✨Book Review✨
Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson
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Must Love Books is a book that I would highly recommend. Nora works as an editorial assistant at a company that mistreats her and devalues her on a regular basis. When they cut her pay, she can no longer make ends meet and is forced to find another job. She just so happens to find this job at a competing publishing house. All the while, she is assigned to signing author Andrew Santos, but where will she sign him? Is she just using him since she will gain from his success? Will this fact come between their blooming relationship?
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This book did a wonderful job balancing deep topics such as race and depression, with witty banter and light romance, all while taking Nora on a journey to find herself. If you like more mature coming of age books, this one will be for you. This book is really not a romance, but Nora and Andrew's relationship was one of my favorite parts of this story.
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I listened to the audiobook and loved it! Would highly recommend.

Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson promises to pack a powerful punch, but unfortunately falls short of the mark. While I normally LOVE career-focused fiction about professional women (in fact, these types of stories are some of my favorite to read because I love learning about different industries), Must Love Books failed to grab my attention almost immediately. I kept waiting for it to get better, and when it hadn't by the halfway mark, I just didn't care anymore, although I did drag my feet to finish the book. I think part of the problem with this novel is that it gives too much of the technical, mundane details of working a publishing job, instead of painting the industry in an intriguing way. Unfortunately, this book was just "ok" to me, and is not something that I can enthusiastically recommend to others.

I listened to an audiobook production of this novel narrated by Tyra Kennedy. This was my first audiobook read by Kennedy and I found her voice to nicely fit Nora's book nerdish character. Kennedy did read too slowly for me, and that combined with the already slow pace of this plot made me up the playback of the audiobook to 1.5 speed.

This book is now out! The title and cover of this book drew me in. I enjoy reading books with book themes so I was excited to read this one and it did not disappoint! Must Love Books was a fun, light hearted read. The book follows Nora, who works for a publisher, as she struggles with being stuck at her job and making ends meet. I enjoyed getting a little insight into the publishing world and how things work. The characters were very likable and I really felt for Nora as she found the right path for herself.

Thank you Net Galley and Sourcebooks for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

Welcome to the world of publishing! ... as seen through the eyes of Nora, an editorial assistant at Parsons who is just steps away from getting her dream job, when an organizational reorg shatters her professional dream. Instead of giving up, Nora looks to get a second job in the same industry, but soon learns that it might not have been the best idea, especially when her love interest happens to be an author who is of interest for both of her workplaces.

At first, the book gives up vibes of a workplace drama, but the slowly drifts into rom-com, only to go back to the dramatic storyline. In some ways it gives vibes similar to “The Devil Wears Prada”, but as opposed to the second book, the character of Nora seems more lost and less defined, apart from her skin colour, which pops-up as a topic of discussion through the book. The supporting characters are also more or less of support to the main character, and there are times when Nora’s story might have taken a better direction if her peers would have provided her with more clear guidance.

When it comes to the writing style, the story seems to be moving really slow, with the exception of a scene from the end of the book. It was useful to go through the book in audio format at a faster pace, as I had the opportunity to pick-up the pace.

Special thanks to NetGalley, OrangeSky Audio, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads!

#LifeLongLearning #MustLoveBooks #NetGalley

This book is perfect for the quarter life crisis. Nora thinks publishing is her dream job is working in publishing, but she feels stagnant and unfulfilled. When she meets Andrew Santos, She starts questioning her happiness level and if publishing is really where she belongs.

Filled with classic romance novel antics, somehow this didn’t feel like a romance novel. Of course there was love in this story, but the focus wasn’t on the romance. I liked this aspect because it showed that someone’s happiness doesn't have to depend on another person, and that Nora had to figure out what she needed in order to feel fulfilled because she knew that another person could not cause her happiness, but add to it. It would have been nice to have some spicier and swoon-worthy love scenes, though.

I think I liked the book because I could see myself if Nora. She felt so unsure of herself and doubted so much of her abilities. She spent so much of her time trying to figure out who she was. While she loved books, she had to rediscover why and what place they held in her life.

I loved all the references to Black classics, a nod to her multiracial heritage. I always love seeing representation of Black books in other books; it really shows the intentionality of showcasing these books.

Overall, I enjoyed really connecting to the story of trying to find yourself. If we have to spend so much of our time working a job, we might as well find meaning in it. This is for anyone who must love books.

This debut novel was good! I enjoyed Nora's journey of self discovery. While the ending was predictable, I still found it enjoyable. It's a good choice for fans of realistic fic and/or romance.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
[TRIGGER WARNINGS: Depression, racism, suicidal thoughts].

Must Love Books is a heartwarming, cleverly written book about Nora who works in the publishing world of books. But it's not all Nira was hoping it would be and she longs to find a spark of happiness and joy within her life.
This book tackles some serious topics such as depression and suicidal thoughts and even racism, but does them in a great way. I am going through similar feelings as Nora right now with feeling no spark in my life and suffering with depression and this book was a calming read for me to make me feel I'm not alone.
There are some romantic elements in this book which was great to mix up the story a little and I loved the romantic atmosphere between Nora and Andrew too.
If you love books about books and light romance you'll enjoy this read.

Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson

Pub Date: 17 Feb 2022

Thank you to @netgalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

This book is about an editorial assistant at a publishing house who discovers her dream job isn't the best. A bunch of obstacles are thrown in her way such as a as a hotshot author author and trying to keep her own life afloat.

See synopsis below:

When Nora landed an editorial assistant position at Parsons Press, it was her first step towards The Dream Job. Because, honestly, is there anything dreamier than making books for a living? But after five years of lunch orders, finicky authors, and per my last emails, Nora has come to one grand conclusion: Dream Jobs do not exist.

With her life spiraling and the Parsons staff sinking, Nora gets hit with even worse news. Parsons is cutting her already unlivable salary. Unable to afford her rent and without even the novels she once loved as a comfort, Nora decides to moonlight for a rival publisher to make ends meet...and maybe poach some Parsons authors along the way.

But when Andrew Santos, a bestselling Parsons author no one can afford to lose is thrown into the mix, Nora has to decide where her loyalties lie. Her new Dream Job, ever-optimistic Andrew, or...herself and her future.

#MustLoveBooks #NetGalley

Nora loves books, so imagine how happy she was when she snagged a job in publishing! But, five long years later of staying in the same position of editorial assistant and reading boring business books, Nora is unhappy. Soon life is shaken up by author Andrew Santos.

I always love reading books that peek into the publishing world, and this novel shows many sides of that world (even the not so great parts). What bookish person doesn't love everything books?! I could relate to Nora in her dreams of reading fiction novels for a living. While reading I felt sad yet hopeful for Nora's path. Much of the novel it seemed that she didn't really do anything to help herself, which was a bit disappointing. However, I did like that Must Love Books incorporated what it is like to deal with depression and how it can make life difficult. Overall this book was good and I would recommend it to other readers who enjoy bookish type books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Source books for my eARC.

Must Love Books by Sauna Robinson follows Nora who thought when she landed an editorial assistant position at Parsons Press, it was her first step towards The Dream Job. Because, honestly, is there anything dreamier than making books for a living? But after five years of lunch orders, finicky authors, and per my last emails, Nora has come to one grand conclusion: Dream Jobs do not exist. With her life spiraling and the Parsons staff sinking, Nora gets hit with even worse news. Parsons is cutting her already unlivable salary. Unable to afford her rent and without even the novels she once loved as a comfort, Nora decides to moonlight for a rival publisher to make ends meet…and maybe poach some Parsons' authors along the way. But when Andrew Santos, a bestselling Parsons author no one can afford to lose is thrown into the mix, Nora has to decide where her loyalties lie. Her new Dream Job, ever-optimistic Andrew, or...herself and her future.

I don't think this book is the most memorable book I've ever read but it was an enjoyable read in the moment. I related to the main characters career and life uncertainty and of course her love of books.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted a lot more from this book. It just didn't deliver. I think others will find the story great, I just couldn't get into it.

3.5 rounded up. I enjoy books about books, libraries, bookstores etc., so this sounded like a book I would enjoy. Must Love Books takes us into a small publishing house, Parsons, where Nora Hughes is an overworked editorial assistant. She is working towards her dream job of becoming an editor, but five years later, she is no closer to it than she was when she was hired. When her salary is cut to a point that she can't pay her rent, she takes on a job with another publisher on the QT, possibly leading to full time, and hoping to poach some authors to take with her. When she is assigned to get best selling author, Andrew Santos to resign with Parsons, things get complicated. Is he interested in her as a person of as someone working for Parsons? Can she live with herself knowing what she is doing is morally wrong?

This seemed to be a realistic look at publishing and young people in the workforce. Nora was hard to like at times, but she was trying to survive, dealing with being overworked, as well as dealing with depression. She definitely has flaws, but also has some positive traits such as hardworking and caring. Even when she was working two companies against each other, she had a sense of guilt. I really liked Andrew. He makes Nora look at herself and figure out what she really wants out of life. He supports her most of the time until her secret is revealed. I will say, he does string her and Parsons along, which frustrated me, but again, that's business. My biggest complaint is that the middle of the story dragged quite a bit, but it does pick up again. This is not a light-hearted romance, but a story of finding yourself, what you really want out of life and friendship leading to romance. It also spends a lot of time looking at Nora's mental health, which is also very timely, but it did add to the darker side of a story that sounded like a romcom from the blurb. The ending is hopeful and uplifting. I think if the book description had been closer to what the story entailed, I might have enjoyed it more. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tyra Kennedy. She does a great job with the story, which kept me engaged during the slower parts of the story. I will watch for more books she narrates.

Must Love Books is easy to get into, and the characters are lovely. I enjoyed the process of reading it. But i didn't really enjoy the audiobook, I found it hard to connect with the speaker.

TW for suicide, anxiety, depression

Okay, so I requested this book because of the title and the cover. I expected something of the chick-lit genre - beleaguered and clumsy/introvert heroine, handsome hero, sparks flying, little problems, and a happy ending.

This book was... unexpected. For one, it opened my eyes to life in publishing. I always have had a secret dream of working for a publishing company (oh, to be in the company of books!) but this book effectively drilled into my brain that it is not a choice of career I should be making any time in the future.

Nora was a typical chick-lit heroine until the story turned darker with suicide being mentioned more than once. The chemistry between the lead pair seemed forced. I also didn't care for some of the choices Nora made throughout the book.

Loved the interview with the author at the end of the audiobook, though.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Thanks to Netgalley, OrangeSky Audio, and Shauna Robinson for the audio ARC.

I've been thinking about how to review this book for a while now. It's a tough one for me to pinpoint what I liked vs. didn't like and honestly, I think my dissatisfactions fall more on me and my expectations vs. the author.

For starters, I really struggled connecting to Nora. The continued lying was just something that wasn't hitting home for me. But on the flip side, I really appreciated that author's inclusion of Nora's struggle with depression. Any book that shares a character's mental health struggles in automatically something I am thankful for. As a lifelong anxiety suffer myself, I completely understand where the main character is coming from in some of her decisions and feelings but overall, she wasn't a main character I really enjoyed reading about.

Also, this one was SLOW. I struggled staying invested in the middle of the story. Again, I think this falls more on my personal preference then the author. Honestly, I really enjoyed the writing style. I think from the cover and synopsis I was expecting a lighter, romcom type romance and this definitely did not fall into those categories for me.

But I could not finish my review without noting that the narrator was fantastic! She really brough this story to life in a way only a good narrator could. She is absolutely a narrator I am putting on my radar.

Reading through the other reviews, there are so many others who really enjoyed and connected with this story so please don't let my thoughts stop you from giving this one a try. Just go into it knowing I wouldn't call it a light romance. I usually enjoy going into most books blind, but I think having a little more background on this one first would have helped me to enjoy it more.

This was such a cute read about love and books. It was exactly what the synopsis said it was. If you like to read abut cute, angtsy, romance with book lovers, this is for you Def recommend it!

Nora is struggling to succeed in the world of publishing. She just can’t seem to get the job she dreams of. When her company down sizes, she decides to take matters in her own hands. She moonlights for a competing publishing company. Throw in a handsome author with a decision to make into the pot…and Nora has a world of trouble.

This story drags in places. I had such high hopes for this book. I wanted more book references and basically more interaction between Nora and Andrew. Both are good characters and have a connection, even if I wanted to pinch Nora’s head off most of the time. The story is mostly about Nora’s job and her inability to make ends meet. But, have no fear…it all comes together in the end. It definitely ended on a great note!

Need a wonderful, feel good novel with a happy ending! THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Let me start by saying I liked this book. I related to the main character's struggle figuring out what she wants to do with her life. The writing was good, and there were some genuinely cute moments. The problem was my expectations. I was expecting a more lighthearted romance-focused book, but this heavily focused on the Nora's mental health struggles more than anything else. That isn't bad, it's just not what I was expecting to read. I think if you go in knowing that, you will have a much better experience with this book.

This is such a great well done debut. I love books about books and this did not disappoint. This book has a little of everything . It deals with real life issues, romance and the struggle to stay on the path of life that can be so overwhelming.

Nora Hughes is overworked and underpaid and when a series of layoffs challenge her already meager earnings she decides to add a side job. However, the job she choses is in direct conflict with her current role so what starts out a some half truths and omissions ends up nearly costing her everything. I really struggled with the comparison of this book to the The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. It was not light and romantic. Nora struggles with depression and this book was tough at times which is not at all like Nina Hill and as the cutesy cover indicates. However, Nora's struggles were realistic and the moral dilemma gave us much to consider when people are put in difficult situations. Also, I thought the humor and dialogue were really well done. I would have appreciated a more honest description so I wasn't expecting a fun rom com and I would have enjoyed Nora's journey much more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by Shauna Robinson from OrangeSky Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.

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