Like I said I really really enjoyed this book. I think the writer x doctor/researcher was so good and it was very interesting. I also loved the emotional aspects of both main characters being caretakers for people they love. The self-discovery that Margot goes through was incredible, and I loved seeing the ways that different tropes were explored. I think Forrest was an incredible love interest, and Margot was a great main character. They both felt like real people, and the meddling side characters have my heart as well! Overall, really recommend this one! It comes out on April 1st, so get your hands on it if you can!

closed door modifications: 17, 21, and 26

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for access to this eARC!

As a self-proclaimed cynic who has been in a bit of a romance book rut, I found myself intrigued by this debut when I first heard it recommended on one of my favorite podcasts. I was cautiously optimistic about this book; I did initially judge it as a cookie-cutter rom com with the characters on the cover. However, I can safely say that it exceeded my expectations and surprised me in the best way. This felt like reading an Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez book, but the author brought her own unique voice (s/o to all the Swiftie references throughout!). I can’t believe this is a debut novel— it is such a gem that takes a self-aware approach to everything romance readers love to see in a rom com. Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

WOW. One of my favorite books of the year. (Of all time?) Don’t let the cartoon cover fool you; this book is deep and emotional and really, really sexy. It’s a love letter to the Romance genre and its many tropes, and a master class in how to do it right. The Alaska setting is fun and different, and the cast of side characters was delightful. And the two main characters, Margot and Forrest, come with juicy emotional layers, and enough sparks to set off a fire. Loved loved loved it!

5⭐
Tropes: small town/winter escape, one bed/tent, doctor MMC, author FMC,

Blurb: Famous romance author, Margot Bradley, is in desperate need of a fresh start when a scandal threatens her career. She is forced to escape to Alaska and meets the grumpy lodge owner, Forrest Wakefield, a former physician who doesn't need a relationship to distract him. The two share a kinship in their similarities and despite fighting their chemistry, they fall in love.

I didn't love Margot initially but her "Swiftian" redemption arc won me over. She cares for her ailing sister, and after being exposed as a romance author who doesn't believe in happily ever afters, she tries to write a new book in Alaska to redeem herself. Forrest was also forced to come home when his father gets hurt and becomes partially paralyzed. They both agree that a relationship wasn't what they needed at the time, but no one else related to each other best than each other.

I enjoyed her adventures in Alaska. I swooned when Forrest carried her down the side of the mountain because she sprained her ankle. The tent scene???? OMG. Fuck one beds, put me in a tent! Lol.

What I liked most about this book was how much they loved their family members. Margot's love for her sister was palpable and admirable too. She put all the relationships in her life on hold in order to care for her, and Forrest gave up his career (who he dedicated to his late mom??? WOW) to take care of his dad. We can only hope that someone will love us like that.

Thank you Atriabooks and Victoria Lavine for an advanced copy of your book in exchange for my honest opinion <3