Reminiscent of the TV show The Bold Type and the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Rom Com made me laugh so much but it also has a surprising amount of depth.

The story opens with Cassidy spending time with her grandma and showcasing their relationship. Any book that can remind me of my special bond I had with my grandmother has me immediately sold. From there, she decides to use the book her grandma gave her about dating in the 1950s to conduct an experiment of sorts and write about it for the online site, Siren, that she works for.

She finds the perfect mark in Jack, the co-founder of Brawler, a brash men’s site and the antithesis of what Siren stands for. However, as Cassidy puts her plan in play, Jack surprises her at every turn and she begins to question the morality of the piece. She also finds herself wondering if some of the outdated dating advice may have some validity to them.

Cassidy was a funny, independent woman who had her share of insecurities but still managed to be a spitfire and confident woman who knew her worth. She felt very real and I related to her a lot. The bond with her family was especially heartwarming. And the hijinks she gets into while trying to fit the mold of a 1950s prim and proper girl were hilarious.

I absolutely loved Jack. As Cassidy puts it, he’s “a guy with serious alpha male energy but none of the ego that typically comes with it.” He is sweet and thoughtful, respectful of women’s boundaries, but still very much the strong, driven alpha that makes so many women swoon. I loved how open he was in communicating. I also like that he had flaws that reared their heads and a vulnerability that was a nice contrast to his confidence.

The chemistry between Cassidy and Jack was off the charts, but I loved their honest and unguarded conversations as much as their banter. Cassidy abandons her article a few dates into her time with Jack, but with all good romance novels, I knew the fallout was coming. It was epic and uncomfortable and I couldn’t wait for it to be over, yet it also led to growth in the characters and a great ending.

I think the only thing I didn’t love about this book was the epilogue. It was a great way to see how everything ended, but I felt it could have not been in there and the story would have stayed the same.

I often use romance novels, especially rom coms, as palate cleansers and quick reads that will make me laugh and swoon, but will forget in a few days time. However, I feel like this one will stay with me a while.

What do I have to say about this book? First off. Devon Daniels is absolute perfection. She is an author who responds. Who loves her readers. Who is authentic. And you see that in her writing. She takes unique premises and writes books that are PHENOMENAL. After I read Meet You In the Middle- I couldn't stop talking about it. Like that, I feel like RomCon is going to be my next hyperfixation.

Cassidy is an incredible writer whose grandmother wants her to end up happily married. She gives Cassidy a book on how to get the attentions of a suitor with incredibly old fashioned advice. Cassidy pitches the idea
To her magazine and decides to Andy Anderson herself. What ends up happening is she starts to fake date (only she knows about it) the owner of the competitor magazine that bashes women. Turns out. She's falling for him. She no longer wants to tear him down.

I loved it. Like with MYITM, Daniels premise is like pressing on a bruise in terms of what am I going to get from a hot button topic. PURE GOLD. I love it. She eloquently weaves all sides of a situation into one book. She's makes you fall in love with all her characters. Every character is well rounded with pros and cons.


For a sophomore book, she did not fall into the sophomore slump. I'm so excited
To own this book when it's released. And I'm
Honored to call Devon a buddy

This was ABSOLUTE romcom GOLD!! No sophomore slump for this author!! The rom con gave me all the best How to lose a guy in 10 days vibes!! It was funny, it was romantic, it was Fall in NYC perfection. I loved the grandmother, all the romcom movie quotes and references - basically EVERYTHING!! Excellent on audio too narrated by my very fav Brittany Pressley. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!

Smart, sharp and beguiling - an exciting twist of up rom com tropes! Cassidy is still searching for that one and decides to use her beloved grandmother's 1950's guide to dating as a hook for a new article at her online women's news site. When one of the tips works out, she is gleeful until she learns it's the creator of the rival misogynistic men's mag. Thus begins a complicated dance between Cassidy and Jack.

Buckle up ! this has the makings of the perfect movie and may be my most favorite rom com of all ! #DEvonDaniels #TheRomCon #berkely

Oh my little heart…I am still not fully recovered.

Devon Daniel’s has done it again with a fresh take on a rom com in The Rom Con…I was HERE for this fun spin on How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days meets 1950s Doris Day meets the BEST grandma role I’ve maybe ever read.

The story was fresh, the characters felt so real, the tropes weren’t cheesy, the dialogue was whiplash fast in a good way and the entire plot was just SO GOOD and fun and fresh. Can you tell I loved it?

I think what took this from an average romcom to a 5 star read for me, was the element of Cassie’s Grandma. She reminded me so much of my Nana. From a totally different era, but full of sass, class, wisdom and wit and has adapted to the times while holding on to what made her era so special and unique. I loved the Easter eggs from Meet Me in the Middle and I hit the highlight function on my Kindle loads of times, saving quotes that felt very poignant for where I am at in my life.

Preorder NOW! Devon…I’m a fan for life!!!

If you’re looking for a fun and funny read The Rom Com is a great choice.

It’s similar to the premise of How to Lose a Guy in 10 days. It follows Cassie, whose grandmother gives her an old 1950s dating guide “to hook a husband”. And she chooses to use it on her rival Jack.

I use to love watching the old Doris Day movies with my grandparents and this book definitely brought that nostalgia feel, with a fun modern twist.

Those who love work place rivals and meddling grandparents are sure to like this one.

This is one of my new favorite romances. Cassidy is a journalist working for a woman-focused webpage, Siren. She has a fantastic idea for series about dating, where she will use tips supplied by her grandmother and an article written in the 50's that lists 125 Tips to Hook a Husband. The tips include ideas like complimenting him, asking for help, giving him opportunities to shine... and many more. Her target for these tips is Jack (spoiler alert- he's my new favorite book boyfriend). Jack works for Siren's main rival, Brawler, a company that targets men with their content.

I loved Jack and Cassidy's banter and connection. It was fun watching her try out all of the tips and seeing how Jack responded. I also loved all of Cassidy's personal growth (that's my catnip in romances). I don't want to spoil anything- just trust the journey and believe in Cassidy and Jack. Cassidy's family (especially her grandma) and friends are amazing.

Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me. All opinions are my own.

Short Synopsis:
Cassidy works for a women’s magazine. When she finds an article at her grandma’s house titled “125 Tips to Hook a Husband” from the 1950s, she decides to try it out on unsuspecting male victims. But when her path crosses with Jack - owner of a rival men’s magazine - she makes him her sole victim.

My Thoughts:
This book was filled with sweet moments and fun banter. But the manipulative behaviors and aggressive issues really took away from the story. I went back and forth from swooning rom this book to be annoyed. So it’s safe to say I have mixed feelings. But if you liked Devon’s previous book, workplace romance, or rivals to lovers, give it a shot!

Two characters making questionable decisions with some cute moments mixed in. This was okay ish 🤷‍♀️ not overly amazing or special.

Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review

I LOVED this book!! It was well-written and the execution was spot on. The romance had me both swooning and laughing out loud. Jack was the definition of a stern brunch daddy hero and the fact that he fell first and opened up about his past with no regrets, made me route for him to win Cassidy over. From the 1950s dating tips, to the amazing meddling grandma reminiscent of Betty White, to all the pop cultural and music references (think Friends trivia and Motown dancing), NYC date nights and rivals to lovers plot done right, I could not put the story down. I will say when the book started I was nervous about the third act breakup, insistent that I would be bothered by how it went down, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Read if you like:
-Rivals to lovers
-Amazing and hilarious date nights
-Stern brunch daddy hero
-He falls first
-Magazine columns
-How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
-Close grandmother/ granddaughter relationships
-NYC setting

I can be magically summoned by anyone even thinking of the words “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” In Kate Hudson, we trust. When I saw this was a little spin and even paid homage to that gem of a 2000s romcom, I knew I had to read this. Plus I was a huge fan of Meet You in the Middle and have been patiently waiting for Daniel’s next book. This was worth the wait!!

The Rom Con was laugh out loud funny and so damn relatable. In the modern dating world of navigating Andrew Tate loyalists (cough, cough, Brawler), you couldn’t help but sympathize with Cassidy, writer and editor extraordinaire at the feminist media company, Siren. She cooks up the perfect story after chatting with her grandma and finding gram’s long treasured article on how to gain a man’s affection. Cassidy sets out to try these tips out on unsuspecting males for an article but doesn’t expect her luck when she meets the cofounder of Brawler, Jack. She also doesn’t expect him to be so damn perfect. She sure as heck doesn’t expect to fall in love with him.

Anyways, loved the meet cute. Love the side characters. Loved the fun plot and pop culture references. Didn’t love how some things transpired during the climax, though. Overall, a must for my romcom lovers! Especially if you loved How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Introducing the swoony rom-com to end all swoony rom-coms. Are you ready to be transported to New York in the fall? Full of nostalgia not only for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but perhaps for your very own grandmother and/or other matriarchs who have shaped you? I loved everything about this book! Cassidy is a journalist for female-focused online publication Siren. When she receives an old-fashioned listicle of dating tips from her beloved grandmother—125 Tips to Hook a Husband—she jumps on the light-bulb moment to begin an investigative piece on—duh—what not to do in the dating game, Andy Anderson-style.

But you know there’s a smoking hottie ready to blow in and complicate things! Meet Jack from her rival publication Brawler, known best for its beer, bros, and bombastic alpha attitude. Can Cassidy lure Jack with the silly archaic tips, exposing the chauvinism of Jack and his workplace? Or… will she find her grandma’s wisdom to be a surprising guide to the love she’s been long awaiting?

You don’t want to miss this one! I’m still smiling and waiting eagerly to see who snatches up the film rights for this charming sophomore home-run from Daniels. Five New York City stars!!!!

Thank you to Berkley and Let's Talk Books for the advanced reader copy and Joyful Chaos Book Club for the traveling ARC. These opinions are my own.

Cassidy is a senior writer for Siren, an online magazine by and for women. And she pitches a story idea where she takes tips from her grandmother's old magazine clippings about how to catch a husband to see how they work (or don't) today. And when she tries the first tip, she catches the eye of Jack, the founder of Brawler, an online magazine for men that is Siren's biggest nemesis.

This is a rom-com in the vein of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. But we only get Cassidy's perspective. While I typically prefer dual POV, I was thrilled to be left with the same information as Cassidy in this book. I was left guessing what Jack was up to and whether he was genuine.

I also really enjoyed the meta conversation about rom-coms and discussion of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days that was incorporated into the plot. I always like when books are somewhat self-aware in their pop culture references.

The book is dedicated to the author's grandmothers and features the most amazing grandma as a wonderful character. The stories she shared of her life and romance made me so nostalgic and made me think of and miss my grandparents, especially my grandfather with whom I was especially close.

This was a really fun and surprisingly thought-provoking rom-com. I recommend it not only for a fun read but also for an interesting book club discussion starter. There are great questions at the back to help anchor a discussion.

4.5 stars rounded up

Friends! Grab a glass of wine and cozy up in your favorite reading spot because you will not want to put this book down! And then when you're done, you'll stay in that spot because you'll want to watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days immediately after because HELLO Andy Anderson vibes!!

Cassidy endures a difficult breakup, then her wise old grandma gives her an old 1950's dating advice column. Cassidy thinks there's NO way any of this is going to work, and decides to make it into a story. Can she pull off these tips and land the guy? (Ahem...without truly falling for him in the first place?!)

This book has everything you want in a Rom Con...er...con ;) The banter was witty, the parties were exciting, the (fake) dates were adventurous and awkward and cute all at the same time, and the ending was full of all the hearts eyes!

Thank you Devon for writing this book that will legit stick with me as I find myself smiling just thinking about these characters.

And thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced readers copy of this dreamy story!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book made me feel ALL the emotions and I need to compile my thoughts before I can write my review.

I'm not going to give a breakdown of the story because you can read the synopsis, but I really really loved the whole "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" premise. I love the relationship between Cassidy and her grandmother and that she only started the plan because of her sassy grandmother. and Jack - swoon- even though this was a "he fell first" sort of situation, I constantly had thoughts about whether he had a bet of his own going. I loved Cassidy & Jack's chemistry and I definitely love that this felt like a true rom-com.

I definitely connected with the main characters and I even though my heart broke with the third act breakup, I felt it was beautifully done - no miscommunication trope here!

Overall, definitely a book that I loved and one that I loudly recommend.

Huge thank you to the author for the traveling ARC for the Joyful Chaos bookclub and thank you to Berkley & Netgally for the E-ARC. My opinions are 100% my own.

There are two things Cassidy knows for certain: she is sick of being a bridesmaid and she is sick of the "bros" she dates taking all their life advice from their rival men's magazine. Not only do they degrade women, now they are impacting her love life now.
When she is at her grandmother's 90th birthday party, she only wants one present from Cassidy, to try and find love. Her grandmother knows just how she will do it too, but going back in time and treating men the way the old 1950's handbook says she should. Thinking this is just the story she needs to bring readers to her magazine, she sets out a to find a man to try it on. When she stumbles into Jack Bradford, owner of the rival magazine who stands for everything she doesn't believe in, and he wants to take her out on a date, she can hardly believe her good fortune. She will get her story while knocking him down a peg.
Almost immediately you can see that Jack isn't what she thinks he is, BUT is it all an act too? She works for his rival magazine too and is this the real Jack Bradford or is this a character he is playing too? This book has a strong "how to lose a guy in ten days" vibe which I am here for. The characters have so much chemistry that it leaps off the page. I got butterflies before they even kissed. At what point does this stop being a story and start to become real? At what point did feelings start to get involved and at what point does Cassidy come clean if she wants to have a future with Jack?
There are so many secrets but also so many moments that will have you smiling and even sweating just a bit too. I loved this book, I loved Jack so much, he was the man that we all wish we could have; sweet, attentive and self assured. He knows what he wants and goes after it.
Thank you to Berkley, Devon Daniels and Netgalley for an early copy.

Journalist Cassidy is at a breaking point. Ever the perpetual bridesmaid, she's looking for love, but striking out. When she attends her grandmother's 90th birthday party, she find I Do: Rules & Etiquette for the Military Wife, which sparks her next article - winning over a man using dating tips from the 1950's. Her target? Jack, owner of Brawler, a competitor magazine that stands for everything she despises. But what happens when the tips start to work and Cassidy realizes she might be falling for Jack?

Giving How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes, The Rom Con is such a fun read! There was fantastic banter between Cassidy and Jack, which added to their sexual chemistry. I loved the push-pull dynamic between Jack and Cassidy and how that was coupled with Cassidy's internal war of personas to live by.

Jack was a fun hero. He's super confident and straightforward and doesn't play games. Yet, there's more to him than what meets the eye and I enjoyed finding out all his secrets right alongside Cassidy. I couldn't help but root for Jack, because deep down, he's just a great guy and watching Cassidy realize this as she starts seeing him as the man he is, instead of her target for an article, was a real treat.

I could not put The Rom Con down. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it would take a left turn to an unexpected place. I wanted o keep reading to see where the story would take me. It's anything but predictable and I really enjoyed this book.

After a brutal breakup, Cassidy has had it with dating. When she meets her company’s rival co-founder at a party, she decides to take her grandma’s 1950’s dating advice to heart and give it a try. Cassidy decides to write an article showing the world what a misogynist Jack really is.

Much to Cassidy’s surprise, she ends up realizing that her perfectly laid plan is proving to be not so perfect. As things start to go out of control, Cassidy must determine is she’s playing to win, or if she’s willing to lose it all.

This book was so much fun! I loved all the references throughout to pop culture and the retro vibes were fantastic. The writing was so good, and oh so witty. The banter was just top notch. I loved how the rivals to lovers was portrayed. I love when you are surprised by men as well, for the better of course and that is exactly what happened. The supporting characters were also fantastic. I absolutely loved Cassidy’s grandma. Reading about grandma’s makes me think of the good times with mine, I miss her so much some days. I loved this one so much that I read it in one sitting, I just devoured it.

If you are looking for a really fun romcom with flashes to how things used to be, then check this one out.

Thank you so much to Berkley Pub, and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This author was meant to be a romance writer. She wrote two people that are relatable with depth to their personalities, a story that is both sweet and spicy, and a romance that combines witty banter and electric chemistry. Cassidy is a romance reader's dream. She’s tenacious, yet empathetic. She has a drive that all women possess while also having the same insecurities women are scared to expose. She’s the kind of heroine you root for and wish you could have drinks with. Jack is the definition of a book boyfriend. He’s reserved but when he shows his heart, you cannot help but fall for him.

Her book reads like a movie that is playing in my head. I can vividly picture every scene playing out in my mind, even down to the slightest hand gestures because this author excels at setting the scene for the readers. The author wrote such beautiful scenes filled with so much love which was well balanced with laugh out loud with witty banter.

This is the best kind of romcom. It’s heartfelt and endearing while also having hilarious moments and dialogue. The millennial in me appreciated all of the little pop culture references. This is the kind of book you read over and over again and never get tired of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC

Thank you NetGalley for granting me access to a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was just exactly up my alley and precisely what I've been looking for in a rom com. As soon as I saw that How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days had an inspiration in this I wanted it more than I needed to breathe.

It didn't let me down even a little bit.

I was entertained and so, so full of joy the entire read. Which really only happens when you read that special book that you just GET. I loved the relationships between every character, I love how they built and never felt stagnant. Sometimes I feel like characterization gets so lost in a romance plot because you're always working towards one goal, but it was never lost or forgotten here. I loved it. 2000 romcoms never let us down, and this book stems from all the best.

The way Devon Daniels brought the universe she created to life was absolutely incredible. I will definitely need to look into more of her books simply for the way she writes. The subtle references that link to almost any time of day, any experience, any setting was just magnificent. I was truly just blown away by everything. I felt like I was right there with the characters experiencing the same story that they were.

I've also never been a huge fan of the modern dating ideals, meeting online and then in person and falling in love. It's one thing when you meet your friends that way, but how do you build romantic chemistry with only that? It's always baffled me, and I love that this book touched on that and absolutely seemed to be on the same page as me for it. I can't wait to give this another read and maybe bump it up to 5 stars. For some reason, I'm not feeling it right now, and I really don't want to say more simply because I want everyone to read this book with barely any information just like I did.

It's the perfect book to do that with. It's just full of so much joy, which, when going into winter, does not get taken lightly. So here's to a probable favorite comfort story, I don't think it will ever get old.