This was a light and entertaining read, but it didn’t fully capture my interest. While the fan convention setting wasn’t quite my thing, I can see how readers who love fandoms and cosplay would really enjoy it! The enemies-to-lovers dynamic was well done—I understood why the main character felt rejected by her co-worker, and their relationship development made sense. While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I think it will really resonate with the right audience!

This was a cute, quick read with tropes of enemies to lovers, banter, workplace romance, anything for you. I love the plot of getting sucked into an immersive book comic con setting. Who doesn't want to meet a fellow book nerd while playing dress up from your favorite fantasy novel? The theme of living out a fantasy versus creating your own happiness strikes true for a lot of readers. There were some laugh out loud moments which made the characters all the more endearing.

The low points: I didn’t love the excessive use of exclamation points throughout. It made the text feel a bit juvenile at times. I would have loved a little more exploration into Amelia’s relationship.

All around fun book. Read this if you’ve ever fallen in love with a fictional character or dreamed of jumping into your favorite book’s fictional world.

*3.5 rounded down to 3 on goodreads

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an ARC! This was a fun romance book with a very unique plotline that I’ve never seen before.

Things I liked:
1. The setting. It takes place at a romantasy themed event of a book series (basically acotar inspired), which was so intriguing! Everything was described so well and it made me feel like I was there also
2. There was a small mystery aspect. The event has an aspect where the characters need to find clues to win a date with Lord Valance (rhysand equivalent). They got to use knowledge from their favorite book series to figure out the puzzles and clues and I wasn’t expecting that plotline when I first started
3. All of the side characters were really fun! They were actually really important to the character development of the main character and there wasn’t any character I disliked in the whole book. I really liked Erik and Fred’s storyline and also Fred and Jen’s friend (I can’t remember her name)

Things I didn’t like (as much)
1. A lot of this was easily anticipated. Despite what I mentioned about the plot being a little unique, the romance was lacking for me. There was nothing really special about either character and I liked the rest of the book way more than the romance. Considering this is a romance book, I don’t think that’s the feelings I should have

I still enjoyed this book, but it won’t be a new favorite for me. In a romance book, the romance should be the best part of it and it just wasn’t for me.

This is a book written for all fantasy lovers, and fantasy fandom! For anyone looking to meet their book boyfriend, and live in the pages of their favorite book!

While I loved the concept of this book, something about it just didn’t work for me. I just had a really hard time connecting with the fmc, she was very unlikable. I did like them slowly fall for each other, and watch the competition come together.

Read if you love:
- Rivals to lovers
- Books about books
- Fantasy fandom
- book conventions

This was a cute book. Very light hearted. It was a fun setting that her “nemesis” was there to learn how to be a book boyfriend at this popular romantasy conference. It didn’t feel very enemies to lovers though. Not enough angst and drama to add to the sexual chemistry and heat between the characters.

Where is the weeklong fae book getaway where you can dress up and pretend to be part of your favorite book? I would so love to be on a trip like this!
And I love an enemies to lovers trope!
Jennifer just got broken up with in front of her work arch nemesis Scott. They both work in publishing and he is always getting on her nerves and critiquing everything.
She decides to go on a weeklong book event that is hosted by her friend but then she runs into Scott who was taking a vacation. But why there?!
They are such opposite personalities, and they have such chemistry it’s like they enjoy challenging each other and competing.
There are clues to win a private dinner with the stud of the book and there is tons of drama over that.
I loved the adventure, clue seeking, meals, friendships and the slow burn attraction between these two that realized they had feelings for each other.
I loved his journal with his notes he was taking on how to be more like these fictional men. Also, loved how they slowly softened towards each other,


Thank you berkleyromance for the gifted copy.

Oh my goodness what a cute premise! I’ve loved every other book I’ve read by these authors, and this one was no exception! Super cute.

This book started off ok, but it got worse as it went on. And it went on and on and on. I have no idea how long the physical book is, but it felt never-ending. None of the characters in this book felt like regular humans by the end of it.

I can get behind enemies-to-lovers and mild miscommunication, but this book just overdid it for me. I didn't feel like there was anything solid to propel the main characters from enemies to lovers - they seemed to genuinely be mean and dislike each other and then did a total 180. I find it more tolerable when there is some level of "oh we're enemies because of some misunderstanding and we learn new information that allows us to come together", but both of these characters just seemed genuinely unlikable. Even when they were finally communicating, they were not listening to each other?? At times Jennifer just straight up invents new problems in her head - it's not even misunderstanding, things have been clearly communicated to her and she STILL bases her actions on her fabricated understanding of the situation instead of what is actually going on.

Maybe I am just not the target audience, but I had to fight to finish this one and came close to DNF-ing around 80% because it just felt like the story was never getting wrapped up.

I’ve loved one book by this author duo and DNF’d another and unfortunately this was added to the DNF list. The writing was so choppy I found myself rereading parts because I just couldn’t digest the sentences. Not for me!

These authors together are so magically! An enemies-to-lovers (Romantasy) scavenger hunt? I can't begin to tell you how much I like reading their books because you can tell two people who have two different writing styles are writing and it's refreshing. The banter is always amazing between the characters although Scott was very stand offish which could have been read the wrong way because of the shy or hesitant side of his character. Ugh I just wanted more from him. I know this is YA but it felt so mature like a young adult receiving a love letter for the first time. The tropes: enemies to lovers, family, workplace romance, grumpy/sunshine. Thank you so much Berkley publishing, the author, and Netgalley for this digital arc!

I love books about books and was really excited for this one but sadly it just didn’t work for me. The pacing was off and although I loved the HEA I’ve read better.
Thank you Berkley for the early copy.

I have always loved this author duo and I think they're still finding their groove in the adult romance genre. This was a miss for me, but had all the elements I would have loved. I just wish the execution and pacing had been a bit more elevated. Thank you for my copy! I look forward to more of their work as Do I Know You? remains a steadfast favorite of mine!

The premise of this book is so fun, especially for romance/romantasy readers who have an appreciation for and a list of favorite book boyfriends. The fandom was entertaining, and I loved all of the characters. The descriptive writing made it all easy to envision, and I kept getting swept up in the storyline and shenanigans taking place. And Jennifer and Scott had great chemistry and banter! I loved their enemies to lovers vibes, and getting to the root of their issues and how they overcame them.

Read/listen if you like ⇣
•Workplace
•Enemies to lovers
•Forced proximity
•Bookish setting/cosplay
•Fanfic
•Grumpy x sunshine
•Slow burn
•Single POV
•Spice

Thank you Berkley Romance, NetGalley, and the authors for the eARC!

This was so cute. I thoroughly enjoyed the nerdiness of the book series within the series. Jennifer after a break up goes to a week-long immersive experience into her favorite fantasy romance series. I loved how the authors made this fantasy book come alive within the time of this book. I found myself guessing things that might happen but for me this is a plus. It gets me into the story so much more! I was kicking my feet during this book. I had such a good time. Overall it was so fun and the story was super cute. If you’re looking for a book about books this is a great choice! Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and Penguin Random House for the free copy of this book to review!

Book Boyfriend is contemporary romance for the romantasy reader! Jennifer goes to her dream fantasy series come-to-life experience “The Elytheum Experience” and unexpectedly runs into her critical co-worker and work rival, Scott.

As we met Scott and as Jennifer recounted how they first had a falling out I’ll admit I wasn’t very fond of Scott, but just as Jennifer was drawn in by his new found book boyfriend tricks, I found myself falling prey to them as well. Jennifer partakes in challenges during the experience that feed her rivalry with Scott as she attempts to understand why he’s infiltrated a space where she believes he doesn’t belong. Competition and hilarity ensue, and their chemistry becomes impossible to deny.

Each of the side characters were dynamic and interesting from the found family friendships made to the character actors hired to enhance the experience. I especially enjoyed the Lord Valance moments🤭

I also liked the many ways the author compared romantasy to real life and how Jennifer was able to grow and learn lessons from the messages and characters in her books.

I think there’s a little of all of us romantasy readers in Jennifer’s character💕 Book Boyfriend turned out to be both a fun and reflective read! Add it to your tbr!

**Thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy! All opinions are my own**

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into your favorite fantasy world, this book delivers that experience with a fun, fandom-filled twist. Jennifer is fresh off a breakup and heading to a week-long immersive event for her beloved Elytheum Courts series, only to find her work rival, Scott, crashing the party. Sparks fly, but is their romance the real deal or just a trope playing out in real time?

I loved the bookish love letter to fandoms, the immersive setting, and the fun supporting characters. The romance had its moments, but Scott’s personality didn’t always work for me. Still, a solid read for romantasy lovers!

Book Boyfriend was a cute and light-hearted read, and a love-letter to fans of romantasy books, their worlds - and of course, their winged book boyfriends. Jennifer Worth is ready to escape real life for a week while away at the Elytheum Court immersive experience. What she didn't expect was to find her work rival, Scott Daniels, also in attendance. I enjoyed reading along Jennifer's journey during the week while she made new friends and learned more about herself and her strengths - and also watching her and Scott fall for each other. The pacing was a bit slow in the middle, but it picked up again and their HEA was well-earned! Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free copy of Book Boyfriend, receipt of which did not impact my review.

“He’s kissing like he wants to destroy me. He’s kissing like he’s wrestling with a dream so he can hold onto it forever. Like I’m the dream, instead of stuck in one.”

Review Title & Vibes:
OK, if you’re a nerdy romantasy girlie, this book is for you. It’s for anyone who loves to escape into a good book, and for those who wish for a little more magic to permeate everyday life. The Hating Games meets cosplay of your favorite romantasy series.

Jennifer Worth is our hopeless romantic burdened by a lackluster love life. Her coworker/nemesis is Scott Daniels. When they both end up at a fanfic-lovers dream experience - both can’t deny the very real chemistry.

•I love the friendships, side character personalities and dynamics were so fun!
•I love the cosplay & mystery-solving plot-line.
•I loved the grand gestures. There were some swoon worthy moments.
•Even though the timeline was quick - I loved the character growth.

Audio Notes:
Helen Laser was wonderful! I was captivated by her character voices and enchanted by the seemingly magical moments! The longing for a real life HEA was felt throughout the entire performance. I would definitely recommend this audiobook.

Rating: 4.25⭐️ | Spice: 3🌶️ | Audio: 5🎙️
What to Expect:
Rivals to Lovers
Workplace Romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Fandom / Fanfic
Found Family

Recommended to...  
All you romantasy girlies who secretly crave a real life experience of your favorite fanfic.

🌶️

I absolutely adored the writing style in this book. I think it was probably my most highlighted books, with witty and relatable lines sprinkled all over. I adored the main characters once they were together, but when they were enemies I was not a fan of the MMC. His behavior seemed a bit toxic, and the turnaround was rather abrupt without an explanation of what triggered the change. I loved all the side characters, and over all it was a fun read.

❤️ Tropes ❤️
💋 enemies to lovers
💋 forced proximity
💋 grumpy v sunshine

Jennifer knew she was going to get dumped, but in the lobby of her office during lunch seemed a bit over the top, especially since he brought all of her belongings from his place in a cardboard box she had to lug back to her office in a walk of shame. But the worst thing? HE saw the whole thing. Scott. Her adversary. Her annoying coworker. The thorn in her side, the one always ready to criticize her. To degrade her reading choices. On the positive side, she no longer has a conflict with the weeklong immersive fantasy experience that her best friend has been organizing with the author. One phone call to make sure she still had a ticket available for her and she jumps in the car with her box of belongings, not even stopping at home to pack. No reason to mope when she can escape into her favorite romantasy world. Everything looks perfect when she arrives, only there is one glaring mistake right in the middle of everything her mind could imagine. And his name is Scott.

Title: Book Boyfriend
Author: Emily Wibberley &Austin Siegemund-Broka
Genre: Romance
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, Slow burn
Format: eARC
Rating: 3 Stars

Summary:
Jennifer worth is a devoted fangirl who enjoys escaping reality by reading her favorite romantasy. For a week, she can do just that when she attends an immersive experience revolving around her favorite series. Jennifer is determined to find the hidden clues and win a date with Val, her favorite book boyfriend. She becomes even more driven to win when she discovers her co-worker/ enemy is attending the event and is determined to beat her in the race to find the clues. Unlucky in love, Scott is taking diligent notes of what it takes to become the perfect book boyfriend and he’s testing these new skills out on Jennifer. Learning the real versions of each other, will they remain enemies or can these two bring the enemies- to- lovers trope to life?

Thoughts:
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I love a read with book loving main characters. I enjoyed the banter between the main characters, and I found myself laughing out loud as the MMC attempted to master the classic book boyfriend moves like the lean, the eye brow life, etc. Loved the concept of living out a week in your favorite romantasy! How amazing would that be? This was a slow burn romance, and I found myself wanting even more interactions between the main characters. I did find the beginning a bit slow to get into, but I am happy that I read on to get to the swoony romance in the second half.

Great for readers who love witty banter, bookish MC’s and enemies to lovers.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Reviews posted to NetGalley, Amazon, and GoodReads.