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New York Spark #1
My Book Boyfriend
Tall, dark and handsome. That’s what I think the first time I see Rupert Evans in the library.
But then I find out he is the developer who just sent my community garden a cease-and-desist letter because he plans to raze the garden and construct some towering monstrosity there.
The only one who is going to cease and desist is him. That community garden is my found family.
But then he asks me out at book club night.
Suspicious, right?
I’m attractive, but I’m not the type hot bachelors are lining up around the block to ask out. Let’s be real. I’m still in the brunch date spot with my next-door neighbor after a year of my pursuing him.
Rupert is trying to butter me up and lead me down the garden path so I concede. Never.
He has no idea what we’re planning to do to stop him. Our little community group may look like a bunch of frail roses, but we’ve got thorns. As long as I weed out these pesky feelings for him, I know we can win.
But then I find out he is the developer who just sent my community garden a cease-and-desist letter because he plans to raze the garden and construct some towering monstrosity there.
The only one who is going to cease and desist is him. That community garden is my found family.
But then he asks me out at book club night.
Suspicious, right?
I’m attractive, but I’m not the type hot bachelors are lining up around the block to ask out. Let’s be real. I’m still in the brunch date spot with my next-door neighbor after a year of my pursuing him.
Rupert is trying to butter me up and lead me down the garden path so I concede. Never.
He has no idea what we’re planning to do to stop him. Our little community group may look like a bunch of frail roses, but we’ve got thorns. As long as I weed out these pesky feelings for him, I know we can win.
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2023
54 people are currently reading
5575 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Strobos
17 books297 followersKathy Strobos is a writer living in New York City with her husband and two children, amid a growing collection of books, toys and dollhouses. Born and raised in Manhattan, she loves writing about New York City and her smart heroines who live and fall in love there, amidst its vibrant energy and the aroma of homemade chocolate chip cookies. She is the award-winning author of: A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts, Partner Pursuit, Is This for Real?, Caper Crush, My Book Boyfriend, Love Is an Art, My Secret Snowflake, and My Rock Star Neighbor. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
May 4, 2024
This was a fun, quick, kissing only enemies to lovers romance that sees two strangers bonding over a shared love of books only to find themselves on opposite sides of a fight to save a beloved community garden.
I'm unable to resist a good bookish lead and NYPL librarian Lily was a strong female main character looking for love but determined to fight for the community garden she loves and has cared for over the years. Disappointed when she learns the new guy she's attracted to is related to the man trying to tear it down for new development, Lily has to learn to trust that Rupert is on her side.
Great on audio narrated by Stacy Gonzalez and Eric Altheide, this is a perfect read for fans of authors like Courtney Walsh or Jenny Proctor. Many thanks to Home Cooked Books for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now in print, digital and audio copies and you definitely want to check it out!
I'm unable to resist a good bookish lead and NYPL librarian Lily was a strong female main character looking for love but determined to fight for the community garden she loves and has cared for over the years. Disappointed when she learns the new guy she's attracted to is related to the man trying to tear it down for new development, Lily has to learn to trust that Rupert is on her side.
Great on audio narrated by Stacy Gonzalez and Eric Altheide, this is a perfect read for fans of authors like Courtney Walsh or Jenny Proctor. Many thanks to Home Cooked Books for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now in print, digital and audio copies and you definitely want to check it out!
August 22, 2023
This was a sweet, fast, cozy read!
I really liked that the conflict wasn't at all manufactured: it's understandable that Lily wants to save the community garden, and would see Rupert differently if his company was responsible for its destruction, and it's just as understandable that Rupert cares about making CEO of the company and that going against the wishes of his grandfather and advocating for the garden might put that in jeopardy.
Moreover, Rupert's attempts at balancing saving the garden with his bid for CEO were sensible and smart, and I really appreciated that he wasn't just doing it for Lily, but also because he saw the value of the garden and wanted to save it for its own sake.
When I was about 60 percent in, I caught the seeds of what looked to be an incredibly contrived misunderstanding/third-act-break-up, and was enormously relieved when that issue is resolved by the characters behaving like rational adults, and instead the main conflict continued to be focused on the possible incompatibility of Lily and Rupert's goals.
However, I wish the characters had been given more depth and stronger arcs. I think the prose and dialogue didn't help in this instance. While the prose isn't bad, it is simplistic and pared down to the point that I was constantly noticing it and being reminded that I was reading a book, rather than losing myself in the story. The dialogue often felt oddly stilted - people often talked as though they were sending an email to a coworker, rather than having a conversation with a friend or a lover. They also all spoke in exactly the same way.
Overall, though, the novel was fun, and I breezed through it. Plus, both protagonists were book lovers, which is always a plus for me!
I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I really liked that the conflict wasn't at all manufactured: it's understandable that Lily wants to save the community garden, and would see Rupert differently if his company was responsible for its destruction, and it's just as understandable that Rupert cares about making CEO of the company and that going against the wishes of his grandfather and advocating for the garden might put that in jeopardy.
Moreover, Rupert's attempts at balancing saving the garden with his bid for CEO were sensible and smart, and I really appreciated that he wasn't just doing it for Lily, but also because he saw the value of the garden and wanted to save it for its own sake.
When I was about 60 percent in, I caught the seeds of what looked to be an incredibly contrived misunderstanding/third-act-break-up, and was enormously relieved when that issue is resolved by the characters behaving like rational adults, and instead the main conflict continued to be focused on the possible incompatibility of Lily and Rupert's goals.
However, I wish the characters had been given more depth and stronger arcs. I think the prose and dialogue didn't help in this instance. While the prose isn't bad, it is simplistic and pared down to the point that I was constantly noticing it and being reminded that I was reading a book, rather than losing myself in the story. The dialogue often felt oddly stilted - people often talked as though they were sending an email to a coworker, rather than having a conversation with a friend or a lover. They also all spoke in exactly the same way.
Overall, though, the novel was fun, and I breezed through it. Plus, both protagonists were book lovers, which is always a plus for me!
I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 14, 2023
Any book where a man is reading or loves reading, or even knows his stuff about books, well he’s a winner in my eyes…even if he is on the opposition!
I devoured this in one setting. I knew I would. Kathy’s writing is so easy to lose yourself into. She writes real characters, whose plight are relatable and generally feel pretty real! I feel like this could be a story your friend is going through.
I adore Lily and Rupert. Lily is endearing from the start and she has 3 cats! She is my new best friend! I adored this match! Plus I loved seeing the characters from the other books !! Few of them make an appearance.
I love that this is the start of a new series, with characters we know and love and new ones to fall in love with. In my eyes, it is always a winner and Kathy is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
I devoured this in one setting. I knew I would. Kathy’s writing is so easy to lose yourself into. She writes real characters, whose plight are relatable and generally feel pretty real! I feel like this could be a story your friend is going through.
I adore Lily and Rupert. Lily is endearing from the start and she has 3 cats! She is my new best friend! I adored this match! Plus I loved seeing the characters from the other books !! Few of them make an appearance.
I love that this is the start of a new series, with characters we know and love and new ones to fall in love with. In my eyes, it is always a winner and Kathy is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
August 10, 2023
This was a cute romance, and I liked so much about it! I loved that the main character, Lily, was a librarian. There was so much about her and why she liked that job that reminded me of myself. I loved her friends and all their differences. The community garden was so neat as well. This made me reminisce about all the times I visited my younger sister when she lived in NYC. Rupert was a great guy as well. The whole trying to get the CEO job, but trying to be co-CEO with his cousin was a new take on that type of story and I really liked it! I liked how even though he had issues with his family, grandfather, father, and them not necessarily agreeing with what he was thinking or wanting to do about saving the garden, they really were there for him and loved him.
At a certain point I got a little tired of all the back and forth, especially Lily with not being sure if she should give him a chance or if he was using her, but I do like the way the author handled those issues in what I felt were some realistic ways. I’ve enjoyed both stories I’ve read by this author this summer, the first one being A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
At a certain point I got a little tired of all the back and forth, especially Lily with not being sure if she should give him a chance or if he was using her, but I do like the way the author handled those issues in what I felt were some realistic ways. I’ve enjoyed both stories I’ve read by this author this summer, the first one being A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
April 29, 2024
🎧🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW.🎧🎧
So, the only thing of substance I have to say about this story is that I did not not like it. I don’t want to say I didn’t like it because honestly, there’s a lot to admire about the plot and its unfolding and also character development. However, I think for me, it was missing something, and I just couldn’t quite get what that was until I actually finished listening and then … ah, ha!, it hit me. The romance. I needed more. I needed more in order to believe they’d make it. Feel me? Everything else about the plot of this story was truly fantastic! *sigh*
I’m going to stick with this series and maybe go back and read the series it spins off from because I like the author’s voice. It’s fun and flirty, or at least this book was so I’m going with it! LOL Also, I absolutely enjoyed the heck out of having both Stacy Gonzales & Eric Altheide in my ears for the entirety of this story! They were so perfect that I wished the story was longer just for them to be in my ears longer!
SOLID 3.5 Stars but because I was listening to the story, the audio bliss bumped it to 4 STARS for me! Thank you Home Cooked Books for this ALC!
So, the only thing of substance I have to say about this story is that I did not not like it. I don’t want to say I didn’t like it because honestly, there’s a lot to admire about the plot and its unfolding and also character development. However, I think for me, it was missing something, and I just couldn’t quite get what that was until I actually finished listening and then … ah, ha!, it hit me. The romance. I needed more. I needed more in order to believe they’d make it. Feel me? Everything else about the plot of this story was truly fantastic! *sigh*
I’m going to stick with this series and maybe go back and read the series it spins off from because I like the author’s voice. It’s fun and flirty, or at least this book was so I’m going with it! LOL Also, I absolutely enjoyed the heck out of having both Stacy Gonzales & Eric Altheide in my ears for the entirety of this story! They were so perfect that I wished the story was longer just for them to be in my ears longer!
SOLID 3.5 Stars but because I was listening to the story, the audio bliss bumped it to 4 STARS for me! Thank you Home Cooked Books for this ALC!
Currently reading
July 25, 2023I had so much fun writing this book! And to be honest, some of the scenes with the kids protesting the destruction of the garden still make me tear up.
If you're looking for:
- enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy
- a great group of girlfriends
- a romance set in New York City
- a fun beach read
- found family
- book club discussions
- some hijinks
- and a feel-good HEA
please check out MY BOOK BOYFRIEND!
If you're looking for:
- enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy
- a great group of girlfriends
- a romance set in New York City
- a fun beach read
- found family
- book club discussions
- some hijinks
- and a feel-good HEA
please check out MY BOOK BOYFRIEND!
September 2, 2023
My book Boyfriend is a rom-com starting Lily and Rupert. Lily is a Librarian who also run her community garden. She first meet Rupert when he come in to her library to buy a new released book. When they see each other there was an instant attraction. However, when Lily finds out that Rupert is the developer who just sent her community garden a cease-and-desist letter, we see her try to figure out how she can stop him from destroying the garden that holds so much sentimental memories for her and also see if she can resist her attraction to him. We also see Rupert trying to save the community garden and while proving his grandfather that him and his cousin Rowena can be co-CEO's of his family company.
I really enjoyed this book! It was so cute and fluffy. A perfect summer read. I enjoyed reading Lily and Rupert love story and the way they resolved their conflict like adults. #nomiscominication trop! We love to see that! This book has some of my favorite trops like romcom, group of girlfriends, it's set in NYC, and found family to name a few. If you love any of this trop, you should definitely pick this up when it comes out!
Thank you NetGalley for letting me enjoy this story for an honest review
#MyBookBoyfriend #NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book! It was so cute and fluffy. A perfect summer read. I enjoyed reading Lily and Rupert love story and the way they resolved their conflict like adults. #nomiscominication trop! We love to see that! This book has some of my favorite trops like romcom, group of girlfriends, it's set in NYC, and found family to name a few. If you love any of this trop, you should definitely pick this up when it comes out!
Thank you NetGalley for letting me enjoy this story for an honest review
#MyBookBoyfriend #NetGalley
August 7, 2023
My Book Boyfriend...
This was a very sweet quick summer read! I loved both Lily and Rupert! When Lily and Rupert first meet, it is in the library where Lily is the Librarian. There is an instant spark and they both loves books.
Little do both know, they will be competing against each other as Lily co runs the community garden and Rupert runs a company that wants to tear up the garden for business reasons. Rupert needs this deal to go through so he can prove to his grandfather that him and his cousin Rowena can be co-CEO's. His grandpa doesn't feel that can work, so he has to prove to him it can.
As Lily and Rupert become enemies, they also can't deny their feelings to each other and their bond of books.
You will enjoy this sweet story from Kathy Strobos.
*Review posted to NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me enjoy this story for an honest review.
This was a very sweet quick summer read! I loved both Lily and Rupert! When Lily and Rupert first meet, it is in the library where Lily is the Librarian. There is an instant spark and they both loves books.
Little do both know, they will be competing against each other as Lily co runs the community garden and Rupert runs a company that wants to tear up the garden for business reasons. Rupert needs this deal to go through so he can prove to his grandfather that him and his cousin Rowena can be co-CEO's. His grandpa doesn't feel that can work, so he has to prove to him it can.
As Lily and Rupert become enemies, they also can't deny their feelings to each other and their bond of books.
You will enjoy this sweet story from Kathy Strobos.
*Review posted to NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me enjoy this story for an honest review.
May 5, 2024
Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez & Eric Altheide
📚⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lily and Rupert
• Enemies to lovers • Millionaire/Billionaire • Librarian • Found Family • Closed Door RomCom
The first book in a new series, this one is a quick adorable read/listen. First, the narrators did a phenomenal job. I loved them both from the start. Great emotion, and character voices. I'll be watching for more of their work.
When Lily first spots Rupert in the library looking for a particular new release book, she cannot deny he is undeniable attractive. While the sparks are initially there, she quickly learns he is the corporate builder who is looking to take down her garden ... or is he?
There are parts of this story I wished we would have dove a bit deeper, however it was a nice light read - and in many ways refreshing any road blocks seemed to be quickly overcome.
I received a copy of the audio from Home Cooked Books and listened to it through BookFunnel. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
📚⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lily and Rupert
• Enemies to lovers • Millionaire/Billionaire • Librarian • Found Family • Closed Door RomCom
The first book in a new series, this one is a quick adorable read/listen. First, the narrators did a phenomenal job. I loved them both from the start. Great emotion, and character voices. I'll be watching for more of their work.
When Lily first spots Rupert in the library looking for a particular new release book, she cannot deny he is undeniable attractive. While the sparks are initially there, she quickly learns he is the corporate builder who is looking to take down her garden ... or is he?
There are parts of this story I wished we would have dove a bit deeper, however it was a nice light read - and in many ways refreshing any road blocks seemed to be quickly overcome.
I received a copy of the audio from Home Cooked Books and listened to it through BookFunnel. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 17, 2023
This was a nice quick cozy read. I really liked Rupert and Lily here, the friends but enemies plot made this novel intriguing.
Rupert comes into the library looking for a book, and Lily finds herself interested in the mysterious guy.. but what can she do when she finds out he's the guy trying to take away the community garden?
The romance in this was a simple but sweet and closed-door. I also enjoyed the community aspect of this novel, and how they worked together to save the garden. The difference in age between the protestors really drove that force of spirit within the community.
I would definitely recommend for a cozy romcom!
Thank you to Kathy Strobos and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Publication Date: 10 August 2023
--- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Rupert comes into the library looking for a book, and Lily finds herself interested in the mysterious guy.. but what can she do when she finds out he's the guy trying to take away the community garden?
The romance in this was a simple but sweet and closed-door. I also enjoyed the community aspect of this novel, and how they worked together to save the garden. The difference in age between the protestors really drove that force of spirit within the community.
I would definitely recommend for a cozy romcom!
Thank you to Kathy Strobos and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Publication Date: 10 August 2023
--- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 23, 2023
My Book Boyfriend
This was such a cute fun read. If I could find me a man like Rupert i would be one very happy girl, cause any man that reads like him is definitely a catch.
I loved this book the slight enemies to lovers was done really well and I liked that even with the conflict of the garden being in trouble Rupert and Lily didn't give up on their feelings for one another.
I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review
This was such a cute fun read. If I could find me a man like Rupert i would be one very happy girl, cause any man that reads like him is definitely a catch.
I loved this book the slight enemies to lovers was done really well and I liked that even with the conflict of the garden being in trouble Rupert and Lily didn't give up on their feelings for one another.
I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
I am not too shy to admit that I was drawn to this book by the title, and I’m also not too proud in saying that I’ve got many many book boyfriends, if you can add a book boyfriend to my list I know you’re an automatic purchase author for me, however I will add Kathy Strobos is already long on that list. The next thing on the list that made me definitely want to read it was the mention of New York, I’m an addict, I’ve been several times, so if you write romance and set it in New York I’m going to buy it !
So we were already on a sure thing for me in knowing I’d enjoy this book, but in case these things aren’t ticking your boxes, I shall add that Kathy’s writing is wonderful, its engaging, the kind of writing where you forget your reading and two hours later you swear it was only 5 minutes ago you opened the book. She writes fantastic characters, ones I love or fall in love with, never perfect, always realistic, relatable and flawed people you really connect with.
This book included some of my favourite tropes too, enemies-to-lovers and found family to name just two of them. Then there’s the fantastic girlfriends Lily has, the wonderful community, so much humour, Lily is a great independent, fierce and sassy woman, the fact she’s a librarian just made her even better. A modern day Evie from the Mummy minus the supernatural although Rupert is more Tom Hanks in You’ve got Mail than Rock Conall, not that Tom Hanks isn’t absolutely perfect himself!
I really enjoyed this and it definitely gave me a gorgeous nostalgia, 90s romcom book/movie vibe and I’m completely here for that. Kathy Strobos has proved to me again why she’s one of my go to authors, for HEA, for feeling happy and warm and making the world feel a better place.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So we were already on a sure thing for me in knowing I’d enjoy this book, but in case these things aren’t ticking your boxes, I shall add that Kathy’s writing is wonderful, its engaging, the kind of writing where you forget your reading and two hours later you swear it was only 5 minutes ago you opened the book. She writes fantastic characters, ones I love or fall in love with, never perfect, always realistic, relatable and flawed people you really connect with.
This book included some of my favourite tropes too, enemies-to-lovers and found family to name just two of them. Then there’s the fantastic girlfriends Lily has, the wonderful community, so much humour, Lily is a great independent, fierce and sassy woman, the fact she’s a librarian just made her even better. A modern day Evie from the Mummy minus the supernatural although Rupert is more Tom Hanks in You’ve got Mail than Rock Conall, not that Tom Hanks isn’t absolutely perfect himself!
I really enjoyed this and it definitely gave me a gorgeous nostalgia, 90s romcom book/movie vibe and I’m completely here for that. Kathy Strobos has proved to me again why she’s one of my go to authors, for HEA, for feeling happy and warm and making the world feel a better place.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2023
This was a cute romcom! The characters and storyline were well written, a colorful mix and fun. The chemistry, emotions, banter and angsty moments all worked together to make this a very entertaining book. I loved that the main characters both loved books. It's mostly lighthearted and a quick read. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
August 22, 2023
This was such a fun book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a quick and easy read. Lily wanted to save the community garden from being destroyed by a developer. Rupert wanted to earn the co-CEO position at his family’s company by making the building development happen. I loved all the characters and can’t wait to see more books about some of the secondary characters. There is also some carryover from another series, but it is not necessary to have read it. I love a librarian main character, and Lily was both feisty and sweet. Rupert was a great MMC, focused and driven, but caring and supportive. Their mutual love of books was fun. They had such an attraction to each other. I really liked how honest they were with each other about their feelings, even though they both worried about being vulnerable and manipulated by each other. And how frank they were about their seemingly opposing goals and efforts to achieve them. No false promises, or giving up, no matter how much they wanted to be together. They had some great interactions that were sweet and fun to read. The city of New York was a character in and of its self, and it really enriched the story. I’ve only visited there once, but I loved the descriptions of so many places, events, and details. Lily’s cramped apartment, the library, bumper cars, and so on. This is a fade-to-black story with innuendo and a moderate amount of strong harsh language
September 2, 2023
A librarian giving you her personal copy of the book you've been trying to find all day? The librarian is one of the most gorgeous you've ever seen. Yet she thinks you are the enemy...
In My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos, we see the beautiful love story of the ferocious librarian/co-founder of a local community garden; Lily, and the millionaire, heir to a development company and book nerd, Rupert. The story starts with us learning that Lily is a librarian at her childhood library, where she learns that the community garden she helps run has received a cease and desist from a wealthy development company. Lily knows she will fight to save the garden, to save the memories of her loved one, yet she doesn't know she will be up against the man who begs for a book just before the library closes. Rupert is a book nerd who is enthralled with Lily at first sight. While he is doing research on the garden, he learns about Lily being the co-founder. Yet he still wants to know more about the fierce librarian.
I really enjoyed this book. While some people will think it's predictable, it still had moments that weren't. Both characters are well-written and have a lot of depth. Lily's character is so understandable about her hesitation to trust and her fear of losing the garden. I really wished we did end up seeing a bit more of her relationship with her dad. I love her friend group, all there for her in her time of need. While they were all like professional people (lawyer and author), my personality still found it realistic. Rupert was a sweetheart. I wanted to marry him from his first works in the book. He is such a strong character, always fighting for what is right and able to understand when he is wrong. My favourite quote from him was; "Should I take up crochet? Would Lily wear something I made?" LIKE STOP IT.. That is so cute, the way he wants to be seen by Lily. And don't get me started on his ways of showing his love, the Bryant Park talk... and the REASSURANCE!!!! This book is a great read when you need something not too heavy yet will still make you think. I loved it so much.
Thankyou to Booksiren for this book, and for letting me be apart of your ARC!!
Great Read!!!
In My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos, we see the beautiful love story of the ferocious librarian/co-founder of a local community garden; Lily, and the millionaire, heir to a development company and book nerd, Rupert. The story starts with us learning that Lily is a librarian at her childhood library, where she learns that the community garden she helps run has received a cease and desist from a wealthy development company. Lily knows she will fight to save the garden, to save the memories of her loved one, yet she doesn't know she will be up against the man who begs for a book just before the library closes. Rupert is a book nerd who is enthralled with Lily at first sight. While he is doing research on the garden, he learns about Lily being the co-founder. Yet he still wants to know more about the fierce librarian.
I really enjoyed this book. While some people will think it's predictable, it still had moments that weren't. Both characters are well-written and have a lot of depth. Lily's character is so understandable about her hesitation to trust and her fear of losing the garden. I really wished we did end up seeing a bit more of her relationship with her dad. I love her friend group, all there for her in her time of need. While they were all like professional people (lawyer and author), my personality still found it realistic. Rupert was a sweetheart. I wanted to marry him from his first works in the book. He is such a strong character, always fighting for what is right and able to understand when he is wrong. My favourite quote from him was; "Should I take up crochet? Would Lily wear something I made?" LIKE STOP IT.. That is so cute, the way he wants to be seen by Lily. And don't get me started on his ways of showing his love, the Bryant Park talk... and the REASSURANCE!!!! This book is a great read when you need something not too heavy yet will still make you think. I loved it so much.
Thankyou to Booksiren for this book, and for letting me be apart of your ARC!!
Great Read!!!
October 5, 2023
This is the perfect romance quick read everyone needs in their life. Two people just trying to do good in their community fall in love despite their circumstances and both end up winning in both life and love. While a quick read, it provoked every emotion it could from me from anger to him being the reason she was so stressed to love from her being the reason he finally does something for himself. Great book! Plan to read the rest of the series this month.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2023
What a beautiful book! It's a very light novel, where you literally fall in love with all the characters (except that jerk Aiden).
Who doesn't want a boyfriend who likes to read, who annotates books and even takes part in book clubs? And more… He's willing to give up something so important for our Lily. Because he loves her 🥰
There's no doubt that this author surprised me in a positive way. I'd never read anything by her before, but now I want to read all her books! 🤭
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Who doesn't want a boyfriend who likes to read, who annotates books and even takes part in book clubs? And more… He's willing to give up something so important for our Lily. Because he loves her 🥰
There's no doubt that this author surprised me in a positive way. I'd never read anything by her before, but now I want to read all her books! 🤭
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2023
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange of an honest review. I wanna thank netgalley and the author for the free book:
I liked this book. Rupert was a very good man, I loved him. He did everything he could so Lily didn't lose the garden. He was a genuinely good person, he tried to show Lily who he was that he was much more than he seemed at first glance. Lily, I liked that she didn't give up on her beliefs. She irritated me sometimes when she didn't trust him when he didn't give her any reasons not to. But yeah, still, I liked her as a person. They were a very good couple, I really liked them together, they really did fit beautifully
I liked this book. Rupert was a very good man, I loved him. He did everything he could so Lily didn't lose the garden. He was a genuinely good person, he tried to show Lily who he was that he was much more than he seemed at first glance. Lily, I liked that she didn't give up on her beliefs. She irritated me sometimes when she didn't trust him when he didn't give her any reasons not to. But yeah, still, I liked her as a person. They were a very good couple, I really liked them together, they really did fit beautifully
August 9, 2023
My Book Boyfriend:
I received this book as an ARC off of NetGalley a few days ago, and I must say I loved this little read! The story wasn’t extremely long, and it had such a cozy feel to it! It had engines to lovers but wasn’t so drawn out it felt like it was a push or took too long to get to the out come! I think the author did and amazing job at telling the story and making it straight to the point! I loved how it just felt like I was in the story with them the whole time! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I received this book as an ARC off of NetGalley a few days ago, and I must say I loved this little read! The story wasn’t extremely long, and it had such a cozy feel to it! It had engines to lovers but wasn’t so drawn out it felt like it was a push or took too long to get to the out come! I think the author did and amazing job at telling the story and making it straight to the point! I loved how it just felt like I was in the story with them the whole time! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
August 29, 2023
Questa è stata una lettura,corta leggera e divertente e perfetta da divorare in un pomeriggio d’estate. Ho amato vedere la passione e la dedizione che Lily impiega per slavate la sua comunità e l’Oasis Garden. Rupert è il perfetto book boyfriend: focus and driven ma allo stesso tempo dolce e supportive. La loro attrazione reciproca è quasi palpabile e mi piace come entrambi siano sempre stati onesti sui loro sentimenti, priorità e la paura di essere manipolati l’uno dall’altra.
Questa storia è corta e dalle vibes cozy mi ha fatto amare tutti i personaggi primari e secondari!
This was a read that was short,light, fun and perfect to devour on a summer afternoon. I loved seeing the passion and dedication Lily employs to save her community and the Oasis Garden. Rupert is the perfect book boyfriend: focused and driven but at the same time sweet and supportive. Their attraction to each other is almost palpable, and I love how both have always been honest about their feelings, priorities, and fear of being manipulated by each other.
This story's short and cozy vibes made me love all the primary and secondary characters!
Questa storia è corta e dalle vibes cozy mi ha fatto amare tutti i personaggi primari e secondari!
This was a read that was short,light, fun and perfect to devour on a summer afternoon. I loved seeing the passion and dedication Lily employs to save her community and the Oasis Garden. Rupert is the perfect book boyfriend: focused and driven but at the same time sweet and supportive. Their attraction to each other is almost palpable, and I love how both have always been honest about their feelings, priorities, and fear of being manipulated by each other.
This story's short and cozy vibes made me love all the primary and secondary characters!
August 10, 2023
I really really liked this book. It was so cute and fast-paced. There were so many great lighthearted wholesome elements. From the moment I read the title I knew I would love this one.
It literally had everything! A librarian FMC. A bookworm MMC (that gives off Style by Taylor Swift vibes!!!). Humor. Banter. Swoon-worthy lines. And it was just so refreshing to read a cute rom-com with no heavy angst or third-act-breakup!
All the characters were so adorable. I seriously enjoyed this story. It made me feel like I was in a New York rom-com film because of the way Kathy Strobos described New York?! It was so simple yet so realistic. This story also made me think of so many good rom-com I’ve watched before. It was fantastic!
Thanks to Strawbundle Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It literally had everything! A librarian FMC. A bookworm MMC (that gives off Style by Taylor Swift vibes!!!). Humor. Banter. Swoon-worthy lines. And it was just so refreshing to read a cute rom-com with no heavy angst or third-act-breakup!
All the characters were so adorable. I seriously enjoyed this story. It made me feel like I was in a New York rom-com film because of the way Kathy Strobos described New York?! It was so simple yet so realistic. This story also made me think of so many good rom-com I’ve watched before. It was fantastic!
Thanks to Strawbundle Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2023
Just Not a book for me. The banter was good.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
August 2, 2023
4 stars.
📚 The vibes:
- librarian FMC
- bookish MMC
- book club banter
- Found family
📚 My thoughts:
I really liked this one. I loved Lily and Rupert together. They were both such book nerds and their chemistry and banter was really cute. I felt like their friends-but-enemies dynamic reminded me a bit of Joe and Kathleen from You’ve Got Mail.
The plot here is pretty straight forward and it’s happy, sweet romance. It was a feel good read that kept me reading quick from start to finish. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick, charming read full of bookish themes and little conflict.
The one thing I wasn’t a big fan of was the wrap up of the story. I had a hard time with Lily’s friends- specifically her roommate Bella. I felt like they really led her astray with terrible advice towards the end. They came up with a hair brained plan and Lily goes along with it. Rupert is a super sweet guy who isn’t completely turned off by this fiasco - but I would have ran fast.
Overall- this book was enjoyable for me. It was cute and cozy. It’s the perfect read for all the book lovers like myself.
Releases Aug 10
Thank you so much to the author and to BookSirens for providing me with this an advance review copy to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
📚 The vibes:
- librarian FMC
- bookish MMC
- book club banter
- Found family
📚 My thoughts:
I really liked this one. I loved Lily and Rupert together. They were both such book nerds and their chemistry and banter was really cute. I felt like their friends-but-enemies dynamic reminded me a bit of Joe and Kathleen from You’ve Got Mail.
The plot here is pretty straight forward and it’s happy, sweet romance. It was a feel good read that kept me reading quick from start to finish. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick, charming read full of bookish themes and little conflict.
The one thing I wasn’t a big fan of was the wrap up of the story. I had a hard time with Lily’s friends- specifically her roommate Bella. I felt like they really led her astray with terrible advice towards the end. They came up with a hair brained plan and Lily goes along with it. Rupert is a super sweet guy who isn’t completely turned off by this fiasco - but I would have ran fast.
Overall- this book was enjoyable for me. It was cute and cozy. It’s the perfect read for all the book lovers like myself.
Releases Aug 10
Thank you so much to the author and to BookSirens for providing me with this an advance review copy to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 17, 2023
Thank you to Kathy Strobos for the ARC!
This is a sweet, yet smart story that incorporates some interesting tropes: forbidden romance with a touch of enemies-to-lovers.
From their very first meeting, it's clear that Rupert and Lily are meant for each other. Their chemistry is impossible to ignore, but aside from that, they have so much in common, despite being from two different worlds. They are book lovers which I find particularly endearing, and they are passionate and ambitious about what they believe in. I also couldn't help but admire how much they supported each other despite the fact that they were fighting on opposite sides.
If I have anything to critique, it would be the fact that Lily didn't trust him in the end. She quite literally violated his trust and privacy by entering that boardroom. While it all worked out in the end, and of course a conflict made things interesting, I felt bad for Rupert, because while he had his doubts, he never went out of his way to test her honesty. There was also the contradiction that was hard to ignore since it had to do with the FMC's personality: "I do tend to be way too up front about my feelings", and two pages later "Bella says I hold back my feelings". This distracted me from the story for a solid minute.
This is a quick and cozy read! 4 ⭐️
NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a sweet, yet smart story that incorporates some interesting tropes: forbidden romance with a touch of enemies-to-lovers.
From their very first meeting, it's clear that Rupert and Lily are meant for each other. Their chemistry is impossible to ignore, but aside from that, they have so much in common, despite being from two different worlds. They are book lovers which I find particularly endearing, and they are passionate and ambitious about what they believe in. I also couldn't help but admire how much they supported each other despite the fact that they were fighting on opposite sides.
If I have anything to critique, it would be the fact that Lily didn't trust him in the end. She quite literally violated his trust and privacy by entering that boardroom. While it all worked out in the end, and of course a conflict made things interesting, I felt bad for Rupert, because while he had his doubts, he never went out of his way to test her honesty. There was also the contradiction that was hard to ignore since it had to do with the FMC's personality: "I do tend to be way too up front about my feelings", and two pages later "Bella says I hold back my feelings". This distracted me from the story for a solid minute.
This is a quick and cozy read! 4 ⭐️
NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 2, 2023
I havent read any of Katy Strobos books before this and I will certainly look for more. The book is about Rupert and Lily. Rupert is hoping to become coCEO of his families company with his cousin . Their grandpa is not happy about co CEOs and this new development means destroying a community garden. Lily is a librarian and also helps run the community garden. How are these two going to denigh their feelings for each other when he's trying to destroy her garden. Can she trust him when he says he'll try to save it, how can he believe she likes him for himself and not just because of the garden. This book has quite a few interesting characters and the story is very believable. I love how the author brings together different age groups and shows the importance of community spirit. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own honest opinion and review, I hope you'll enjoy it just as much as I have.
August 4, 2023
3 stars
I was lucky enough to receive a free e-ARC of My Book Boyfriend and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a very nice, light-hearted contemporary romance read. I don’t typically read a lot of closed-door romances so I probably was not the targeted audience for this book. It’s not a bad story, by any means, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. But if you’re looking for a sweet, clean romance with a NYC setting and minimal stress, then this might be a story for you!
*very vague, not quite a spoiler*
While I don’t particularly enjoy really angsty romance books I would have liked to see more drawn out tension/conflict between Rupert and Lily, especially regarding what she decides to do right before the building plan decision is being made. I always want there to be a happily ever for the main characters, but I also want them to earn it! Reading about the characters overcoming adversity adds to the sweetness of everything working out in the end.
I was lucky enough to receive a free e-ARC of My Book Boyfriend and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a very nice, light-hearted contemporary romance read. I don’t typically read a lot of closed-door romances so I probably was not the targeted audience for this book. It’s not a bad story, by any means, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. But if you’re looking for a sweet, clean romance with a NYC setting and minimal stress, then this might be a story for you!
*very vague, not quite a spoiler*
While I don’t particularly enjoy really angsty romance books I would have liked to see more drawn out tension/conflict between Rupert and Lily, especially regarding what she decides to do right before the building plan decision is being made. I always want there to be a happily ever for the main characters, but I also want them to earn it! Reading about the characters overcoming adversity adds to the sweetness of everything working out in the end.
April 28, 2024
My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos is the first book in the New York Spark series. This is a short and sweet romance that hits just right. Rupert and Lily meet-cute over their love of books, but that’s just the start of their story. A conflict sets the stage for this entertaining and cozy romance. Now, this isn’t the type of book I’d usually read, being an avid dark romance reader, but with this well-written story, I wasn’t at all disappointed. Refreshingly positive and comforting, with enough edge to keep you engaged.
The audiobook is wonderfully narrated in dual by Stacy Gonzalez and Eric Altheide. I thoroughly enjoyed both narrators performances and easily felt the emotions of the characters. Both Stacy and Eric have great male and female character voices, which made for a great dual audiobook.
I’d like to thank Home Cooked Books for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
The audiobook is wonderfully narrated in dual by Stacy Gonzalez and Eric Altheide. I thoroughly enjoyed both narrators performances and easily felt the emotions of the characters. Both Stacy and Eric have great male and female character voices, which made for a great dual audiobook.
I’d like to thank Home Cooked Books for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
August 6, 2023
This is a fun light romance. Lily is a librarian who co runs a community garden. Rupert is trying to get a co-CEO job with his cousin, to prove himself he has to demolish the community garden to make way for new flats. Enemies to lovers with some fun book club meetings. I loved the interactions between our MCs and the importance of reading to bond them together. I liked that there was no miscommunication and it felt like a realistic portrayal of the events. I may be biased as I work in a library but I loved the descriptions of how it helps community. The garden is a great vehicle to drive the story and the children protesting dressed as veg was super cute.
A fun, short easy read. Highly recommend.
A fun, short easy read. Highly recommend.
August 5, 2023
Lily and Rupert, a couple at odds with each other over a Community garden plot.
She is a Librarian, and has helped cultivate the community garden for several years.
He is a property developer, and his family business wants to build on land where the garden is.
Despite their differences, they find common ground in their love of books, and slowly get to know each other.
I found this a delightful story, with wonderful characters who don’t give up on their hopes and dreams, but look for compromise as well, and will look forward to reading more by the author. It’s definitely 5 star material.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
She is a Librarian, and has helped cultivate the community garden for several years.
He is a property developer, and his family business wants to build on land where the garden is.
Despite their differences, they find common ground in their love of books, and slowly get to know each other.
I found this a delightful story, with wonderful characters who don’t give up on their hopes and dreams, but look for compromise as well, and will look forward to reading more by the author. It’s definitely 5 star material.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
January 7, 2024
4.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Lily and Rupert are interesting, intriguing, relatable, captivating, entertaining characters. They captured my attention from the start and held it until the very end. I enjoyed them as individuals and a couple. Their times on page together are fun to read. The various secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Lily and Rupert are interesting, intriguing, relatable, captivating, entertaining characters. They captured my attention from the start and held it until the very end. I enjoyed them as individuals and a couple. Their times on page together are fun to read. The various secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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