Book Review: Not in My Book by [Author’s Name]
When I first picked up Not in My Book, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a delicious enemies-to-lovers storyline sprinkled with academia, witty banter, and the challenge of creativity. The clever title hinted at a nuanced exploration of romance and rivalry right in the heart of a writing workshop. Little did I know, I was in for a rollercoaster of swoon-worthy moments alongside some rather eye-rolling ones!
Set against the backdrop of a quirky writing workshop, Not in My Book centers on Aiden Huntington and Rosie Maxwell, two recent graduates with a fierce rivalry and deep-seated feelings that neither can acknowledge. Their dynamic unfolds with an effortless charm, kicking off with sharp retorts and a series of not-so-subtle clashes that had me both chuckling and cringing. Aiden’s grumpy yet sweet persona is enticing—because who doesn’t love a brooding literary genius? But I found myself frustrated at times, wishing he’d let go of the “sworn enemy” trope a tad quicker.
Rosie, on the other hand, was a delightful breath of fresh air. Fierce, talented, and unapologetically herself, she kept Aiden on his toes and dished out comebacks that had me cheering her on. Her perspective on life—looking at the world through "Rosie-tinted glasses"—was both charming and infectious. One of her quotes resonated with me deeply: "Love is always worth fighting for." It encapsulates the heart of the story beautifully.
While the buildup between Aiden and Rosie felt magnetic, the last part of the book took a turn I wasn’t fully prepared for. The grand gesture was undoubtedly heartfelt, but it felt a tad exaggerated, leading me to an underwhelming finale after such a strong start. The pacing, too, seemed to stumble as it rushed toward that climactic moment, leaving me wishing for a bit more finesse in the transition.
Speaking of transitions, let’s talk about the smut. I know. As someone who indulges regularly in dark romance, I found the intimate scenes here to be somewhat cringy and discordant with the overall tone of the book. I ended up skipping some chapters, which is probably the least glamorous thing to admit. But here’s the irony: I loved how the characters were crafted, and I wanted their evolution to unfold in a way that matched their clever dialogue and emotional depth.
At the heart of it all, Not in My Book beautifully captures the essence of growing and evolving through love and rivalry. If you’re looking for a story that evokes all those warm, fuzzy feelings while simultaneously making you cringe at mushy moments, then this book might just be your perfect companion this winter. Just a heads up—if you like your romantic stories with a sprinkle of realism in communication (and maybe less smut), you may find yourself in the same boat as I was!
In short, if you enjoy characters who make you swoon, witty banter, and the bittersweet sting of unspoken feelings, grab a copy of Not in My Book! You might just find yourself yearning for your very own Aiden or Rosie. Happy reading! 💌
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.