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Battle of the Bookstores
Rivalry and romance spark when two bookstore managers who are opposites in every way find themselves competing for the same promotion.
Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only. But when the new owner of both stores decides to combine them, the two are thrust into direct competition. Only one manager will be left standing, decided by who turns the most profit over the summer.
Efficient and detail-oriented Josie instantly clashes with easygoing and disorganized Ryan. Their competing events and contrasting styles lead to more than just frustration—the sparks between them might just set the whole store on fire. Their only solace during this chaos is the friendship they’ve each struck up with an anonymous friend in an online book forum. Little do they know they’re actually chatting with each other.
As their rivalry heats up in real life, their online relationship grows, and when the walls between their stores come tumbling down, Josie and Ryan realize not all’s fair in love and war. And maybe, if they’re lucky, happily ever afters aren’t just for the books.
Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only. But when the new owner of both stores decides to combine them, the two are thrust into direct competition. Only one manager will be left standing, decided by who turns the most profit over the summer.
Efficient and detail-oriented Josie instantly clashes with easygoing and disorganized Ryan. Their competing events and contrasting styles lead to more than just frustration—the sparks between them might just set the whole store on fire. Their only solace during this chaos is the friendship they’ve each struck up with an anonymous friend in an online book forum. Little do they know they’re actually chatting with each other.
As their rivalry heats up in real life, their online relationship grows, and when the walls between their stores come tumbling down, Josie and Ryan realize not all’s fair in love and war. And maybe, if they’re lucky, happily ever afters aren’t just for the books.
414 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2025
1042 people are currently reading
65461 people want to read
About the author
Ali Brady
5 books1,224 followersAli Brady is the pen name of writing BFFs Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey. They are the USA TODAY Bestselling authors of romantic, heartwarming, funny novels including The Beach Trap, The Comeback Summer, Until Next Summer, and Battle of the Bookstores. Their books have been “best of summer” picks by The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Parade, and Katie Couric Media. Alison lives in Chicago and works as an advertising creative director. She’s also the Founder and Co-President of The Artists Against Antisemitism, and the author of You and Me and Us and Little Pieces of Me. Bradeigh lives in Utah with her husband, four children, and two dogs. She works as a doctor and is the author of psychological thrillers Imposter and The Followers.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AliBradyBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AliBradyBooks/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,475 reviews
April 11, 2025
First, thank you so much to Tyler at Berkley Publishing for always dropping amazing titles into my inbox!
I'll be totally honest, this one had a bit of a rough start for me. I wasn't sure how I felt about the writing, in the beginning there's acronyms and just certain phrases used that just really turned me off...but I skimmed over that and kept going to see if I could get to the 'good parts'.... and oh man I'm so glad I kept going!
This book had me all misty eyed and grabbing my heart by the end. I just loved it.
We follow our FMC, Josie and our MMC, Ryan who are both booksellers on the same block. Both of their small indie bookstores are owned by scummy business man Xander or Xavier and he's trying to save some coin and in order to do this one store and staff must go. Whoever has the most sales in the quarter will be deemed the winner and the other flat out on their ass...
Who will prevail?
Besties! This was the cutest! It makes me want to go back to every cutsie rom-com I've trashed and reread them bc maybe I was wrong!
Anyway, this was everything I wanted and didn't expect it. It gave all the sweet You've Got Mail vibes with the cutest online conversations between these two. I burst out laughing on multiple occasions lol I have to go through my kindle for quotes in just a little bit.
I found myself pining for these two to get together and hoping that it would all work out. Josie was such a relatable character. She's the older sibling, and her mother wasn't the best growing up so Josie really stepped up and basically raised her younger sister. She's so caring and giving.
Growing up that way did caused Josie to close off a bit, she's always struggled with trusting people intimately and in general - which makes all the sense because of the way her mother was with her revolving door of relationships growing up. She never really felt like she had anyone she could wholeheartedly count on.
Ryan is the absolute sweetest! I wasn't really sure how I felt about him to begin with. The way the author describes his character is a little all over the place and I had a hard time nailing down wtf he actually looked like physically - extremely basketball player tall, broad shoulders, always wearing cardigans? Romance reader? Clark Kent/Superman vibes? LOL. I couldn't place this guy. For a while I really felt he was a little too feminine for my tastes - not trying to offend anyone, it's just very rare to find a man as obsessed with romance novels as this one was lol.
But he really ended up winning me over. Omg he might be one of my favorites in a while. He's the freaking sweetest and the most caring and he's a man who's on top of all the other goodies, he's very well spoken and good with his words. Our FMC isn't the only one you can win over with words lol. Loved him.
I wasn't a fan of a side character being named Cinderella.. and not a pet.. like a person. That was a bit cringe but I started to just ignore that that was her name at some point lol.
The pacing was really good, I found that the story both touched on some sensitive and relatable topics such as insecurity, childhood trauma, relationship trauma... just some real good stuff in here with positive messages on top of all the sweet goodness of the romance.
I absolutely adored this journey with Josie and Ryan and now I look forward to picking up some of the other cute covered romances I've seen from Ali Brady.
Highly recommend for all my bookish besties that love a good epistolary romance with laugh out loud moments that warm your heart!
💖Enemies to Lovers
💌You've Got Mail Vibes
💖Dual POV
📚Sweet & Spicy
💖Slow Burn
📚Cozy & Bookish
💖Only One Bed
🐈Bookstore Cats
Expected Release Date - 06/03/25
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the complementary advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
I'll be totally honest, this one had a bit of a rough start for me. I wasn't sure how I felt about the writing, in the beginning there's acronyms and just certain phrases used that just really turned me off...but I skimmed over that and kept going to see if I could get to the 'good parts'.... and oh man I'm so glad I kept going!
This book had me all misty eyed and grabbing my heart by the end. I just loved it.
We follow our FMC, Josie and our MMC, Ryan who are both booksellers on the same block. Both of their small indie bookstores are owned by scummy business man Xander or Xavier and he's trying to save some coin and in order to do this one store and staff must go. Whoever has the most sales in the quarter will be deemed the winner and the other flat out on their ass...
Who will prevail?
Besties! This was the cutest! It makes me want to go back to every cutsie rom-com I've trashed and reread them bc maybe I was wrong!
Anyway, this was everything I wanted and didn't expect it. It gave all the sweet You've Got Mail vibes with the cutest online conversations between these two. I burst out laughing on multiple occasions lol I have to go through my kindle for quotes in just a little bit.
I found myself pining for these two to get together and hoping that it would all work out. Josie was such a relatable character. She's the older sibling, and her mother wasn't the best growing up so Josie really stepped up and basically raised her younger sister. She's so caring and giving.
Growing up that way did caused Josie to close off a bit, she's always struggled with trusting people intimately and in general - which makes all the sense because of the way her mother was with her revolving door of relationships growing up. She never really felt like she had anyone she could wholeheartedly count on.
Ryan is the absolute sweetest! I wasn't really sure how I felt about him to begin with. The way the author describes his character is a little all over the place and I had a hard time nailing down wtf he actually looked like physically - extremely basketball player tall, broad shoulders, always wearing cardigans? Romance reader? Clark Kent/Superman vibes? LOL. I couldn't place this guy. For a while I really felt he was a little too feminine for my tastes - not trying to offend anyone, it's just very rare to find a man as obsessed with romance novels as this one was lol.
But he really ended up winning me over. Omg he might be one of my favorites in a while. He's the freaking sweetest and the most caring and he's a man who's on top of all the other goodies, he's very well spoken and good with his words. Our FMC isn't the only one you can win over with words lol. Loved him.
I wasn't a fan of a side character being named Cinderella.. and not a pet.. like a person. That was a bit cringe but I started to just ignore that that was her name at some point lol.
The pacing was really good, I found that the story both touched on some sensitive and relatable topics such as insecurity, childhood trauma, relationship trauma... just some real good stuff in here with positive messages on top of all the sweet goodness of the romance.
I absolutely adored this journey with Josie and Ryan and now I look forward to picking up some of the other cute covered romances I've seen from Ali Brady.
Highly recommend for all my bookish besties that love a good epistolary romance with laugh out loud moments that warm your heart!
💖Enemies to Lovers
💌You've Got Mail Vibes
💖Dual POV
📚Sweet & Spicy
💖Slow Burn
📚Cozy & Bookish
💖Only One Bed
🐈Bookstore Cats
Expected Release Date - 06/03/25
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the complementary advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
June 22, 2025
Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have two things in common - they love books and each manage a bookstore. When the owner decides to merge both and threatens to keep only the highest performing manager, the gloves come off. But as things heat up in this high pressure competition, each turns to their online BookFriends forum and their newfound anonymous friendship for comfort. Little do they know...
A love letter to the reader in all of us, this incredibly sweet and swoony take on You’ve Got Mail is an instant love.
While this is quite different then Ali Brady’s other books that lean more into the women’s fiction element, it still features all that they are best at. This includes the most lovable characters, settings to get lost in, and romances to obsess over.
Josie and Ryan somehow manage to top Meg and Ryan here. Josie is a wholly realistic and relatable character, struggling with the weight of the world on her shoulders, but desperate to let her hair down and be loved for who she is. Ryan is, well he’s the dream book boyfriend, literally. Seeing him process the development of their relationship, as each new experience shifts and challenges his thinking, was not only entertaining but emotionally satisfying as well. I also love the way dyslexia is incorporated into his story in a way that is realistic, but doesn’t become a label.
There are moments that this story is a little bit cutesy, but honestly, I enjoyed those scenes as much as those with more emotional depth, and loved the balance ultimately struck between the two. And the spice….fire. if you are a fan of steamy open door romance, this book features a few doors-off-the-hinges scenes, but in a really tasteful, non gratuitous way.
My favorite aspect though, is that it tells the ultimate love story between book and reader. Every mention of a review, a blurb, an ARC, etc. had me in my feels. This book is very, very meta but in the best way. And being able to recognize all the books and the authors mentioned was the cherry on top. The books and the dueling bookstores definitely tried to steal the show, but alas, our hero and heroine still won the day.
So how do you know if I ultimately really loved a book? Well the answer to that lies in the question of whether or not I will reread as soon as it releases on audio. And the answer to that, my friends, is most certainly yes.
Read if you like:
▪️books about books
▪️enemies to friends to lovers
▪️dyslexia rep
▪️forced proximity
▪️one bed
▪️epistolary format
▪️open door
▪️You’ve Got Mail
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Berkley Romance for the advanced copy. And thank you to the Alis for the buddy read.
A love letter to the reader in all of us, this incredibly sweet and swoony take on You’ve Got Mail is an instant love.
While this is quite different then Ali Brady’s other books that lean more into the women’s fiction element, it still features all that they are best at. This includes the most lovable characters, settings to get lost in, and romances to obsess over.
Josie and Ryan somehow manage to top Meg and Ryan here. Josie is a wholly realistic and relatable character, struggling with the weight of the world on her shoulders, but desperate to let her hair down and be loved for who she is. Ryan is, well he’s the dream book boyfriend, literally. Seeing him process the development of their relationship, as each new experience shifts and challenges his thinking, was not only entertaining but emotionally satisfying as well. I also love the way dyslexia is incorporated into his story in a way that is realistic, but doesn’t become a label.
There are moments that this story is a little bit cutesy, but honestly, I enjoyed those scenes as much as those with more emotional depth, and loved the balance ultimately struck between the two. And the spice….fire. if you are a fan of steamy open door romance, this book features a few doors-off-the-hinges scenes, but in a really tasteful, non gratuitous way.
My favorite aspect though, is that it tells the ultimate love story between book and reader. Every mention of a review, a blurb, an ARC, etc. had me in my feels. This book is very, very meta but in the best way. And being able to recognize all the books and the authors mentioned was the cherry on top. The books and the dueling bookstores definitely tried to steal the show, but alas, our hero and heroine still won the day.
So how do you know if I ultimately really loved a book? Well the answer to that lies in the question of whether or not I will reread as soon as it releases on audio. And the answer to that, my friends, is most certainly yes.
Read if you like:
▪️books about books
▪️enemies to friends to lovers
▪️dyslexia rep
▪️forced proximity
▪️one bed
▪️epistolary format
▪️open door
▪️You’ve Got Mail
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Berkley Romance for the advanced copy. And thank you to the Alis for the buddy read.
May 19, 2025
This book was EVERYTHING TO ME 😭 Was the MMC totally unrealistic? Absolutely but I dont even care 🙂↔️
Two book stores and only one will remain. The managers, Josie and Ryan, are forced to compete and draw in the most sales. Whoever succeeds gets to be the manager of the book store.
The banter is fantastic, this is truly a rivals to friends to lovers book, and Ryan, the MMC, was the sweetest man ever. He's a romance book lover through and through and he's the real life book boyfriend we would all want 🥹 The relationship progression was so raw, real and mature. I love a book with some emotional depth. It was a bit of a slow burn which I loved and the epilogue at the end made me SWOON. Ryan's big declaration had me giggling and kicking my feet. His love language is acts of service and romantic gestures and whewwww🤭
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
Two book stores and only one will remain. The managers, Josie and Ryan, are forced to compete and draw in the most sales. Whoever succeeds gets to be the manager of the book store.
The banter is fantastic, this is truly a rivals to friends to lovers book, and Ryan, the MMC, was the sweetest man ever. He's a romance book lover through and through and he's the real life book boyfriend we would all want 🥹 The relationship progression was so raw, real and mature. I love a book with some emotional depth. It was a bit of a slow burn which I loved and the epilogue at the end made me SWOON. Ryan's big declaration had me giggling and kicking my feet. His love language is acts of service and romantic gestures and whewwww🤭
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
July 28, 2025
Who doesn't love a romance, enemies to lovers, book about (you guessed it) books! What made this book different for me was when the betrayal was revealed, and it played out way different than usually expected. Definitely one I really liked!
July 28, 2025
2.5⭐️
Well, this was something alright. There were a few good moments in this, but as a whole this book really disappointed me and I hate to say that.
One of the issues I had with this book was the FMC. There is a fine line difference between being grumpy and being a straight up bitch. Josie really didn’t have many redeeming qualities about her. She was beyond rude and petty and she truly acted more like a teenager throwing a fit rather than a thirty year old woman handling things in a more mature way. She did sorta have her redemption are towards the end of the book, but I don’t think it was handled all that well. She seemed to go from 0 to 100 in the snap of your fingers rather than this slow, easing buildup.
Ryan was actually a really sweet character!! He had a lot of redeeming qualities and he gave off a lot of golden retriever boyfriend vibes; I liked it! He seemed to be the only one in this book who was hell bent on communicating since nobody in this book could talk to each other like an adult. I didn’t love him, but he wasn’t all that bad.
Now the actual plot of this book: the idea was heavenly and it COULD HAVE been amazing, but unfortunately the execution was soooo off the mark. I liked the idea of two battling bookstores competing over ownership of a merger, but this severely lacked. While I did find it mildly entertaining, I think this could have been so much better. It started off pretty slow as well, and the writing and story progression was clunky and left more to be desired.
One of the things I just couldn’t get with is the fact that this is extremely Gen Z coded for an adult romance novel. We had real life pop cultures references, other real book characters/authors, and actual abbreviations such as LOL, FML, and TBH actually SPOKEN out loud….that’s kinda really weird. Look, I’m only 23 and that still seemed to get under my skin. This book all around just didn’t feel that real or realistic. Yes, yes I know it’s a piece of fiction, but if you’re going to make so many of these references, at least do it well and make it believable.
Overall, this book kept me entertained to an extent and I was able to finish this in about 12 hours so there’s that. I do think this could be for a more fitted audience that I’m just not apart of, so if you think this would sound good for you and my review got your interest, give it a shot! I wasn’t the biggest fan of the reverse grumpy x sunshine, as I think the FMC was just straight up unlikeable. This is one of those books that are just all around BAD but they’re fun to actually read and the vibes are there if you want something a bit more on the lighter side of brain activity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭:
I’ve been reading so much fantasy recently that I need a fluffy romance to break things up!
Also ignore the side eye that my TBR shelf is giving me for picking the newest purchase rather than the 170+ I’ve had sitting there for years 😳
Well, this was something alright. There were a few good moments in this, but as a whole this book really disappointed me and I hate to say that.
One of the issues I had with this book was the FMC. There is a fine line difference between being grumpy and being a straight up bitch. Josie really didn’t have many redeeming qualities about her. She was beyond rude and petty and she truly acted more like a teenager throwing a fit rather than a thirty year old woman handling things in a more mature way. She did sorta have her redemption are towards the end of the book, but I don’t think it was handled all that well. She seemed to go from 0 to 100 in the snap of your fingers rather than this slow, easing buildup.
Ryan was actually a really sweet character!! He had a lot of redeeming qualities and he gave off a lot of golden retriever boyfriend vibes; I liked it! He seemed to be the only one in this book who was hell bent on communicating since nobody in this book could talk to each other like an adult. I didn’t love him, but he wasn’t all that bad.
Now the actual plot of this book: the idea was heavenly and it COULD HAVE been amazing, but unfortunately the execution was soooo off the mark. I liked the idea of two battling bookstores competing over ownership of a merger, but this severely lacked. While I did find it mildly entertaining, I think this could have been so much better. It started off pretty slow as well, and the writing and story progression was clunky and left more to be desired.
One of the things I just couldn’t get with is the fact that this is extremely Gen Z coded for an adult romance novel. We had real life pop cultures references, other real book characters/authors, and actual abbreviations such as LOL, FML, and TBH actually SPOKEN out loud….that’s kinda really weird. Look, I’m only 23 and that still seemed to get under my skin. This book all around just didn’t feel that real or realistic. Yes, yes I know it’s a piece of fiction, but if you’re going to make so many of these references, at least do it well and make it believable.
Overall, this book kept me entertained to an extent and I was able to finish this in about 12 hours so there’s that. I do think this could be for a more fitted audience that I’m just not apart of, so if you think this would sound good for you and my review got your interest, give it a shot! I wasn’t the biggest fan of the reverse grumpy x sunshine, as I think the FMC was just straight up unlikeable. This is one of those books that are just all around BAD but they’re fun to actually read and the vibes are there if you want something a bit more on the lighter side of brain activity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭:
I’ve been reading so much fantasy recently that I need a fluffy romance to break things up!
Also ignore the side eye that my TBR shelf is giving me for picking the newest purchase rather than the 170+ I’ve had sitting there for years 😳
June 24, 2025
4.25💫
"Growing up, countless well-meaning adults urged me to get my "nose out of that book" and go outside to "experience real life." But from what I've seen, reality is vastly overrated."
the perfect modern twist to this story!! I enjoyed how she didn't completely copy the story of You've Got Mail and give a retelling in paper form. She added a bunch of original, unique ideas to help the story move along and seem like something we haven't seen before.
I though our characters were cheesy and the most perfect book nerds. There were some moments that made me cringe, but overall I enjoyed reading this story and getting to know these characters. ryan was the romance and happy ending lover in this one, and it was refreshing to read a story about the guy being a romantic instead of it always being the girl.
There were so many cute bookish moments in here and quotes that made me feel seen as a reader, and I appreciated how both characters were able to give insight on the impact of books in their lives. This was just such a fun, cheesy read that is perfect for every book lover!!
I also enjoyed how there wasn't a third act breakup but instead were just faced with conflict and overcame it together. these people understand the importance of good communication!!!
"For better or worse, my library has always grown faster than my social circle. Managing a bookstore has forced me out of my shell, helping me grow from a shy bookworm into someone who can confidently navigate conversations and recommendations--at least, in the safety of these shelves. Out in the world, I may be quiet and reserved, but here, I've found my voice."
"Chatting with Rd feels almost like reading a good book, the kind you can't wait to get back to--but
even better because we're writing it together as we go. There's no pressure, no awkward pauses; I can take my time with my replies and savor every word of his. We're characters in a story of our own making, with no real-world complications to muddy the waters. It's comfortable and exciting all at once- and unlike anything I've felt in my life."
"Growing up, countless well-meaning adults urged me to get my "nose out of that book" and go outside to "experience real life." But from what I've seen, reality is vastly overrated."
the perfect modern twist to this story!! I enjoyed how she didn't completely copy the story of You've Got Mail and give a retelling in paper form. She added a bunch of original, unique ideas to help the story move along and seem like something we haven't seen before.
I though our characters were cheesy and the most perfect book nerds. There were some moments that made me cringe, but overall I enjoyed reading this story and getting to know these characters. ryan was the romance and happy ending lover in this one, and it was refreshing to read a story about the guy being a romantic instead of it always being the girl.
There were so many cute bookish moments in here and quotes that made me feel seen as a reader, and I appreciated how both characters were able to give insight on the impact of books in their lives. This was just such a fun, cheesy read that is perfect for every book lover!!
I also enjoyed how there wasn't a third act breakup but instead were just faced with conflict and overcame it together. these people understand the importance of good communication!!!
"For better or worse, my library has always grown faster than my social circle. Managing a bookstore has forced me out of my shell, helping me grow from a shy bookworm into someone who can confidently navigate conversations and recommendations--at least, in the safety of these shelves. Out in the world, I may be quiet and reserved, but here, I've found my voice."
"Chatting with Rd feels almost like reading a good book, the kind you can't wait to get back to--but
even better because we're writing it together as we go. There's no pressure, no awkward pauses; I can take my time with my replies and savor every word of his. We're characters in a story of our own making, with no real-world complications to muddy the waters. It's comfortable and exciting all at once- and unlike anything I've felt in my life."
August 6, 2025
this was really charming! i loved the premise of competing bookstores and loved it doubly for making the hero the one that runs the romance bookstore.
i think what i appreciated the most about this book though was the pacing. i'm really tired of picking up books with hookups in the first few chapters or even at the 50% mark of the book. or confessions of love after... literally nothing happens lmao.
the heroine is reluctant to fall in love. and the hero is dying to fall in love but also has firm boundaries around how he wants to get there. we get to know each of the characters as they correct the misconceptions they have about each other. and BOOKS. i don't normally like books about books but i liked it here.
i think what i appreciated the most about this book though was the pacing. i'm really tired of picking up books with hookups in the first few chapters or even at the 50% mark of the book. or confessions of love after... literally nothing happens lmao.
the heroine is reluctant to fall in love. and the hero is dying to fall in love but also has firm boundaries around how he wants to get there. we get to know each of the characters as they correct the misconceptions they have about each other. and BOOKS. i don't normally like books about books but i liked it here.
June 1, 2025
it was cute but point .25 off because of a taylor swift reference
August 5, 2025
3.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Massachusetts
Publication date ~ June 3, 2025
Publisher ~ Berkley
Est Page Count ~ 431 (31 chapters + one year later)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 32 minutes
Narrators ~ Karissa Vacker, Brandon Francis
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ work rivals, reverse grumpy/sunshine, enemies to friends to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage
Ryan & Josie (30) are rival next door bookshop managers. Hers specializes in literary fiction, while his is romance (love that it was opposite of what one would assume the norm should be). When the owner wants to merge them, but leaving only one manager in the end, the competition is on.
Turns out these two have been anonymously online chatting for a while and their interactions were cute. Will it cause an issue when one figures out who the other is before they meet?
Ryan was so sweet! and tall. Gotta mention the height since it was sooo many times in the book. I got a tall hub myself fyi. Liked him a way more than Josie, our grump. She was really mean most of the time, except when she was using her online persona. While I can appreciate she's very protective of her sister due to their upbringing, it was just a little much for me at times. Child abandonment was a big focus.
As expected there are a bunch of book and author references and name dropping, almost too much for me, but again it's expected with this plot so I'll let it slide.
Took me a month to read it, but overall it was cute. The grand gesture was super adorable.
Cover notes ~ I totally pictured the bookshops opposite than what's on the cover. Also, there's a coffee shop between them that's frequented daily, so I would have liked that to be shown on the cover even if just a sliver of it. Love that the cats are on there, and the characters seem true to how they were described.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference. No doubt Karissa knocked it out of the park, though.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Massachusetts
Publication date ~ June 3, 2025
Publisher ~ Berkley
Est Page Count ~ 431 (31 chapters + one year later)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 32 minutes
Narrators ~ Karissa Vacker, Brandon Francis
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ work rivals, reverse grumpy/sunshine, enemies to friends to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage
Ryan & Josie (30) are rival next door bookshop managers. Hers specializes in literary fiction, while his is romance (love that it was opposite of what one would assume the norm should be). When the owner wants to merge them, but leaving only one manager in the end, the competition is on.
Turns out these two have been anonymously online chatting for a while and their interactions were cute. Will it cause an issue when one figures out who the other is before they meet?
Ryan was so sweet! and tall. Gotta mention the height since it was sooo many times in the book. I got a tall hub myself fyi. Liked him a way more than Josie, our grump. She was really mean most of the time, except when she was using her online persona. While I can appreciate she's very protective of her sister due to their upbringing, it was just a little much for me at times. Child abandonment was a big focus.
As expected there are a bunch of book and author references and name dropping, almost too much for me, but again it's expected with this plot so I'll let it slide.
Took me a month to read it, but overall it was cute. The grand gesture was super adorable.
Cover notes ~ I totally pictured the bookshops opposite than what's on the cover. Also, there's a coffee shop between them that's frequented daily, so I would have liked that to be shown on the cover even if just a sliver of it. Love that the cats are on there, and the characters seem true to how they were described.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference. No doubt Karissa knocked it out of the park, though.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
June 22, 2025
✩ 3 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Rivals-to-Lovers
➼ You’ve Got Mail Inspired
➼ Opposites Attract
➼ Close Proximity
➼ Epistolary
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Anonymous Online Connection
➼ Dyslexia Rep
➼ HEA
➼ Dual Narration
➼ Dual First Person POV
This book featured some role reversals and while I did find that kind of refreshing, they didn’t quite work for me here. The first was the reverse grumpy x sunshine trope. I think this could have worked for me if the FMC had been written better, but I found her to be pretty unbearable. She blew past grumpy and landed straight on cold and mean. I’m a big believer in the importance of names and making people feel known, so the FMC’s continued insistence that she didn’t even remember the MMC’s name just kind of pissed me off. Sure, they would be natural rivals, but they weren’t always pitted against each other and they work in adjoining buildings. Not reaching out to at least meet and have a cordial relationship with someone in that close proximity to you who’s in such a similar role is just bizarre. Yes, she thought he had said some unkind things about her, but what’s his excuse? Heck, they probably park in the same parking lot daily and obviously frequent the same coffee shop since it’s between their two shops. Them not knowing each other at least on a surface level just makes no sense.
The second role reversal was that the romance bookstore was owned by the male lead rather than the female. I love the idea of a man reading romance books casually for enjoyment or reading specific books because their partner loves them, but actually owning a romance bookstore was a little too far for me. I feel like I should have been attracted to this idea, but I just wasn’t at all. 🤷🏼♀️ The MMC felt pretty unrealistic, but he was very nice to her even when she didn’t deserve it so he was still the better character of the two.
The FMC was so mean to him but then she’d get all hot and bothered over him next to a bookshelf. I know the author was trying to create tension, but the shifts felt a little too extreme to me. I found myself getting second hand embarrassment more than once hearing their thoughts based on how they were acting towards each other.
I enjoyed this book more in the second half when they started working together and being kinder to each other. He learns of their anonymous connection much earlier than she does so I was worried there would be a big 3rd act break up coming, but they actually handled those revelations surprising well. I’m sad I didn’t like the FMC more or feel more attracted to the MMC’s character, but if you stick this one out, I think most people will find it enjoyable. It was a fun premise and it’s definitely one for the book lovers since it contains lots of current literary references that only the true book girlies will understand. Plus, we all secretly want to own a bookstore, right? 💁🏼♀️ I might still recommend this one, but I think it won’t be for everyone.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Feeling stressed about the six reviews I need to write, so obviously I’m starting another book instead of writing one. 😆
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Rivals-to-Lovers
➼ You’ve Got Mail Inspired
➼ Opposites Attract
➼ Close Proximity
➼ Epistolary
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
➼ Anonymous Online Connection
➼ Dyslexia Rep
➼ HEA
➼ Dual Narration
➼ Dual First Person POV
This book featured some role reversals and while I did find that kind of refreshing, they didn’t quite work for me here. The first was the reverse grumpy x sunshine trope. I think this could have worked for me if the FMC had been written better, but I found her to be pretty unbearable. She blew past grumpy and landed straight on cold and mean. I’m a big believer in the importance of names and making people feel known, so the FMC’s continued insistence that she didn’t even remember the MMC’s name just kind of pissed me off. Sure, they would be natural rivals, but they weren’t always pitted against each other and they work in adjoining buildings. Not reaching out to at least meet and have a cordial relationship with someone in that close proximity to you who’s in such a similar role is just bizarre. Yes, she thought he had said some unkind things about her, but what’s his excuse? Heck, they probably park in the same parking lot daily and obviously frequent the same coffee shop since it’s between their two shops. Them not knowing each other at least on a surface level just makes no sense.
The second role reversal was that the romance bookstore was owned by the male lead rather than the female. I love the idea of a man reading romance books casually for enjoyment or reading specific books because their partner loves them, but actually owning a romance bookstore was a little too far for me. I feel like I should have been attracted to this idea, but I just wasn’t at all. 🤷🏼♀️ The MMC felt pretty unrealistic, but he was very nice to her even when she didn’t deserve it so he was still the better character of the two.
The FMC was so mean to him but then she’d get all hot and bothered over him next to a bookshelf. I know the author was trying to create tension, but the shifts felt a little too extreme to me. I found myself getting second hand embarrassment more than once hearing their thoughts based on how they were acting towards each other.
I enjoyed this book more in the second half when they started working together and being kinder to each other. He learns of their anonymous connection much earlier than she does so I was worried there would be a big 3rd act break up coming, but they actually handled those revelations surprising well. I’m sad I didn’t like the FMC more or feel more attracted to the MMC’s character, but if you stick this one out, I think most people will find it enjoyable. It was a fun premise and it’s definitely one for the book lovers since it contains lots of current literary references that only the true book girlies will understand. Plus, we all secretly want to own a bookstore, right? 💁🏼♀️ I might still recommend this one, but I think it won’t be for everyone.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Feeling stressed about the six reviews I need to write, so obviously I’m starting another book instead of writing one. 😆
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
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May 28, 2025dnf ⛈️
i really wanted to enjoy this one. i absolutely loved the premise for this book, but the execution just wasn’t there in my opinion. there were multiple mentions of other popular books, which makes sense because they’re bookstore owners, but some of the references felt a bit spoilery. for example, there was a scene where they mention violet from fourth wing’s signet, which is potentially a spoiler if you haven’t read it (luckily, i have). a few other authors mentioned i can think of off the top of my mind are lucy score, ali hazelwood, and sally thorne. i think i would be okay if this type of thing happened once or twice, but it happened multiple times, so i ended up DNFing.
i’m sure this book will definitely find its audience, but that audience unfortunately wasn’t me <3
————
a last minute arc!
>> thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc <3
i really wanted to enjoy this one. i absolutely loved the premise for this book, but the execution just wasn’t there in my opinion. there were multiple mentions of other popular books, which makes sense because they’re bookstore owners, but some of the references felt a bit spoilery. for example, there was a scene where they mention violet from fourth wing’s signet, which is potentially a spoiler if you haven’t read it (luckily, i have). a few other authors mentioned i can think of off the top of my mind are lucy score, ali hazelwood, and sally thorne. i think i would be okay if this type of thing happened once or twice, but it happened multiple times, so i ended up DNFing.
i’m sure this book will definitely find its audience, but that audience unfortunately wasn’t me <3
————
a last minute arc!
>> thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc <3
May 4, 2025
Playful banter, enemies to lovers, a cozy setting, swoon worthy tension- everything I could possibly want in a romance.
Add this to your immediate summer TBR! This is the perfect read for sitting by the pool, you won’t want to put it down. I read this pretty much in one sitting and would definitely recommend the read.
Thank you to the authors for the gifted ARC (yes, only the authors, cuz Berkley doesn’t like me very much and gave me the NetGalley decline on this one. Like usual. Hey Berkley, if you’re reading, I have over 30k followers and average over 3 million views consistently. I beg of you to reconsider my approval rating for your books cuz as you can see, I love them)
Add this to your immediate summer TBR! This is the perfect read for sitting by the pool, you won’t want to put it down. I read this pretty much in one sitting and would definitely recommend the read.
Thank you to the authors for the gifted ARC (yes, only the authors, cuz Berkley doesn’t like me very much and gave me the NetGalley decline on this one. Like usual. Hey Berkley, if you’re reading, I have over 30k followers and average over 3 million views consistently. I beg of you to reconsider my approval rating for your books cuz as you can see, I love them)
August 5, 2025
Well, that wasn't what I was expecting.
These characters are very 2D. I couldn't connect to either. The story pacing wasfine and so was the plot, there was just odd things thrown in there throughout. I liked the messaging on the app together and the bookshops though.
I, also, was confused at times to what the author was trying to tell me? The way she words her thoughts was very strange. The writing felt... sneaky(?) with its mannerisms and breadcrumbs. Almost like.. a riddle that refuses to be solved.
I was really hoping for a cute fun, bookshop rivalry and I got a very bleak, almost juvenile, story. It felt deaf and oblivious.
These characters are very 2D. I couldn't connect to either. The story pacing was
I, also, was confused at times to what the author was trying to tell me? The way she words her thoughts was very strange. The writing felt... sneaky(?) with its mannerisms and breadcrumbs. Almost like.. a riddle that refuses to be solved.
I was really hoping for a cute fun, bookshop rivalry and I got a very bleak, almost juvenile, story. It felt deaf and oblivious.
February 19, 2025
I don’t give out a ton of 5-star ratings but I absolutely loved this book! It’s a romance, certainly. It’s also a love letter to bookstores, especially indie bookstores. The plot brought back memories of that terrific movie, You’ve Got Mail. Be prepared to fall in love with these characters.
Josie is the manager of a bookstore that focuses on literary fiction, Tabula Inscripta. Beans is the coffee shop next door, and beyond that is ANOTHER bookstore, this one featuring romance books, called Happy Endings, which is managed by Ryan. Their personalities are polar opposites and their stores reflect their personalities. Josie’s store is super-organized and neat. Ryan’s store is a bit more chaotic, but also organized, just in a different way. (I personally LOVED the way Ryan chose to organize his books, so creative and encouraging of making discoveries.) Anyway … Josie and Ryan don’t really have anything in common other than they love books, or so they think. Josie doesn’t even know Ryan’s name! The owner of their building decides he wants to merge the two stores and include Beans as an in-store cafe. So he pits the two of them against each other, both vying for the future single manager position.
As in You’ve Got Mail, the two of them actually have a relationship already but they don’t know it. They are online buddies in a bookstore-oriented app/website and they are ever so compatible there. Each of them, Josie and Ryan, have really interesting backstories; both have had very different childhood/family experiences.
The Battle of the Bookstores features a number of tropes: obviously an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story, but also opposites attract. I loved how diversity of all sorts was just matter-of-factly featured in the book: dyslexia, disability due to an accident, LGBTQ and Jewish rep, and more. Much is made of Ryan’s being particularly tall; it’s almost a running joke. Another thing I loved was the dual POV; some chapters were from Josie’s POV and some from Ryan’s. The side characters were all interesting and not cookie-cutter stereotypes. The authors (Ali Brady is a writing duo) dig deep into why romance books are so popular and their writing will make a convert out of many a skeptic.
Warning: there are a couple of very explicit scenes later in the story. Also there’s a history of abandonment trauma, so be advised.
Thank you to the authors, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. (Normally I tend to read closer to the publication date but I just couldn’t wait on this one!) All opinions are my own.
Josie is the manager of a bookstore that focuses on literary fiction, Tabula Inscripta. Beans is the coffee shop next door, and beyond that is ANOTHER bookstore, this one featuring romance books, called Happy Endings, which is managed by Ryan. Their personalities are polar opposites and their stores reflect their personalities. Josie’s store is super-organized and neat. Ryan’s store is a bit more chaotic, but also organized, just in a different way. (I personally LOVED the way Ryan chose to organize his books, so creative and encouraging of making discoveries.) Anyway … Josie and Ryan don’t really have anything in common other than they love books, or so they think. Josie doesn’t even know Ryan’s name! The owner of their building decides he wants to merge the two stores and include Beans as an in-store cafe. So he pits the two of them against each other, both vying for the future single manager position.
As in You’ve Got Mail, the two of them actually have a relationship already but they don’t know it. They are online buddies in a bookstore-oriented app/website and they are ever so compatible there. Each of them, Josie and Ryan, have really interesting backstories; both have had very different childhood/family experiences.
The Battle of the Bookstores features a number of tropes: obviously an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story, but also opposites attract. I loved how diversity of all sorts was just matter-of-factly featured in the book: dyslexia, disability due to an accident, LGBTQ and Jewish rep, and more. Much is made of Ryan’s being particularly tall; it’s almost a running joke. Another thing I loved was the dual POV; some chapters were from Josie’s POV and some from Ryan’s. The side characters were all interesting and not cookie-cutter stereotypes. The authors (Ali Brady is a writing duo) dig deep into why romance books are so popular and their writing will make a convert out of many a skeptic.
Warning: there are a couple of very explicit scenes later in the story. Also there’s a history of abandonment trauma, so be advised.
Thank you to the authors, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. (Normally I tend to read closer to the publication date but I just couldn’t wait on this one!) All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2025
Add this to your TBR immediately. I am begging you. When this book drops, I need you to stop everything and read it. Do you hear me?
I went in with zero expectations. No one I know is talking about this book, so let me be the one to change that.
Ryan and Josie each own rival bookstores, and when their boss decides to merge the two, things take a turn. To make it worse? They’re forced to compete for the highest profits—winner gets full ownership of the new store. Now throw in a secret pen-pal twist, and I was hooked. That trope gets me every time. This book delivers the perfect mix of banter, competition, and chemistry—it’s rivals-to-lovers and workplace romance at its absolute best.
And the ending? Easily my favorite part. I was bracing myself for a classic third-act breakup, but the author took a different, more honest route that made their relationship feel raw, real, and so satisfying. Also—the spice? Flawlessly done.
If you’re not into books that reference modern authors and titles, this might not be your vibe. But if you’re looking for a story with great representation and unique characters, this one absolutely delivers.
Tropes
📚 rivals to enemies
💌 you’ve got mail vibes
🐈 dual pov
💌 open door spice
📚 slow burn
🐈 childhood abandonment
📚 only one bed
🐈 bookstore cats
💌 dyslexia representation
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review✨
I went in with zero expectations. No one I know is talking about this book, so let me be the one to change that.
Ryan and Josie each own rival bookstores, and when their boss decides to merge the two, things take a turn. To make it worse? They’re forced to compete for the highest profits—winner gets full ownership of the new store. Now throw in a secret pen-pal twist, and I was hooked. That trope gets me every time. This book delivers the perfect mix of banter, competition, and chemistry—it’s rivals-to-lovers and workplace romance at its absolute best.
And the ending? Easily my favorite part. I was bracing myself for a classic third-act breakup, but the author took a different, more honest route that made their relationship feel raw, real, and so satisfying. Also—the spice? Flawlessly done.
If you’re not into books that reference modern authors and titles, this might not be your vibe. But if you’re looking for a story with great representation and unique characters, this one absolutely delivers.
Tropes
📚 rivals to enemies
💌 you’ve got mail vibes
🐈 dual pov
💌 open door spice
📚 slow burn
🐈 childhood abandonment
📚 only one bed
🐈 bookstore cats
💌 dyslexia representation
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review✨
August 4, 2025
3.5 stars
Battle of the Bookstores is a charming rivals-to-lovers romance with a delightful ‘You’ve Got Mail’ vibe. While the story starts off at a slower pace, it gradually draws you in with its heart and humor. By the end, I was completely won over. The heroine’s personal growth is especially satisfying, and the hero’s grand gesture is perfect. A sweet, feel-good read!
Battle of the Bookstores is a charming rivals-to-lovers romance with a delightful ‘You’ve Got Mail’ vibe. While the story starts off at a slower pace, it gradually draws you in with its heart and humor. By the end, I was completely won over. The heroine’s personal growth is especially satisfying, and the hero’s grand gesture is perfect. A sweet, feel-good read!
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Karissa Vacker & Brandon Francis
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length:9h 32m
January 28, 2025
okay okay she’s really pushing the indie bookstore agenda with this one! rtc
thank you to netgalley and berkley for the arc!!
thank you to netgalley and berkley for the arc!!
July 5, 2025
I must admit I love this story’s “You’ve Got Mail” vibe. First of all, a special discussion forum buddy with whom you can share pretty much anything is a great way to burn off your frustration with your new boss, who is pitting you against your rival!
This crazy plot seemed a bit far-fetched at first, but Brady develops this story with finesse and plausibility all over the pages. Her characters are unique and fun. The secondary characters are a riot and the spicy risqué book nights are so creative. Where is something like that where I live?
Ryan and Josie each carry a lot on their shoulders, and their growth from strangers to tolerable co-workers and finally more feels like a natural progression. I love their growth through work lessons and the love of books. The way the author brings in other authors, books, reviewer info, and the overall love of reading to bind them together is clever and sweet.
Battle of the Bookstores is a slow burn, opposites attract love story with the texting buddies amping up the confusion and awareness. But once reality hits, the hair comes down and the shoes come off quickly. This is a sweet'n spicy “he falls first” story that will delight readers of romance and women’s fiction all over!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/battle-of-th...
This crazy plot seemed a bit far-fetched at first, but Brady develops this story with finesse and plausibility all over the pages. Her characters are unique and fun. The secondary characters are a riot and the spicy risqué book nights are so creative. Where is something like that where I live?
Ryan and Josie each carry a lot on their shoulders, and their growth from strangers to tolerable co-workers and finally more feels like a natural progression. I love their growth through work lessons and the love of books. The way the author brings in other authors, books, reviewer info, and the overall love of reading to bind them together is clever and sweet.
Battle of the Bookstores is a slow burn, opposites attract love story with the texting buddies amping up the confusion and awareness. But once reality hits, the hair comes down and the shoes come off quickly. This is a sweet'n spicy “he falls first” story that will delight readers of romance and women’s fiction all over!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/battle-of-th...
May 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
"I think I fell in love with love stories because I knew one day, they would lead me to you--a woman who thought my name was Brian."
A very cute premise with writing that missed the mark for me.
I was excited to pick this one up. Two bookstore managers competing for one available spot where the MMC is the romance store manager?? So good.
But my biggest issue with this one was that it read MUCH younger that I was expecting. These characters are around 30 and the way it read to my was more YA, maybe 17. And this lead to some disappointment and a lot of frustration with both the main characters and some of the side characters. Everything just seemed immature to me.
But there were some definite positives here. The character development was really good and there was some great messaging here, so I really think most people will enjoy this one 🩷
"I think I fell in love with love stories because I knew one day, they would lead me to you--a woman who thought my name was Brian."
A very cute premise with writing that missed the mark for me.
I was excited to pick this one up. Two bookstore managers competing for one available spot where the MMC is the romance store manager?? So good.
But my biggest issue with this one was that it read MUCH younger that I was expecting. These characters are around 30 and the way it read to my was more YA, maybe 17. And this lead to some disappointment and a lot of frustration with both the main characters and some of the side characters. Everything just seemed immature to me.
But there were some definite positives here. The character development was really good and there was some great messaging here, so I really think most people will enjoy this one 🩷
June 10, 2025
This is how you do contemporary enemies to lovers!!! Josie and Ryan are battling it out to see who can make more sales to keep their bookstore open by the end of the summer. But they actually have a deeper connection than either of them know as they’re secret pen pals. The shenanigans that ensue during their summer sales completion was so much fun to read! I also loved the text exchanges they had. Ryan was down bad for Josie and I loved watching him get flustered.
I do wish that Josie had a bit more trust and compassion in the third act, but it was needed for the two of them to come back together.
🎧 the audiobook was phenomenal. This is my first book narrated by Brandon Francis and it will not be my last. He read so perfectly for Ryan. This was also my first audiobook by Karissa Vecker and she did similarly perfect as well! They both brought these characters to life and I really enjoyed the audio.
Thank you so much berkley romance and penguin random house audio for the gifted copies!
I do wish that Josie had a bit more trust and compassion in the third act, but it was needed for the two of them to come back together.
🎧 the audiobook was phenomenal. This is my first book narrated by Brandon Francis and it will not be my last. He read so perfectly for Ryan. This was also my first audiobook by Karissa Vecker and she did similarly perfect as well! They both brought these characters to life and I really enjoyed the audio.
Thank you so much berkley romance and penguin random house audio for the gifted copies!
June 17, 2025
「 ✦ 3, Josie and (B)Ryan penpals4lyfe, stars ✦ 」
✦ Battle of the Bookstores is one looong love note to those who love reading. This brought me quite a bit of joy, but I’ll be upfront- I wasn’t hooked until around 40%. Before that, I was questioning my life choices. Was this a DNF-or-die moment, or should I risk it all and continue? If you’re prone to reading slumps, then you probably understand. I decided to stick with it and there was payoff. What I found annoying in the first half, became somewhat endearing in the second. Truly a fungus, of sorts, lurks in these pages. This will be perfect for readers who love: bookstore vibes, romance novels, and literary pop culture. ✦
✦ Not spoilers spoilers, but character quirk spoilers. Does that make this a spoiler? Not sure, but I am curious about how many times I can type spoiler before my eyes cross. Rereading that, the answer is 5. Put me out of my self-inflicted misery, please. ✦
✦…Asking for a friend, but why is organizing books in alphabetical order (by authors last name, no heathens here) such a controversial shelving method? How else would you find anything?! I think Ryan’s due for a psychological evaluation. But the idea of smut being unnecessary…is even more appalling to me (no shame if that’s your vibe). So pencil Josie in, and do back-to-back appointments. These literary-goofs are clearly meant for each other. Also never thought I’d read the words immaculate and Subaru together, but it made me smile. ✦
「 ✦ 𝚙𝚛𝚎-𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 ✦ 」
I got the ARC…Repeat! I got the ARC! I’m unbelievably excited; honestly, slightly freaking out. I don’t know what to do with my hands, and feet, because they keep moving on their own! Battle of the Bookstores has been on my radar for MONTHS. You’ve Got Mail, but with a twist? Say no more. Ahhh! I’m acting like a kid on pop-rocks-crack over here! Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC!
✦ Battle of the Bookstores is one looong love note to those who love reading. This brought me quite a bit of joy, but I’ll be upfront- I wasn’t hooked until around 40%. Before that, I was questioning my life choices. Was this a DNF-or-die moment, or should I risk it all and continue? If you’re prone to reading slumps, then you probably understand. I decided to stick with it and there was payoff. What I found annoying in the first half, became somewhat endearing in the second. Truly a fungus, of sorts, lurks in these pages. This will be perfect for readers who love: bookstore vibes, romance novels, and literary pop culture. ✦
✦ Not spoilers spoilers, but character quirk spoilers. Does that make this a spoiler? Not sure, but I am curious about how many times I can type spoiler before my eyes cross. Rereading that, the answer is 5. Put me out of my self-inflicted misery, please. ✦
✦…Asking for a friend, but why is organizing books in alphabetical order (by authors last name, no heathens here) such a controversial shelving method? How else would you find anything?! I think Ryan’s due for a psychological evaluation. But the idea of smut being unnecessary…is even more appalling to me (no shame if that’s your vibe). So pencil Josie in, and do back-to-back appointments. These literary-goofs are clearly meant for each other. Also never thought I’d read the words immaculate and Subaru together, but it made me smile. ✦
「 ✦ 𝚙𝚛𝚎-𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 ✦ 」
I got the ARC…Repeat! I got the ARC! I’m unbelievably excited; honestly, slightly freaking out. I don’t know what to do with my hands, and feet, because they keep moving on their own! Battle of the Bookstores has been on my radar for MONTHS. You’ve Got Mail, but with a twist? Say no more. Ahhh! I’m acting like a kid on pop-rocks-crack over here! Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC!
December 20, 2024
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.
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.
May 3, 2025
YES! I loved this! The characters were so good and I loved their dynamic and the relationship that blossomed. I was hoping certain things wouldn’t happen and they didn’t…THANK YOU! This was such a great take on You’ve Got Mail and I can’t wait for more from these authors!
Huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy to read and review!
Huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy to read and review!
July 13, 2025
My second book by Ali Brady and I'm a fan! What a nice, entertaining, light-hearted romance. So cute! Two bookstore managers, Josie and Ryan, work at Bookstores on the same street in Boston. Their stores are completely different. Hers sells serious literature and his sells romance. But the new owner wants to combine the two stores. But only one of them can be the manager. So there is a competition with who can turn over the most profits. Things heat up not only on the chaos at the Bookstores but also between them. Such a great summer book to escape into. I loved this swoony romance. I loved the characters, the plot, the setting. It was just an overall enjoyable read!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2025
ummmmm no
the description of the book had me intrigued and excited and tbh that description should be deleted from the back because this book barely had the plot that is described.
i loved the idea of two rival bookstore managers competing and that plot was barely there to nonexistent
everything was about the fmcs family trauma and every conversation was related to something sexual (don’t get me wrong i love me some spice but this wasn’t that at all)
and can we please stop putting references to booktok in books please!?!?
there were 2 things i liked which were the message threads and the references to actual books ive read
thank you netgalley and berkeley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
the description of the book had me intrigued and excited and tbh that description should be deleted from the back because this book barely had the plot that is described.
i loved the idea of two rival bookstore managers competing and that plot was barely there to nonexistent
everything was about the fmcs family trauma and every conversation was related to something sexual (don’t get me wrong i love me some spice but this wasn’t that at all)
and can we please stop putting references to booktok in books please!?!?
there were 2 things i liked which were the message threads and the references to actual books ive read
thank you netgalley and berkeley for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 13, 2025
5 ⭐️
Battle of the bookstores is about two bookstore managers turn rivals.
Josie and Ryan both manage bookstores on the same street. When the owner of the stores tells them he is going to combine them with the coffee shop in between, and that there can only be one manager, the two set out for a battle against each other.
They are enemies from the start. Doing little things to annoy one another, and then talking about their lives discreetly online with their book friends.
The wild part? The book friends they have online are actually each other.
When Ryan realizes that bookshopgirl is actually Josie, he sits out to change their dynamic and see if she really is the same girl he’s been talking to online deep down.
Words cannot express how much I loved this book! It was my Book club book for this month, and I finished it in a day. I love when a book also talks about books, and the fact that Ryan was a romance bookshop owner makes it even better. The enemies to love her trope is just chefs kiss. They playfully even mention that their relationship is an enemies to clever trope itself.
I’m so sad I’m done with this book, and need to read more by Ali Brady asap!
Battle of the bookstores is about two bookstore managers turn rivals.
Josie and Ryan both manage bookstores on the same street. When the owner of the stores tells them he is going to combine them with the coffee shop in between, and that there can only be one manager, the two set out for a battle against each other.
They are enemies from the start. Doing little things to annoy one another, and then talking about their lives discreetly online with their book friends.
The wild part? The book friends they have online are actually each other.
When Ryan realizes that bookshopgirl is actually Josie, he sits out to change their dynamic and see if she really is the same girl he’s been talking to online deep down.
Words cannot express how much I loved this book! It was my Book club book for this month, and I finished it in a day. I love when a book also talks about books, and the fact that Ryan was a romance bookshop owner makes it even better. The enemies to love her trope is just chefs kiss. They playfully even mention that their relationship is an enemies to clever trope itself.
I’m so sad I’m done with this book, and need to read more by Ali Brady asap!
April 11, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Books for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When their landlord decides to merge their bookstores with a coffee shop, Josie and Ryan are left competing for the single manager position. This was a super cute romcom that hits you in the feels. The banter, chemistry, the emotional depth, and swoon worthy MMC made this such a good read. I also really liked the twist of of her being the literary fiction reader and him the romance. I will definitely have to read more books by Ali Brady.
You’ve Got Mail vibes
Forced proximity
One bed
Enemies to lovers
Competition
When their landlord decides to merge their bookstores with a coffee shop, Josie and Ryan are left competing for the single manager position. This was a super cute romcom that hits you in the feels. The banter, chemistry, the emotional depth, and swoon worthy MMC made this such a good read. I also really liked the twist of of her being the literary fiction reader and him the romance. I will definitely have to read more books by Ali Brady.
You’ve Got Mail vibes
Forced proximity
One bed
Enemies to lovers
Competition
June 26, 2025
4.5 stars! Battle of the Bookstores was super cute and fun! I honestly didn’t know what to expect as this was my first read by this author duo, but it was so fun and I’m so glad I grabbed the audio from my library.
You’ve Got Mail but indie romance bookstore vs indie literature bookstore! There is a new owner of both stores and when he wants to combine both book stores into one, he sets up a completion for whichever store sells the most over summer gets to remain.
Ryan owns a romance-only bookstore and Josie owns a serious literature bookstore. He’s easygoing and disorganized, she’s detail-oriented and efficient. And the clash between them was so fun. I loved that he was the one who owns the romance bookstore and his reasons were so sweet. Over time they realize they’re both good at each other’s weaknesses (business wise), they both care about books and their readers, and they start to wonder if they should partner up instead of competing. And on top of that, this is an epistolary romance and has hidden/secret identity because they’re on a bookstore owner chat group together and anonymous online pen pals! I loved how they figure out one another’s identities and how it wasn’t a big deal/conflict like some books do with that trope. He is a super sweet hero too, wants to read her favorite books so goes through her review boards, remembers books that are important to her, takes his time to rec books he thinks will work for her, etc. Perfect read for book lovers!
You’ve Got Mail but indie romance bookstore vs indie literature bookstore! There is a new owner of both stores and when he wants to combine both book stores into one, he sets up a completion for whichever store sells the most over summer gets to remain.
Ryan owns a romance-only bookstore and Josie owns a serious literature bookstore. He’s easygoing and disorganized, she’s detail-oriented and efficient. And the clash between them was so fun. I loved that he was the one who owns the romance bookstore and his reasons were so sweet. Over time they realize they’re both good at each other’s weaknesses (business wise), they both care about books and their readers, and they start to wonder if they should partner up instead of competing. And on top of that, this is an epistolary romance and has hidden/secret identity because they’re on a bookstore owner chat group together and anonymous online pen pals! I loved how they figure out one another’s identities and how it wasn’t a big deal/conflict like some books do with that trope. He is a super sweet hero too, wants to read her favorite books so goes through her review boards, remembers books that are important to her, takes his time to rec books he thinks will work for her, etc. Perfect read for book lovers!
June 14, 2025
This book is not getting enough hype! I can not recommend it enough! READ THIS BOOK!!!
Seriously though this was such a read and I could not stop smiling. It’s every book lovers dream 🩵
Seriously though this was such a read and I could not stop smiling. It’s every book lovers dream 🩵
June 16, 2025
This was a cute You’ve Got Mail bookish romance. I loved how the authors switched things up by making Ryan physically imposing at 6’7”, but also the sweet sunshine romance bookstore manager. The backstory of how he got into romance was so sweet. Josie was pretty judgmental in the beginning, but it allowed her character to grow through the course of the novel. I really enjoyed seeing their rivalry shift to friendship and then more.
Things to expect:
- forced proximity
- rivals to friends to lovers
- twist on You’ve Got Mail
- grumpy + sunshine
- epistolary
- a cinnamon roll hero who is all about consent
- lots of bookish and pop culture references
I didn’t love the lying by omission, but I’m glad there wasn’t a huge third act blow up. I would actually consider this one third act break up free, since their reasons and responses were understandable and any confusion was cleared up quickly. Things wrap up conveniently, but the epilogue was adorable and perfectly bookish.
I mainly listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration by Karissa Vacker and Brandon Francis a lot. There were some production inconsistencies/re-records during Ryan’s chapters though, that disrupted the flow of the narration.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 4 stars
CW: parental abandonment (past), accident involving sibling resulting in permanent injury, dyslexia, death of a friend/loved one, grief
*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*
Things to expect:
- forced proximity
- rivals to friends to lovers
- twist on You’ve Got Mail
- grumpy + sunshine
- epistolary
- a cinnamon roll hero who is all about consent
- lots of bookish and pop culture references
I didn’t love the lying by omission, but I’m glad there wasn’t a huge third act blow up. I would actually consider this one third act break up free, since their reasons and responses were understandable and any confusion was cleared up quickly. Things wrap up conveniently, but the epilogue was adorable and perfectly bookish.
I mainly listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration by Karissa Vacker and Brandon Francis a lot. There were some production inconsistencies/re-records during Ryan’s chapters though, that disrupted the flow of the narration.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 4 stars
CW: parental abandonment (past), accident involving sibling resulting in permanent injury, dyslexia, death of a friend/loved one, grief
*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*
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