There have been so many romcoms lately revolving around enemies to lovers and bookstores and I am here for it! I loved the characters, the banter, the tension and spice and of course the bookstore locations! I love anything bookstore related, and this was no exception. Thoroughly enjoyed!

4.5 ⭐️ Two bookstores in the same neighborhood is too many apparently?? So they’re forced to compete all summer to see who will keep their job and who has to pack their bags. This was the perfect little break from dark romance. It’s everything I didn’t know I needed in a rom com. The enemies to lovers tension was perfectly balanced with heart and humor, and the cozy bookstore rivalry had me completely hooked. The MMC is so unrealistically perfect and I adored every second of it. A man who loves reading smutty romance and sacrifice anything for his girl.
The cherry on top had to be the cats and of course my all time favorite secret penpals trope. The way it all came together had me smiling. Ali Brandy nailed the emotional beats while keeping things sweet and funny. I already want to reread it and I’ll definitely be buying the book to annotate because I have so many comments.

ook Review: Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can definitely see the appeal of Battle of the Bookshops—bookstore rivals, a long-standing family feud, and a cozy small-town setting make for a charming premise. And while I loved Aunt Flo (hands down my favorite character—quirky, bold, and the true heart of the story), the book overall just didn’t quite work for me.

The heavy-handed Romeo and Juliet references felt a bit much, and I wish the nods had been more subtle. Add to that a romance that jumped from enemies to full-on love way too quickly, and it was hard for me to feel emotionally invested. I think I’ve realized that rivals to lovers might not be my favorite trope—especially when paired with insta-love.

That said, Poppy Alexander’s affection for books and bookstores shines through. There are some sweet, humorous moments and a general warmth that readers looking for a lighthearted, feel-good story may enjoy.

This one wasn’t a perfect match for me, but I think it could hit the right notes for fans of cozy romance, charming settings, and bookish banter.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

What more does a reader love to get lost in, if not a story about other readers? In a setting other than a bookstore, with the smell of pages hitting your prefrontal cortex against your will, and the creak of a new book's spine being opened? Unfortunately, this story had none of that charm- or the long-lasting charm of its inspiration, Romeo and Juliet. We had a ton of off-page pining, so every time our leads were together- it felt like we skipped several chapters. I think you're safe to skip this book altogether.

The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander is a lighthearted, feel-good read that blends small-town charm with a touch of romantic tension and bookish rivalry. The concept is undeniably appealing—two rival bookshops going head-to-head in a quirky literary contest—paired with a cozy setting and a cast of likable, if somewhat predictable, characters. Alexander’s love for books and bookstores shines through, and there are some genuinely sweet moments and humorous exchanges that book lovers will appreciate.

That said, the plot often felt formulaic, and the pacing dragged in parts. The central conflict between the rival shops lacked real tension, and the romantic subplot didn’t always feel fully developed or believable. While the novel had heart, it didn’t quite deliver the emotional depth or originality that would’ve elevated it beyond a pleasant, but forgettable, read. Overall, it’s a charming enough escape for a lazy afternoon, especially for readers who enjoy cozy stories set in the world of books, but it may not leave a lasting impression.

Cute and fun story! This was my first book from this author and it was good! The characters were fun and I really enjoyed it!

A modern take on Romeo and Juliet…unfortunately the characters had barely any personality, the story was forced, and was so slow to start I almost didn’t finish it. It was just interesting enough to finish, but not exactly something I’ll be telling my friends to read. Honestly it felt like a draft of a book, not a final draft. Definitely could have been good, but it wasn’t quite there.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

I can see why people may like this book but unfortunately, it was just not for me.

The premise is cute, rivals who own bookstores opposite each other and families that have been feuding for years. But the constant references to Romeo and Juliet were just too much. I feel like you can write a Romeo and Juliet story in a more subtle way. But also, maybe rivals to lovers just isn’t my fave 😅

The romance felt too insta-love to me as well. One day, they’re fighting and hate each other and the next they’re in love? And ready to profess it to each other? Too much for me.

I loved Aunt Flo, she was definitely my favorite character. She was quirky and funny, I love that she pushed Jules out of her comfort zone.

Overall, I think that others may really love this book but it just didn’t hit for me!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Disappointing. I do enjoy this author's books but not this one, I'm sorry to say. My favorite parts were catching up with the characters from previous stories set in Portneath. I didn't like Jules or Roman at all; their "romance" if you can even call it that, was ridiculously instantaneous and unbelievable, and I just didn't care what happened with either of them. Jules was so immature. The minor story line about the witch went on way too long - yes, I get that it was necessary to get Flo to the end of her story, but it just dragged. I thought the entire book was boring. And wasn't this supposed to be about the bookshops?? THAT turned out to be a minor story line as well. Can't recommend this but do check out her earlier novels.

Such a cute story! I enjoyed the main characters and was rooting for all of them the whole time. I loved the nods to The Littlest Library also!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC for an honest review!

If I had a nickel for how an author is coming out with a battle of bookstore books this year, I would have two nickels… we know how the rest goes!

I was very excited to see this on NetGalley as the cover art and description of the book were very exciting. This is my first time reading something from this Author and it just didn’t stick to me. The characters felt flat and annoying at times. I was reading just to read, not enjoying it. The genocide comment on the first page set the tone of what Caroline’s character was going to be, and I just could not get to love her. Her romance with Roman and their feud, also did not stick with me unfortunately.

I give this 3 stars just because I couldn’t really get into the story. The setting was nice and I liked the idea of rival bookstores but the story didn’t really land for me and I felt like I didn’t care ab the characters. The romance felt forced and things wrapped up too neatly. It was a quick read but just not one that stuck with me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

As someone who can’t resist a cozy bookshop romance, The Battle of the Bookshops hit so many of the right notes for me. Poppy Alexander crafts a warm, feel-good story set in the fictional seaside town of Portneath, and from the very first page, I was rooting for Jules Capelthorne and her struggling family bookshop.

Jules is exactly the kind of heroine I love—clever, loyal, a little stubborn, and still healing from past heartbreak. Returning to her hometown after years in the London publishing world, she finds Capelthorne’s Books on the verge of collapse and her great-aunt Florence (one of my favorite characters) still clinging to the past. Enter Roman Montbeau, the polished, slightly aloof owner of a flashy new rival bookshop—and Jules' childhood rival-turned-would-be enemy. Naturally, sparks fly.

I really appreciated how the story balances community and romance. Yes, there’s the expected will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Jules and Roman (and a few moments of miscommunication that I rolled my eyes at), but there’s also a heartfelt exploration of legacy, small-town loyalty, and the emotional weight of trying to save something beloved from slipping away.

The writing itself is comforting—nothing too flashy but full of charm and gentle humor. The book references, quirky locals, and seaside details gave it a nostalgic, almost cinematic feel. If you enjoy Jenny Colgan or The Shop Around the Corner vibes, this is firmly in that wheelhouse.

My only quibble? I wanted a bit more depth from Roman earlier on. His backstory unfolds a little slowly, and I think the emotional payoff would’ve hit harder if we’d seen his layers sooner. That said, by the end, I was completely sold on his and Jules' chemistry.

Overall, The Battle of the Bookshops is a sweet escape—perfect for curling up with on a rainy weekend. It’s not groundbreaking, but it is quietly satisfying, full of heart, and a lovely reminder of why so many of us fall in love with bookstores in the first place.

This was a sweet and cute love story. It was the first book from this author for me and it won't be my last.

This was cute. I love the idea/theme of the novel about saving her great aunts bookshop in this small seaside town. I love that Jules drops everything to come home to help her Aunt, who is unable to care for the bookshop. I love and good rivalry between her and Roman and seeing that unfold throughout the story. A nice quick read that kept me engaged.

A modern Romeo and Juliet retelling where the enemies to lovers make a lot of sense!

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book started a little slow but I eventually got to appreciate the build up and back story.

This book is more than just a romance, it’s a dive into history and reminds us of the harsh realities that existed in the past.

I expected a cute romance about two book shop owners and found so much more. This book is probably among my top reads in 2025!

The Battle of the Bookshops had all the right ingredients for a cozy, heartwarming rom-com: rival bookstores, a quaint seaside town, and a nostalgic nod to Romeo and Juliet. But despite the charming premise, I struggled to stay engaged. The plot felt slow and overly predictable, and while I appreciated the bookish setting, I didn’t feel like it brought anything particularly new or exciting to the genre.

I felt especially disconnected from the romance. Jules and Roman’s enemies to lovers dynamic lacked real chemistry, and their relationship seemed to develop without much buildup or emotional tension. I also found Jules hard to relate to. I struggled with her constant self-deprecating attitude and couldn’t understand the weight she gave to such minor grievances. An early, offhand joke comparing a work conflict to genocide completely pulled me out of the story and set a strange tone for the rest of the book.

Overall, I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn’t connect with it. I felt like the writing was uneven, the pacing dragged, and the characters didn’t grow in meaningful ways. While there were a few sweet moments and I can see the appeal for readers who want something very gentle and low-stakes, it ultimately wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

The Battle of the Bookshops is a charming, feel-good read full of heart, humor, and literary love. Poppy Alexander brings small-town rivalries to life with endearing characters, witty dialogue, and a cozy setting. While a bit predictable, the emotional payoff and uplifting message make it a thoroughly enjoyable story for any book lover. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in advance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

A sincere thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and HarperVoyager for providing me with an ARC—this cozy, bookish rom-com was a delight to explore.

Set in the charming coastal town of Portneath, the story follows Jules Capelthorne, who returns home from her London publishing job to help save her great-aunt’s century‑old bookshop from bankruptcy.

Across the street, her childhood rival—and heir to a wealthy family—Roman Montbeau opens a glossy, high-end bookstore, igniting an “enemies-to-lovers” rivalry that evokes You’ve Got Mail vibes.

What I loved:

The seaside setting is cozy and picturesque, giving off strong “summer beach read” energy.
The family dynamics and quirky supporting cast bring warmth and charm—especially Jules’s dedication to preserving her great-aunt’s legacy.
The gentle mystery about a secret grimoire adds a touch of intrigue amid the romance.

Where it fell short:

The romance never quite sparks—there is a lack of chemistry between Jules and Roman, and for me, their connection felt underdeveloped.
The rivalry plot occasionally felt thin and predictable; the stakes didn’t push me to care deeply.
Pacing is slow and pretty gentle—this kept the tone cozy, but I missed a bit more emotional weight or tension.

Who this is for:
If you're a fan of cozy, gentle romantic fiction set in quaint English towns, with light enemies-to-lovers vibes and a dash of family legacy, this is your kind of book. It's a perfect sent me right into a seaside “sit-on-the-dock” mood. But if you crave sizzling chemistry, high-stakes romance, or a fast-moving plot, you might find this one a bit too mellow.

In short, The Battle of the Bookshops is a solid, comforting read—ideal for relaxed afternoons or beachside lounging, and for those who love feminine, family-centered rom-coms more than dramatic sparks.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately couldn’t get into it. I typically enjoy Romeo & Juliet (and other Shakespeare) retellings, but this was almost too on the nose. The characters named were *barely* changed and that seemed to remind me of the play every time I read them.

I had to push myself through reading and almost dreaded picking this back up. The characters lacked depth, had no chemistry, and the FMC made a genocide joke in the first chapter (for what reason?). I didn’t enjoy the writing style or the experience I had reading this.