Member Reviews

I enjoyed this debut by Victoria Lavine which felt like a love letter to the romance community.

The premise was slightly far fetched and a bit bonkers but Lavine used it to have lots of fun with the typical tropes of romance novels.

Overall it was well written with some very funny lines.

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Any Trope but You by Victoria Lavine is an absolute treat for romance fans! This book cleverly incorporates all the classic romance tropes while giving them a fresh and engaging twist. I adored how the story played with familiar themes while still feeling unique and heartfelt.

The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts. From the first meeting, you can feel the tension, and as they navigate their individual struggles and grow together, it’s impossible not to root for them. The female lead, in particular, was so relatable. Her journey of dealing with past heartbreaks that left her jaded and skeptical about love was deeply moving. Her fear of vulnerability and reluctance to open her heart again resonated with me, and I’m sure many readers will find themselves reflecting on their own experiences as well.

What stood out to me was how the characters’ personal growth was as important as their romance. Both characters had their own obstacles to overcome, and it made their relationship even more meaningful. The way they supported each other was inspiring, showing the power of love, trust, and communication.

The secondary characters added so much fun and flavor to the story. Each one was memorable, bringing a unique charm to the overall narrative. I especially loved how they contributed to the main characters’ growth, both through humor and emotional support.

Victoria Lavine has crafted a beautifully emotional and compelling romance in Any Trope but You. It’s heartwarming, funny, and just the right amount of steamy. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a well-written romance with depth and relatable characters. Highly recommend!

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This was a sweet, sexy, and emotional book.

As an Alaskan I appreciate that there's no mention of sheriffs (iykyk) and only one mention of snow mobile made it into the copy I read--snow machine was used every other time. That's a rarity in books set in Alaska written by Lower 48ers and I appreciate the attention to detail. I know that sounds weird, but nothing pulls me out of a story set in Alaska faster than a sheriff or a snow mobile--or worse a sheriff riding a snow mobile!

Back to my review: I really enjoyed the relationships in the books, Margot and her sister, Margo and Trapper and Jo, and of course Margo and Forrest. And the pining!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

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This book was *every* rom-com lover’s dream! From start to finish, it was an absolute joy to read, packed with humor, heart, and just the right amount of spice (because what’s a rom-com without some delicious tension?).

The way it played with tropes had me laughing out loud, and the *Happily Never After* twists? Genius. One moment, I was crying from sadness, and the next, I was crying from laughter—talk about an emotional rollercoaster!

Also, can we talk about the forest that actually smells like a forest? Perfection. The representation in this book was everything the world needs more of, and honestly, *where* do I find a Savannah in real life? Because we all need one.

Couldn’t put this book down—10/10, *highly* recommend!

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Clever. Witty. Sweet. Spicy. Truly a fantastic debut! I can’t stop thinking about this book. Have been recommending to all my romance loving friends!

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this didn't work for me. the characters weren't particularly dimensional or likable and the plot was too far fetched. the plot reads like book lovers meets it happened one summer in a way that just feels unoriginal and boring. 2⭐️

thank you netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

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⭐⭐⭐⭐ I requested this ARC after Becca Freeman adored it so much. About a cancelled romance writer (is it just me or are there LOTS of books about writers lately?) who escapes the social media backlash at a remote Alaskan wilderness resort that happens to be run by the owner’s handsome son who happens to check just about every romance trope on the list. It wasn’t exceptional to me, but it was a cute romance, and I enjoyed the Alaskan setting... I’m kind-of surprised this has a spring release date since it takes place in a snowy location, but what do I know?!?

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This was one of my top anticipated reads of 2025 and it did not disappoint! It was an excellent debut and I’m eager to see what Victoria writes next.

If you are a trope lover, this one is for you with Margot, a romance writer, being forced by her sister to spend 6 weeks in a remote area of Alaska. Upon arrival, she literally leaps into the arms of Forrest, who is helping his dad run their inn.

The chemistry between Margot and Forrest was excellent. They both put their family before themselves and I loved that they didn’t need to explain things to each other when they needed to make decisions others would give them grief about.

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Rating: 4/5

Quick Synopsis
Margot Bradley, a romance author, goes to Alaska to reinvent herself and write a mystery book after her opinions on happily ever afters is discovered. Dr. Forrest Wakefield helps to run the resort Margot is staying at while taking care of his father. When trope after trope keep bringing the two together, they have to figure out how to become a happily ever after.

Review
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. The chemistry between the two characters is amazing. Forrest literally checks all of Margot’s boxes to the point she thinks he’s come straight out of her books. I really liked the setting and the pacing of the plot. Some of the tropes/themes are small town romance. I would recommend this book to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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When a romance lover gets exposed for not actually believing in happily ever after, she escapes to Alaska to avoid dealing with her crumbling career. There she is forced into adventure and spending time with the handsome Forrest who lives at the lodge. I’ll be honest the romance had potential but little chemistry. Their banter was fun but their connection felt forced. I wanted more fun, more adventure, more stolen moments. All together it was a quick easy read with a handful of steamy scenes. Would have loved more development but that’s okay!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

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So well written, funny, and sexy! I loved the romance as well as the familial relationships explored.

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I LOVED this book. The mmc was broody and grumpy, just how I like them. I really enjoyed the FMC actually. She overcame not wanting to be there and being so upset with her sister to actually enjoying Alaska (kind of). The side characters were also great and added so much history to the lodge. It really showed how loved it was and why Forrest was fighting to keep it up and running. Margot’s relationship with her sister was so incredibly real. The letters Savannah sent broke Margot, but also put her back together. I loved how Margot and Forrest came together and while there were some sad parts (I definitely teared up) the ending was so so good. I do wish there was more though!
Overall, I liked the setting and the characters. I liked Margot and Forrest, both together and separately. This was a really good one!

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While I did find the premise of this super fun, the execution was not, I’m afraid, and I’m kinda sad about it.

The idea of a romance author secretly rewriting the endings of her novels to reflect the harsh reality (in her opinion) only for everyone finding out and basically upending her whole career and then her going to Alaska to change it up and write a thriller while meeting a hot doctor? That sounded great to me.

My reading experience though was mostly filled with some serious second-hand embarrassment, an unlikeable fmc and a romance I didn't care about.

I just couldn’t stand Margot. She came across very rude and entitled and defensive. I can’t for the life of me figure out why Forrest would ever be interested in her, seeing the way she acted towards him.
And with an unlikeable main character, you can’t win in a romance setting. I need to like the main characters in a romance, or it won’t work for me.

I did enjoy the Alaska setting but that was about it.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

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A romance author who doesn’t believe in happy endings and a man straight out of a romance novel? YES PLEASE! Margo, has to escape after her readers feel she betrayed them, so her sister books her a 6-week trip to Alaska. Of course, we have a meet cute with Forest, who is our MMC. Over this slow burn, there is banter, plenty of romance tropes, jealously, and some good character growth. Both of our main characters are caretakers, and this added a depth that I personally really enjoyed. If you love a good romance with a little bit of cheese factor, you’re gonna like this one!
Stay safe but not too safe,
Lauren

Review will be posted on my insta closer to pub date

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This book was so cute, I loved it. It made me feel so warm and fuzzy on the inside, I loved that she discovered who she is, and that she found someone who loves her for her

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I really liked the idea of this book but I just couldn’t love it. I was really hoping for one redeeming quality of the main character, Margot, but there was nothing like-able about her.

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4.25 stars🫎🧣🌲❄️💌

What a great read, especially coming off of Onyx Storm!

PUB: 4.1.25

This book is a love letter to romance readers—heartfelt, hopeful, and full of love. Margot is such a fantastic FMC who’s been burned by love one too many times. When a few pages of her latest book get leaked, her world completely falls apart. Dropped by her publisher, canceled by readers, and totally lost, she gets roped into a six-week escape… to a remote cabin in Alaska, of all places, thanks to her sister.

Forrest— HE IS the romance trope Margot has always written. But is he too good to be true?!

This story has everything—heart, humor, and two people who give everything for their families while learning what they truly deserve. I loved every second and already can’t wait for whatever Victoria writes next!

Thank you so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! ❣️

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Any Trope But You is a fun, self-aware rom-com where the main characters try to avoid all the typical romance clichés—but end up falling into them anyway. It’s light, humorous, and full of charm. If you like quirky, feel-good romances that don’t take themselves too seriously, it’s a solid pick. Just don’t expect anything super deep. It’s sweet, easy, and totally enjoyable.

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This is a fun rendition of the classic jaded romance author who has to begin believing in everything “love” related again as she finds it for herself. I enjoyed the banter between Margot and Forrest, the remote Alaska setting and the development of the characters. There is plenty of spice and is an overall enjoyable read!

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This was such a love letter to romance. It was fun to recognize all the tropes throughout. Margot is canceled after she's exposed for being a romance author who doesn't believe in love. Her sweet sister plans a getaway at an Alaskan resort. She and Forrest have a rom-com worthy meeting and the tropes go from there. It was sweet, emotional and fun.

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