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The Book Tour: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26Sparks fly between a lively debut author and her grumpy publicist on book tour in this sizzling rom-com from a fresh new voice in contemporary romance.
Despite her popular podcast and sold-out speaking events, Ana Movilian still feels like she has to prove herself. To her family, who can't believe she quit med school to build an influencer career, and to literary snobs, who decry her buzzy self-help book. Happily, her upcoming book tour is the perfect chance to show the world just how bright her star can shine.
That is, until her beloved publicist resigns the night before their plane is set to take off, announcing that her replacement is none other than Ryan bleeping Grant.
Ryan specializes in highbrow, "important" books, and his perma-scowl in every interaction with Ana makes one thing he does not get her book. Or her. He’s the last person who should be promoting her work, the last person she should be stuck with for two weeks . . . and the last person who should look that damn good in business casual.
As they travel from city to city, however, Ana's assumptions about Ryan take new shape. A decidedly more appealing shape. Soon, their growing attraction starts to feel like a ticking time bomb. But crossing that line could derail each of their careers faster than you can say "conflict of interest," and they both have bigger dreams at stake than the bestseller list.
Despite her popular podcast and sold-out speaking events, Ana Movilian still feels like she has to prove herself. To her family, who can't believe she quit med school to build an influencer career, and to literary snobs, who decry her buzzy self-help book. Happily, her upcoming book tour is the perfect chance to show the world just how bright her star can shine.
That is, until her beloved publicist resigns the night before their plane is set to take off, announcing that her replacement is none other than Ryan bleeping Grant.
Ryan specializes in highbrow, "important" books, and his perma-scowl in every interaction with Ana makes one thing he does not get her book. Or her. He’s the last person who should be promoting her work, the last person she should be stuck with for two weeks . . . and the last person who should look that damn good in business casual.
As they travel from city to city, however, Ana's assumptions about Ryan take new shape. A decidedly more appealing shape. Soon, their growing attraction starts to feel like a ticking time bomb. But crossing that line could derail each of their careers faster than you can say "conflict of interest," and they both have bigger dreams at stake than the bestseller list.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
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November 25, 2025
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an arc & in exchange for an honest review!*
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November 4, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. The Book Tour by Emily Ohanjanians is a solid debut that blends workplace tension, cultural identity, and a spark-filled slow burn between two people who couldn’t seem more different.
Ana Movilian is a successful podcaster and self-help author who still feels like she has to earn her place—especially in the eyes of her family and the literary world. When her beloved publicist quits right before her big tour, she’s paired with Ryan Grant, a serious, no-nonsense publicist known for promoting “important” books. Their personalities clash immediately, but as the tour unfolds, so does an unexpected connection that challenges both of them in the best ways.
I really loved Ryan. He’s grounded, patient, and quietly supportive—a perfect counterbalance to Ana’s driven energy. His dedication to his sister and his steady belief in Ana’s message gave him real emotional depth. Ana, on the other hand, was harder for me to connect with at times. She’s incredibly self-critical, and some of her inner monologues went on a bit too long, which occasionally slowed the pacing. Still, those moments also made her feel real—someone grappling with imposter syndrome and the weight of cultural and personal expectations.
Ohanjanians did an excellent job capturing the tension between pride in one’s heritage and the pressure to live up to family ideals.
Overall, The Book Tour is an introspective and heartfelt romance about ambition, identity, and learning to believe in yourself as much as you believe in others. It’s thoughtful, smart, and a strong start for Ohanjanians’ career.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ana Movilian is a successful podcaster and self-help author who still feels like she has to earn her place—especially in the eyes of her family and the literary world. When her beloved publicist quits right before her big tour, she’s paired with Ryan Grant, a serious, no-nonsense publicist known for promoting “important” books. Their personalities clash immediately, but as the tour unfolds, so does an unexpected connection that challenges both of them in the best ways.
I really loved Ryan. He’s grounded, patient, and quietly supportive—a perfect counterbalance to Ana’s driven energy. His dedication to his sister and his steady belief in Ana’s message gave him real emotional depth. Ana, on the other hand, was harder for me to connect with at times. She’s incredibly self-critical, and some of her inner monologues went on a bit too long, which occasionally slowed the pacing. Still, those moments also made her feel real—someone grappling with imposter syndrome and the weight of cultural and personal expectations.
Ohanjanians did an excellent job capturing the tension between pride in one’s heritage and the pressure to live up to family ideals.
Overall, The Book Tour is an introspective and heartfelt romance about ambition, identity, and learning to believe in yourself as much as you believe in others. It’s thoughtful, smart, and a strong start for Ohanjanians’ career.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2025
Stop right here, if you’re looking for a funny and heartfelt and hot book!
Author meets publicist and they get off on the wrong foot in this rom com. Ana, who podcasts and writes about her experience growing up as the daughter of Armenian immigrants and has amassed a following by connecting people with similar experiences, is off on book tour and none other than the stern and tightly wound publicist Ryan is there to manage all her stops. This one truly delivers on all fronts: Chemistry, heat, and layers of depth beyond the main love story. It’s as much about finding your person as about finding yourself in the process.
Author meets publicist and they get off on the wrong foot in this rom com. Ana, who podcasts and writes about her experience growing up as the daughter of Armenian immigrants and has amassed a following by connecting people with similar experiences, is off on book tour and none other than the stern and tightly wound publicist Ryan is there to manage all her stops. This one truly delivers on all fronts: Chemistry, heat, and layers of depth beyond the main love story. It’s as much about finding your person as about finding yourself in the process.
June 13, 2025
I was waiting for this book. For so many reasons I was waiting for this book. First off, it is SMART. With fantastic banter and a gorgeous set of characters. Secondly, it is SEXY. Pretty sure there was steam coming off my pages. It has the exact right amount of passion for me. Which is hot as hell. The story arcs are beautifully done, the characters are so enjoyable to read, the tension and stakes makes me want to turn the pages fast, but the expert and engaging prose kept me from doing so because I didn’t want to miss one detail and it ALL needed to be savored. A fabulous debut.
December 21, 2025
When I read the synopsis of The Book Tour, I immediately knew I had to read it. It’s captivating and takes the familiar ‘road trip romance’ trope and gives it a thoughtful, emotional twist.
Ana is a rising self-help author with a fast-growing empire which consists of podcast and a potential television series (she’s definitely giving Alex Cooper energy). She’s gearing up to promote her debut novel, but when her publicist unexpectedly drops out, Ryan steps in. What starts as a stormy partnership with underlying miscommunication slowly clears as they journey across American cities accompanied by Maral and Shanthi. Sparks fly, walls come down, steamy connections are made, and raw vulnerabilities are exposed. But sometimes the people delivering self-help and motivational talks are the ones quietly unraveling on the inside.
What I didn’t expect was the profound depth woven through the pages. Emily explores intergenerational divides, the weight of grief, and the cultural silence and emotional repression so many first-gen immigrant kids experience with their parents. It’s a deeply complicated relationship, and she really sinks her teeth into the nuanced, often painful dynamic especially when it comes to matriarchal toxicity, which will resonate across many cultural backgrounds.
Honestly, there were moments I felt a content warning might have helped (always thinking of my fellow girlies while reading), but truthfully? This is a lived reality for so many, and I applaud Emily for giving it the space to breathe as a core arc. It’s bold, it’s healing, and it’s so necessary.
Also, I had to pause at the beauty of this line:
“Sensing my stare, he raises his gaze to meet mine, his expression softening like a peony in bloom.” My heart. Sometimes it’s one simple line in a book that stays with you. Plus the opening sentence of this book is a stunner.
I cannot wait for readers to devour this book in 2026 eeeek, the countdown has begun! Thank you so much, Emily, for the digital ARC! As always, thank you so much Random House Canada! What a journey.
Ana is a rising self-help author with a fast-growing empire which consists of podcast and a potential television series (she’s definitely giving Alex Cooper energy). She’s gearing up to promote her debut novel, but when her publicist unexpectedly drops out, Ryan steps in. What starts as a stormy partnership with underlying miscommunication slowly clears as they journey across American cities accompanied by Maral and Shanthi. Sparks fly, walls come down, steamy connections are made, and raw vulnerabilities are exposed. But sometimes the people delivering self-help and motivational talks are the ones quietly unraveling on the inside.
What I didn’t expect was the profound depth woven through the pages. Emily explores intergenerational divides, the weight of grief, and the cultural silence and emotional repression so many first-gen immigrant kids experience with their parents. It’s a deeply complicated relationship, and she really sinks her teeth into the nuanced, often painful dynamic especially when it comes to matriarchal toxicity, which will resonate across many cultural backgrounds.
Honestly, there were moments I felt a content warning might have helped (always thinking of my fellow girlies while reading), but truthfully? This is a lived reality for so many, and I applaud Emily for giving it the space to breathe as a core arc. It’s bold, it’s healing, and it’s so necessary.
Also, I had to pause at the beauty of this line:
“Sensing my stare, he raises his gaze to meet mine, his expression softening like a peony in bloom.” My heart. Sometimes it’s one simple line in a book that stays with you. Plus the opening sentence of this book is a stunner.
I cannot wait for readers to devour this book in 2026 eeeek, the countdown has begun! Thank you so much, Emily, for the digital ARC! As always, thank you so much Random House Canada! What a journey.
August 21, 2025
time of dnf: 16%
extra unfortunate bc the writing was pretty easy to follow so at first i thought i had a 5 star bc i actually really liked the premise but the fmc’s whole self help book vibe felt really strangely artificial given the whole “enemies” part of their enemies to lovers was literally the fmc acting like he was her dinkleberg and him just being there (both physically and … across the narrative)
ultimately dnf’d bc though I got the *immigrant experience* vibe this was attempting to relay, i couldn’t help but feel like it was still pretty shoe’d in and if anything could be a book with more of a focus on like people pleasing which really felt like indicative of her relationship with her mom & everyone around her (im gonna pretend or imagine that is where the book eventually heads but something in the sections skimmed later tells me otherwise)
also personally as an immigrant who is not first gen, i couldnt help but feel like yeah i cant really read a book about someone explaining a more watered down version of my experience to me with a boring love interest idk, i did like learning about armenian culture a lot though and wouldve mostly stuck around for that
thank you so much nonetheless to netgalley and dell/balantine for this arc to review!
extra unfortunate bc the writing was pretty easy to follow so at first i thought i had a 5 star bc i actually really liked the premise but the fmc’s whole self help book vibe felt really strangely artificial given the whole “enemies” part of their enemies to lovers was literally the fmc acting like he was her dinkleberg and him just being there (both physically and … across the narrative)
ultimately dnf’d bc though I got the *immigrant experience* vibe this was attempting to relay, i couldn’t help but feel like it was still pretty shoe’d in and if anything could be a book with more of a focus on like people pleasing which really felt like indicative of her relationship with her mom & everyone around her (im gonna pretend or imagine that is where the book eventually heads but something in the sections skimmed later tells me otherwise)
also personally as an immigrant who is not first gen, i couldnt help but feel like yeah i cant really read a book about someone explaining a more watered down version of my experience to me with a boring love interest idk, i did like learning about armenian culture a lot though and wouldve mostly stuck around for that
thank you so much nonetheless to netgalley and dell/balantine for this arc to review!
November 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
The Book Tour was a charming and lighthearted romantic tale. While this story wasn’t a standout for me, I still appreciated Emily’s writing style. It’s lively, warm, and easy to follow. She blended humor with heartfelt moments, and her characters had a natural, conversational voice that made them feel real. This was my first time reading one of her books, and I’m glad I had the chance to try her work.
The Book Tour followed Ana Movilian, a self-help author who’s determined to prove herself on her big book tour. When her usual publicist suddenly quits, she’s stuck with Ryan Grant, a no-nonsense literary publicist who couldn’t be more different from her. What starts out as constant clashing slowly turns into unexpected chemistry, and soon Ana has to figure out if she’s willing to risk her career and reputation for what her heart really wants.
I really liked how The Book Tour mixed humor, chemistry, and a fun behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world. Ana and Ryan’s banter felt natural, and their slow shift from clashing to connecting kept me engaged. Unfortunately, a few parts of the tour felt a bit repetitive, and some of the conflicts were easy to predict, but overall the charm and energy of the story outweighed the weaker spots.
If you enjoy lighthearted rom-coms with a mix of witty banter, travel vibes, and a slow-burn romance you’ll most likely adore this one. It’s especially perfect for fans of bookish settings, opposites-attract dynamics, and stories that balance humor with a touch of heart.
Thank you Ballantine and Net Galley for the advance copy in return for my review.
The Book Tour was a charming and lighthearted romantic tale. While this story wasn’t a standout for me, I still appreciated Emily’s writing style. It’s lively, warm, and easy to follow. She blended humor with heartfelt moments, and her characters had a natural, conversational voice that made them feel real. This was my first time reading one of her books, and I’m glad I had the chance to try her work.
The Book Tour followed Ana Movilian, a self-help author who’s determined to prove herself on her big book tour. When her usual publicist suddenly quits, she’s stuck with Ryan Grant, a no-nonsense literary publicist who couldn’t be more different from her. What starts out as constant clashing slowly turns into unexpected chemistry, and soon Ana has to figure out if she’s willing to risk her career and reputation for what her heart really wants.
I really liked how The Book Tour mixed humor, chemistry, and a fun behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world. Ana and Ryan’s banter felt natural, and their slow shift from clashing to connecting kept me engaged. Unfortunately, a few parts of the tour felt a bit repetitive, and some of the conflicts were easy to predict, but overall the charm and energy of the story outweighed the weaker spots.
If you enjoy lighthearted rom-coms with a mix of witty banter, travel vibes, and a slow-burn romance you’ll most likely adore this one. It’s especially perfect for fans of bookish settings, opposites-attract dynamics, and stories that balance humor with a touch of heart.
Thank you Ballantine and Net Galley for the advance copy in return for my review.
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August 25, 2025i was very excited but unfortunately dnf. lots of issues but I'll just say that it has less heart than it should
October 2, 2025
So incredibly sweet! And HOT! My god!
September 22, 2025
A lovely, sweet, fun, incredible read. And how lovely to see my very own dream job on the pages of this story! If you’re looking for a frothy, fun, steamy romance filled with a lot of soul-deep lessons and a whole lot of heart, this is absolutely the one for you.
August 23, 2025
This book was such an enjoyable read. The writing style was fantastic, but the themes were even better. I liked how pieces of Armenian culture were strewn throughout the story. The enemies to lovers and chemistry between Ana and Ryan was perfect! The author also did a really nice job addressing the stresses of being a people-pleaser with family, as well as the struggles (I imagine) for a second generation immigrant.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
A huge thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC of this book! This was a 10/10 read that is so much more than just a romance. It is a look into what it can be like living up to the standards of your family and what the pressure can do to you when it doesn’t align with what you want for yourself. This was beautifully written in the development of the female main character throughout the book was 10 out of 10. I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone and everyone
October 5, 2025
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Book Tour by Emily Ohanjanians.
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
I liked The Book Tour overall, especially the bookish theme, a podcast host turned author going on tour to promote her book based on real interviews. The cultural aspects were really well done too. Ana’s experience as a second-generation woman trying to balance her happiness with her family’s expectations felt honest and relatable. I also loved her relationship with her cousin Maral, it was one of the highlights of the story.
Where it lost me was the romance. I didn’t really understand the attraction between Ana and Ryan. He’s in love with her, she tries to keep it casual, then suddenly she loves him back, but why? It never felt convincing.
Ana herself also frustrated me at times. She’s self-absorbed for most of the book, and while she does grow by the end, her realizations come too late to feel satisfying.
Overall, it’s a well-written story with thoughtful cultural themes and a great premise, but the emotional payoff didn’t quite land for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
I liked The Book Tour overall, especially the bookish theme, a podcast host turned author going on tour to promote her book based on real interviews. The cultural aspects were really well done too. Ana’s experience as a second-generation woman trying to balance her happiness with her family’s expectations felt honest and relatable. I also loved her relationship with her cousin Maral, it was one of the highlights of the story.
Where it lost me was the romance. I didn’t really understand the attraction between Ana and Ryan. He’s in love with her, she tries to keep it casual, then suddenly she loves him back, but why? It never felt convincing.
Ana herself also frustrated me at times. She’s self-absorbed for most of the book, and while she does grow by the end, her realizations come too late to feel satisfying.
Overall, it’s a well-written story with thoughtful cultural themes and a great premise, but the emotional payoff didn’t quite land for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
Thank you to Dell and Netgalley for allowing us to read an ARC of THE BOOK TOUR.
There are not nearly enough romance books that talk about the immigrant experience, and while that is not the sole topic of this story, it is an important one. The FMC, Ana, is the daughter of Armenian immigrants, and we were especially drawn to Ana’s relationship with her mother and the way their shared grief and culture connects them. But this story isn’t just a story about a daughter and her mother. It’s a story about love and how we’re not always able to recognize when love is staring us right in the face. Ana and Ryan are imperfectly perfect for each other, and their chemistry is through the roof! Every spicy scene was better than the last, and it truly felt like they were meant to be together by the end. Y’all are gonna love the grumpy x sunshine dynamic, and there are other amazing tropes that we definitely don’t want to spoil. This 2026 Debut Romance is one to look out for. Make sure you pre-order your copy now!
There are not nearly enough romance books that talk about the immigrant experience, and while that is not the sole topic of this story, it is an important one. The FMC, Ana, is the daughter of Armenian immigrants, and we were especially drawn to Ana’s relationship with her mother and the way their shared grief and culture connects them. But this story isn’t just a story about a daughter and her mother. It’s a story about love and how we’re not always able to recognize when love is staring us right in the face. Ana and Ryan are imperfectly perfect for each other, and their chemistry is through the roof! Every spicy scene was better than the last, and it truly felt like they were meant to be together by the end. Y’all are gonna love the grumpy x sunshine dynamic, and there are other amazing tropes that we definitely don’t want to spoil. This 2026 Debut Romance is one to look out for. Make sure you pre-order your copy now!
October 1, 2025
Emily Ohanjanians's debut release is what I would definitely call a beach read.
Ana is a first generation American who is working hard to make her family proud. She struggles with balancing what she believes she wants and ultimately what she really wants.
I am really torn about this review. I loved the premise. I felt like Ana went from hating Ryan to jumping his bones. This book is a bedroom door wide open book which needs a disclaimer.
Just not the book for me. I would guess I will be in the minority
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ana is a first generation American who is working hard to make her family proud. She struggles with balancing what she believes she wants and ultimately what she really wants.
I am really torn about this review. I loved the premise. I felt like Ana went from hating Ryan to jumping his bones. This book is a bedroom door wide open book which needs a disclaimer.
Just not the book for me. I would guess I will be in the minority
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 20, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Emily Ohanjanians for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
Emily’s debut novel is chef’s kiss 🤌🤌!!!
I truly cannot wait for the rest of you BookDragons to read this. A road-trip with a twist. Gotta love it when the author gives a little twist 🤭🤪🤣😂
Ryan and Ana are just so adorable. Their chemistry is to die for.
Whatever Emily writes I am going to be waiting to read it!!! 💜💜
I promise this book will not disappoint.
Emily’s debut novel is chef’s kiss 🤌🤌!!!
I truly cannot wait for the rest of you BookDragons to read this. A road-trip with a twist. Gotta love it when the author gives a little twist 🤭🤪🤣😂
Ryan and Ana are just so adorable. Their chemistry is to die for.
Whatever Emily writes I am going to be waiting to read it!!! 💜💜
I promise this book will not disappoint.
October 18, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ana Movilian became an internet success when the inspirational video she sent to her cousin went viral. Leaving behind her medical residency to focus her efforts on a podcast that champions second generation people who don’t receive recognition for their hard work but rather high expectations from families, she becomes a beacon of positivity. Writing a book of interviews based on her podcast, she sets off on a book tour across the U.S. to promote her book. She wasn’t banking on the grumpy PR director to join her. As they get to know each other an attraction develops between the two, but Ana is not looking for a relationship. What happens when the grumpy man wants more than just casual?
I loved the Armenian representation and felt I learned a lot about the culture. I really appreciated the sense of pride Ana had for her heritage. I thought the author captured the parental pressure first and second generation children feel as they try to live up to expectations. As a first generation Cuban-American, I could really relate to that struggle and the pressure to be a high achiever. I also really liked the message behind the podcast. What a lovely way to build community and connection.
All that being said, I had a difficult time connecting with Ana. I found that her confidence really bordered on arrogance and made her a bit one dimensional. I would’ve loved to see her struggle with her own pressures and insecurities of not living up to expectations. It would’ve felt more real. Her overly positive outlook felt a bit toxic at points and her need to be so positive and self validating wasn’t very clear. I just wanted to see more of her humanity rather than a perfectly curated person. I also wasn’t crazy about how she pressured Ryan for sex. Because of a former heartbreak, Ana is against relationships and only has casual encounters. That’s fair, and I can understand that. Ryan has very valid reasons for wanting to keep things professional. His job provides security and a partial scholarship for his sister. He cannot jeopardize that. So I felt that it was selfish of her to pressure him just for something casual. It was a turn off. I would’ve much rather have seen them yearning for each other until it becomes too difficult to be apart.
I felt that Ryan was more complex. His family background forced him to grow up quickly as he became partial guardian for his younger sister. I found his journey to acknowledge his needs more to be compelling. As an older sibling myself, it was much easier to relate to him. I loved that he championed Ana and really believed in her message. Perhaps we should have had his POV in order to see Ana in a different light and add complexity to her character. She just came across very shallow. I know that wasn’t the intention, but it just felt like her character arc was suddenly rushed at the end.
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were parts I enjoyed, but ultimately I had a hard time connecting with the FMC.
Ana Movilian became an internet success when the inspirational video she sent to her cousin went viral. Leaving behind her medical residency to focus her efforts on a podcast that champions second generation people who don’t receive recognition for their hard work but rather high expectations from families, she becomes a beacon of positivity. Writing a book of interviews based on her podcast, she sets off on a book tour across the U.S. to promote her book. She wasn’t banking on the grumpy PR director to join her. As they get to know each other an attraction develops between the two, but Ana is not looking for a relationship. What happens when the grumpy man wants more than just casual?
I loved the Armenian representation and felt I learned a lot about the culture. I really appreciated the sense of pride Ana had for her heritage. I thought the author captured the parental pressure first and second generation children feel as they try to live up to expectations. As a first generation Cuban-American, I could really relate to that struggle and the pressure to be a high achiever. I also really liked the message behind the podcast. What a lovely way to build community and connection.
All that being said, I had a difficult time connecting with Ana. I found that her confidence really bordered on arrogance and made her a bit one dimensional. I would’ve loved to see her struggle with her own pressures and insecurities of not living up to expectations. It would’ve felt more real. Her overly positive outlook felt a bit toxic at points and her need to be so positive and self validating wasn’t very clear. I just wanted to see more of her humanity rather than a perfectly curated person. I also wasn’t crazy about how she pressured Ryan for sex. Because of a former heartbreak, Ana is against relationships and only has casual encounters. That’s fair, and I can understand that. Ryan has very valid reasons for wanting to keep things professional. His job provides security and a partial scholarship for his sister. He cannot jeopardize that. So I felt that it was selfish of her to pressure him just for something casual. It was a turn off. I would’ve much rather have seen them yearning for each other until it becomes too difficult to be apart.
I felt that Ryan was more complex. His family background forced him to grow up quickly as he became partial guardian for his younger sister. I found his journey to acknowledge his needs more to be compelling. As an older sibling myself, it was much easier to relate to him. I loved that he championed Ana and really believed in her message. Perhaps we should have had his POV in order to see Ana in a different light and add complexity to her character. She just came across very shallow. I know that wasn’t the intention, but it just felt like her character arc was suddenly rushed at the end.
I have mixed feelings about this book. There were parts I enjoyed, but ultimately I had a hard time connecting with the FMC.
Read
December 1, 2025The Book Tour was fine. Was it my favorite? No. Did I hate it? No. I struggled connecting with the FMC, Ana. It often felt like she was absorbed in her own world, and I didn’t feel like she checked in enough with the people around her, especially her tour crew. I never fully connected with her character. I wasn’t a big fan of how she treated Ryan at times. I did like how the author dove into Ana's family's experience immigrating from Armenia. I appreciated how she took a deeper dive into the pressure's immigrant children can feel when they're trying to balance their parents' expectations with their own dreams. I didn't like watching Ana stay in denial about what she wanted versus what her mom wanted. For someone who gives out advice and has a self-help podcast, I didn't quite understand why she put up with her mom's behavior. As for the MMC, Ryan wasn’t bad! I thought it said a lot about his character that he stepped up to care for his sister. I appreciated how he would stand up for Ana throughout the tour. Their romance was quick, and it did feel a bit wild that Ryan accepted a job that conveniently helped set them up for a long-term relationship. That man had a hard-core crush on Ana. I wasn't fully invested in Ana and Ryan's relationship. I did like how it was Ana who groveled at the end though. The side characters felt a little shallow. I wanted more from them, especially Maral. I found myself skimming around the 60% mark. I just wasn't fully invested in the plot or the characters. I did like how the author wrapped up the story with the epilogue. Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the ARC.
November 18, 2025
Once I got into this book I couldn’t put it down!
The emotions Ana goes through with Ryan and her family felt so real on the page.
The book also has a lot of great messages. I think it will resonate with a lot of people.
The spicy scenes are so good I loved their chemistry and how they overcome previous misunderstandings.
He seems to want serious she doesn’t which is a fun change in stereotypical dynamics. I loved how patient Ryan was and their communication. He loves that she’s so strong but wants to be there for her.
THE GRAND GESTURE… I was giggling.
I loved how the story wrapped up. My only issue was the copious name drops and pop culture references. That’s a me thing tho so I didn’t let it influence my rating or review. I’m including it tho for other readers who might be interested in that aspect. Once I got used to them I was able to enjoy the book more.
The book features Ana who is the daughter of immigrants and Ryan who has taken care of his sister. Do you need to have the same lived experiences to enjoy this book? No. I think if you do have similar experiences though you’ll likely feel seen and find meaningful representation in this book. Any lover of romance will enjoy this book too though. We should all be reading diversely, and it’s always meaningful to see different experiences and identities represented, both for readers who share them and for those discovering new perspectives.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The emotions Ana goes through with Ryan and her family felt so real on the page.
The book also has a lot of great messages. I think it will resonate with a lot of people.
The spicy scenes are so good I loved their chemistry and how they overcome previous misunderstandings.
He seems to want serious she doesn’t which is a fun change in stereotypical dynamics. I loved how patient Ryan was and their communication. He loves that she’s so strong but wants to be there for her.
THE GRAND GESTURE… I was giggling.
I loved how the story wrapped up. My only issue was the copious name drops and pop culture references. That’s a me thing tho so I didn’t let it influence my rating or review. I’m including it tho for other readers who might be interested in that aspect. Once I got used to them I was able to enjoy the book more.
The book features Ana who is the daughter of immigrants and Ryan who has taken care of his sister. Do you need to have the same lived experiences to enjoy this book? No. I think if you do have similar experiences though you’ll likely feel seen and find meaningful representation in this book. Any lover of romance will enjoy this book too though. We should all be reading diversely, and it’s always meaningful to see different experiences and identities represented, both for readers who share them and for those discovering new perspectives.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
October 17, 2025DNF @ 62%
This started off promising enough but I quickly grew frustrated with how the relationship between the main characters was built. Which was to say it really wasn’t. Their relationship was pretty much just based on how much they thought the other person was good looking and nothing really felt substantial. Ana was at times a really annoying character, too wrapped up in her own head, and Ryan’s personality was stale and boring. There were small insights into the publicity side of the publishing world, which was interesting, but I wish we had gotten more from that. Although the pacing of the book was good, I feel that the writing quality itself could have been better. There was too much telling and not enough showing. Ana’s explanations of life as the daughter of immigrants felt very repetitive and I got tired of hearing the same things about it over and over again. I’ve never read a book with an Armenian main character before and appreciated the representation.
Overall, the characters themselves weren’t compelling enough to keep my interest and I really struggled to feel any chemistry between the two main characters and just did not want to continue.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
This started off promising enough but I quickly grew frustrated with how the relationship between the main characters was built. Which was to say it really wasn’t. Their relationship was pretty much just based on how much they thought the other person was good looking and nothing really felt substantial. Ana was at times a really annoying character, too wrapped up in her own head, and Ryan’s personality was stale and boring. There were small insights into the publicity side of the publishing world, which was interesting, but I wish we had gotten more from that. Although the pacing of the book was good, I feel that the writing quality itself could have been better. There was too much telling and not enough showing. Ana’s explanations of life as the daughter of immigrants felt very repetitive and I got tired of hearing the same things about it over and over again. I’ve never read a book with an Armenian main character before and appreciated the representation.
Overall, the characters themselves weren’t compelling enough to keep my interest and I really struggled to feel any chemistry between the two main characters and just did not want to continue.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
September 6, 2025
I came across this book on NetGalley and the overview sounded interesting.
An enemies to lovers story between a well known podcaster and her publicist.
So Proud of You is the podcast that our FMC, Ana, and her cousin Maral created. Ana focuses on second generation immigrants, encouraging them and giving them praise where most of them have never received it at home.
Her show turns into a book deal and while on tour there’s some forced proximity with her grumpy publicist that creates sparks.
I loved everything about the love story but I felt like there was a lot of “padding” throughout the book. I found myself skimming several paragraphs and in some instances pages to get back to the heart of the story.
At one point in the beginning I had to take a break because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue, but I’m glad I did because it ended up being worth it in the end.
An enemies to lovers story between a well known podcaster and her publicist.
So Proud of You is the podcast that our FMC, Ana, and her cousin Maral created. Ana focuses on second generation immigrants, encouraging them and giving them praise where most of them have never received it at home.
Her show turns into a book deal and while on tour there’s some forced proximity with her grumpy publicist that creates sparks.
I loved everything about the love story but I felt like there was a lot of “padding” throughout the book. I found myself skimming several paragraphs and in some instances pages to get back to the heart of the story.
At one point in the beginning I had to take a break because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue, but I’m glad I did because it ended up being worth it in the end.
August 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC!
I really, really enjoyed the themes that played out in this book around the stress and pressure of being second gen American and how that impacts our FMC and her worldview and experiences. I thought it was incredibly well done, and made complete sense in the context of the storyline. The Armenian culture being woven in was lovely. I enjoyed the romance between the FMC and MMC, and also the relationships with the side characters. I do think this book reads, at times, like a debut book - which isn’t a bad thing, just my opinion! I think this author has a lot of talent, and I’m excited to see what else she does!
I really, really enjoyed the themes that played out in this book around the stress and pressure of being second gen American and how that impacts our FMC and her worldview and experiences. I thought it was incredibly well done, and made complete sense in the context of the storyline. The Armenian culture being woven in was lovely. I enjoyed the romance between the FMC and MMC, and also the relationships with the side characters. I do think this book reads, at times, like a debut book - which isn’t a bad thing, just my opinion! I think this author has a lot of talent, and I’m excited to see what else she does!
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September 30, 2025Thank you #NetGalley and Ballantine for giving me an advanced readers copy in exchange of an honest review.
I tried VERY hard to get into this book. I never DNF books but i couldn’t get into this one. I had to put it down and maybe I will pick it back up but i highly doubt it.
It’s not that the writing is bad, and I’ve read some worse books than this. I just really couldn’t get into the story. I thought the main character lacked depth and was annoying. I thought her occupation of being a podcaster and now writing a book was just meh. This book was not for me but I tried so hard to like the premise of this book! 😩
I tried VERY hard to get into this book. I never DNF books but i couldn’t get into this one. I had to put it down and maybe I will pick it back up but i highly doubt it.
It’s not that the writing is bad, and I’ve read some worse books than this. I just really couldn’t get into the story. I thought the main character lacked depth and was annoying. I thought her occupation of being a podcaster and now writing a book was just meh. This book was not for me but I tried so hard to like the premise of this book! 😩
November 23, 2025
Unfortunately I don’t have a whole ton to say about this book. It was a romance, but it isn’t one I’ll be thinking about for much more time than today. It was a good amount of cheesy, but I don’t think it was completely my cup of tea. Part of the romance relied on the spice, which is the parts I skipped, so I may have missed out on some plot points. A huge thank you to netgalley and the publisher! I would recommend this book, I just think it wasn’t for me.
October 19, 2025
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me.
It is VERY contemporary, which I’ve found kind of leads to lazier world building because it relies on things that society already understands. That can be okay for some cases, but when it becomes super trendy and specific to like one moment in time with lingo, I think it’s weakening itself.
The FMC did not have a big enough reason to hate the MMC as much as she did at the beginning of the book. It felt forced so the rest of the book could be them overcoming that. It felt like she was the one with the issue and really hyperbolizing a lot.
The gym scene read super awkwardly and it didn’t work well for me.
Ryan is also a total transplant character meant to be like the dream guy for women everywhere but giving advice I had 12 year old girls giving me in the bathroom stall in 6th grade post PE. I always dislike when guys are meant to be like emotionally mature in books but their whole gist is being like “no one can control you,” “be yourself,” or “this is your destiny and you can be proud.”
I predicted a lot of the plot and by the end of this book I was feeling bored. This might just not be a good book for me because I dislike super contemporary romances and some of the characters felt very 2D.
It is VERY contemporary, which I’ve found kind of leads to lazier world building because it relies on things that society already understands. That can be okay for some cases, but when it becomes super trendy and specific to like one moment in time with lingo, I think it’s weakening itself.
The FMC did not have a big enough reason to hate the MMC as much as she did at the beginning of the book. It felt forced so the rest of the book could be them overcoming that. It felt like she was the one with the issue and really hyperbolizing a lot.
The gym scene read super awkwardly and it didn’t work well for me.
Ryan is also a total transplant character meant to be like the dream guy for women everywhere but giving advice I had 12 year old girls giving me in the bathroom stall in 6th grade post PE. I always dislike when guys are meant to be like emotionally mature in books but their whole gist is being like “no one can control you,” “be yourself,” or “this is your destiny and you can be proud.”
I predicted a lot of the plot and by the end of this book I was feeling bored. This might just not be a good book for me because I dislike super contemporary romances and some of the characters felt very 2D.
September 21, 2025
Emily Ohanjanian’s The Book Tour is a slam dunk debut it's beautifully layered, emotionally sharp, and seriously swoony.
Ana Movilian, a second-gen Armenian-American author and podcaster, constantly feels the push-pull between her family’s immigrant expectations and her own ambitions. Enter Ryan Grant, a grumpy publicist forced onto her tour schedule, carrying his own heavy past and protective instincts. What follows is a slow-burn, grumpy x sunshine romance that focuses on healing and identity as much as it does on attraction.
What I loved:
✨ The flawed, deeply human characters who balance wit with vulnerability.
✨ Exploration of intergenerational divides and the immigrant experience woven seamlessly into a romance arc.
✨ Ana’s refreshing, sex-positive portrayal — confident, honest, and real.
✨ Ryan. Just Ryan. (New book boyfriend unlocked.)
The spice was just enough to keep things sizzling without overshadowing the emotional depth. The pacing dragged a touch in spots, but I still couldn’t put this down.
Favorite quotes:
💬 “My tendency to blurt out words without filtering them is one of the reasons Maral says I should be an indoor cat.”
💬 “‘Boyid mernem,’… An Armenian expression that literally means I’ll die on your height, but somehow means I love you.”
I would recommend this book to fans of People We Meet on Vacation, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and he-falls-first romances.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for the ARC — all opinions are my own.
Ana Movilian, a second-gen Armenian-American author and podcaster, constantly feels the push-pull between her family’s immigrant expectations and her own ambitions. Enter Ryan Grant, a grumpy publicist forced onto her tour schedule, carrying his own heavy past and protective instincts. What follows is a slow-burn, grumpy x sunshine romance that focuses on healing and identity as much as it does on attraction.
What I loved:
✨ The flawed, deeply human characters who balance wit with vulnerability.
✨ Exploration of intergenerational divides and the immigrant experience woven seamlessly into a romance arc.
✨ Ana’s refreshing, sex-positive portrayal — confident, honest, and real.
✨ Ryan. Just Ryan. (New book boyfriend unlocked.)
The spice was just enough to keep things sizzling without overshadowing the emotional depth. The pacing dragged a touch in spots, but I still couldn’t put this down.
Favorite quotes:
💬 “My tendency to blurt out words without filtering them is one of the reasons Maral says I should be an indoor cat.”
💬 “‘Boyid mernem,’… An Armenian expression that literally means I’ll die on your height, but somehow means I love you.”
I would recommend this book to fans of People We Meet on Vacation, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and he-falls-first romances.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for the ARC — all opinions are my own.
September 27, 2025
Thank you, Random House Publishing Group | Penguin Random House | Ballantine & Dell, for providing this digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Xoxoxo
Ana Movilian is a debut author whose motivational podcast has earned her a loyal following—but she still struggles with doubt. Her family resents that she left medical school behind, while critics brush off her work as shallow. Determined to prove herself, Ana sets out on her first book tour. When her longtime publicist suddenly quits, she’s paired with Ryan Grant, a stoic & rigid publicist known for representing serious, “important” literature. He doesn’t seem to understand Ana, her book, or her personality—but as the two travel together from city to city, their dynamic begins to shift. Beneath Ryan’s stern demeanor, Ana discovers unexpected depth, and their growing chemistry forces them to weigh the risks of blurring the line between business and romance.
It’s a little enemies-to-lovers type of situation between the two. Ana & Ryan’s characters had depth, intelligence, lots of fun banter, and obviously, their chemistry was to die for. All the side characters were great too—I always think this makes a book more fun to read when there are a lot of stories to tell. The storyline was entertaining for at least the first half, but the whole book was incredibly insightful.
So, I did enjoy it for the most part, other than the fact that Ana acts as some sort of martyr almost the entire time. I’m sorry, I just wanted to get on with the story. Like we get it, you dropped out of med school, became a successful influencer/podcaster, dealt with your family’s backlash, as well as nobody taking you seriously in the book industry. There was no need to act like you fought in a world war and went through all these trials and tribulations to overcome it. I feel horrible, I’m truly sorry. But a good amount of her storyline was like that—it just annoyed me a little.
Don’t get me wrong, this was still a good book. The writing is absolutely incredible & I felt like my IQ increased just from reading this. So, maybe I’m just not used to reading about FMCs like Ana. Which is totally fine. Book Lovers by Emily Henry had a similar FMC arc & I struggled to connect with her, too. Overall, I just found myself bored a lot. I’m sorry :/
Ana Movilian is a debut author whose motivational podcast has earned her a loyal following—but she still struggles with doubt. Her family resents that she left medical school behind, while critics brush off her work as shallow. Determined to prove herself, Ana sets out on her first book tour. When her longtime publicist suddenly quits, she’s paired with Ryan Grant, a stoic & rigid publicist known for representing serious, “important” literature. He doesn’t seem to understand Ana, her book, or her personality—but as the two travel together from city to city, their dynamic begins to shift. Beneath Ryan’s stern demeanor, Ana discovers unexpected depth, and their growing chemistry forces them to weigh the risks of blurring the line between business and romance.
It’s a little enemies-to-lovers type of situation between the two. Ana & Ryan’s characters had depth, intelligence, lots of fun banter, and obviously, their chemistry was to die for. All the side characters were great too—I always think this makes a book more fun to read when there are a lot of stories to tell. The storyline was entertaining for at least the first half, but the whole book was incredibly insightful.
So, I did enjoy it for the most part, other than the fact that Ana acts as some sort of martyr almost the entire time. I’m sorry, I just wanted to get on with the story. Like we get it, you dropped out of med school, became a successful influencer/podcaster, dealt with your family’s backlash, as well as nobody taking you seriously in the book industry. There was no need to act like you fought in a world war and went through all these trials and tribulations to overcome it. I feel horrible, I’m truly sorry. But a good amount of her storyline was like that—it just annoyed me a little.
Don’t get me wrong, this was still a good book. The writing is absolutely incredible & I felt like my IQ increased just from reading this. So, maybe I’m just not used to reading about FMCs like Ana. Which is totally fine. Book Lovers by Emily Henry had a similar FMC arc & I struggled to connect with her, too. Overall, I just found myself bored a lot. I’m sorry :/
October 30, 2025
So the thing is… it’s like a 2.5, but a 2 would look super harsh. And it’s not BAD… but it’s not great. It’s fine.
An influencer/podcaster/author goes on… wait for it… a book tour (IKR?) with a hot, stoic publicist. The end.
Did I fall for a cute cover on NetGalley? Of course I did!
It was fine. Nothing special, not awful. There was some nice stuff about being second-generation and feeling guilt from parents. But in the end, no huge amount of substance here, just fluff. Like I said: fine.
An influencer/podcaster/author goes on… wait for it… a book tour (IKR?) with a hot, stoic publicist. The end.
Did I fall for a cute cover on NetGalley? Of course I did!
It was fine. Nothing special, not awful. There was some nice stuff about being second-generation and feeling guilt from parents. But in the end, no huge amount of substance here, just fluff. Like I said: fine.
November 17, 2025
Couldn’t put this book down! The Book Tour was right up my alley. I loved the chemistry between Ana and Ryan 🔥🔥🔥, and found reading about the publishing industry quite fascinating. I also thought the themes around being a child of immigrant parents was beautifully captured here. Can’t believe this is only Emily Ohanjanians’ debut novel! I will be eagerly awaiting more books from Emily 🩷
October 14, 2025
The Book Tour
By Emily Ohanjanians
Publish Date: March 3, 2026
Thank you to Ballantine/Dell for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
I’ve been trying to read The Book Tour for about a month, but it’s been a struggle. Unfortunately, it just never grabbed me, and finishing it started to feel more like a chore than a joy. I ended up not finishing this one. The main character came across as conceited and self-absorbed, which made it hard to connect or care about what happened next.
DNF.
By Emily Ohanjanians
Publish Date: March 3, 2026
Thank you to Ballantine/Dell for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
I’ve been trying to read The Book Tour for about a month, but it’s been a struggle. Unfortunately, it just never grabbed me, and finishing it started to feel more like a chore than a joy. I ended up not finishing this one. The main character came across as conceited and self-absorbed, which made it hard to connect or care about what happened next.
DNF.
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