Lanie Bloom is in love. She was in college when she first came across the novels of Noa Calloway. She wasn’t one to pick up a romance novel, but her roommate convinced her to give the book a try. It ended up changing her life.

Now, Lanie is an editor at Peony Press, the publisher of Noa Calloway’s books. It’s her boss, editorial director Alix who usually works with the bestselling author, but Alix is out on maternity leave, and they are about to launch her latest novel, Two Hundred and Sixty-Six Vows. While Laniie helps put out the fires at the big launch event their publicity department has put together, she tries not to think about how her new manuscript is already four months late. And she’s never late.

But when is successful, with Lanie’s speech a triumph, she gets called into Sue’s office. Sue is the president and publisher of Peony Press, and she doesn’t act spontaneously. Lanie is worried that she’s about to be fired because of the overdue manuscript, but that’s not what Sue wants to tell her. Alix has decided she wants to stay home with her new baby, and Sue is willing to offer Lanie the job of editorial director. With one caveat. Lanie gets that new Noa Calloway manuscript turned in and edited by her deadline. Otherwise, Lanie is fired.

So, no pressure.

Lanie agrees, because what choice does she have? And then she gets to work. She has never met Noa in person. She notoriously doesn’t go to her own launches or does in-person interviews or shows up at the publishing house to shake hands with those who help her get the books ready for shelves. Lanie knows Noa’s assistant Terry, known as “The Terrier,” who protects her fiercely. And she does have an email relationship with the author. Shortly after starting at Peony, she emailed the author to tell her how much she enjoys her books, and the two have been writing back and forth and even playing online chess ever since.

But things are different now. Lanie needs the latest book, and she just knows in her gut that Noa is blocked. Lanie doesn’t know why, but her editor’s instincts tells her that Noa needs help. And she comes up with a plan to help her. And when Noa wants to meet in person, Lanie is all in. But when she does, she finds out the secret Noa has been keeping, the reason she never comes face to face with any of her readers, and Lanie is stunned. It makes her question everything she thought she knew about life, about relationships, about love, and even about her impending marriage to her fiancé Ryan. But she has to figure out what she truly believes about love to figure out what she wants, what Noa needs, and how to make the new book a success.

Author Lauren Kate has written many bestselling YA romance novels, but By Any Other Name is her first adult romance novel. And it is worth the wait! With charming characters and lots of interesting situations, this novel brings a sweetness and an effortlessness to love without getting maudlin or glib.

Whether these characters are taking lessons on motorcycle riding, irritating people on a train with smelly food, breaking into a house, or just hanging out with Javier Bardem (he’s a rabbit), these scenes are just fun to read. Add in Lanie’s scene-stealing grandmother, and the book is a triumph. I absolutely loved this book. It’s the one I reached for when I was feeling down or frustrated, and my only complaint is that is was over too soon. I loved it all, and I recommend it anyone who loves romance novels, or for anyone who just needs a sweet pick-me-up during a rough week.

Egalleys for By Any Other Name were provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons through NetGalley, with many thanks.

The story follows Lanie who is a romance editor and specifically working for an author named Noa Callaway who is a well renowned author and one that she respects and seeks inspiration from. Lanie is told that she will get the promotion she’s been dreaming of if she can get Noa to produce a manuscript after they have been behind schedule. The thing about Noa is that they are mysterious in the sense that nobody has met them in person before. When Lanie actually gets to meet Noa, it shatters her interpretation of who Noa would be. Noa turns out to be a guy named Noah.

This story is marketed as a romance, but I would think it is more so a women’s fiction novel. There is pieces of romance in the storyline, but that is not the main focus. To be honest, I could not get into the story as much as I thought I would and did not get hooked from the start. I found myself not really liking Lanie as a main character, and felt that the pacing of the story was off.

However, I believe those who work in the editor/publisher space may really resonate with the development Lanie goes through and may enjoy this read!

Thank you Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

By Any Other Name is a standalone enemies to lovers is a standalone contemporary romance by Lauren Kate. It is told from the heroine’s POV, with a happy ending. Tropes: enemies to lovers

Book editor Lanie Bloom is a romantic through and through with a ninety-nine check list for her ideal man. But after having to meet with her idol, author Noa Callaway to help with writer’s block, she’s blown away with who she comes face to face with, and after seven years of digital friendship they’ll have to reorder everything they knew about each other.

I hadn’t read a Lauren Kate book in ten years with her young adult, fantasy series! So when I saw this title in the contemporary romance genre, I jumped at the chance to read it and I had a great time doing so,

I really enjoyed both Lanie and Noah’s character development which was the focus of the story as it is low steam and PG. The banter between them was wonderful and the plot felt fresh and charming. I would have loved some parts told from Noah’s POV with I still enjoyed getting to read about his backstory and weaknesses.

By Any Other Name is a love letter to readers and romance novels, and the impact they can have in our lives. ⁠
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Unlike traditional romance novels, this story covers the shock of having the rug pulled out from under you when your favorite author turns out to not be who you thought they were; that inspiration can strike anywhere; and that sometimes what you plan for is not what you actually need in your life. ⁠
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BAON has a literal man written by a woman with Noah being raised by three romance-loving women. It has a dash of crime, motorcycle lessons, people bonding over eating pungent foods in confined public spaces (Noah and Lanie: why? 😖), the cutest pets that are the opposite of their owners but also perfect: a tortoise for Lanie and a rabbit for Noah. ⁠
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A Spoiler Rant:⁠
I was appalled at Lanie's fiancee expecting her to convert religions and leave her whole life once they got married. The expectation that she leave such a big part of her identity, history, and culture that is embedded in Judaism in order for his political career to appear flawless gave me a major ick. Ugh, he made me so mad and it made me mad at her that she didn't confront him about it until way later in their relationship! Like girl-this is something you say immediately!!⁠
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Rant over.⁠
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⭐⭐⭐⭐.5⁠
🌶️ (no spice, really)⁠
🌈🌈⁠
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Triggers: Mentions of and cancer Alzheimers in family members, mentions of parental death⁠
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Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and the opportunity to read this work of art.

I absolutely adored this book! I read this book in two sittings. I could've read another 200 pages. Or a bonus chapter from our love interest would be good. I thought it was pretty predictable, but that didn't put any points against it.

Lanie's happy - she's a romance editor (her dream job) at Peony Press and she's engaged to Ryan, a perfect man who checks off her 99 boxes. But is it enough? She's starting to wonder. Lanie's up for another promotion at work - but only if she can get another bestseller-worthy manuscript out of their star romance author Noa Calloway (who also happens to be Lanie's hero - the author who changed Lanie's career path to editing). In three months. But Noa has writer's block. Oh - and she has to sign an NDA. Noa Calloway has never been seen at her launches or events. She doesn't have bios in her books. She's a mystery to everyone who doesn't sign that NDA. Lanie and Noa have been emailing for seven years and have formed a deep friendship, but the truth of Noa's identity is about to turn Lanie's world upside down.

The different dynamics between Ryan and our new love interest could not have been explained better.

This isn't a classic steamy romance (no steam at all actually, but I was ok with it) - there were heartfelt moments and chemistry and it was a true love story rather than instalove.

What I liked:
-the unique yet realistic plot
-Lanie's pet tortoise, Alice.
-our love interest (swoon - he checks all my boxes!)
-Lanie's grandma BD
-Lanie's independent spirit
-Chapter 1 of Noa Calloway's upcoming book. I may have cried happy tears.

What I didn't:
-I wanted a teeny bit more romance at the end
-The cover

Tropes: Clean Romance, friends to enemies to friends to lovers, books about books,

BY ANY OTHER NAME by Lauren Kate is my first experience reading anything by this author. I enjoyed the storyline, the pace of the writing, and the character development. It reads really fast and leaves you with that good feeling in your chest. The ending was unique, and it took me a while to figure out what I thought of it. I guess that just shows how much I wanted the story to continue. I don't want to spoil anything in this review so I will just say that people who enjoy a good romance will enjoy this book. I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book is about books and a slow-burning romance that will give you all the swoony feels. Books about books tend to scare me, but I went ahead and read this. I don't regret it at all. This book will make you swoon from left to right and blush until your cheeks hurt.

What do you do when the person you've had a faceless connection with turns out to be someone you never expect? I love a man with so much mystery and sophistication. Noah is that man. The banter between Lanie and Noah at first seemed like these two weren't going to work out. Then you have Noah helping Lanie break into her ex-fiance's apartment.

I would have loved to see more of their relationship as a couple. Oh, did I say it's a clean romance... yes, it is! All fluff aside, this is a must-read.

Thank you, Netgalley and Putnam, for this gifted arc.

4 STARS

By Any Other Name narrates the story of Lanie , a romance editor and Noah , a romance author . Lanie had been Noah's fan since the beginning of his career and she comes to light about his identity when she is given a chance to work with him.

I have never read a book like this following a similar plotline which was refreshing . It is a REALLY SLOW SLOW BURN . Their first kiss is the last page of the book . It was a quick read . I finished it in two sitting. It has slow burn, friends to lovers ,bookish tropes . They both have been friends with each other for 7+ years before seeing each other. I loved how they bonded over online chess. The end was beautiful but felt rushed . We never get a glimpse into his head as it is one pov (other than the first chapter of his book). Maybe that is why I felt rushed . Other than that it was perfect.

OUT 1ST MARCH

3.25/5 stars!

The heroine is satisfied with how her professional and personal life are doing. She has a man who pretty much completes her checklist, and an editing job that she loves. When something unexpected occurred at her job, the heroine finds herself working with the author she has corresponds with for years. As the heroine tries to solve the author's writer's block, she learns new things about this particular author that will change her life.

This is the first Laurent Kate book that I've read. It was an entertaining read about an editor and her relationship with a particular author. This felt more like a women' fiction book rather than a romance, though said romance is still there. I liked the latter half of the book than the first half due to how the story flowed. The heroine has flaws, but she changed to become a better person in the end. It would have been better if the story involved dual perspectives since I needed to know the author's voice in this book. Overall, an entertaining read.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was clever, fun and sweet. It held my interest and I wanted to find out what would happen next. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

When Lanie gets a promotion at work and becomes editor to her favorite author she is so excited. But Noa Callaway is notorious for being difficult and very few people have met her. Lanie is about to find out there’s a reason for that and the person she has idolized for so long is really a lie.

I love a good book about book lovers and this one did not disappoint - especially since it was about a romance book editor and author - what could possibly be better? This book was such a fun and quick read and book lovers definitely need to pick it up as soon as possible. I’m a sucker for a good enemies to lovers story and this was just the light read I needed. I adored the side characters (Lainey’s grandma is hysterical) and getting the behind the scenes look at he publishing world. I do wish there had been a few more chapters, but that is my only complaint. I will definitely be reading more by Lauren Kate in the future!

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

By Any Other Name is such a wholesome and serendipitous book. I loved reading Lanie and Noa's story. It encourages us to lean into the mysteries of undeniable attraction. I would have loved a little more spice, but the bond between the characters and the story is satisfying enough. Such an honor to read this grounding and hopeful story. Go read this book, preferably on a park bench.

BY ANY OTHER NAME is a romance about a book editor, Lanie, who finally gets to work with her favorite author, Noa Callaway, only to find out that Noa is actually a man named Noah. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. It definitely gave me all the happy squishy feelings. But when I finished, I was left feeling like I wanted so much more from the story. You can see the romance between these two characters coming a mile away (which is totally fine), but nothing even starts until the very end of the book. Ultimately, the story felt too easy, and I would have liked to see more of the characters getting together and messing things up before figuring it all out. Again, though, it was fun to read and made me happy. I guess I'm just not used to reading romances that end with the first kiss, but if you're in the mood for something light and fun, check this one out.

(I received an eARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

This was not my favorite romance story i've ever read. I did like the 'reclusive author is unexpectedly a hot guy' angle and the bitterness turned romance was fun. But I felt no chemistry at all and little interest in Lanie as a character. The fact she and Ross had become friends online ebfore the big reveal was nice, but I still didn't feel anything.

Real Rating: 2.5 stars. I really really wish I liked this more but nothing happened. I mean yes, there was a story and it did end. But to me, it felt like there were parts of the story that were missing to make it a complete story. It was just not for me. I didn't find Lanie's relationships with really anyone believable. Every relationship with people was short and to me didn't fit. I guess you could say there was character development with Noah but was there really any with Lanie? There were moments but it didn't fit. I needed more to care about the characters and the people. Lots of loose ends that were not tied up.

Ok, this was CUTE. I overall liked our characters and the storyline - Lanie is a romance book editor living in NYC and gets the opportunity to work with her favorite author, who she finds out is not who she thought she was. I loved the NYC setting and the premise itself (even if the "twist" was not surprising at all), and I loved Lanie's grandmother, BD! Sadly, a few things fell flat for me:
- this was marketed as an enemies-to-lovers... it is def not lol
- felt like the characters themselves needed more development
- the ending... I just felt like there was a lot left on the table... I wanted to see what happened AFTER that... kinda felt like a cop-out instead of actually finishing the story?
- TOO SLOW BURN - look I love a good slow burn, but that comes with a ALOT of character and story development because it makes the payoff that much better! These two didn't even kiss until the second to last page so... you've been warned :)

I would def put this more in a Fiction category (vs. Romance) as I felt this story was more around Lanie's journey to self-discovery but I still enjoyed it. If you're looking for a sweet, low-angst, closed-door, and slow burn story - then this is the book for you!

Rating: 3.5 stars

On our podcast there are a few things that we love, one being constantly harassing Safe Lite into eventually sponsoring us and romance novels based on or centered around the publishing business. I think the last few books that I've read either for the podcast or for 'funzies' have included bibliophiles of some sort. It book nerds loving other book nerds in some weird romance novel ouroboros.
As I’ve indicated a number of times my dislike of angst laden storylines and am happy to report that while By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate features a NYC publishing house, the level of angst stays relatively low. My little grinch heart can't take too much turmoil.
Unfortunately, due to the ambiguous nature of the plot, this review will be brief. Spoiler free zone!

A Little Bit of Plot
Lainie Bloom (who I continually kept hearing Laney Boggs in my head - shout out to all my fellow She's All That fans) has become the youngest romance editor at Peony Publishing - but on a contingent basis. Her client, the best selling phenom, Noa Calloway, is 3 months behind on their manuscript and suffering from the worst case of writer's block. For 7 years, Lainie and Noa communicated strictly via email or through their online chess games; no one (besides Lainie’s boss) has ever laid eyes on the elusive writer. As Lainie struggles to keep Noa on track and the upcoming deadline looming, she also begins to question whether or not her fiance truly checks off her ‘99 things’ love list. Will love win out in the end?

The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
This is going to be a difficult review for me, not because I didn’t enjoy the book, but because I am loath to spoil anything regarding the plot. Although, I’m sure if you’ve read the description, you can get an idea of the twists involved. Needless to say, I loved the final revelation of this book. This is an extremely slow burn, so please be aware, however, the ending is broadcast quite loudly around the ½ way point. When I realized which direction the book was taking I immediately brightened. Not to say that I didn’t like the book up to that point, it was like a puzzle piece settling into place. It truly is difficult to describe the main protagonists without spoiling anything, so I'll just say that I loved everyone in this book - except Ryan. Ryan can EAD (not in a good way).

The Meat (The Con)
The book is a bit of a cock tease, and I mean that in a non-malicious manner. Lainie and her friends constantly discuss sex, masturbation, one night stands and we see none of it. For Lainie’s own sanity, I only hoped that the girl would get to log jammin’ with someone, but alas…no such luck. It doesn't downgrade stars for me, but it is kind of a small let down.

The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
The Delightful Side Characters
Between Lainie’s two closest friends Rufus and Meg and her delightful grandmother, BD (Bubby Dora), the side characters in this novel are quite engaging. A number of times during this novel I yearned to be adopted by BD.
“Yes, but that was fictional kismet,” BD says and winks at me. “You are my real, live granddaughter, whom I’m proud of and believe in. You are going to rise to this occasion like a Tinder date with a pocket full of Viagra”.

FYI, BD is extremely sex positive and not afraid to push Lainie into being uninhibited too. Together with Rufus and Meg, the three create a little cheering section for Lainie’s sexual health.

“Is that eyeliner I see? And a hint of bosom! Are you in a Lyft?”...”You know,” BD says with a wink, “sex with a stranger is double mitzvah on Shabbat!”
“I’m not sure the ‘stranger’ part is actually in the Torah,” I say, “Hey, can I ask you something?”
“You can always ask me about sex toys-”
How could you not love this lady?

If you are looking for a very romantic and touching slow burn romance with just a hint of spice, look no further. One other thing I would say is that I’d have loved an epilogue or a follow up book. It takes so long to get to the denouement, that I wanted to sit with the couple a little longer.

By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate explores what happens when the author romanticized by a young woman is someone completely different than she expects. Kate’s premise and my love for books about writing and romance novels piqued my interest in it. Kate’s vivid description and lively dialogue pull you into the book. She wonderfully develops and evolves Lanie’s character. I love Lanie’s friends and her interactions with them and how Kate uses them to further her character’s evolution. The novel’s all about romance and a nicely written journey of self-discovery and finding love. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. While I get why Lanie may have fallen for the hero, the narrative and hero’s character development didn’t allow me to fall for him too. However, I did enjoy the second half more. It feels like a different novel with a better pace and flow. After Lanie finally spends more one-on-one time with the hero, helping Noa get past her writer’s block, and actively self-reflecting to discover what she really wants and needs, the narrative becomes more interesting.

Lanie lacks real-life experience with love, but in her mind and heart, she’s held onto her mother’s dying request for her to promise to find someone she really, really loves. After reading a romance novel in college, she’s inspired to compose a list of 99 attributes she wants in a man. She locks onto that list as a guide for life—modeling her life after her romance novels and heroines—and a road map for her search for love. Lanie feels content working as a successful romance editor, which she loves, and a fiancé who checks all 99 requirements. She’s beyond excited to edit for renowned romance author Noa Callaway, her biggest inspiration in life and love, and if she cures Noa’s writer’s block, she’ll get her dream promotion. However, when Lanie discovers the reason no one has ever seen or spoken to Noa, it makes her question everything she thought she knew about love and shakes the foundations of her life. Can it inspire her to live her life free from a checklist of requirements and expectations, finally discovering the love her mom wished for her?

Most diehard readers, especially romance readers, have a novel (or two) they hold dear to their hearts because it helped them through, or spoke to, a particularly rough patch in their life. I think that’s what happens to Lanie. As much as Lanie thinks about Noa, feels connected to her, and uses Noa’s work as a blueprint for life, she never gives much thought to who Noa the person is. I think that’s why Lanie’s bewildered and hurt when Noa’s identity is revealed. If you don’t know the truth, you can put your own ideas, wants, needs onto that person. Kate brilliantly captures this and the emotions expressing how deeply Lanie feels personally betrayed by Noa in the scene where she discovers Noa’s identity. Fair, based on their seven-year online friendship formed while Lanie assisted with editing Noa’s books.

By Any Other Name didn’t live up to my lofty expectations for a tension-filled romance where the romance and both characters are fully developed and explored throughout the entire novel. However, readers interested in a cute, funny, slightly angsty novel about a young woman's journey of self-discovery and finding her own path to love may enjoy it more.

Lanie is a romance editor in New York City. She is given the opportunity to work with her favorite author Noa Callaway, whose manuscript is late. When Lanie finally meets Noa, who nobody has ever seen, she is shocked at what she finds.

I really enjoyed this slow burn, secret identity rom-com. I instantly felt connected with the author's writing style. The storyline kept me intrigued right to the end. There were many little unique plot points that I thought were special. Lanie's relationships with people in her life was a huge part of the book but I also loved seeing her quirky side. Some of the side characters were just so much fun. They added that extra something to the book.

I would have liked to feel a little more chemistry between Lanie and Noa. Noa still seemed a bit of a mystery to me even to the very end.

The last chapter really ended this book on a high note.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you G. P. Putnam’s Sons and Netgalley for the [gifted] eARC of BY ANY OTHER NAME.

When Lanie’s boss doesn’t return from her maternity leave, Lanie inherits her favorite romance author Noa Calloway as her author. Lanie is thrilled to work with and finally meet the woman whose books are such an important part of her life and shaped her to be the woman she is today. When Lanie finally finds out Noa’s true identity, her world is absolutely rocked. Plus Noa has a wicked case of writer’s block. Can Lanie get over her shock and anger to help Noa write another hit novel?

When I started this book yesterday I wasn’t expecting to greedily inhale it in practically one sitting… but that’s what happened!

I loved the premise of an infamous romance author actually being a man. For some reason I kept wondering if it’d matter to me if someone like Nora Roberts turned out to be a man, and you know what, I don’t think it would. I also started wondering why men don’t write romance novels? We’ll blame toxic masculinity for that one. But I would love to read one!

BY ANY OTHER NAME was exactly the sweet romance I needed during these stressful times. It felt like a comforting and cozy hug.

BY ANY OTHER NAME is out today 3/1/22!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4567598498
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