Pretty early on in Book of the Month I realized it wasn't for me. The insta-love hit fast and hard. I found the dialogue to be cheesy and overdone in places. What kept me reading were the side characters, to be honest. They carried a hefty amount of the book while the main characters felt like cardboard cutouts. The story within the story premise is novel, but got old fast. I'm a bit disappointed I couldn't enjoy this more. 2.5 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I couldn't get into the story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review.

DNF. This was so cringy that I couldn’t finish it. The first thing that caught my attention was that the MMC was a grown man, running his grandfathers business into the ground and as he ends his day discouraged (it wasn’t doing well financially)…he goes and gets drunk. How is that desirable? Lol. The language was so cringy.
Examples:
“ Yet some undercurrent in her tone was like a laser slamming into his dick”
“ The scent of her caught on the wind and filled his nostrils. Why was he analyzing her laugh and scent like a drunk poet?”
“Back atcha. Now, let’s get smashed.”  

I think I ended it after his own dog humped him.

Thank you NetGalley and BlueBoxPress for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sorry it wasn’t a good one.

I tried really hard to get into Book Of The Month, but it seemed to drag on forever. It was a fun premise, Typical rom-com about a fun and flirty summer romance. The insta-lust really just made it fall flat for me. There was little buildup and even less character development. Maybe it was rushed?

This was a cute little romance. The characters were really fun and made me laugh. The main characters, Brick and Aspen, make a deal to help each other out with certain aspects in their life by faking a relationship. But when their deal comes to an end, they realize that they are real feelings there. Although this was on the predictable side, it was still a fun, quick read.

This was super cute! A good read when you want something to just have fun and enjoy. Would recommend for anyone looking for something cute to read!

A charming and heartfelt story that blends romance, self discovery, and the pressures of success. I enjoyed the fake dating theme and Aspen and Brick’s journey. The setting of the Outer Banks was a nice atmospheric touch.
Many thanks to BookBuzz and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst
Jennifer writes such good books Iv'e loved all that I have read but this really made me sad because I was really wanting to love it. Very repetitive and the whole plot was a miss for me. I look forward to reading future books by Jennifer.
Thank you Netgalley and Blue Box Press for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Aspen is battling writer’s block, so she heads to North Carolina to clear her mind and hopefully spark some inspiration for her much-anticipated sequel. Her debut novel was based on her own heartbreak, so naturally, she figures a little fresh heartache might do the trick again—what could go wrong? Enter Brick, the local heartthrob who’s not exactly thrilled to be part of her emotional writing experiment… until she lends a hand with his struggling business. Let’s just say, sometimes the plot takes a turn you didn’t expect!

This was such a fun, feel-good summer read. I loved the chemistry between Aspen and Brick, and I’m already looking forward to Sierra’s story next!

Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

Book of the Month is definitely a delightful read. A rom-com with humor, heart and a bit of spice. Filled with engaging characters, we have a story we are able to get lost in their world and their story.
While some plot twists were a bit predictable, the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable. A perfect read for anyone looking for a feel good, lighthearted escape!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Aspen and Brick. Aspen is an author, she is having trouble finishing a book. She decides to go visit her sister in North Carolina outer banks. While down there she meets Brick in a bar. There is an instant attraction. Brick runs a tour guide business. He wants to left alone. Aspen offers to help Brick with some money if he will help her learn about dating. They start fake dating. They develop feelings for each other. The fall in love.

I loved this book! Aspen is a strong and caring woman that has been hurt by a man she should have been able to trust. Brick is a beautiful man that tries to do the right thing but keeps getting beat down by life. Everything changes when they cross paths and come up with a plan to solve both of their problems. This book has love, passion, sexy times, friendship, and a weird looking dog. The story pulled me in. I was glad for the HEA but I didn’t want the story to end. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Jennifer Probst's contemporary fiction is fun, enjoyable, and the perfect beach read. But her romance? That spice?? Perfection. I loved this deeper look into the writing life and look forward to reading more in this Outer Banks series!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The third act breakup was frustrating at first but once I saw how the characters grew because of it, I loved the book.

A story written within a story- that one definitely got my attention! I was excited to receive a copy of Book of The Month by Jennifer Probst. This one was just average for me. I did like the idea of the story and the characters. Just kind of an average read.



Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & the publisher for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Really enjoyed this adult romance from author Jennifer Probst!

Book of the Month will have you meeting Aspen, a relatable lead who is dealing with an enormous amount of pressure and some really intense writers block, and Brick, a guy that seems like a walking red flag. But as Aspen and Brick really get to know each other, they realize they have more in common than they ever imagined! This was a sweet romance!

Aspen, is headed to the Outerbanks for some inspiration, and lo and behold she finds it in Brick! I really enjoyed this book, it had the perfect amount of spice for me and the right amount of romance com. It held my attention and was a quick read. I am excited to read the next book! Thanks NetGalley for letting me read this book!

**Book Review: *Book of the Month* by Jennifer Probst**
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.5/5)

*Book of the Month* by Jennifer Probst delivers a spicy twist on the classic “writer-in-search-of-inspiration” trope, with a summery coastal setting, a struggling author, and a local heartthrob who might just be the muse she didn’t know she needed.

Aspen Lourde is a one-hit-wonder desperate to reclaim her literary fame. Her solution? Escape the chaos of New York for the laid-back charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. There, she concocts a bold—and slightly chaotic—plan: fall for the town’s notorious playboy, Brick, and get her heart broken… all in the name of art. Naturally, emotions blur, lines get crossed, and sparks fly.

The premise is undeniably fun—romance, creativity, and a little fake dating with a twist—but the execution is a bit uneven. While the setup promises charm and wit, the story sometimes leans too heavily on exposition. Much of the background is told rather than shown, which can create distance between the reader and the characters. For some, the spicy content will be a draw; for others, it might feel a little over the top, especially early in the book.

That said, there *is* a satisfying emotional arc. Aspen and Brick both experience genuine growth as individuals, and their chemistry makes for plenty of swoon-worthy scenes. The slow-burn tension is well done, and their flirtation often brings a smile. However, a somewhat abrupt third-act breakup detracts from the momentum and feels a bit forced in an otherwise sweet and steamy story.

**Bottom line:** If you're into small-town romances with a heat level that leans high and a heroine chasing creativity in the most unconventional way, *Book of the Month* might be your jam. While it won’t be for everyone—especially those craving a more subtle or deeply nuanced read—it’s a light, flirty escape perfect for a beach day. A solid 3.5/5 stars.

This was an easy read but not something I would recommend. It felt like a very predictable story and very similar to other books I’ve read recently and preferred

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst was such an adorable and feel-good read. I really liked the characters, the romance was sweet without being over-the-top, and it had that cozy, charming vibe that just made it super enjoyable from start to finish. It’s definitely one of those books that leaves you with a happy little smile.