A review by booksalacarte
Not in My Book by Katie Holt

emotional funny informative tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5⭐️3🌶️

Contemporary romance
College romance
NY setting
Academic Rivals
Rivals to lovers
Writer MCs
Peruvian FMC
Slow burn
Deception



The premise is rivals in phd are so disruptive and childish in class that they are assigned a co-written project and I loved it! The tension and banter is realistic for people who argue and obsess over their angst, but because of the level of unprofessionalism it felt a little juvenile. I had to keep reminding myself that they were over 25 and in their MFA program. I think the single POV was definitely the best choice, thank goodness. If this book had been dual POV it would have spoiled so much. 

The fact that the writers are writing themselves into their project seems really stereotypical… but I found it a little repetitive to read the project excerpts of the same moment from the project. I wish that it had given glimpses into moments we didn’t see on page instead. But it was an interesting use of POV shift. 

I love when NY as a setting make an appearance as more of a character. 

There was a lot of Meg Ryan movie references and parallels. As a lover of Meg Ryan, I approve. It wasn’t overdone, but it was palpable. 

Thank you NetGalley and Aclove Press for this eARC. All opinions are my own.