Book Review: Any Trope but You by Joni R. Hooper
Sometimes a title catches your eye, and for me, Any Trope but You felt like a playful promise of literary fun. From Joni R. Hooper, this debut novel intrigued me due to its clever mix of romance tropes, the promise of humor, and a bit of spice. The moment I received the e-ARC courtesy of NetGalley, I knew I was in for a wild ride, and let me tell you, this book delivered—well, mostly!
Plot Overview:
At the heart of the story is Margot Bradley, a rampaging author of feel-good romance whose latest twist—her "Happily Never After File"—goes viral, ruining her image. To escape her crisis, her sister books her a reinvention getaway in the wilds of Alaska. Here, enter Forrest—a dreamboat with a name straight out of a fairy tale—setting the stage for a whirlwind of tension and undeniable attraction.
Honestly, the forced proximity and "one bed" trope left me giggling at times, even as I cringed at the undeniable chemistry that felt, at moments, more physical than emotional. The romance unfolds quickly, often hinging on the heated moments rather than deeper connections, leaving me to ponder: can a solid relationship really blossom in what feels like a mere fling?
Character Depth & Writing Style:
Margot, while not unlikable, often felt too inconsistent to fully engage me. How does one proclaim the fallibility of love only to tumble headfirst into lust after a few encounters? Not to mention Forrest, who, while charming and nerdy in the best ways—he’s a breast cancer researcher and a budding surgeon—felt a bit two-dimensional amid the sultry scenes. Each character, in truth, came off as cardboard cutouts of their own desires.
However, Hooper’s writing style brought a certain lightness, mixing humor and sass. I found myself laughing at quirky moments, especially as Margot navigates the chaos of her life. The banter between the characters, especially in the early stages, was delightful, showcasing Hooper’s potential for sharp, engaging dialogue.
Yet, for a debut, I did notice some narrative inconsistencies—like snowmobiling mechanics that left me scratching my head. If you’ve ridden one, you’ll know that the physics depicted felt a bit exaggerated.
The "Spice" Factor:
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the smut. While I’m no stranger to explicit moments in romance, I was taken aback by the sheer volume—102 f-bombs to be exact! In the midst of allowing my eyebrows to shoot up, I couldn’t help but wonder about the balance of heat versus heart. The explicit scenes are not for the faint-hearted, and there is a hefty measure of physicality that overshadows more emotional connection at times.
Final Thoughts:
Despite its quirks, I enjoyed Any Trope but You as a light and fluffy read with a few deeper themes lurking beneath the surface. It blends hilarity, passion, and a touch of existential dread within a romance bound to leave readers a bit winded. If you’re a fan of quick-witted banter, steamy escapades, and you’re looking for a read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this book will be right up your alley.
Perfect for readers 18+, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone still navigating the majestic waters of teenage romance. Set against the backdrop of snowy wilderness and reams of sass, Hooper’s debut is a fun escape that stirred my curiosity, and left a smile on my face—albeit slightly raised eyebrows with all that spice!
So, who’s ready to cuddle up with a hot beverage, dive into the pages, and enjoy some delightful chaos in the world of Margot and Forrest? Let me know your thoughts if you decide to join the read! 🤍📚
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