I love how fiction mirrors real life and especially when I can relate to some small element of the story so deeply that I get completely sucked in and devoured by the narrative. This isn’t exactly that – I’m not a romance author from LA, I don’t have a deeply loving and tender relationship with a chronically ill sister, I haven’t spent time in remote Alaska during the winter. But this story is a layered inception of sorts – calling out the narrative elements as they were happening. It all made me want to be Margot and I chose to fully dive into the story, staying up until 1am two nights in a row to read for hours after bedtime.

Every romance trope was delicious and I loved the excavation of them from Margot, as a romance author herself. I especially loved the One Bed that became One Tent and One Sleeping Bag. Living the story while also analyzing its feasibility and readability was a fun twist and her jaded starting point made me root for her even more. Key for me was that the narrative was well-written and Forrest and Margot were a sexy pair from start to finish. Sets my romance bar very high for 2025!

[Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]

view this and other reviews here at the end of each month: https://journalsonthejourney.substack.com/

I honestly had low expectations for this book when I picked it up, but I ended up really enjoying it!! The premise is different from other contemporary romance novels. I love the idea of just mashing up all tropes together into a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The MFC having so many funny comments and thoughts genuinely had me LOL multiple times. I loved it!

4.5 ⭐️

DEBUT NOVEL alert! 🫎🎿🏕️❄️

Margot Bradley, a romance author who secretly disdains Happily Ever Afters, is exposed when her alternate, darker endings are leaked, resulting in public backlash and career fallout. Needing to support her ill sister, she pivots to writing murder mysteries and heads to a remote Alaskan resort, where she unexpectedly connects with Forrest Wakefield, a former cancer researcher turned reluctant innkeeper caring for his father.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
The premise of the book was so fun and I’m always a sucker for books set in Alaska..and in this case we’re taken to a remote lodge with no wifi. The banter and chemistry between the two main characters was great, I couldn’t put this book down. The relationship between Margot and her sister and Forrest and his dad was so heartwarming. Both main characters are in caretaker positions and this added depth to the romance - which I love!

Ps. don’t be fooled by this cute cover, this is an open door romance 🤭🔥

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫:
✔️ Set in Alaska at a family owned lodge
✔️ Caretaker representation
✔️ Chronic illness
✔️ A Moose named Bullwinkle
✔️ A romance writer who doesn’t believe in HEA
✔️ Winter excursions
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Hottubs and Saunas... 🤭🔥

honestly tried really hard to get into this book and couldn't i feel like in winter i want to escape winter so i may try to read it again next holiday season although it has nothing to do with the holidays and i didn't feel connected to the characters like her getting cancelled for being a romance novelist who hates romance... idk

This book was a solid 3.5 stars for me. Overall, it was a very enjoyable, quick read and the premise of a romance writer being cancelled for not believing in happily ever afters, only to find redemption and a renewed faith in love at an Alaskan wilderness resort was a unique spin on the genre. This is a book that will amuse any seasoned contemporary romance reader with its jabs at common tropes and wry humor. However, I found the book to lose momentum toward the end and especially as the spice level picked up (rapidly!!). I feel like the sex scenes were a bit gratuitous and could have been shortened/toned down to keep the focus on character development. Nonetheless, I flew through the book and will certainly pick up any future releases by this debut author.

I read this in one sitting. I loved this. Big fan of books that poke fun at their own genre and this one nailed it. Perfect escapism and a valid critique on the (sometimes self-imposed) pressure caregivers put on themselves that push them beyond the boundaries of caring for loved ones and into holding back from living their lives.

This book was so cute! I gotta admit, I didn’t really love it at the beginning. I thought the whole fallout about the Happily Never After file was extreme and unrealistic. I actually don’t care if my favorite romance authors don’t believe in Happily Ever Afters - as long as they write them for me! lol.

After Margot arrived in Alaska, the book took off for me. I liked her dynamic with Forrest. She was pretty terrible to him to begin with and he gave it right back. I enjoyed watching them slowly find their way to each other with a great slow burn.

This book also tackled some tough topics, but enough humor was sprinkled in to bring some levity to those topics.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I recommend it for anyone who loves a fun romance read with some spice. This one publishes on 1 April 2025.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Find more book reviews on my bookstagram: https://instagram.com/kraftykatreads .

A cynic who loves writing love stories (Margot) 🤝🏼 a cynic who loves reading love stories (me). I almost feel like this book was written just for me 😂

What a debut novel! Lavine herself called the book “a love letter to the romance genre” and there really is no better way to describe it.

The story is filled with many innuendos, some of the strongest relationships I’ve ever read, lots of laughs, some very heartfelt moments, the perfect amount of spice and every romance trope under the sun.

Also of note, I’ve never met a book set in Alaska that I didn’t love. Thank you NetGalley and Atria publishing for my advanced readers copy of this adorable and sexy book!

Margot might be one of my favorite FMCs now. She's strong, hilarious, resilient, but broken. She's been the caretaker for her chronically ill sister for so long that I'm surprised she even went to Alaska when Savannah planned the trip. And Forrest - Dr MD - was the perfect counterpart for Margot's banter and chaos while completely understanding the sacrifices she makes for her sister day in and day out as he's no stranger to that himself. The way these two could never put themselves first was breaking my heart!
A highlight of this story for me was Margot and Savannah's relationship - every single letter made me tear up, and I loved that she somehow got Margot and Forrest to connect on a deeper level all the way from California. As someone who is admittedly co-dependent on their sister even to this day, sister storylines like this leave a lasting impression.
This felt like a love letter to sisters and romance readers everywhere and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it comes out April 1, 2025!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This rom com pits a jaded romance author against the tropes that she writes. Margot does not believe in love, so why does she keep ending up in situations where the tropes are her life? Forrest is not a fan of the situation either, and would like to avoid anything that resembles romance. I enjoyed the way that they keep being thrown into the tropes, and it made for a fun read, with a side of the complications of life. Both had reasons to avoid a relationship, and it made them perfect for each other!

I recommend to anyone looking for a cozy romance read, or anyone looking to get away from the world for a bit.

I received a free advance review copy from Atria Books through Netgalley and leave this review voluntarily.

I guess 2025 is the year of SENSATIONAL debuts because Any Trope But You is another 5-STAR DEBUT READ that’s flawless from start to finish!!

Margot Bradley is a romance author who no longer believes in the love stories that she writes. She’s also a caregiver for her sister, Savannah, who struggles daily with her chronic illness. Forrest Wakefield finds himself taking care of his family’s Alaskan inn after moving home to similarly serve as a full-time caregiver / physical therapist for his dad, who just isn’t the same after a bad accident.

The first chapter of this book is quite literally the funniest opening to a romance book I have ever read. We nosedive straight into the mess that is Margot’s life after her Happily Never After document is hacked and released to the public during a bookish video call interview with thousands upon thousands of her fans in attendance. Cut to Chapter 2 and we follow Margot to the wilderness in Alaska where she (literally) runs into a giant moose and Forrest, a grumbly, handsome man, who is all her favorite romance tropes, personified.

Talk about whiplash after those two chapters?? All that to say, I was HOOKED from then on. Any Trope But You had me laughing out loud from the very start, the banter between Margot and Forrest is perfection and it was a blast to read.

I adored reading about Margot’s relationship with her sister, Savannah. While Margot is in Alaska, she gets rewarded with a letter from Savannah after each wilderness excursion she goes on. The letters had me crying, they were so sweet and a perfect example of sisterly relationships.

I LOVE anything and everything dual POV, but especially loved having both Margot and Forrest’s perspectives of their story. Dare I say Forrest is the sweetest MMC I have ever had the pleasure of reading??? I was highlighting the heck out of this and cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy come pub day, April 1st!!!

Thank you Atria and NetGalley for the ARC! <3

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. While I found the story enjoyable in parts, it ultimately wasn’t a standout for me. The premise was promising—Margot, an author from LA, escapes to the Alaskan wilderness—but I struggled to connect with her character. Margot often felt insufferable, coming across as judgy and entitled, which made it hard to imagine her pairing with Forrest, whose grounded and warm personality was her polar opposite.

Although I expected some tropes given the title, the sheer number of them became overwhelming by the end. With that being said, I did thoroughly enjoy the Alaskan setting and the warm, loving family dynamic with Forrest's family along with the visitors at North Star Lodge.

After having her secret “Happily NEVER After” list exposed, author Margot Bradley is sent off to Alaska by her sister to focus on writing and bringing back her career.

Former Doctor turned lodge proprietor Forrest has one rule: don’t fraternize with guests (again 🫣).

Can Forrest resist the bit of California sunshine from Margot that reminds him of his old life? Can Margot resist every trope known to the romance community when she runs right into Forrests’s arms?

A story of trust and tropes, I ADORED Any Trope But You from start to finish! The concept was creative and well executed with a perfect balance of storyline and spice. Margot and Forrest were some of the best MCs I’ve read recently and I would loveeee an epilogue to see what they’re up to!

I’ve grown wary (and weary) of characters who are romance authors or avid romance readers. Mainly because they are all too often used as vehicles for cringe-y self-aware commentary. Sure, it was cute the first time a character pointed out the situation was a trope (“Ugh, of course there’s only one bed,” she sighed upon entry into their room at the inn.) But this trope is now a trope unto itself. Which is just too much meta for me.

So why did I request an ARC about a romance author FMC with the word “trope” in its title? Well, because I’ve been hyperfixating on Alaska lately (going for the first time later this year).

It turns out there wasn’t a ton of Alaska-specific details, but I actually ended up enjoying it anyway!

It helped that the clichés were pretty much limited to the MMC’s characteristics (tall, bearded, and flanneled lumberjack/doctor hybrid named <s>Hunter</s> Forrest). Otherwise, any opportunities (only one tent, snowstorm, etc.) were smoothly bypassed without comment.

I also appreciated how emotionally mature and pragmatic both main characters were. Sure, there was the obligatory “I can’t be with you because <i>Reasons</i>”. And, yes, some details felt a little too convenient (the fact that the MMC had, up until recently, lived and worked approximately ten mins away from the FMC’s house in LA made for a downhill journey to HEA). But there were no unnecessary dramatics and an appropriate amount of angst.

And the author was able to convince me that there was an emotional connection. A rare feat these days. At at one point the FMC explains their relationship to another character, simply saying “we have a lot in common.” Which is just such an obvious catalyst for attraction in the real world, but something we rarely see explicitly acknowledged on page. It also speaks to how well the author <i>showed</i> the character development and relationship arc. Because when I read that I was like "huh, I guess they do have a lot in common." The author made it made sense.

I will say that the ending didn't leave me entirely satisfied.

As much as I love a good grand gesture, I’m not really one of those readers who base their perception of a book on the grovel (or lack thereof). The circumstances surrounding the “80% break-up” didn’t really necessitate a grovel (see above re: emotional maturity/pragmatism).

BUT, the circumstances surrounding the catalyst for the FMC’s trip to Alaska BOILED MY BLOOD. [Minor spoilers ahead].

This has nothing to do with the author’s craft or my level of engagement, so I’m not “docking points” or whatever because of this. But I’m not in a book club and the book hasn’t even been released yet, so here we are.

I personally find Cancellation Culture to be toxic and problematic, even when it’s objectively warranted. So when it’s unwarranted and potentially traumatic…Defensive Mode activated. But Margot just seems to accept it! Sure she’s sad. And her perseverance is commendable. But the romance community’s reaction was utter bullshit. Then they welcome her back (cancel her cancellation?) because she…fell in love? And she’s okay with all of this! She just jumps back in with open arms as if her career wasn’t over because of relatively innocuous thoughts she had that were maliciously (and illegally!) disseminated.

So, I’m not here to judge an author’s decision regarding her characters’ actions. But Margot’s reactions were so antithetical to my own that I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief. Which probably says more about me and my level of maturity and pragmatism.

But I’m not here to talk about me. So… rant over.

But go read this book so I have people to talk about it with!

This was a perfect book in my opinion. It’s like the author tapped into my brain and picked out exactly the storylines, characters, and clever writing that I would want to read and lined them up into the perfect order.

I think the first time I belly-laughed was in the first or second chapter and my verbal responses to the both the humor, as well as the very well-done spice, continued throughout. I was alternating between chuckles, squeals, and even tears throughout my read of this.

I felt that the trope concept was very original and done very well. It was wild to watch the truly artful way that the author could fit so many tropes into the story without it becoming too unbelievable —while we do have to suspend our disbelief a tad because there’s no way a man that handsome ✨✨WHO’S ALSO A FREAKING DOCTOR ✨✨ actually exists in the barren Alaskan wilderness.

The FMC was well-developed, and despite the initial superficial impression she gives of a spoiled, LA writer, the MMC was able over the course of the book to learn how vulnerable and selfless she really is underneath. The MMC was handsome, sweet, and just grumpy enough to play into the trope concept at the right part. He really did embody all the best parts of our favorite romance heroes, and I will forever love him for that. 🏔️🤍

Additionally, THE BANTER. 🙌 The main characters’ banter is unmatched and consistently fantastic. There were short quips of silly bickering as they try to deny their attraction to each other as well as deeply emotional speeches of their true feelings.

In sum, 10/10 no notes. Once you get your copy come April 1st, PLEASE DO slide into my DM’s about it. 🙏 I have so many more specific thoughts that include spoilers!

Thank you very much to Victoria Lavine and Atria Books for the ARC. I appreciate the opportunity and can’t wait for the release! 🤍✨

ANY TROPE BUT YOU by Victoria Lavine

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

From the very first chapter, I knew Any Trope But You was going to be something special. The humor? Impeccable. The setting? A cozy, remote slice of Alaska perfection. Margot, our romance author, and Forrest, the dreamy doctor-turned-wilderness-guide, are everything you want in an enemies to lovers story. Toss in a single tent, a little wilderness adventure, and some serious tension, and you’ve got pure magic. ✨

But let me tell you, this book isn’t just about the swoons (though there are plenty!). It’s layered with heartfelt, emotional moments that tackle past wounds and the beauty of reinvention, with such thoughtful representation of chronic illness and caretaking. It’s the kind of story that wraps you up in its warmth, breaks your heart just a little, and then pieces it back together.

And oh, the spice. Let’s just say, it’s like your favorite Hallmark movie—but with the volume turned up. 🔥 The dual POVs add so much depth, making you fall hard for both Margot and Forrest.

This is one of those reads that’s cozy and heart-fluttering in all the right ways. Oh, and it’s a debut novel! I can't wait to see what Victoria comes out with next!

Read if you like ⬇️:
•Dual POV
•Enemies to lovers
•Forced proximity
•Only one tent
•Caregiver rep
•Chronic illness rep
•Cozy Alaska setting

💭QOTD: What’s your favorite romance trope and why?

🏷️: #anytropebutyou #victorialavine #netgalley #allbookedwithbri #winterreads #cozyreads #enemiestolovers #romancereads #bookstagram

This debut by Victoria Lavine was a lovely read! I liked the premise from the very start, loving the ubiquitous stories about authors and their craft, so I was surprised when this book turned out to be oh-so-spicy but also full of heart. I could have taken or left Margot as a FMC, but that may have been because the author created Forrest to be the MMC of all MMCs, and I can't imagine any woman being good enough for him.

I'd recommend this book for readers who like exotic locales, hunky geniuses devoted to important causes, and spice that will make you blush. The book feels a little long, perhaps because the spice gets going somewhat early (IMO), but the ending makes the whole thing worth the journey.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book made me so happy and I will definitely be adding it to my shelf on release day! Despite and because of the tropes explored, I found myself captivated by Margot’’s and Forrest’s journey. I rooted for them every step of the way and saw myself in their reluctance to open themselves up. I was ecstatic when they finally did and wish there was epilogue, where we could see their life as an established couple.

I would have given the book five stars if I hadn’t struggled with the writing in the beginning. The amount of similes made sections unnecessarily painful to read. Though some interjected comparisons were apt and entertaining, most felt like they were added to satisfy a higher word count. Despite this, I did find myself highlighting much of the writing because I felt it needed to be remembered.

This was such a fun and surprisingly profound read that I would recommend to anyone!

🏔Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
🏔Tropes:
• Every Single One
• Just Kidding
• Okay Actual List
• Romance Author who doesn't believe in love
• Small town man who makes her believe in love again
• There's Only One Bed... I mean tent?
• 3rd Act Breakup

❄️ Synopsis ❄️

After a big hit to her public image, Margot takes a break from LA to write in a new genre while staying at a remote lodge in Alaska. Immediately she finds herself attracted to Forrest, the son of the lodge's owner. They both clearly like each other, but have their own reasons for seeing a 6 week stay / relationship as a bad idea.

❄️ Review ❄️

This wasn't *bad*, I think I'm just tired of rolling my eyes at Margot for constantly saying Forrest is this trope or that trope. The fact that Forrest didn't get upset by being but into these tiny boxes over and over again instead of being seen as one complete person??

It truly felt like Margot was in capable of seeing the things happening in her life as reality instead of just fictional ideas. Oh he's a Dr. trope, he's a hard exterior soft interior trope, a small town trope. But Margot, that's a real human being... He ISN'T a trope. I wish at some point there had been a realization of that or a conversation of how dehumanizing it is to only see "tropes" in a person instead of them as a fully developed individual.

There is also a plot line about an influencer that lied in her review of the lodge in retaliation for Forrest not being interested in her. It very much felt like commentary on Me Too and the way that allegations become reality even if they are false. "I had to take her word for it" Really? A review that was clearly not true considering you have been here for 3-4 weeks and the experiences have not been the same at all? It is really unhealthy to take one point of view and consider it gospel, like use your head a little bit and do some critical thinking honey.

Overall, this *was* fairly enjoyable even though I am critical of it. I am a lover of a one-bed trope, and so that will always make me enjoy a book a bit more. I think we need to move away from 3rd Act Breakups in general and find healthier ways for characters to have disagreements without forcing them to breakup, go no contacf, and then suddenly be perfect together in time for a HEA.

Thanks to NetGalley & Atria Books for providing me with an eARC of Any Trope But You.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: The title definitely fits! Every rom-com trope in the world is in this book and the fun part is that Margot, a fallen romance author, acknowledges them all. Things like, “his cast-iron abdominals. At the thought, I nearly laugh. I’ve used those exact words to describe romance hero abs before, but Forrest’s are even better because they’re real…” So many times I LOL’d in this book at Margot’s assessment of her situation. Forrest is the perfect rom-com man (a DOCTOR and a rugged outdoorsman) and I liked that the chapters went back and forth between his POV and hers. Both MCs are coming off of heart break and also deeply tied caregivers for a family member. They have a lot in common and are both hesitant. That makes the union even more exciting. They are both good people and they deserve happiness. I was hoping and waiting and appreciative of the author’s build up…some pretty spicy scenes as well. Also, being without WiFi, having to hike and camp in the bitter cold, and write a novel at the same time made Margot not just an engaging main character, but an actual warrior (in my opinion!)
If you are a rom-com fan you’ll like the nods to the genre and the jokes about “the perfect man”. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.