Rosie Maxwell and Aiden Huntington write very different books. Rosie writes romance and Aiden writes literary fiction. They, of course, attack each other’s writing in the writing class they’re in together. They are so bad that their teacher threatens to kick them out of class for good. She suggests they write a book together. Of course, the characters in the book (Max and Hunter) parallel Rosie and Aiden’s life and feelings. And as Max and Hunter start falling for each other, so do Rosie and Aiden.

This book was similar to Emily Henry’s Beach Read, but I think I enjoyed this more (I know, don’t come at me). Both characters have pasts that make them hesitate to fall for each other (Aiden’s father, Rosie’s ex), but once they push past their barriers they are a fun couple, completely in sync with each other. The third act break up was predictable, and I got really mad at Rosie for it, but it’s a romance, so there’s a happy ending.

I think this is a common but tricky premise, two writers tackling a romance book together. It's just very hard to make this meta concept work, twice over within the same book. I think the main characters acted so juvenile towards each other, in a masters program, to take them seriously later on.

I wanted to love but but it is just not for me - i ended up DNF-in about 35% in - just not the book for me

I really enjoyed this little romance novel. The premise for the book was adorable: two rivals in a Graduate program writing workshop where the MMC is the most critical of the FMCs work, but she never backs down showing us how feisty and stubborn she is. This sparks an intriguing rivals/enemies dynamic. During an argument had in front of their entire class, the professor decided as punishment that they were to write a book together. This is where things started to get realllly good. The banter and the way they communicate through the characters in their book is swoon worthy. I love me a man in a peacoat!!!

What lowered my rating was around 70% the book started to drag for me with what seemed like a lot of fluff, but I enjoyed the ending and how everything wrapped up.

I would definitely recommend when in need of an easy/comfort romance read.

Loved this book. At first I thought it was going to be the typical hate to love story and it was but it had such a great premise. I loved that we got to see what they were really thinking and feeling by reading their book. There were moments when I thought the characters were being a little dramatic but overall, it was a great fun book

Solid story of enemies to friends to lovers. You can’t help but root for Rosie and Aidan! Plenty of tension and arguments to keep the pages turning. But they get the HEA they both deserve.

I really enjoyed this book like I devoured it honestly! Love a rivals to lovers book, I just think they could’ve built a stronger relationship. There was so much yearning and pretending to not like each other that the book was nearly over when the romance occurred. The bantering and bickering was done perfectly and I just wished we had more relationship time. The third act break up did but didn’t make sense - everyone’s reactions felt superficial to who I knew the characters to be. Especially because I feel the book didn’t show the greatest job of how this would tear the characters apart. The entire situation just confused me. Also I was the biggest fan of the epilogue, I would have preferred a different view of their future. Overall a good read!!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a a fun read! It was an enemies-to-lovers romance, and a slow burn. It had fun banter and great friends and family characters. Spoiler: The one disappointment was that when the main characters got into a big fight, the FMC immediately quit her master's program, which she had been working tirelessly for (both in the program but also working hard to be able to pay for the program) and gave up her dream of living in New York to move back to her hometown. They turned it around, but it was a bummer to see such a strong character almost give up everything she worked for because she was upset about a guy.

I absolutely loved this book. The story was great the tension was perfect and the Taylor Swift hints were beyond amazing. I cant imagine a more perfect rom/com enemies to lovers book. The idea of having warring authors in a college course have to write romance book together is the story I never knew I had to read. Thank you so much for sharing this with me!

Super cute enemies to lovers that plays with all the romantic tropes in a great way. Our main characters must team up to write a novel or face being kicked out of their grad school writing workshop- the only problem is she writes romance, he writes lit fic, and they hate each other. Their relationship fuels the novel they co write and they learn about each other I. The process. A great cast of supporting characters and steamy scenes round out the book!

"I’d had to force myself to listen to Taylor Swift and reread my favorite books to find inspiration because I realized I didn’t have anything to draw from in real life."

This book was advertised as The Hating Game meets Beach Read, so I kinda knew what I was getting into.

Rosie and Aiden's been a classmate in their writing workshop for two semesters now, and they always butt heads. ALWAYS. When their professor got fed up, she paired them to write a romance book with no happy ending.

Ngl, I relate to Rosie. She loves romance, a swiftie and a hardworker? Yes to all, but I didn't like her. She's annoying, self-centered and acts high and mighty which made me disappointed of her. The plot/arguments were because of Rosie. TWICE.

I liked Aiden until the second arguments which made him awful in my eyes. I wished they didn't get together because wtf was that.

They both communicate through the book they are writing but can't even communicate irl when they are both adults.

Sadly, this book fell flat for me, though yes I did cried during the end but it still didn't take away that I wasn't liking this book as much.

Not in My Book by Katie Holt is a wonderful story of two rivals in a creative writing program who are forced to write a romance together after their explosive arguments in class cross the line. Aiden hates romance and writes literary fiction. He looks down on Rosie’s romance writing and harshly criticizes whatever she writes. Rosie, however, believes in happily ever after. As they get to know each other, the line between love and hate begins to blur. How will their story end?

I loved this book. I thought the characters were really well written and believable, and I loved the way they played off each other. I also loved the format of the book. It was told from Rosie’s point of view, but you also read portions of the book they were writing together. If it was a real book, I would have loved to read that one too! I would definitely recommend this book to romance readers!

Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for access to an advanced copy of this book on exchange for my honest review.

Katie Holt’s debut novel, Not in My Book, presents a captivating tale of rivalry, romance, and self-discovery set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. Drawing inspiration from popular romantic comedies like The Hating Game and Beach Read, Holt offers readers a delightful enemies-to-lovers narrative that is as witty and heartwarming as it is engaging.

The novel follows Rosie, an idealistic and passionate Peruvian-American who leaves her Tennessee hometown to chase her dream of becoming a successful romance writer in New York. Her plans are complicated by the presence of Aiden Huntington, her archnemesis and former crush. Aiden, a brooding literary fiction writer who disdains happy endings, frequently clashes with Rosie in their writing workshop. Their professor, exasperated by their constant bickering, gives them an ultimatum: they must co-write a novel that blends their genres. This reluctant partnership forces Rosie and Aiden to confront their differences, explore their attraction, and ultimately discover that their seemingly opposite worlds might not be so different after all.

The heart of Not in My Book lies in the chemistry between its protagonists. Rosie’s sunny disposition and unwavering belief in romance starkly contrast Aiden’s cynical outlook and disdain for the genre. This dynamic creates a rich tapestry of tension and banter that drives the narrative forward. Holt expertly captures the essence of their relationship, portraying their initial antagonism and gradual transformation into mutual respect and affection. The interactions between Rosie and Aiden are filled with sharp wit and emotional depth, making their journey from adversaries to lovers both believable and compelling.

One of the novel’s unique features is its dual narrative structure. Holt intersperses the main storyline with excerpts from the novel that Rosie and Aiden are co-writing. These interludes serve multiple purposes: they provide insight into the characters' creative processes, mirror their evolving relationship, and add an extra layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. This technique enriches the reader’s experience, offering a deeper understanding of the characters' inner worlds and the influences shaping their writing.

Not in My Book delves into several significant themes, including the validation of the romance genre, the struggles of pursuing creative dreams, and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection. Rosie’s determination to prove the worth of romance writing in a literary world often dismissive of the genre resonates deeply, highlighting issues of literary elitism and the value of diverse storytelling. Aiden’s character arc, which sees him gradually embracing the merits of romance, underscores the novel’s message about the importance of open-mindedness and growth.

Holt’s writing is characterized by its sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions, and heartfelt moments. The banter between Rosie and Aiden is particularly well-crafted, providing both humor and insight into their characters. The novel’s portrayal of the New York literary scene is vibrant and immersive, adding a rich backdrop to the unfolding romance. However, the novel is not without its flaws. The frequent miscommunications and misunderstandings between Rosie and Aiden, while essential to the plot, can sometimes feel contrived and frustrating. Additionally, the resolution of the central conflict—their competition for a prestigious fellowship—feels somewhat rushed and lacks the depth and resolution seen in other parts of the story.

Despite these minor flaws, Not in My Book remains a compelling and enjoyable read. Holt’s portrayal of the New York literary scene is vibrant and immersive, capturing the excitement and challenges of pursuing a writing career in a bustling metropolis. The novel’s supporting characters, including Rosie and Aiden’s classmates and friends, are well-drawn and add richness to the story. The thematic exploration of love, ambition, and personal growth is handled with nuance and care. Holt delves into the characters’ insecurities and dreams, highlighting the transformative power of vulnerability and connection. Rosie’s journey of asserting the validity and importance of the romance genre, alongside Aiden’s gradual acceptance of its merits, offers a thoughtful commentary on literary elitism and the value of diverse storytelling.

Katie Holt’s Not in My Book is a delightful addition to the enemies-to-lovers genre, offering a charming and heartfelt story that will resonate with fans of contemporary romance. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and emotionally rich narrative, the novel is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of unexpected connections. Despite some pacing issues and occasional narrative contrivances, Holt’s debut is a promising start to what will surely be a successful writing career. For readers seeking a blend of humor, romance, and literary insight, Not in My Book is a must-read.

I LOVED it. The first few chapters had me boiling with rage over Aiden. His quarreling with our main character really pulled me in and got me excited for the rest of the book and I must say… it definitely didn’t disappoint! This was a true ‘enemy’s to lovers’ and the story ended up being a cutesy romance.

Not in My Book is a fun enemies to lovers story that utilizes the use of a dual story well. The excerpts of the novel Rosie and Aiden are writing allows the reader to better understand Aiden without writing in dual POV. I loved how their personalities contrasted but also complimented each other so well. Holt's book is great for readers looking for a similar feel to KJ Micciche's A Storybook Wedding. I do wish there had been more communication at times between Rosie and Aiden and I also think his treatment of her during the previous workshops was never fully addressed. However, both Rosie and Aiden do a good job of demonstrating the different ways that love can impact your own journey in positive and negative ways.

**3.5 stars**

AHHHHHH!!! THIS BOOK WAS SO FREAKING FUN!!!

I picked up this book on a whim and it was exactly what I needed. It read like I was watching a modern day romcom. Rosie and Aiden’s chemistry was so strong it was intoxicating.

I loved the premise from the get. Rosie having to prove that romance too is in fact a worthy genre was something to intriguing to me. It was something so realistic that you automatically feel for Rosie. When Aiden and Rosie are paired together it is then so impossible to put this book down. I literally "one more chapter" myself every night I was reading this book. The angst and tension was so perfectly drawn out, I had no complaints at all.

I feel the pacing of the book only fell short at the end after a very much lackluster third act breakup I must add. Other than that I feel when this comes out during the holiday season people are going to love this as it has the perfect winter cozy vibe.

4 stars!!! after finishing the ARC of this book in a DAY, I can say that I loved it!!! Rosie and Aiden, and Hunter and Max, have my heart. I absolutely loved their character development, especially Aiden’s, and watching their relationship progress from enemies to lovers (my fave!!). the new york setting was also very additive to the story, and I loved the holiday vibes for the Christmas part of the book. I also really enjoyed the parallel writing aspect going on and how the story that Aiden and Rosie was writing gave the reader more insight into their relationship and themselves personally.

overall, I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it to my book besties!!!

"Not in My Book" follows Rosie, a passionate Peruvian-American destined to share her love of the romance genre with the world.

She leaves her hometown and moves to New York to further her education, where she is forced to work with her arch-nemesis, Aiden.

"Not in My Book" had me giggling, squealing, and covering the bottom half of my Kindle, anxious for the next paragraph. The slow burn and the banter between Rosie and Aiden were perfect!

Katie Holt has most definitely restored my love for the romance genre! I would love to continue reading her books as they certainly checked all my boxes.

However, the arguments within their relationship were taken a bit too far. I felt as if they were real low blows! The communication was slightly lacking, but love hurts, so it’s okay…

I would definitely recommend everyone read this in December. I finished it in less than a day!

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing this eARC! Unfortunately, this was a miss for me - I felt that the characters, romance, and plot were all underdeveloped and I did not like the execution of the book-within-a-book. It also seems like another editing pass might be needed, there seemed to be many instances where multiple variations of the same sentence were left in instead of cleaned up to choose one version.
Character wise, most of my frustrations were with Rosie. She seems intentionally obtuse in the many instances of miscommunication and willful in her "misunderstanding" of what Aiden is saying & doing, almost as if she did not actually pay any attention to what was actually happening. I guess this might have been intentional on the author's part as one of Rosie's main character flaws (that she does not overcome) is that she creates fantasy scenarios instead of living in the real world, but I found it very frustrating and honestly difficult to root for her as a viable partner for Aiden when she is apparently unable to even pay attention to his words/actions.
The romance felt oddly paced, especially in parallel with the book within the book. Rosie and Aiden never learned how to communicate, in the end they just avoided actually dealing with the issues and just moved on. I think the 4th act breakup impacted the pacing of the romance & plot as well, no time or avenue was really provided for them to satisfactorily resolve their issues. Also, especially considering this is an academic rivals-to-lovers, it's unfortunate that we don't get any resolution on if Rosie's able to finish her degree without the scholarship. I guess we're meant to assume that with rent covered through Aiden's mother's dwindling funds and half of the book advance, she's got enough to finish her degree?
The execution of the book-within-a-book here was really frustrating as it was just repeating the exact lines and scenes from the actual book. Their voices were also not really distinct enough to offer anything new in the two POVs and the writing was pretty meh for it be believable that they're these super talented authors.

The most cutest rivals to lovers romance book. Genuinely this was such an enjoyable read, especially to pick up for hot girl summer. As a book lover and admant reader this gave exactly what I needed. I laughed, I cried, I BLUSHED. Cause dear got the chemistry was burning HOT. I absolutely enjoyed every aspect of this book - Katie holy for sure became one of my auto buy authors now for sure.