Oh my GOODNESS what a cute, cozy read! I loved every second of this book and can't believe I've never read anything else from Ashenden prior to this one! Kate and Sebastian had amazing chemistry, witty banter, and plenty of laugh out loud moments along the way. Not only was their relationship enjoyable to follow, but it was well developed and focused on more relatable and deeper themes that many romances tend to skim over. Regardless of the tropes you favor, any romance reader needs to pick this one up!

Perfect for book lovers! What’s more to want than a cosy romantic and funny storyline with some great characters! I really enjoyed this easy read and will definitely be recommending it. Very well written and grabbed me into the story from the very beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC

Book People come in many different shapes, forms and convictions - in this cute romance we meet two of those from vastly different ends of the spectrum: Kate, the cosy fiction lover with themed bookshop windows and Sebastian, the literary lover with somewhat of an upturned nose against genre books - or so it seems. Both of these own bookshops that are as different from each other as their owners are but share the same road, as they are right across from each other. Cue a love story between two characters that should not get along.
I really enjoyed the bookish theme of this romance, as it sometimes feels like a bit of a meta read, but still is not too on the nose to verge on ridiculousness. Book People plays with the fact that even if two people love and live by books, there's still so much variety that they can be completely different at the same time. Both characters bring their baggage and own struggles so they have some stuff to get over but the way it is done in this book, especially with a backwards glance into the historic past of the town's shops is easily consumable and makes for a quick, cute and funny read.
At some point the baggage did get in the way of the story when the characters tripped over the same piece one too many times and it almost got to the point of being a little bit draggy, but the side characters and banter the main characters had made up for it in no time.
This is a book for book lovers who can't get enough of their love stories and books at the same time. I highly recommend!

Thank you to the author and publisher who provided me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

Book People is a rom-com perfect for book lovers. This is an enemies-to-lovers, small- town, grumpy-sunshine story of two rival bookstore owners.
The story is set in a charming small town with two competing bookstores owned by main characters Kate and Sebastian. Kate has a new bookstore in town and is a welcoming personality, while Sebastian is very reserved and keeps to himself.
Kate and Sebastian organize a literary festival together, providing opportunities for witty banter and growing attraction.
Book People is a sweet romance with humor and spice, which was a lot of fun to read as it celebrates a love for books.
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I wanted to love this book desperately. The summary made it sound so good, and I was so eager. However the MMC is so unlikable, let alone someone I could imagine wanting to fall in love with. Sebastian is overly pretentious and really leans into the Grumpy trope. Kate is a joy, but even she can’t carry the whole novel by herself. At one point I found myself saying “he’s literally just a guy. Hit him with your car.” I had high hopes for this story, that unfortunately weren’t met.

With rival bookshop owners as the main characters, and the potential for an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, this story should have been right up my street. I did like the hint of mystery surrounding old love letters, which kept me interested for a while, but the main plot is a rivals-to-lovers story and the rivalry doesn’t last long. The characters have sunshine/grumpy personalities, although Sebastian isn’t too consistent as a grump. Overall, the story and characters are fine, but I found it didn’t hold my attention and I was easily distracted. I made it to the 50% mark but chose not to continue beyond that point. Thanks to NetGalley and Headline books for allowing me to get an early copy of this book, which is out on January 28, 2025.

“The one thing about books is that they never let you down, They offer solace and comfort, and knowledge and beauty. They offer an escape, even if it is only for a couple of hours.”

This book got me out of my reading slump and I read it in just a few days! I became immersed in the English village setting of Wychtree and I loved that it was focused on bookshops (I love any books that are about books!)

I was really rooting for the main characters and my favourite part of the story was the historical mystery element throughout which intertwined with the main plot of the book.

I think you’ll like this book if you’re an Emily Henry fan, specifically Book Lovers!

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc ☕️

Enjoyable read from Jackie Ashenden. Slow burn enemies to lovers between two book store owners in a small British town. the FMC is a sunny bright personable character who attracts customers, the MMC is the grumpy grump who is trying to keep their customers. There were parts of the book that frustrated me, but there were many parts I enjoyed, and the touch of mystery was a bonus. The character development is strong, and for anyone looking for an enjoyable rom-com to read, this one is not to be missed. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

The premise is interesting and the small town factor is cute. I also really enjoy books about books and reading. But the plot felt really predictable, especially the part about letters. I also got a bit confused sometimes cause the main characters had the same names as their great grandparents, who also play a big part in the book.

I read most of this in an airport in the early hours of the morning, I read the rest of it in the early hours of the next morning because I couldn’t not put it down. I was obsessed. The romance is perfect and the main characters are rival bookshop owners in a small English village (aka, my dream), it’s like this book was written for me. The chemistry between Kate and Sebastian crackles from the page. A perfect read to escape into!

Book People is a delightful business rivals-to-lovers story with a twist of romantic fate! Kate is starting fresh by opening her dream bookstore, but it just so happens to be next door to Sebastian’s multigenerational bookstore and he’s not thrilled about it. Despite their stores offering completely different vibes and selections, Sebastian sees her as competition. But Wychtree, being the small town that it is, does what small towns do best: meddle. The townsfolk set out to help these two stubborn bookstore owners find common ground, especially with the upcoming book fair Sebastian is reviving to save his family business.

Their chemistry is undeniable even though they work hard to deny it until the very end, haha. Both Kate and Sebastian carry the weight of traumatic pasts, which they later discover are more connected than they ever imagined. This story had me feeling all the emotions: excitement for their budding connection, frustration when they let their pasts get in the way, and heartbreak over some gut-wrenching dialogue that made me want to scream, “Noooo, go back and fix it!”

Overall, I really enjoyed this story but found myself wishing for more about their future together. A second epilogue or bonus chapter would be the perfect addition!

This book follows Kate and Sebastian in a small village in England. Kate is new to town after getting out of a bad relationship, and inheriting her recently late grandma's storefront/apartment. It just so happens that she has always dreamed of opening a bookstore, and her storefront is across the street from Sebastian's family bookstore. We get to see how they learn to love while navigating through their rivalry, the struggling business of bookshop ownership, and uncovering family secrets.

I absolutely adored this grumpy sunshine, rivals to lovers romance. There was so much depth to each character. Kate was healing from an emotionally abusive ex and escaping to the place her family was from, while Sebastian seemed to be trapped by his family legacy right where he'd been his whole life. There was quite a bit of insta-love/lust, but having it take place in a small village makes that make a little bit more sense. Generally it's a really good romance that wasn't too fluffy or trying to be too much of anything. I loved the humor, pacing, and side plot of uncovering family secrets while trying to boost business for the bookshops.

I would definitely recommend this spicy romance to anyone that wants something with a little more substance than your average fluffy romance read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book for an honest review! All thoughts are my own.

While the premise of this book is certainly not new (I feel like there are three with similar descriptions on NetGalley right now) it was fairly well done. I do think it was a little insta-lovey, and the hero’s intensity teetered towards creepy for me in some parts. However, it’s a fast read, and for lovers of the enemies to lovers trope it’s worth the time. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc

Sebastian and Kathryn’s story isn’t only about two rival bookshop owners but also a story about their ancestors.

I really really loved the historic part about their families, the letters and the whole village setting really were the key aspect for me and actually what I really loved about the book.

I enjoyed the banter and reading about Sebastian and Kathryn before they got together - I felt like their romance came about too early in the book, and expected more character development on Sebastian’s part.

All in all, a great romance, especially for those that enjoy small-town novels!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 rounded up to 4

I wanted to love this book, but I didn’t.

I loved Kate, I loved her passion and bubbly personality. I hated Sebastian, but also loved him at times. He fell flat to me a lot, he seemed like a jerk but it all felt so forced at times and I didn’t like that.

The story picked up about half way in, when they really started working together and you got to see the romance bloom and read all the letters, but again, parts of Sebastian’s personality just rubbed me the wrong way.

In the end I was happy with the story, I wish there was an epilogue though to see the future with them after the flashback.

If like me you enjoyed You, with a View and Book Lovers, you need this book in your life.

Kate always wanted to have a bookstore and it’s finally happening. Her bookstore is a happy place, with book clubs and positive vibes. On the other side of the street there’s Blackwood Books owned by Sebastian, a fourth generation book seller. Sebastian is snobbish, rude and generally bad at peopling. He is not excited about another bookstore in the village, but the worst part, he is very inconveniently attracted to Kate.

I loved their dynamic. Sebastian was not very likable at the beginning, but when he finally gave in, he was so adorable!
Their pillow talks were the cutest, they were truly connecting and discovering how much they had in common. And he just couldn’t stop touching her. 😻

The long lost love letters mystery was very sweet and added to this book’s overall charm.

Both Kate and Sebastian had issues, so the third act conflict was not really a surprise. I didn’t enjoy it, because I never do, but it didn’t last long, so I’ll let it slide. The ending was too abrupt and there was no real epilogue, which was a little disappointing, but otherwise I really loved this book and I will definitely read more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a fun read! I loved the setting of Wynchtree and the two bookshops. I also really liked the concept of two competing booksellers in a enemies to lovers story, as well as the story of Kate and Sebastian's great grandparents. While some aspects of the story weren't for me, the book was well written, engaging, and is sure to delight romance fans everywhere.

Book People is a delightful rom-com that perfectly blends bookish charm with the irresistible enemies-to-lovers trope. Set in a quaint English countryside town, the story revolves around Kate, an enthusiastic bookseller championing popular fiction, and Sebastian, her highbrow, rule-abiding rival across the street. The sparks fly as they’re forced to collaborate on the town’s literary festival, leading to an undeniable connection that challenges their initial animosity.

Ashenden’s writing shines with witty banter, clever literary references, and endearing characters that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie. While the characters lean into familiar tropes—Kate’s sunny disposition clashing with Sebastian’s grumpy demeanor—their chemistry is palpable and entertaining. Add in the charming small-town backdrop, a touch of family mystery, and the cozy rivalry of competing bookstores, and you’ve got a recipe for a heartwarming, page-turning romance.

If you’re a fan of You’ve Got Mail, Book Lovers, or Bridget Jones’s Diary, you’ll adore Book People. It’s a quick, feel-good read that celebrates the magic of books and the transformative power of love. Perfect for those seeking a cozy, trope-filled romance with a literary twist!

If you love small bookstores, quaint UK towns, and a bit of mystery, this is one for you. Sebastian and Kate are rival bookstore owners competing in a cozy town.

Ultimately, the plot was a little flimsy for me. The back and forth chapters were repetitive.

📖 His blue eyes are like stars and there is wonder in them. 📚

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed Book People!

The story follows Kate, who leaves behind her life in London after the loss of her mother and the split of her 4-year relationship with Jasper. Seeking a fresh start, she moves into the flat and store she inherited and fulfills her lifelong dream of opening a bookstore. However, her dream comes with an unexpected challenge: her shop is directly across the street from the other bookstore in the small-town owned by the brooding, and occasionally rude Sebastian.

What follows is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance that also weaves in a captivating subplot. The mystery surrounding Sebastian’s great-grandfather’s secret love affair—uncovered through a series of old letters signed by "H" and "C". I found myself completely engrossed in the mystery of the letters, which added depth and a touch of whimsy to the overall story.

Jackie kept me hooked, waiting for their slow-burn romance to unfold and he mystery of these letter to unfold, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down! The cozy atmosphere and the celebration of books and bookstores made this an absolute treat to read.

I highly recommend Book People to anyone looking for a heartwarming and bookish escape.



More Quotes I enjoyed;

Yes there's an exclamation mark. It's jaunty.

We never look a gift eclair in the mouth. Even if it a vegan one.

Perhaps I need a cataclysm in my life. Thats why my heart stopped the moment I first saw her. Why my world shifted on its axis. Why I've been nothing but restless since the day she arrived.

Life is talking to Kate and, as soon as I see Kate, the rest of the world vanishes, the at it always does when she is in the room.

"You're as emotionally open as a potato"