One of the sweetest books I’ve read this year! I absolutely loved the meet cute (or should I say moose-cute? hehe) scene with Margot and Forrest. The chemistry between them was electric! I loved the wintery cabin setting, the quirky cast of characters lodging there and all the hiking adventures that went on. But what I loved the most was the caretaker storyline that was the very heart of this book. Taking care of a loved one is both a joy and a challenge, it was a privilege for me to care for my own grandmother in her later years. I loved that Margot and Forrest were each other’s mirrors in this, that they completely understand what it is to be selfless and to put someone else’s needs before their own. The only thing I wish is that we had more of them! I did not want this book to end!

So I need to go to Alaska and find my own rugged mountain man immediately. I love Savannah and swiftie-ness. I love how Forrest and Margot understand each other so deeply. I love how this was about Margot’s journey in finding herself again and getting her confidence back. I love this debut and I’m kinda obsessed of Victoria Lavine <3

2.3/3 stars, not fully sure where I land. It was cute. It was also just ok. I have two things that are on the forefront of my mind when I think of this book. 1. I was very underdeveloped. I feel like we could have just fleshed out EVERYTHING a little bit more. 2. The reason the characters were interested in each other was truly because of who they were as people and their interests, BUT it felt overshadowed at every interaction by the physical attraction they had for each other. Even then it felt forced, because we were told they were attracted to each other but not really shown. Like I said, it was cute. I liked the general plot. It just didn't fully deliver the way I wanted it to.

A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC!

This was a great story of finding your happily ever after after heartache.

Forrest is the ultimate ML, thoughtful, smart, kind, and intuitive. Oh, and handsome to top it all off.

Margot is a strong woman who has been taking care of everyone around her without realizing she desperately needs someone to take care of her.

I loved how the author played on the "romance trope" train the whole time.

This was a quick and sweet read.

Victoria Lavine’s debut, Any Trope but You, is a heartfelt and swoon-worthy love letter to romance and the people we hold dear. This story perfectly blends humor, vulnerability, and classic rom-com tropes with a refreshing twist.

Margot Bradley, a bestselling romance author, secretly doesn’t believe in Happily Ever Afters. When her alternate, tragic endings to her books are leaked, her career takes a nosedive. Hoping to reset, her sister books her a trip to a remote Alaskan resort to write a murder mystery instead. Enter Forrest Wakefield—a grumpy, dreamy former cancer researcher turned resort manager, who gave up his career to care for his ailing father.

Their meet-cute? A moose. Yes, Margot literally runs into Forrest’s arms after an encounter with the massive creature. From there, sparks fly in the most trope-tastic ways: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, a one-bed situation, and undeniable chemistry. Alaska’s snowy, internet-free setting adds to the charm, creating space for Margot and Forrest to confront their vulnerabilities and form a deep, emotional connection.

Beyond the romance, Lavine highlights the sacrifices and isolation of being a caretaker in a way that’s both poignant and tender. The supporting cast—quirky, lovable, and full of heart—adds depth to the story, making this not just a romance but a celebration of love in all its forms.

This story is sweet, spicy, and brimming with charm. It’s a dreamy Alaskan escape full of laughter, tears, and tropes galore. Margot and Forrest’s love story is magic, and I cannot wait to see what Victoria Lavine writes next! Highly recommended for romance lovers.

Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books and Victoria Lavine for this arc!

After an interview-gone-wrong, Margot, a romance author who doesn’t believe in love, takes a trip to Alaska to get away and try her hand at writing a new genre. But she soon realizes a happily ever after might be in her future after all…

(Something tells me this book will be popular on BookTok and in our bookstore.)

🏔️ Set in Alaska
😍 Enemies to lovers
🏕️ Excursions in the Alaskan wilderness
🔥 Lots of your favorite tropes in one book

A must-read if you like rom-coms, cozy vibes, and spice!

Victoria Lavine’s "Any Trope but You" is a meta twist on classic rom-com tropes. Margot Bradley, a bestselling romance author, has made her career on Happily Ever Afters, but secretly doesn’t believe in them. When her "Happily Never After" alternate endings are leaked, her career implodes, and she retreats to Alaska to reinvent herself as a murder mystery writer. But instead of finding inspiration for crime, she finds herself snowed in at a resort managed by the gruff yet swoon-worthy Dr. Forrest Wakefield.

Forrest is grappling with his own struggles, having traded a promising career in cancer research for running his family’s resort and caring for his ailing father. He’s determined to avoid any more heartbreak, but Margot, with her sharp humor and hidden vulnerability, begins to thaw his frozen walls. Their journey reinvents a slew of romance tropes—a moose-induced meet-cute, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, quirky supporting characters, and a grand romantic gesture.

I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This was a really enjoyable story! I was rooting for both main characters, and it was fun to see the romance writer recognize and resist trope after trope until she finally got her happily ever after. The supporting cast of characters were also very well-drawn and likeable.

I'll recommend this widely to anyone who enjoys romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication.

Although this book kind of started slow for me, I ended I really enjoying it! I was kicking my feet and squealing haha. I like how the MCs relationship actually BUILT and had SUBSTANCE. It wasn’t instalove or instalust. And as someone who literally bought a house for my terminally ill mom to move in with me, I could relate to the MCs so much 🥺 this book had all the tropes and also wasn’t afraid to poke fun at itself and it was just so different! The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is, like I said, it took a little while for me to get into it.

Thanks Netgalley!

“I really wanted to enjoy *Any Trope but You*, but it didn’t quite work for me. The concept—two writers clashing over their favorite romance tropes—was fun, but the story itself felt underdeveloped. The characters never felt fully realized, and their chemistry seemed more told than shown. The humor had potential but came across as forced, and the plot was predictable, with no real surprises to keep me engaged. It’s an easy read, but it left me wishing for more depth and authenticity."

This was a cute meet-cute, enemies-to-lovers typical romance. What pulled it all together for me was the supporting characters, and how they shaped the relationship of the main characters. It truly made it an even more enjoyable read, and I found myself not knowing how I wanted it to end. It's not often that I shed tears while reading a romcom, but this one tugged at my heartstrings.

This was a perfect winter romance. It was funny, sweet, relatable, loving, and much more. I loved Forrest and how sweet he was with both Margot and his dad. Margot was the typical downtrodden lead female. How Forrest was able to bring her back to the HEA side with the help of her sister was fun to go through. All the nods to the romance tropes was fun. Perfect book to read on a cold winter night nestled up by the fire. And I agree, romance readers are the best!

I’ve been in such a mood for wintery romance lately, and Any Trope But You finally delivered what I wanted! This is a fun, self-aware romance that tackles many tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, only one bed, and tons of swoony MMC characteristics. It’s a sweet and steamy romance that I wanted to root for.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Move over, rom-coms—Victoria Lavine’s Any Trope but You just redefined the genre for me! This laugh-out-loud, heartfelt debut has everything: a romance writer questioning Happily Ever Afters, a moose-related mishap, and one too-handsome-to-be-real Alaskan resort proprietor. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Margot Bradley is a bestselling romance author who secretly writes Happily Never Afters—and when her alternate endings are leaked, her career implodes in the most dramatic way possible. Enter Alaska, where Margot plans to trade meet-cutes for murder mysteries at a remote resort. What she doesn’t plan for? Running straight into Dr. Forrest Wakefield, a brooding former cancer researcher turned reluctant resort manager. He’s rugged, emotionally unavailable, and utterly swoon-worthy. Cue the tropes, and let the sparks fly.

What makes this book such a standout is how Lavine lovingly pokes fun at romance clichés while delivering a story that feels completely fresh. Margot and Forrest’s banter is sharp and genuine, their chemistry undeniable, and the layers of vulnerability they slowly reveal are just chef’s kiss. Both characters are carrying heavy emotional baggage—Margot’s fear of failure and Forrest’s reluctance to let someone in again—and their journey to healing is beautifully woven into the snowy, magical setting.

Speaking of Alaska, the setting is practically a character itself. Lavine’s descriptions of the icy wilderness, the quirky resort staff, and even that moose (yes, the moose deserves its own shoutout) brought the story to life in such a vivid way, I could almost feel the chill in the air.

Thank you to Victoria Lavine, Atria Books, and NetGalley for giving me the chance to fall head over heels for this incredible debut. If you’re a fan of romance that balances humor, heart, and just the right amount of emotional depth, Any Trope but You is a must-read.

This debut was awesome! Very compelling characters with lots of depth. Their meet cute was adorable. So many tropes can be found in this book, but it is far from stale or cliche. Great story and great character development.

Victoria Lavine’s *Any Trope but You* is an irresistible blend of wit, heart, and romantic chaos, offering a meta love story that pokes fun at every rom-com cliché while embracing them with earnest charm. With its captivating Alaskan setting, layered characters, and a story that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt, Lavine’s debut is a fresh and spectacular addition to the romance genre.

Margot Bradley is not your typical romance heroine. A beloved author with a secret disdain for Happily Ever Afters, her life unravels when her "Happily Never After" alternate endings go viral, and she’s canceled by fans and publishers alike. Margot’s snarky edge and relatable flaws make her a refreshing protagonist, and her plan to reinvent herself as a murder mystery author seems almost plausible—until her sister ships her off to a remote Alaskan resort, where she stumbles straight into a rom-com plot instead.

Enter Dr. Forrest Wakefield, the grumpy yet ruggedly handsome resort proprietor who left a prestigious career to care for his ailing father. Forrest is the perfect foil to Margot’s skepticism, with his stoic demeanor, puzzle-solving mind, and a soft side he keeps hidden under layers of practicality and flannel. Their first meeting—complete with a moose-induced leap into his arms—is laugh-out-loud funny, setting the tone for a series of trope-filled misadventures that will leave romance lovers grinning.

Lavine’s writing is sharp and self-aware, packed with clever nods to classic romantic tropes that Margot begrudgingly finds herself living out. From the grumpy/sunshine dynamic to forced proximity and snowed-in hijinks, each moment is delivered with a wink to the genre while still packing genuine emotional depth. Margot’s inner battle between embracing love and protecting herself from disappointment is beautifully mirrored by Forrest’s reluctance to open his heart again.

The Alaskan setting is brought to life with vivid detail, from the breathtaking snowy landscapes to the cozy charm of the resort itself. It’s the perfect backdrop for Margot’s reluctant self-discovery and her growing connection with Forrest, and Lavine uses the setting to enhance both the humor and the romance.

What sets *Any Trope but You* apart is its balance of humor and vulnerability. Margot’s journey isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about rediscovering hope, embracing imperfection, and learning that Happily Ever Afters come in many forms. Forrest’s struggles with loss and his sense of duty add depth to his character, making their eventual connection feel authentic and deeply earned.

The pacing is spot-on, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, simmering romantic tension, and introspective beats that give the characters room to grow. Supporting characters, from Margot’s sister Savannah to the quirky resort staff, add warmth and levity without overshadowing the central romance.

*Any Trope but You* is a love letter to romance itself—both the genre and the unpredictable messiness of real-life connections. Victoria Lavine has crafted a debut that’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and swoon-worthy, reminding readers why we keep rooting for love, even when it feels impossible. Five stars for this hilarious, self-aware, and utterly delightful story that will leave you smiling long after the final page.

Any Trope But You felt like the best immersion into a book I’ve had in a long time. From the first page, I found myself living in the pages, vividly picturing the characters and each tiny detail written by @victorialavinewrites. She masterfully blends character development and growth with the most tender and heartwarming romance. I loved being able to read and follow Margot’s personal journey as she grappled with past wounds and her present struggles.

The relationship between Forrest and Margot is full of chemistry but never feels rushed or forced. It is clear that both characters are their own people with their own journeys and that makes their connection feel so much more genuine and meaningful.

Lavine truly did a phenomenal job of making her written world come alive. I felt invested in the characters’ joys and struggles and could not put this one down. The moment I read the last word, I found myself grieving the end of a truly great novel. Run, don’t walk, when this one hits the shelves.

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC

Okay, loveddddd this one! It had all the tropes talked about in the title with just rhe right amount of surprise. We are romance readers so we know what’s going to happen but I just loved their story. Throw in some remote Alaskan lodge and I’m sold!

Margot is a writer who doesn’t believe in HEA. So, after every book she writes she actually has a Happily Never After ending. That gets out and she gets canceled. Her sister sends her to Alaska and she meets Forrest in the forest. He happens to be all the tropes and tada a magical book I absolutely loved! Guys!!! So freaking cute! I was so obsessed with this one!!

The romance genre is full of authors who, at their core, are just writing about love. It seems so simple, yet it is often hard to do so in an endearing and not too cheesy way.

This debut from Victoria Lavine is a masterful debut. It's also an ode to romance writers and readers, which I loved. She leans into the world of tropes, almost as if breaking the fourth wall. Our main character Margot acknowledging, "Yeah, there is only one bed" was funny, amongst all the other tropes as well. The book follows Margot, a romance author, as she heads to remote Alaska for six weeks to research her next book after suffering a PR scandal. There, she, of course, meets a ruggedly handsome man and sees the tropes she writes about come to life.

AND IT'S A DUAL POV!!! I feel like dual POV's aren't as easy to find nowadays, which is a shame, because getting to read from the love interest's point of view is such a treat.

I was tempted to give this 4.5 stars because there is a third-act breakup, which I don't like. However, I think it actually does work for the context of this story.

This was a delightful, romantic, funny, entertaining story!!

Thank you, Netgalley and Atria books for the opportunity to ARC read this book!

If you want a cutesy rom-com that is set in a winter wonderland but isn't all out Christmas, this is perfect for you!

The book follows Margot, a jade romance author struggling with imposter syndrome. She faces a major media storm after her files are hacked and released to the public. With this. Her sister sends her to an Alaskan retreat of sorts for Margot to figure out a new genre of books and for her to get her manuscript done.

What this Alaskan resort lacks in wifi makes up in an attractive man. Margot is trying to avoid all romance, trying to dig into the mystery genre, but what actually happens is that this woman faces every trope she's written in real life with a man named Forrest... who is a doctor, taking care of his father, who owns the resort... it doesn't end there. Forrest is a doctor who is researching the cancer that took his mother. (SWOON)

Forrest and Margot have their own hilarious meet-cute, face forced proximity, where "a one bed trope is downgraded to a one tent trope" (I died reading this).

This book was a fluffy rom-com that hit the spot for me, I had fun reading the book and investing in the characters! The side characters were a lot of fun to meet and get to know.