Romantic Friction offers a clever take on the current tensions around AI, creativity, and what it means to be a “real” author. It has just the right mix of comedy and genuine insight.

This book follows Sofie, a bestselling author whose about to release the final book in her successful series. She's also set to headline a huge romance convention, which is a dream career moment, that is until debut author Hartley West comes into the picture.
Hartley’s self-published book is eerily similar to hers. It was written using AI and instead of being criticized, she's celebrated. Sofie reacts very emotionally to this & her viral meltdown starts a downfall. From there, things escalate for her, she finds herself reluctantly teaming up with other authors trying to reclaim her spotlight and make a stand for human creativity.

What unfolds is a chaotic behind the scenes of what authors can experience. While Sofie isn’t always the most likable character but she's very driven and passionate. Her growth is slow not all the way perfect, which felt realistic to me. The audiobook narration brought her voice (and all the characters) to life. Especially during the more outrageous moments. There’s also a touch of romance and a few unexpected twists that kept me engaged in the story!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about writing, publishing drama, and the ethics of AI in creative spaces. I would love to see Romantic Friction become a movie!



Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio For this Audiobook ALC.

Loved this book. Thanks for the arc copy. Can’t wait to post more about this closer to release date. Look for the review on my Instagram.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lori Gold and Harlequin Audio for the ALC of the audiobook!

"Why would I read the next Sofie Wilde when I am Sofie Wilde?"

Yeah, I'm not going to lie... I went into this with mid-level expectations and came out pleasantly surprised, a little pissed off and feeling a wee-bit vindicated on behalf of the FMC. The topic of AI in writing has become prevalent with a certain few authors coming under recent controversy in the past few months. You could say that the themes of Romantic Friction are perfectly on time. (Gretchen, stop trying to make AI happen! It's not going to happen!) It was not missed on me that the advertisement above the reviews for this story is AI Tools... Read the room, Goodreads.

"You don't have to look like a bitch to take one down."

If you like taking a peek behind the curtain of publishing and writing, having your blood boil over someone stealing your art, and love a fully-rounded but incredibly flawed round-up of characters bolstered by an incredible sense of humor, this book will be for you. It is not a romance, please don't be misconstrued!

Favorite Quotes:
"An actual Brad is a little non-descript, Plain Jane. A Brad's defining feature would be a tuft of dark chest hair peeking out the top of a tucked in golf shirt with some tech company's logo across the pocket. A true Brad does not have puffer vests, chiseled cheek bones, and those thick brown curls that would make McDreamy jealous. RIP."

"If this were high school, and by the way, publishing is totally high school, we're the cool kids and they're, well, not. We get the best panel timeslots, our books are featured on the event posters, and our rooms aren't simply rooms. They're suites facing the lake."

"And there it is... the thing that truly bonds every author. We may not have all been tortured, but we've been wounded. And unlike the rest of the population, for some reason, we feel the need to sort through those wounds by sharing them with the world. Even if, sometimes, they're masked by alternate dimensions and accompanied by killer manatees."

"Lacey claimed that responding to my online fans would make me seem relatable, as if a 49-year old woman living alone, no plants, no pets, in a 4,000 sq. ft house with a view of the ocean that she bought by torturing imaginary people could ever be relatable."

"I worked for this. I have a bathroom closet full of craft fair penguin candles that make me nauseous every time I grab a roll of toilet paper. Writing a book using AI, a coward's move, a brainless coward's move. Yet readers are too stupid to see it! They have murdered us, one and all... Here lies the remains of a breed of human we once called "Author," they are no more. Extinct. Rest in Peace."

This was a very interesting premise for a book. I really enjoyed the discussion about AI in writing books. I wish it went further though. Narrator did a good job giving depth to the characters. But overall, this one was just OK to me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC!

*~ Most unhinged MFC ~*

This one was alllll over the place for me. I feel like the premise was interesting but at times I was bored and then at times my jaw was on the floor from how crazy the characters were acting (as an allergy mom to a child who could die from nuts, that part was so messed up!) While I understand that the main point of this story was not romance, I still didn't really feel much chemistry between Sophie and her love interest and I just was left feeling icky with how neatly everything was tied up at the end. (especially the no-consequences for kidnapping part).

All in all.....eh.

What an interesting take on authors and AI !

Sophie Wilde has been writing romance books for many years. As she’s about to launch her last book in her 10 book series, she’s about to FINALLY achieve all of her dreams! Best-seller lists! Well known name! Interest in all of her characters in her books! And, headlining author events!!

When, suddenly, she’s about to be sidetracked by “ the next Sophie Wilde”.
Wait! What???

Hartley West has just written her first book. She’s been asked to appear with Sophie, when instead, she TAKES OVER the whole affair! And admits that she fashioned her new book on Sophie’s series… and used AI to do it!
And why not???

Well, this opens up a whole slew of comments, antics, threats, and a bunch of insecurities in Sophie, and ALL of her author friends!!

And what follows? Priceless!!

And, I’m going to stop 🛑 right here!! 🛑

This was fun, sassy, enlightening, cut-throat, and endearing!

#RomanticFriction by @LoriGold and narrated nicely by @CourtneyPatterson.

4 big, bright 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!


***RELEASED IN MAY, SO IF IT’S SOMETHING THAT SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU, LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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I was excited and honored to receive an ARC of *Romantic Friction* by Lori Gold. Thank you to NetGalley for this opportunity.

Sofie Wilde is the bestselling author of a fantasy romance series that is concluding with her tenth book. She is thrilled that her hard work is finally paying off and that she is receiving the recognition she has long deserved. However, a debut author named Hartley West is gaining attention with a book that closely resembles Sofie's writing style. Hartley openly admits to using AI to mimic Sofie's voice.

*Romantic Friction* addresses a unique and timely debate surrounding the use of AI in writing and other creative works, featuring both hilarious and cringeworthy moments. Several parts of the book had me laughing out loud.

I also enjoyed learning more about the publishing industry, writers, and book conventions. I went into the book expecting a romance, but it turned out to be more of a humorous fiction piece, with only a slight hint of romance.

I listened to the book as an audiobook and wondered if I would have enjoyed reading it more. At times, I struggled to differentiate between Sofie's dialogue and her internal thoughts. Sofie and Hartley were unlikable characters, likely by design, until the last few chapters. I found Cooper-Bradley to be the most enjoyable character. In the end, I was glad I didn’t DNF the book.

Sofie Wilde is a popular author, and the last book in her series is due for release. At her pre-release party, a new author, Hartley West, shows up and steals her thunder... After writing her book using AI. Sofie airs her frustration at being usurped, only to have a fan record her and share out everywhere. The book follows Sofie as she deals with the aftermath, and whether AI-written books are ethical or not.

This gets into the AI conversation really heavily. Is feeding someone's work into AI and then asking the AI program to spit out another story writing? If you edit it heavily, it's it then yours? Or is it plagiarism?

I found the book a really interesting think piece. The storyline stuff was fun and funny, with Sofie and her fellow authors getting more and more madcap crazy as it progresses.

It was a lot of fun, and the AI conversation is definitely one that needs to be had.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!

Here’s the thing. I really struggle with books about AI in writer spaces. It’s a very timely and important thing for us to be aware of and discussing, but it also gives me the ick.

This book was very well-written and I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. However, I’m still not sure how I feel about how the author approached AI. She highlighted how it can help writers and then went on to explain how it wasn’t really helping since there’s so much work to be redone in editing and making the story work once AI spits it out. But like…the more and more AI is trained and fed information and pieces, the more capable it’s going to become to do these things. Something just isn’t sitting right with me for how there was so much praise from one of the characters.

Thank you to Lori Gold, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC.

2.5⭐️ rounded up.

The writing style in this was really enjoyable and the audiobook narrator was fantastic, but I think the story was just not for me. Although the plot involves trying to take down an author using AI to become the next big romantasy author, I was expecting there to be more emphasis on how it’s harmful. There were several moments where the author almost seemed to be advocating for the use of AI by pointing out multiple benefits and I didn’t feel the cons of AI mentioned tipped the scales enough.
Apart from that, the shenanigans the main character gets into are enjoyable and it was a fun journey, the AI piece just really threw me off.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for the ALC!

Not going to lie I didn't read the blurb of this book before requesting it on Net galley I Liked the title of the book. So, the book is about Sophie Wilde an author who is one of the best she attends one of her book launches and a new debut author Hartley that is being compared to the new Sophie Wilde. Turns out she had written a book just like sophies using AI. Sophie gets upset and goes on a rant about how AI shouldn't be used and gets backlash for it she gets her keynote at a convention. She is determined to get what she has worked so hard for she enlists the help of author friends to kidnap Hartley. and then try not to get caught. The concept of this book is very controversial with the use of AI especially today. I don't believe its right to use to generate any type of story. I get its kind cool in certain aspects, but it removes the personal creativity of authors and any creator.

I went into this completely blind and was pleasantly surprised! It errs on the side of absurd but in a buddy comedy way. Think Melissa McCarthy type comedy (The Heat, Identity Theft, etc) but if it were written by romance authors. The discussion about AI is nuanced and was my favorite part of the book. I loved how deeply the author went into each side of the AI debate, making art accessible vs stealing from artists. It really had me thinking, and given I’ve been firmly in the “AI art is theft” camp, it surprised me that I found myself unable to truly pick a side between Wild and West. Love where that debate ended. Plotting was interesting, especially since our MC is an author so she lets us know where in the story structure we’re at lol

I can’t say I liked the characters all that much but I appreciated the character development. The two main characters feel very real to me and their arcs definitely helped their likability.

Audiobook narrator was great! The narration was consistent and well paced. Loved her voice changes for how the characters are acting in that moment (ex. acting timid and quiet). Great at distinguishing between different characters (the nasally character was a funny addition that definitely communicated better via audio). No complaints honestly, would recommend reading this via audio over physical.

✨Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review✨

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.

The audio is well done, even incorporating accents and voices for characters during dialogue.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Well, this didn’t go as planned. 😂😂 I wrongly “assumed” that this friction was between a man and a woman, and there would be a spice 🔥 show. But in reality, this friction was between two authors! Both female and not sexual at all. But it was still good. 😜

Interesting concepts to think about with AI (it’s every where these days, isn’t it?!).

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

2.75 ⭐️⭐️s

While the premise of this book was fantastic, I felt like this was a miss for me. I found myself listening to the audiobook, but not really finding myself as engaged with it as I would have liked to be. The beginning had me hooked, and the narrator was fantastic, but toward the middle portion of the book it began to lag for me a bit. I found myself looking back to see how much longer I had to go because it felt like the important part of the book had already happened. It could just be because I am at a busy point in the summer and could not give it my full attention. With that said, I do think this would be a wonderful audiobook for anyone interested in the publishing industry. It's super timely and intriguing.

Thank you to Lori Gold, Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for an early audio recording for an honest review.

3.5.

Premise was definitely interesting/unique, but execution was not my favorite. I couldn't get over Sophie's character. I did enjoy the debate about where AI fits in the publishing world and this would definitely lend itself nicely to a book club for proper discussion!

3.75 stars

I can't get through a day of work without a conversation about AI. Not shocking given that I work in software strategy. So...why not extend that AI fun to my leisure activities?!?

Lori Gold turns the publishing world into a glittery battlefield in Romantic Friction, and it is deliciously chaotic. Sofie Wilde—bestselling queen of “romantasy”—is cruising toward her final curtain call… until Hartley West, a self-published newcomer, drops a bombshell: her debut novel is entirely AI-generated using Sofie's hit series as source material. Instead of outrage, Hartley becomes a viral darling—with Sofie’s fans cheering her on...excited about new books that remind them of Wilde's writing.

Cue Sofie’s meltdown, caught on camera and viral before she can even blink. As Hartley zooms to stardom and Sofie loses her Romance Convention keynote, the rivalry sparks an all-out authors’ revolt at the convention—complete with conspiracy-level plotting and shady alliances.

What really scores? The behind-the-scenes peek at agents, publicists, promo tours, and that sweet, sweet sibling-like camaraderie among writers scrambling for relevance in an AI-upended world
Gold mixes witty dialogue with moments of real emotional grit, turning the book into part comedy of errors, part ethical debate about what makes storytelling and art human.

Why it's a 3.75-star hit:
+set (in part) hyper-local to me... South shore of MA

+ Sharp satire on AI vs. authenticity (so timely it gave me side-eye for days).

+ Buzz-worthy premise and convention antics.

- I found Sophie to be unlikeable but she got better towards the end

– The thriller-ish gimmick near the end reads like a surprise twist in a rom-com—fun but a little jolting.

Overall, it's a fun, clever romp for anyone who enjoys books about books. A solid 3.75 for its sharp humor, timely theme, and backstage peek at writerly warfare.

Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ARC!

Romantic Friction was a fun and very timely novel for our current world. As someone who used to work in the field of AI, I was really intrigued by the premise. However, this one fell a little flat for me. I'm not totally sure what it was - the characters kind of bugged me and it felt somewhat repetitive. I do plan to read more by this author in the future though!

Thank you again for the ARC!

The narration in this audiobook was well done and kept me engaged throughout.
The story begins with a debut author confessing to using AI to help write her novel, which led me to believe the plot would focus more heavily on the implications of AI in the publishing world. While this topic is touched on—mainly through a debate—it doesn’t take center stage. Instead, the core of the story revolves around a seasoned author who slowly realizes that she’s been shutting people out and prioritizing her success, even when surrounded by a supportive group of fellow female authors.
The narrative takes an entertaining and unexpected turn involving a kidnapping and a bold scheme to hijack an author panel, which adds a fun and quirky twist to the plot.
There are definitely some humorous moments sprinkled throughout, making this an enjoyable listen overall.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

Thought provoking satire - not a romance.

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️ - a kiss
Narration: 👂👂👂.5

Sofie Wilde is a popular romantasy writer who is wrapping up a series she's been writing for ten years. When a new, self published author is labeled the "next Sofie Wilde," OG Sofie's publisher thinks it would be great if they did a signing together. At the signing, a forceful guest gets the new Sofie (real name Hartley) to admit that she didn't write her book, AI did. Sofie is shocked when social media actually embraces the new author an her approach, so much so that Sofie is worried she'll lose her upcoming headline at the annual romance convention. Can she work with other authors to stop Hartley and her AI written book?

Sometimes before I start an ALC, I'll check what the rating is on Goodreads, just to have an idea going in. Yes, I know GR ratings aren't perfect, but its a snapshot. This one is currently sitting around a 3.5, but I don't think its because its bad, but because you don't know what it is going in. I feel you have to approach this as satire with some thoughtful insights in order to appreciate it. The main character is really unlikeable for about 80% of the book and even then its not a complete turn around. There are also some things that happen in the story that seem unrealistic and the romance element is barely on the page and since you don't like Sofie, why would you want her to find love. BUT it does offer a behind the scenes of the book world which I know many readers like and it does offer some valid arguments on the benefits of AI and how technology keeps evolving, even in creative spaces. It got me thinking and led to discussions with other readers. For that, I gave it a 3.5. Recommend if you understand these things going in.