Any Trope But You

"Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Victoria Levine for the ARC of *Any Trope But You*! I’m thrilled to give this book 4.25 stars.<br/><br/>This book resonated with me right away, largely because it’s set in Alaska, which is where I’m from. The authentic Alaskan setting added an extra layer of warmth to the story for me.<br/><br/>What really made this story shine was the growth and change in its characters. Both Margot and Forrest have been hurt and are guarded in their own ways, but watching them break down walls and gradually heal each other's wounds was rewarding. Margot’s inner monologue was a standout, and I found myself cackling at her wry, often hilariously relatable thoughts. Her humor made her feel so real and approachable, and it added a lightness that kept the story engaging from start to finish.<br/><br/>Forrest also grew on me as a character; his journey was just as moving as Margot’s, and their interactions struck a perfect balance of fun, warmth, and genuine vulnerability. I’m grateful to have experienced a romance story where the characters help each other find joy and strength while still feeling layered and complex.<br/><br/>For readers who love a blend of humor, growth, and a beautifully rugged setting, *Any Trope But You* is a fantastic choice."

"3.5 stars<br/><br/>Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine is a rom-com for those who claim to be anti-rom-com but are secretly hopeless romantics who just haven't met the one to prove them wrong. That's the exact premise of this book. Margot, our FMC, is a famous romance writer who does not believe in Happily Ever After. When a cyber leak endangers her career, she flees to a remote resort in Alaska as a forced retreat. She believes she is finally free from writing romance, but little does she know, she's about to meet the real life MMC who embodies every single trope she has ever written.<br/><br/>On the surface, this book might seem like another cutesy rom-com, but it's much deeper. This book covers in depth what it means to truly love someone, and not just in the romantic way. Both MCs have to grapple with the difficult reality of weighing what comes first, their love for family members in need or their love for someone who they could be with for the rest of their life. Where does one love end and the other begin? Do they have to be mutually exclusive? Of all the conflicts that could exist in a romance, this has to be one of the most genuine and realistic ones, and Lavine does it justice.<br/><br/>On the other hand, the initial part of the romance is a bit Insta-lovey, which contrasts sharply with how deep of a relationship the two MCs end up developing. Also the frequent use of the F-bomb sometimes takes away from the beauty of a potentially profound moment. And for those who, like me, do not like spice in books, there are a couple chapters to avoid.<br/><br/>All in all, this is a refreshing romance for those who enjoy reading about complex relationships between characters and who appreciate a more nuanced conflict between the romantic leads.<br/><br/>Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.<br/><br/>Any Trope But You is available everywhere now wherever books are sold."