Book Lovers by Emily Henry contains two of my favourite tropes: small-town romance (See also: It Happened One Summer) and enemies to lovers, however, it delivers both with a twist and simultaneously pokes fun at them too which I loved. I also squealed with delight when a few nods to ‘Beach Book’ (Henry’s previous book) popped up. I loved Beach Book so must that I immediately pre-ordered her newest release.
Nora is a cut-throat literary agent nicknamed ‘The Shark’, Charlie is a book editor and her latest work nemesis. After a string of failed ‘romances’, Nora comes to the realisation she’s not the ‘girl that gets the guy’ she’s the ice queen he runs away from. When Nora is persuaded by her sister to visit the setting of her client’s new book, Sunshine Falls, the high-flying New Yorker is forced to swap her desk, apartment and wi-fi signal for town meetings, community plays and the local greasy spoon… but guess who she runs into?
Nora is a cut-throat literary agent at the top of her game. Her whole life is books.
Charlie is an editor with a gift for creating bestsellers. And he’s Nora’s work nemesis.
Nora has been through enough break-ups to know she’s the one men date before finding their happy-ever-after. To prevent another dating dud, Nora’s sister has persuaded her to swap her city desk for a month’s holiday in Sunshine Falls.
It’s a small town straight out of a romance novel, but instead of meeting sexy lumberjacks, handsome doctors or cute bartenders, Nora keeps bumping into…Charlie.
She’s no heroine. He’s no hero. So can they take a page out of an entirely different book?
I have to admit, I found the ending a little predictable but it was unbelievably satisfying nonetheless. I really appreciated how Nora wasn’t your typical ‘cookie cutter’ heroine. You know the one: tiny, clumsy and quirky. The Jess from New Girl archetype. Don’t get me wrong, I love that girl, however, it’s become a little predictable lately. Nora is career-driven, smart, cynical and quick-witted. As with Henry’s previous book, she deals with complicated family dynamics, grief and heartbreak in a realistic way that definitely hit a few nerves. We’re all a little messed up at the end of the day and I appreciate Henry’s ability to create endearing and relatable characters you can’t help root for and fall in love with.
FYI you can currently buy a limited edition copy with bright pink sprayed edges to support Tickled Pink at Asda.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry is available here. (Affiliate link)
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