This feel-good romance follows Clarrie, a struggling bookshop owner, and Declan, a bestselling author she meets when she's having a really bad time when Declan stops by the shop and offers unsolicited advice, it’s the last thing she needed, and she doesn’t hold back.

Fast forward two years, Declan’s new novel is a hit but is dedicated to the “bookseller who told him to write a better one”. Clarrie, still battling to keep the shop afloat, suddenly finds herself thrown back together with him this time on a book tour.

The story touches on grief, burnout, and starting over, but never gets too heavy. The side characters add warmth and help bring the whole thing to life.

I especially enjoyed the cozy bookshop setting and the slow-burn between Clarrie and Declan. The ending was sweet, and overall, a really cozy read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

3.5 stars - Love on a Bookshelf is a fun time rom-com between a bookseller and an author who fall for each other on a book tour. Clarrie is a goofy character who has a few awkward moments that were rough at first, but grew to add a lot of comedy to the story. The side characters, particularly Bri and Jed, are really well done and endear themselves to the reader. Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for a light-hearted romance between two book nerds! Thank you to NetGalley, Kiah Thomas, and Headline for this ARC!

When local author, Declan Archer, walks into Clarrie Brooks inherited bookshop, he unknowingly finds her on her worst day ever. While the reader can recognize his gentle teasing as flirting, Clarrie has had it, and on the way out, mutters that for his next novel, he should try writing a better book. And 18-months later, he does! Declan's novel, now a cult hit and raging success, has fans wondering: who is the mysterious bookshop owner he mentions on his dedication page?

This is a cute, cozy romance for any fan of a true slowwwww burn. There were several charming moments throughout and a lot of independent emotional depth, but I would have it enjoyed it more if their relationship had more chemistry or tension along the way. It felt really rushed to have it blossom at the 70% mark.

Many thanks to Headline, NetGalley, and Kiah Thomas for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I liked this. A cute slow-burn romance with some really sweet moments. I especially liked that there was something deeper at the root of the story, and not just a sappy love story.

I adored following Clarrie’s journey from rock bottom to girl boss! I also appreciated the deep love for books and the people who keep them alive. I especially loved that the romance took its time because it allowed Clarrie to grow on her own terms.

It’s witty, emotional, and just quirky enough to feel fresh. A love letter to bookshops, booksellers, and the unexpected ways stories (and people) find their way back to each other. Thank you for letting me read this!

I flew through this book, and I really enjoyed it.
Clarrie was so relatable, just loved her.
Declan was interesting. Bestselling author.
One POV - Clarrie.
Clarrie is trying to keep her Grandmother's bookstore open. One day, Declan comes into the store.
Clarrie is pile of stress, so when Declan suggests that Clarrie invest in better lighting, she immediately goes off and tells Declan to write a better book.
Moving on to several years later, Declan has a massively successful book and dedicates it to "the bookseller who told him to write a better one".
So we have an enemies-to-lovers and a slow-burning romance. The banter is fantastic and witty.
Clarrie is trying to learn to trust again. Declan starts to soften to Clarrie. They have a definite connection.
The minor characters are cute - they are also rooting for Declan and Clarrie.
I smiled so much reading this. I normally can't stand a very slow burn, but I really enjoyed reading this story; it just worked.
The plot is well structured. The pace is a bit slow burn. No insta-love here.
The characters are developed. Again, Clarrie was very easy to connect with throughout the plot.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Happy Reading!

If you’re a fan of bookish romances, then Love on a Bookshelf is a must-read. This is Kiah Thomas’s first adult novel, and it’s absolutely heartwarming.

The story follows Clarrie, who takes over her grandmother’s beloved bookstore—a cozy little haven filled with charm and nostalgia. Enter Declan, a grumpy, brooding author who shakes things up in the best way.

But this book is more than just a romance—it’s a beautiful journey of self-discovery. I loved watching Clarrie grow into herself, learning to trust her instincts and embrace what she truly wants from life.

One of my favorite parts of this story was Clarrie’s relationship with her grandmother. Their bond warmed my heart and even brought a few tears to my eyes. It reminded me so much of my own grandma and the love and wisdom she’s always shared with me.

This is the kind of story that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and never leave the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy—I adored every minute of it. Perfect for fans of heartfelt, bookish romance

I was able to get this as an ARC through NetGalley.

If you are looking for a good, cozy, heartwarming book; this is it! I was drawn to this book because of the fact that it took place around a bookstore. The story itself was AMAZING.

The story between Clarrie and Declan got me hooked from the first hilarious meeting. As it continued through the book their relationship grows and blossoms into something one can only wish for. Especially adding in the book tour that has many funny and heartfelt moments.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading more books by Kiah Thomas.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC copy of Love on a Bookshelf, due to be published on June 5th.
Loved this book, it was so cute and a perfect light read. Books about books and bookshops are one of my favourite genres so I knew I had to read this as soon as I saw it.
Definitely recommend this book if you want a sweet romance.

Clarence has just been dumped, her gran (who she runs a bookshop with) has dementia and has just gone into a care home. Her life is not great. In walks Declan Archer, handsome author of a not so great book. With his cocky attitude and unnecessary comments, in to sign copies of his book (which were already returned to the publisher as they didn’t sell). She didn’t mean to be rude about his book. It was meant to be just a thought. Fast forward 18 months and Archer’s new novel is a hit. But there’s intrigue around his dedication. A dedication about a rude book seller.

This was a sweet romance between book shop owner and author. I wasn’t sure of his motives for a large chunk of the book, but I still found myself interested in the story. The characters were pleasant enough. The dementia and family relationships were handled nicely.

This book was a fun and emotional read. I loved the balance of romance, community, and family in this book. I really enjoyed the main characters and their grumpy sunshine vibe. I also love a book set in and around books. I really hope to read more from this author in the near future!

Absolutely cute enemies to lovers read.

Clarrie Brooks is barely keeping her beloved grandmother's cozy bookstore afloat when bestselling author Declan Archer wanders in. Clarrie's life is already a mess after her boyfriend dumped her, and it's literally raining through the ceiling of her apartment-so when Declan advises her to invest in better lighting and she snaps back that he should
"write a better book," the sparks fly from there..

Fast forward a couple of years, Declan's new novel has turned into a number one bestseller and he's dedicated it to "the bookseller who told him to write a better one."

The slow-burn romance at the heart of the story is absolutely heartfelt. There's lots of banter and smiles in every scene. Carrie has to learn to trust again and embrace a new chapter of her life, and Declan gradually sheds his prickly exterior as he sees Clarrie's kindness and strength. Their connection grows naturally at its own pace. The other characters and most of the town love both Carrie and Declan and want to see them together and happy.

Love on a Bookshelf had me smiling all the way through. There's a beautiful ending with a sneaky little twist in the final chapters. This is the perfect read for anyone who loves a cozy bookstore setting.

This was a fun and quick read! If you like slow burns and enemies to lovers you will enjoy this book. The characters are enjoyable and the storyline was refreshing and new. Would recommend reading this book!

DNF @ 34%. I personally don't feel like the two main characters have reason enough to dislike each other. They had one very short bad interaction, didn't talk or see each other again for EIGHTEEN MONTHS and deemed that enough to be enemies and to hate one another?? There's not enough going on there for me to be invested in them as a couple. Thank you to Netgalley for the e-ARC

What happens when a grumpy bestselling author dedicates his new book to the snarky bookseller who told him to "write a better one"? A charming, witty, slow-burn romance you won't want to put down.

Clarrie's trying to keep her grandma's cozy bookshop alive when Declan Archer walks in—and walks right into her worst day ever. Fast-forward two years and his new bestseller is dedicated to her. Cue the chaos, swoons, and some seriously fun banter.

✨Enemies-to-lovers
✨Cozy indie bookstore vibes
✨Closed-door, slow-burn romance
✨Laugh-out-loud moments

This book felt like a hug. Warm, witty, and utterly delightful. Perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon. I didn't want it to end!

Add this one to your summer TBR-you'll fall in love with Clarrie & Declan just like I did.

Thank you for allowing me to read this heart-warming romance in advance! I was a bit unsure of it at first, but then got into the flow of the narrative and found myself reading it in one sitting. It presents a nice look into the world view of the protagonist, her life as a bookseller, and the journey that helped her find herself. I love books about books, and this one was an intimate window into the challenges and joys of being a bookshop owner, as well as a sweet romance. It's definitely a good read for this summer!

This plot sounded right up my alley, but it ended up being a mess. The fmc I wanted to feel for, inheriting a book store from her grandmother that has to move into a nursing home with dementia or something of the sort, and the bookshop is falling apart and the financial situation is pretty dire. She needs sales, badly. But then us readers find out what an unlikeable character she is. Being a bookseller and giving back multiple copies of a book to the publisher because she thought it was boring? Unrealistic and petty behavior. I think the book dedication was a good way to bring the two characters back together, but of course the fmc gets mad and takes it totally the wrong way, thinking Declan is making fun of her bookshop’s dire financial standing. Then of course someone finds out she’s the one behind the dedication and somehow people flock to her shop trying to get to her all over an author who’s so private no one knows about his life. So basically, the public cannot mind their own business and starts terrorizing her. Man what a mess. Then Declan shows up and accuses her of selling information about his life. Dear god MORE MESS. Here when I thought he’d be more understanding, he literally thinks she leaked the whole thing to the media and when it comes up in conversation, she doesn’t have check him on it and so the good old miscommunication trope hits again to set up this enemies to lovers thing going on. I’m literally sick of childish and petty when both characters are grown adults. DNF, sorry.

3.75 stars

This mild feel-good romance features a bookshop owner, Clarrie, and an author, Declan. They first meet under less than ideal circumstances. She is in an emotional maelstrom after putting her beloved grandmother into memory care and breaking up with her boyfriend. When he brings by a copy of his book to flog, she is abrupt and rude.

Time passes. Clarrie is struggling. The plan had been for her and her grandmother to run the bookshop together. The shop is Clarrie's favorite childhood memory. But the reality and the financial challenges are daunting. She has a chance to get a much-needed cash infusion by going on tour with an author and selling books at his appearances. And of course, the author is none other than Declan. The situation is enhanced by the dedication of his latest book which mentions her and their first unfortunate meeting.

Somewhat predictably, as the two spend time together, they cast aside their old animosity and get to know each other. Other plot elements including both their mothers and Clarrie's bookshop second-command are also entertaining. The outcome is never in doubt. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

a witty, smart and cute romance. perfect for those that read a blurb and think "ooh yay, a book about more bookish things!" which this one is of course. it does though have a whole lot more to it. its got so much humour and joy throughout. but its not too light. its still holds the emotions well and doesnt give you too much of an easy ride. the characters paring was really well done. and i love how it wasnt just "my muse" kind of piffy choice of the the Mmc. No he was simply told by Carrie to write a better book and he did so. it felt more real but still as defining for them both in different ways.

Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas is a heartwarming escape into the world of second chances, reluctant muses, and the quiet magic of bookstores. Clarrie Brooks, a chaotic but loveable bookseller, never expected her brutally honest critique to spark a bestselling novel—or to be dedicated as the anonymous inspiration behind it.

Enter Declan Archer: grumpy author, emotionally guarded, and absolutely unprepared to face Clarrie again… especially as feelings begin to stir between them.

With a cast of endearing side characters, plenty of bookish charm, and a satisfying slow-burn romance, this story balances humor and heart with grace. While a few moments meander, the overall journey is thoughtful, funny, and totally swoonworthy.

Perfect for readers who adore the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, small-town warmth, and love stories that start with a shared love of books.