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Love on Paper
From the author of You Bet Your Heart comes a heartfelt romance about two aspiring teen novelists finding love, good food, and a little bit of mystery at an exclusive writers' retreat. Perfect for fans of K.L. Walther!
The daughter of two prestigious writers, Macy Descanso has decided to take her own writing seriously. So what if her mother pulled some strings to get Macy into a prestigious writing retreat? Macy belongs here. But when she arrives, she learns that the theme has been changed to romance, per the bequest of the late, prolific romance author Betty Quinn. Though a cynic, Macy lives for a challenge.
What she’s not prepared for is to be partnered with Caleb Bernard, also the child of two prestigious writers. The Descansos and Bernards notably have beef—a rivalry that has lasted generations. With something to prove, Macy and Caleb decide to put their family squabbles aside to work together as critique partners.
But this retreat is anything but ordinary. According to lore, every year, authors leave easter eggs behind for new students to find. Macy and Caleb are eager to solve Betty Quinn’s mystery. And in the process, Macy and Caleb find that they have a lot in common. Still, will their connection be enough to surpass their families’ feud? Can the relationship they’ve built continue after the retreat?
The daughter of two prestigious writers, Macy Descanso has decided to take her own writing seriously. So what if her mother pulled some strings to get Macy into a prestigious writing retreat? Macy belongs here. But when she arrives, she learns that the theme has been changed to romance, per the bequest of the late, prolific romance author Betty Quinn. Though a cynic, Macy lives for a challenge.
What she’s not prepared for is to be partnered with Caleb Bernard, also the child of two prestigious writers. The Descansos and Bernards notably have beef—a rivalry that has lasted generations. With something to prove, Macy and Caleb decide to put their family squabbles aside to work together as critique partners.
But this retreat is anything but ordinary. According to lore, every year, authors leave easter eggs behind for new students to find. Macy and Caleb are eager to solve Betty Quinn’s mystery. And in the process, Macy and Caleb find that they have a lot in common. Still, will their connection be enough to surpass their families’ feud? Can the relationship they’ve built continue after the retreat?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2025
35 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
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Shelved as 'dnf'
August 31, 2024𝐝𝐧𝐟 at page 64.
- I have a feeling that if I continue reading this I'm gonna die of boredom!!
౨ৎ𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: new arc-read!
- I have a feeling that if I continue reading this I'm gonna die of boredom!!
౨ৎ𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: new arc-read!
January 15, 2025
•𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐑
1. If you’re a fan of YA that leans towards the younger side (think 14 or so), then this one’s for you!
2. Have you ever wanted to attend a writing retreat? I have! Check this one out because the setting is absolutely perfect!
3. I love a good mystery, and this one involves a scavenger hunt for a missing manuscript!
4. Enjoy romance but on the less spicy side? Pick this one up!
5. We all love a good family feud, right? This one involves two rivaling families of prolific writers!
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Macy Descanso is a writer. Who cares if her bestselling-author mother pulled some strings to get her into a prestigious writing retreat? Macy belongs here. Even when the coordinators unexpectedly announce that this year’s theme is romance, Macy—a total cynic—is up for the challenge.
But she’s not prepared for her critique partner to be fellow publishing nepo baby Caleb Bernard. While Caleb may be what most romance writers would describe as “swoony,” he’s off-limits, because the Descansos and Bernards have beef.
With a chance at publication at their fingertips, though, Macy and Caleb have to put aside their issues. But is four weeks enough time to fight through writer’s block, step out of their parents’ shadows, and find the courage to create their own love story?
1. If you’re a fan of YA that leans towards the younger side (think 14 or so), then this one’s for you!
2. Have you ever wanted to attend a writing retreat? I have! Check this one out because the setting is absolutely perfect!
3. I love a good mystery, and this one involves a scavenger hunt for a missing manuscript!
4. Enjoy romance but on the less spicy side? Pick this one up!
5. We all love a good family feud, right? This one involves two rivaling families of prolific writers!
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Macy Descanso is a writer. Who cares if her bestselling-author mother pulled some strings to get her into a prestigious writing retreat? Macy belongs here. Even when the coordinators unexpectedly announce that this year’s theme is romance, Macy—a total cynic—is up for the challenge.
But she’s not prepared for her critique partner to be fellow publishing nepo baby Caleb Bernard. While Caleb may be what most romance writers would describe as “swoony,” he’s off-limits, because the Descansos and Bernards have beef.
With a chance at publication at their fingertips, though, Macy and Caleb have to put aside their issues. But is four weeks enough time to fight through writer’s block, step out of their parents’ shadows, and find the courage to create their own love story?
December 27, 2024
Both of Macy's parents are well known authors and with aspirations to also be an author she is sent to a prestigious writing camp. On the first day she is forced to pair up with Caleb- the son of her parent's rivals. When their tension turns romantic can they have a relationship or will their parents issues get in the way. such a cute YA romance i enjoyed this one!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
November 29, 2024
thank you so much to Danielle for sending me a physical proof copy and to netgalley for the digital arc!!!💕💕
✍️Plot:
Macy Descanso has a lot to prove. She’s the daughter of two famous writers, but this time, she’s stepping into the spotlight herself. Sure, her mom may have pulled some strings to get her into a prestigious writing retreat, but Macy knows she’s got what it takes to shine—until she finds out the retreat’s theme has been switched to romance, a genre she’s not exactly sold on. And to top it off, her critique partner is none other than Caleb Bernard, the son of her parents’ biggest rivals. Awkward, right?
✍️The Chemistry and Friendship:
The tension between Macy and Caleb is delicious. They’re forced to work together despite their families’ infamous feud, and watching them go from butting heads to building trust is so satisfying. Caleb is charming and grounded, a perfect counterbalance to Macy’s cynicism and determination. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is undeniable, and every scene between them feels like a tug-of-war between staying loyal to their roots and forging something new together.
Macy's friend/roommate, Fern, also played a big role in balancing out the fmc's worries with fun and carelessness with focus whenever necessary. The book consists of multiple means of communication which makes it even more fun, email, voice notes, text messages, letters etc.
✍️Betty Quinn lore:
But this book isn’t just about their romance. There’s a layer of intrigue woven in with the retreat’s lore. The late, iconic romance author Betty Quinn has left clues hidden throughout the retreat for the students to discover. For someone who ends up finding these clues correctly and completely, it can result as the biggest literary plot twist of their life. Macy and Caleb’s hunt for these Easter eggs adds a fun, adventurous twist to their story, giving them the perfect excuse to spend time together (not that they need one, honestly).
✍️Writing and Characters:
Danielle Parker's writing is witty and heartfelt, with characters that feel real and relatable. The vocab used for this book is so fun, lol. Macy's journey- figuring out what she wants, finding her voice, and learning to let people in -hits all the right emotional beats. So does Caleb's journey of finding the truth. Caleb is the kind of love interest you'll be rooting for from the start, with just the right mix of charm and vulnerability.
✍️Recommend for:
By the time you reach the final page, you'll be as invested in Macy and Caleb's connection as you are in whether they can break free from their families' past. It's equal parts romantic, funny, and thoughtful-a must-read for fans of rivalries that turn into something way more. If you love books about writers, love-hate partnerships, and a sprinkle of mystery, Love on Paper should definitely be your next read!
.
.
I wasn't really expecting this outcome of events in the ending
✍️Plot:
Macy Descanso has a lot to prove. She’s the daughter of two famous writers, but this time, she’s stepping into the spotlight herself. Sure, her mom may have pulled some strings to get her into a prestigious writing retreat, but Macy knows she’s got what it takes to shine—until she finds out the retreat’s theme has been switched to romance, a genre she’s not exactly sold on. And to top it off, her critique partner is none other than Caleb Bernard, the son of her parents’ biggest rivals. Awkward, right?
✍️The Chemistry and Friendship:
The tension between Macy and Caleb is delicious. They’re forced to work together despite their families’ infamous feud, and watching them go from butting heads to building trust is so satisfying. Caleb is charming and grounded, a perfect counterbalance to Macy’s cynicism and determination. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is undeniable, and every scene between them feels like a tug-of-war between staying loyal to their roots and forging something new together.
Macy's friend/roommate, Fern, also played a big role in balancing out the fmc's worries with fun and carelessness with focus whenever necessary. The book consists of multiple means of communication which makes it even more fun, email, voice notes, text messages, letters etc.
✍️Betty Quinn lore:
But this book isn’t just about their romance. There’s a layer of intrigue woven in with the retreat’s lore. The late, iconic romance author Betty Quinn has left clues hidden throughout the retreat for the students to discover. For someone who ends up finding these clues correctly and completely, it can result as the biggest literary plot twist of their life. Macy and Caleb’s hunt for these Easter eggs adds a fun, adventurous twist to their story, giving them the perfect excuse to spend time together (not that they need one, honestly).
✍️Writing and Characters:
Danielle Parker's writing is witty and heartfelt, with characters that feel real and relatable. The vocab used for this book is so fun, lol. Macy's journey- figuring out what she wants, finding her voice, and learning to let people in -hits all the right emotional beats. So does Caleb's journey of finding the truth. Caleb is the kind of love interest you'll be rooting for from the start, with just the right mix of charm and vulnerability.
✍️Recommend for:
By the time you reach the final page, you'll be as invested in Macy and Caleb's connection as you are in whether they can break free from their families' past. It's equal parts romantic, funny, and thoughtful-a must-read for fans of rivalries that turn into something way more. If you love books about writers, love-hate partnerships, and a sprinkle of mystery, Love on Paper should definitely be your next read!
.
.
I wasn't really expecting this outcome of events in the ending
February 2, 2025
Love on paper - 2.5 stars
Ugh…you know those books you find rlly cute but at the same time cringy and annoying? Well that is this book. I honestly only liked Macy’s dad and Caleb. Even they were a bit much at sometimes.
And the romance? Just came out of thin air. No omgosh our family hates each other *inset passionate kiss* no it was more like wow, your pretty and I’ve been spending a lot of time with you *insert boring kiss* x10 about halfway through the book randomly.
Ugh…you know those books you find rlly cute but at the same time cringy and annoying? Well that is this book. I honestly only liked Macy’s dad and Caleb. Even they were a bit much at sometimes.
And the romance? Just came out of thin air. No omgosh our family hates each other *inset passionate kiss* no it was more like wow, your pretty and I’ve been spending a lot of time with you *insert boring kiss* x10 about halfway through the book randomly.
September 1, 2024
Thank you to Danielle Parker and Joy Revolution for an advanced copy of Love on Paper. While I was provided this ARC it was in exchange for an unbiased review. This book was absolutely a 4 star read. It was really a coming of age story where a girl finds herself at a writing retreat. Throw in a little mystery, a little love, and a whole lot of healing, you’ve got a recipe for happily ever after. It was sweet and charming, and a little silly at times. It’s a YA just over 200 pages with nothing more than a kiss or two. It’s appropriate for kids and a quick palate cleanser for adults.
Macy is the daughter of famous authors who is trying to find her own voice. Imagine her surprise when she’s at a writing retreat for young adult authors aspiring to be romance writers when she’s never been in love. With the help of her friends, an author’s mysterious life, and a budding romance, she’s able to find her voice and heal some of her personal traumas.
Macy is the daughter of famous authors who is trying to find her own voice. Imagine her surprise when she’s at a writing retreat for young adult authors aspiring to be romance writers when she’s never been in love. With the help of her friends, an author’s mysterious life, and a budding romance, she’s able to find her voice and heal some of her personal traumas.
March 3, 2025
macy and caleb.
i think this book would’ve been a 2⭐️ if the author didn’t fix it in the epilogue. suppeerrr cute and for some reason it gave me malory towers vibes but more mature. and that book series was my childhood. i actually loved it and it got me out of my book slump
i think this book would’ve been a 2⭐️ if the author didn’t fix it in the epilogue. suppeerrr cute and for some reason it gave me malory towers vibes but more mature. and that book series was my childhood. i actually loved it and it got me out of my book slump
January 21, 2025
I have been loving YA romance releases lately. I went on a hiatus with the genre for a bit. I had thought maybe I had out grown it but within the last few months I have been picking up absolute winners.
Love on Paper is about Macy, an aspiring writer following in her famous parent’s footsteps. She is attending a prestigious writing retreat in Berkeley.
Enter Caleb, also attending the retreat…also has very famous author parents who very much have a rivalry with Macys parents and of course they end up critique partners.
With the theme of this year’s retreat being romance, and a mystery/quest left by a prolific romance author…Macy and Caleb find themselves not only creating stories but making their own as well.
If you like…
☀️ CA setting
🍼Nepo babies
✍🏻 Books about writers
💖 Coming of age
🤺 Rival Families
🔎Mystery
I adore a CA setting and when it’s set at Berkeley (ummm hello? One of my daughter’s names!!!) it’s a must! It felt like summer camp but make it a writing retreat. The privilege of these two had me pondering about legacy’s. The characters in the book I thought were so fun and each one had their own quirks and personalities. The quest trope 😍 is by far one of my favorites. Tackling a list with a partner you’re crushing on and it’s all so new… swoon.
Thank you Joy Revolution, Get Underlined & PRH Audio for the free copy.
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
Love on Paper is about Macy, an aspiring writer following in her famous parent’s footsteps. She is attending a prestigious writing retreat in Berkeley.
Enter Caleb, also attending the retreat…also has very famous author parents who very much have a rivalry with Macys parents and of course they end up critique partners.
With the theme of this year’s retreat being romance, and a mystery/quest left by a prolific romance author…Macy and Caleb find themselves not only creating stories but making their own as well.
If you like…
☀️ CA setting
🍼Nepo babies
✍🏻 Books about writers
💖 Coming of age
🤺 Rival Families
🔎Mystery
I adore a CA setting and when it’s set at Berkeley (ummm hello? One of my daughter’s names!!!) it’s a must! It felt like summer camp but make it a writing retreat. The privilege of these two had me pondering about legacy’s. The characters in the book I thought were so fun and each one had their own quirks and personalities. The quest trope 😍 is by far one of my favorites. Tackling a list with a partner you’re crushing on and it’s all so new… swoon.
Thank you Joy Revolution, Get Underlined & PRH Audio for the free copy.
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
November 14, 2024
I was first drawn to this book because of the adorable cover! I loved the pink! This had all the makings of a cute YA. I enjoyed the premise and had high hopes for the story. Sadly, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The book had a lot going on and the pacing felt off. It also read a bit immature for YA.
I was impressed with Macy’s ambition, but she wasn’t a character I wanted to root. I also didn’t see her being a character young readers would be able to relate to. I did find Caleb on the other hand, to be a very likable character. I’m also not sure about the romance between Caleb and Macy. They didn’t seem like the right match to me.
There were aspects of the story that felt undeveloped and rushed. I wish the mystery had been a little better flushed out. I felt like we were left with some unanswered questions.
Overall, a YA with a lot of promise. I think it just needed some more flushing out and maybe a little less going on. I do think a lot of people will enjoy this one, it just wasn’t my favorite.
I was impressed with Macy’s ambition, but she wasn’t a character I wanted to root. I also didn’t see her being a character young readers would be able to relate to. I did find Caleb on the other hand, to be a very likable character. I’m also not sure about the romance between Caleb and Macy. They didn’t seem like the right match to me.
There were aspects of the story that felt undeveloped and rushed. I wish the mystery had been a little better flushed out. I felt like we were left with some unanswered questions.
Overall, a YA with a lot of promise. I think it just needed some more flushing out and maybe a little less going on. I do think a lot of people will enjoy this one, it just wasn’t my favorite.
January 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🖋️ ya romance
🖋️ rival families
🖋️ ‘follow the clues’
🖋️ family drama
Length: 320p
Source: ARC - TBR & Beyond, NetGalley
Release Date: January 21, 2025
•••••••
This was a cute little ya romance about a girl just trying to prove her worth to her parents and herself while at a prestigious writer’s retreat. Toss in a little “follow the clues,” a little bit of first love, and a little bit of awesome friends—and you have a recipe for a fun, but predictable ya story.
While this story did have all the makings of a ya romance, I felt like it wasn’t fully flushed out. Everything was surface level, even the characters felt a bit flat.
And the romance? It was actually pretty good up until the end of the retreat. And then it’s 2 years later, they see each other, and everything falls into place? I wasn’t a big fan of that at all.
The cover is cute, I love the biopic representation, and the story was lighthearted, I just felt like it could’ve been MORE.
{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🖋️ ya romance
🖋️ rival families
🖋️ ‘follow the clues’
🖋️ family drama
Length: 320p
Source: ARC - TBR & Beyond, NetGalley
Release Date: January 21, 2025
•••••••
This was a cute little ya romance about a girl just trying to prove her worth to her parents and herself while at a prestigious writer’s retreat. Toss in a little “follow the clues,” a little bit of first love, and a little bit of awesome friends—and you have a recipe for a fun, but predictable ya story.
While this story did have all the makings of a ya romance, I felt like it wasn’t fully flushed out. Everything was surface level, even the characters felt a bit flat.
And the romance? It was actually pretty good up until the end of the retreat. And then it’s 2 years later, they see each other, and everything falls into place? I wasn’t a big fan of that at all.
The cover is cute, I love the biopic representation, and the story was lighthearted, I just felt like it could’ve been MORE.
{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}
January 20, 2025
Okay, I really enjoyed Love On Paper by Danielle Parker! You could definitely tell it was intended for younger readers, and it reminded me of a Kasie West book. There were a lot of cheesy moments and some very cringy moments. I feel like the main character, Macy, was a hit or miss character. She had her moments where I was like, “Okay, I like you,” and other times I had the opposite reaction. I also didn’t really enjoy some of the dialogue and pop culture references. I really enjoyed the romance and plot, and I liked Caleb. This book was definitely a good length, not too long, not too short. I would still recommend to others, but just younger readers.
October 30, 2024
Wowzaa!! An electrifying and poetic read for romcom lovers! Danielle Parker has spun a golden tale of broken kinship, loss, first loves and bonds in a fittingly bookish setting.
Macy and Caleb are overshadowed by their respective parents literary accolades, find themselves in a romantic book writing retreat. Their inner conflicts, meshed within a search for a lost manuscript, makes this a multi hued read, catering to a variety of genres.
I was able to complete the book in a day. Thank you Danielle for the beautiful tale and special thankyous to Netgalley and Joy Revolution for the ArC!!
Macy and Caleb are overshadowed by their respective parents literary accolades, find themselves in a romantic book writing retreat. Their inner conflicts, meshed within a search for a lost manuscript, makes this a multi hued read, catering to a variety of genres.
I was able to complete the book in a day. Thank you Danielle for the beautiful tale and special thankyous to Netgalley and Joy Revolution for the ArC!!
February 1, 2025
Love on Paper is a cute contemporary romance about two children of famous authors and them finding themselves (and each other???) at a writing retreat while also trying to solve a great mystery a literary giant left in the wake of her death
Macy is the child of a lit fic star mom and a picture book one hit wonder dad. They’re naturally divorced. Twice. From each other both times. Macy’s mom is bougie af about literature so when Macy finds out she’s at not just a writing retreat but a ROMANCE writing retreat, she has to do some self reflection.
Caleb is the son of an author family, too, an author family that specifically doesn’t like Macy’s author family. So when the two of them get paired up to work together, it comes as a shock when they actually, kinda, like each other!!!
There’s also a mystery left by the woman the romance retreat is in honor of, Betty Quinn. She left clues to her unpublished manuscripts and who better to find them than Macy and Caleb? As long as they beat the rest of the kids on their retreat...
I read this in a day, it was so easy to read and cute. It refers to a lot of modern day authors like Katherine Center and Elise Bryant which are fun Easter eggs! Caleb and Macy had a generally effortless romance which was nice to see, and Macy’s roommate was nonbinary so I liked that added inclusivity. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to teens (or grownups!) who like stuff like The Inheritance Games or Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.
Macy is the child of a lit fic star mom and a picture book one hit wonder dad. They’re naturally divorced. Twice. From each other both times. Macy’s mom is bougie af about literature so when Macy finds out she’s at not just a writing retreat but a ROMANCE writing retreat, she has to do some self reflection.
Caleb is the son of an author family, too, an author family that specifically doesn’t like Macy’s author family. So when the two of them get paired up to work together, it comes as a shock when they actually, kinda, like each other!!!
There’s also a mystery left by the woman the romance retreat is in honor of, Betty Quinn. She left clues to her unpublished manuscripts and who better to find them than Macy and Caleb? As long as they beat the rest of the kids on their retreat...
I read this in a day, it was so easy to read and cute. It refers to a lot of modern day authors like Katherine Center and Elise Bryant which are fun Easter eggs! Caleb and Macy had a generally effortless romance which was nice to see, and Macy’s roommate was nonbinary so I liked that added inclusivity. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to teens (or grownups!) who like stuff like The Inheritance Games or Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.
February 28, 2025
Couldn’t connect to the story but it wasn’t too bad
January 22, 2025
For such a simple story about two kids at a writing camp, there was a lot going on both emotionally and with the plot. Macy and Caleb’s parents having issues with each other, Macy’s relationship with her mother, Caleb’s dealing with his mom’s recent death, writing a romance, and solving a mystery that involves their families. Whew! There was barely enough time for Macy and Caleb to do all that plus develop feelings for each other in a four week time period. Somehow, the author, and these characters, ended up doing it all culminating in a sweet young adult novel that teaches a few life lessons along the way.
The mystery I was alluding to is what held my interest through this novel. It allowed the two main characters to actually act like young kids, finding corners to hold hands and smooch, breaking and entering, doing socially silly things, then of course find clues that help them both figure out some of their emotional issues with their parental units. It was a little bit like floating down a lazy river with a ton or twists and turns, but eventually the characters got their conflicts solved and the plot concluded nicely if not totally at a pace that pleased my style of reading. As this is a very clean, sweet, young adult novel, the pace fit the plot and characters very well.
The mystery I was alluding to is what held my interest through this novel. It allowed the two main characters to actually act like young kids, finding corners to hold hands and smooch, breaking and entering, doing socially silly things, then of course find clues that help them both figure out some of their emotional issues with their parental units. It was a little bit like floating down a lazy river with a ton or twists and turns, but eventually the characters got their conflicts solved and the plot concluded nicely if not totally at a pace that pleased my style of reading. As this is a very clean, sweet, young adult novel, the pace fit the plot and characters very well.
February 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.
Young love at a camp for teen writers! Both Macy and Caleb are children of famous writers with a lot to prove. And their families don't get along. They team up as writing partners, trying to figure out a mystery, and find "romance."
Our characters felt really young at times. And while some of the moments between Macy and Caleb were sweet, the romance felt a little forced. The family drama felt lacking, too.
The overall book was just okay.
3 stars
Young love at a camp for teen writers! Both Macy and Caleb are children of famous writers with a lot to prove. And their families don't get along. They team up as writing partners, trying to figure out a mystery, and find "romance."
Our characters felt really young at times. And while some of the moments between Macy and Caleb were sweet, the romance felt a little forced. The family drama felt lacking, too.
The overall book was just okay.
3 stars
August 20, 2024
Do you ever find a book that sounds like it’s written for you? One that has all your favorite tropes sandwiched between an adorable cover? I thought I would love this book, and nobody is more disappointed than I am that it ended up being an okay read.
Starting off with what I like: the cover. The pink background, green typewriter, and cup of coffee are adorable! I love how it immediately shows you the book’s genre and target age range (I still haven’t recovered from seeing "Icebreakers" in the children’s section of my local library.) I definitely think "Love on Paper" caters to the younger side of YA, but I can see adults looking for a light-hearted read enjoying this, too.
"Love on Paper" follows Macy, an aspiring author hoping to escape her parents’ shadow and establish herself as a writer. She applies for Pennovation (an annual teen writing retreat) and starts taking her work seriously. I think a writing retreat is such a cool setting! I love reading novels about writers and book lovers. This story delivers on that end!
I also really like this book’s mystery subplot. It has hidden clues, a missing manuscript, and a hollowed-out book filled with thousands of dollars in cash (sign me up for the next visit to that library!). I think the mystery element is a great addition to the story.
If mysteries aren’t your thing, there’s also a healthy dollop of scholarly competition among the characters. The writer’s retreat comes with the opportunity to have the students’ work published in an anthology (a collection of short stories). I’m a huge fan of the rivals-to-lovers trope, and while we don’t get that here (Caleb is a total cinnamon role, especially where Macy is concerned), I still think it’s a cool spin.
Unfortunately, I also feel like that’s where this book falls short. It tries so hard to be something, but it juggles so many subplots that it fails to deliver on any of them. The missing manuscript’s grand reveal is underwhelming, the romance is bland, Macy’s rocky relationship with her mother barely has any page space, and the writing competition feels like it’s resolved as an afterthought. I wish the author focused on one or two of these elements instead of throwing them all in a blender and hoping it works out.
Which brings me to my last complaint: the pacing. With so much going on, I thought the story would be fast-paced and hold my attention. Unfortunately, I never felt any urgency or connection to the story that made me want to keep reading. That’s my experience, though, and I’m sure this book will find plenty of readers who love it!
I think this book is perfect for readers on the younger side of YA. It covers a lot of teenage experiences (first love, new friends, a summer camp-ish retreat, etc.), and I can definitely see this story resonating with that target audience. Overall, I’m giving it 3.5/5 stars!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
Starting off with what I like: the cover. The pink background, green typewriter, and cup of coffee are adorable! I love how it immediately shows you the book’s genre and target age range (I still haven’t recovered from seeing "Icebreakers" in the children’s section of my local library.) I definitely think "Love on Paper" caters to the younger side of YA, but I can see adults looking for a light-hearted read enjoying this, too.
"Love on Paper" follows Macy, an aspiring author hoping to escape her parents’ shadow and establish herself as a writer. She applies for Pennovation (an annual teen writing retreat) and starts taking her work seriously. I think a writing retreat is such a cool setting! I love reading novels about writers and book lovers. This story delivers on that end!
I also really like this book’s mystery subplot. It has hidden clues, a missing manuscript, and a hollowed-out book filled with thousands of dollars in cash (sign me up for the next visit to that library!). I think the mystery element is a great addition to the story.
If mysteries aren’t your thing, there’s also a healthy dollop of scholarly competition among the characters. The writer’s retreat comes with the opportunity to have the students’ work published in an anthology (a collection of short stories). I’m a huge fan of the rivals-to-lovers trope, and while we don’t get that here (Caleb is a total cinnamon role, especially where Macy is concerned), I still think it’s a cool spin.
Unfortunately, I also feel like that’s where this book falls short. It tries so hard to be something, but it juggles so many subplots that it fails to deliver on any of them. The missing manuscript’s grand reveal is underwhelming, the romance is bland, Macy’s rocky relationship with her mother barely has any page space, and the writing competition feels like it’s resolved as an afterthought. I wish the author focused on one or two of these elements instead of throwing them all in a blender and hoping it works out.
Which brings me to my last complaint: the pacing. With so much going on, I thought the story would be fast-paced and hold my attention. Unfortunately, I never felt any urgency or connection to the story that made me want to keep reading. That’s my experience, though, and I’m sure this book will find plenty of readers who love it!
I think this book is perfect for readers on the younger side of YA. It covers a lot of teenage experiences (first love, new friends, a summer camp-ish retreat, etc.), and I can definitely see this story resonating with that target audience. Overall, I’m giving it 3.5/5 stars!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
February 21, 2025
“To be a writer, you need to write. Or maybe you just need the opportunity to prove to yourself, and possibly your super-intense mom, that you can measure up. That you belong at one of the country’s best writing retreats. That your story matters.”
When Macy Descanso gets accepted into a prestigious writing seminar, it is with the hope that she will write the story she knows exists within her and establish an author identity independent of her famous writer parents. When goal two is quickly derailed after her roommate, Fern, instantly recognizes her as a Descanso, Macy hopes to focus all her energy on completing her first goal. However, her literary journey is complicated by the introduction of a romance-based writing contest, which is sponsored by the late author Betty Quinn and a love interest of her own—a young man named Caleb Bernard, who is none other than the son of her parents’ writing nemeses. To complicate matters further, attendees of the seminar are drawn into a mysterious quest to uncover the late author’s prized final manuscript. As the seminar nears its end and the competition to uncover this manuscript intensifies, Macy must face her complex feelings toward her family, her work, and Caleb in order to tell her story honestly.
If the works of Emily Henry have taught me anything, it’s that books about people falling in love while writing books will draw me in every time, and Love on Paper was no different. I was instantly intrigued by the premise and the writing-seminar setting. While there was a lot to love about the novel, it fell short in a lot of its promises. The book’s overarching message, that everyone has a beautiful story within them that deserves writing, was lovely and one that resonates with readers and writers alike. However, parts of the narrative and characters felt underdeveloped. It was challenging to connect with the characters emotionally, and because of this, some of Macy’s revelations and resolutions did not have as powerful of an impact as they could have. The short time frame of the novel also made it difficult to connect with the characters, and the decisions Macy and Caleb made regarding their feelings towards each other felt rash. Additionally, the mystery component of the novel fell flat for me. At times, uncovering the manuscript seemed to be the primary goal of the characters, while at other moments it was placed on the back-burner. By the end of the novel, I still didn’t have a solid grasp of why it was so important for these writers to solve this puzzle related to an author they didn’t have a strong connection to. Despite its flaws, Parker’s novel is a heartfelt and enjoyable read that touches on important themes of grief, healing, and individuality.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
When Macy Descanso gets accepted into a prestigious writing seminar, it is with the hope that she will write the story she knows exists within her and establish an author identity independent of her famous writer parents. When goal two is quickly derailed after her roommate, Fern, instantly recognizes her as a Descanso, Macy hopes to focus all her energy on completing her first goal. However, her literary journey is complicated by the introduction of a romance-based writing contest, which is sponsored by the late author Betty Quinn and a love interest of her own—a young man named Caleb Bernard, who is none other than the son of her parents’ writing nemeses. To complicate matters further, attendees of the seminar are drawn into a mysterious quest to uncover the late author’s prized final manuscript. As the seminar nears its end and the competition to uncover this manuscript intensifies, Macy must face her complex feelings toward her family, her work, and Caleb in order to tell her story honestly.
If the works of Emily Henry have taught me anything, it’s that books about people falling in love while writing books will draw me in every time, and Love on Paper was no different. I was instantly intrigued by the premise and the writing-seminar setting. While there was a lot to love about the novel, it fell short in a lot of its promises. The book’s overarching message, that everyone has a beautiful story within them that deserves writing, was lovely and one that resonates with readers and writers alike. However, parts of the narrative and characters felt underdeveloped. It was challenging to connect with the characters emotionally, and because of this, some of Macy’s revelations and resolutions did not have as powerful of an impact as they could have. The short time frame of the novel also made it difficult to connect with the characters, and the decisions Macy and Caleb made regarding their feelings towards each other felt rash. Additionally, the mystery component of the novel fell flat for me. At times, uncovering the manuscript seemed to be the primary goal of the characters, while at other moments it was placed on the back-burner. By the end of the novel, I still didn’t have a solid grasp of why it was so important for these writers to solve this puzzle related to an author they didn’t have a strong connection to. Despite its flaws, Parker’s novel is a heartfelt and enjoyable read that touches on important themes of grief, healing, and individuality.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
January 27, 2025
Macy Descanso, daughter of two renowned writers, is determined to prove herself as an author at a prestigious writing retreat. Though her acceptance came with a little nudge from her influential mother, Macy is ready to take her craft seriously. However, the retreat takes an unexpected turn with a last-minute theme change to romance, honouring the late, legendary romance author Betty Quinn—a genre Macy views with scepticism.
To complicate matters, Macy is partnered with Caleb Bernard, whose parents are famous writers. The Descanso-Bernard feud has spanned generations, but Macy and Caleb reluctantly put aside their families’ rivalry to become critique partners. As they dive into the retreat’s lore and search for the hidden Easter eggs Betty Quinn left behind, Macy and Caleb find their initial animosity replaced by an undeniable connection. But as their bond deepens, they must face the reality of their families’ bitter history and the uncertainty of their future beyond the retreat.
Tropes
- Rivals to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Family feud
- Hidden mystery/treasure hunt
- Coming-of-age
- A slow-burn
- Witty banter and heartfelt moments
It is an enchanting mix of literary ambition, familial rivalry, and swoon-worthy romance. Set against an exclusive writers’ retreat, the novel offers a glimpse into the lives of two teens striving to carve their paths while navigating the weight of family expectations.
Macy is a relatable and determined protagonist, balancing her ambition with her insecurities about living up to her parents’ legacy. Caleb, her rival-turned-partner, is equally compelling, bringing charm, humour, and a hint of vulnerability to the story. Their dynamic is the heart of the book, with their witty exchanges and growing camaraderie making for a delightful slow-burn romance.
The retreat itself serves as a whimsical setting, complete with eccentric mentors, budding authors, and the intrigue of Betty Quinn’s hidden Easter eggs. The treasure hunt aspect adds a layer of mystery that keeps the story engaging, while the exploration of different writing styles and creative processes is sure to resonate with aspiring writers.
If you love any of these books, then take a chance on Love on Paper!!!
✨Love & Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean
✨Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
✨Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
✨The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
✨Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey
To complicate matters, Macy is partnered with Caleb Bernard, whose parents are famous writers. The Descanso-Bernard feud has spanned generations, but Macy and Caleb reluctantly put aside their families’ rivalry to become critique partners. As they dive into the retreat’s lore and search for the hidden Easter eggs Betty Quinn left behind, Macy and Caleb find their initial animosity replaced by an undeniable connection. But as their bond deepens, they must face the reality of their families’ bitter history and the uncertainty of their future beyond the retreat.
Tropes
- Rivals to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Family feud
- Hidden mystery/treasure hunt
- Coming-of-age
- A slow-burn
- Witty banter and heartfelt moments
It is an enchanting mix of literary ambition, familial rivalry, and swoon-worthy romance. Set against an exclusive writers’ retreat, the novel offers a glimpse into the lives of two teens striving to carve their paths while navigating the weight of family expectations.
Macy is a relatable and determined protagonist, balancing her ambition with her insecurities about living up to her parents’ legacy. Caleb, her rival-turned-partner, is equally compelling, bringing charm, humour, and a hint of vulnerability to the story. Their dynamic is the heart of the book, with their witty exchanges and growing camaraderie making for a delightful slow-burn romance.
The retreat itself serves as a whimsical setting, complete with eccentric mentors, budding authors, and the intrigue of Betty Quinn’s hidden Easter eggs. The treasure hunt aspect adds a layer of mystery that keeps the story engaging, while the exploration of different writing styles and creative processes is sure to resonate with aspiring writers.
If you love any of these books, then take a chance on Love on Paper!!!
✨Love & Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean
✨Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
✨Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
✨The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
✨Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey
October 30, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for giving me a digital copy of this book to read.
If you like your YA with romance, family feuds, a writing retreat, and some good mystery, Love on Paper might be a great fit for you!
I enjoyed the main characters of Macy and Caleb a lot. They are both children of famous writers, and they know there's some bad blood between their families - but they don't know what exactly. So they can't deny their chemistry when they are at the same 4-week writing summer camp in California.
They find out the theme of the camp is romance writing, and their focus go to recently deceased writer Betty Quinn, a prolific author who seems to have left a trail of clues for the young writers.
Pros:
- Always, always glad to have YA with people of color, and lots of diversity
- Sweet romance between the two characters and no huge miscommunication
- Caleb has some grief and trauma from losing his mom; Macy has a hard relationship with her mom and her parents have been married and divorced twice. They help each other deal with these things in a healthy way.
Not my favorite:
- As an adult reader, I just wasn't sure this was tied together super well. I didn't quite get where we ended up with the mystery OR the family issues.
- I wanted to feel more of the chemistry between Macy and Caleb.
- I felt like the modern day teen talk might be outdated in a few years.
For me as an adult, this was a fine and readable YA romance. I'm glad that Joy Revolution is giving voice to new authors, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from this publisher and author.
If you like your YA with romance, family feuds, a writing retreat, and some good mystery, Love on Paper might be a great fit for you!
I enjoyed the main characters of Macy and Caleb a lot. They are both children of famous writers, and they know there's some bad blood between their families - but they don't know what exactly. So they can't deny their chemistry when they are at the same 4-week writing summer camp in California.
They find out the theme of the camp is romance writing, and their focus go to recently deceased writer Betty Quinn, a prolific author who seems to have left a trail of clues for the young writers.
Pros:
- Always, always glad to have YA with people of color, and lots of diversity
- Sweet romance between the two characters and no huge miscommunication
- Caleb has some grief and trauma from losing his mom; Macy has a hard relationship with her mom and her parents have been married and divorced twice. They help each other deal with these things in a healthy way.
Not my favorite:
- As an adult reader, I just wasn't sure this was tied together super well. I didn't quite get where we ended up with the mystery OR the family issues.
- I wanted to feel more of the chemistry between Macy and Caleb.
- I felt like the modern day teen talk might be outdated in a few years.
For me as an adult, this was a fine and readable YA romance. I'm glad that Joy Revolution is giving voice to new authors, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from this publisher and author.
February 14, 2025
"Learn a lot, write your heart out, take chances, be brave, find a story that surprises you maybe even scares you and dig deep into that."
"Because we all do, we all have important stories to tell if we allow ourself to."
"Break downs tend to lead to break throughs"
"Different doesn't mean bad, it just means different."
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House Children for a E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a cute, quick read! I really liked how fast paced the story was! Macy is going to a writer's retreat and her journey with trying to get out of her parents shell and lime light was a typical growing pain that the average young adult goes through. I really enjoyed that the story and the growth of Macy and Caleb was extremely relatable and a full circle moment. The mystery behind the script and bread crumbs from Betty Quinn was the cherry on top for this story because it brought the characters together and find their interests and love on paper. Macy and Caleb not only have experiences with their growth in writing but their separate accomplishes with family was just as important in the story as well. Although different paths but same destination. There was an equal amount of plot, mystery, and romance.
This story definitely read like a young adult story, at first I thought Macy was 13 0r 14 but then in a random scene she said she was 17 and in the epilogue she is 19. So I was bit shocked due to the language, and dialect it read like a younger person than her actual age. It wasn't necessarily annoying or anything bad but her age did kind of shock me. However over all this was still a nice read and cute plot.
"Because we all do, we all have important stories to tell if we allow ourself to."
"Break downs tend to lead to break throughs"
"Different doesn't mean bad, it just means different."
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House Children for a E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a cute, quick read! I really liked how fast paced the story was! Macy is going to a writer's retreat and her journey with trying to get out of her parents shell and lime light was a typical growing pain that the average young adult goes through. I really enjoyed that the story and the growth of Macy and Caleb was extremely relatable and a full circle moment. The mystery behind the script and bread crumbs from Betty Quinn was the cherry on top for this story because it brought the characters together and find their interests and love on paper. Macy and Caleb not only have experiences with their growth in writing but their separate accomplishes with family was just as important in the story as well. Although different paths but same destination. There was an equal amount of plot, mystery, and romance.
This story definitely read like a young adult story, at first I thought Macy was 13 0r 14 but then in a random scene she said she was 17 and in the epilogue she is 19. So I was bit shocked due to the language, and dialect it read like a younger person than her actual age. It wasn't necessarily annoying or anything bad but her age did kind of shock me. However over all this was still a nice read and cute plot.
October 25, 2024
This was a fun book with heart and wit. A YA-romance, the book would be great for middle through college students, and I enjoyed it as well. The main characters, Macy and Caleb, are a cute couple of literary nepo-babies who want to make their own mark in the publishing world. There is a bit of a Romeo and Juliet issue, with their families apparently hating each other, but in the liminal space of a prestigious writing camp, they are able to explore their feelings while trying to solve a mystery about the world's biggest romance writer, one that involves the early days of their parents' literary careers as well.
I liked that the book covered the privilege both kids have from growing up in the literary and publishing industries, but it also showed how each was creating their own work, looking for their own voice, and attempting to move out from their parents' limelight rather than riding coat-tails to publishing success. Parker showed Macy and Caleb's growth as writers, taking them from writer's block through strong short stories even as she pulls us and her characters through the mystery of the romance writer and her legacy.
The book heavily delves into themes of what legacy means and how to create a legacy, as well as the struggles teens go through trying to both emulate and break away from their parents. As a high school teacher, I found the characters real and relatable, even if the book ends of a slightly-too-good-to-be-true ending. Although, don't we read rom-com novels for the happy ending?
Overall, a fun read, great for HS, clean and cute romance.
I liked that the book covered the privilege both kids have from growing up in the literary and publishing industries, but it also showed how each was creating their own work, looking for their own voice, and attempting to move out from their parents' limelight rather than riding coat-tails to publishing success. Parker showed Macy and Caleb's growth as writers, taking them from writer's block through strong short stories even as she pulls us and her characters through the mystery of the romance writer and her legacy.
The book heavily delves into themes of what legacy means and how to create a legacy, as well as the struggles teens go through trying to both emulate and break away from their parents. As a high school teacher, I found the characters real and relatable, even if the book ends of a slightly-too-good-to-be-true ending. Although, don't we read rom-com novels for the happy ending?
Overall, a fun read, great for HS, clean and cute romance.
January 9, 2025
Mina Descanso pulled some strings so that her seventeen year-old daughter Macy could attend Penovation, a prestigious writing retreat. Now it's time for Macy to find her own voices through the written word. The challenge: to write a love story in four weeks. Macy's assigned critique partner is Caleb who also has writer parents, though they vow not to talk about their families as there's an unspoken tension between their two families. As the weeks unfold, Macy and Caleb challenge one another to face their fears and to craft their own writing path from the legacy their parents started.
Love on Paper is a lighthearted YA romance that also touches on grief, coming of age, and family expectations. There are several storylines, but none of them fully filled out for me. I was left wanting more character development for Macy and Caleb, as well as a reason to root for their relationship. I also wished for more plot structure surrounding the mysterious manuscript clues. The book utilizes several non-traditional ways to tell the story (voice memos, emails, texts, writing excerpts) and these different mediums did not integrate well with the rest of the book for me. I did like Fern and their experience-it-all attitude for the retreat, and I appreciated the scene of them challenging Macy to take the writing retreat seriously.
Overall, a meh book for me without anything that's making it stand out afterwards.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joy Revolution for providing me with an early ARC for my review.
3.25/5 stars
Love on Paper is a lighthearted YA romance that also touches on grief, coming of age, and family expectations. There are several storylines, but none of them fully filled out for me. I was left wanting more character development for Macy and Caleb, as well as a reason to root for their relationship. I also wished for more plot structure surrounding the mysterious manuscript clues. The book utilizes several non-traditional ways to tell the story (voice memos, emails, texts, writing excerpts) and these different mediums did not integrate well with the rest of the book for me. I did like Fern and their experience-it-all attitude for the retreat, and I appreciated the scene of them challenging Macy to take the writing retreat seriously.
Overall, a meh book for me without anything that's making it stand out afterwards.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joy Revolution for providing me with an early ARC for my review.
3.25/5 stars
February 5, 2025
I just finished Love on Paper by Danielle Parker and here are my thoughts.
Nepo-babies have it better right? Macy and Caleb do not agree. Both from writer parents and it doesn’t make it any easier for them to write too but they both end up at the same writing retreat and they find themselves pushed together… even though their parents had open hostility. The trouble with the writing retreat is that it's not just about the writing… There is an unofficial scavenger hunt going on too and it’s almost as distracting for Macy as Caleb is….
It was a pretty cute read. I always love books that have something to do with writing and books as part of the plot. It wasn’t just a YA romance. It has so much more to it than that. It gives us family romance and parental issues in a rather charming way. I loved the mystery as well. It wasn’t a huge part of the book but I can see how the writers got caught up in the need to find the manuscript.
I thought the book was a heart tugger for sure. I love how cute the cover is and I love cutesy love. I am a huge romantic and first love is always special.
The writing almost had a poetic quality to the way it came across and I kinda loved the romeo/juliet type love story they had.. Without the poison though haha.
I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
Tropes - Read if you enjoy the following.
Coming of age
Mystery
Families at war
4 stars!
Thank you @netgalley and @randomhousekids for my gifted copy
Nepo-babies have it better right? Macy and Caleb do not agree. Both from writer parents and it doesn’t make it any easier for them to write too but they both end up at the same writing retreat and they find themselves pushed together… even though their parents had open hostility. The trouble with the writing retreat is that it's not just about the writing… There is an unofficial scavenger hunt going on too and it’s almost as distracting for Macy as Caleb is….
It was a pretty cute read. I always love books that have something to do with writing and books as part of the plot. It wasn’t just a YA romance. It has so much more to it than that. It gives us family romance and parental issues in a rather charming way. I loved the mystery as well. It wasn’t a huge part of the book but I can see how the writers got caught up in the need to find the manuscript.
I thought the book was a heart tugger for sure. I love how cute the cover is and I love cutesy love. I am a huge romantic and first love is always special.
The writing almost had a poetic quality to the way it came across and I kinda loved the romeo/juliet type love story they had.. Without the poison though haha.
I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
Tropes - Read if you enjoy the following.
Coming of age
Mystery
Families at war
4 stars!
Thank you @netgalley and @randomhousekids for my gifted copy
January 21, 2025
Love on Paper by Danielle Parker is a cute, witty YA romance. I absolutely adored Fern, Macy's quirky and hilarious roommate.
The story follows Macy Descanso, a budding writer from a renowned literary family, who is reluctantly sent to a prestigious writing retreat by her overbearing mother. Initially resistant, Macy finds herself unexpectedly drawn into the world of romance writing, a genre she initially disdains. To add to the challenge, she's paired with Caleb Bernard, a fellow writer from a rival literary family. Despite their families' long-standing feud, they reluctantly agree to collaborate. As they navigate the retreat, they uncover hidden clues left by a legendary romance author, all while navigating their own growing attraction.
The author did a great job blending the anxieties and joys of young writers finding their voices with some mystery and humor. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and their journey of self-discovery is heartwarming. I enjoyed that the writing was snappy and witty. The ending was realistic, and I loved how the epilogue wrapped things up nicely and gave us our HEA.
If you're looking for a sweet and charming YA romance with a touch of mystery, definitely pick this up.
Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Joy Revolution for this eARC.
The story follows Macy Descanso, a budding writer from a renowned literary family, who is reluctantly sent to a prestigious writing retreat by her overbearing mother. Initially resistant, Macy finds herself unexpectedly drawn into the world of romance writing, a genre she initially disdains. To add to the challenge, she's paired with Caleb Bernard, a fellow writer from a rival literary family. Despite their families' long-standing feud, they reluctantly agree to collaborate. As they navigate the retreat, they uncover hidden clues left by a legendary romance author, all while navigating their own growing attraction.
The author did a great job blending the anxieties and joys of young writers finding their voices with some mystery and humor. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and their journey of self-discovery is heartwarming. I enjoyed that the writing was snappy and witty. The ending was realistic, and I loved how the epilogue wrapped things up nicely and gave us our HEA.
If you're looking for a sweet and charming YA romance with a touch of mystery, definitely pick this up.
Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Joy Revolution for this eARC.
January 7, 2025
This book wasn’t my favorite, and I wanted to love it more than I did. The premise of the book was super sweet, and I love a good coming-of-age story, but there was too many things happening at once. It felt like story lines on top of story lines without a major central point to focus on which left a lot to be desired.
I didn’t find myself connecting with the main character Macy, who felt way younger than what her character was meant to portray. Caleb, on the other hand, felt more fleshed out and likable. I don’t know if this was intentional or not in terms of their characterization. I also didn’t like the way their romance panned out. I love a good forced proximity romance, but this one didn’t really provide the lead up I was hoping for. I know 4 weeks is a short amount of time to work with, but when it’s two children of famous writers and there is supposedly bad blood between the families? It felt kind of weird to jump from point A to point B as quickly as it did without any tension.
That being said, despite wishing it was fleshed out more, it does make for a quick read. I would most likely recommend this to teens to give it a try, especially for the mystery aspect.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I didn’t find myself connecting with the main character Macy, who felt way younger than what her character was meant to portray. Caleb, on the other hand, felt more fleshed out and likable. I don’t know if this was intentional or not in terms of their characterization. I also didn’t like the way their romance panned out. I love a good forced proximity romance, but this one didn’t really provide the lead up I was hoping for. I know 4 weeks is a short amount of time to work with, but when it’s two children of famous writers and there is supposedly bad blood between the families? It felt kind of weird to jump from point A to point B as quickly as it did without any tension.
That being said, despite wishing it was fleshed out more, it does make for a quick read. I would most likely recommend this to teens to give it a try, especially for the mystery aspect.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
January 22, 2025
🌈 Rainbow Ratings:
Representation: 9
Atmosphere: 10
Intrigue: 10
Narrative: 10
Build-up: 9
Originality: 10
Wow Factor: 10
Love on Paper follows young Macy as she attends a prestigious writing retreat she doesn’t believe she belongs in. Her deep desire to find her voice and passion for writing is what truly pushes her to hope for the best. That is, until her critique partner turns out to be Caleb—the charming and handsome rival from her family’s past.
This may be the best YA romance I have ever read. Parker writes about love in a way that is both poetic and authentic to every experience. The story doesn’t just focus on romantic love but also highlights familial and platonic relationships in ways that filled my heart. Macy and Caleb’s dynamic was so much fun to read, but what makes this story exceptional are the narratives surrounding their romance.
The inclusion of Macy’s parents’ stories added depth, giving the novel a multi-generational richness. And then there’s Betty Quinn, a character who felt integral and meaningful to the story despite not appearing in any scenes. This alone is a testament to the power of Parker’s writing.
I will absolutely be picking up more from this author, and I hope you will too.
Representation: 9
Atmosphere: 10
Intrigue: 10
Narrative: 10
Build-up: 9
Originality: 10
Wow Factor: 10
Love on Paper follows young Macy as she attends a prestigious writing retreat she doesn’t believe she belongs in. Her deep desire to find her voice and passion for writing is what truly pushes her to hope for the best. That is, until her critique partner turns out to be Caleb—the charming and handsome rival from her family’s past.
This may be the best YA romance I have ever read. Parker writes about love in a way that is both poetic and authentic to every experience. The story doesn’t just focus on romantic love but also highlights familial and platonic relationships in ways that filled my heart. Macy and Caleb’s dynamic was so much fun to read, but what makes this story exceptional are the narratives surrounding their romance.
The inclusion of Macy’s parents’ stories added depth, giving the novel a multi-generational richness. And then there’s Betty Quinn, a character who felt integral and meaningful to the story despite not appearing in any scenes. This alone is a testament to the power of Parker’s writing.
I will absolutely be picking up more from this author, and I hope you will too.
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January 6, 2025Love on Paper was a cute coming of age romance. I thought the premise of this story was fun! I especially liked the Betty Quinn mystery. I can see teen readers relating to Caleb and Macy. I adored the way Parker set up their relationship. It was cute how much they had in common. I enjoyed Macy's character arc. I found the storyline with her mother satisfying to read. Caleb was a great match for Macy. Readers will love his energy and sense of style. Despite there being a decent number of secondary characters, Fern was the only one who was focused on. I didn't mind Fern. They were a good friend to Macy. The setting was described smoothly and the writing voice was strong. The end of the book was my favorite. I liked the draft excerpt and the epilogue. Readers will leave the book happy. The only thing that really bugged me was how easy it was for Macy and Caleb to solve Betty's clues. There were too many coincidences with Emery being in her office and Taylor James being in town that made it unbelievable. Overall, this was another solid YA book by Parker. Thank you to NetGalley and Joy Revolution for the ARC.
February 2, 2025
💖 Love on Paper Review 💖
Thank you so much to Danielle Parker and Joy Revolution for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Love on Paper is a standalone YA novel. Macy is an aspiring writer. Her parents are both writers and she’s determined to set herself apart at a prestigious writing retreat. But when the son of her family’s rival is also there, are they destined to clash the whole time?
This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the general story of Macy and Caleb. Their growth and romance was cute in this story, but it did feel very YA. There was a mystery subplot that kept me engaged, but I had a hard time tying everything in together. I feel like the pacing was a little off and things were solved too easily, which was a little jarring to me as a reader
Overall this was a three star read for me. This was a cute YA romance but there was definitely a lot going on. This book does have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. Even though this was a romance, it had YA levels of on page spice, so one flame for spice
If you’re a fan of rivals to lovers, generational mysteries and cute romance, then pick this one up!
Thank you so much to Danielle Parker and Joy Revolution for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Love on Paper is a standalone YA novel. Macy is an aspiring writer. Her parents are both writers and she’s determined to set herself apart at a prestigious writing retreat. But when the son of her family’s rival is also there, are they destined to clash the whole time?
This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the general story of Macy and Caleb. Their growth and romance was cute in this story, but it did feel very YA. There was a mystery subplot that kept me engaged, but I had a hard time tying everything in together. I feel like the pacing was a little off and things were solved too easily, which was a little jarring to me as a reader
Overall this was a three star read for me. This was a cute YA romance but there was definitely a lot going on. This book does have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. Even though this was a romance, it had YA levels of on page spice, so one flame for spice
If you’re a fan of rivals to lovers, generational mysteries and cute romance, then pick this one up!
October 16, 2024
Love on Paper is a cute YA book about a young author who comes from a family of successful writers meeting another young author at a youth writing retreat who comes from a family of successful authors. How their own passion for writing can stand up to family legacy while getting along with their peers and maybe falling in love. It is a nice story and I individually liked the characters. They are super young dealing with some heavy topics (the book is not heavy). The book jumps around a lot and the pacing is a bit off. For someone who really dislikes her mother and wants nothing to do with her, Macy sure does obsess over her. Overall this is a good story that falls short. On a plus side, Caleb is a super cute MMC and really makes the book better. For a YA book it does contain enough to keep younger readers interested.
Thank you NetGalley, Danielle Parker, and Joy Revolution for an advanced digital copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Danielle Parker, and Joy Revolution for an advanced digital copy of this book.
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