This was so cute! I enjoyed the story of the two characters writing their own romance novel and using it to share their true feelings with each other. The relationship was believable and authentic. I wish the author gave more insight into the male main character's background with his father or wrapped up that story line somehow. I thought the female main character was likable and relatable until the end when she was obviously choosing to miscommunicate with the MMC. It wasn't necessary and just made me irritated with her. Overall I gave the book four stars.

The book where we get the perfect academic rivals to lovers banter, the stares, the tension, debates, the slow progression towards their relationship, the will-they, won't-they in the romance section. I loved it so much, I couldn't stop smiling throughout the book. I was giggling and holding my breath at so many scenes throughout the entire book. Also the names Rosie and Aiden, perfect!!
The protective, handsome boyfriend with a brownstone AND a peacoat ??! Perfect 💗💗💗
The hopeless romantic girlfriend who tried to romantically connect all potential couples arround her? Lovely 🥰
The friendship group was also amazing, the side characters brought life to the life outside their rivalry.
I totally get the hating game x beach read vibes described in the synopsis.
That being said, I have some issues towards the end, I wanted it to be so perfect but the ending kind of made it difficult. Still the way it made me feel overall is too good.

Spoilery thoughts about the ending:
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I knew a third act breakup was coming and it had something to do with the fellowship from some of the foreshadowing and evasiveness Aiden was showing whenever the topic came up. So it's clearly miscommunication. The way he acted was kind of self righteous when they met after the result. He kind of insulted romance genre and their advisor for suggesting she submit that piece for the application. Then why didn't he even hint at changing the genre just for the sake of application when he reviewed the entry?
I thought they actually were in a relationship as she mentioned they broke up, even though they never really said the words to each other. Anyways he actually took effort and visited daily, went to Tennessee etc. That's nice of him, but did they get a closure about the lying by omission ? They only confessed their feelings again and that was that. Atleast I didn't feel they got a closure. This is just my personal thoughts.

Thanks NetGalley for the arc of this book. This book is definitely a slow burn but stick with it, it’s gets better around 40% in. A definite read for any book lovers out there. Rosie and Aidan are in a literary workshop together and spend their classes arguing. The tutor sets them a challenge to write a book together and the sparks fly. Tropes include enemies to lovers, fake dating and one bed. Brilliant twist of the usual romance with it developing through the book.

The beginning of this book was very similar to Beach Read, by Emily Henry, if Gus and January had still been in grad school. In this version, Rosie is the starry-eyed romance writer and Aiden is her brooding and critical litfic nemesis. After a messy argument in their writing workshop, they're forced to write a romance novel together in order to avoid failing the class. What follows is a sort of meta-romance, where the story they're writing closely parallels their actual relationship.
I think the story had potential, but the second act was much too predictable to be enjoyable. The "novel" they are writing is literally just their own story with different names, which makes the long quoted passages feel redundant and unimaginative.
I enjoyed each of the characters, including side characters, individually, but didn't feel that the story came together successfully.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.

E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Romance between two authors of different genres. Rosie is a romance author whilst Aiden is a literary fiction author.

From the start, these two find themselves fighting and arguing often in relation to the genres they write. The 'banter' or 'fighting' sometimes felt younger then I believe it should have however thr characters were well done and felt real.

The writing was easy to read and flowed in a logical sequence. I'd recommend this book for those who enjoyed the hating game and beach reads.

Also posted to goodreads.

3,5 ⭐️

OMGG what a cute book!! 🩷

so I really loved this book and I’m so grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC!

I utterly enjoyed reading this female protagonist, she’s so strong but I’d liked to read more about her in detail.

I also liked the male protagonist, but at first it was hard to connect with him because there were some attitudes that I didn’t support. At the end I ended up liking him more and more and I’m so happy for that! His character really grew up to me.

The best part was the quotes! they were outstanding and I wanted to highlight all the book!

Overall I enjoyed this book and I’d recommended it to everyone! I was struggling with university and this was an easy and fast read that really helped me along the way! 💘

First of all, Thank You Netgalley for the ARC granted to me, this could possibly be hands down my favorite book from the semester (I'll have to wait 'til the year is over to confirm if it's the best of the year, but theres a high chance haha) What a delicious story. Actually a story inside another sotry while The first is being written. Seriously! A book always catches my attention and puts me in the mood when the narrative shows the characters writting a story inside another story, because it takes a lot of work to make this happen the right way to convince the reader it is organic. And that is exactly what happens here! A classic enemies to lovers made by two young writters, one romance lover and other one who hates romance (as always haha), with such relatable characters wh has to deal with family issues, self steem, grieving, confience in relationships and much compettition in work environment. Definetely a 5 star book, with great character development, latina inclusion (the female character is Peruvian, country We not ususally see in books) spicy romance and compelling narrative. I almost don't have con's about the story, except that argument scene in the end that has been clearly made to include a conflict that sunded to me superficial, but at the same time, We humans, use to act dumb sometimes, even with some progess when it comes about Our behaviour. So it didin't ruined nothing at all.
TOTALLY RECOMMENDED!

So I’m not really a contemporary romance reader at all so I am not the target audience for this, but the concept of two authors cowriting a novel together appealed to the bookworm in me so I decided to request this arc and give it a try. And it really surprised me how much I enjoyed this! This was a REALLY good read. Even though I don’t generally read contemporary often, this book was actually so witty and funny! If I could describe this book in two words, it would be playful and cute. Just a feel good book, perfect for a beach read. This is just the kind of book I’d love to read while relaxing on vacation! The back and forth banter is hilarious, the college student setting is cozy, and the dialogue was just effortlessly funny. Not to mention, it couldn’t have been easy, writing two books in one, which is what this basically was. Not only do we have the story, we also have excerpts of the story the characters are writing, and the two tie together perfectly.

Aiden starts out so unlikeable lmao. At the beginning he’s just so…..irritating. He’s snarky, rude, and harsh. And the worst part is he has this effortless ability to come off across as better than everyone else, and he knows it too. Honestly, 100% team Rosie at the beginning, and this is coming from someone who shares the same opinion as Aiden when it comes to romance novels and is also a bit of an elitist sometimes with the romance genre (yes I realize I am being a total hypocrite saying this while literally reviewing an arc in said romance genre). He was just overly stuck up about it, like GEEZ. This is an actual line he says: “I don’t think I’m a better writer. I know I am.” Doesn’t that just make you wanna 🤛🏻 And the fact that he’s described as an annoyingly talented writer and physically attractive just makes it even more irritating because of course, he had to be hot too, with that personality? It becomes a pretty standard, guy isn’t as bad as he seems type trope, but it all felt a little cliche. The whole, I liked you the whole time but I was a jerk because I thought I was protecting myself, type trope. It all felt a little unrealistic, because the jerk being a jerk to the main character to protect her feels forced and makes very little sense? But I did like Aiden as a character by the end, even though the whole character shift felt weird and forced to me.

Despite Aiden’s weird character arc, this book was actually so hilarious, which goes back to the whole perfect beach read thing, because this book genuinely is funny. The dialogue is really funny, with their constant fighting and back and forth banter is hilarious though; at the part in the beginning when she’s critiquing his writing and they start insulting each other back and forth in front of the entire class, I couldn’t stop giggling. Plus the text threads between Rosie’s friend group were always really entertaining. Even though I wasn’t exactly the target audience, this was a fun and cute read and I enjoyed it! And the ending was actually so sweet and I loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

this was actually such a cute, fun read and i liked this a lot more than i thought i would! the blurb saying it's a mix of hating game and beach read is spot on. i love ida so much she really played cupid here hahaha. i loved their banter and it was so entertaining to read (also chapter 24????? that was SO. HOT.) i am not the biggest fan of pop culture references in books so that kind of put me off a little. also i feel like i needed a little more grovelling and the ending might've felt a little rushed but other than that it was great! and i loved the plot so much.

After a writing workshop turned ugly, wannabe-romance writer Rosalinda, or “Rosie”, has to team up with her literary-fiction-writing enemy, Aiden, to write a romance novel sans Happily Ever After, in order to preserve their places in a sought-after writing course.

This book was right up my alley. I love a good rivals or enemies-to-lovers romance, with a splash of attraction. As the book progressed, I enjoyed how major milestones in their relationship were both foreshadowed and created by the book they were writing together, and how the book provided a sneak peek into Aiden’s point of view without distracting from Rosie. I also enjoyed how elements of Aiden’s and Rosie’s relationship paralleled popular romance tropes.

My main critique is that I wish we had seen Aiden being the one obviously in the wrong a bit more frequently in the beginning. Since the book starts where it does, and we’re in Rosalinda’s POV throughout the whole book, Rosalinda seemed like she provoked Aiden more often, particularly frustrating when he’s clearly trying to be polite. This was rectified as the book progressed, which helped.

In conclusion, this novel has a lot of heart and humor which made me genuinely invested in the characters. I recommend for anyone searching for a good rivals-to-lovers romance.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I love the banter of Aiden and Rosie, both authors going to NYU. Aiden is a literary writer, Rosie a romance writer. They keep butting heads in their class til one professor makes them write a story together. Will their book have a happy ending or not?

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I’m going to say it now Katie Holt is my favorite debut romcom author of 2024. I 100% went into “Not in My Book” with zero expectations. Now I’m leaving with a desire to blast Taylor Swift music and re-read Aiden & Rosie’s story all over again!

To set the scene for everyone “Not in My Book” follows aspiring writers Aiden & Rosie. Rosie is an aspiring romance writer who truly believes in HEA. Meanwhile, Aiden is a literary fiction writer who doesn’t believe in happily ever afters. They are both polar opposites and bicker constantly in class. Their professor in order to create peace between them gives them the project of writing a book together. Of course what could go wrong with that assessment ;)

Katie Holts writing is really easy to read and at times made it really difficult to put the book down. Rosie & Aiden’s story had me giggling, screaming and crying all in one 24 hour reading journey. I also adored that we basically had two books in one: the manuscript Aiden and Rosie were writing intertwined perfectly with the main book plot.

I cannot say this enough, I highly recommend “Not in My Book” please grab this when it comes out later this fall! I also cannot wait to read what Katie Holt publishes next. She definitely has a fan for life!

What a dreamy debut romance novel!

Thing I loved the most: so, hear me out. I hate dual POV romance novels. I think it really takes away from the mystery and emotion of connecting with one character. Having 2 sides of the story is sweet. but it muddies it down. The fact that you get both POV without it actually being dual POV is *chefs kiss*.

Next thing I loved: the dirty mouth on Aiden. He also never really changed - I mean that in a good way. His personality does show through better as we get to know him, but who he is and his stoicism doesn't disappear just because he gets the girl

Readers experience a captivating blend of romance and rivalry in this sexy and hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance from a debut Peruvian-Tennessean voice. Katie Holt’s debut novel, "Not in My Book," is a delightful rollercoaster of emotions. The chemistry between Rosie and Aiden leaps off the pages, and their witty banter keeps readers hooked. Holt masterfully balances humour, passion, and vulnerability, creating a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance that transcends clichés.

Rosie, an idealistic and passionate Peruvian American, leaves her Tennessee hometown to chase her dream of becoming a writer in New York. But fate has other plans when she finds herself in class with her arch-nemesis and ex-crush, Aiden Huntington. He’s an obnoxious, surly, and gorgeous literary fiction writer who scoffs at the romance genre.

Their verbal battles in workshop classes reach a boiling point, prompting their professor to issue an ultimatum: Rosie and Aiden must co-write a novel that blends their genres. Reluctantly, they embark on this literary journey, weaving pieces of themselves into their accidentally steamy manuscript. As they get to know each other, they attempt to put aside their differences.

Their manuscript becomes an outlet for confession, allowing them to explore their attraction toward each other. But when they compete for a career-changing opportunity, old rivalries flare up, threatening their once-in-a-lifetime love story. The question remains: Can they find a way to end the book on their own terms?

The setting, New York’s bustling literary scene, adds depth to the story, and the cultural nuances Rosie brings as a Peruvian American enrich the narrative. Holt’s prose is lyrical, evoking the magic of the city and the complexities of love.

Rosie and Aiden’s journey is both heartwarming and steamy, making "Not in My Book" a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Whether you’re a die-hard romance enthusiast or a skeptic, this novel will win you over. Prepare to laugh, swoon, and root for Rosie and Aiden as they navigate love, rivalry, and unexpected passion.

This is a delightful debut that proves love can blossom even in the unlikeliest of places. Katie Holt’s fresh voice and irresistible characters make this novel a standout addition to the romance genre. Don’t miss out on this page-turner because it’s a love story for the ages!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The story was a cute enemies to lovers.
I didn’t like the story within a story aspect. It felt almost “jarring” being pulled from one book into another.

What a story! From the very first chapter I was hooked on this enemies to lovers trope. I am not a huge romance reader but this has been one of my favorite reads all year. It was a refreshingly different novel that I hadn’t read any like it. I truly enjoyed the enemies to lovers, single bed, steamy scenes, rom-com, grumpy/sunshine themes. I loved the characters, they were very relatable. Once you learned more about each character the plot thickened. If you’re looking for a read that will make you laugh, hope for happily ever afters and has witty banter this is your book! This novel will release 12-10-24. You’ll want to get your preorder now!

Aiden and Rosie are not much alike. They’re very opposite in fact. Their only shared interest is writing. Aiden despises romance while Rosie can’t get enough. In class the two are paired to write a story. They’re pushed to their limits as they try to tolerate each other but find a break through….hopefully.


Thank you NetGalley and Katie Holt for allowing me this advanced read.

Oh. Em. Gee. I absolutely love, love, LOVED this book! This romance had ALL the tropes. E2L. Forced proximity. One bed situation. Stubborn AF main characters. They had a great dynamic and I loved the supporting characters as well. Katie Holt did an AMAZING job of evolving Aiden and Rosie’s relationship and novel they were working on. The build up of tension for the first half of the book was fantastic and HOLY MOLY that sex scene creation for the novel. WHEW. Will Aiden and Rosie get their Happily Ever After or will their relationship go down in flames? That’s for me to know and you to find out!

Firstly, Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author, for providing me with the ARC of Not in My Book in exchange for an honest review.

“Not in my Book” by Katie Holt is the perfect rivals-to-lovers and grumpy/sunshine story that follows Rosie and Aiden, two aspiring authors with clashing personalities and genres. Their heated rivalry in a writing class leads to a forced partnership on a romantic novel project.

Holt captures the essence of their journey with witty banter and the perfect amount of tension. The dynamic between Rosie and Aiden is entertaining, making their transition from enemies to lovers believable and swoon-worthy. This story is a delightful blend of humour, tension, and sweet moments. Holt does a fantastic job bringing Aidan and Rosie to life. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching their relationship evolve is incredibly satisfying.

Although I felt the ending was rushed, the final conflict between Aidan and Rosie needed more resolution. A deeper conversation about their issues would have made the conclusion more fulfilling. But despite this, the book was a joy to read. The banter, the tension, and the character development were spot on.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good romance with a literary twist. The characters are well-developed, the plot is engaging, and the romance is sweet and satisfying. Highly recommended for a heartwarming read!

I love this book! Not only does it remind me of a certain scene in "From Lukov, with love" but it's also amazing in terms the writing.
If you told me one could just cowrite a book about falling in love while falling in love, and not only does come out fucking amazing, but it also makes that love story actually happen I'll sing myself up, no questions asked.
The only thing I didn't quite like is how irrational Rosie can be when it comes to Aiden's money. I understand that he does have money and she does not, but to read about how "rich" he is in terms so desproportionate make it a bit weird.
Apart from that, I hope there'll be more to this characters.

I love a good enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine book. I also thought it was so cool that they were both trying to write a book and we sat through classes with them. The only thing I didn’t love was how sudden their fight at the end was.