Losing the Plot
by Mia Page
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Pub Date 9 Apr 2026 | Archive Date 9 Apr 2026
Avon Books UK | Avon
Description
The brand new enemies-to-lovers rom-com, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and cosy bookish romance!
‘This was just a cute and fun book to read! I loved the sweet love story that came together. Wonderfully done!’ READER REVIEW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Would highly recommend.’ READER REVIEW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jess is a passionate book blogger whose career is going from strength to strength, but all she wants is to write her own novels.
Alex is a bestselling author, but with a deadline looming and his creativity at an all-time low, he’s in danger of becoming yesterday’s news.
Luckily, Alex’s publishers have a plan. If they combine Jess’s passion for romance with Alex’s brooding writing, they might just create the next big hit. The only problem? They can’t stand each other – and both are far too stubborn to get on the same page.
As they clash over edits and brainstorming sessions, sparks fly in more ways than one… Could their romance be the plot twist neither of them saw coming?
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9780008587383 |
| PRICE | £2.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 384 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 67 members
Featured Reviews
susan p, Reviewer
Alex is a popular author but his editor is not happy with his newest novel. Reviewer Jess is asked to help out on the book, much to Alex's chagrin. Its hate at first sight between the two, but can they overcome their differences in order to co-write a successful novel? A cosy, feel good story.
Reviewer 1992491
Mia Page’s newest book is an obvious must-read for book lovers. It follows a writer, Alex, and a book reviewer, Jess, who dreams of writing her own book as they are thrown together to help Alex finish his book. It should go well, right? Someone who loves writing books and someone who loves reading books and wants to learn more about writing them— winning combo. Except Alex doesn’t want help with his book, instantly adding an element of rivalry to the mix.
Page utilizes familiar and favorite tropes to strengthen the story, and adds depth to the characters in their rich backstories of opposite family structures. These different experiences serve them well in the end, but whoa, it’s a ride watching them figure it out!
I loved seeing mental health representation in this book. The anxiety rep is seamlessly integrated at just the right breaking points and it is handled accurately and respectfully. We all love a man who can ask for help when he needs it and Alex does just that. He has a therapist and is actively working on healing his past wounds, but that doesn’t make him perfect. You see him stumble and try to recover (incorrectly, sometimes, but isn’t that how it really happens?) giving him an element of realism. Jess is likable, though distant in her personal relationships. The reader feels that distance, but also gains her insight as to why, and how she views her relationships with others. All in all, interesting characters that you can root for.
If you love books about books, then you’ll love this one. It gives you a peek behind the curtain of publishing without bogging you down with the details. Solid romance arc, no real spice, PG13 because of suggested sex (no actual descriptions, but you know it happens) and very mild language (I counted 3 'damn's and I'm not even convinced that counts as 'language' ha!). This one should have widespread appeal to a multitude of readers. Solid 4 stars (I'm stingy with my 5 star reviews so take that as you will.)
Tropes: rivals-to-lovers, forced proximity, Only one bed (eventually),
Representation: anxiety, MMC who goes to therapy!, family roles and dynamics influencing character choices
Big thanks for letting me get a sneak peek! xo
Overall, it was engaging, relatable, and exactly the kind of book that pulls you in for a cozy weekend read. I will definitely be picking up whatever Mia Page writes next, I did find the timelines a little rushed in the beginning, like I was coming in the middle of an ongoing story, but other than that, enjoyed it!
Emma A, Reviewer
This was such a cute romance novel. From the first chapter I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was easy to follow and there was a cute cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
Reviewer 1491639
I follow a few authors who are really good friends, they even go away together when they want to write or even scout out locations. so im always fascinated how different writers approach the other and their way of working. being forced to work together though. haha that is something i thought could be fun to see.
Jess and Alex sure do know how to rub each other up the wrong way. but we all know this wont last.
there was a heavy veering towards just not communicating properly in this read. and sometimes its easy for us to judge this from the outside. and not so much when you are in it, or in it with someone else. so i got it, but it did happen alot.
i really like how Mia put really realistic issues on both sides of our pair though. they had stuff that was holding them back and you could see how it would just ripple to all areas not least on how they felt able to communicate.
i cant imagine how many of our brilliant authors would feel if a reviewer was asked to help them write their next book! haha sorry, just trying to imagine an author ever wanting someone like me on board. nope.
it was a great touch on the publishing world. im always interested when i see those total fan girls book tokkers. to be honest it makes me wince. but i also see how this would major boost a book if all the social media and book tok gets hold of it and becomes simpering fans. so i really dont want to judge. i think this feeling i get is more from how parasocial our online world has become and even stepping into book-land with this makes me feel a little uncomfortable at times. it just doesn't feel safe for people.
a cosy read for sure and it had a good balance of all the things we love right the way through.
Tilly L, Reviewer
This is a light, easy, enjoyable read. Yes, it all pans out the way you'd expect, there's no surprises, but I liked it!
A lovely read. I loved Alex and Jess’s story. Thank you to the author,, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Reviewer 1972963
This was my first book by Mia Page and I was excited to read it. I enjoyed reading it and thought it was a sweet story. I think I would have preferred a little more development of the two of them spending time together before they actually got together for the first time. I could really relate to both of the main characters with some of their issues holding them back, so I was invested in their story. I look forward to reading future books by the author.
Raye R, Reviewer
I really enjoyed this. There wasn't a traditional and clichéd third-act twist; instead, we had little moments of misunderstanding caused by an inability to communicate, due to anxiety.
Both Jess and Alex had childhood stresses, not trauma, but anxiety, distress and fear because of expectation (mostly their own).
The book was a quick and enjoyable read, and their issues were relatable. There were a number of time jumps, but these contributed rather than detracted from the story, as did the use of a few of my favourite tropes, especially forced proximity and only one bed. Both of which I know many will absolutely love.
I liked that the author used the bookstagram influencer life and experiences, and found them insightful.
This was a great introduction to the author, and I'd like to pick up her first.
This was just a cute and fun book to read! I loved the sweet love story that came together. Wonderfully done!
Losing the Plot by Mia Page was a really enjoyable, easy read. It had that fun, slightly chaotic energy that kept things interesting, and I found myself flying through it pretty quickly. The premise is clever, and I liked how it didn’t take itself too seriously.
The main character was relatable in that messy, figuring-life-out kind of way, which made it easy to root for her—even when she made questionable decisions (which she definitely does). Some parts felt a bit predictable, and I wish a few moments had been explored a little more deeply, but overall it still worked.
It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining, light, and perfect if you just want something fun to get lost in for a while. Solid 4 stars from me.
I am a longtime romance lover, and I always enjoy picking up stories that explore something a little different within the genre. In the age of BookTok and Bookstagram, there are so many readers who dream about becoming authors themselves, so seeing a story centered around a book influencer was immediately intriguing to me. It felt like a fun and modern angle that made this book stand out right away.
Even though the story is not told in first person, I really liked that the chapters alternate perspectives between the two main characters. Being able to see inside both of their heads helped me understand their motivations and the decisions they were making, especially during moments where the other character did not have the full picture. That added an extra layer of tension and emotional depth to their interactions.
At first, I connected with Jess very quickly and found her easy to root for. Alex took a little longer to grow on me, but once he did, he actually became my favorite character in the book. As someone who has struggled with anxiety myself, even though I tend to hide it well, I found parts of his journey incredibly relatable. His role as someone who often feels responsible for taking care of everyone else in his life also struck a chord with me. It felt like seeing a small reflection of my own experiences on the page, which made his character even more meaningful to read about.
All in all, I really enjoyed this story and was happy to see both characters eventually find their way forward. Their growth, both individually and together, made the ending feel satisfying. I would absolutely love to see these characters pop up again in a future book, because I would gladly spend more time in their world.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
The opposing personalities work really well in this story, grumpy vs sunshine, set in his ways vs full of new ideas etc. I did find it a little unlikely that 2 adults would agree to being pushed together in he way the plot goes, but htat did not detract from the will they wont they plot.
Does everything you would expect from the genre.
Debra T, Reviewer
A lovely light story of Jess who wants her own book to be published one day and Alex who is a successful writer whose editor is not happy with his latest book so wants Jess a reviewer to help him.
Alex insists he does not want a reviewer who read mostly romances helping him rewrite his book but his editor Nathan sends them to his cottage in the countryside to work together, Both Jess and Alex have childhood traumas and while they are thrown together they see a different side to one another so Alex lets Jess rewrite his dark story.
I really enjoyed this book especially as it explores the different childhoods they had.
Would highly recommend and thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a delightful story.
A novelist and a bookstagrammer come together in this witty story.
Combining many tropes including forced proximity, and rivals to lovers, Losing the Plot is entertaining from start to finish.
As a book blogger/grammer myself, I found myself fully immersed. Nodding at certain mention and interactions. Extremely well written from that perspective.
And of course, who doesn't love a book about books!
An enjoyable rom-com with a guaranteed HEA.
Reviewer 704500
First off i would like to thank Mia and Avon books for having me review this delightful book .
I loved how this was a hate at first sight or should i say enemies to lovers which is a favourite of mine .
the writing i thought Mia did such a great job so easy there is time line jumping i am pretty good with that and enjoyed that . the fact she used a book reviewer and instafamous book blogger i thought was wonderful .
the characters as you get to know them and how they go through so much as individuals , you understand more is more that its more miss communication , i really did love them both .
i thought over all the books were cosy light headed most of the time and very enjoyable . i look forward to reading more from mia
i have given this book 4 glowing stars
I was recommending Losing the Plot before I even finished it, which honestly tells you everything you need to know. This book just works.
Jess and Alex are one of those pairings where the chemistry isn’t just about attraction—it’s about perspective. Their banter is sharp without trying too hard, and what really pulled me in was how differently they each define success, identity, and what it means to build a life. Watching those differences clash (and sometimes align) felt grounded in a way a lot of romcoms miss. The side characters deserve their own moment too—Lily especially. She adds depth without feeling like a plot device, which is rarer than it should be.
What I appreciated most, though, is how self-aware the story is. There’s this subtle, almost meta quality where the characters seem to recognize the trajectory they should be on—and question it. It makes the relationship feel more realistic, less formulaic, and honestly more satisfying because of it. If you like romance that’s a little smarter, a little more self-reflective, and still delivers on connection and tension, this one’s worth your time.
Rachel K, Reviewer
Jess and Alex meet when she is brought in to help him with the book he is struggling to write. Will it lead to more for them? I liked how it was told from both points of view. A fab read.
Jess R, Reviewer
A great story which tugged at the heartstrings asyou follow Alex and Jess through the ups and downs of working together, falling for each other plus their own background stuff!
This was a sweet rom com designed for book lovers and those who love the cosy hallmark romance vibes. It brings together an opposites attract and grumpy sunshine dynamic, into a forced proximity collaboration writing project.
It's cosy and low drama, with characters you know can't help but fall for each other. I loved seeing them work together on the book and add their different styles, Alex with his more serious critique and outlook on life, and Jess with her optimism and joy.
It also works as a way for them both to navigate their family issues and have a common goal to ground them.
Losing the Plot by Mia Page is a love letter to messy creativity, second chances, and the chaos of trying to turn your passion into something real.
Jess is the kind of book blogger we all recognize—curated shelves, sharp opinions, and a growing platform—but beneath it all is a quiet, persistent ache to be the one writing the stories instead of reviewing them. Enter Alex: once a literary golden boy, now creatively burned out and clinging to the last threads of his career. He’s cynical, guarded, and absolutely not interested in collaboration… which makes it all the better when he’s forced into exactly that with Jess.
Their dynamic is where this story shines. It’s not just banter—it’s friction. Jess brings optimism and structure; Alex brings experience and ego. Watching them clash over writing styles, plot choices, and control feels so authentic to the creative process. And slowly, beneath all the tension, there’s this vulnerable unraveling—of pride, of fear, of the identities they’ve both built around writing.
What makes this romance hit harder is that it’s not just about falling in love with each other—it’s about falling back in love with storytelling. Their connection grows in the quiet moments: late-night writing sessions, accidental confessions, the realization that someone finally sees you beyond your public persona.
It’s witty, tender, and a little bit chaotic in the best way—perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of writing a book… or falling for someone who might just help you finish it.
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