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erikoreads's review against another edition
5.0
What a cute book!!!
A love story to books, readers, book sellers, there was just so much goodness packed into this book. So many things I loved about it!
đź’ž The personality, roles, character of the MMC and FMC were flipped, which I loved. The MMC managing the romance bookshop and being a little chaos goblin was such a delight to read, and also watching the ice queen slowly defrost and let him into her icy kingdom. So delightful!
đź“š SO many references to books I love, spanning so many genres and publication years - from classics to contemporary romance - the love the authors have for books and reading just really shines through each page.
Just such a delight to read đź’•
A love story to books, readers, book sellers, there was just so much goodness packed into this book. So many things I loved about it!
đź’ž The personality, roles, character of the MMC and FMC were flipped, which I loved. The MMC managing the romance bookshop and being a little chaos goblin was such a delight to read, and also watching the ice queen slowly defrost and let him into her icy kingdom. So delightful!
đź“š SO many references to books I love, spanning so many genres and publication years - from classics to contemporary romance - the love the authors have for books and reading just really shines through each page.
Just such a delight to read đź’•
katestoddard15's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
montanamomreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to @alibradybooks @berkleypub @berkleyromance @netgalley for the #gifted e-book.
This is my first novel by these authors, but it certainly won’t be my last.
This is my first novel by these authors, but it certainly won’t be my last.
In a charming neighborhood, Josie and Ryan each run their own bookstores on the same street. When the owner decides to merge their beloved shops, they find themselves in a fierce competition for the coveted manager position. Both harbor deep insecurities that come to the surface as their rivalry intensifies. Unbeknownst to them, however, they've already forged a connection as friends in an online community forum. What starts as a battle of wits and will becomes an unexpected journey from enemies to friends—and ultimately to lovers.
This heartwarming romance is a delightful exploration of love and vulnerability. Josie and Ryan grapple with their own fears while passionately defending their favorite book genres. The palpable chemistry between them is undeniable from their very first encounter, only deepening as they navigate their complex relationship. I particularly enjoyed the witty banter during their competition, which added an engaging layer to the story. The dual points of view invite readers into their innermost thoughts, revealing their fears and desires.
What makes this story even more special is its homage to indie bookstores—the magic of literature, the challenges of running a bookstore, and the powerful sense of community that comes from a shared love of reading.
If you’re searching for a sweet, captivating story that will ensnare your heart and keep you hooked until the very last page, look no further.
kristie_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
iferkelly's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy of this book. This book is a romance book lover’s dream! Ryan and Josie are the managers of their own book stores, with completely different vibes and genres. They are told their stores will be merging and only one of them will be hired as the new manager, leaving the other one out of a job. They compete with each other and get on each others nerves, but both retreat to their online book lover forum where they anonymously, unknowingly talk to each other. This book was hilarious, emotional, and just a delight to read. The amount of cliches spun my head, but overall I enjoyed it and had a lot of fun with it!
bibliomania143's review against another edition
4.0
This book is perfect for anyone who loves reading, especially fans of literary fiction and romance novels, as it beautifully represents both genres. As a book lover myself, I adored so much about this story. The dual POVs—one from someone who loves romance books and the other from someone who prefers literary fiction—added depth and variety to the narrative.
I also appreciated the message that people have diverse tastes in books and that we shouldn’t judge others for their preferences. What you might not enjoy could be someone else’s treasured gem.
The book's focus on two different indie bookstores was a delightful highlight. It gave an intimate glimpse into the world of independent bookstores, and as a reader, it was fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes. The frequent references to quotes from books and mentions of authors' names made me feel giddy with recognition—it’s always a joy to see familiar names celebrated in a story.
While I truly enjoyed the book, I did feel a bit frustrated with the FMC’s initial behavior and the miscommunication between the main characters. However, this didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment, as the story itself was heartwarming and a treat for book lovers. If you love reading, this is definitely a book you should try!
I also appreciated the message that people have diverse tastes in books and that we shouldn’t judge others for their preferences. What you might not enjoy could be someone else’s treasured gem.
The book's focus on two different indie bookstores was a delightful highlight. It gave an intimate glimpse into the world of independent bookstores, and as a reader, it was fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes. The frequent references to quotes from books and mentions of authors' names made me feel giddy with recognition—it’s always a joy to see familiar names celebrated in a story.
While I truly enjoyed the book, I did feel a bit frustrated with the FMC’s initial behavior and the miscommunication between the main characters. However, this didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment, as the story itself was heartwarming and a treat for book lovers. If you love reading, this is definitely a book you should try!
guenevol's review against another edition
4.0
Ryan and Josie are very different booksellers. Josie runs Tabula Inscripta, the literary fiction bookstore that sells doorstopper tomes. Ryan runs Happy Endings, an all-romance shop.
A businessman buys the building housing both bookstores and decides to turn it into one, non-specialized bookstore. One store means one manager, so he pits Josie and Ryan against each other in a sales competition that will determine which one gets to keep their job.
The competition forces the two booksellers to communicate with each other and sparks fly as they acknowledge and appreciate the other's retail strengths.
Writing team Ali Brady does a great job of creating characters who have depth and complement each other.
I received an electronic galley edition of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A businessman buys the building housing both bookstores and decides to turn it into one, non-specialized bookstore. One store means one manager, so he pits Josie and Ryan against each other in a sales competition that will determine which one gets to keep their job.
The competition forces the two booksellers to communicate with each other and sparks fly as they acknowledge and appreciate the other's retail strengths.
Writing team Ali Brady does a great job of creating characters who have depth and complement each other.
I received an electronic galley edition of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
abnormalamanda_18's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for this eARC! In all the best ways, this gave me heavy You've Got Mail feelings and that mad me fall in love with it that much faster. I loved Josie being the dark and twisty cynical one and Ryan being the romance loving sincere one. I thought the reveal of their pen pal identities really satisfying and truly above all else their communication throughout was so refreshing and interesting to the story. Truly what a delight of read.
libraryleia's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars rounded up. I really enjoyed Josie and Ryan's journey from enemies to lovers. Ryan was my favorite character, but I could totally relate to Josie's back story. Josie made a lot of sacrifices in her life in order to get where she was and there were also missed opportunities due to her family situation. I liked the online aspect thrown in there as well, creating conflict and an interesting spin. I read this book so quickly. It drew me in and kept me reading. I have to find some more Ali Brady books to read now! Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
moodreadermama's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
đź“šBattle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady
đź“•ARC Review(Copy gifted by @berkleyromance)
🚨While reviewed copy is gifted, opinions are always my own.
Status: Available June 3rd, Not KU
🥰Enjoyment: I just love this super tall NON basketball playing sweetheart of a MMC. Ryan is just the sweetest man. I really enjoyed this story, especially once they worked beyond the “enemies” into friends. Also super adored the battling bookstore setting, though as a romance girly myself (shocking right?) I really wanted to sit Josie down and proselytize at her. Come with me to the romcom side girl. If you love romances set in a book lovers world, keep an eye out for this one this summer!