A thought provoking look at AI and romance novels. The last thing Sofie expected was to see AI used to "write" a book that would be in competition with hers. This development has caused a kefluffle in the romance community and Sofie plunges into the mix. To be honest, this is something we're probably already seeing (although no one admits it). Thanks to netgalley for the ARC, Less fun than I'd hoped but still a good read.

I did not finish this book. I couldn't get past the writing, I suppose the style is just not for me. There were way to many parenthetical inner thoughts. The main character was also wholly unbearable.

I'll be honest - if I had only read the title and viewed the cover, I would probably not have been drawn to this one straightaway. But once I read the blurb, I knew I had to read it. This is a fascinating consideration of what it means to create in a world that is increasingly being invaded by AI. I found it hilarious and thoughtful and aggravating and enlightening in turns.

The characters were a bit trope-filled, but that is right in line with the story and it worked - and worked well. There were a few red herrings and twists that I didn't see coming until right before they hit, which made the book fun as well as interesting. I did find the ending a little tidy and quick, but other than that thought that it moved along at a solidly even pace.

I enjoyed it. To my mind it would be a fabulous book club or book discussion choice, as there's a LOT to be unpacked and considered but it's presented in a fast-moving package that mixes in lighthearted and humorous antics with the more serious topics. I really enjoyed it!

Sofie Wilde's tenth book in her hit series is about to come out. She's been a best selling author for years and is about to be the keynote speaker at a Romance Reader convention, so what could possibly go wrong?

Enter Hartley West, an up and coming author, who doesn't actually write, but uses AI, in a style very similar to Sofie. When Hartley shows up at a panel for Sofie and deems herself a co-panelist, Sofie isn't happy. When Sofie realizes Hartley's work sounds incredibly similar to her own book, she goes on a rant, which goes viral.

Now, Sofie starts losing her support, her keynote speech, and Hartley is starting to gain support, potentially making AI writing more popular, which will hurt authors who genuinely spend their livelihoods writing books.

Sofie gathers some fellow authors to try to stop Hartley, and AI, from gaining momentum, when Hartley is set to replace Sofie as they keynote speaker. Will they be successful? Or will this be the soon to be decline of authors as we know it?

I enjoyed this book and the important points it portrayed. In a world where AI is up and coming, but authors work so hard on their books, it's extremely relevant to the current say. Sofie is an interesting character as it seems like she's a victim at first, but then we see several of her flaws throughout the book. Hartley you want to despise at first, but as the book grows, especially towards the end, we learn more about her, and her reasoning for why she writes the way she does.

This was my first book of Lori Gold's, and will certainly not be my last!

This book was a little confusing in the sense that it was trying to be a part of too many genres.

That being said, the premise was really interesting, and I love that it gave a look into the world of romance authors, as well as how AI has the potential to completely change that space. As someone who is not a fan of AI, I would like to believe that if someone used AI to write a book, the community of readers wouldn’t be as forgiving or open to hearing why as some of them were in this book. I also didn’t really like any of the characters. There were a lot of them and it was hard to keep track of at times.

Thank you to the author and Net Galley for the ARC of this book, coming out 5/6/25.
I could not get into this book. I DNF'd at 30 %. I tried reading a few different days because I thought the premise of this book was really good and I was looking forward to reading this book.
I thought the pacing of this book was off and the writing style wasn't my favorite.
I will attempt to read this book at another time and update my review if I am able to power through.

Romantic Friction is a light, sometimes witty comedy-mystery centered in the book publishing world. The premise of an author publicly touting their use of AI in writing a novel is relevant and intriguing. The author has some well explored and valid points to make about the systemic issues in book publishing, exploring the monopoly of a few publishing companies, lack of diversity in writing and advertisement, inauthentic and corrupt marketing, and the punchline- the emerging use of AI in writing. These threads of thought on the publishing world are wrapped up in a loosely banded group of people committing some fairly serious crimes, with levity in the comedic banter, exploration of friendship, and a third act “romance.” If this seems like a lot going on, that’s because it is. Ultimately, this book suffered from too many plot lines and not enough development of each. The novel would have especially benefited from the removal of the half-hearted romance thread.

Our main character, Sofie Wilde, is a driven artist to the point of isolation and self-centered tendencies. Her origin story and background is either underdeveloped or painted in trope-driven broad strokes. She unfortunately fails to develop much until a third act “off-screen therapy” level turning-point that feels rather inauthentic from both character motivation and logical perspectives. Sophie is surrounded by a troupe of authors and would-be authors that remain surface level and caricature in nature. Names for comedy duo “Tara Kara” and author “Rosie Gardens” may have carried a certain level of levity and irony if their characters held more depth than their names.

The writing style of “Romantic Friction” did bring humor and wit amidst heavier discussion of the woes of the publishing world. Dialogue often brought chuckles, and lent the most humanity to the characters. On the other hand, the prose generally did more telling than showing, and the space where a more nuanced introspection could have tied together the logical cohesion of the story was blatantly lacking. In this vein, the plot suffered from a strange pacing that tended to attempt speeding past logical fallacies and plot holes rather than repairing them, while simultaneously lingering in places that felt redundant. This led to some rather glaring pacing issues that especially impacted the second half of the book. While intrigue remained high, it was primarily because the reader had such little understanding of the character motivations that it remained a complete mystery what might come next. The hurried conclusion did nothing to clear the air, as illogical and unrealistic as it was. Where the comedic mystery is often successfully balanced with a more logical conclusion, our main characters find a rushed and unearned truce instead. While the introspection about the publishing world is wrapped up neatly, it is not untouched by the cloying sweetness or bluntness of the bow wrapped around the story’s end. While I would certainly give this author another shot based on the unique premise and the unreserved critiques of publishing, I will hope for more subtlety and depth the next time around. 2.5 stars.

This book is perfect for any reader (or writer) who loves a peek behind the curtain into the publishing world. It also might appeal to you if you’re fascinated by AI and the implications of its use.

I enjoyed this one, although I will say it was a little tough at times to stomach certain characters’ perspectives on AI actually being a good thing! It’s not the overall message of the novel, though, so don’t worry if you, like me, are extremely AI-averse and refuse to use ChatGPT for any task.

Sofie Wilde is a lone wolf in the publishing world and she likes it that way. When debut author Hartley West admits to using AI to write her novel (in the style of Sofie Wilde), a whole lot of chaos and drama ensue. It all comes to a head at the big romance writers’ convention, where Sofie must come to terms with the ways she’s shut out her fellow authors and figure out if there’s still a place for her in the publishing world. All in all, it’s a fun read about some very timely questions.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.

Likely To Be Controversial In Booklandia. Straight up, in making plausible arguments *for* the use of AI in writing, this is going to be a book that will prove quite controversial in booklandia - one area of society that tends to be the most extremist in terms of being absolutely anti-AI, even moreso than visual artists. Even as the book *also* makes strong arguments *against* the use of AI in writing... and ultimately sides with that position, as it is the position of our lead character.

Additionally, in serving as a fairly direct and in-your-face expose and commentary about the publishing industry more broadly, this book is likely to stir up quite a bit of controversy on these topics that already get some discussion in particular circles, with this book perhaps widening those circles and introducing new people to these discussions. Will anything actually get resolved? Unlikely, mostly because humanity rarely actually solves any problems - even among the more objective/ scientific variety. But more people will be talking about them, and assuming at least a few of them reference that they saw the discussion in this book, Gold will likely garner at least some extra attention herself.

Outside of these two factors, the tale itself ultimately becomes a bit of a bumbling crime saga, with the various characters being both so brash and so stupid in some ways that it plays quite well comedically... so I *hope* that is what Gold was after there. These scenes, as objectively serious as they are, involving a major crime, wind up providing the levity that the heavy handed discussions of the "inside baseball" of publishing and the more general use of AI within booklandia so desperately need in order to lighten the overall book at least enough to be a pleasant enough read.

Ultimately this is likely a book that will play better for those interested in the heavier discussions herein than with those just looking for some level of escape - particularly those of us who are already "in the industry" to some flavor (yes, I include even myself here, as a book blogger / book "influencer" (according to some authors, though I still despise the term myself) / Head Librarian at Goodreads alternative Hardcover.app). Still, an interesting book regardless, with commentary from perspectives even authors themselves may not have had coming into this book.

Very much recommended.

I really enjoyed this book—it was fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to write and publish a best-selling novel. While the main character wasn’t always the most likable, you couldn’t help but feel for her and root for her throughout the story. The dynamics between the characters were complex and incredibly engaging, adding depth and intrigue to every interaction. Overall, a compelling and thoughtful read that kept me hooked from start to finish.

I enjoyed this look at the publishing world and what might happen when “the Next fill in a popular author’s name” is discovered to have used AI. Sofie Wilde is successful and independent. She relies on herself, is very competitive, and doesn’t really want or need friends until her world falls apart at a romance readers convention. The AI author phenomenon threatens not only Sofie but also the other authors. Sofie discovers that she must reach out and ask for help from the other authors. What she learns about herself and the other authors surprises her and made for an enjoyable read.There were moments that had me laughing at the antics of the authors and other moments that really had me thinking about the future of AI. As a reader I worry about the future of books and the loss of original ideas and authors. There is also a little romance, it is a book about romance authors. The ending took me by surprise, in a good way, and left me satisfied. I recommend this book to readers that like to read about authors and the publishing industry.

My first of this author’s books, I was exactly 3% in (received this as an e-book ARC) when I had a feeling I was going to love this book, and I was right.

While I knew the premise of the book (and think the conversation around authors and AI is nothing short of complicated) it was the main character that I fell in love with instantly. I think Sofie Wilde is the type of character that readers might not love—she’s a little stubborn, selfish, critical. And that’s why I related to her, for better or for worse. She’s a bit older than me and has a whole literally world launched and gets up to a fair bit more trouble than I ever would (probably) and I loved her dearly for it. I would read another book with her in it in a heartbeat.

Romantic Friction is witty, relatable, rips the world of publishing right open for readers and isn’t your typical love story. It’s for the writers and their words, and I think that was my favourite part.

Lori Gold’s Romantic Friction is a sharp, witty take on authorship in the age of AI. When bestselling author Sofie Wilde is upstaged by a debut writer who used AI to craft her hit novel, chaos erupts at a major book convention. Smart, funny, and timely, this story explores creativity, ego, and the future of storytelling with both humor and heart.

I enjoyed the audiobook the narrator was able to get the character’s personality so well that I enjoyed hearing the book. The banter and all the worrisome moments were just fantastic.

I was not sure what to expect going into this as this is not my usual genre but I was pleasantly surprised! This book was overall entertaining and basically listened to the audiobook in one sitting.

This book poses very relevant analysis about the morality and implications of using AI, in particular in the art space. Our main character Sofia was quite prickly and ultimately I did not mind that I found her to be an interesting character even though at times she's extremely unlikable. The plot that unfolds at the book convention is silly and I found to be a lot of fun.

I also appreciate the commentary on how challenging it is for authors to break into the publishing space and how sometimes scandal, including the manufactured variety, can aid in getting an author noticed. I also really enjoyed how this ended, it was twisty and satisfying!

The concept is interesting based on what I've seen lately in the literary industry. Even though the story did not head in a direction that I thought made the most sense, it was still well written and gripped me.
The themes of AI in writing and how some readers accept it for the sake of having more of the same content hit close to what I've seen on Bookstagram lately. I'm glad the author showed this conflict and developed the plot for that in the story.

ROMANTIC FRICTION is exactly the hilarious romp that I needed right now. I read this in less than 48 hours. Just when I thought I’d figured out where the plot was headed, Gold threw another twist that kept me turning the page.

Bestselling writer Sofie Wilde has worked hard for her success. She’s read the craft books, written the shitty first drafts, and endured humiliating readings to near empty rooms. She’s missed family events and forgone friendships. Her writing career has always come first. And it’s paid off. Now that Sofie’s a bestselling writer about to launch the final novel in her successful romantasy series, she’s not about to let a self-published wannabe newcomer Hartley West take away her spotlight, especially when Hartley announces that she’s used AI to create a book in the style of Sofie Wilde. Um, no. Surely, Sofie’s fans will rally around her, right? They want the real Sofie Wilde. Or at least that’s what Sofie thinks. But, here’s a plot twist: fans embrace “the new Sofie Wilde” and Hartley’s “innovative” approach. Sofie finds herself doing things she’d never thought she’d do: fighting for her keynote, asking for help from the other romance writers at the convention, fighting and flirting with Hartley’s accomplice Cooper-Brad, and plotting a kidnapping.

ROMANTIC FRICTION grapples with the timely issue of GenAI and publishing. If anyone can write in the style of Sofie Wilde, do we need Sofie Wilde? Insert: Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, Kiley Reid, etc. Like Kuang’s YELLOWFACE, Gold provides honest insights into the publishing industry. I found this book to be a sharp, funny, and realistic critique with many clever details about what it’s like to be an author. If you’re working in the industry, you’ll feel seen. And if you're a curious reader, you’ll learn about what happens behind the scenes.

This book really hit the itch for me. It’s intellectually stimulating and fun, fun, fun!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing the chance to read this ARC!
"Romantic Friction" offered a fun and unique reading experience. While some sections were fast-paced and thrilling, others could have benefitted from a quicker tempo. I didn't feel a strong attachment to any of the characters, but I also didn't find them unlikable. The concept of the book was solid; however, the storyline could have been more engaging with less internal dialogue. Overall, I appreciated how the narrative concluded!

Thank you Lori Gold and getredprbooks for the eARC of Romantic Friction! This was definitely a different from my usual reads and I found it to be super interesting! This book made so many great points about AI and how it can change this industry for better and worse! Can’t wait to check out more from this author!

I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one! I’m always a fan of books about authors so that’s why I was originally drawn to it. I thought the FMC was extremely realistic and I appreciated how she didn’t portray this “picture perfect” person. It seems a lot of people are getting caught up on her pessimistic attitude and tendency to safeguard herself instead of trusting others. I totally understood her, though I do disagree with a few of her actions throughout the book (I was cringing about the whole Max bit). Maybe that makes me controversial 🤷🏼‍♀️

Anyway, I thought incorporating the whole AI storyline was relevant and interesting. Seeing a group of authors band together in what seems to be a somewhat isolating industry was also fun. I think it would’ve been nice to dive into those friendships more because I could’ve connected on a better level. Instead I was left not even remembering who was who in terms of the other authors. I think more dedication to the authors would’ve been better than the seemingly forced love interest. This book felt like more than a romantic relationship but rather one with a career so it didn’t seem to fit.

I did truly enjoy the book overall. I think it could’ve benefitted from a more powerful FMC character arc, shifting focus to relationships amongst the other authors and also just shorter chapters vs longer ones. It was cute and different and that’s why I’m landing at a 3.5–thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this eARC!

I don’t know if it was the narrator or just the tone of the book itself but it just wasn’t for me. The premise was interesting but the FMC’s attitude and overall demeanor didn’t sit right with me. I think ai stealing work is a valid concern, but if your attitude toward other authors is so bad you have no one on your side.. well it’s just not the kind of thing I wanted to continue reading.