Emily, a librarian, moves to a small town in Ireland to work at a bookstore and become her lifelong favorite author's assistant! (Can you imagine!?) Turns out her boss at the bookshop is the author's son. . .and he's super surly, doesn't like change, and doesn't seem to like that Emily is there to help his mom start writing again. What more do you need to know?! It's cuteness overload and way more emotional depth than I expected!

• I relate big time to the FMCs illness anxiety disorder and appreciated seeing this rep!
• I love the idea of our bookish FMC helping her favorite author finish a book series that was left on a cliffhanger for years and years! This was the book series that was there for her through it all. I absolutely loved this plot.
• The mother-son arc was sooo heartwarming! This book had me in my feels!

Really enjoyed this!!

This was a great cozy and emotional destination romance set in an idyllic Irish town perfect for book lovers!

Emily is a librarian with illness anxiety disorder who is attempting to escape from her toxic mother when she is offered an opportunity to relocate to Ireland for a year-long sabbatical to work with her favorite author, Siobhan, as her personal assistant. When she arrives in the charming town, she collides with the mercurial bookshop owner (and Siobhan's son), Kieran, who is not thrilled at Emily's arrival. His attempts at running Emily out of town are thwarted as she is determined to help Siobhan beat her writer's block and write the final installment of her beloved book series.

Emily and Kieran's witty banter, crackling chemistry, and exchange of famous book quotes was so fun! I love a good slow burn 'enemies' and 'opposites' attract romance, especially then both characters are mooning over one another. The bookshop setting was full of fun and charming secondary characters, and Siobhan takes Emily on a tour of some of Ireland's most famous destinations to help her beat her writer's block. The book had a lot of heart behind it, especially around motherhood as both Kieran and Emily have had challenges in their childhoods they are attempting to overcome. The use of Emily's favorite childhood book series (Ala Harry Potter world) as her escape and safe place is something many book lovers will connect with, and it was a joy to see Emily and Kieran support Siobhan's writing journey when her health began to decline.

Heartwarming, inspiring, with a realistic/vulnerable romance in a fairy-tale like setting, this book is guaranteed to charm readers. Be sure to check content warnings, as some readers may find the themes emotional or difficult.

Love at First Book
By Jenn McKinlay

Berkley Romance – May 2024

Contemporary Romance


Emily Allen had left her demanding mother, and career as a librarian, to work her dream job. She would be assistant to Siobhan Riordan, the author of the most amazing young adult series. The series that had been a major part of her formative years. The author who had written the last story with a cliffhanger, ten year ago.

But Siobhan wished to finish her series, and had invited Emily to come help her overcome her writer's block. Emily would also use her own expertise of the characters to assist. When not helping Siobhan, she was to work at Siobhan and her son's bookstore.

Kieran Murphy obviously did not agree with his mother and wanted Emily to leave. He kept trying to put obstacles in her way. Why exactly was she cataloguing books in an antiquated program while hidden away in the far corner of the bookstore? But Emily was determined. And the more she gets to know Kieran and his fierce protectiveness he has for his mother, the better she understands his hesitancy to her presence.

But that soon all gives way to the undeniable attraction they have for one another.

Love at First Book was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I enjoyed the extensive cast of characters as well as the setting. Every book lover has that one author (or more) that they would be thrilled to brainstorm with on their next book. Emily is living all of our dreams. I was so fascinated by the world building of Siobhans' stories that I wish that we could have the opportunity to read these books. Emily and Kieran are complex characters who must navigate several issues to find their happily ever after. Emily's best friend was the heroine of Summer Reading, but it does stand along, and I didn't see any reference to this being part of a series. Love at First Book has about everything, a wonderful romance, laughter, and heartbreak. The only thing missing for this cat lover, was the cat on the cover.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

This was my first book by Jenn McKinlay and I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this. While the plot was semi-predictable, I did enjoy the story and characters as well as the flow throughout the storyline moved really well. It was the perfect palette cleanser for me and I look forward to trying more of her books.

I loved this book. It is a cute rom-com with a librarian set in a book store. It has all of my favorite things wrapped up into one book. I loved the characters and the setting for the book too. I couldn't put the book down so I think it would make a great beach read this summer!

Spoiler/trigger warning: cancer, death of a parent

I have loved Jenn McKinlay's last two romance books so I was excited to receive an ARC. A woman goes to work at a book store and falls in love with the book store owner, oh and this is all in a quaint village in Ireland. Come on! Swoon worthy! So Emily goes to Ireland to work at a book store and also help her childhood favorite author finally write the last book in the series. She doesn't know the author has a son and he wants nothing to do with her. He makes her do inventory at the book store hoping she will hate it and leave. Of course it does not work. Kieran has a complicated relationship with his mother and he does not like when she is writing because her writing consumes her and she has already battled cancer. Kieran does not like change and Emily comes in with all sorts of suggestions. I loved that in this romance Kieran and Emily fall in love and they kiss and he cooks for her and they do not immediately sleep with each other after their first kiss. I love sexy times in my romances, don't get me wrong, but I like the romance part more. I smiled so much while reading. Their banter was great and all of the book quotes were great!

-Get it together, Allen! You're a librarian. There's nothing you can't answer.

-"Are you telling me that if I met you on top of the Empire State Building, holding an overly large radio above my head playing 'In Your Eyes,' whilst saying 'As You Wish,' you'd forgive me anything?"

-"Is it that women have too high an expectation or is it more that men can't deliver?"

Okay, I loved this. The heroine is relatable, the hero is extremely attractive, and the fantasy of getting to work with one's favorite author to finish the last book in a series that was your lifelong favorite is something that any reader will easily fall in love with. Also, the whole community around the little bookstore where they work is so colorful and charismatic - I want to visit that town!

I already know I'll be rereading this book.

3.5 stars rounded up!

This was a cute story about Emily, who travels to Ireland to work as an assistant to the author of her favorite childhood book series, and work in the local bookstore. Emily meets and falls in love with the people in the little Irish town, and with the brooding, grumpy bookstore owner.

I found this story to be pretty slow, but enjoyable! There was more to it than just the romance, and it was very bookish and emotional. The only pieces that bothered me were Em and Kier's path to romance. I really didn't get it. Nothing remarkable happened that I thought drew them together (except proximity) and I didn't understand what Kier loved about her. I think chapters from his perspective would have been helpful, because it really just felt like suddenly he's in love with her and I didn't buy it. Also, Em is American but the entire book is written from her POV and includes Irish/UK slang almost immediately, so I kind of hated her for it lol

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a DRC in exchange for my honest review!

Jenn McKinlay crafts a charming and heartfelt romance in 'Love At First Book,' a delightful tale that will enchant book lovers and romantics alike. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Martha’s Vineyard and the Emerald Isle, the story follows Emily Allen, a librarian whose passion for literature leads her on an unexpected journey of love and self-discovery.

From the moment Emily receives an offer to work for her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, in Ireland, readers are swept away on a whirlwind adventure filled with romance, banter, and literary magic. McKinlay deftly captures the essence of bookish charm, weaving together themes of friendship, family, and the transformative power of storytelling.

One of the highlights of the novel is the dynamic between Emily and Kieran Murphy, Siobhan's son and manager of the bookstore. Their banter is witty and engaging, sparking a palpable chemistry that leaps off the page. Emily's journey to overcome her illness anxiety disorder is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, adding depth to her character and highlighting her resilience.

As the story unfolds, McKinlay skillfully navigates the complexities of love and friendship, exploring themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. The Irish settings are vividly rendered, transporting readers to quaint bookshops, cozy cottages, and windswept cliffs.

Overall, 'Love At First Book' is a heartwarming and enchanting romance that celebrates the magic of literature and the joy of falling in love. Jenn McKinlay's evocative storytelling and endearing characters make this novel a delightful escape into the world of books and romance. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A librarian, a quaint Irish village, and a love story all make Jenn McKinlay’s Love at First Book a charming book that will carry you right off to Ireland!

Don’t we all at some point dream of just leaving our lives behind to take a job in a small village in Europe? I certainly do! And Finn’s Hollow is the exact type of place that I was picturing. Beautiful scenery, a community full of characters, historic castles, and mouthwatering food all lend a fairy tale quality to this book that absolutely charmed me.

We are transported to Finn’s Hollow alongside our heroine Emily when she packs up her life in Martha’s Vineyard to move to Ireland and accept a job as the assistant to her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan. In the mornings she works with Siobhan and then in the afternoons she helps out in a bookstore. It isn’t long after arriving that she meets Siobhan’s son Kieran Murphy.

Kieran makes it clear her doesn’t want Emily there. It doesn’t matter that his mother starts writing again, this seems to make Kieran dislike Emily more. But as they say, hate and attraction are right next to one another in the brain, and it seems Kieran may be covering feelings for Emily by acting out as though he hates her. Perhaps that hate can turn to love before all is said and done!

I find enemies-to-lovers stories to be hit or miss for me. Sometimes they are great, but more often than not I find them to be tedious. Love at First Book definitely fell on the positive end of the spectrum. I didn’t find it overly manufactured the way that trope can be, and the characters had a lot of depth that made them more sympathetic. The banter between Kier and Emily was a fun part of the book that kept it light even in heavier moments. I also loved Siobhan and her relationship with Emily.

In every great romance, the characters bring out a new side of one another. Kier makes Emily more relaxed and go-with-the-flow—things that the somewhat uptight librarian did not lean into at the beginning of the book. Emily helps Kier be more open to feelings and happiness. I found the story heartwarming and the setting charming. Jenn McKinlay writes some of my favorite romance books, and this was another wonderful one!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

DNF 60%

I have been pushing myself since I started this to keep picking it back up. Really disappointing because I was really excited about the premise of this book (who doesn't want a romance set in Ireland? In a bookstore?). But there are so many things not working for me.

The writing is not as engaging as I'd like it to be, almost seems a little juvenile. I was not connecting to either MC's and as a result wasn't feeling their relationship at all. And the cherry on top was the FMC getting hit with information about the author she's working with (the MMC's mother) and being told that she can't tell him. This is already an annoying trope for me personally but then almost right after she learns this information, she's sucking his face. Jesus, absolutely no shame, and I don't enjoy FMC'S who can't seem to control themselves even when the situation is extremely complicated.

So I just couldn't get behind this one with the issues that I was seeing, especially since I kept coming across new ones the more I read.

There were definitely some cute and funny moments, but this was a no for me dawg.

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay is a wonderful enemies to lovers standalone novel. We meet Emily Allen at the start, when she arrives in Ireland. Emily is a librarian in Martha’s Vineyard, who is obsessed with her favorite author’s books. After writing a letter to the author, Siobhan Riordan, Emily was offered a job to be her assistant in helping her get out of her writer’s block, which has been 10 years since she last wrote another book in the Tig McMorrow series. Emily jumps at the chance to leave home, as she feels suffocated and dreams of going to Finn’s Hollow in Emerald Isle, and working with her hero, as well as helping in the bookstore.

Before she gets to meet Siobhan, she meets her boss at the bookstore, who turns out to be Siobhan’s son, Keir, who is broody, grumpy and treats her badly, determined to get her back to America; but Emily manages to bring out her sassy side giving the same back at him. In a short time, things will change, as the fiery chemistry between them escalates, with both eventually finding themselves falling for each other. The banter between them was fun and witty; with Keir unable to resist Emily’s charm.

Emily is thrilled to meet her hero, Siobhan, which was a dream come true. Siobhan was a terrific character, being so sweet and happy around Emily, taking her around the town. Finally, with both discussing things, Siobhan begins to find her muse, and starts to write again. I really loved Siobhan, and her closeness to Emily. Emily was the perfect person for Siobhan, as they both became close, with both having so much love and passion in working on the book.

We learn more about why Keir is so protective of his mother, and when Siobhan’s health takes a turn, she is more determined to finish the final book. Emily learns the secret that she has to keep it from Keir, and understands why he always wanted her to rest. Emily made a promise, and can she hide the truth of Siobhan’s health until she finishes the book?
When Keir learns the truth about Siobhan’s health, he pushes Emily away, and tells her to leave Ireland when the book is done. As we get closer to the end, all three of them work together to finish the book, to a successful conclusion. Keir will realize that he loves Emily, and they will find their way back together.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story, with love, romance, friendship, great secondary characters; and lots of Ireland. I loved how the town all adored Siobhan, especially those who were part of the book shop and house. This book covered a lot of issues along the way, such as emotions, grief, love and family. Love at First Book was so very well written by Jen McKinlay.
Love at First Book was a fantastic read, which I thought was the best one yet from McKinlay. I loved the book from start to finish. I suggest you read Love at First Book.

A warm, cozy hug of a romance, and a tribute to books, writers, and booklovers
Librarian Emily Allen arrives in Ireland to spend a year working as assistant to her favorite author, a YA novelist who hasn’t published a book in 10 years. Or rather, she’ll be spending her mornings as Siobhan Riordan’s assistant, and her afternoons working in the village bookstore owned by Siobhan and her son Kieran Murphy, a bookseller with romance-hero looks and a surly manner.

Kier soon makes it clear he doesn’t want Em there — neither in the bookstore nor helping his mother get over her decade-long writer’s block. But Em, who has spent her life trying to please her narcissistic, domineering mother, discovers a stubborn streak and a fierceness she didn’t know she had. She refuses to let Kier drive her away from Siobhan, from the bookshop, or from Ireland. And soon she begins to wonder if Kier might be as reluctantly attracted to her as she is to him.

I loved a lot of things about this book. Em and Kier’s banter is great, especially because Kier brings out a feistiness in Em that she never knew she had. Em’s illness anxiety disorder is handled compassionately and accurately (to the best of my knowledge.) Em herself is kind, likeable, enthusiastic, and good at solving problems. It’s a pleasure to watch her bloom and become more courageous and outspoken after spending much of her life trying to keep her (terrible) mother happy.

Kieran starts out as a fairly generic hero (in the handsome-but-grouchy vein), but as he opens up more, his character becomes a bit deeper and more complex, and thus more compelling. it’s easy to see why Em’s initial, physical attraction evolves into something more. Siobhan is a delight, and her acceptance and caring are healing for Em. And as a reader for whom several series were deeply important to me in my childhood and young adulthood, I loved seeing Em get the opportunity to work closely with her idol. I also enjoyed the bookstore staff, the village, and the Irish countryside, and wished we got more time with them.

Most of all, I loved how bookish this novel is. McKinlay describes the Last Chapter bookstore in loving detail. Throughout the book, Em and Kier have an informal competition, each weaving literary quotes into their conversation for the other to identify by book and author; the books they quote range from children’s classics to adult literature. And Siobhan’s fictional Tig McMorrow series has much in common with the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series, following Tig’s adventures in a magical world as he grows from child to young adult. (Siobhan’s last name clearly pays tribute to Percy Jackson creator Rick Riordan.) But because the series remains unfinished, with Tig literally in limbo at the end of the last book published, Em’s need for closure will also resonate for fans of G. R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss. Finally, Em makes references to several romance novel tropes… and daydreams a few scenarios involving Kier.

I admit, there are a few things I wish Ms. McKinlay had done differently. The prose sometimes has more of the tone, flavor, and lightness of a cozy mystery, particularly at the beginning. (Not surprising, given that McKinlay is best known as a cozy mystery author.) Em narrates in the first person, which means we never experience Kier’s thoughts and feelings directly; that’s not unheard of in a contemporary rom-com, but I think I would have been even more invested in their relationship if I had seen it from both sides. Given the serious nature of one of the plot lines, I also would have appreciated deeper character and relationship development overall. Not that there was no depth of feeling! On the contrary, the book had me in tears at least twice, and only once were they happy tears.

The book takes place during late summer, fall, and winter, but it’s such a delightful wish-fulfillment romance, I highly recommend sticking it in your beach or vacation bag this summer.

Book with plot around books?! Yes please, sign me in! From the beginning, I was drawn in by the plot's premise and the incredibly likable characters, and I was quickly captivated in the story itself.

The main character, Emily Allen, feels like representation of every bookworm. Dreaming of travel and adventure while cozying up with her favorite books? Ugh, I relate to this so much!! And then, she gets this once-in-a-lifetime chance to work with her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, in Ireland! I swear, personally I have at least a few or more names of authors I would like to work like that! It’s truly bookworm dream!

But obviously, not everything is working as Emily wanted to. Disturbance in her bookworm dream is Kieran Murphy, the brooding bookshop owner who's not exactly thrilled about Emily crashing their literary party. The way he called Emily "Red" was kind of adorable too, even if she didn’t like that at first. And OMG, the banter between these two had me grinning like a maniac!

But apart from the romance part of the story, there's some real depth too issues like toxic relationship with parent and dealing with the anxiety. And I loved Emily's growth and journey to finding her independence and helping Siobhan find closure with her series.

"Love at First Book" is a must-read for any book lover who's ever dreamed of meeting their favorite author. It's heartfelt, it's touching, and it's filled with so much love and charm. And the Irish settings are so perfect that you will just wish to be there with all those characters! Highly recommended for fans of enemies to lovers and sunshine and grumpy tropes!

Guys, this one won me over at the end. The beginning of the book felt a bit typical and actually kind of reminded me of Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz with its Irish cozy setting. The middle felt kinda long but the last part of this book is where it all came together and became its own book for me. The emotions, the relationships, the love.... I was definitely won over! I think book lovers will really enjoy this as it has to do with a woman who goes to be an assistant to her favorite author. The audiobook was also excellent, recommend in either format!

I totally enjoyed Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay, a heartwarming story about starting over. This story follows Emily moving to Ireland to work for her favorite author and help her with writer’s block; and also deal with the author’s broody son

Librarian Emily (Em) Allen needs to escape from her toxic life; a life with an absent father, emotionally abusive mother, trapped on a small-town island, and suffering from hypochondria due to the stress from her family issues. This is why she finds herself in Ireland, after writing a letter to the world-renowned Siobhan Riordan who inspired her and kept her sane during her earlier years. That letter forced her out of her comfort zone and provides her with an invitation to visit the author in Ireland with the possibility of helping as an assistant to her favorite author while working at a local bookstore. For the first time in life, Emily takes a chance, flies to Ireland and shows up at that small bookstore. What she didn't count on was working with the author's brooding, grumpy son, Kieran (Kier) Murphy, who treats her like the bane of his existence, calling her "Red" and doing everything in his power to make her leave without looking back.

Kieran brings out a feisty, impulsive side of Emily as she has no intention of giving up, even though Kieran gives her the impossible task of working on the inventory of the store with an ancient stocking system and a computer that may have been transported from the early ages. She cannot figure out why Kieran is so protective around his mother; even thought he cannot resist the charm of Emily. What follows is an absolutely delightful, cozy story filled with the love of all things Ireland, books, friendship, and romance; lost and found. . I loved the way they used the literary quotes in their little game of comebacks, one-upmanship and flirtation.

Ms. McKinlay wrote a wonderful story has all the feels: heartwarming, great banter, humor, silliness, and lots of emotions that made me laugh, cry, feel heartbroken and loving this book so much that struggled to put it down.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Berkley

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay is a new contemporary romance novel with some humor but also some heartbreak. The story is one of a grumpy/sunshine or enemies to lovers romance set in the Emerald Isle, Ireland.

Emily Allen is feeling a bit stuck in her life where she works as a librarian in Martha’s Vineyard and decides to finally make a change. Answering an ad for a job as an assistant and part time book shop work Emily finds the one placing the ad is one of her favorite authors, Siobhan Riordan, so of course Emily jumps at the opportunity.

After arriving in Ireland though Emily gets a bit panicky about her big move and matters don’t get any better when she finds she’ll actually be working a lot of the time with Siobhan’s testy son. Determined to make the most of it though Emily settles in and does whatever is asked of her by both mother and son.

Starting off Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay I really thought this was going to be a run of the mill rom com but boy was I wrong. The story gets much deeper with cancer being at the center of one of the characters motivation so it really really pulled at my heart strings having just dealt with my own family member cancer scare. There was a good balance of the light and darker topics in the book and while i may have passed this by knowing the deeper topic was to come I’m certainly not sorry I read it and got to know and enjoy these characters and their stories.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Have you ever wanted to move to an adorable village in Ireland and work in a bookshop that has three floors, its own cafe (with whiskey shortbread), a hot boss, and a writer-in-residence who wrote your favorite (ever!) books? Welcome to Love at First Book--total wish fulfillment. I, personally, fell in love with the setting the moment Em stepped onto the page, and my love for the characters quickly followed. This is a Romance, but even more so is UpLit--full of quirky characters and meaningful connections that leave you crying at the same time you feel like they're your own community. Perfect read for a rainy afternoon (or a sunny one!)

I fell in love with Jen McKinlay’s books with Paris Is Always a Good Idea. Her writing is swoony and romantic, they draw you in a just don’t let go. Love at First Book is very much the same. Emily is so lovable you just can’t help but root for her as she travels to Ireland to start her life fresh working as an author’s assistant. And prickly Kieran wins you over quickly once you understand why he’s so grumpy all the time. The story is a bit slow at take off as it sets the scene and you get to know the characters, but a couple of chapters you feel as if you live in Finn’s Hollow and you’ll be popping into the bookshop for a cup of tea each day. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I absolutely loved Em and Kier’s story.

Not having read Summer Reading, I could tell this was somewhat of a sequel, but I can attest that reading Summer Reading doesn't seem necessary to enjoy Love at First Book. I really enjoyed this and appreciated the depth that it had. I went into it expecting a cute little Irish romance that would be a fun time but not particularly emotional, and boy was I wrong. This book had me WEEPING for the characters, which isn't something I expect from a romance except from like, Emily Henry. I thought it was really well written, and I think I'll definitely go back and read some of this author's backlist.