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How to Write a Rom-Com
'Funny and delightful' - Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author
***
Lucy Bowen has sworn off love.
After too many failed relationships, she's over the fairytale – but working at NYC's biggest romance publisher, Heartwarming, means she can't escape it. When the company's bestselling author, Ruby Jones, threatens to leave due to dwindling sales (and a complete lack of inspiration), Lucy's boss takes drastic action.
Her new assignment? Go to a small lakeside town and find the spark for Ruby's next big love story.
Lucy expects picture-perfect charm, but the town – and its grumpy yet extremely attractive restaurant owner, Liam – have other ideas. He's skeptical of city folk, and she has zero interest in falling for a small-town cliché. But rom-com rule number one? Love finds you when you least expect it...
***
Praise for Cristina Wolf
"Filled with humor, charm, and sizzling chemistry" - Stacey Kennedy, USA Today bestselling author
“This charming and funny story is the perfect small-town romance. One can't help but root for Lucy and Liam on their journey to happily ever after.” - Farrah Rochon, New York Times bestselling author
***
Readers LOVE How to Write a
'When I say I couldn't put my kindle down tonight - I mean it!' - 5-star NetGalley review
'I hope this gets adapted into a movie. It was that good' - 5-star NetGalley review
'A perfect summer holiday read' - 5-star NetGalley review
***
Lucy Bowen has sworn off love.
After too many failed relationships, she's over the fairytale – but working at NYC's biggest romance publisher, Heartwarming, means she can't escape it. When the company's bestselling author, Ruby Jones, threatens to leave due to dwindling sales (and a complete lack of inspiration), Lucy's boss takes drastic action.
Her new assignment? Go to a small lakeside town and find the spark for Ruby's next big love story.
Lucy expects picture-perfect charm, but the town – and its grumpy yet extremely attractive restaurant owner, Liam – have other ideas. He's skeptical of city folk, and she has zero interest in falling for a small-town cliché. But rom-com rule number one? Love finds you when you least expect it...
***
Praise for Cristina Wolf
"Filled with humor, charm, and sizzling chemistry" - Stacey Kennedy, USA Today bestselling author
“This charming and funny story is the perfect small-town romance. One can't help but root for Lucy and Liam on their journey to happily ever after.” - Farrah Rochon, New York Times bestselling author
***
Readers LOVE How to Write a
'When I say I couldn't put my kindle down tonight - I mean it!' - 5-star NetGalley review
'I hope this gets adapted into a movie. It was that good' - 5-star NetGalley review
'A perfect summer holiday read' - 5-star NetGalley review
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2025
41 people are currently reading
3451 people want to read
About the author
Cristina Wolf
1 book36 followersCristina Wolf lives in New Jersey and writes contemporary, hilarious, and heartwarming romance. She has experience working in book publishing and now works as a teacher. When she is not writing, Cristina loves spending time with her dogs, Zoey, Winnie, and Mabel, exercising on her Peloton, laying on her hammock with a good book, and planning her next trip to Disney World. How to Write a Rom-Com is her debut novel. Follow Cristina on Instagram @cwolfbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 10, 2025
how to write a romcom was a short and sweet experience for a romcom lover like me and i truly mean it since i was a kid i’ve been watching all the random types of romcoms and this book captured the feelings u have while watching one!
like…look at the cover and tell me that’s not giving an early 2000s romcom vibe… i dare u! and yes… i was sold by just these aspects but not only these if i have to be honest because the story’s also set in a small town and i mean if u know u know right?
while reading the story of our female main character lucy i was like she’s such a mood help i can’t with her! simply because she could be funny, lighthearted and also an inspiring character and it was a pleasure for me to read her story that led her to meet liam,our lovely small town man main character,and the rest of the gang!
so if you want and are in the need for some cozy and lighthearted vibes just go for it because this story’s waiting for welcoming you in its world and ready to capturing you!
a lot of thanks to netgalley and Aria & Aires team for the e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
like…look at the cover and tell me that’s not giving an early 2000s romcom vibe… i dare u! and yes… i was sold by just these aspects but not only these if i have to be honest because the story’s also set in a small town and i mean if u know u know right?
while reading the story of our female main character lucy i was like she’s such a mood help i can’t with her! simply because she could be funny, lighthearted and also an inspiring character and it was a pleasure for me to read her story that led her to meet liam,our lovely small town man main character,and the rest of the gang!
so if you want and are in the need for some cozy and lighthearted vibes just go for it because this story’s waiting for welcoming you in its world and ready to capturing you!
a lot of thanks to netgalley and Aria & Aires team for the e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
April 14, 2025
Such a fun read! I love a protagonist who works in publishing and the meta qualities of the book made it so much fun and fresh! I loved the use of Lucy's instagram and her love for book tropes dotting throughout the book. This was devoured in the garden over a weekend and it could not have been more perfect. The yearning, mis-interpretations and hilarious town characters create an irresistible small-town romance read!
August 2, 2025
Was so close to being perfect if a 4.75 stars existed I’d give it that x
March 12, 2025
CW: mention of death of a loved one
I think the bookish romcom market is so incredibly oversaturated, and stories that fall under this umbrella can be either twee or cringey really easily, so I was curious about this one, yet a little apprehensive - I left my concerns at the door in no time, as this was an absolute treat. Just self aware enough to make the reader willing to drop down their defenses alongside its heroine, HOW TO WRITE A ROM-COM is a lighthearted, addicting read that you'll be dying to read at the poolside over the summer. Not without its faults, but so much fun regardless of them.
I think the bookish romcom market is so incredibly oversaturated, and stories that fall under this umbrella can be either twee or cringey really easily, so I was curious about this one, yet a little apprehensive - I left my concerns at the door in no time, as this was an absolute treat. Just self aware enough to make the reader willing to drop down their defenses alongside its heroine, HOW TO WRITE A ROM-COM is a lighthearted, addicting read that you'll be dying to read at the poolside over the summer. Not without its faults, but so much fun regardless of them.
April 2, 2025
i am just the biggest sucker for rom coms! they just fill me with such immense JOY <3
proper review to come xoxo
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I have been screaming from the rooftops about this book to every single soul I've seen. I am someone who needs a rom-com to ensure that they feel an ounce of happiness in their life. How to Write a Rom-Com provided me with an infinite amount of joy. I feel like I have been floating around on a cloud since reading this dazzling debut from Cristina Wolf.
Let's be honest, the current dating scene doesn't exactly fill a girl with a lot of hope at the moment. It's no wonder that Lucy Bowen has sworn off love. If you're searching for a fairytale romance with a happily ever after, you may as well turn to the books. The only place you'll find a decent man these days is in between the pages. And that's exactly what Lucy does, working for the New York City's biggest romance publisher. When Lucy is given an assignment to go to a small town and find the next chart topping hit for their bestselling author, Ruby Jones, it sounds exactly like the start of a cliche rom-com she would sink her teeth into at home. These kinds of stories don't exist in real life. Or do they? When the first person she meets is the attractive restaurant owner, Liam, who just so happens to live across the road from where she's staying, could Lucy have been wrong this entire time? Always remember the biggest cliche of every rom-com... love finds you when you least expect it.
From laughing out loud, to just giggling at how much I loved the characters, How to Write a Rom-Com was a book that I couldn't put down. Not that I wanted to. There's nothing quite like having your eyes glued to the page of a rom-com.
This truly is for people who loved Book Lovers (Emily Henry). And just for people who love books.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Aria for sending me an e-ARC of this book! I have been skipping down the road ever since I finished reading! If you love romance, read How to Write a Rom-Com. If you love reading, read How to Write a Rom-Com. If you want to get into reading, read How to Write a Rom-Com. In case I didn't make it obvious enough, I think everyone should read How to Write a Rom-Com.
Whatever Cristina Wolf writes next, I will read it. Until then, I'll just continue gushing over this book!
proper review to come xoxo
-------
I have been screaming from the rooftops about this book to every single soul I've seen. I am someone who needs a rom-com to ensure that they feel an ounce of happiness in their life. How to Write a Rom-Com provided me with an infinite amount of joy. I feel like I have been floating around on a cloud since reading this dazzling debut from Cristina Wolf.
Let's be honest, the current dating scene doesn't exactly fill a girl with a lot of hope at the moment. It's no wonder that Lucy Bowen has sworn off love. If you're searching for a fairytale romance with a happily ever after, you may as well turn to the books. The only place you'll find a decent man these days is in between the pages. And that's exactly what Lucy does, working for the New York City's biggest romance publisher. When Lucy is given an assignment to go to a small town and find the next chart topping hit for their bestselling author, Ruby Jones, it sounds exactly like the start of a cliche rom-com she would sink her teeth into at home. These kinds of stories don't exist in real life. Or do they? When the first person she meets is the attractive restaurant owner, Liam, who just so happens to live across the road from where she's staying, could Lucy have been wrong this entire time? Always remember the biggest cliche of every rom-com... love finds you when you least expect it.
From laughing out loud, to just giggling at how much I loved the characters, How to Write a Rom-Com was a book that I couldn't put down. Not that I wanted to. There's nothing quite like having your eyes glued to the page of a rom-com.
This truly is for people who loved Book Lovers (Emily Henry). And just for people who love books.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Aria for sending me an e-ARC of this book! I have been skipping down the road ever since I finished reading! If you love romance, read How to Write a Rom-Com. If you love reading, read How to Write a Rom-Com. If you want to get into reading, read How to Write a Rom-Com. In case I didn't make it obvious enough, I think everyone should read How to Write a Rom-Com.
Whatever Cristina Wolf writes next, I will read it. Until then, I'll just continue gushing over this book!
March 12, 2025
Thank you so much to the publisher Aria & Aries and NetGalley for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely adored this one!!
How to Write a Rom-Com is a short and sweet novel centering around our FMC Lucy who works in the publishing industry, and has been sent to scope out a small town to help a major client plan their next novel. Enter Hudson Hollow which is an absolute dream, and easily one of my favourite small towns that I have ever read about! That scenery *chef's kiss*
I enjoyed the awkwardness of the initial interactions with Liam (MMC) who gave off major Luke Danes vibes. Lucy's journey of self discovery was portrayed really well and made her a very realistic and relatable character. I adored Blue (adorable furry friend), especially his relationship and interactions with the twins! This was a cosy and lighthearted read and I enjoyed every minute of it! If you love small town romances, early 2000s rom coms, and Gilmore Girls, then this book is perfect for you!
I cannot wait to read more Cristina Wolf books, so consider this my formal request for a Jill book.. I will literally beg you to take me back to Hudson Hollow
I absolutely adored this one!!
How to Write a Rom-Com is a short and sweet novel centering around our FMC Lucy who works in the publishing industry, and has been sent to scope out a small town to help a major client plan their next novel. Enter Hudson Hollow which is an absolute dream, and easily one of my favourite small towns that I have ever read about! That scenery *chef's kiss*
I enjoyed the awkwardness of the initial interactions with Liam (MMC) who gave off major Luke Danes vibes. Lucy's journey of self discovery was portrayed really well and made her a very realistic and relatable character. I adored Blue (adorable furry friend), especially his relationship and interactions with the twins! This was a cosy and lighthearted read and I enjoyed every minute of it! If you love small town romances, early 2000s rom coms, and Gilmore Girls, then this book is perfect for you!
I cannot wait to read more Cristina Wolf books, so consider this my formal request for a Jill book.. I will literally beg you to take me back to Hudson Hollow
January 26, 2025
I found it a little hard to get into at the beginning, but I think that was my fault as my brain was still processing a Romantasy book.
When I say I couldn’t put my kindle down tonight - I mean it!
“Come on, City Girl, let’s see how country you can be” - I was grinning like a loon!
‘Thumb-to-pointer-finger theory: proven. - had me choking on my drink!
The bus trip? My heart was in my throat!
I can’t wait to get a hard copy for my bookshelf!
I need to reread this soon!
A huge thank you to the Aria and Aires team at NetGalley for the ARC.
When I say I couldn’t put my kindle down tonight - I mean it!
“Come on, City Girl, let’s see how country you can be” - I was grinning like a loon!
‘Thumb-to-pointer-finger theory: proven. - had me choking on my drink!
The bus trip? My heart was in my throat!
I can’t wait to get a hard copy for my bookshelf!
I need to reread this soon!
A huge thank you to the Aria and Aires team at NetGalley for the ARC.
April 19, 2025
"Would you judge me too harshly if I said you had me at hello?"
Thank you to Aria books and Cristina Wolf for the opportunity to read this book in exchnage for my honest review.
So, this was a super cute and easy read, a great palette cleanser! The plot was easy to follow and the I adored all the characters. I can easily seeing this being the go-to summer read!
The only thing I didn't like about this book, was that the secret Lucy is keeping seems really silly to keep as a secret. One of the characters even brings it up, "like why keep this a secret". I also though that the MMC's reaction to the secret was OTT because again, I didn't see it as a big deal, like at all.
Despite that, the relationship building was well paced, and I loved the FMC's feelings about not being so worried about Happily Ever Afters and being focused on being happy right now.
Not only did it have a great romance, but it also is a great book for anyone who may feel burnt out in their current roles, but feeling like they can't let go becasuse it was their dream. Dreams are allowed to change.
Thank you to Aria books and Cristina Wolf for the opportunity to read this book in exchnage for my honest review.
So, this was a super cute and easy read, a great palette cleanser! The plot was easy to follow and the I adored all the characters. I can easily seeing this being the go-to summer read!
The only thing I didn't like about this book, was that the secret Lucy is keeping seems really silly to keep as a secret. One of the characters even brings it up, "like why keep this a secret". I also though that the MMC's reaction to the secret was OTT because again, I didn't see it as a big deal, like at all.
Despite that, the relationship building was well paced, and I loved the FMC's feelings about not being so worried about Happily Ever Afters and being focused on being happy right now.
Not only did it have a great romance, but it also is a great book for anyone who may feel burnt out in their current roles, but feeling like they can't let go becasuse it was their dream. Dreams are allowed to change.
August 31, 2025
brb while i rewatch 2005 pride & prejudice + when harry met sally!! um that was one of the best ending i’ve ever read for a rom-com… honestly it was blessing bestowed upon me!!!
September 7, 2025
it was a really cute story but i had to take away a star bc the male mc on the cover looks like my ex and it was too much for me
April 27, 2025
Such a quick, charming read! I loved the premise of How to Write a Rom-Com from the very start - an editorial assistant at a romance imprint sent to a small town to work on a book idea for a burnt out author? Brilliant. Lucy was such a great heroine. I really connected with her, and her weaning hope in romance being real. Her character arc was done so beautifully, from the eagerness for promotion and frustration to embracing the people of the gorgeously set lakeside town, to falling in love with Liam and realising what she wanted from her own life.
The ending had me grinning like an idiot to my Kindle on a plane. Just loved it, such a lovely book. Would recommend to all rom com fans!
The ending had me grinning like an idiot to my Kindle on a plane. Just loved it, such a lovely book. Would recommend to all rom com fans!
August 5, 2025
4.5 Stars
Oh my goodness, what an unexpected, charming little read this was! I happened upon this book while looking for a book with an animal on the cover for a reading challenge, random, I know. The title caught my eye too, and then the blurb, and off I went into this book about an assistant to the editor who went to a small town for an assignment. Her job was to quietly gather information and details about the small town for one of the authors to help them write a new series. What she didn't expect was to meet and fall in love with the people, especially one very handsome neighbor, while she was there. As you would expect, this story was quirky and adorable, everything you want in a small town romance, with the added touch of over the top side characters from the city infiltrated in there. While there were so many laugh out loud moments, the author was able to pack a punch of feelings in there, too - I was overwhelmed with feelings and maybe had to sneak a tissue up to my eyes a couple times. This book came out of nowhere and should not be overlooked!
Oh my goodness, what an unexpected, charming little read this was! I happened upon this book while looking for a book with an animal on the cover for a reading challenge, random, I know. The title caught my eye too, and then the blurb, and off I went into this book about an assistant to the editor who went to a small town for an assignment. Her job was to quietly gather information and details about the small town for one of the authors to help them write a new series. What she didn't expect was to meet and fall in love with the people, especially one very handsome neighbor, while she was there. As you would expect, this story was quirky and adorable, everything you want in a small town romance, with the added touch of over the top side characters from the city infiltrated in there. While there were so many laugh out loud moments, the author was able to pack a punch of feelings in there, too - I was overwhelmed with feelings and maybe had to sneak a tissue up to my eyes a couple times. This book came out of nowhere and should not be overlooked!
May 26, 2025
Thank you to the author and Head of Zeus for the gifted digital advanced copy of this delightful charmer!
Lucy Bowen works at the largest romance imprint in New York City, but she’s stopped believing in love herself, a tricky situation when your entire job is built around happily-ever-afters. When the imprint’s biggest author, Ruby Jones, threatens to quit because she’s lost her spark, Lucy’s boss devises a wild plan: they’ll reverse-engineer Ruby’s next book by creating the perfect romantic story themselves. And Lucy? She’s the one who’s going to find the inspiration, whether she likes it or not.
So Lucy’s off to a tiny lakeside town, tasked with turning real life into romance. She’s fully prepared to play the part, just not to actually fall for it. Of course, her next-door neighbor is impossibly hot, has an adorable dog, and owns the local restaurant. He’s practically the perfect fictional hero - except for the fact that he doesn’t like outsiders. But that’s fine, Lucy tells herself. She’s not about to become a cliché… even if the clichés start to feel more real than she ever expected.
This book is an absolute delight! Wolf does such a wonderful job playing with and celebrating the very rom-com tropes she’s gently poking fun at. Lucy’s journey is heartfelt and hilarious, the small-town setting is perfectly cozy, and the chemistry sizzles with that spark you can’t help but root for. It reminded me a lot of The Bromance Book Club - self-aware, full of charm, and brimming with wit (and grand gestures!). I loved the tension between Lucy’s cynical city life and the warm, inviting world of the town she’s sent to “study.” If you’re in the mood for a story both meta and swoony, you’ll enjoy this one. I can’t wait to see what Christina Wolf writes next!
Lucy Bowen works at the largest romance imprint in New York City, but she’s stopped believing in love herself, a tricky situation when your entire job is built around happily-ever-afters. When the imprint’s biggest author, Ruby Jones, threatens to quit because she’s lost her spark, Lucy’s boss devises a wild plan: they’ll reverse-engineer Ruby’s next book by creating the perfect romantic story themselves. And Lucy? She’s the one who’s going to find the inspiration, whether she likes it or not.
So Lucy’s off to a tiny lakeside town, tasked with turning real life into romance. She’s fully prepared to play the part, just not to actually fall for it. Of course, her next-door neighbor is impossibly hot, has an adorable dog, and owns the local restaurant. He’s practically the perfect fictional hero - except for the fact that he doesn’t like outsiders. But that’s fine, Lucy tells herself. She’s not about to become a cliché… even if the clichés start to feel more real than she ever expected.
This book is an absolute delight! Wolf does such a wonderful job playing with and celebrating the very rom-com tropes she’s gently poking fun at. Lucy’s journey is heartfelt and hilarious, the small-town setting is perfectly cozy, and the chemistry sizzles with that spark you can’t help but root for. It reminded me a lot of The Bromance Book Club - self-aware, full of charm, and brimming with wit (and grand gestures!). I loved the tension between Lucy’s cynical city life and the warm, inviting world of the town she’s sent to “study.” If you’re in the mood for a story both meta and swoony, you’ll enjoy this one. I can’t wait to see what Christina Wolf writes next!
March 7, 2025
Thank you, Aria & Aries for this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
By now, everyone who follows me online knows how much I love small-town romance and bookish books, so, naturally, I had to read this book.
How to Write a Rom-Com gave me everything I needed in a good romance 🥰 The writing was incredibly funny, especially the awkwardness between Lucy and Liam. I loved how Lucy made Liam smile again after what he'd been through and how the book played with small-town cliches.
The fmc's character development was *chef's kiss*. There were so many emotional moments in this book that brought me to tears (I was not expecting that in a cozy small-town romance lol) and the angst was intense! I had no idea how the story was going to end, but loved the way everything turned out.
I can't wait to read more of Cristina Wolf's books because this one was amazing 😍
By now, everyone who follows me online knows how much I love small-town romance and bookish books, so, naturally, I had to read this book.
How to Write a Rom-Com gave me everything I needed in a good romance 🥰 The writing was incredibly funny, especially the awkwardness between Lucy and Liam. I loved how Lucy made Liam smile again after what he'd been through and how the book played with small-town cliches.
The fmc's character development was *chef's kiss*. There were so many emotional moments in this book that brought me to tears (I was not expecting that in a cozy small-town romance lol) and the angst was intense! I had no idea how the story was going to end, but loved the way everything turned out.
I can't wait to read more of Cristina Wolf's books because this one was amazing 😍
February 9, 2025
It’s been a while since I’ve read a small town rom-com and it was just what I needed! I liked Lucy literally from her forts few famous romance references and up until her last line. She just a sweetheart , a bit of a realist but just like you and me romantic in heart. I liked how her journey of self discovery was portrayed with all insecurities and doubts, it made her even more realistic. Liam is just a perfect small town main male character, good looking and charming, but also with depth and security. Them together makes total sense, being together in beautiful scenery of their personal heaven that calls Hudson Hollow.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
February 19, 2025
The charm in this romcom will have you squealing and kicking your feet. A heartwarming rendition of your favourite small town romances with a fun twist and a witty cast of characters. I adored it!
March 30, 2025
Thank you Cristina Wolf for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I had a blast reading and devoured this book in less than 24 hours.
This is a short and sweet love story that is perfect for readers who love small town romances and early 2000s rom-com vibes. The story is single POV, told by Lucy Bowen. Lucy lives in New York City and works at a romance publishing firm. To solve a work problem, Lucy’s boss sends her on a special assignment to a small lakeside town, where she needs to find inspiration for the company’s bestselling author’s next novel. Of course, two of the biggest hurtles for Lucy are her dislike of small towns and her not believing in love. Yet, when she arrives in the small town of Hudson Hollow, her views start to change.
What I Loved:
🌄Hudson Hollow gives off Stars Hollow vibes but with gorgeous mountains and lakes… when can I move there?
💕Lucy and Liam are relatable characters with realistic dreams and struggles. Their flirtatious dialogue and heart-to-heart talks are sweet. I also love being in Lucy’s POV because she overthinks a lot, which is something I can relate to.
🙌🏻The themes of self-discovery and following your dreams, even when they change, are well developed.
📝The writing style is easy to read and self-aware. Lucy often compares certain events and characters to ones she’s seen in romances, and she also comments when things “should have happened differently” if she were living her own romance movie.
😂There are so many fun pop culture references!!
🥰The side characters are lovable. Lucy’s best friend Elle is her biggest cheerleader and helps her navigate tough decisions. Liam’s older sister Jill looks out for him, and his nephew and niece bring out his playful side. Also, there’s Blue! 🐕
I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re a fan of fun and lighthearted rom-coms. The UK release date is May 2025 and the US release date is July 2025.
This is a short and sweet love story that is perfect for readers who love small town romances and early 2000s rom-com vibes. The story is single POV, told by Lucy Bowen. Lucy lives in New York City and works at a romance publishing firm. To solve a work problem, Lucy’s boss sends her on a special assignment to a small lakeside town, where she needs to find inspiration for the company’s bestselling author’s next novel. Of course, two of the biggest hurtles for Lucy are her dislike of small towns and her not believing in love. Yet, when she arrives in the small town of Hudson Hollow, her views start to change.
What I Loved:
🌄Hudson Hollow gives off Stars Hollow vibes but with gorgeous mountains and lakes… when can I move there?
💕Lucy and Liam are relatable characters with realistic dreams and struggles. Their flirtatious dialogue and heart-to-heart talks are sweet. I also love being in Lucy’s POV because she overthinks a lot, which is something I can relate to.
🙌🏻The themes of self-discovery and following your dreams, even when they change, are well developed.
📝The writing style is easy to read and self-aware. Lucy often compares certain events and characters to ones she’s seen in romances, and she also comments when things “should have happened differently” if she were living her own romance movie.
😂There are so many fun pop culture references!!
🥰The side characters are lovable. Lucy’s best friend Elle is her biggest cheerleader and helps her navigate tough decisions. Liam’s older sister Jill looks out for him, and his nephew and niece bring out his playful side. Also, there’s Blue! 🐕
I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re a fan of fun and lighthearted rom-coms. The UK release date is May 2025 and the US release date is July 2025.
April 28, 2025
This book was made for us rom-com loving, book sharing besties! Meet Lucy- our FMC who works in book publishing in New York and typically loves everything to do with love, except for the fact she hasn’t had much of it lately. Lucy is sent to check out a small town to help a major client plan their next book. When Lucy arrives in Hudson Hollow she meets Liam, our MMC, and although he looks like a romance hero, their initial meeting wasn’t exactly cute. As Lucy spends more time in Hudson Hollow, she finds herself falling for not only the small town, but Liam. Can this be Lucy’s very own love story?
I couldn’t put this book down and literally smiled from ear to ear the entire time reading it. The writing style, characters, and love story reminded me of all my faves- Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry, and Christina Lauren. She is a natural and I can’t wait to read more from her.
Thanks to Cristina Wolf and her publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
Read if you like:
- small town romances
-books about books
-a cinnamon roll hero
-hot guys who love their dog
I couldn’t put this book down and literally smiled from ear to ear the entire time reading it. The writing style, characters, and love story reminded me of all my faves- Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry, and Christina Lauren. She is a natural and I can’t wait to read more from her.
Thanks to Cristina Wolf and her publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
Read if you like:
- small town romances
-books about books
-a cinnamon roll hero
-hot guys who love their dog
August 12, 2025
How to Write a Rom Com is a delight — it feels like dessert in book form. I loved the nostalgic callouts to FRIENDS, Gilmore Girls, rom-com tropes, and even superheroes.
The question of “What do I want to be when I grow up?” was present throughout, and I appreciated how the author acknowledged that the answer can be fluid and ever-changing.
I fell in love with Hudson Hollow and its cast of characters, just like Lucy did. This is a charming, cozy, and heartfelt debut from Christina Wolf — I’m excited to read whatever she writes next!
The question of “What do I want to be when I grow up?” was present throughout, and I appreciated how the author acknowledged that the answer can be fluid and ever-changing.
I fell in love with Hudson Hollow and its cast of characters, just like Lucy did. This is a charming, cozy, and heartfelt debut from Christina Wolf — I’m excited to read whatever she writes next!
September 3, 2025
What a stunning debut by Cristina Wolf! I laughed (A LOT), cried (Oh, Liam!) and swooned (again, Oh, Liam!). This story was perfect from start to finish. Cristina nailed the small town vibes of Hudson Hollow and made me fall in love with the cast of kooky characters that lived there. And the end, oh my goodness. No spoilers here...but it's the kind that has you on the edge of your seat,
breaking your heart into a million pieces and then beautifully putting it back together again.
breaking your heart into a million pieces and then beautifully putting it back together again.
August 31, 2025
2.5⭐️ Unfortunately it said the whole “this is my life this isn’t a romance novel” too many times. I just didn’t get to connect with the characters as much as I would have liked to really fall in love with the story. But I loved the dog
July 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // How to Write a Romcom by Cristina Wolf
This was such a fun, feel-good read! I really enjoyed Cristina Wolf’s voice and the way she layered humor with heartfelt moments. The story had all the charm and swoon you’d hope for in a romcom, and the banter was chef’s kiss.
My only small wish? I would have loved a little more depth to Liam’s character. He was sweet and supportive, but I found myself wanting to know more about him, beyond how he showed up for Lucy. Still, I flew through this and had such a good time. Definitely recommend it if you’re in the mood for something light, witty, and satisfying!
This was such a fun, feel-good read! I really enjoyed Cristina Wolf’s voice and the way she layered humor with heartfelt moments. The story had all the charm and swoon you’d hope for in a romcom, and the banter was chef’s kiss.
My only small wish? I would have loved a little more depth to Liam’s character. He was sweet and supportive, but I found myself wanting to know more about him, beyond how he showed up for Lucy. Still, I flew through this and had such a good time. Definitely recommend it if you’re in the mood for something light, witty, and satisfying!
August 29, 2025
The chemistry between the two MC was so refreshing and really made it stand out compared to other similar books, which is why I loved it!
August 4, 2025
I love a book that is self-aware in a fun way, and this one hit that sweet spot!
April 19, 2025
Book Review💫💫
How To Write a Rom-Com by Cristina Wolf
Pub Date: May 15th 2025
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Debut Novel
Small town romance
Single POV
He falls first
Book about books
Lucy Bowen has had enough of romance and sworn off love. Working in the biggest romance publishing house she deals with it on the regular. When their bestselling author Ruby is in a creative rut and threatens to leave due to poor sales.
She is sent to a small lakeside town to find inspiration for Ruby's next bestselling love story. And suddenly she finds all her views beginning to change..
-
I've been on such a weird funk with my reading lately that I am not obsessed with anything I have read lately but this book was the complete opposite.
Just loved it, such a good read. I will recommend this to everyone I cross paths with.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How To Write a Rom-Com by Cristina Wolf
Pub Date: May 15th 2025
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Debut Novel
Small town romance
Single POV
He falls first
Book about books
Lucy Bowen has had enough of romance and sworn off love. Working in the biggest romance publishing house she deals with it on the regular. When their bestselling author Ruby is in a creative rut and threatens to leave due to poor sales.
She is sent to a small lakeside town to find inspiration for Ruby's next bestselling love story. And suddenly she finds all her views beginning to change..
-
I've been on such a weird funk with my reading lately that I am not obsessed with anything I have read lately but this book was the complete opposite.
Just loved it, such a good read. I will recommend this to everyone I cross paths with.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 21, 2025
A beautiful small town romance! Fall in love with the charm of Hudson Hollow. Relatable characters and a swoonworthy romance!
July 17, 2025
I actually enjoyed this. After having a string of 1* this was refreshing. It’s funny they are calling out the tropes whilst they’re happening at the same time. Felt very aware, the drama of the breakup was a bit frustrating - it wasn’t that bad she was writing a romance book about them - so it wasn’t life or death - but the rest of the book I enjoyed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
Arc read thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley.
Editors Assistant Lucy Bowen agrees to go on a research trip to the picturesque, small town of Hudson Hollow to gain insight for a big authors new novel after being promised a promotion - Grumpy Restaurant Owner Liam is skeptical of city folk and believes they only come to Hudson Hollow with an agenda. Then he meets Lucy.
I love a small town romcom and this book does not disappoint. It had me giggling and kicking my feet from the start. It was such an easy and fun read.
Lucy is such a fun, loveable and quirky character. She speaks before she thinks and this really had me laughing throughout the book. Liam comes across as mysterious and grumpy at first but you soon come to release he is a big softy like his GSD Blue. He is passionate about his town and has his family, friends and townspeople best interests at heart (and he’s a great chef, what more could a girl want)
The relationship between Lucy and Liam is fun and lighthearted yet you can see the romantic tension building between them from the start, it had me rooting for them after every meet! The book is such a slow burn romance but in the sweetest possible way!
Hudson Hollow is literally the blueprint for a small town. It was detailed so well that I felt I was there. I loved the town and all of its characters.
This book gave me Abby Jimenez vibes and I loved it!
If you enjoy a slow burn romance with serious small town vibes then this is the book for you!
Editors Assistant Lucy Bowen agrees to go on a research trip to the picturesque, small town of Hudson Hollow to gain insight for a big authors new novel after being promised a promotion - Grumpy Restaurant Owner Liam is skeptical of city folk and believes they only come to Hudson Hollow with an agenda. Then he meets Lucy.
I love a small town romcom and this book does not disappoint. It had me giggling and kicking my feet from the start. It was such an easy and fun read.
Lucy is such a fun, loveable and quirky character. She speaks before she thinks and this really had me laughing throughout the book. Liam comes across as mysterious and grumpy at first but you soon come to release he is a big softy like his GSD Blue. He is passionate about his town and has his family, friends and townspeople best interests at heart (and he’s a great chef, what more could a girl want)
The relationship between Lucy and Liam is fun and lighthearted yet you can see the romantic tension building between them from the start, it had me rooting for them after every meet! The book is such a slow burn romance but in the sweetest possible way!
Hudson Hollow is literally the blueprint for a small town. It was detailed so well that I felt I was there. I loved the town and all of its characters.
This book gave me Abby Jimenez vibes and I loved it!
If you enjoy a slow burn romance with serious small town vibes then this is the book for you!
July 11, 2025
As someone who loves love but hates the predictability of hallmark- this was a sweet story and I resonate with our overanalyzing heroine. I hadn’t even finished it before I was recommending it to some friends. Loved ARC reading this!
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