Once Upon a Paperback

by A.M. Daniels

Going home isn't easy.

Finding my comatose aunt deep in debt is harder. What really sucks, though, is cleaning up the mess she's made of her finances while living next to the enemy I moved away from. He's loathsome. Always wrong. And still an arrogant jerk like he was in high school. I've got two weeks to turn in my aunt's expected manuscript to her publisher and hope it helps with the money issue. The catch? She never wrote it. There is no book. Unless I try to save the day and write it on a deadline. So, really, how hard can it be to whip up a paperback about falling in love…while tolerating a sexy man who doesn't believe in it?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Ebooks

445 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2024

Reviews

[DEVIL · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually so good idk why am I shocked, but also why is the name “Gage” just so hot ??

[kailesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Once Upon A Paperback" is an absolute gem of a read! From the first page to the last, I was completely immersed in the unique storyline, experiencing every emotion alongside the characters. The drama kept me hooked, and I was dedicated to learning why Ava was so “uptight” and Gage was so “jaded.” One thing I LOVE about a book is the ability to have me making audible reactions or to have me kick my feet in the air giggling like an idiot, and AM Daniels? She did that and more. I nearly threw my phone across the room a few times to say the least.

This novel is the perfect blend of romance, humor, and a touch of rivalry. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat while warming your heart, I would 100% recommend you give this one a read. Five stars all the way!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute! Following Ava and Gage’s relationship evolve as she learned how to write a romance novel was fun. Both their families’ drama added to the plot, but these two definitely burned up the pages with their hate/love!

Minus one star because of some loose ends. (SPOILER ALERT….)
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We get closure with some of Gage’s drama, but hardly any of Ava’s. What about Jared? What about her parents? I need more of Kari. I need more Hudson. Why doesn’t Gage sue Grace for fraud and slander?

Also, is Stacy an agent or a publisher? Carolyn seems to do more author promo work than Stacy, who apparently only looks out for the publisher. Albeit, I’m not an author so I have no idea how that works, but I thought an agent was the author’s rep.

I’m definitely looking for more books by this author because I really enjoyed the story!

[Charissa Gracyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Heart!

I absolutely loved Ava and Gage's story! Their chemistry was off the charts and there's nothing I enjoy more than an enemy to lover's story with witty banter and all the steamy tension. There's a lot going on to keep these two apart and the author weaves all the subplots with expertise. A reveal at the end even made me gasp out loud! I also found the parts with Ava working on her aunt's book extremely entertaining and kept chuckling at all the acronyms that readers and writers use. IYKYK. Daniels delivered everything I want in a steamy rom-com and a perfect HEA. ❤ I look forward to learning more about Karissa, her Pomeranian and a certain brother named Hudson! 🙂

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enemies to lovers romance was a delight to read. If you love a good romance and have read a lot of them you will love all the one liners us romance readers would only understand, loved this aspect of the story. The chemistry between Ava and Gage was perfection as was their growth as individuals. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and if you love a spicy romance then you might adore this one. It would be perfect for an author with all the struggles they face writing a book. I received a complementary copy from the author.

[Kearstin Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

MMC Gage
MFC Ava

Their love, banter, and overall personality makes the book fun, and endearing.

I enjoyed their relationship and the situations they overcome

This is a steamy rom com
Definitely recommend!

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love an enemies to lovers. This was adorable, a little spicy, and kept me on the edge of my seat! There's some questions I want answered, but only because I have a curious mind.

[Sammy Loves books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[Eloise Retief · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read!
The book follows Ava writing a book on behalf of her aunt, which felt quite meta when I was reading it, but it was fun and interesting to read. It was interesting to see this perspective!
I enjoyed the characters - they were well written and had nuance and depth to them, which I always enjoy. I also enjoyed the tension between the two characters and how, for the most part of the book, it wasn't written like a typical 'all or nothing' romance.
I especially enjoyed Ava's character. She was not the 'perfect, innocent, well-mannered, sweet' character that you see in a lot of books. She was confident and sassy and kind of a bitch which I loved.
Gage was also interesting and had a lot of backstory, which informed why he acts and is the way he is. This is only properly revealed later in the book, though. I especially enjoyed his vulnerability when reading his POVs.

There were a few parts where the book weren't as convincing as I'd like them to be. The enemies-to-lovers plot was a bit thin to me. The reason as to why they hated each other weren't very convincing to me and also wasn't properly elaborated on.
The storyline with her aunt and the publisher of the book also wasn't all that convincing to me, so I questioned a lot why the characters didn't just do what seemed obvious to me. Gage's narrative around love was also a bit thin to me, but it was fleshed out later in the book.
I also would have liked to see the relationship between Ava and her parents explored further.
The ending of the book also left me slightly unsatisfied because I thought there were still some unresolved issues that I wanted to answer to so the end felt a bit rushed for me.

Overall, it was a fun read that had more substance than a typical romance book, which is always refreshing to me!

[Marisa Ribeiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating read with its quick pace and engaging characters. From the very first page, I was swept away by the storytelling, never once finding myself bored or disinterested.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its pacing. The author ensures that there is never a dull moment, and scenes transition seamlessly.

I found myself immediately drawn to the characters’ dynamic and witty banter, eagerly anticipating the moments when they would come together. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, adding an extra layer of depth to the story and keeping me fully invested in their journey.

However, as much as I enjoyed my time with "Once Upon a Paperback," there were a few instances where the choice of words left me feeling slightly uneasy. For example, the description of Gage's anatomy as "velvet-covered steel" felt somewhat cliché and overly romanticized, reminiscent of tropes that have been criticized in the past. Similarly, the portrayal of Ava's uniqueness in her taste, particularly when it comes to coffee creamers, veered dangerously close to the "not like other girls" stereotype.

Despite these minor qualms, the overall experience of reading "Once Upon a Paperback" was undeniably enjoyable. Its captivating narrative and endearing characters make it a worthy addition to any bookshelf. Whether you're a fan of romance, adventure, or simply a well-told story, this book is sure to charm and delight.

[Deanna Hopping · Rating 5 out of 5]

the last thing Ava wanted to do was be driving back home but here she was heading to her aunts, as she was now jobless, homeless and found out her boyfriend wasn't just hers. Life up in flames and on the way home she gets a call that her aunt was in an accident and in critical condition. But she's alive and can fight to get better. having to find any kind of medicine or proof of insurance, Ava was now in way over her head then she ever imagined she would be coming back home. Gage the jock that was an ass to nerdy Ava back in high school found out that she was next door when her broom met his nuts and fresh thigh tattoo, these two will butt heads and have all the sexual tension between them but will they give each other the shot they secretly want or continue to throw gasoline on the fire. Oh, and on top of everything else she now needs to write her aunt's new romance novel, so she doesn't get in trouble and have to pay back the publishing company the advance they gave her aunt. Ava's world is getting flipped upside down rather she's ready for it or not. OMG great rom-com perfect banter and the AC needs to be cranked for some of those hot and spicy I hate you moments. this is a fast pace read i couldn't stop AMAZING....

[Dianna F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by A.M. Daniels and it won’t be the last. I’ll be exploring more of their books shortly. This was an awesome book and it kept me guessing what’ll happen next.

Ava is going through a rough stretch of bad luck, she: had a boyfriend cheat and misuse her savings, lost her job, had a close family member in the ICU, find out they are in debt, have a car that’s ready to crater, move in next door to their high school nemesis and have to become an author for save the day for their family member. What rotten luck Ava had! She is incredible in how she stands up for herself and fights for those she loves.

As a teen Gage was tutored by Ava. Things did not go well and they formed some pretty strong feelings about each other and became nemesis. Neither really knew what was going on in the others lives. Fast forward 10ish years and they’re both back in their home town living next door to each other.

These two are fire and ice but have so much chemistry they could light things on fire!! There’s a few scenes that had me wanting more (hate s3x, and OMG a hot library encounter).

Get this book. I promise you’ll love, their love/hate relationship and spicy moments.

[tash.bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great steamy romcom! It was full of angst and I could feel the hate and loathing between the Ava + Gage.

Ava's life is a dumpster fire so she escapes to her small hometown to visit her aunt Meri (who ends up in a bit of a predicament).
Gage is an ex-MLB player who moved home and opened a little gym. He's living a quiet life away from the spotlight.
Ava tutored Gage in high school and it did not go well. They absolutely can't stand each other, so imagine their surprise (and anger) when they find out they're going to be neighbours for a bit.

What drew me in:
•True enemies to lovers - they literally hate each other, I lost count of how many times they voiced it!
•Hate spice - the scene like 20% in...super hot. The library🥵The filthiness in this book was on point. The physical attraction they couldn't ignore was so good.
•Forced proximity - not only do they end up being neighbours, but there's a one bed scene and that just makes me giddy!
•Writing a book - It was cool to see a bit of the writing process from an outsider perspective

This was my first A.M. Daniels book and it was so fun to read! If you enjoy a good enemies to lovers with filthy angry hate spice you should read this book!

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to dive into "Once Upon a Paperback" based on the blurb alone. This was my first book by A.M Daniels and I was in LOVE. Adulting was the only reason it took me a few days to get through it, but aside from "mom life", it was the best from com I've read in April BY FAR.

This isn't your usual "palette cleanser" contemporary romance book, it had some sprinkle of spice and an FMC that was literally my spirit animal. Ava had a sass to her personality that I loved, not taking crap from Gage at all! The tension between her and Gage was evident from the start (yay high school baggage), but it led to some INTENSE sexual tension between those two. The banter and chemistry grew as well as the spiceeee. The enemies-to-lovers aspect of their connection is literally perfect. That library scene will live in my head rent free for all of eternity. I now want to build a library and re-enact it. I loved the storyline, the dual POV moments, the spice and just overall flow of the book. There was never a dull moment AT ALL. For my introduction to A.M Daniels, I fell in love and can't wait to read more of their books!

[Andrea Mehalco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just devoured my first book by A.M. Daniels! Picture this: Ava, a 28-year-old accountant who’s hit rock bottom after getting dumped, fired, and losing it all, has to return to her hometown. But just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, she learns her aunt Meri is in a coma after a car accident. Ava's gotta piece together her aunt’s life, starting with their shared townhouse, which happens to be occupied by the last person Ava wants to deal with: Gage. He's a former MLB pitcher and a total jerk from high school. Despite their age gap, they’ve never seen eye-to-eye.

Then comes another bombshell: Aunt Meri's latest manuscript is due in two weeks, and it doesn’t even exist! Ava's already juggling so much and now she's stuck spending time with Gage. They say there's a fine line between love and hate, and these two are about to test that theory. Will they go from enemies to lovers? You’ll have to dive into this quirky tale to find out!

I was hooked from start to finish, especially with the surprising twist about Gage's family. Can’t wait to devour more from this author!

[Kali McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like going home and feeling like a failure isn't enough but going home and finding that her next door neighbor is her nemesis from school AND her aunt is in the hospital. It just feels like it's everything is stacking up against her.

Finding out that her aunt was supposed to have her next book wrote in a few weeks and Ava couldn't find a trace of the book. Yeah, she about hyperventilates. She needs to help her out even though she's never wrote a book before, she has to give it a shot.

I loved her interactions with Gage, finally coming to terms what happened when they were in high school and she was to tutor him. He didn't like that she was supposed to tutor him at all back then. He thought she was a stuck up and he wanted nothing to do with her.

With these two working together caused some very steamy parts. You know for research for the book. *wink* I did love these two together, after everything they've both been through do they find a way to be together after everything they've been through?

You need to grab this book and read it ASAP!!!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Paperback is one of the best romcom books I've read lately. Ava loses her job and gets cheated on by her boyfriend. She decides to go back to her hometown to see her aunt, but upon arrival, she finds out her aunt has been in an accident and is in a coma. Her aunt is a popular author and has a two week deadline for her next book. With encouragement from her aunt's editor, Ava decides to write the book herself. Ave, who is an accountant, has never written a book before. Will she be able to do it? If Ava's life hasn't been turned upside down enough, enter Gage. Gage lives on the other side of the duplex and is her landlord. Gage also grew up in this town. Their tention and chemistry are of the charts. However, Ava HATES him from high school, and Gage doesn't believe in love anymore. Can they make it work?

*close proximity
*past history
*she hates him
*library spice
*book deadlines
*family drama
*laughed and cried

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Paperback is the first novel I've read by A.M. Daniels, and it was a super cute read!

Ava Moreno is headed back to her hometown. Having been away for a decade, her life has now blown apart, and she needs some time with the one woman that has shown her kindness and love - her aunt, Meri.

Gage Drummond is a retired baseball player who just wants to live his quiet life. Run his gym and eat his takeout. That is until the stuck-up girl from high-school shows up back in his life.

With lots of animosity left over from high school, even though it was a decade ago, can these two folks that have been burned by one event after another in their life move on, get passed their fears, and find their happily ever after? Read Once Upon a Paperback to find out!

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava, a young accountant has hit rock bottom after getting dumped, fired, and losing everything. She has to return to her hometown and to her horror learns her aunt Meri is in a coma after a serious car accident. She has to piece together her aunt’s life, starting with the rental townhouse, which happens to also be occupied by the last person Ava wants to deal with: Gage. She has some history and perhaps some unfinished business with him. To make matters worse she finds out her aunt has a manuscript due in 2 weeks and hasn't even started it. If not turned over she has to repay an 60k advance. Her only hope is to be able to write the book in 2 weeks herself. This was a great story and hard to put down.

[Yolanda McGee~Veronica's Reading Vault · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, Once Upon A Paperback is entertaining and so much fun to read. And what a great storyline! After a series of disastrous events, Ava has no choice but to leave New York and return to her home town in South Carolina. Unfortunately, the terrible hits keep coming especially when she finds out that her beloved Aunt Meri who happens to be an author, is involved in a terrible accident and Ava assumed responsibility for her debts and….writing her next book.

As soon as Ava arrived in South Carolina and reunited with her still sexy, high school crush and grumpy neighbor/landlord Gage, I was invested for sure! My romantic heart just loved their quirky and witty banter along with their spicy hate sex. This is a wonderful book that I definitely recommend reading.

[Jennifer V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The style/writing of this book was beautifully done. I enjoyed the ending it was cute.

The enemies to lovers buildup was great.

However I feel like I was missing something from this book. It was missing a wow factor. I also felt like it dragged at times. The plot was interesting but I think it could have been condensed.

I also wasn’t fond of their “grudge” against each other. I feel like the author could have made it a bigger deal rather than “he was an asshole to me in high school so I’ve hated him ever since”, seemed a little childish.

I will try other books from this author.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Once Upon a Paperback✨

3.5 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

If I could give half stars this definitely deserves the half.

I loved and was equally irritated with the book. 😂 I get the push pull makes dynamics but this seemed too much of the same push pull. I did really like the actual story though. It was good. Just some loose ends that needed to be tied up I think.

Like what did Jared want when he called randomly, what’s going on with Karissa and Hudson… I feel like those could have been a little more neatly wrapped but left open enough if there’s more coming.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by A.M. Daniels. If you are looking for a spicy enemies to lovers look no further. So much angst and hate. And and Gah's story and chemistry was blazing.
Ava- a down on her luck 28 yr old accountant returning to her home town for the first time since graduating high school
Gage- a former MLB pitcher now gym owner and total jerk from high school.
These 2 will test the fine line limits of love and hate

[Amanda Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town feelgood story, with enough turns, disasters and meddling family to keep anyone happy. Add in some good friendships and plenty of spice. The library scene... well I will just let you read that for yourself! Not sure I ever want to be an author now tho... lol I shall stick to reading....
All in all a very enjoyable book.

[Dawn Starkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Charming and Whimsical Romance!”

Once Upon a Paperback was a delightful romance that kept me engaged from start to finish. The story was lighthearted and sweet, with charming characters and a fun plot. It’s the perfect feel-good read for anyone who loves a touch of whimsy in their love stories!

[Crystal Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are you waiting for?

I could not put this book down. Today was cleaning day.... Oops!

This was so much better!

I really loved the relationships between the characters. Showing us how important our tribe of friends is. We need each other.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down! Ava and Gage were so interesting to read about, they had amazing banter, and fantastic chemistry! The plot was compelling and I was rooting for Ava to get everything she wanted. I highly recommend this book!

[Sarah Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally started this book one day + read through the night until I finished at 4am. Not at all what I was expecting. I went in completely blind but this is a S P I C Y book, not a simple cute romance like I thought but I loved it all the way through!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this one!! Such a down to earth story and one you could relate to! I need answers though on a few things at the end! IYKYK 😂

[Mick C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read about family and your perception of others. When two enemies end up back in each others lives for the strangest reason, is this fates way of trying to get this couple together?