An endearing romance filled with warmth and humor, featuring characters so real they tugged at my emotions.

I was able to read this novel thru NetGalley and though the premise was good it dragged a bit for me. I was frustrated with the main female character as she began her slightly ridiculous journey to become like her favorite poet from the 1800s. As the story continues we got glimpses of why she was such a helper in her life and didn’t focus in her own needs. The ending certainly seemed a lot like a certain rommcom movie about a bookstore.

I loved this book so much! I related so much to the struggle of wanting to give up on love and trying to find individuality in an exhausting world. i also adored the sweet love story. this was great.

Not Quite by the Book has everything I love: bookstores and romance. This was a great read! Pick up this one on publication day!

this was the perfect romance
the characters are all soo good
the main character is relatable and you want her to find herself and love
it was an easy and cozy read
who doesn't love a small town romance?!

thank you netgalley for the arc

A book I didn’t know I needed. Emma was thrust into growing up quickly and rushed through pleasing everyone around her, except for her. This story shows Emma grow into her self, allowed herself to shine in a light that shows her that people adore her for being her. Let’s not forget a the mystery of love in this small town romance. 🤞🏻 for a book 2.

I really liked the idea of this book.

Enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I thought the pacing of the romance was great. The writing style was good too.

Would recommend!

Oh what a sweet cozy read. I loved reading about Emma’s journey of self discovery. I liked the message of finding happiness within herself before she could be open to love. And Davis… sweet sweet Davis. Such a great read.

The way Emma navigates her charmingly chaotic new life; dealing with stubborn bunnies, a brooding architect, and mysterious admirers brings so much humor and depth to her story. I adored every moment of Emma’s evolution as she learns to balance family expectations with her own dreams. This book was definitely worth the wait, offering a beautifully crafted tale of personal growth and the joy of finding one’s true passion.

Julie Hatcher's *Not Quite by the Book*, with its clever blending of literary elegance and compelling characters, offers a novel perspective on modern romance. When Amelia Hayes, a careful librarian, interacts with the extroverted and reckless author Lucas Hart on a library project, her neat world is turned upside down.

This work stands out for its careful handling of literary allusions and the developing chemistry between Amelia and Lucas. Hatcher captures the characters' development and the romantic tension between them with a razor-sharp sense of humour. Even though the book has excellent character and comedic development, some story points could seem familiar to readers who have read romance novels before. A couple supporting characters might also use additional development to improve the story as a whole. All things considered, these small problems don't really take away from the enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, Not Quite by the Book is an endearing and fun story that presents a novel viewpoint on romance. This novel is a great option for anyone searching for a sweet and thought-provoking love story because of Julie Hatcher's skilful integration of literary devices with a traditional romance plot. This book is highly recommended if you're looking for a romance that also celebrates books and personal development.