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Romantic Hero
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Expected 4 Jun 26A heartbroken romance novelist is forced to address her writer's block when the villainous cowboy character from her books shows up in the real world, desperately in need of his own Happily Ever After. . . from the bestselling author of GMA book club pick The Love of My Afterlife.
Gertie Bickerstaff writes happily-ever-afters for a living. . . . Or she did, until her own love life fell apart. Now her ex is thriving, her deadline is looming, and she can’t write a single word.
The last thing Gertie needs is more drama—like waking up to find a confused and rugged cowboy on her sofa. And not just any cowboy, but River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel. Somehow very real . . . and very shirtless.
River wants to go home. Gertie wants her life back. So they strike a deal: he’ll use his cunning ways to help her win back her ex, she’ll finish the novel, and, surely, he’ll return to whatever world he rode in from.
But as River Oakley proves to be so much more than just the bad guy, Gertie has to choose: the ending she thought she wanted . . . or the plot twist she never saw coming.
Gertie Bickerstaff writes happily-ever-afters for a living. . . . Or she did, until her own love life fell apart. Now her ex is thriving, her deadline is looming, and she can’t write a single word.
The last thing Gertie needs is more drama—like waking up to find a confused and rugged cowboy on her sofa. And not just any cowboy, but River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel. Somehow very real . . . and very shirtless.
River wants to go home. Gertie wants her life back. So they strike a deal: he’ll use his cunning ways to help her win back her ex, she’ll finish the novel, and, surely, he’ll return to whatever world he rode in from.
But as River Oakley proves to be so much more than just the bad guy, Gertie has to choose: the ending she thought she wanted . . . or the plot twist she never saw coming.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
6 people are currently reading
1462 people want to read
About the author
Kirsty Greenwood
16 books2,142 followersKirsty Greenwood is a top ten bestselling author of funny, fearless and fast-paced romantic comedies about extraordinary love.
When she's not writing books she composes musicals, cooks new recipes with varying success, walks the blustery hills where she lives, buys too much glittery eyeshadow, sings to her dog, kisses her husband and reads all of the books she can get her grabby hands on.
If you want to find out about Kirsty's new releases and discounted books you can sign up to the newsletter here: www.kirstygreenwood.com/newsletter
Kirsty Instagrams at @kirsty_greenwood and can be found on Facebook at KirstyGreenwoodBooks. Say hi! She loves a natter.
When she's not writing books she composes musicals, cooks new recipes with varying success, walks the blustery hills where she lives, buys too much glittery eyeshadow, sings to her dog, kisses her husband and reads all of the books she can get her grabby hands on.
If you want to find out about Kirsty's new releases and discounted books you can sign up to the newsletter here: www.kirstygreenwood.com/newsletter
Kirsty Instagrams at @kirsty_greenwood and can be found on Facebook at KirstyGreenwoodBooks. Say hi! She loves a natter.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ — A wildly charming, reality-bending romance full of humor, heart, and swoony surprises 🤠📚💖
Romantic Hero is a clever, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional rom-com that plays with the idea of fiction coming to life in the most delightful way. Kirsty Greenwood delivers a story packed with laugh-out-loud moments, swoony surprises, and a genuinely heartfelt journey about healing after heartbreak.
Gertie Bickerstaff is a romance writer who no longer believes in her own happily-ever-afters 💔✍️. Reeling from a breakup, drowning in writer’s block, and staring down a brutal deadline, she’s already at her limit—until she wakes up to find a very real, very confused, and very shirtless cowboy on her couch 🤠🔥. River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel, is somehow alive in the real world, and the chaos that follows is pure romantic-comedy gold.
Their deal—to use River to help Gertie win back her ex while she finishes his story—sets up a deliciously messy, emotionally charged situation 💥❤️. What makes it shine is how River slowly proves that he’s far more than just a fictional bad guy. Beneath the bravado is vulnerability, loyalty, and a longing for his own happily ever after that’s impossible not to root for.
The story balances absurdity and emotional depth beautifully. There’s humor in every chapter, but also genuine reflection on heartbreak, self-worth, and the danger of clinging to the wrong ending just because it feels familiar 🥺📖. Watching Gertie question everything she thought she wanted is both funny and quietly powerful.
A witty, swoon-worthy rom-com about rewriting your own story and choosing the love you never expected 🤠💞✨. Romantic Hero is perfect for readers who love fictional-meets-real chaos, heartfelt humor, and happily-ever-afters with a twist.
Romantic Hero is a clever, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional rom-com that plays with the idea of fiction coming to life in the most delightful way. Kirsty Greenwood delivers a story packed with laugh-out-loud moments, swoony surprises, and a genuinely heartfelt journey about healing after heartbreak.
Gertie Bickerstaff is a romance writer who no longer believes in her own happily-ever-afters 💔✍️. Reeling from a breakup, drowning in writer’s block, and staring down a brutal deadline, she’s already at her limit—until she wakes up to find a very real, very confused, and very shirtless cowboy on her couch 🤠🔥. River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel, is somehow alive in the real world, and the chaos that follows is pure romantic-comedy gold.
Their deal—to use River to help Gertie win back her ex while she finishes his story—sets up a deliciously messy, emotionally charged situation 💥❤️. What makes it shine is how River slowly proves that he’s far more than just a fictional bad guy. Beneath the bravado is vulnerability, loyalty, and a longing for his own happily ever after that’s impossible not to root for.
The story balances absurdity and emotional depth beautifully. There’s humor in every chapter, but also genuine reflection on heartbreak, self-worth, and the danger of clinging to the wrong ending just because it feels familiar 🥺📖. Watching Gertie question everything she thought she wanted is both funny and quietly powerful.
A witty, swoon-worthy rom-com about rewriting your own story and choosing the love you never expected 🤠💞✨. Romantic Hero is perfect for readers who love fictional-meets-real chaos, heartfelt humor, and happily-ever-afters with a twist.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book, with my honest review below.
Romantic Hero is another slam dunk by Kristy Greenwood (who wrote Love of My Afterlife, which I’m a big fan of). While the events in Romantic Hero are triggered by some magic, the story itself definitely explores some things that are firmly rooted in reality.
Gertie is an author who has hit major writer’s block for her last book in a Texas based romance series after a breakup. When she inadvertently brings a character from her book series to her apartment (and not a main one, even a villain, at that) it’s all she can do to figure out how to send him back while evading her agent. What follows is supremely funny, emotional, and empowering. Also cute, because a dog name squish can never not be.
I don’t know how Kristy Greenwood does it but she hits just the right balance of a book that doesn’t feel like brain candy, I don’t feel at all guilty wiling away the day to read this and in fact wish some of her ideas of authors and books were true because think of the great stories ahead of us.
Romantic Hero is another slam dunk by Kristy Greenwood (who wrote Love of My Afterlife, which I’m a big fan of). While the events in Romantic Hero are triggered by some magic, the story itself definitely explores some things that are firmly rooted in reality.
Gertie is an author who has hit major writer’s block for her last book in a Texas based romance series after a breakup. When she inadvertently brings a character from her book series to her apartment (and not a main one, even a villain, at that) it’s all she can do to figure out how to send him back while evading her agent. What follows is supremely funny, emotional, and empowering. Also cute, because a dog name squish can never not be.
I don’t know how Kristy Greenwood does it but she hits just the right balance of a book that doesn’t feel like brain candy, I don’t feel at all guilty wiling away the day to read this and in fact wish some of her ideas of authors and books were true because think of the great stories ahead of us.
December 28, 2025
Thank you Berkely Romance for the advanced copy of this title. I adored Love of My Afterlife and was so pleased to read an advanced copy of Romantic Hero.
First, this gives a little magical realism (think Ashley Poston), but it's a less lyrical with the language and the banter is BANTERING, friends. This was so absolutely fun. I read in one setting and forgot all that ailed me. This is perfect escapism romance.
Gertie is a London based romance writer that it trying to finish her fifth book in a series about ranchers in Texas. She is uncerimoniously dumped by her boyfriend (and VERY SERIOUS literary fiction writer). Gertie is experiencing hella writers block and depression to match. After her eccentric neighbor twists her arm to perform a "manifesting ceremony" on the roof of her London flat, a handsome, arrogant cowboy appears in her apartment the next day. He is the womanizing, arrogant antagonist to her MMC Cassidy in her romance series.
It's preposterous, sweet and cacauphonous as cultures between West Texas and London collide in the sweetest way. This will be such a fun summer release and it needs on your preorder list asap!
First, this gives a little magical realism (think Ashley Poston), but it's a less lyrical with the language and the banter is BANTERING, friends. This was so absolutely fun. I read in one setting and forgot all that ailed me. This is perfect escapism romance.
Gertie is a London based romance writer that it trying to finish her fifth book in a series about ranchers in Texas. She is uncerimoniously dumped by her boyfriend (and VERY SERIOUS literary fiction writer). Gertie is experiencing hella writers block and depression to match. After her eccentric neighbor twists her arm to perform a "manifesting ceremony" on the roof of her London flat, a handsome, arrogant cowboy appears in her apartment the next day. He is the womanizing, arrogant antagonist to her MMC Cassidy in her romance series.
It's preposterous, sweet and cacauphonous as cultures between West Texas and London collide in the sweetest way. This will be such a fun summer release and it needs on your preorder list asap!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Romantic Hero
Kirsty Greenwood
Release Date: June 2, 2026
With thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the advance copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Following a rough few years and an unexpected heartbreak, romance author Gertie Bickerstaff is struck with severe writer’s block. When the attractive cowboy antagonist from her book series appears in her flat following a manifestation ceremony with her neighbour it’s all she can do from going off the deep end. To help each other out, they devise a plan to help get Gertie’s ex back, end her writer’s block and get cowboy River back to wherever he came from. Will Gertie choose the ending she thought she deserved, or will she open herself up to a whole lot more possibilities?
Having adored Kirsty Greenwood’s previous book, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Romantic Hero. Gertie and River are an unexpected pair but they work. Their very different backgrounds allow them to bring out what is needed in the other person. It was also fun to have references to some of my favourites from The Love of My Afterlife. I loved Gertie and River together; their fun adventures and sweet moments were delightful. I also liked how the book deals with grief and forgiveness in a sympathetic way and teaches us to live our lives not to please others but to live with oomph. I just loved it.
Kirsty Greenwood
Release Date: June 2, 2026
With thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the advance copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Following a rough few years and an unexpected heartbreak, romance author Gertie Bickerstaff is struck with severe writer’s block. When the attractive cowboy antagonist from her book series appears in her flat following a manifestation ceremony with her neighbour it’s all she can do from going off the deep end. To help each other out, they devise a plan to help get Gertie’s ex back, end her writer’s block and get cowboy River back to wherever he came from. Will Gertie choose the ending she thought she deserved, or will she open herself up to a whole lot more possibilities?
Having adored Kirsty Greenwood’s previous book, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Romantic Hero. Gertie and River are an unexpected pair but they work. Their very different backgrounds allow them to bring out what is needed in the other person. It was also fun to have references to some of my favourites from The Love of My Afterlife. I loved Gertie and River together; their fun adventures and sweet moments were delightful. I also liked how the book deals with grief and forgiveness in a sympathetic way and teaches us to live our lives not to please others but to live with oomph. I just loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it in one sitting and immediately knew it was one that was going to stick with me. Gertie felt so real and I could relate to her so much. Her relationship with her ex, Henry.. The way he dismissed her needs and praised her for being “low maintenance” while she quietly made herself smaller hit so close to home. I’ve been there. Watching her navigate being a chronic people pleaser and slowly unlearn that pattern felt personal and validating.
One of the things I loved most was seeing how Gertie and River changed each other. Their relationship was transformative. They grow together, challenge each other, and you can feel the love building in such an organic way. I love a romance where you see pieces of yourself in the characters. It makes you feel so much more emotionally invested and you can’t help but root for them every step of the way.
I can’t wait for this book to officially be out so everyone can experience it and fall in love with it the way I did. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite reads of the year.
One of the things I loved most was seeing how Gertie and River changed each other. Their relationship was transformative. They grow together, challenge each other, and you can feel the love building in such an organic way. I love a romance where you see pieces of yourself in the characters. It makes you feel so much more emotionally invested and you can’t help but root for them every step of the way.
I can’t wait for this book to officially be out so everyone can experience it and fall in love with it the way I did. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite reads of the year.
December 24, 2025
Thank you to Berkley, NetGalley, and Kirsty Greenwood for the opportunity to read this book early.
I am a HUGE fan of Love of My Afterlife, one of my favorite reads of 2024, so I was highly anticipating Kirsty's next release.
We meet Gertie, recently out of a relationship and hit hard with writer's block. With her deadline looming and her personal life in shambles she manifests (lol) one of her book characters to her home. Surprisingly it's River Oakley, the side villain in her romance series who appears. With no clear way home, they decide to help each other. River pretending to date Gertie to win back her ex. Gertie helping River see new perspectives from other characters from his universe.
Kirsty writes with such a whimsy and humor that I absolutely love. If you read Love of My Afterlife, we get a few cameos from the characters in that story. I really connected with Gertie as she went on a journey to find her self worth as well as deal with her past traumas. River is such an attentive sweetheart that I couldn't get enough of. Best supporting character goes to Squish the dog. I love his relationship with River. This story was such a delight that I couldn't put down. A wonderfully whimsy, light rom-com that's bound to brighten your day.
I am a HUGE fan of Love of My Afterlife, one of my favorite reads of 2024, so I was highly anticipating Kirsty's next release.
We meet Gertie, recently out of a relationship and hit hard with writer's block. With her deadline looming and her personal life in shambles she manifests (lol) one of her book characters to her home. Surprisingly it's River Oakley, the side villain in her romance series who appears. With no clear way home, they decide to help each other. River pretending to date Gertie to win back her ex. Gertie helping River see new perspectives from other characters from his universe.
Kirsty writes with such a whimsy and humor that I absolutely love. If you read Love of My Afterlife, we get a few cameos from the characters in that story. I really connected with Gertie as she went on a journey to find her self worth as well as deal with her past traumas. River is such an attentive sweetheart that I couldn't get enough of. Best supporting character goes to Squish the dog. I love his relationship with River. This story was such a delight that I couldn't put down. A wonderfully whimsy, light rom-com that's bound to brighten your day.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Romantic Hero and Kirsty Greenwood are for the girls who love Ashley Poston. Each time I pick up this author's books, I immediately think about Ashley Poston's works. They have very similar vibes, writing styles, and characters.
If you liked The Love of My Afterlife, I think that you will also like this book by this author. I feel as though you can't absolutely hate one and like the other. They are definitely geared toward the same audience. I did enjoy The Love of My Afterlife more, though.
For some reason, I was not meshing well with the romance. I didn't really care for how the romance unravelled. The characters weren't very memorable for me. I think maybe I didn't like the cowboy aspect? The author definitely brings a lot of humor into the story. However, the humor fell flat for me most of the time with this one.
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley, & Kirsty Greenwood for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Romantic Hero is released on June 16, 2026!
If you liked The Love of My Afterlife, I think that you will also like this book by this author. I feel as though you can't absolutely hate one and like the other. They are definitely geared toward the same audience. I did enjoy The Love of My Afterlife more, though.
For some reason, I was not meshing well with the romance. I didn't really care for how the romance unravelled. The characters weren't very memorable for me. I think maybe I didn't like the cowboy aspect? The author definitely brings a lot of humor into the story. However, the humor fell flat for me most of the time with this one.
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley, & Kirsty Greenwood for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Romantic Hero is released on June 16, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The unique premise of this story engaged me from the start.
Gertie is a writer, who just went through a break up with her long term boyfriend. She is struggling with a broken heart, and can’t seem to push past her writer’s block to finish her book. She is almost to the deadline, and is desperate to find a way to get this last book in her popular series completed and sent to her publisher. Her neighbor comes up with an idea to do a manifesting ritual to help Gertie get what she wants. She wants to finish the novel, but even more than that, she wants her ex boyfriend back. She doesn’t believe the ritual will work, but will try anything. She definitely isn’t expecting to find the villain from her book series, River, shirtless in her apartment…..
This is a very cute, romantic story. I loved the characters, especially River. I would definitely recommend this book.
Gertie is a writer, who just went through a break up with her long term boyfriend. She is struggling with a broken heart, and can’t seem to push past her writer’s block to finish her book. She is almost to the deadline, and is desperate to find a way to get this last book in her popular series completed and sent to her publisher. Her neighbor comes up with an idea to do a manifesting ritual to help Gertie get what she wants. She wants to finish the novel, but even more than that, she wants her ex boyfriend back. She doesn’t believe the ritual will work, but will try anything. She definitely isn’t expecting to find the villain from her book series, River, shirtless in her apartment…..
This is a very cute, romantic story. I loved the characters, especially River. I would definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well, I fell in love with Kirsty Greenwood's writing last year with Love of My Afterlife so when I got an advanced copy of Romantic Hero I was so excited! (HUGE thanks to Berkley Pub for this one - legit made me squeal with delight!!) And wow, this one was just so. dang. good. No notes. Magical realism at its finest & a reverse Enchanted situation. It had me giggling, it had me swooning, it had me turning the pages to know how it was going to end. Don't want to give away too much about this one as I think it would be so fun to go in blind, but I was hooked from page one and I adored every minute of reading it! Easiest 5 stars ever!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kirsty Greenwood’s books are always such a joy! Her stories are so fun and creative that I get so excited every time she has a new release, and Romantic Hero might be my favorite yet! Gertie’s writer’s block had me laughing from the start, but the moment River Oakley shows up in her actual living room, confused, shirtless, and weirdly charming, I was all in. Their dynamic is hilarious and full of snappy back and forth banter. I loved how the author balances the whimsy with real heart. It’s bingeable and just straight up delightful. Exactly the kind of romance escape I’m always hoping for!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gertie is a romance novelist who is spiraling, fresh off a breakup and wrangling with writer’s block. While she is at home one day, she is shocked to find a shirtless cowboy on her couch. Unbelievably, it is her romance novel’s villain, her main protagonist’s brother, River. He is just as confused as she is about being transported to London from his fictional town in Texas.
I absolutely inhaled this book. I love a good twisty parallel world or fictional character in real life, time-slip novel, and this one delivers. River is charismatic, Gertie is cute, and the London setting is a super fun place to find a cowboy. The chemistry is right on, too. I highly recommend this novel. It provided the perfect balance of paranormal (is this considered paranormal or fantasy? I honestly don’t know) romance, British humor, and the HEA we all come here for.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I absolutely inhaled this book. I love a good twisty parallel world or fictional character in real life, time-slip novel, and this one delivers. River is charismatic, Gertie is cute, and the London setting is a super fun place to find a cowboy. The chemistry is right on, too. I highly recommend this novel. It provided the perfect balance of paranormal (is this considered paranormal or fantasy? I honestly don’t know) romance, British humor, and the HEA we all come here for.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.7
Am I the only one who got a gender bent Grease out of this? Like, updated, but...even knowing everything is chill back home lemme just give up everything I've ever known for ya? Idk, maybe i'm just bitter about the Henry in my life...
Am I the only one who got a gender bent Grease out of this? Like, updated, but...even knowing everything is chill back home lemme just give up everything I've ever known for ya? Idk, maybe i'm just bitter about the Henry in my life...
Review of advance copy
I received this ARC and couldn't wait to read it. Yet another delightful read from Kirsty Greenwood! Her humor and vivid characters jump off the page, almost to real life. I love the world she creates with her stories and cannot wait to read this again once it's published!
November 1, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews