In Novel Problems by Elizabeth Luly we meet wannabe recluse fantasy writer, Hannah who moves to Sapphire Springs to begin a new chapter (pun intended) of her life and George the outgoing and friendly owner of the local bookstore/cafe. A misunderstanding early on results in these two working together. Anyone who has read the author’s book Not Just Gal Pals will remember George but even those who haven’t will enjoy getting to know her and Hannah in this book.

I found the characters of this book to be very relatable, especially Hannah as she deals with major life changes and the anxieties that can go with those. The dialogue between Hannah and George was funny and honest and you can feel the chemistry between them as they keep finding themselves in comical and awkward situations.

The parts of the story where Hannah and George struggled to communicate I felt went on longer than necessary but when they do connect it more than makes up for any misunderstandings.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy low drama romances with some spice.

Thank you West Brunswick Press, the author, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This is the perfect summer romance! Luly has done it again - the characters in this book are effortlessly charming and their budding relationship is such a lovely one to watch unfold.

4.5 stars

A sweet low-stakes Sapphic romance with a dash of spice.

Starting over after her divorce, fantasy author Hannah moves to Sapphire Springs. She arranges to sign some books delivered to the local bookshop café Novel Gossip. When she goes to the café, she accidentally agrees to apply for a job and struggles to tell the owner George who she really is.

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. The couple from the first book are around, but little else is revealed from the first book.

I related a lot to anxious author Hannah, and I loved the way her and George's relationship developed. George also has a dog, which I adore, though he's not in as much as I hoped. This book has quite a bit of silly miscommunication but also makes a point of working on communication skills. Hannah is hard of hearing (and so is the author), and the way it's handled in the book is so considerate. Loved the therapy skills.

Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read and review! I'm looking forward to more in this series!

'Novel Problems' is an amazing sapphic romance filled with summer vibes and small town charm. This is the second book in the Sapphire Springs series, and I was so happy to revisit! Hannah has just moved to town. She is starting over, and she is in the process of getting divorced. Hannah is a fantasy author, and she has hit writer's block on her next book George owns and runs a cafe and bookstore. She is overworked and understaffed, but she loves her job. Both women are so busy that they don't have time to find love or even date.

Hannah and George grow closer, as Hannah begins to work at the bookstore. George is a fan of Hannah's books, but Hannah uses a pen name and no one knows her true identity. Both women find something special with each other. I loved how much individual growth both of them experienced in the book. There is no third act breakup, which I really enjoyed.

This is a sweet and spicy story, and I really rooted for them as a couple. The friend group that surrounds them is amazing, and we also get to see glimpses of Blake and Jenny, who are the couple in book one of this series.

Overall, the book has Hallmark movie vibes, and I would love to see this as a movie. Thanks to West Brunswick Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Novel Problems by Elizabeth Luly is a sweet sapphic summer romance featuring a fantasy author and a golden retriever cafe-bookstore owner, which makes for the perfect beach read!
I really enjoyed the premise of this book. the characters were interesting, the side characters were awesome, and the plot was really good.
The cover is absolutely gorgeous! I was drawn right in.
With heartfelt emotion and engaging characters, this is a captivating romance.

Thank you NetGalley and West Brunswick Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Title: Novel Problems by Elizabeth Luly

Release Date: May, 30th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"Novel Problems" by Elizabeth Luly is a charming sapphic summer romance that blends the allure of a reclusive fantasy author with the warmth of a cinnamon roll cafe-bookstore owner. It's the perfect beach read!

Hannah Taylor, a best-selling fantasy author with a secret pen name, retreats to Sapphire Springs, New York, to overcome writer's block after a painful breakup. Seeking solitude to meet her looming deadline, she instead lands a job at the local cafe-bookstore and catches the eye of her attractive new boss, George O’Grady.

George, the dedicated owner of Novel Gossip, is struggling with staff shortages and finds Hannah's unexpected arrival to be a blessing. However, her strict no-dating-employees rule complicates matters. As the summer unfolds, Hannah and George grow closer, navigating their own rules and relationship baggage, making for a sweet and engaging romance.

I adored how relatable Hannah was as an introvert dealing with anxiety, and George's charm was irresistible.

Their relationship felt so healthy and genuine—they truly understood, encouraged, and supported each other.

I couldn't stop smiling and giggling throughout this sweet, heartwarming romance, which had just the right amount of spice.

"Novel Problems" is a delightful read that leaves you rooting for Hannah and George to write their own happy ending!

Thank you to The Publisher West Brunswick Press ,The Author Elizabeth Luly & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.