Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for an early version of this book, so eternally grateful!

Okay now this is how you write a romance! I can’t believe this is a debut novel, Holt did a beautiful job building romantic tension and really giving us characters that you can root for, get frustrated with, but ultimately fall in love with.

I loved the setting of this book, both in NYU and New York. I loved the way the city was described, every setting felt so real and it felt like someone who had lived there was writing about it, it was very atmospheric. The city felt like a character in the book itself.

I loved that Rosie was Peruvian, it’s wonderful to see such lovely representation integrated into the novel in such a seamless way. There’s Spanish dialogue on the page with no translation and I liked that, it felt more authentic. If you don’t get it, go to Google translate :D I really enjoyed following Rosie’s story, her fight to make romance more respected, her hustle, and her fierce nature to protect those she loved (especially in that restaurant scene with Aiden’s dad).

The romance was obviously the highlight of the book. I thought the tension was built perfectly, genuinely felt excited every time Rosie and Aiden were on the page together. The fact that they had to write a book while also kind of living out the story they were writing was really well done. There’s one particular steamy scene which was absolute perfection, where they were writing a spicy scene it but it wasn’t actually happening but the tension was spot on. I loved the fact that Aiden was an irritating character initially but he secretly had a heart of gold. I was worried he wouldn’t be likeable based on the initial scenes but he grows on you. I like that both Rosie and Aiden were flawed but were both willing to work past their traumas to be together, it was very healthy.

I loved the cast of side characters i.e., all of Rosie‘s friends. I love their dynamic and how cute and supportive they were. I think Tyler and Jess deserve their own spin-off because I really want to watch them get together; Tyler was an absolute sweetheart. The text chains between the friends were so funny and their group felt very real and lived in. It was a really nice addition to this book.

There were a couple of things that missed for me. I thought the ending twist was a little bit predictable. I kind of felt that Aiden was applying to the same scholarship as Rosie from the beginning, and him getting angry at Rosie at the end felt quite uncalled for, even thought he apologised, I don’t think some of the dialogue in the fight was necessary.

I also didn’t feel like the hatred between them was really believable. I think that could’ve stretched on a bit longer, and the rivalry could have gone a bit deeper as the hate between them vanishes very quickly. The ending also felt quite rushed, we could’ve done with maybe one more chapter once they separated to build on emotional drift, it didn’t feel as powerful as they got back together pretty soon after.

I also felt like some of the dialogue exchanged between the characters in the steamy scenes was a bit cringe and off-putting. It took away from the amazing tension of the scenes. Such lines have become a staple in romance books but I do think minimal dialogue like this would makes these scenes so much better (at least for me).

Ultimately, I really enjoyed this book and I really recommend it to anyone who loves enemies to lovers (although the enemies part doesn’t last super long), there is brilliant tension built between the characters. There was a great cast of side characters that you can’t help but love, and although the ending might be a little bit predictable and you might need to skim over some of the lines in the spicy scenes, it’s really cute love story! Very impressive for a debut novel and I’m really excited to see everything else that Katie Holt will write!

First, I wish to thank Katie Holt, Alcove Press and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

Not in my book is a slow-burn steamy romance novel where we meet Aiden and Rosie or my favourite fictional, or maybe not so fictional Hunter and Max. The character building was phenomenal, and looking back on it, I liked that it was a slow start. I might also be a little biased but Ida may also be the best person in this group as we share the name and hair color 🥹

When I realised that the kiss had to be at 50% I was so ready. When I hit the mark, it all went upwards in my opinion. I was really able to discover their relationship, traits and personalities. When they kissed at christmas in the dark apartment, I may have been smiling to myself.

All in all, the start was a little slow but it was worth the wait. I wish I tried to push through more, so I would have given time.

I am excited for readers to pick up this piece and fall in love like I did.

Sometimes you need a comfy read with the tropes and storyline that's predictable. But when it's a debut novel I have to comment an author for crafting such lovely characters. Rosie and Aiden are top tier and will leave an impact with readers.

Chapter Eighteen will change your life. My favourite moments have to be the cozy Italian dinner, the Strand, and their banter in class.

Not in My Book was such good read and Katie really has created something special for romance readers. Thank you so much Alcove Press for providing an ARC, you've got something special with this book.

The stories I like best are the ones where I can truly relate to the main character. Not in My Book was a rare book in which I felt *seen*. The events in the book, especially Rosie's previous experiences with love, are believable and that's a big part of what makes it so good. I stayed up late to finish it and absolutely loved it.

Holt's writing is excellent: descriptive and easy to picture events as they unfold, but not needlessly pedantic. I think this is one of the other big reasons why I was able to just immerse myself in reading this. I genuinely enjoyed it and lost track of time while reading because I wasn't overanalyzing it.

One thing I wish Holt had done a little differently was build out the personalities and relationships of the secondary characters. We got to see some very funny exchanges in their group chat, but I felt that the side characters didn't contribute to the plot as much as I would have liked. This is still a minor critique, though.

Finally, there were some really lovely quotes about love that hit close to home. One of my favorites: "The love I had read in romance novels was so epic and monumental. I'd spent a lifetime craving grand gestures and sweeping proclamations. I hadn't known the small moments like this would feel as good." This is absolutely something I've learned and felt in the last few years. Grand gestures can be great and all, but I feel that the real, most telling and most important moments in love are in all of the day-to-day things: in being thoughtful, and in quietly doing little things to support your partner and maybe make their life easier without making a big deal about it. It is so refreshing to see this view reflected in a romance book.

Overall: if you love romance/rom-coms, this book is for you!

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions stated above are my own. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

The first chapter in Not in My Book was one of the best starts to an enemies-to-lovers book I have ever read. I loved the snippets of their book at the end of each chapter. It allowed a needed view inside Adrian's mind. Rosie and Adrian’s relationship felt real to me because everyone struggles to communicate, but I loved that they always worked things out. It was so cute how they would use writing to express their feelings. I loved Not in My Book, and I am recommending it to all my friends!

"Not in My Book" by Katie Holt is a charming debut novel that cleverly explores the age-old adage that opposites attract. The story centers on Aiden and Rosie, two aspiring writers with conflicting views on love and happy endings.

Rosie, an optimistic romance novelist, embodies the very ideals she writes about, holding steadfast to her belief in happily-ever-afters. In contrast, Aiden, a literary fiction writer, approaches life and love with a more cynical perspective. Holt skillfully uses this fundamental difference to create a palpable tension between the characters from the outset.

Despite their initial clash, the chemistry between Aiden and Rosie is undeniable. Holt's writing shines in developing this connection, making their journey from adversaries to lovers both believable and engaging. The addition of well-crafted intimate scenes enhances the romantic elements without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its handling of the third-act conflict. Often a pitfall in romance novels, Holt navigates this trope with surprising finesse, avoiding common clichés and maintaining reader interest.

Holt's prose is accessible and flowing, creating an effortless reading experience that compels the reader to keep turning pages. As a debut work, "Not in My Book" showcases Holt's promising talent and leaves readers eager for her future publications.

In essence, this novel delivers a satisfying romance that will appeal to fans of the genre. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the opposites-attract trope when executed with skill and sincerity.

Thank you so much Katie Holt for writing this beautifully written book. The plot was very unique, characters were extremely relatable, and the slow burn made it 10x better. From the moment I read the first page, I was hooked, which doesn't happen very often for me. Can't wait for future novels from this author. I don't know if she will, but nevertheless I'll be waiting.

Thank you NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Katie Holt for this ARC.

This was true rivals to lovers!!! I quickly became so invested in this story. Aiden had me swooning and blushing so much. I loved their banter, and found myself relating to Rosie often. The ending and epilogue had me teary eyed. Overall this was a very fun and beautiful story.

It gave me I miss you, I’m sorry & I Love You, I’m Sorry by Gracie Abrams vibes!!

A cute rivals-to-lovers (meaning: they totally liked each other in the beginning too) romance with a Peruvian-American fmc.
I enjoyed this overall, but struggled to feel their chemistry - they interactions felt a bit forced, especially in the beginning. The romance-within-the-romance was very cute!

thank you netgalley, alcove press, and katie holt for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5!! For a debut book, this was really good and I'm excited to see what Katie Holt writes next. This really was similar to the Hating Game, and the banter was top tier. I felt that the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more and that the ending was a bit rushed, but other than that, a fun and easy read!

I really liked the element of having excerpts from the joint book they are working on, but overall wish there was more a plot or more focus on some sideline characters other than the friend group who mostly just talked about the two main characters.

4 stars

This one started off super cute and keep my attention the whole way through. It was charming and fun. Nothing too over the top and I enjoyed this read!

This was my first time reading an academic rivals to lovers book and I really liked the dynamic. All the different characters felt so thought out and like they each had their own purpose. I loved all the banter this book had to offer; not only between the FMC and MMC but also between their friends and family. There were m a n y points in this book that had me genuinely laughing out loud. I love the way the main characters book played such an important role. It was so fun getting to see them communicate in a unique way that worked for them. I love a good slow burn and this was exactly that. I think this book just made this author an auto buy for me!

Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Well this was… different. This is a two-in-one story. Like an actual two-in-one. You have the actual story line and you have a story within the story that the two characters are writing in class.

Okay so… first half of the book, a bit disappointing. I do love a good enemies to lovers trope. But there was too much bickering in this part of the story, for my personal liking. Second half of the book? Good lord! Wow! Wasn't expecting that after the first half. But the end got disappointing again. I really wanted to like this one more… cause it sounded so exciting.

Still fits the romance tropes yet somehow doesn't fall into full cliché territory. Heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time with main characters that you come to genuinely care for. Rosie and Aiden are interesting, but at times feel one dimensional. A comfortable read that will make for a nice holiday gift for the Romance fan in your life.

3.5

cute, cozy, and kinda meta. Not In My Book is a romance novel within a romance novel. which was a concept that Katie Holt quickly had me HOOKED on.

there is so much to love about this book:

- fmc Rosie is so easy to root for. I loved how the author made it a point that Rosie was uncompromising in her high standards for love, despite past relationship trauma. I think that added a very relatable layer to her character. plus, we love to see Peruvian rep!

-mmc Aiden is 100% a romance hero (despite his many claims that he isn't)

- NYC setting is done SO beautifully. it felt so realistic and authentic to city life, plus I LOVED the holiday vibes brought into the book

- I could not get enough of the scenes where Aiden and Rosie wrote together. they are truly at their peak chemistry levels when they're working together. I would 100% read their book

- there was a good level of spice to it. it doesn't overshadow the plot, but it makes the slowburn worth it

- all the side characters added something special to the story.

this was so close to a 4 - 4.5 star read

where things kind of fall apart for me is the source of tension in the books. the force driving Aiden and Rosie to hate eachother is their differences in genre. Aiden is a litfic sadboy and Rosie is a romantic in all things. Aiden is constantly going after Rosie for her genre, which is written off as 'he was mean so she'd notice him' + some unresolved childhood trauma. but there was a point where their fights just felt really mean on Aiden's part, and it veered into unforgivable territory. the third act conflict specifically needs much more character develop on both Rosie and Aiden's end. I needed to see much more self-reflection from Aiden, and then a TON of groveling. and I just wish Rosie was less forgiving in the sense that she was setting boundaries in the way she is allowing others to treat her, especially considering her past relationship trauma. but the apology at the end... yeah Aiden worked for it.

for a debut novel, this is absolutely killer. would definitely recommend giving it a shot!

I found this book super cute! It's a rivals to lovers between Rosie and Aiden (who hate each other like... a lot) but they’re forced to work together on a book and obviously things start to change as they spend more time together. I really liked Aiden but Rosie irritated me at times, I liked seeing them as a couple mainly bc of all the banter at the beginning but I found that drama at the end completely unnecessary. I also thought the book seemed quite YA sometimes even though the characters were like 26yo. Anyway, it was a quick read and again, super cute. Regardless of its flaws, it's a book worth reading :)

“𝙾𝚑 𝙶𝚘𝚍! 𝙳𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚞𝚜 𝚕𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛.”
“𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚔, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚒𝚝’𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚘 𝚋𝚢 𝚏𝚊𝚜𝚝.”
“𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑.”
“𝙸𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚕. 𝙴𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚢—”
“𝙳𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚎. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝. 𝚆𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗’𝚝 𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝚆𝚎’𝚛𝚎 𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚖𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝙸 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛.”

Book: Not In My Book
Author:
Page Count:
Release Date: 10th December 2024
Format: eARC

💛💛💛💛.5 / 5

🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

»»————-✼————-««

Review:
First and foremost I am ridiculously in love with this book! It became my entire personality for a good 3 weeks and sometimes I find myself playing scenes on repeat in my brain at night.

I adore both Rosie and Aiden, their constant bickering and need to one up each other highlights their passion for their craft and puts the Enemies in Enemies to Lovers. I love how they both come from completely different backgrounds and social classes, but have struggled and faced individual trauma making them who they are.

I love how we learn about the Peruvian culture from Rosie and the struggles her family faced as immigrants. How she left her relationship with her ex who always told her she couldn’t and how she’s trying to prove to herself that she can. It was refreshing reading about someone returning to education, even though 26 is still young, returning to education after such a long break it daunting and it was so encouraging and invigorating to read about someone else on a similar journey!

While on paper Aiden has the perfect life we learn his trauma is a lot deeper and heartbreaking than I could’ve guessed. It breaks my heart knowing his dad probably never told him how proud of him he was and all I want to do is give him a big hug while watching Christmas movies on the couch in the dark🤭 I adored learning about him and his past and I revelled in his need to argue with Rosie so much it drove others insane!

This was a fantastic debut from an incredible new author and I cannot wait to see what Katie writes next; I already know I’m gunna eat it up and make it my entire personality again!

Rosie, a Peruvian American, leaves her Tennessee hometown to pursue her writing career by enrolling in NYU's writing program. She's gorgeous, strong willed and loves everything romance which makes Aiden enemy number one. He may be beautiful, but he hates romance and seemingly Rosie, preferring the literary fiction genre.

The two spend writing workshop going toe-to-toe, every class which leads the professor to her breaking point. The two must co-author a novel blending writing styles and genres or, drop the class.

Reluctantly Rosie and Aiden team up and call a truce. It doesn't take long for each to notice how they can channel emotions and feelings into the chapters they are writing.

I absolutely loved and adored this novel, a book within a book? Genius!

Not in my Book is slow burn, enemies to lovers’ story full of angst, banter, laugh out loud moments and swoon worthy romance. Rosie and Aiden expressing themselves via the chapters/characters was such a neat experience that had me rushing through the novel. I couldn't get enough.

Winter/Christmas in NYC is on my bucket list, to me it screams peak romance, so the setting was perfect for me!

I seriously just loved everything.

Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for this gifted ARC!

I love this book so much without giving too much spoilers. All I can say is That I love Maxine and Hunter Park, it was unique and creative. I will be looking into books from this author.