This book wasn't what I expected going in at all. I thought this would be a cozy, maybe even slightly fantastical romance, but this was more of a sexy, military romance which is not my usual go-to. Most of the characters were over-the-top and unlikeable imo, I think the main character Cody being the only exception. It dragged on quite a bit and was a bit on the nose for many social activist issues. For such an innuendo heavy book it took too long for the characters to get together, not enough sexual tension for me. Though that phone sex scene was niceeeeee. :)

I love a little spookiness tied with a small-town romance PLUS BOOKISH! Cute, easy to read, and a little cheesy.

This book is unfortunately a perfect example of why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Because if you were like me, you saw the cute little illustration on the cover, got ready for a cozy bookstore romance, and was smacked in the face instead with sexual innuendo after sexual innuendo.

Nevermore Bookstore follows Cody Bloomquist, who runs her little bookshop and spends her days stocking shelves. The highlight of her week, though, are the late night phone calls she gets from a customer who she only knows as “Fox.”

Fox’s real name is Roman Fawkes, and he hasn’t left his mountain hideaway in years. The highlight of his weeks are those same late night phone calls. One night, however, someone breaks into the bookstore and Fox realizes that there’s nothing he can do for Cady, miles away on the other end of the line. This is when he realizes…maybe it’s time to come down from the mountain.

When I ran into a sentence in the first few pages about Cady’s “vital organs [turning] to melted butter” after all Fox did was utter two syllables, I realized that this wasn’t my type of book. And I was right; every page is littered with lines about how Cady and Fox were each getting turned on by the other’s presence, but their relationship is not at all interesting beyond that. I found a lot of the phrasing (“the way her lady bits stole her heartbeat when he so much as breathed”) and dialogue (“Why don’t you ever, like — I don’t know — send me pictures of your dick?”) just extremely cringe and hard to take seriously.

I think I might’ve been more receptive to this kind of writing had the book eased into it and developed their relationship from strangers to call buddies, but the book jumped right into Cady and Fox already being extremely attracted to each other and I never felt like I understood why beyond the physical aspect.

Just generally, I was not a huge fan of the romance and I wasn’t able to connect to any of the characters or understand their motivations. It was very cliche with a male lead that was dark and broody (and a little creepy) who was very rude and toxic to the female lead, who still couldn’t stay away. If you’re into those types of romances you might enjoy this, but I personally just found the relationship between them very frustrating.

Plot-wise, it was just okay. I wasn’t really invested in any of it in large part due to the previous reasons, but also just because I did not find the story that interesting. There was very little reason it had to take place in a bookstore; the story seemed to revolve more around the romance and fighting over the bookstore as a general entity and it all just got very soapy at the end.

In conclusion…yeah this was not my thing. But if you like those romance novels with the photo of someone’s rock-hard abs on the cover, you might enjoy it...maybe?

THIS BOOK!!!!!!!
Chef's kiss✨✨💗💗❤️❤️❤️



"Thank you so much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Nevermore Bookstore by Kerrigan Byrne & Cynthia St. Aubin wasn't quite my cup of tea. While I usually enjoy the dynamic between grumpy and sunshine characters, I found the abundance of sunshine in this book to be a bit overwhelming for my taste.

I really wanted to enjoy this book. The cover immediately grabbed my attention as a cutesy romance that would be a fun and easy read. However I struggled to enjoy/follow the plot and didn’t feel much connection to the characters as a whole.

I think for this one it would need to be one I reread carefully, and sometimes when reading I prefer for it to be effortless and fun especially with this genre.

I had a love-hate relationship with this book. I really disliked the MMC. He seemed like a problematic manly dude, basically a peeping tom who called her “woman”. We didn’t really see their connection build up, it was already there from the beginning, and it was hard to see why they liked each other so much. I also didn’t love the writing style, felt quite over the top. Some of the aspects I had trouble with might be appreciated by dark romance readers (to be clear, there’s no noncon). But I likely would have DNF’d this if it wasn’t an ARC.

On the other hand I appreciated a lot of what it was doing. Bringing together two people who think they’re broken, one with chronic pain, the other who has PTSD. The book gave them the space to figure out the strength within themselves and heal themselves, finding strength within one another.

Beyond the romance, there’s also some mystery aspects going on, break ins, things moving around, a missing deed… I enjoyed this aspect though it was mostly in the background, and I kind of figured out what was going on

The setting is a bookstore, and there’s plenty of love of books in this one. I liked how they cared about each other. I liked the small town setting and most of its occupants. I especially loved the elder lady couple.

The book is set in the kind of fictional Townsend Harbor in Washington. I say kind of because I’m 99% sure it’s based on Port Townsend, WA which is a real place. I’ve been to it and I basically set the whole book there in my mind.

Overall rating: 2.5 ⭐

Thank you to Oliver Heber Books, Xpresso Book Tour and Netgalley for the eARC!

This was a fun romantic comedy that really focused on the town and friendships as well as the growing love connection. I think my favorite parts were the one liners from the more "mature" ladies in the town. As someone who has a disability, I really enjoyed the way she showed real life with one. I also appreciate that it didn’t take over the story. It was just a part of the characters. Yeah, some days are hard it is always work but you still can live. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series.

I was 50/50 with this one. I really enjoyed Fox as a darker protagonist. I had a hard time getting motivated to finish it mostly because of how sunshine-y Cady was. It was great that despite her chronic illness that she could be that positive, it was borderline annoying to me. Cady's best friend Gemma was a little much for me as well.

Nevermore Bookstore is the first book in the Townsend Harbor series by Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin. Cadence "Cady" Bloomquist knows two things for sure: First, shelving books at her shop, Nevermore Bookstore, totally counts as cardio. Second, staying late every Thursday night to take a certain mysterious customer's order is not the same as waiting by the phone for some man. Until her calls with the man who identifies himself only as "Fox" become the highlight of her week. Which leaves her to wonder, if his jagged velvet voice can kindle her fire over the phone, what sort of alchemy might it inspire if they met in person? There's nothing Roman Fawkes wants more than the brilliant, beautiful bookstore owner, but as a reclusive survivalist, he knows it can never happen. Secreted in his mountain hideaway high above sleepy little Townsend Harbor, his solitary existence shields him-and those around him-from the pain of his past. Until one of their weekly calls is interrupted by a break-in, and Fawkes is powerless to protect the woman who has become his one link to the world. Orchestrating a trap for the fool who dared harm her, Fawkes finds himself not just ensnared, but beguiled by her. Now so close to Cady, he discovers she's fallen for "Fox", and yet he's unable to reveal her heart's desire is closer than she thinks. Can Fawkes resist the temptation to get between Cady's covers, knowing they'll never have a happily ever after?

Nevermore Bookstore was a confusing read for me. First, I rather expected it to verge on paranormal- it has none of that just in case you are looking for a cozy paranormal romance. Secondly, even though this book was definitely a unique story line, somehow it felt very familiar. I checked several times to make sure it wasn't a reprint or re-edit of something I have read before but I could find nothing even though there were moments that were very de ja vu for me. And third, I was greatly disappointed that there was no talk of safe sex, no condoms, no anything of that nature and that really bothered me. Now, I did love the secondary characters, and I thought some of the story was well written. I liked that there was more than just the romance to the story, but those threads of the story all kind of feel underdeveloped and like they could have been so much more than what they got to be. I felt like there was a great deal of potential, from authors that I have enjoyed in the past, and it just missed the mark.

Nevermore Bookstore is an interesting read that fans of the authors might want to check out.

"Nevermore Bookstore by Kerrigan Byrne & Cynthia St. Aubin is an absolute gem of a read. Set in a small PNW town, the story introduces a captivating cast of characters that will make you want to pack your bags and become part of their world. The humor throughout the book is masterfully woven, providing moments of laughter without feeling forced or cheesy.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the portrayal of the main characters, Cady and Fox. Despite Cady's struggles with chronic illness and the loss of her aunt, she remains a strong and resilient woman, determined to run her own business and fight for her rights. Fox, initially a bit concerning due to his habit of peering through windows, quickly reveals his deeply rooted fears and vulnerabilities stemming from his PTSD. The authors handle these sensitive topics with care and empathy, allowing the characters to grow and navigate their way into each other's hearts.

The romance between Cady and Fox is truly heartwarming. Their relationship is a beautiful journey filled with ups and downs. Fox's unwavering adoration for Cady and his ability to see the beauty in her, despite her insecurities, is swoon-worthy. It's heartening to witness Cady's willingness to accommodate and support Fox, going above and beyond to make him feel comfortable in all aspects of their lives together.

Furthermore, the steamy moments in the book are tastefully written and add an extra layer of intensity to the story. The authors strike the perfect balance between passion and intimacy, making these scenes sexy without veering into raunchiness. Fox's perspective during these moments further deepens the connection between him and Cady, expressing his sincere appreciation for her and his longing to be close to her.

In conclusion, Nevermore Bookstore is a must-read for romance enthusiasts. With its engaging characters, skillful humor, and sensitive exploration of important themes, it delivers a captivating and unforgettable story. Prepare to be swept away into a world where love conquers all."

I gave this book a chance a while back and while I did enjoy some key parts, I really don’t see myself rereading or recommending.

This book was a really cute romance with a good balance of darker topics. Fox is a hottie, like give me a man who buys multiple books a week and enjoys collecting old classics. Dark, brooding, obsessed with the MC, the whole package. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy fluffy and dark romances. It was an adorably spicy read ;)

This book was…odd. I couldn’t pinpoint the plot. I had a hard time rooting for the main characters when they seemed so out of left field.

I was really looking forward to this book but in the end I found it very hard to follow.
I kept having to re read paragraphs as the writing was very hard to follow.

Cash is the owner of a bookstore and every Thursday night she has a phone call with the mysterious man named Fox. So very intriguing at first with his orders for special edition books but their relationship didn’t come off as I expected. I loved the idea of this book but didn’t fall in love with it.

Cady has inherited an old bookstore which she's desperately trying to keep afloat. Fox is one of her best customers, but she only knows him as a voice on the end of the phone, and one she enjoys talking to a little too much. And then one night while she's flirting - ahem, talking to him, somebody breaks into the store...

This is a well-written story of two survivors, one with a chronic illness and the other with PTSD, who find unexpected solace in each other. The plot strands are teased out carefully and cleverly, both with the main characters and the underlying mystery of the break-in and the bookstore's future. Cady and Fox are complex and nuanced, and the supporting cast are excellently done, particularly Cady's friend Gemma and the redoubtable Myrtle. There's angst, spice, and some wonderful turns of phrase dropped in so casually that their humour sneaks up on you and leaves you chuckling - I'm glad this is the first in a proposed series, because I would definitely like more of Townsend Harbor.

This is the first in a series about Townsend Harbor in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The story starts inside of Nevermore Bookstore, currently owned by Candice "Cady" Bloomquist. She is anticipating a specific phone call from a specific gentleman caller, a weekly large purchasing customer.

Fox has the sexiest voice imaginable. He calls every Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. without fail and places a large order of books. Reading has become an escape for him for many reasons. Fox is also waived in mystery at the beginning of the book, so much so that I wasn't sure whether or not I was reading a paranormal story or modern romance. Because I hate giving spoilers, I'm going to do my best not to tell you which one it is!

Both Cady and Fox have things that make their life more difficult to live. Cady has a medical condition that neurologically damages her back. Fox has something going on, but we are not 100% sure what it is until about 75% of the way through the book.

I adored this book! The cast of characters is adorable and charming. We come upon the town just before a major festival that they are preparing for. We plop down in the middle of their lives that they are actively living, and I felt welcomed into the town right where they were.

Cady despite all of her physical and emotional challenges is a sunshine character. Possibly too much of a sunshine character for her own good! Her friends help to keep her grounded and support her in beautiful ways.

Fox is a big, strong, protective individual, especially of Cady. Even though they meet by phone, the chemistry is alarmingly off the charts!

Again, because I do not like to provide spoilers in my reviews, I will tell you there is a mystery surrounding the bookstore of its ownership. Cady is dealing with the loss of her Aunt Fern who originally owned the bookstore. There is a mysterious handyman who appears on the scene after a break-in to the bookstore and begins helping Cady.

The book is truly worth the read! I cannot wait to read more in the series! I want to know more about the other characters and the town, both who are there and at least one new one who is coming. Well done to Kerrigan and Cynthia on this new series!












I received this as an advanced reader copy from #netGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Under developed in general.

I didn't feel any connection to the characters. There were many phrases through the book that made me go ughh. I think there was so much promise going into this for me, I love a good bookstore romcom but I was disappointed.

I was expecting a cute bookstore romance and it was definitely not what I got. I found the stalking and deception from Fox to be creepy and didn’t enjoy their relationship. I also feel as though I didn’t connect with or care for the characters as so much of the book was just sex and I feel like I didn’t get to know them.