Any Trope But You: A Quirky Romance with Some Smoky Interludes
When I stumbled upon Joni Cade’s Any Trope But You, I was immediately intrigued by the premise—a romance author reeling from a scandal being whisked away to a wilderness resort for a “reinvention” trip. Who could resist a story packed with forced proximity and the promise of a snowstorm-induced bonding with the handsome Forrest? As I delved deeper, I found myself grappling with as much over-the-top charm as I did with some decidedly steamy moments.
Themes and Characters
The heart of this narrative centers around Margot Bradley, a character whose journey reflects not just a romance but a quest for self-acceptance after a very public mishap. Her immediate zing of attraction to Forrest—the archetypal tall, dark, and handsome type—sets the stage for a whirlwind of humorous misadventures. However, I found myself struggling with the believability of Margot’s sudden shift from skepticism about love to diving headfirst into a physical relationship. It felt a touch rushed, grounded mainly in their physical chemistry.
Forrest, while swoony with his night-obsessed scientist persona, often fell flat beyond his attraction to Margot. I appreciated how he found purpose in his mother’s legacy through his work in cancer research, yet at times, he felt like just a handsome fixture rather than a fully fleshed-out character.
Writing Style and Pacing
Cade’s writing has a frenetic energy that’s both charming and, at times, clumsy. The dual POV gives readers insight into both characters, but the narrative style can feel juvenile, especially during the more intimate scenes. Can we talk about how the word "f*ck" appears a staggering 102 times? I was left wondering if we really needed that level of emphasis. While the banter crackled with humor and gave me those giggly foot-kicking moments (a personal favorite), I often felt overwhelmed by the intensity of Margot’s sexual responses, which began to blur into repetitive territory.
A notable quote that caught my eye was Forrest’s reflection, “But I guess I’m a Margot Bradley kind of guy now too.” It was a cute moment that resonated, emphasizing the character’s unexpected emotional pull. Still, I found myself questioning the depth of their connection versus the physical attraction driving them.
Conclusion
Overall, Any Trope But You offers a lighthearted escape for readers who enjoy tropes like “one bed” and “snowed in” scenarios with a side of spice. It’s clear that Cade is flexing her writing muscles, experimenting with tone and themes that resonate with a younger audience. The comedic moments and heartfelt gestures shine, but the bumps in narration and character depth left me slightly wanting.
If you’re over 18 and revel in romances that aren’t shy about physical intimacy—and can manage around 40% of the book being about sex—you may find joy in this fluffy adventure. Heads up, though: this book has a mind of its own regarding language and themes, so come prepared!
In the end, despite my mixed feelings on character development and the sheer volume of steamy scenes, I left with a smile and a sense of warmth, a feeling not to be underestimated in today’s reading landscape. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but perhaps with a cheeky wink and a heads-up about what’s inside. Happy reading, lovelies! 💖