Member Reviews
Another incredible read by an incredible duo.
What happens when your worst work enemy crashes your one week in your fantasy dream world?
Jennifer is obsessed with the Elytheum Court series (um hello ACOTAR reference), which is where the guys are brave, winged and hot.
Fresh out the slammer of a bummer relationship, Jennifer heads to a week long fan immersive experience (which her best friend helped to create), but who does she see? Scott... it's always a Scott... seriously what the hell is up with Scotts?
In the page turning novel, it becomes a quick incredible read of enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, filled with banter, chemistry, and major sparks, oh and a scavenger hunt.
If you have ever found love between the pages of a book, then this book is for you. Perfect read for romantasy girls, or any one who has found their 'book boyfriend' between the pages.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for my ARC!
📖 Book Review 📖 If you are reading this review, then you probably know what it is like to be absolutely drawn into the world of books, immersed in the comfort of a fictional world painted so perfectly by an author’s words. Books are Jennifer’s life and passion, so much so that she has made it her job in publishing; and so when she encounters a break-up, of course she escapes into her favorite fantasy world in a weeklong immersive experience with her best friend. The only problem? Her work nemesis, Scott, has made a surprise appearance in her magical happy place. Wibberley & Siegemund-Broka have written THE book for book lovers to escape into with their own people! I totally got lost in this one in the best way possible..
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Jennifer Worth, an avid fan of the romantasy series Elytheum Courts, lives for the sweeping romance and brave, winged men in her favorite fictional world. Seeking connection after a breakup, she heads to an immersive fan experience only to encounter her work nemesis, Scott Daniels, whose standoffishness and disinterest in her beloved series has made their publishing jobs feel like a feuding fae court. At the convention, however, Scott is different—confident, flirtatious, and inspired by Jennifer’s passion for Elytheum’s swoonworthy men, determined to remake himself into the perfect book boyfriend. But as sparks fly, Jennifer questions whether this enemies-to-lovers romance is real or just a trope they’ve stumbled into.
Now for my review—I’ve always enjoyed the addictive romance novels written by this real-life married author duo, and even their YA works hold a special place for me. When I got the chance to read their latest book, with its sizzling enemies-to-lovers trope and a romantasy scavenger hunt setting, I was intrigued! However, despite my admiration for the authors, I struggled to connect with this one and must admit it’s my least favorite of their works.
Scott, in particular, rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning, and I hoped for a reason behind their initial feud that might redeem him, but it never came. In fact, my dislike for him only grew, making it hard for me to root for him or the romance. I found myself wishing for a more entertaining work nemesis, someone like Erik or Fred, who could inject more charm and humor. Jennifer, on the other hand, felt immature in her obsession with finding a "fantasy man," confusing fiction with real life in a way that came across as impulsive. The scavenger hunt, while meant to be fun, felt long and disconnected, especially since the world of Elytheum Courts seemed like a foreign language to me, and I lost interest in the plot.
Though I appreciated the witty banter and chemistry between Jennifer and Scott, I couldn’t fully buy into Scott’s passion for her given his earlier disdain for her romantic ideals. His change felt more like physical attraction rather than genuine emotional growth, leaving me unconvinced of their long-term potential.
I’m giving this book three stars for the banter and sparks, but I found myself preferring the supporting characters like Amelia, Brit, Laurel, Erik, and Fred more than the leads. Here’s hoping the duo’s next book will be more to my liking, as I’m still a devoted fan of their writing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest feedback!
og acotar girlie here, and the concept of a week-long immersive experience complete with paid actors for the main characters, a cosplay costume shop, and a scavenger hunt, not to mention a love interest who is there to take notes on how to raise an eyebrow seductively, is a little too cringe for me.
It seems like after the roughest draft and do I know you, each of this author duo's books have regressed further and further in terms of quality. and lately, they have been using popular fandoms as clickbait for their books.
thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the arc in exchange for an honest review
This was an entertaining read. It's very much a story about two people who get off on the wrong foot and whos first impressions of each other are not good. The story has enemies to lovers vibes, but the characters and the setting feel fresh and alive.
DNF -- I'm sorry to say I think The Roughest Draft might have been a fluke. I loved that book and so I've tried Emily and Austin's other books that have come out since, and they're just not for me... :( It's too bad because I absolutely love the concept!
This duo has done it again! The authors masterfully blend humor with genuine emotional depth, portraying Jennifer and Scott’s journey from adversaries to lovers with great charm. Their evolving relationship, set against the backdrop of their shared passion for a fictional universe, adds a layer of magic to their real-world interactions. The writing is engaging and relatable, capturing the essence of finding connection in the most unlikely places. Overall, this was a very endearing and enjoyable read for me.
"Book Boyfriend" is a fun, love letter to fantasy romance books. After yet another rough breakup, Jennifer escapes to an immersive convention for her favorite fantasy series (think ACOTAR-esque). While there, she meets up with her work rival, Scott, who is attending the convention to become the ideal "book boyfriend". This book is akin to Wibberley and Siegemund-Broka's other adult romances, with a fun premise and excellent banter. This was an exceptionally quick read, but I wish we'd gotten more of a chance to see the relationship develop, as the story is contained in a short timeline.
Enemies to lovers trope is not my cup of tea but after reading this book I might have to try more of this specific trope. This was a delightful book and I hope to read more by these authors.
This was such a fun celebration of fandom, romantasy, and all of us who grew up in the Edward Cullen to
Xaden Riorson pipeline. At the same time, it was a tribute to the magic we can find in every day life, if only we’re brave enough to look.
The immersive fan experience is depicted with such vividness that it becomes a backdrop for both personal growth and tender romance. This book is a beautifully written love letter to the magic of fandom and the transformative power of unexpected connections.
LOVED LOVED LOVED. The banter was bantering and the chemistry was explosive. I really truly enjoyed this.