Intimacy can be awkward ... but someone’s gotta write about it. Samuel Harthrup — AKA romance novelist Sammie Hart — has lost his mojo. His MasterChef-inspired smash-hit Heat in the Kitchen left readers voracious for a sequel, but Sam’s muse ran off with a hulking, tattooed biker, and his new manuscript is more fizzle than sizzle. Sam needs help – a special ingredient to inspire the spicy scenes his editor (and career) demands. When the circus rolls into the small town of Moonshine, Sam stumbles upon Anita Fortuna, a psychic who firmly believes that wishing upon a star will make your dreams come true. Together, they resolve to whip his manuscript into shape, and succumbing to personal temptations is not an option – no matter how enticing the offer might be. On a deadline, and with Sam’s career at stake, can Sam and Anita find the write way for romance, define their own stories, and discover whether words are enough? Or is the whole deal a recipe for disaster?
BROOKLYN DEAN is a perpetual daydreamer from rural Australia.
When she’s not writing, Brooklyn can be found practicing to become the world hugging champion, drinking coffee, throwing her head back in laughter, or stealing time to nap in the sun.
Her second novel, a sexy Aussie enemies-to-lovers novel, The Insufferable Adam James, won the BEST INDIE BOOK AWARD (Romance, 2024).
Meet Adam in Brooklyn's debut Moonshine Romance series.
This is so dang creative. I had no idea what to expect with the title but the blurb pulled me. Then I started reading and read in a few hours!! Definitely recommend because you won’t be able to put it down!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are fully my own!
Samuel and Anita’s story is about finding ones self and finally taking charge of their own lives.
Sam is a romance writer who is struggling to be inspired for his second book. He drinks a little too much, trying to escape from his reality that is filled with pressure from his publisher, abandonment from his parents and struggling with his self worth.
Anita comes to town with the circus. She’s quirky with a romantic outlook on the world when she’s not performing but not everything is what it seems with her. She’s got her own trauma, secrets and healing to do.
Together, Anita and Samuel inspire, heal and enjoy life with each other. Even if it’s for a little while.
I enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written, very wordy, fun and quirky with a whole lot of cuteness.
I never knew there could be as many food puns until this book, it made it that much more enjoyable.
To say I love this book would be far too easy. To say I am head over hills for Sam and Anita would feel repetitive. Instead, I will say I have never read a book where I feel like I could step into the pages. The Write Way For Love engulfs you, pulling you into the small town of Moonshine, Australia. From the hijinks of the townspeople, to the bromance of Reece and Sam, to the magic that is Anita and the circus, you will grow to know, love, and figuratively stand beside them, experiencing all the feels that only an exceptional writer can provide.
In a literary world dominated by female authors, a crafty pseudonym has allowed Samuel Harthrup to make his way in and disturb the status quo. Posing as Sammie Hart (and doing everything in his power to keep his true identity a secret), Samuel couldn’t ask for anything more. With a bestselling, record-breaking romance and a growing fan base demanding a sequel, Samuel’s editorial team is beside itself waiting to get a glimpse at his latest manuscript. Sounds wonderful except the next “epic romance” is turning into an epic fail. Taking advice from his doctor and best friend Reece, Samuel decides to denounce his hermit lifestyle for a night, rejoining the living by heading out to the circus that has come into town. Looking for motivation in the form of liquid courage, Sam suddenly finds himself falling, quite literally, for a gorgeous curvy palm reader. Pulling him from the game bin that he just fell into, Anita Fortuna finds herself drawn to Sam. A kindred spirit in the arts, Anita asks to read Sam’s palms and gets more than she bargains for when he passes out of her (what is with this guy and gravity?!) Enjoying the nuisances of small town hospitality (and hoping for a decent meal for once), Anita ends up playing babysitter in Sam’s apartment. While waiting for Sam to regain consciousness, she discovers a manuscript that must be a comedy because it is either that hilarious or that awful! Not one to bite her tongue, she quickly shares with a hungover Sam all the ways he has gone wrong with his romance - creating the missing spark Sam needs to get back on track. Together, can these two pull off the impossible and create the sequel the fans demand without writing a love story of their own?
This book had me laughing from the beginning! I have never encountered someone so at home with his lactose intolerance or room clearing flatulence! Someone please introduce this man to Lactaid. The town of Moonshine itself was such a wonderful community that you couldn’t help fall for the citizens (and secretly hope the author intends to write more about its occupants). I also love a good bromance and the interactions between Reece and Sam were just too adorable.
Shifting my attention to the main characters: I love Sam so much! He is just a guy trying his best to hold his space in the world. He isn’t muscle-bound, super wealthy, or drop dead gorgeous. He is just like the rest of us mere mortals with the blessing and disappointments that only life can offer. His insecurities are so relatable and his past will make you want to hug him and promise everything will be ok. That is another thing I enjoyed about this book - within it you are introduced to two words - Sam’s and the simple town of Moonshine and Anita’s birthright of Circus de la Fortuna. In most books, the main two characters operate within the same world but different perspectives. For Anita and Sam, we get two layers - different perspectives moving between two different societies with its own sets of rules and hierarchy.
Brooklyn brought the heat with this book but she kept it so true to the characters that it felt incredibly intimate. Add in the poetry of Sam’s seductive food puns and you are just putty.
This book focuses a lot on the impact of family. We are taught to believe that family is who catches you when you fall, who shields you from harm, who has your back and loves you unconditionally. We are reminded that family isn’t always who you are born to, but who you choose.
On a lighter note, Sam’s best friend Reece was my hero in this book. To have someone in your life who has your back like that is a blessing.
What I loved most about this book is as soon as Brooklyn grips your heart with sorrow, she makes it lighter with laughter. The smile this book leaves plastered on your face speaks volumes. Well that and the food puns. Seriously, I was impressed! How she came up with so many was insane!
I have had the pleasure of reading a lot of Indie authors and Brooklyn is definitely one to watch. I don’t know if she did it intentionally but she has set this book up perfectly for at least two more in the series (hint…hint). I would love to read Reece’s entire story and Adam’s. The town of Moonshine has stolen my heart and I can’t wait to see what other magic it has up its sleeve.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Books and Bitches ARC team and to the talented Brooklyn Dean for providing the opportunity to dive into the enchanting world of "The Write Way For Love." Published by Wattle Tree Press on September 8, 2023, this book is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and deep themes set in a small town in Australia.
The story introduces us to Samuel Harthrup, better known as the successful romance novelist Sammie Hart. Despite the voracious demand for a sequel to his hit novel "Heat in the Kitchen," Sam has lost his writing mojo. Desperate to find the spark for the spicy scenes his career demands, he stumbles upon Anita Fortuna, a psychic who believes in the magic of wishing upon a star.
Together, they embark on a journey to whip Sam's manuscript into shape, all while resisting personal temptations. The stakes are high, with Sam's career hanging in the balance. As they navigate the challenges of writing, personal growth, and romance, they discover that words alone may not be enough to define their own stories.
"The Write Way For Love" is a story that captures the essence of a small Australian town, making it relatable and endearing, especially for Aussie readers. Brooklyn Dean skillfully combines humor, puns, and light-hearted moments with deep and meaningful themes.
The book doesn't shy away from addressing heavy subjects, including alcoholism, abandonment, family abuse (DV), body image, and road traffic trauma. These themes add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a well-rounded and thought-provoking read.
The progression from strangers to writing partners to lovers is heartwarming and adds an extra layer of complexity to the characters' relationships. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and shared creativity.
In conclusion, "The Write Way For Love" is a delightful and heartwarming story with a dash of spice. It captures the spirit of a small Australian town while tackling important themes with sensitivity. It's a light-hearted yet meaningful read that explores the power of words, love, and personal growth. Brooklyn Dean's storytelling is both charming and thought-provoking, making this book a worthwhile addition to your reading list.
Have you ever read a book that is so good, it makes you want to throw up? Like, GOOD throw up. I will admit one thing - I am NOT a big reader. ‘The Write Way For Love’ is the first book I have read in the LONGEST, LONGEST time, and I am so glad that I picked this book to read. You might want to sit down for this review, because it’s going to be a LONG one. ‘The Write Way for Love’, despite being being a romance novel, doesn’t put an obnoxious focus on the romance between the two main characters, which I REALLY appreciate. We get to know our main character, lovely and goofy Samuel, before we know him as a duo. The romance between Samuel and Anita felt so natural and not forced at all. No “love at first sight” cop-outs here! I loved that we had a lot of focus on the backstories, personalities and friendly chemistry of our main couple, rather than sexual chemistry alone. It was beautiful to watch them fall in love with each other as we came to love them as well. TWWFL was impossible for me to put down (goodbye, sleep schedule!) and I found myself genuinely laughing at the quirks of the characters. Last, but definitely not least … I am glad we got to see our Sammy give out some karma at the end. Well deserved, and a satisfying ending. Had me sobbing in the dark to see them reach the happiness they had been looking for. I can’t wait to see what the next novel brings. I’ll miss you, Sam and Anita!
The Write Way for Love - Brooklyn Dean - ARC Review
Thank you to Brooklyn for this advanced copy, it is truly appreciated.
Sam, is a lonely, drunk, romance writer that has some issues writing his second novel. Only a few people are aware of his identity as a romance author, choosing to write under a female pseudonym. He needs inspiration especially for the spicy scenes which the publishers are asking for more of. He literally falls head first into the prize pool at the circus where he meets Anita. She’s a reader, performer and witch - she likes to help and give back on each town the circus arrives in. She knows Sam needs her help.
Will she be able to help him? Or will he end up helping her?
I enjoyed this story. I loved all the Aussie-isms, the style of writing and the puns. This kind of writing is more akin to the way I talk so it resonated with me in a way many books don’t. It was fun and silly, so many puns and cheesy jokes. It touches on some familial violence issues, but not too in depth.
The interactions and banter between Sam and Anita is great, and the other side characters being the fun too. There’s some saucy scenes, not spicy, to bring more life to the story.
Overall it’s a great read, and I could envisage these characters clearly, punning their way through life, together.
3.75 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Write Way for Love by Brooklyn Dean has a nice cover, and does the title of the book justice.
Samuel Harthrup, alias romance novelist Sammie Hart, has lost it. His bestseller novel Heat in the Kitchen has left readers yearning for a sequel, but Sam’s muse ran away and his new manuscript doesnot want to get written. Sam needs help and he gets it from Anita Fortuna, a psychic who firmly believes that wishing upon a star will make your dreams come true. On a deadline, and with Sam’s career at stake, Sam and Anita try to find the write way for romance, and find even something more.
From the beginning of the story you feel for Samuel with his writer’s block and you sympathise. He comes across as a nice person, someone you just have to help. I loved the way Brooklyn Dean got him across, a guy writing romance novels. Anita is also a wonderful character and she has a lot of chemistry with Samuel. The writing style of The Write Way for Love was nice, the story was easy and relaxing to read. There was joy, but there were also serious bits in the story. It is a lovely story.
If you like a romance novel about writing a book, with nice characters and an easy writing style, not difficult to read, so you can read it in a couple of hours, this book is it.
Thank you to the author for lending me an advanced reader’s copy to her novel, The Write Way for Love.
It’s a really, really cute and fun read and I absolutely love the concept of the mmc being a writer and the fmc being a reader (of all sorts). It’s set in Moonshine, a small town in Australia where Cirque de Fortuna sets up camp and showcases their circus for two weeks. Sam, a secret romance writer, bumps into Anita, who dons many hats at the circus— a performer, palm reader, and errand girl (for her controlling brother at least). Sam’s in a rut after releasing his first novel and in need of inspiration for his second one. Anita offers to help him with his novel while she’s here in town for the duration. They go on hilarious adventures together as Sam’s book starts to come together but so does something else 😏
The book also contains a good scoop of food puns, an unfortunate lactose intolerance, and an unhealthy amount of foot fetish, which might make your nose scrunch in disgust but you’ll be left giggling no matter what. I almost forgot, Sam has a doctor friend who resembles Mr. Darcy!
Samuel Harthrup wrote a best-selling romance book under the pen name Sammie Hart. And while that is amazing, his team are now expecting an even better second book. The only problem is, Samuel doesn't have a muse. There has not been one for a very long time and to find a new one, he would have to leave the house.
Anita arrives in Moonshine as part of the circus. She is a psychic and palm reader who wishes upon the stars.
When Samuel and Anita meet at the circus, she ends up at his place and promises to help him with his second book and get it finished within two weeks before the circus leaves.
I have about this series from Brooklyn Dean but it took me a little while to get into this one. However, once I got into it, I loved it. There a multiple complexities from both characters including abandonment issues, instability and domestic violence. This story got deep in all the feels, and it is well worth your time.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I think it is well written but parts of the book, the writing style, didn't completely work for me. I would still recommend it if you like small-town, found family, and characters with some trauma (see TWs below) to work through.
I think the premise of a traveling circus coming to town and our MC being a romance writer struggling to write his next book is really unique and fun. I love how the main characters really help each other grow emotionally throughout the story. Found family is a strong theme in this book as both main characters struggle with feeling like they are not worthy of love.
It was an enjoyable read.
Trigger warnings for talk of past child abuse and neglect as well as current abuse of an adult in a vulnerable position. Not between our main characters.
This is a hard one! Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found the differing POVs challenging. I much preferred the first person diary entries and found the first person thoughts thrown in (in italics) amongst the third person chapters almost jarring or confusing even at times.
Even though it was a light hearted story full of puns, it had some heavy themes including alcoholism, abandonment, family abuse (DV), body image and acceptance, and road traffic trauma.
I had trouble relating to Anita at times. It wasn’t that she was blunt, but there were few times when she showed her vulnerability, especially at what she has been experiencing. Sam was complicated, but likeable.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks to the author for the early copy received through B&BDU.
Summary: Samuel Harthrup- AKA romance novelist Sammie Hart- has lost his mojo. His MasterChef-inspired smash-hit Heat in the Kitchen left readers voracious for a sequel, but Sam’s muse ran off with a hulking, tattooed biker, and his new manuscript is more fizzle than sizzle. Sam needs help- a special ingredient to inspire the spicy scenes his editor (and career) demands. When the circus rolls into the small town of Moonshine, Sam stumbles upon Anita Fortuna, a psychic who firmly believes that wishing upon a star will make your dreams come true. Together, they resolve to whip his manuscript into shape, and succumbing to personal temptations is not an option- no matter how enticing the offer might be. On a deadline, and with Sam’s career at stake, can Sam and Anita find the write way for romance, define their own stories, and discover whether words are enough? Or is the whole deal a recipe for disaster?
My Thoughts- this book was hilarious. Sam could be a bit immature and jaded at times. At first, I was not sure if he would grow on me as a character, but I am happy to say that he did (thank goodness, because who wants an annoying male lead???). It almost seemed at first that he was ashamed that he was a romance writer, which was a choice that he made when he wrote the book. The book ended up being super successful, but this man does not have a romantic bone in his body, and even blushes at the mention of anything related to sexy. Anita, on the other hand, was refreshing, care-free and hilarious, and the perfect person to assist Sam with his second book. He enlists her to help while she is in town for two weeks with the circus she travels with around the country. This is when things get interesting. If you like whitty banter, with some sexual and food puns, ok, alot of food puns, this is the perfect book for you. I’ve not read a book in a long time that had me laughing this hard. Also, I love a good and chaotic ending. This one had me anticipating the next thing that would happen.
***I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. It will be available September 30th.
I wasn’t initially sure what to expect from this book, but it captured my attention from the first page and I read the book as quickly as my my toddler would allow. I loved the characters as they felt real, had their flaws and were not “perfect”. The story progression felt natural and not too rushed. As a side note - I had never paid attention to just how many food puns there are and it made me laugh to read.
I plan to read the other books by this author as it was a nice feel good read.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book but all thoughts are my own.
I loved the character building of Was (Sam) and Anita. The food puns through the book were an absolute delight. I felt for Anita as you were given more and more glimpses into her life and ultimately down that dest house others tried to bring her down she was a strong women. Sam and Anita both suffering self doubt and unworthiness are perfect for each other. I loved the relationship between Sam and his grandmother and had some great laughs out loud moments at Sam's expense as Anita brought him out of his she'll I also enjoyed how there were brief glimpses of Insufferable Adam Jones and how Brooklyn has interwoven the two stories. Loved it.
"The Write Way for Love" by Brooklyn Dean is a cute read, but the food puns and foot humor were a bit much. It tied into the theme of the main character's book, but it got a little overwhelming.
What I really enjoyed were the endearing nicknames the main characters had for each other. Surprisingly, the third-act breakup didn't rely on a typical misunderstanding, which was a pleasant twist!
Overall, a sweet read with humor, though it might leave you craving a simpler serving.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Such a delightful, little love story! It's always so fun reading about Australian characters, and this was no exception! This was a super sweet book with lovely and unique characters, and there was such beautiful writing from Brooklyn! I adored this.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a fun book! Loved the camaraderie between the characters too . Writing , the pen being mightier than the sword or a cupids arrow. The deadline and his career depends on it . With Anita’s help and focus can he master the pen to paper and does he have the strength required …..Refreshing story , well executed and immersive . I read a free copy and my reviews voluntary
Talk about an adorable, feel good story. This one reminded me of a Hallmark movie and I’m here for it! There was instant attraction, family struggles, troubled pasts, and new beginnings. Such a cute and enjoyable book that I highly recommend.
I was lucky to have received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
This was my first ARC to read and am grateful to the author for trusting me with her work! This is a beautiful and creative love story told in alternating POV’s following your FMC and MMC through finding themselves along with love!
Honestly, it took me some time to get into this book but after that I finished it within some hours. The story about a male romance novelist and a psychic in a circus was funny and a little bit spicy but it also had some heavy themes like abuse and alcoholism in it.
Fun book, I really enjoyed reading it. Took my a bit longer than it should have but I read it in parts. I’m not going to give away any spoilers, read it for yourself
What a beautiful book, I adored every minute of reading this, I couldn't put it down and devoured it in a day and a half. Brooklyn writes such fantastic characters with depth and witty banter that make for a really enjoyable read.
This was a fun creative and quirky read I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and I love how well the book held my attention. and can’t wait to read more from this amazing author.