Member Reviews
In "Plot Twist" by Carmen Sereno, the narrative unfolds through the life of Siobhan Harris, a young woman navigating the complexities of life as a minimum-wage worker in Manhattan. Initially skeptical of her life choices and the notion of aspiration, Siobhan's world dramatically shifts when her debut novel captures the hearts of readers, propelling her into the spotlight as an instant bestseller and a sensation within the romance genre. However, with fame comes the inevitable challenges—specifically, a fierce Twitter feud with Marcel Black, an established crime novelist with a seasoned grasp of the publishing industry but little understanding of the romance genre's subtleties. The conflict between Siobhan and Marcel exemplifies the often-contentious nature of literary genres and the perceptions that accompany them. As Siobhan publicly challenges Marcel's opinions, the stakes escalate into a challenge proposed by a social media influencer: the unlikely pair should collaborate on a book that marries their contrasting genres. This plot twist not only sets the stage for a creative endeavor but also forces both characters to confront their preconceived notions of each other's genres, styles, and ultimately, each other. The tension between Siobhan and Marcel serves as a microcosm for broader societal themes surrounding gender and genre. The romance genre is often dismissed by critics as less serious or lower in literary merit, while crime novels enjoy a certain level of prestige. As they begin their collaboration, Siobhan and Marcel must navigate their differing tastes, writing styles, and the underlying attraction that simmers beneath their animosity. This dynamic creates an engaging exploration of how collaboration can lead to personal growth and the breaking down of barriers. As Siobhan steps into her newfound fame, she must also balance the demands and expectations that come with it. The Twitter feud not only challenges her professional reputation but also raises questions about the nature of celebrity in the digital age. It underscores the impact of social media on public perception and the often-turbulent relationship between authors and their audiences. Through this lens, Sereno deftly examines the complexities of identity, ambition, and the transformative power of love and collaboration. Ultimately, "Plot Twist" offers more than just a romantic narrative; it presents a journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution for both Siobhan and Marcel. As they learn to embrace their differences and find common ground, the story highlights the importance of openness and understanding in creative partnerships. The evolving relationship between the two protagonists serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected connections can lead to profound transformation, both personally and professionally. In conclusion, Carmen Sereno's "Plot Twist" skillfully intertwines themes of ambition, rivalry, and romance within the vibrant backdrop of the publishing world. Through Siobhan and Marcel's journey, readers are invited to reflect on the power of collaboration and the intricate dance between passion and professionalism. This gripping narrative not only entertains but also challenges preconceived notions of genre, ultimately revealing that true connection can emerge from the most unlikely of circumstances.
This was such a fun and uplifting read that left me smiling from start to finish! While it included the familiar tropes you’d expect when a stubborn, set-in-his-ways man is forced to work alongside a fiercely independent, headstrong woman, it was handled with so much charm and heart that I couldn’t get enough. One scene had me laughing out loud when their argument escalated on Twitter—what started as a simple disagreement turned into a full-blown public exchange of witty, and at times petty, comments. Watching their dynamic shift as they navigated their differences, challenging and pushing each other to grow, was so rewarding. Their transformation, both as individuals and as a couple, felt genuine and deeply heartfelt. The blend of humor, sweet moments, and romantic tension made this book an absolute delight. It delivered everything I hoped for and more—I can’t recommend it enough!
Carmen Sereno's Plot Twist is an irresistible contemporary romance that expertly combines humor, heart, and the complexities of creative collaboration. Siobhan Harris, an up-and-coming romance writer, finds her life turned upside down when her debut novel unexpectedly becomes a bestseller. Unfortunately, her newfound fame leads to a public feud with the sharp-tongued crime novelist Marcel Black, who dismisses romance novels with disdain. In a plot that will keep readers hooked, they are challenged to co-write a book, forcing them to confront their differences and eventually uncover their undeniable chemistry.
Sereno’s writing is witty and engaging, with well-developed characters that leap off the page. The enemies-to-lovers trope is handled with humor and charm, as the evolving dynamic between Siobhan and Marcel brings both tension and sweetness. Their banter is delightful, and the backdrop of New York City adds a vibrant energy to the story.
What sets Plot Twist apart is its clever commentary on genre stereotypes, the power of storytelling, and how opposites can attract in the most unexpected ways. It’s a perfect pick for readers who enjoy a lighthearted yet meaningful romance, with a twist of literary creativity. The chemistry between Siobhan and Marcel is electric, and their journey of both personal and professional growth is a joy to experience.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, fast-paced romance that also delivers sharp wit and humor, Plot Twist is the book for you!
In this lighthearted romp through New York City, two clashing authors must blend their differences to prove every story is worth telling and that some genres—like people—work better together.
Siobhan Harris doesn’t think of her minimum-wage life in Manhattan as aspirational, but when her debut novel is published, she becomes an instant bestseller and a romance sensation. With fame comes foes, however, and Siobhan finds herself embroiled in a Twitter feud that’s about to change the course of her career just as it’s beginning.
An established crime novelist, Marcel Black is savvy in the ways of the publishing world but less than an expert on the merits of romance. So when his opinions are publicly challenged by the fresh-faced Siobhan, Marcel doubles down until their heated back-and-forth ends with an influencer’s challenge: to put their genres’ compatibility to the test, Siobhan and Marcel should write a book together.
To leave their mark, this unlikely pair will have to contend with differences in taste, style, and experience…and the building tension between them that’s looking a lot less like enemies’ contention and a lot more like a love connection.
I love an opposites attract romance. I really thought that this was well written and a wonderful book. Cannot wait to read more from the author.
This book was a fun read! It had so many real moments and I definitely will read it again! I want to annotate it because some of those quotes were perfection!
When Siobhan’s boyfriend ditches her in NYC, leaving her broke and stranded, she channels her energy into her writing on a platform like Wattpad—and catches the attention of a literary agent, launching her career as a traditionally published author. Enter Marcel, the rich, change-resistant crime novelist who becomes her unexpected co-writer after their Twitter feud takes a hilarious turn. Their banter is perfection, though I spent half the time wanting to smack Marcel for burying his feelings. When he finally opens up, I just wanted to hug him—abandonment is a feeling I know too well. The ending wrapped things up perfectly, and this fluffy rom-com was a great break from my usual dark romance reads. If you’re into slow-burn, opposites-attract love stories between two sparring authors, this one’s a must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review!
Plot Twist was a cute read! Siobhan and Marcel's Twitter argument about whether romance or crime thrillers are the better book genre, and up taking on a challenge to write a romantic thriller together. Along the way, their relationship blurs the lines between co-authors and something more.
I really liked Siobhan as a character. She felt believable, real, and heart-warming but not afraid to stand up for herself when it was needed. Marcel pissed me off, which truth be told made me take way more angry reading breaks than expected, but he redeemed himself in the end, when he admitted he was being stupid, and he proved himself worthy of Siobhan. :)
grumpy meets sunshine in this tale of two authors. reminiscent of beach read by emily henry, these two authors must work together but what will come of it? longing and fought feelings! epic love !
This book started off a bit awkward, not sure if that was due to translation, or just the writing in general.
The MMC was absolutely unbearable, the FMC was honestly a bit eh...
The idea of this novel was what drew me in, but overall, I think I was expecting something else out of this. Just wasn't really feeling a true dynamic between the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for my DRC.
The premise was so promising that I was thrilled to start reading, but something about the execution fell flat to me. I kept returning to this book again and again, hoping I'd get hooked this time, but instead, I just kept finding more things to get annoyed at until I gave up. Mostly, I found the he narration childish, while the dialogue sounded like it was written by someone who hasn't spoken to another person in years.
2 writers - one debutante and another well-established but facing a major writer's block get together to write a novel. Will it work out?
It would have worked out well. Siobhan Harris is a great character and a writer to boot. I am sorry I cannot say the same for Marcel Black.
He was mean throughout the book for no reason and I didn't think he really reformed his ways, either.
1.5 stars rounded up to 2. Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Crossing for the ARC.
I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.
3.75 ⭐️
Plot Twist was cute! Siobhan and Marcel get into a Twitter argument about whether romance or crime thrillers are the better book genre, and up taking on a challenge to write a romantic thriller together. Along the way, their relationship blurs the lines between co-authors and something more.
I really liked Siobhan as a character. She felt believable and real, wearing her heart on her sleeve but also not being afraid to stand up for herself when she needed to. Marcel mostly made me mad, up until the end. He was cold, always had to be right, and let his past cloud his present to the point of sabotaging good things. But in the end, his walls came down, he admitted he was being stupid, and he proved himself worthy of Siobhan. The HEA was worth it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
DNF at 10%.
I realize this isn’t very far into a book but I was confused beyond imagine from the very start. THE VERY START. PROLOGUE START. Maybe it was a translational issue, I don’t know. But then, THEN there was Taylor Swift SLANDER of she’s only for the 15 year olds and that’s a BOLD FACED LIE. SHE IS FOR EVERYONE. And that was my 13th reason and why I could not read more.
[Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this book. This is my opinion but only one opinion more, you should read it and judge it by yourself]
This reading has been an experiment for me since the original version is written in Spanish and I'm spaniard. I also know the writer via social media and remember perfectly when this book was published in Spain. I was excited for Carmen Sereno when I knew this book was going to be translated and I was very happy to finally have it on my hands. And it's a good book!
It's an enemies to lovers with two writers as MC. Siobhan has just started her carreer as a succesful romance writer and Marcel is a top seller thriller writer. Where Shioban is excited for her job, Marcel is almost tired of everything. The bad reviews of his last book doesn't help him to lift his mood. Due to a public beef via Twitter, they are forced to write a novel that mixes their two literary genres, obviously working together. Sparkles fly between the two and the process of writing became mixed with their mutual discovery of the other.
It's a light and funny reading but with an unexpected twist of depth. My main struggle has been with Marcel, an uptight character that only opens to us at the end of the book, too late for me. Siobhan is a ray of sunshine but sometimes seemed a little naif.
The book has two different parts. The NY one presents plot and characters and it's my least favourite, too much NY references that felt useless to me. The other one is in New Orleans and it seems like a different book, full of life, revelations and depth. Even Marcel seems a great guy!
Overall it's been a good reading. Carmen Sereno knows how to write and she's capable of create an engaging story. Sadly I struggled with Marcel's dark mood but it's something that doesn't ruin my good sensations of the book.
This was such a fun, enjoyable read! It gave me the vibes of like The Hating Game x Beach Read with the workplace rival authors needing to pair up and write a book together putting them very much out of their comfort zone. I am sucker for a good grumpy x sunshine and enemies-to-lovers trope and this book delivered; the banter and the tension were there!
I always love a good book about books, but I also love that this book touches on the beauty of diversity and that the most beautiful things can come from when we least expect it.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book to share my honest thoughts.
Thankyou net galley for a copy of this book.
Unfortunately, I really struggled to get into this book as I just really didn’t like the MMC which caused me to struggle from the start.
Whoever I was really enjoying the plot and could see myself growing to like the FMC. But I just wasn’t wanting this romance to blossom at all.
Due to this I did DNF at 40% as this is something I could t really get past.
This book was ok. I didn't love it the way I wanted to, though. I am not sure if it is because it was something I wasn't expecting or something else.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I always enjoy a book set in the book world. And this book was no exception. I enjoyed it a lot!
Omg this was absolutely stunning!!! The banter, the laughter, the bickering! I loved it so much. I need more! I’m so sad this is the only book of hers translated into English. The ending made me cry happy tears.