This was a nice, cute read. A bit slow in the beginning, but around halfway through it picked up and it was a lovely read. The romance honestly felt secondary and didn't feel fully fleshed out. They didn't like each one second, and then they loved each other the next. It was very much a Romeo and Juliet inspired love story with the family rivalry very much present. Aunt Flo and Jules family history felt more central which was fine by me because I loved Aunt Flo so much. She was such an amazing character! Thank you Avon or Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this arc.

I absolutely love Poppy Alexander's charming, (sometimes) heartwarming characters which reside in a cozy, slice-of-life story whilst having a bit of excitement to keep you going. It's a fun story to wind down with. Moreso, if you are a reader and familiar with all the stereotypes that exist within the community and on social media.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc and my intro to Poppy Alexander. I enjoyed the writing but if I had known this was going to be basically Romeo & Juliet I wouldn’t have read it. I struggled to finish Jules and Roman’s story and was a bit confused where the whole Biddy thing was going until the end.

Who doesn't love a bookstore, plus a little competition? This book was so much fun. I really appreciated the opportunity to read it!

I loved this so much! I don’t know why but this book just scratched an itch h in my brain that I didn’t even know I had. It was the perfect book for this time of year :) so excited for publishing!!

Battle of the Bookshops is a charming premise with a cozy, bookish backdrop that’s hard to resist—two rival bookstores competing for survival, sprinkled with community spirit and a dash of romance. Poppy Alexander delivers a light and accessible read, perfect for a quiet weekend.

That said, while the setup is promising, the execution sometimes falls flat. The pacing felt uneven, with some plot points dragging while others were resolved too quickly. The characters, though likable, occasionally lacked depth, and I found myself wishing for more emotional connection or complexity in their development.

Still, the novel shines in its celebration of books, small-town charm, and the importance of fighting for what you love. If you're looking for something feel-good with a heartwarming message, this may still be worth a read—but it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression for me.

A very cute and quick easy read! The characters are loveable, the sweet enemies to lovers romance made me swoon. Absolutely adorable!

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would! I realize it is a modern day Romeo and Juliet, but even with its cliches, I embraced it and enjoyed it!! I loved Flo. She was my favorite character! Such a strong woman! The story starts with the warring families, but when Roman builds a new bookstore across the street from Aunt Flo's bookstore that has been there for a very long time, war between the family ignites again. But as time goes, Roman and Jules (Flo's niece), begin to fall in love. Then there are problems with Flo's bookstore being owned and about to be reclaimed by Roman's family. Again, troubles begin. But there is hope in an old book that has been written by Flo and Jules ancestor. Will it be enough to help save the bookstore? Will Roman and Jules families be able to withstand a joining of their families? It is worth the read to find out! A great light hearted read!

This was a fun, fast read with all the right vibes for enemies-to-lovers fans—bonus points for rival bookstores and a charming Romeo and Juliet twist. While the pacing dragged in spots, the relationships (especially between Jules, her Aunt Flo, and Charlie) made it worth sticking with. I also loved the little nods to the classic tale woven throughout. If you're into slow burns, literary rivalries, and modern retellings, this one's definitely worth adding to your TBR.

Big thanks to Avon Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC!

I really wanted to love this one but I was just bored and couldn’t connect with any of the characters. The romance just didn’t pull me in and I almost dnf’d - I think there were some positive things but it just wasn’t for me

I love the notion of a modern Romeo & Juliet retelling, between two feuding families and the bookshops that they own! Jules was a relatable main character, and truthfully the best moments of the book were those that highlighted her relationship with Aunt Flo (hands down my favorite character!) Parts of this book felt a bit too slow-paced while other parts felt too fast-paced, including the relationship between Roman and Jules, but I didn't always mind that. It was nice to see into Roman's mind sometimes, and I wish we had gotten more of his POV! Overall, the book was premised well but did seem to miss a bit of the spark I was looking for. The plot with Bridget was fun, too, but it did feel like a separate book at times.

This book was just ok. A basic rom-com with no real surprises. I didn't love it. The characters were fine. Everything was fine.

An adorable Romeo and Juliet star crossed lovers read. The built family around Jules and complicated family of Roman add to the complexity of navigating a centuries old feud. What’s not to love about a book centered around a bookshop. The side story of a found antique book in the 100 year old shop could have its own follow up book. Read in one day while traveling this is a great vacation/long weekend book. Highly recommend if you want a read with likeable characters, an easy story flow and manageable time commitment.

Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley, and the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I could say I liked this book, but I can't. It took a while to get through because the characters had little development. It had potential, but the writing felt juvenile for adults. The author didn't need to add Romeo and Juliet into it because the entire book alluded to the fact that it was based on them.

"The Battle of the Bookshops" is a delightful and heartwarming tale that captures the essence of community, friendship, and the love of literature. The story revolves around the spirited competition between two bookshops, each with its own unique character and devoted following. Poppy Alexander paints a vivid picture of the charming neighborhood and the colorful cast of characters that inhabit it, making it easy to get lost in their world.

I loved the way the narrative explores the deep connections that books can foster among people. The rivalry between the bookshops, while intense, is filled with moments of humor and camaraderie that highlight the shared passion for reading. The author’s witty prose and engaging dialogue kept me entertained and invested in the outcome of the bookshop battle.

Overall, "The Battle of the Bookshops" is a charming and uplifting read that will resonate with anyone who loves books and the magic they bring to our lives. Perfect for those looking for a feel-good story filled with humor, heart, and a celebration of the literary world. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

This one was a total comfort read in the best way. If you've ever fantasized about running away to a quiet seaside town, living above a cozy bookshop, and rediscovering who you are through cups of tea, handwritten notes, and maybe a little reluctant romance - this is for you.

Jules Capelthorne comes home to Portneath to try and save her great-aunt Florence’s beloved (but very on-the-brink) indie bookshop. Enter Roman Montbeau, mysterious outsider with sharp suits, deeper wounds, and a new, modern competitor bookstore…literally across the street.

From there, we get a deliciously soft rivalry. Think just enough drama to keep things interesting but not so much it stresses you out. Their family histories are tangled up in an old feud that gives a subtle wink to Romeo and Juliet, minus the poison, plus more bookish tension. I love a subtle nod to other classic novels.

The romance builds quickly (I wouldn’t have minded a few more slow-burn moments), but I was here for the chemistry. Jules is warm, stubborn, and trying to find her footing after years of feeling lost. Roman is gruff with a heart of gold, clearly carrying more than he lets on. It’s grumpy x sunshine adjacent, but with emotional depth and real stakes that made me root for them both.

What I really appreciated: the way Poppy Alexander centers the emotional weight of trying to hold on to something you love, something that feels like home, even when the world keeps telling you to move on. The found family vibes are strong, the town is full of life, and the bookstores are basically characters in their own right.

It’s a love story, yes, but also a story about legacy, healing, and fighting for your place in a world that’s constantly changing. I closed the last page feeling full-hearted and kind of wishing I could book a weekend in Portneath.

I received this ARC courtesy of NetGalley and found Poppy’s latest book a delight to read. This story channeled You’ve Got Mail which hooked me from the beginning as one of my all time favorite rom-coms with a twist of Romeo and Juliet thrown in for good measure. There’s even a few easter eggs if you pay attention which made it all the more enjoyable. The only struggle I had with this enemies to lovers trope was how quickly and easily things changed in a single moment for Jules and Roman - I suppose that is the fantasy we all long for in a book but it was a bit challenging to find believable. I loved the character of Aunt Flo best, what an endearing part of the story she was. Lovely book!

this book was so fun to read and I loved the Romeo/Juliet aspects of the story while throwing in some nods to modern Shakespeare! the tension and slow burn was a perfect mix for a rom com! cant recommend this book enough!

I feel as though I’m in a time loop and I can’t get out. With the premise and the trope I thought this would be right up my alley but I just disliked it. I felt as though the chapters were too long and too repetitive. I think this book would be good for those who like a longer romance.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

As a book lover, I was immediately drawn to The Battle of the Bookshops—a story about rival booksellers, small-town charm, and a hint of romance. Poppy Alexander’s premise had all the right ingredients for a heartwarming, cozy read, but while I enjoyed parts of it, it didn’t fully deliver on its potential.

The setting was delightful, and the love for books really shines through. The descriptions of the bookshops and the town made me want to step right into the pages. However, the pacing felt uneven, with some sections dragging while others rushed through important moments. I also struggled to fully connect with the main characters; while their rivalry was fun at times, the emotional depth I hoped for wasn’t quite there. The romance, though sweet, lacked the chemistry I expected, making it feel more surface-level than swoon-worthy.

That said, the writing was engaging, and I think readers who enjoy lighthearted, small-town bookish stories will still find enjoyment here. If you’re looking for an easy, cozy read with a charming premise, this could be a good fit—but it may not be the most memorable of its genre.