4/5

"so despite her natural tendency toward spontaneity (read: chaos), she’d made some strides in organization, even pre-motherhood."

An enimies to lovers romance with a sisterly bond at it's core. A trip to a small country town and a knowledge of all the cliche tropes that exists, this book was a delight.

"The only two ways I’ve ever managed to get out of my head are through reading and rigorous exercise. With either, I can slip out of my mind and drift in this bodiless dark."

The romance was hot, the bond between the sisters was perfect, the premise was brilliant. I enjoyed so many things about this book, and better than all the rest is that the main character and the love interest work for a book publishing company which just adds another degree of excitement to this book.

"Is there anything better than iced coffee and a bookstore on a sunny day? I mean, aside from hot coffee and a bookstore on a rainy day."

Some really cosy vibes, some quick witted comedy, some really strange side characters and a great couple twists and turns this book had everything and was a joy to read

"My mouth feels like it’s melting under his, like I’m wax and he’s the burning wick down my center."

Well this had me in absolute pieces at the end. Such a beautiful, well written story that really acknowledges the cliches of romance novels while still being incredibly moving. This is the first Emily Henry novel I've read and I'm SO excited to dig into the rest of them now!

So I actually bought and read this book when it came out, and had such a great time with it, and then unexpectedly was granted a e-copy of it for review from NetGalley. So here I am trying to write a review for it when it's been more than a few weeks and my brain fog is at a general high!

Emily Henry has really cemented herself as a wonderful romance writer - I loved Beach Read, I *adored* People We Meet on Vacation, and now she's ventured back into the book world, but dug a little deeper, with Book Lovers. And it was an awesome experience to read. I love that Henry can write romance that slowly develops over the course of the book, whilst also addressing other things that are going on in the leads' lives. Family issues, grief, loss, worth - all of it is addressed in here. And, because ultimately I want the romance to come to the forefront more often than not, the other issues are delved into, but without introducing huge amounts of angst or relying on things like the miscommunication trope.

Basically, I had a great time reading this, It gave me a lift, and then I immediately lent it to my Mum to read. If you're at all into romance, definitely recommend.

I loved this book so much. I’d never heard of Emily Henry, or read anything by her, but this book had everything I wanted - romance, references to other books, a smart and led heroine… it felt like I’d been written just for me! It tells the story of Nora, a literary agent in her thirties who shields herself from love after most of her partners use her to go onto their happy ever afters.

As always, thanks to NetGalley and the publishers - I’ve bought myself my own copy to keep on the shelf!

Genre: Romance, chic-lit
Age range: 17+
Spice: 2.5

Overall: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/ 5
Writing and Setting: 5/5

Content warning: *sexual themes, swearing, depictions of grief, parental death (mentioned)*

The gist of my review:

Here we have a romance novel for the romance novel hater.

She’s the snarky, career driven, no-nonsense literary agent they call the shark. He’s the quick-whited, assh*le editor working with her on one of the biggest projects in her career.

As lovers of over achieving, staying up late and check emails after hours, they both have a mutual hatred for the unrealistic nature of the romance novels that pass by their desks daily. They both thrive on the chaos, the bustle and the rat race of NYC.

By the forces of her very pouty sister, she goes on a trip to the sleepy small town of one of the books she’s helped publish, and surprise, surprise, Mr Tall, Dark and Broody is there too. Will this be a happily ever after like the classics, or will their desire for successful lives drive them further apart?

This is the first book that I’ve ever read by Emily Henry and she’s instantly become one of my favourite authors. The way that both humour and really profound emotions were weaved into this book was phenomenal on so many levels. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance book with a little difference.


Characters: 5/5

The main characters, as well as the supporting characters, in this book were expertly written. It’s books like this one that really make you look at your own writing and give yourself a little bit of a self-deprecating laugh. All the characters were easy to connect and relate to, and understand from very early on in the book. They were all diverse from one another, yet family units, such as Nora and Libby, had obvious similarities and quirks which further added to the idea of realism in this book.

On to Nora. Nora isn’t normally seen as the MC in your typical romance novel, and she is very keenly aware of this. She’s cynical, materialistic, strongly spoken and fiercely independent. She can both be seen as ‘the villain’ and the everyday realistic woman. Although this character has a lot of standout qualities that are often seen as off putting, I feel like I related to aspects of Nora’s personality and her reasoning behind a lot of her decisions because she is so realistic in her approach to everything. Adding to this, there’s been a lot of comments from the book community that Nora is very relatable to older sibling populations, and as an older sister with a sister, I can 100% say that this is very accurate. Nora takes on a lot of family responsibility, including going out of her own way to keep the family connected and functioning effectively.


Plot: 5/ 5

The small town romance is, in my opinion, an overused and overhyped trope. This book puts a refreshing spin on the usual plot sequence and I found because of that, I was more intrigued to read and captured by the pages.

Writing and Setting: 5/5

The writing was easy to digest, entertaining, captivating, funny, and in parts, very ‘woke’ to a fair few social issues and themes. I liked that we only have the perspective of Nora throughout the book. We didn’t need to know what Charlie was thinking or how he was feeling because Nora reads the situation and scene well enough for us to know these things. This book is a classic example of how to ‘show and not tell’.

The main setting was both beautifully written but also very average at the same time. The reason for this is because the author wanted to highlight the blandness of the small town to show the difference between real life and the settings within the book mentioned in the story.

My thoughts:

I’ve given this book a 5/5 in every one of my categories, so why didn’t I give the book a top rating…? If I’m being honest, the cynic in me wanted a different ending - she wanted the harsh reality, soul crushing epilogue where the guy didn’t get the girl, the despair of forbidden love ripped your heart out, and there was no happily ever after.

The romantic in me was sadistically pleased that wasn’t the case, but, it wasn’t necessarily an ending that she expected either.

In all honesty, both the cynic and the romantic in me is pleasantly pleased by the book as a whole, but I think I wanted a book that sided with that cynical side of me; that left me a little broken in the end. A book where I’m left sobbing and screaming ‘LIFE ISN’T FAIR!’.

I given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don’t often read romance, but this author has somehow slipped into my regular reads over the past couple of years. She can be relied on to leave me with a warm, fuzzy feeling – and sometimes that’s just what I need.

And yes, they can be a little cheesy in places, but you just need to embrace it – and the author does that really well herself with this latest offering. It’s a modern, fresh take on the classic rom-com tropes, which isn’t afraid to make fun of itself just a little.

Meet Nora. She works in publishing, and she knows all typical story cliches. The husband is the killer in the murder mystery. The nerd gets a makeover and becomes beautiful in the high school drama. And in the small-town romance, the cynical city type will end up alone, while the beautiful small-town girl wins the guy’s heart.

Nora feels like she’s living an endless cycle of the small-town romance, except in reverse. She’s the fierce, confident city executive who gets left behind for the nice girl. But maybe her luck is about to change when her sister decides the two of them need to go on their own small-town adventure.

There are parts of this book that are just pure escapism, but it isn’t just a romance, it’s also a story of family, sisters and discovery. And, at its heart, there’s the books. This author always weaves her love of literature into her stories, and I’m here for it.

In this one, our protagonists Nora and Charlie both work in publishing, and as part of their story they work on editing a book together. The story is littered with references any book lover will enjoy – even a reference to the author protagonist from her previous novel!

If you’re familiar with this author, you can expect all her usual good vibes. And if you’re not, this is a wonderful place to start – maybe her best yet.

4.5/5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this highly anticipated (I will read anything Emily Henry writes) book - it only took me so long to read because I have seriously fallen out with reading on a screen

Nora was probably my favourite character of Emily Henry’s so far - I adored the cynical and hard way she viewed the world and how she developed into someone much softer and willing to open up. She couldn’t have been any more perfectly matched with Charlie, in my opinion

I felt there was a real humour running through this which again, I loved. I thought the setting was perfect and I absolutely shed happy tears at the ending

4 very solid stars!!

Oh man. I loved this book. I both savoured and devoured its pages, tabbing more than I think I ever have. Emily Henry is an instant buy author for me, I will read anything she writes. Book lovers is a stellar edition to her contemporary romance titles and may be my new favourite of hers. Beautifully written and expertly drawn characters, swoon worthy romance and such personal and human musings on self worth and family.

I absolutely adored Beach Read so when I got the ARC for this one I was excited to read it and I wish I could say that I loved it but I didn't.

Don't get me wrong the premise of the story is good and the characters are likeable it just didn't grip me as much as I wanted it too which is why it took me longer to read.

Nora, a literary agent, has been persuaded by her sister Libby to take a month's holiday to the small town of Sunshine Falls with her. Nora is hoping for somewhere peaceful where she can rekindle her close bond with her sister and not the last person she would want to see, Charlie.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin books for the ARC.

1. BOOK LOVERS by Emily Henry - I’ve never read EH’s 1st book, I wasn’t interested in the story but I loved so so much her 2nd so I had such high hopes for this one and well…I didn’t love it, not at all really. It was fine, like that would be my honest review. It bored me mostly and I felt so unconnected to the characters and it all felt so rushed from the middle to the end. I also felt like it had been written by a completely different author to her 2nd book, her style was so different, maybe that’s what she does, I have no idea but it didn’t feel like that writing that I loved so much from book 2, it felt kinda awkward and maybe a little cheesy for me (and I love cheesy romance so…) This was just fine but dull but also fine, you know?

Book Lovers is a great read for summer. Has everything you want in a summer read and is a book that will delight those who to love read.

A funny, fiesty novel that will keep you reading. Two sisters, one small town and a tick list.

I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between the characters and trying to guess where the plot was heading. A great summer read which will keep yput turning the pages.

The fact the book cited its "trope" and led us through it was a new twist and whilst it meant some parts were predictable, it was in a good and familair way where the reader felt part of the secret, could look out for the next step and was pleased with any cliche all be it in a new a refreshing way.

Its just perfect. Everything one book lover wants in a book. Great setting, relatable characters, amazing banter. I laughed, I cried...I wanted more.

So I have a weird relationship with Emily Henry’s books in that I want to, desire to and hope to lover her books but unfortunately there’s something there stopping me and I have no idea what it is. I just don’t. I think it’s a me thing as I have friends who adore her books, characters and writing.

I couldn’t get into this book at all and didn’t even complete it. I feel ashamed of this as the author deserves better. I bet she’s a lovely person and puts so much into these books and her writing. Forgive me for being an utterly useless reader.

Thank you NetGalley and Emily Henry for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately I have even abandoned it at about 80%.
I found it really boring..
Maybe I'll try to read the paper version again in the future

Yet another Emily Henry book that didn’t disappoint. Sometimes your worst day can turn your life around completely and the unexpected twist can give you the soulmate you never thought you would find.

Heartwarming, light, full-of-emotion page turner, #BookLovers is the perfect summer read.

Thank you @Netgalley for advanced copy of this lovely novel.

Nora is a cut-throat literary agent at the top of her game. Her whole life is books.
Charlie is an editor with a gift for creating bestsellers. And he's Nora's work nemesis.
Nora has been through enough break-ups to know she's the woman men date before they find their happy-ever-after. That's why Nora's sister has persuaded her to swap her desk in the city for a month's holiday in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. It's a small town straight out of a romance novel, but instead of meeting sexy lumberjacks, handsome doctors or cute bartenders, Nora keeps bumping into...Charlie.
This is the 3rd book I've read by Emily Henry and I just love them!
This novel is engaging, like getting absorbed in a great chick flick - they should definitely be made into films for sure!
I find the characters, setting and story great - its so likeable without being over mushy and sentimental and the storyline just hooks you into the plot and you find yourself willing the characters (all of them not just Nora and Charlie) to work everything out.
I see another book is scheduled for release next year and I can't wait! Definitely recommended to everyone.
Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
#WeAreBookLovers #NetGalley

Nora Stephens is a true New Yorker. She is a tough, independent literary agent and is fiercely loyal to her clients and her younger sister Libby. The sisters were raised without a father, and they lost their mother. Even though Libby is married, has two young children and one on the way, Nora had always acted as a surrogate parent and the cool aunt but leaves little time for a personal life. When Nora senses that she and Libby are drifting apart and Libby is keeping secrets from her, the sisters decide to go on a summer getaway to the small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. They come up with a list of things to do on vacation to ensure that they have true adventures.

'Is there anything better than iced coffee and a bookstore on a sunny day? I mean, aside from hot coffee and a bookstore on a rainy day.'

If you’re a “Book Lover” this actually is the book for you. I have marked so many quotes that made me laugh!.
This is a gooey, cute, floating on air ‘maybe the world isn’t quite so bad’ kind of book. It is full of bookish nerdyness, sisterly love, small town bookshops, big city love...

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business, Penguin for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel!

Nora is a literary agent and her whole life revolves around books. Her sister Libby invites her on a trip to a small town in North Carolina. Nora has a vision of living out a small-town transformation like she has read about in books. Unfortunately, she keeps bumping into Charlie, a grumpy editor she has met through work. They don't really get a long but they keep getting thrown together during their time in the same small town.

I really enjoyed this one. If you like books then you will love the bookish nature of the plot for this one. I loved the characters, Nora and Charlie had some great banter and their chemistry was perfect.

Overall I loved this book and it is my favourite that I have read from Emily Henry so far.

I really enjoyed this smart, self-aware rom-com. The context of both the romantic leads being in publishing made for a brilliantly self-referential universe, so it felt realistic and "anti cliche", puncturing previous stereotypical romance novel tropes in a light-hearted and gentle way. The characters were likeable and engaging and the small-town setting contrasted with the love letter to New York created a relatable tension. The frisson of 'enemies to lovers' plotline (not overwrought) reminded me of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (which I loved) and I enjoyed that the lead characters developed their relationship on a realistic timescale. A great holiday read, exactly what you'd look for in such a book. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read.