Unfortunately, this book didn’t resonate with me. The writing style reminded me of fan fiction, lacking the polish and depth I typically enjoy in literature. It felt slow-paced, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Additionally, there seemed to be no clear premise or central theme to anchor the narrative, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from the story.

I had requested this book on Netgalley some time ago, but because I ended up DNFing the book I didn't leave a full review. I honestly don't think anyone would enjoy this book and for me it rates at a solid 1 star. It was an easy DNF and I won't be trying again in the future.

This is not the usual genre of books that I read but I did enjoy this - fun, light-hearted, funny, romance, and all set in the world of books. A really cosy read.

I really struggled through this one. The premise is one that sounds so fun, but I did not want to pick this up at the 20% mark and found myself frustrated frequently. I will start by saying I'm not sure this needed to be as long as it was, but simultaneously, the resolution is so quick and felt superficial. There is so much repetition about "how DC is" and I felt the whole "Lexi's British in the US" bit was sort of beaten into my head to the point of annoyance. Being in Lexi's (the FMC) internal monologue infuriated me several times. She goes back on her own decisions and thoughts, and really thinks the worst of Sam (the MMC), even though she hardly knows him. Overall, I found Sam to be likeable and Lexi to be very unlikeable. Her motivations are somewhat shady from the beginning and in the end, she doesn't apologize for manipulating him. The way she handled him telling her about his dad also put a very bad taste in my mouth. I did not believe she deserved him by the end of this, and she only accepted they could date after he solved her problems?! Lexi says several blatantly rude things to Sam throughout the book and yet he is direct, honest, and kind to her at every turn.
There were also points in the dialogue where the characters randomly pause and long summaries of the dialogue are presented to the reader. This made for a weird cadence within character interactions. There were also times I felt like I had skipped over some backstory sections because the story would start and then not come to contribute anything to the scene.
There was a lot of immaturity and dramatics going on here, and not in an entertaining way. This just did not work for me at all. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

This book was fine. Not very memorable or even anything that stuck with me. But I finished it. Kind of like eating mashed potatoes without salt.

If you're looking for a hallmark style, enemies to lovers (not really enemies, more like it's all in her head rivalry) romance that explores most well-loved tropes - this one is probably for you. It's effortless to read and a great option if you're lounging by a pool on holiday. I did find the characters a little underdeveloped however the referencing to British life and books made this an enjoyable read. It's quite obvious the direction the story is taking but it is a fun albeit unhinged journey.

As a lover of books, bookshops, romance and Jane Austen, Bookishly Ever After seemed like it was made for me!

Lexi Austen is determined to have the best bookshop on Capitol Hill, so when Sam Dicken's soulless box of a store moves away from non fiction and threatens the territory of her cozy, traditional business, Lexi decides to channel the best of the best: she will make Sam and his shop swoon into submission.

Bookishly Ever After is a cheeky, lighthearted read full of laughs and literary references. Like all great heroines, Lexi is flawed and we don't always agree with her methods but as far as enemies to lovers go, these two may be the cutest yet!

This book was a nice escape from my usual genre of historical fiction - it was light, funny and emotional at times. Having visited Washington and loved it, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the city and the people and it made it feel like I was there again! There were times I was frustrated with Sam who seemed to land himself in trouble by just being evasive, but it almost made him more endearing. Who doesn’t love a book about a character who loves books, who owns a bookshop!? Perfect summer read!

I really wanted to love this book because the premise and storyline was so promising. However, the characters and storyline were quite underwhelming and had no real depth. There was little to no chemistry between the characters and unfortunately it just fell flat. I honestly think if it wasn’t written in the third person it would have been easier to read

"Bookishly Ever After" by Mia Page is a charming and heartwarming romance that will resonate with book lovers and hopeless romantics alike. Page’s writing is infused with warmth, wit, and a genuine love for literature, creating a delightful story about finding love in the most literary of places.

The novel centers around a protagonist who lives and breathes books, finding solace and adventure within the pages of her favorite novels. When her own life starts to mirror the plots of the romances she adores, she’s thrust into a real-life love story that’s as unpredictable as it is enchanting. As she navigates the complexities of her newfound romance, she discovers that love, much like in her books, is filled with surprises, challenges, and the magic of the unexpected.

Mia Page expertly weaves literary references throughout the story, making it a treat for avid readers who will recognize and appreciate the nods to classic and contemporary romances. The characters are endearing and relatable, especially for anyone who has ever dreamed of living out their own bookish fairy tale.

"Bookishly Ever After" is a perfect read for those who believe in the power of stories and the joy of finding love where you least expect it. Mia Page has crafted a novel that’s not only a romantic escape but also a celebration of the love of reading and the ways in which our favorite books can shape our lives. It’s an ideal pick for anyone looking for a sweet, feel-good romance with a literary twist.

This enemies to lovers rival book store owners had all the potential. There were a lot of cute and fun moments but there was too much flair in the pages. I love books about books so it made it pretty enjoyable.

I love a bookish hook and enemies to lovers – Bookishly Ever After has both (and love the title too). This was a super cute concept with adorable chatacters, I whizzed through. Light reading and both charming and enjoyable. It's one of those books that's just easy to read and is fun while you're reading it.

I really wanted to love this book because the premise and storyline was so promising. However, the characters and storyline were quite underwhelming and had no real depth. There was little to no chemistry between the characters and unfortunately it just fell flat. I honestly think if it wasn’t written in the third person it would have been easier to read

This wasn’t a bad book, nor did it blow me away. I think that there wasn’t a balance between the bookish elements of the story and actual character development. It was a bit much. The characters last names are based off of famous authors, in which one is obsessed with Jane Austen. Because of this I think it really affected characters development and other than their interest in books, authors and rivalry. I couldn’t really tell you much more about the characters. I also think that the plot didn’t make much sense to me. Originally it was for lexi to make him fall in love with her using technics from Austen’s books, to distract him from his own bookstore. But then it turned into an actual project to see if she could do it using those techniques. They were together and then not and then together again. Because of this, I couldn’t connect with the characters. I do have to say I don’t usually like romances in third person but this one really felt right for the story. I think if there was less bookish elements and more descriptive elements and characters beyond those passions I think it would have been on a better track for a more enjoyable read.

I wanted to absolutely love this but it just fell short for me. The characters were moderately likeable but also not developed enough. The enemies to lovers was non existent in my eyes and they had not enough chemistry.
The plot was a good basis for a story but underdeveloped and poorly executed

Lexi and Sam starts with a quirky and promising premise—two rival bookshop owners attempting to outmaneuver each other in business and love, with a little inspiration from Jane Austen. The idea of Lexi using Austen-inspired antics to win over Sam initially seems like it could lead to a delightful and entertaining story. However, as the plot unfolds, the charm wears thin.

The flow of the book feels disjointed at times, with dialogue that often comes across as unnatural and forced. The characters' internal monologues, filled with convoluted mental gymnastics, can be frustrating and detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Despite these issues, the book still offers a light and quick read, particularly for those who appreciate bookish themes and a sprinkle of Austen-inspired antics. While it may not be for everyone, fans of lighthearted romantic comedies might still find some enjoyment in it.

"Bookishly ever after" is an enemies-to-lovers romance about two rival booksellers in DC, one with a cozy romance bookshop and one with mostly rare books and special editions. Our female main character, Lexi, makes a plan with her friends to seduce Sam, our male main character, in order to make him lose control and have the upper hand. However, her scheme might backfire…

This fun and thoroughly readable romance is a must if you love books ! I also found it very relatable as a bookseller : it talks about the pros and cons of working in the industry as well as maintaining your shop alive, while still being light and cozy. While I’m usually not the biggest fan of stories written in third person, this one didn’t bother me. In fact, I grew quite attached to our protagonists as well as their relationship. Would 100% recommend !

So I started this book and I found it really hard to get into and ended up DNFing at about 15%. Although I dnf’d, I did like the concept of enemies to lovers through rival bookstores, and I think I sensed an element of potential fake dating, which is my favourite trope! I enjoyed reading about owning and running a bookstore and the difficulties that came with it. I liked the misdelivered boxes of books which forced the main characters to interact. I think it was setting up for a slow burn so if that is a trop you like, check it out! You might like it more than I did!

What's not to love about this moving and entertaining book about enemies to lovers with a backdrop of rival bookstores no less!
Really great chemistry, compelling back stories and lots of soul this is a brilliant read for all romance novel fans

The right book to read if you want to have a good time and escape reality.
A more extensive review will follow
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine