Could a book title be any cleverer? (yes, please read this like Chandler Bing).
From the get-go for someone obsessed with books and aspiring to be a writer, this book was enticing – a romance between two people in the literary world, what could be better? But then to top it off, these two book lovers are rivals, and the whole romance takes place in a small town.
You’re swooning already, right?
Emily Henry is often renowned as the Queen of Banter, and after this book, I can totally see why. I love any book that can elicit a physical response, whether that be crying, gasping, or laughing out loud, and this book definitely had me doing the latter. Nora Stephens is iconic when it comes to hilarious one liners, and Charlie Lastra’s quips back just added to the beauty of the relationship.
Which brings me onto the romance. The chemistry between Charlie and Nora jumps off the page from the beginning. Their physicality adds an element of slow burn to their relationship, I felt like a teenager again obsessing over the smallest touch, but the dynamic between them, their matched intelligence, their humour, their healthy communication – there is little not to love about their relationship. But on top of all that, their depth of character elevates this from being a typical rom com to something with a bit of grit too. It deals with some hard-hitting issues such as the loss of a parent, bullying, sibling relationships, and anxiety.
It’s impossible to review Emily Henry without discussing her writing style. Not only is she excellent at character banter, and able to write the most relatable thoughts from women, to love, to feelings about endings, to being an auntie, but I have to mention the prologue of the book. It is possibly the best opening chapter I have ever read. Funny, witty, and enticing, it’s surely impossible to read this and not want to read on. The writing style is punchy, fast-paced, and sarcastic, which sets the tone for the remainder of the book.
I can’t praise this book enough. Emily Henry – you have become an auto-buy author for me, and I already can’t wait for your next release!
Book Lovers is a must-read rom com, especially if you love:
Rivals to Lovers
Small-town romance
Academic/Workplace romance
Family dynamics
Star Rating: 5/5
Fav Quotes:
‘Well, for what it’s worth, before tonight, I assumed you went into a broom closet and entered power saving mode whenever you weren’t at work, so I guess we’re both surprised.’ – Nora Stephens
‘Maybe I just say the right thing for you.’ – Charlie Lastra
‘You’re in books. Of course you don’t have a life. None of us do. There’s always something too good to read.’ – Charlie Lastra
‘I’m always aware of where you are, even if I don’t look, but it’s impossible not to.’ – Charlie Lastra
‘You fucking undo me.’ – Charlie Lastra
‘You’re perfect. That’s the word, Nora. You’re fucking perfect.’ – Charlie Lastra
‘Please don’t apologize for letting me know you.’ – Charlie Lastra
‘Get out your fucking pen and shred it all up and tell me how it’s supposed to end.’ – Charlie Lastra
‘If I loved you any less, I’d be trying to convince you that you could be happy here. You’ve no idea how badly I wish I could be enough.’ – Charlie Lastra
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