This zany romance held my attention from start to finish. Aspen was an author who lived in New York. She had written a bestseller and then two follow-up books that didn't do so well. Her best seller had been fiction, but it was about her romance with one of her professors that blew up in her face. Her agent had asked her for a sequel but she felt she couldn't do it without the angst of a romance gone bad. Her agent suggested that she go to stay with her sister, Sheila, in the outer back where she had the ocean for inspiration.

When she got there, she met gorgeous Brick, who ran a touring company that was not thriving. And he had a horrible reputation with women. She decided she would have a heartbreaking relationship with him, so she approached him with a proposition. She proposed that they go into this relationship with their eyes open. They would carry on as a couple and she would finance the upgrade to his business. The relationship would go on, full speed ahead, and in the end he would break her heart. They had the entire summer.

Their relationship progressed nicely but there were two snags. One, she was having difficulty writing the book. And two, they fell in love. When the end of the summer came, she had no book. Brick asked her to stay with him and she refused, sticking to their bargain. She was heartbroken when she went back to New York. That was enough to propel her to write a successful sequel. Her agent loved it, but she wasn't happy. She was heartbroken.. So she decided to pull the book and not allow her agent to publish it.

She decided to go back to OBX and beg Brick for a second chance. But he refused. They had what could have been a promising relationship but she blew it. They'd had something beautiful but she hadn't bargained for them falling in love.

The author did a fabulous job weaving the ins and outs of this story. The characters were totally believable, as was the storyline. This drama had all the markings of a good romance and it pulled at my heartstrings. It was masterfully written. I gave it five stars.

Aspen wrote a best seller, and hasn't been able to reach the same level of popularity since it. Maybe it's because she wrote about her own heartbreak the first time and hasn't felt that way since. Enter Brick the notorious ladies man that lives in her sisters small town. Maybe Brick can break her heart and give her the inspiration she needs for a new bestseller.

This was my first Jennifer Probst book and I really enjoyed it. I found even the secondary characters interesting, and can't wait to read about what happens to the others in the next novel taking place in this world.

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst 4 ⭐️

Aspen Lourde is a best selling author who lives in New York. She’s currently promoting her newest book but it seems to be falling flat. What better way to reinvigorate her muse than to visit her sister in the Outer Banks for the summer?

Brick Babel is a former business bro who moved to the Outer Banks to take over his grandfather’s tour guide company after his grandfather passed away. He’s the town playboy and there’s even a support group for all the women scorned he’s left in his wake.

Aspen and Brick come to an agreement where he can save his failing business and she can get the ammunition she needs to write her next best seller. Instead, the fake emotions turn real and now hearts are at risk.

I loved this book’s take on fake dating and the twist on a typical third act break up was refreshing to read. I loved the community that Aspen built around herself while staying in OBX. Brick is hot and way too smooth with it. Some of the things he said had me squawking. I loved watching their love story unfold and seeing how they came to a solution in the end. Book of the Month took me on an emotional rollercoaster and I’m looking forward to reading the next one!

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst is such a sweet and feel-good read for book lovers! I loved the charming small-town setting and how it’s filled with relatable characters who find love and connection through their shared passion for books. It’s a bit predictable, but in that comforting, cozy way that just makes you smile—perfect for when you want something light, romantic, and heartwarming. Rating: 4 stars.

Thank you Net Galley, Blue Box Press and Jennifer Probst for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up!

This story is about Aspen, a writer who doesn't want to be a one-hit wonder and Brick, the sexy tour guide who she hires to help her.

Aspen wrote her first book when she was in despair after the ending of her previous relationship. Her subsequent books were fine, but didn't garner the love her first book did. She decides that she needs to get her heart broken again in order to write another amazing book. Enter Brick, a man with a reputation as a heartbreaker who is a tour guide at her late grandfather's tour company and a total smoke show. Aspen and Brick strike a deal where they each get what they need during the summer Aspen spends with her sister, Sierra, in OBX.

I loved so many things about this book. First and foremost, Brick, who is misunderstood, kind to animals and really cares about the people in his life. The relationship between Sierra and Aspen was lovely. Marco and the "weed boys" were hilarious comic relief. (I know the next book is about Sierra and Kane; can the one after that be about Marco?!) I seriously laughed out loud several times during the "accidental stoning."

Aspen was a perfectly imperfect character, who embodied writers block and the lengths people will go to make their dreams come true.

This book has the perfect amount of spice, not too much to make it pure smut, but enough that you're not thinking "one sex scene, seriously?!"

The reason I went with 4.5 instead of 5 stars is that some of the dialogue is a little cringey. In addition, Aspen's grand gesture made me unhappy. Thank God it was rectified in the epilogue!

I absolutely can't wait for the Sierra and Kane story!!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is the first book I've ever read by Jennifer Probst and it certainly won't be my last, especially since she teases the next book, which is always fun to me! Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It hits some classic tropes, such as fake dating, really well and I found that the purpose behind the ruse for the two main characters was different and interesting. What happened to MMC was a little far fetched to me, but I can tell that it needed to be that way for the storyline. Any books that are about books and authors always grab my attention because I'm so curious of the behind the scenes and an author's perspective. The introverted nature of the FMC, truly makes you respect and think about what author's go through for the full process of writing not only a best seller, but then the pressure that comes afterwards too. Another point to highlight is that this book was surprisingly SPICY and I loved it! The chemistry between the two characters was perfect! Truly the only thing that bothered me about this book was the title. Unless I missed something, I felt like it didn't necessarily make sense for the story and plot as a whole.

I really struggled with this one. While the premise seemed intriguing, I found the plot to be drawn out and irritating. The whole “support group” piece was a complete turn off. Aspen was frustrating as a main character and screamed red flag a lot of the time. The third act break up felt drawn out and then the resolution was 2.5 pages long. The one part of the book I liked was the preview for the next because it sounds like it would be better than this one.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

In Jennifer Probst's "Book of the Month", Aspen Lourde is an author who is desperate to write another best-selling book. She's insistent that if she can just make her life more exciting, she'll be able to channel that into her writing as well. Enter cowboy Brick Babel, who has a reputation as a womanizer. Who better to start a "friends with benefits" relationship in order to accomplish her goal? But what happens when she realizes that she wants more from Brick and begins to understand that her career isn't the most important thing about her?

I thought this was an okay book, but the relationship between Brick and Aspen wasn't very compelling. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This story follows Aspen and Brick. Aspen’s first book was a #1 bestseller written after the worst break up of her life. Her next 2 books haven’t had the same spark and now she wants to get it back. Brick is brick wall of a man who has slept through the entire town and traumatized every woman in his path. They come to an agreement, they have a fiery love affair and break up. In doing so, Aspen gets the inspiration for her next book by going through heartbreak and Brick gets money to remodel his grandpas bankrupt touring business. That’s a win-win, right?

I enjoyed the story of this book. I liked watching the relationship between Aspen and Brick grow and change in ways they couldn’t control. I felt like Aspen and Brick were we developed (if predictable) characters. However, I felt some of the writing was simplistic. There were parts where the writing captivated me and others where it felt very hand holdy explaining things that were obvious. I did enjoy the various side characters with Marco and his little crew bringing a lot of humor and some surprisingly good insight to the story.

Overall, I read this book quickly and would recommend as a nice fun romance!

Aspen’s first novel was a hit. Her next two novels? Not so much. Her first novel was semi-autobiographical, so she thinks that the best way to get another hit novel is to fall in love and get her heart broken. She visits with her sister in the Outer Banks and meets Brick, a grumpy tour guide who has an infamous dating history. She convinces Brick to date her for the summer, and when she actually catches feelings, she has to confront her own fears of falling in love and letting another person in.

The plot idea was interesting, but this book is the type of story that you can forget as soon as you put down the novel. First of all, the emotional development of the characters felt too cliche. We have an emotionally immature female that is magically fixed by the end of the novel by the male love interest. While I am all for character growth in a novel, this felt way too fast and didn’t feel earned.

The dialogue and writing was all fine but not great. There were no passages in this book that made me gasp in delight. The spicy scenes were all average but none felt original.

If you need a fluffy romance to pass the time, this will do the trick, but this is not a book you’ll want to keep coming back to. Fine, but nothing special.

Jennifer Probat does it again. Book of the Month was great and I couldn’t put it down! Aspen and Brick were perfect! They made me laugh, cry, and overall just made me happy. I wish the ending would have went on a little longer but we still got what we wanted with these two. I love the town people and a lot of side characters! I love that we have grumpy/sunshine and some spice! A perfect read! Don’t miss out.

Get your chick lit on! A heartwarming and introspective romance that delves into the creative and emotional struggles of Aspen Lourde, a once-acclaimed author. Aspen’s debut novel was a smash hit, but now, facing the pressures of a literary slump, she finds herself desperate for inspiration. To revive her career, she embarks on a summer in the Outer Banks and concocts a plan involving Brick Babel, a local bad-boy heartthrob, to reignite her creative spark.

First of all, Brick and Aspen???

She proposes a fake romance to Brick that begins to blur the lines between fiction and reality, leading both characters down a path of unexpected self-discovery. While Aspen is initially focused on using their "relationship" for her novel, the real emotions that surface challenge her assumptions about love and success.

At first Brick is aloof and tough, and we see his depth and the challenges he faces in his small town, giving him layers beyond his rugged exterior. Their dynamic keeps the story engaging as both characters evolve, and Probst does a great job of keeping the romantic tension alive.
There have been many fake romance stories out there, but Probst also touches on deeper themes, including the pressure to succeed and the sacrifices one makes for a career. The setting of the Outer Banks adds a picturesque backdrop to this emotionally charged romance.

Overall, this novel is a mix of romantic tension, humor, and self-reflection, making it a compelling read for fans of romance and those intrigued by the creative writing process, and the pressures of the publishing industry. Probst successfully weaves a story that will leave readers reflecting on their own definitions of love and success.

This was a light, enjoyable read with a few memorable moments. While it has its charms, it didn’t fully capture my attention the way I’d hoped.

Anticipated pub: Oct 22 2024

Thank you to the publisher! I thought this was a super cute romance and I loved the main characters!

Brick.... my heart went out to Brick when we find out more about his character. He's such a sweetheart and loves his town and the wildlife there. These traits made me love him more. (like, a guy that willingly stays up all night to watch a turtle egg nest!? Helloooo, YES PLEASE)

I felt for our girl Aspen that she just wants to have another big book. But her mindset that she needs to go through another heartbreak in order to write another book? Like, why? Then it would be the same as your last book? Confusion, lol. Also, as a reader, if everyone was asking for a sequel for your first FMC, why be the asshole not to give the peeps what they want!!!

The setting was great for this story, I loved the descriptions of the dunes where Brick sees the wild horses.

All ('all' being hyperbole, it's only 'most' of them) the romances I'm reading lately have 3rd act breakup which I hate as a mini trope/ plot device. I hate it but eventually this does reach a HEA so I guess sort of worth it.

You’re only as good as your last release, at least that’s how Aspen feels. Her debut novel got picked up and became a bestseller that made her a household name. Her last two books didn’t reach the same success, far from it actually. She’s starting to doubt if she’s has what it takes. As a last ditch effort she decides to recreate the heartache she experienced before writing her first book. Brick is the perfect guy for the job, he’s the hottest guy she’s ever met and a notorious heartbreaker. Now all she has to do is convince him to take her deal.

This is how you structure a romance book people, read and learn. Aspens intentions are clear and once Brick agrees to her proposal their whirlwind romance takes off. Their relationship is realistic and it’s so appreciated that they actually got to stay happy with much drama. There doesn’t always have to be tons of twists and turns, third act breakups and drama to make a good book.

I’m not obsessed with some of the characters names. Brick, really? And some of the word choices in general brought me out of the moment but other than that I have no complaints.

I’ll never say no to a bit of fake dating and spice and especially when it’s packed so well. Safe to say I was thrilled when I found out there will be a sequel coming up next year. Happy reading!

Read this if you like
💙Fake dating
💫Grumpy x sunshine
📖Small town
🔥Spicy reads

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst is a light-hearted, yet emotional romance novel about Aspen Lourde, a once-successful author who is desperate to recapture her former glory. Her bestseller was based on a real-life heartbreak, but without new romantic turmoil, Aspen struggles to find inspiration for her next book. In a bid to stir up some drama, she embarks on a fake relationship with Brick Babel, a local heartthrob in the Outer Banks. The arrangement is supposed to be simple—he pretends to break her heart, and she writes the book—but as the lines blur between fiction and reality, both characters develop real feelings, complicating their plan.

The novel delivers a mix of humor and steamy romance, with Probst weaving in the charming backdrop of a small coastal town. Aspen’s journey is one of personal growth, but her character can feel a bit self-centered at times, which can be off-putting for some. Brick, on the other hand, stands out as a well-developed love interest—gruff, but with a soft side that makes him the true heart of the story. His emotional depth adds weight to the book, especially as he battles to save his family’s business.

The book strikes a balance between humor and deeper emotional themes, such as the pressure of creative success and the cost of sacrificing personal connections for professional achievement. While some readers may find Aspen’s desperation frustrating at times, others will appreciate her growth throughout the story. The chemistry between the leads and the satisfying conclusion make it a solid read for fans of contemporary romance.

Romance author Aspen is desperate for another bestseller. The trouble is, her heart just isn't in it. What she needs is a romance of her own -- and a broken heart -- to get her creative juices flowing. Enter Brick Babel, notorious heartbreaker in the Outerbanks, where Aspen is staying for the summer. His business is going under and he needs cash flow soon. Brick and Aspen strike a deal: They'll have an intense summer romance that ends in a broken heart. In exchange, Aspen will cover Brick's business renovations. Soon, they're both catching feelings. As the end of the summer nears, will they be able to keep the "broken heart" part of their promise?

This was a fun summer romance and very sexy. You could feel the chemistry between Aspen and Brick.

While Aspen and Brick were likable characters, I didn't think Aspen was particularly memorable. Also, I totally understand that the author will be focusing her follow-up book on different characters, but the set-up for the next book didn't really feel natural.

I unfortunately could not get into this book. I really liked the concept and at the beginning I was really enjoying. I felt like it lost its steam about 25% in, and I found myself put it down to do other things. It was difficult to connect to the main characters in my opinion. I just didn’t enjoy the fake relationship in this one and it is normally one of my favorite romance tropes. If that is something you look for in romance you may enjoy this book it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this early.

Aspen was completely heart broken when Ryan, her former fiancé, decided to leave her for a fellow student. She writes the best book of her life after sequestering herself and letting her heart break bleed onto a page.

After the biggest success of any book she writes, she struggles to chase the same success with two flops. Now she is striving to reach success once again. She has a contract to uphold with her publisher, so she decides to travel from New York to OBX NC for a change of scenery and inspiration.

Aspen is searching for heartbreak and total destruction of her heart once again to write another best seller. Insert Brick. Brick is the town heart breaker, or so thats the rumor mill with the ladies of the town. Aspen reaches an agreement and decides to give the relationship a go with a contract of heartbreak.

Overall, a pretty decent read. Enemies (more like enemy of the town), to lovers. Slow burn. A little spicy. Decent ending and set up for an additional book for Aspen's sister, Sierra. Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was good! It was my first from the author so I had zero expectations. I liked Aspen and Brick together and the OBX is always a good setting. Marco and the gang gave enough comedic relief to keep this a light read. I'd definitely read Sierra and Kane's story, which isn't always the case for me. There's enough intrigue to have me signing up.

Thanks NetGalley for the e-arc!