Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Blurring the line between fiction and reality…
Mia Brady never imagined her romance novels would become bestsellers, much less inspire a hit TV show. However, after signing a deal to write the final book of the series, she’s struck by a serious case of writer’s block. Her fans are clamoring for a passionate payoff, but Mia’s own experience with heartbreak—and current lack of real-life romance—is getting in the way. Do friends who become lovers ever truly have a happy ending?
Gavin Lane would like to think so. As Mia’s ride-or-die BFF, he’s been by her side through it all and convinced himself his crush on her is a thing of the past. He’s not about to let his feelings ruin their friendship, and never will. But things get complicated when Mia pitches a bold idea to help save her career: testing out tried-and-true love story tropes…together.
From workplace romance to fish-out-of-water, Mia and Gavin embark on a series of “experiments” to spark a little creativity—but they are not prepared for the flame that ignites between them. Does their friendship even stand a chance when pure fantasy suddenly becomes a little too real?
For fans of:
- Friends-to-Lovers
- So.Much.Pining.
- He falls first
- Books about books
- Plant daddies
- Fish-out-of-water
- Forced Proximity
Love is an Open Book by Chandra Blumberg is a rom-com through and through—a classic friends-to-lovers storyline starring Mia and Gavin.
Mia’s a romance author who’s having writer’s block trying to write her latest book, which is going to be a screen adaptation. If she doesn’t get it written, the studio will. But the characters have special meaning to her, and art is paralleling life in many ways. She and Gavin have been friends since college, and she doesn’t want to muck up a decade-long friendship. What will happen if one of them wants more?
Weaving multiple storylines into the main arc, we meet family and friends and learn about Gavin and Mia’s hopes and dreams. There are scenic descriptions to enhance the setting. We also get an inside peek into romance tropes and Mia’s process when writing.
There are layers to the characters as they deal with challenges and highs. The story sometimes bogs down due to Mia’s outlook on life and her need for control. It was endearing to see how their relationship mirrors those of her characters that she’s struggling with. We get closure and a happily ever after in the offing, but I wish the epilogue went on a bit longer since I didn’t feel like everything was wrapped up as neatly and romantically as it could have been.
Love is an Open Book is a rom-com embracing the friends-to-lovers trope and had me rooting for Mia and Gavin to get their happily ever after, starting with page one.
Chandra Blumberg writes funny, heartwarming love stories about characters that feel real and relatable. Born and raised in Michigan, Chandra moved to the Chicago area after majoring in English at Michigan State University. When she’s not writing, she enjoys lifting heavy barbells at the gym, making a mess of the kitchen while baking alongside her four kids, and traveling with her family.
