This digital ARC was obtainable via NetGalley for an honest review.

I have a love hate relationship with "The Spoiler" and not in a bad way. This book reads like a YA but there are mature themes. My main problem was that the miscommunication was awful. Also, the main character was very childlike. However, there are some good moments. The angst was present (which, I love me some angst). The plot itself...was interesting. It has charm and promise but I feel like it could've been done a bit better. I did really like Tristan. Some of his moments were swoonworthy. All in all, it was a decent read. I'm looking forward to seeing how well the published version will be edited.

There were moments in the book that were wholesome and tried to keep the whole story going, but it just wasn’t enough. At times I felt that Rose (FMC with OCD) was incredibly insufferable, unlikeable, and childish. Tristan deserved more as the male main love interest. The back-and-forth and repetitiveness of certain plot points made the tale very lackluster.
Plus Tristan did some things that just screamed “RED FLAG”.

Regardless of my thoughts on this novel in particular, I still feel that it was a decent read and detailed L.E. Todd’s ability to write and create a world with characters that exhibited flaws, real world challenges, but provided them with the growth needed for redemption.

The story was fun and exciting right from the start. While some of FMC’s perspective were confusing and the MMC’s motivation questionable, the plot's focus on mental health was significant and raised important awareness.

I’m not fond of miscommunication trope, but in this case, it was understandable given the characters' personal battles that made it difficult for them to be vulnerable. It was frustrating at times, for sure, because you’re just rooting for them to be honest and get together, or even let MMC finish his sentence instead of making assumptions 🥲 but there wouldn’t be a story now if it was that easy, right? 😅 Despite this, I thought the story had layers making it captivating. Oh and did I mentioned there’s spice? 😏

It’s a happy ending guaranteed and it was pretty sweet.

⭐️ 3.5 /5
🌶️ 1.5 /5

Thank you sword and silk books and netgalley for this advanced copy. This review is of my own.

I can honestly say it's been a long time since a book has kept me up until the early hours because I just had to finish it, so, L.E Todd I'm blaming you when I fall asleep at work in the morning!

A raw insight into OCD and the way it affects not only the sufferer but those around them and the lengths that people will go to, to show their love and support.

I loved the premise of this book, and the slow burn friends-enemies-lovers aspect was executed brilliantly. The characters were well fleshed out and made for a delightfully refreshing read.

The Spoiler is this authors first published book, but I guarantee she will be one to watch out for in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this book - so much so that I read the entire thing in one sitting.🤭 I will admit, it took me a little bit to become fully invested in the story. I am not a fan of "bully flirting", so I struggled at the beginning to understand how I was supposed to be Team Tristan (MMC) when all he did was torture his best friend's sister with something she clearly was very upset about. BUT as the story fleshed out Rose's (FMC) OCD and the impacts it had on every aspect of her life, and the history between the characters was shown to us, I could literally feel my heart squeezing with joy every time Rose and Tristan interacted. Her revenge plot to destroy him for all the spoilers wasn't my favorite thing about this book, but I REALLY loved the scenes and build up that came from her vendetta. When it is revealed WHY Tristan tortured Rose with spoilers for so long, you experience Rose's entire emotional and mental processing as if you are feeling it yourself. That, in my opinion, is exemplary writing. LE Todd wrote about difficult emotions, mental illness, traumas, and complicated relationships in a beautiful and powerful way that really looked deep into all the dark corners.

Not to mention, the spice in this book was 🔥*chef's kiss*.🔥

As someone who experiences OCD similarly (yet not as intensely) as Rose, I appreciated the time and care that LE Todd put into showing how difficult it can be to live with something that can be completely debilitating and that so many people don't understand. It made me feel seen.👏

I gave The Spoiler a 4/5. I will definitely recommend this to others and can't wait to have a physical copy for my book shelf once it's officially released. 🥰

Sadly, I could not finish this book.
At first, I really thought it would be a cute and funny romance comedy, except that the characters did not give me the best first impressions regarding the depth of their relationship, which I think felt two-dimensional, if not hollow, and the execution was very fanfiction-ish, it was just not for me. The premise tells us that the MC has a long-time crush on her brother’s best friend called Tristan, and Tristan likes to tease our girl by spoiling all the movies she’s looking forward to watch. But the thing is I could not believe in any of it. Rose’s feelings seemed too superficial as the only thing she kept talking about was how handsome Tristan is. As a reader, this is not a way to make me care about a character’s heartache. I need the narrative to tell me what made the character A fall in love with character B ASAP, I need to fall in love with them too. If you don’t give me something other than physical attraction to hold on to, you are just losing me. I also think Tristan was very annoying —.I am not a fan of guys who likes to tease their crush the way Tristan does by giving up any sense of boundaries. Personal space, please ? Thank you ! It was just immature in a way that made me feel like I was reading a YA (and even most guys in the YAs I’ve read were not that intrusive and disrespectful regarding their love interest’s personal space).

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing this eARC; and I’m really sorry. This book was not for me at all.

I have so many thoughts about this book that I don't even know where to start.
So, here's the book main idea: This book follows Rose, an architecture student with OCD passionate about period dramas. She lives with her brother, which is her best friend. The problem is, his best friend, Tristan, is always at their house and makes his life mission to spoil every single movie she watches. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.
Of course, we - the reader - imagines his doing that to gain her attention, since he's been in love with her all these years. But the problem is that, to me, his behavior is lowkey disrespectful since she told him so many times how ridiculous it was. So after spoiling her movies, and even some of her dates, she decides to spoil everything to him, from movies to books, and even torturing him psychologically.
How can I even start to root for their romance when they are two walking and talking red flags?? It was so nice to follow them as teenagers in the flashback scenes so how did they grew up to this? Of course both of them have a lot of difficult situations growing up, Rose has OCD and Tristan's family is a mess, but that doesn't justify their actions. In the process of messing with him, Rose starts to use their tension (if you understand what I mean) to annoy him, and that's when I drew the line. I just couldn't make myself read it anymore.

I don't know, maybe the book is really good and problem is me, because in the beginning, I was loving it. Then it just went downhill.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is centered around Rose and Tristan both are in college and in love with one another, however neither one knows how the other feels. This book goes heavy on the miscommunication, which is not my favorite, but this is the relationship between the two main characters, and it adds to the story and banter between the two main characters.

Rose is a college student living with her brother Rob, and she has had long time struggles with OCD. Tristan is Rob’s best friend and is in love with Rose. They both share a love of classic movies. This was one of my favorite parts of the book and as an added bonus there were tons of movie quotes, as Tristan loved to spoil them for Rose.

I loved Rose’s character right from the beginning, I could relate to her struggles of being misunderstood, she had excellent character development and grew as a person throughout the story. Tristan on the other hand I had a love/hate relationship with him, his approach with Rose was unconventional, but in the end, he won me over.

Overall, this was great read and had a unique quality that I come to love. L.E. Todd did an amazing job on her debut novel, and I cannot wait to read more!

Thank you to the Publisher Sword and Silk Books, The Author L.E. Todd and NetGalley for and ARC copy in exchanged for my honest review.

Read if you love: enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend and slow burn

3.5⭐️ rounded up

The Spoiler is a cute college romance involving Rose and Tristan, her brother's best friend.

L.E. Todd's unique writing style helps you understand and connect with the characters. The flashbacks to pivotal moments also help build the foundation for the relationship between the characters. Rose's experiences and struggles with OCD gave the reader more insight about it. I also really enjoyed the movie references throughout the book.

I am not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope so the unresolved misunderstandings between the characters was one aspect I did not really enjoy. However, the read was still enjoyable and entertaining!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sword and Silk Books for allowing me to read this book!

2.5 * Rounded Up

This one was problematic but had some parts that I enjoyed and others that I really did not. Overall I enjoyed the setting of 2007 in college and with flashbacks to high school in 2004. I was in high school in 2004 so it felt relatable for me and this paired nicely with the fall vibes of this book. I also really liked that the OCD representation seemed realistic. Rose, the main character, really struggled at times handling her OCD and triggers. It was refreshing to see that these aspects of her struggle weren't glossed over and we actually felt her struggle and how debilitating it was for her. My issues became that the relationship with Tristan was so filled with animosity and a lack of boundaries and miscommunication that it became unlikeable. Then when we got an explanation, really late into the book, about why he did certain things it was not really a satisfactory reason or one that made much sense. His inability to communicate was super annoying and then Rose's assumptions on top of that just made it so I was frustrated at them most of the times. I did like the sexual tension between them, I think that was done well and some of the romantic lines where super sweet but overall I was just really taken out and not connecting to them as a couple because they both really just could not communicate or even figure out what they wanted. It made for too frustrating of a reading experience, I think if you like really angsty and love the miscommunication trope then you might enjoy but there are definitely some questionable behaviors by both characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sword and Silk Books for granting me access in exchange for an honest review.

I happened to be gifted by the Instagram algorithm with an ARC recruitment post by the author and was graciously gifted a chance to read this book as a result!

Rose and Tristan see each other all the time. As Tristan is best friends with Rose's brother Rob, he's at their house constantly. Rose had a crush on Tristan back in the day, but that crush has since been overshadowed by her annoyance.

For some reason, Tristan has taken it upon himself to consistently drop major spoilers of her favorite period drama movies the last few years and it's driving Rose crazy! When she also realizes that he was the one who helped her discover this favorite movie genre, it seems like his diabolical torture is even more meticulously planned than she thought.

This story is an agonizingly slow burn but absolutely worth the read! While it takes a similar track down some of the stereotypical romance tropes (ie miscommunication/egregious assumptions galore), the author does a great job putting some unique twists in along the way.

It was also intriguing to see how Rose deals with the struggles of her OCD, including dealing with bullying, fighting her compulsive impulses, and her journey with therapy.

This is one that once you start is hard to put down!

One of the standout features of "The Spoiler" is the delightful banter between the FMC and MMC. Whether it's quick-witted comebacks or playful teasing, the interactions between the characters are a joy to read and bring an extra layer of richness to the narrative.

One thing the author does well is the handling of the main character's OCD diagnosis throughout the novel. Todd does not shy away from the difficult moments or the messy realities of living with OCD, but instead confronts them head-on with empathy and understanding. The result is a portrayal that feels genuine and resonant, shining a much-needed light on an often stigmatized subject.

At times, the miscommunication got to be very frustrating. While it did make for some complicated emotions to work through, it really felt like too much at times.

"The Spoiler" is a must-read for anyone looking for a novel that delivers on both entertainment and substance. With its sharp banter, authentic mental health representation, and gripping storyline, L.E. Todd has crafted a book that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.

Genre - College romance, friends to enemies to lovers, overcoming handicap, multi-cultural, brother's best friend
Setting - College town and house
Appropriate Age - 18+ for sex
POV - Mostly fmc

The romance in this story was sweet and had so much buildup I was yearning for it to happen. Rose the fmc has severe OCD and hates herself so she could never imagine that her brother's best friend, a star hockey player, could ever see her as anything other than someone broken. She becomes obsessed with period romance movies and he starts going out of his way to spoil her movies so she goes from love to hate and swears revenge. Things do not turn out the way she expects. The miscommunication and assumptions trope make up most of this book. I will look forward to other books by L.E. Todd and have followed her on Goodreads.

Story *** World ***
Main Characters * Side Characters ***
Story Emotions **** Reader Frustration ****
Slow burn/reveal **** Steam ***
Ending **** Romance ****

Cons
- Rose's issues go beyond OCD behaviors she is also an OCD thinker because she gets caught up in a thought process and will not listen or change her mind
- Tristan is ridiculous about not being able to communicate a simple sentence.
- The relationship between the brother and Tristan. It is explained but also seems underdeveloped.

Pros
- So much emotion in the romance build-up
- Great brother and parents
- Gave what I assume is a good picture of OCD struggles and options without making the relationship the answer
- Intimate scenes manage to be steamy but you can feel they are about love and not sex
- Movie descriptions make me want to go watch some

Thank you to NetGalley and L.E. Todd for sharing this ARC.

I couldn't put this down! There's so much tension and longing between Tristian and Rose, and their relationship described in the present plus flashing back to the past pulled at my heart strings. There were so many moments that I wanted to shake Rose to wake up and see what was in front of her, but that just added to the drama of the story. It was an addictive read that had me waiting and hoping they would end up together. It seems perfectly suited to readers in their early twenties based on the characters' ages/lifestyles and the young drama, however I'm in my mid-thirties and really enjoyed reading this story. L.E. Todd has a great writing style that drew me in and kept me entertained the whole way through. I look forward to reading more by his author!

I really thought this was a cute romance book and fell in love with the main characters. As a female who also struggles with OCD I really resonated with Rose and her struggles. I really liked the ODC representation in this book and thought it was well done. Tristan is absolutely adorable and he has my whole heart

Title: The Spoiler by L.E. Todd

Release date: June, 18th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"The Spoiler" by L.E. Todd is a delightful and heartwarming novel that perfectly blends the enemies-to-lovers trope with a deep exploration of mental health, all while paying homage to the enchanting world of period drama movies.

College student Rose Maraczek's life is a testament to the power of cinema, offering her a much-needed escape from her debilitating OCD. Her love for movies, particularly period dramas, is both her solace and her passion, making her the perfect protagonist for a story that is as much about love as it is about finding oneself.

Enter Tristan Moore, Rose's brother's best friend and her former crush, who becomes the bane of her existence. His constant presence in her life and his irritating habit of spoiling movies are more than just annoyances; they're a threat to the escape Rose so desperately seeks. The tension between them is palpable, fuelled by a history of unspoken feelings and misunderstandings.

However, the revelation that Tristan was the one who left Rose a box of movies years ago changes everything. This twist not only sets the stage for a sweet and satisfying romance but also forces both characters to confront their feelings and the misconceptions they've held onto for so long.

What truly sets "The Spoiler" apart is its sensitive and authentic portrayal of mental health. Rose's battle with OCD is depicted with a level of detail and empathy that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Todd's writing allows readers to see the world through Rose's eyes, experiencing the challenges and triumphs of living with OCD. This intimate look into Rose's mind is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to face one's inner demons.

The novel also excels in its use of period drama movies as a metaphor for escape and healing. The banter between Rose and Tristan, filled with movie quotes and references, adds a layer of depth to their relationship, showcasing how shared interests can bridge even the widest of divides.

"The Spoiler" is a must-read for fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope, the brother's best friend trope, and anyone who appreciates a story that handles mental health with care and respect. L.E. Todd's writing is both sweet and impactful, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of period dramas or simply looking for a well-crafted romance, this book is sure to capture your heart.

Thank you to The Publisher Sword and Silk Books ,The Author L.E. Todd & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

The author's writing style is engaging, but the pace of the book suffers from repetition. The constant ping-pong between Rose and Tristan, particularly Tristan's spoilers, feels like a scene on repeat, slowing down the plot's progression. Despite this, the chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and the steamy tension is palpable.

Rose is portrayed as both insecure and strong, while Tristan is a complex character with depth. His vulnerability and motivations are well-explored, making him a compelling and relatable character. The book sheds light on OCD, a topic often overlooked in literature, which I thought is a welcome addition.

While the friends-to-lovers and brother's best friend tropes are well-executed and I enjoyed the romance, the slow burn felt overly prolonged.
Overall, the book has definitely its moments, but the pace and depth of the plot could have been improved.

Thank you to NetGalley for an electronic advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a college romance. College romances entail poor life decisions, questionable characters, and sex placed high on the priority list, and this book didn’t stray from the criteria. The premise of The Spoiler is so cute and different, but the execution was not my favorite. Tristan is spoiling movies knowing she hates when he does it. Does he have a reason? Yeah sure. Does it make sense? Yeah sure…but it was also connived by a college boy, so the reasoning is flawed at best. Tristan is also problematic because he is not a great communicator. He cannot seem to string a full sentence together to bring his point across to Rose. I would be 100% more understanding if we got a back story for why this is, but I can recall receiving no such explanation. It was all very confusing. Now Rose. As someone with a very lax case of OCD, I do not fully grasp the severity of Rose’s situation. However, it does seem like she should have gotten help ages ago. Her parents are relatively decent people, so why had no one driven her to get help if it was blatantly affecting her daily life? And it did. With all of the isolation she experienced, her ability to communicate effectively and coherently with others really took a hit. She made assumptions about people and situations out of lack of understanding and self worth, and it was both painful and sad to watch.
What I did like was that Rose and Rob (her brother) were friends and lived together through college. I thought that was cute.
Overall, the premise was not executed as I would have hoped and the characters were unkind to each other more than half of the time, so I probably wouldn’t recommend.

(Book review may contain spoilers.)

@l.e.todd did an excellent job making the characters, life situations, struggles, doubts, fears and mental health feel real. I found it easy to relate to the main characters. At the climax of the plot I could see the major problems the characters were facing and the self sabotage sucked me even more into the story. I had to keep reading to find out how the characters prevailed.

I love the element of the main theme of: movies and how the movie quotes were a major part of Rose and Tristan's story. Very creative!

The angst, the hope, the romantic scenes were just enough to make this book a good read.

Book babes, if you're looking for a bit of romance and a story about conquering your inner demons I recommend you keep an eye out for the upcoming release of The Spoiler.

#thespolier #arcreader #bookreview #bookreviewer #ilovebooks #romancenovel #michiganblogger

A poignant contemporary romance that tackles deep emotional themes with grace. The author’s prose is exquisite, the characters are endearing, and the love story is both tender and powerful. Undoubtedly, a touching and an unforgettable read.