I found Book People to be a charming love story and a really easy read. Set in a small village, its atmosphere is cozy and comforting. The notion of running away to open a book store is the dream honestly!
The two characters, Kate and Sebastian, are both really intriguing and interesting people. Learning about their pasts and all the ways it affects their presents helps pull you through the story.
I did find the writing style a little repetitive sometimes, especially between chapters where it seemed we’d retell a situation occasionally unnecessarily. The enemy part of this enemy to lovers story was a little over the top but it’s was fun and I enjoyed it all the same!
While the ending was a little predictable it was still a satisfactory read and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it!

First off this book takes place in England, i didn't know and it's something I appreciate knowing before I read a book- especially with the locations, slang, pop culture/history reference etc..i like to know before reading it to decide if i want to go ahead. This one i continued regardless cause I had started it and I'm glad I did it was a good book - Sebastian and Kate own rival book stores across the street from one another - hes stodgy she fun, he's set his ways she's whimsical - together (well Kate inserts herself) they put on a book festival and in the process discover a shared family history- and trt to heal their hearts from past issues to move forward its a very good book with a very good twist at the end glad I read it and didn't quit

3.5 stars

Jackie Ashenden’s rival-to-lovers in the form of competing bookshops across the street in a small English town is quite a delicious and easy read, though there’s bit of twist as always, to this burgeoning relationship that neither protagonist is willing to call a ‘proper’ one.

But a book festival is coming up and after a rocky start, Kate and Sebastian have to put their heads together, while dealing with an attraction that, to them, is unwanted yet undeniable, based on some family history that starts off as a bit of a mystery. But chemistry as always, wins out, until they hit a road block in their effort to pull the festival together.

In the end, we learn that there’s quite a bit of mirroring of both their stories and their great-grandparents, seen perhaps most obviously in the uncanny repetition of the naming convention and the surface similarities of their circumstances nearly a century later. And while not really delved too much into, it seems almost to hark back to the naming confusion deliberately engendered in ‘Wuthering Heights’, as though that so-called tragedy is doomed to repeat itself many generations later.

Should a tale then have so much impact on present-day events, that both present-day Kate and Sebastian are quick to draw some sort of connection more than they should have perhaps (the latter being the more guilty one), as though their behaviour is directly shaped by those circumstances?

Nonetheless, Sebastian’s insistent reasons for staying deep in denial get tired quickly; they are as stubbornly and simplistically repetitive as much as he tries to paint everything as the past influencing the present as the primary reason for why he should not yearn for any connection or relationship with others. Yet Kate’s own vacillation between wanting him and not wanting a relationship (then getting annoyed when their friends-and-benefits situation is not really given proper status) did get quite grating at times; in many ways, she is as quick to absolve as well as to judge what she thinks is to blame for their presently-stuck situation. Like Sebastian, painting people as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ comes as quickly for her as it does for him.

There were so many parts I liked about ‘Book People’ as much as there were parts that I frowned upon—creating conflict for drama’s sake in terms of characterisation felt like the biggest bit for me though. But if I were to think a little less…and sit back and enjoy it a bit more, it’s a great afternoon read.


*ARC courtesy of Netgalley

I love a good grumpy character and Sebastian is the grumpiest. Kate and him could not be more different and it makes for dynamite chemistry. I loved the fact that this was literally a story for the ages with the revelation that their great grandparents had been lovers and passed notes through books. This was so well written!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review <3

- The description for this pulled me in and I was definitely not disappointed! The banter was so much fun and the change from banter to flirting felt so authentic and very well paced. While a bit predictable, the side plot was a sweet addition to the storyline and made for extra layers and depth to an already relatable and emotional story to be told. This was definitely a hug sent to book lovers, showcasing the importance and solace that being surrounded by books and stories can bring, especially that of which is the stories you choose to write for yourself.
- My only criticisms I have for this book are:

***SPOILERS HEAD***

1. I do wish we were given around 20-30 more pages to the end of the story with details surrounding their relationship.
2. More talks of Kate's decision to stay and her feelings towards that since right before the ending, we got an inner thought process of her not wanting to make someone her entire world again and lose herself in someone elses life choices (as to not repeat her relationship with her ex). I understand Sebastian is ofcourse a different man than he, which would make sense for her feelings to change about everything, but I wish we got a bit more of an explanation for that and how she navigates that in a healthy way for herself and their relationship!

After escaping a controlling relationship, former book editor Kate returns to the small town where her mother grew up to open a bookshop in the building she inherited, apparently her great grandmother ran a tea shop in the building. She and her single mother led a peripatetic life during her childhood but bookshops always represented comfort and an escape. Kate's bookshop embraces genres, manga, romance, sci-fi, cosy mysteries - you name it. The only fly in the ointment is Sebastian who owns the highbrow bookshop directly opposite Kate's. She's tried to be friendly, but he refuses to even speak to her, he's even petty enough to rearrange his window displays deliberately to outdo Kate's.

Sebastian keeps himself to himself, his family has had the bookshop for several generations but his father and his grandfather's addictions have left the family bookshop deep in debt, and Kate opening a rival bookshop opposite him has only exacerbated the problem. Sebastian's family is unlucky in love, both his great-grandmother and grandmother left their husbands, and his own mother died when he was still young, which is why Sebastian knows he is destined to be alone. Sebastian is trying to revive the town's literary festival to (hopefully) bring some much-needed revenue to his shop. But when disaster strikes and his keynote author pulls out a week before the festival only Kate can help him save the day.

Kate is on good terms with a popular author from her editing days, a woman whose bestseller appealed to both populist and highbrow readers, if they can find a lure to encourage her to attend their small festival it will make it a winner and Sebastian has just the thing, a bunch of love letters between his great grandfather and an unknown woman.

I really enjoyed this romance because well books! However, I felt the mystery was a bit obvious to the reader, and the ending felt a bit rushed (like I'm 95% through the book and they haven't made up yet), which is odd because I've complained about the last few books by Lucy Score where the couple seem to get together about 35% into the book and then there's a lot of filler until the inevitable 'misunderstanding'.

Other than that, I will definitely look out for more books By Jackie Ashenden.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business, Book People is about rival book shop owners Kate and Sebastian. Kate is returning to the town her family are from after leaving an abusive relationship and falling in love is definitely not on her agenda.

Book People is described as a love letter to book lovers - and while it definitely is I was also surprised to find there was a little mysterious element added in there. It's quite easy to see where this element was leading to but I still loved to see it unfold. I found it bittersweet and moving.

Sebastian's own self esteem being knocked by his history got a little annoying - he's the grumpy to Kate's sunshine. But I read the novel with that ache in my chest that I get from reading a good novel with the right amount of angst and tension.

Book People made my heart hurt in more ways than one - from feeling angst, to feeling wistful to feeling happy sad at the ending. I loved this!

Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyed the book! Loved the rival bookstore trope, and while it was predictable, it was very romantic fun in its own right. I loved the parallels between Kate and Bas… but again predictable yet cute.

The writing style was not my ideal — the dialogue for me fell flat, and the non dialogue portions seemed all internal thoughts, not exposition. Sebastian as a character pissed me off to no end, ALL THE WAY until the very end. But I loved Kate.

I also would have loved a little more closure (like a bonus scene or epilogue) regarding Kate and the editing, Kate and Sebastian, Sebastian’s dad, Lisa’s story and happy ending.

But still, enjoyed it!

Book Lovers is the incredibly sweet tale of two rival bookshop owners, Sebastian and Kathryn, in the English countryside. Sebastian is a fourth generation bookseller of serious fiction, while Kathryn recently opened her own genre fiction shop. The two come together when planning a local literary festival after they discover some hidden love letters.

Like any book lover, the setting of rival bookstores grabbed me right away. The book is a spirited defence of genre fiction, especially romance, and the joy and sense of community that it can build. The two leads have incredible chemistry and the book touches on themes such as what it means to craft your own narrative and ending. The book was lovely and I would recommend to friends.

A bookish book about book lovers? Gimme 20! 🤭

Every time I see a book about bookshop owners I run to read it and let me tell you, this one is really good 👍🏻

I just love books about books!! Book People was a great book that kept my attention the whole time!A must read!

cute story about competing book shop owners in a small town. Add in a historical mystery regarding the village’s past and this book really touched on a lot. While you know exactly what is going to happen, this book gives you the warm fuzzy feeling of enemies to lovers and happily ever after.

This was sweet and kind and a real homage to people's love of literature and bookshops in general. I've always got a soft spot for romance novels set in little English villages too!
I loved the threads of past and present with the letters of their late family members and the side characters in the literary festivals were lovely to follow along with.
I struggled with Sebastian's POVs because I found him a little too literal and closed-off, but Kate was a breath of fresh air!

📚Rival bookshop owners
📚Enemies-to-lovers
📚Small-town setting
📚Grumpy-sunshine
📚Forced proximity


UGH SIGN ME THE HELL UP!!!!
Late & Seb have the best love hate relationship and I knew from the start I would fall in love with them. I enjoyed this book a little too much. It made me giggle like a little school girl 😂

Source: Netgalley for my honest review

Book People are for the book readers who want to escape from reality. A love letter from Jackie Ashenden one of my top reads of this month. I was immediately sold by the description, I love the characters.

Favorite Quote

I always thought I loved Jasper and he loved me, but that’s not what love is, and I know that now. Because now I’ve fallen in love with Sebastian Blackwood and I know better. He builds me up, while Jasper only pulled me down. He gave me back the pieces of myself that Jasper took. He makes me glad to be the person I am, not afraid. Not ashamed or embarrassed or guilty.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reading 📖

Book Review: Book People by Jackie Ashenden

Jackie Ashenden’s Book People is a lively, romantic romp that celebrates the joy of books and the chemistry between unlikely couples. Set in a charming small town, the story follows two rival booksellers whose initial animosity evolves into something much more steamy and complex. Kate is a newcomer to the book business, bringing a fresh, accessible approach to bookselling with her focus on popular genre fiction, while Sebastian runs a highbrow, traditional bookshop across the street. Their differences could hardly be starker: she’s all about fun and approachability, while he’s as refined and rule-bound as his curated selection of classic literature. But as they’re forced to collaborate on the town’s literary festival, sparks fly in ways neither of them anticipated.

Ashenden’s choice of a small-town setting is perfect for the story, imbuing it with a cozy charm and a cast of quirky side characters that add depth and humor. The town itself feels like a character, filled with book-loving residents who know each other’s business and who closely observe the rivalry brewing between Kate and Sebastian. The forced proximity of organizing the literary festival pushes them into constant interaction, creating endless opportunities for witty banter, lingering glances, and moments that toe the line between professional rivalry and undeniable attraction.

The central romance is a classic enemies-to-lovers trope with an irresistible “grumpy-sunshine” dynamic. Kate’s lively, free-spirited nature contrasts perfectly with Sebastian’s reserved and buttoned-up personality, and Ashenden skillfully uses their differences to build tension and humor. Kate’s mission to shake up the small town’s view on popular fiction irks Sebastian, who takes his literary standards very seriously. Their banter is full of energy, often evolving into laugh-out-loud sparring matches, as Kate challenges Sebastian’s more elitist views on literature, and he struggles to keep his growing attraction under wraps.

Beyond the banter and flirtation, Book People brings out the deeper motivations and vulnerabilities of its characters. Kate is a relatable, passionate character who wants her bookshop to be a welcoming space for all readers, not just a select few. Her love for genre fiction and her belief in the power of accessible stories give her character depth, and Ashenden reveals her insecurities and ambitions in a way that makes her easy to root for. On the other hand, Sebastian’s buttoned-up attitude is slowly peeled back to reveal a more complex man grappling with his own past and the expectations he’s set for himself.

Ashenden’s writing is witty and sharp, with plenty of chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments that will keep readers hooked. She brings a fresh approach to the enemies-to-lovers trope, layering it with emotional insight that makes the romance feel genuine and rewarding. The buildup to their first kiss is perfectly paced, mixing antagonism and longing that make the payoff all the more satisfying. And while their rivalry fuels much of the tension, there’s also a tender exploration of what it means to let go of old assumptions and open oneself up to new possibilities, both in love and in life.

Book People is also a love letter to books and readers. Ashenden celebrates the diverse range of genres and reading preferences, subtly challenging the idea of “highbrow” versus “popular” fiction and honoring the idea that all stories have value. This aspect of the novel makes it particularly appealing for book lovers, as it tackles the way books shape lives and create communities.

With its perfect blend of humor, romance, and a touch of spice, Book People is an utterly charming read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romances and bookish rom-coms. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever fallen in love with a book—or found themselves unexpectedly drawn to the person who holds the opposite view on their favorite genre. Ashenden has crafted a delightful romance that reminds readers of the magic of books and the unpredictability of love, making it a must-read for romantics and book lovers alike.