Thanks to Net Galley, St. Martin's Press, and Jayci Lee for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a big fan of independent bookstores, so when I read in the description that part of BOOKED ON A FEELING involved helping one, I was all in.

Lizzy and Jack grew up together and have a close friendship. He's had a crush on her since the age of ten. When she's lead attorney for the first time in a trial, he makes the trek from his hometown of Weldon to support her. A panic attack makes her pass out. He's there to help. She decides to take a few weeks off of her stressful job to assess her life choices. Since she has many fond memories of Weldon, and Jack lives there, she picks the quaint and charming town for her vacation destination.

BOOKED ON A FEELING is a charming contemporary romance that leverages the friends to lovers trope. What I enjoyed most:
- friends to lovers slow burn
- the food descriptions made me hungry
- Jack's family was so supportive and his mother and siblings are strong supporting characters
- Lizzy's love of checking things off of a list was totally relatable
- the relationship between Lizzy and Jack felt genuine and well-earned through their two journeys
- It was so nice to read a male lead who is gentle in nature

What didn't work for me:
- the beginning of the book was a little on the slow side
- there's no explanation as to why Lizzy's mom is so harsh and demanding. It would have been nice to hint at some healing between Lizzy and her mom, but not every loose end needs to get tied

Overall, this contemporary romance was an enjoyable read. I recommend it for readers who like a slow burn friends to lovers trope, enjoy visits to small, quaint towns, and have good take-out nearby.

Jack and Lizzy have been friends since childhood when she would spend summers in his idyllic small town. Her memories of these fun times were etched in her mind and when she needed a break from her stressful job as an attorney, she knew where she had to go. Lizzy’s arrival in Weldon was a surprise to Jack but what wasn’t a surprise was how he still felt about her. He loved Lizzy with all of his heart, and he always had. Jack didn’t feel worthy of her love and was reluctant to admit his true feelings. He was resigned to just being her best friend, without adding romance into the equation. But what if Jack did pursue Lizzy, what could possibly go wrong?

Lizzy felt free and lighthearted for the first time in her life, and I admired her dream of one day owning a bookstore. It was fun watching her bring life to the Sparrow Bookstore, because who wouldn’t want to spend their days surrounded by books, helping young minds become passionate about reading? Jack and Lizzy are a fun and adventurous couple who spent most of the book dancing around their feelings. They shared many sexy glances while they fixed up the bookstore and Lizzy swooned every time, she saw Jack wearing his toolbelt! Their witty banter was hilarious, and it was refreshing reading about a couple who both enjoyed life to the fullest. If any couple was meant to be together it was these two lovebirds. I love the tenderness and caring Jack and Lizzy have for each other. Their happiness jumped off the pages and their friendship became a love that would be everlasting.

Booked on a Feeling is a friends to lovers focused on Lizzy and Jack, two Korean-Americans who have been best friends for twenty years. Jack has loved Lizzy since they were 10. After Lizzy needs to take some time off from her anxiety inducing career, she goes to Jack's hometown to spend some time relaxing with him. Which obviously leads to their friendship taking a turn towards love.

Both of these characters were lovely - Jack is kind, caring, but painfully unsure of himself. He constantly feels like he's not good enough for those he loves, including Lizzy. Lizzy is a high-achieving lawyer whose anxiety leads to panic attacks. She's also unsure of herself, she's been following her mom's chosen path for her life and it's put her in a bad place mentally. They both had depth and easy to connect to feelings as individuals and it was easy to see why they were falling for each other.

I love a friends to lovers if it's done right and this one was pretty good. My main struggle was that I couldn't even say "these two are miscommunicating" because they just weren't communicating! The book was all kissing and then internal dialogue. I enjoyed it, but I also kept wondering when things were going to pick up. It's a slow burn for sure and not a lot of spice (totally fine, but always something I try to note in reviews). There was a lot of talk of sexual tension and talk about each other in their internal dialogues, but a lot of the action was fade to black.

I struggled with an overall rating - I think I'd go 3.5 (round up to 4 when there aren't half stars) because I did enjoy it and I liked a lot about it. It was cute, but it's not really leaving me with much to stand out and remember. I could totally see how it could be someone else's type of romance though! It's just not quite what I love in mine.

Things I liked: the very realistic nature of Lizzy's anxiety; the bookstore plot lines - I literally want to revamp a small bookstore after this; the friendship and obvious affection between the two of them; Lizzy's arrival in Jack's town; and the family connection that Jack's family had. I actually wish there'd been a little more about that - his family seemed so close and I loved the contrast between them and Lizzy's family.

Things I didn't care for: the lack of communication - I just kept begging them to talk to each other about their feelings; the excess kissing, but fade to black action just wasn't really my vibe; and Lizzy's relationship with her mom. I had a lot of background questions - like where did Lizzy live after her parents moved back to Korea? How did Jack and Lizzy meet? Just a few more details would have been appreciated.

All in all it was a cute, quick read that I enjoyed while I was reading it, but I'm not sure it'll stick with me. Again, I think this is a great read for the right audience. If you like friends to lovers, slow burns, and kissing books, this one is for you.

Thanks to Net Galley, St. Martin's Press, and Jayci Lee for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had to DNF. I sadly just couldn't get into it and I can't put my finger on what it was.
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

What a cute story this book offers! A sweet friends to lovers story that also includes two people finding their true selves along the way. I love that Lee included Korean heritage as well throughout the story. A feel good book that will leave you with a smile on your face.

I am always a sucker for a rom-com novel that involved a bookstore. I don't know what it is about reading about people in books who are also passionate about books that get me every time. I have been in the mood for a cute read that I can finish quite quickly and this was one of those. The cover is cute and matches the aesthetic of the book contents as well. A great addition that I will be making to my growing-too-quickly rom-com bookshelf.

I absolutely was in awe by this book. I hadn't read the first two books within this series but now I definitely think I'll be going back and reading them. From the getgo, I fell in love with Jack and his adorkableness. His character development and overall arc were perfect for this romcom. He was written in such a way that I found myself wanting the WHOLE book from his perspective. I also loved Lizzy's character development. When she pushed to do what SHE wanted to do really made me root for her. Breaking those cultural norms is a huge accomplishment, especially for people that may face scrutiny. Each character faced multiple challenges in many aspects of their lives, and I'm so glad we, as readers, got to see them work through their issues and overcome what may have been going on.

I appreciated the inclusion of high-functioning anxiety and panic attacks. As someone who really struggles with anxiety, I could relate to Lizzy, and I think many other readers will too. Anxiety isn't normalized enough and people still feel less than when dealing with it, and this book shows you that it's okay to struggle because you will push through in the end.

The spice in this book was perfect for the nature of the story. The witty banter between all of the characters had me laughing in practically every chapter. I truly loved the way this book was written, especially with the dual pov. At some points I had to re-read the page because I couldn't tell exactly whose POV it was, but once I re-read I could figure it out. This could be my flaw as a reader, but sometimes it could've been clearer! Not only was the dual POV a selling point for me but the best friends to lovers trope is top tier in romcoms. Plus Jack fell first; when the guy falls first, the book is already so much better in my opinion.

I would read this book again, and I will definitely be recommending it. A print copy will be going on my bookshelf when it inevitably comes out! This novel was to die for and I can't wait for others to read it!

It is never a bad day when you can sit and devour a Jayci Lee book. I just love her storytelling and the way she develops her stories.

Families that are a bit interwoven, yet stand-alone stories are bursting with deep feelings and love. Booked on a Feeling is a friend to lovers trope that is so full of the true-to-life anxiety we get over decisions, family issues, and fear. You can literally put yourself in the character’s place at some points throughout.

I love the lifelong connection between these two best friends, and the slow-to-rise feelings are there, just squashed – for now. Lee beautifully joined these two with fire and steam that leaves you begging for more.

Beautiful characters, laughs, tears, and a whole lot of raw feelings. This book was heartfelt from start to finish! If you have not experienced a Jayci Lee story yet, you are seriously missing out.

Quick fun read. I loved the setting of the book but I did find myself frustrated with the lack of communication

This book was super cute and I enjoyed it. Though, I felt like they jumped right into their story with both characters already in love with each other… there was no build up on feelings. I also didn’t like the miscommunication. Overall though it was cute and a quick read and I love the bookstore setting

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, so how could I resist a romance that takes place in a bookshop?! As a fellow book lover, I totally related to Lizzie and really loved her character development. I love how Lizzie’s anxiety was written and covered, but her lack of just TELLING JACK have me anxiety. Overall it’s a cute, witty, quick read and I look forward to what Jayci Lee writes in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Jayci Lee for the eARC!

Cute! Friends to lovers is not my fav trope, but how could I resist a romance that takes place in a bookshop?! What’s funny to me is that Lizzie struggles with anxiety, and yet, her pining for Jack but not just *talking it out* gave me anxiety. Generally, that’s the name of the game for friends to lovers, so I should have known better. Miscommunication, or lack there of only hits for me when they hate each other until it combusts into some good heat. Overall it’s a cute, witty, quick read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, and to the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my review.

This book was an absolute pleasure to read. Anything by Jayci Lee is actually. I highly recommend this book.

1.5 stars

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Wow, I soooo wanted to like this one. I was honestly so excited to read this but it just lacked in the end. I had to fight not to DNF this but still ended up skimming the book. I couldn't connect with the characters at all, and they're supposed to be in their 30s here but honestly, they don't act their age at all. The plot was super predictable along with that this was supposed to be friends to lovers, but where was the friends part?? Because when I started this book they were already hot and bothered for each other so that's another thing I felt lacking. Overall I feel like certain things are being focused on too much like food and bath descriptions. instead focusing on character development or backstories that allow readers to connect to the characters. This book has a good baseline if only it was executed differently.

Booked on a Feeling by Jayci Lee features a dual-pov romance. Lizzy is an overachieving attorney who has anxiety. After winning a trial brings her no joy, she takes a vacation to the small town where her bff, Jack lives. Jack is working for the family brewery, has been hiding his feelings from Lizzy for about 20 years, and looking to pursue his own dreams in corporate America.

While on vacation, Lizzy rediscovers her childhood dream of owning a bookstore by helping out a friend. Jack and Lizzy start dating and things move along.

This book had so much promise but I struggled to connect to the characters. I felt that I could skip large chunks of dialogue and not miss anything.

I enjoyed reading this contemporary romance! A classic friends-to-lovers featuring Lizzy and Jack, it takes place in small town California and heavily features a local indie bookstore, which is always a great setting. I’m a sucker for a good bookstore. The author does a fantastic job building the characters and the world around them; I finished the book wanting to visit Weldon and the Sparrow bookshop. Featuring Korean leads, it was perfect to read during AAPI Heritage Month! If you enjoy romcoms, you’ll enjoy this read (though be warned, it does have a little spice). This was my first read by Jayci Lee, but it won’t be my last!

This was really cute! I loved Lizzy and Jack together. I wish there was a bit more bookstore content that was about the store itself, not just the sexual tension between "friends". And the end felt a bit rushed. But overall, I really really enjoyed this.

Ah this book was so cute and entertaining. Absolutely loved the plot, the characters were sweet and fun. Very well written and well paced. Such a sweet and heartfelt story.
I was blushing and giggling the whole time!!

Thank you so much St.Martin’s Press for this ARC!

Booked on a Feeling is a sweet novel about two best friends-turned-lovers searching for their identities and future. As a Korean-American, I was really looking forward to reading this, but found myself struggling with feeling connected with the characters and keeping my interest for the first 10% of the book. Once Lizzy and Jack met in Weldon, the storyline settled into a rhythm of secret crushes and attraction, with expansive monologues that extended through most of the novel. The character dialogue was a little juvenile, but the light-hearted, playful tone of the novel made for an easy read.

I wanted to enjoy this book more, it has a lot of the elements I often like seeing in books like this - more diverse characters, quirky moments, etc, but ultimately it felt a bit flat. Lots of time building up to moments that could have been significant, including but not limited to the sex scenes, only for the actual moments to blink by with no detail.