Thank you so much for this ARC, I really appreciate it!

I found this book rather hard to keep going with, it took me several times of picking it up again after DNFing it as I really wanted to finish it as it is an ARC.

The problem I had is that the very start didn't grab me at all. I always love to be sucked in from the very start and even though the romance in this book was a slow burn I don't think that the pacing should have reflected that.
I found the characters really hard to relate to/ root for as they felt very one dimensional.
I really wanted to like this book and I can totally see others loving it but I just didn't feel like there was enough depth there for me personally.

I love the book. My first by the author. Swoon worthy dialogues and storyline. Rosie and Aiden are both perfect for each other. Delightful banter and fights between them is the highlight for me. Unique idea of co-writing a book within the book, and we get to read the excerpts from their written story, which shows us their feelings. It's fun, relaxing, and enjoyable. Definitely recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I was excited to read Not In My Book by Katie Holt. The description seemed great and drew me in. The characters and their backgrounds had a lot of potential. I was interested in the Tennesseean/Peruvian/New Yorker perspective from the main character.

However, when I actually started reading there were several things about the book that made me almost put it down and not finish. Considering that I was reading a galley copy for review, though, I felt like I had to finish.

For one, Rosie and Aiden’s constant, MEAN bickering in the book was almost too much to take, especially in the beginning. It was honestly really hard to like the characters at all for almost half of the book.

There are also several inconsistencies and plot holes (which hopefully will be fixed with more editing). For one, the book bounces back between the actual story and the book that Aiden and Rosie are writing together, which is honestly pretty frustrating. There is no way that no one in their writer’s workshop wouldn’t comment on the similarities between Rosie/Aiden and Max/Hunter, and yet no one ever does.

Then, perhaps my biggest issue (setting aside my opinions that the “spicier” scenes in books don’t need to be QUITE so spicy), was the romantic scenes in the book. They seemed inconsistent with the characters as they had been written thus far, which to me just made them feel a little icky.

Not In My Book had potential, but it honestly just fell flat for me.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC!  

I’m not a huge fan of romance so it took me by surprise how much I liked this book. The dialogue was pretty funny, I enjoyed the characters and the build up was incredible.
I loved the writing, the way it would make the reader picture the scenery so vividly, you’d think they’d been there. I also enjoyed the way the characters differentiate from each other without clashing, making you root for them even more.

However, I didn’t think the third act break up was necessary, but it’s quite a theme in romance novels, so I can see why the author would make that decision. Despite the tension, I’d label them more as rivals rather than enemies, even though it doesn’t take anything from the plot.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a lighthearted contemporary romance, this is the book for you.

I liked this more than I thought I would!!
It was a slow burn but burn it did.
Got the arc from NetGalley!!

I rate this book 2.5 stars

Before anything else, I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC copy.

Not in My Book by Katie Holt is about a Peruvian-American woman who goes to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. But she didn't expect to find herself forced to co-write a book with her literary fiction nemesis, the brooding and talented Aiden Huntington.

It has enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and grumpy and sunshine tropes plus it's also sort of a book within a book. The forced co-writing scenario and the characters' contrasting writing styles offer an interesting twist. I enjoyed the funny moments but sadly, I didn't enjoy the book as a whole as much as I thought I would.

For starters, there were a lot of grammatical errors and typos throughout which was a bit distracting and made me wonder if an editor or proofreader has gone through this book. There are also spicy scenes about 50% in and onwards which I felt was too much for my taste, but that's just me. Readers who enjoy spice in their books may enjoy this one though.

The story confuses me in some parts. One was when the FMC mentioned in Chapter 12 that she's been doing everything she can to make it possible to be home for Christmas, but a few chapters back she mentioned she didn't want to take up the weekend shift at her job no matter how much it paid because of the chaotic environment. There was also the one about the author Maggie Frantel in Chapter 15, she knew the author passed away a few years back, but a few pages in that chapter, she mentioned she didn't know the author passed.

Another one that confuses me is the nature of their fictional characters' occupation. It sounds like it's a corporate job at Durgis agency with the conferences and presentations, but it can also be publishing, if it's in publishing, then why did the fictional male character mention something about
his characters not getting their Happily Ever Afters? Are they fiction writers in the corporate world?

The FMC (Rosie) came off as overbearing and didn't know how to respect boundaries which irritated me a bit.

I really thought I was going to have to DNF this book, but I didn't.

Overall, "Not in My Book" is a novel with a promising premise. Readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes and a lighthearted read will find entertainment here. However, those seeking a more polished story with well-developed characters might want to look elsewhere.

3.75 ⭐️

A true rivals to lovers, slow burn romance with such a fun twist!

Not in My Book follows Aiden and Rosie, two classmates in a creative writing workshop, who couldn’t disagree more. When their professor finally decides she’s had enough, she pairs these two up to write a novel together. Rosie is a die hard romance lover and reader. While Aiden could not think less of romance and chooses to end his stories in grief.
As Rosie and Aiden work closely on the book together, they start to bond and their novel turns into a sort of love letter between the two.

The beginning of this book started off so strong! I loved Rosie so much. She is the sweetest little southern bell but when you come at her writing or her genre she’ll be quick to bite your head off. I loved how the novel they’re writing together becomes a safe place for them to share with each other how they really feel and be honest about what their relationship is turning into.

I basically annotated this whole book because there were some real swoon-worthy moments and lines. However, around 65% in I was growing tired of the will they, won’t they theme. And I did find that their conflict and ending were a bit predictable. Additionally, the spice leading up to them getting together (not a spoiler, it’s a romance novel of course there’s gonna be a HEA) was HOT. But once they actually got together, it was a little cringey. And the overuse of “baby” was just not doing it for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed the writing and the characters. I would definitely read something else by this author in the future.

Here’s a few of my favorite (non-spoiling quotes):

banter sample: ““Oh, c’mon,” I huffed. Aiden barreled on. “I’m writing for an audience that cares about more than overdone tropes and unrealistic men.” “Well, at least my book won’t be a coaster for some deadbeat fortyyear-old who thinks Matt Rife is some sort of God,” I bit out. “No, your book will be a coaster for a bored cat lady’s vibrator.” I snorted. “Your wife’s vibrator because you couldn’t please a woman to save your life!” “At least I’ll be married!” “At least—” “Enough,” Ida snapped.” 🤭

“His gaze was intense. We dared the other to back down, but neither one of us would. His jaw ticked. "Perfect. So, we're not writing about each other." "I guess not." "No reason to read in between the lines then, huh?" "None at all," I answered sweetly. "Then I guess I'll see you in the next chapter."

defending us romance lovers: “Then I read Ida Abarough’s article “Why We All Should Read Romance,” and my long lost confidence in writing romance was suddenly regained. She eloquently expressed why women read romance and how it showed women taking control in their lives while still being desired instead of wholly objectified. And how it had expanded to include different gender identities and become a safe space for people of color. No matter how bad life got in the romance novels, there would be a happily ever after that proved nothing was unfixable.”

such beautiful writing: “I ignored the glass of my own shattered heart as I cut myself trying to put hers back together.”

“The line between reality and fiction was almost as big as the one between love and hate, but I was desperate to convince myself it was thinner.”

“The truth was Maxine was so deep under my skin, it was like she had become my veins, not leaving a single part of me untouched.”

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book, it was well written, I did enjoy the banter between the main couple. Sometimes Rosie would read as very young and seemed quite immature in her dialogue and decisions.
An enjoyable story.

Katie Holt you are definitely in my book for BOLO authors. I absolutely loved Holt’s debut novel Not in my Book, the banter between the two main characters, Rosie and Aiden is top notch, pee your pants funny and the slow burn romance is so so so good!
The story is unique in a way where it feels like a story within a story. Inception, but with two young aspiring NYU writers, who literally cannot say one nice thing about the other. Their constant bickering lands them in a tight predicament with their writing professor- write a novel together or get out of my class for good. Yikes! Rosie loves a good romance story and HEA while Aiden is a realist and sees no need for romance in a world that gives no HEA for free, just turn on the news and see what point he has.
Besides the enemies to lovers part of the story I truly enjoyed Rosie’s Peruvian background and family. They just added so much to her story and I loved them so much! I wish I could spend my Christmas with them and eat all the food her mom whips up in her kitchen. Also does Rosie and Aiden ever learn to make the cookies correctly? Please give me answers!!!
I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy of this book! Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for giving me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of the Hating Game, Not in My Book by Katie Holt is your next favorite read.

Rosie and Aiden are two writers both in the same writing workshop. Rosie, the passionate romance writer, knows exactly what she wants to do and will do whatever it takes to get there while Aiden, the handsome and sometimes arrogant literary writer, is determined to get under her skin any time he can. When their in-class fighting finally takes its toll, they’re given two options by their professor. Find another class and risk failing or find a way to write the book they’ve been assigned to write together.

Not wanting to drop the class, Rosie and Aiden both agree to work together and find that maybe the other isn’t as obnoxious as they thought prior.

This book was amazing for a debut author. While reading I felt like I knew and could connect with the characters in a way that I haven’t been able to say I have before. The pacing of the book was great and kept you intrigued without wanting to fall asleep or skip to the next few chapters, and the snippets of New York were one of my favorite parts other than the fun back and forth the characters had. Highly recommend it for fans of slow burns and enemy-to-lovers tropes.

Oh my goodness, I’m so excited to rave about this book! I desperately needed something fluffy after my last read and this was EVERYTHING. The slow burn nearly drove me into oblivion because it was so good.

Rosie and Aiden are both enrolled in an MFA Writing Program at NYU and have been at each other’s throats since they met. It’s gotten to the point where their instructor gives them one last opportunity - write a novel together for their grade or drop the class.

It’s a delicious debut novel that kept me squealing and smiling all the way through. I never wanted to do anything else but enjoy Rosie and Aiden’s story. I loved watching the two grow to accept one another’s genres while exploring outside of their own.

There was a moment towards the end where I was nearly on the brink of tears as I felt my heart cracking within my chest, and I don’t want to ruin the moment by saying what exactly did it for me.

‘Not In My Book’ releases December 10th! I can’t wait for everyone to read this because this author has become a must buy for me.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It was such an exciting premise and description when I asked for this book. The cover was such a cutesy romance to it. I am not much of a contemporary reader but the synopsis of the book got me. The phasing of the book is good. Though this gives a bit of slack at the beginning of the story. Well, I know well enough that it just comes to the center of the story. Again, this was such a cute one — such a summer beach read vibes. The only thing that I can say is that the confrontation scene was confusing and doesn’t actually give justice to what was happening to the book. I am not sure what author wants to achieve. But all in all, it’s an okay book.

A back and forth between competing against each other and wanting to be together, both main characters are writers with something to prove.

A fantastic debut from a new author. I tell you I could read as many of these romances written about authors.

This one is set in an NYC writing course, somewhat through the degree already. Rosie already knows that she loathes Aiden as much as she can't help but be drawn to him. Actually, it's probably all the more frustrating because he's so gorgeous.

But he tears apart her writing on their regular workshops for no better reason than that she is a romance writer, and he fancies himself literary.

Things come to a head when they mouth off each other to the point where their lecturer and mentor needs to take them to task. She threatens to kick them both out of the course for their poor behaviour, unless... they agree to write their final thesis together as a joint novel.

What's agreed upon is that it will be a romantic novel with a tragic ending to satiate their diverse writing tastes. As they begin to spend time with each other, the being drawn to each other turns out to be two sided.

This book is carried almost entirely on the romance since the side characters really don't have enough of their own character to be distinct from each other, with the exception of Ida the mentor. I remember in particular being confused that Jess and Rosie's flatmate were two different people as they read so similarly. The whole group really functions as nothing more than a foil to at alternate times either condemn Aiden or encourage Rosie to sleep with him.

But Rosie and Aiden together, plus the continued task of writing a shared novel, is thrilling and sweet at turns. The enemies to lovers is one of the best written examples of the trope I've seen in a while.

Guys! you have no idea how excited i was about reading this book & it was definitely what i expected & more. I was giggling, blushing, & kicking my feet as if Aiden’s words were directed to me. i obviously read it during summer but it’s one of those that you have to read during the holidays.

For all my swifties & romance readers, this one is written for YOU!
Rosie writes romance novels while Aiden writes literary fiction. They’re in the same graduate class where they each write stories. They write a chapter & then they have to read it to the class. Every-time Rosie reads her chapter, Aiden has something to say, & it’s nothing nice. He’s always critiquing her especially bc she’s a romance writer. He hates romance, he says it’s not realistic bc of its happy endings.
Rosie & Aiden have been going at it for months. One day, their professor has had enough & makes a deal with them. They either have to drop the class & find another one or they write the book together. Keep in mind, they hate each other’s genre. However, they have no choice if they want to stay enrolled in this class.
As they write the book together, we start to know quite about their childhoods & past relationships. Without knowing, they create characters based off themselves & their feelings. ‘Not In My Book’ is based off Rosie’s POV but we see bits & pieces of Aiden’s POV through the book that they are writing. 💗

if i can get my hands on a physical copy for myself, i definitely will! it was the cutest story, & it just reminded me once again why i love romance.

4 stars!- I read this in a day and thought it was a really cute read! As advertised this book definitely gave me The Hating Game vibes. I was very interested with the format of this book how we got to see so many pieces of Rosie and Aiden writing the book they were working on. Being from the New York area I loved reading all the snippets of New York City. I was impressed that this book was written by a debut author! I am hoping we get more books in this world!

I *loved* this read. It felt like such an homage to the romance genre while still having characters that felt solidly themselves. The romance was sweet and slow-burny, with both characters going through some lovely development. Very well written with familiar tropes popping up throughout, which felt like fun nods to what I'm guessing are tropes near and dear to the author's heart. I'm excited this is a debut - I'd love to read more by this author!!!

I read this book in a bout 5 hours. I devoured it because it was just so good! First of all, I am a huge fan of grumpy x sunshine rivals to lovers stories. This book was the best of this trope. The banter, the romance, the longing looks at each other even as they are mouthing "Bite me" across the table. I cannot choose a single thing that I loved the most because it was all so great. I absolutely loved Rosie's friends. They all balanced each other out perfectly. Logan was absolutely hilarious and had the best chaotic good energy. The scene with the kabedon had me squealing and freaking out in the best way. I loved that Aiden tried so hard to maintain that romance tropes do not happen in real life while they happened one by one for him and Rosie. This book was truly a favorite for the year. I cannot wait to preorder so I can read it again!

This was honestly one of my favorite romance reads so far this year. The slow burn and tension had me so invested in Rosie and Aiden’s story.

1 Sentence Summary: Rosie’s dream has always been to be a romance author, so she is excited when she gets the chance to move to NYC for a master’s program in writing; however, she ends up stuck in a workshop with the infuriating Aiden, a literary fiction novelist who doesn’t believe in romance, and when Rosie & Aiden’s fighting gets out of control their professor threatens to kick them out of the class unless they can co-write a novel that blends both of their genres.

My Thoughts: This was a fun and quick read, and I was definitely rooting for Rosie & Aiden to get together! They had a lot of chemistry, and the enemies-to-lovers aspect was well written.

While yes, I had to suspend my disbelief about some aspects of the story, and there were a lot of trope-y, cheesy scenes, it was still super cute and enjoyable. (Although, the sex scenes were a little too cringe lol.)

I enjoyed reading the excerpts from the novel Rosie & Aiden wrote together! As someone who loves reading and writing, this book was perfect for me. I got soo much secondhand embarrassment when they were reading their obviously self-insert chapters to their whole class though haha.

Both Rosie and Aiden were well developed characters, and Rosie’s friends were fun as well. I loved reading their group texts haha. Also, I loved the Peruvian American representation!

Overall, this was a charming romance with lovable characters that was a little cheesy, yet compulsively readable.

Recommend to: Fans of romance, writing, and reading.

(Warnings: swearing; explicit sexual content)