I thought I was going to love this, as an avid book reader but it didn't have enough about books. It was ok and I liked it but I didn't love it. It was like it couldn't decide what it was going to be? Is this enemies to lovers or not? I'm not sure how I overall felt.

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 cozy 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. 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. However, 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.
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!


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

As a book lover, there is nothing I love more than books about books and book lovers. Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me. I didn’t connect with either main character, and felt the romance went zero to 10000%.

I do think that people who really enjoy smut above a plotline will enjoy this book.

I LOVE a good book about people who love books.

And this does not disappoint! How many of us dream of opening a quaint little bookstore - but best not to do it across the street from a well established family bookstore! Is there room for two book stores in the same village, let alone the same street? Kate and Sebastian could not be more different and this fun cosy romance just hits the spot for a Sunday afternoon!

Rivals to lovers, Cosy Small Town Romance, and a bit of grumpy sunshine dynamic.

Rated 3.5/4

The writing was good with heartfelt moments. There were quite a few emotional parts and spicy parts, with lots of little things going on to keep you on your toes.

The chapters were fairly long, opening with anonymous love letters. You therefore got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was an interesting flow between the chapters, created by the inclusion of the love letters. I enjoyed reading them and thought that it was a lovely way to start the chapter. They cleverly hinted at what might happen in the chapter that you were about to read.

There was a good pace to the book. It was slowed down by the character's hesitations, indecisions and will they, won't they actions.

The characters were excellent. I loved how different the main characters were, yet they somehow worked well together. It certainly kept the story on it's toes. What I particularly enjoyed was the fact that each main character had their own alternating chapter. It was nice to see what each character was thinking and to see the story from both sides. It gave a well rounded feel and it explained what was going on behind each character's façade.

Both the main characters had had a difficult past and it was interesting to see how that had an impact on what they were like now. I enjoyed being on their journey.

Lastly the settings. I loved the village setting and any book set in a bookshop gets my attention! The descriptions were light as it was a character focused story, but you got a good grounding and it balanced well with what the characters were doing.

Overall a lovely story, with quite a lot of spice.

3.5/5 Stars rounded up to 4 for the rating system.

Book People by Jackie Ashenden is a cute and fluffy romance that offers a delightful escape into the charming world of battling bookshop owners. The concept of two rival bookshop owners, Kate and Sebastian, is wonderfully executed, providing a fun and engaging backdrop for the story.

The chemistry between Kate and Sebastian, while a bit slow to develop at the start, eventually blossoms into a compelling and heartwarming relationship. The initial interactions felt slightly off and hard to engage with, but as the story progressed, their connection deepened and became one of the highlights of the book.

Overall, Book People is a super cute and easy read, perfect for those who enjoy lighthearted romance with a literary twist. It's an enjoyable story that celebrates love, books, and the unexpected journeys life can take us on.

Kate inherited a shop in her mother’s hometown and decided to open a bookstore with modern and fun titles. The problem? It turns out there’s already another bookstore across the street, and it’s the town’s favorite. What’s more, Sebastian, the owner, isn’t too happy about the competition, and at every chance he gets, he makes sure Kate knows she’s not welcome. 🥺

Both are forced to work together during the town’s literary festival, and as they start to get along a little, a shocking family secret that ties their pasts together comes to light…

It’s a pretty quick read, with some cute moments, and honestly, I hated the protagonists’ parents—the decisions they made were terrible.

I was expecting something different, but it wasn’t too bad either. It turned out to be a fairly entertaining read.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 📚

This was a sweet romance book. Whilst it wasn't for me, I understand why it's gotten so many five star reviews.

I have never read a book by this author and thought it was going to be just a cutsey little bookstore romance but the smut was unreal!

Welcome to mainstream Ms Ashenden! I've been a fan of the author's thru her Harlequin days and was excited to see this one come thru on a more mainstream market. Title- check. Cover- check. Story- check check. This is an easy, quick read that I really enjoyed. I hope that we see more from this author in a more readily available format in the future! Will be recommending to customers and keeping in stock for them.

this rom-com was incredibly fun to read! the characters are amazing and exactly what you look for in a great rom-com.

a great grumpy x sunshine couple who’s tension will have you SWEATING! this is a couple who you just KNOW are deeply in love with each other. they balance each out perfectly and help each other overcome and grow so much! you will absolutely fall in love with them.

this was an easy, cozy read that any romance reader will fall in love with!

Jackie Ashenden's Book People is a delightful and heartwarming journey into the world of books, love, and personal growth. From the very first page, Ashenden captivates readers with her relatable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt exploration of relationships.

The story centers around a group of book lovers whose shared passion for literature binds them together in ways that transcend the pages of the novels they adore. Ashenden brilliantly captures the magic of the written word and how books can act as mirrors for our own lives and emotions. The characters, each with their quirks and imperfections, are wonderfully crafted, making it easy for readers to connect with them on a deep level.

The romantic elements in Book People are particularly well done. Ashenden weaves a slow-burn romance that feels both natural and satisfying. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their journey toward self-discovery and understanding is beautifully written. The relationship development feels organic, avoiding clichés, and showing the complexity of love in all its forms.

But what truly sets this book apart is its celebration of bookish culture. For any reader who has ever felt a special connection to a beloved book or dreamed of finding a community that shares that passion, Book People feels like coming home. Ashenden’s writing is warm and inviting, making this a perfect read for anyone looking to be immersed in a world where literature truly comes to life.

With its rich emotional depth, witty humor, and celebration of books, Book People is an uplifting and enjoyable read. It's the perfect book for book lovers everywhere, and it will leave you with a smile on your face and a renewed love for the world of stories.

Jackie Ashenden's "Book People" transports us to a charming village in small-town England, where two rival bookshops serve as both adversaries and the backdrop for a blossoming romance. On one side, we meet Kate, the optimistic newcomer who has revitalized her late mother's property into “Portable Magic,” a lively sanctuary for romance, cozy mysteries, and thrillers. Across the street stands Sebastian Blackwood, the town's brooding book lover, whose shop, “Blackwood Books,” appeals to serious literature enthusiasts and Booker Prize fans. Their relationship is a classic case of… well, tension-filled proximity.

The narrative unfolds six months after Kate's arrival, as her frustration with Sebastian's frosty demeanour grows. At the same time, he seems just as annoyed by her cheerful presence—and the very existence of her bookstore. Complicating matters is a long-standing family feud, subtly hinted at early in the story and intricately woven throughout the plot, alongside the impending deadline of a literary festival that Sebastian is organizing.

Ashenden's prose shines, skillfully capturing the idiosyncrasies of village life and the pleasures (and occasional challenges) of running a bookshop. Both Kate and Sebastian are intriguing characters, and the author’s playful examination of their contrasting personalities—sunshine versus storm cloud—infuses the story with humour and warmth.

However, the romance doesn't always progress as seamlessly as one might wish. While Sebastian's gruff exterior can be charming, his recurring self-doubt and belief that he is unworthy of love sometimes burden the narrative. The chemistry between him and Kate, though often endearing, can occasionally feel uneven because of this.

Nonetheless, "Book People" provides a delightful escape into a world filled with literary banter, charming characters, and heartfelt moments. Fans of opposites-attract romances with a literary flair will find plenty to enjoy in this enchanting tale.

Thank you to Jackie Ashenden, Headline Eternal, a division of Hachette, and NetGalley for providing an eARC in return for my honest review. Publication Date: January 28, 2025

I thought this was a super cute book and I really enjoyed it! I love romance books that are set in a bookish setting, especially combined with my love for small town romances.

I enjoyed Kate and Sebastian a lot together, especially at the beginning. For me personally I would’ve liked them to hold off on their feelings for a bit longer, but it worked out well. I just couldn’t get over how Sebastian hides behind the idea of the Blackwood men. It felt like a kind of dumb and cowardly reason to swear off relationships and feelings. Especially after his friend kept trying to reason with him.

The subplot of the letters was a really sweet addition. Not very surprising but still enjoyable to read and discover the story behind them.

I did however find the ending of the whole book a bit lacking. I wish we had gotten some more involvement of Lisa and closure about the book she writes and whether Kate got to help her with it or not. Sebastian’s family drama also seemed far from resolved. Also would love to know how they manage to keep two bookstores afloat in the same small village but I guess that’s just the reality of romantic dream worlds.

Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others who love small towns and book shop settings!

This enemies to lovers romcom if full of rivals book sellers, grumpy sunshine and forced proximity. The perfect blend of romance and spice, bookshops and a sprinkle of mystery. Kate and Sebatian are the only couple with their name, I enjoyed the added storyline of their ancestors. Easy little read perfect for the holidays by the water.

A little about the book. Kate is a passionate bookseller with a dream to open a shop dedicated to the kind of fiction she adores lighthearted, popular, and endlessly fun. But her enthusiasm isn’t shared by everyone in the cozy small town, least of all Sebastian, the rigid and refined owner of the highbrow bookstore across the street.

Sebastian has rules for everything his inventory, his wardrobe, and most importantly, his dating life (strictly no locals). So, when a town literary festival forces the two rivals to work side by side, tensions rise, sparks fly, and one impulsive, steamy kiss threatens to rewrite everything they thought they knew about love and competition.

This could have been the perfect book for me. The premise completely pulled me in! Two rival bookshops opposite each other, a grumpy-sunshine romance between the competing owners and letters revealing a secret love affair of one of their grandparents!

I love books, bookshops, books about books, love stories revolving around books. And who doesn't love a past secret affair through letters! A lot of my favourite romances revole around very similar premises.

Unfortunately, I don't think this book was for me. I found a lot of it repetitive. I wasn't particularly fond of either character. The pacing was a bit off for me and I ended up skimming a lot. It didn't do anything that made it stand out to me, personally.

This could still be a wonderful book for anyone who likes the sound of the premise. There isnt anything seriously wrong with this book, it just didn't work for me!

Rival booksellers with intertwining family history (they are not related!!). Loved the grumpy/sunshine element to this but wanted a smidge less instant love. The banter was cute and the family stuff moved me. This was an overall enjoyable read. I hope there is another book in this universe about Dan.

I received an arc from Netgalley and the publisher.

When Kate, a fledgling bookseller, decides to open a bookshop that celebrates the kinds of genre fiction she loves to read (popular and fun!), she's surprised to find that not everyone in the town is as excited as she is.

Least excited of all? Sebastian, owner of the highbrow bookshop across the road, who has rules for everything: the kind of books he sells, the clothes he wears, and the people he dates (no-one local). When the pair find themselves working together on the town's literary festival, their growing attraction becomes harder and harder to ignore.

Despite the fact that I really didn't care for Sebastian, I loved Kate, and I really enjoyed this cute little romance. It was a quick read, and who doesn't like a book about book people? 🙂 ♥️

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

This was a tough book for me. I wanted to love it. The premise reminded me of Book Lovers which I loved, but it never really pulled me in. The pace, especially in the beginning felt too slow. I found Sebastian deeply unlikable in the beginning, which I suppose works for the whole enemy’s to lovers thing. But his whole mopey “I can’t give her what I wants,” attitude as the book progressed, didn’t work for me- it just made me want to scream at him to pull it together. I liked the secret romance from the past- it was sweet and heartwarming. Speaking of the past, Jasper should have stayed firmly in the past instead of showing back up just to make a mess of things. Overall, it was fine just maybe not what I was expecting or looking for.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

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. I found myself laughing with the characters, and the story is beautifully written. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves You've Got Mail. I WILL BUY A PHYSICAL COPY!