Romantic Friction is a book that deals with a very timely issue, using AI to write books. Sofie Wilde is a bestselling fantasy romance writer with her series sales breaking bestseller records. She is set to publish the tenth and final book in her series when she is asked, for the first time, to headline the event. She is proud and excited about this honour, one she won’t let anyone take from her, especially “the next Sofie Wilde.” Hartley West, a self-published debut author writes in her style and admits to everyone that Sofie's books saved her life. What will everyone think when she tells everyone that used AI to create her novel? Sofie is sure that readers and media will go after her, but instead, they laud her for being innovative. Hartley defends herself by telling everyone that she still had to edit many times to have a book ready to publish and that it is just as good or maybe even better than Sofie's final offering in her series. Sofie loses it and goes on a rant that ends up on social media and now she is the one that everyone is talking about in a negative way. How can she possibly redeem herself? How will the publishing world protect itself from books being written in AI and not needing them? How will Sofie get the coveted keynote spot back?

I found this premise very interesting. I have been leery of AI, ChatGPT and all those creators for this very reason. Being a retired teacher, I worry that people won't need to think anymore. This book is not a romance. There might be some feelings and chemistry between some of the characters, but that is not what this story is all about. There is some humour when several of the authors band together to help Sofie put together a plan to get Hartley out of the picture. I wasn't a fan of Sofie. I found her to be self-centered, and not really part of the community of writers. We learn more about her as the story goes on and there are some explanations of why she is the way she is, but it was still hard to like her. She does change throughout the story, when she puts herself in other's shoes. This is a bit of a crazy, over the top story at times, but I did enjoy all the antics and reactions. When we finally learn more about Hartley and her journey as a writer, I could finally smile. Overall, this is an interesting peek into the publishing world, the authors, the agents and editors with some important issues, friendship, a bit of romance and a nice conclusion.

When an author feels threatened by a new "author" using AI to sell books, shenanigans ensue.

Sofie Wilde has a career of best selling books, but one viral rant over an upcoming AI author (Hartley West) being compared to her, threatens her livelihood. Will she stand for it? No! Sofie enlists a group of author friends to help her stop Hartley, vowing, “‘The next Sofie Wilde’—over my dead body. Or hers.”

I love a good grumpy character and the fact that she was willing to commit a felony to defend her writing ....well it was entertaining to say the least.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

An author struggling in this new found (not pleasant) world of AI that we have? It's a mess and chaotic to say the least. I wasn't expecting the level of humor that I saw in this book - there were some moments I truly found myself laughing outloud! Then the drama? It was SO intense, and this book felt like a mix of an escape paired with a book hitting far too close to home. I do feel like this book would be amazing to be used in a writers reading group - brings up a lot of good things to discuss, and could bring up some really healthy and guided conversations!

The one struggle I really found with this book was the pacing - sometimes it felt fast and I was sucked in and engaged, but then the page would turn and it would be so slow going I'd immediately be disengaged. A bit of a push and pull for sure!

DNF @ 57%

setting: illinois
rep: n/a

this just wasn't what i thought it was or wanted it to be. part of that is on me - i misread the synopsis and, based on the title, i thought this would be sapphic. that's my bad. but the rest is all on the author. the protagonist is intensely unlikeable, the plot is ridiculous, and the entire premise just doesn't work. there's no way hartley would be worshipped the way she is in this book in reality. she literally admits that she fed sophie's books to AI and asked it to write another and then published it as her own work and i'm supposed to believe they want to give her the keynote speech at a romance convention? sorry, it's just ridiculous. i had to give up at just over halfway when i realised the audiobook was quite literally putting me to sleep - while i was driving on the motorway.

really good book! fun story! would def recommend! i liked the characters a lot and it was a fun plotline

I tried but I couldn’t get very far. The narrator was so darn mean and self-centered. Plus the conflict with AI and the reaction from the publishing world was super unrealistic. Not for me.

This is such an interesting story, especially today! This story follows Sofie Wilde, a best-selling author whose 10th and final novel in a series is overshadowed by a new author, Hartley. This new debut author used AI to generate her first novel. At a romance convention, Sofie has to stop Harley from making this the new norm. Seeing behind the scenes of book conventions and author lives was super cool. I cannot say this was a book I loved, but I did find it intriguing. Thank you for the e-arc!

This is such a timely and important book!

Sofie Wilde is now a successful author. At an event, a new author being lauded as the next "Sofie Wilde" steals the spotlight and admits to using AI to write like Sofie. When Sofie flies off the handle, her success starts to disappear, seemingly taken by Hartley West. Teaming up with some fellow authors, they vow to take her down and stop this before it takes over publishing.

This is a shocking idea that I hate but what a great idea for a book. I was on the edge of my seat.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Net Galley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

In a world where artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping creativity, Romantic Friction by Lori Gold dives headfirst into one of the publishing industry’s most heated debate in recent years. This sharp, witty novel follows Sofie Wilde, a bestselling fantasy romance author whose career takes an unexpected turn when a self-published newcomer, Hartley West, rises to fame—thanks to AI-generated storytelling. As Sofie fights to protect her legacy, the book explores the evolving definition of authorship, the tension between tradition and innovation, and the emotional stakes of an industry in flux.

Sofie is a bit of a loner, and she certainly doesn’t have close friends after the trauma she endured as a young child in school. Even though she’s been wildly successful with her fantasy romance books, the launch of the tenth and final installment in her popular series should be an exciting moment for her. But someone proclaiming herself the “New Sofie Wilde” is encroaching on Sofie’s turf and loudly shouting that she wrote her self-published book in the vein of Sofie’s writing using only artificial intelligence, and Sofie’s carefully curated life starts to crumble. Sofie never thought that the public would embrace Hartley West, even with her yelling from the rooftops how she stole Sofie’s work to churn out her own self-published novel that is a read alike for Sofie’s series.

Before Sofie knows it, Hartley has snaked Sofie’s keynote speech gig at the annual convention. Sofie’s fellow traditionally published authors basically gang up on her to end this AI-Hartley West stuff, and that’s when this book goes off the rails.

I really enjoyed a peek into the lives of authors and how a lot of them are friendly and interact with each other. I sympathized with Sofie, especially since what should have been her shining moment was stomped all over by the arrival of someone who seemingly didn’t deserve to be there at all. Sofie is both likeable and not likeable at times, but her actions out of desperation made me laugh a lot. There were a few twists and mis-directions, and all of that made Romantic Friction highly enjoyable. Sofie goes through quite a bit of personal growth, and I loved to see her open her tight little small world and expand it–first out of force, but then because she wants these people in her life.

Gold’s novel is a fast-paced, thought-provoking read that blends humor, suspense, and social commentary. Whether you’re a book lover, an aspiring writer, or simply intrigued by the intersection of technology and art, Romantic Friction delivered a compelling ride. I did feel like the ending was rushed and a bit abrupt, but overall this was a fun look at how someone reacts when their work is stolen and their future career is threatened.

My newest summer read recommendation: ROMANTIC FRICTION! Lori Gold has given readers a gift with this book, tackling a very timely topic in publishing with buckets of humor and antics.

Trope: Authors behaving badly! 👍🏻
Issue at hand: AI in publishing 👎🏻

Sophie Wilde is a bestselling romantasy author. As buzz builds for her 10th and final series novel, a debut author emerges. Hartley dubs herself “the next Sophie Wilde.” Only her book is suspiciously similar to Sophie’s style, and now Hartley is defending her use of AI in generating her work product.

When the two meet up again at romance reader’s convention, things take a shocking turn…

I could not stop reading - and laughing - through this story! Do yourself a favor and pop this in your beach or pool bag. This is probably the most fun I’ve ever had reading about a hot button issue.

As someone who doesn't know (or care?) too much about AI, I found Romantic Friction's look at how it steals from authors' works enlightening- and frightening. Hartley West at first appears to be just a Sophie Wilde superfan who writes fan-fiction in the same style of Sophie Wilde, but clearly there is more to her than meets the eye.

Hartley wants to be a successful author too and sees using AI as a way to do that. Sophie rightly feels that Hartley is stealing from her, and as things begin to spiral out of control at the romance convention, she must figure out a way to stop Hartley.

Other romance authors at the convention confront Sophie and insist that she stop Hartley or they fear that there will be more Hartleys coming their way stealing their books. I did feel that the other romance authors were less well-drawn that than other characters in the book.

And who is this handsome mysterious man oddly named Cooper-Brad who appeared at the infamous book signing and now shows up at the romance convention? Is he Hartley's partner in crime or someone who Sophie can count on to help her?

Sophie is a great flawed character. She drinks too much, is pretty anti-social with other authors, and has trouble with the concept of friendship.

There are hijinks a-plenty as Sophie attempts to stop Hartley, and if you've ever been to a book convention, you'll enjoy that aspect of the story. (If you haven't been to a convention, you'll like it as well.)

There's also a few twists in this fun inside baseball look at the publishing industry, and it's not all flattering, but it is thought-provoking.

This novel was a fun romp behind the scenes of publishing, book conventions, and the rivalries of authors and technology.

While the writing style wasn't always my favorite (the mention of gray pubic hairs and pancake boobs was entirely superfluous imo); it was still a good summer read for the over the top hijinks. The topic of AI vs author is especially relevant now more than other and does a good job of presenting different facets of this in an entertaining way. Most of the characters were pretty unlikeable but felt realistic. For the characters being kinda grumpy, there was a bit too much of a happily ever after ending for me but it did wrap up nicely.

This book was a wild and fun ride. I honestly never knew what was going to happen next. The topic of AI is very relevant to the book industry today and it was a little eye opening to some of the publishing world. I ended the book not knowing how I felt about any of the characters and it made for a good and realistic book. It was a fun and funny book. I could easily picture the scenes that were written. I did think the romance part could have been cut out but other than that it was fun.

Very funny but pacing was off at times. Great commentary on the publishing industry. Very timely topic on the use of AI. Love an unlikeable MC who is a touch unhinged

This was a great read! Lots of twist and turns I did not anticipate! This story was funny, had a great shock factor, and hooked me by the first page! I had moment I laughed! All in all a great story! Highly recommend! 5/5 stars!

This book is pure chaos in the best way. Romantic Friction dives headfirst into the drama of the publishing world, fandom culture, and the growing tension around AI in storytelling. Sofie Wilde is a bestselling author at the top of her game—until a debut author using AI threatens to steal her spotlight (and her legacy) right before a huge convention.

It’s sharp, messy, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful. Sofie is absolutely unhinged, but also kind of relatable in that “I’m spiraling but still trying to hold it together” way. Watching her go from literary icon to public meltdown was both cringey and hilarious. And Hartley? The AI-using rival? Way more complicated than I expected.

If you’re into books about books—with a satirical edge, a little murder-y energy, and a lot of tension over what “real” writing means—this one’s for you.

I loved this book! I loved this deep dive into the world of publishing and the look at the dangers Ai poses to the creation of real art. This story is fast-paced, hilarious, and so captivating! This definitely felt similar to a Finlay Donovan novel, which I loved! Full of hi-jinks, quick-paced plot lines and witty dialogue. And many important and interesting reflections on the publishing world at large.

From the beginning, I could tell this book was going to be hilarious 5 star material. Gold definitely delivered. I have never read anything by Lori Gold, but the synopsis and cover made me want to read it. I am so glad I did! I laughed out loud several times.
I thought it was a great look at what we are facing in society. At what point will everything be done by AI. However, Lori Gold took this serious issue and somehow made it funny. Gold raises some very thought-provoking questions. How do we know when an author uses her own words or are the words driven by AI?
This book was very genuine and definitely a current hot topic in the world. The main character, Sofie is trying to end her amazing series with book 10 about to be release on a positive note. However, in walks her nemesis, Hartley who begins the great debate over what is real and what is not. Hartley's AI work is very similar to Sofie's and so begins a viral debate. Will this ruin Sofie's 10th and final novel? As other authors rally around Sofie claiming her authenticity, as well as their own. Who will win this battle? Pick this one up and find out. This novel gives you all the required things to make a book great, laugh out loud humor, great banter and drama.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lori Gold for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

I found this book to be very entertaining especially towards the second half. At the start I was not too fond of Sofie. She was very opinionated and even a little judgmental, making her slightly unlikeable. The topic of AI in the book community is a current one and I thought the author did a good job showing the two sides that were relevant here. Once the book convention started there were more humorous moments and even some banter between the characters. The drama and some actions Sofie took may have been a little over the top at times but I never knew what to expect.

Thank you @getredprbooks @lorigoldsteinbooks and @harpercollins for the gifted copy.

A Hilarious, Wild Ride Through the World of Words!

Romantic Friction by Lori Gold was such a blast to read—I truly enjoyed every minute of it! From the opening chapter to the completely unhinged (and brilliant) finale, this book was a rollercoaster of laughs, drama, and surprisingly heartfelt moments.

Sophie Wilde, our main character and an author herself, gets caught up in a viral rant, a romance convention, and a chaotic kidnapping plot that somehow blends satire, suspense, and sincere emotion perfectly. The behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry felt fresh and fascinating—especially with all the buzz around AI and artistic integrity worked into the plot.

It’s not just about books, though. At its core, this story celebrates the power of friendship and staying true to your creative voice. The light romance sprinkled in was charming, but the true heart of the story lies in its wit and insight.

The audiobook was absolutely fantastic! Courtney Patterson brought so much flair to the narration—nailing every dramatic beat with comedic gold. Her performance elevated an already entertaining story into something truly memorable.

This is the perfect pick for a book club—there’s so much to talk (and laugh) about. Authors as main characters, industry shenanigans, viral chaos, and a side of emotional depth? Count me in.