This book was phenomenal. I loved everything about it, every single word. The evocative writing allowed me to become immersed in Lanie’s world. I felt like I was there, walking down the streets of New York. I was there in the dark corner of the crowded bar listening to “Strange Magic”. This story provoked all of my senses; I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t stop smiling. It felt so real. I became so enraptured, I couldn’t stop reading. I adored all the characters. Especially BD, the bawdy grandma that talks about sex way too much. And of course, everyone needs a Meg and Rufus, the coworkers and best friends who are always there to offer support with food, booze, and advice.
I wouldn’t say this was a typical romance novel. It was deeper than that. It was a journey, a love story full of surprises. This type of love story is one girls dream about. It was about finding that one love that will span decades. There were no steamy scenes between the sheets, but it did not need them. The emotional, slow-burn romance is perfect for anyone who loves happily ever after endings.
When Lanie was a young girl, her mother became terminally ill. Before she passed, she asked Lanie to promise to find someone she really loved. Fast forward to a college age Lanie, who is unsure about life. Her roommate introduces her to the wonderful world of romance novels. Specifically, Noa Callaway’s novel, Ninety-Nine Things. It was a beacon, a road map to fulfilling her promise to her mom. It taught her about love when her mother couldn’t. Lanie creates her own list of ninety-nine things. She uses it as a guide to find the love her mother spoke about.
Grown up Lanie is a quirky book editor. She has everything going for her. Lanie is successful; she is happy. Engaged to the man that completely embodies her ninety-nine things list, her life is perfect. To top it off, Lanie becomes the editor for her favorite author, Noa Callaway. Soon, Lanie’s life is unraveling. Lanie questions everything she thought she knew about love. Why has no one ever seen or spoken to Noa Callaway? The answer causes Lanie’s perfectly created world to come crashing down around her. Can she help Noa overcome writer’s block and save both of their careers?
I am not eloquent enough to adequately express how amazing this story was. On its release date, March 1, 2022, everyone must get a copy to read. This story was one I never wanted to end. I wish I could have stayed in the pages longer. It made it on to my favorite book list. It did not disappoint. This was a 5-star book for me.
Thank you Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read a copy of this delightful book.
Goodreads Blurb:
What she doesn’t know about love could fill a book.
With a successful career as a romance editor, and an engagement to a man who checks off all ninety-nine boxes on her carefully curated list, Lanie’s more than good. She’s killing it. Then she’s given the opportunity of a lifetime: to work with world-renowned author and her biggest inspiration in love and life—the Noa Callaway. All Lanie has to do is cure Noa’s writer’s block and she’ll get the promotion she’s always dreamed of. Simple, right?
But there’s a reason no one has ever seen or spoken to the mysterious Noa Calloway. And that reason will rock Lanie’s world. It will call into question everything she thought she knew. When she finally tosses her ninety-nine expectations to the wind, Lanie may just discover that love By Any Other Name can still be as sweet.