Summary:
“The Battle of the Bookshops” follows Jules, a determined young woman who fights to save her great‑aunt’s beloved, independent bookshop from being edged out by a flashy new competitor. Along the way, she rediscovers the magic of literary community and the enduring power of small‑town charm.

What I Liked:
- This book had a cozy, serene feel to it and was overall a cute read.
- The characters were likable and the side stories were done well.

Other Thoughts:
- Things felt rushed for me at times while at the same time, some of the big wedges between two romantic interests didn’t feel like they were that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things.
- For most of the novel I felt like Jules was just letting things happen to her rather than taking true initiative and action which wasn’t a personal favorite of mine.

While this story premise was inviting, there are several issues that won't let me rate this any higher than 3 stars, First, I really did not care particularly for either main character, they felt very shallow and cliche. Second, many of the chapter transitions seemed choppy and disconnected, with the ending feeling abrupt. Seems to me the better title for this book might have been The Battle of the Bookshop Owners. What I did enjoy was the homage to Romeo and Juliet and several of the supporting characters, especially Aunt Flo. She seemed a loving and genuine person, who cared deeply about Jules. I got a complete kick out of Charlie and would love to see a book about him and his adventures.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book! Modern day Romeo and Juliet but add in books lol. I enjoyed the characters’ back and forth banter and their chemistry. Usually I don’t like too many side characters but in this book I didn’t mind the ones that were introduced, they added to the story but didn’t take the focus. All the nods to Shakespeare were cute.
There’s even a bit of action that goes on and shakes things up a bit, glad it wasn’t all tragic like the true Romeo and Juliet though. Overall I thought it was a good, quick read and I do recommend it.

3.5* A charming literary-themed novel about a young woman determined to save her great-aunt’s beloved bookshop from extinction by the shiny new competition—which also happens to be run by the handsome son of her family’s rivals.
Cute little enemies to lovers with the setting in a charming, dusty bookstore, but across the road is a gleaming new shiny bookstore. With Jules taking over her Aunt Flo's bookstore, she hopes for
recovery to keep it open although it is near bankruptcy. To keep it in the family, she will need to dig deep for some clever footwork and new ideas. Her tormentor during her childhood is the charming Roman whose family owns most of the town. Gentrification is taking place with Capelthorne's Bookstore losing ground unless Jules can recreate the small town charm.
A heartwarming love story with plenty of back and forth between the two and a lot of second guessing their premises.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I was not able to finish this book. I was stunned at the use of a genocide as a simile. It was insensitive. I kept reading, but the story was so much like the movie You've Got Mail. I just watched that movie two weeks ago. From the discord between the two main characters to the big, bad, huge bookstore surrounded by boards, everything was screaming You've Got Mail. I already know that storyline so I knew the two main characters would end up together.

Intriguing story. Although this book had a slow start, and I struggled to even like Roman, it picked up midway, and I ended up having a great time. I do wish there had been more time spent on the romance between Jules and Roman, as once they were together, all their highlights felt like an afterthought. I think it would have reinforced their love story more. Perhaps it is just me, and I wanted more of the love story. Despite that, the story was a fun small town adventure with fun characters. This was a first for me from this author, but I am sure I will look for more as she weaves a fun story with interesting characters. This was a good, quick read and perfect for summer. Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

Nearly half way and the two main characters have had maybe 4 brief interactions where the main male character was insufferable. This is clearly supposed to be a Romeo and Juliet meets you’ve got mail but all the charm is stripped from it. It’s more a how to horribly and slowly save a bookstore. Very clearly part of interconnected standalone but I have no desire to read them. I think if you love hallmark movies you would love this but it’s a pass for me.

Thank you to Avon and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for review.
The cover of the book and the fact that it was about books drew me in. I really wanted to like the book.
I am stopping at 53% because I have lots more to read. Cute plot for a book, family enemies have bookstores across from each other and hate each other. Then all of a sudden they are dating!? I might pick up again, but moving on for now.

Thank you NetGalley and Poppy for the copy!

This is a cute, easy read. Perfect for summer.

Soft enemies to lovers premise. I did not love the multiple references to Romeo & Juliet. Easy to understand just from the last name situation; it didn't need to be pointed out.

The story overall is a fun read and I love Aunt Flo. The supporting characters were fun.

This charming, contemporary novel explores themes of family legacy, rivalry and personal growth.
After living in London for nine years, Jules Capelthorne returns to her charming, seaside hometown of Portneath to help the aunt who mostly raised her. Aunt Flo, on crutches, could use some help managing the nearly one hundred-year-old family business, Capelthorne’s Books. Jules is surprised to see the somewhat rundown condition of the store and to learn the store is nearly bankrupt, and by the end of the year, the lease on the property where the store is located is up for renewal. The six-figure amount owed is completely unattainable. The owner of the property is the Montbeau family. There has been a feud between the Montbeau family and the Capelthorne family dating back one-hundred years. Nobody even remembers what caused it.
Jules is determined to work hard, get the store back in shape when she notices just across the street is a new, modern, beautiful plate-glass window showcasing a large selection of books. She is shocked to see there is another bookstore in their small town, and right across the street. The store is owned and operated by Roman Montbeau, of the prominent, wealthy Montbeau family. Roman and Jules knew each other in high school, however, were not exactly friends. Jules often found him annoying.
The battle of the bookshops has begun, with each of them determined to win. Along the way, occasionally, it seemed perhaps Jules and Roman might actually become friends. This is a fast-paced, fun story that has a few surprises along the way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

There have been so many romcoms lately revolving around enemies to lovers and bookstores and I am here for it! I loved the characters, the banter, the tension and spice and of course the bookstore locations! I love anything bookstore related, and this was no exception. Thoroughly enjoyed!

4.5 ⭐️ Two bookstores in the same neighborhood is too many apparently?? So they’re forced to compete all summer to see who will keep their job and who has to pack their bags. This was the perfect little break from dark romance. It’s everything I didn’t know I needed in a rom com. The enemies to lovers tension was perfectly balanced with heart and humor, and the cozy bookstore rivalry had me completely hooked. The MMC is so unrealistically perfect and I adored every second of it. A man who loves reading smutty romance and sacrifice anything for his girl.
The cherry on top had to be the cats and of course my all time favorite secret penpals trope. The way it all came together had me smiling. Ali Brandy nailed the emotional beats while keeping things sweet and funny. I already want to reread it and I’ll definitely be buying the book to annotate because I have so many comments.

ook Review: Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can definitely see the appeal of Battle of the Bookshops—bookstore rivals, a long-standing family feud, and a cozy small-town setting make for a charming premise. And while I loved Aunt Flo (hands down my favorite character—quirky, bold, and the true heart of the story), the book overall just didn’t quite work for me.

The heavy-handed Romeo and Juliet references felt a bit much, and I wish the nods had been more subtle. Add to that a romance that jumped from enemies to full-on love way too quickly, and it was hard for me to feel emotionally invested. I think I’ve realized that rivals to lovers might not be my favorite trope—especially when paired with insta-love.

That said, Poppy Alexander’s affection for books and bookstores shines through. There are some sweet, humorous moments and a general warmth that readers looking for a lighthearted, feel-good story may enjoy.

This one wasn’t a perfect match for me, but I think it could hit the right notes for fans of cozy romance, charming settings, and bookish banter.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

What more does a reader love to get lost in, if not a story about other readers? In a setting other than a bookstore, with the smell of pages hitting your prefrontal cortex against your will, and the creak of a new book's spine being opened? Unfortunately, this story had none of that charm- or the long-lasting charm of its inspiration, Romeo and Juliet. We had a ton of off-page pining, so every time our leads were together- it felt like we skipped several chapters. I think you're safe to skip this book altogether.

The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander is a lighthearted, feel-good read that blends small-town charm with a touch of romantic tension and bookish rivalry. The concept is undeniably appealing—two rival bookshops going head-to-head in a quirky literary contest—paired with a cozy setting and a cast of likable, if somewhat predictable, characters. Alexander’s love for books and bookstores shines through, and there are some genuinely sweet moments and humorous exchanges that book lovers will appreciate.

That said, the plot often felt formulaic, and the pacing dragged in parts. The central conflict between the rival shops lacked real tension, and the romantic subplot didn’t always feel fully developed or believable. While the novel had heart, it didn’t quite deliver the emotional depth or originality that would’ve elevated it beyond a pleasant, but forgettable, read. Overall, it’s a charming enough escape for a lazy afternoon, especially for readers who enjoy cozy stories set in the world of books, but it may not leave a lasting impression.

Cute and fun story! This was my first book from this author and it was good! The characters were fun and I really enjoyed it!

A modern take on Romeo and Juliet…unfortunately the characters had barely any personality, the story was forced, and was so slow to start I almost didn’t finish it. It was just interesting enough to finish, but not exactly something I’ll be telling my friends to read. Honestly it felt like a draft of a book, not a final draft. Definitely could have been good, but it wasn’t quite there.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

I can see why people may like this book but unfortunately, it was just not for me.

The premise is cute, rivals who own bookstores opposite each other and families that have been feuding for years. But the constant references to Romeo and Juliet were just too much. I feel like you can write a Romeo and Juliet story in a more subtle way. But also, maybe rivals to lovers just isn’t my fave 😅

The romance felt too insta-love to me as well. One day, they’re fighting and hate each other and the next they’re in love? And ready to profess it to each other? Too much for me.

I loved Aunt Flo, she was definitely my favorite character. She was quirky and funny, I love that she pushed Jules out of her comfort zone.

Overall, I think that others may really love this book but it just didn’t hit for me!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Disappointing. I do enjoy this author's books but not this one, I'm sorry to say. My favorite parts were catching up with the characters from previous stories set in Portneath. I didn't like Jules or Roman at all; their "romance" if you can even call it that, was ridiculously instantaneous and unbelievable, and I just didn't care what happened with either of them. Jules was so immature. The minor story line about the witch went on way too long - yes, I get that it was necessary to get Flo to the end of her story, but it just dragged. I thought the entire book was boring. And wasn't this supposed to be about the bookshops?? THAT turned out to be a minor story line as well. Can't recommend this but do check out her earlier novels.

Such a cute story! I enjoyed the main characters and was rooting for all of them the whole time. I loved the nods to The Littlest Library also!