A beautiful love story about the power of books!

Happy pub day to Love at First Book! This one actually shocked me by how much I enjoyed it. At the beginning, I wasn’t too sure, but it definitely grew on me. The way Kieran and Emily connected through their love of literature was absolutely beautiful and by far my favorite part of the book. The town of Finn’s Hollow was a delightful setting with a wonderful cast of characters to liven it up. Did I start looking at library and bookstore jobs in Scotland when I started reading this book?? Yes, 100% (I know this takes place in Ireland, but I just went to Scotland and need to go back).

While I felt that Kieran and Emily’s relationship was well done and very well developed, I think the story lacked Emily's connection with other characters. When she first arrived in Finn’s Hollow, it was such a big change for her, and we see her connecting with her landlords, Siobhan, and the other workers at the bookstore. However, as her relationship with Kieran progressed, it felt like those relationships fell to the wayside. This story could have easily been longer and more cohesive if we had spent more time cultivating those relationships, particularly Emily and Siobhan’s because Siobhan became such an important person to Emily, but we don’t really see them connecting beyond Tig McMorrow (which is incredibly important, but in the end, it still felt like their relationship was missing something).

I usually don’t enjoy romances with a single POV, but I actually enjoyed this one. I still feel like we got to know Kieran as much as Emily. Emily as a narrator wasn’t my favorite. It seemed like she was constantly telling people she was quiet and introverted, but she wasn’t too quiet. She spoke up for herself and went after what she wanted. Maybe this was because I didn’t read Summer Reading, so this was my first time being introduced to Emily, but she did not seem meek or quiet at all.

Overall, a beautiful love story. This one is for the book lovers!

“‘The most difficult path is usually the right one to take.’”

Oh, my heart. If you love books, devour books, and have used books as an emotional support to get through some of the tougher times that life throws at you…please, please read this book. I feel understood and SEEN.

Love At First Book is like a love letter to books, book lovers, indie bookstores, and authors. Throw in the Irish countryside and a hot Irishman worthy of a romance book cover and you’ve got yourself a book that is like receiving a warm hug.

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was pretty mid for me. I loved the premise, I liked the fmc, but why was Kieran SO incredibly grumpy?? You’re trying to convince me these two end up together forever ™️ but then why was I unconvinced of his feelings??

I loved the setting too. I want more books taking place in a small Irish town asap.

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for an arc.

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay is set in a small village in Ireland where Emily goes to work with her favorite author. She’s to be her assistant and work part-time in the local bookstore. As she immerses herself in her new life, far from her home in Martha’s Vineyard, she has no idea how much her life will change.

Leaving her job as a librarian and moving out of the house she’s always lived in with her verbally abusive mother sets something free in Emily. She and her new boss, Kier, are immediately attracted to each other and argue nonstop. But is it to hide their feelings for one another? Emily and Siobhan, the author who is also Kier’s mum, have a warm relationship, and Emily is extremely helpful in getting her creative juices flowing in order to write the last book of the series, ten years later. Will this be the stepping stone that Emily needs to forge a new life for herself far from where she grew up?

We’re surrounded by all things Irish, as well as so many lovely people, books, and quotes. The townspeople are welcoming, as are Emily’s coworkers at the bookstore, and it gives Emily warmth and a sense of belonging. Kier doesn’t like change, but Emily keeps making suggestions of changes needed at the bookstore and in his life. But are those the only changes that might occur? Emily and Kier are good for each other and boost each other when necessary.

There is a good flow after the first couple of chapters that set the stage. There are unexpected twists and turns, and multiple stories are told that are nicely woven together. The story heads in several unexpected directions and has an emotional ending with tears.

There is good closure and a happily ever after, but I would have liked the epilogue to be longer and more detailed. The list of name pronunciations would have been better at the front of the book. The Questions for Discussion are thought-provoking and had me delving into the story deeper.

Love at First Book highlights a bookstore in the Irish countryside, many books, and an author’s struggles. Grab a cuppa and sit awhile. You’ll be glad you did!

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

This was super cute. I loved the development with the parents. Grumpy sunshine isn’t always my fave but was executed well.

I honestly don’t remember the last time I cried in a romantic book. Yet here I find myself crying in my cubicle at work. WHO. AM. I? Thank you @berkleyromance for my early copy and @PRHAudio for my early listening copy.

I absolutely loved that this book revolves around another book series…and an Irish setting…and a brooding bookstore owner…and a librarian making space in her life for adventure. Just all the YES.

Emily, a quiet librarian, needs to get away, so she writes to her all-time favorite author, Siobhan (from a series she loved as a child). She then gets a dream job as an assistant to this author, in Ireland! She picks up a job at the local bookshop, which just happens to be owned by the author’s son (the plot thickens!). I love that she becomes known as “Red” immediately and their banter is just right for the moment. I love the way McKinlay weaves Emily and Kieran’s past, their struggles and pains, into their lives currently. She does a realistic job of creating characters so we can see our own lives within their frustrations and joys.

There are a few content warnings, including cancer, death, and manipulative & abusive parents, reach out if you have questions.

Have you ever unexpectedly begun crying over a book in the most public of places?? (really hoping it isn’t just me!)

Thank you @PRHAudio for the audiobook and @berkleyromance for the digital ARC. Brittany Pressley did an amazing job with the narration, of course. This was a really sweet read with a believable HEA romance, but also a beautiful friendship between an author and a fan/new assistant. I don’t usually cry in books, but this one brought on the tears. I was listening while driving and had to park. I honestly think Siobhan’s relationship with her son, Kieran, and also with Emily is a more prominent plot line than the romance, although it really all weaves together. If you want to read about a lovely town in Ireland, fall in love with a grumpy Irishman, and don’t mind your heart-breaking...I recommend reading Love at First Book.

Love at First Book wasn't bad! Kieran and Em were realistic and cute main characters. The only major gripe I had with Em were her references to librarianship. The "I'm a librarian" quips were WAY overdone. I did like how Em and Kier's relationship progressed. I thought the third-act conflict between them was believable. McKinlay did a wonderful job with the pacing. The book felt "just right." The ending was nicely written (get your tissues ready). One thing I wish the author focused more on was Em's relationship with her mother. At the beginning of the book, their relationship was a focal point of the plot. I was surprised when that plot point completely dropped off halfway through the story. It would have been nice to get some closure on that end. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

There was so much to love about this book. The setting was absolutely cozy, and the characters are very loveable.

Kieran and Emily have such a sweet relationship, and I just adore this type of grumpy x sunshine. They felt more relatable and realistic to me than characters sometimes do, I suppose because their stories and problems hit closer to home.

I really didn't expect to also love Siobhan, but she made me smile and cry more than once.

Having the main characters be book lovers? Especially.. a librarian? You've got me in the palm of your hand Jenn McKinlay.

Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC copy!

I've read some of Jen McKinley's cozy mysteries but this is my first contemporary romance by this author and I loved it!

Librarian Emily Allen moves from Martha's Vineyard to Ireland to help her favorite author finish a book. Kieran Murphy, author Siobhan's son, is owner of the local bookstore.

This was a charming story with humor and banter that also dealt with some heavier topics. I really liked Em and Kier as they navigated family expectations and their deepening relationship.

Give this story a read if you enjoy:
--books about books
--an Irish village
--enemies to lovers /grumpy sunshine
--found family
--great secondary characters

Thank you to the publisher for my e-copy of this book.

Grab your tea, a blanket, and snuggle up because we are going to Ireland for a cute, cozy romance. Seriously, guys, the vibes and aesthetic alone had me ready to book my flight. The relationship between Emily and Keir is just unmatched. But also, the healing that occurs between Keir and his mom?! It’s just so beautifully written 🥹
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Emily needs to put some distance between her and her mother, and what better way than to go halfway across the globe to a rainy Irish village. Honestly, if I could, I would. She’s a trained librarian but accepts a job as the assistant to her favorite author, Siobhan, while working in a bookshop. As the assistant, Emily helps to pick Siobhan's brain and complete her beloved Tig McMorrow series.
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Keir is the grumpy, broody bookshop owner. He also happens to be Siobhan’s son and the biggest obstacle for Emily. Keir would prefer his mother spend her healthy years retired and enjoying the life she’s built. Instead, she convinces him to work with Emily and help her finish the Tig McMorrow series.
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Understandably, Emily has a hard time resisting Keir. I mean, who could? (Remember, grumpy, broody, bookshop owner?) After countless hours and tears, they complete the series. Once they close the door on Tig McMorrow, they have to decide if they should close the door on their future.
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I couldn’t have loved the setting or characters of this book anymore than I do. The banter is great and proves how difficult Irish men are to resist 😍. Not to mention, Emily’s reaction to seeing a real castle in person for the first time? Same. I was also in awe (and in Ireland, ironically). It was so fun getting to experience things I recalled from my own time in Ireland in the story☘️🇮🇪

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Jenn McKinlay does it again… another book which totally captured my attention from the very beginning until the last word. A fun filled, chuckle worthy (at times), sad (again – at times) engaging story of a woman moving out from under her mother’s control and adventuring to a foreign country to become an assistant to her favourite author.

Emily Allen (Em) is a librarian who had dreams of travel and adventure. Being a librarian meant she has an inherent love of books and when by chance she is given the opportunity to work with her favourite author (Siobhan Riordan) to finish the author’s most renowned series, Em jumps at the chance! But moving to a new country all on her own, leaving everything she is familiar with is not an easy feat. Especially when she will also work part-time at a bookstore with the author’s son (Kieran Murphy) as her boss. But what unfolds is a delightful story where we see Em grow as an individual now that she is away from her mother’s control.

As the reader, I really enjoyed being able to explore the Irish countryside along with Em. Who wouldn’t want to live in Finn’s Hollow? Sounds very serene. I truly wished I was there! And lest we forget – the romance. It was a slow (‘ish) burn, and the journey was fun and frankly, not unexpected. Though it can be tricky falling for one’s boss (and the other boss’s son ☺).

We, as the reader, also get to see how Em navigates her long time coming emancipation from the toxic relationship with her mother. It takes courage and grit to stand up to a parent and indicate that their parent must stand on their own and not take bad life events out on their child. After all, Em did not have anything to do with how her parents treated each other. Though I do take issue with Em’s father for leaving his little girl in such a toxic environment. I was very happy about the way Em stood up to her mom (even if she had to do it from halfway across the globe).

There were a few surprises along the way, but that just made the read more engaging. I also want to say – I so want to enjoy a pint in the local bar – it sounds so fun! And my wish to explore Ireland has now moved to the top of my travel wish list 🙂.

If I had to name one “bad” thing about this book – it would be the title. Not overly fond of it since the book that Siobhan is trying to complete is the last book of her series! And there are many books in the bookstore that Em is working in so the title of the book just did not sit right with me. However, it in no way diminished my enjoyment of the book.

Love at First Book would make a perfectly wonderful Hallmark movie! And given the number of Hallmark movies I have watched over the years – I should know 😊.

If you are a romantic at heart, or just love reading books about books and authors…or exploring new lands with a hint of romance (okay – maybe a bit more than a “hint”), I would recommend reading Love at First Book. As with all of Jenn McKinlay’s books that I have read – it is worth the time. You will be taken away to Em’s world – and what an enjoyable world it is.

This is solidly a 4.5 for me.

The beginning was a little slower for me but I was still very intrigued. It was set in Ireland (loveeeeee) and the main characters are a librarian and a small book shop owner (loveeeee even more). Emily is an American who writes her favorite writer and scores an assistant job for her! She also has an anxiety disorder and a complicated relationship with her mother. Kieran is a local, to Ireland, book shop owner and the son of Siobhan. He’s also the very grumpy oppostie to Emily’s sunshine. He hates change and has a lot of feelings about his mother as a writer.

Emily and Kieran meet and it’s hate at first sight…but is it? Emily says she goes by Red, which she absolutely does not and Kieran becomes Kier pretty quickly even when everyone calls him Murphy. These two have a spicy relationship throughout the whole book and I just love their back and forth. I really enjoyed the layers in this book. I found myself laughing, holding my breath, cheering, and even crying! The ending was just stunning.

I'm a sucker for a rom-com that takes place in a bookstore. There is just something so magical about two characters falling in love while being surrounded by books. This book takes place in the same world as Jenn's previous book, Summer Reading. In this story, we follow Emily (also known as Em or Red), whom we met in Summer Reading; she is Sam's best friend. The opening pages start with Em having a mild panic attack because she has travelled across the ocean to start a new job in a small town in Ireland. A move this shy bookworm would never have imagined she would be brave enough to do. Em is going to be working with her favourite author, as well as working in the local bookshop. I really liked this book and its characters. Things move along at a great pace, so my attention never drifted off. I loved the location in which this book takes place. Who wouldn't love to spend time in a small, charming Irish town? Jenn perfectly captured the essence of that small-town charm and quirkiness. It was delightful learning different Irish sayings and traditions.

The overall story, was perfection. There is this great balance of romance, laughter, and heartbreak. You really cannot help but connect with the story that is unfolding on these pages. I loved Em; if she were real, I know we would be bookish kindred spirits. She has travelled to Ireland to help her favourite author, Siobhan, write the final book in the Tig McMorrow series. Anyone who was a bookworm when they were young will understand Em's passion for the Tig McMorrow book series Siobhan has created. Just think of those children's book series that often have that big impact on kids (Harry Potter, Anne of Green Gables, The Golden Compass, The Lighting Thief, etc.). Now imagine that series never being finished. The horror! Reading Tig McMorrow as a child helped Em in so many ways growing up. She found comfort and love in the words Siobhan wrote. I understand Em's passion and her longing to know how this series will end. Her reasons for being so passionate about the Tig McMorrow series is something many bookworms, young and old, will be able to connect with. The relationship between Em and Siobham was so sweet and heartwarming. I loved every moment these two were together. Em is also learning to spread her wings for the first time. Em's life has been dictated by her mother's needs and wants for most of her life. Em had been living her life not for herself but for her mom. I also love watching a character blossom, and Em's journey really was heartwarming.

The romance in this book is perfect for those bookworms who love good enemies to lovers, forced proximity, work-place, and vacation love story. I adored these two characters because there is nothing better than watching two bookworms fall in love. The dialogue and banter between these two were fabulous. There are so many wonderful bookish quotes and references. I loved watching these two try and stump each other over random bookish questions. Besides all the bookish-themed banter, there is also that sharp banter that often exists in an enemy-to-lovers relationship. I don't know what it is about that sharp and prickly banter, but it sure is pure catnip for this bookworm's soul. The relationship between Em and Kier is not smooth sailing, which is pretty typical for an enemies-to-lovers relationship. Mistrust and misunderstandings are the main sources of conflict between these two.

Love at First Book is such a satisfying rom-com that I would read it again and again.

I actually hadn't heard of this one until another Bookstagrammer told me about it. We tend to have the same feelings about books and are both readers of all genres, but this was a new one for me. A new-to-me author and a title I had yet to see on social media. Knowing that Berkley hosts some of my favourite rom-com romances because of the depth of them, I knew it had to be decently written and probably one that would win me over.

And that it did.

A story about a young woman Emily who takes an assistant job to a renowned and much loved reclusive author in Ireland. She was hired for Siobhan but also worked in the bookstore in town, where she meets a whole cast of loveable characters. Including the grumpy Kieran. Also known as the owner.
Also known as the Siobhan's son.

What happens over the course of the book is a blend of romance and coming-of-voice. Emily falls for the Irish countryside and she finds a space in which she can be herself without her complicated mother hurting her. I would say absence would make the heart grow fonder between the mother-daughter but the reality is that some relationships are just too damaged and space plus a little boundaries.

As the jobs progress, so does Emily. The reader literally watches her grow in confidence with just a little more love and respect in the Irish countryside and when love finds itself in the grumpy Kier, it feels like Emily gets her happily ever after.

Oh but wait, did I tear up at one point...yep.
Is it all sunny and fluff in this book...nope

It's romance with grit and a real life story with heart.
totally adored this one. Thanks Jenn for making sure I read it and to Berkley for saying yes on netgalley.

4.5 stars

I requested this from the catalog months ago because I was drawn in by the cute cover and bibliophile characters. I adore books centered around literature. Novels set in bookshops and libraries always zing straight to the bookworm's heart. Love at First Book had some nice elements, but I wasn't really feeling it. It was sickly sweet like a Hallmark movie and the dialogue was cringy, especially in the bedroom. Calling a ginger "Red" is cute the first few times, but it got old after the 50th time or so. I thought I would indeed find Love at First Book like the title, but I was sorely mistaken.

Although this book didn't meet my lofty standards, I would recommend this for those who prefer slower paces and low steam. The bedroom scenes were rather verbose and it was incredibly awkward. I think I've definitely moved on from Hallmark-esque romances and prefer high-octane hotrods. I personally would love to travel to Ireland, work at a bookstore, and fall in love just like the heroine. This book had great features, but I just didn't like the way it was written. I don't believe I'll continue with this author, but I would recommend for those who prefer easy, low-stakes romances compared to the dramatic, steamy ones my kindle is stuffed to the gills. Although it wasn't Love At First Book, I was momentarily charmed by the first few chapters.

5/5 - A charming, cozy, meaningful and emotional story that readers, writers and book lovers will especially adore! I could not get over the setting - a bookshop in a quaint, picturesque and perfect little village in Ireland with a bubbling community, treats I could practically taste and timeless traditions that I felt a part of.

I loved both Emily and Kieran - as individuals and an eventual couple - and the development of their characters and story alongside Siobhan’s was so touching. Em and Kier’s banter and book references were👌🏻 and their slow burn romance was perfectly timed. These two are so well matched - my heart almost couldn’t handle it!

But this story wasn’t just about romantic love. It was also about losing and finding yourself in the most unexpected people and places, about pain, hurt and healing, and releasing the past to truly be present. It’s about life and living and change, too. Relationships are at the forefront here, and both the key players and side characters made this a very meaningful, magical and poignant story. It absolutely made me cry.

Thank you to @netgalley, Berkeley and Jenn McKinlay for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! OUT TUESDAY so snatch this one up!

LOVE AT FIRST BOOK is a romance book lover’s dream 💕

Emily Allen moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives. Emily couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help her favorite author write the final book in the series that means so much to her. What she didn’t expect was Siobhan’s grumpy son to get in her way.

Emily was such an easy character to root for. She has dreamed of adventures and travel, and she gets exactly that in LOVE AT FIRST BOOK. Then there’s Kieran Murphy — he’s prickly and grumpy, but under that hard exterior is a sweetie who only wants the best for his mother. These two bring out the best in each other and have great banter.

📚 grumpy / sunshine
📚 main characters work at a bookstore
📚 complicated family dynamics

It was easy to daydream about this stunning Irish village, which made me want to pack my bags and take a trip 🧳✈️

This was absolutely adorable! So sweet and heartfelt and I fully sobbed through the last ~15%. The characters and plot felt so real—I found myself completely immersed in the story and rooting for a happily ever after. Plot points and reveals were foreshadowed well and parallel stories were woven expertly. The story is so much more than a romance and is a love letter to found family and learning to love again. Loved it!

Imagine a scenario where an American librarian fulfills her lifelong dream of working with her favorite author in Ireland. She spends half of her day with the author and the other half working at a cozy bookstore owned by a broody, sarcastic, yet endearing Irish lad named Kieran Murphy. Emily Allen, who has never been assertive before, finds herself embracing her sassy side while dealing with Kieran. The story takes place in a charming village with delightful characters and picturesque scenery.

I absolutely adored this story, especially as a librarian. It warmed my heart to see all the book references and the process of immersing oneself in a character and their story. It's incredible how these stories live inside our heads, waiting for their moment to be shared.

This book evoked a range of emotions in me - I laughed, cried, felt heartbroken, and ultimately satisfied. It touched me deeply. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Jenn McKinlay's books in the future.