Any Trope But You
By Victoria Lavine

I wanted to love this. It sounded right up my alley. But for me, it’s boring and overwrought. The main characters are Margot and Forrest are genetically blessed caregivers. Margot for her sister and Forrest, his Dad. Margo is a romance author who has been cancelled. Forrest is a doctor who has come home to help his Dad. They have both been abandoned by love. Margo comes out to Alaska to Forrest’s family retreat for 6 weeks to finish a book. There were bad exes, troubles with work, a rival for Margot’s affection and a cast of non memorable characters at base camp. They have baggage and they are not fun. It’s not a comedy or drama, it’s tedium. Not a fan of the dialogue, lack of chemistry and boring details. It’s a 2 for me. Obviously others reviewers loved it more. I tried the Audio version too. It didn’t help. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the eGalley.

While slow to start, i admit I almost dnf at the beginning. I ended up not being able to put down once the story really picked up. Great read.

4.5 stars

I was super intrigued by the idea of this book when I read the blurb. A romance author who doesn't believe in love?! A "Happily Never After" file that causes her to get cancelled when it is released against her wishes to the public and a firestorm of backlash?! A trip to the Alaskan wilderness to find herself!? Yes, yes, and yes.

This book took me a hot minute to get into. I wasn't a fan of the pacing of the first couple of chapters--there was a lot of history and development slammed right into the first couple of chapters, requiring the author to lean back on "tell, don't show" to make it all work, and I'm not a fan of that type of writing. Moving further into the narrative, there were a few scenes where I was not on board with the FMC's attitude. I was able to reconcile those as her just being a total fish out of water with a very jaded and distrustful mindset, but it ultimately contributes to why I'm rating this one four stars.

BUT....once I got beyond that, I found myself getting completely caught up in this beautiful story of finding love-with another, yes, but also with yourself!

I loooooved:
--The thoughtful narrative surrounding both the FMC and MMC being caregivers to chronically ill family members. This was a huge part of their characters, and I thought that the burden of being a caregiver and how that can impact other relationships was beautifully addressed. I also loved that the person being cared for found ways to reclaim their autonomy, and established a system of healthier boundaries while still ensuring their medical needs were met. Seeking ways to claim freedom while acknowledging our duties to those we love was artfully addressed.
--The spice was spicing! Lots of tension and "I want you but I just can't do this!" 3 chili peppers for 2-3 open doors scenes and delicious "will they/won't they" slow burn.
--The third act felt realistic, earned, and like a natural progression of both of their attitudes and needs. It was heartbreaking, but seemed absolutely understandable and I really appreciated that the sadness and heartbreak was accompanied by acceptance and appreciation for what they shared rather than anger or animosity.

I particularly enjoyed the commentary on the social impact of romance books--how they can influence real life relationships positively and negatively; the hope and courage a good romance can provide to someone down on their luck. I completely agree with the statements on the romance reader community-lovely, inclusive, supportive, hopeful dreamers, each of us! I really valued and connected with the idea that our "HEA" can be a state of gratitude for the things we have done, the people we have been with, and the acceptance and appreciation for the path our life is on.

Overall, although I acknowledge a bit of a slow start, I'm positively thrilled I was able to read this story and found so many delightful moments and lessons I'll carry away with me!

In "Any Trope But You", you'll find:
--Enemies to lovers with a slow burn
--Caregiver/caretaker MCs
--Romance author FMC
--"Too good to be true" MMC
--Journey of reinvention after a crisis
--L.A. girl out of her element in the Alaskan wilderness

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!

Favorite Quote:
"I think what I didn't understand about Happily Ever After is that there are some people who come into your life-even for just a moment-who have the power to fundamentally change you forever. They're the people who see right through all your masks, and all our bullshit, and love you anyway. And not just despite all your wounds but because of them too. You're safe in their hands for as long as you can hold onto each other, but even when it's time to part ways, you leave knowing you've been truly seen."

Any Trop but You was SO cute and I loved the Alaskan setting! This is kind of read that makes you laugh out loud one minute and clutch your heart the next. The book is trope filled and kept me on my toes the entire time! It’s fun, cozy, and surprisingly emotional in the best way. If you love character driven stories with great banter and real heart, this one’s for you.

“Any Trope But You” is a smart, heartfelt rom-com with a unique premise. After her secret collection of “unhappy” endings leaks, bestselling romance author Margot gets canceled and escapes to a remote Alaskan resort to write a murder mystery (because why not?). But instead of murder, she runs into Forrest—a broody former cancer researcher turned reluctant innkeeper—and suddenly she’s living every romance trope she’s ever mocked.

Margot’s snark meets Forrest’s no-nonsense energy, and their connection is as frustrating as it is undeniable. From forced proximity to moose-related chaos, the trope overload is intentional, hilarious, and honestly kind of perfect. But it’s not just about the laughs—this story has depth. It digs into family, loss, and learning how to show up for the people who matter.

The Alaskan backdrop is gorgeous, the emotional moments hit just right, and the balance of humor and heart keeps things grounded. It’s sharp, self-aware, and genuinely moving. Victoria Lavine may be new, but this debut delivers—and I’m already ready for her next one.

Thank you to @victorialavinewrites, @atriabooks and @netgalley for the gifted ebook arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a cute and fun romance. I loved our characters. full review to come soon!

thank you netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an arc!

Ah yes, we love a meta romance moment and ANY TROPE BUT YOU is full of meta...and steam. Set in the wilds of Alaska with a jaded romance author and a burly wilderness guide (who is obviously so much more than that), Lavine gives us all the tropes in a heartfelt romance that has you rooting for the characters, their relationships, and their personal growth.

A romcom set in Alaska about a romance writer who doesn’t believe in happily ever after (relatable). Once her beliefs are exposed to her readers, she sets off on a weeks-long stay at a remote lodge in Alaska, where she’s determined to write a murder mystery until she meets Forest, the human embodiment of every romance trope ever!

The premise was super cute, but there were many parts that didn’t work for me. I felt there were too many things happening in the plot, the ending was rushed, and there was too much spice & too many Taylor Swift references. I loved the banter and found myself LOLing. I think this is a pretty solid debut novel cheesy at times, but overall, it’s okay.
3 stars


Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC

First I want to start off by saying thank you to Atria Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC of this book!


After a debilitating hit to her career as a romance author, Margot Bradley, is sent off to the Alaskan Bush to live off the grid, produce a murder mystery draft of her new book( for her romance is dead) and reinvent herself. While doing so Margot gets a lot more than she bargained for in this delicious story! Full of angst and longing from both FMC AND MMC. This book makes you feel all the emotions!

What do you get when you throw together a canceled romance author, a grumpy wilderness proprietor, and a moose named Bullwinkle in remote Alaska? One of the best romance novels I’ve read this year, that’s what.

Margot, a complete fish out of water, perseveres through the toe numbing cold of Alaska to re-event herself after her fall from romance’s good graces. Forrest is a burly, grumpy, hot doctor who wants this California girl so far away. Did I mention he also embodies every book trope we love to drool over?

What a debut! I sincerely mean it when I say this is one you need for your shelves!

Thank you @atriabooks for the gifted arc and finished copy. Thank you @netgalley Any Trope But You is out today!

xo

This was such a good read!! Forrest is everything🤤

Read if you love:
🫎 enemies to lovers
🫎only one bed
🫎she is reinventing herself
🫎grumpy/sunshine

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book. My reviews can be read on my GoodReads account here: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1335387-kelly

After being outed as a romance author who does not believe in happy ever afters Margots sister sends her of to a remote cabin in Alaska where she plans to write a murder mystery. Instead she meets the handsome owner Forrest and she starts to change her mind on the romance

Such a fun story that kept me hooked right to the very end and i thoroughly enjoyed the setting of the story

Thank you so much to Atria Books for the gifted ARC!

Title: Any Trope But You
Author: Victoria Lavine
Pub Date: April 1, 2025

Quick thoughts: This was was so easy to fly through, had some super sweet sister moments, and the perfect Alaskan setting!

When best-selling romance author, Margot Bradley's secret gets out that she actually DOESN"T believe in the happily-ever-alters she peddles to her readers (*GASP*), her whole world is turned upside down! In order to get away from the tabloids, gossip, and stress, she decides (or rather her sister decides for her) that she's going to head to Alaska to write a murder mystery instead. Honestly, that seems like a genius idea to me- LOL!

While Margot is away on her trip, she's very worried about her sister's chronic health issues. Much of this story focused on the relationship between the two sisters and all the pros and cons that come with living together and being so co-dependent on each other. I really like the way the book handled things between them by the end and cared more about that than the actual romance of the story!

The romance itself was cute enough, but I think the focus was more on Margot's character development and self-awareness. There were definitely times she made me crazy, but she grew on my by the end!

There were 3-5 scenes spicier than I prefer to read, but they were always at the end of a chapter and easy to skip over if you don't prefer to read them.

Overall, this is definitely worth picking up!

@beccamfreeman put this one on my radar and it was so much fun!

I started this one really jonesing for a good rom-com and got so much more!

I am honestly shocked that it is a debut! I love a good enemies-to-lovers slow burn jaunt and getting to meet Margot and Forrest was a real treat! I think my favorite thing about this story, and this is going to sound like duh…, but it was @victorialavinewrites writing!

It was so funny and quirky that I felt like I was talking with my best friend. Tougher topics like supporting someone you love through chronic illness and just…losing faith in love were explored in real and relatable ways. I loved how Margot was cringey at times but aren't we all?
Also, chefs kiss on the Alaska setting. This book reminded me a bit of The Tourist Attraction series which is also a favorite.

This is definitely going to be a book of the summer. If you are a rom-com lover of all tropes looking for a book filled with tension and a moose that steals the show, grab this one IMMEDIATELY!

Thank you @atriabooks and @netgalley for the early reading copy!

4.25 stars

This morning, I finished “Any Trope But You,” and all I can say is wow.✨🫶🏻 I FLEW through this book, stayed up way too late the last two nights reading it, and loved just about every second. It’s a debut novel by @victorialavinewrites that I first heard about on the @badonpaperpodcast thanks to @beccamfreeman; she mentioned she couldn’t put it down, snd now I 100% get it. The writing is SO good — crisp, honest, sarcastic, heartfelt, funny. Everything I love in a book, really.🤩

It follows a successful romance author, Margot, whose professional reputation ends up sinking after it becomes public that she doesn’t actually believe in happily ever afters, despite writing bestselling ones. She heads to Alaska to reinvent herself and write her next book, but what do you know — romance seems to find her. (And the love interest… whew. This book is a spicy one, prepare yourself.🌶️) But, of courseeee, that doesn’t stop her from trying to push it (and him) away at all costs.

I was able to read an advance reader copy (big thank you @atriabooks and @netgalley), but it is now out in bookstores as of 4/1 so seriously, do yourself a favor and pick this up for a fun read with, of course, a happy ending. The cover is so cute — I wish I had a hard copy but alas… and I can’t believe this was the author’s first book — I need them to write another one (or 10) asap.💘 Perhaps a part 2??

A fun read. After being outed as the romance author who doesn't believe in happy ever after, her fans are angry. She needs to Alaska planning to pen a murder mystery instead, but once she meets Forrest will they also be romance? A great read.

4.5 obsessed. Margot and Forrest had the perfect meet cute and enemies (disgruntled) to lovers relationship. The way they both understood what the other was going through with a sick family member made their connection stronger

I have to say I loveddd this debut romance novel! I was drawn to the Alaska setting because I have been searching for the high of The Simple Wild. The setting of this story did not disappoint. And Forest checked all the boxes for book boyfriends. MD PhD breast cancer researcher and lumberjack??? Sign me up

I think my favorite part of this book was the authors writing. I loved that there was character in the writing. The humor and uniqueness injected into the writing kept me wanting to read more.

The tropes of this book is fitting given the title. Because this book had pretty much every trope. One bed✅ snowed in✅ enemies to lovers✅ forbidden love✅ forced proximity✅ Personally I think the author made the amount of tropes work! I read A LOT of romance books, yet this book provided me a new narrative. Something I appreciate as oftentimes I am just reading the same romance with minor differences.


Thanks to Atria books for eARC via Net Galley in exchange for honest review

I unfortunately did not get to finish before release date due to life getting busy BUT I made it my priority to finish it as soon as I could and booooooooy did I love this. When I tell you this book was a roller coaster, I mean it. It made my heart flutter but also ripped it out at some point but then gently set it back with so much care. It was cheesy in all the right places, it was real. It made me kick and giggle as a romance should and it made me feel so much! Not only was it was romance book but it was also a book of familial love. A love for a sister and a love for a father. If you have not gotten the chance to read this book yet I highly recommend it!