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Battle of the Bookstores
INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER
A LibraryReads Pick
Rivalry and romance spark when two bookstore managers who are opposites in every way find themselves competing for the same promotion.
Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only. But when the new owner of both stores decides to combine them, the two are thrust into direct competition. Only one manager will be left standing, decided by who turns the most profit over the summer.
Efficient and detail-oriented Josie instantly clashes with easygoing and disorganized Ryan. Their competing events and contrasting styles lead to more than just frustration—the sparks between them might just set the whole store on fire. Their only solace during this chaos is the friendship they’ve each struck up with an anonymous friend in an online book forum. Little do they know they’re actually chatting with each other.
As their rivalry heats up in real life, their online relationship grows, and when the walls between their stores come tumbling down, Josie and Ryan realize not all’s fair in love and war. And maybe, if they’re lucky, happily ever afters aren’t just for the books.
A LibraryReads Pick
Rivalry and romance spark when two bookstore managers who are opposites in every way find themselves competing for the same promotion.
Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only. But when the new owner of both stores decides to combine them, the two are thrust into direct competition. Only one manager will be left standing, decided by who turns the most profit over the summer.
Efficient and detail-oriented Josie instantly clashes with easygoing and disorganized Ryan. Their competing events and contrasting styles lead to more than just frustration—the sparks between them might just set the whole store on fire. Their only solace during this chaos is the friendship they’ve each struck up with an anonymous friend in an online book forum. Little do they know they’re actually chatting with each other.
As their rivalry heats up in real life, their online relationship grows, and when the walls between their stores come tumbling down, Josie and Ryan realize not all’s fair in love and war. And maybe, if they’re lucky, happily ever afters aren’t just for the books.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
This book was ADORABLE! I always love a bookish themed book so of course this one caught my attention. I could picture the exact setting in Massachusetts and enjoyed it thoroughly. It took me a little bit like Josie and Ryan but getting more context to both of their back stories eventually had me attached. What I liked more than even their banter was the chat room connection. It all gave “You’ve Got Mail” vibes which did have me re-watching the movie a few days later. Also, the audio from Karissa Vacker and Brandon Francis was perfect! Absolutely recommend for a cute, feel good romance!
“𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞… 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐭. 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.”
((I concur.)) I had no idea when starting this audiobook that I would be diving into what could possibly be my favorite book of 2025!!! I absolutely adored this book!!
Battle of The Bookstores was funny, sizzling hot, and best of all - full of bookish conversations that we have daily on booksta!! It was like a nod to book lovers everywhere!! I’m wondering if the author is an incognito bookstagrammer who has compiled book comments/chats into this remarkable story!!
I book marked so many fantastic quotes and sentimental expressions about books and reading, supporting indie book stores, funny references “STFUATTDLAGG”, and unlocked some amazing new fantasies - sex in the bookstore!! Remember the SATC movie when Carrie was reading love stories in bed to Big… this was the same feel between J& R… & it’s exactly how I read to my honey and this level of intimacy is off the charts…
I loved how the book was lighthearted yet so deeply personal! I felt so connected with Josie who felt more comfortable opening up online versus in person, and how carrying around so much weight made her come across as frigid.
Ryan was so incredibly thoughtful, kind handsome and a lover of happy endings. I loved that he had a heart for love stories and romance and his close relationship with his mother.
I loved the creative ways both of them had to revamp their indie book stores - sex education night, meditations, dinner dates at the bookstore. They also showed the importance of supporting indie book stores and the unique feels they bring to reading communities. Also, showing how the characters we meet and their experiences help guide us in our own lives.
This book was perfection! It gave me all the feels - swoon worthy, flirty, huggable, funny while also meaningful! The narration was a great compliment to the story; great performance. I loved everything about it!
A love letter to book lovers
This book was an absolute treat! Battle of the Bookstores is a rivals-to-friends-to-lovers slow burn with two main characters I adored from start to finish. I especially loved how they worked through their issues like adults—no dramatic third-act breakup here, just growth and great chemistry.
The story is packed with fun book references and romance trope shoutouts that made my bookish heart so happy. It’s the perfect pick for romance readers who love a good slow burn, a little steam, and characters who feel real
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this gem in exchange for my honest thoughts!
This book was an absolute treat! Battle of the Bookstores is a rivals-to-friends-to-lovers slow burn with two main characters I adored from start to finish. I especially loved how they worked through their issues like adults—no dramatic third-act breakup here, just growth and great chemistry.
The story is packed with fun book references and romance trope shoutouts that made my bookish heart so happy. It’s the perfect pick for romance readers who love a good slow burn, a little steam, and characters who feel real
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this gem in exchange for my honest thoughts!
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