She is the manager of the local bookstore devoted to literary fiction, he is two shops down running the romance bookstore. Pitted against each other by the landlord - their rivalry turns predicibly into romance - all the while unknowingly chatting online (to each other). A You've Got Mail-inspired bookshop spicy romance.

This book is cute, and I don't even mind the allusion to You've Got Mail, in fact, it scratches a bit of a romcom itch for me. I like Josie and Ryan and their chemistry is great; it is also fun that we get him being the romance expert and she is the stuffy literary fiction snob. It was a bit tired that he found out before her that they are friends online, but how it resolves is perfect, and I totally support that! This little love note to bookstores and bibliophiles is delightful and definitely, a cozy read that booktokkers and anyone who loves a literary-based read will enjoy. Charming, spicy, literary - ticks all the boxes.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

Absolutely devoured this one and couldn’t stop. The perfect romance book and a perfect book for people who work in book selling or anything book related. Just really cute

Who doesn't love a book about bookstores? This was a fun read and I loved the main characters who were battling out between their bookstores. Highly recommend!

BATTLE OF THE BOOKSTORES is truly a read after a booklover's heart...! It is full of wit and charm and the most incredible banter between two humans I've ever read in a romance novel; not to mention the endless puns and nods to famous literary figures that are splashed throughout the novel which every book nerd is going to love spotting.

The plot follows booksellers Josie and Ryan, managers of rival bookstores next to each other, one literary focused and one romance-centered; who cannot stand each other, are told by the owner that they must compete to see who can drive sales up the highest in their stores and become the sole manager of a combined store. Little do Josie and Ryan know though, is that while they may be sworn enemies in real life, they are the best of friends as anonymous penpals in an online forum for booksellers. Oop. The You’ve Got Mail homage is 10 out of 10.

There are so many perfect little trope moments touched on. You'll giggle during the forced proximity and only one bed moment; the opposites attract is just so 😏😏; you'll swoon when it transitions from enemies to lovers; the dyslexia, disability, and Jewish representation in the story is so beautifully handled and there’s just so many complexes to the story for what is seemingly a charming funny {and spicy 🥵} romance book.

Reading this book honestly made my little bookish heart grow so much; because on every single page you can see the pure love the authors have for not only the art of storytelling but the power of community bookstores and booksellers that handsell their recommendations. This novel is a love letter to the written word; and I dare any book nerd not to fall head over heels in love for Josie and Ryan's story.

A fun flirty romance that leaves you so satisfied! It only has a handful of spicy scenes but they are well written and will enthrall you! I struggled for a hot second with the pacing but got into the rhythm! This would be a great introduction to the romance genre for someone who is skeptical, but it’s also a great romance for those who are proud romance girlies (or guys!)

Wow, I sat down and finished this book in one day! Such a cute and different take the bookstore rivalry idea. Love that it also tackled the gender stereotypes in a small but impactful way. The characters were very relatable and so fun to see grow and change. Another book for book lovers.

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady is a romantic comedy with competition and bookish charm. This story pits Josie Klein against Ryan Lawson. When their stores are forced to merge and compete for a managerial role, the stakes are high and the sparks start flying. I loved the witty banter and the opposites attract tension, as well as their rivalry that starts a series of hilarious events.

This was SO cute!!! I'd been hoping to be approved for this one for awhile... You're telling me....these people work in bookstores, they're 'rivals' (wink-wink, because all the book girlies know how that's going to work out,) and they're competing. OK. Sold. This book lived up to everything I needed from it and so much more.

Did not finish. I feel very thankful to get an advanced reader copy, but I just couldn't get into this book. As I read the book I kept imagining the author writing and never felt like I was reading someone's story. I also felt like too many boxes were trying to get checked in this book instead of just telling a good story.

The Battle of the Bookstores book by Ali Brady is a very cute romantic comedy that will appeal to book lovers and romance readers alike! Very interesting premise of competing bookstores adds a unique spin on the plot.

This book is pure enemies-to-lovers perfection wrapped in the cozy charm of bookstore rivalries. Josie’s no-nonsense efficiency crashing into Ryan’s laid-back charm is as delightful as it is combustible, with their banter practically leaping off the page. The anonymous online friendship adds a layer of sweet irony, making the reveal all the more satisfying. With sparks flying, walls crumbling, and the fate of the store hanging in the balance, this story is a love letter to books, competition, and the magic of unexpected connections. It’s the ultimate happily-ever-after for book lovers.

I absolutely adored this book. The contrast between Josie’s meticulous nature and Ryan’s carefree attitude creates a perfect storm of fun and romantic tension. The way the two worlds, real and virtual, start to blend is cleverly done and adds such a delightful layer to the story. It’s a fun, heartwarming reminder that love can thrive in the most unexpected places, whether in the aisles of a bookstore or behind the anonymity of an online forum. The chemistry between Josie and Ryan was swoon-worthy. This is the kind of book that gives you all the warm fuzzies and makes you believe in love and the magic of books!