I absolutely loved this book. It was so good from start to finish and I wouldn’t change anything. The main and side characters were all so good and added the right amount to the story. The spice was great and not overdone.

Any Trope but You features one of my favorite setups—a romance author who doesn't believe in love—I was pulled to it right away. I sympathized with Margot Bradley as soon as I entered her environment. She is a hugely popular romance novelist who, in private, gives her characters unhappy, different endings. And when does that secret come to light? Let's imagine that she has a significant change in her life. I thought it was hilarious that Margot, who makes a livelihood by creating happily-ever-afters, was so pessimistic about love in her own life. Given the strain she faces from both her job and taking care of her sister, who has a chronic illness, it felt quite genuine and realistic.

The story was made much more charming by the Alaskan setting. There were some amusing and touching moments when Margot fled to a secluded resort to write a murder mystery rather than a romance. Her well-thought-out getaway devolved into a string of romantic comedy clichés, such as escaping a moose and actually collapsing into the arms of the stern resort owner, Forrest, and I could feel her frustration. In addition to being lighthearted and enjoyable, those times provided the ideal counterpoint to Margot's internal conflict over whether or not she truly wants to believe in love once more.

Speaking about Forrest, his persona truly appealed to me. Due to his personal baggage—having abandoned a promising career to care for his father—he was a wonderful fit for Margot's straightforward demeanor. It was really wonderful to watch them gradually take down their barriers since their chemistry and banter felt so natural. I adored their relationship because it was about more than simply romantic tension; it was about relearning to trust in life and in love.

All things considered, Any Trope but You is a fun and novel romance that toys with our favorite clichés while offering us something more profound. A reluctant love story, the wintry Alaskan setting, and Margot's journey to regain hope combine to create a touching and funny book. This will win your heart if you enjoy romantic comedies with a twist.

✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine!

Margot is a popular romance author who secretly doesn’t believe in happily ever afters. She actually keeps a document where she records Happily Never Afters for her books. When she’s doing an event, someone shares her Happily Never After doc. The response results in her losing her next book deal which had still been in negotiations. Margot’s sister arranges for her to go on a retreat to Alaska to work on a new book in the murder mystery genre. It’s at the resort in Alaska that Margot experiences not simply a meet cute with Dr. Forrest Wakefield, but a series of trope-related events which Margot can’t believe keep happening.

This book has some really funny moments. It’ll be a great one to check out the audiobook of. Any Trope But You is such a fun debut packed with so many tropes and micro tropes, such as an improbable meet cute, there’s only one tent, huddle for warmth, love triangle that’s not really a love triangle, forced proximity, mutual pining, matchmaking, doctor, rolled sleeves, etc. We get a dual POV from Forrest and Margot - both main characters both have their own journeys throughout the story which I really enjoyed.

A really strong debut from Victoria Lavine and an author I will look to check out for future releases.

Nurse, she’s yearning again!

4.5 stars. This was genuinely moving. I loved both Margot and Forrest’s POV and motivations and found them both incredibly emotionally mature. This was a true love-letter to fans of the romance genre and also a warm hug to those who are prone to taking on too much responsibility at the expense of their own happiness.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend picking up this title. Publishing date is April 1, 2025.

This is a really entertaining work of fiction. I actually hesitate to refer to this book as a romance because it is so meta that you’re almost distracted from the romance by the constant acknowledgement of its existence. I personally enjoyed this book for reasons not specific to the love connection between the two main characters, although I also enjoyed their relationship.

Even moreso, I adored the relationship between the author and her sister. I really appreciate romance novels that feature diverse characters and people of varying abilities. It brings so much depth to an otherwise commonplace boy-meets-girl story.

Further, I loved reading the letters and better understanding the mindset of the author over the course of the book. I mean, a romance author who hates romance? That alone is relatively novel, but to be able to see how she has been disappointed over time from childhood through maturity—it’s highly relatable. This element takes the book from a satirical reflection on romance, to a social commentary about the all too common pains women face, even in youth. The way that it impacts their self perception and their perception of the world around them.

I also really enjoyed Forest, he is such a unique character and a refresh MMC. I love a stoic brawny mountain man, but even better is one who actually has healthy communication styles and who is self sacrificing in a non-alpha male/posturing way.

Yes, he would protect the woman he loves. Yet, he does so not just in the name of protection from other men, but also from himself. He is willing to give up everything he’s worked for (and we know that level of accomplishment typically comes with a certain degree of ego) in order to care for his father. An effort to remedy past “mistakes” he’s just so freakin pure.

The reason I say this felt less like a romance is because constantly calling out the tropes takes away some of the enjoyment of experiencing them. It does not negatively impact the book — I just think it stutters the flow you might experience in a traditional romance and requires more of the reader, much in the way general fiction/women’s fiction might.

Finally, I appreciated the commentary on fandoms, idolization, and cultural expectations. Perhaps the example in this story is far fetched, but imo it is only as unrealistic as a black mirror episode…one step away from the upsetting truth.

Thanks #NetGalley for sharing a digital ARC of this brilliantly entertaining debut

Sadly, this story is all about the words. Why say it in 50 words when 20 will do? I can see the author was trying hard to be VERY descriptive and while I love a good description...this was way overboard. I also didn't really enjoy the protagonist and her whining. She has a chance to be strong and opinionated while still falling for her man. Please keep working on it and make it wonderful...its really close.

Margot is a romance author with a secret - she doesn’t believe in happily ever after. When her secret is spilled, her sister sends her to remote Alaska to recover after it ruins her career.

Enter Forrest, man in charge at the lodge she’s staying at. Much to Margot’s despair, he’s the incarnation of all of her leading men combined.

Follow the two as they navigate the Alaskan wilderness, and life, together, in a whimsical story that covers all the tropes.

To say I FLEW through this is an understatement. I instantly fell in love with not just the main characters, but all of the supporting characters as well. Highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a swoon worthy love story grounded in reality!

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for a fair review

I loved this book! I thought the main characters and supporting characters were all really well written and the setting for the plot was perfect. I loved how the addition of Savannah’s letters really showed their relationship, and helped you understand Margot a lot more. It made her feel like she was a main character when she wasn’t even present for the majority of tho book. However, I personally did not like the mentioning of book tropes throughout the story, but that is just a personal pet peeve of mine in books. It made sense for it to be included in the story though, considering the fmc was an author.

I liked the dialogue for the most part but thought the spicy scenes took a turn near the end. Overall it was a quick and enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, I loved this book!! I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting and all of the family members and friends to both Margot and Forrest. Great author, I'll definitely check out more of her books! Proof we all deserve our Happily Ever Afters.

Any Trope but You by Victoria Lavine is the perfect romance novel for romance readers everywhere.

Romance writer Margot Bradley goes to Alaska to research her next book. She’s decided to switch genres and is trying her hand at murder mystery. You see, although Margot is known worldwide for her happily ever afters, she herself doesn’t believe in them and thanks to a hacker her secret has been revealed to the public. Her fans are outraged, hence the genre switch and trip to a remote wilderness resort in Alaska. Margot is not entirely prepared for this new adventure and Dr. Forrest Wakefield, the proprietor’s son, isn’t exactly prepared for Margot either. Forrest moved back to Alaska to care for his ill father, leaving behind his job and life in California. He really isn’t interested in a distraction. Despite their misconceptions about each other the two have quite a bit in common. Margot can’t believe that in her attempt to escape romance she’s found herself smack dab in the middle of seemingly every romance trope with Forrest as the lead.

I was shocked to learn this is a debut novel! I couldn’t put this down! I loved every second of this story. It was funny, heartfelt, emotional, and a joy to read. I laughed, I cried, and I’ll read it all again. Victoria Lavine masterfully weaves a moving romance with all our favorite tropes: snowed in, only one tent, care and comfort, grumpy sunshine, he’s a doctor, she’s a writer, and all the banter!!

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

A giant thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to read this early. I’ll be recommending this book to everyone I know.

Wow wow wow! I honestly was shocked to learn this is a debut novel. I'll have to add Victoria Lavine to my list of must-read authors because I was so impressed with this book! It was truly a fun, heartfelt, warm romance in a beautiful setting and I felt connected to every character. May have to buy a physical copy of this one!

5/5 romance

I binged this book- it was SO freaking good. Holy cow. Could not put it down.

A romance book lover's dream! Also, her writing was hilarious. I laughed out loud so much. I also cried so much. It was beautiful and perfect. THE TENSION- chef's kiss.

Would definitely buy a hard copy and reread! I loved Forrest and Margot!!!!

If you loved Book Lovers by Emily Henry- you will love this!

i am truly blown away by this book!! when i tell you i could not put it down the second i started reading it.... i inhaled it, devoured it, couldn't get enough of it!! i am in awe that this is victoria lavine's debut book because it quite simply was INCREDIBLE!!!! this book is a love letter to all the hopeless romantics who also might be a little fearful of love. you will SWOON. you may cry. you're definitely going to laugh. and you'll be reminded why romance books and LOVE are the best !!!!

the way victoria built up the tension and longing between forrest & margot actually had me on the edge of my seat. the banter is top notch. the writing is all-consuming. the characters are easy to relate to and easy to love !!! i cannot express to you how much i ADORED this book. forrest is the PERFECT book boyfriend but he's also real. he struggles. he hurts. he grows. margot & savannah's sisterly bond is so so sweet and i couldn't help but smile and tear up at the same time.

SUCH a hopeful & beautiful book that i will be thinking about for a VERY long time!!!! and i fear i will be impatiently waiting for victoria's next book 😌

thank you so much Atria Books & Netgalley for the eARC! this is my honest review.

Oh I really enjoyed this!! Nice slow burn, believable characters and lots of snappy dialogue. I really liked how the author kinda sorta made fun of romance tropes, but in a way that made me smile and proud to be a romance reader. This was an enjoyable read, appreciate the early copy from NetGalley.

Any Trope But You is the debut novel of Victoria Lavine. And what a debut! Margot is a famous romance author who no longer believes in happily ever afters. As a way of dealing with her pain she creates a Happily Never After file that details alternate realistic endings to her novel. When a hacker releases the information her readers hurt by the file turn on her. To help Margot heal her sister Savannah sends Margot to Alaska to lick her wounds and try and write a new novel in a new genre. There she meets Forrest a doctor specializing in research who returned from LA to Alaska to care for his dad after an accident. Thus begins a slow burn, enemies to lovers tale with humor and heart.

This book is funny, romantic and full of heart. It touches on heartbreak, family and caring for an ailing family member. There is a depth to Victoria's story telling. It hits you in all the feels!! I cannot wait for more from this author! Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for an advanced copy. This is my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Victoria Lavine for the e-ARC of Any Trope but You, I absolutely fell in love with Forrest and Margot! The book is filled with romance tropes, family love, humor, and love. What an amazing debut novel!!!

Setting: Alaska/SoCal
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
Hurt/Comfort
Caring for family
Disability rep

Lavine’s debut is a love letter to the romance genre. About not giving up hope, a bond between sisters and showing up for one another, finding yourself, and maybe finding Dr. Mountain Daddy.

We meet Margot during a career low, and en route to remote Alaska for some time away to write a new non romance book. She instantly finds herself jumping into the arms of a man absolutely written by a woman - Forrest.
Margot and Forrest have to work through their own issues, while being cordial to one another and not giving in to the attraction. Cue the character growth. You can’t help but love these two, and the supporting characters moving the plot along.

Recognizing that sometimes we sacrifice so much of ourselves for others, we really don’t have the room to love anyone else and show up for ourselves. Margot and Forrest play this out well and show us when the right person comes along, a HEA is possible. HOWEVER, the third act breakup(s) shattered me a little (I say this as I am reading and writing this at 3:39am unable to put this down).

Full caveat — The first chapter of Margot’s narration didn’t hook me. I can’t pinpoint where I got sucked in, but I did. So don’t be deterred if you’re anything like me.

Van needs her own lil novella or something. Such a great side character, who spent little time physically on page but managed to take up so much space.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this debut eARC!

Any Trope But You stars Margot, a romance novelist whose career hangs in the balance after her disbelief in happily ever after is revealed to Romancelandia. In an attempt to help Margot salvage her career, Margot’s chronically ill sister sends her to a retreat in frigid Alaska for Margot to get some needed relaxation and a space to start drafting her first non-romance book.

There she meets Forrest, the son of the owner of the resort and a literal walking romance trope.

Even though she’s supposed be escaping romance, Margot seems to be in forced proximity with the only man that can make her backtrack on her vow to keep her heart safe.

Forrest, a doctor and researcher is back home in Alaska to look after his father after a devastating injury. He and Margo relate to each other’s experiences as caregivers for loved ones.

While this book is hilarious, with banter to die for and ever-escalating tropey-situations, there is a beautiful weight to this story in the careful character development of the two leads and the richness of the side characters and the main characters relationships with them.

I absolutely adored Any Trope But You. I highly recommend this to all readers of romance. Thanks to NetGalley, Victoria Lavine and Atria for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. What an amazing book.

I have never read anything by Victoria Lavine, but this book was so good. The enemies to lovers and serious topics discussed so gracefully was an amazing combination and made for a seriously intense read. I loved Forrest and Margot, and all the other characters as well. I loved that Scout the dog was such a prominent figure for Trapper, and am always a sucker for having animals included in books. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this title, and I look forward to reading many more books by this author!