Jennifer is devoted to the romantasy world of Elytheum. She begins to ask herself if she is living too far in the made-up literary world when her boyfriend breaks up with her in a public way. Instead of wallowing, she joins an Elytheum immersive fan experience, escaping for a week to live in the series of novels that have gotten her through the hardest moments of her life. When she realizes that her enemy coworker shows up at the same romantasy event, she is forced to face reality in a made-up world.

This romance novel is a great idea but poorly executed. While I enjoy the immersive fan experience and it sounds like a dream, I felt like the characters, both main characters, were flimsy. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites, but Scott was not likable and she seemed a little too obsessed with the books - although I know that was one of the points - the way she was drawn was not engaging. The sideline plot with the best friend also threw me; I was not entirely sure what the intent of this side quest was. It seemed superfluous. I do think that the writing was compelling in parts, and I liked the world itself to keep reading, I was not altogether sold. What I DID like was the competing “Vals.” Those two were fun if a bit cliche. All in all, about a 3 out of 5 for me: could use some editing and recharacterization.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

i cant even begin to explain just how fun this book was to read, i felt like it truly is a love letter in a sense to all the romance readers, all the enemies to lovers fans and to all fandoms. it showed a really beautiful story of just how amazing the book community can be.

i loved how this centered around a beloved fantasy world in a week long experience as i see these experiences happening IRL and they look so fun and like everyone has the time of their lives there, the book truly helped me with my fomo on missing out on these experiences 😂🩵

the enemies to lovers in this book was SO insanely good, i was kicking my feet and giggling every single time scott and jennifer interacted with one another bc of their pettiness and just not being able to help being flirty at the same time. however there were some times where it felt like scott was just being plain old mean 🥲 maybe that was just the way i read it, idk but what i do know is jennifer is better than me because some of the things he said would have made me cry my eyes out 😂

also the side characters forever have my heart, all of them were so so sweet and funny

this entire book was such a fun concept and was really unique in my eyes, i loved every single minute of it and sort of have my fingers crossed we will get a bit more insight into amelia’s HEA one day 🥹

some tropes:
enemies to lovers
grumpy/sunshine
coworker
found family

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.