I make no secret of the fact that I am a total Kiley Dubar Fan. I have read every one of her books and love the worlds she builds. They are relatable and visitable all in one!
Clovelore is somewhere I want to go, and I've already said in previous reviews that if there were a Borrow A Bookshop holiday scheme, I would 100% be up for it!
This time, we meet the new borrowers, Harri and Annie, old friends who were Uni pals and flatmates, then separated after graduation. Harri stayed in Wales with his girlfriend, and Annie flew back to The States.
The simmering chemistry between these two friends is obvious, and Kiley turns the heat up in teeny notches. You can feel the attraction slowly reaching the boiling point, and I love how she does that!
Of course,, we get to catch up with all the other Clovelore locals and some of the previous borrowers, as well as meet a wonderful new character, William Sabine, who has a heartbreaking story of his own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful read. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend the rest of the series, too, simply because it is such a brilliant concept!

Another lovely story in this series. I would be fine alone but made more lovely through the continues saga of this small town and it's people. I enjoyed the romance very much.

Book Review: A New Chapter at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar

Kiley Dunbar’s A New Chapter at the Borrow a Bookshop is a delightful blend of romance, bibliophilia, and a touch of mystery set in the quaint village of Clove Lore, Devon. The story follows two book-loving friends, Harri and Annie, who reunite after a decade for what seems like a dream holiday: running a charmingly dilapidated bookshop together. But while the trip promises literary immersion and village charm, it quickly reveals itself as a journey of healing, self-discovery, and rediscovered love.

The characters of Harri and Annie are at the heart of this story, each bringing a unique set of vulnerabilities and strengths that readers will find endearing. Harri arrives in Clove Lore nursing a broken heart after a recent breakup, while Annie has fled Texas to escape her own painful memories. Dunbar skillfully layers their emotional baggage, building depth into their interactions as they reconnect through shared memories and mutual love for books. The “friends-to-lovers” arc is beautifully paced, capturing the slow-burning realization that their connection has the potential to be more than friendship. Their chemistry is palpable yet gentle, evoking the thrill of first love alongside the comfort of knowing each other’s hearts.

The setting of Clove Lore is painted with vivid charm, capturing the feel of a picturesque English village full of eccentric locals, quaint shops, and lively gossip. Dunbar’s knack for creating atmosphere shines particularly in the Borrow a Bookshop itself—a booklover’s dream with its eclectic collection of titles and creaky, lived-in coziness. The village, with its close-knit community and gossip swirling around the mysterious Castle Lore, becomes a character in its own right, drawing Harri and Annie into its quirks and secrets.

An intriguing subplot develops as news of the recent death of Castle Lore’s enigmatic owner creates a stir among the townsfolk. The mystery surrounding the Gothic castle gives the story an unexpected twist, adding a layer of suspense and allure that perfectly complements the romance. When Harri and Annie are tasked with exploring the castle’s grand, eerie library, they stumble into a seemingly fated experience—getting locked inside overnight. This setting heightens their emotions, leading them to open up to one another in new ways and confront what they truly mean to each other.

Dunbar balances the humor and lightheartedness of their bookstore adventures with moments of genuine emotional depth. As Harri and Annie navigate the transition from friendship to romance, they must confront their fears, insecurities, and past heartbreaks, making their journey feel authentic and relatable. Their story reminds readers of the power of second chances—not just in romance, but in life. Dunbar’s writing is witty, warm, and uplifting, crafting scenes that evoke laughter, nostalgia, and a bit of wistfulness.

One of the novel’s highlights is its celebration of books and the joy of reading. Harri and Annie bond over their love for literature, and their moments within the bookshop and Gothic library are rich with literary references that will resonate with fellow book lovers. Dunbar captures the unique magic of a bookstore—a place where stories are both a comfort and an escape, mirroring Harri and Annie’s journey as they find solace and courage in one another.

A New Chapter at the Borrow a Bookshop is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and healing that will leave readers with a sense of joy and hope. Kiley Dunbar has crafted a beautifully atmospheric, feel-good romance that is as much about the charm of small-town life and the love of books as it is about finding love in unexpected places. Perfect for fans of cozy, slow-burn romances and anyone who has dreamed of spending their days surrounded by books, this novel is a testament to the transformative power of friendship and the courage it takes to embrace a new chapter in life.