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The Apparent Trap
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26In a witty workplace romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ali Rosen, two coworkers meddle in an age-gap relationship, only to get caught up in an unexpected one of their own.
Ezzie Halevi’s life as a morning show producer is blissfully straightforward. But when sparks fly after accidentally introducing her widowed father to her show’s recently hired, much younger coanchor, Ezzie’s carefully curated routine starts to unravel. Worse, she discovers her dad’s new girlfriend is the estranged daughter of Lee Morgan, the charming chef who leads a weekly cooking segment. The same chef who ghosted Ezzie weeks earlier.
The only reasonable solution? Reluctantly join forces with Lee to break up his daughter and her father before anyone gets hurt.
So Ezzie and Lee begin a secret campaign to tank the burgeoning romance. But soon, their own chemistry starts overshadowing the comically inept schemes.
Except Lee is off-limits, and Ezzie is too entangled in her father’s life to risk either of their hearts. Yet beneath the plotting and regret lies something neither a second chance at love—and letting go of unspoken grief that’s kept them both stuck.
Ezzie Halevi’s life as a morning show producer is blissfully straightforward. But when sparks fly after accidentally introducing her widowed father to her show’s recently hired, much younger coanchor, Ezzie’s carefully curated routine starts to unravel. Worse, she discovers her dad’s new girlfriend is the estranged daughter of Lee Morgan, the charming chef who leads a weekly cooking segment. The same chef who ghosted Ezzie weeks earlier.
The only reasonable solution? Reluctantly join forces with Lee to break up his daughter and her father before anyone gets hurt.
So Ezzie and Lee begin a secret campaign to tank the burgeoning romance. But soon, their own chemistry starts overshadowing the comically inept schemes.
Except Lee is off-limits, and Ezzie is too entangled in her father’s life to risk either of their hearts. Yet beneath the plotting and regret lies something neither a second chance at love—and letting go of unspoken grief that’s kept them both stuck.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Ali Rosen
10 books611 followersAli Rosen is a bestselling author of both cookbooks and novels, and is the Emmy and James Beard Award-nominated host of Potluck with Ali Rosen on NYC Life.
Her novels, which have been described as “swoonworthy romance reminiscent of a Nora Ephron movie,” are USA Today Bestselling, Kirkus Best of the Year and Amazon Editor picks. Her latest is The Slow Burn.
She is also the author of three cookbooks including the recently released 15 Minute Meals. She has frequently been featured on shows like NBC’s Today Show and ABC’s Good Morning America, and in publications including The New York Times, Bon Appetit, The Washington Post and New York Magazine. She is originally from Charleston, SC but now lives in New York City with her husband, three kids, and rescue dog.
Her novels, which have been described as “swoonworthy romance reminiscent of a Nora Ephron movie,” are USA Today Bestselling, Kirkus Best of the Year and Amazon Editor picks. Her latest is The Slow Burn.
She is also the author of three cookbooks including the recently released 15 Minute Meals. She has frequently been featured on shows like NBC’s Today Show and ABC’s Good Morning America, and in publications including The New York Times, Bon Appetit, The Washington Post and New York Magazine. She is originally from Charleston, SC but now lives in New York City with her husband, three kids, and rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 - 5 stars
When Ezzie’s dad and Lee’s daughter find themselves falling into a May-December romance, Ezzie and Lee team up to reverse-parent-trap the duo into breaking up. But their scheming is made more complicated by their own relationship, which began with Lee ghosting Ezzie several weeks earlier.
This is such a cute romance, anchored by strong characters, nostalgic millennial references, a dynamic workplace setting, and some truly rubbish sabotage plans.
The chemistry between the two main characters is there from their first meeting, and the banter is witty, quick, and funny. The romance builds throughout the book as Ezzie and Lee are forced to spend more time together, and their initial attraction grows into something more heartfelt and genuine. I thought the romance was very sweet — with lots of communication, miscommunications worked through very early on, and two people who simply wanted the best for the people they love.
But this is also a book about grief. It’s about the grief of losing someone you love, and of missing out on something you didn’t even know you had. It explores how grief shapes you and informs your decisions, even when you don’t realise it. It’s about how grief sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Ali Rosen writes about the topic with such care, and it adds weight to the story while providing context for how most of the characters navigate the story.
It was my first Ali Rosen novel, but it won’t be my last. It was such a lovely story, full of humour and warmth.
When Ezzie’s dad and Lee’s daughter find themselves falling into a May-December romance, Ezzie and Lee team up to reverse-parent-trap the duo into breaking up. But their scheming is made more complicated by their own relationship, which began with Lee ghosting Ezzie several weeks earlier.
This is such a cute romance, anchored by strong characters, nostalgic millennial references, a dynamic workplace setting, and some truly rubbish sabotage plans.
The chemistry between the two main characters is there from their first meeting, and the banter is witty, quick, and funny. The romance builds throughout the book as Ezzie and Lee are forced to spend more time together, and their initial attraction grows into something more heartfelt and genuine. I thought the romance was very sweet — with lots of communication, miscommunications worked through very early on, and two people who simply wanted the best for the people they love.
But this is also a book about grief. It’s about the grief of losing someone you love, and of missing out on something you didn’t even know you had. It explores how grief shapes you and informs your decisions, even when you don’t realise it. It’s about how grief sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Ali Rosen writes about the topic with such care, and it adds weight to the story while providing context for how most of the characters navigate the story.
It was my first Ali Rosen novel, but it won’t be my last. It was such a lovely story, full of humour and warmth.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a 4.5/5 star quippy work romance.
The Apparent Trap follows Ezzie, an extremely competent and career-driven woman who may also be just a little emotionally stunted after losing her mom as a teenager. While she and her dad have an incredibly close relationship, when he starts branching out and moving forward in his own life, it highlights just how frozen in time both of them have been since that loss.
This was such a fun, quippy, and well-rounded romance. While there is romance, I actually felt like there was a stronger focus on personal growth, learning how to move on as an individual, acknowledging flaws, and navigating the relationships around us. The character dynamics felt authentic, and there was enough emotional depth without making the story feel overly heavy and the writing flowed really well.
Overall, this book feels like it is for anyone who just needs a low-stakes, feel-good read. It balances humor and heart really well and delivers the kind of story you can easily sink into and enjoy.
The Apparent Trap follows Ezzie, an extremely competent and career-driven woman who may also be just a little emotionally stunted after losing her mom as a teenager. While she and her dad have an incredibly close relationship, when he starts branching out and moving forward in his own life, it highlights just how frozen in time both of them have been since that loss.
This was such a fun, quippy, and well-rounded romance. While there is romance, I actually felt like there was a stronger focus on personal growth, learning how to move on as an individual, acknowledging flaws, and navigating the relationships around us. The character dynamics felt authentic, and there was enough emotional depth without making the story feel overly heavy and the writing flowed really well.
Overall, this book feels like it is for anyone who just needs a low-stakes, feel-good read. It balances humor and heart really well and delivers the kind of story you can easily sink into and enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, publisher, and author for an advanced copy of this book!
4.5 stars-Ali weaves a wonderful heartfelt story of Ezzie and Leo trying to break up a pairing of her dad and his daughter. Cute sabotage plans ignite a flame that sparked on their first meeting. While there are heavy themes throughout, the balance of humor and spice keep the story flowing. Leo’s name story made me laugh out loud and sleeping bags have a whole new meaning.
And now I’m hungry for a BLT!
May 17, 2026
Full review to come, but this might be my favorite Ali Rosen book yet - which is saying a lot because I’ve loved them all!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews