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2.92 AVERAGE
2.92 AVERAGE
The Bookbinder’s Guide to Love had such an intriguing premise that I was genuinely excited to dive into it. An enemies-to-lovers arc sounded like it could be a fun read. Unfortunately, despite the promising plot, I found myself disengaged by the time I reached Chapter 11.
One of my main frustrations was with the characters. The protagonist who co-owned a witchy bookshop seemed like the kind of fmc that would initially intrigue me, but the lack of emotional depth made it hard to connect with her. Her interactions with the mentor's grandson, who could have brought some spark to the story, felt robotic. The supposed enemies-to-lovers dynamic didn't land for me because the chemistry between them was minimal, and the quick progression of their relationship (with sex happening on their first meeting) felt rushed and disconnected.
The writing style also didn't help. It was flat and emotionless, which left me feeling disconnected from what should have been an emotionally charged story—especially considering the grief the characters were supposed to be grappling with. There were moments where the plot seemed to move forward rapidly, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that very little of substance was actually happening.
Overall, while the concept behind The Bookbinder’s Guide to Love has potential, the execution didn't quite work for me. Perhaps the pacing and character development would resonate with other readers, but for me, the book didn't offer the depth or emotional engagement I was hoping for.
One of my main frustrations was with the characters. The protagonist who co-owned a witchy bookshop seemed like the kind of fmc that would initially intrigue me, but the lack of emotional depth made it hard to connect with her. Her interactions with the mentor's grandson, who could have brought some spark to the story, felt robotic. The supposed enemies-to-lovers dynamic didn't land for me because the chemistry between them was minimal, and the quick progression of their relationship (with sex happening on their first meeting) felt rushed and disconnected.
The writing style also didn't help. It was flat and emotionless, which left me feeling disconnected from what should have been an emotionally charged story—especially considering the grief the characters were supposed to be grappling with. There were moments where the plot seemed to move forward rapidly, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that very little of substance was actually happening.
Overall, while the concept behind The Bookbinder’s Guide to Love has potential, the execution didn't quite work for me. Perhaps the pacing and character development would resonate with other readers, but for me, the book didn't offer the depth or emotional engagement I was hoping for.
Overall, I would say that I enjoyed this book, although it took me a little while to get really into the story.
I was honestly surprised by how quickly Wes and Sera got together. I would have thought the tension and anger would have last a little longer before anything happened between them. The bond between Sera, Liberty, and Poppy was very heartwarming. I loved the concept of them being show owners together and each having their own set role in the shop.
I really liked this quote specifically, “She had to stop doubting he was going to stay. She had to start believing she was worthy of love. Easier said than done”. This quote in particular really grabbed my attention because I feel like we as humans tend to only accept the love that we think we deserve and nothing more. For some they might not think they are worthy of any at all, it’s hard to not let thoughts like that flood our minds. As badly as Sera wanted to put her trust in Wes much sooner it was obvious hard for her to do because of people leaving her in the past.
I was honestly surprised by how quickly Wes and Sera got together. I would have thought the tension and anger would have last a little longer before anything happened between them. The bond between Sera, Liberty, and Poppy was very heartwarming. I loved the concept of them being show owners together and each having their own set role in the shop.
I really liked this quote specifically, “She had to stop doubting he was going to stay. She had to start believing she was worthy of love. Easier said than done”. This quote in particular really grabbed my attention because I feel like we as humans tend to only accept the love that we think we deserve and nothing more. For some they might not think they are worthy of any at all, it’s hard to not let thoughts like that flood our minds. As badly as Sera wanted to put her trust in Wes much sooner it was obvious hard for her to do because of people leaving her in the past.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Abandonment
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Serafina Conte has found solace in her handmaking journal talent, but when the death of her mentor brings one of his grandsons to confront her regarding his will, she never expects to fall for him. Serafina handmakes journals, she loves doing it and has found a way to make a successful business of it with her two best friends. Yet when the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, happens, Serafina feels lonelier than ever and the last thing she needs is Ford's suspicious grandson coming into her life demanding that the books Ford left in his will actually belong to him. Wes Sitwell thinks the worst of Serafina and Ford's friendship and thinks she was sleeping with his grandpa, and thinks that Ford made a mistake giving away his books to her rather than to Wes. Wes and Serafina get off on the wrong foot but the more time they spend together the more they begin to fall for one another. But can a relationship work when they both are new to relationships and have their own issues? Unfortunately this one was not for me. It was a short read but it felt like it dragged and I'm going to be honest, I did not like Wes at all. I really did not like the last minute breakup/makeup in the last few pages and honestly, dont think that Wes and Serafina have any chemistry at all. I really did not believe their relationship and did not really feel it. The romance just wasn't there for me unfortunately. If you like unlikely romances give this one a go, maybe it'll work out better for you than it did for me.
*Thanks Netgalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Afterglow Books by Harlequin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
*Thanks Netgalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Afterglow Books by Harlequin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a really cute and easy read. Nothing special, but still fun. It was really fast paced so it didn't feel like much of a connection other than all the sex. And the cliche big secret/miscommunication/argument came with like 15 pages to spare so the resolution didn't feel as grand or conclusive. Still overall entertaining and I'm on to the next in the series!
Cute sweet book but could not stay invested once they'd hooked up, got super boring
The writing style is boring, repetitive, and juvenile.
The sexual tension between the two leads was cringey because it was so matter-of-fact. It was too blunt to be sexy.
Sequence of events generally felt inorganic.
Dialogue was poorly written.
I actually found the story interesting, but not interesting enough to make up for the rest of it.
The sexual tension between the two leads was cringey because it was so matter-of-fact. It was too blunt to be sexy.
Sequence of events generally felt inorganic.
Dialogue was poorly written.
I actually found the story interesting, but not interesting enough to make up for the rest of it.