This book is going to be on my top reads for the year!

Charlie and Nora’s hate banter was top-notch and, to be honest, I couldn’t hold my laughter. When they both find out they’re in the same place, avoiding each other is impossible.

This book isn’t far away from reality because of how both characters build their relationship from enemies, to friends, then to lovers. It also deals with difficult topics — anxiety and grief — but Emily tackled each issue with perfection.

This is a mostly light hearted romance that explores many of the overdone themes of the romance genre of books and made for the small screen movies. Nora, the New York City born and bred book agent, and her sister Libby spend a month in a small North Carolina town, where they encounter all of the typical locals that you are used to…and also Charlie, a New York based editor who came home to help his family. This is a character driven romance, with great chemistry between the two main characters.

I don't know how to start this review because Book Lovers did not meet my expectations.

Perhaps I expected something similar to Beach Read and that's why I wanted to like this one. To be honest, I liked the relationship between Nora and Charlie, I would have loved it more if there was a little more drama between them. In the same way, it has been a good book to pass the time.

I would like to say something else but I don't know what else to say, only that the main character thought a lot, and sometimes she was frustrating. I think the one who takes the spot in the book is Nora's sister, she was refreshing to read.

Likewise, if you have read the author's other books and liked them, you will also like this one.

This book is not going to be for everyone. But if you loved Beach Read like I did and part of what you loved about it was how many feelings it gave you, I think you'll like this one, mostly because I loved this one. I love books about sisters. I love books with that slight melancholic note throughout, especially when I know that in the end, all is well that ends well. And I love books where I really understand the connection between the love interests. I suppose I should actually tell you more about Book Lovers itself though.

Nora is our protagonist and her sister, Libby, convinces her to semi-vacation for the month of August in a small town in North Carolina outside of Asheville. The two of them are very close because their mom died when Nora was 20 or so and Libby was a teenager. Nora has taken on a ton of responsibility for her sister and feels a lot of responsibility to make sure she has a good life. The best life. In this small town, Nora happens to run into Charlie Lastra, who is an editor that Nora doesn't really have the best relationship with. The book has been marketed as rivals to lovers, but I don't really think it behoves you to go in expecting that type of dynamic. They do have amazing text message exchanges and in person banter, but their relationship doesn't really give me rival to lover feels. What it does give me is clear proof that these two people get one another and that they will go the distance.

What this book really is though is a character study. Nora is competent and put together and really, really good at her job. She's also slightly neurotic, anxious, and tires so hard to compartmentalize a lot of things out of an intense need for control. And Charlie falls for her exactly how she is. And he sees her. I think some people won't like her because Nora is not a fun kind of messy. She's a person you sometimes want to shake because some of her problems are self-created or a result of her not really communicating or setting boundaries, etc. But Nora felt very real to me. And her happy ending is perfectly suited to this story.

This is not my favorite by Emily Henry, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

SUMMARY
Nora Stephens is a classic workaholic literary agent who lives and breathes NYC. She has high expectations for her romantic relationships and has often been jilted by previous partners for "nicer" women. After a disastrous meeting with in-demand book editor Charlie Lastra in NYC, Nora's beloved sister Libby convinces her to go on an August vacation with her to Sunshine Falls, NC - which happens to be the setting of the most recent bestselling book by an author that Nora represents. While on vacation in Sunshine Falls, Nora unexpectedly runs into Charlie Lastra and their chance encounters keep building until they are working on the same book together, and of course, sparks fly. Also, Nora is determined to keep her relationship strictly professional with Charlie, but those of us romance readers know better... Oh, and there's also some tension building between Nora and Libby as their close-knit relationship seems to be on the rocks as Libby is definitely keeping something from Nora.

OPINIONS
This is my least favorite Emily Henry that I've read. The beginning prelude was confusing and unnecessary. At times, it read like Gilmore Girls fan-fiction (town hall meetings, quirky town characters, beloved small businesses), which was DEFINITELY not something I enjoyed. It was as if the author was trying too hard to force charm that seemed more natural in her others. This was definitely "fluffier" than Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation, which is not necessarily a negative but more an observation.

I really enjoyed the slow build between Nora and Charlie and their relationship. Their chemistry was palpable, and their conflicts understandable.

Overall, a great fluffy romance that lacks some of the punch of Emily Henry's others. I will be recommending this one.

Thanks NetGally for an ARC!

There are books that you wish that you could read for the first time again. That is How Book Lovers feels to me. I loved every aspect of this book. Nora was the high-functioning anxiety problem solver mess of a heroine. I was surprised at how quickly I fell in love with her and her story. There were parts of her story that just resonated deep. There was not a character in this cast that I didn't at least like, if not love. The way Henry was able to sprinkle the love of books into this without making it overkill. The enemies to lovers was super well done without pulling into the bullying or just being mean. Honestly this was just a perfect book. It is an ode to books, the people who love them, big towns, small towns, family (the good and the bad), and how to move on. I feel like this review is a mess but all I am trying to say is read this book!

Emily Henry has outdone herself in this novel as the romance takes well known romance tropes and spins it on its head.

Typically the city work obsessed main character goes to a small town to fall in love with it as well as it's love interest but in here you are two like minded workaholics that have realistic goals. The characters are fleshed out, the build up and set up for each character's arc is wonderfully done, and the romance is adorable.

This book is one of the most anticipated for 2022 and with good reason. It's Emily Henry's best work yet.

Nora is a literary agent. She's a shark when it comes to her clients. She's an NYC native, and loves the city. She loves the vibe, and the memories wrapped around every corner. She thrives among the noises and hustle of the city. Her nemesis, Charlie Lastra, passes on books the Nora believes in. She finds him too brooding, too abrupt, and too good looking for her own good. So when she and her little sister Libby take a trip to North Carolina, and the town of Sunshine Falls where her client's most famous book is set, she's surprised to run into none other than Charlie. His presence there is a mystery, and one Nora wants to unravel. If the mosquitoes don't get to her first.

Book Lovers is a well crafted story with a tight plot, and lovable characters. Nora is all of us, wanting to have a career, and a love life, and a supportive partner. The banter between she and Charlie is beyond brilliant. It's smart, and sexy and the play on words highlights their literary backgrounds. Libby, Nora's sister, is a great contrast to her sister, and yet, they're one in the same at times. She's the sister you want, and hope to have as an adult.

Honestly, I can't say enough. It's beyond good. It's a masterclass in writing.

Top tier banter.

I wish I could have this type of banter with ANYONE.

I also loved the call to romance tropes we all know so well. I thought it was quite clever and funny.

Okay, lots of thoughts coming…

I thought this was good and a solid 4 stars, but it’s my least favorite romance of hers so far. And maybe my hopes were too high.

It definitely didn’t feel as emotional as her other romance novels. And I hate to compare them, but PWMOV is one of my all time faves and I can’t help it. And I just want moreeee. More emotion, more romance.

But I also don’t think I connected with the characters as much. I’m not personally a Nora, and maybe that’s why.

Or maybe I’m just too picky. Who’s to say- but even though I didn’t fall head over heels in love, this was cute.

Emily Henry can do no wrong!

Nora and Charlie were very much alike: complex, moody workaholics who would do anything for their family. Both fixers, personally and professionally. They understood each other, though that didn't mean they got along. The animosity—and sexual tension—between Charlie and Nora was *chef's kiss* perfect. Even through email, the chemistry was off the charts. So much snark, humor, flirtation all packed into such heated conversations. They worked so well together, not only as literal characters on the page, but also as colleagues—she a literary agent, he a book editor. Made each other better as people by being supportive of their choices, but also pushed the other to do things they may be too scared to do. And Charlie Lastra may be her swooniest love interest yet.

Not only was this a wonderful romance, but it was an incredible sister story. Nora and Libby loved each other so fiercely. Despite being very different, they were each other's favorite person. You really felt their genuine love and devotion, without any corniness. Nora just wants to take care of her little sister, to provide her with the things they lacked growing up. She learns that you can't fix everything and Libby needs to do things on her own. I just thought their relationship was really beautiful.

I could scream about my love for this book all day long. I say each new book of hers is my favorite, but I think this one might take the cake.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Henry writes wonderfully emotional stories about relationships and families. Here we of course have a romance but the story is about so much more than that.

Nora gives in and agrees to go on a month long vacation with her sister, hoping it will return their relationship to where it once was. In this small southern town, Nora happens to run into her work rival Charlie, who is home helping his parents who have health issues.

The witty banter between Nora and Charlie is top notch. Seriously, it's the best part of the book. Here are two intelligent go-getters, trying not to fall for each other - it's brilliant. I also loved the dynamics between Nora and her sister. That relationship played just as crucial a role in the story as the romance did.

The other wonderful thing about this one is that it was clearly written by a book lover for books lovers. It's charming from start to finish.

I highly recommend this one for romance readers.

Sure, the title and cover are catnip for reader people, but fortunately the story delivers. Nora Stephens is really a fantastic character, and Emily Henry has written her in a way that we really get to see all sides of her, from the tough professional to the anxious sister. It's as much a love letter to what places mean to us as it is a romance, as much a story about fierce family love as anything else. A definite winner.

Nora is a literary agent in New York City. After her boyfriend ends up moving to a small town, exactly like one of the tropes in romance novels, Nora’s sister Libby asks her to go away with her to a small town in North Carolina for a month. Libby has a list of ideal “small town experiences” for Nora to try, but Nora keeps running into Charlie Lastra, an editor, who she knows from New York.

WORTH. THE. HYPE. This book was exceptionally well-written. It has a way of making you FEEL for each of the characters, and root for them all. I’ve always loved a bookish protagonist, and I appreciated all the book references in this. This story is so much more than just a romance novel. The character development in this is unbeatable. I laughed, I cried, I stayed up too late reading, and I’m sad that it has to end.

Confession: this was my first Emily Henry book and now I’m kicking myself for not picking up her others sooner. People We Meet on Vacation & Beach Read have now been bumped up on my TBR.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Henry has once again brought us a delightful romance. Nora, a big city literary agent, is coerced by her sister to spend an idyllic month in the city of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. However, upon arrival, who does Nora run into but Charlie Lastra, a book editor from back in the city who she couldn’t stand. Or could she? As they keep running into each other in small town America, the rivalry AND the chemistry heat up. But is there a future to this steamy vacation romance? Only time will tell.

Henry knows all about romance tropes and brings them to life with this novel set in the literary world. But she never goes over the top and has created lovable characters, a sizzling romance and a book that is impossible to put down (again).

*Thanks to PRH for providing a free digital review copy via NetGalley. This did not affect my overall opinion of the book.

Nora Stephens is a literally agent in New York City. She considers herself as the villain in her own romance story. She has been dumped a couple of times for being the cold-hearted and emotionless girlfriend. She focuses on her job and her sister. She practically raised Libby and she will do anything for her. That’s why when Libby begs her for a month-long sisters’ trip to a small town called Sunshine Falls, she cannot say no. Libby plans everything and even created a checklist of things for them to do. Just like in small town romance novels, Libby just wants Nora to find her own perfect romance. Nora sticks to the plan but she never expected bumping into Charlie Lestra, an editor from back in the city and a person she doesn’t like.

Nora is a complex and very relatable character especially if you’re an older sister such as myself. I admired her dedication to her job and to books. Libby is also a wonderful sister. I liked how they treasure the memories of their late mother. Charlie come off as arrogant but he is just misunderstood by people. He’s sweet and also dedicated. Alex (People We Meet on Vacation) was my favorite Henry’s love interest until Charlie came.

The chemistry between Nora and Charlie was palpable. I loved their banter and humour. They’re both grumpy, sarcastic, and straight-forward. Both responsible, loyal, and love their families so much. They encourage, compliment, and bring out the best in each other. They’re just so perfect together. At times I found myself smiling (or grinning) while reading their scenes. Henry’s writing is so good and she writes real characters that readers can relate to.

The first Henry book I read was Beach Read and I didn’t like it as much as I wanted to. I still picked up People We Meet on Vacation and ended up loving it. But this book! I enjoyed and loved it so much that I had to give it 5 stars! It’s my very first 5-star read this year so it definitely means a lot to me. There’s really nothing left for me to say anymore except read this book if you have a chance.

"You are in books. Of course you don't have a life...There is alawys something too good to read"

"Sometimes, even when you start with the last page and you think you know everything, a book finds a way to surprise you."

I loved this book as much as I like reading and I like books. I love the connections were made during this wonderful reading. I also laugh at some scenes. The chapters were long but I loved anyway. Publishing and editing world seems quite difficult but if you enjoy it, it must brings you many sattisfactions. In these book was all about love, love for books and love for family. A vacation escape turn to something more, discovering new possibilities and so much more. I loved this book so much.


"If anyone could be enough" I say, " I think i might be you"


"I love you"

"I love you too"

"I know... I can read you like a book"

Thank you Phrinteenational, Penguin international and Nwtgalley for the arcs

After reading People We Meet on Vacation, Emily Henry solidified her place as one of my favorite authors. Book Lovers was one of my most anticipated, and it did not disappoint! It follows Nora, a book agent, as she goes on a vacation getaway to Sunshine Falls, hoping to find her small town romance. Instead, she bumps into her professional nemesis, Charlie. Nora doesn't think she's the ideal heroine, but one thing turns into another as Nora and Charlie's chemistry is unmistakable.

This book had so much wit, so much love, and so many cute moments that had me turning the page as quickly as I could. I loved Nora's dynamic with her sister, Libby. It felt so real and genuine given the situation they were placed in, and it deals with the discomfort of recognizing the flaws of a deceased loved one. Charlie and Nora's romance followed a trope I've rarely seen: grumpy x grumpy. I thought it was executed perfectly and the chemistry was off the charts, almost tangible. Nora's personal journey was slow, but enlightening in a way that felt very personal.

I can't wait to read what Emily Henry comes out with next!

Nora is a book agent who joins her sister Libby on a getaway to a small town. The small town just happens to be the backdrop of one of her popular romance authors. She is not really sure why Libby brought her, but Nora is willing to go along to support her worn out sister of two who has another on
the way. While Nora is searching for food the first night in town, she stumbles across Charlie, a book editor who rudely passed on said popular romance authors book. Why is he in the same town? And how can she avoid him?


This was a fantastic read with a lot of depth between Nora and her sister and between Nora and Charlie. Through the strains and joys of both relationships Nora grows and learns to love and let go. Highly recommended just like Emily Henry’s Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

Emily Henry has made me fall in love with this story, I think this one may be her best yet. I loved the development of Charlie and Nora's relationship. It gave me all the feels at the end! I also enjoyed the sister dynamics between Nora and Libby. This book was one that I stayed up late to finish reading! I couldn't put it down!

"When books are your life - or in my case, your job - you get pretty good at guessing where a story is going." From the opening line, Book Lovers pulled me right into it. I love a book about bookish people! Nora is a book agent in NYC and she sees the way book tropes play out in real life - including the fact that her last few boyfriends have broken up with her after going to a small town for work and falling in love with the local baker or Christmas tree farmer. We've all seen the movies - the "business business business" New Yorker can't compete with the charming small town girl next door, right?

Nora's sister Libby convinces her to go to a small town in NC for the summer and to make their own checklist of summer tasks including a date with a local and saving a local business. However Nora doesn't expect to run into Charlie there - an editor she knows from the city.

Honestly - at this point in the review, I think you probably know if this book is for you or not - it was very much for me and I loved so much about this book. To end with another quote from the book, "Sometimes, even when you start with the last page and you think you know everything, a book finds a way to surprise you."

Thank you to Berkley, Netgalley and Librofm for the advance reading and listening copies.