I can't explain how much I loved this book. The setting was perfect, the characters were great, and the writing was beautiful.

Emily, the female main character, felt so realistic. I loved the fact that she wasn't perfect because it made her so relatable. The way she also fangirled over Siobhan felt like something I absolutely would do with some of my favorite authors too. And oh my god, Kieran was so swoon-worthy. The way he called Emily "Red" was *chefs kiss*. Their banter was so good, and I loved every interaction between them. The author did a great job describing the tension between them.

This book just became my favorite cozy bookstore romance.

4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Emily Allen's life takes an unexpected turn when she leaves her job as a librarian in Martha's Vineyard to work for her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, in Ireland. Little does she know that her new adventure will involve not only helping Siobhan write her final novel but also navigating the prickly demeanor of Siobhan's son, Kieran Murphy. Despite Kieran's initial resistance, Emily finds herself drawn to him, sparking a playful banter that gradually deepens into something more profound. As Emily immerses herself in Siobhan's world and the charming bookstore managed by Kieran, she discovers the complexities of love and family secrets that threaten to unravel everything she holds dear.

Love at First Book is such a sweet story with a stunning landscape and darling characters. Reading about readers and establishing a kinship with characters is always a warm experience, and this, against the backdrop of Irish castles and YA fantasy, is peak cozy. My only complaint is that Emily’s mental health journey gets lost in the fray quite early on. I really wanted to see some strong conflict resolution but it felt like her IAD (and her mother) just sort of disappeared and never came back.

This is a book full of emotional moments that may leave you with many reactions. The plot has the protagonist fleeing in search of a better life. An author fighting her own battle and deadline and a protective son who has quietly handled his own struggles. This story covers love, death, mental abuse, spice, neglect, and characters you can connect with. I rate it 4 stars and recommend it to others.

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this title through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is an absolutely adorable, tugs-at-your-heartstrings rom-com that had me laughing at loud as well as tearing up. It is very rare that I give 5 stars, but this book is a standout. Emily could have been me in an alternate universe! Loved that the female protagonist is a librarian and the male protagonist owns a bookstore. A wonderful, heartfelt story that I will recommend time and time again!

I loved this book! It made me laugh and cry. I loved the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

3.5/5 Set in a bookstore in small town Ireland - I’ve already been sold! I absolutely adored the cozy village atmosphere and family-owned bookshop aesthetic. Emily running off to Ireland to help out her favorite author is literally a booklover’s dream!! Kieran’s nickname for Em made me giggle every time 🤭🤭 This book took a sad turn and I was very emotional by the end. I loved the incorporation of family trauma alongside found family. Such a sweet, wholesome read.

Okay, I LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is the first Jenn McKinlay book I've read, but it won't be the last.
I loved the characters, the scenery, and the writing.
It was one of those books you can't put down and if you are silly enough to put it down, you just think about it all day!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing a DRC of this title for review.

When American librarian Emily Allen accepts a job in Ireland to help her favorite writer, Siobhan Riordan, complete Siobhan's best-selling series after a decade of writer’s block, she finds herself at cross-purposes with the author's broody son, Kieran, who's grown leery of Siobhan's demanding fans. When the true reasons for Siobhan’s stalled series come to light, Kieran and Emily must band together to help Siobhan complete her final book-- and may find feelings in the process.

As a librarian myself, I may be biased, but I was so charmed by this book. The characters, romance, and story were all well-written and engaging, a true love letter to readers and the way that books can make us feel. Will definitely look forward to recommending this one to patrons looking for a sweet, poignant contemporary romance! 4.5 stars/5.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an early read of this book.

At the beginning of this year, I read "Summer Reading" by Jenn McKinlay which was easily my first five-star read of the year. So when I saw that McKinaly wrote another book with Emily as the main focus, I was drawn in. This book was such a cute and heartwarming book. From the banter to the bookish elements to the wonderfully descriptive language McKilnely uses to talk about Ireland. Can't wait to see what else McKinlay will write.

DNF 26%

I don't know what it is about the writing that grated on my every nerve. There was a simplicity to the sentences that were almost TOO simple, yet a banal amount of over-description, which made me feel like this book was a romance hi-lo. It's at its best when the characters are sniping at each other.

Shout to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC! All I needed to hear was "librarian" and "romance" and I knew I needed to read this. Obviously I'm going to love a romance that has a librarian in it, that's a given, it's basically part of my job description. And the main love interest is grouchy? This had all the makings of a good romance and it absolutely delivered. This was such a satisfying read. I will absolutely be recommending this to everyone when it comes out.

This book was absolutely everything I needed, now where is my own sexy Irish man!!

When reader obsessed Emily Allen writes a letter to her favorite author begging for her to write another book to her favorite book series, she suddenly finds herself moving to Ireland to work for said author. What she learns very quickly is this author’s son Kieran does NOT want Emily there, and he lets her know it. This book is full of banter is an enemy-to-lovers type meeting that makes for some absolutely great tension.

I adored Emily and the journey she takes to get out on her own. I feel her independence story line could have been further pronounced in the second half of the story.

Kieran was my FAVORITE, he was all quips and just such a fun character. The dynamic between him and Emily was so fun to read I was GIGGLING BAD.

I will be recommending to any of my friends who love a bookstore romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the arc.

How do I love thee, let me count the ways:) Jenn McKinlay hit all the spots for me!
1) a story set in Ireland... can't be a better setting!!! I have visited Ireland and McKinlay captured it's beauty, history, murcurial weather! It's encanchment! Loved it so much.
The heroine I just love! I loved how vulnerable and sweet and timid she is...but how fierce and fiesty when the hero calls her "Red". I loved her emotional conflict and her authentic struggles. She was so real.
The hero... I mean a hot Irishman... done!!
Finally, the subplots... the story with Siobhan Riordan was fantastic. The author was able to create this very realistic and lovable supporting character. Can't wait to read the next book:)
Bravo:)
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this copy, I will treasure it!

A fun book about books / writers / the bookish world, without losing the thread. Their relationship developed nicely, the grumpy x sunshine is a favorite for me, and Ireland is SOOOOO hot right now.

I received this book from the publisher & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Cute, but not extraordinary. I had a hard time believing Emily was a shy little wallflower since she was so outgoing and outrageous the entire time - maybe seeing her before her move to Ireland would've made the transformation more believable. Minus a star for the heart wrenching death.

I thought that it didn't have original characters/plot. The writing didn't stand out to me, and it just seemed really cliche

I absolutely loved this book. The premise of the plot and the very likable characters drew me in right away and I was immediately swept into the story. I would've finished in one sitting if I'd had the time to do that. I couldn't wait to get back to this book to see what happened, and I thought it ended just the way I wanted it to. I will definitely be recommending this one and looking for other titles by Jenn McKinley for myself.

A solid 4.5 for sure. I adored this. It's cute and fluffy but a little angsty and steamy. Perfect for the book lovers crowd. I really enjoy all of McKinlay's books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for this earc

THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU CRY!

If it didn’t, I don’t think you have a heart. I went into this thinking I’ll get a cute rom com set in Ireland. And I got that. But did I also get my heart ripped out of my chest? Yes I did.

This story is about putting yourself first, how sometimes just because someone is related to you doesn’t mean they are good for, how people who love you will love you no matter what.

I loved that Emily’s and Kieran’s stories are so similar but also different. How both of them have a hard past but they find their way out together. I absolutely loved how Em helped Siobhan with finding peace and helping Kieran see how much his mom loved him.

This maybe a romance book, but it’s also a family book and a reader book and a kind of book you’ll just want to hug after finishing it.

*4.5

Thank you Berkely & Netgalley for the free arc!

I don't even know where to start with this book, I was literally left with TEARS by the end of the book. I literally fell in love with everything about this book, Kieran, Em, Siobhan, and the last chapter. You can even include Tig McMorrow.

Emily Allen is such an amazing FMC, she really ends up taking your breath away. Her character development is phenomenal and I couldn't help but root for her from the beginning to the very end. I ended up relating to Em and the way she grew up. Having to basically parent her narcissistic mother and dealing with years of emotional abuse finding escapism behind books while also struggling with Hypochondria and eventually gaining the courage to leave her mother and healing. Em is such a strong character and one that I truly admire. She is everything I strive to be and more.

Kieran Riordan who is Sibohan's son and owner of the bookstore that Em works at part time is also an amazing character. We see him be such a loyal, loving and caring son from beginning to end. It was truly endearing how much he carried for his mom. We also see him have a hard time accepting Em in the beginning due to his overprotectiveness over his mother BUT...

Em and Kieran are so precious, their relationship started off with the utmost tension (In the best way ever) and witty banter. Keir calling Em "Red" as a nickname had me swooning on my knees. I really wish them nothing but the best. They deserve the happiest of endings and I believe Jenn gave them exactly that.

I must insist for everyone to check this book out, it is the perfect contemporary romance that will leave you all up in your feels in the best way possible. You will absolutely end up falling in love with everything about this book just in the way I did!

Cannot wait for you all to read this book!