I enjoyed the characters and the setting of this one - I vacation to OBX every summer so the location usually peaks my interest in books. Overall I thought it was a good book, good story. 3.5 stars.

This was a cute book! I loved the characters so much. Aspen's relationship with her sister was so fun to read. The romance was good. The writing wasn't doing anything incredible, but the story itself was really enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for this ARC!

Contemporary romance with a small town setting. Fake dating, enemies to lovers. Strong character development with relatable characters. A little cliche and predictable but a good time

This was a new author for me, and I’ll continue to read everything she writes! Originally requested this book for the cover art & premise, and I’m so thankful for the chance to read it. Loved it!

Cute, cozy, and undeniably charming, this grumpy-meets-sunshine romance hits just the right sweet spot. While some plot twists tie up a little too neatly, and the characters could use a bit more spark or edge, the overall vibe is warm and delightful. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre—and that’s okay. This book is perfect for a rainy afternoon when you want something light, comforting, and heartwarming. A feel-good read that leaves you smiling, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting mark.

Dnf I just couldn’t get into the story. This was a book that I didn’t request was just available on net galley and I downloaded it cause I thought it would be fun.

Aspen was incredibly insufferable, but I did love Brick! There were some pacing issues, some super slow parts. I feel like there was also so many unneccessary explanations for... everything lol. Not the greatest.

DNF @22%. The writing is fast paced and witty, but the characters weren’t it for me. It’s dual POV, which is nice.

The FMC is kind of stalking the MMC and refusing to take “no” for an answer. It just feels icky. She’s experiencing writer’s block and wants to hook up with the town “bad boy” so her heart gets broken and she’ll have a new muse.

They keep referring to other women as “females” and the MMC goes on and on about how ugly his dog is and how he doesn’t want it. When the dog started humping his leg, I decided I couldn’t keep pushing through.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy!

I've seen a lot of hype around this book, but for me it didn't really live up. I feel as if the author walked us through her thought process of how to write a book just to be successful, but not necessarily to be enjoyed. Because of that I had a really hard time looking past the writing aspects to really get to the story. I also really disliked the almost insta-love that these characters had.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was pure chaotic comfort. “Book of the Month” has all the things I love.. second chances, bookstores, pining, and messy adults trying (and often failing) to communicate like grown-ups. I cackled, I squealed, I wanted to shake them and also hug them. It feels like if a rom-com tripped on a library cart and spilled heart-shaped confetti everywhere. Jennifer Probst, you romantic menace, I’ll be thinking about this one every time I walk into a bookstore acting like love might be hiding behind the romance section.

2.75! ⭐️

Unfortunately this just wasn’t my cup of tea. The plot was a bit underwhelming and the characters lacked depth. This was, however, a better contemporary romance than most.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ebook arc.
Publication Date: October 22, 2024 and is now available.

*Truly, apologize for the late review, it was not my intention and will not happen again.*

This was such a cute book, loved the premise. I have spent time in the Outer Banks and loved the imagery this provoked for me.

This book took me a few tries to get through. The pace was slower than i prefer but it was also odd to me how fixated Aspen was with getting her heart broken and how she strongly believed that that was the only way she could get inspired again. The ending was good (!) and I really wish I enjoyed the whole book more so I could have given it 4 stars.

I love a fake dating with a twist type of book but this one was just lowkey depressing. It’s an ok read but I probably won’t be re-reading it anytime soon. I’d recommend to folks who are patient lol and enjoy rom coms that center around fixing up broken businesses.

I can’t get behind the name Brick because all I can think of is Brick Heck from The Middle. I’m not a heathen– I’m aware of the name’s origin— but still, it’s hard to use the name when it’s so strongly associated with a character from a sitcom with over 200 episodes.

That being said, the plot was a bit unsettling. Aspen believes that she needs Brick to break her heart in order to inspire her to write another bestseller like her debut book. Her banter game is…questionable. She thinks the best way to get his attention is to open with a line about kids being allowed to change the name their parents gave them when they turn 12. Her tactics border on stalking as she barrels over his clear signs that he wants to be left alone.

The best part of this book was Dug the dog.

I received a digital ARC of this book from Blue Box Press.

Cute, cozy, and charming. The grumpy-meets-sunshine romance hits the sweet spot, even if a few plot turns feel a little too neat. It’s not perfect and could use a bit more attitude or personality in the character’s personalities, but perfect for a rainy afternoon.

I know that I'm absolutely delayed in reading and reviewing this and I'm so sorry for that! I was right though about waiting because I had a feeling this book wouldn't work for me, and sadly I was right. I've noticed the recent trend of MCs as authors rarely works for me, it's almost as if it feels too meta? The tropes and the characters felt really forced to me as well, and I fear that Aspen will go down as one onf my most disliked heroines. This was just a not for me book all around!

Book of the Month was a charming and heartfelt romance that I really enjoyed. Jennifer Probst created relatable characters with genuine chemistry, making their journey feel both sweet and believable. The story had just the right mix of humor, emotion, and romantic tension to keep me engaged throughout. It was a delightful read that left me smiling and satisfied by the end

This looked like a cutie, but I ended up DNF'ing. I wasn't able to connect with the characters and I just felt like I didn't care to keep reading. I might circle back to it in another season of life and try again!

A great love story set in the OBX about an author looking to recreate her first big book break. A sweet story in a beautiful beach setting.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What’s not to love about a book about books. An author struggling with her work and her love life. A cute guy who wants none of it. Sign me up. This was fun and cute and had a lot of heart