I will forever love books written about people that love books and authors, and this book falls into that category. We are following an author that needs to write a best seller but decides that she needs inspiration in order to write and who better to inspire her than a hot guy that she’ll never have to see again once the book is published?

I love a good fake dating and deal turned to real romance trope. This was everything I was looking for in a fun romance as a palette cleanser to some heavier fantasy and so if that’s what your expectations are as well I think you’ll enjoy this!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!

Doesn’t get much better than a book about an author. Aspen’s first book was a best seller but the next two didn’t capture her readers like the first. Aspen decided to visit her sister in the OBX and get a change of scenery. Still having some writers block she decided that heartbreak is where her best seller came from and heartbreak is what she needed to do it again. Along comes Brick. After some negotiations they come up with a proposal for the summer. Falling in love and getting heartbroken was always the plan but the in depth reality set them both back. A refreshing read full on romance, intimacy, heartbreak but eventually finding their way back to each other.

Aspen is a writer struggling with a career crisis. Once a million-dollar bestselling author, she has lost her muse and is stressed out from the pressure of living up to her name with another great book. In a desperate attempt to stir up her emotions and inspire her creativity, she takes a break from her hermit life in a solitary bubble and hires a guy to date her -- then break her heart.

The plot may not sound terribly original, with the familiar fake dating trope and writers writing about writers fad. But I can't even begin to say how much I relate to Aspen's character. Her struggles with career passion, creativity block, self doubt, stress, and much more are so impossibly familiar to me that sometimes I feel like the author was right inside my head. Many things that she says about being a writer --- about living their fictional lives from book to book, about their biggest dream for their words to be heard and shared --- just feel so true and resonate with me so deeply. Either the author is including a lot of herself in this story, or she's a true master at creating realistic characters with depth, because I can't shake the feeling that Aspen is me in too many ways, and her journey constantly makes me think about my own life. For that alone, this book will always mean something special to me.

The love interest Brick is a refreshing character as well. The twist on the usual badboy archetype and women's gossip is interesting, and I really appreciate how this didn't go into the "female empowerment" territory where men are always toxic and women can do no wrong. God I hate those farstreched "feminist" preaches. Trying not to spoil the plot here, but my only complaint is that Brick never got an apology for what he had to go through, and those women never got any backlash coming for them either. Oh well, I suppose the main audience of this book would still prefer to have their feminist egos unharmed, so maybe that's a bit too much to ask.

In addition to the main characters themselves, the relationship between them is also such a breath of fresh air. Despite the typical grumpy meets sunshine and experienced man vs. (mostly) innocent woman pairing, the dynamics between them are simply the healthiest I've ever read. No lies, no lack of communication, no getting melodramatic over unrealistic expectations. Even the third act breakup did NOT happen because of a misunderstanding, which I find so rare these days. It's like I'm finally reading a story about adults instead of teens dressed up as adults! At the same time though, unfortunately, I can definitely see how the maturity of this story might come off as "boring" to some readers... which might sadly hurt its reviews.

I can keep gushing about how I love the side characters (Aspen's relationship with her sister was amazing!), the setting (it makes me want to sign up for a sea turtle watch next year, seriously), and how I admire the author's Aspen's humble honesty when she said luck played a large role in her success (too few successful people would ever admit that they got there because of anything other than hard work). It's been too long since I last read a book that felt so "real". Bottom line is -- although my personal connection to the characters made a big difference, I think there's a lot more to this story that added to the overall enjoyment.

That is not to say that the book is perfectly written though, My main issue here is that the writing is a bit underwhelming. Quite a noticeable amount of repeated and cliche expressions, incorrect usage of participial phrases, dangling modifiers, etc. (Yes, I know I was reading an ARC, but I doubt all of these were fixed in the final round of proofreading given how frequently they occurred.) The insta chemistry at the beginning also feels a bit jarringly unrealistic, and the ending seems slightly rushed. BUT, despite all its imperfections, this book easily won me over with its characters and setting, and it might just be the first book with a "women's fiction" label that I truly connected with.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. My bad for reading an ARC two months after publication date, and I'll try my best not to do it again!

Though I thought it was a sweet tale, Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst ended up falling a bit flat for me. I think the era of book girl-fueled romances might be coming to an end...

I have to say I had a bit of love-hate going on with this one. I have never had that with a Probst book before this one. I started thinking that the author was writing her own story in a manner of speaking.

Desperation reeked out of the pages and that caused the female lead to her panicky situation and actions. I felt the beginning was really rocky for me. I was not sure about the FMC at first with her scattered idea but she warmed up to me quite a bit.

The male lead was a gruff hottie who was hiding a lot of anger but underneath was a sweetheart. He made this story believable and enjoyable.

The author brought us amazing descriptions and details of the Carolina shore which had the ocean calling my name. I loved the community engagement which brought excitement and fun into what could have been a heavy story. The secondary characters were fun and also brought levity.

The ending made this book along with the MMC, Brick. He was such an awesome character in comparison to Aspen. Towards the end, she became a jerk – selfish and self-serving. Brick made it all worth it.

Overall, I enjoyed Book of the Month! Probst takes a tough dive into desperation and brings us an emotional, steamy story that gives us the happily ever after they deserve!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

DNF at 60%. I really tried to get through this book but I just couldn’t. The female main character came off way too desperate/cringey for me..like constantly hunting down the town’s heartbreaker until he says yes to you paying him to have a sexual relationship with you then break your heart because you need that heartbreak to write a book that’s the next best seller? No thank you 🥴

Aspen Lourde is a writer that has hit a writer's block. She has previoulsy produced a best selling novel that her readers adored. She can't seem to get her creative juices flowing, so she decides to go to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the summer to visit her sister, Sierra.

When she arrives in town, she stays with her sister and begins to try to start writing another best-selling novel. However, she has a hard time getting started. Aspen decided that she needs to experience hurt and loss in a relationship again in order to write another novel.

She meets the town hunk, Brick Babel, and tries to get him to flirt with her. Even after her sister's warning, she approaches Brick with a plan. She will pay him to court her with no strings attached after the completion of the novel. In return, he will be given the funds to renovate and revamp his family's tour company. They both agree to the plan for the summer.

Aspen and Brick have no idea what is in store for them. They begin to spend time with each other, but they eventually fall in love. Summer comes to an end, the book is finished, and Aspen leaves town.

This book is a the perfect romantic comedy. Probst has delivered a magnificient love story that will have you quickly turning the pages. The reader will be drawn in to the characters and the plot. Readers will want to know if the story ends there or if they will stay together despite the end of the contract.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LOVED the setting for this book!!! LOVED Aspen & Sierra’s sisterly bond!! Siblings really do know you inside and out!! LOVED Brick right away! Knew there was a reason for his surliness!! The side characters were GREAT!! Lots of funny scenes!!! The book signing! 😆🤣

LOVED how Aspen & Brick both got their HEA personally & professionally!!! This was a cute story!

My second book by this author and I can’t wait to read the sequel about Sierra & Kane!!!

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Blue Box Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review. Overall, I really did enjoy this book. It follows Aspen, a best selling author who has hit a bit of a snag when her last two novels have failed to sell anywhere near as well as her debut. Convinced that she can only write a hit book when she is heartbroken, she moves in with her sister in the Outer Banks and plots to have the town's "bad boy" date her and then break up with her to enhance her writing.

Aspen goes through a relatively realistic journey of self-discovery throughout this novel. She discovers the true toxicity of her last relationship and finds out who she is as a writer and as a person. Brick is written to be quite swoon worthy, even if his backstory might be a bit far-fetched. I did find Aspen's naivety a bit annoying in some scenes. I understand that her previous relationship circumstances would warrant some of it but it was overused in a lot of the spicier scenes. I am excited for the sequel as the set up for Kane and Sierra's story intrigued me (and honestly the side characters were one of the best parts of the book). Overall this is 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 here).

One hit wonder is not what Aspen is wanted to be known for. Her first book was a success but her follow up books, not so much. It doesn't help that her big success romance was based on her own life. All the emotions were easier to write so why can't she do it now? What she needs now is another heartbreak as she seeks to find that again. Yet when she finds what she has been longing for, is it really worth her heart being broken again or should she risk her career for happiness in her life?

Not wanting to give up on his grandfather's dream, Brick will do anything to keep the business going even if it's being hired to romance Aspen and break her heart. Yet the heart wants what the heart wants no matter how much he tries to ignore it.

Book of the Month was a great read that kept you guessing. Background stories are slowly bought to focus but all in good time to help the story build. Very much looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Blue Box Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you Jennifer Probst for this book. I look forward to reading more of your work.

Aspen’s first novel was a huge success. She wrote what she knew – heartbreak. But Aspen has never been able to achieve that success again. Her sales have dropped off. Readers are staying away from her book signings or asking her to sign the first book. Her publisher is pushing for a winner this time. Aspen decamps from New York to her sister’s house in the Outer Banks where she meets Brick. Brick is every romantic woman’s dream. But he has a love em and leave em reputation. That’s perfect for Aspen’s needs. She needs heartbreak again. But Brick isn’t interested in her. The ending is predictable but it’s still a good fun read.

This is the first book I have read by this author. I am excited that there will be a second book in this Outer Banks Series. I enjoyed the author’s writing and the characters she created. This book takes place during the summer months. Reading it during the winter made me wish it was summer again.

The main character, Aspen Lourde, is a romance writer. Her first novel was a best seller. Her next two books were not that successful. Her publisher is eager for another hit book by Aspen. While Aspen is afraid to be labeled a one hit wonder. Her first book was a success because it came from her own personal heartbreak. She decides to spend the summer with her sister in the Outer Banks.

After meeting the town’s heart throb, Brick Babel, Aspen makes him an offer he can’t refuse. She’s hoping a summer of fake dating Brick will give her inspiration for her new book.

Quickly the lines between fact and fiction get blurred between Aspen and Brick and the deal they made.

Brick, his dog, Dug, the sea turtles, and the mustangs steal the show in this book.

“That I’d never be worthy of the type of love you can give once you decide who to give it to.”

4.5 rounded up
A fun, easy to read rom-com, perfect for fans of Stephanie Archer, Elle Kennedy and Tessa Bailey.
- Fake-dating
- Small town romance
- Fun & quick to read
This author was new to me but I enjoyed this one and will certainly be checking out more by her.

This was such a great book, even if I did have an idea of how it would end up. It was great to watch Aspen open up and step outside of her shell, but also break Brick down at the same time. I could not read this fast enough!

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

As much as I wanted to really love this book and dive into it, I just couldn't get into it. It just seemed to go steady and flat line.

DNF'd at the 70% point. I thought the plot sounded interesting enough, but unfortunately I had a problem with the pacing. There is a big stretch in the first half of the book where as a reader I was struggling to find the plot. And by the time things were really moving, I had no attachment to the characters. It was a sweet story with a sweet blossoming romance at the heart of it, but it all fell really flat for me. It wasn't the right book for me, but it might be for you. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was unlike any other book I’ve read! I enjoyed it for sure and can see it being popular at book clubs all around.

Dnfed it after the first few chapters. It was very uncomfortable the way the fmc was acting, certainly not my cup of tea.

Aspen Lourde had a runaway bestseller with her debut novel. FIFTY WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER resonated with many readers. Aspen had used her devastating betrayal and heartbreak in this book as an effort to heal and move on. Aspen is now struggling with her writing. Books two and three from her contract haven’t done well. Her agent warns her that she needs to get her mojo back if she wants to continue with her publisher and suggests she write a sequel to her first book.

Aspen decides to spend the summer in the Outer Banks where her sister lives. It will be much quieter than NYC and maybe it will lend more inspiration.
Not long after Aspen arrives in the Outer Banks, she meets Brick Babel. He is drop dead gorgeous and has a reputation with women. Even Aspen’s sister warns her to not get involved with Brick. Aspen thinks what better way to pen a new novel about heartbreak than get involved with the someone like Brick who seems to have a love ’em and leave ’em attitude.

Aspen asks Brick to be her summer fling and then they can both walk away at the end. Brick is very reluctant until Aspen makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
Brick had moved to the Outer Banks after his grandfather died and left him a tour company. The problem is the company is almost bankrupt with many costly repairs needed. Aspen tells Brick she will make him a loan to repair and upgrade the tour company if he accepts her “fake romance” offer. Brick finally agrees. Will the two really be able to walk away at the end of the summer?

I loved how the author slowly revealed more about what Brick had really been through and what his true nature was. He is a gentleman with Aspen and very kind.
Aspen has been traumatized by her recent past so it’s easy to understand how she is torn between wanting heartache for her next book to do well and wanting to protect her tender heart.This story really catches on fire about 60% in. There is plenty of sizzle.

The setting is just perfect. What’s more charming than a beach town with lots of fun places to go and activities.
There were several secondary characters who led extra humor or drama to the plot. My favorite was Marco. He may come off as a stoner, but he has pearls of wisdom mixed in with his escapades. The other characters of note are Sierra, Aspen’s sister and Kane, Brick’s best friend. I am excited to see they will have their own tale in the future.

Aspen Lourde achieved stardom with her first book, a loose adaptation of her real life love affair with her professor. Her fans loved the book and clamored for a sequel. Aspen instead wrote two follow up novels which were not widely loved. In a last ditch effort for inspiration, she flees to the Outer Banks to visit her sister for the summer. Enter Brick Babel, the grumpy heart throb with a bad reputation and a failing tour business. A complicated business deal and heartbreak makes this romance a delicious read.