Booked on a feeling by: Jayci Lee
5/5⭐️

Childhood friends to lovers romcom!

Lizzy has worked her entire life to get into the big city L.A. law firm. When she has a panic attack during her first ever opening statement, Lizzy decides to take a vacation. It just so happens she wants to vacation in the small town her childhood best friend Jack lives in. Jack has been in love with Lizzy since he was ten, but hasn’t made a move because he doesn’t want to lose her friendship. He wants to get his dream job in L.A.. Lizzy falls in love with a local bookshop and with the help of Jack, she helps the owner revamp it.

I love Jack. He’s such a sweet pea.

I really liked how much this book integrated Korean culture in the storyline.

I had to stop reading for a second when Jack started singing Gangnam Style and doing the dance. The image in my head was too funny.

This was light, sweet, and silly.

2.5/5🌶 there was a lot of buildup to the spicy scene, but then it ended up fading to black. I wouldn’t count this as a spicy book, maybe steamy though!

Booked on a feeling releases July 26th!

Thank you to the author and publisher for this arc!

I had to DNF this one about 30% in. I couldn't get into the story because it felt almost as if nothing was taking place. I think the pacing of the story wasn't for me and it hindered how much I was able to enjoy the story. Maybe I needed to read Jayci Lee's prior book to gain the background because I wasn't a fan of the story just jumping straight in and not really giving us context. Oh well, this one just wasn't for me!

This is a sweet and fluffy romance book about two characters who have been friends for 20 years before speaking up about their feelings. I liked the banter and how the characters felt genuine. The main setting is a bookstore - so there are lots of references to the romance genre and it was nice to see a character with a more serious career enjoy romance books.

They each tackle issues related to their ambition - Lizzy is an overworked lawyer from Los Angeles and Jack works at his family’s brewery. While Lizzy is burnt out and needs a change, Jack wants to move out of his small town. Although I liked how the writer included this relatable storyline, it is also one of the sources of miscommunication, which was frustrating. The epilogue was also way too fast, given that the bulk of the book takes place over 3 weeks.

Thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had high hopes for this one, and while I wasn't completely disappointed, I am never fond of romances where the entire plot hinders on poor communication between to grown adults. At thirty years old, omitting telling your romantic partner/best friend about a job opportunity seems pretty immature and the whole plot is really centered on this. It left me wanting more from the plot, and more from the book.

I also felt that there was some incongruence between the descriptions of the intimate scenes and the abrupt ending to them--it felt like the author was uncomfortable writing them, despite the lead up/foreplay.

Finally, the epilogue was sort of a mess? Who were all these people and why did they get names in the LAST chapter? I thought the bones were good, but it needs a find tuning before I'd rave about it.

Thank you to Net Galley and St Martins Press for a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review!

Booked on a feeling was so cute! I give it 3.5 stars

This was such an entertaining and quick read! I really enjoyed how the author wrote the friends to lovers trope. It was a lot more detailed showing how they really knew each other. There was so much passion between Jack and Lizzy which I loved. It also made me so hungry whenever they were talking about their family making Korean food!

It was a slow start to the book but I still would recommend this book for anyone looking for a friends to lovers book with some diversity!

Rating: Solid Book, 3 stars

I mostly enjoyed Booked on a Feeling by Jayci Lee, but it wasn't a favorite. There were several things that frustrated me and prevented a higher rating.

Booked on a Feeling follows power attorney Lizzy Chung in big-city LA who suffers a panic attack as she prepares for her first trial as the lead attorney, and Jack Park, a business whiz who helped get his family's brewery business onto the map in small-town Weldon. Jack and Lizzy have been best friends since they were children, and Jack has always carried a torch for Lizzy. Lizzy decides to run away to Weldon for a three week vacation to deal with her anxiety and burn out. She befriends local bookstore owner and helps her turn things around for the store by volunteering a lot of TLC. Jack signs up to help, and sparks fly from there.

This was a very sweet, and rather slowburn, friends to lovers romance. I really liked both characters as they were very sweet and earnest. The food descriptions in this made me so hungry as I read it, and I really loved all the bookstore renovation and planning.

What didn't really work for me was the pacing of the book and the big misunderstanding. I felt like there was something off with the pacing at the beginning of the story. I don't think that we had anything really happen between the characters until about 35-40%(ish), and I felt like the tension and buildup up to that point was mainly accomplished by a lot of repetition. We spent time in Jack's head constantly following the same thought tracks, one of which was "I love this girl so much but can't tell her or I lose her forever" and same thing for Lizzy, one of which was "wow, I think I'm attracted to my best friend." To a certain point I would have been fine with that, but it was just done so many times to depict the yearning and the self doubt (when the characters were thinking of their careers and future plans), that it felt like I was being beaten over the head with it.

The Big Misunderstanding that pulls the characters apart for a time was one that the readers sees coming the entire book, and it was one that I was very impatient to just get out of the way. I felt like the slow pacing at the beginning, combined with that really left me feeling somewhat impatient with the book.

So while I liked the characters and believed the romance, I was somewhat let down by the pacing and plotting, and that kept this from being a higher rating.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Booked on a Feeling releases on July 26, 2022.

3.5 - Lizzy Chung is an overachiever who has flourished as a lawyer on her way to making partner at her firm. After a grueling trial, she decides to head to Weldon, CA to recover from burnout and spend some time with her childhood best friend, Jack Park. He doesn't expect her, but decides it's time to get over his longtime crush.

This is a typical romance that doesn't get too deep into the characters or their emotions. The relationship between Lizzy and Jack stays mostly on the surface as they figure everything out. They definitely have palpable chemistry from the beginning, and though this is a childhood friends-to-lovers romance, it certainly isn't a slow burn. Both of them are at a crossroads, unsure of how they want to continue on in their lives. They don't really communicate this to each other, so there is some miscommunication near the end that I thought really didn't need to be there and cause the overarching conflict. This book did handle parental pressure really well, showing that both Lizzy and Jack were afraid to disappoint their parents and that was a deciding factor in their chosen career paths,

My biggest issue with this book was the lack of depth. Lizzy has a panic attack at the beginning of the book and we don't get enough background or follow up on it, I've recently read books where this topic is handled incredibly well, but her it felt like just a plot device and not good representation. I think that this could be triggering for some readers as it's not treated with enough care. Additionally, there were a few unnecessary plot points and there is one that never gets resolved. Those additions took away from the overall story and that time could have been put to better use.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this book. It was a really fast read and a perfect summer book.

{Review has been submitted to Under the Covers Book Blog for posting as well. This review will appear on underthecoversbookblog.com after release date.}

When Lizzy Chung, a conflict-averse lawyer on her way to making partner, has a panic attack during a hearing, she knows there’s only one thing to do: take an extended holiday to Weldon, California where she can spend three weeks relaxing in the company of her best friend of twenty years, Jack Park. But when Lizzy gets to Weldon, she discovers new feelings and new dreams when she and Jack spend their days helping renovate the small-town bookshop and their nights becoming more than just friends. But as Lizzy discovers new passions, she must also decide her right path: stay in Weldon to be close to Jack, or return to her lawyer life in LA to appease her mom.

Booked on a Feeling was so much more than a friends-to-lovers romance. Lee gives readers a story about finding love, finding happiness, satisfying others versus living your own life, and the big, scary decision to change careers.

A highlight for me throughout this book was how quickly both Lizzy and Jack realized they had feelings for each other. There was no beating around the bush with these two; they knew they loved their best friend, and I loved the dual POVs so we could really see them both opening up to the possibility of more. Usually, friends-to-lovers romances tend to move at a slower pace, but Lee didn’t hesitate to have these two realize their feelings sooner rather than later.

The chemistry between Jack and Lizzy was definitely strong. Backed by twenty years of friendship, these two were definitely on the same trajectory, moving in sync when it came to life and career changes.

Both Lizzy and Jack were Korean-American, and I loved the dynamics in both of their families; Lee gave us the full spectrum, from overbearing, unsupportive parents to loving, doting parents (who will always make sure you’re fed well every single time you visit). Both of their parents played a big role in the paths they chose, and I was really glad to see both sides represented, rather than just Lizzy’s cynical mother who would only accept Lizzy if she was a successful lawyer.

As big of a role as romance plays in Booked on a Feeling, I loved how Lee handled the crisis-inducing career change. Especially when parental expectations are high, starting over in a new line of work can be extremely daunting. Lizzy definitely felt it, and her fears and uncertainties came through on the page. I thought Lee handled these worries and fears both delicately and head-on, showing readers it’s okay to change course.

I had a hard time putting Booked on a Feeling down. Jayci Lee gave us way more than a fluffy friends-to-lovers romance; this story dives into owning our own path while also dealing with both family and our own self-imposed expectations. This friends-to-lovers romance will be a hit for anyone who’s ever dreamt of changing careers (a love for bookstores will only make this book that much more enjoyable).

This story was cute but friends to lovers isn’t a trope I read often.

I enjoyed the book enough and the story was cute. The writing was pretty good. I just found it a little slow paced and lacking for my taste.

4.5 stars!

I was hoping this book was going to be about Tara's brother Alex & Aubrey's coworker because it felt like book 2 was hinting at that. However, I really enjoyed the dynamic between Tara's other brother Jack & his best friend Lizzy. Friends to lover in not typically a trope I enjoy, but Lee did a fabulous job with this trope and the characters. I loved Lizzy & Jack, and their growth throughout the book. Also bonus that it featured not 1 but 2 bookstores!

Thanks to NetGalley & St Martin's Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

I think we found Netflix's next movie! Two long time best friends turned lovers- it's every girls dream scenario. I loved this story. Jack and Lizzy warmed my heart, especially Jack. The love he has for his best friend Lizzy is so adorable- and it goes to show that men can be insecure too when it comes to relationships. This wasn't your typical girl wants relationship but is afraid. Lizzy was a headstrong woman who knew what she wanted and would stand her ground for it (must be the lawyer in her). Rather, this was Jack who was in love in Lizzy for the past 20 years but could never admit it to her in fears of ruining their friendship. The best part? Their love story grew in the place where love stories grow.. a bookstore. Booked on a Feeling was such a feel good, light, heart warming, cute romance book.

This was a cute rom com but I feel like the story fell a little flat. At one point during the book I started skimming to see if it picked up. It wasn’t a bad book, just not for me.

DNF AT 30%

I couldn't connect with this one on any level and I simply wasn't enjoying it, so I won't be finishing it. I feel like this was made for a very specific type of reader: avid romance readers, and I'm not one of those!! nevertheless, thank you so much for giving me access to an arc and i hope other readers will love it and see it's potential where I did not.

I was drawn to this book because the title and cover are just so adorable, and the premise sounded very promising. Sadly, though, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d hoped to. It simply fell flat and I found myself skimming through to the end when I got about three-quarters in. The characters were fun to read about it, and the descriptions of the bookstores were entertaining. I appreciated the honest descriptions of Lizzy’s anxiety. Unfortunately, the miscommunication between Jack and Lizzy frustrated me so much that I had a really hard time enjoying it. There was also no description of their backstory, other than the reader being told they’ve been friends since they were ten. Beyond that, there was no establishment of their relationship. I would still try another book by this author, though, because this one did have a lot of promise.

ARC provided by Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review..

(3.5/5) I really think I would have liked the first two books in this series more, because the author is talented, but this book was just a reminder of why the friends-to-lovers trope is just inferior for me. Done well (a la People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry) it can absolutely work, but this book just wasn’t giving me the background info I wanted to really establish the two main characters’ 20 year friendship. Why now? Why at this point after 20 years??

Furthermore, there were too many “he thought she was adorable/adorkable/cute/etc” for me. And the one sentence where “Lizzy couldn’t keep her eyes off him, he was like a magnet for her eyes” literally made me roll my eyes and audibly sigh.

I feel like the predictability of this book made it boring to read; I usually go in trying NOT to predict what would happen and how things would end up and this book had me sure of the third act breakup cause and the resolution by like the third chapter.

Friends-to-lovers, you ARE the weakest link, goodbye.

This is a cute romcom. It centers around Lizzy, an attorney, and Jack, a brewery worker. Lizzy and Jack are best friends since childhood. Lizzy has been living in Los Angeles and working through her life checklist. She's currently working on becoming a partner at the law firm where she is employed. After she won her first case she begins to reevaluate her profession and what makes her happy. She takes some time off and goes to the small town of Weldon, where her best friend Jack lives. While there they reconnect and their friendship has the potential of becoming something more.

I found this book fun and the story cute. However, I was thrown a little by the unbelievability of a serious attorney - as Lizzy was supposed to be - behaving the way she does. Also, sometimes I was a little bored with the teenage-like romance of these two adult characters. There wasn't a lot of depth to the characters either.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on July 26, 2022.

This book was very cute!
Lizzy & Jack have an incredible relationship & if you love friends-to-lovers you’ll enjoy Booked on a Feeling.
I rated it 3⭐️ because it started out SOO SLOW & the first half of the book just seemed to drag.
Overall I enjoyed the story, the characters, & the romance!
Thanks for arc NetGalley & St Martins Press

Friends to lovers trope? Say no more, I’m always a huge fan!

This was a quick read that just left you feeling good. There was the perfect amount of build-up and the chemistry between the two MC was very well done. You know I love me some WITTY banter 😍

I’m so glad authors are finally writing about powerhouse, smart women. I related to the female MC a lot which was really nice. She is in a career she has worked her whole life toward and yet doesn’t feel fulfilled. It’s always cool when you can relate to the characters and see how their story unfolds. And this book takes you on such a beautiful journey as you discover their dreams!

My only complaint is I can’t stand miscommunication and there is quite a bit. But that’s my own issue lol.

Read if you like:
♡︎ friends to lovers
♡︎ miscommunication
♡︎ self-discovery
♡︎ following dreams
♡︎ big city folks moving to small towns

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin Press for allowing me to read this book for an honest review!

Thank you everyone for this early copy of Booked on A Feeling! I enjoyed this book and the whole storyline. I will say though that it got a little repetitive after a while. I felt like every day was the same for them in the bookstore, and I had predicted what would happen at the very beginning.
I felt that all the characters were likeable and relatable. I wish that there would have been a little more about the culture in the book. I think I also expected a little more spice based on how things were worded. Lol

This was a sweet romcom to read, however it did miss the mark for me. Lizzy and Jack were very relatable characters, which was a major strength of the book. Their love was cute and well written, but the quick flip of the romantic switch in both of the characters left little to explore for the reader and the ending was given away too early on.