This was my first book by Ali Brady and I would definitely check out other books by this author.

I really enjoyed the overall premise of the book - two work rivals who become lovers in a story similar to You’ve Got Mail. I also enjoyed an MC who likes to read romance novels and believes in HEA.

I did feel like this book tried to cover one too many romance tropes and I was ready for the two MCs to just communicate about their feelings instead of hiding from them. I recognize that is easier said than done for many, but it did make the plot slow down for me a bit.

Overall this was a cute read and I look forward to other titles by this author.

Why Did I Listen To Battle Of The Bookstores by Ali Brady?
Battle Of The Bookstores by Ali Brady has a few concepts that I love — it is about people who love books who work at bookstores, they are rivals, and there is a competition involved. I love those kinds of elements. There is just something about getting sucked into a good contemporary romance audiobook as you are going about the mundane – driving to work, folding laundry, staring at Excel pivot charts. This book looks all cute, however there are certainly some steamy, spicy scenes.

What’s The Story Here?
Ali Brady’s Battle Of The Bookstores follows Josie Klein who manages Tabula Inscripta which is a bookstore focused on literary fiction and highbrow literature and Ryan Lawson who manages Happy Endings, a romance themed bookstore. The two stores are on the same Boston street. The two managers should interact consistently right? They don’t. In fact, Josie doesn’t even like what she’s seen of Ryan, assuming he is a bro with the landlord of the stores they both manage.

Speaking of, the landlord/owner decides that there’s no need for there to be two bookstores on his payroll. He’s going to combine the two stores into one space. There only needs to be one manager. How will this be decided? The store that has the most profit within a specific timeframe will be the winner and that person will go on to manage to the new store. And so, the rivalry begins. Josie finds herself winding down by going on a forum aimed at booksellers. She can be herself. She also finds herself in a flirtation with a man on that forum. Oh, and I think you can guess who it is. There were definitely echoes of You’ve Got Mail.

How Did I Like Battle Of The Bookstores?
As expected, Ali Brady’s Battle of The Bookstores is super cute. I liked the rivals to friends to lovers aspect of Ryan and Josie’s relationship. Ryan is not at all what I had expected. He genuinely loves romance books and has created a safe space for the people who enjoy them as well. He also is someone who has a learning disability. His family, by the way, is great. I also enjoyed Josie — she dropped out of college. She’s close with her sister. She has a dim view of romance due to some issues with her mom. There is one red flag about Josie and that is one of her favorite books is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. I liked that she gave commercial fiction a chance because of the guy she talks to on the forum. The fact that they shared books and read them for each other was quite adorable.

How’s The Narration?
The audiobook of Battle Of The Bookstores has DUAL NARRATION! I love when books that have two main character point of view perspectives do this. The Josie chapters are narrated by Karissa Vacker. The Ryan chapters are narrated by Brandon Francis. The alternating narration kept my interested. I felt both narrators embodied the characters really well. The audiobook is 9 hours and 33 minutes, I did listen to it sped up to about 1.75-2x depending upon my mood. This was a great listen for the start of my summer.

I absolutely adored this book. The main characters were relatable and their interactions didn’t feel forced. I loved how the author worked in quotes from other books and the romance author name drops were a fun touch. Knowing the author is a fan of my favorites was a welcome personal touch to the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady.

I felt this was cute, comical and fluffy. Both Josie and Ryan are relatable. This felt similar to the movie, You’ve Got Mail, in today’s time.

Overall, it would be a fun read for a romance reader.


3.5 ⭐️

"Battle of the Bookstores" is an absolute treat for book lovers! Ali Brady blends rivalry, heart, and humor into a charming story that celebrates the magic of books and the people who love them. With snappy dialogue, lovable characters, and just the right amount of romantic tension, this one hits all the cozy, feel-good notes. A perfect pick for fans of Emily Henry and enemies-to-lovers done right.

Quick Take: Ever wondered what You’ve Got Mail would be like if the MMC was a 6’7” cardigan-wearing cinnamon roll who reads romance novels and the FMC was a literary snob with trust issues and a soft spot for bookstore cats? Yeah. Same. And Battle of the Bookstores is exactly that—but with more forced proximity, a little fake identity tension, and a rivalry that turns into one of the softest slow burns I’ve read in a while.

Tropes & Microtropes:

Rivals to Lovers (via shared break room & simmering frustration)

You've Got Mail vibes but reversed (he’s the romance reader 👏)

Dual POV

Forced proximity

Epistolary (they fall for each other anonymously online first!)

Bookstore drama, complete with financial stakes and feelings

Only one bed 👀

Grumpy & sunshine (but gender-swapped!)

Cinnamon roll MMC, serious girlie FMC

Literary fiction vs. romance wars

Bookstore cats (justice for Miss Marple!)

Workplace competition with real emotional depth

Childhood trauma and emotional healing

💖 Blush Meter:💗💗💗💗/5 – Sweet and spicy like a chai latte on a rainy bookstore afternoon. There’s a slow burn here, but once it kicks in—whew. The tension is there early on, hidden under judgmental glances and side-eye banter. The intimacy, when it arrives, is cozy and lowkey steamy, and I appreciated that it leaned emotionally open instead of just hot-for-hot’s-sake. Think: tension-laced hugs, late-night confessions, and one bed moments that make you want to giggle like a teenager with a new crush.

🌟 TAK Girlie Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25 rounded down only because I’m picky)Listen, this book made me smile so much my cheeks hurt. I loved the premise, adored the setting, and would absolutely die for cardigan-wearing Ryan. I knocked off a fraction of a star only because I wanted even more banter and tension—give me those razor-sharp enemies-to-lovers sparks! That said, it was bookish, soft, and full of heart. And I would 100% reread for the quotes alone.

💬 Deep Dive:

Let’s start with the facts:Josie is a literary snob with a capital S who doesn’t do romance. She prefers her books dense, her characters miserable, and her happy endings optional. She’s been running the family bookstore ever since her emotionally absentee mother noped out, and now—surprise!—she’s forced to share the space with Ryan, manager of the cozy romance-friendly store across the street. Oh, and their landlords decided there’s only room for one bookstore manager. Competition: activated.

Meanwhile, online, Josie has been unknowingly exchanging flirty bookish messages with her anonymous pen pal—the only person who seems to get her these days. If you’re guessing it’s Ryan… you’re right. And when those identities finally collide, it’s exactly as chaotic and heartwarming as you'd hope.

I loved how this story took the classic You’ve Got Mail structure and flipped it on its head. Ryan—towering, broad-shouldered, cardigan-wearing, soft-spoken, and literally obsessed with romance novels—is the sunshine here. He’s not a broody alpha. He’s not saving anyone with money or power. He’s just a kind man who loves stories where people choose each other, again and again. Josie, by contrast, is emotionally guarded, hyper-responsible, and scared to let anyone in. Their dynamic felt so fresh and gender-swapped in a way that actually worked.

Josie’s backstory is one I felt deep in my bones. She’s the classic oldest daughter who grew up too fast. She’s a caretaker, a protector, and someone who’s learned to rely only on herself. Watching her open up—slowly, painfully, beautifully—was such a satisfying emotional arc. And her relationship with her younger sister felt incredibly grounded in realism, from sibling guilt to communication fumbles to found-family moments.

As for Ryan? Initially, I wasn’t sure what to make of him. He felt like six different MMC archetypes stitched together (is he Clark Kent? A yoga instructor? An English professor with muscles?). But once he settled into himself, I adored him. He’s a cinnamon roll with depth, and I loved how open he was about his love for romance novels and what they taught him about empathy, connection, and emotional literacy.

There’s something really meaningful about watching a male lead understand romance—not just perform it. Ryan isn't here for performative gestures. He’s here to build trust, hold space, and show up consistently. And that, my friends, is romance.

What really won me over, though, were the epistolary elements. Their online convos were so cute, so earnest, and filled with just enough vulnerability to feel like they were really falling for each other before the physical attraction hit. It gave that old-school “falling for someone’s mind first” energy. Give me all the pen-pal pining.

📚 Final Thoughts:

If you’re a book lover who lives for romance, bookstore settings, and the idea of being seen through your love for stories, Battle of the Bookstores is your next must-read. It’s a little chaotic, very cute, and full of genuine heart.

This story is about second chances, emotional healing, and letting someone see the soft, wounded parts of you. It’s also about how romance novels aren’t “silly” or “frivolous”—they’re survival guides, safe spaces, and roadmaps to connection. And honestly, that message alone makes this a win in my book.

Whether you're here for the tropes, the slow burn, the bookstore drama, or the cardigan-wearing hero, there's something in this one that'll make your bookish heart swoon.

For Fans Of:

You’ve Got Mail (obviously)

Better Than Fiction by Alexa Martin

Book Lovers but flipped

Cinnamon roll MMCs who read romance novels

Enemies-to-lovers with heart

Cozy bookish settings and workplace tension

Sweet & spicy slow burns

Books that validate loving books ✨

"Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only. But when the new owner of both stores decides to combine them, the two are thrust into direct competition. Only one manager will be left standing, decided by who turns the most profit over the summer.
Efficient and detail-oriented Josie instantly clashes with easygoing and disorganized Ryan. Their competing events and contrasting styles lead to more than just frustration—the sparks between them might just set the whole store on fire. Their only solace during this chaos is the friendship they’ve each struck up with an anonymous friend in an online book forum. Little do they know they’re actually chatting with each other.
As their rivalry heats up in real life, their online relationship grows, and when the walls between their stores come tumbling down, Josie and Ryan realize not all’s fair in love and war. And maybe, if they’re lucky, happily ever afters aren’t just for the books." -Goodreads

This was such a cute book. The fun banter in this book was great! Also, I love that my absolute favorite book was mentioned in the book as a recommendation! I truly enjoyed this one and would absolutely recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a summer beach read version of You've Got Mail and while it doesn't have Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan it still offers up the fun star-crossed romance of the movie. The audiobook, narrated by Karissa Vacker and Brandon Francis, is a great way to enjoy the story and really appreciate the chemistry between the characters.

Two bookstores compete to become the sole manager when the owner decides to merge the businesses.

A little You've Got Mail mixed with enemies to lovers in a race to win a coveted job.

What will happen when they realize that they've been talking to each other all along?

A story that has a little spice, witty texts and banter, and a few surprises that leave you wondering...who will be crowned the winner of the battle of the bookstore?

This book was so adorable! I love the gumpy x sunshine, the enemies to friends to lovers, and the penpal "You've Got Mail" of it all!

I feel like Ali Brady's books are always good for a fun time, even if they're not getting at anything emotionally deep. I love that this book was about the importance of books and storytelling in our personal growth. It was just plain fun and will be delightful for other bookworms!

Battle of the Bookstores is THE romance book for romance readers. It takes a genre battle that we know all too well and reminds us that all books have the power to change our lives for the better. It addresses common stereotypes and tropes, shares insight into the experiences of booksellers, and gives each of the two characters space to grow individually and together. I was bracing myself for a cringe-worthy third-act break-up once Josie discovered who Ryan was online, but was pleasantly surprised by the maturity of the characters and the way it all played out. Definitely a refreshing ending to read, and one I'll be thinking about for a long time for the way it made me smile.

Fun romantic story about bookstore managers competing for a position. It was a quick read - I read it in one afternoon, and I really enjoyed the story. Not completely predictable and I feel the characters had some depth. I don’t think I’ve read this author before (actually it’s two!) and I definitely will again!
Thank you Netgalley and Berkeley for the digital ARC.

Booksellers competing for the same job after an invested plans to combine their bookstores?!

& the MMC runs the all romance!!!!!!!!

I loved this twist on You’ve Got Mail. This book was FILLED with tension and banter.

I loved reading the MMCs POV chapters after each of their irl interactions.

Very very cute

This was such a fun summer-coded beach read. Such a super cute, feel-good rom-com for book lovers. It’s light, a little spicy, and full of bookish charm. Perfect if you’re into slow-burn romance, quirky characters, and cozy bookstore vibes.

It took me a while to get in to this enemies to lovers story, but it ended up being an enjoyable read. Josie and Ryananage two very different indie bookstores. Ryan is a gregarious and warm boss who is into romance novels and he and his staff have created a great setting. Josie, on the other hand, rolls her eyes at romance and is into serious literary fiction. She had a rough childhood and is emotionally guarded and prickly.

But, they share the same landlord, and when he decides to consolidate the two stores and the coffee shop that separates them, both sides are aghast. And then he sets them up: whoever has the most profits will be the new manager after the construction and the other will be out of a job.

Even almost too good to be true Ryan is disgruntled and snarky with Josie. But she is the queen of nasty at times and the two fall into a heated competition with a lot of funny but unpleasant run-ins. But of course there is chemistry happening along with the sniping and they both soon realize it.

There are lots of plot extras: an interlude with Ryan's family, an internet friendship plus for Josie, the story of her childhood and her dysfunctional mother, and some hilarious but good-natured discussion about romance novel tropes, including the usuals plus Only One Bed.

It's good fun and it's nice to watch them overcome their baggage and figure things out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady is a delightful enemies to lovers romance that will have you captivated.

Told in dual POV, this story captures the push and pull of the two MCs perfectly, delivering their attraction toward one another even before they consciously realize it. Also, this story defies the gender roll expectations, acknowledging that the things we read and the choices we make don’t have to be rooted in societal expectations. Example: A man can love a romance.

I absolutely loved this romance! It really fueled my soul and captured my heart. It was such a fun read, and so touching. Also, it was funny!

I also listened to the audiobook version of this story. It’s performed by two narrators, both of which embodied their characters perfectly. The female POV is read by Karissa Vacker, who I adore! I love when she’s a narrator for a book I’m listening to. I listened at 1.5x speed (my normal audiobook speed is 1.5x-1.75x).

Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for this fantastic advanced read.

Battle of the Bookstores delivers a great love story perfect for the most ardent bookworms.

Bibliophiles rejoice! Is there anything better than reading about two hardcore bookworms falling in love? Not in my opinion. Ali Brady knows exactly what book lovers and romance readers want and they deliver.

Of course Ali Brady is the pen name for writing duo Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey. This is my first book by them, although they have been on my list for a bit. I’m so glad I finally read one of their books, I’ll definitely go back and read more of their back catalogue.

Plot wise, we’ve seen book selling rivals in other books, but I loved the unique twist they brought to it. Essentially, there are two bookstores on the same block, separated by a coffee shop. Both stores and the coffee shop are owned by the same developer who announces he will be merging the whole space into one big bookstore with a coffee shop in it. Now Josie, who runs the literary fiction store, and Ryan, who runs the romance only store, will have to compete to keep their management position. There can be only one.

Of course Ryan thinks Josie is super stuck up and an ice queen, always looking down on him and his patrons for reading romance. While Josie views Ryan and his store as a bit of a mess and not serious enough to deserve the manager role. They butt heads spectacularly in a bunch of interactions that will leave enemies-to-lovers and workplace rivals trope loving readers cheering.

Meanwhile, in a You’ve Got Mail style twist, they are each texting each other on BookFriends, a social media site for book professionals, except the site is anonymous, so they don’t know it’s each other they are texting. I’m such a sucker for this plotline. Can we call it a microtrope?

I loved both characters. Josie comes off as stuck up and icy, but really she’s just protecting herself. She’s terrified of repeating unhealthy relationship patterns she witnessed with her mother. Ryan is a fabulous book boyfriend. Kind and caring, I just wanted to hug him. He can seem a bit chaotic at times, but as we get to know him better, we see that he is really smart, he just has dyslexia, and needs a bit of time or help with certain tasks. Plus he’s a huge advocate for the romance genre and ensuring he stocks books where everyone can see themselves represented. Cue the swoons! Both characters are very well developed and thanks to the alternating POV chapters, we really get to know both of them well.

As the walls come down between their respective stores, it forces more and more interactions between them and they start to get to know each other better irl, even as they are revealing more and more to each other online. It is absolutely delicious.

One of my favourite things about this book is that because they run very different bookstores, and neither of them understand the other’s love for their own genre, there is a great exploration about what makes each of these genres so great as they try and justify their stores to each other. As they get to know each other better, they each get a deeper understanding of the other genre too. For Josie, that means learning more about romance books and what makes them so great, and for Ryan, it means learning more about literary fiction. As a bookworm that loves both of these genres, I appreciated this discussion.

Battle of the Bookstores is a great read that will leave bibliophiles swooning (and cheering).

I had never read anything by Allie Brady. This was an absolute delight from beginning to finish. I enjoyed all of the characters, banter and boastfulness between the two bookstore owners battle to see who was the best five stars.!

It you loved You've Got Mail and rival bookstore vibes, this is your perfect read. It's swoony bookish fun!

The characters a well written and kept me coming back for me.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

I did not finish this book due to inappropriate content and do not feel comfortable reading this. I did not even make it through the second chapter due to language. I can not recommend this book because I did not feel comfortable reading it.