As soon as I saw that it had so many Jane Austen references, I knew I needed to read this! It was set up for a very good plot, very You Got Mail-esque if you’re a fan of that movie.

However, I could not figure out if this book was meant to fully be in third person or first person as it switched from time to time. I didn’t believe the love story between Lexi and Sam as I don’t find that it was developed well. They are very much back and forth. While the tension is fun, it made me scratch my head a bit.

I was also confused with the timeline. There was no real fluidity between it and the chapters as well. It just ended very abruptly.

Again, it is a very fun book. The competition between the shops and what happens is a good time. Just wish there was more fluidity.

Thank you so much Avon Books UK and Mia Page for the ARC!

Bookshop owner Lexi Austen’s problems are stacking up. Her dating life is a mess and Sam Dickens – devastatingly handsome, arrogant, and fiercely competitive rival bookshop owner – is hellbent on stealing all of her customers.

Frustrated, Lexi turns to her shelves for answers. And what have the classics taught her? That when lovers start as enemies, there’s no distraction quite like love…
Lexi plots to charm Sam: she invites him to a ball (well, a party), drags him to a dance class (does it matter if it’s not a quadrille?) and swoons into his arms while taking a turn in the park (note: next time, make sure he isn’t holding a hot drink).
As their rivalry reaches scorching levels, it’s not just Lexi’s beloved bookshop at stake, but her heart too…
This is a cozy quick read...a fun read. Curl up in a comfy chair with a warm afghan, a cup of steaming tea, a delicious scone and enjoy...

An interesting read. I did struggle with the first half but it got better. Set in America. A story of two books shops who are in competition with each other . Lots of references to Jane Austin, romance, being British in America. Two strong owners who like each other. A nice read . A neat ending which I liked.