What do you think?
I Could Write a Book
It's hard to stop thinking about someone when you're sleeping in his bed.
Bestselling spy novelist George Knight has an ex-boyfriend's wedding he'd rather avoid, a deadline closing in, and a blank page that's starting to feel personal.
Owen Wilde has a quiet life he loves in small-town Vermont, crafting handmade wooden pieces in his workshop. It would be perfect if his ex's parting words didn't still sting.
Enter Owen's cousin and George's best friend, Zoe, who comes up with the perfect solution to both their problems: a housing swap for the holidays! George gets a quiet cabin. Owen gets a New York apartment and a vacation he didn’t ask for. (It's very, very hard to say no to Zoe.)
Except George and Owen can't seem to leave each other alone. One email turns into many. Texts pile up. And somewhere between late-night conversations and living in each other's spaces, they each start to feel more seen than they have in a long time, even though they've never actually met.
I Could Write a Book is a slow burn MM romance with witty banter, cozy winter vibes, surprise connection, and a slightly meddling found family. A queer Christmas rom com for fans of feel-good, low angst romance.
Bestselling spy novelist George Knight has an ex-boyfriend's wedding he'd rather avoid, a deadline closing in, and a blank page that's starting to feel personal.
Owen Wilde has a quiet life he loves in small-town Vermont, crafting handmade wooden pieces in his workshop. It would be perfect if his ex's parting words didn't still sting.
Enter Owen's cousin and George's best friend, Zoe, who comes up with the perfect solution to both their problems: a housing swap for the holidays! George gets a quiet cabin. Owen gets a New York apartment and a vacation he didn’t ask for. (It's very, very hard to say no to Zoe.)
Except George and Owen can't seem to leave each other alone. One email turns into many. Texts pile up. And somewhere between late-night conversations and living in each other's spaces, they each start to feel more seen than they have in a long time, even though they've never actually met.
I Could Write a Book is a slow burn MM romance with witty banter, cozy winter vibes, surprise connection, and a slightly meddling found family. A queer Christmas rom com for fans of feel-good, low angst romance.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2025
About the author
Andie Elliott
3 books23 followersAndie Elliott is a huge fan of coffee, chocolate, cute furry things, and, above all, stories. She is a sucker for a good romance and an even bigger sucker for a good rom-com. She has been writing since she was a kid (and still can’t read her own handwriting).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 18, 2026
4.5 stars
This was lovely. The premise is very similar to The Holiday, one of my favourite holiday films, so I had to read it. The only big difference is that George and Owen, who swap houses, fall for each other. One of them is in New York, and the other one in a small town in Vermont.
The story is very slow-burn, because George and Owen spend most of the book at each other's places. They communicate through emails, text messages, and later on phone calls, which is something I love in books if done well. I thoroughly enjoyed their fun conversations and how slowly they got to know each other. You could tell how perfect they'd be for each other.
There are so many things I loved in this book: George writing his book, Owen's woodwork and cooking, Owen's New York neighbours, nosy but well-meaning townsfolk in Vermont, and just how absolutely endearing George and Owen are.
What I didn't love were Zoe and the ending. Zoe is the insufferable best friend / cousin who knows no boundaries. Her only redeeming quality was that it was her idea for George and Owen to swap houses so, technically, without her there wouldn't have been a story. But she tested my last nerve.
As for the ending, it felt rushed to me. My expectations for when they finally meet in person were quite different from what we got.
This was lovely. The premise is very similar to The Holiday, one of my favourite holiday films, so I had to read it. The only big difference is that George and Owen, who swap houses, fall for each other. One of them is in New York, and the other one in a small town in Vermont.
The story is very slow-burn, because George and Owen spend most of the book at each other's places. They communicate through emails, text messages, and later on phone calls, which is something I love in books if done well. I thoroughly enjoyed their fun conversations and how slowly they got to know each other. You could tell how perfect they'd be for each other.
There are so many things I loved in this book: George writing his book, Owen's woodwork and cooking, Owen's New York neighbours, nosy but well-meaning townsfolk in Vermont, and just how absolutely endearing George and Owen are.
What I didn't love were Zoe and the ending. Zoe is the insufferable best friend / cousin who knows no boundaries. Her only redeeming quality was that it was her idea for George and Owen to swap houses so, technically, without her there wouldn't have been a story. But she tested my last nerve.
As for the ending, it felt rushed to me. My expectations for when they finally meet in person were quite different from what we got.
April 22, 2026
Cozy story about a NYC writer and Vermont wood carver; humorous, entertaining, easy to digest; opposites attract; A+ epilogue. All that adds up to 4 stars and counting, but:
Fuck Zoe, seriously. She was manipulative and controlling, and certainly NOT a good friend. I found Zoe supremely annoying and hated that the MCs let her steamroll their lives while exalting her virtues at every turn.
The whole thing with George's ex's wedding took up waaaay too much page time. The ring fiasco was Zoe's fault but became this big emergency for George and Owen. Like hell would any sane person go to such spectacular lengths to save their ex's nuptials.
Fuck Zoe, seriously. She was manipulative and controlling, and certainly NOT a good friend. I found Zoe supremely annoying and hated that the MCs let her steamroll their lives while exalting her virtues at every turn.
The whole thing with George's ex's wedding took up waaaay too much page time. The ring fiasco was Zoe's fault but became this big emergency for George and Owen. Like hell would any sane person go to such spectacular lengths to save their ex's nuptials.
September 22, 2026
I was charmed.
George and Owen are two very likeable guys, and their romance unfolds in a rather unconventional way.
They actually don’t even meet in person until 89%. I admit that this was maybe a little bit too long for my liking, but somehow it worked anyway.
Yes, the timeframe is also a bit tight, but in this case, I enjoyed myself far too much to be bothered.
I loved the banter, the rather cute flirting and the way these guys got to know each other just by e-mail and living in each other’s houses.
A really nice, relaxing romance.
George and Owen are two very likeable guys, and their romance unfolds in a rather unconventional way.
They actually don’t even meet in person until 89%. I admit that this was maybe a little bit too long for my liking, but somehow it worked anyway.
Yes, the timeframe is also a bit tight, but in this case, I enjoyed myself far too much to be bothered.
I loved the banter, the rather cute flirting and the way these guys got to know each other just by e-mail and living in each other’s houses.
A really nice, relaxing romance.
Read
January 10, 2026no, i don’t ‘have to love’ overbearing-but-she-means-well zoe & how george and owen let her stomp all over their lives i’ll never understand
September 25, 2026
Oh, I absolutely adored this!!
I haven't read many rom-coms recently, so it was a lovely change.
A twist on 'The Holiday' but make it gay.
I haven't read many rom-coms recently, so it was a lovely change.
A twist on 'The Holiday' but make it gay.
July 15, 2026
This is the story of George, a spy-story novelist, and Owen, a rural wood-working artist, who are convinced by their mutual best friend Zoe to swap houses for the holidays. George wants to get out of New York City where his ex is getting married, and Owen is convinced to come visit Zoe.
Living in each other's homes is a gentle introduction that turns into texting, and eventually calling, as the two men bond across the miles. Both have had bad experiences with exes, each of them has some pretty battered self-esteem. There's a slow burn, as they start to find a friend, and something more.
Zoe is a bit over the top and pushy. She's the kind of friend who would actually be best in small doses, which makes their mutual adoration of her a bit much, but she's mostly a device to get these guys together. The end is a little slapstick rom-com, but the story still worked well for me as a sweet, low-angst build between two very lovable characters.
Living in each other's homes is a gentle introduction that turns into texting, and eventually calling, as the two men bond across the miles. Both have had bad experiences with exes, each of them has some pretty battered self-esteem. There's a slow burn, as they start to find a friend, and something more.
Zoe is a bit over the top and pushy. She's the kind of friend who would actually be best in small doses, which makes their mutual adoration of her a bit much, but she's mostly a device to get these guys together. The end is a little slapstick rom-com, but the story still worked well for me as a sweet, low-angst build between two very lovable characters.
January 12, 2026
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.8
The Holiday is one of my favourite feel good movies.
So this was a no brainer for a read.
I was really excited about starting this one.
I liked both the MC's well enough.
Zoe.. well she was to much for my personal taste.
Throughout this book I was repeatedly thankful for not having a
"Zoe" in my own life. To me, it felt as though she wants
to organize everyone's lives but she actually really doesn't
have the time to really just think about what would actually
be good for them. She gets something in her head and run's
with it, really doesn't matter if it's what the person really even
likes or needs.
I absolutely LOVED the list George made for Owen!
I loved how he actually took the time in thinking of things
that based of what little he knows about Owen, he thinks
will actually be pleasurable for him. (He did a way better job that
Zoe)
I liked the support Owen gave back in return regarding the unfinished
"book".
I loved the back and forth between the two MC's and I wanted
more of that. For deeper discussions maybe?
I really enjoyed George's neighbours and their dinner invites and
bringing food over. This book had SO much potential!
SPOILER-ISH
I didn't like the ending. I'm sorry, don't shoot!
I didn't like the way things transpire after Owen shows up
on the porch.
It felt completely NOT RIGHT.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.8
The Holiday is one of my favourite feel good movies.
So this was a no brainer for a read.
I was really excited about starting this one.
I liked both the MC's well enough.
Zoe.. well she was to much for my personal taste.
Throughout this book I was repeatedly thankful for not having a
"Zoe" in my own life. To me, it felt as though she wants
to organize everyone's lives but she actually really doesn't
have the time to really just think about what would actually
be good for them. She gets something in her head and run's
with it, really doesn't matter if it's what the person really even
likes or needs.
I absolutely LOVED the list George made for Owen!
I loved how he actually took the time in thinking of things
that based of what little he knows about Owen, he thinks
will actually be pleasurable for him. (He did a way better job that
Zoe)
I liked the support Owen gave back in return regarding the unfinished
"book".
I loved the back and forth between the two MC's and I wanted
more of that. For deeper discussions maybe?
I really enjoyed George's neighbours and their dinner invites and
bringing food over. This book had SO much potential!
SPOILER-ISH
I didn't like the ending. I'm sorry, don't shoot!
I didn't like the way things transpire after Owen shows up
on the porch.
It felt completely NOT RIGHT.
September 23, 2026
I'm not usually a fan of long distance stuff but this was super adorable. I loved the emails, text, and calls.
I was not a fan of Zoe, (George's Bff who was also Owen's Cousin) She just annoyed me.
I was not a fan of Zoe, (George's Bff who was also Owen's Cousin) She just annoyed me.
April 19, 2026
Distinctly good. Slight idea well executed.
July 28, 2026
I was not sure what I was getting into with this book. I picked it up on Kindle because it looked interesting, hoping it wouldn't be terrible. Imagine my surprise when I couldn't put it down!! The long distance interactions between George and Owen in this slow-burn romance are so delicious with their feelings for each other growing so organically, that each chapter just drew me on to the next. This is the first time I've read this author, but it won't be the last! Excellent story!
April 26, 2026
DNF 45%
I'm almost halfway through the book and there's still no romantic development between Owen and George. So anything after that makes it hard to believe in this couple. I imagine everything will feel rushed at the end. I like development between the MC’s in romance novels.
But what made me give up is Zoe, who was supposed to be just the hook for the house swap, but she appears too frequently and is the funny type, but it's just bad slapstick comedy. The name Zoe appears 212 times in a 300-page book, which is too much. Any action involves Zoe, always trying to be funny, but it's not. She's a caricatured character.
Good idea, but poor execution.
I'm almost halfway through the book and there's still no romantic development between Owen and George. So anything after that makes it hard to believe in this couple. I imagine everything will feel rushed at the end. I like development between the MC’s in romance novels.
But what made me give up is Zoe, who was supposed to be just the hook for the house swap, but she appears too frequently and is the funny type, but it's just bad slapstick comedy. The name Zoe appears 212 times in a 300-page book, which is too much. Any action involves Zoe, always trying to be funny, but it's not. She's a caricatured character.
Good idea, but poor execution.
September 19, 2026
Sometimes you just click with an author and want to read every word they send into the world. This author just wrote one book and two (way too short) stories and I need more, asap.
If this book was a movie, I’d watch it on repeat for a week. Ok, it kinda already is a movie, as most reviewers already pointed out, but I think there’s room for this one too.
I loved both of the mc’s! They were sweet, and funny. And I loved the use of email and text messages! I’ve read a lot of books with conversations like this and here it actually makes. Very impressive for a debut author to do this so well.
Also Zoe… I don’t think any reader liked her 😁 And I didn’t either. However… I’m 100% sure she has ADHD, and as a fellow ADHD’er I have to defend her a little bit. I don’t think she was very empathetic when it came to the needs of Owen. But she loves him and wanted him to enjoy New York and find a partner and check if her listicle made sense at the same time. While working and also helping out one of her other besties when his wedding planner needed a fill in. She means well, but she doesn’t have time to ask questions. And for us ADHD-ers it’s also very hard to understand why all of you non-dopamine searchers are SO FLIPPING SLOW 🐌🐌🐌. Why wouldn’t you want to do 65 things in one day? We do not have the same time restrictions as the rest of you, our minutes go way slower (or faster) than yours, at least when we make plans 🤣 Ok, not in reality, but it is really hard to understand why a itinerary like she made wouldn’t work for someone else.
So yes, she’s annoying. But there’s a reason the book guys all love her. If you ever need someone to plan your wedding, host a friend, and still have energy to go out and have fun, she’s your girl! (Just don’t wait too long, because as soon as menopause hits her, she’ll be a mess, who finally realises her world doesn’t spin slower than the real world… Fun times 🙄).
Anyway, LOVED this book. The end was way too rushed, I really needed a bit more after that first day. Owen should have shown up a few days before the wedding I think.
Anyway, recommend and will reread!
If this book was a movie, I’d watch it on repeat for a week. Ok, it kinda already is a movie, as most reviewers already pointed out, but I think there’s room for this one too.
I loved both of the mc’s! They were sweet, and funny. And I loved the use of email and text messages! I’ve read a lot of books with conversations like this and here it actually makes. Very impressive for a debut author to do this so well.
Also Zoe… I don’t think any reader liked her 😁 And I didn’t either. However… I’m 100% sure she has ADHD, and as a fellow ADHD’er I have to defend her a little bit. I don’t think she was very empathetic when it came to the needs of Owen. But she loves him and wanted him to enjoy New York and find a partner and check if her listicle made sense at the same time. While working and also helping out one of her other besties when his wedding planner needed a fill in. She means well, but she doesn’t have time to ask questions. And for us ADHD-ers it’s also very hard to understand why all of you non-dopamine searchers are SO FLIPPING SLOW 🐌🐌🐌. Why wouldn’t you want to do 65 things in one day? We do not have the same time restrictions as the rest of you, our minutes go way slower (or faster) than yours, at least when we make plans 🤣 Ok, not in reality, but it is really hard to understand why a itinerary like she made wouldn’t work for someone else.
So yes, she’s annoying. But there’s a reason the book guys all love her. If you ever need someone to plan your wedding, host a friend, and still have energy to go out and have fun, she’s your girl! (Just don’t wait too long, because as soon as menopause hits her, she’ll be a mess, who finally realises her world doesn’t spin slower than the real world… Fun times 🙄).
Anyway, LOVED this book. The end was way too rushed, I really needed a bit more after that first day. Owen should have shown up a few days before the wedding I think.
Anyway, recommend and will reread!
March 26, 2026
Slipping Into Each Other’s Life…
Okay, has some similarities to the film, The Holiday, as far as people switching homes for a period. And as in that film, the characters here have been heart-broken. However, the similarities end because these 2 characters are gay males, and they actually develop a slow burn connection that moves past texting and into flirting and beyond.
And you just can’t help but like the writer George and the wood worker artist Owen. What each man learns when they switch places is that they a shared curiosity, admiration, and attraction. As the holiday week stretches, they discover as much about themselves as they do about each other.
It is a slow burn that deserves a better follow up in New York as they race back. Love able characters, great conflicts, an effective alternating perspectives almost like a You’ve Got Mail sort of feel. Fun read.
Okay, has some similarities to the film, The Holiday, as far as people switching homes for a period. And as in that film, the characters here have been heart-broken. However, the similarities end because these 2 characters are gay males, and they actually develop a slow burn connection that moves past texting and into flirting and beyond.
And you just can’t help but like the writer George and the wood worker artist Owen. What each man learns when they switch places is that they a shared curiosity, admiration, and attraction. As the holiday week stretches, they discover as much about themselves as they do about each other.
It is a slow burn that deserves a better follow up in New York as they race back. Love able characters, great conflicts, an effective alternating perspectives almost like a You’ve Got Mail sort of feel. Fun read.
September 7, 2026
This was so cute and fun.
An MM version of the christmas film, The Holiday.
It was so sweet!!
Owen a bit of a loner and an introvert. Recently going through a break-up and lives in a cabin in Vermont.
George is a best selling author who lives in New York City and his ex is about to get married.
They end up swapping places over the christmas period due to Owens cousin and George's friend Zoe.
They start emailing eachother over little things. This then moves to texting and then eventually to phone calls. They both end up really liking eachother.
I loved this book so much and I was completely immersed from start to finish. It was so sweet and heartwarming. I needed a cosy little romance.
I have to say though, even though she meant well, Zoe really overwhelmed me. She was too much! I was able to look past that though in order to enjoy this book.
An MM version of the christmas film, The Holiday.
It was so sweet!!
Owen a bit of a loner and an introvert. Recently going through a break-up and lives in a cabin in Vermont.
George is a best selling author who lives in New York City and his ex is about to get married.
They end up swapping places over the christmas period due to Owens cousin and George's friend Zoe.
They start emailing eachother over little things. This then moves to texting and then eventually to phone calls. They both end up really liking eachother.
I loved this book so much and I was completely immersed from start to finish. It was so sweet and heartwarming. I needed a cosy little romance.
I have to say though, even though she meant well, Zoe really overwhelmed me. She was too much! I was able to look past that though in order to enjoy this book.
August 15, 2026
5 Stars
An absolute must-read
I Could Write a Book by Andie Elliott, a new-to-me-author, is the true definition of Rom-com.
The three delightful protagonists Elliott has created are not to be missed. The developing chemistry between Manhattanite George Knight, a NYT Best-Selling spy novelist, and Owen Wilde, a rural VT craftsman, initiated by and overseen by Zoe, Owen's cousin and George's best friend, is a chuckle worthy, laugh out lout, heart-warming delight from the first page to the last.
If rom-com is your genre, this is the book for you. I, for one, can’t wait to read more of Andie Elliott’s work.
An absolute must-read
I Could Write a Book by Andie Elliott, a new-to-me-author, is the true definition of Rom-com.
The three delightful protagonists Elliott has created are not to be missed. The developing chemistry between Manhattanite George Knight, a NYT Best-Selling spy novelist, and Owen Wilde, a rural VT craftsman, initiated by and overseen by Zoe, Owen's cousin and George's best friend, is a chuckle worthy, laugh out lout, heart-warming delight from the first page to the last.
If rom-com is your genre, this is the book for you. I, for one, can’t wait to read more of Andie Elliott’s work.
April 22, 2026
Enjoyed this freebie, although cousin [Owen's] and best friend [George's] Zoe was a wee bit overbearing and bossy [but she really did have their best interests at heart 🤔]. Liked the epistolatory 'banter' content, but found the 'wedding ring' situation to be a bit silly and over dramatic. The story just confirmed to me [as if I needed it reaffirmed] that I would be totally unsuited to living in a city environment...especially a huge one like the Big Apple 🍎.
August 7, 2026
5 whole entire stars if only because the chapter of Dec. 23 had me giggling and kicking my feet like a crazy person. This was a delightful fluffy rom-com I will absolutely be coming back to in December.
This is The Holiday but Make It Gay. Spy novelist George is staring down a deadline and his ex's impending New Year's nuptials. Woodworker Owen lives in a quiet, tiny town in Vermont and never does anything different. George's best friend (who is coincidentally Owen's cousin!) Zoe, decides they need to swap lives. Owen to New York City, and George to nowhere Vermont. Owen gets some quality time with Zoe and out of his shell a bit, and George gets quiet and solitude to finish his damn book.
Gripes: Zoe kind of sucks. I have a designated Pushy Friend who forces me to do things I kind of want to do and sometimes I am the designated Pushy Friend who makes people do things they want to do but are afraid to do alone. Zoe is just a bulldozer in a dress who insists that Owen come to NYC (where he is *very* uncomfortable and a fish out of water) and then promptly bails on him the majority of the time he's there by focusing her energies on helping George's ex plan his wedding!? Um, what!?!? I understand her existence as a plot device but she's frankly manipulative and not a very good friend. Also the plot device for both Owen and George to get back to NYC to "save the wedding" was a bit flimsy and kind of lame.
Hypes: So this is a true slow burn because nothing happens until the end but I laughed. SO. MUCH. When George and Owen start emailing each other and then finally texting and then move up to phone calls.... *swoon* I love these two MCs. I loved George walking Owen through his favorite spots in NYC. I loved Owen reading George's Secret Project and leaving him a gift. I loved George putting Owen's ex in his place. I loved all the characters in Owen's tiny town in Vermont quietly rooting for George and Owen even if they don't know the whole story. I especially loved the entire exchange of Dec. 23 because I was giggling and kicking my feet and my husband made the mistake of asking what was so funny (he should know never to ask that by now unless he wants a long, convoluted answer...).
Overall, this is a truly slow slow burn with minimal spice. Sweet with a tiny bit of heat, let's put it that way. The final bit with the wedding was kind of stupid and I would have liked to have seen more of the two of them together in the same space but I was still satisfied with the dénouement. Just, stop reading reviews and go read the book. This was a first for me from this author but I will definitely be finding more by Andie Elliot for when I need light and fluffy rom-com reading.
This is The Holiday but Make It Gay. Spy novelist George is staring down a deadline and his ex's impending New Year's nuptials. Woodworker Owen lives in a quiet, tiny town in Vermont and never does anything different. George's best friend (who is coincidentally Owen's cousin!) Zoe, decides they need to swap lives. Owen to New York City, and George to nowhere Vermont. Owen gets some quality time with Zoe and out of his shell a bit, and George gets quiet and solitude to finish his damn book.
Gripes: Zoe kind of sucks. I have a designated Pushy Friend who forces me to do things I kind of want to do and sometimes I am the designated Pushy Friend who makes people do things they want to do but are afraid to do alone. Zoe is just a bulldozer in a dress who insists that Owen come to NYC (where he is *very* uncomfortable and a fish out of water) and then promptly bails on him the majority of the time he's there by focusing her energies on helping George's ex plan his wedding!? Um, what!?!? I understand her existence as a plot device but she's frankly manipulative and not a very good friend. Also the plot device for both Owen and George to get back to NYC to "save the wedding" was a bit flimsy and kind of lame.
Hypes: So this is a true slow burn because nothing happens until the end but I laughed. SO. MUCH. When George and Owen start emailing each other and then finally texting and then move up to phone calls.... *swoon* I love these two MCs. I loved George walking Owen through his favorite spots in NYC. I loved Owen reading George's Secret Project and leaving him a gift. I loved George putting Owen's ex in his place. I loved all the characters in Owen's tiny town in Vermont quietly rooting for George and Owen even if they don't know the whole story. I especially loved the entire exchange of Dec. 23 because I was giggling and kicking my feet and my husband made the mistake of asking what was so funny (he should know never to ask that by now unless he wants a long, convoluted answer...).
Overall, this is a truly slow slow burn with minimal spice. Sweet with a tiny bit of heat, let's put it that way. The final bit with the wedding was kind of stupid and I would have liked to have seen more of the two of them together in the same space but I was still satisfied with the dénouement. Just, stop reading reviews and go read the book. This was a first for me from this author but I will definitely be finding more by Andie Elliot for when I need light and fluffy rom-com reading.
August 27, 2026
I didn't have high expectations when I started reading, purely because I got the book for free. I've read (and dnf) multiple free books because they where bad, but this one is a pearl! The book is kind of like the movie 'the holiday ', where they swap houses but they fall in love with each other. Lovely story, funny bits. Go read it!
September 23, 2026
Eh. Had potential just very formulaic and tropey. The premise sounded interesting but the best friend kind of ruined it and their development felt very inauthentic. A better author could have probably brought this plot to something with depth and proper emotional growth.
July 11, 2026
Sweet. Fun. Wholesome. With a little dash of spice. A lovely little rom-com palette cleanser.
July 20, 2026
I foolishly bought a book I'd already read, bonus for the author I guess. A tale worth the double cost.
September 12, 2026
Cozy story. I liked George & Owen and their e-mails and texts, but absolutely hated Zoe.
January 5, 2026
Oh god I don't know where to begin but I love it so, so much! Both George and Owen are fun and lovely and they genuinely made sense together and those emails and texts? So freaking cuteee I'm melting into the floor as I type. Five stars! Would probably read anything written by this author! 🫶
September 5, 2026
The premise of this was super cute but there were a few things that kept it from being a favorite.
George ❤️ Owen
George is a famous author suffering from a bit of writers block and also looking to avoid being in the city during his ex’s marriage. His best friend, Zoe, steps in and arranges for him to stay at her cousins remote cabin in Vermont. Her cousin, Owen, a craftsman, is feeling similarly in need of a change of pace and agrees to the swap.
Their relationship starts via email and text and then progresses to FaceTime, etc.
Good, honest and smart characters. BUT -
1) Zoe is one of the most singularly annoying side characters that I’ve ever read. She imposes herself in each of their lives and invades the story.
2) When George finally musters the courage to ask Owen out on a date, Owen declines for absolutely no reason. He never reaches back out to him, doesn’t explain why. Just thinks it wouldn’t work. 🤷🏻♀️
3) Then Owen makes the grand gesture to drive 6 hours up to Vermont and STILL doesn’t explain why he declined. They just see each other and basically jump in bed.
4) The final nail in the story’s coffin was them driving 6 hours back to NYC when they realize that Zoe put the rings for his ex’s wedding in Owen’s pocket. Why, why, why would anyone go to this much trouble for their ex boyfriend and why can’t Zoe just tell the groom, etc what happened? All so George can have some kind of closure w his ex? I don’t care. Make them all go away.
Anyhoo:
💔Third act separation. Technically not a breakup but basically a break up.
🗣️Communication - the texts and emails were cute, but i wanted to see them actually be together in the same room before they fell into bed. At least Owen should have explained.
👬🏽MM - famous insecure author and shy incredibly thoughtful “boring” craftsman
🫣No OM. Both are somewhat feeling sorry for themselves after bad breakups but don’t have feelings for their ex’s. Neither is with anyone else while they’re becoming friends.
🌶️Spice - this is a slow burn w the first kiss and everything else happening at 80%ish.
👥Dual POV; HEA; 1 yr epilogue. I really disliked the fact that he gave him something that he had originally intended to give someone else. See below.
So, a good premise but too many things that just didn’t work for me.
Detailed spoiler:
When George was staying in Owen’s cabin, he found a puzzle box and a pink glass heart inside. Owen never knew that he found it, but then regifted it to him in a different box for Christmas.
George ❤️ Owen
George is a famous author suffering from a bit of writers block and also looking to avoid being in the city during his ex’s marriage. His best friend, Zoe, steps in and arranges for him to stay at her cousins remote cabin in Vermont. Her cousin, Owen, a craftsman, is feeling similarly in need of a change of pace and agrees to the swap.
Their relationship starts via email and text and then progresses to FaceTime, etc.
Good, honest and smart characters. BUT -
1) Zoe is one of the most singularly annoying side characters that I’ve ever read. She imposes herself in each of their lives and invades the story.
2) When George finally musters the courage to ask Owen out on a date, Owen declines for absolutely no reason. He never reaches back out to him, doesn’t explain why. Just thinks it wouldn’t work. 🤷🏻♀️
3) Then Owen makes the grand gesture to drive 6 hours up to Vermont and STILL doesn’t explain why he declined. They just see each other and basically jump in bed.
4) The final nail in the story’s coffin was them driving 6 hours back to NYC when they realize that Zoe put the rings for his ex’s wedding in Owen’s pocket. Why, why, why would anyone go to this much trouble for their ex boyfriend and why can’t Zoe just tell the groom, etc what happened? All so George can have some kind of closure w his ex? I don’t care. Make them all go away.
Anyhoo:
💔Third act separation. Technically not a breakup but basically a break up.
🗣️Communication - the texts and emails were cute, but i wanted to see them actually be together in the same room before they fell into bed. At least Owen should have explained.
👬🏽MM - famous insecure author and shy incredibly thoughtful “boring” craftsman
🫣No OM. Both are somewhat feeling sorry for themselves after bad breakups but don’t have feelings for their ex’s. Neither is with anyone else while they’re becoming friends.
🌶️Spice - this is a slow burn w the first kiss and everything else happening at 80%ish.
👥Dual POV; HEA; 1 yr epilogue. I really disliked the fact that he gave him something that he had originally intended to give someone else. See below.
So, a good premise but too many things that just didn’t work for me.
Detailed spoiler:
When George was staying in Owen’s cabin, he found a puzzle box and a pink glass heart inside. Owen never knew that he found it, but then regifted it to him in a different box for Christmas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2026
'I Could Write a Book' by Andie Elliot (Kindle)
September 2026
This is a new author to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but as it was mentioned elsewhere, this is like a take on the film, 'The Holiday' (which I liked) but with two gay guys, Owen who's living in a rustic cabin in Vermont, and George who's in an expensive apartment in New York City. They've never met; the "house swap" was all arranged by Zoe, best friend to George, cousin to Owen.
Right out of the gate this tale tickled my funny-bone when both guys get talked into swapping homes for the holidays, for various & sundry reasons.
Charming tale with lots of humor and banter, which is right in my wheel-house; love it!
An example:
after George arrives at this rustic cabin during his first evening, and he has a look-see around and then gets settled cozily up into the loft bed... he hears a loud noise!
"As I’m drifting off to sleep, I’m jarred awake by the sudden, way too loud sound of what is probably an owl. I hope. Are there owls in winter? I vaguely remember learning that owls are predators. Do they attack humans? No, that doesn’t make any sense. My exhausted brain is throwing out addled thoughts. And they don’t break into houses, either, right? No. No, they definitely wouldn’t be able to peck through the walls. Unless—and this is my last thought before I fall into a deep, deep sleep—unless the bears let them in."
I'm snort-laughing like a goof-ball since this is my kind of humor!
This is a very cute tale about two guys who are getting to know each other via emails, then text messages, and then phone calls...and then, what happens when they finally meet in person!
I don't usually read much "cozy" or ,"cute" but this piqued my curiosity, so there are exceptions. I really enjoyed this because of the details in the guys getting to know each other long distance, and especially the humor. Will look for future books from this author!
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
September 2026
This is a new author to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but as it was mentioned elsewhere, this is like a take on the film, 'The Holiday' (which I liked) but with two gay guys, Owen who's living in a rustic cabin in Vermont, and George who's in an expensive apartment in New York City. They've never met; the "house swap" was all arranged by Zoe, best friend to George, cousin to Owen.
Right out of the gate this tale tickled my funny-bone when both guys get talked into swapping homes for the holidays, for various & sundry reasons.
Charming tale with lots of humor and banter, which is right in my wheel-house; love it!
An example:
after George arrives at this rustic cabin during his first evening, and he has a look-see around and then gets settled cozily up into the loft bed... he hears a loud noise!
"As I’m drifting off to sleep, I’m jarred awake by the sudden, way too loud sound of what is probably an owl. I hope. Are there owls in winter? I vaguely remember learning that owls are predators. Do they attack humans? No, that doesn’t make any sense. My exhausted brain is throwing out addled thoughts. And they don’t break into houses, either, right? No. No, they definitely wouldn’t be able to peck through the walls. Unless—and this is my last thought before I fall into a deep, deep sleep—unless the bears let them in."
I'm snort-laughing like a goof-ball since this is my kind of humor!
This is a very cute tale about two guys who are getting to know each other via emails, then text messages, and then phone calls...and then, what happens when they finally meet in person!
I don't usually read much "cozy" or ,"cute" but this piqued my curiosity, so there are exceptions. I really enjoyed this because of the details in the guys getting to know each other long distance, and especially the humor. Will look for future books from this author!
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
August 13, 2026
Loved this sweet, heartwarming tale of George and Owen!
George and Owen have both recently had their hearts broken, and are now in the process of navigating life alone. George is an author, living in New York City, and struggling to finish his latest spy novel before a looming deadline. Owen meanwhile is a carpenter in Rural New York, becoming more and more of a hermit after breaking up with his most recent boyfriend. Until, one day, their mutual friend Zoe decides that what George needs to get his book finished in time is a rural retreat - so she persuades George and Owen to swap houses for a week.
Once ensconced in their new temporary homes, George and Owen get to know each other very gradually - firstly via an email that George sends when he accidentally nearly sets Owen's cabin on fire - and then via texts, and eventually into actual phone calls. The banter and back and forth between them is sweet and endearing, and it's obvious from the get go that they are hugely compatible - even if it takes them some time to realise it.
I loved the way that Andie Elliott evoked both the New York and Vermont locations, and the supporting cast of characters in both places (the gaggle of women in the general store in Vermont, and the gay next-door-neighbours in New York). I also really enjoyed the back and forth of the communication between George and Owen, which felt natural, funny and never forced, and I enjoyed the pace of the book, which doesn't fall into the trap of being drawn out or over long. It's a shame that we never get a full on spicy scene with George and Owen - just a hint of it - but this is nitpicking really.
This is a lovely book and would make the ideal light read between heavier books, or a great summer holiday read. 4/5 from me - a really well done, light, romcom.
George and Owen have both recently had their hearts broken, and are now in the process of navigating life alone. George is an author, living in New York City, and struggling to finish his latest spy novel before a looming deadline. Owen meanwhile is a carpenter in Rural New York, becoming more and more of a hermit after breaking up with his most recent boyfriend. Until, one day, their mutual friend Zoe decides that what George needs to get his book finished in time is a rural retreat - so she persuades George and Owen to swap houses for a week.
Once ensconced in their new temporary homes, George and Owen get to know each other very gradually - firstly via an email that George sends when he accidentally nearly sets Owen's cabin on fire - and then via texts, and eventually into actual phone calls. The banter and back and forth between them is sweet and endearing, and it's obvious from the get go that they are hugely compatible - even if it takes them some time to realise it.
I loved the way that Andie Elliott evoked both the New York and Vermont locations, and the supporting cast of characters in both places (the gaggle of women in the general store in Vermont, and the gay next-door-neighbours in New York). I also really enjoyed the back and forth of the communication between George and Owen, which felt natural, funny and never forced, and I enjoyed the pace of the book, which doesn't fall into the trap of being drawn out or over long. It's a shame that we never get a full on spicy scene with George and Owen - just a hint of it - but this is nitpicking really.
This is a lovely book and would make the ideal light read between heavier books, or a great summer holiday read. 4/5 from me - a really well done, light, romcom.
May 30, 2026
George and Owen are both alone after a sort of dismal break up. Owen makes art and lives in a cabinish house in Vermont. George is a celebrity of sorts being a best selling author to his Steel series.
Also this book is more Christmas-y than A LOT of Christmas books that I have read.
George 's ex is getting married in a few days and he's very far behind on his book that is due soon. It is a mixture of the glums cause his ex is getting married, but also because he's been distracted writing a gay historical romance.
Zoe is cousin to Owen, and bff to George. She gets Owen to agree to be her plus one to the wedding. Then she gets Owen and George to change houses for a week.
These two could not be more different. George lives in an expensive high rise with a french press for his coffee. He rarely has food in his house because he goes out or gets takeout. Owen lives in the middle of nowhere. He doesn't even drink coffee, but he meal preps. Who gets the better deal? I think George.
Zoe spends every second she can trying to casually get Owen hooked up. George gives Owen a list of places to check out and Owen loves them all. Owen accidentally finds the historical romance and loves it. They continue to email when there is an issue, which turns into texts, which turns into phone calls, which turns into....you get the idea.
I dont know who is more crazy about the other. Yes Owen tries to scare George off when he asks him out, but it was because George was super famous, and Owen was a nobody. That can feel pretty intimidating.
Those sex scenes were pretty steamy. I personally am not a man and don't have a penis but I've never known either of them to go off so easily because of giving someone else pleasure. I'll have to be a gay man in my next life.
Also this book is more Christmas-y than A LOT of Christmas books that I have read.
George 's ex is getting married in a few days and he's very far behind on his book that is due soon. It is a mixture of the glums cause his ex is getting married, but also because he's been distracted writing a gay historical romance.
Zoe is cousin to Owen, and bff to George. She gets Owen to agree to be her plus one to the wedding. Then she gets Owen and George to change houses for a week.
These two could not be more different. George lives in an expensive high rise with a french press for his coffee. He rarely has food in his house because he goes out or gets takeout. Owen lives in the middle of nowhere. He doesn't even drink coffee, but he meal preps. Who gets the better deal? I think George.
Zoe spends every second she can trying to casually get Owen hooked up. George gives Owen a list of places to check out and Owen loves them all. Owen accidentally finds the historical romance and loves it. They continue to email when there is an issue, which turns into texts, which turns into phone calls, which turns into....you get the idea.
I dont know who is more crazy about the other. Yes Owen tries to scare George off when he asks him out, but it was because George was super famous, and Owen was a nobody. That can feel pretty intimidating.
Those sex scenes were pretty steamy. I personally am not a man and don't have a penis but I've never known either of them to go off so easily because of giving someone else pleasure. I'll have to be a gay man in my next life.
March 11, 2026
DNF @ 52%
Very sweet book but ultimately felt a little too indexed on the "com" part of romcom. Since George and Owen spend most of their courting through text and email, it felt a little too much like friendly correspondence rather than romantic development. There wasn't really any tension here because the conflicts were ultimately super fluffy. George is having trouble writing his book because he really wants to write a different genre and Owen was trying to not be rude to his cousin, but those things weren't really super impactful problems, which meant that neither George nor Owen could meaningfully help each other in ways that was conducive to a swoony romance forming between them.
The super short chapters bouncing us between George and Owen's POVs were a little distracting too. I understand why the author chose to do them, but I'd have preferred if we stuck to one person's POV longer to keep the story from feeling choppy. TV and movies can do multiple short POV swaps just fine, but books aren't a good medium for that kind of thing imo.
I DNFed after that incredibly long sequence of texts back and forth between George and Owen. It was cute, but I can't handle long stretches of just dialogue. If I wanted that, I'd have read a screenplay or something. I was already kinda on the fence because the story and writing style (short chapters) were getting to me, but that sealed the deal.
Very sweet book but ultimately felt a little too indexed on the "com" part of romcom. Since George and Owen spend most of their courting through text and email, it felt a little too much like friendly correspondence rather than romantic development. There wasn't really any tension here because the conflicts were ultimately super fluffy. George is having trouble writing his book because he really wants to write a different genre and Owen was trying to not be rude to his cousin, but those things weren't really super impactful problems, which meant that neither George nor Owen could meaningfully help each other in ways that was conducive to a swoony romance forming between them.
The super short chapters bouncing us between George and Owen's POVs were a little distracting too. I understand why the author chose to do them, but I'd have preferred if we stuck to one person's POV longer to keep the story from feeling choppy. TV and movies can do multiple short POV swaps just fine, but books aren't a good medium for that kind of thing imo.
I DNFed after that incredibly long sequence of texts back and forth between George and Owen. It was cute, but I can't handle long stretches of just dialogue. If I wanted that, I'd have read a screenplay or something. I was already kinda on the fence because the story and writing style (short chapters) were getting to me, but that sealed the deal.
September 1, 2026
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this. The conversations between George and Owen, whether by email, text, or phone, were nice. They got to know each other gradually, which turned into a sweet friendship before it turned into anything else. They do, obviously, eventually meet in person, which was also really nice. Unfortunately, since Zoe is Zoe, there’s an emergency of sorts that has them rushing to fix her mistake literally moments after they meet.
My only issue with this book, other than Zoe, is that George and Owen had very little in-person time before it was over. There was an epilogue that showed them exactly a year later, but I would’ve liked to have seen more before that. The book went from showing as they got to know each other to telling after they actually met. Even so, I enjoyed the book. I loved both guys, who were as different as night and day. Zoe, as annoying as she was, did bring them together, so I give her that.
Full review can be found at -
I really enjoyed this. The conversations between George and Owen, whether by email, text, or phone, were nice. They got to know each other gradually, which turned into a sweet friendship before it turned into anything else. They do, obviously, eventually meet in person, which was also really nice. Unfortunately, since Zoe is Zoe, there’s an emergency of sorts that has them rushing to fix her mistake literally moments after they meet.
My only issue with this book, other than Zoe, is that George and Owen had very little in-person time before it was over. There was an epilogue that showed them exactly a year later, but I would’ve liked to have seen more before that. The book went from showing as they got to know each other to telling after they actually met. Even so, I enjoyed the book. I loved both guys, who were as different as night and day. Zoe, as annoying as she was, did bring them together, so I give her that.
Full review can be found at -
December 20, 2025
Sweet, but a little Slow
After reading the author’s introductory novella, I was eager to read this full length book. It was sweet with heat (just a smidge of spice 3/4 of the way through) slow burn which I anticipated after reading the blurb. Fairly well written but occasionally I had to double check whose perspective I was reading from. Overall, I enjoyed how the relationship evolved but it was a touch slow. I feel like it could be shortened/tightened up without losing much. I read it all, and would definitely read more by this author. I enjoyed the character development, chemistry and banter. But, honestly, I wasn’t completely sucked in, I was a bit impatient for it to conclude.
After reading the author’s introductory novella, I was eager to read this full length book. It was sweet with heat (just a smidge of spice 3/4 of the way through) slow burn which I anticipated after reading the blurb. Fairly well written but occasionally I had to double check whose perspective I was reading from. Overall, I enjoyed how the relationship evolved but it was a touch slow. I feel like it could be shortened/tightened up without losing much. I read it all, and would definitely read more by this author. I enjoyed the character development, chemistry and banter. But, honestly, I wasn’t completely sucked in, I was a bit impatient for it to conclude.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews