Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas is a heartwarming escape into the world of second chances, reluctant muses, and the quiet magic of bookstores. Clarrie Brooks, a chaotic but loveable bookseller, never expected her brutally honest critique to spark a bestselling novel—or to be dedicated as the anonymous inspiration behind it.

Enter Declan Archer: grumpy author, emotionally guarded, and absolutely unprepared to face Clarrie again… especially as feelings begin to stir between them.

With a cast of endearing side characters, plenty of bookish charm, and a satisfying slow-burn romance, this story balances humor and heart with grace. While a few moments meander, the overall journey is thoughtful, funny, and totally swoonworthy.

Perfect for readers who adore the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, small-town warmth, and love stories that start with a shared love of books.

I didn’t enjoy this book at the beginning. The heroine, Clarrie (short for Clarence for some reason) was just a downer. She’s seriously depressed and the bookshop that her beloved grandmother had given her is failing.

She meets an author and she’s rude to him. Later she finds out that he’s dedicated his huge best-selling book to her. And for some reason his publisher wants her to go along on his book tour to sell copies of his book. They go on this tour which involves heading out to various fields and forests because his book is about how trees inspire him. It sounds like a very odd tour with people coming out to listen to him while they have to stand up, but maybe that would be worth it to hear your favorite author. ‘

Of course, Clarrie and Declan fall in love. And there’s even an obligatory scene where they have to sleep together, this time in a small tent. I’m not sure why he’s attracted to her, but maybe he likes the way she’s either very awkward around him or how she teases him.

Once they started liking each other, the story got better, but I still didn’t warm up to Clarrie. All the success in her bookstore is due to either her wonderful employee, Yumi, who was full of creative ideas and personality to attract customers or because people want to see the bookseller to whom Declan had dedicated his book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

If you love slow burn, enemies to lovers stories, this book is for you! Adding in a bookstore makes this a cozy and enjoyable read! A good pick for your summer reading TBR.

I'll be the first to admit I'm very, very selective with my five star ratings, but this was the easiest 5★ I've given in a while. This book had everything I love and was written in a way that made it so easy for me to connect with the characters and their story.

Easy to read? ✅️
Warm and inviting? ✅️
Lovable characters? ✅️
Equal parts heartwarming and heartwrenching? ✅️
Enemies to lovers? ✅️
Bookseller and author romance? ✅️

Beautiful.

I have no notes other than I want to devour anything else Kiah Thomas writes (childrens books included), thank you.

Huge, huge thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC, it's was very appreciated. ♡

Clarrie isn't having the best of times. Her bookshop that was left to her by her grandmother isn't doing well. It doesn't help that an author Declan Archer comes into the shop and she tells him that his book is terrible and to go away and write another on

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC copy. This was such a fun read, perfect for the summer vibes! I loved that the story was set around bookshops and Clarrie felt like a very relatable main character.

I really enjoyed the writing style, I couldn't put this down!

would have liked to see more of Declan's backstory and point of view as, especially towards the end, the resolution felt quite rushed and like it needed more explanation.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a wholesome romance, and will be reading more of Kiah Thomas' work :)

Love on a Bookshelf is more than just a romance book, it is an uplifting story about self discovery and second chances.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this cosy and heartwarming book. I loved the bookish elements, the humour was genuinely funny and the romance was sweet without being too cheesy.

This is a fun, bookish romance which is a perfect summer read. I really liked Clarrie as a main character and found her very relatable, and really loved her sense of humour throughout, even when she was having a difficult time. The romance was fun, I feel like they work well as a couple and it didn’t feel rushed. While there are sad and stressful moments, there is a lot of humour and heart throughout this book and it’s very enjoyable.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

3 ⭐

ARC Review

This is a really cute story between Clarrie a bookstore owner and Declan and author who after receiving a cutting remark from Clarrie dedicates his next book to her (or so we are lead to believe).

Whilst the beginning felt a bit slow once I was about 30% of the way through I was really enjoying this cosy story. I particularly liked the fact that Declan knew of Clarries gran when she was running the bookstore.

This was a cute and fun read. I like slow burn romances, so the pace suited me, as did the bookshop setting. A lovely summer read

Thank you to NetGalley and Kiah Thomas for the advanced reader’s copy of Love on a Bookshelf in exchange for an honest review.

Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas is a charming and cozy enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of the Australian outdoors: a refreshing twist on the close-proximity trope. Once you make it past the surprisingly frequent (and unnecessary) use of the word “groin” in the prologue, the story settles into a feel-good bookish escapism.

The dynamic between the main characters has a lot of playful banter and slow-burning chemistry, with the natural setting adding a relaxing vibe. While the Australian setting offered something a bit different, I would’ve loved to see more local character in the story.

This is a clean romance, with no spice, making it a cozy and comforting read for those looking for something light and heartwarming. While the emotional depth and character development could have been richer, Love on a Bookshelf is ultimately a sweet, escapist novel perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon.

Clarrie Brooks is having a tough time. She’s struggling to keep her grandmother’s bookshop afloat and she’s just been dumped. So, when author Declan Brooks drops in to sign stock of his new book and tells her to invest in better lighting when the power goes out YET AGAIN, Clarrie responds by telling him to write a better book. Two years later, Declan’s new book is topping the charts and is dedicated to the bookseller who told him to write a better one. Thrust into the spotlight, this could be Clarrie’s opportunity to save the bookshop, and maybe lose her heart in the process?

I had a fantastic time with this and flew through it in two days. I really liked Clarrie who I found so relatable – who hasn’t found themselves muttering something they probably shouldn’t have when they’re having a bad day? This turning into the catalyst that changed both her and Declan’s lives was a really interesting concept and I was hooked pretty much from the start.

Declan was an interesting character. While views of him were slightly clouded by the fact that the book is told solely from Clarrie’s perspective, I enjoyed the little hints we got about him and the character behind that prickly exterior. One thing I did find slightly unclear though: his book. It probably wasn’t until about 75% into the story that I really got any sense of what it was about (for a long time I wasn’t even clear on if it was fiction or nonfiction) and I found it a surprising choice for a developing bestseller. It would have been nice to understand more about the book earlier on but I liked how the trickles of information I did get told me something about his character.

The book had some well-known romance tropes – misunderstandings, a bit of a grumpy/sunshine, and a slow burn build up – but I really liked the development of Clarrie and Declan’s relationship. I enjoyed seeing their interactions and how their understanding of each other grew. It felt real and honest (with some funny moments thrown in).

While this is a romance, it isn’t just this. It is also a novel of self-discovery for Clarrie and I loved watching her develop from someone who was struggling and very closed off into someone who opened themselves up to love again despite a difficult time. It was a cosy and engaging read for romance book lovers, but it also offered a lot of depth.

With thanks to the publisher Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC ahead of publication for an honest review.

A wonderfuly romantic story of second chances and discovering happiness where you least expect it.

What if a gorgeous, grumpy author dedicates his new bestseller to the bookseller who told him to write a better book?

Clarrie Brooks' life seems to be falling apart. Her boyfriend has just dumped her and she's struggling to keep her beloved grandmother's bookshop afloat.

To top it off, the bookshop loses power just as new author Declan Archer walks in to sign stock. After an awkward exchange, Declan leaves - but not before he suggests that Clarrie invest in better lighting. Tired and frustrated, Clarrie suggests that Declan write a better book.

This setup is so fun and engaging, it just gets better from here. I great mix of hate to love and second chance, with all out favourite tropes thrown in. It's romantic, swoon worthy and funny!

Thank you to Netgalley for the review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Romance is not my usual genre but something about the title and description really drew me into this book. What bookworm doesn't dream of finding love in a bookstore!!

This was definitely a slow burn, but it was a charming and sometimes emotional story of love and self discovery, even with a bit of a twist at the end! I liked the hints towards attraction and subtle flirting throughout the book, despite it being a romance it really made me wonder if the MC's would actually end up together! Their romance felt real and raw, sometimes soft and sometimes as turbulent as life can be.

If you are a romance fan, I would definitely pick this book up, it's an easy and enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline books for sending me the e-arc of this book for my honest review.

I rated this 3.5 stars (rounded to four as you can’t give half stars on Goodreads!) I really enjoyed this story, I felt it was the perfect cosy spring read. It is a closed door romance, with a good amount of sugar, spice and everything nice! The characters are lovable, relatable and funny, and found myself routing for the MCs.. and let me tell you when Clarrie and Declan kissed, I almost cheered! I liked the friendship between Clarrie and Yuri, and the banter between them, and Bri was like a little ray of sunshine to add into the mix!

I felt myself smiling throughout and not wanting to stop reading.

This book would be perfect for people who love reading books about bookish romances such as Bad Publicity and Book Lovers.

Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a fluffy romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free review copy in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

Love on a Bookshelf is an easy, light read, which is perfect for these sunny spring days.

I liked the way in which the FMC’s (Clarrie) character grew as the book progressed. She started out being quite bolshy and rude, but by the end of the book, her character had softened. Clarrie went on a journey of self/discovery and the romance almost played as second fiddle to the plot.

The book would have scored a little higher if the pacing was slightly different. To me, something felt off and not quite right. I think it was the fact that the slow burn romance between Clarrie and Declan took too long to come to fruition. I would like to have seen more sparks between the FMC and the MMC and watched as the chemistry between them grew.

Overall it was a fun, enjoyable read.

Love on a Bookshelf is a sweet, well-written romance that I really enjoyed overall. Even though first-person POV isn’t usually my favorite, Kiah Thomas’s easy, engaging style made it work. The dialogue was particularly strong — natural, funny, and full of heart. At times, the internal monologue and descriptions ran a little long for my taste, but it didn’t take away from the overall charm of the story.

The romance itself was lovely: soft, relatable, and grounded in real emotions. That said, I sometimes struggled to understand why they liked each other, and especially why they pretended their relationship was only temporary, it made very little sense. Overall, though, it was a fun read and I'd highly recommend it!

Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas – 4.5 Stars (ARC Review)

I absolutely loved curling up with this charming, bookish romance. The premise is irresistible: Clarrie Brooks is barely keeping her beloved grandmother’s cozy bookstore afloat when bestselling author Declan Archer wanders in. As the blurb teases, “What if a gorgeous, grumpy author dedicated his new bestseller to the stranger who inspired him – and that stranger was you?” Clarrie’s life is already a mess—her boyfriend just dumped her, and it’s literally raining through the ceiling of her apartment—so when Declan advises her to invest in better lighting and she snaps back that he should “write a better book,” the sparks fly from the very start.

Two years later, Declan’s new novel has turned into a beloved cult hit, and he’s dedicated it to “the bookseller who told him to write a better one.” Suddenly Clarrie finds herself catapulted into the spotlight as readers and reporters frantically try to unmask the mysterious muse behind the dedication. It’s a cozy, literary premise that feels like a hug on the page – no wonder it’s described as “a celebration of love and all things bookish.” The scenes in Clarrie’s shop (complete with a fun knitting circle and quirky staff) are warm and lived-in, and Declan’s famous-but-unhappy author life is painted with gentle humor (he’s grumpy but secretly a big softie).

The slow-burn romance at the heart of the story is absolutely heartfelt. There’s witty banter and smiles in every scene (I couldn’t stop laughing the first time Clarrie puts Declan in his place), but also real emotional growth. Clarrie has to learn to trust again and embrace a new chapter of her life, and Declan gradually sheds his prickly exterior as he sees Clarrie’s kindness and strength. Their connection grows naturally – it’s tender, imperfect, and so satisfying to watch unfold at its own pace. The supporting cast adds extra warmth: from Clarrie’s loyal friend Yumi to the adorable knitting club at the shop, every character feels like family. I especially loved how everyone in town cares about Clarrie and Declan’s happiness, which made the big romantic moments hit even harder.

By the end, Love on a Bookshelf had me smiling, swooning, and even tearing up a bit – in the best way. There’s a really sweet payoff (and even a clever little twist) that had me giggling and cheering in the final chapters. Thomas balances humor and heart beautifully – it’s truly “warm, big-hearted and uplifting.” If I have one small quibble, it’s that I wished for just a tad more detail about Declan’s mysterious book itself (it felt like a character we didn’t fully see), but honestly that’s splitting hairs in such a loving story. The emotional journey and the cozy bookshop setting more than make up for it.

Final Thoughts: This ARC stole my heart. Love on a Bookshelf is perfect for anyone who loves a cozy bookstore setting, slow-burn second chances, and characters who find new beginnings in unexpected ways. The bookish details and genuine humor throughout make it a pure delight. I’m giving it 4.5 stars and can’t wait to recommend it to all my romance-loving friends!

Recommended for fans of: cozy indie bookstores, slow-burn romances, big-hearted character growth, and witty, uplifting storytelling.

Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas is such a warm, feel-good read. I was completely drawn in by the cozy bookshop setting and the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. Clarrie is relatable and endearing, and I loved watching her dynamic with Declan evolve from awkward tension to something genuinely sweet. The premise—an author returning with a book dedicated to the woman who challenged him—felt fresh and romantic without being overly dramatic.

It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves stories about books, second chances, and characters who grow into love in the most unexpected ways. Heartwarming, witty, and just the right amount of swoony—I didn’t want it to end.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

I absolutely adored this book, it’s very Emily Henry-esque so you can’t really go wrong!

Clarrie is an extremely relatable FMC whose antics made me genuinely laugh out loud and Declan is a perfect grumpy/sunshine MMC. With an entertaining cast of supporting characters, Love on a Bookshelf is a funny, slow burn, semi-enemy to lovers book with a healthy dose of self-realisation sprinkled in.

The only slight odd bit was I didn’t really get Declan’s book, I didn’t really grasp whether it was fiction/non fiction/biography until near the end or understand why it was so popular. But I thought it was a good plot device so maybe this isn’t too important.

Side note: I desperately need a Bri and Jed novella in my life🐦‍⬛🦜