i kind of don’t like margot lol she’s such a hater but it’s also kind of funny so i didn’t mind it all that much. she’s also kind of selfish so it adds to my dislike for her. i will say that she truly does care a lot about the people she loves though. she’s not a terrible person, she’s just flawed and that’s okay. that makes her human.

forrest IS a cliche. that’s kind of the point. but did i eat him up anyway? yeah i did. did i melt a little inside every time he called margot sweetheart? you bet your ass i did. he sort of reminds me of a teddy bear in a way, based on the way margot sees him. he’s got the whole survivalist thing going on and he would do anything for his family, including giving up a crap ton of breast cancer research money.

i found the plot to be a fun one. i did want to throw my kindle across my room and hope it would shattered against the wall at one point but i didn’t. it did feel a little slow at times but it picked up before i could get bored.

A book about a woman who writes HEAs for a living, but doesn't believe it is a possibility for her anymore.

Meet Margot, a successful romance author who ends up in a wild Alaskan retreat planned by her chronically ill sister, following a public fiasco. What awaits her there is a man who might have just walked out of a romance novel himself. Meet Forrest, the hot lodge owner, who is also a talented doctor researching in the field of breast cancer but gave it up to care for his dependent father in a heartbeat. Eventhough he's attracted to Margot, he tries his best to keep distance because he is not new to heartbreak and deceit.

From the moment these two meet, the chemistry is on point. As Margot tries to re-discover herself outside of her sister's world, she learns to love herself again. If you have a sister, then you would definitely appreciate the sisterly bond between Margot & Savannah. This is conveyed beautifully through a series of letters that Savannah leaves for her at the retreat. I kind of had tears reading them, they were so sweet and insightful.

Talking about trope - because duh - you will love everyone of it, and like Margot you might roll your eyes too and think if all these truly happen in real life! But what truly felt special was the emotional aspect of the book - how real life is not as simple as in a book, but still love could be worth taking a chance. I loved how both of these were dealing with these difficult decisions and did their best to understand and respect each other's needs. This felt so mature, real and heartwarming. I could go on but still won't be able to express how happy I was while reading this book.

For Victoria - Congrats on an amazing debut - the writing is so easy to get into - Margot's voice, the depth of the characters, their emotional connect all worked so well. Also, if you read through the author's note, you would gain the perspective she had while writing this book. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and eagerly look forward to her next work.

Best selling romance author Margot finds herself “cancelled” after she is hacked and a document surfaces with alternative unhappy endings for all of her books. Margot loves her fans and is devastated when they all turn on her. With her sisters encouragement, Margot heads up to Alaska to work on a new book, in a new genre, a mystery. The second Margot arrives at the quaint resort she is hit with every imaginable romance trope beginning with running into the arms of the man running the resort, Forrest. Of course he is outside chopping wood in his flannel shirt with all of his muscles flexing when a giant moose scares Margot and she jumps into his arms. Meet Cute! Neither of them are looking for love and in fact they both want to push it away as far as they can so they find themselves making verbal jabs, and saying snarky things to each other. Enemies to Lovers! This just continues to happen as they both discover that they have a lot more in common than they thought.

This was really cute !! I loved the tropes and how they kept coming hard and fast at these two reluctant love birds. Great debut, cant wait to see what is next for the author!!

4 🌟

Margot and Forrest love story is so powerful in so many ways. I love the connection both characters had and how they were developing feelings not wanting to fall first. This book is so heartwarming and I also loved the setting of this story (Alaska) it made the story more fun and cozy! I highly recommend this romance book to everyone!

oh, to be loved is to be seen. i didn’t expect to sob as much as i did reading this! beautiful debut novel. this book felt like a big love letter to romance writers and readers alike.

thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for sending me an arc!

Margot Bradley is a bestselling romance author of romance books. But, plot twist she diesnt believe in HEAs. When word leaks that Margot feels this way, her readers cancel her hard! Not wanting to face any of it, Margot runs off to Alaska and decide to write a thriller. What could go wrong.
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This book had every romance trope thrown in that you could think of it and somehow it’s worked. I typically don’t like when so many things are thrown my way, but I loved that Margot was such a realist even she couldn’t help but laugh at the situation.
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This story was lighthearted and so fun. I enjoyed it every step of the way. The one thing that didn’t work for me was the ending. Sadly it felt a bit rushed. Still enjoyed and would definitely recommend!

Thank you Netgalley and Atria books for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Any Trope but you.
3.5 stars.
I always enjoy books about books. I love when the characters are involved in the publishing world, specially if they are romance authors.
I really enjoyed that aspect of this story.
I loved the special conection that both Margot and Forrest had with their families, I specially enjoyed the letters that her sister Savannah wrote for her, and it was very touching how Forrest take care of his dad.
. And I was enjying the mention of the topes while Margot and Forrest´s relationship started to grow. But I think that was the problem, at some point it was a Little bit to much. Although, I really liked the tension and the slow burn between them and I loved how they overcome their fears and insecurities. Also I have to say that all side characters were very lovable.
Thank you NetGalley, thank you Atria Books and many thanks to the autor for this ARC.

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine

This book is a love letter to those of us who have fallen for the modern romance novels, endless tropes and all. Like most other romance readers I know the tropes and it is that type of comfort that you know that there are enemies to lovers, forced proximity and the HEA.

This story is about Margot Bradley who does just this for the fans of her romance novels. She gives them the tropes and the HEAs that they love but she has her own secret, Happily Never After file. When that is exposed to her readers Margot goes into a forced exile to Alaska to write a non-romantic novel to get her career back. Of course this doesn’t go according to plan when she meets Forrest who is every man she has written about in her novels.

There is so much depth in the characters and the story that keeps the reader wanting more. I enjoyed the nods to ever popular tropes and the “will they won’t they” of it all. It is a little spicy but mostly a sweet story of rediscovering what makes you truly happy. It doesn’t look the same for everyone and this was an uplifting read in that respect. It deals with real issues around caring for the people you love and figuring out how to not lose yourself.

I recommend this one for the modern romance fan who is looking for another uplifting love story with a little spice set in a snowy Alaska! This one comes out on April 1st and don’t be a fool and miss out!

What a fantastic debut! This is a love letter to the romance book community, healing and self growth, second chances and family love. I loved how the romance and the depth filled family plot-lines blended so well. It was swoony, funny, sexy, emotional and powerful all at the same time. Consider me part of the Forrest fan club!

I’m so grateful to have participated in the cover reveal, and even more so for the chance of this arc! Thank you Atria, Net Galley and Victoria Lavine for the early copy. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

🫎 Set in Alaska
🫎 Grumpy / Grumpy
🫎 Enemies to lovers
🫎 Forced proximity
🫎 Dual POV
🫎 Only 1 tent
🫎 Chronic illness representation
🫎 Caretaking

Margot Bradley is a best-selling romance author who keeps a secret journal of Happily Never Afters, and her life is turned upside-down when it gets leaked. Her sister books her a 6-week trip to Alaska so she can start her new life as a murder mystery author. She meets Forrest, the hot son of the lodge's owner, who also happens to be a doctor. Basically, he's the walking embodiment of every romance hero she's ever written, and she tries her best to dislike him on sight. Forrest sees her as a California girl who isn't cut out for the wilderness adventures of the lodge. They both learn there's more to the other than meets the eye.

I loved that as a romance author, Margot calls out every trope as it happens and that they somehow manage to cram almost any trope into the storyline in a way that didn't feel clunky. This was a quick read for me, and I enjoyed the dual POV and the character building. I would definitely read more from Victoria Lavine.

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victoria Lavine for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

This was a highly anticipated read for me, and it didn’t disappoint! I had such a good time with Margot and Forrest. As someone with my own share of heartbreak in the past, I’ve absolutely felt disillusioned by the HEA before, and Margot was instantly relatable. This was the perfect end of winter read, and I hope everyone else enjoys their time at the North Star Lodge as much as I did!

Any Trope But You tells the story of a woman who writes about love but has lost faith in finding it for herself. ❤️🏔️🫎

This book was a humorous, trope-filled explosion! It embraced every rom-com trope imaginable—forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, one bed/tent, and more!—pulling them all together brilliantly. The author took everything romance readers love and delivered a delightful tribute to our favorite genre. What makes it even better is the self-aware humor. The characters themselves acknowledge the absurdity, even poking fun at the tropes, which is downright hilarious!

Beyond the fun and laughs though, there's a powerful emotional depth to this story. Margot and Forrest's journey is rich and meaningful, exploring the complexities of taking care of an ill family member and finding love amidst real-life obstacles. This story and its characters are utterly unforgettable! An absolutely epic debut rom-com from Victoria Lavine! I loved every minute of this read and can't wait for more from this author.

Thank you to Victoria Lavine and Atria Books for the #gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I approached this book with a bit of skepticism. Margot's introduction, where she labels herself a fraud, followed by her cancellation, left me unsure about her character. The initial encounter between Margot and Forrest, involving a chaotic moose chase, was as frosty as the Alaskan setting.

What drew me in early on was Margot's endearing relationship with her sister, Savannah. Their bond was genuinely heartwarming, and seeing Margot as a caregiver added depth to her character. Additionally, Van is a standout character—brilliant and captivating in every way.

Forrest initially came across as somewhat surly, but gaining his perspective helped to flesh out his character. Perhaps a bit too much, as he seemed almost too good to be true at times. I enjoyed the irony of him being a skilled doctor yet intensely anxious about bad reviews, while his father and manager persisted in setting him up with potential partners.

What truly captured my attention was the shared experience of Margot and Forrest as caregivers for close family members. The author skillfully conveyed the anguish and guilt they felt about considering leaving their loved ones. The hopelessness Margot felt about her future beyond her time at the lodge was particularly poignant.

When Margot and Forrest finally surrendered to their desires, their chemistry was undeniable. The romance was well-balanced with humor and emotional depth.

The ending was satisfying, avoiding an overly idealistic happily-ever-after. Instead, it felt more realistic and authentic. I'd recommend this book if you're looking for a romance with a good balance of humor and emotional resonance.

Steam: 🔥🔥
Heart flutters: 💖💖

Ahhh- I loved this one!! Being a huge fan of The Simple Wild series, I was soo excited when I saw this story was set in Alaska as well! This checked off all the boxes- adventurous, charming, cozy, sexy and fun! Lavine’s writing style is refreshing and her story was layered with banter, depth, emotion and excellent character development. I was smiling, laughing and tearing up throughout. Margot and Forrest’s romance was a slow burn, but in the best possible way. Both having their guards up, they slowly revealed bits and pieces of one another. I also appreciated the strong, sibling bond between Margot and Savannah and the heartfelt letters scattered throughout the story.

I was hooked on this book from the moment I started it. I loved how the FMC was romance writer and was obsessed with identifying each trope her and the MMC got caught in. I absolutely couldn’t put it down and look forward to new books by this author. Thank you to Net Galley and the author for the chance to read this book early.

The opening scene with our heroine, Margot, on Zoom had me in stitches, and I didn’t think it would get better but it did with the funniest meet cute! Forrest was immediately a favorite of mine. I loved finding every trope and how beautifully they worked together in this book! Brilliant!

A cute n classic rom-com! I had a great time with this one. Margot and Forrest were SO cute (the chemistry? the MEET CUTE?? obsessed), and also I just was in love with the premise of a romance author being secretly cynical about romance 😋

This gave me the vibes of: The Proposal, Beach Read, literally every Hallmark Christmas Movie you can think of.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC!

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for this e-arc.

This book follows a romance author who has lost faith in love. When a so-called fan leaks her "happily never after" list online, her career takes a hit, and her reputation crumbles. In an attempt to help, her chronically ill sister sends her to a remote cabin retreat in Alaska—completely off the grid and surrounded mostly by men. In Alaska, she crosses paths with two intriguing locals at the lodge with storied pasts tied to the retreat. As she navigates rugged hikes, steamy sauna nights, and adventurous excursions, she finds herself torn between them or madly and secretly in love. But when she thinks she’s chosen, she discovers that maybe, just maybe, happily ever afters exist.

I don't typically read books about authors, but I thoroughly enjoyed 50% of this book. Once the smut and forced proximity began, I felt like the author lost the little moments that made the plot unique. The letter writing was my favorite part, but that slowly lost its track with all the smut. I also feel like the ending was either rushed or sloppy. This is an okay romance about an author from an author.





-Forced Profimity
-Smut rating 4/10
-Alaska for some reason?
-A Moose
-Medical emergencies
-emails/letters penpal

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

If you told me last week I’d be emotionally invested in a book about a romance writer who hates romance getting stuck in an actual romance at a remote Alaskan resort, I’d say… yeah, that tracks.

This book is like someone threw every romance trope in a blender and served them with a side of emotional damage. Forced proximity? Check. Grumpy/sunshine? Check. One bed? Of course. Moose-related near-death experience? Weirdly, yes.

Margot is my favorite kind of protagonist—sarcastic, emotionally unavailable, and one inconvenience away from arson. She’s spent her career writing happily ever afters she doesn’t believe in, only to get canceled when her secret angsty endings leak. So she pivots to murder. Fictionally. Probably. Enter Forrest, a broody ex-cancer researcher turned reluctant innkeeper who’s determined not to fall for the chaotic writer crashing at his family’s resort. (Spoiler: he fails.)

This book is hilarious but also unexpectedly tender. Margot and Forrest carry so much baggage, and watching them unpack it together (in a snowstorm, obviously) was so satisfying. Plus, the sister relationship between Margot and Savannah? I would fight God for them.

If you love tropey romance with a side of existential dread and family angst, read this immediately. Just… watch out for the moose.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria, and Ms. Lavine for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

Right off the bat I knew there was going to be trouble when main character Margot decides to wear beige granny panties on a Zoom interview being streamed to thousands of fans. I mean. When has that EVER worked out? Girl: at the very freaking least put some sweatpants on. !!!!! I don't feel too comfortable sitting around in my underwear period: the neighbors come by, the delivery person looks through the windows, life happens, whatever, and you're in your underwear? Recipe for disaster. Not a good idea.

My second immediate thought was, woman! a hacker has been ON YOUR DEVICE, stealing files, and she's worried about her sister being disillusioned? I mean, ok, yes, that's very sad, CALL YOUR BANK AND PUT HOLDS ON ALL YOUR CARDS AND CHANGE ALL YOUR PASSWORDS STAT. lol. I am clearly a person whose priorities are different than Margot's.

Then, THEN, Margot goes to Alaska where she has a panic attack over a tame moose, treats the resort owner like a bellboy (who asks the owner [or even a bellboy] to fill her Stanley with water? How spoiled can you be?), and almost burns down the cabin because she's too stubborn to admit she doesn't know what a flue is or how it works. Sigh. As a card-carrying Ravenclaw, ignorance and ineptitude are not my thing, like, at ALL. And her entitled, bossy-boots attitude was super off-putting. If you've been cancelled, rightfully or no, maybe don't act like a giant jerk to people? So I had a hard time with Margot, at first.

You might be thinking, yes, but, why the decent rating if the beginning was so rocky? Well. I really enjoyed that Ms. Lavine so intentionally dragged in and lampooned every single romance trope. Margot even makes jokes about the fact that every aspect of her and Forrest's relationship is one trope after another. Her gradual unbending about her resistance to love (after having been burned by her fiancee and, more damagingly, by her father) is the best part of all. Frankly I would have been happy if she'd just gone home to L.A., being honest about the fact that it took a good experience to reopen her heart to love and romance. I do wish we could have heard more about Savannah and how her new life was going to work out. I got the distinct impression that Margot had to take care of her a lot and I was curious how various aspects of her life were changing with her new living situation.

Overall despite the rocky start I finished the book feeling good about it. I would definitely recommend this to readers who prefer contemporary romances, rom-coms in particular. ⭐⭐⭐1/2