The Antihero

by Renee Rocco

YOU’RE IN LUCK, YOU’VE BEEN STRUCK.

For Charlotte Mallory, life is dull and predictable. Wake up. Spend the day at her bookshop. Go to bed lonely. Rinse and repeat ad nauseam. Her social life is found only on the pages of romance novels.

Thems the breaks when you live in Small Town, USA, and you got played for a fool by its resident golden boy. Guess that’s why authors created book boyfriends.

But those men are fictional for a reason. ‘The Antihero’ isn’t supposed to show up on Charlotte’s doorstep. Yet that’s precisely what happens after an impulsive right swipe on a build-a-book-boyfriend app brings Rhys Ravenstone—tattooed, dangerous, and, pierced—from fantasy to reality.

Can they fall in love within seven days, or will Rhys disappear back into the void? The clock is ticking…

Author’s Note: THE ANTIHERO is a fun love letter to romance novels and the community that serves as its beating heart. ‘Swipe right’ to find a damaged FMC trying her best, a ‘Frankenstiened’ antihero with a good soul, and a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Humor

188 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Renee has always loved villains more than heroes, and although ‘spooky season’ is her time to shine, she enjoys lazy summer days spent poolside listening to podcasts. When not dreaming up ways to torment the characters who inhabit her mind, she’s a working mom who lives near the infamous Jersey Shore.

Find Renee around the internet:
Website: www.reneerocco.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/reneeroccoauthor/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@reneeroccoauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorreneerocco

Reviews

[Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!!!
So, this is my first time reading anything by this author and I'll be absolutely blunt, I picked this book on a whim, simply cause of the cover and the title...and I usually don't do that! LOL

So, it's little to say how surprised I was that this little gem hit all the right places with me...

Its unusual theme is quite refreshing and interesting! I was hooked from the start. It's also light and unpretentious BUT it's also so well done regarding thought provoking matter...

it has these small touches of various tropes all of them put very well together into a funny, heartfelt, thoughtful, romantasy...

And boy do I actually really relish this new term I saw, cause it really pulls through, it's true to its meaning full stop...

Cause, you know...we all need a little bit of magic in our lives, even if it's written on paper and played out with fictional characters...the beauty of magic is in small touches, small things of kindness and empathy...and you just need to be open to it :)

Loved it!

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

Tropes:
👿Grumpy x Grumpier
🏡Small Town
😅Fun, Fast Rom-Com
🪄Touch of Magic

📖 Review:
This was a fun read, and a breath of fresh air in between my typical "heavier" fair 😆
Just imagine, you find an app that let's you build your dream boyfriend and then he knocks on your door! That's what happens to the cynical yet spunky Charlotte!

I think a lot of us will identify with her and her real world troubles that leads her to embrace this amazing and hilarious opportunity that presents itself! It has a bit of fish out of water feel for our musclebound, tatted book boyfriend come to life, Rhys. There's cozy small town vibes with witty inner commentary by Charlotte ie. as she and stallion Rhys walk amongst the town gossips at places like Target lol.

It's a brisk read at 175pg but packs all the hysterics, warmth, banter and even tender reflective moments one could want in a rom com, but with an added splash of magic! A truly warm-hearted book that makes you smile and definitely makes me want to find this app so I can make my own book boyfriend knock on my door! Excuse me while I download...

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FUN. It kept me thoroughly entertained while also still hitting on a couple of very important events in the FMCs life. Divorce is hard. Being cheated on? That’s even harder. Renee did what we all wish we could do during a break up, went right to the big man himself. Cupid. Is he still an absolute cheeky thing? Yup.

There are also a lot of really cool and subtle shoutouts to other authors, which makes reading it more fun. We love to see women supporting women, and that also happens to end up being a theme in the book as well.

Highly recommend, really hoping that the book boyfriends series won’t have us waiting too long for the next book!

[cj · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I read this book as an ARC reader*

As soon as I saw Renee’s post about Anti-Hero, I signed up to be an ARC reader. The file didn’t come that very same day so I was being annoying and asked if I was approved. Cringe! But I was invested. I was intrigued by her IG video talking about it and by a post from another author I follow who promoted the book.

This book is a standalone and for sure a palette cleanser for people who like to read deep seated plot series romance books. There’s no deep complicated plot, but that’s the great thing about this book. When Renee said this was a love letter to the romance community, she meant it!

The FMC is hilarious and real. Her thoughts on a real life book boyfriend coming to life are some that I’m sure we all would have. The MMC was exactly what I would imagine it would be like if our favorite morally grey character popped into our existence and was forced to figure it all out, while wanting to give us a good cuddle and ~other things~.

This book was truly like no other I’ve read so far and it was a nice break to read something fun, slightly heart wrenching, and spicy. It’s a one night devour sesh and I’m incredibly lucky to have been able to read this early.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Charlotte and Rhys' story. When I started reading this, I wasn't expecting the type of story it turned out to be, but it drew me in, and I couldn't put it down until the end. I went in blind. 

Rhys is a hot and possessive antihero that comes knocking on Charlotte's door when she creates her perfect match on an app, and man, is he perfect in every way! He shows Charlotte what a real man can do for her in more ways than one. 

This is a quick, steamy, and perfect story if you love antihero men who can make dreams come true. I would love to see Cupid work his magic in more books. 

[Lulu Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. I was balling. I haven't cried over a book in so long. This book was amazing.

[Gabby Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

big shout out to the author for sending me an arc to this! this was such a fun novella to read!! it had me giggling most of the time and the spice was SPICINNNN

the idea of a book boyfriend app is the most genius invention ever 😂

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG! Cutest book ever!!! Charlotte is playing around with an app and is able to build her very own book boyfriend, who is the ultimate tattooed bad boy anti hero! Cupid only gives them 7 days to fall in love though or else Rhys has to go back. This was so funny, tons of banter and sarcasm. Lots of good Spicy time, and a great third act!! Very very cute fast ready, highly recommended

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you have a terrible ex (who cheated on you for years), but want to stay in the amazing small town that you've grown up in? Obviously, you wait until said terrible ex harasses you at work by telling you the person he cheated with is pregnant, and then download a Build a Book Boyfriend app...and select the Antihero, of course.

Charlotte was a fun character. She has been through a lot in her life, and sometimes, life keeps kicking you. She's made the most of what she's been through (hello great divorce attorney and fantastic alimony!), but sometimes it's just nice to have someone to share life's victories with. I liked her growth throughout the story, both for herself and for her relationship with Rhys.
Rhys was a dynamic character, even with not having any chapters/scenes from his POV. He's always open and honest with Charlotte. He doesn't necessarily have as much growth as Charlotte in the story, but he does provide a good foil for her to help her grow in the story.

This is an entertaining novella! I loved the concept behind it of building a book boyfriend from an app (run by Cupid!). While the story gives off some slight fantasy vibes with the app-to-boyfriend thing,
that's a very small element to the story. The story stays very much in the contemporary romance genre, with only a hint of magic.
I think the only thing I'd really want more from this story is a scene (or chapter) from Rhys's perspective.

There is some discussion of pregnancy loss, and death of family members, cheating (not with main characters), and steamy scenes.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected but so happy to have found it!

Cupid? Who knew he could be snarky and also helpful.

Some friends of mine recommended this book to me and trusting their judgement I ran to grab it on release day, and I’m so glad I did. Charlotte has been going through it in her life, but is toughing it out and trying to find the brighter side of things despite an ex husband still trying to tear her down.
Thinking she’ll build her own version of a book boyfriend through a random app she found is all fun and games, until it turns out her antihero becomes real.

I won’t give anything away, but reading about the two of them and watching her struggle to accept someone wanting her for who she is, faults and all, was beautiful to see. As someone who struggles with a lot of self-doubt and anxiety with people and who I can or can not trust, I related a lot to Charlotte. The way she passionately fights to get back Rhys when she realizes the mistake she made helped show that we can learn and grown from the things we fear.

I’m looking forward to seeing what other kinds of shenanigans Cupid causes in future installments!

[Minnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐|2🌶|13%🌶frequency

OK, creating your own book boyfriend. I think that's a wish all we romance readers have in common 😎 An app like Tinder but make it a "build your bear". I love it 😁

But how would your perfect book boyfriend look like?
Would it be a hero or an antihero?
What would be his (or her) profession?
How would he look like? Tall, extra tall? Strong?
Hair color? Eye color?
Tattoos? Piercings (maybe a pierced 🍆)?
Rich? Super rich? Or "normal"?
Hobbies?
Maybe parts of his character?


Rhys definitely has a few things I would pick too 😎
And yes, if this guy would finally knock on my door, I wouldn't believe it either 🤣
But that's not Charly's only problem. There is her past with her cheating ex. This guy is the biggest 🍑🕳️ ever!!!

This book is funny with a few sad parts (especially from Charly's past that can trigger). But it also shows that love can heal everything 🩷


Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...

[Ames ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're not people. You're person. My person.

This novella was funny, spicy, wholesome, and emotional. I was on a rollercoaster of emotions, some pages I was laughing and others I was tearing up and grabbing tissues. This is also the perfect palette cleanser/ rainy day read if paranormal isn't your normal genre.
The main characters, Rhys and Charlotte, very quickly felt like friends you knew your entire life and it was sad to see them go when the book ended. This book being paranormal just added another layer of character to the story and added to the heart wrenching feelings between the two characters. The insta-love between Rhys and Charlotte had me feeling butterflies, and the spicy scenes had me blushing. Overall, this book was a 10/10 and I can't wait to read the future books in this series!

*ARC copy review*

[Charlotte Yund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short read for when you’re in a slump! The Antihero comes off as a grumpy-sunshine but the sunshine has a chip on her shoulder and doesn’t believe in insta love.
But that happens when you have a cheating now ex-husband who still finds ways to control and manipulate your post married life. Charlotte is funny but heavy on the sarcastic and cynical side of humor. She’s lost a lot in her life and after her “failed” marriage (seriously she was the only one trying) she’s too cautious to feel anything like love again. Enter Rhys Ravenstone, the antihero book boyfriend she builds. He’s exactly how she checked the boxes and even though she thinks she’ll just have fun with Rhys, deeper feelings come to surface.
🌶️ 3/5

[Cane (FeelinNoCane) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you this book had me giggling like a schoolgirl, please believe it. This is a short novella about Charlotte, a recent divorcée and owner of a bookshop called Scorched Pages. One day, after a run-in with her ex, she decides to check out the Build-a-Book-Boyfriend app that lets you do exactly that. And just like I know we all would do if life was a book, she builds that bad boy we all fawn over. His name is Rhys Ravenstone, lol. This book had me giggling, feeling mushy, and included some great Easter eggs of my favorite authors being mentioned. It is told from Charlotte's POV and has all the book boyfriend clichés. This was a quick read, well told, and lots of fun. This is a series I am going to have to keep on my TBR. 100% recommend. READ THIS BOOK!!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this! If you are looking for a light read that will absolutely bring a smile your face this is the one. First it was hilarious I laughed out loud multiple times. The Spice was perfection! I absolutely adored Charlotte and Rhys!! Charlotte deserved some happiness after being married to such a weasel and Rhys was the perfect remedy! This is seriously the ultimate tribute to any romance reader no matter what type you like to read. There’s a touch of everything we all love about romance and it works together so well!! The little nods to some other amazing authors was so cool too!! All in all this was just a great read!!!

[Jennifer Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gods, this book. So let me start by saying I went into this book with basically just a quote from IG and the fact that I’ve read other books from the author. I like going into a book blind probably because I’m a huge mood reader. Anyway, the concept of this book was absolutely epic. Was I giggling and screaming at the book boyfriend app? There is a high possibility. Did I stay up till three in the morning because I couldn’t put it down? Yes, yes I did. I mean, come on, what bookworm hermit wouldn’t want that? I absolutely adored the story and can’t wait to read more from this series.

[Shannon MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Was. Delicious.

I love Ms. Rocco's female characters - not perfect but strong, determined, snarky, a little unsure at times, and in Charlotte's case, emotionally damaged by a man who didn't deserve her. Rhys is the stuff of legends - tall, dark, dangerous, and lethally sexy. The Antihero is a perfect light read, and just like potato chips, I was reaching for the next one as soon the last page appeared on my reader. With compelling characters, a great story, a wicked level of spice, and the perfect ending, this is one not to be missed. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series, but in the meantime, I'll be searching the app store, just in case.

[Laura McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! The premise was admittedly cheesy, but so unique and I devoured the whole thing in one sitting. I’ve never been one to wish a fictional man into real life, so I loved how the author delved into all the pros AND cons of how that man would interact with the real world. It made the relationship relatable despite being fantastical and by the end of the book I was emotionally invested. This was my first read from this author, and I can say for sure that I’ll be back for more!

[Lucy Locket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recieved this book as an ARC.

Stars: 5/5
Spice: 4/5

Tropes:
Grumpy x Grumpier
Small Town
Fun, Fast Rom-Com
with a sprinkle of magic

Soon as I saw Renee had a book available for an ARC, I jumped at the opportunity. I absolutely love Renees work, and feel extremely lucky to have received the copy.

This book was a fun lil read, I loved the relationship between the two mcs. The FMC was amazing, sassy, fun, a lil broken and the MMC, just wow yes please.

If only build a boyfriend was a real thing!

[j a y d e p r a v e d · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiheros always win my heart
& Renee knew exactly what she was doing with this one.

From misfortune to absolutely killing it - She showed us a story of intense feeling and heart
Being cheated on is one of the worse feelings in the world
but this FMC showed true bad ass energy and took charge

Renee doesnt write watered down FMCs, no...she writes women who save themselves

The fantasy element isnt over done, in fact I think we have all wished for that "Build A" app to appear after reading this

And honestly....I wouldnt need 7 days to fall for this antihero - I only needed ONE!

[Blair Waldorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you had the chance, would you built your own boyfriend? Choose their tropes, physical and personality traits. That’s what Charlotte finds when she downloads the Book Boyfriend app and creates Mr. Rhys Ravenstone 🤌🏼, only catch - you got 7 days to fall in love or your boyfriend will disappear.

This was such a cute, short, fun read. I love that reading this gave me the feeling I get when watching the romcoms from late 90s/early 2000s, where there’s a little bit of magic in them, like 13 Going on 30 😭.

[Sunniva Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast phased short book that i surprisingly enjoyed. And I’m happy I ended up getting an ARC of it. My biggest question after reading this book is, where can I find an app like this? Since what book girly would pass on the opportunity to make her own book boyfriend?
The tension in this book is nice and even if it wasn’t that spicy it was definitely sweet and an amazing book of you want a short cozy read.

[Alonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what you need to get you swooning and in your feels. You have a book girl who believes true love only exists with fictional men and her "Frankenstiened" antihero that comes to life to show her how right she is, but also prove love can be found outside of her book pages with the right person. The concept of this book is so unique, you have romance with a The Ring twist, but it is a book boyfriend coming out of your phone to win your heart in seven days instead of the creepy girl. I love all the small mentions to book boyfriends and their authors. It excited me when they popped in. The spice is amazing and had me losing my breath and kicking my feet at the lines. Amazing read.

[angie_bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
4/5🌶

Tropes:

Instalove
Grumpy x Grumpy
Small Town
Damaged/Jaded FMC
Alpha Hero

I want, no, NEED a book boyfriend of my own now.
Please?
And an Anti-Hero at that. Nothing less will be acceptable.

"I'm not prancing, Charlotte. And you're not people.
You're person. My person."

*SWOON*

It was angsty and sad there for a moment, but it was all worth it in the end.

I'm so happy these two got their HEA.

[Kayla Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️

Plot - 2/5
Characters - 2/5
Spice - 🌶️

The Antihero follows our down on love heroine, Charlotte, as she jokingly 'creates' an antihero using an App. Cue the made-man, Rhys Ravenstone, arriving at her house in a literal storm the following day, advising they have 5 days to fall in love before he goes back into the void. This is a cute, fairly simplistic read about Charlotte committing to her feelings for Rhys after being burnt by her cheating ex-husband. Both characters are fairly cookie-cutter and the plot is predictable but it is still a cute story overall.

[Gift Gieban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, The Antihero (The Book Boyfriends 1) by Renee Rocco was so good. Read it in one sitting. I initially dismissed the book, thinking that its brevity (a mere 187 pages) wouldn't allow for proper character development. To my surprise, I realized I was completely mistaken. The emotional impact of this book is undeniable. Prepare to shed some tears as you read. It was a long road to happiness, filled with tears.
MF Fantasy with an HEA.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re exactly the sort of person who deserves a little magic, Charlotte.”

The Antihero is Renee Rocco's new book from her The Book Boyfriends series. A romance book for all the book girlies and their book boyfriends.

I was so excited to receive this ARC from Renee that I devoured it in a few hours!! I loved this story so much and the characters! Rhys the grumpy tattooed antihero and Charly the cynical book lover that deserved better. Such a cute and spicy story that's short and sweet as well!

✨If you haven't already then go pre-order!! Out the 4th of June ✨

📱 Pierced/Antihero MC
💘 Touch of magic/Cupid
📱 Grumpy MMC/ Cynical fmc
💘 Who did this to you

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[brooke_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WISH I COULD MAKE MY OWN BOOK BOYFRIEND!!!

Thats exactly what this author has done. The fmc in this book went through a terrible relationship and after a divorce she is finally free(ish) but you will see what I mean. So she downloads an app on her phone that she thinks is a joke….. making her own book boyfriend. Then he turns up on her doorstep!!!

LOVED THIS NOVELLA! Highly recommend!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! I need this story to happen to me!
I adore Renee's writing and The Antihero was no different, all be it shortish, this story really packed a punch!

Charlotte was a beautiful character and really got me in the feels during some of the past reflection parts.

Rhys! Oh my what a babe! He was everything you want in a book boyfriend!

[Aspen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! I love the twist of him leaving at midnight even though neither one of them wanted him to go but she put in the work and texted the crap of the app till cupid listened to what she was saying. I can only imagine all the things she said to get him back. I really loved that this book was short but not too short to where you had to rush it to get the story out!