For some reason I thought this was a Christmas-y book so I delayed reading it. Big mistake on my part. I loved this book. The characters could have been a little less too good to be true, but I was invested in both regardless. Very cute and heartwarming read.

One of the best debut rom-coms I’ve read in a while! Any Trope but You is a love letter to romance readers, and I enjoyed every minute. The premise is maybe a little tongue in cheek, as it’s hard to imagine romance readers actually being that upset about an author keeping a file of not so happy endings for her characters, but the execution here really works. I’m excited to read whatever Lavine writes next!
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for the ARC!

This debut novel by Victoria Lavine was the funniest rom-com I read all year! I laughed out loud A LOT and thought it was the perfect winter or holiday season read but I would honestly pick it up and read or reread it anytime for a happy, feel-good story. The whole book was like a long love letter to the romance genre and romance readers alike and it stole my heart!

Margot Bradley is a romance writer who gets canceled by her readers and publisher after her private, personal file named, “Happily Never After,” leaks. She uses it as a therapeutic way to vent her feelings and writes alternate endings to all her romance novels where the guy cheats with the nanny, the couple gets a divorce, or the MMC end up with… *gasp* … a BEER BELLY! Literally laughed so hard at that.

Her sister sends her on a 6 week getaway to the remote North Star Lodge in Alaska where she tries her hand at writing a mystery novel while Forrest, aka Dr. Mountain Daddy M.D., leads a group on weekly wilderness excursions that Margot is forced to participate in. Along the way, she runs into every imaginable romance trope possible while actively trying to steer clear of romantically entangling herself with anyone. Although not on the market either, Forrest, the very tall, extremely handsome and bearded breast cancer research doctor who sacrificed his career to help care for his father and smells of “cedar and muscles,” finds himself in situations where he just can’t resist falling for Margot. I’m now a HUGE fan of the “one tent” trope as well as some forced proximity in a sauna.

The FMC ventured out of her comfort zone to help reinvent herself and find hope in believing that HEAs actually do exist. She was brave and resilient and learned new things about herself as she conquered new adventures that scared her. Her story gave me hope of finding strength within ourselves, overcoming challenging times, and pulling through our darkest moments with the help of loved ones (and definitely not just romantic ones).
I loved the entire story from start to finish. The banter was perfect and the chemistry between Margot and Forrest was steamy! The side characters added so much depth to the story too. I LOVED her sister, Savannah, and honestly teared up at her weekly letters. Trapper, Jo, and the dog, Scout, were a hoot, and even Ollie and his coffee grounds have a special place in my heart.

Highly, highly recommend Any Trope but You! Victoria Lavine is now on my list of must-read romance authors and I will automatically be picking up any future books she publishes.

Thank you Atria Books for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One of my top reads of the year! I absolutely loved this book. This one gave me all the feels, and I can't wait to read more by Victoria.

This was such a good and fun read!

I absolutely loved Margot and Forrest, I thought it was sweet how they both knew what it feels like to be the caretaker for someone. Or rather bitter sweet, it understandably takes a toll on a person, but it provided the characters a deeper understanding of each other’s priorities / personalities.

I liked how the story progressed, how each chapter allowed the both Margot and Forrest to peel off their prickly layers. I really liked how the author included all of the typical romance tropes, and how they were called out in the book!

I do wish we got more of an explanation of who the hacker was / why they did it, etc. It felt like it was wrapped up quickly to avoid plot holes. I also wish we got an epilogue. It’s not always necessary, but with how the ending was, I would have loved to hear how the characters were doing! Like I want to know what Forrest is up to now that he is back!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was such a great read!!

4⭐️ Would recommend :)

I received an ARC from Atria Books through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Easiest 5 stars I’ve given to an ARC for a new author. I LOVED this romance, the chemistry, the setting, the FMC, the play on tropes. This book checked SO many boxes and not only that, she lives in Maine like us!

What do you get when you mix a moose, flexed muscles, and a pile of wood… a very cute meet cute for our main characters Forrest (obvi) and Margot.

After a very traumatic privacy breech, Margot Bradley — a popular romance writer — has shown her not so happily ever afters (and beige panties) to her beloved fans, devastating everyone. Luckily, in need of a much needed reset, Margot’s sister Savannah arranges a 6 week stay in the absolute middle of nowhere Alaska with a P.S I Love You -esque arrangement of letters that Margot will receive after she completes a wilderness excision. Lucky for us, these are lead by the brooding, sexy, smart, sensitive etc etc Forrest. Who decided to leave his very lucrative career to care for his disabled father (again, obvi).

The CHEMISTRY you guys. I was drooling. Am I okay? Idk. I cannot believe this is Victoria’s debut novel because she feels like an expert at taking everything I’ve ever wanted to read and pouring it into this romance. I’ve never wanted to be sweaty on top of an Alaskan mountain freezing to death so much in my life. Amazing, must read, please do, tell your friends. I need MORE.

Review will post in IG closet to pub date

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! I was hooked on this book from the very first chapter!! It was hilarious, heartfelt, and contained every single book trope that I love! Victoria Lavine is beyond creative in the way that she wrote this story and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with!

Thank you Netgalley and Atria books for providing an E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 Stars Rounded up to 5

Did I just find my favorite romance novel for this year?? AND it's a debut!! CUTE!!!
This book gave me everything, deep emotions, hilarious banter, perfect spice, and 2 flawed but lovable main characters. I was rooting for them from the beginning. This was such a quick read, I devoured it in one day.....but I did not want it to end.
I am looking forward to more books from this author! LOVED IT and highly recommend this book!!

This book fills you with hope and a deep-seated (and probably dangerous) desire to go on wilderness adventures.

“There’s a hollow ache in my chest that goes a little too deep to maybe ever heal. But the thing Ive 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.”

AND ALSO

“I went on an unsuspecting pilgrimage to the Alaskan bush and somehow found the holy grail of hot, considerate men.”

Any Trope But You by @victorialavinewrites is out April 1. Thank you @atriabooks for the arc, and Mom for the Kindle Colorsoft!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶🫑/5
🫎🏔️❄️🧖🏼‍♀️💻/5

CW: caretaking, autoimmune disease, seizures, breast cancer, parental abandonment, douchey influencers, challenging hikes, setting up a tent, uncomfortable Zoom calls

PS Stay safe but not too safe - 2025 motto

Such a well-written romance set in Alaska and filled with all the tried-and-true romance tropes, shout outs to the romance community, depth/character development, and spice to keep you warm in the winter! And the cover! 🤌

Victoria’s debut novel, Any Trope But You, is an absolute gem! This book is a delightful, fresh take on classic rom-com tropes, delivering all the warmth and humor of a Hallmark movie—the kind you wish you could star in yourself.

The story follows Margot, a famous romance author whose secret list of alternate, not-so-happily-ever-afters for her books is leaked, leading to a massive scandal that costs her everything, including her publishing deal. In need of a fresh start, Margot’s sister books her a trip to a remote lodge in Alaska. There, Margot meets Forrest, the epitome of all the romance tropes she despises—and exactly what she needs.

The writing is sharp, funny, and completely captivating—I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one sitting. It had the same cozy, heartwarming vibes as my favorite 2000s rom-coms, especially The Proposal. While it played with familiar tropes, the story still felt incredibly fresh and unique, breathing new life into concepts readers have seen countless times. It’s hard to believe this is a debut because Victoria writes with the confidence and skill of a seasoned author.

What truly set this book apart were the characters. Margot and Forrest were so much more than their surface stereotypes (the cynical romance author and the emotionally guarded lumberjack). They felt real, relatable, and layered, and their journey from heartbreak to healing was as touching as their romance. It was funny, emotional, swoony, and super spicy. I especially appreciated how the story explored the emotional weight of being a caretaker for loved ones—something both characters struggled with. It added depth and heart to their relationship and made their growth all the more rewarding.

Any Trope But You had me laughing, crying, and swooning. Margot and Forrest’s chemistry leapt off the page, and their emotional journey left me feeling inspired and hopeful. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them when the book ended, and I’ll definitely be recommending this to anyone who will listen. It’s clear that Victoria was born to be an author, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. She’s officially gained a new fan in me!

This was an excellent debut by Victoria Lavine. I was laughing out loud (which is rare, as I’m a midwesterner) and enjoying all the adventures the characters took readers on. The story was cute, funny and engaging. The characters were memorable and palpable. I give this book 4.25 stars and am really looking forward to seeing this writer continue to write more. If you are looking for a funny romance this is your book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for sharing an ARC of this book in exchange for my review. I think it will find much success upon its release! Id love to see BOTM or aardvark pick this one up!

First off the cover was such a cutie! I was so compelled to start reading from that on its own. Then, I read what it was about and decided that I definitely need to read. This book had everything I would ever hope from a romance book, and book alone. Loved the characters and plot, reccomend 100%!

Thanks @netgalley @atriabooks and @victorialavinewrites for the chance to read Victoria’s stunningly hilarious and emotionally resonant debut, Any Trope but You. It releases on April 1, 2025.

The phrase “for readers who love Emily Henry” gets thrown around a lot, but so few actually achieve that specific blend of wit and heart. But I’m here to tell you that Victoria does it with her debut. This book announces her as a wonderful new voice in Romancelandia and I can’t wait to shout about this book in your DMs, book events, random street corners, etc. Trust me—this book is going to make a splash in a major way. ❤️

A bestselling romance author escapes to a resort in the Alaskan wilderness after she gets canceled by her fans. She has six weeks of solitude to try to write a murder mystery and save her career. Too bad the owner’s son seems to be an amalgamation of all her romance heroes in a single, real life person. Forrest is a doctor, amateur carpenter, chef, and he chops wood for fun. Unfair, really. The last thing she needs is to be distracted, but what if he’s the one specially designed to show her that Happily Ever Afters are possible?

Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, snowed in, only one tent, strange animal as pet, touch her and die

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine is a witty rom-com featuring a cynical romance writer who goes on a nature retreat after her life is turned upside down by a malicious hacker. And of our FMC is not a nature gal and is completely out of her element in Alaska.

THIS WAS SO FUNNY! I found myself literally laughing out loud multiple times while reading. The FMC’s cynicism and references to various romance tropes was too funny and I also loved the MMC’s personality. I appreciated the eventual open communication between the two of them regarding the challenges of caregiving.

I devoured this book in a day. I loved the journey of Margot and Savannah’s relationship and the evolution of Margot and Forrest. The trope nods throughout the book were a nice touch too. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

After a less than desirable “secret” about how romance writer Margot doesn’t believe in Happily Ever Afters is exposed (due to her own heartbreak), her chronically ill sister who she’s taken care of, Savannah, pushes her to take a 6 week trip to Alaska to “reinvent” herself. The last thing she expects is to fall for the owner’s doctor son, who ironically falls into many of the tropes she’s written about. Will they settle their differences and have their own happily ever after?

Really enjoyed this read. Literally sat down and read from start to finish in one sitting. Loved how Margot overcame various obstacles and was able to prove to herself (and Forrest) she was capable of both the physical challenges and overcoming past heartache. I also love the weekly letters Savannah sent with the stipulation that Margot only gets it after she’s completed the adventure of the week. Easily going to be one of the best romance reads of 2025. You’ll have to read to see whether love conquers in Any Trope But You ❤️

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for my ARC!

As the intro to the ARC said, this book is perfect for fellow lovers of steamy reads with a deeply moving emotional core, and that absolutely rang true for me!

This romance is swoony, fully of tropes (duh, the title!), spicy, sometimes a bit silly, often funny (the writing is really deeply laugh out loud funny and I adored it), and always full of heart. I had a blast escaping to Alaska and enjoyed the medical element as well.

I’m so excited to see what Victoria Lavine writes next, and her Acknowledgments gave me chills.

This is a great one!

If you’ve ever thought about if your favorite book couples live happily ever after - this one is a good read for you!! I loved this story about a romance authors leaked “unhappy ever afters” that leads her on a solo adventure to Alaska! Perfect book for a winter read.

Two cynical people come together and form an unexpected opposites attract romance. They have more in common than what lies on the surface - both caretakers, givers in their own right, born with natural instincts that fuel their careers, and living mostly through others in their lives.

I love that the author took the trope idea head on, it made it less cheesy as the story played out.

My opinion - the dual POV wasn’t equally weighted which was a bit odd for me. Usually I prefer to see it more balanced but it was heavy on the FMC.

“𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐭, 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭.” 😩

This is easily one of the best romance books I have ever encountered. As a person who makes being an older sister a personality trait and a jaded hopeless romantic this book felt like it was written for me. Somehow Victoria found a way into my brain and created this perfect romance book that had me crying even through the acknowledgments. 😭

Not only was I so invested in the characters, but the romance was insane. The tension, the humor, the spice, truly Chefs Kiss 👩🏻‍🍳💋. I never wanted it to end, it felt like a warm hug! It is such a gift to the romance girlies and I can’t wait for you all to read it 💖. Any Trope but You will be out in April of 2025 and don’t worry I will be reminding you all!! Thank you @netgalley for this stunning ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5