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.

📚Rival bookshop owners
📚Enemies-to-lovers
📚Small-town setting
📚Grumpy-sunshine
📚Forced proximity


UGH SIGN ME THE HELL UP!!!!
Late & Seb have the best love hate relationship and I knew from the start I would fall in love with them. I enjoyed this book a little too much. It made me giggle like a little school girl 😂

Source: Netgalley for my honest review

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 📖

This fun, quirky rom com was a perfect pick me up. I found myself laughing with the characters and the story is beautifully written. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves You've Got Mail.

Kate and Sebastian are INCREDIBLY amazing characters! I absolutely loved their chemistry! This was a sweet, extremely well written story that captured me from the first sentence and made me wish it never ended.

Book People by Jackie Ashenden is my ideal rom com. Sebastien is exactly the kind of hero I love - he's grumpy, he's set in his ways, he can be a total a-hole - and he's hot hot hot. Kate is definitely the sunshine to his grump, and it's her cheery personality and persistence which draw Sebastien out of his self imposed emotional exile.

Throw in a historical mystery, tons of sexual tension, and ample bookish references and this book is just....*happy sigh*

I would happily spend the afternoon in Kate or Sebastien's bookstores. Preferably reading a book THIS good.

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I have read dozens of Jackie Ashenden’s books across a range of romantic genres and I think this is one of her best. The prose flows so easily and is totally engaging. The hero and heroine - Sebastian and Kate are fully fleshed out characters who really grabbed my interest from the start and maintained it to the very last page.

The theme of books, their importance and their necessity runs through the story beautifully. This is a story by someone who loves books and written for readers who are similarily inclined.

I highly recommend this - a fabulous reading experience with an emotionally satisfying storyline and characters you can care about.

Book People by Jackie is the perfect book lovers/ enemies to lovers rom-com. Our main male lead is grumpy and other female main character Kate is the perfect amount of sunshine that our grumpy Sebastian needs to finally open up and let someone in.

You can tell this author really loves her books and rom-coms by the writing and details and it was truly just such a comforting read!

this was sooooo good that I’m upset it was an ARC and that i can’t make everyone i know read this right now. i didn’t realize how much depth there would be in this story, and how much would intertwine but i loved it. I loved the characters, and was glad we had a dual pov bc i honestly would have probably hated Sebastian otherwise but the author made you love him. A beautiful story!! Add to your TBR & please read when this is released !

Book People is perfect for romance lovers. It’s a nice easy read and it moves along quite quickly. While I didn’t love it, it was still a cosy little love story.

A grumpy hero and a heroine with scars of her own trying to rediscover joy meet in “Book People”, by Jackie Ashenden, finding more affinities than the shared passion for books.
I loved the leads’ personalities and the clash between Sebastian’s grumpiness and apparent coldness and Kate’s optimism and openness.
They both have emotional wounds and react differently.
Jackie Ashenden’s talent at writing intense, fierce and deeply devoted heroes is shown through Sebastian’s character.
His intensity and honesty are fascinating.
The apparently fragile heroine turns out to be a strong individual fighting for her dreams after a period of loss and heartache.
I liked the balance, the dialogue between the two bookshops and the owners’ personalities in the small community, and how they cooperated in the end.
The secret love story in the past was intriguing and also very endearing.

This is an adorable story – very nicely tuned to appeal to book lovers! Misses being very memorable – my review will hopefully explain that.

Kate, has moved to the village of Wychtree and launched her bookshop “Portable Magic”. This was always her dream and she decides to use the property left to her by her mother who passed away 2.5 years back. Opposite her shop is “Blackwood Books”, run by Sebastian Blackwood. Thankfully the genres they cater to are different – she stocks romance, cozy mysteries, thrillers, escapist reads and some non-fiction such as cookbooks & biographies. He concentrates on mainstream novels including Booker prize winners and some true crime. Kate tries to strike up a conversation with Sebastian but he is terse and avoids speaking to her. Both of them have business challenges and are keen to get their bookshops to be successful. Sebastian has planned a literary festival and very reluctantly agrees to include Kate in the planning & hosting of the event. As they work with each other, they learn more about each other and their families. Kate has broken off with her boyfriend Jasper, who was very controlling. Both of them find the other attractive, but are not seeking another relationship.

The portrayal of Kate and Sebastian as two very different personality types is brilliant – he is circumspect & brooding (many issues constantly preying on his mind) while she is open, social & great with bonding with others. I loved the initial tensions between the two and the banter they engage in. There are nice, cozy backstories of both of their families. The only real disappointment for me was the stale descriptions of the sexual tension & attraction between the two. This really detracts from a very good story & excellent loveable characters.

A book I much recommend – it is brilliant for the most part and the characters are charming.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

Oh my GOODNESS what a cute, cozy read! I loved every second of this book and can't believe I've never read anything else from Ashenden prior to this one! Kate and Sebastian had amazing chemistry, witty banter, and plenty of laugh out loud moments along the way. Not only was their relationship enjoyable to follow, but it was well developed and focused on more relatable and deeper themes that many romances tend to skim over. Regardless of the tropes you favor, any romance reader needs to pick this one up!