Cute, swooty, and fun! It was such a delight to read this. The characters are well developed and the romance wonderfully believable. You will want to root for their happy ending! Two new authors I will be looking out for future reads!

Sadly, I was not able to read this book as an ARC. I went to download it and it was already archived the day after I got approved to read it. I will read it in the future once my local library gets a copy and will come back and leave a better review :)

I’m editing review. I went into the book expecting something else. There were a lot of parts that really bothered me, like the way Fox watches her without consent. And Some of the dialogue was really problematic - specifically the Colin Kapernick part. But overall the book plot was fine and I did really enjoy Cady and Fox’s relationship together for the most part.

3.75 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book early. Rating and review are my own.

I think I will get the bad out of the way first. There is a lot about this story that felt weird. Quiet a few scenes where I struggled to really follow what people were doing. One second I would think one thing was happening and then I would have to go back and reread to figure out what was going on or if I had missed something. Another, was I personally found the way the characters got together and all the secrecy a bit weird. The book covers a lot darker subjects than the cutesy cover bare summary might lead you to believe. The plot and way a lot of the characters acted was often quite ridiculous.
That being said, the plot and the characters being ridiculous made me laugh so much. I honestly had a great time and even liked Cady and all her ridiculous “I’m not naïve so I’m going to invite the giant homeless man to shower in my home right after a mysterious break in to my home” behavior. Girl.
The characters were funny and I liked them. Fox grew on me the slowest but honestly, I enjoyed Cady being the sunshiniest girl to his grumpy voyeur stalker self. Cady loves that voyeur shit. I won’t yuck her yum lol but I know some people really like those stalker vibes. Oh yeah, the spicy scenes were well written and Fox can talk dirty and I loved that. I find my tolerance for dirty talk is a hard one to figure out what I find hot and what I find cringe and I think Fox was on the hot side. I think I saw a another review say he talked dirty like a Victorian vampire and I laughed. I guess that’s what I like lmao. Also, one character deals with PTSD and the other chronic pain and these were issues that were very much a part of the character’s lives and stories.
I would recommend this book to anyone who just wants a romance that is stupid fun but still deals with some serious topics without being too heavy. Just remember it is ridiculous.

2 stars. I hate to rate a Kerrigan Byrne book so low. I am a big fan of her historical romances. I haven't read anything else by Cynthia St. Aubin, so I don't know if this book fits her usual writing style. But I know that it is completely different than Byrne's usual writing style. The story was not bad. But the execution was a hot mess. None of the characters are likeable. Cady was one the worst "quirky, not like other girls, pick me" heroines I have ever read. Fox was a creeper that lived in a cave. The side characters were annoying. The "book store in a small town" setting had potential. But the writing and the dialogue was such word salad. It was so overwritten, wordy and convoluted, like it was trying too hard to be smart and different.

The book was just all over the place and messy. Much of it was confusing because of the wordiness, the story pacing was off and meandered about, and it was slow. I didn't feel any love or chemistry between Cady and Fox, but that was the least of this book's problems. I am disappointed that I didn't love one of Byrne's books, since I usually gobble them up. This was a hard read to even finish. I now know that her contemporary books are not for me. I am still a fan though and will keep to her Historicals.

I love a good grumpy sunshine romance and I adore the fact this book has both bigger girl and chronic illness rep, we need more of that in literature. When I started this book for some reason I swore up and down it was going to be a paranormal romance and was pleasantly surprised to discover Fox was not a vampire or a werewolf he’s just tortured. And I do love a hero with some issues. Loved this and can’t wait for book two as I will definitely be continuing the series. Also I want to live in this town

This was okay. Not my absolute favorite, but not terrible either. I liked the idea of it taking place in a bookstore, and the characters were interesting. Definitely give it a try if you're looking for a quick read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

I typically enjoy reading books about bookshops, which was partly why I chose this, and I thought the cover was colourful and eye-catching.

This book was a lot of fun. It was actually a lot steamier than I had initially expected, but that's a good thing, if that's what you're in the mood for. Aside from that, this book also made me laugh and cheered me up, which is never a bad thing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

I loved this book so much! I really didn’t know what it was about when I started reading it, but I quickly was obsessed! The characters are well developed, and I couldn’t help but love them all!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc. Arc provided in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

Okay. This read like a 12 year old’s first short story on wattpad. Why was this published? This book is a disgrace to authors who have worked really hard to get their books published and haven’t been found.

First of all, this book was marketed as a YA (in my opinion). From the cover to the description, never would I have guessed the extremely mature things in this. I was uncomfortable reading this book, but I finished it simply because I was given the arc. Can I get an applause for toughing it out?

To begin the actual review:
Where was the plot? Each character only exists to further the romance. What was Fawkes’s goals besides to get her in his pants? Every other sentence is about the love interest. I can’t imagine that these characters had a life before they met each other.

While we’re on the topic of Fawkes: He SCREAMS manly man, testosterone, get in the kitchen that’s where you belong vibes. I feel like the author skipped all the time developing her characters and simply just gave them two personality traits each.

Cady: Pick me, not like other girls
Fawkes: Man, Hot
Sherrif guy: hot, police man
Gemma: adhd

Gemma isn’t even given the luxury of two personality traits.

The author simply doesn’t know her characters, her plot, or her story. I think that she wanted a book about sex and bookstores and threw this together.

However, the bookstore aesthetic barely even stays! I wanted a cosy romantic book but got the opposite. After Chapter three, you hear absolutely nothing about the bookstore. WHERE DID MY VIBES GO KERRIGAN? i’m not mad, i just want it back.

The made up words were insane. I started sending pictures of the words to my friend, and it was so crazy. Here is a list of just a few:

1) his meat-puppet
2)his man-root
3) lady bits

there’s many many more.

I hated reading this. It was too mature for me but I was forced to read it for the arc.

Also, the authors terrible attempt at a love triangle was just sad. Every single character in this exists to further the romance, so the sherrif guy came. Automatically the author made this guy her “second choice”, so he wasn’t a valid contender at all. Speaking of…

We weren’t shown why Fawkes and Cady belong together AT ALL! Why did they fit, why should I root for them? I think that it was supposed to convey a “love at first sight” type thing, but that doesn’t work when the only reason they talk about liking each other is their bodies.
—
WHY IS FAWKES AN ACTUAL STALKER?!?!?!
“i’m watching her undress for her safety”
NO👏YOURE👏NOT

actual quote from the book
“‘You could be buck-a** naked in front of the window and no one could see in, unless they’re using binoculars from a boat, I suppose’ she said.
Or the plateau above the fountain.”

WATCHING HER SHOWER IS NOT PROTECTING HER!

wouldn’t recommend to literally anyone

Nevermore Bookstore had a cover and title that intrigued me. I am a sucker for a nerdy bookstore owner type, especially in a small town. The book starts out strong with the mystery phone conversations. As the plot went on however, I ended up scratching my head more than once. I didn't understand why "Fox" was out in the woods living this secret nomadic life. I spent most of the book wondering where we were going with this (I had some sci-fi, paranormal vibes for a tiny bit). He got a little creepy with his "protection" of her yet it really felt more like stalking. I did enjoy several book drops like "Outlander" (again - a bookstore is a great. There was some spicy scenes (which I didn't mind). All in all, I'm not mad that I read it - there was enough to keep me turning pages.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St Aubin for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

http://instagram.com/minnfinnfiction

In Nevermore Bookstore we immediately jump into a story about Cady and the mysterious caller only known as Fox. What the reader quickly figures out is that these two have a somewhat strange phone relationship, Fox buys books from Cady's bookstore but never wants to be seen by Cady because he can never be the guy that Cady needs. It's only obvious when a break in occurs during one phone call that Fox needs to reveal himself, even if Cady doesn't realize it at first.

I found this book to be quite silly and strange. There felt like no introduction in the book, we jumped right into the middle of the story. It was absolutely wild to me that anybody would be attracted to Fox/Fawkes the male main character. I understand what the writers were trying to do as far as the tortured soldier, but he was just written so strangely for me that it was very difficult to get into this story. I felt like at the end of the book we learned so much, and all major plot points (the few that we were introduced to in between sex scenes) were just all tied up in a matter of a couple of pages. I just don't know that I was the correct audience for this book, maybe next time. I feel like I have read romances that just have more substance than this one does. It is a read it and forget it type of book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

This book was just silly fun. Ridiculous premise, and it felt like they authors tried too hard to make their characters “quirky” and “different.” I read it, I was entertained, then immediately forgot about it when I was finished. It will not be winning any awards in my book (pun intended), but if you’re looking for a mindless story, this one fits the bill.

I’ll be completely honest, I saw the authors nand immediately requested an arc. Didn’t read the synopsis, just saw the authors and went for it. Thankfully, it worked out. Also, sorry I’m a month late on the review… life, you know? 😅

Now, due to the title and the cover, and the fact that I didn’t read the synopsis in my excitement at seeing/requesting the arc, I got it in my head this was a paranormal romcom. It’s not. It’s a regular romcom. Well, as regular a romcom can be when the FMC collects taxidermy opossums and the MMC lives in a cave… 👀 Yeah, I was confused too.

But have no fear! This book has substance! And crazy townies! And spice! Both MCs have real issues and are trying to cope with them in the best ways they know how. Watching them connect and open up to each other about what they were facing was surprisingly emotional and well written. The chemistry between Cady and Fox is palpable and you’re rooting for them from page one. Now, let’s get to the spice! It was good… the phone scene?? Yes. 🙏 The mouth on Fox…🥵🙌🔥 Playful, hot, tender, and funny. It’s hard to write a spicy scene that encapsulates all of those things, and yet, they did it!! It further showed how connected and right for each other the two MCs were.

Did I love the secretiveness of Fox’s identity? No, I’d have rather he introduce himself immediately, but I understood where he was coming from and it did make for some decent storylines. I could have done without the secondary love interest because, bleh, love triangles… not my cup of tea. Thankfully, it’s over fairly quickly and you know nothing is going to come of it right away. I still felt it was unnecessary and did nothing for the plot. 🤷‍♀️

The side characters and townspeople are a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to get to know more of their stories! Book two, featuring Townend’s most eligible bachelor, comes out in May! 🎉🙌

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher/authors for the complimentary arc. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Authors for this ARC.

I requested the book on the discription and the cover which I love but did not enjoy the book. I found Candy and Fox both super annoying. I found myself wanting to DNFing this but stopped myself and finished it but did not enjoy it. Not my cup of tea.

It was a cute, fun read. Overall, the plot was lacking a little bit, but if you’re looking for something simple, it’s a great pick.

Thanks netgalley et al for giving me an arc of this book for an honest review.

Cady has problems- a rapidly fusing spine, a nosey group of book club friends, a grieving heart for her recently passed aunt, and a bookshop she loves but might not legally own. She also has a standing phone date with a man shes never met, whos calls are the highlight of her week, and the thing keeping the Nevermore Bookstore afloat. The man on the other end also has problems, which is an exquisite understatement.

This book attempted to be super lighthearted around a lot of SUPER dark topics. I like how they dealt with cadys chronic illness and small town life...but that was basically it. i had a huge problem with the fact that the mmc was essentially stalking/peeping on the fmc for like a quarter of the book. Then there was a racially insensitive pubic hair joke. That made me pretty sure this book/series/author/universe aint for me.

Cover looked super. That's about the best thing I can say. Plot fell flat. Cady was annoying. Fox was obnoxious. Book just didn't hit right.

I have loved Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance so when I saw she was dipping a toe into contemporary romance I was excited to try it out. Nevermore Bookstore is the first book in the new Townsend Harbor series written by Kerrigan Bryne and new to me author Cynthia St. Aubin. This is definitely a book for those who like quirky broken characters, strange word combinations and imagery, don’t mind a little minor stalking and well, really just want to have a good time in a small town interesting characters.

Cady is broken…not so much emotionally, but there is some of that but physically. She has a spinal condition that causes her to have severe back pain, mobility issues and real use of only one hand. Cady inherited the bookstore from the aunt she lived with after her parents died. Just a few problems. She can’t find the deed to the bookstore, she is grieving the loss of her aunt and the thing she is most excited for every week is a call from some mystery man to order books. Her Pollyanna attitude to look on the bright side of things was something I really connected with and I loved how she really tries to have that positive mindset. So I liked Cady but there will be those who just don’t get her.

Fox, the mystery caller. Lets get this straight up front. I love the broken hero, the guy that has all the baggage, the guy trying to overcome or even thinks he can’t overcome until some one pulls him out. I’m a sucker for that guy. So I love Fox! But, if you struggle with that type of character that lurks in the shadows to be unseen and at times seems a little on the stalker side of life, watching the world but not being a part of it you are going to have huge issues with this book. I like him and all of his struggles. He likes Cady, he wants to protect her, wants to see her, but never expected her to see him. So when Cady’s bookstore is broken into and the line goes dead, Fox heads into town to protect this angel he has only spoken with on the phone and make sure whoever has targeted her can’t get to her.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It took me out of my head and I liked they wrote about characters with real issues, Cady and her back problem and Fox with his severe PTSD. They were more real to me because of this. Cady’s friendships and banter with her friends I found hilarious but it will be extremely hit or miss for readers I think. We also both love Ice Planet Barbarians (Blue Alien’s with interesting tooling), definitely in my Yum column.

Overall this is a fun story, with an unexpected villain and the HEA we always expect from a romance novel. I like this duo authorship and look forward to seeing the characters of Townsend Harbor again.

This was not the book for me. Sadly, I was deceived by the cover. This book was very problematic. I am not interested in any future books by the author.