Not in my book by Katie Holt : Detailed Analysis and Summary 2024

“But what makes romance novels so good is the fact that they’re a complex dive into human emotion. There’s so much more to a romance than just love.”

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC of Not in My Book by Katie Holt. For a debut, this novel is a delightful and compelling read.The academic rivals setting had me hooked from the start, keeping me eagerly engaged throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style, and the execution of the enemies-to-lovers dynamic was exceptionally well done. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of the audiobook, t’s such a wonderful privilege to experience the story early and in such an engaging forma

Summary of Not in my book by Katie Holt

Rosie, an idealistic and passionate Peruvian-American who has grown up without strong ties to her culture, leaves her Tennessee hometown to pursue her dream of making it in New York as a writer. But her plan is derailed when she ends up in class with her arch-nemesis and ex-crush, Aiden Huntington—an obnoxious, surly, and gorgeous literary fiction writer who doesn’t have much patience for the romance genre, or for Rosie.

Rosie and Aiden regularly go to verbal battle in workshop until their professor reaches her breaking point. She allows them to stay in her class on one condition: they must co-write a novel that blends their genres.

The reluctant writing duo can’t help but put pieces of themselves into their accidentally steamy novel, and as they slowly get to know each other, they try to put their differences aside. Meanwhile, their manuscript-in-progress provides an outlet for them to confess their feelings—and explore their attraction toward each other.

When Rosie and Aiden find themselves competing against each other for a potentially career-changing opportunity, the flames of old rivalry reignite, and their once-in-a-lifetime love story is once again at risk of being shelved—unless they can find a way to end the book on their own terms.

Review of Not in my book by Katie Holt

Not in My Book by Katie Holt is easily one of the most delightful academic rivals-to-lovers stories I’ve come across. I went in with modest expectations and was genuinely blown away by how much I enjoyed it!

Plot Analysis of Not in my book by Katie Holt

Rosie Maxwell and Aiden Huntington are fierce rivals in their shared writing class, constantly criticizing each other’s work. Rosie writes heartfelt romance and firmly believes in happily-ever-afters, while Aiden pens literary fiction with a focus on realistic, often tragic endings.

The dynamic takes a turn when their professor assigns them the challenge of co-writing a novel to remain in the class. They reluctantly agree, blending their styles into a story that balances romance and literary fiction. To create authentic chemistry between their characters, Max and Hunter, named after their own surnames, Rosie and Aiden start spending more time together, learning about each other and, in the process, discovering there’s more to their rivalry than meets the eye.

Characters of Not in my book by Katie Holt

Rosie Maxwell : She’s absolutely hilarious, with an inner monologue that perfectly mirrors my sense of humor. Her authenticity and relatability make her feel incredibly real, and she’s hands down one of my favorite contemporary protagonists. Her journey of personal growth is handled with such care, and I admired her strength in standing up for herself and embracing the truth, even when taking the easier route was an option. I genuinely adore her character!

Aiden Huntington : The way I adore him is truly over the top. He starts as the quintessential grumpy and seemingly aloof male lead, but his character arc is nothing short of extraordinary. His growth and layers unravel so beautifully that you can’t help but root for him. And let’s not forget, his way with words is utterly captivating, leaving an impression that lingers long after the story ends.

Rosie & Aiden : The dynamic between Rosie and Aiden crackled with undeniable chemistry and tension. Watching their relationship unfold, gradually shifting from enemies to friends and eventually lovers, was immensely satisfying. Their connection felt raw and authentic, with moments of vulnerability and growth that added depth to their story. The bumps along the way made their journey all the more compelling, enhancing the emotional payoff and making the romance truly unforgettable.

Pacing & writing style

The writing in Not in my book by Katie Holt was exceptional, and I found myself eagerly devouring every page. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel because it feels so polished and skillfully crafted. The characters were incredibly lovable and felt like real people with depth and nuance. The academic rivals to lovers trope was executed masterfully, striking the perfect balance between tension, humor, and heartfelt moments. I’m already looking forward to seeing what this author delivers next!

The pacing in Not in My Book is brisk and engaging, seamlessly blending romantic tension with plot development. The story flows naturally, filled with humorous, awkward, and heartwarming moments that keep the reader hooked. As Rosie and Aiden’s relationship evolves, the pace mirrors their journey, with witty banter and emotional tension driving the narrative forward. Even as conflicts and twists emerge, the pacing remains smooth, allowing enough time to savor the sweet, heartfelt moments and witness meaningful character growth without feeling rushed or drawn out.

Tropes of Not in my book by Katie Holt

Tropes : Academic rivals to lovers | Opposite attracts | Book about books | Grumpy x sunshine | Forced proximity | One bed.

Trigger warning of Not in my book by Katie Holt :

• Death & Grief
• Toxic relationships

Some quotes I enjoyed

“The entire time we were together all I could think was you were better than any dream, any piece of fiction I could ever write.”

“ I had become addicted to that look. It was my biggest vice— figuring out what words I could say to make her mad, to make her focus only on me, to get the look.”

“I don’t think Happily Ever After is an ‘if’ thing. I think it’s ‘when.’ ”

“No one meets the same way and falls in love the same way. Sometimes you know just after an hour with a person. Or it can span decades. The only thing every love story really has in common is that it’s worth it. Love is always worth fighting for.”

“I know you prefer what’s in your books, and I pretend I don’t want to be like them, but I do. I want to be the person you picture when you’re reading and dreaming because you’re who I picture every single time.”

“Know that every single time I fuck up, I’ll come home to you. We’ll work together to make it better because we won’t abandon each other. We’ll make mistakes, we’ll learn lessons, and we’ll be tested. But we’ll come out so much stronger on the other side.”

Final Thought

Not in My Book is easily one of my top pick for contemporary romance! Katie Holt nailed it with this story. I adore a good, light-hearted romantic read, but this one had me so hooked that I didn’t want it to end. The dynamic between Rosie and Aiden—full of playful banter, the “I hate you, wait maybe I don’t… maybe I want you” tension, was a joy to read. Their witty exchanges kept me laughing and completely engaged.

The book was fun and charming from start to finish, providing plenty of moments that had me laughing out loud. The chemistry and teasing between the leads added so much depth and excitement to their relationship. Aiden broke the mold of the typical hero—he was flawed, relatable, and more grounded, which made him stand out. However, his redemption scene near the end felt a bit over-the-top and was the main reason I couldn’t rate it five stars.

What really stood out were the well-developed characters and how the friend group was woven seamlessly into the story, adding another layer of connection. I could rave on and on, but I’ll let you discover it for yourself. It’s truly worth reading! The only thing that slightly disappointed me was the third-act breakup, it was predictable and felt frustratingly unavoidable. Still, it didn’t overshadow my enjoyment, and I’m definitely looking forward to more from Katie Holt. A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC!

About the author

Practical Information for Readers

Not in my book by Katie Holt Book Formats

Not in my book is available in various formats to suit every reader’s preference:

• Paperback : Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
• eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms.
• Audiobook: Narrated with emotional depth, available on platforms like Audible.
• PDF Not in my book by Katie Holt : While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.

Where to find Not in my book by Katie Holt PDF

1. Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings.
2. Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
3. Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.

Not in my book by Katie Holt Age Rating

Not in my book by Katie Holt is generally recommended for mature readers, typically 18 and older, due to its themes of romance, emotional intensity, explicit content, and mature language. The book deals with topics such as relationships, heartbreak, and personal growth, which may not be suitable for younger readers.

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