Love is an Open Book by Chandra Bloomberg

TL;DR: A bit forgettable but with interesting ideas.
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much!

Plot: Two friends become more after trying out book tropes.
Characters: Gavin was adorable, but Mia was frustrating beyond belief at times.
Setting: I don’t know that I can clearly visualize anywhere these two went.
Romance: I wasn’t sold on this one from the jump. I could see Gavin pining but Mia? Nah.

Summary:

Mia Brady never imagined her romance novels would become bestsellers, much less inspire a hit TV show. However, after signing a deal to write the final book of the series, she’s struck by a serious case of writer’s block. Her fans are clamoring for a passionate payoff, but Mia’s own experience with heartbreak—and current lack of real-life romance—is getting in the way. Do friends who become lovers ever truly have a happy ending?

Gavin Lane would like to think so. As Mia’s ride-or-die BFF, he’s been by her side through it all and convinced himself his crush on her is a thing of the past. He’s not about to let his feelings ruin their friendship, and never will. But that doesn’t stop him from pitching a bold idea to help save Mia’s testing out tried-and-true love story tropes…together.

From workplace romance to fish-out-of-water, Mia and Gavin embark on a series of “dates” to spark a little creativity—but are not prepared for the flame that ignites between them. Does their friendship even stand a chance when pure fantasy suddenly becomes a little too real?

Thoughts:

The amount of romance books I’ve picked up that have an author MC who either doesn’t believe in love or only believes it should happen one way is higher than I’d like it to be. It’s a weird trope, I’m not going to lie to you. In this one Mia refuses to date anyone she’s friends with after one hurt feelings moment 10 years ago. Now she’s stuck on her next romance book and her best friend offers to help her try out romance tropes.

This is a cute idea but once I got to reading it, it felt like Swiss cheese with the holes. Gavin, our love interest is cute, I did really like him and how much he cared. But Mia drove me bonkers. It even got repetitive with how much she refused to acknowledge and accept her feelings. Then we find out that the entire triggering incident that has her swear off friendship before love wasn’t even a true heartbreak? Come on my girl.

Maybe it’s also me but if you can’t be friends with your partner I think there might be an issue. So the whole refusal to see past a friendship with someone she clearly had chemistry with was also very strange. Add on to that she’s a best selling romance writer? I was confused the whole time.

This one was a miss for me but if you want to give it a shot, it’s well written for the most part! Milage may vary but for me this was… eh.