Work in Progress by Staci Hart

ROMANTIC COMEDY

Publication date: 01/24/2019
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

There’s a few things that could’ve made this a tricky read for me. First of all, I have a finely tuned bullshit meter, and my bullshit meter is somewhat tripped by the idea of a fantasy author who looks like a rock star and dates models and actresses. I mean, in the real world, fantasy authors look like George RR Martin. (No offense George. Love ya!) 

The second thing that could’ve gone horribly awry for me is the presence of a virgin heroine. In case I haven’t made it clear, I’m not usually a fan of virgin heroines. But, fortunately, this book had enough going for it that I overlooked the improbable rockstar-looking fantasy author and virgin heroine and ended up really enjoying the ride. Who knew? 

Here’s what I loved:

​The heroine
Amelia isn’t your typical New York heiress heroine. She’s shy and awkward and uncomfortable around people. But she’s also wicked-smart and doesn’t let her shyness stop her from going after what she wants. I admired her for having the strength to overcome her fears and go after the job and the life she wanted.

Now, I will admit that I got irritated with Amelia’s early assertions that she wasn’t attractive enough for someone like Thomas, even though everyone around her assured her how gorgeous she was. I call this Bella Swan syndrome. The old “oh, I’m so plain and ordinary...I have no idea why everyone always wants me” thing really irks the crap out of me. But, fortunately for Amelia, she was a pretty good heroine in every OTHER way, so I was able to let this minor case of Bella Swan syndrome go fairly easily.    

The hero
Despite all outward appearances, Thomas is a genuinely good guy.  He never fails to protect the people he loves, sometimes even when that protection comes at a great cost to his own lifestyle/reputation/publishing contract. There was never a point that he failed to treat Amelia with anything but the utmost respect, and y’all know how much I ADORE nice guy heroes in my romance novels.   

This was also a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance featuring a fake marriage. In other words, it was like the author asked me what all my favorite tropes were before writing the book and tried to hit all the high notes just for me. And if that was the case...thanks!!

So, why not a 5-star rating, you ask? There was one point in the book when Amelia was quick to believe something horrible about Thomas, and since he’d done absolutely nothing to make her think he’d ever disrespect her in that manner, I was momentarily irritated with her. But I quickly got over it. Mostly because Thomas is so awesome and if he wants to forgive Amelia, who am I to argue?

Long-story-short, this was a great read that’s highly worth a 1-click, in my opinion.    
  
Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
Stigma free. No rehab needed.

Other reading suggestions
For another read about a hot, sexy writer falling for someone who helps him find his muse, try Bronwyn Green’s Rewritten.

And for all kinds of other awesomeness

​Nice guy romance heroes don't finish last in our book

Plain Jane gets her sexy stud romances​

Friends-to-lovers romances with plenty of benefits​