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The Write Off
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26Two rival authors are forced to confront a decade of love and heartbreak on the campus where it all started in this captivating debut romance by Kara McDowell.
It’s been thirteen years since Mars Darling first met West Emerson on a bench outside their writing class. What started out as a friendly rivalry turned into a best friendship and then, for a brief time, a romance. Now over a decade later, as Mars stands at their college campus as a once-esteemed YA fantasy author, ready to take on a book festival, she comes face to face with West—the muse behind her infamous trilogy’s heartthrob hero, the man who betrayed her in the worst way.
Mars is determined not to let her comeback tour be ruined by the fact that West is also at the festival as an author. But the longer they are on the campus that holds so many shared memories, the more time they have to untangle their past, and Mars starts to question if maybe it’s not only her writing career that deserves a second chance.
Told in two unfolding timelines—Mars and West’s frenzied college days where they grapple with their undeniable connection, and their tension-filled present of heartache and familiar yearning—this charming romance shows that while you can’t rewrite the past, it’s never too late to chase your happily ever after and get back the one that got away.
It’s been thirteen years since Mars Darling first met West Emerson on a bench outside their writing class. What started out as a friendly rivalry turned into a best friendship and then, for a brief time, a romance. Now over a decade later, as Mars stands at their college campus as a once-esteemed YA fantasy author, ready to take on a book festival, she comes face to face with West—the muse behind her infamous trilogy’s heartthrob hero, the man who betrayed her in the worst way.
Mars is determined not to let her comeback tour be ruined by the fact that West is also at the festival as an author. But the longer they are on the campus that holds so many shared memories, the more time they have to untangle their past, and Mars starts to question if maybe it’s not only her writing career that deserves a second chance.
Told in two unfolding timelines—Mars and West’s frenzied college days where they grapple with their undeniable connection, and their tension-filled present of heartache and familiar yearning—this charming romance shows that while you can’t rewrite the past, it’s never too late to chase your happily ever after and get back the one that got away.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
10252 people want to read
About the author
Kara McDowell
6 books439 followersKara McDowell is the author of romcoms for teenagers and adults, including her upcoming adult debut THE WRITE OFF. Coming from Berkley in Spring 2026.
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November 30, 2025Dear Reader,
As a girl who’s been vicariously falling in love since I read Anne of Green Gables at 10 years old, I’ve had my fair share of “book boyfriends.” (A term I’ve always known in my soul, even if I didn’t have the words for it until recently.) I’ve fallen in love with Gilbert Blythe while studying at Queen’s Academy, Mr. Darcy while touring Pemberly, and Gus Everett while spending the summer at the beach. I’ve fallen in love with immortals, royals, and winged Fae. I know what it’s like to walk into a bookstore and feel butterflies in my stomach at the possibilities.
In short, I come by my fandom honestly, and I’m fascinated by the way fan spaces have evolved since I was a teenager spending my weekends in homemade merch at a midnight release party. Now, fan interactions happen online, and an artist’s lore is almost as important as the art itself. Entire careers are built on a foundation of self-mythology. 2020s pop culture thrives on it, and after one too many late-night internet deep dives, I got the idea for The Write Off.
We know what it looks like when a pop star breaks up with her boyfriend. Instead of love songs, she writes breakup songs. But what would happen if it was a best-selling fantasy series instead of pop music? Enter Mars Darling. When she accidentally makes the hero of her fantasy series a carbon copy of her first love, she turns him into the internet’s favorite book boyfriend. It’s mortifying and romantic and inspiring—right up until the moment Mars and West’s relationship implodes and she’s left broken hearted, alone, and with two more books to write.
In some ways, The Write Off is a fictional story about a fictional story. (I can’t say it doesn’t get a bit meta.) More importantly, I set out to write characters who feel real, even if that makes them a little messy. Mars and West’s story is one that embraces the angst and thrill of first love and second chances. It takes them more than a decade of art and love and loss to work through the mess, but when they do, every day of yearning was worth the wait.
For the devoted fangirl in me who duct taped a picture of one of my first “book boyfriends” to a plain white t-shirt because I couldn’t afford the real thing—putting this book into the world is a dream that was also worth the wait. Thank you for taking a look. I hope you find a little something that feels like falling in love.
Love,
Kara McDowell
P.S. Find me on IG or TikTok at @karajmcdowellbooks to find out what's next
As a girl who’s been vicariously falling in love since I read Anne of Green Gables at 10 years old, I’ve had my fair share of “book boyfriends.” (A term I’ve always known in my soul, even if I didn’t have the words for it until recently.) I’ve fallen in love with Gilbert Blythe while studying at Queen’s Academy, Mr. Darcy while touring Pemberly, and Gus Everett while spending the summer at the beach. I’ve fallen in love with immortals, royals, and winged Fae. I know what it’s like to walk into a bookstore and feel butterflies in my stomach at the possibilities.
In short, I come by my fandom honestly, and I’m fascinated by the way fan spaces have evolved since I was a teenager spending my weekends in homemade merch at a midnight release party. Now, fan interactions happen online, and an artist’s lore is almost as important as the art itself. Entire careers are built on a foundation of self-mythology. 2020s pop culture thrives on it, and after one too many late-night internet deep dives, I got the idea for The Write Off.
We know what it looks like when a pop star breaks up with her boyfriend. Instead of love songs, she writes breakup songs. But what would happen if it was a best-selling fantasy series instead of pop music? Enter Mars Darling. When she accidentally makes the hero of her fantasy series a carbon copy of her first love, she turns him into the internet’s favorite book boyfriend. It’s mortifying and romantic and inspiring—right up until the moment Mars and West’s relationship implodes and she’s left broken hearted, alone, and with two more books to write.
In some ways, The Write Off is a fictional story about a fictional story. (I can’t say it doesn’t get a bit meta.) More importantly, I set out to write characters who feel real, even if that makes them a little messy. Mars and West’s story is one that embraces the angst and thrill of first love and second chances. It takes them more than a decade of art and love and loss to work through the mess, but when they do, every day of yearning was worth the wait.
For the devoted fangirl in me who duct taped a picture of one of my first “book boyfriends” to a plain white t-shirt because I couldn’t afford the real thing—putting this book into the world is a dream that was also worth the wait. Thank you for taking a look. I hope you find a little something that feels like falling in love.
Love,
Kara McDowell
P.S. Find me on IG or TikTok at @karajmcdowellbooks to find out what's next
December 10, 2025
Big thanks to Berkley Romance for the ARC of this one! This was my first by this author and will definitely not be my last! The story follows two writers who met in college as English majors. Mars is the author of a wildly successful YA romantasy series and West writes Literary Fiction. As a former English teacher and English major myself, so many of the details surrounding their college years were so fun for me, including descriptions of classics that I absolutely did not enjoy either! The book follows Mars and West over the course of their college career and post college as they fall in and out of love. This book was the perfect second chance romance with a slow burn. The tension between the two characters was incredible and despite all of the miscommunication between them. I could see that they were perfect for each other! The timeline goes back and forth between college, in between, and present day when they are seeing each other after many years apart at a book convention at the alma mater. This book was so great and I really loved every detail. It is perfect for all romance lovers, but especially people who love second chance and enjoy some fun literary details. Five stars all around! LOVED IT!
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February 24, 2026full rtc
Thank you, NetGalley, and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2026
4 stars 🌟 what a sweet second chance 🥹 this really took me through the ringer but i have no regrets and i absolutely loved westmargot 📖🍊🌸 they were meant for each other, even if it took them 10+ years to figure it out 😊
one of my favorite things about this was the way that margot healed her relationship with her writing ❤️🩹 i think the author did a great job about portraying her emotions from beginning to end and by the epilogue, it truly felt like she made a drastic shift in her mentality towards her work 🥲
sometimes the amount of times they saw each other over the years and something happened got a bit annoying but it all came together in the end (AND THE RED VINES AT THE MOVIE PREMIERE GODDDDD west is my dream man im sorry)
a special thank you to netgalley and berkley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
one of my favorite things about this was the way that margot healed her relationship with her writing ❤️🩹 i think the author did a great job about portraying her emotions from beginning to end and by the epilogue, it truly felt like she made a drastic shift in her mentality towards her work 🥲
sometimes the amount of times they saw each other over the years and something happened got a bit annoying but it all came together in the end (AND THE RED VINES AT THE MOVIE PREMIERE GODDDDD west is my dream man im sorry)
a special thank you to netgalley and berkley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars
They were 19 when their lives intersected. They went from rivals to friends to more. But it seemed it was not their time. They parted ways but always seemed to find their way back to each other. Through years of separation, they continued to carry a spark for each other. When both Mars and West were invited to a book festival at their alma mater, it seemed like fate was giving them another chance as some people are meant to be part of your life.
I have read and enjoyed several young adult books by McDowell. I was excited to see what she had in store for me with her adult debut, and I am here to tell you that I was not disappointed. Nobody adores a second chance romance the way I do, and this was one I was wholeheartedly behind. I wouldn't say I am into the woo-woo, but there was a reason life and circumstances and geography could not keep West and Mars apart. When something is meant to be, it is meant to be.
But timing was never on their side. As the story unfolded in dual timelines, I got to learn about the past that shaped these two. I got to watch them fall in love, make mistakes, and try to repair the damage. I got to watch them hurt and heal. Parts were wonderful, others were heartbreaking, but it was all important with respect to the future they could have together.
I have to admit that I struggled with Mars until later in the book. She was ambitious and driven but also very complicated. I know she had to deal with a level of success she could have only dreamed of and all the pressure that comes with that, but there were times I simply could not understand the choices she made. I still hoped she would figure it out because she and West belonged to each other. There were so many points in their history where you could see how they were the missing pieces in each others puzzles.
I was definitely team West from the beginning. He had a lot going on in his personal life with respect to his family, and he had to shelve a lot of his plans. He also grappled with a lot insecurities, and in his youth, he may not have always handled it all with grace, but gosh darn it, West in the present timeline was perfection. He always said he couldn't find the words, but believe me, he found them over and over again. He strummed my heartstrings like a virtuoso, and I swear to you! There was this one part near the end where his words moved me tears (happy ones).
Perhaps the universe knew they weren't ready for their BIG love with THE ONE back in college, but a strong case was emerging for them in the present timeline. Mars and West had grown a lot over the years, and I was hoping upon hope that they were both all in this time.
Overall, this was a story of second chances - a second chance for West and Mars to prove themselves, a second chance to shape their futures, and a second chance at love. I had a wonderful time visiting the past with these two and tagging along on their way to their HEA.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
They were 19 when their lives intersected. They went from rivals to friends to more. But it seemed it was not their time. They parted ways but always seemed to find their way back to each other. Through years of separation, they continued to carry a spark for each other. When both Mars and West were invited to a book festival at their alma mater, it seemed like fate was giving them another chance as some people are meant to be part of your life.
I have read and enjoyed several young adult books by McDowell. I was excited to see what she had in store for me with her adult debut, and I am here to tell you that I was not disappointed. Nobody adores a second chance romance the way I do, and this was one I was wholeheartedly behind. I wouldn't say I am into the woo-woo, but there was a reason life and circumstances and geography could not keep West and Mars apart. When something is meant to be, it is meant to be.
But timing was never on their side. As the story unfolded in dual timelines, I got to learn about the past that shaped these two. I got to watch them fall in love, make mistakes, and try to repair the damage. I got to watch them hurt and heal. Parts were wonderful, others were heartbreaking, but it was all important with respect to the future they could have together.
I have to admit that I struggled with Mars until later in the book. She was ambitious and driven but also very complicated. I know she had to deal with a level of success she could have only dreamed of and all the pressure that comes with that, but there were times I simply could not understand the choices she made. I still hoped she would figure it out because she and West belonged to each other. There were so many points in their history where you could see how they were the missing pieces in each others puzzles.
I was definitely team West from the beginning. He had a lot going on in his personal life with respect to his family, and he had to shelve a lot of his plans. He also grappled with a lot insecurities, and in his youth, he may not have always handled it all with grace, but gosh darn it, West in the present timeline was perfection. He always said he couldn't find the words, but believe me, he found them over and over again. He strummed my heartstrings like a virtuoso, and I swear to you! There was this one part near the end where his words moved me tears (happy ones).
Perhaps the universe knew they weren't ready for their BIG love with THE ONE back in college, but a strong case was emerging for them in the present timeline. Mars and West had grown a lot over the years, and I was hoping upon hope that they were both all in this time.
Overall, this was a story of second chances - a second chance for West and Mars to prove themselves, a second chance to shape their futures, and a second chance at love. I had a wonderful time visiting the past with these two and tagging along on their way to their HEA.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Write Off is a slow burn, friend to lovers to enemies to lovers romance that spans a decade. Mars and West meet in college and both are wildly talented, though in different ways and genres.
I’d like to start with the positives here, first. I genuinely enjoyed the story overall and the time switching between the past and the present. The beginning keeps you hooked because everything starts out in enemy territory between our two MCs, and I just HAD to know how we got there. As a writer myself, having both leads writers with different specialties and success levels was a fresh mechanism for a romance.
That being said, there were some things that were off-putting for me personally. I really just did not like Mars as a FMC, her reactions just felt so over the top and dramatic in some ways, though I’m sure many readers will see themselves in her. I also felt like it took way too long to understand the fallout between the characters, it made the first part of the story hard for me to get through because Mars just came off so petty, vengeful, and antagonizing. Even after hearing the whole story, I still think she was way too much. I also really dislike how she never took accountability for “destroying” her own career and just kept blaming West when SHE is the one who had an impulsive, emotional reaction that she let run wild and ruin the final book in her first series. Girl, be a grown up and own your own stuff.
All that being said, I do think this is a really well-written, well-thought-out romance that many people in the genre would enjoy. I’d absolutely recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Kara McDowell for allowing me to read an early copy of this book!
I’d like to start with the positives here, first. I genuinely enjoyed the story overall and the time switching between the past and the present. The beginning keeps you hooked because everything starts out in enemy territory between our two MCs, and I just HAD to know how we got there. As a writer myself, having both leads writers with different specialties and success levels was a fresh mechanism for a romance.
That being said, there were some things that were off-putting for me personally. I really just did not like Mars as a FMC, her reactions just felt so over the top and dramatic in some ways, though I’m sure many readers will see themselves in her. I also felt like it took way too long to understand the fallout between the characters, it made the first part of the story hard for me to get through because Mars just came off so petty, vengeful, and antagonizing. Even after hearing the whole story, I still think she was way too much. I also really dislike how she never took accountability for “destroying” her own career and just kept blaming West when SHE is the one who had an impulsive, emotional reaction that she let run wild and ruin the final book in her first series. Girl, be a grown up and own your own stuff.
All that being said, I do think this is a really well-written, well-thought-out romance that many people in the genre would enjoy. I’d absolutely recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Kara McDowell for allowing me to read an early copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This was a wonderful, angsty, romantic second-chance debut from Kara McDowell.
Mars Darling first met West Emerson thirteen years ago on a bench outside their writing class. What began as friendly rivalry quickly turned into friendship—and then bloomed into romance. Now Mars is back on that same college campus for a book festival, forced to face West—her former muse for her successful YA fantasy romance series—years after he betrayed her. Mars is determined to make her comeback to the publishing world a success and refuses to let a weekend surrounded by West and their shared past derail her. But being back on campus stirs up old memories, and Mars starts to wonder if she and West might deserve a second chance too.
I loved this story so much. Seriously—I finished it in less than two days because I could not put it down. Second-chance romances are some of my favorites, especially ones like this that move between past and present. The dual timelines beautifully highlighted the yearning and angst between Mars and West over the years.
I also really loved Mars. I respect a woman who can hold a grudge and be a little petty about it—but she also demanded honesty, sought real explanations, and was willing to forgive. Mars and West struggle with miscommunication, but it felt realistic: they needed time apart to grow up, find themselves, and ultimately learn how to love each other the right way.
If you love second-chance, slow-burn, hate-to-love romances, you’re definitely going to want to add The Write Off to your list.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶.5 / 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
The Write Off releases on 04/07/2026.
Thank you to Berkley and PRH for this advanced reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mars Darling first met West Emerson thirteen years ago on a bench outside their writing class. What began as friendly rivalry quickly turned into friendship—and then bloomed into romance. Now Mars is back on that same college campus for a book festival, forced to face West—her former muse for her successful YA fantasy romance series—years after he betrayed her. Mars is determined to make her comeback to the publishing world a success and refuses to let a weekend surrounded by West and their shared past derail her. But being back on campus stirs up old memories, and Mars starts to wonder if she and West might deserve a second chance too.
I loved this story so much. Seriously—I finished it in less than two days because I could not put it down. Second-chance romances are some of my favorites, especially ones like this that move between past and present. The dual timelines beautifully highlighted the yearning and angst between Mars and West over the years.
I also really loved Mars. I respect a woman who can hold a grudge and be a little petty about it—but she also demanded honesty, sought real explanations, and was willing to forgive. Mars and West struggle with miscommunication, but it felt realistic: they needed time apart to grow up, find themselves, and ultimately learn how to love each other the right way.
If you love second-chance, slow-burn, hate-to-love romances, you’re definitely going to want to add The Write Off to your list.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶.5 / 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
The Write Off releases on 04/07/2026.
Thank you to Berkley and PRH for this advanced reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much to Berkeley Romance for the ARC✨
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Warning: Spoilers ahead
(This is mostly me talking about my favorite parts)
I devoured this book in one sitting.
I am a slut for a second chance romance and this book did not disappoint. West and Mars had instant chemistry the moment they met and it just got better from there.
This book made me laugh, sigh, yell, cry, and swoon. Mars and West have a second chance but before they get there it’s nothing but longing and rivalry. I adored the dual timeline because how else would you know that they are epically in love with each other regardless of the current situation.
I have to say that my favorite part of the whole book is when Mars realizes that she wrote Fox Caldwell after West. It was so wholesome and innocent. It was the clear picture that her love for West was so subconscious that it was a part of her.
I absolutely love a “I would do it all over because it got us here” moment. Everytime 10/10 stars. No notes.
“You were the best fucking thing about this town”
Even after all those years, a whole decade, West is still thoughtful and cares about Mars. Going to the store at 7am to buy her oatmeal and then pretending he didn’t go through that is absolutely adorable. This book is absolutely adorable.
I kept wanting to know what happened next. I needed to see how the story would unfold. I needed to know what happened in the past to get to where they are. I was so captivated by the writing. It was beautifully done.
Honestly, I don’t want to ruin the ending so I will say that this book is 100% worth the read and I recommend it x100.
Just two people meant to be and time has proven it time and time again. Heartsick
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Warning: Spoilers ahead
(This is mostly me talking about my favorite parts)
I devoured this book in one sitting.
I am a slut for a second chance romance and this book did not disappoint. West and Mars had instant chemistry the moment they met and it just got better from there.
This book made me laugh, sigh, yell, cry, and swoon. Mars and West have a second chance but before they get there it’s nothing but longing and rivalry. I adored the dual timeline because how else would you know that they are epically in love with each other regardless of the current situation.
I have to say that my favorite part of the whole book is when Mars realizes that she wrote Fox Caldwell after West. It was so wholesome and innocent. It was the clear picture that her love for West was so subconscious that it was a part of her.
I absolutely love a “I would do it all over because it got us here” moment. Everytime 10/10 stars. No notes.
“You were the best fucking thing about this town”
Even after all those years, a whole decade, West is still thoughtful and cares about Mars. Going to the store at 7am to buy her oatmeal and then pretending he didn’t go through that is absolutely adorable. This book is absolutely adorable.
I kept wanting to know what happened next. I needed to see how the story would unfold. I needed to know what happened in the past to get to where they are. I was so captivated by the writing. It was beautifully done.
Honestly, I don’t want to ruin the ending so I will say that this book is 100% worth the read and I recommend it x100.
Just two people meant to be and time has proven it time and time again. Heartsick
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This story follows two writers who met in college as English majors and reconnect 13 years later at an author festival held at their old campus. Mars (FMC) is now the author of a successful YA romantasy series, while West (MMC) writes literary fiction and works as an English professor. The book is told through dual timelines, bouncing between their past and present as they navigate unfinished business and the possibility of a second chance.
I really enjoyed the concept of this one. Watching their relationship unfold—both romantically and creatively—was fascinating. Their shared love for writing, books, and words was my favorite part. Literature truly felt like their love language, and that aspect was beautifully done.
What didn’t fully work for me was the dialogue. At times it felt a bit awkward and uneven. Some conversations were really deep and meaningful, while others felt oddly shallow or flat, which made the emotional flow feel inconsistent.
West was a solid and likable character, but Mars wasn’t my favorite. She came across a little too full of herself at times and occasionally felt rude or ill-mannered, which made it harder for me to connect with her.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, and overall I enjoyed reading this book.
If you like:
• Second-chance romance
• Friends to lovers
• Enemies to lovers
• Only one bed
• Forced proximity
And if you enjoyed Swear on This Life by Renee Carlino, this one is definitely worth checking out.
This story follows two writers who met in college as English majors and reconnect 13 years later at an author festival held at their old campus. Mars (FMC) is now the author of a successful YA romantasy series, while West (MMC) writes literary fiction and works as an English professor. The book is told through dual timelines, bouncing between their past and present as they navigate unfinished business and the possibility of a second chance.
I really enjoyed the concept of this one. Watching their relationship unfold—both romantically and creatively—was fascinating. Their shared love for writing, books, and words was my favorite part. Literature truly felt like their love language, and that aspect was beautifully done.
What didn’t fully work for me was the dialogue. At times it felt a bit awkward and uneven. Some conversations were really deep and meaningful, while others felt oddly shallow or flat, which made the emotional flow feel inconsistent.
West was a solid and likable character, but Mars wasn’t my favorite. She came across a little too full of herself at times and occasionally felt rude or ill-mannered, which made it harder for me to connect with her.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, and overall I enjoyed reading this book.
If you like:
• Second-chance romance
• Friends to lovers
• Enemies to lovers
• Only one bed
• Forced proximity
And if you enjoyed Swear on This Life by Renee Carlino, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of ARC received from Netgalley
Mild spoilers
The romance in this book is really sweet. Second-chance romances are a hit or miss for me, but that aspect of this book was definetly a hit. The reasons for Mars and West splitting felt understandable and forgivable, which is something that a lot of second-chance romances miss, so that was really refreshing.
The dialogue in this book felt weird at times, a bit too much, awkward, and odd. Mars and West felt so real sometimes, but then other times the dialogue made them feel almost wooden. Mars' inner and verbal dialogue feels so disjointed from one another at times, and not in a way where it feels like she's confused, but more like it's confusing to read.
I enjoyed West, but didn't like Mars most of the time. However, I did enjoy their romance and how heavily books, reading, and writing were woven into their relationship. I loved the fact that literature was like a love language between the two of them, it was so sweet.
Overall, the book delivered a sweet romance with a good ending. And there was even a little mystery that really kept me engaged and reading because I couldn't wait to figure out what it was. The conclusion to said mystery (if you know, you know) was actually shocking to me, I didn't guess that at all, and was pleasantly surprised.
Mild spoilers
The romance in this book is really sweet. Second-chance romances are a hit or miss for me, but that aspect of this book was definetly a hit. The reasons for Mars and West splitting felt understandable and forgivable, which is something that a lot of second-chance romances miss, so that was really refreshing.
The dialogue in this book felt weird at times, a bit too much, awkward, and odd. Mars and West felt so real sometimes, but then other times the dialogue made them feel almost wooden. Mars' inner and verbal dialogue feels so disjointed from one another at times, and not in a way where it feels like she's confused, but more like it's confusing to read.
I enjoyed West, but didn't like Mars most of the time. However, I did enjoy their romance and how heavily books, reading, and writing were woven into their relationship. I loved the fact that literature was like a love language between the two of them, it was so sweet.
Overall, the book delivered a sweet romance with a good ending. And there was even a little mystery that really kept me engaged and reading because I couldn't wait to figure out what it was. The conclusion to said mystery (if you know, you know) was actually shocking to me, I didn't guess that at all, and was pleasantly surprised.
January 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5⭐️ (rounded down to 4 stars)
The setup of this book, a second chance romance told through alternating past and present timelines between authors, was right up my alley and did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the structure of the alternating timelines, although I do wish that format had continued for longer.
The complexity of the characters in both the past and present timelines was refreshing and made it easy to connect to them and their relationship as it evolved over time. The emotional depth added a lot to the story and kept me invested in both versions of their lives.
The message the author seemed to be conveying, or at least the one I took away from the story, was not particularly relatable to me, and I am not sure it is something I personally agree with. That said, it did not detract enough from my overall enjoyment to turn me off from the author entirely. I would still be interested in reading more of her work to see what else she has to say.
Overall, if you enjoy second chance romances and books about authors or writing, this is one you will likely enjoy.
The setup of this book, a second chance romance told through alternating past and present timelines between authors, was right up my alley and did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the structure of the alternating timelines, although I do wish that format had continued for longer.
The complexity of the characters in both the past and present timelines was refreshing and made it easy to connect to them and their relationship as it evolved over time. The emotional depth added a lot to the story and kept me invested in both versions of their lives.
The message the author seemed to be conveying, or at least the one I took away from the story, was not particularly relatable to me, and I am not sure it is something I personally agree with. That said, it did not detract enough from my overall enjoyment to turn me off from the author entirely. I would still be interested in reading more of her work to see what else she has to say.
Overall, if you enjoy second chance romances and books about authors or writing, this is one you will likely enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Write Off" is a sweet, emotional second-chance romance between two authors. Mars and West were college sweethearts, now they've both published books and are back on their alma mater's campus for an author festival. The story is told through an alternating past-and-present timeline that kept me wanting to keep reading to watch their history unfold.
One of my favorite parts of this book is Margot’s journey to healing the relationship with her writing and the expectations she sets for herself. The place she makes it to by the epilogue feels so earned. Mars and West are both flawed and sometimes annoyingly bad at communicating, but their romance itself was tender, swoony, witty and full of longing.
The repeated near-misses over the years tested my patience a bit, but everything comes together nicely. Especially when some big swoon-worthy moments from West become clear. Overall, this is a lovely second-chance romance with an emotional slow burn and I really enjoyed it📚🖤
Thank you Kara McDowell, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of "The Write Off" in exchange for my honest review.
One of my favorite parts of this book is Margot’s journey to healing the relationship with her writing and the expectations she sets for herself. The place she makes it to by the epilogue feels so earned. Mars and West are both flawed and sometimes annoyingly bad at communicating, but their romance itself was tender, swoony, witty and full of longing.
The repeated near-misses over the years tested my patience a bit, but everything comes together nicely. Especially when some big swoon-worthy moments from West become clear. Overall, this is a lovely second-chance romance with an emotional slow burn and I really enjoyed it📚🖤
Thank you Kara McDowell, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of "The Write Off" in exchange for my honest review.
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December 30, 2025Almost didn’t pick this one up because, come on, Mars and West? The names of the main characters almost put me off of this one, but I should’ve known by now not to underestimate Kara McDowell. The Prince & the Apocalypse was a fresh surprise; now with her adult romance debut, McDowell shows she can make the transition just fine.
The Write Off is a deeply affecting, enemies-to-second-chance romance told in parallel timelines of two authors who fell in love in college and reunite 10 years later at a literary festival held at their alma mater. West in particular has a long journey, but he makes his amends pretty spectacularly. Read on for:
🗣️ Believable communication issues
🫣 Petty revenge attempts gone wrong (but not too wrong)
💔 Long stretches of mutual yearning
🥰 A litfic MMC who respects the FMC’s popular romantasy from the jump
📖 Reading between the lines
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Write Off is a deeply affecting, enemies-to-second-chance romance told in parallel timelines of two authors who fell in love in college and reunite 10 years later at a literary festival held at their alma mater. West in particular has a long journey, but he makes his amends pretty spectacularly. Read on for:
🗣️ Believable communication issues
🫣 Petty revenge attempts gone wrong (but not too wrong)
💔 Long stretches of mutual yearning
🥰 A litfic MMC who respects the FMC’s popular romantasy from the jump
📖 Reading between the lines
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kara McDowell's THE WRITE OFF is an absolute masterclass in second chance, dual timeline, and kisses in the rain!
I loved so much about this. It's deeply relatable as an author, but beyond that the doubts and anxiety that Mars has not just about her writing career but her relationship with West felt so well-articulated and true to her character. Meanwhile, West is delightfully layered and so very human.
Their romance is messy in a perfectly imperfect way that feels so true to two people who are absolutely meant for each other but can't seem to get their timing right. It was the kind of push/pull that makes second chance so rewarding to read, and KD's line level prose is full of must-highlight lines.
If you enjoy getting your feelings hurt while you swoon, this one will be perfect for your spring reading list!
I loved so much about this. It's deeply relatable as an author, but beyond that the doubts and anxiety that Mars has not just about her writing career but her relationship with West felt so well-articulated and true to her character. Meanwhile, West is delightfully layered and so very human.
Their romance is messy in a perfectly imperfect way that feels so true to two people who are absolutely meant for each other but can't seem to get their timing right. It was the kind of push/pull that makes second chance so rewarding to read, and KD's line level prose is full of must-highlight lines.
If you enjoy getting your feelings hurt while you swoon, this one will be perfect for your spring reading list!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
West and Mars have spent fifteen years orbiting each other—always connected, never quite colliding. From the moment they meet, timing becomes their greatest enemy. Both dream of becoming successful authors, but while Mars rises to literary stardom, West’s path is tangled with choices that quietly—and sometimes disastrously—undercut her own success. Through beautifully woven flashbacks, the truth of their shared history slowly comes into focus, raising the question: can they finally embrace the possibilities between them, or are they destined to remain out of sync forever?
I absolutely loved this book. If you adore writing as much as reading, this story feels like a spark of creative oxygen. The prose is gorgeous, the characters linger in your mind long after you close the pages, and the emotional tension is captivating. I couldn’t put it down.
I absolutely loved this book. If you adore writing as much as reading, this story feels like a spark of creative oxygen. The prose is gorgeous, the characters linger in your mind long after you close the pages, and the emotional tension is captivating. I couldn’t put it down.
February 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This seemed like it would be the book for me. The premise immediately hooked me, and I was really excited to dive in. I love books centered around writing, so I really thought this might be a new favorite.
Unfortunately, it didn’t end up pulling me in the way I hoped it would. I kept waiting for that moment where it would fully click for me, but I never felt that strong emotional connection. I wanted a bit more momentum to keep me completely invested.
That said, I really enjoyed the dual timeline — that’s almost always a win for me. I thought it added depth and kept things interesting, and it was easily my favorite part of the book.
Overall, this one just wasn’t the right fit for me personally, but I can definitely see other readers enjoying it more than I did.
This seemed like it would be the book for me. The premise immediately hooked me, and I was really excited to dive in. I love books centered around writing, so I really thought this might be a new favorite.
Unfortunately, it didn’t end up pulling me in the way I hoped it would. I kept waiting for that moment where it would fully click for me, but I never felt that strong emotional connection. I wanted a bit more momentum to keep me completely invested.
That said, I really enjoyed the dual timeline — that’s almost always a win for me. I thought it added depth and kept things interesting, and it was easily my favorite part of the book.
Overall, this one just wasn’t the right fit for me personally, but I can definitely see other readers enjoying it more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, second chance romance that takes place at my alma mater.
It was fun reading about places and things I know. I enjoyed Mars and West and their love story.
The dual timelines was a great choice for this story. We got to see a bit of their happy past and wonder how they go to the point they are at in the present.
It gave a bit of suspense to wait and learn what the “big event” was that broke them apart. From there to see how it all pieces back together in the present.
I think the suspense helped the pacing of the story, because there were some parts that felt a little slow but then we would be back to wanting to know what happened.
Honestly, it was a good read. I’m glad I got to read from a local author. Thank you Net Galley and Berkley for this ARC.
It was fun reading about places and things I know. I enjoyed Mars and West and their love story.
The dual timelines was a great choice for this story. We got to see a bit of their happy past and wonder how they go to the point they are at in the present.
It gave a bit of suspense to wait and learn what the “big event” was that broke them apart. From there to see how it all pieces back together in the present.
I think the suspense helped the pacing of the story, because there were some parts that felt a little slow but then we would be back to wanting to know what happened.
Honestly, it was a good read. I’m glad I got to read from a local author. Thank you Net Galley and Berkley for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
I was lucky enough to be allowed to read an advance copy of THE WRITE OFF and I’m so glad I did! Romantic, funny, and surprising in the best ways, THE WRITE OFF is a meta love story about two writers who can’t seem to quit each other. Told in dual timelines, we follow Mars and West as they fall in love and loathing from their college days to the present when they’re appearing in a conference together. I was so eager to find out what happened in the past to bring the two characters to be enemies, yet the chemistry and palpable longing had me rooting for them each step of the way. Full of romantic tension, wit, and heart, THE WRITE OFF is my new favorite rom com- perfect for fans of Emily Henry. I’m jealous of past Nikki who got to read this book for the first time; it’s that good!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I read that this book was about two former love interests-turned author rivals who meet years later at a book festival where they’re unexpectedly on an author panel together, I was hooked by the conceit and bookish setting but I thought this was going to be a RomCom full of genre tropes. I’m so glad I was wrong. It was much more deep, emotional, and realistic than all of that. Even Margot’s attempts at “revenge” didn’t feel overly silly or RomCom-ish. I loved how the chapters alternated between the present day of the author festival and their past and what lead up to the present day rivalry. I could be wrong, but the author perspective on the publishing industry also felt pretty realistic. I just loved and cared a lot about the characters. Such an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars: This is a second chance romance about two writers who can't seem to stop writing about each other. I have loved McDowell's writing style and perfect Arizona representation since her first book, and this was no exception. Mars and West had such compelling chemistry, and the dual timeline execution was flawless. I really wanted more depth and clearer motivations for the other characters, though. Still, I would highly recommend this read! Note for McDowell fans that this is definitely her most adult book to date. I enjoyed the college story timeline more and would've loved to have more time with them in their early years (like seeing her meet his family besides his sister, for example). I could happily have read a much longer book, but I really enjoyed what we got!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC.
In this stand-alone romance novel by Kara McDowell, it has been over a decade since Mars Darling and West Emerson college romance went awry. Since then, Mars Darling has hit it big as a YA fantasy writer while West Emerson is an English professor who has had some limited success with his debut novel with his second just out.
They cross paths again at a Author festival on their home college campus. Told in alternating time frames from college and the present, we learn what happened in the past and if they are willing to work things out in the present. I found the story to be witty and fun with romance thrown in for good measure.
In this stand-alone romance novel by Kara McDowell, it has been over a decade since Mars Darling and West Emerson college romance went awry. Since then, Mars Darling has hit it big as a YA fantasy writer while West Emerson is an English professor who has had some limited success with his debut novel with his second just out.
They cross paths again at a Author festival on their home college campus. Told in alternating time frames from college and the present, we learn what happened in the past and if they are willing to work things out in the present. I found the story to be witty and fun with romance thrown in for good measure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When two authors with a deep (and romantic) history are forced back into each others' orbits for a book festival, a decade of feelings and heartbreak can no longer be ignored. This book wonderfully tied in flashbacks to Mars and West's college romance with the present story set on the same campus over a decade later. I loved how the flashbacks were really a part of the story, and added so much to it, while the story in the present was still great. Mars and West both had their flaws, but that made the story all the better, and I loved how their story finished.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kara McDowell did it again! I got hooked on this book from the start and finished it within a few days. This books tells the story of Mars and West. They are both aspiring writers that meet in college. The story follows them well into their adulthood and future careers. There is so much angst and tension between these two characters that kept me waning more. This story is romantic and funny. I enjoyed seeing each of the characters develop and mature. There are twists and turns I didn’t expect and it ended wonderfully. I would recommend this book to any of my friends.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I stayed up late finishing this perfect second chance romance because I couldn't put it down.
The tension between the characters was undeniable. I could've read about them arguing, bantering, and loving each other for another 100 pages. I'm obsessed with West and relate to Mars in so many ways. You know it's good when you'll be thinking about the characters long after.
Not to mention, one of the final scenes is one of the best professions of love I've read in a romance book! I'm so impressed by Kara McDowell and will definitely be picking up any future romances of hers!
The tension between the characters was undeniable. I could've read about them arguing, bantering, and loving each other for another 100 pages. I'm obsessed with West and relate to Mars in so many ways. You know it's good when you'll be thinking about the characters long after.
Not to mention, one of the final scenes is one of the best professions of love I've read in a romance book! I'm so impressed by Kara McDowell and will definitely be picking up any future romances of hers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was a little unsure about this book going into it, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. I ended up not wanting to put the book down.
I thought the story did a good job of building my suspense about what exactly went down between them to make her try to seek some sort of revenge. That said I think it would be worth giving this book another read now knowing everything that happened between them and trying to see things from West’s point of view.
I thought the story did a good job of building my suspense about what exactly went down between them to make her try to seek some sort of revenge. That said I think it would be worth giving this book another read now knowing everything that happened between them and trying to see things from West’s point of view.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
West and Margot (Mars) meet freshman year and are want-to-be writers, and over the span of 13 - 15 years of them writing books, they have been together, broken apart, fueded, and journaled about by journalist. Both hurting each other somehow. I love the banter, heartsick, and frustrations that both deal with to finally get to the end game... to be with each other or not?
January 20, 2026
Thank you Net Galley for an ARC! The Write Off is an adorable second chance romance about two authors who fell in love in college meeting again at a convention being held on their alma maters campus. The book switches between the present and back in time to the characters college days. I thought the romance was sweet and swoon worthy. I loved that both characters had flaws that they acknowledged and worked on. Such a lovely novel about two people overcoming their past and falling in love again.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received this uncorrected copy in exchange for an honest review. It was somewhat of a duel timeline as they knew each other in college 10 years ago. They were a couple, but something happened to break them up. Now present day they meet again at an author's panel, and it starts over again. The banter was good and the fact that they were both authors was interesting. A good rom-com.
November 29, 2025
THE WRITING STUFF HIT A LITTLE *TOO* CLOSE TO HOME SOMETIMES LOL BUT I LOVED HOW THEY GAVE EACH OTHER NOTES AND WROTE EACH OTHER INTO THEIR WORK WHETHER CONSCIOUSLY OR NOT -- IT WAS JUST SO ROMANTIC!
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January 23, 2026Pub date April 7, 2026
Review to come
Review to come
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