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Leave This Off the Books
For fans of Abby Jimenez and Jean Meltzer, a contemporary romantic comedy where love, lies, and reality TV collide in a modern Shakespearean retelling.
After a bitter divorce from her abusive ex, Simon, Naomi Hoffman promises herself she’s finished with love and resolved to keep her past where it belongs. But her resolve is tested when she meets Will Quinn, the charming producer of one of the country's top news programs. Allowing herself to love again is daunting, and it becomes even more complicated when she struggles to keep Simon a secret while he relentlessly tries to re-enter her life. As if managing a budding romance with Will weren’t challenging enough, Naomi finds herself caught in the crossfire between his boss, Freya, and her best friend, Abby—high school nemeses whose rivalry reignites the moment they cross paths again. Their constant bickering leaves Naomi wondering if the ladies doth protest too much and there’s something more going on between them.
Her whirlwind romance with Will goes from private to prime time when he proposes on live TV, turning their love story into a reality show sensation. But just as Naomi’s dream wedding approaches, the past she thought she’d left behind comes crashing through the door—literally. A journalist barges into the ceremony, accusing her of an affair with Simon, leaving Naomi abandoned at the altar and humiliated in front of millions. With her once-perfect moment shattered into a tabloid frenzy, Naomi must help Freya and Abby untangle their feelings while confronting her own. Can she reclaim her narrative and create her own happily ever after, or will the final act of her love story end in heartbreak?
After a bitter divorce from her abusive ex, Simon, Naomi Hoffman promises herself she’s finished with love and resolved to keep her past where it belongs. But her resolve is tested when she meets Will Quinn, the charming producer of one of the country's top news programs. Allowing herself to love again is daunting, and it becomes even more complicated when she struggles to keep Simon a secret while he relentlessly tries to re-enter her life. As if managing a budding romance with Will weren’t challenging enough, Naomi finds herself caught in the crossfire between his boss, Freya, and her best friend, Abby—high school nemeses whose rivalry reignites the moment they cross paths again. Their constant bickering leaves Naomi wondering if the ladies doth protest too much and there’s something more going on between them.
Her whirlwind romance with Will goes from private to prime time when he proposes on live TV, turning their love story into a reality show sensation. But just as Naomi’s dream wedding approaches, the past she thought she’d left behind comes crashing through the door—literally. A journalist barges into the ceremony, accusing her of an affair with Simon, leaving Naomi abandoned at the altar and humiliated in front of millions. With her once-perfect moment shattered into a tabloid frenzy, Naomi must help Freya and Abby untangle their feelings while confronting her own. Can she reclaim her narrative and create her own happily ever after, or will the final act of her love story end in heartbreak?
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Published October 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 29, 2025
This book is a contemporary romantic comedy/modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
It is the sequel to Keep This Off The Record. Both books feature both couples (Abby/Freya and Naomi/Will). However Keep This Off The Record is from Abby and Freya’s POVs. And Leave This Off The Books is from Naomi and Will’s POVs. It is basically the same story. But it’s interesting to get different viewpoints of what happens.
Leave This Off The Books focuses much more on Naomi and Will. It is so great to see them again. But it is actually wonderful to see all of these characters again. Friendship and found family are such an important amazing part of the story.
The book features wonderful Jewish rep. Naomi is Jewish (as is her best friend Abby - one of the main characters from the previous book). I really enjoyed the inclusion of Jewish customs and holidays. The book also features LGBT rep.
In this book we get to see a lot of Will’s job (he works as a producer for Freya who is a journalist). I would have liked to see more of Naomi’s job.
The book features so many iconic scenes from the first book (the high school reunion, scenes with Naomi’s ex…). I really did enjoy seeing everything from Naomi and Will’s POVs. Although I would have loved to see more things that didn’t happen in the first book. I guess that the author wanted this to be able to be read as a standalone. But for those reading it as a sequel I wanted more new scenes.
Overall I did enjoy this book. And I really liked the epilogue. Getting to see Naomi and Will a couple of years later was wonderful.
Thanks netgalley and Rising Action Publishing.
It is the sequel to Keep This Off The Record. Both books feature both couples (Abby/Freya and Naomi/Will). However Keep This Off The Record is from Abby and Freya’s POVs. And Leave This Off The Books is from Naomi and Will’s POVs. It is basically the same story. But it’s interesting to get different viewpoints of what happens.
Leave This Off The Books focuses much more on Naomi and Will. It is so great to see them again. But it is actually wonderful to see all of these characters again. Friendship and found family are such an important amazing part of the story.
The book features wonderful Jewish rep. Naomi is Jewish (as is her best friend Abby - one of the main characters from the previous book). I really enjoyed the inclusion of Jewish customs and holidays. The book also features LGBT rep.
In this book we get to see a lot of Will’s job (he works as a producer for Freya who is a journalist). I would have liked to see more of Naomi’s job.
The book features so many iconic scenes from the first book (the high school reunion, scenes with Naomi’s ex…). I really did enjoy seeing everything from Naomi and Will’s POVs. Although I would have loved to see more things that didn’t happen in the first book. I guess that the author wanted this to be able to be read as a standalone. But for those reading it as a sequel I wanted more new scenes.
Overall I did enjoy this book. And I really liked the epilogue. Getting to see Naomi and Will a couple of years later was wonderful.
Thanks netgalley and Rising Action Publishing.
October 19, 2025
Leave This Off the Books by Arden Joy is a sequel to her book, Keep This Off the Record. Sequel isn’t descriptive enough, though, as it’s more of a sister to the first story, the two intertwining in plots and scenes as things unfold in the two love stories apparent in both books.
This story is told in dual POV from the perspectives of the two best friends of the characters from the first book in the series.
I enjoyed this love story, and getting to relive the story from the perspective of two new characters. It’s a fun read.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was performed well by two narrators. I listened at 1.75x speed (my normal audio speed is 1.5-1.75x). The narrators did a great job bringing their characters to life, as well as the secondary characters. I felt like the personalities of the characters were carried over quite well from the first book, so listening to both audiobooks for the two stories would be seamless.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced listeners copy.
This story is told in dual POV from the perspectives of the two best friends of the characters from the first book in the series.
I enjoyed this love story, and getting to relive the story from the perspective of two new characters. It’s a fun read.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was performed well by two narrators. I listened at 1.75x speed (my normal audio speed is 1.5-1.75x). The narrators did a great job bringing their characters to life, as well as the secondary characters. I felt like the personalities of the characters were carried over quite well from the first book, so listening to both audiobooks for the two stories would be seamless.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced listeners copy.
October 13, 2025
Thank you Dreamscape media and NetGalley for the audio arc.
🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧
DNFed at 30%. I was truly bored reading this and was gonna push through and listen. But then you lost me with the pronoun BS.
🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧
DNFed at 30%. I was truly bored reading this and was gonna push through and listen. But then you lost me with the pronoun BS.
October 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5–4 Stars)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Leave This Off the Books by Arden Joy in exchange for my honest review.
Going in, I knew nothing about this author or the story, but I was instantly pulled in by the premise and found myself quickly invested. This romance was quite different from what I usually pick up—there’s no spice at all, which I typically prefer—but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the emotional depth and the romance itself.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the found family element. Naomi’s circle of friends was beautifully written—they were her constant support system through her toxic marriage, divorce, restraining order, and ultimately, as she navigated falling in love again. It felt incredibly genuine and realistic to how friendships can sustain women through difficult chapters. I especially loved the group’s diversity: Becca was hilarious, and Riley’s representation and energy brought so much warmth and joy to the story.
I also appreciated how Naomi’s faith and Judaism were woven naturally into the narrative, as well as the LGBTQ+ representation throughout. Those layers made the world feel authentic and inclusive.
Romance-wise, I enjoyed that Will fell first and that their connection was a bit of an insta-love. It’s a trope I don’t see used often, and I liked how easily they clicked. That said, I did wish for a bit more depth and development in both Naomi’s past with her ex-husband and her growing relationship with Will—it sometimes felt like there were emotional beats that could have been explored further.
On the audiobook side, I liked that the story used dual narration, but at times, the perspective shifts were confusing. It occasionally felt like a narrator was describing Naomi rather than fully being in her POV, which disrupted the immersion a bit.
The suspense toward the end added a nice layer, and I loved that we got a satisfying HEA (happily ever after).
Overall, Leave This Off the Books was a heartfelt, unique romance with strong themes of friendship, faith, and love. Even without the spice I usually gravitate toward, it completely held my attention and left me smiling.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Leave This Off the Books by Arden Joy in exchange for my honest review.
Going in, I knew nothing about this author or the story, but I was instantly pulled in by the premise and found myself quickly invested. This romance was quite different from what I usually pick up—there’s no spice at all, which I typically prefer—but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the emotional depth and the romance itself.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the found family element. Naomi’s circle of friends was beautifully written—they were her constant support system through her toxic marriage, divorce, restraining order, and ultimately, as she navigated falling in love again. It felt incredibly genuine and realistic to how friendships can sustain women through difficult chapters. I especially loved the group’s diversity: Becca was hilarious, and Riley’s representation and energy brought so much warmth and joy to the story.
I also appreciated how Naomi’s faith and Judaism were woven naturally into the narrative, as well as the LGBTQ+ representation throughout. Those layers made the world feel authentic and inclusive.
Romance-wise, I enjoyed that Will fell first and that their connection was a bit of an insta-love. It’s a trope I don’t see used often, and I liked how easily they clicked. That said, I did wish for a bit more depth and development in both Naomi’s past with her ex-husband and her growing relationship with Will—it sometimes felt like there were emotional beats that could have been explored further.
On the audiobook side, I liked that the story used dual narration, but at times, the perspective shifts were confusing. It occasionally felt like a narrator was describing Naomi rather than fully being in her POV, which disrupted the immersion a bit.
The suspense toward the end added a nice layer, and I loved that we got a satisfying HEA (happily ever after).
Overall, Leave This Off the Books was a heartfelt, unique romance with strong themes of friendship, faith, and love. Even without the spice I usually gravitate toward, it completely held my attention and left me smiling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
Listened @ 1.5X
Narration - 5*
Story - 3*
Via NetGalley
I requested this book from NetGalley because Mara Wilson is one of the narrators. The narration was well done.
This is a decent story but I have a HUGE problem with the FMC not telling the MMC about her past. Even suspending belief, as this is a fictional story, the story is set in current times with the internet and social media and a simple search of the web reveals so much information, ESPECIALLY because this was on national TV.
Each character was interesting and well developed, but each was so mistreated by others... Whether at work, by former classmates, neighbors, etc. It was hard to not yell at them to get a spine and speak up (I understand that this is not always possible and hindsight is 20/20).
I think if I were reading this instead of listening, I would have jumped to the end at about the 60% mark.
I am absolutely sure others will enjoy this story. It just wasn't for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
Narration - 5*
Story - 3*
Via NetGalley
I requested this book from NetGalley because Mara Wilson is one of the narrators. The narration was well done.
This is a decent story but I have a HUGE problem with the FMC not telling the MMC about her past. Even suspending belief, as this is a fictional story, the story is set in current times with the internet and social media and a simple search of the web reveals so much information, ESPECIALLY because this was on national TV.
Each character was interesting and well developed, but each was so mistreated by others... Whether at work, by former classmates, neighbors, etc. It was hard to not yell at them to get a spine and speak up (I understand that this is not always possible and hindsight is 20/20).
I think if I were reading this instead of listening, I would have jumped to the end at about the 60% mark.
I am absolutely sure others will enjoy this story. It just wasn't for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.
October 22, 2025
This was a heartfelt and engaging second-chance romance that follows Naomi and Will from their first meeting through love, heartbreak, and reconciliation. Naomi, recovering from an abusive marriage, is hesitant to trust again until Will—charming, loyal, and deeply devoted—helps her rediscover love. Both characters are complex, imperfect, and relatable, making their emotional journey feel genuine. The supporting cast adds warmth and humor, enhancing the story’s depth. As a modern retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, the book captures the original’s wit and misunderstandings while giving it a contemporary spin. Although the ending feels slightly rushed, it doesn’t diminish the overall enjoyment of this tender, hopeful romance.
October 16, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
This book didn't work for me for a few reasons. The major reason I would say is that this book needed more development. I loved the premise of this book, but it didn't feel like it delivered. I didn't feel any emotional parts of this book and everything felt rushed with the romance. I couldn’t feel the chemistry between the characters and I always felt at a distance from them. The pacing felt awkward and this book felt like a chore to listen to at times. I did think the narrators did a great job though and I did enjoy listening to them.
This book didn't work for me for a few reasons. The major reason I would say is that this book needed more development. I loved the premise of this book, but it didn't feel like it delivered. I didn't feel any emotional parts of this book and everything felt rushed with the romance. I couldn’t feel the chemistry between the characters and I always felt at a distance from them. The pacing felt awkward and this book felt like a chore to listen to at times. I did think the narrators did a great job though and I did enjoy listening to them.
October 16, 2025
Naomi's whirlwind romance with Will goes from private to prime time when he proposes on live TV, turning their love story into a reality show sensation. Just as Naomi’s dream wedding approaches, the past she thought she’d left behind comes crashing through the door—literally. A journalist barges into the ceremony, accusing her of an affair with Simon, leaving Naomi abandoned at the altar and humiliated in front of millions. I loved the premise of this book, but it didn't feel like it delivered. I didn't feel any emotional parts of this book and everything felt rushed with the romance. Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity.
August 29, 2025
Nik’s Arc Review
💒 Leave This Off the Books by Arden Joy
💗 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗓️ Publish Date: 10/21/2025
📖Read if you like:
Insta Love
Second chance romance
Supportive friendships
Story Premise:
At her 15 year high school reunion, Naomi is surprised when she meets and connects with Will, who works for Freya, her best friend’s longtime high school nemesis. If that doesn’t cause enough awkwardness and tension in their new relationship, Naomi always decides to keep her first marriage a secret due to her ex-husband’s abusive nature.
Flow Factor:
I found myself struggling with the pacing of this book. In one chapter, Will and Naomi meet, and shortly after, they’re on a date.. and then suddenly they’re exchanging declarations of love. It felt way too quick and sudden without much emotional depth. I really had a hard time tracking how much time was passing between chapters.
Final Verdict: ⭐️💫
I almost DNF multiple times and found myself skimming like half of the book. The premise itself was ok, I just wasn’t a fan of the pacing and delivery. I was expecting more emotional depth, especially when themes such as domestic violence come into play. I felt that the characters had so much potential but were so undeveloped, which made this story really fall short for me.
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an Arc in exchange of an honest review.
💒 Leave This Off the Books by Arden Joy
💗 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗓️ Publish Date: 10/21/2025
📖Read if you like:
Insta Love
Second chance romance
Supportive friendships
Story Premise:
At her 15 year high school reunion, Naomi is surprised when she meets and connects with Will, who works for Freya, her best friend’s longtime high school nemesis. If that doesn’t cause enough awkwardness and tension in their new relationship, Naomi always decides to keep her first marriage a secret due to her ex-husband’s abusive nature.
Flow Factor:
I found myself struggling with the pacing of this book. In one chapter, Will and Naomi meet, and shortly after, they’re on a date.. and then suddenly they’re exchanging declarations of love. It felt way too quick and sudden without much emotional depth. I really had a hard time tracking how much time was passing between chapters.
Final Verdict: ⭐️💫
I almost DNF multiple times and found myself skimming like half of the book. The premise itself was ok, I just wasn’t a fan of the pacing and delivery. I was expecting more emotional depth, especially when themes such as domestic violence come into play. I felt that the characters had so much potential but were so undeveloped, which made this story really fall short for me.
Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an Arc in exchange of an honest review.
August 17, 2025
This was such an enjoyable second chance romance that we get to see from beginning to end. From the first moments when Naomi and Will meet through their romance and heartbreak. Naomi is the survivor of an abusive marriage, and is reluctant to love again until she meets Will. He is charming, funny and very in love with her. Naomi and Will were complex and empathetic characters who both made some wrong choices while trying to navigate the complexities that any relationship faces. I was totally invested in their relationship. I also loved their friends, who were complex and sparkling characters. This book was a retelling of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing with a modern spin that definitely stuck close the the essence of the story. The ending felt a little rushed to me, but not enough to take away from the enjoyment of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for an eARC of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for an eARC of this book.
February 17, 2026
✨ALC provided by NetGalley for an honest review✨
Leave This Off The Books had a good concept, but was honestly kind of boring. The main characters Will and Naomi had a kind of sweet meet cute and had basically an insta love situation, but I didn’t really feel the connection between the two. Maybe if we got to see more of their relationship develop it would be easier to ship them together.
The pacing was all over the place. There were a lot of times I kind of zoned out listening to this because it just wasn’t keeping my attention very well. The female narrator was ok, but the male narrator sounded like a teenage boy to me which made it kind of weird 😂
I wanted to like this, but there wasn’t much to like ☹️
Leave This Off The Books had a good concept, but was honestly kind of boring. The main characters Will and Naomi had a kind of sweet meet cute and had basically an insta love situation, but I didn’t really feel the connection between the two. Maybe if we got to see more of their relationship develop it would be easier to ship them together.
The pacing was all over the place. There were a lot of times I kind of zoned out listening to this because it just wasn’t keeping my attention very well. The female narrator was ok, but the male narrator sounded like a teenage boy to me which made it kind of weird 😂
I wanted to like this, but there wasn’t much to like ☹️
November 1, 2025
3.5⭐️ An enjoyable read. A little slow but the wrap up was good. I enjoyed the mystery of Noami and her ex-husband. Overall, the pacing was just weird for me as things seemed to happen very fast. Good romance between the main characters Simon and Naomi. The meddling to matchmake some of the side characters was fun.
Synopsis:
After a bitter divorce from her abusive ex, Simon, Naomi Hoffman promises herself she’s finished with love and resolved to keep her past where it belongs. But her resolve is tested when she meets Will Quinn, the charming producer of one of the country’s top news programs. Allowing herself to love again is daunting, and it becomes even more complicated when she struggles to keep Simon a secret while he relentlessly tries to re-enter her life. As if managing a budding romance with Will weren’t challenging enough, Naomi finds herself caught in the crossfire between his boss, Freya, and her best friend, Abby—high school nemeses whose rivalry reignites the moment they cross paths again. Their constant bickering leaves Naomi wondering if the ladies doth protest too much and there’s something more going on between them. 4⭐️ narration from Mara Wilson and Michael Crouch. Very good time with their narration especially with the highs and lows of an abusive ex and finding true happiness with your person.
Her whirlwind romance with Will goes from private to prime time when he proposes on live TV, turning their love story into a reality show sensation. But just as Naomi’s dream wedding approaches, the past she thought she’d left behind comes crashing through the door—literally. A journalist barges into the ceremony, accusing her of an affair with Simon, leaving Naomi abandoned at the altar and humiliated in front of millions. With her once-perfect moment shattered into a tabloid frenzy, Naomi must help Freya and Abby untangle their feelings while confronting her own. Can she reclaim her narrative and create her own happily ever after, or will the final act of her love story end in heartbreak?
Thank you @netgalley, @dreamscape_media, and the author for the advanced listener copy.
Synopsis:
After a bitter divorce from her abusive ex, Simon, Naomi Hoffman promises herself she’s finished with love and resolved to keep her past where it belongs. But her resolve is tested when she meets Will Quinn, the charming producer of one of the country’s top news programs. Allowing herself to love again is daunting, and it becomes even more complicated when she struggles to keep Simon a secret while he relentlessly tries to re-enter her life. As if managing a budding romance with Will weren’t challenging enough, Naomi finds herself caught in the crossfire between his boss, Freya, and her best friend, Abby—high school nemeses whose rivalry reignites the moment they cross paths again. Their constant bickering leaves Naomi wondering if the ladies doth protest too much and there’s something more going on between them. 4⭐️ narration from Mara Wilson and Michael Crouch. Very good time with their narration especially with the highs and lows of an abusive ex and finding true happiness with your person.
Her whirlwind romance with Will goes from private to prime time when he proposes on live TV, turning their love story into a reality show sensation. But just as Naomi’s dream wedding approaches, the past she thought she’d left behind comes crashing through the door—literally. A journalist barges into the ceremony, accusing her of an affair with Simon, leaving Naomi abandoned at the altar and humiliated in front of millions. With her once-perfect moment shattered into a tabloid frenzy, Naomi must help Freya and Abby untangle their feelings while confronting her own. Can she reclaim her narrative and create her own happily ever after, or will the final act of her love story end in heartbreak?
Thank you @netgalley, @dreamscape_media, and the author for the advanced listener copy.
December 2, 2025
Not knowing this is a sequel, I enjoyed this one pretty well. However, I would suggest that they add TW for this one. There's abusive relationship, stalkery in the book.
This is about Naomi and Will. They met at Naomi's HS reunion. Not knowing that he works for her best friend's archenemies. They just have such a great time, and all things considered, the relationship went along well. She's cool and her friends are kooky, but Will can see that she's good people and with good people. A good group of ride and die that he himself doesn't have, he can see how he blends in. As things went on, things seems to be going well, but there's a small piece of nagging feeling of something.
She has more to her that she's not showing, telling, talking about it. The longer she's hiding from it, and shoving it under the rug, the bigger that monster has become, not to mention, Will is smitten and ready to marry her.
Anyway, besides the friends that I love; the whole thing is a tad bit weird. Neither Will nor Naomi has any strong ties to their respective families. They were barely mentioned in the latter part of the book. So I kinda get Naomi has her tribe, but Will's only friend seems to be his boss. That's kinda unrealistic. Speaking of unrealistic, how do you be with someone for a yr, about to walk down the aisle and not disclose some pretty important information? I read the explanation she had, but truly how does that even happen. The dramatic part of the story was a bit of the stretch, like with all the commotion the neighbor didn't do something? THat's a super stretch.
I enjoyed the Freya & Abby relationship bit, now I realized they have a prequel based on them, so I have to go back to that now.
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. I really enjoyed Mara Wilson's doing various characters. I like Michael Crouch in other work, but this one fell a bit flat on his character.
This is about Naomi and Will. They met at Naomi's HS reunion. Not knowing that he works for her best friend's archenemies. They just have such a great time, and all things considered, the relationship went along well. She's cool and her friends are kooky, but Will can see that she's good people and with good people. A good group of ride and die that he himself doesn't have, he can see how he blends in. As things went on, things seems to be going well, but there's a small piece of nagging feeling of something.
She has more to her that she's not showing, telling, talking about it. The longer she's hiding from it, and shoving it under the rug, the bigger that monster has become, not to mention, Will is smitten and ready to marry her.
Anyway, besides the friends that I love; the whole thing is a tad bit weird. Neither Will nor Naomi has any strong ties to their respective families. They were barely mentioned in the latter part of the book. So I kinda get Naomi has her tribe, but Will's only friend seems to be his boss. That's kinda unrealistic. Speaking of unrealistic, how do you be with someone for a yr, about to walk down the aisle and not disclose some pretty important information? I read the explanation she had, but truly how does that even happen. The dramatic part of the story was a bit of the stretch, like with all the commotion the neighbor didn't do something? THat's a super stretch.
I enjoyed the Freya & Abby relationship bit, now I realized they have a prequel based on them, so I have to go back to that now.
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. I really enjoyed Mara Wilson's doing various characters. I like Michael Crouch in other work, but this one fell a bit flat on his character.
October 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Leave This Off the Books had a lot going on romance, drama, a bit of mystery, and even some sharp commentary on media and reputation. It felt like a mix between a contemporary romance and a messy, addictive soap opera.
Naomi is such a layered FMC. You can feel the weight of her past and her struggle to start over while still being pulled into the chaos of her new life with Will. Some of the plot twists were a little over the top, but honestly, I didn’t mind, it kept things interesting and unpredictable. I especially liked the dynamic between Freya and Abby, which added a whole new dimension of tension and humor.
The real standout here, though, was the narration. Mara Wilson and Michael Crouch were fantastic. Mara brought a lot of warmth and vulnerability to Naomi, while Michael gave Will this confident yet genuine energy that worked really well. They had great chemistry and made the more emotional moments feel a lot more realistic.
If I had one small complaint, it would be that the story sometimes tried to juggle too many plotlines at once. A few moments felt a little rushed, especially toward the end. But, it was engaging, dramatic, and very easy to listen to.
If you like audiobooks that blend romance with some chaos and heart, Leave This Off the Books is the audiobook for you.
3.25 Stars!
#LeaveThisOfftheBooks, #ArdenJoy, #RomanceAudiobooks, #NetGalley, #DreamscapeMedia
Leave This Off the Books had a lot going on romance, drama, a bit of mystery, and even some sharp commentary on media and reputation. It felt like a mix between a contemporary romance and a messy, addictive soap opera.
Naomi is such a layered FMC. You can feel the weight of her past and her struggle to start over while still being pulled into the chaos of her new life with Will. Some of the plot twists were a little over the top, but honestly, I didn’t mind, it kept things interesting and unpredictable. I especially liked the dynamic between Freya and Abby, which added a whole new dimension of tension and humor.
The real standout here, though, was the narration. Mara Wilson and Michael Crouch were fantastic. Mara brought a lot of warmth and vulnerability to Naomi, while Michael gave Will this confident yet genuine energy that worked really well. They had great chemistry and made the more emotional moments feel a lot more realistic.
If I had one small complaint, it would be that the story sometimes tried to juggle too many plotlines at once. A few moments felt a little rushed, especially toward the end. But, it was engaging, dramatic, and very easy to listen to.
If you like audiobooks that blend romance with some chaos and heart, Leave This Off the Books is the audiobook for you.
3.25 Stars!
#LeaveThisOfftheBooks, #ArdenJoy, #RomanceAudiobooks, #NetGalley, #DreamscapeMedia
October 14, 2025
This book just didn't so much for me. It had a lot of potential but was not engaging enough.
Allowing herself to love again is daunting, and it becomes even more complicated when she struggles to keep Simon a secret while he relentlessly tries to re-enter her life. As if managing a budding romance with Will weren’t challenging enough, Naomi finds herself caught in the crossfire between his boss, Freya, and her best friend, Abby—high school nemeses whose rivalry reignites the moment they cross paths again. Their constant bickering leaves Naomi wondering if the ladies doth protest too much and there’s something more going on between them.
Her whirlwind romance with Will goes from private to prime time when he proposes on live TV, turning their love story into a reality show sensation. But just as Naomi’s dream wedding approaches, the past she thought she’d left behind comes crashing through the door—literally. A journalist barges into the ceremony, accusing her of an affair with Simon, leaving Naomi abandoned at the altar and humiliated in front of millions.
Allowing herself to love again is daunting, and it becomes even more complicated when she struggles to keep Simon a secret while he relentlessly tries to re-enter her life. As if managing a budding romance with Will weren’t challenging enough, Naomi finds herself caught in the crossfire between his boss, Freya, and her best friend, Abby—high school nemeses whose rivalry reignites the moment they cross paths again. Their constant bickering leaves Naomi wondering if the ladies doth protest too much and there’s something more going on between them.
Her whirlwind romance with Will goes from private to prime time when he proposes on live TV, turning their love story into a reality show sensation. But just as Naomi’s dream wedding approaches, the past she thought she’d left behind comes crashing through the door—literally. A journalist barges into the ceremony, accusing her of an affair with Simon, leaving Naomi abandoned at the altar and humiliated in front of millions.
October 20, 2025
The editor's description drew me in. A group of friends, frenemies and enemies are all thrown back into each other's orbits at a reunion. They are mostly still behaving in the childlike ways they did in high school and it wasn’t good then and it is worse now. I did not find the characters likable early on, though some got better as the story went on. Naomi, the MFC divorced her abusive ex and has sworn off love, romance and all that goes along with it. Then she meets Will at the reunion and the sparks fly for both of them. I didn’t find there to be a lot of actual chemistry between them. There are a lot of subplots, some interesting and others left me wondering why? So much going on, some of it felt rushed, awkward and uncomfortable. I found most of the characters to be immature and annoying. We do eventually get to a nice ending, but the listen to get there wasn’t my favorite. I'd have rated 2.5 if half stars were available, so upped to 3.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 26, 2025
This book is messy. Gloriously, unapologetically messy. But also occasionally exhausting. There are stretches where the prose feels like it’s trying too hard to be clever, and the emotional beats don’t always land. It’s like watching someone perform a one-woman show while simultaneously live-tweeting their existential crisis. Entertaining? Absolutely. Cohesive? Not so much.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with caveats. Read it if you love chaos, if you collect quotes that make you feel seen and slightly attacked, and if you’re okay with a plot that occasionally forgets it’s a plot. Don’t read it if you need closure, clarity, or a protagonist who makes good decisions.
In conclusion: “Leave This Off the Books” is a literary mood board for the emotionally reckless. It’s part diary, part manifesto, and part dumpster fire, but a dumpster fire with really good lighting. Arden Joy may not have written a perfect book, but she’s written one that will haunt your group chats and inspire at least three dramatic Instagram captions. And honestly? That’s worth something.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with caveats. Read it if you love chaos, if you collect quotes that make you feel seen and slightly attacked, and if you’re okay with a plot that occasionally forgets it’s a plot. Don’t read it if you need closure, clarity, or a protagonist who makes good decisions.
In conclusion: “Leave This Off the Books” is a literary mood board for the emotionally reckless. It’s part diary, part manifesto, and part dumpster fire, but a dumpster fire with really good lighting. Arden Joy may not have written a perfect book, but she’s written one that will haunt your group chats and inspire at least three dramatic Instagram captions. And honestly? That’s worth something.
December 30, 2025
This was a very engaging audiobook that felt like listening to a binge-worthy TV show.
Naomi’s story is emotional but still light enough to be fun. Her struggle to move on from a painful past felt real, and I liked how the story balanced romance with growth and self-respect. The reality TV angle added a lot of drama and made everything feel extra high-stakes.
The audiobook narration really helped bring the characters to life. Each voice was easy to follow, and the emotional moments landed well without feeling overdone.
I also enjoyed the side characters and their complicated relationships, which added humor and depth to the story. The public proposal and wedding chaos were over-the-top in a way that fit the reality TV theme perfectly.
Overall, this was a fun, modern romantic comedy with heart, drama, and a satisfying listening experience. Great choice if you want something emotional, dramatic, and easy to get hooked on.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Naomi’s story is emotional but still light enough to be fun. Her struggle to move on from a painful past felt real, and I liked how the story balanced romance with growth and self-respect. The reality TV angle added a lot of drama and made everything feel extra high-stakes.
The audiobook narration really helped bring the characters to life. Each voice was easy to follow, and the emotional moments landed well without feeling overdone.
I also enjoyed the side characters and their complicated relationships, which added humor and depth to the story. The public proposal and wedding chaos were over-the-top in a way that fit the reality TV theme perfectly.
Overall, this was a fun, modern romantic comedy with heart, drama, and a satisfying listening experience. Great choice if you want something emotional, dramatic, and easy to get hooked on.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Read
November 8, 2025Thank you NetGalley for this arc !
Audiobook.
Dnf @ 38%
What an incredible interesting story concept. Girl meets boy as high school reunion but he works for her best friends biggest enemy from high school. Except. These characters are well into their 30s. This is a 15year high school reunion. Why are we still holding grudges from high school? No problem, I could overlook that. What I couldn’t get past was 30% into this story, the FMC and MMC say I love you to each other and yet the FMC hasn’t told him about her past relationships that is currently affecting her today. So she says things to get a reaction out of him, doesn’t give him the backstory and then gets upset that he’s ’not on her side’. Again, in your 30s. Just tell this man that you said I love you too that you were in an abusive relationship! I couldn’t with her and her actions. I already saw where this trainwreck was heading and it wasn’t compelling enough to make me continue on.
Audiobook.
Dnf @ 38%
What an incredible interesting story concept. Girl meets boy as high school reunion but he works for her best friends biggest enemy from high school. Except. These characters are well into their 30s. This is a 15year high school reunion. Why are we still holding grudges from high school? No problem, I could overlook that. What I couldn’t get past was 30% into this story, the FMC and MMC say I love you to each other and yet the FMC hasn’t told him about her past relationships that is currently affecting her today. So she says things to get a reaction out of him, doesn’t give him the backstory and then gets upset that he’s ’not on her side’. Again, in your 30s. Just tell this man that you said I love you too that you were in an abusive relationship! I couldn’t with her and her actions. I already saw where this trainwreck was heading and it wasn’t compelling enough to make me continue on.
October 22, 2025
2.75 rounded to 3 ⭐️
this was a bit of a letdown for me. first and foremost, the narration was very well done. The narrator kept me engaged from start to finish and didn’t let me “give up” on the characters & story.
Overall, I did like the plot of the book. The bones of the story was good and I think it could have gotten there, but it just didn’t work. Unfortunately, i think the bones of the plot was over complicated making it have a bunch of subplots that didn’t always go anywhere and felt kind of pointless at times.
Also, this may be a personal issue but the amount of taylor swift referenced reaaalllyyyyy gave me the ick. I don’t mind a book being set in modern times but, when i’m ready to escape being brought out of a story for a taylor swift or other pop culture reference ruins it for me.
this was a bit of a letdown for me. first and foremost, the narration was very well done. The narrator kept me engaged from start to finish and didn’t let me “give up” on the characters & story.
Overall, I did like the plot of the book. The bones of the story was good and I think it could have gotten there, but it just didn’t work. Unfortunately, i think the bones of the plot was over complicated making it have a bunch of subplots that didn’t always go anywhere and felt kind of pointless at times.
Also, this may be a personal issue but the amount of taylor swift referenced reaaalllyyyyy gave me the ick. I don’t mind a book being set in modern times but, when i’m ready to escape being brought out of a story for a taylor swift or other pop culture reference ruins it for me.
October 23, 2025
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media, Author Arden Joy, Narrated by Mara Wilson and Michael Crouch and NetGalley for the ARC of Leave This Off the Books in exchange for an honest review.
When reading the description of this book, I was surprised that it took me until the last third of the audiobook to really get into the plot and have the urge to keep listening because I needed to know what happened next. The narrators were spot on from the beginning and I am partial to an audiobook that has duel perspectives being read by separate people. The plot just did not grab me and I was often trying to follow which support character they were talking about as it was very much set in a two dynamic friend groups that combine in the end. Would this book skip to the top of my must read TBR list, no, but I would recommend it to people who were looking for a romantic comedy just to grab and go.
When reading the description of this book, I was surprised that it took me until the last third of the audiobook to really get into the plot and have the urge to keep listening because I needed to know what happened next. The narrators were spot on from the beginning and I am partial to an audiobook that has duel perspectives being read by separate people. The plot just did not grab me and I was often trying to follow which support character they were talking about as it was very much set in a two dynamic friend groups that combine in the end. Would this book skip to the top of my must read TBR list, no, but I would recommend it to people who were looking for a romantic comedy just to grab and go.
October 30, 2025
Naomi Hoffman meets Will Quinn at her high school reunion. While Will is only attending as his boss Freya's plus one, he is wanting to get to know Naomi better. After a cat fight between Naomi's best friend Abby and Freya, Naomi leaves the reunion in a rush without exchanging numbers with Will. They soon meet again they soon find out that they might want more than a casual relationship. Will and Naomi get engaged on live tv and soon the news studio wants to document the whole wedding affair and pass it off as a reality show. They will foot the bill for everything if they agree to it. The one thing that Naomi hasn't been honest with Will about is her marriage and divorce from Simon, her high school sweetheart. When Will finds out he leaves Naomi at the alter. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for letting me listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook.
November 10, 2025
There was a lot happening in this book, like, not just the main couple but all the side characters had their own mini-dramas too. It felt a bit like the author had a bunch of fun ideas and tried to squeeze them all into one story.
The plot was pretty predictable (which I kind of expect from a light romance), but the timeline felt rushed and the time jumps didn’t help much.
The narrators weren’t bad, but they didn’t totally click for me either.
It wasn’t a bad book at all, just not one that it clicked. I wasn’t particularly interested in the ending, but I still finished it since it was an advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The plot was pretty predictable (which I kind of expect from a light romance), but the timeline felt rushed and the time jumps didn’t help much.
The narrators weren’t bad, but they didn’t totally click for me either.
It wasn’t a bad book at all, just not one that it clicked. I wasn’t particularly interested in the ending, but I still finished it since it was an advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2025
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this ALC.
the narration was good and well the characters were well played.
Insta love
Second chance
Strong friendships
I felt like that was just too much going on in the story. The FMC had a pass that she was keeping a secret because she was afraid of her ex who she had a protective order against. Instead of her being honest to her now boyfriend she kept giving in to her ex’s demands of meeting.
Well, all this is happening. Her friends are trying to get his friend and her friend together.
Then there’s a plot twist with a bit of suspense at the wedding. I really wanted to like the story. I might have to re-listen to it.
the narration was good and well the characters were well played.
Insta love
Second chance
Strong friendships
I felt like that was just too much going on in the story. The FMC had a pass that she was keeping a secret because she was afraid of her ex who she had a protective order against. Instead of her being honest to her now boyfriend she kept giving in to her ex’s demands of meeting.
Well, all this is happening. Her friends are trying to get his friend and her friend together.
Then there’s a plot twist with a bit of suspense at the wedding. I really wanted to like the story. I might have to re-listen to it.
October 30, 2025
This Much Ado about Nothing retelling was so much fun! Naomi is still recovering from an abusive marriage, and meets Will, who happens to be the assistant to her best friend Abigail's nemesis, Freya. With a reality TV special on her relationship, Naomi is thrust into the public eye, but reality TV is nothing like real life...or is it? Feuding friends, and abusive ex coming out of the woodwork, and a spotlight with thousands of viewers is a recipe for a Shakespearian-level comedy! I also discovered there is another book from the perspective of other characters, so can't wait to read that!
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
October 8, 2025
***Three Stars***
This one didn't hold my attention very well. I'm not really a fan of cheating and encouraging or enabling it. Even though it was just with a side character it still gave me ick the way it was just commonplace for this character. I am just not having luck with new authors this week.
On top of that the secret that was kept from the MMC was insane and there was no reason at all for it. How absolutely ridiculous.
In the end there was HEA, which is good. Maybe this book would be better for someone else. It just is not for me.
This one didn't hold my attention very well. I'm not really a fan of cheating and encouraging or enabling it. Even though it was just with a side character it still gave me ick the way it was just commonplace for this character. I am just not having luck with new authors this week.
On top of that the secret that was kept from the MMC was insane and there was no reason at all for it. How absolutely ridiculous.
In the end there was HEA, which is good. Maybe this book would be better for someone else. It just is not for me.
October 15, 2025
2⭐️ 3🎧
DNF at 35%. I started and stopped this book 3 times, finishing a book in between each attempt. I was not wanting to hit play. The characters fall for each other almost instantly but I didn't feel any chemistry, they said "I love You" and I felt truly shocked they were at that point. I was repeatedly finding myself not paying attention to this story. I did loved the representation in this story, but need so much more to keep my brain interested.
The female narrator was enjoyable to listen to, but I am not a fan of the male narrators voice.
DNF at 35%. I started and stopped this book 3 times, finishing a book in between each attempt. I was not wanting to hit play. The characters fall for each other almost instantly but I didn't feel any chemistry, they said "I love You" and I felt truly shocked they were at that point. I was repeatedly finding myself not paying attention to this story. I did loved the representation in this story, but need so much more to keep my brain interested.
The female narrator was enjoyable to listen to, but I am not a fan of the male narrators voice.
October 16, 2025
The start of this book was a bit slow, but towards the end it really picks up. I do feel like we missed a lot of what happened between the couple due to the speed of the book. I also am not a huge fan of Insta love stories without getting a lot more couple time.
Spice: none
Insta-Love
Abusive Ex (Divorce)
Feuding Best Friends
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and author Arden Joy, for providing me with the ALC of “Leave This Off the Books”, in exchange for my honest review! Mara Wilson and Michael Crouch did a wonderful job narrating this book.
Spice: none
Insta-Love
Abusive Ex (Divorce)
Feuding Best Friends
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and author Arden Joy, for providing me with the ALC of “Leave This Off the Books”, in exchange for my honest review! Mara Wilson and Michael Crouch did a wonderful job narrating this book.
October 16, 2025
This story was full of heart. The characters had so much depth and backstory that built into a fantastic storyline. The side characters added drama and comedy and tons of other emotions to fill out the story and plot. The world was well built around this group of friends and enemies. Overall, I enjoyed this story and how the author dealt with difficult situations. I also loved the nod to much ado about nothing.
The narrators did a great job with the characters and voice acting. The voices all felt like they matched the characters
The narrators did a great job with the characters and voice acting. The voices all felt like they matched the characters
October 20, 2025
I only read 42% of this book. I tried to keep going but I couldn't stomach it. This book wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be. I didn't like any of the characters and the story was boring. The pronoun nonsense had me rolling my eyes and then the plotting to get to same sex characters together isn't something I wanted to continue reading. A disappointing waste of my time.
I listened to the audiobook version. I didn't really like the voice for the male MC - it didn't seem to suit him.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC.
I listened to the audiobook version. I didn't really like the voice for the male MC - it didn't seem to suit him.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC.
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