Hands down, one of the best contemporary romance books I've read.

Hilarious, incredibly emotional and heartfelt, a story of finally experiencing an honest Happily Ever After.

The characters had the most amazing chemistry, there were funny moments, as well as deeply vulnerable ones. And so very sexy! The spice was so hot, very well written, it had me swooning and blushing.

Everything was so realistic too, from the initial attraction and how the relationship progressed, to the plot, and the love for romance books and romance readers. Relating the scenarios in the story to romance tropes was clever, and didn't feel forced or irritating at any time.

And I absolutely loved Margot's relationship with her sister, the letters made my heart soar and brought tears to my eyes. Savannah's book next, please!

I liked this book, it was so cute! 4.25 stars!

Any Trope But You had, not surprisingly, pretty much every trope that you can think of, but I liked the way that some of them were introduced! I was a bit worried that it would feel a little bit cheesy, corny or overdone by having so many tropes, but the funny and sarcastic way some of them were introduced made it very enjoyable!

I liked Margot, she was a very strong and well developed character, and I found her relatable and likeable. Her relationship with Savannah was beautiful, honest and raw, and I really liked all the scenes they shared together, as well as having Savannah's letters as little breaks within the story. I appreciated how realistically it was portrayed, as even loving sibling relationships have their problems.

Forrest was obviously written to be the perfect MMC, so it is no surprise that I really liked him. He was swoon-worthy, loving, and caring. As a breast cancer researcher myself, I quite enjoyed that that was also Forrest's job, and I appreciated the way it was integrated into the story. His relationship with his dad was heart-warming but also complicated, and I felt like it was presented with care.

One thing that reeeeeeeaaally annoyed me was when Margot learns about Charlotte's review and immediately believes that Forrest was an bad guy. Like, I am all for feminine support, and I also get that she was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but c'mon! She's an adult woman, she was already quite close with Forrest, he had not given her any reasons to think that he was anything but a good person, and because of a very short review with barely information, she immediately got mad at him and thought the worst of it without even waiting to have a conversation. It just felt like it was unnecessary drama, and I found it frustrating.

I really liked the ending, it was quite emotional but also beautiful, and I was left with happy and hopeful feelings. Also, this book has made me desperate to visit Alaska and go on lots of excursions, it was very well set!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK, and Victoria Lavine for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Five stars, no question—Any Trope But You has instantly cemented itself as one of my all-time favourite romance reads.

From the very first page, Victoria Lavine’s writing had me hooked.

This book is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and some of the most relatable quotes I’ve ever come across.

Lavine’s writing flows beautifully, striking the perfect balance between heartfelt and hilarious.

While some romance novels can lean too heavily into poetic or existential musings, making them feel a bit pretentious, this one masterfully blends self-awareness and humour, making every emotional beat hit just right.

There are plenty of pop culture references throughout—which can sometimes be a hit or miss—but they worked perfectly here, especially the Taylor Swift mentions.

And let’s talk about the spice. The intimate scenes? Absolutely flawless.

My jaw was on the floor in a “this is chef’s kiss perfect” kind of way—no notes, no complaints, just pure perfection.

Lavine knows how to write chemistry in a way that feels both electric and deeply emotional.

This is the kind of romance that reminds you why you love the genre in the first place. Victoria Lavine is now an auto-buy author for me, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"This book is a love letter to romance" is how the author describes it, and she's not wrong. Every trope us romance lovers could want all wrapped up in one book! I loved Forest and Margot, their story was easy to fall into; funny, sad, swoony.
I loved this!

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

Any Trope But You is a sweet story about a romance author who’s outed by one of her fans as someone who doesn’t believe in Happily Ever After’s, and her whole life comes crashing down.

What follows, after her sister ships her off to Alaska for some offline time to figure out what her next steps are going to be, is a rustic and heartfelt story that dives into grief, the fear of loss, family and how impactful loving relationships can be, whether they are romantic or platonic.

I really adored the pace of this story, the writing was easy to fall into whilst being heartfelt and funny (if a little cheesy at times). It’s a predictable plot, but that doesn’t take away anything from the enjoyment I felt reading it. Both Forrest and Margot are extremely likeable characters and their meet-cute at the beginning of the story had me grinning from ear to ear.

To sum up, Any Trope But You is a romance that pulls together all of your favourite tropes in a witty, entertaining and heart melting story that you can’t put down. I definitely recommend!

My favourite quote from the book:
“We’re two sides of the same mirror, perfect reflections of each other, unable to breach the glass.”

Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to a beautiful place wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket. It has warmth, charm, laugh-out-loud moments and a wistful nostalgia. I absolutely loved it.

3.5 stars. I liked this book! I do think that it was dragged on a little long, and towards the end the curveball just prolonged the main character's HEA in a way that felt unnecessary...I appreciated the premise of this book and how the character interactions were written (overall very wholesome!) The plot at the start was great in a non-cringe way, though the end was not really fleshed out well enough in my opinion to get to the moving back to California decision - and the justification of the characters being similar was just continuously stressed throughout as the only reason for a deeper attraction to each other.

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC!

Margot & Forrest
Enemies to lovers
Forced Proximity
Romance Author x Doctor
Grumpy x Grumpier

This one is so freaking cute!

Margot is a romance author, but she doesn't believe in a happily ever after. Some of her private writing gets shared online and she finds herself losing fans and publishing deals!

Her sister sends her away to an Alaskan resort for a break, where she finds herself running away from a moose into the arms of Forrest!

I love how different this book felt to other books and I really enjoyed the story 🥰

When bestselling romance author Margot Bradley flees to Alaska after her Happily After Never files get leaked on the internet and she goes from being adored by romance readers to shunned by the whole of the book community, her plan is to move away from the romance genre completely and write a murder mystery but the rugged owner of the resort proves difficult to ignore. Could he re-ignite Margot's belief in love and romance?

This was so much fun! Margot writes romance but actually doesn't believe in Happy Ever Afters since her own love life has been less than plain sailing, the way she writes alternate endings in a file locked away for her books was so funny and actually really relatable.

Forrest has his dream job of being a top cancer researcher, but after his Dad's accident, he gives it all up to move back to the resort to take care of him. When Margot literally jumps into his arms after being freaked out by a friendly moose called Bullwinkle, sparks fly, but can he be everything she wants and, more importantly, deserves. With Margot living in California with her chronically ill sister and Forrest in Alaska, how could it ever work?

This is such a beautiful romance. The spice was slightly cringy, but Any Trope But You is a hilarious, swoon worthy romance full of side characters that will melt your heart who you also just want the absolute best for. Savannah, Margot's sister is the absolute star of this book for me. I loved how she supported Margot whilst still battling her own stuff and her desire for independence.
This book had me laughing out loud, and the way Forrest and Margot understood what each other was going through and still showed up for each other was adorable. They really bring the best out of each other, and the ending had me tear up because it was so sweet.

This was a super fun sweet romcom, definitely something I would recommend for a good romance.

The FMC is doing everything she can to avoid her classic romance tropes but she can’t escape them. I love that the book leans into and pokes fun at the tropes whilst acknowledging that people love them and they are the backbone of many romance book. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC and the little found family moments they create at the lodge. It was funny and cynical but charming.

The book was heartfelt at times, exploring themes such as caring for ill loved ones. I think Forests arc of caring for his dad was really well written, being torn between feeling guilty for not being there but still wanting his own life. I loved the self awareness of her sister to realise that she needed to make a change, understanding that she benefited from her elder sisters constant care to her own detriment and changing that. I hate the trope of the elder sibling who cares for the ungrateful younger sibling and they never seem to be aware of their sacrifices or apologise so it was nice to see that altered for the better.

That being said, I do think the romance progressed quite slowly but then suddenly there was discussion of him moving back to LA with her despite not much progress being seen on page.

Overall, really enjoyed this book.

Victoria Lavine makes a dazzling debut with Any Trope But You, a witty and heartfelt romance that blends sharp humour, emotional depth, and a charming Alaskan setting. This book is perfect for readers who love self-aware romance, reluctant protagonists, and the irresistible pull of opposites attract.

Margot Bradley, a bestselling romance author, has built a career on love stories—but she secretly doesn’t believe in them. When her cynical alternate endings are leaked, she finds herself dropped by her publisher and shunned by her fans. With no other option, she pivots to writing a murder mystery and retreats to a remote Alaskan resort to reinvent herself. The last thing she expects is to find herself in a rom-com scenario of her own, complete with a moose encounter and a ruggedly handsome, emotionally guarded resort owner.

Dr. Forrest Wakefield never planned to leave his career as a cancer researcher to run his family’s resort, but caring for his ailing father has taken precedence. The arrival of Margot shakes up his carefully controlled world, and despite their differences, an undeniable chemistry sparks between them. As the snowy Alaskan nights bring them closer, both must confront their fears and reconsider the possibility of a real-life happily ever after.

Lavine’s writing is fresh, funny, and full of heart. The book playfully leans into romance tropes while offering a thoughtful exploration of grief, vulnerability, and second chances. With its picturesque setting, engaging characters, and perfect balance of humour and emotion, Any Trope But You is an absolute delight. A must-read for fans of romantic comedies, especially those looking for a fresh spin on the genre.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

‘Any Trope But You’ by Victoria Lavine is a sweet, fast-paced romance that plays with all the tropes we know and love in the genre, and it does so with a knowing wink. The story centres around Margot, a romance author who has just been canceled after her disbelief in love is exposed to the public. Seeking solace, she’s whisked away to a remote Alaskan lodge, where she meets Forrest, a charming lumberjack and med student. The two have undeniable chemistry, and their journey of personal growth and love makes for an engaging read.

The book often feels like a love letter to the romance genre. Margot’s recognition of the tropes, especially in her own writing, adds a fun layer to the story. The positive portrayal of the romance community, which is often underappreciated, was a nice touch. Romance readers will especially appreciate how the book leans into familiar clichés, from the brooding yet caring hero to the sweet, self-discovering heroine. It’s meta, and while it occasionally borders on predictable, it still manages to be a delightful read for those who enjoy light, heartwarming romances.

One of the standout elements of the book is the character development. Margot and Forrest are both well-developed, with their own backstories and personal struggles, including caring for ill family members. The pacing of their growing relationship is natural, and their emotional depth is underscored by their intimate scenes, which feel organic and contribute meaningfully to the story. Forrest, in particular, shines as a multi-dimensional character — he’s not just the handsome, capable hero; he has his own dreams and challenges, which makes him feel real and grounded.

However, ‘Any Trope But You’ isn’t without flaws. Margot’s character arc could have been explored a bit more thoroughly before the abrupt transition to Alaska. Her decision-making process at times didn’t align with her characterisation, which may have left some readers feeling disconnected. Additionally, the writing style, particularly the first-person narrative, and a third-act breakup felt like tropes in themselves, which some may find a little too formulaic or off-putting.

While the book is undeniably charming, there are moments where the writing falters, especially with some of the steamier scenes, which might come across as overly cringy for some readers.

Overall, ‘Any Trope But You’ is an enjoyable, cosy romance perfect for readers looking for a heartwarming escape. It offers fun banter, strong chemistry between the leads, and a sweet Alaskan setting.

I’m not outdoorsy in the slightest but I really like books with the tropes fish-out-of-water and cabins in the woods so I was really happy to get an ARC of Any Trope But You via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Margot is a romance author who after a series of disappointments has fallen out of love with love. To keep romancelandia happy whilst still maintaining her sanity, she has a top-secret side project where she gives her characters more “realistic” Happily Never Afters. Unfortunately after a hacker exposes her cynicism on a popular podcast, she gets cancelled and is persuaded by her sister, Savannah to hop on a plane to rural Alaska for a few weeks and switch genres by working on a murder mystery.

When Margot arrives in Alaska, it seems like Cupid has got other plans though and after a meet-cute involving a moose called Bullwinkle, she finds herself attracted to Forrest, the son of the owner of the lodge where she’s staying. Forrest has his own reasons for steering clear of romantic relationships but as he and Margot make their way through a bingo card of tropes (only one bed anyone?), he forgets why he was so keen to keep his distance. Margot and Forrest have a lot in common particularly their dedication to taking care of their families (Margot’s sister has an autoimmune disorder and Forrest’s father is wheelchair bound) but how can it work when Margot’s life is in L.A. and Forrest’s is in Alaska?

I really liked the bond between Margot and Savannah and how it’s Savannah who still believes in love and encourages her sister to be “safe but not too safe.” It was clever of her to bribe Margot to go on excursions in Alaska in exchange for letters. Margot and Forrest have great chemistry and the scene with them in the sauna is five-alarm hot. I like how caring Forrest is with those he loves and how he extends that protection to Margot even on their first excursion when she sprains her ankle and he carries her all the way down the mountain.

I definitely recommend Any Trope But You and can’t wait to read more by this author.

Honestly, I love a bit of self-referential romance. This made me laugh out loud but it’s also rather sweet, and quite steamy in places (I found myself reading it on a plane and had to angle my screen away from the stranger sitting next to me).
Margot is a massively successful romance writer whose life falls apart when a hacker reveals her list of Happily Never After musings. She doesn’t believe in love, and she’s not very kind about her readers who do. To get a re-set her sister, Savannah, sends her off to a wilderness retreat in Alaska, where the first person she meets is Forrest, who keeps on meeting all the tropes you’d expect in a romance novel. But can Margot really fall for him and find her happy ever after?
Very enjoyable. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

"I live in perpetual fear that my fans will somehow learn the truth about me. That beneath all the romance tropes and triple-orgasm sex scenes I peddle like snake oil, I'm more jaded about love than a former Bachelorette star, mid-divorce. I know it begs the question: How can she write romance novels if she believes love is Satans pyramid scheme?"

What’s your favourite romance trope? Grumpy/sunshine? One bed? Enemies to lovers? Slow burn romance? Once bitter, twice shy? Struggling family business? Multiple suitors? City girl/country boy? Forced proximity? Or … all of them?

This book is both a fabulous quip about our most loved cliches and a celebration of them all in one — bringing us a delightful narrator who hates everything about the very romance novels she creates finding herself living one, with much protest. I could literally feel Margot’s eye rolls through the pages — she was delightful. She had so much love, a huge heart - but jaded and confused and honestly done with the idea of Happy Ever After. I loved her relationship with her sister - seeing someone with chronic pain and health issues who seeks solace and peace in reading was like looking in a mirror and she really encapsulated the way so many of us feel about escaping into a story. A self confessed “indoor cat” who finds herself hilariously in the wilderness and just waiting for romcom antics to occur. Top tip: maybe don’t read this in public because cause you will laugh out loud or blush.

"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 your bullshit, and love you anyway."

Margot and our new delicious book boyfriend Forest share being the narrator, showing us a sweet, steamy love story from both sides and my god, I ate it up. It had everything - the fun tropes, the sickeningly sweet romance, intensity steamy sex (clearly written for woman, I needed a fan) and just enough angst and worry for some added flair. Think missing tents on a mountaintop, major life decisions, former heartbreaks and the trip of a lifetime.

This book was the literary equivalent of a hot chocolate- warm, cosy, steamy , indulgent, unbearably sweet and just so, so much fun.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this book in advance in exchange for my honest opinion.

My rating:The ending sealed the deal for me actually. I was going to rate it 3 ⭐ but a low 4⭐ is more accurate.

Read if you like:
INSERT YOUR FAVOURITE TROPE HERE.
WE'VE GOT THEM ALL.

My thoughts:
Although this isn't going to be my newest ride or die, I've got to admit it's a good book.

True, there were times where I really didn't vibe with the FMC and I was rolling my eyes with some of her reactions (I felt she was forcibly shoved into some stereotypical 'dumb blond' boxes when she was actually competent and intelligent the rest of the time, so she just came across as entitled and whiny) and a few of the stylistic choices were a bit too much for me, but there's not a ounce of doubt Victoria is a remarkably talented writer.

On the other hand, I did enjoy the MMC character, and the epistolary aspect of the book.

Plus I'm a sucker for some of the beloved romance tropes such as big, grumpy, handsome hero, one bed, nursed to health, forced proximity, dislike to love... Round of applause for a job well done with all these.

I'd probably recommend it to someone who loved It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, as they are very similar in vibes.

I really loved Margot and Forest. Their characters were great. I loved the setting and really enjoyed the story. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

This was such a wonderful heartfelt story, that covered issues around loss and chronic illness so well. I loved both Margot and Forrest, as well as the full cast of characters and the snowy Alaskan setting was perfect for a winter read!

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up because I absolutely loved this book! Margot and Forrest, and the surrounding cast, were great characters with amazing chemistry. The angst and trauma felt real, the miscommunication was always quickly rectified, and the tropes were well done. The setting was also beautiful and now I really want a snowy cabin trip to Alaska. I can’t believe it’s a debut! I’d recommend it for fans of Emily Henry or Abby Jimenez.

3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Zaffre for the eARC
I have such mixed opinions about this book but overall would say I enjoyed it.
The premise of this book felt like a love letter to the romance genre and romance book community and I thought it was a really unique concept which I LOVED.
Until about the 30% mark I thought I’d rate it 5 stars but I struggled with the middle of the book.
It started off fast paced and witty and I felt like there was good character development. I really liked the acknowledgment of all the book tropes and the reluctance of the FMC to partake in them.
I found the character development to be good and was rooting for the FMC and MMC to give in to temptation but when they did it felt very instalovey which is something I can’t stand in a book, personally. I also feel like not much happened in the mid section of the book and found it quite difficult to persevere with but I did enjoy the ending.
I had such high hopes but it sadly didn’t live up to all of my expectations. I do, however, think it’s a great book for a debut and would recommend it for a quick easy read! I would also consider reading the author’s future works as I think she has great potential!