Reviews with content warning for Cursing - Book Lovers - Die Liebe steckt zwischen den Zeilen

Book Lovers was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022, and I’m happy to say that it did not disappoint.
Following literary Agent Nora Stephens-nicknamed the shark because of her success and strong ambition (think “the man” by Taylor Swift)-readers get a front row seat to the small town romance trope dismantled, as she and her sister Libby leave New York to visit Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. Only Nora is not the woman who gains love in these sort of situations, in fact, she is usually the one left behind. So when she finds herself in close proximity to Charlie Lastra (an enemy editor from back home), it’s not like the Romance gods will be rooting for them or anything. Right?
I’ve been a fan of Emily Henry ever since reading Beach Read (probably my favorite of hers), but Book Lovers is her smartest work yet. Through the experimentation of classic tropes, which are later configured, the plot allows for the highlighting of thoroughly well rounded characters. While poking fun at rom com staples we all know and love, insecurities, hopes, and connection are really brought out to the surface. That being said, the relationships (not just romantic, familial) are the most complex of Henry yet, and I loved the older sister perspective.
Overall, this is a book for anyone who finds comfort in books, and I would highly highly highly recommend (after checking trigger warnings).

Content Warnings

amykwrites's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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jackieyvette's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Maybe I’m not the person to rate this book since I’m VERY picky about contemporary romance, but this book was not what everyone made it out to be. For it to be recommended to me numerous times I thought I was going to be reading a modern day Wuthering Heights or Emma, but no. Maybe it was over-hyped by friends and booktok, but I found that this book fell way flat. I think the main character and the love interest were unlikeable. For a couple we’re supposed to root for from their first meet I couldn’t help but wish they never saw each other again. They had no chemistry and felt very forced. I also think the reasoning for the main character to be so broken over a past relationship that she felt unable to love again was going to end up with this crazy story but it fell so flat it’s somewhere circling the Earth’s core.
Also, the ‘spicy’ aspect of this book was about as spicy as a slice of wonder bread. I could get better spice reading free content on ArchiveOfOurOwn.

Crying Score: Maybe when hell freezes over.

Content Warnings

avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I loved this book I laughed, I cried, it was sweet if a bit predictable, I loved the characters, and I through enjoyed how it turned some tropes on their heads! I would love for Shepard to have his own book!

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brittneyw9's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

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