"If this was a romance novel, we'd kiss."

Another soft romantic read featuring sparks of whimsical magic.

I enjoyed the magical element in this story, it was really fun to see a story use the 'what happens when you fall into your favourite book'. It was fun to see how it was shown and used to help the story move and develop - it's not the typical 'character falls into a book' set up that I think readers will expect.

I enjoyed the characters, it was nice to experience a slower build up of the tension and romance between the main two leads. We still get lots of interactions and chemistry between the two but it gradually builds, which I think worked really well for the story. I liked how the main characters weren't only used for the romance between them, but were used in adding to the mystery of the story and in creating movement and flow with the side characters.

Without spoilers, the tension within me truly rose near the end and I did not know what to do with myself.

The only thing stopping this from a 5 star is, completely personally to me, I was missing that final spark. I have loved the previous sparks of everything coming together in Poston's previous works. I think, for me, I would have loved to have see more given to the final bits of the story, just giving a bit more depth to the ending and fleshing it out a bit.

"I had buried my head in stories so long that I'd forgotton to live the real thing."

This book is for us! It is for all the book lovers out there who dream of their book characters, the fictional worlds, and fall for the book boyfriends. It is for all of us that dream of living in the book worlds along with the characters and lose themselves in the happily ever afters of their romance novels ❤️

Ashley Poston set the bar with The Seven Year Slip pretty high, but this was in no way a disappointment. I went in blind, and I will make this my way to go with Ashley Poston's books. I did not want to take away any surprises, and it was perfect that way ❤️ Ashley, you made it with only two books (well, actually only one), and I will buy your books blind and love it.

"You're cute," he went on, "when you're pretending to be angry with me."

This book, like The Seven Year Slip, combines a beautiful love story with magical, surreal, but unique scenarios. AND I AM OBSESSED. This was exactly the kind of book that I CRAVE.

"Your mouth is better at kissing than lying, Elsy."

This was cute, full of different romance stories, had an amazing smutty book club, STUNNING world building, relatable main characters, and plot twists that I did not see coming. It had supporting female friends, and that's what I really love to see. It missed a tiny little thing that's very hard to describe and did not get the full 5 stars by a margin. But, oh, how I will recommend this book to you all ❤️❤️ And I envy all of you who will go in blind and be surprised for the very first time. My butterflies tip their hats to you 🎩

"Well, I was certainly in trouble tonight.
And the worst part was, I feared I was going to like it."

Thank you, Netgalley, HQ, and Ashley Poston for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I loved the idea of this book and ran to request it as soon as it became available but unfortunately it ended up being a bit of a let down.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what I didn’t like. It had so much potential but never actually got there and I found myself a bit bored more than once, perhaps because I found it very descriptive (like when Elsy was describing the town and giving us the backstory of all the many cheaters).

I did like the romance and was rooting for them but would have liked to see them interact more. As for the side characters, the relationships were obviously very one-sided, what with Elsy knowing pretty much everything about them all, so I never felt like they actually connected.

Overall, not my favourite but if you’re a book lover and a fan of magic realism, definitely check it out!

3/5 stars

Thank you to HQ And Netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to get an early copy of this book. I read her novella earlier in the year and absolutely loved the writing and figured I need to give her full novels a try. The premise of this is so cute and I loved the small town setting. However I found the story quite slow and a bit confused. I didn’t really get a sense of romance or connection between the two MCs and really went off the FMC when she slapped the MMC? Still not entirely sure why she did that, it was a hugely inappropriate reaction. I found it hard to warm to her after that and ended up a bit disappointed by the story sadly.

*ARC review* *potential spoilers*

This is my second Ashleigh Poston novel I have read and I really enjoyed the story and actually think I may have preferred this storyline to “ the dead romantics “. I have seen a lot of people say that despite enjoying this book, they didn’t think it was level with her other books, however I haven’t read “ the seven year slip “ to compare.

When reading about this book, I was really intrigued by the concept of the story, where the main character Eileen goes on a solo trip and ends up getting lost in the town of Eloraton, the town from her favourite book series.

The idea of being lost in a book (literally) and being able to experience your favourite fictional town, exploring all the wonderful places the town has to offer and meeting your favourite characters sounded like a dream so I was really excited to dive into this story.

I really enjoyed the book for the most part, I like Ashley’s writing style and as mentioned the storyline. It was lovely to see Eileen take on this solo trip a few years after her heartbreak and be able to learn to be herself again and find love in herself and other things. I definitely shared her elation when she was wondering through the town and getting a dirt hand experience with the world she had been reading with her best friend and book club for years.

I found Anders to be a lovely character in this story, a perfectly grumpy bookshop owner who, in my opinion, was perfect for this book. I loved watching the relationship between the two main characters develop, in their own pace, and finding out Anders story and connection to Eloraton was a really nice part of the story.

I did however, dislike and found myself confused by the ending of the book. It almost felt a little bit rushed? I was very shocked to realise that at the end of everything, Anders totally contradicted himself. I was soooooo annoyed for Eileen, and was suprised snd proud of how well she took this.

When Eileen comes back home to her best friend Prudence, it was lovely to see them bring their dreams to life together and watching them take pride in their business together was heartwarming.

What absolutely BAFFLED me, was the ending, where Mr Anders just skips back in to her story again?! Even though I did predict him to come back, the way it happened was just so underwhelming and again, felt rushed. It felt like there was a lot of information to take in, in such little time, that it just left my mind boggled. It made me feel unsure of him as a character in the end, although I do see his reasoning behind it, it just didn’t seem fair to Eileen !

Despite the underwhelming ending, I did really enjoy the rest and majority of this story and will definitely be reading “ the seven year slip “ and any other story’s Ashley releases in the future. I also loved the cameo from the charters from “ the dead romantics “ so overall rated this book 4 stars after thinking about it for some time.


Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an e-arc to review

I really enjoyed this, it was fun and sweet. A little harder to get into than her other books, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to see what she does next!

Another spellbinding, witty and heartwarming novel from Ashley Poston that captures the very essence of romance itself.

When her fellow book-club members pull out of their trip, Eileen decides to escape on her own for a week of books, wine and solitude. Only, the journey goes from bad to worse and after a close call with a mysterious man in a sudden rainstorm Elsy finds herself in a town that is oddly familiar. So familiar in fact that she knows everything about everyone....because somehow she's found herself in the small town from her beloved books.

The plot of this book was unique, beautiful and poignant. Elsy's struggle to not fall for a man she is convinced is a work of fiction is hard to look away from. Poston's style of writing draws you into the story within the story, with a wonderful sense of ease and romance. I cannot wait for her next book, and will have to resist immediately re-reading everything I have!

Eileen Merriweather could use a break after her ex crushed her heart just a week before their wedding. So she's looking forward to her annual getaway to meet up with her book club friends, but when they all cancel one after the other, she chooses to go by herself.

However, Elsy's old car, Sweetpea (so named because of its hue 🤢), breaks down during the lengthy drive, forcing her to seek help in the closest town.

The town of Eloraton seems remarkably familiar right away, and it can't be a coincidence that it is named after the town in Elsy's beloved book series.

Eloraton is a fictional town. Elsy knows this place and the people who live here better than they know themselves; she has read every detail of their lives. She can't believe she is actually here!

However, the books' author, Rachel Flowers, died in a tragic car accident, and Eloraton has been stuck on the same incomplete page ever since, unable to move forward.

The only other person who appears to be aware of the town's fictional secret is grumpy Bookshop owner Anders. He is the one character Elsy cannot identify in the stories...who is he? And how will the town ever move forward?

This is a wonderfully whimsical read—a romance with a magical twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for a gifted eARC in exchange for my review

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

What a unique premise! With it's vivid description, the town that felt like home but didn't exist, captured my heart from the very first page.

On her way to a solo book retreat, Elsy's car breaks down and she comes across the fictional town of Eloraton - a town with residents she KNOWS as she is obsessed with a book series which is set there. All the residents are fictional; all their stories having being written by Rachel Flowers, the author who created them. Flowers was unable to complete the book series due to a fatal car accident. Because Flowers wasn't able to finish the series, the characters' lives and stories have become stagnant. It is Elsy who sets their stories in motion again. Being in Eloraton heals Elsy from a past relationship and sets her on a path of self-discovery.

Elsy is star struck by all the residents apart from 'minty eyes' Anders, the bookshop owner. He wasn't written into the books, so who was he?
Within a matter of days, Anders and Elsy become romantically involved. He seems to be the only other person to know that the town was fictional. This is where things got a bit strange for me. If they both knew that the town was fictional, why didn't Elsy question him more?

The fantasy part kind of messed with my head. I was half-expecting Elsy to be imagining all this was happening whilst being in a coma.

There was a definite lack of chemistry between Elsy and Minty Eyes. There seemed to be much more chemistry between Elsy and her best friend Pru, who Elsy seemed quite fixated by. A major letdown for me was towards the end when Elsy was about to leave Eloraton. Seriously, what was that?

In fairness, despite the loopholes, A Novel Love Story proved to be quite entertaining and created a longing for book lovers to be a part of their favourite stories.

I loved this book so much. It was a joy to read. My Brigadoon moment. The cover alone makes you want to pick it up.
Elsy was a joyous character in a sad place when she took her journey and found herself in Eloraton. I loved the characters especially Junie and the descriptions of the place made you want to go there.
Anders was the perfect leading man - attractive, strong, funny, bit grumpy need I go on. Also every bookshop needs a cat like Butters.
Pru was fun and a great friend. I also liked the ending.
If you are looking for a fun read that takes you into another world this is it and what a world.
Thanks Netgallery.

Ashley Poston is one of my favourite authors. So I was beyond thrilled to have kindly received an eARC for A Novel Love Story. The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip are excellent novels, so this new book had a lot to live up to!

Nobody can do magical realism in romance quite like Ashley Poston. Ashley skilfully weaves the magic in this novel - our main character Elsy finds herself in the small town her favourite romance novels are set in. Nothing is quite as it seems. and here we meet our love interest, Anders. Elsys self discovery journey of love and acceptance, while healing the characters in the town, as she forms a budding romance with Anders had me hooked.

Highlighting the importance in the popularity of romance novels was extremely well done in this book. I love the characters, the settings, the themes and the whole thing tied up together perfectly.

I loved that we had a little call back to The Dead Romantics - I won't spoil it here but see if you catch it when you read it!

I would recommend every single one of Ashley's novels. A Novel Love Story is a breathtakingly beautiful jewel in the crown of her work.

Ashley Poston has single-handedly managed to convince me that magical realism does belong in the romance genre. I love how her mind works. Magical time travel apartment? of course. Book series mega fan ending up in the fictional town and influencing all of the characters? only logical follow up!

And the book lived up to the premise!! The characters were funny, and Eileen acted exactly how any romance obsessive would (and I loved her for it). The romantic chemistry between her and the MMC was delicious. And I loved the ending, 10/10.

Also, I think it is important to note the incredibly talented writing at play here. There was a clear distinction between the fictional in-book characters and the fictional to us characters, without making any of them feel 2d.

Thanks to HQ, Ashley Poston and NetGalley for the free e-arc. All opinions are my own etc.

3.5 stars
first of all, i’d like to say a HUGE thank you to hq (& netgalley) for not only giving me an e-arc of this but also sending the most beautiful parcel with a finished copy & extra goodies. i am so, so grateful!! 💙🥹

in this book, we follow eileen & anders. eileen finds herself in the town of eloraton.. the town of her favourite book series. there’s only one road in & one road out. the town never moves, it always rains in the early afternoon, the burgers at gail’s are always burnt, the inn is always under renovation. just like clockwork, the same thing happens everyday..

anders is the grumpy bookstore owner in eloraton. he is the only person in this town that knows the town is stuck, replaying the same day over & over again..

while this book still had that element of whimsical, magical moments, it felt different? i don’t think it was as romance heavy as i would have preferred! there is no one else to blame here but myself because i set my expectations so ridiculously high after reading and loving ashley’s other two books! (the seven year slip is one of my favourite books to ever exist!)🥺

i feel like the ending wrapped up too quick! this book focuses more on elsy’s personal growth rather than chemistry & her relationship with anders. not to mention the fact that elsy almost felt like a second choice at the end? wont say more on that but if you’ve read it, you’ll know what i mean :(

despite giving it 3.5 stars, ashley’s writing still feels like such a warm hug. her stories are always comforting & reassuring. she creates the most magical worlds in which i want to lose myself in. i will always read anything ashley writes! ✨

A Novel Love Story is based in the town of Eloraton which is a made up place by the main character Elsy's favourite author. There is a Narnia element that meets Ground Hog Day with a lovely noval twist to it. I totally love a small town romance and it really plays into this. 

Elsy is at a point in her life where everything in her life seems to be passing her by. Whilst everyone else is getting engaged or has a milestones moment, she feels lost and left behind. She's unable to find the same happiness and move forward because her past keeps holding her back. The old shoulda woulda coulda that I think everyone feels from time to time. Exploring this theme with Elsy is very raw and I felt I could relate to her anguish.

A Novel Love Story is very self aware and discusses some interesting points about love stories. When there's a HEA what is actually next? Is it smooth sailing? What of someone has goals but settle for their lives goals? I liked exploring this and it's was like looking behind the curtain.

I really enjoyed the male love interest, Anders. Anders is a grumpy bookshop owner who doesn't also seem to fit with Eloraton either. I found him funny and loved how impressed he was by Elsy's antics. I did enjoy the relationship evolution of emenies to lovers. Ashley writes relationships that feel authentic. His little reveal at the end was not what I expected and we executed really well. I hadn't guess his story.

How Ashley ends her books has always been something I applaud her on. Leaving the reader with message- for me I think this hope. Hope for happiness, whether it be finding love or healing from grief. I feel her writing does heal the soul in this aspect.

I would highly recommend A Novel Love Story and I'm sure it will not disappoint the Ashley Poston lovers out there.

This book was a slow burner for me but once I got into it I loved it! It's almost a dream situation, ending up in the location of your favourite book series. This is so well written, it's funny and heartfelt and just felt like someone giving you a huge cuddle - well done!

📖: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
🥵: 🌶️/5

A Novel Love Story is about Eileen (Elsy) Merriweather, as she finds herself stuck inside the small town setting of her favourite unfinished romance series. As she meets in real life the characters she has known so well on the pages of her books, she finds herself directionless and wanting to stay forever.

I loved this story so much. It really brought to the forefront the idea of a 'happily ever after' Vs 'happy for now' as Elsy interacts with characters whose own stories were finished. Anders, the MMC, is the only other person who seems aware of the fact this is a fictional town and is also the only unknown character to Elsy. She assumes that he was supposed to be the MMC of the 5th and final story, and therefore tries to resist her growing feelings for him.

There was so much heartache in this story: Elsy feeling lost in her own life, left behind by her friends, heartbroken over her broken engagement, and of course Anders' own heartache. It brought so many different aspects of these feelings, and I sobbed for a lot of the end of the story!

I was initially unsure about the appearance of Bea, another element of heartache in this story, but ultimately I understood why it happened. I loved that Anders and Elsy found their way back to themselves first, and without the promise of the other person waiting. They did it for themselves and because of that, they were able to find each other again.

Overall, a brilliant and emotional read. I will definitely be reading more by Ashley Poston.

A very different idea for a book, I really enjoyed it.

Elsy loves to get lost in romance books, and belongs to a book club that has an annual retreat to read their favourite books on repeat. When the rest of the club members are unable to go for the week, Elsy decides to go alone. After a car issue, she finds herself in the small town of Eloraton - the setting if her favourite novels. The story progresses as she meets local Anders, who doesn't feature in the books. Can Elsy work out what is happening to her and why, and who Anders is?

The book is packed full of fabulous characters, and a cosy setting. I really enjoyed trying to work out what was happening alongside Elsy. There was however one section just before the end that I didn't like, but overall a fun read.

I couldn’t wait to read this. I loved the whole idea of a book within a book. This gave me exact same feels like the seven year slip, with the magical realism. I absolutely love the imagery in AP’s books. Some parts of this book were quite slow and it dragged in some chapters BUT I ended up actually enjoying this cozy read.

I loved the MC’s Elsy and Anders. When things got going they were good. There could’ve been more pining with them but overall it was nice. There was even a few giggly moments and some humour. The tour was magical and it was the best part for me. The little details that were added to this chapter was pure bliss. You know when you’re just so happy for the characters and you can’t stop smiling. This was it.

As a delusional romantic this was a really cute rom com story. I did not expect that twist! I had fun reading this and I’m sure others will too 🩷

Previously, I have quite enjoyed Ashley Poston’s novels - Seven Year Slip was one of my favourite reads from last year. However, there is something about the plot of A Novel Love Story that didn’t work for me. I can understand what the author was trying to do with this book, but I don’t think the execution landed well for me.

I did enjoy the twist at the end explaining why Ander’s was in the town - up until a point near the end of the book. I won’t spoil it, but it felt like an unnecessary addition so close to the end of the book. It was just a bit of a downer.

Thank you to Netgalley & Berkley for a copy of this ARC.

This book is absolutely genius! Sheer perfection! The best rom com book I've read this year. It just makes so much sense to a romance reader it is like living the dream. 1 million percent recommend