Drew Young hasn't had time to mourn her grandmother's passing. Instead, she's been focusing her life on the bookstore her grandmother left her. She's feeling inadequate because she doesn't have her grandmother's charm or knowledge of books. She doesn't even have a love of books. Her love was photography but she had to give that up in order to run the store. Her grandmother's cronies are trying to help (probably) by getting a hot romance author to come in to talk to the book club. Drew is not impressed. Not by his handsome face, or gorgeous eyes, or charm... When the cronies set them up on a date, she is REALLY not amused. But Jasper manages to charm her anyway. But he's keeping some secrets that Drew might not appreciate.
Drews love for her grandmother and her grandmother's love for her both shine through and are the best part of this story. There are also some subplots with Drew's half-sister who is trying to get to know Drew better and Drew's father who is not nearly so nice.

Four stars
This book comes out November 8, 2022
ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

4 A Charming Read Stars!

This is my first book by Alexa Martin and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It has so many things to love about it…a woman that has had her heart broken in the past, a group of older women that are determined to help her out in so many ways including when it’s evident she’s in over her head with the bookstore she inherited and of course a swoony hero in the form of romance author Jasper Williams.

I adored his determination to prove to Drew that reading provides us the opportunity to escape our everyday lives with the beauty of words on a page. Drew was hard sell too… she’s a photographer so her whole world has revolved around that until her Aunt dies and changes everything she knew. It’s quite the journey Drew takes not only with Jasper but The Dirty Birds as well! These women are a freaking hoot!! They live large and loud and aren’t afraid to go after what they want in life. I had many moments of laughing out loud with these women.

The more I read, the more I loved this book. The characters are well developed and there’s a definite progression in how Drew changes the further I got into the book. The story comes together so well that at the end of the book I was a little sad that I was done. I’m definitely going to be re-reading this book again and will definitely add Ms. Martin to my list of authors to read.

Photographer Drew is struggling to keep her late grandmother's bookstore afloat. When author Jasper comes for a book signing, she agrees to help him scout local landmarks for use in his next novel. He lives a nomadic life, and she doesn't trust love. Do they have any hope for their own happy ending?

I loved this book! The voice is strong and engaging, the characters vibrant and likeable. Jasper's kindness and devotion are exactly what Drew needs in order to learn to trust again.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

In Better than Fiction, Drew inherited her grandma’s bookstore but… Drew doesn’t read. She does, however, offer to show a hunky romance author all the sights in Denver for material for his upcoming book. This romcom has given us all a new book boyfriend, Jasper. Their banter was entertaining, the struggles that Drew faced from giving up her dreams and battling with a jerk of a father were emotional and very real but Drew’s grandma’s friends stole the show. They added much needed levity at times, particularly when Drew was whining. So setting aside my annoyance that Drew didn’t read but owned a bookstore, this was a fun escape romcom with all the happy ever after vibes.

Review: This was a great adult romance novel! I really liked the writing, and the voice of the main character. Overall, this is definitely a book I would recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

This book was sweet, sad, and quite a bit spicy….and I loved it! My first impressions of Drew was that she is a gorgeous, curvy biracial woman with curls for days who loved her grandmother and wanted to continue her life’s work. Jasper, a nervous, sexy man with chameleon-like qualities with the right outfit. Who wouldn’t want the author of so many dream book boyfriends to actually be one in the flesh? Talk about meta.

My first thought when Drew was given books to ignite her love of reading (who wouldn’t love to do that for a friend, let alone some you are romantically interested in), was that he gave her Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but who knows?

My favorite part of this book was that Drew clearly stated that she wasn’t going to be playing games; that she would be honest and upfront with Jasper about how she felt. While conflict like that can add drama, it was unnecessary for this story. What little conflict that occurs gave the book (and Drew) a kick in the butt to do what she wants to do with her life, and who with.

I was blown away by how quick and easy this read was without sacrificing plot or content. I NEED to go and read more from this author.

A bestselling romance author falls for a bookstore owner who doesn't like to read. With a plot like that, of course I was in!

You'll love 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 by Alexa Martin if you enjoy:
📚 Books about books
🥰 Swoonworthy book boyfriends
👵🏾 Sassy old ladies
👭🏾 Fabulous female friendships
🏔️ The outdoors
🤦🏽‍♀️ Messy family dynamics

3.5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing for the copy to review.

Better than Fiction is the sensational, charming, sexy new novel from the talented Alexa Martin. While not centered around Thanksgiving or Christmas I’d still describe it as a perfect holiday read because it definitely spreads joy and cheer.

If there’s one thing Drew Young can’t stand it's a novelized HEA. Sure, she enjoyed fairy tales and romances as a girl, but if her parents’ divorce has her anything it’s that love stories are for suckers. Her folks' bitter split left her hating books and pretty much everything about them, even if those stories didn’t deserve the blame and her father most definitely did. Her unreasonable hatred of all things novelized, however, did not extend to her grandmother’s shop, The Book Nook. Drew spent many hours of a happy childhood there, playing among the stacks, doing homework in the office, and just hanging out with the grandmother she loved so much. Still, it comes as a surprise to her when, after her nana’s death, she receives not just the necklace she promised but the store as well. Drew is determined to honor her gran’s legacy but can a self-proclaimed book hater really become a successful bookseller?

Fortunately, she has help. The Dirty Birds, her grandmother’s book club made up of seven dear older women who refuse to act their age, are determined to make Drew a success. And not just with the store - they have plans for her personal growth, too. And those plans include getting Drew to be interested in romance in narrative form - which she is actively resisting - and in real life. Which Drew also plans to resist.

But the Dirty Birds like to play, well, dirty. Making sure that Drew has a date with non-other than bestselling romance author - and hottest man alive - Jasper Williams is their first step in changing Drew’s mind about love both on and off the page. Drew tries to hold out, but Jasper’s request that she play his tour guide around her beloved Colorado is one she simply can’t say no to. It isn’t long before she finds herself living the kind of romance she believed only happened in books. But the course of true love never did run smooth and our characters are about to discover how little problems can turn into big hurdles on the way to an HEA.

I loved pretty much everything about this tale. I was initially concerned that a book hater and I would not click but Drew won me over almost immediately. It helps that there is no disrespect of readers or writers involved in her novel issues. It also helps that Drew is a warm, wonderful, independent woman who is a great friend, boss, and girlfriend. I loved that she is vulnerable in her relationship with her truly despicable father - his actions always left her hurt - but that doesn’t make her a pushover. She allows herself grief and anger while remaining strong and honorable. I also loved how she is open to change while still remaining true to herself.

I adored Jasper, too, although he is a touch too perfect. He’s kind, understanding, gentle, generous, and loving - I could fill the page with superlatives and still not do him justice. He’s the ultimate romance hero, which makes him the perfect foil for Drew in lots of ways . With the story revolving around Drew’s lack of faith in happily ever afters, it seemed fitting that her own love story would be the stuff of romance novels. It’s a sweet meta-style joke that lauds the genre while still giving a wink and a nod to the sheer unbelievability of some aspects of it.

As a couple, they’re solid gold. They bring out the best in each other, help each other grow, have natural, wonderful chemistry and it was nirvana to watch them fall in love. And for those wondering, yes he does encourage her to read but no, it is not a big issue between them. They have plenty in common without that.

I also absolutely adored how the secondary characters are handled here. They’re genuine support players, fleshed out enough to be more than cut-outs but not so much that they take up unnecessary page space. Elsie, Drew’s bestie, and her half-sister Daisy are especially well done. Elsie is the kind of friend everyone should have - blunt without ever being mean, honest only when they feel that’s what’s best for you but willing to lie to make you feel better, a cheerleader, a shoulder to cry on and the helping hand that’s always there when you need it. I absolutely loved her frank conversations about motherhood and her willingness to embrace the people who are important to Drew. Daisy has a more complicated relationship with Drew simply because they didn’t grow up together and come from very different backgrounds. Daisy’s rich, white mom had more power in the relationship with their dad than Drew’s own Black, middle-class mom ever did and that affected how their father treated each girl. They work through their issues fairly easily but I appreciated that it does take some effort, honesty, and vulnerability on both their parts.

I did have a few very minor quibbles with the tale, however. Drew makes too big a deal out of Jasper’s one mistake but hey, I understood the novel needed some conflict. Their reunion scenario more than made up for that. The story also really doesn’t resolve the daddy issue, but I’m hopeful that Daisy will get her own book and this situation will receive more attention there.

Better than Fiction is better than most fiction (sorry, couldn’t help myself). I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

Buy it at: Amazon, Audible or your local bookshop
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I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of grief. My mother died when I was in my early 20s - I call the first year as my "un-year". Drew experiences a similar experience - struggling to have a life after her grandmother's death; her grandmother was her person, a source of love, laughter and support.
Months later, Drew still wonders why she inherited her grandmother's beloved bookstore. As a non-reader, Drew cannot seem to connect with her customers, or the community to help draw business.
Until her grandmother's book club, The Dirty Birds, invites romance author, Jasper, to speak at the store.
I loved Drew and Jasper's interactions. Hot mess, realistic and funny. Jasper convinces Drew to give hiking tours - his next book will be set in Colorado; Drew gets a list of book recommendations with the hope to spark a love for reading.
I enjoyed these characters - especially the comradery between Drew and her women friends. Rebuilding her relationship with her sister - which I hope is the next book!

There are not many things which I think are better than reading (aka Better than Fiction), but getting to spend a weekend with the beautiful big Malamute rescue that my friend picked up while I was visiting her in Washington was up there, adding to her pack of big puppers! Zoe and I had a weekend full of adventures and cuddles, and I am sad to be back in MA without her. Talking to my friend, I heard that Zoe is wandering the house looking for me, so she is feeling similarly. If only it were easier to transport a 100+ lb dog from WA to MA - and if only Fatty were a bit better with pups…
I devoured Better than Fiction while out of town - it was such a fun read! Drew, the MC, has inherited her grandmother's bookstore, even though she doesn't like to read (ahh the horror!). Her grandmother's friends have a book club at the store, the Dirty Birds, and they are hilarious, meddling in Drew's life. I love the way Alexa Martin writes with such a natural sense of humor, even when writing about toxic family drama - and the 🔥 steam! It also made me want to travel to visit Colorado again soon!! I had trouble with Drew overreacting (in my opinion) to a major plot point, but I loved how it was resolved. This was one of my most anticipated 2022 reads and it lived up to my high expectations! Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Better than Fiction comes out tomorrow and I highly recommend it to romcom fans!

Drew Young hates books. Always has and she can never imagine that changing. However, some of her fondest memories were spent at her grandmothers book store called the Book Nook. She was very very close to her grandmother, and she misses her now that she has passed away. Something else Drew misses. now is her love of photography. Her grandmother has left the bookstore to her and now this is where Drew must spend most of her time. For years she has also spent time around the shop’s resident book club that included seven old ladies who kept her on her toes. They are still very involved in Drew’s life.

A book signing has been set up by best-selling author Jasper Williams, a guy who Drew really likes on sight. As Jasper is plotting out his next book, he stays in town for a while looking for a Inspiration and he comes up with a plan. If Drew can help him he can teach her what it takes to really love reading. As Drew is a quite accomplished photographer, she knows all of the best places in and around Denver, including white water rafting, mountain climbing, and more.

One thing is clear in this wonderful read by Alexa Martin, Drew and Jasper are very drawn to one another and the more time they spend with each other the more this is made clear. Meanwhile, Drews father is very unhappy with the decision that his mother left the bookstore to Drew and he will do anything he can to get it back, further underlining the fractured relationship the two have always had. while Drew has to deal with her difficult father, she has two very good people on her side and that is her sister and her dearest friend.

With any romance there is conflict and while it is wonderful to see how close Drew and Jasper get, wondering where the shoe will drop in their growing relationship is something that was handled quite well in this book. This made this book of a talented author and a book hater coming together as a beautiful couple despite the hurdles that they faced. As this book is my very first introduction to Alexa Martin, I can say that it was well worth the wait.

Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/dmrUiOxB134

I loved the way Jasper cared about Drew in this book and how supportive he was of everything she has gone through. The way Drew found herself throughout the book was very heartwarming and it was easy to feel the emotions she was experiencing. My only critique is that the way they got together was very quick and from this it almost came out of nowhere. I would have liked to see more buildup before they finally got together.

Better than Fiction follows the aftermath of Drew Young inheriting her grandma's bookstore. Here she meets bestselling author Jasper Williams and the two are determined to help each other. As they connect in ways Drew didn't think possible, outside forces start to play a role.

I enjoyed how Alexa built the connection between Drew and Jasper. It felt as though I was right there with them falling in love. I wish that we had gotten more closure with Drew's dad and her, but overall I liked how things worked out for her.

I can't wait to see what Alexa Martin comes up with next!

I received a gifted advance copy of BETTER THAN FICTION by Alexa Martin for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, PRH Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Publication Date: 11/8/2022
Rating: 3.5 / 5

BETTER THAN FICTION follows Drew, a young woman who has inherited her grandmother’s bookstore, Book Nook. It is a place full of memories for her as her father abandoned her and started a new family when she was young, so her grandmother stepped in to provide the love she needed. Drew had plans to leave town and use her photography skills to take her on new adventures, but she drops everything to keep the Book Nook alive in her grandmother’s memory.

When some of her bookstore patrons and friends arrange for a bestselling author to come to the store to do a signing, Drew knows it will be good for business even if she’s not the romantic or the book reader that Jasper is. When she learns that he’s in town researching locations for his next book which will be set here, he and Drew strike a bargain. She’ll show him some of the best parts of Denver and he’ll give her a list of books to reignite her love of reading.

Running a bookstore as a non-reader must be such a challenge! I definitely felt for Drew and her love for her grandmother, but inheriting the bookstore put her in a very difficult position where she felt pulled in different directions. I did struggle a bit with the fact that she didn’t even give reading a try. Surrounded by books like that and even participating in a book club, how could you resist?!

Even if it wasn’t Drew’s personal passion project, I did enjoy reading about the Book Nook and the community of people who surrounded Drew. It sounds like a shop I’d love to have in my neighborhood. I really enjoyed Jasper too and his try anything attitude. I wanted a bit more of Drew’s reading adventure and thought that could have been fleshed out a bit more, but overall it was a fun read!

BETTER THAN FICTION is out today!

This is word porn to a book lover "You turn me into a Colorado lover and I'll turn you into a book lover!" - said Jasper Williams, famed romance author. YES YES YES

Better than Fiction is a dream romantic comedy - a bookstore and a sexy romance writer SOLD!
Jasper Williams is a hunky, cross fit loving writer who hosts a book signing at The Book Nook, a bookstore Drew inherited from her grandmother. Unbeknownst to her, the scheming elderly book club ladies are trying to set her up with him. Drew finds herself his dedicated tour guide around Denver so he can be inspired for his next romance, and in return he agrees to share with her books to ignite a passion for reading.

Their misadventures around Denver are comical and absolutely adorable. Someone please tell me the lists exists that each completed of the "where" they'd travel and "what" she'd read. This romance is one you'll definitely need to find on the shelf of your local bookstore.

NEED - fan fiction of one of Jasper's romance novels PLEASE

Thank you Berkley for the complimentary copy.

Life is full of surprises. BETTER THAN FICTION is an inspiring look at Drew's journey as her life is uprooted and her dream career is derailed as a photographer. Drew is now the proud owner of a bookstore and she doesn't even like to read books! Her grief over her grandmother's passing is all encompassing. Her own parents are always conveniently absent and her father acts entitled and arrogant. So, Drew loved life with her grandma and has fond memories of their years together. Now, she must face managing a store without her.

Although, the shop's resident book club of seven feisty old ladies begin to interfere with Drew's plans. Starting with getting bestselling author, Jasper Williams, to do a book signing. But, is that all they do? No, and they pretend to know what's best for Drew and her life.

Jasper, a handsome fella and a famous romance author, needs inspiration for his next new novel. He is shocked that Drew hates reading. They make a deal, Drew will take Jasper around to the famous sites in Colorado and Jasper recommends books for her to read. Jasper hopes to instill a love for reading in Drew. Drew relishes being with Jasper, as he is easy on the eyes. She better be careful or she might fall for his flirty ways. Jasper enjoys every minute with Drew. Their attraction is obvious. Is love on the horizon?

Wow, what I would give to have my own bookstore! BETTER THAN FICTION is a treasure trove of romantic fun, humor, a dream hero, adventures, endearing characters, and surprises galore. Nothing goes as planned, Drew finds out the hard way after her Grandma's untimely death. She is owner of a bookstore and seven spirited ladies are gossipy busybodies and more, including securing a famous author to do a book signing. Drew is drawn to the dashing Don Juan. Do Drew and Jasper hook up? Ms. Martin perfectly plots a pleasing love story filled with angst, surprises, romance and family problems. The story is very addictive and I couldn't put it down! BETTER THAN FICTION is like a chocolate covered strawberry. Hard coating on the outside but deliciously sweet on the inside!

I love a good Alexa Martin novel, and this one is right on par with expectations. Solid and wonderful female friendships and a little bit of steam. It's not super spicy, but any book with a hot and kind author as the hero works for me.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book and proceeded to read the acknowledgments right after. I needed to get into Alexa’s mind to see where this beauty of a book came from. Multilayered and engaging - a honey spoon for any reader. I will forgive Alexa for using ‘she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding’ TWICE in this book but beware: TikTok might be coming for you :)

Jasper is a quintessential book boyfriend, a swoon-worthy dream of a man. Well done!

DNF at 49%. Really wanted to love this…but, sadly, this one wasn’t for me. Characters felt one-note and, as a result, I couldn’t get emotionally invested in the romance. Though I craved a bit more depth, I think the author did an excellent job portraying Drew’s grief!

I’m sure this will appeal to many looking for a quick, sweet bookish read.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Believe it or not, fellow book lovers, but owning a bookstore isn't everyone's dream [cough: Drew] and some people don't even like to read [gasp! Drew!]. With more than a little grief and stubbornness, family drama, career angst, and meddling elders, Drew Young is stuck in a story she never wanted to pick up but can't in good conscience put down. She has a great supportive friend and bookstore help, but she's still feeling stuck and hopeless. Enter hot, swoony romance author Jasper Williams. Can his outlook on life and sizzling romantic attention help Drew get out of her head and into the story she deserves? Can her enthusiastic love for her Colorado mountain town and a life lived outside of books inspire and ground him beyond the scope of his next manuscript? Romance readers know the answers: yes and yes. But not without some third act drama and plot twists along the way.

What sets this love story apart? A beautiful Colorado area that is explored rather than just used as set dressing, a main character who is allowed to be real and complex, fun pop culture references and banter, an incorrigible group of meddling old aunties, spot-on behind-the-scenes bookstore details, steamy chemistry with a sweet-hearted man, and the satisfying awakening of the joy of reading in a self-proclaimed book hater.