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Tropesick
*BRING BACK MEN WHO YEARN*
'Prepare to be swept off your feet' B.K. Borison
'This one is special, and I'm going to think about it forever, probably' Lyla Sage
When romance-novel obsessed ghost writer Katie Caruso waits in a New York City café to meet her next writing partner, the last person in the world she expects to see is Tyler McNally.
Ivy League-educated, aspiring literary fiction novelist and verified yearner Tyler McNally. Handsome, sleeve-tattooed, nine-years-sober Tyler McNally. And, unforgettably, her very own childhood sweetheart, Tyler McNally. The pair haven't seen each other since the death of Katie's older brother. Tyler was her brother's best friend and Katie - naturally - was the girl next door.
But despite both their bitter complaints at the reunion, the agent who hired them won't let them off the job. Soon, they're working on their co-written romance novel in forced proximity, and finding that isn't the only written trope that's coming to life. . .
This fresh, playful and deeply romantic novel openly acknowledges the role of tropes - before nonetheless going on to use them to tell a searing love story of it's own...
READERS LOVE LAUREN OKIE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The longing, the hope, the heartbreak, the love - it was just beautiful!'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐' I enjoyed every page'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I could not put this book down'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A truly gifted and heartbreakingly honest writer'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I read it in one sitting'
'Prepare to be swept off your feet' B.K. Borison
'This one is special, and I'm going to think about it forever, probably' Lyla Sage
When romance-novel obsessed ghost writer Katie Caruso waits in a New York City café to meet her next writing partner, the last person in the world she expects to see is Tyler McNally.
Ivy League-educated, aspiring literary fiction novelist and verified yearner Tyler McNally. Handsome, sleeve-tattooed, nine-years-sober Tyler McNally. And, unforgettably, her very own childhood sweetheart, Tyler McNally. The pair haven't seen each other since the death of Katie's older brother. Tyler was her brother's best friend and Katie - naturally - was the girl next door.
But despite both their bitter complaints at the reunion, the agent who hired them won't let them off the job. Soon, they're working on their co-written romance novel in forced proximity, and finding that isn't the only written trope that's coming to life. . .
This fresh, playful and deeply romantic novel openly acknowledges the role of tropes - before nonetheless going on to use them to tell a searing love story of it's own...
READERS LOVE LAUREN OKIE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The longing, the hope, the heartbreak, the love - it was just beautiful!'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐' I enjoyed every page'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I could not put this book down'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A truly gifted and heartbreakingly honest writer'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I read it in one sitting'
Audible Audio
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
Lauren Okie
2 books572 followersHi, I’m Lauren Okie, and I write messy, hard-fought love stories. My books, THE BEST WORST THING and TROPESICK, are out now. Follow me on IG (@laurenokieauthor) to keep up with my nonsense.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my goodness… where do I even begin?
I can confidently say this book has officially ruined me — in the most glorious, emotionally devastating, heart-expanding way possible. It has already secured its place as one of my absolute favorite romances of 2026. Top three. Locked. I still have a few auto-approved favorite romance authors releasing books this year… but I’m telling you right now, this one is not surrendering its spot without a fight.
And that says a lot.
Because lately? I’ve been struggling a little with romance.
As someone who adores this genre, it pains me to admit that I’ve felt a bit worn down by formulaic stories. Don’t get me wrong — many of them are fun, cute, comforting. But after a while, they start blending together. Same tropes. Same emotional arcs. Slightly different character names. It began to feel like I was reading variations of the same book over and over again.
They entertained me — sure. Like a streaming rom-com you watch on a cozy Friday night. Pleasant. Predictable. Around a 6 on IMDb. Enjoyable, but not unforgettable.
But I was craving something else.
I wanted intensity. I wanted angst that hurts in the best way. I wanted longing that makes your chest ache. I wanted depth. I wanted flawed, layered characters who feel painfully real. I wanted smart writing. I wanted sexy tension that actually simmers. I wanted something addictive — the kind of book that keeps you up at 2 a.m. saying “just one more chapter” and then suddenly it’s sunrise.
Maybe I was being extra picky. But I didn’t want another beautifully packaged formula. I wanted to believe in romance again.
And then Lauren Okie came along and said, “Here. Have everything.”
This book is a masterclass in trope execution. Yes, it uses beloved romance tropes — enemies to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity, best friend’s sister, girl-next-door energy — but instead of feeling recycled, they feel elevated. Intentional. Fresh. She doesn’t just use tropes; she understands them. She plays with them. She respects them.
And the book-within-a-book concept? Brilliant.
Two writers forced to co-write a romance novel while navigating their own unresolved history — it’s layered storytelling at its finest. We’re reading a romance about people writing a romance, and the parallels between their fictional story and their real emotional baggage are handled so cleverly.
Now let’s talk about that slow burn.
Angsty. Heart-wrenching. Emotionally raw. And yes — pant-meltingly sexy.
The tension between Katie and Tyler isn’t loud or over-the-top. It simmers. It lingers in glances. In unfinished sentences. In the space between them when they’re forced to sit side by side. It’s the kind of chemistry that feels earned because of their shared past.
And that twist.
I need a moment.
It was hinted at. The breadcrumbs were there. But when the reveal finally landed? I literally gasped. I sat there staring at the page thinking, “How did I not fully connect this?” It wasn’t obvious — it was smart. It trusted the reader. And I respect that so much.
Now, the characters.
Katie Caruso is sunshine personified on the outside — rainbow outfits, glittery notebooks, bright personality. She radiates color. But beneath that carefully curated brightness, she is carrying grief that has shaped her entire life. Losing her brother to addiction shattered her family. And being abandoned by the boy she loved broke something even deeper.
She is layered, guarded, vulnerable beneath the sparkle.
Then there’s Tyler McNailly.
Her brother’s best friend. Her first love. The boy who left without explanation eight years ago.
Now he’s back. A successful literary fiction author. Tattooed. Intense. Nine years sober. Quietly carrying his own guilt and history. He’s not the same reckless young man she once loved — he’s grown, scarred, self-aware.
And when they’re forced into close quarters in a secluded Southampton mansion to co-write a novel under a strict deadline? The emotional stakes skyrocket.
There’s resentment.
There’s longing.
There’s unfinished business.
There’s chemistry that refuses to die.
Katie wants to stay angry. Tyler wants redemption. They both miss each other more than they’re willing to admit.
And then there’s Meredith Bradford — their eccentric, slightly mysterious employer — who feels suspiciously like a matchmaker orchestrating emotional chaos in her glamorous mansion. I loved her presence. She adds both tension and subtle humor to the story.
What makes this romance special is that it isn’t just about attraction. It’s about healing. It’s about forgiveness. It’s about confronting the past instead of rewriting it. It’s about sobriety, grief, guilt, family fractures, and learning how to love someone as the person they are now — not who they were.
This story has teeth. It doesn’t just flutter around your heart — it bites. It tears you open. It makes you sit in uncomfortable emotions. And then, slowly, carefully, it stitches you back together.
By the end, I felt wrung out in the best possible way. Emotional. Satisfied. Warm. A little teary. Completely fulfilled.
And that ending? Perfect. Earned. The kind that makes you want to close the book, hug it, and whisper, “Yes. This is it. This is why I read romance.”
Overall, I loved this book deeply. If you are looking for something smart, emotional, angsty, sexy, layered, character-driven, and genuinely moving — something that will shake you but also restore your faith in love — please pick this up.
It’s rare to find a romance that feels both trope-savvy and emotionally authentic. This one does both beautifully.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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I can confidently say this book has officially ruined me — in the most glorious, emotionally devastating, heart-expanding way possible. It has already secured its place as one of my absolute favorite romances of 2026. Top three. Locked. I still have a few auto-approved favorite romance authors releasing books this year… but I’m telling you right now, this one is not surrendering its spot without a fight.
And that says a lot.
Because lately? I’ve been struggling a little with romance.
As someone who adores this genre, it pains me to admit that I’ve felt a bit worn down by formulaic stories. Don’t get me wrong — many of them are fun, cute, comforting. But after a while, they start blending together. Same tropes. Same emotional arcs. Slightly different character names. It began to feel like I was reading variations of the same book over and over again.
They entertained me — sure. Like a streaming rom-com you watch on a cozy Friday night. Pleasant. Predictable. Around a 6 on IMDb. Enjoyable, but not unforgettable.
But I was craving something else.
I wanted intensity. I wanted angst that hurts in the best way. I wanted longing that makes your chest ache. I wanted depth. I wanted flawed, layered characters who feel painfully real. I wanted smart writing. I wanted sexy tension that actually simmers. I wanted something addictive — the kind of book that keeps you up at 2 a.m. saying “just one more chapter” and then suddenly it’s sunrise.
Maybe I was being extra picky. But I didn’t want another beautifully packaged formula. I wanted to believe in romance again.
And then Lauren Okie came along and said, “Here. Have everything.”
This book is a masterclass in trope execution. Yes, it uses beloved romance tropes — enemies to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity, best friend’s sister, girl-next-door energy — but instead of feeling recycled, they feel elevated. Intentional. Fresh. She doesn’t just use tropes; she understands them. She plays with them. She respects them.
And the book-within-a-book concept? Brilliant.
Two writers forced to co-write a romance novel while navigating their own unresolved history — it’s layered storytelling at its finest. We’re reading a romance about people writing a romance, and the parallels between their fictional story and their real emotional baggage are handled so cleverly.
Now let’s talk about that slow burn.
Angsty. Heart-wrenching. Emotionally raw. And yes — pant-meltingly sexy.
The tension between Katie and Tyler isn’t loud or over-the-top. It simmers. It lingers in glances. In unfinished sentences. In the space between them when they’re forced to sit side by side. It’s the kind of chemistry that feels earned because of their shared past.
And that twist.
I need a moment.
It was hinted at. The breadcrumbs were there. But when the reveal finally landed? I literally gasped. I sat there staring at the page thinking, “How did I not fully connect this?” It wasn’t obvious — it was smart. It trusted the reader. And I respect that so much.
Now, the characters.
Katie Caruso is sunshine personified on the outside — rainbow outfits, glittery notebooks, bright personality. She radiates color. But beneath that carefully curated brightness, she is carrying grief that has shaped her entire life. Losing her brother to addiction shattered her family. And being abandoned by the boy she loved broke something even deeper.
She is layered, guarded, vulnerable beneath the sparkle.
Then there’s Tyler McNailly.
Her brother’s best friend. Her first love. The boy who left without explanation eight years ago.
Now he’s back. A successful literary fiction author. Tattooed. Intense. Nine years sober. Quietly carrying his own guilt and history. He’s not the same reckless young man she once loved — he’s grown, scarred, self-aware.
And when they’re forced into close quarters in a secluded Southampton mansion to co-write a novel under a strict deadline? The emotional stakes skyrocket.
There’s resentment.
There’s longing.
There’s unfinished business.
There’s chemistry that refuses to die.
Katie wants to stay angry. Tyler wants redemption. They both miss each other more than they’re willing to admit.
And then there’s Meredith Bradford — their eccentric, slightly mysterious employer — who feels suspiciously like a matchmaker orchestrating emotional chaos in her glamorous mansion. I loved her presence. She adds both tension and subtle humor to the story.
What makes this romance special is that it isn’t just about attraction. It’s about healing. It’s about forgiveness. It’s about confronting the past instead of rewriting it. It’s about sobriety, grief, guilt, family fractures, and learning how to love someone as the person they are now — not who they were.
This story has teeth. It doesn’t just flutter around your heart — it bites. It tears you open. It makes you sit in uncomfortable emotions. And then, slowly, carefully, it stitches you back together.
By the end, I felt wrung out in the best possible way. Emotional. Satisfied. Warm. A little teary. Completely fulfilled.
And that ending? Perfect. Earned. The kind that makes you want to close the book, hug it, and whisper, “Yes. This is it. This is why I read romance.”
Overall, I loved this book deeply. If you are looking for something smart, emotional, angsty, sexy, layered, character-driven, and genuinely moving — something that will shake you but also restore your faith in love — please pick this up.
It’s rare to find a romance that feels both trope-savvy and emotionally authentic. This one does both beautifully.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
twitter<
June 23, 2026
⭐️ 4 ⭐️ Once upon a time there was a broken boy who fell in love with a broken girl. Their relationship was never meant to last: too many obstacles, too much pain, a tragic event that severed their last ties. But their love never died. Their love persevered and metamorphosed into something else over two decades. It led them back to each other and despite all their differences and years of heartache and anguish, they found their way back to each other. The heart always wants what it wants. There is no logic to these things. You meet someone, you fall in love and thats that.
This is no light-hearted, fluffy, feel-good romance. No, not one bit. This story is toxic, it's painful, it's meaningful. Don't let the cute cover fool you, like it did me. I thought I'll be reading something playful..I was not expecting so much headache, grief and heaviness. My heart was racing, my thoughts were spiraling and my emotions were all over the place. Lauren Okie, you sent me to the moon and back with this story.
So let me sum it up for you:
Katie Caruso is a 25 year old ghostwriter trying to move on from he older brothers overdose, which shattered many aspects of her life. Tyler McNally was her brother's best friend and Katies former long time crush. They grew up next door to each other and have become close over the years. They haven't spoken to each other for many years due to unresolved resentment/disastrous events that unfolded post funeral. Unknowingly, they are assigned to co-write a novel for a reclusive romance novelist, Meredith. Katie is unable to look at Tyler (and be in his presence) because of something that he has done. Tyler, a recovering alcoholic and an addict who has been clean for nine years, continues to carry a lot of shame, guilt and unresolved feelings from the past. As they are tasked to write a book with a bunch of common romance tropes, they begin to draw closer to each other and as the summer progresses, their powerful love story unfolds in a deeply affective way that is both sad and hurtful as it is playful and healing.
This story is heavy in themes of grief, addiction and recovery. These are some of my favorite topics to read about so diving into these themes is never an easy task. I was surprised with how heavy this book was. The emotional core of this book focused on deeper conflicts (their shared grief, survivors guilt, complicated feelings about family and mother-daughter relations, acceptance and forgiveness). Katies brother and Tyler used to get high together all the time, until one day her brother overdosed on a bad batch and died. For years, Tyler blamed himself for not preventing this tragedy (hence survivors guilt). The flashbacks to his earlier teenage years gave glimpses to his childhood, years of addiction and were so real and honest. Okie handled every single heartbreaking topic with so much care, yet delivered a very gut-wrenching portrayal of how addiction affects loved ones. Addiction is a prison. It's an only prison where locks are on the inside. Addiction doesn't kill the addict, at least not initially. It kills family first. It kills the loved ones, the children, people who tried to help. Recovery is an acceptance that your life is in shambles and acceptance is the first step that is always the hardest.
As Katie and Tyler write a book filled with classic romance tropes, they begin their own second-chance slow burn journey towards acceptance, forgiveness and recovery. Some of the very same tropes unfold in their own lives. As cliche as that may sound, this plot device was so witty and crafty! I felt that these tropes helped to formulate the story and navigate their own feelings for each other in the way that showed different ways one can heal from trauma. The forced proximity brought them together, the trauma connected them, 'one bed trope' made them vulnerable and lead us to something passionate and steamy, 'the second-chance' romance made sparks fly, brought on the YEARNING! TENSION! REAL CONVERSATION, OPENNESS! The more I think about these tropes and how cleverly Lauren Okie utilized them in this novel, the more I like this book!
There is a twist that comes at the end which I feel like is like another trope--'trope magic' that leaves a part of the ending up for an interpretation. I, however, found it a bit misplaced. I thought it didn't fit the novels vibes and felt out of place. As much as I love magical realism, it came out of nowhere just for the sake of using another trope. I think this will lead a lot of readers confused more so than satisfied. Nevertheless, the ending was a happy one, don't you worry!
Now featured on BOTM!
Use my link to get it or another first book for just 5$, cancel anytime at no cost to you. I love BOTM!
https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperAudio and the author, Lauren Okie for an early ALC!
Narrators: Jesse Vilinsky, Roger Wayne
Duration: 10 hours and 47 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Publication: June 16, 2026
This is no light-hearted, fluffy, feel-good romance. No, not one bit. This story is toxic, it's painful, it's meaningful. Don't let the cute cover fool you, like it did me. I thought I'll be reading something playful..I was not expecting so much headache, grief and heaviness. My heart was racing, my thoughts were spiraling and my emotions were all over the place. Lauren Okie, you sent me to the moon and back with this story.
So let me sum it up for you:
Katie Caruso is a 25 year old ghostwriter trying to move on from he older brothers overdose, which shattered many aspects of her life. Tyler McNally was her brother's best friend and Katies former long time crush. They grew up next door to each other and have become close over the years. They haven't spoken to each other for many years due to unresolved resentment/disastrous events that unfolded post funeral. Unknowingly, they are assigned to co-write a novel for a reclusive romance novelist, Meredith. Katie is unable to look at Tyler (and be in his presence) because of something that he has done. Tyler, a recovering alcoholic and an addict who has been clean for nine years, continues to carry a lot of shame, guilt and unresolved feelings from the past. As they are tasked to write a book with a bunch of common romance tropes, they begin to draw closer to each other and as the summer progresses, their powerful love story unfolds in a deeply affective way that is both sad and hurtful as it is playful and healing.
This story is heavy in themes of grief, addiction and recovery. These are some of my favorite topics to read about so diving into these themes is never an easy task. I was surprised with how heavy this book was. The emotional core of this book focused on deeper conflicts (their shared grief, survivors guilt, complicated feelings about family and mother-daughter relations, acceptance and forgiveness). Katies brother and Tyler used to get high together all the time, until one day her brother overdosed on a bad batch and died. For years, Tyler blamed himself for not preventing this tragedy (hence survivors guilt). The flashbacks to his earlier teenage years gave glimpses to his childhood, years of addiction and were so real and honest. Okie handled every single heartbreaking topic with so much care, yet delivered a very gut-wrenching portrayal of how addiction affects loved ones. Addiction is a prison. It's an only prison where locks are on the inside. Addiction doesn't kill the addict, at least not initially. It kills family first. It kills the loved ones, the children, people who tried to help. Recovery is an acceptance that your life is in shambles and acceptance is the first step that is always the hardest.
As Katie and Tyler write a book filled with classic romance tropes, they begin their own second-chance slow burn journey towards acceptance, forgiveness and recovery. Some of the very same tropes unfold in their own lives. As cliche as that may sound, this plot device was so witty and crafty! I felt that these tropes helped to formulate the story and navigate their own feelings for each other in the way that showed different ways one can heal from trauma. The forced proximity brought them together, the trauma connected them, 'one bed trope' made them vulnerable and lead us to something passionate and steamy, 'the second-chance' romance made sparks fly, brought on the YEARNING! TENSION! REAL CONVERSATION, OPENNESS! The more I think about these tropes and how cleverly Lauren Okie utilized them in this novel, the more I like this book!
There is a twist that comes at the end which I feel like is like another trope--'trope magic' that leaves a part of the ending up for an interpretation. I, however, found it a bit misplaced. I thought it didn't fit the novels vibes and felt out of place. As much as I love magical realism, it came out of nowhere just for the sake of using another trope. I think this will lead a lot of readers confused more so than satisfied. Nevertheless, the ending was a happy one, don't you worry!
Now featured on BOTM!
Use my link to get it or another first book for just 5$, cancel anytime at no cost to you. I love BOTM!
https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperAudio and the author, Lauren Okie for an early ALC!
Narrators: Jesse Vilinsky, Roger Wayne
Duration: 10 hours and 47 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Publication: June 16, 2026
March 19, 2026
Three cheers for the slutty little glasses (SLG’s if you will)
Well, well, well a hot new cottage has rolled into town
Sometimes love means ghost writing a book for a bestselling romance writer with your former childhood friend while it feels like the tropes are screaming for you to be together—because actually they are. Lauren Okie’s sophomore novel Tropesick is a story for the trope obsessed, those who are anything but sick of their miraculous power in the romance genre. Nailing the grit, hurt, and wondrous feeling of reconnection and second chances, Tropesick is the self aware romance novel needed to navigate modern times and modern loves. Tracing the story down the line from one trope to the next, characters Katie and Tyler expose the past, so broken by it that their only way to reach for each other is through fiction, the tropes and the characters a stepping stone to reconciliation. Between arguing over the absurdity of tropes (which keep playing out in real life), discussing which bathroom cabinetry characters could construct by hand—and rail their love interests against, and using their respective characters to speak through the hurt, Okie’s humor and raw emotion is embodied in her two leads and every trope laden chapter. Tropesick is tropetastic, a novel you will want to live in and forever embody. Where the tension is in the backstory and the tropes are as large as life itself this is the romance novel for every romance reader. Of that I am sure.
Read my review
thank you to michelle at avon (whom i owe my life for a “bring back men who yearn tshirt along with this arc.
Bookstagram | Blog
Well, well, well a hot new cottage has rolled into town
Sometimes love means ghost writing a book for a bestselling romance writer with your former childhood friend while it feels like the tropes are screaming for you to be together—because actually they are. Lauren Okie’s sophomore novel Tropesick is a story for the trope obsessed, those who are anything but sick of their miraculous power in the romance genre. Nailing the grit, hurt, and wondrous feeling of reconnection and second chances, Tropesick is the self aware romance novel needed to navigate modern times and modern loves. Tracing the story down the line from one trope to the next, characters Katie and Tyler expose the past, so broken by it that their only way to reach for each other is through fiction, the tropes and the characters a stepping stone to reconciliation. Between arguing over the absurdity of tropes (which keep playing out in real life), discussing which bathroom cabinetry characters could construct by hand—and rail their love interests against, and using their respective characters to speak through the hurt, Okie’s humor and raw emotion is embodied in her two leads and every trope laden chapter. Tropesick is tropetastic, a novel you will want to live in and forever embody. Where the tension is in the backstory and the tropes are as large as life itself this is the romance novel for every romance reader. Of that I am sure.
Read my review
thank you to michelle at avon (whom i owe my life for a “bring back men who yearn tshirt along with this arc.
Bookstagram | Blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
i have seen sooo many people rave about this romance novel (and i’m not sure why i originally thought it was a magical realism novel?), so i'm disappointed that i didn’t love it as much as other readers.
while this book is technically a quick read due to its short chapters, we really go nowhere plot-wise until about halfway through the book, and the build up to the reveal as to why katie and tyler are “enemies” is pretty obvious if you’re an observant reader.
i just feel that romance books should really not be more than 300 pages (and that is just my opinion as an avid romance reader and publishing professional) because unless this is a contemporary novel with a romance subplot, things should move rather quickly. you can still have excellent character development, emotional depth, a strong plot, and good spicy scenes all in 300 pages or less, i know because i've READ romance like that before!
i also ultimately lost interest in our characters and their relationship.
overall, this wasn’t a bad book, i’m just disappointed i didn’t enjoy it as much as i initially thought i would; but i’m positive this book will find its audience, and it definitely has from all the great reviews i've seen ❤️!
i have seen sooo many people rave about this romance novel (and i’m not sure why i originally thought it was a magical realism novel?), so i'm disappointed that i didn’t love it as much as other readers.
while this book is technically a quick read due to its short chapters, we really go nowhere plot-wise until about halfway through the book, and the build up to the reveal as to why katie and tyler are “enemies” is pretty obvious if you’re an observant reader.
i just feel that romance books should really not be more than 300 pages (and that is just my opinion as an avid romance reader and publishing professional) because unless this is a contemporary novel with a romance subplot, things should move rather quickly. you can still have excellent character development, emotional depth, a strong plot, and good spicy scenes all in 300 pages or less, i know because i've READ romance like that before!
i also ultimately lost interest in our characters and their relationship.
overall, this wasn’t a bad book, i’m just disappointed i didn’t enjoy it as much as i initially thought i would; but i’m positive this book will find its audience, and it definitely has from all the great reviews i've seen ❤️!
June 22, 2026
4.25!! <3 this is something so special & i think everyone would love this, but especially people who wanted more from GBBL in the romance department!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropesick by Lauren Okie is a romance novel you absolutely do not want to miss! Publication date is June 16, 2026. Thank you so, so much to NetGalley, author Lauren Okie, and Avon Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🩷🩷
Oh man… this book was so incredible on so many levels 🥺
The last 10% is honestly the only reason this went from 5 stars to 4 stars for me. I don’t think this is really a spoiler based on other reviews I’ve seen, but I was NOT expecting magical realism?? I had little suspicions at certain points, but not at all in the way it ended up playing out. It was definitely an interesting twist, but personally I think the story could have been just as impactful without it.
Other than that? This book was MAGIC. ✨Absolute magic✨ I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever been so captivated by an author’s writing style before. The way Lauren Okie strings words together and paints scenes so vividly made it impossible not to completely fall into this story. The writing itself felt emotional and alive 🥺🫶🏻
Trigger warnings for grief and addiction. This book tackles incredibly heavy topics, but it does so in such a raw, honest, and realistic way that truly shows the impact addiction can have on both individuals and the people who love them.
I absolutely loved Katie and Tyler. Their love story was heartbreaking, beautiful, emotional, messy, tender, and ultimately worth every second of the journey. Their relationship felt so real to me. Painful at times, healing at others, but always full of love underneath everything ❤️🩹
Without giving spoilers since this is still an ARC, I also really enjoyed seeing Henry and Willa’s story unfold and thought it was such a unique and meaningful way to weave everything together. I’m also always a sucker for dual POVs and flashbacks, so this book was *chef’s kiss* 😙
This story made me laugh, cry, smile, and feel about 100 emotions all at once. I genuinely cannot wait until the final copy is released so I can go back and highlight and share some of my favorite quotes because WOW.
The last sentence of almost every chapter made me feel something, heartbreak, longing, sadness, hope, happiness… all of it 🫶🏻🥺❤️🩹
I truly can’t put into words how beautiful this story is or how tender the love between Katie and Tyler felt. Their love was raw, real, painful, and somehow still managed to help them slowly glue the broken pieces of themselves back together.
I honestly think this is going to be one of the standout books of the summer, and it absolutely deserves the hype 💞
Oh man… this book was so incredible on so many levels 🥺
The last 10% is honestly the only reason this went from 5 stars to 4 stars for me. I don’t think this is really a spoiler based on other reviews I’ve seen, but I was NOT expecting magical realism?? I had little suspicions at certain points, but not at all in the way it ended up playing out. It was definitely an interesting twist, but personally I think the story could have been just as impactful without it.
Other than that? This book was MAGIC. ✨Absolute magic✨ I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever been so captivated by an author’s writing style before. The way Lauren Okie strings words together and paints scenes so vividly made it impossible not to completely fall into this story. The writing itself felt emotional and alive 🥺🫶🏻
Trigger warnings for grief and addiction. This book tackles incredibly heavy topics, but it does so in such a raw, honest, and realistic way that truly shows the impact addiction can have on both individuals and the people who love them.
I absolutely loved Katie and Tyler. Their love story was heartbreaking, beautiful, emotional, messy, tender, and ultimately worth every second of the journey. Their relationship felt so real to me. Painful at times, healing at others, but always full of love underneath everything ❤️🩹
Without giving spoilers since this is still an ARC, I also really enjoyed seeing Henry and Willa’s story unfold and thought it was such a unique and meaningful way to weave everything together. I’m also always a sucker for dual POVs and flashbacks, so this book was *chef’s kiss* 😙
This story made me laugh, cry, smile, and feel about 100 emotions all at once. I genuinely cannot wait until the final copy is released so I can go back and highlight and share some of my favorite quotes because WOW.
The last sentence of almost every chapter made me feel something, heartbreak, longing, sadness, hope, happiness… all of it 🫶🏻🥺❤️🩹
I truly can’t put into words how beautiful this story is or how tender the love between Katie and Tyler felt. Their love was raw, real, painful, and somehow still managed to help them slowly glue the broken pieces of themselves back together.
I honestly think this is going to be one of the standout books of the summer, and it absolutely deserves the hype 💞
June 26, 2026
— 3.5 ☆ .ᐟ ⌗ 🌺 spoiler free + mini review
⤷ that twist at the end was interesting..!
୨ arc @netgalley
⋆˚࿔ 63rd review of the year
⌗ ꒰ my thoughts ꒱💐
⤷ this was so fun! i loved the way the chapters and tropes were separated (that was clever) unfortunately, i just couldn't connect to the characters much! i get that there was a sense of emotion but i didn't always feel it. i also found myself not being interested in the story! (by the halfway mark it went by super fast which i appreciated)
all in all, i love the depth, charm, and that they are both writers! books about books are IT. i wish all the best for them and that epilogue was so precious 🌺☹️
⌗ ꒰ tropes ꒱
⋆ brother's best friend
⋆ grumpy sunshine
⋆ forced proximity
⋆ slowburn
⋆ second chance
⌗ ꒰ info ꒱
⤷ find my book review on goodreads @elliexreads
⤷ this is recommended for adult and new adult readers
⤷ adult contemporary emotional romance
publish date: june 16, 2026
₊‧ all ratings and opinions are my own ₊‧
⤷ thank you to amazon and netgalley + Avon for the arc in exchange for an honest review !
----------
𐔌 ♯┆6.10.26
⤷ YAY!! thank you sm to netgalley for this arc <3 i originally had no intention of reading this, but when i found out that this was the same author as 'the best worst thing' i HAD to try it!! also the cover is just so pretty <3
without love, it is worthless. this house, the art, the money, unspeakable fame. it is all completely and utterly worthless. it cannot hold you. it cannot whisper your name.
⤷ that twist at the end was interesting..!
୨ arc @netgalley
⋆˚࿔ 63rd review of the year
𐔌♯┆without love, it is worthless. this house, the art, the money, unspeakable fame. it is all completely and utterly worthless. it cannot hold you. it cannot whisper your name .ᐟ ⊹
⌗ ꒰ my thoughts ꒱💐
⤷ this was so fun! i loved the way the chapters and tropes were separated (that was clever) unfortunately, i just couldn't connect to the characters much! i get that there was a sense of emotion but i didn't always feel it. i also found myself not being interested in the story! (by the halfway mark it went by super fast which i appreciated)
all in all, i love the depth, charm, and that they are both writers! books about books are IT. i wish all the best for them and that epilogue was so precious 🌺☹️
⋆˚ summary: 2 childhood neighbors, how will they find their way back to each other after a devastating loss on both ends? with a new job to be taken, they both spend the summer in hampton's ghostwriting for a romance author. the tropes they end up writing playing into their real life.
⌗ ꒰ tropes ꒱
⋆ brother's best friend
⋆ grumpy sunshine
⋆ forced proximity
⋆ slowburn
⋆ second chance
⌗ ꒰ info ꒱
⤷ find my book review on goodreads @elliexreads
⤷ this is recommended for adult and new adult readers
⤷ adult contemporary emotional romance
publish date: june 16, 2026
₊‧ all ratings and opinions are my own ₊‧
⤷ thank you to amazon and netgalley + Avon for the arc in exchange for an honest review !
----------
🌷 — pre-read .ᐟ⌗
𐔌 ♯┆6.10.26
⤷ YAY!! thank you sm to netgalley for this arc <3 i originally had no intention of reading this, but when i found out that this was the same author as 'the best worst thing' i HAD to try it!! also the cover is just so pretty <3
without love, it is worthless. this house, the art, the money, unspeakable fame. it is all completely and utterly worthless. it cannot hold you. it cannot whisper your name.
April 10, 2026
4💫
what a BEAUTIFUL SECOND CHANCE LOVE STORY. this story covered so many emotional topics, so i suggest checking the trigger warnings, but the author handled everything so delicately and wrote with so much care. lauren okie's writing was absolutely beautiful, poetic, and emotion. i have like 100 highlights from this book full of amazing scenes and syntax.
our two characters went through so much growth in this book and i couldn't be prouder for them. katie was just a ball of sunshine and soooo taylor swift coded. her positivity and outgoing personality was such a joy to read. tyler was so gentle and kind with her, and i respect him so much for how he behaved when he was around katie. he is such a sensitive man and i love it! they both have gone through so much trauma but have healed so beautifully and this story helped them heal and ugh i am just obsessed.
dont get me wrong, i absolutely LOVED this book, but i guess i hold an unpopular opinion of not really enjoying the ending... i was just so confused! after i talked with one of my friends about it, i understand what happened and yes, i think thats so cool, but i was SO CONFUSED and ended the last 10% of the book being like .... huh???
anyways, im so excited for everyone to read this when it comes out!!!
thank you avon books, netgalley & lauren okie for the arc! out june 16!
☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️
preread!!!
thank you avon books & lauren okie for the arc!!!
i've heard such amazing things about this and as a second-chance lover, i am SO excited to read it!!!
what a BEAUTIFUL SECOND CHANCE LOVE STORY. this story covered so many emotional topics, so i suggest checking the trigger warnings, but the author handled everything so delicately and wrote with so much care. lauren okie's writing was absolutely beautiful, poetic, and emotion. i have like 100 highlights from this book full of amazing scenes and syntax.
our two characters went through so much growth in this book and i couldn't be prouder for them. katie was just a ball of sunshine and soooo taylor swift coded. her positivity and outgoing personality was such a joy to read. tyler was so gentle and kind with her, and i respect him so much for how he behaved when he was around katie. he is such a sensitive man and i love it! they both have gone through so much trauma but have healed so beautifully and this story helped them heal and ugh i am just obsessed.
dont get me wrong, i absolutely LOVED this book, but i guess i hold an unpopular opinion of not really enjoying the ending... i was just so confused! after i talked with one of my friends about it, i understand what happened and yes, i think thats so cool, but i was SO CONFUSED and ended the last 10% of the book being like .... huh???
anyways, im so excited for everyone to read this when it comes out!!!
thank you avon books, netgalley & lauren okie for the arc! out june 16!
☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️
preread!!!
thank you avon books & lauren okie for the arc!!!
i've heard such amazing things about this and as a second-chance lover, i am SO excited to read it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lauren Okie broke my brain.
I have no coherent thoughts.
I need a reread in order to fully process.
Sending Lauren Okie my therapy bill for all the extra sessions Ill need this month.
If you enjoy being wrecked while reading romance, go ahead and add this to you TBR.
Might come back and write something more coherent later. Might just cry myself to sleep.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Avon for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I have no coherent thoughts.
I need a reread in order to fully process.
Sending Lauren Okie my therapy bill for all the extra sessions Ill need this month.
If you enjoy being wrecked while reading romance, go ahead and add this to you TBR.
Might come back and write something more coherent later. Might just cry myself to sleep.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Avon for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2026
3.75⭐️
Thank you Avon books and Net Galley for this advanced reader copy.
Tropesick is following our two main characters, Katie and Tyler. He’s her brother‘s best friend, they grew up together and fell in love as teens. And now, a decade later, are reuniting to write a book together. Through this process, they will not only have to face their past, but also experience all the romance tropes they’re writing in their book - in real life.
While I think that this was an incredibly unique premise, I was expecting more.
This is my first book by Lauren Okie and I did enjoy her writing. There were so many moments that I felt transported to summer through her beautiful prose. But the pacing of her storytelling didn’t work for me.
The first 20% had me very invested, but as I kept reading things started to drag. It felt like the idea of having a ton of different tropes as plot devices (in more ways than one) got in the way of the trajectory of the story. I did however really like that we got shown quite a bit of their backstory as the reader, instead of being told about it in present day.
I liked both of the main characters, and I felt like I could relate to them on certain things. But toward the end of the book, I didn’t feel connected to them, even though there was so much potential. There were quite a few moments I FELT their connection. Which made the moments when I didn’t feel it stand out more.
I was definitely not expecting the twist, and I liked the way things ended with the couple (it felt very 2000’s romcom to me). But the ending as a whole felt a little rushed. And I feel like there were a few plot holes.
After finishing this I realized I was hoping for more, so for me this one isn’t a favorite, but I did like it.
Thank you Avon books and Net Galley for this advanced reader copy.
Tropesick is following our two main characters, Katie and Tyler. He’s her brother‘s best friend, they grew up together and fell in love as teens. And now, a decade later, are reuniting to write a book together. Through this process, they will not only have to face their past, but also experience all the romance tropes they’re writing in their book - in real life.
While I think that this was an incredibly unique premise, I was expecting more.
This is my first book by Lauren Okie and I did enjoy her writing. There were so many moments that I felt transported to summer through her beautiful prose. But the pacing of her storytelling didn’t work for me.
The first 20% had me very invested, but as I kept reading things started to drag. It felt like the idea of having a ton of different tropes as plot devices (in more ways than one) got in the way of the trajectory of the story. I did however really like that we got shown quite a bit of their backstory as the reader, instead of being told about it in present day.
I liked both of the main characters, and I felt like I could relate to them on certain things. But toward the end of the book, I didn’t feel connected to them, even though there was so much potential. There were quite a few moments I FELT their connection. Which made the moments when I didn’t feel it stand out more.
I was definitely not expecting the twist, and I liked the way things ended with the couple (it felt very 2000’s romcom to me). But the ending as a whole felt a little rushed. And I feel like there were a few plot holes.
After finishing this I realized I was hoping for more, so for me this one isn’t a favorite, but I did like it.
June 16, 2026
Tropesick was a bit heavier than I expected, skillfully tackling intense themes like grief, substance abuse, addiction, and complex family dynamics. I found myself most engaged by the beginning and the ending; there were a few sections in the middle where the narrative pacing slowed down and I didn't feel the same magnetic pull or flow as the rest of the book. That being said, everything came together beautifully in the end, and I quite enjoyed this story overall.
May 7, 2026
Oh boy, where to begin....
I LOVED the first 50% of this book. It read like Emily Henry. Contemporary romance with some pretty intense emotional and character study. I was telling everyone that it was definitely a must read when it comes out. Then the next 60-90% was kinda slow. Not enough to make me mad, but I definitely struggled a bit more. I was still enjoying it.
Then that last 10% happened....
What. The. Actual. Fuck. Was. That. Ending.
Ok, here's the full spoiler part.
In the last 5% of the book, this becomes a paranormal romance. Meredith, the recluse famous author has actually been dead the whole time and her ghost (HER GHOST) has been interacting with them for the entire book. But absolutely ZERO is explained about this.
Her cat? Also a ghost. Her butler? Apparently also a ghost. The car he drives them around in? Ghost car. (Yes, you heard that right, the CAR isn't even real) The house? Dilapidated ghost house. Meredith has these gorgeous couture dresses she lends our FMC. So those just...don't exist? What the fuck was the FMC wearing?
Meredith was set up to be a stalker character. Which, to be honest, I would have hated. But at least it would have made SENSE in this world. But suddenly SHES A GHOST!? Get the fuck out of here....
Our MMC's dad? The whole book people are wondering where he's gone. Zero explanation.
Also, Meredith is still a massive selling author who's been having ghost writers write her books for the past 8 years (because she's been secretly dead so I guess having a "ghost" writer makes sense). Where did all her residuals go? Has Selma, her editor (but also married to Meridth's ex-husband WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS BOOK), been embezzling her money for 8 years?
Again, imagine reading an Emily Henry book and in the last 5% you find out the main character has been dead the whole time. Imagine how jarring that would be. I genuinely don't understand how this has such a high GR rating and am pretty convinced people are reviewing this book when they've only read 70% of it
I LOVED the first 50% of this book. It read like Emily Henry. Contemporary romance with some pretty intense emotional and character study. I was telling everyone that it was definitely a must read when it comes out. Then the next 60-90% was kinda slow. Not enough to make me mad, but I definitely struggled a bit more. I was still enjoying it.
Then that last 10% happened....
What. The. Actual. Fuck. Was. That. Ending.
Ok, here's the full spoiler part.
In the last 5% of the book, this becomes a paranormal romance. Meredith, the recluse famous author has actually been dead the whole time and her ghost (HER GHOST) has been interacting with them for the entire book. But absolutely ZERO is explained about this.
Her cat? Also a ghost. Her butler? Apparently also a ghost. The car he drives them around in? Ghost car. (Yes, you heard that right, the CAR isn't even real) The house? Dilapidated ghost house. Meredith has these gorgeous couture dresses she lends our FMC. So those just...don't exist? What the fuck was the FMC wearing?
Meredith was set up to be a stalker character. Which, to be honest, I would have hated. But at least it would have made SENSE in this world. But suddenly SHES A GHOST!? Get the fuck out of here....
Our MMC's dad? The whole book people are wondering where he's gone. Zero explanation.
Also, Meredith is still a massive selling author who's been having ghost writers write her books for the past 8 years (because she's been secretly dead so I guess having a "ghost" writer makes sense). Where did all her residuals go? Has Selma, her editor (but also married to Meridth's ex-husband WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS BOOK), been embezzling her money for 8 years?
Again, imagine reading an Emily Henry book and in the last 5% you find out the main character has been dead the whole time. Imagine how jarring that would be. I genuinely don't understand how this has such a high GR rating and am pretty convinced people are reviewing this book when they've only read 70% of it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
For the first 20% or so, I wasn’t sure I was going to connect to these characters. My expectations were so high after The Best Worst Thing. But I went from being unsure to being so emotionally connected to & touched by this story. Truly a beautiful love story with such a fun, unique, bookish premise. Oh, & that ending… SHOCKED. Torn on how I feel about it tbh, but definitely a twist! I’d say worth the read!!
June 18, 2026
crying tears of joy that i finally closed this book and never have to open it or think about it again 🥹
i wanted to write a coherent review as to why this is one of the worst books i have ever read in my entire life, but every time i go back to my notes app, a feral rage consumes me and i turn into Gollum rocking back and forth in the corner of a cave. i hate this book with my whole heart <3
i wanted to write a coherent review as to why this is one of the worst books i have ever read in my entire life, but every time i go back to my notes app, a feral rage consumes me and i turn into Gollum rocking back and forth in the corner of a cave. i hate this book with my whole heart <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Please don’t come for me, but I didn’t love this one. I thought it was super unique, but the execution wasn’t there for me.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader
I read an advanced copy thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager. This review is my honest opinions. You can grab a published copy on June 16, 2026.
Special shoutout to @eclectikollection on IG for buddy reading this with me!
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– FMC: Katie Caruso. 25-year old ghostwriter for a romance author. Likes pink and glitter and doesn’t gaf if you don’t like that about her
– MMC: Tyler McNally. 27-year old writer hired to help ghostwrite a romance book in exchange for notes about his own novel. Carries burden and shame like he bought them and has to now walk home 10 miles before he can set them down.
– Location: NYC and Long Island
– POV: Dual first-person with “book within a book” excerpts
– Spice: 1-2 somewhat spicy scenes leaning more “romantic” than explicit
– Tropes: nearly every trope you can think of to some extent (but also not ALL tropes), but namely: brother’s best friend, second chance, childhood friends to lovers, miscommunication (avoidant), “it’s always been you”... (anything more might spoil something)
– Content warning: without detailing potential spoilers, grief and addiction/recovery are the two main themes here, so if you are struggling with either, please consider reading the author’s note before proceeding.
– Representation: LGBTQIA+ minor side character
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
I’m going to start with what worked for me and what I appreciated before getting into why this ultimately landed at 3 stars.
What worked (for me):
+ I greatly appreciated how unique this story felt while still echoing elements of books I’ve loved before. It truly felt like a love letter to romance readers and authors, and I enjoyed all of the nods to other beloved writers throughout the story.
+ There was a nice balance between lighter moments and heavier emotional beats. That contrast gave the story dimension and kept me curious about where things were headed.
+ I’m always a fan of a book-within-a-book. While I’m not sure it was fully effective for me in this particular story, I still appreciated the meta quality it brought to the reading experience.
+ The exchange: “I think she gets tired of everyone commenting on how pretty she is.” “Wow. That must be so hard for her. Is she okay? Is she seeking help? Should we set up a GoFundMe, or--” absolutely took me out. I laughed for a solid minute.
+ There is one pivotal moment where the FMC begins to recognize and unpack the way she was/is being treated, and I thought most of that section was beautifully written. It was one of the strongest emotional moments in the book for me, and I found myself wanting more of that same depth elsewhere in the story.
Now, I won’t say I don’t understand the hype surrounding this book. In fact, I wish I had connected with it the way so many other readers seem to have. I was genuinely hoping to be in the “best book ever” camp. But here are my reasons for my rating:
- The pacing was the biggest hurdle for me. There was a significant amount of buildup before the inciting incident, and while things certainly picked up afterward, the shift felt somewhat chaotic and occasionally confusing. By that point, I had started to lose some of my connection to both the story and the characters.
- That pivotal emotional moment I mentioned earlier didn’t have quite the follow-through I was hoping for. I was deeply invested in that realization, but the story moved on from it more quickly than I expected, which left me wanting a bit more exploration of its impact.
- The dynamic between the FMC and MMC also lost some momentum for me as the story progressed. Part of that may have been tied to the pacing, but I occasionally found myself frustrated with some of Katie’s choices, particularly during moments of miscommunication that felt avoidable.
- Without getting into spoilers, I also found myself wishing the magical realism element had been woven more consistently throughout the story. It felt a little too understated for my personal taste, and I wanted it to have a stronger presence within the narrative.
Would I Recommend?: Maybe—and I mean that in the most sincere way possible. I was incredibly excited (and honored) to receive this ARC. I also read Lauren’s debut as an ARC last year, and while I had some similar critiques, I continue to admire the way she crafts characters and approaches storytelling. At this point, I think it may simply be a matter of personal reading taste. Her style of playing with and stretching traditional romance conventions clearly resonates with many readers, and I have no doubt this book will find a passionate audience. It just wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ This felt like if Lauren Okie was cosplaying as Ashley Poston to write a fanfic of Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (don’t read too much into that please. the context here is just for vibes)
➼ Books about authors and romance book lovers
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn———————✧————Slow Burn
Sweet————✧———————Spicy
Light/Fluffy———————✧————Heavy/Emotional
•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader
I read an advanced copy thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager. This review is my honest opinions. You can grab a published copy on June 16, 2026.
Special shoutout to @eclectikollection on IG for buddy reading this with me!
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– FMC: Katie Caruso. 25-year old ghostwriter for a romance author. Likes pink and glitter and doesn’t gaf if you don’t like that about her
– MMC: Tyler McNally. 27-year old writer hired to help ghostwrite a romance book in exchange for notes about his own novel. Carries burden and shame like he bought them and has to now walk home 10 miles before he can set them down.
– Location: NYC and Long Island
– POV: Dual first-person with “book within a book” excerpts
– Spice: 1-2 somewhat spicy scenes leaning more “romantic” than explicit
– Tropes: nearly every trope you can think of to some extent (but also not ALL tropes), but namely: brother’s best friend, second chance, childhood friends to lovers, miscommunication (avoidant), “it’s always been you”... (anything more might spoil something)
– Content warning: without detailing potential spoilers, grief and addiction/recovery are the two main themes here, so if you are struggling with either, please consider reading the author’s note before proceeding.
– Representation: LGBTQIA+ minor side character
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
I’m going to start with what worked for me and what I appreciated before getting into why this ultimately landed at 3 stars.
What worked (for me):
+ I greatly appreciated how unique this story felt while still echoing elements of books I’ve loved before. It truly felt like a love letter to romance readers and authors, and I enjoyed all of the nods to other beloved writers throughout the story.
+ There was a nice balance between lighter moments and heavier emotional beats. That contrast gave the story dimension and kept me curious about where things were headed.
+ I’m always a fan of a book-within-a-book. While I’m not sure it was fully effective for me in this particular story, I still appreciated the meta quality it brought to the reading experience.
+ The exchange: “I think she gets tired of everyone commenting on how pretty she is.” “Wow. That must be so hard for her. Is she okay? Is she seeking help? Should we set up a GoFundMe, or--” absolutely took me out. I laughed for a solid minute.
+ There is one pivotal moment where the FMC begins to recognize and unpack the way she was/is being treated, and I thought most of that section was beautifully written. It was one of the strongest emotional moments in the book for me, and I found myself wanting more of that same depth elsewhere in the story.
Now, I won’t say I don’t understand the hype surrounding this book. In fact, I wish I had connected with it the way so many other readers seem to have. I was genuinely hoping to be in the “best book ever” camp. But here are my reasons for my rating:
- The pacing was the biggest hurdle for me. There was a significant amount of buildup before the inciting incident, and while things certainly picked up afterward, the shift felt somewhat chaotic and occasionally confusing. By that point, I had started to lose some of my connection to both the story and the characters.
- That pivotal emotional moment I mentioned earlier didn’t have quite the follow-through I was hoping for. I was deeply invested in that realization, but the story moved on from it more quickly than I expected, which left me wanting a bit more exploration of its impact.
- The dynamic between the FMC and MMC also lost some momentum for me as the story progressed. Part of that may have been tied to the pacing, but I occasionally found myself frustrated with some of Katie’s choices, particularly during moments of miscommunication that felt avoidable.
- Without getting into spoilers, I also found myself wishing the magical realism element had been woven more consistently throughout the story. It felt a little too understated for my personal taste, and I wanted it to have a stronger presence within the narrative.
Would I Recommend?: Maybe—and I mean that in the most sincere way possible. I was incredibly excited (and honored) to receive this ARC. I also read Lauren’s debut as an ARC last year, and while I had some similar critiques, I continue to admire the way she crafts characters and approaches storytelling. At this point, I think it may simply be a matter of personal reading taste. Her style of playing with and stretching traditional romance conventions clearly resonates with many readers, and I have no doubt this book will find a passionate audience. It just wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine
╰┈➤ ❝Lovely to just lay here with you; You're kinda cute and I would say all of this; But I don't wanna ruin the moment; Lovely to sit between comfort and chaos...❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ This felt like if Lauren Okie was cosplaying as Ashley Poston to write a fanfic of Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (don’t read too much into that please. the context here is just for vibes)
➼ Books about authors and romance book lovers
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn———————✧————Slow Burn
Sweet————✧———————Spicy
Light/Fluffy———————✧————Heavy/Emotional
•♥Consider following me on Instagram @kelseyreviewsbooks for more visual content and bookish discussions.♥•
February 19, 2026
This book started off SO well for me.
I was intrigued pretty immediately. The stakes between Tyler and Katie felt high—especially surrounding the mystery about what happened between them, they were both so distinct and captivating at the start, and I wanted to know how their story played out. I loved Katie’s girly-ness and Tyler’s black-cat personality. Their back and forth was great, and the writing felt strong, and Lauren Okie officially had my attention.
And as I got deeper into the story, I began to love the depiction of grief and addiction. It felt beautiful and like it was deeply thought about and written with care. I really enjoyed seeing both of these depicted in the present tense of Katie’s and Tyler’s lives, but I also appreciated seeing it in their pasts too.
At the start, it was such a beautiful love letter to romance books.
Then, I hit the midway point of the book.
Around 60%, it very slowly (and then very quickly) all went downhill. Katie and Tyler’s development individually and together felt stalled until it felt forced. Katie’s “quirkiness” began to feel like it was her only personality trait. Tyler began to feel like a caricature, one-dimensional. It was like once they finally got together, the book lost its heart.
Scenes felt rushed, and it felt like I didn’t get to fully sit in the moment with the characters. It started feeling like more telling than showing. There was so much tension and yearning, and when we finally reached the peaks we spent the whole book waiting for, they fell flat. There was no payoff.
Then we got to the third act—and that very stereotypical third act plot device—and it just felt wrong, like a shoe that didn’t fit. Their argument was over nothing, and they said some incredibly hurtful things to one another. And frankly, by the end, they forgave each other for those things they said far too quickly. There were these big, loud moments of grief and sadness and anger coming into realization but then, they would kiss and it would be fine—never to be talked about again.
And the last 10% or so…do not get me started. The “magical realism” was genuinely insane and made me angry. Not to mention, Tyler saying “none of this makes sense” then saying “this makes perfect sense” approximately three seconds later really tipped me over the edge. Especially because what did happen didn’t make any sense whatsoever. Tyler might have come to terms with it, but I needed the closure of how this all works. Whereas the characters just seem to shrug, say “okay, sure” and accept it without any questions. You cannot convince me that Katie figured it all out in the span of five seconds and on her own.
And the craziest thing of it all is that I fully predicted the “twist,” and it wasn’t even in a satisfying way. More in a “you’ve got to be kidding me” way.
When I first started reading this book, it felt like it would be a solid 4 stars. I was loving it! Then maybe a 3.75, a 3.5. Then a 3. Then I just got so annoyed, so now we’re here at a 2.
I’m really sad that this turned out the way it did. The premise is such a fun idea and the beginning of the book was fantastic and un-put-down-able.
I do think that this book will find its right audience, it’s just not with me.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
I was intrigued pretty immediately. The stakes between Tyler and Katie felt high—especially surrounding the mystery about what happened between them, they were both so distinct and captivating at the start, and I wanted to know how their story played out. I loved Katie’s girly-ness and Tyler’s black-cat personality. Their back and forth was great, and the writing felt strong, and Lauren Okie officially had my attention.
And as I got deeper into the story, I began to love the depiction of grief and addiction. It felt beautiful and like it was deeply thought about and written with care. I really enjoyed seeing both of these depicted in the present tense of Katie’s and Tyler’s lives, but I also appreciated seeing it in their pasts too.
At the start, it was such a beautiful love letter to romance books.
Then, I hit the midway point of the book.
Around 60%, it very slowly (and then very quickly) all went downhill. Katie and Tyler’s development individually and together felt stalled until it felt forced. Katie’s “quirkiness” began to feel like it was her only personality trait. Tyler began to feel like a caricature, one-dimensional. It was like once they finally got together, the book lost its heart.
Scenes felt rushed, and it felt like I didn’t get to fully sit in the moment with the characters. It started feeling like more telling than showing. There was so much tension and yearning, and when we finally reached the peaks we spent the whole book waiting for, they fell flat. There was no payoff.
Then we got to the third act—and that very stereotypical third act plot device—and it just felt wrong, like a shoe that didn’t fit. Their argument was over nothing, and they said some incredibly hurtful things to one another. And frankly, by the end, they forgave each other for those things they said far too quickly. There were these big, loud moments of grief and sadness and anger coming into realization but then, they would kiss and it would be fine—never to be talked about again.
And the last 10% or so…do not get me started. The “magical realism” was genuinely insane and made me angry. Not to mention, Tyler saying “none of this makes sense” then saying “this makes perfect sense” approximately three seconds later really tipped me over the edge. Especially because what did happen didn’t make any sense whatsoever. Tyler might have come to terms with it, but I needed the closure of how this all works. Whereas the characters just seem to shrug, say “okay, sure” and accept it without any questions. You cannot convince me that Katie figured it all out in the span of five seconds and on her own.
And the craziest thing of it all is that I fully predicted the “twist,” and it wasn’t even in a satisfying way. More in a “you’ve got to be kidding me” way.
When I first started reading this book, it felt like it would be a solid 4 stars. I was loving it! Then maybe a 3.75, a 3.5. Then a 3. Then I just got so annoyed, so now we’re here at a 2.
I’m really sad that this turned out the way it did. The premise is such a fun idea and the beginning of the book was fantastic and un-put-down-able.
I do think that this book will find its right audience, it’s just not with me.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
March 12, 2026
tropesick simultaneously broke my heart and put it back together again all at once. this is a book i will be recommending to ANYONE that will listen to me yap about it!
oh my LANTA, did i love katie and tyler’s romance and history. everything about the two of them was so bittersweet and sad and sweet and nostalgic. 11 years after their initial separation, the two of them come back together under the most random circumstances and they have to find a way to work together to ghost write a romance novel. and DO THEY WRITE THAT NOVEL!!
something about a bad boy gone good, tattooed, GLASSES (!!!!) gets me EVERY TIMEEEE!! lauren okie knew what she was doing here. 🙂↕️ she made a fan out of me. i will be reading more of her. yes absolutely. this is 100009% worth the read if you want to kick your feet, giggling or cry. it will accomplish both I promise.
thank you netgalley and avon for the e-arc. <3
oh my LANTA, did i love katie and tyler’s romance and history. everything about the two of them was so bittersweet and sad and sweet and nostalgic. 11 years after their initial separation, the two of them come back together under the most random circumstances and they have to find a way to work together to ghost write a romance novel. and DO THEY WRITE THAT NOVEL!!
something about a bad boy gone good, tattooed, GLASSES (!!!!) gets me EVERY TIMEEEE!! lauren okie knew what she was doing here. 🙂↕️ she made a fan out of me. i will be reading more of her. yes absolutely. this is 100009% worth the read if you want to kick your feet, giggling or cry. it will accomplish both I promise.
thank you netgalley and avon for the e-arc. <3
June 21, 2026
6⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"When I close my eyes, it has always been you. You and you and only you." 💗✍🏻📚🌸✨
i honestly don't think i have the words to describe how much i absolutely LOVED this book. i knew it was going to be a 6 star read from the minute i started it. every single moment i wasn't reading this book, i wanted to be reading this book
katie and tyler are SO dear to my heart, katie was just the strongest, most sunshine-glitter filled character ever and I loved her. And tyler fought so hard to overcome his past and forgive himself- also tall, dark hair, tatttoos and GLASSES?? my dream man. they were both such well written characters and i could not love them more
also i am OBSESSED with the way this book was structured, having little snippets of the book they were writing in between their love story with all the tropes was such a fun addition
& that plot twists at 90%???? that got me
thank you so much netgalley for this arc!!!
this is absolutely going down as one of my new favorite romance books of all time, top 5 FOR SURE
"When I close my eyes, it has always been you. You and you and only you." 💗✍🏻📚🌸✨
i honestly don't think i have the words to describe how much i absolutely LOVED this book. i knew it was going to be a 6 star read from the minute i started it. every single moment i wasn't reading this book, i wanted to be reading this book
katie and tyler are SO dear to my heart, katie was just the strongest, most sunshine-glitter filled character ever and I loved her. And tyler fought so hard to overcome his past and forgive himself- also tall, dark hair, tatttoos and GLASSES?? my dream man. they were both such well written characters and i could not love them more
also i am OBSESSED with the way this book was structured, having little snippets of the book they were writing in between their love story with all the tropes was such a fun addition
& that plot twists at 90%???? that got me
thank you so much netgalley for this arc!!!
this is absolutely going down as one of my new favorite romance books of all time, top 5 FOR SURE
June 27, 2026
Rating: 2.5⭐️
I’m not sure how to rate this book. While I somewhat enjoyed the plot and I was interested to see how everything would play out, I didn’t really like the leads Katie and Tyler. I had a hard time relating to them and I couldn’t bring myself to care about them either. Maybe it was Katie’s quirkiness but I found some of their interactions and dialogue to be so awkward. I really didn’t ship them as a couple. There was just something off about their romance.
Like I said, the plot was decent but it dragged a lot in the second half and it got weird in the last couple of chapters. The ending felt very rushed and didn’t feel satisfying. It just left me confused.
So many people loved this book but I sadly don’t feel the same way. Besides wanting to know what happened in their past, the book didn’t have much else going for it for me personally.
I’m not sure how to rate this book. While I somewhat enjoyed the plot and I was interested to see how everything would play out, I didn’t really like the leads Katie and Tyler. I had a hard time relating to them and I couldn’t bring myself to care about them either. Maybe it was Katie’s quirkiness but I found some of their interactions and dialogue to be so awkward. I really didn’t ship them as a couple. There was just something off about their romance.
Like I said, the plot was decent but it dragged a lot in the second half and it got weird in the last couple of chapters. The ending felt very rushed and didn’t feel satisfying. It just left me confused.
So many people loved this book but I sadly don’t feel the same way. Besides wanting to know what happened in their past, the book didn’t have much else going for it for me personally.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
જ⁀➴ 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
HUGE THANK YOU to Avon Books, Lauren Okie, and NetGalley for the eARC and the physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Tropesick will be officially published on June 16th, 2026!
༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️
When Tropesick was pitched as a love letter to the romance genre, no one was playing around. This was a story about second chances, finding a way back to the person you never forgot, and working through trauma and coming out the other side alive and as a better person, all with a touch of magical realism. It truly was a nod to everything the romance genre: highlighting the most common tropes in the genre, subtle references to beloved romance authors in the industry, and little cameos of well-loved books in the romance genre that we hold so close to our hearts. If you also like your romance books with a hefty side of tension and angst, this is also the book for you!
While I enjoyed the writing in this story, and I'd still recommend it to readers, I felt like more could've been done to sell the second-chance romance and the sensitive topics that were discussed in the story. I love a good second-chance romance as much as the next person does, but I also believe it's one of the hardest tropes to write about well, in my opinion. I feel like more could've been done in that aspect to sell me a bit more on Katie and Tyler's relationship.
✎𓂃Full review to come soon!
༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ As mARCH madness continues, I've been staring at this book from my Kindle shelf for SO long. Like, I've had the eARC for this since December, before it even went live on NetGalley, since I got a widget for it, and it kept calling out to me. I think this is my sign to read it because Avon sent me a PHYSICAL ARC of this in the mail! I don't think there can be a bigger sign than this one, so guess who's throwing the rest of my ARC TBR away for this?😂
HUGE THANK YOU to Avon Books, Lauren Okie, and NetGalley for the eARC and the physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Tropesick will be officially published on June 16th, 2026!
"You are the best thing in my life. I can't believe I got another chance to love you."
༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️
When Tropesick was pitched as a love letter to the romance genre, no one was playing around. This was a story about second chances, finding a way back to the person you never forgot, and working through trauma and coming out the other side alive and as a better person, all with a touch of magical realism. It truly was a nod to everything the romance genre: highlighting the most common tropes in the genre, subtle references to beloved romance authors in the industry, and little cameos of well-loved books in the romance genre that we hold so close to our hearts. If you also like your romance books with a hefty side of tension and angst, this is also the book for you!
While I enjoyed the writing in this story, and I'd still recommend it to readers, I felt like more could've been done to sell the second-chance romance and the sensitive topics that were discussed in the story. I love a good second-chance romance as much as the next person does, but I also believe it's one of the hardest tropes to write about well, in my opinion. I feel like more could've been done in that aspect to sell me a bit more on Katie and Tyler's relationship.
✎𓂃Full review to come soon!
༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･༄˖°.☕️
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ As mARCH madness continues, I've been staring at this book from my Kindle shelf for SO long. Like, I've had the eARC for this since December, before it even went live on NetGalley, since I got a widget for it, and it kept calling out to me. I think this is my sign to read it because Avon sent me a PHYSICAL ARC of this in the mail! I don't think there can be a bigger sign than this one, so guess who's throwing the rest of my ARC TBR away for this?😂
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
6 ⭐️
I can't even describe how much I loved this book!!! It made me laugh and giggle, even cry a couple of times at the end. The book is extremely emotional and handled some very heavy topics so beautiful and with care. I love Katie and Tyler with all my heart even though they frustrated me a couple of times
I wasn't expecting the book to have some magical realism in it which confused me a little, but I absolutely loved the ending and how it all came together!
6 ⭐️
I can't even describe how much I loved this book!!! It made me laugh and giggle, even cry a couple of times at the end. The book is extremely emotional and handled some very heavy topics so beautiful and with care. I love Katie and Tyler with all my heart even though they frustrated me a couple of times
I wasn't expecting the book to have some magical realism in it which confused me a little, but I absolutely loved the ending and how it all came together!
June 15, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.
oh this was fantastic!! this book felt like a love letter to long island, to east coast summers, to lazy days in the sun. it was also a love letter to the romance genre as a whole, and to second chances.
my absolute favorite part about this book was the setting. as someone who grew up on long island, maybe i’m biased. lauren okie wrote the setting of this book with so, so much care. i was a bit skeptical, at first, when i heard that this took place on long island and in the hamptons. I was expecting it to be the usual generic backdrop of “the hamptons” or “in” long island (please for the love of god, it’s on the island) or to just be completely inaccurate in terms of locations and details. i’m so glad to be proven wrong. again, this felt, to me, like a love letter to long island and to summers spent there. even for people who have never been, you feel as if you know it like the back of your hand. there were so many places mentioned specifically by name, i kept sitting up and pointing like that one leo dicaprio meme. lauren particularly referenced this one beach & canal where i worked for three summers (and met my boyfriend at), which was a really fun bonus for me personally.
okay enough of me waxing poetic about lauren’s atmospheric skills and long island summers. the writing was superb and the romance had me screaming (both in delight and in frustration). the way these characters are written and the way their feelings for each other are so palpable, it’s no wonder this book has been the talk of the bookish community as of late. absolutely fantastic and yes, the rumors are true: tyler is a D1 yearner (though so is katie). lauren somehow managed to take tropes i usually don’t enjoy, and masterfully put them all together in a way that simultaneously pokes fun at the “tropeification” of romance while also expertly weaving them into the story.
this book also delves into very serious, heartbreaking topics. the way the author wrote about addiction, grief, healing, complicated sibling relationships, mommy & daddy issues, childhood heartbreak, and adult pains and miscommunication…. all VERY well done.
with all that being said, i was not the biggest fan of the last 10%. i guessed part of the twist early on (but i did not guess the big one, if you know you know). while the shock factor certainly had me gasping, i feel like it was very random and was a bit too convenient. i also found the ending to be quite rushed and a little messy, but maybe that’s the point.
all in all, this was an amazing read and is a book i’ll be thinking about for a long time. it’s a wonderful summer read and truly does feel like a hot july day on the east coast.
oh this was fantastic!! this book felt like a love letter to long island, to east coast summers, to lazy days in the sun. it was also a love letter to the romance genre as a whole, and to second chances.
my absolute favorite part about this book was the setting. as someone who grew up on long island, maybe i’m biased. lauren okie wrote the setting of this book with so, so much care. i was a bit skeptical, at first, when i heard that this took place on long island and in the hamptons. I was expecting it to be the usual generic backdrop of “the hamptons” or “in” long island (please for the love of god, it’s on the island) or to just be completely inaccurate in terms of locations and details. i’m so glad to be proven wrong. again, this felt, to me, like a love letter to long island and to summers spent there. even for people who have never been, you feel as if you know it like the back of your hand. there were so many places mentioned specifically by name, i kept sitting up and pointing like that one leo dicaprio meme. lauren particularly referenced this one beach & canal where i worked for three summers (and met my boyfriend at), which was a really fun bonus for me personally.
okay enough of me waxing poetic about lauren’s atmospheric skills and long island summers. the writing was superb and the romance had me screaming (both in delight and in frustration). the way these characters are written and the way their feelings for each other are so palpable, it’s no wonder this book has been the talk of the bookish community as of late. absolutely fantastic and yes, the rumors are true: tyler is a D1 yearner (though so is katie). lauren somehow managed to take tropes i usually don’t enjoy, and masterfully put them all together in a way that simultaneously pokes fun at the “tropeification” of romance while also expertly weaving them into the story.
this book also delves into very serious, heartbreaking topics. the way the author wrote about addiction, grief, healing, complicated sibling relationships, mommy & daddy issues, childhood heartbreak, and adult pains and miscommunication…. all VERY well done.
with all that being said, i was not the biggest fan of the last 10%. i guessed part of the twist early on (but i did not guess the big one, if you know you know). while the shock factor certainly had me gasping, i feel like it was very random and was a bit too convenient. i also found the ending to be quite rushed and a little messy, but maybe that’s the point.
all in all, this was an amazing read and is a book i’ll be thinking about for a long time. it’s a wonderful summer read and truly does feel like a hot july day on the east coast.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5⭐
I read Lauren’s debut novel, and after reading the synopsis of this book, I realized it was very different, and it even includes magical realism, which really intrigued me.
The first half was interesting; I didn’t know what to expect, and I needed more details about the characters’ past. But in the second half, I got tired of the number of chapters—there are 90 of them, and they are very short. The POV switches between Tyler and Katie in both the present and the past, and there’s also a book within a book… just as I was getting into a situation, I was suddenly taken somewhere else again.
I liked Tyler and his past story, how he struggled with his addictions, but I didn’t feel any sympathy for Katie and her family. I won’t go into details, but Katie’s attitude toward her dead brother was an unpleasant surprise for me.
As for the ending, even though I expected magical realism, it came out of nowhere and was so messy that it’s easier for me to pretend it didn’t exist at all.
But I am curious about what Lauren Okie’s next book will be.
_____
Pre-read: I’m not usually a fan of magical realism, but I couldn’t miss Lauren’s new book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager (Avon) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I read Lauren’s debut novel, and after reading the synopsis of this book, I realized it was very different, and it even includes magical realism, which really intrigued me.
The first half was interesting; I didn’t know what to expect, and I needed more details about the characters’ past. But in the second half, I got tired of the number of chapters—there are 90 of them, and they are very short. The POV switches between Tyler and Katie in both the present and the past, and there’s also a book within a book… just as I was getting into a situation, I was suddenly taken somewhere else again.
I liked Tyler and his past story, how he struggled with his addictions, but I didn’t feel any sympathy for Katie and her family. I won’t go into details, but Katie’s attitude toward her dead brother was an unpleasant surprise for me.
As for the ending, even though I expected magical realism, it came out of nowhere and was so messy that it’s easier for me to pretend it didn’t exist at all.
But I am curious about what Lauren Okie’s next book will be.
_____
Pre-read: I’m not usually a fan of magical realism, but I couldn’t miss Lauren’s new book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager (Avon) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
oh lauren okie you've done it again!! you've taken what seems like a fun little romance story and you've turned it into an absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful story!! i hate it but i love it!!
no but seriously, this book is at once a love letter to the romance genre and romance readers, and an achingly raw look at addiction and grief. i absolutely love how lauren okie writes a love story that is so much more than that, how her characters are so layered and deep and some of the most resilient (fictional) people you will ever read about. what a masterpiece, once again.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc, all opinions are my own!
pre-read
got the arc hehe i'm so excited for this one!!! i absolutely adored the best worst thing and i feel like i'll love this just as much <3
no but seriously, this book is at once a love letter to the romance genre and romance readers, and an achingly raw look at addiction and grief. i absolutely love how lauren okie writes a love story that is so much more than that, how her characters are so layered and deep and some of the most resilient (fictional) people you will ever read about. what a masterpiece, once again.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc, all opinions are my own!
pre-read
got the arc hehe i'm so excited for this one!!! i absolutely adored the best worst thing and i feel like i'll love this just as much <3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lauren Okie is out here normalizing men who yearn...and I love her for it. Tropesick gave me exactly what I want in a male character: flawed, self-aware, and willing to own his mistakes.
This second chance romance is the kind of book you binge in a day or two. It's clever, it's angsty, and it's timely. (A huge part of this novel revolves around opioid addiction and it's effect on not only the addict but their family and friends.)
Fair warning: I do believe this will be a polarizing read. The twist was twisting, that's for sure. I know reviewers often say "Go into this one blind,"...but in this case, you REALLY should.
I'm officially a Lauren Okie fan and will be reading anything she writes in the future.
This second chance romance is the kind of book you binge in a day or two. It's clever, it's angsty, and it's timely. (A huge part of this novel revolves around opioid addiction and it's effect on not only the addict but their family and friends.)
Fair warning: I do believe this will be a polarizing read. The twist was twisting, that's for sure. I know reviewers often say "Go into this one blind,"...but in this case, you REALLY should.
I'm officially a Lauren Okie fan and will be reading anything she writes in the future.
June 3, 2026
4.25⭐️ THIS HURT BUT I LOVED IT!!!!
Currently Reading
June 27, 2026— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
⤷⊹ started: june 26th
i’m so excited but also a little nervous bc wdym all the tropes on the cover are actually in this book?! i'm really hoping this is good 😭 sooo ofc i have to read this with my bsf har!! 🤭 i love you SO much 💌💐
⤷⊹ started: june 26th
i’m so excited but also a little nervous bc wdym all the tropes on the cover are actually in this book?! i'm really hoping this is good 😭 sooo ofc i have to read this with my bsf har!! 🤭 i love you SO much 💌💐
June 17, 2026
thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook for a voluntary and honest review!
✿ favourite quotes;
"It was humiliating, wasn't it? To have a heart so big the world could see it break."
"My whole life I wanted to be someone else. I was just a kid - I didn't know who I was year, not really. But I hated myself anyway. " "I wanted to be anyone other than who I was and feel anything other than the way I felt."
"It has always been you. You and you and only you."
✿ plot;
Lowkey it's honestly been a while since a romance book cause me off guard with a huge plot point but omg this one delivered the genuine shock at that reveal (iykyk). I sometimes have issues with books that hop back and forth between past and present but honestly I think this book did it in a way that worked super well and it wasn't too often.
✿ characters;
I honestly really love and empathised with both Katie and Tyler - they both had their individual struggles and circumstances that they were trying to work their way through and seeing them come together to try and help each other too. The grovelling and yearning in this book had ME on my knees as if it was any of my business lmaoo
I also loved Meredith as a character so much - I feel like she could be viewed as pretty controversial but she was genuinely sooooo needed and I love her regardless
✿ narration;
both of these narrators were SO FUN!! Honestly loved them both so much, they made the audiobook so entertaining and offered so much emotion through their narrations that it really helped me to get so attached to both the characters and plot!
I will say the female narrator was kind of intense to listen to during spicy chapters but yk what I love a girl who fully locks into the role!
✿ favourite quotes;
"It was humiliating, wasn't it? To have a heart so big the world could see it break."
"My whole life I wanted to be someone else. I was just a kid - I didn't know who I was year, not really. But I hated myself anyway. " "I wanted to be anyone other than who I was and feel anything other than the way I felt."
"It has always been you. You and you and only you."
✿ plot;
Lowkey it's honestly been a while since a romance book cause me off guard with a huge plot point but omg this one delivered the genuine shock at that reveal (iykyk). I sometimes have issues with books that hop back and forth between past and present but honestly I think this book did it in a way that worked super well and it wasn't too often.
✿ characters;
I honestly really love and empathised with both Katie and Tyler - they both had their individual struggles and circumstances that they were trying to work their way through and seeing them come together to try and help each other too. The grovelling and yearning in this book had ME on my knees as if it was any of my business lmaoo
I also loved Meredith as a character so much - I feel like she could be viewed as pretty controversial but she was genuinely sooooo needed and I love her regardless
✿ narration;
both of these narrators were SO FUN!! Honestly loved them both so much, they made the audiobook so entertaining and offered so much emotion through their narrations that it really helped me to get so attached to both the characters and plot!
I will say the female narrator was kind of intense to listen to during spicy chapters but yk what I love a girl who fully locks into the role!
Currently Reading
June 17, 2026I got the ALC...... I think I'm tripping 😮 Thank you sooo much HarperAudio Adult and Netgalley 🩷💛
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
i just read this whole thing in one sitting and i am severely unwell. no book has drawn me in so quick in SO LONG!!!!!! RTC thank you so much avon 🫶🏼🫶🏼
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Thank you so much to Avon and Netgalley for the arc 🫶🏼
Lauren Okie has a way with words that just sucks you so deep into the story and doesn't let you go until the very last second, and even then, you're still thinking about her characters and the story. After reading "Best Worst Thing" last year and giving that one 5 stars, I knew that this would be a highly anticipated and high-expectations read for me. I knew a little about the synopsis, but once I started reading, I realized I only knew the basic tropes, brother's best friend, and that was it.
Tropesick follows Katie and Tyler; it is dual POV, and we see them in the present, eight years after tragedy struck both of their lives. They have been, seemingly by fate, pushed together for a new ghostwriting project. We slowly unravel their history through dual timeline chapters, as well as getting snippets from their current writing project, and see how their relationship evolves in the present with all of this history between them.
I can't give too much away because this is a story that you truly don't want to know too much about. I loved every single aspect of this book and ate it UP. I read it all in one sitting and it had me giggling, swooning, tearing up, just allll of the feelings. The way Lauren Okie weaves past and present so seamlessly and covers topic such as grief, substance abuse and family turmoil with such grace is truly astounding. The use of the story they're writing together as a token of their past relationship and what the book represents was everything, and it added so much to the tension.
Katie was such a sunshiney character, and the fact that she had a lot of past traumas and current issues with her parents, and was still very eccentric with her outfits and was successful was so heartwarming. I loved seeing Tyler mack on her outfits, which he ended up loving about her by the end. Katie was an easy character to root for, sticking up for herself, especially against Tyler, and not taking any shit. She knew what she wanted and deserved. Tyler, on the other hand, was such a tortured soul, also with a lot of past trauma and substance use issues, and I loved seeing him grow throughout the book. The inclusion of his AA sponser, Arthur, was so heartwarming, and I loved their relationship. Also, very important to note that he has many tattoos and wears slutty little glasses!!! The addition of Meredith also added a lot to the story, getting to know her on a deeper level and understanding her complexities.
This was a perfect slow-burn story with lots of trauma to unpack. The setting, set in the South Hamptons and some in NYC, was magical. One thing I realized when I finished was that we didn't end up seeing much more of Katie's best friend, Lola, who I loved at the start, and I would've loved to see more of her. I think Pinot may be my favourite character, iykyk. Paul ended up being my real MVP by the end!!! I want nothing but good things for that man.
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Thank you so much to Avon and Netgalley for the arc 🫶🏼
Lauren Okie has a way with words that just sucks you so deep into the story and doesn't let you go until the very last second, and even then, you're still thinking about her characters and the story. After reading "Best Worst Thing" last year and giving that one 5 stars, I knew that this would be a highly anticipated and high-expectations read for me. I knew a little about the synopsis, but once I started reading, I realized I only knew the basic tropes, brother's best friend, and that was it.
Tropesick follows Katie and Tyler; it is dual POV, and we see them in the present, eight years after tragedy struck both of their lives. They have been, seemingly by fate, pushed together for a new ghostwriting project. We slowly unravel their history through dual timeline chapters, as well as getting snippets from their current writing project, and see how their relationship evolves in the present with all of this history between them.
I can't give too much away because this is a story that you truly don't want to know too much about. I loved every single aspect of this book and ate it UP. I read it all in one sitting and it had me giggling, swooning, tearing up, just allll of the feelings. The way Lauren Okie weaves past and present so seamlessly and covers topic such as grief, substance abuse and family turmoil with such grace is truly astounding. The use of the story they're writing together as a token of their past relationship and what the book represents was everything, and it added so much to the tension.
Katie was such a sunshiney character, and the fact that she had a lot of past traumas and current issues with her parents, and was still very eccentric with her outfits and was successful was so heartwarming. I loved seeing Tyler mack on her outfits, which he ended up loving about her by the end. Katie was an easy character to root for, sticking up for herself, especially against Tyler, and not taking any shit. She knew what she wanted and deserved. Tyler, on the other hand, was such a tortured soul, also with a lot of past trauma and substance use issues, and I loved seeing him grow throughout the book. The inclusion of his AA sponser, Arthur, was so heartwarming, and I loved their relationship. Also, very important to note that he has many tattoos and wears slutty little glasses!!! The addition of Meredith also added a lot to the story, getting to know her on a deeper level and understanding her complexities.
This was a perfect slow-burn story with lots of trauma to unpack. The setting, set in the South Hamptons and some in NYC, was magical. One thing I realized when I finished was that we didn't end up seeing much more of Katie's best friend, Lola, who I loved at the start, and I would've loved to see more of her. I think Pinot may be my favourite character, iykyk. Paul ended up being my real MVP by the end!!! I want nothing but good things for that man.
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