Book People are for the book readers who want to escape from reality. A love letter from Jackie Ashenden one of my top reads of this month. I was immediately sold by the description, I love the characters.

Favorite Quote

I always thought I loved Jasper and he loved me, but that’s not what love is, and I know that now. Because now I’ve fallen in love with Sebastian Blackwood and I know better. He builds me up, while Jasper only pulled me down. He gave me back the pieces of myself that Jasper took. He makes me glad to be the person I am, not afraid. Not ashamed or embarrassed or guilty.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reading 📖

Book Review: Book People by Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden’s Book People is a lively, romantic romp that celebrates the joy of books and the chemistry between unlikely couples. Set in a charming small town, the story follows two rival booksellers whose initial animosity evolves into something much more steamy and complex. Kate is a newcomer to the book business, bringing a fresh, accessible approach to bookselling with her focus on popular genre fiction, while Sebastian runs a highbrow, traditional bookshop across the street. Their differences could hardly be starker: she’s all about fun and approachability, while he’s as refined and rule-bound as his curated selection of classic literature. But as they’re forced to collaborate on the town’s literary festival, sparks fly in ways neither of them anticipated.

Ashenden’s choice of a small-town setting is perfect for the story, imbuing it with a cozy charm and a cast of quirky side characters that add depth and humor. The town itself feels like a character, filled with book-loving residents who know each other’s business and who closely observe the rivalry brewing between Kate and Sebastian. The forced proximity of organizing the literary festival pushes them into constant interaction, creating endless opportunities for witty banter, lingering glances, and moments that toe the line between professional rivalry and undeniable attraction.

The central romance is a classic enemies-to-lovers trope with an irresistible “grumpy-sunshine” dynamic. Kate’s lively, free-spirited nature contrasts perfectly with Sebastian’s reserved and buttoned-up personality, and Ashenden skillfully uses their differences to build tension and humor. Kate’s mission to shake up the small town’s view on popular fiction irks Sebastian, who takes his literary standards very seriously. Their banter is full of energy, often evolving into laugh-out-loud sparring matches, as Kate challenges Sebastian’s more elitist views on literature, and he struggles to keep his growing attraction under wraps.

Beyond the banter and flirtation, Book People brings out the deeper motivations and vulnerabilities of its characters. Kate is a relatable, passionate character who wants her bookshop to be a welcoming space for all readers, not just a select few. Her love for genre fiction and her belief in the power of accessible stories give her character depth, and Ashenden reveals her insecurities and ambitions in a way that makes her easy to root for. On the other hand, Sebastian’s buttoned-up attitude is slowly peeled back to reveal a more complex man grappling with his own past and the expectations he’s set for himself.

Ashenden’s writing is witty and sharp, with plenty of chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments that will keep readers hooked. She brings a fresh approach to the enemies-to-lovers trope, layering it with emotional insight that makes the romance feel genuine and rewarding. The buildup to their first kiss is perfectly paced, mixing antagonism and longing that make the payoff all the more satisfying. And while their rivalry fuels much of the tension, there’s also a tender exploration of what it means to let go of old assumptions and open oneself up to new possibilities, both in love and in life.

Book People is also a love letter to books and readers. Ashenden celebrates the diverse range of genres and reading preferences, subtly challenging the idea of “highbrow” versus “popular” fiction and honoring the idea that all stories have value. This aspect of the novel makes it particularly appealing for book lovers, as it tackles the way books shape lives and create communities.

With its perfect blend of humor, romance, and a touch of spice, Book People is an utterly charming read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romances and bookish rom-coms. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever fallen in love with a book—or found themselves unexpectedly drawn to the person who holds the opposite view on their favorite genre. Ashenden has crafted a delightful romance that reminds readers of the magic of books and the unpredictability of love, making it a must-read for romantics and book lovers alike.