REVIEW FOR THE ROM CON

4.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Romance/Berkley Publishing for the advanced digital copy!

I really loved this book. I thought it was a cute take on a 90's romcom set in current time NYC ( as all good rom coms are). I really enjoyed the MCs banter and their chemistry. There were a few aspects of the end that I didn't love, but overall I'd highly recommend this book!

I came in wanting a story that made me laugh and swoon, and Devon delivered! If you're looking for a romcom with major "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and "27 Dresses" vibes/references, look no further. I loved the humor of the book, the slow burn build-up with Jack and Cassidy, the beautiful and loving relationship Cassidy had with her gran, and the overall concept of the story. It was certainly entertaining and kept me wanting more.

The big thing that bothered me about this book is that Jack continued to work for Brawler, even though it was blatantly obvious that it was a toxic, misogynistic publication. He argued that Siren did the same thing with some of their articles and he also said the Brawler articles weren't written for "guys like him", but that doesn't matter. You're still facilitating and benefiting from the garbage that's being thrown out into the world, and that goes for both publications putting things like that out.

Overall, it was a good time, and I can't wait to see what else Devon releases!

<SPOILER>

Even if he was biding his time until he could get out and do something else, he still proudly wore the title of Brawler exec, and that was just not okay with me. Things also lagged for me a bit after the third act breakup, but I was still pleased with how it all ended. It was also very man-childish of Jack to take SOOOO long getting in touch with Cassidy. Bro, you know you were wrong. Suck it up and go apologize!

At first I was a bit skeptical of this book. It seemed like it might seem very unrealistic. I was pleasantly surprised. The story was entertaining to read and the characters were fun. I do kind of feel like Jack was not that realistic, and I was curious to know more of him, but his dynamic with Cassidy was still fun to read about. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC!

This was fine! The writing tried too hard to be funny or quippy at times. And it was a little weird that the story was self-aware enough to mention How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

But I think the biggest problem was I think the characters do some real damage to each other that seems too big to actually recover from. I just didn’t buy it.

But there were some really fun moments along the way.

Cassidy has had it with dating. Her most recent breakup (which came with a 3-strikes-your-out conversation) was with a man who put his holy sports/bro day before her. Cassidy’s grandma convinces her to try some “old fashioned” dating techniques. And when Cassidy’s first attempt manages to catch the eye of none other than one of the co-owners, Jack, of the rival magazine (who created the holy sports day idea), it’s GAME ON!

If you’ve read the author’s other book, Meet you in the Middle, you know that there’s this push and pull and differing viewpoints - in that particular book’s case, about politics. This one is very similar with the push and pull, but this time around feminist, women’s views, toxic males, housewives, etc. Jack’s website (which Cassidy believes is "toxic masculinity" embodied) is the arch rival of Cassidy’s employment (feminist all the way). Cassidy’s grandma has this differing view about men and relationships. I found myself uncomfortable with some of the views and getting frustrated with Cassidy’s one track mind. BUT I did like how she finally was able to see past this “one size fits all” idea. I liked how Cassie came to appreciate that being kind and wanting to take care of a partner doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up your own dreams, whatever those might be. Her grandma says toward the end:

“I think you’re still looking at this the wrong way, like anything you do for a man means you’re losing part of yourself. A big part of relationships is sacrifice of course, but it doesn’t have to diminish you…”

And earlier - “Let him know you’re thinking of him. Make him feel cherished. Never stop trying to win his heart.”

To me, that’s what relationships are. Valuing each other. Making the other person feel like they’re a treasure, your pride and joy. Worth it. We do that for children, pets, and should do it for partners, right?

Thanks to netgally for an eARC!

Content Warning:
Strong language
Open Door

This gave enemies to lovers, but misunderstood to completion of love. The relationship gave a whole other level to peeling back layers of discovering yourself through love. I laughed, I swooned, and was emotional ….it was a mixture of a perfect story. I throughly enjoyed this back and will need to get it in paperback to add to my collection.

I am a fan of Jack. Tom may deserve his own book next since he’s not how he’s perceived.

Miscommunication is overplayed and my most loathed trope to read about. However it worked in this story because of the journalism…and how he should have known when she stopped being weird Betty. She never should have had the idea but I sure did love reading about Jack. Cassidy’s gran was my favorite but her sister and brother in law were lovely too. She herself needed a reality check, but she was a well written character too. I have decided I need more Jack in my life though. Time for a follow up on the brown stone and the wedding and Gran and etc etc. I would definitely read more!

It took me a long time to get into this book. I wasn't a big fan of the main characters. I liked the idea of the premise - a take on How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. There's a lot of pop culture references, which were fun. But ultimately, this is not a book I really enjoyed or will recommend to a ton of people. I still gave it three stars because it's not a bad book - it's just not for me.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Ahhh this was so so cute! I loved it so much. Cassidy and Jack were such fantastically written characters. And the storyline was fresh and exciting. Cannot wait to read more from this author.

Even when it has little bit of “How to lose a guy in 10 days” I found the idea very original. I love grandma and her list of how to be a good wife, of course a lot of things are obsolete now, but the idea of be nice and attend your important one I think it doesn’t have to be against feminism and I enjoy that. I found this book super funny and enjoyable but a little bit to long, the second half almost lost me. But if you are into rom coms this will definitely give you the vibes of the 2000’s movies.

I loved this! The NYC fall vibes reminded me of You’ve Got Mail, as did our FMC Cassidy, who could have been written by Nora Ephron - except there was so much more depth on the page here. And our MMC is such a wonderful combination of alpha and unproblematic sweetness— it’s a purely healthy romance that made me such a believer, and I’ll totally admit that the slow burn only made this stronger! If you’re a fan of rivals to lovers and How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days— this is for you! It also has one of the coolest epilogues I’ve ever read — I’m an epilogue girly, so I was absolutely thrilled.

Devon Daniels is an author we should all keep on our radar for amazing romances — read this with a cozy cup of tea or coffee, and prepare for a romance you’ll want to read again.

3 stars!

This book mixed strong pop culture references, how to lose a guy in 10 days, and all your fav tropes together to create a Rom Com ;) that I KNOW others will love!!

I loved the tension between our two main characters and the rivalry between them. I wasn't as invested in the character though and I wish I felt stronger about their relationship.

I enjoyed the idea of diving into gender stereotypes and the looking at how we can view our own relationships. I appreciated the discussion on those topics.

What missed the park for me was the love confession and the third act breakup. I found the MMC inability to apologize or own up to his "mistakes" rather off putting and didn't give me the same feels that I assume the author hoped it would.

As a huge fan of RoComs and movies, I loved the idea of this book and the references throughout. However, the actual romance (besides the rivalry) did not end up leaving me satisfied.

Thanks you Berkley & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Who doesn’t love a rivals to lovers story? I for one am a huge fan of the rivals to lovers trope. Inspired by How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days meshed with an alpha MMC who is a secret cinnamon roll, and a headstrong FMC who gives him a run for his money. In this how not to romance you’re bound to fall in love with the strong yet witty writing, hilarious scenarios our rivals find themselves in, and a grandmother who steals every scene she’s in.

Rivals to lovers
Battle of the sexes
Pop culture references galore
Alpha MMC who is a secret cinnamon roll
How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Best grandmother sidekick

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is one of my all time favorite rom coms and so I was pumped to read this one! Devon Daniel’s did not disappoint! It was funny, gave me all the butterflies, and made me fall in love with the characters :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I devoured this book in 2 days - because I had to work and I couldn't call out sick- that should be enough explanation of how much I LOVED this book, right?

I haven't cried, swoon and laugh because of a book in a long time and for that I'm forever grateful to @devondanielsauthor ! What an amazing Rom-Com!

I dare anyone who reads this book to tell me that they didn't fall in love with Jack by page 96 when he says to Cassidy "Some try hard to stand out, while others stand out without trying."

If you loved "How to loose a guy in 10 days", "Hitch" and "27 dresses" this book is definitely for you!

You will not only fall in love with Cassidy and Jack's love story but also with Grann and Cassidy's sister and brother in law Christine and Greg (Greg’s in love with Jack the moment he meets him, the way he acted made me think about an scene on 'How I met your mother" when Marshall is looking at Robin's new boyfriend - Gael - with loving puppy eyes)

A bonus, and something that I seriously recommend while reading this book, is to download The Rom Con Spotify playlist. It is a game changer and it sets the mood perfectly. Listening to Michael Bubble while they are dancing in the middle of Time Square was everything and more.

Overall, if I could give this book a million stars on Goodreads, I would most definitely had done it!

Thank you Netgalley, Devon Daniels and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion.

How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days is one of my favorite rom-coms. Given that this romance novel was inspired by the movie, it was a must read for me and I loved it!

I felt like Cassidy was in my head because her thoughts and feelings about the struggles of being single and a writer felt so relatable. The description of Jack’s apartment was also so beautifully done.

In addition to the workplace rivals to lovers trope, I also loved all the pop culture references, and the relationship Cassidy had with her grandmother and her sister. Also, in my opinion, NYC is such a classic setting for a book!

Highly recommend this one!

The RomCon by Devon Daniels was a cute enemies to lovers romance reads along the lines of How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

In this book, Cassidy (Cassie) and Jack work at rival magazines. As an assignment from her grandmother, Cassie decides to use antiquated dating tips to try and win a man and write about how it doesn’t actually work for her magazine article. Jack, a co-founder of Brawler, a men’s magazine that Cassie holds responsible for her previous failed relationship seems to be the perfect target. Her goal is to do all of the old school things and catch him saying something in poor taste. However, Jack is the complete opposite of what she expects and they may actually have a real connection. Will she abandon the article for love? Or will she follow through and leave Jack absolutely devastated?

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and lighthearted read. I enjoyed the humorous parts of the book as well as all of the pop culture references. The major conflict was a bit over dramatic for be, but I was happy with how everything resolved in the end.

I loved meet you in the middle so naturally I loved this one as well. I wasn’t a huge fan of the how to loose a guy in 10 days vibes. Cassidy did Jack dirty. But the ending redeemed the book. They were able to be mature about it all and come to a resolution. I loved it.

Cassidy has survived another breakup. After receiving a 1950’s dating book from her grandmother she decides to write an ironic article for the women’s magazine she writes for. Of course she needs a test subject so she chooses, Jack, the rival magazine writer for a man’s site. No surprise, hijinks ensue and love blooms. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Dates is one of my all time favorite rom coms. This one reminded me so much of my fave movie! This was a fun one.
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Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.