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Ink & Ambition
Ambition brought them together, but could it tear them apart?
Journalism major Margot Davis has one thing on her mind – winning the New York Times internship competition. And her idea of a campus advice podcast could be her ticket to success. There’s just one problem: she needs a co-host who can draw a crowd. Enter Alex Prescott, the most popular guy on campus and the very last person she’d ever choose to work with.
While Alex agrees to help, the deal is not without it’s strings. Margot must assist in the annual fraternity prank war. Reluctantly teaming up, the pair dive into their projects with clashing personalities and no shortage of sparks.
As recording sessions draw them closer, Margot starts to see there’s more to Alex than his carefree reputation and likewise, Alex warms up to his icy co-host. But can they pull off their wild plan without letting their own ambitions get in the way?
Journalism major Margot Davis has one thing on her mind – winning the New York Times internship competition. And her idea of a campus advice podcast could be her ticket to success. There’s just one problem: she needs a co-host who can draw a crowd. Enter Alex Prescott, the most popular guy on campus and the very last person she’d ever choose to work with.
While Alex agrees to help, the deal is not without it’s strings. Margot must assist in the annual fraternity prank war. Reluctantly teaming up, the pair dive into their projects with clashing personalities and no shortage of sparks.
As recording sessions draw them closer, Margot starts to see there’s more to Alex than his carefree reputation and likewise, Alex warms up to his icy co-host. But can they pull off their wild plan without letting their own ambitions get in the way?
- GenresRomance
396 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2025
11 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this romance book. I loved following Margot and Alex in this story and all their banter. This was a book that I didn’t want to put down and I couldn’t wait until I could pick it up again. This book had me rooting for the characters and invested in their story. I will definitely be reading more books by this author in the future.
📖 Opposites attract
📖 College romance
📖 Banter
📖 Podcasts
Thank you to @booksparks for the gifted copy.
📖 Opposites attract
📖 College romance
📖 Banter
📖 Podcasts
Thank you to @booksparks for the gifted copy.
May 9, 2025
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book!
If you're looking for a cute campus romance that breaks the current athlete trend, try this one. It's got a huge cinnamon roll MMC in the form of a frat guy who goes after his brilliant FMC journalism major. The banter is great and the writing style had me complete hooked from start to finish.
Not to be dramatic but I found myself making excuses throughout my day to read this. I couldn't stop thinking about the story. I needed to know what sweet gesture Alex would do next for Margo.
5 full stars.
If you're looking for a cute campus romance that breaks the current athlete trend, try this one. It's got a huge cinnamon roll MMC in the form of a frat guy who goes after his brilliant FMC journalism major. The banter is great and the writing style had me complete hooked from start to finish.
Not to be dramatic but I found myself making excuses throughout my day to read this. I couldn't stop thinking about the story. I needed to know what sweet gesture Alex would do next for Margo.
5 full stars.
June 10, 2025
Ink & Ambition is your typical contemporary romance that follows the college jock (Alex) falling in love with the shy nerd (Margot). This slow burn romance focuses primarily on Alex and Margot as they record a podcast together.
I really enjoyed how Alex’s and Margot’s relationship slowly developed from co-workers to friends to lovers. I didn’t particularly love the couple of times when Alex would get mad and call Margot a not so nice word. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the mini love triangle that occurs in the first 50% of the book. However, I will say that the second half of the book was much better even if it does include a third act break up. The way that Alex won Margot back in the end was in my opinion very romantic.
It’s also worth mentioning that if you are looking for a spicy book, then this is not the book to pick up. The very few “spicy” scenes were very brief and didn’t go into much detail about the deed. I honestly would have preferred fade to black scenes in this book as I felt the spicy scenes didn’t necessarily contribute anything to their relationship.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. Thank you BookSparks for gifting me a copy of this book.
I really enjoyed how Alex’s and Margot’s relationship slowly developed from co-workers to friends to lovers. I didn’t particularly love the couple of times when Alex would get mad and call Margot a not so nice word. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the mini love triangle that occurs in the first 50% of the book. However, I will say that the second half of the book was much better even if it does include a third act break up. The way that Alex won Margot back in the end was in my opinion very romantic.
It’s also worth mentioning that if you are looking for a spicy book, then this is not the book to pick up. The very few “spicy” scenes were very brief and didn’t go into much detail about the deed. I honestly would have preferred fade to black scenes in this book as I felt the spicy scenes didn’t necessarily contribute anything to their relationship.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. Thank you BookSparks for gifting me a copy of this book.
June 2, 2025
Ink & Ambition by Emily R. Bellas 💙
Campus Love Series
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NA • Romance
ARC Review
395 Pages
🗓️ June 3
💜dislike to friends to lovers
💙I have a proposition for you
💜slow burn
💙opposites attract
💜college romance
💙”sunshine”/“frat boy”
📌”Do you think I’d let you fall, sunshine?”
📌”Everything is better when you’re here.”
This was adorable. This was just the right amount of angsty. This was just enough other people to keep the MCs jelly without being (my dreaded) love triangles. This was just the right amount of challenges to overcome. This was just the right amount of insecurities and issues. This was all the good things I love in a college romance.
And the nicknames?! Ahhh I lived for them. The same way I lived for every “we’re just friends” that sounded like “we’re hopelessly in love.”
I’m really happy this book found me and I found these characters. Alex and Margot were so easily real for me that I know I will be feeling them for a long time. 🫶🏼
Campus Love Series
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NA • Romance
ARC Review
395 Pages
🗓️ June 3
💜dislike to friends to lovers
💙I have a proposition for you
💜slow burn
💙opposites attract
💜college romance
💙”sunshine”/“frat boy”
📌”Do you think I’d let you fall, sunshine?”
📌”Everything is better when you’re here.”
This was adorable. This was just the right amount of angsty. This was just enough other people to keep the MCs jelly without being (my dreaded) love triangles. This was just the right amount of challenges to overcome. This was just the right amount of insecurities and issues. This was all the good things I love in a college romance.
And the nicknames?! Ahhh I lived for them. The same way I lived for every “we’re just friends” that sounded like “we’re hopelessly in love.”
I’m really happy this book found me and I found these characters. Alex and Margot were so easily real for me that I know I will be feeling them for a long time. 🫶🏼
July 10, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️
This one was cute! Margot and Alex’s friendship turned relationship was adorable and I loved seeing them help each other out with the podcast and frat pranks. The last half of the book was the best for me and I loved the way Alex won Margot back after their break up. Overall, it was an okay read and I enjoyed it.
This one was cute! Margot and Alex’s friendship turned relationship was adorable and I loved seeing them help each other out with the podcast and frat pranks. The last half of the book was the best for me and I loved the way Alex won Margot back after their break up. Overall, it was an okay read and I enjoyed it.
June 12, 2025
Thank you so much to the author and BookSparks for the #gifted book and for allowing me to be apart of the #SummerPopUp #InkandAmbitionTour
This was such a cute contemporary romance! I loved the premise of a podcast between two completely opposite people. The way they handled it and the questions add such a fun vibe to the whole book!
I really adored watching Margot’s walls come down slowly throughout the book and when it was needed most. She was such a fun, caring character. I also loved her nickname for Alex. 🤣
Alex definitely was a little rocky. He had a lot of childhood trauma that he was working through and I think Margot’s presence even as just a friend in the beginning was such a helpful tool for him to overcome some of that. Especially in moments he needed it when facing his father.
Overall, this was a really cute dislike to friends to lovers. I would recommend to all my book besties who love a slow burn, opposites attract, college romance!
This was such a cute contemporary romance! I loved the premise of a podcast between two completely opposite people. The way they handled it and the questions add such a fun vibe to the whole book!
I really adored watching Margot’s walls come down slowly throughout the book and when it was needed most. She was such a fun, caring character. I also loved her nickname for Alex. 🤣
Alex definitely was a little rocky. He had a lot of childhood trauma that he was working through and I think Margot’s presence even as just a friend in the beginning was such a helpful tool for him to overcome some of that. Especially in moments he needed it when facing his father.
Overall, this was a really cute dislike to friends to lovers. I would recommend to all my book besties who love a slow burn, opposites attract, college romance!
June 1, 2025
Thank you so much to Emily R Bellas for an eARC of this wonderful book! 🫶🏻 I enjoyed every second of this and thought about it even while I wasn’t reading it! The premise was enjoyable and the banter was excellent, I love Margot and Alex!
The ending was wonderful and made me so happy.🤭🥹
I can’t wait to read more of Emily’s work!
The ending was wonderful and made me so happy.🤭🥹
I can’t wait to read more of Emily’s work!
June 13, 2025
✨️Thank you Book Sparks Emipy R. Ballas for this book as part of the Summer PopUp Ink and Ambition Tour!
I absolutely fell in love with this book! I read it in less than a day because once I started I couldn't put it down. These characters officially have a piece of my heart.
Alex is the most popular guy on campus, president of his fraternity and a known play boy. The minute he lays eyes on Margot he can't get her out of his mind, and the fact that she's immune to his charms doesn't deter him at all. Margot is quiet and studious, and when she decides to start an advice column podcast to help win a journalism internship with the NY Times, Alex is the best person to co-host with. He agrees to help, if she helps him with his frat prank. Over several weeks, the two of them develop a deep friendship and gradually come to realize that their feelings for each other are more than just friendly.
I often find myself drawn to college romances, probably because my husband and I are college sweethearts. And this book brought me right back to those sweet days! I loved how much Alex and Margot cared about each other, and how sweet they were. Neither character was perfect, and both struggled with figuring out who they were and what they wanted with their life. But college is the time to do that, and together they helped each other navigate some big decisions.
Some of my favorite parts:
🩷The journey from rivals to friends to lovers
🩷Their Nicknames
🩷His jealousy and possessiveness
🩷He buys her coffee
🩷He memorized her class schedule
🩷She cares for him when he's injured
🩷She brings out the best in him
🩷Their banter
🩷Strong friend groups
I had never read a book by this author before, but I definitely plan to check out her backlist now. The writing style was very compelling and drew me right in, and the story will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend you check this one out! Ink and Ambition is available now.
I absolutely fell in love with this book! I read it in less than a day because once I started I couldn't put it down. These characters officially have a piece of my heart.
Alex is the most popular guy on campus, president of his fraternity and a known play boy. The minute he lays eyes on Margot he can't get her out of his mind, and the fact that she's immune to his charms doesn't deter him at all. Margot is quiet and studious, and when she decides to start an advice column podcast to help win a journalism internship with the NY Times, Alex is the best person to co-host with. He agrees to help, if she helps him with his frat prank. Over several weeks, the two of them develop a deep friendship and gradually come to realize that their feelings for each other are more than just friendly.
I often find myself drawn to college romances, probably because my husband and I are college sweethearts. And this book brought me right back to those sweet days! I loved how much Alex and Margot cared about each other, and how sweet they were. Neither character was perfect, and both struggled with figuring out who they were and what they wanted with their life. But college is the time to do that, and together they helped each other navigate some big decisions.
Some of my favorite parts:
🩷The journey from rivals to friends to lovers
🩷Their Nicknames
🩷His jealousy and possessiveness
🩷He buys her coffee
🩷He memorized her class schedule
🩷She cares for him when he's injured
🩷She brings out the best in him
🩷Their banter
🩷Strong friend groups
I had never read a book by this author before, but I definitely plan to check out her backlist now. The writing style was very compelling and drew me right in, and the story will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend you check this one out! Ink and Ambition is available now.
July 3, 2025
Book Review 📖🎙️💕
Thank you so much partner @booksparks for the gifted copy! #inkandambitiontour #src2025 #popup
Ink & Ambition
by Emily R. Bellas
About the book 👇🏽
Journalism major Margot Davis has one thing on her mind - winning the New York Times internship competition. And her idea of a campus advice podcast could be her ticket to success. There's just one problem: she needs a co-host who can draw a crowd. Enter Alex Prescott, the most popular guy on campus and the very last person she'd ever choose to work with.
While Alex agrees to help, the deal is not without it's strings. Margot must assist in the annual fraternity prank war. Reluctantly teaming up, the pair dive into their projects with clashing personalities and no shortage of sparks.
As recording sessions draw them closer, Margot starts to see there's more to Alex than his carefree reputation and likewise, Alex warms up to his icy co-host. But can they pull off their wild plan without letting their own ambitions get in the way?
🎙️ My thoughts:
What a fun installment to the Campus Love series! I love that it was easy and bingeable, making it the perfect weekend read. The banter between Margot and Alex was good and I found their romance to be sweet. They really made the opposites attract trope work and I really enjoyed that this was a college romance without bringing sports into it. Although not as spicy as I usually prefer, it was still a good and enjoyable book to devour over a weekend!
Happy reading 📖🎙️💕
Thank you so much partner @booksparks for the gifted copy! #inkandambitiontour #src2025 #popup
Ink & Ambition
by Emily R. Bellas
About the book 👇🏽
Journalism major Margot Davis has one thing on her mind - winning the New York Times internship competition. And her idea of a campus advice podcast could be her ticket to success. There's just one problem: she needs a co-host who can draw a crowd. Enter Alex Prescott, the most popular guy on campus and the very last person she'd ever choose to work with.
While Alex agrees to help, the deal is not without it's strings. Margot must assist in the annual fraternity prank war. Reluctantly teaming up, the pair dive into their projects with clashing personalities and no shortage of sparks.
As recording sessions draw them closer, Margot starts to see there's more to Alex than his carefree reputation and likewise, Alex warms up to his icy co-host. But can they pull off their wild plan without letting their own ambitions get in the way?
🎙️ My thoughts:
What a fun installment to the Campus Love series! I love that it was easy and bingeable, making it the perfect weekend read. The banter between Margot and Alex was good and I found their romance to be sweet. They really made the opposites attract trope work and I really enjoyed that this was a college romance without bringing sports into it. Although not as spicy as I usually prefer, it was still a good and enjoyable book to devour over a weekend!
Happy reading 📖🎙️💕
May 2, 2025
Heat level: 1/5. I had never heard of this author before Bluesky. When she shared her ARC sign up, it sounded interesting so I put my name in. I'm glad I did. Reading this gave me movie vibes like the To All the Boys I Loved Before or Kissing Booth and Logan's relationship with Rory in Gilmore Girls. It's cute, easy to read, definitely RomCom style set in a university. The popular guy falls for the studious girl is a classic go to for a reason. If you're looking for a super spicy read, this isn't the book to grab. It's super slow burn followed by very brief and not very detailed spice. That being said, I really enjoyed this plot driven story.
June 3, 2025
Ink & Ambition by Emily R. Bellas
📚 College Romance | Slow Burn | Opposites Attract
Margot Davis is all about goals, deadlines, and landing that dream New York Times internship.
Alex Prescott? Frat boy royalty with charm for days and a smile that should honestly be illegal on a college campus.
When Margot's podcast idea needs a co-host with vibes, Alex steps in with one catch: she has to help with the infamous frat prank war. 🎤🎭
And y’all… that’s when the fun really starts.
The banter? 10/10.
The tension? Delicious.
The podcast setup gave me chef’s kiss forced proximity vibes, and watching these two shift from bickering strangers to ride-or-die teammates had me glued to the page. 🥹💕
💙 Alex = cinnamon roll in a frat boy’s body. Every sweet little gesture? I MELTED. 💜 Margot = strong, smart, and snarky perfection. I adored her ambition and heart. 💖 The slow burn was so worth it, and don’t even get me started on the nicknames (I lived for every “Sunshine”).
Tropes I loved:
— Dislike to reluctant friends to something more — “We’re just co-hosts” energy that screams “we’re falling hard” — College chaos (podcasts + prank wars = the ultimate combo) — The perfect dash of angst
This had all the romcom vibes I crave. It’s sweet, swoony, and surprisingly deep, with two characters who genuinely bring out the best in each other. 🫶
If you’re craving a campus romance that isn’t athlete centered and brings that slow burn with heart, Ink & Ambition is your next obsession.
📌 “Do you think I’d let you fall, Sunshine?” 📌 “Everything is better when you’re here.”
You’re gonna fall hard for Margot and Alex. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 🎧💘
Margot Davis is all about goals, deadlines, and landing that dream New York Times internship.
Alex Prescott? Frat boy royalty with charm for days and a smile that should honestly be illegal on a college campus.
When Margot's podcast idea needs a co-host with vibes, Alex steps in with one catch: she has to help with the infamous frat prank war. 🎤🎭
And y’all… that’s when the fun really starts.
The banter? 10/10.
The tension? Delicious.
The podcast setup gave me chef’s kiss forced proximity vibes, and watching these two shift from bickering strangers to ride-or-die teammates had me glued to the page. 🥹💕
💙 Alex = cinnamon roll in a frat boy’s body. Every sweet little gesture? I MELTED. 💜 Margot = strong, smart, and snarky perfection. I adored her ambition and heart. 💖 The slow burn was so worth it, and don’t even get me started on the nicknames (I lived for every “Sunshine”).
Tropes I loved:
— Dislike to reluctant friends to something more — “We’re just co-hosts” energy that screams “we’re falling hard” — College chaos (podcasts + prank wars = the ultimate combo) — The perfect dash of angst
This had all the romcom vibes I crave. It’s sweet, swoony, and surprisingly deep, with two characters who genuinely bring out the best in each other. 🫶
If you’re craving a campus romance that isn’t athlete centered and brings that slow burn with heart, Ink & Ambition is your next obsession.
📌 “Do you think I’d let you fall, Sunshine?” 📌 “Everything is better when you’re here.”
You’re gonna fall hard for Margot and Alex. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 🎧💘
June 12, 2025
Thank you to BookSparks and the author for sending me this book as a part of the #InkAndAmbitionTour in the #SummerPopUp series!
•••
This book was such a cute, lighthearted college romance! 💜 Margot is a student journalist with big dreams and a steadfast determination to achieve them. She’s studious, a bit uptight and overthinks everything — much like me, so I related a lot to her. Then there’s Alex, Mr. Popular on campus and president of his fraternity. He’s a bit of a hothead, he’s never had a girlfriend (but he’s had plenty of girls) and he’s primed for a job post-graduation at his father’s company even though it’s the last thing he wants to be doing.
The unlikely pair teams up for some fun shenanigans when Margot asks Alex to help her with a podcast for an elite internship competition and in return, he ropes her into a fraternity prank war 😂 They have fun, flirty banter with chemistry on the air and off 🎙️ It’s not long before he’s falling first and fast, and eventually Margot can’t deny her attraction any longer and gives in, too 🥰
There are some very sweet moments throughout the book, and some that delve into complicated family dynamics. I think a bit more could’ve been explored there, especially at almost 400 pages. It did feel a bit long through the middle. But I liked seeing their relationship blossom and had a fun time with their love story overall!
Check this one out if you enjoy campus love stories and support an indie author while you’re at it! 💜 3.5 stars ⭐️
•••
This book was such a cute, lighthearted college romance! 💜 Margot is a student journalist with big dreams and a steadfast determination to achieve them. She’s studious, a bit uptight and overthinks everything — much like me, so I related a lot to her. Then there’s Alex, Mr. Popular on campus and president of his fraternity. He’s a bit of a hothead, he’s never had a girlfriend (but he’s had plenty of girls) and he’s primed for a job post-graduation at his father’s company even though it’s the last thing he wants to be doing.
The unlikely pair teams up for some fun shenanigans when Margot asks Alex to help her with a podcast for an elite internship competition and in return, he ropes her into a fraternity prank war 😂 They have fun, flirty banter with chemistry on the air and off 🎙️ It’s not long before he’s falling first and fast, and eventually Margot can’t deny her attraction any longer and gives in, too 🥰
There are some very sweet moments throughout the book, and some that delve into complicated family dynamics. I think a bit more could’ve been explored there, especially at almost 400 pages. It did feel a bit long through the middle. But I liked seeing their relationship blossom and had a fun time with their love story overall!
Check this one out if you enjoy campus love stories and support an indie author while you’re at it! 💜 3.5 stars ⭐️
May 8, 2025
I love a college romance and Ink & Ambition has so many fun tropes! Journalism major Margot Davis will do anything to win a New York Times internship, and a campus advice podcast seems to be the ticket to her success, she just needs frat royalty Alex Prescott’s help to put her on top. And he’ll help her, for a price: help with the annual fraternity prank war. But with every recording session, they get to know each other more and suddenly it’s more than just Margot’s internship and a prank war on the line, it’s also their hearts. I loved this book! The banter is so good and fun, the characters are relatable and endearing, and Emily just knows how to write friendships. I loved Margot’s friends/roommates Danika and Sydney and their witty back and forths. The podcast sets up the perfect forced proximity set up for these two and they have the perfect opposites attract dynamic. Alex is just so sweet, and I love how he cares for Margot, and Margot is snarky and driven and just loves so big. I just really rooted for these two, both in their romance and their individual journeys. They both care so much and have such big dreams, and I like how these two balanced each other and brought out the best in each each other. And I’m doubling down on the banter being amazing, it is just so perfect and these characters have such amazing chemistry! It’s a perfect romance to kick off summer and I just couldn’t put it down!
Thank you the author for the ARC of Ink & Ambition!
Thank you the author for the ARC of Ink & Ambition!
June 12, 2025
Thank you so much to @BookSparks and @AuthorEmilyRBellas for the #gifted PR box and for letting me be a part of the #InkAndAmbitionTour
I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed how driven Margot was. She was a journalism major and she was working extremely hard to get through college. After she enlists Alex to help with her podcast, which I thought was a genius idea, we do see her come out of her shell a little more. I enjoyed the fact that she was acting like a typical college student. I love how she stuck up for Alex and I thought she had a great group of friends.
While on the outside it looked like Alex had everything going for him, he was really struggling with his future and what that was going to look like. While he is supposed to go work for his father, he didn’t want to. I really liked Alex, but he had his moments where I just wanted to shake him, so he could see he was not handling situations the best way possible. However, I think it just made him more relatable and we do get to see his character grow.
Overall, this was a book I really enjoyed reading. As I mentioned before, I loved the idea of Margo creating a podcast because it’s something that is relevant in today’s world. I also really enjoyed the slow burn between Alex and Margot and how they became friends first. This was a cute, quick, easy read that I would recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed how driven Margot was. She was a journalism major and she was working extremely hard to get through college. After she enlists Alex to help with her podcast, which I thought was a genius idea, we do see her come out of her shell a little more. I enjoyed the fact that she was acting like a typical college student. I love how she stuck up for Alex and I thought she had a great group of friends.
While on the outside it looked like Alex had everything going for him, he was really struggling with his future and what that was going to look like. While he is supposed to go work for his father, he didn’t want to. I really liked Alex, but he had his moments where I just wanted to shake him, so he could see he was not handling situations the best way possible. However, I think it just made him more relatable and we do get to see his character grow.
Overall, this was a book I really enjoyed reading. As I mentioned before, I loved the idea of Margo creating a podcast because it’s something that is relevant in today’s world. I also really enjoyed the slow burn between Alex and Margot and how they became friends first. This was a cute, quick, easy read that I would recommend.
June 12, 2025
📰🎙️𝑰𝒏𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏🎙️📰
𝐶𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑠 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Emily R. Bellas
This was such a cute read. Margot and Alex are complete opposites but they bring out the best in one another.
Margot is the Type A academically motivated shy girl while Alex is the frat boy that has a “big man on campus” type of reputation. Let’s just say that Margot is less than impressed with her first interactions with frat boy. However, when an internship opportunity of a lifetime comes up, Margot does something she never thought she would…she asks for Alex’s help. Much to her surprise, he actually says yes.
They create and produce the “Ask Alex” podcast where students can send in their questions and Alex gives his advice. It turns out they actually have really great chemistry and their banter is adorable. Neither one of them anticipated developing a friendship from this arrangement but they especially never anticipated falling for each other. Of course nothing worth having ever comes easy and they have to face their fair share of hurdles.
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
♥︎Slow Burn
♥︎Enemies(ish) to Friends to Lovers
♥︎Opposites Attract
♥︎Witty Banter
♥︎Frat Boy MMC
♥︎Good Girl FMC
♥︎Frat Prank Wars
𝐶𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑠 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Emily R. Bellas
This was such a cute read. Margot and Alex are complete opposites but they bring out the best in one another.
Margot is the Type A academically motivated shy girl while Alex is the frat boy that has a “big man on campus” type of reputation. Let’s just say that Margot is less than impressed with her first interactions with frat boy. However, when an internship opportunity of a lifetime comes up, Margot does something she never thought she would…she asks for Alex’s help. Much to her surprise, he actually says yes.
They create and produce the “Ask Alex” podcast where students can send in their questions and Alex gives his advice. It turns out they actually have really great chemistry and their banter is adorable. Neither one of them anticipated developing a friendship from this arrangement but they especially never anticipated falling for each other. Of course nothing worth having ever comes easy and they have to face their fair share of hurdles.
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
♥︎Slow Burn
♥︎Enemies(ish) to Friends to Lovers
♥︎Opposites Attract
♥︎Witty Banter
♥︎Frat Boy MMC
♥︎Good Girl FMC
♥︎Frat Prank Wars
June 11, 2025
•• “𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵”
Ahh, college romances always hit the spot and this sweet love story is no exception. While there are some heavier backstories, this stays nice and lighthearted throughout, and I really loved how emotionally mature the mc’s are. They navigate some tricky circumstances so well and you can’t help but root for them both as they fall in love and stand up for their dreams.
Alex and Margot really push each other to be the best versions of themselves possible, and they deserve every second of their happy ending. Things wrap up with a sweet little bow and we even get a few surprising character arcs that left me smiling.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
•𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗺𝗰
•𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗺𝗰
•𝗥𝗲𝗹𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
•𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
•𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝘀
•𝗛𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
•𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲
Ahh, college romances always hit the spot and this sweet love story is no exception. While there are some heavier backstories, this stays nice and lighthearted throughout, and I really loved how emotionally mature the mc’s are. They navigate some tricky circumstances so well and you can’t help but root for them both as they fall in love and stand up for their dreams.
Alex and Margot really push each other to be the best versions of themselves possible, and they deserve every second of their happy ending. Things wrap up with a sweet little bow and we even get a few surprising character arcs that left me smiling.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
•𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗺𝗰
•𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗺𝗰
•𝗥𝗲𝗹𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
•𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
•𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝘀
•𝗛𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
•𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲
September 2, 2025
LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK. I’m actually so mad there’s not more hype about this book since so many people loved Icebreaker last year. IF YOU DIDN’T LIKE ICEBREAKER DUE TO SMUT THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. 100% G rated. It is so beautifully written, from the story, character growth, banter, slow burn and HEA. Seriously read this book.
The time frame is from August- January 1st and you can definitely read it year round but more august/September if you’re a season reader.
Margot and Alex are so perfectly crafted and their story will hit all the feels. Reluctant lovers, rich/poor. Margot is a dreamer with the brains and Alex is our fun, outgoing man cruising through his life. Our MMC is not sporty so it’s even better for those of you that hate sports talk. Flirting, banter, heartbreak, and HEA.
Happy reading!
The time frame is from August- January 1st and you can definitely read it year round but more august/September if you’re a season reader.
Margot and Alex are so perfectly crafted and their story will hit all the feels. Reluctant lovers, rich/poor. Margot is a dreamer with the brains and Alex is our fun, outgoing man cruising through his life. Our MMC is not sporty so it’s even better for those of you that hate sports talk. Flirting, banter, heartbreak, and HEA.
Happy reading!
June 13, 2025
This was my first college romance book in a while and I was excited to dive into this one! From the moment Alex bumped into Margot as he was kicking someone out of the party I was hooked!!
The chemistry between the two was palpable!!!! I definitely felt a connection with Margot who’s focused more on her studies than partying during college but I loooove how Alex was the complete opposite and made her step outside of her shell!
I loved the “Ask Alex” podcast and the banter between these two! If you’re looking for a fun opposites attract romance you will definitely want to check this one out!
🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
💜 Fake Dating
🎙️ Opposites Attract
💜 Forced Proximity
🎙️Cinnamon Roll MMC
💜 He Falls First
🎙️Unlikely Alliance
The chemistry between the two was palpable!!!! I definitely felt a connection with Margot who’s focused more on her studies than partying during college but I loooove how Alex was the complete opposite and made her step outside of her shell!
I loved the “Ask Alex” podcast and the banter between these two! If you’re looking for a fun opposites attract romance you will definitely want to check this one out!
🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
💜 Fake Dating
🎙️ Opposites Attract
💜 Forced Proximity
🎙️Cinnamon Roll MMC
💜 He Falls First
🎙️Unlikely Alliance
July 1, 2025
When I saw the cover of this book I instantly knew I had to read it! This was such a good read! I loved the banter and the chemistry between Margot and Alex! They go through so much before they finally are together which makes for a delicious slow burn that is totally worth it! Danica and Sydney were such fun side characters and amazing friends to Margot. I also loved Alex’s frat brothers! There was so much set up for potential future books so I cannot wait to see where this series goes! The podcast concept was so fun and I loved the idea and how it was executed. This even had tears in my eyes at some parts which I loved. Emily’s writing had me devouring this, and wanting more of her stories!
June 15, 2025
3.5 stars - The banter, the nicknames, and the “touch her and die” moments really won this book for me. I laughed several times at the teasing between Margot and Alex.
It took me a minute to like Alex because of his frat boy vibes, but he eventually became the perfect complement to Margot. He was so attuned to her every need and became her biggest cheerleader. There were a few decisions made by Margot and Alex that frustrated me, but it was exactly how college kids would behave 😂.
Both Margot and Alex had their own struggles which brought some the depth to the story. I enjoyed how there were there for each other as friends…which then obviously turned into lovers. The grand gesture at the end was so sweet and well done!
It took me a minute to like Alex because of his frat boy vibes, but he eventually became the perfect complement to Margot. He was so attuned to her every need and became her biggest cheerleader. There were a few decisions made by Margot and Alex that frustrated me, but it was exactly how college kids would behave 😂.
Both Margot and Alex had their own struggles which brought some the depth to the story. I enjoyed how there were there for each other as friends…which then obviously turned into lovers. The grand gesture at the end was so sweet and well done!
June 1, 2025
The popular frat boy Alex and shy journalist major Margot come together to make a podcast. I enjoyed the dual point of view through their fast-paced relationship. I was hoping to feel a bit more of the emotions that the MCs were experiencing. Overall a decent read. Expecting Stars is still my favorite book from this author. Thank you for sharing your newest release with me.
July 6, 2025
Thank you Emily for the ARC of your book! I love that this is a college romance but different from the typical athlete or sports romances we see a lot. I loved the rivalry, the prank wars, and the enemies-to-lovers trope. There’s so much tension and banter between them. I love how she brings out the best in him, and how he helps her let loose and enjoy herself. Watching them fall for each other, you can see how deeply they truly care for one another by the end. It kind of gives Rory from Gilmore Girls and Logan vibes, and I absolutely love it!
June 15, 2025
Ink & Ambition had me right back in my college feels — the parties, young love, and those sister-like roommate bonds. I was rooting for the leads from page one. Their chemistry was everything!
July 24, 2025
3.25
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
Book review: Ink and Ambition by Emily R. Bellas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had the absolute honor and privilege of getting to read an ARC of Ink and Ambition by Emily R. Bellas, and I had the most wonderful time reading it! I loved the characters and their development throughout the story! Emily did such a fantastic job portraying the feelings and struggles that the characters were experiencing and I found myself invested in them and rooting for them! I was glued to the pages and couldn’t put it down!
The ending put the biggest smile on my face,
and I haven’t stopped smiling since I finished it the other day! Definitely check it out, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Amazing job, Emily! The world is going to love Margot and Alex! ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had the absolute honor and privilege of getting to read an ARC of Ink and Ambition by Emily R. Bellas, and I had the most wonderful time reading it! I loved the characters and their development throughout the story! Emily did such a fantastic job portraying the feelings and struggles that the characters were experiencing and I found myself invested in them and rooting for them! I was glued to the pages and couldn’t put it down!
The ending put the biggest smile on my face,
and I haven’t stopped smiling since I finished it the other day! Definitely check it out, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Amazing job, Emily! The world is going to love Margot and Alex! ❤️
June 5, 2025
This is my second book from Emily and it was even better than the first.
College romances have never been my go to subgenre, but this book has changed my mind. The story between journalism major Margot and frat-boy Alex was incredible.
I loved their reluctant partnership as podcast co-hosts. With each new interaction these two had, the more they brought out the best in one another and the harder I rooted for them.
I highly recommend checking out this amazing contemporary romance.
College romances have never been my go to subgenre, but this book has changed my mind. The story between journalism major Margot and frat-boy Alex was incredible.
I loved their reluctant partnership as podcast co-hosts. With each new interaction these two had, the more they brought out the best in one another and the harder I rooted for them.
I highly recommend checking out this amazing contemporary romance.
June 19, 2025
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. These opinions are my own.
This is a fun rivals to lovers college romance. Alex and Margot both need something from each other. He needs someone who isn't known by the frats to help him win a prank war. And she needs someone to help her with a podcast, so she can apply for an internship with the New York Times.
Their agreement felt more to her benefit to his. And that lent a subtle he falls first feeling to the entirety of the story. I also quite appreciated the depth of Alex's backstory, as he had a complicated relationship with his father.
This was a fast and fun read, and it set up an interesting group of characters. I would enjoy revisiting them in future books set on the same university campus.
Rounded up to 4 stars
This is a fun rivals to lovers college romance. Alex and Margot both need something from each other. He needs someone who isn't known by the frats to help him win a prank war. And she needs someone to help her with a podcast, so she can apply for an internship with the New York Times.
Their agreement felt more to her benefit to his. And that lent a subtle he falls first feeling to the entirety of the story. I also quite appreciated the depth of Alex's backstory, as he had a complicated relationship with his father.
This was a fast and fun read, and it set up an interesting group of characters. I would enjoy revisiting them in future books set on the same university campus.
Rounded up to 4 stars
June 6, 2025
Thank you to Emily Bellas for sending me an e-ARC of her novel Ink & Ambition!
3.5 / 5 ⭐
Ink & Ambition is a fun, tropey romance featuring a hardworking college student and her jock podcast co-host. It felt unpolished, especially near the beginning, but was an easy, enjoyable read.
3.5 / 5 ⭐
Ink & Ambition is a fun, tropey romance featuring a hardworking college student and her jock podcast co-host. It felt unpolished, especially near the beginning, but was an easy, enjoyable read.
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