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Romantic Hero
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Expected 16 Jun 26A heartbroken romance novelist is forced to address her writer's block when the villainous cowboy character from her books shows up in the real world, desperately in need of his own Happily Ever After. . . from the bestselling author of GMA book club pick The Love of My Afterlife.
Gertie Bickerstaff writes happily-ever-afters for a living. . . . Or she did, until her own love life fell apart. Now her ex is thriving, her deadline is looming, and she can’t write a single word.
The last thing Gertie needs is more drama—like waking up to find a confused and rugged cowboy on her sofa. And not just any cowboy, but River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel. Somehow very real . . . and very shirtless.
River wants to go home. Gertie wants her life back. So they strike a deal: he’ll use his cunning ways to help her win back her ex, she’ll finish the novel, and, surely, he’ll return to whatever world he rode in from.
But as River Oakley proves to be so much more than just the bad guy, Gertie has to choose: the ending she thought she wanted . . . or the plot twist she never saw coming.
Gertie Bickerstaff writes happily-ever-afters for a living. . . . Or she did, until her own love life fell apart. Now her ex is thriving, her deadline is looming, and she can’t write a single word.
The last thing Gertie needs is more drama—like waking up to find a confused and rugged cowboy on her sofa. And not just any cowboy, but River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel. Somehow very real . . . and very shirtless.
River wants to go home. Gertie wants her life back. So they strike a deal: he’ll use his cunning ways to help her win back her ex, she’ll finish the novel, and, surely, he’ll return to whatever world he rode in from.
But as River Oakley proves to be so much more than just the bad guy, Gertie has to choose: the ending she thought she wanted . . . or the plot twist she never saw coming.
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 2, 2026
25 people are currently reading
15189 people want to read
About the author
Kirsty Greenwood
19 books2,262 followersKirsty Greenwood is a top ten bestselling author of funny, fearless and fast-paced romantic comedies about extraordinary love.
When she's not writing books she composes musicals, cooks new recipes with varying success, walks the blustery hills where she lives, buys too much glittery eyeshadow, sings to her dog, kisses her husband and reads all of the books she can get her grabby hands on.
If you want to find out about Kirsty's new releases and discounted books you can sign up to the newsletter here: www.kirstygreenwood.com/newsletter
Kirsty Instagrams at @kirsty_greenwood and can be found on Facebook at KirstyGreenwoodBooks. Say hi! She loves a natter.
When she's not writing books she composes musicals, cooks new recipes with varying success, walks the blustery hills where she lives, buys too much glittery eyeshadow, sings to her dog, kisses her husband and reads all of the books she can get her grabby hands on.
If you want to find out about Kirsty's new releases and discounted books you can sign up to the newsletter here: www.kirstygreenwood.com/newsletter
Kirsty Instagrams at @kirsty_greenwood and can be found on Facebook at KirstyGreenwoodBooks. Say hi! She loves a natter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
while i did not cry as much as i did while reading the love of my afterlife, i felt a lot more complex emotions reading romantic hero.
this was such a beautiful magical realism romance — and i am especially proud of our fmc gertie; she really scared me for a second because of how much of a meek pushover she was, especially regarding that windbag henry, but boy did she really grow into herself!!
i loved river as the mmc — he was gruff and snarky but also really encouraged gertie to stick up for herself, and showed her how to be her own person. i loved that he never allowed her to put herself down and supported her, but was very clear in his communication when he felt wronged by her. not to mention he was sexyyy and made gertie feel just as sexy too😌🙂↕️
not to mention his letter to her😭 THAT’S when i cried…
overall i really enjoy kirsty greenwood’s writing and i am chomping for another book by her asap. i’ll have to dive into her backlist!!
not to mention there was an easter egg from the love of my afterlife😭🩵
——
beyond excited to dive into this next book by kirsty greenwood because the love of my afterlife completely rewired my brain
while i did not cry as much as i did while reading the love of my afterlife, i felt a lot more complex emotions reading romantic hero.
this was such a beautiful magical realism romance — and i am especially proud of our fmc gertie; she really scared me for a second because of how much of a meek pushover she was, especially regarding that windbag henry, but boy did she really grow into herself!!
i loved river as the mmc — he was gruff and snarky but also really encouraged gertie to stick up for herself, and showed her how to be her own person. i loved that he never allowed her to put herself down and supported her, but was very clear in his communication when he felt wronged by her. not to mention he was sexyyy and made gertie feel just as sexy too😌🙂↕️
not to mention his letter to her😭 THAT’S when i cried…
overall i really enjoy kirsty greenwood’s writing and i am chomping for another book by her asap. i’ll have to dive into her backlist!!
not to mention there was an easter egg from the love of my afterlife😭🩵
——
beyond excited to dive into this next book by kirsty greenwood because the love of my afterlife completely rewired my brain
January 24, 2026
LOVED! 💕💕💕💕 Review to come.
February 22, 2026
[arc review] I so badly wanted to enjoy this and I’m annoyed at myself for not liking it!
romantic hero follows gertie. the main focus of the book is how she’s navigating a breakup, and finding herself in a writing slump because of it. in comes river—the book boyfriend she created herself, except he’s fallen out of the pages of her book and is very real.
I really wanted to enjoy this but I didn’t enjoy how gertie was pining after her shitty ex for most of the book. I wanted to empathise for her, I really did—but it got to a point where I wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to get up. I understand it’s a plot point, but it served its purpose and went far too into the book.
it’s a cute romance nonetheless, with a different spin on magical realism to what I’m used to. I just found myself not engaged because the fmc felt whiny and didn’t really care to put herself first for once, and only did so at an unreasonable part of the book.
thank you cornerstone / random house UK for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
romantic hero follows gertie. the main focus of the book is how she’s navigating a breakup, and finding herself in a writing slump because of it. in comes river—the book boyfriend she created herself, except he’s fallen out of the pages of her book and is very real.
I really wanted to enjoy this but I didn’t enjoy how gertie was pining after her shitty ex for most of the book. I wanted to empathise for her, I really did—but it got to a point where I wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to get up. I understand it’s a plot point, but it served its purpose and went far too into the book.
it’s a cute romance nonetheless, with a different spin on magical realism to what I’m used to. I just found myself not engaged because the fmc felt whiny and didn’t really care to put herself first for once, and only did so at an unreasonable part of the book.
thank you cornerstone / random house UK for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 4, 2026
🤠 Bookish Thoughts
✨💖 Gertie & River foreverrr 💖✨
Ugh, I loved this book. I had a feeling I would since I loved The Love of My Afterlife, but this one really delivered. It’s such a cozy, funny romcom with just a little bit of magical realism mixed in.
Gertie absolutely needed River to show up and shake up her very prim and proper life with his cowboy maverick attitude. Just the idea of River being dropped into Gertie’s social circles is funny enough. Watching him casually break every social rule while somehow still charming everyone around him was hilarious. Him and his damn hat 🤠
What I loved most though is how River really sees Gertie. After being with that loser Henry, she desperately needed someone to see her, value her, and actually want her. I also loved that he helped her process her sister's death. She really needed that.
The ending had me a little nervous for a minute, but it ended up being one of my favorite endings. I closed the book very happy.
Also lowkey… I would absolutely read a book about Cassidy and the Bedlam Creek crew.
💫What to Expect
• Author FMC
• Cowboy MMC
• Fake dating
• Forced proximity
• Magical realism
• Villain gets the girl
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2026
📝 Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
✨💖 Gertie & River foreverrr 💖✨
Ugh, I loved this book. I had a feeling I would since I loved The Love of My Afterlife, but this one really delivered. It’s such a cozy, funny romcom with just a little bit of magical realism mixed in.
Gertie absolutely needed River to show up and shake up her very prim and proper life with his cowboy maverick attitude. Just the idea of River being dropped into Gertie’s social circles is funny enough. Watching him casually break every social rule while somehow still charming everyone around him was hilarious. Him and his damn hat 🤠
What I loved most though is how River really sees Gertie. After being with that loser Henry, she desperately needed someone to see her, value her, and actually want her. I also loved that he helped her process her sister's death. She really needed that.
The ending had me a little nervous for a minute, but it ended up being one of my favorite endings. I closed the book very happy.
Also lowkey… I would absolutely read a book about Cassidy and the Bedlam Creek crew.
💫What to Expect
• Author FMC
• Cowboy MMC
• Fake dating
• Forced proximity
• Magical realism
• Villain gets the girl
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: June 16, 2026
📝 Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Henry sucks. River is a caricature of a cowboy, which fine given the narrative, but biscuits and grits are not a thing, it’s way too hot in central Texas for a cowboy to not know how to swim, and I know it might be shocking but a cowboy from a town an hour outside of a major US city, would know what a small dog is.
If I wasn’t a Texas resident who spent a big chunk of my adult life an hour away from the fictional town the MMC is from I might have enjoyed this more. As of now I’m just annoyed. This is why I’m always apprehensive to read books set in places I’ve lived written by authors who have not lived there. 😑
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Thank you Berkley for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
If I wasn’t a Texas resident who spent a big chunk of my adult life an hour away from the fictional town the MMC is from I might have enjoyed this more. As of now I’m just annoyed. This is why I’m always apprehensive to read books set in places I’ve lived written by authors who have not lived there. 😑
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Berkley for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2026
4.25⭐️! kirsty greenwood does it again and delivers a magical romance! my main gripe is the main character’s name being gertie bickerstaff (lol) & her needing to throw hands way quicker and more often than she did. but who knows maybe she grows into herself eventually ;)
thank you netgalley & berkley publishing group for the arc!!!
thank you netgalley & berkley publishing group for the arc!!!
December 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ — A wildly charming, reality-bending romance full of humor, heart, and swoony surprises 🤠📚💖
Romantic Hero is a clever, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional rom-com that plays with the idea of fiction coming to life in the most delightful way. Kirsty Greenwood delivers a story packed with laugh-out-loud moments, swoony surprises, and a genuinely heartfelt journey about healing after heartbreak.
Gertie Bickerstaff is a romance writer who no longer believes in her own happily-ever-afters 💔✍️. Reeling from a breakup, drowning in writer’s block, and staring down a brutal deadline, she’s already at her limit—until she wakes up to find a very real, very confused, and very shirtless cowboy on her couch 🤠🔥. River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel, is somehow alive in the real world, and the chaos that follows is pure romantic-comedy gold.
Their deal—to use River to help Gertie win back her ex while she finishes his story—sets up a deliciously messy, emotionally charged situation 💥❤️. What makes it shine is how River slowly proves that he’s far more than just a fictional bad guy. Beneath the bravado is vulnerability, loyalty, and a longing for his own happily ever after that’s impossible not to root for.
The story balances absurdity and emotional depth beautifully. There’s humor in every chapter, but also genuine reflection on heartbreak, self-worth, and the danger of clinging to the wrong ending just because it feels familiar 🥺📖. Watching Gertie question everything she thought she wanted is both funny and quietly powerful.
A witty, swoon-worthy rom-com about rewriting your own story and choosing the love you never expected 🤠💞✨. Romantic Hero is perfect for readers who love fictional-meets-real chaos, heartfelt humor, and happily-ever-afters with a twist.
Romantic Hero is a clever, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional rom-com that plays with the idea of fiction coming to life in the most delightful way. Kirsty Greenwood delivers a story packed with laugh-out-loud moments, swoony surprises, and a genuinely heartfelt journey about healing after heartbreak.
Gertie Bickerstaff is a romance writer who no longer believes in her own happily-ever-afters 💔✍️. Reeling from a breakup, drowning in writer’s block, and staring down a brutal deadline, she’s already at her limit—until she wakes up to find a very real, very confused, and very shirtless cowboy on her couch 🤠🔥. River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel, is somehow alive in the real world, and the chaos that follows is pure romantic-comedy gold.
Their deal—to use River to help Gertie win back her ex while she finishes his story—sets up a deliciously messy, emotionally charged situation 💥❤️. What makes it shine is how River slowly proves that he’s far more than just a fictional bad guy. Beneath the bravado is vulnerability, loyalty, and a longing for his own happily ever after that’s impossible not to root for.
The story balances absurdity and emotional depth beautifully. There’s humor in every chapter, but also genuine reflection on heartbreak, self-worth, and the danger of clinging to the wrong ending just because it feels familiar 🥺📖. Watching Gertie question everything she thought she wanted is both funny and quietly powerful.
A witty, swoon-worthy rom-com about rewriting your own story and choosing the love you never expected 🤠💞✨. Romantic Hero is perfect for readers who love fictional-meets-real chaos, heartfelt humor, and happily-ever-afters with a twist.
January 1, 2026
Kristy Greenwood take all of my money I trust your books with my life. Kristy did it again ya’ll.
February 8, 2026
Sadly, not enough banter and tension. But it was a fun read and would be great on a summer TBR.
February 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the gifted ARC!
Love of My Afterlife was one of my top reads in 2024 and I was beyond excited to get the opportunity to read an ARC of Romantic Hero. It was also my first Berkley approval on NetGalley so that makes this one even more special!
Once I saw that this was magical realism, I said sign me up! This was everything I wanted A Novel Love Story to be. Gertie is an author, who after her longtime boyfriend wants to put their relationship on a break, ends up sad and with writer’s block. Enter River, the villain side character from Gertie’s unfinished romance series. Every single character in this book was a blast, from her hilarious neighbor to an adorable loving dog.
I was so nervous about how this would all play out; there were so many different options Kirsty could have gone with. I am so happy to say the ending was EVERYTHING I WANTED and more. I am also not afraid to admit that I may have read this with a margarita and I may have cried at the end, but that was definitely the tequila talking 🤣
It’s really hard to get across just how much I loved this without spoiling anything. Love of My Afterlife is still my number 1 but this was a very close second!
Love of My Afterlife was one of my top reads in 2024 and I was beyond excited to get the opportunity to read an ARC of Romantic Hero. It was also my first Berkley approval on NetGalley so that makes this one even more special!
Once I saw that this was magical realism, I said sign me up! This was everything I wanted A Novel Love Story to be. Gertie is an author, who after her longtime boyfriend wants to put their relationship on a break, ends up sad and with writer’s block. Enter River, the villain side character from Gertie’s unfinished romance series. Every single character in this book was a blast, from her hilarious neighbor to an adorable loving dog.
I was so nervous about how this would all play out; there were so many different options Kirsty could have gone with. I am so happy to say the ending was EVERYTHING I WANTED and more. I am also not afraid to admit that I may have read this with a margarita and I may have cried at the end, but that was definitely the tequila talking 🤣
It’s really hard to get across just how much I loved this without spoiling anything. Love of My Afterlife is still my number 1 but this was a very close second!
February 6, 2026
This is my fav brand of silly
Romance!
Romance!
February 7, 2026
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the arc!
Rtc
Rtc
January 13, 2026
5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
ARC review:
romantic hero was an absolute joy from start to finish. kirsty greenwood has such a unique way of writing, and this book perfectly balances absurd humor with real emotional depth. after loving the love of my afterlife, i was so excited to read this, and it did not disappoint. gertie is a romance novelist trying to finish the final book in her series while dealing with heartbreak and writer’s block. when she wakes up to find river oakley, the antagonist from her novels, sitting in her living room, the story takes off in the most unexpected and delightful way. what follows is absurd, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional. the beginning had me laughing out loud, but the second half took a deeper turn, exploring self-worth, people-pleasing, grief, and learning to take up space. following gertie’s journey was emotional and deeply satisfying, and i loved how river challenged her, supported her, and made her feel truly seen and loved. this book made me laugh, cry, and fall completely in love. it was heartfelt, funny, and just beautiful.
read if you like:
- magical realism
- absurd hilarious situations
- emotional journey
- a heartbroken romance novelist who believes in HEA
- a flirty, womanizer cowboy who doesn't believe in love
- fake dating
- only one bed
2/5 🌶️
ARC review:
romantic hero was an absolute joy from start to finish. kirsty greenwood has such a unique way of writing, and this book perfectly balances absurd humor with real emotional depth. after loving the love of my afterlife, i was so excited to read this, and it did not disappoint. gertie is a romance novelist trying to finish the final book in her series while dealing with heartbreak and writer’s block. when she wakes up to find river oakley, the antagonist from her novels, sitting in her living room, the story takes off in the most unexpected and delightful way. what follows is absurd, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional. the beginning had me laughing out loud, but the second half took a deeper turn, exploring self-worth, people-pleasing, grief, and learning to take up space. following gertie’s journey was emotional and deeply satisfying, and i loved how river challenged her, supported her, and made her feel truly seen and loved. this book made me laugh, cry, and fall completely in love. it was heartfelt, funny, and just beautiful.
read if you like:
- magical realism
- absurd hilarious situations
- emotional journey
- a heartbroken romance novelist who believes in HEA
- a flirty, womanizer cowboy who doesn't believe in love
- fake dating
- only one bed
January 10, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 I am sure that every writer hopes their stories are so vivid that they jump off the pages…maybe just not literally right onto their couch. Gertie is a romance writer afflicted with recent heartbreak and a major case of writer’s block; and unfortunately deadlines do not wait for our personal grievances to work out. And so the show, or in this case, book series, must go on. But when a shirtless cowboy from her novel appears on the couch, it must all be a farce…
Perpetual people pleaser Gertie is challenged when this bold man in boots pushes her out of her comfort zone in this charming tale sprinkled with humor and magical realism. Kirsty Greenwood delivers top level comedic gold that is delicately layered with heavier topics as Gertie and her cowboy River Oakley face their personal demons, creating a beautifully balanced story. Romantic Hero is one heartfelt story, whisking the reader along an enchanting journey of hope and self-love.
📖 Book Review 📖 I am sure that every writer hopes their stories are so vivid that they jump off the pages…maybe just not literally right onto their couch. Gertie is a romance writer afflicted with recent heartbreak and a major case of writer’s block; and unfortunately deadlines do not wait for our personal grievances to work out. And so the show, or in this case, book series, must go on. But when a shirtless cowboy from her novel appears on the couch, it must all be a farce…
Perpetual people pleaser Gertie is challenged when this bold man in boots pushes her out of her comfort zone in this charming tale sprinkled with humor and magical realism. Kirsty Greenwood delivers top level comedic gold that is delicately layered with heavier topics as Gertie and her cowboy River Oakley face their personal demons, creating a beautifully balanced story. Romantic Hero is one heartfelt story, whisking the reader along an enchanting journey of hope and self-love.
March 29, 2026
4.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 just like The Love Of My Afterlife, this is fun and silly with an amazing cast of characters and the perfect amount of magical realism! I really enjoyed this book, only dropped a tiny bit of a star because I wanted a little bit more romantic tension and giddy longing.
January 12, 2026
Days into 2026 and I think I’ve already read my favorite romance book of the year.
January 6, 2026
Kirsty Greenwood has done it again 🥹😭 brilliant, heartwarming, and so much fun. I can’t recommend this book enough! Out June 2, 2026.
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Gertie Bickerstaff is an author battling writer’s block after a recent heartbreak, with the final book in her Texas romance series due in just two weeks! Desperate and stuck, she turns to an extreme solution: a manifestation ceremony with her neighbor, hoping to heal her heart, finish her book, and win back her love.
When she wakes up to find River Oakley, the villain from her novels, alive and standing in her flat, things take a wildly unexpected turn. Together, they must figure out how to send him back to the pages where he belongs and maybe fix Gertie’s love life along the way.
This story was such a joy to read. Another slam dunk by Kirsty. The characters felt incredibly real, the adventure was delightful, and the book beautifully explores grief, finding your voice, and healing•••with plenty of laughs and an unforgettable dog named Squish 😂
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Gertie Bickerstaff is an author battling writer’s block after a recent heartbreak, with the final book in her Texas romance series due in just two weeks! Desperate and stuck, she turns to an extreme solution: a manifestation ceremony with her neighbor, hoping to heal her heart, finish her book, and win back her love.
When she wakes up to find River Oakley, the villain from her novels, alive and standing in her flat, things take a wildly unexpected turn. Together, they must figure out how to send him back to the pages where he belongs and maybe fix Gertie’s love life along the way.
This story was such a joy to read. Another slam dunk by Kirsty. The characters felt incredibly real, the adventure was delightful, and the book beautifully explores grief, finding your voice, and healing•••with plenty of laughs and an unforgettable dog named Squish 😂
February 18, 2026
Romantic Hero follows Gertie Bickerstaff, a romance author who is struggling to meet her deadline after a breakup. After performing a manifestation ceremony to get rid of her writer's block and get her ex back, she wakes up to find a confused and rugged cowboy on her sofa. And not just any cowboy, but River Oakley, the villain from her unfinished novel. River wants to go home, and Gertie wants her life back. So they strike a deal: he’ll help her win back her ex, and she’ll finish her novel, and hopefully he’ll return to his own world.
I adored The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood, so as soon as I saw that Romantic Hero was available on NetGalley, I had to request it!
Kirsty Greenwood has a gift for writing hilarious, swoony romances with lovable characters and fun magical realism. The parallel universe aspect of this story was really interesting, and it was so funny to read about a rugged Texan cowboy experiencing England and all of its oddities for the first time.
Speaking of rugged Texan cowboys, I adored River Oakley so much. He is the definition of more than meets the eye, and I loved seeing him soften over time. He had such great character development, and it was so entertaining seeing him discover Beyoncé and custard creams! I loved the way he supported Gertie and encouraged her to stop being such a pushover and to become her own person.
I also really enjoyed Gertie’s character (although I cannot get over her name or the nickname River has for her?!), and it was so satisfying seeing her grow a backbone, especially when it came to her ex, Henry. She was struggling both with processing and feeling guilt over her sister’s death, and the portrayal of grief was done well.
There were also several side characters I enjoyed, especially the eccentric Mrs Casablancas and her lovable (but naughty!) dog Squish. It was also lovely to see Aled the librarian from The Love of My Afterlife make a cameo!
Gertie and River had such a great strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance, with fantastic chemistry and tension. From what I remember, there was slightly more spice than in The Love of My Afterlife, but it was not excessive and was well written.
The ending had me absolutely bawling (I’m a sucker for letters to each other!), and I loved where the characters ended up; their ending felt earned.
The only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me is that one of the characters does something in the third act that felt very out of character and like it was added in for drama’s sake. I also felt like Gertie’s relationship with her parents was glossed over, and we didn’t get any kind of resolution there. The parallel universe hopping also felt a little too easy, but seeing as this is a romance book and not a sci-fi book, I can let that slide!
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this book. If you’re looking for a fun, slightly silly (but in a good way!) romance with lovable characters and emotional depth, I would 100% recommend Romantic Hero. Kirsty Greenwood is now an auto-buy author for me, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for providing me with an eARC. This review is being left voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
I adored The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood, so as soon as I saw that Romantic Hero was available on NetGalley, I had to request it!
Kirsty Greenwood has a gift for writing hilarious, swoony romances with lovable characters and fun magical realism. The parallel universe aspect of this story was really interesting, and it was so funny to read about a rugged Texan cowboy experiencing England and all of its oddities for the first time.
Speaking of rugged Texan cowboys, I adored River Oakley so much. He is the definition of more than meets the eye, and I loved seeing him soften over time. He had such great character development, and it was so entertaining seeing him discover Beyoncé and custard creams! I loved the way he supported Gertie and encouraged her to stop being such a pushover and to become her own person.
I also really enjoyed Gertie’s character (although I cannot get over her name or the nickname River has for her?!), and it was so satisfying seeing her grow a backbone, especially when it came to her ex, Henry. She was struggling both with processing and feeling guilt over her sister’s death, and the portrayal of grief was done well.
There were also several side characters I enjoyed, especially the eccentric Mrs Casablancas and her lovable (but naughty!) dog Squish. It was also lovely to see Aled the librarian from The Love of My Afterlife make a cameo!
Gertie and River had such a great strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance, with fantastic chemistry and tension. From what I remember, there was slightly more spice than in The Love of My Afterlife, but it was not excessive and was well written.
The ending had me absolutely bawling (I’m a sucker for letters to each other!), and I loved where the characters ended up; their ending felt earned.
The only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me is that one of the characters does something in the third act that felt very out of character and like it was added in for drama’s sake. I also felt like Gertie’s relationship with her parents was glossed over, and we didn’t get any kind of resolution there. The parallel universe hopping also felt a little too easy, but seeing as this is a romance book and not a sci-fi book, I can let that slide!
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this book. If you’re looking for a fun, slightly silly (but in a good way!) romance with lovable characters and emotional depth, I would 100% recommend Romantic Hero. Kirsty Greenwood is now an auto-buy author for me, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for providing me with an eARC. This review is being left voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
January 15, 2026
Kristy Greenwood does a really great job again creating a fun whimsical love story. I really enjoy Greenwood’s magical elements that she weaves into all of her stories. As a reader, you have to suspend disbelief and just roll with it, but that’s part of the charm.
Things that work really well in this book include the author trope with a character that comes to life. I also appreciated that it was more than just a silly fun romance. The story delved into deeper themes of grief and learning how to move on and forgive yourself. These emotional layers added real depth to what could have been a purely lighthearted tale.
The characters were truly loveable, which made up for some of the story’s other shortcomings. I enjoyed seeing both main characters grow and get out of their comfort zones throughout the book. Their development felt genuine and earned. The dynamic between the dog and River was really funny and sweet, adding another layer of charm to the story. Those moments provided some of the book’s most heartwarming and entertaining scenes.
However, the plot itself felt a little bit lacking. While the premise was intriguing, the actual story structure didn’t always deliver on its potential. The conflict felt underdeveloped at times, and some plot points seemed to resolve too easily or conveniently. I found myself wanting more complications or obstacles to keep the tension high throughout the story.
The pacing was also a bit all over the place. It felt like the last third of the book dragged quite a bit, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The story seemed to lose some of its momentum just when it should have been building toward the climax. While the beginning and middle sections moved along nicely with good energy and development, the end felt drawn out. Some scenes could have been tightened up or cut entirely to keep the narrative moving at a more consistent pace. Despite these issues with plot and pacing, the emotional payoff, loveable characters, and the unique premise still made it a worthwhile read overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
Things that work really well in this book include the author trope with a character that comes to life. I also appreciated that it was more than just a silly fun romance. The story delved into deeper themes of grief and learning how to move on and forgive yourself. These emotional layers added real depth to what could have been a purely lighthearted tale.
The characters were truly loveable, which made up for some of the story’s other shortcomings. I enjoyed seeing both main characters grow and get out of their comfort zones throughout the book. Their development felt genuine and earned. The dynamic between the dog and River was really funny and sweet, adding another layer of charm to the story. Those moments provided some of the book’s most heartwarming and entertaining scenes.
However, the plot itself felt a little bit lacking. While the premise was intriguing, the actual story structure didn’t always deliver on its potential. The conflict felt underdeveloped at times, and some plot points seemed to resolve too easily or conveniently. I found myself wanting more complications or obstacles to keep the tension high throughout the story.
The pacing was also a bit all over the place. It felt like the last third of the book dragged quite a bit, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The story seemed to lose some of its momentum just when it should have been building toward the climax. While the beginning and middle sections moved along nicely with good energy and development, the end felt drawn out. Some scenes could have been tightened up or cut entirely to keep the narrative moving at a more consistent pace. Despite these issues with plot and pacing, the emotional payoff, loveable characters, and the unique premise still made it a worthwhile read overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨Magical Realism Romcom
✨Author with baggage and a deadline
✨Manifesting gone right
✨Fake dating
✨Cowboy in London
✨He's literally a character from her book
Gertie is in a pickle. Her heart is broken, and she can't finish her book. Her sweet neighbor suggests they do a manifestation ceremony on the roof to make things better. At the very least, try to get Gertie to stop wailing in the tub at night. Gertie has no faith that it will work but writes down her wishes.
WELLLL, it did work, not how Gertie had planned, though, because there is a SHIRTLESS COWBOY ON HER COUCH! River Oakley. RIVEROAKLEY?! The River from her novel?! The very one! Her villain is on her couch - very kindly asking where he is. He is quite nice to look at- but Gertie knows all too well what kind of character he is.
Gertie just wanted to lose her writers block so she could finish her book. Now, she also needs to figure out how to get River home. Maybe they can help each other in the meantime. If she can get her ex back, she can finish her novel and get River home. He’ll come along to a getaway party and help Gertie woo Henry back.
As long as there are no surprises in that one bedroom, they must share.
As long as River doesn't keep looking at her like that.
As long as everything goes according to plan, it’ll all be worth it.
I loved this book. I was reading it at night after everyone had gone to bed trying to keep my laughing to a minimum. It was so silly and funny and heartfelt. It dealt with some sad bits, big life decisions, and overcoming people pleasing. I loved the characters. They felt so real- almost like they’re alive in an alternate reality, and we just get to look in on them.
It is open door romance, but the descriptions are fairly mild. Semi-detailed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing group for allowing me to read to an early copy and give my honest opinion.
original post:
I loved, loooved this. It was such a fun book. It had humor and heartfelt moments. It delt with grief and overcoming being a people pleaser. It is open door, semi described.
Full review to come
✨Author with baggage and a deadline
✨Manifesting gone right
✨Fake dating
✨Cowboy in London
✨He's literally a character from her book
Gertie is in a pickle. Her heart is broken, and she can't finish her book. Her sweet neighbor suggests they do a manifestation ceremony on the roof to make things better. At the very least, try to get Gertie to stop wailing in the tub at night. Gertie has no faith that it will work but writes down her wishes.
WELLLL, it did work, not how Gertie had planned, though, because there is a SHIRTLESS COWBOY ON HER COUCH! River Oakley. RIVEROAKLEY?! The River from her novel?! The very one! Her villain is on her couch - very kindly asking where he is. He is quite nice to look at- but Gertie knows all too well what kind of character he is.
Gertie just wanted to lose her writers block so she could finish her book. Now, she also needs to figure out how to get River home. Maybe they can help each other in the meantime. If she can get her ex back, she can finish her novel and get River home. He’ll come along to a getaway party and help Gertie woo Henry back.
As long as there are no surprises in that one bedroom, they must share.
As long as River doesn't keep looking at her like that.
As long as everything goes according to plan, it’ll all be worth it.
I loved this book. I was reading it at night after everyone had gone to bed trying to keep my laughing to a minimum. It was so silly and funny and heartfelt. It dealt with some sad bits, big life decisions, and overcoming people pleasing. I loved the characters. They felt so real- almost like they’re alive in an alternate reality, and we just get to look in on them.
It is open door romance, but the descriptions are fairly mild. Semi-detailed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing group for allowing me to read to an early copy and give my honest opinion.
original post:
I loved, loooved this. It was such a fun book. It had humor and heartfelt moments. It delt with grief and overcoming being a people pleaser. It is open door, semi described.
Full review to come
February 9, 2026
I can’t stop laughing. That was a very funny, silly book that made me feel all soft and squidgy like the middle of a perfectly cooked brownie.
River Oakley is a perfect rom-com hero. When he arrives in Gertie Bickerstaff’s life with just his Stetson, a bag of jeans and his Daddy’s harmonica, he’s half naked and totally confused. Gertie plies him with custard creams and the love of a Chug called Squish, and lo and behold, could he possibly be the gruff cowboy character from her books come to life?
Yes the book is silly and book characters can’t come to life no matter the colour of kaftan you wear at a manifestation ceremony. Praying to Princess Diana is not going to make Xaden Riorson appear in my living room, not even his shadow - more is the pity.
It’s a walk on the wild and wacky side but it made me smile.
River Oakley is a perfect rom-com hero. When he arrives in Gertie Bickerstaff’s life with just his Stetson, a bag of jeans and his Daddy’s harmonica, he’s half naked and totally confused. Gertie plies him with custard creams and the love of a Chug called Squish, and lo and behold, could he possibly be the gruff cowboy character from her books come to life?
Yes the book is silly and book characters can’t come to life no matter the colour of kaftan you wear at a manifestation ceremony. Praying to Princess Diana is not going to make Xaden Riorson appear in my living room, not even his shadow - more is the pity.
It’s a walk on the wild and wacky side but it made me smile.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, @Netgalley, for this ARC.
Okay, I am in love with Kristy's writing. I don't know how this author reads fun, deep female characters. She adds so much flavor in her books.
In this book, I love the self-awareness of romance tropes. The Female Lead, Gertie, is a romance writer, and one of her characters, male villain (River), comes into her world. I found that their reactions felt realistic and funny. I found the spice was great. Even romance between the leads made me swoon. I love the ending!
The only negative is how the magic was described, and I felt disconnected from the story at times. It was TOO self-aware at times. The balance wasn't there.
Overall, I'm going to keep reading Kristy's books. Please, keep making me laugh 😃
Okay, I am in love with Kristy's writing. I don't know how this author reads fun, deep female characters. She adds so much flavor in her books.
In this book, I love the self-awareness of romance tropes. The Female Lead, Gertie, is a romance writer, and one of her characters, male villain (River), comes into her world. I found that their reactions felt realistic and funny. I found the spice was great. Even romance between the leads made me swoon. I love the ending!
The only negative is how the magic was described, and I felt disconnected from the story at times. It was TOO self-aware at times. The balance wasn't there.
Overall, I'm going to keep reading Kristy's books. Please, keep making me laugh 😃
January 19, 2026
3 ☆
thank you berkeley and netgalley for the arc!
i will say that maybe i can’t do pure romance anymore (at least for right now) and that impacted my reading of this book but it def was silly and cute and had some good moments! magical realism is always fun & i loved the fleabag reference bc me too gertie me too. i liked love of my afterlife more which i think is partially time and place and also that i love the good place so much. (second review in a row that the good place is mentioned OOPS)
thank you berkeley and netgalley for the arc!
i will say that maybe i can’t do pure romance anymore (at least for right now) and that impacted my reading of this book but it def was silly and cute and had some good moments! magical realism is always fun & i loved the fleabag reference bc me too gertie me too. i liked love of my afterlife more which i think is partially time and place and also that i love the good place so much. (second review in a row that the good place is mentioned OOPS)
January 25, 2026
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the free ARC! I think it’s really hard to pull off fictional character written by author comes to life stories. This is the second or third I’ve tried, and I have to say, it’s the most well done. I thought this was well-paced, and interesting, and the characters felt incredibly fleshed out and realistic. The FMC was not really my cup of tea—I found her to be a bit too clueless in love when she was clearly otherwise competent. But I still really enjoyed the book and would recommend to any romance reader!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Author Gertie Bickerstaff has a big problem - the final book in her cowboy romance series is due in less than two weeks, and she hasn't written a single word. Not one! Devastated by the breakup of her relationship a few weeks earlier Gertie is spending her days avoiding her literary agent and drinking cocktails.
Gertie's lovable but very eccentric neighbour Mrs Casablancas can finally take it no more and intervenes which inadvertently creates an even bigger problem for Gertie - the arrival of River Oakley half dressed in her apartment!
And he's not quite the shallow villain that Gertie created ...
This book is very very witty and had me chuckling out loud throughout. Don't let the title or cover fool you into thinking this is a light fluffy romance - it's much more. The characters are all fully fleshed out real people who you are rooting for - and praying for the success of Operation Windbag! The book explores the experience of loss, grief, and finding a way forward while simultaneously highlighting the struggles of being taken seriously as a romance writer - as well as being a fabulous and entertaining story with twists I genuinely didn't see coming.
I can't recommend this book enough and would love it if the marketing department created plushies of the adorable Squish. Enjoy!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK for the review copy.
#RomanticHero
#NetGalley
Gertie's lovable but very eccentric neighbour Mrs Casablancas can finally take it no more and intervenes which inadvertently creates an even bigger problem for Gertie - the arrival of River Oakley half dressed in her apartment!
And he's not quite the shallow villain that Gertie created ...
This book is very very witty and had me chuckling out loud throughout. Don't let the title or cover fool you into thinking this is a light fluffy romance - it's much more. The characters are all fully fleshed out real people who you are rooting for - and praying for the success of Operation Windbag! The book explores the experience of loss, grief, and finding a way forward while simultaneously highlighting the struggles of being taken seriously as a romance writer - as well as being a fabulous and entertaining story with twists I genuinely didn't see coming.
I can't recommend this book enough and would love it if the marketing department created plushies of the adorable Squish. Enjoy!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK for the review copy.
#RomanticHero
#NetGalley
January 9, 2026
I loved, loved, loved Romantic Hero by Kristy Greenwood. The premise alone had me hooked: a romance author named Gertie, somehow manifests the villain from her own book series—River Oakley—into real life.
I was completely obsessed from the very first chapter. Kristy Greenwood has a rare talent for blending laugh-out-loud humor with genuinely tough, emotional subjects. Gertie is reeling from a recent breakup while also grieving the loss of her sister, Josie—topics that might normally make me hesitate to pick up a book.
But Kristy works magic. She adds a swoony fictional hunk, razor-sharp wit, and nonstop comedic moments that make the story a joy rather than a downer.
After a manifestation ceremony with her quirky neighbor, River Oakley—the antagonist from Gertie’s novels—suddenly appears in her London flat. No one knows how or why he’s there, but the two must team up to figure out how to send him back where he belongs.
Gertie’s writer’s block began the moment her boyfriend dumped her, leaving her unable to finish her beloved series. Enter Operation True Love: River takes charge, coaching Gertie on how to win back her ex. What follows is pure chaos, chemistry, and comedy. Hilarity and hijinks absolutely ensue.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Five stars. All the stars.
I was completely obsessed from the very first chapter. Kristy Greenwood has a rare talent for blending laugh-out-loud humor with genuinely tough, emotional subjects. Gertie is reeling from a recent breakup while also grieving the loss of her sister, Josie—topics that might normally make me hesitate to pick up a book.
But Kristy works magic. She adds a swoony fictional hunk, razor-sharp wit, and nonstop comedic moments that make the story a joy rather than a downer.
After a manifestation ceremony with her quirky neighbor, River Oakley—the antagonist from Gertie’s novels—suddenly appears in her London flat. No one knows how or why he’s there, but the two must team up to figure out how to send him back where he belongs.
Gertie’s writer’s block began the moment her boyfriend dumped her, leaving her unable to finish her beloved series. Enter Operation True Love: River takes charge, coaching Gertie on how to win back her ex. What follows is pure chaos, chemistry, and comedy. Hilarity and hijinks absolutely ensue.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Five stars. All the stars.
January 25, 2026
Kirsty Greenwood’s characters, banter, and whimsical plots just work for me! I’ve read a few books with this trope (fictional characters turn real), and this one was VERY well done and had a twist/version of this trope that I haven’t yet seen. An easy read that I looked forward to returning to each reading session!
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Berkley for the ARC via NetGalley
This is the second book by Kirsty I've read and she seems to have a special talent for writing a heart-felt story that makes me laugh while also making me feel all the emotions. Kirsty's storytelling is whimsical and hopeful, which is a great summary of Romantic Hero.
Gertie is a successful, established author in a bit of a slump. Insert River Oakley, a moody cowboy character from her books. Where did he come from? How does he get back home? Our main characters learn a lot about themselves in their efforts to help each other. The pop culture references (hello Enchanted!) are fun, the struggles are human and relatable, and I cycled through so many feelings while reading this book. It's refreshing, romantic, and worth the read!
This is the second book by Kirsty I've read and she seems to have a special talent for writing a heart-felt story that makes me laugh while also making me feel all the emotions. Kirsty's storytelling is whimsical and hopeful, which is a great summary of Romantic Hero.
Gertie is a successful, established author in a bit of a slump. Insert River Oakley, a moody cowboy character from her books. Where did he come from? How does he get back home? Our main characters learn a lot about themselves in their efforts to help each other. The pop culture references (hello Enchanted!) are fun, the struggles are human and relatable, and I cycled through so many feelings while reading this book. It's refreshing, romantic, and worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am FERAL. Absolutely unwell. Someone check on me because Kirsty Greenwood did it AGAIN.
ROMANTIC HERO is chaotic, whimsical, emotional witchcraft and I ate it up like it was the last crumb of serotonin left in 2026.
A heartbroken romance author. Crippling writer’s block. A manifestation ritual. And then—BOOM—her morally gray cowboy villain is suddenly very real, very shirtless, and sitting on her couch.
RIVER OAKLEY??? Sir??? The way I folded.
What starts as ridiculous, magical realism chaos turns into this gorgeously layered story about grief, self-worth, and rewriting the narrative you thought you were supposed to have. Gertie’s growth? Stunning. Watching her untangle herself from the version of love that no longer fit her? Cathartic. Watching River fall for her while discovering who he is outside of the role she wrote for him? DEVASTATING in the best way.
Kirsty Greenwood has this unholy talent for making you laugh out loud one minute and then punch you straight in the feelings the next. The humor is sharp. The romance is swoony. The emotional payoff? Massive.
And River. RIVER. He’s not just a tropey bad boy cowboy. He’s layered, loyal, quietly aching, and so deeply supportive of Gertie becoming her fullest self. The way he challenges her. The way he sees her. The way he chooses her. I am not okay.
Also the cameos for readers of The Love of My Afterlife? I GASPED. I clutched my imaginary pearls. I love when old friends show up thriving.
This book is about choosing the right ending instead of the familiar one. About realizing you don’t need to win someone back—you need to win yourself back. And somehow it does all of that while giving us shirtless fictional cowboy chaos.
Five stars. No notes. Completely obsessed.
Thank you to Kirsty Greenwood, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC. I will be purchasing a physical copy immediately because this one deserves to be tabbed, annotated, and emotionally spiraled over forever
ROMANTIC HERO is chaotic, whimsical, emotional witchcraft and I ate it up like it was the last crumb of serotonin left in 2026.
A heartbroken romance author. Crippling writer’s block. A manifestation ritual. And then—BOOM—her morally gray cowboy villain is suddenly very real, very shirtless, and sitting on her couch.
RIVER OAKLEY??? Sir??? The way I folded.
What starts as ridiculous, magical realism chaos turns into this gorgeously layered story about grief, self-worth, and rewriting the narrative you thought you were supposed to have. Gertie’s growth? Stunning. Watching her untangle herself from the version of love that no longer fit her? Cathartic. Watching River fall for her while discovering who he is outside of the role she wrote for him? DEVASTATING in the best way.
Kirsty Greenwood has this unholy talent for making you laugh out loud one minute and then punch you straight in the feelings the next. The humor is sharp. The romance is swoony. The emotional payoff? Massive.
And River. RIVER. He’s not just a tropey bad boy cowboy. He’s layered, loyal, quietly aching, and so deeply supportive of Gertie becoming her fullest self. The way he challenges her. The way he sees her. The way he chooses her. I am not okay.
Also the cameos for readers of The Love of My Afterlife? I GASPED. I clutched my imaginary pearls. I love when old friends show up thriving.
This book is about choosing the right ending instead of the familiar one. About realizing you don’t need to win someone back—you need to win yourself back. And somehow it does all of that while giving us shirtless fictional cowboy chaos.
Five stars. No notes. Completely obsessed.
Thank you to Kirsty Greenwood, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC. I will be purchasing a physical copy immediately because this one deserves to be tabbed, annotated, and emotionally spiraled over forever
February 25, 2026
This delightful little work of magical realism was a lovely escape that ended up being quite heartfelt and moving. It’s a cute premise—FMC Gertie is heartbroken and has a case of writer’s block with a looming deadline. MMC River is the antagonist in her book series—he’s also, unfortunately, shown up in her apartment. What follows is a mashup of fake dating, self discovery, and realizing that people aren’t always what they seem. The themes of grief, duty, longing, questioning one’s own self-worth and the drive towards people-pleasing really moves this from being “just” a romantic comedy to being so much more. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.
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