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Love in Fairwick Falls #4
Unexpectedly Bookish
REED
After years in corporate architecture that stifled his creativity, Reed Berry is moving to Fairwick Falls and chasing his dream: opening a cozy bookstore.
His plan? Design a bookstore that sparks wonder and a love of reading on a shoestring budget.
The hitch? Pearl Bishop—his new assistant, and the human embodiment of a "Do Not Touch" sign. She's all dark eyeliner, piercings, and attitude sharp enough to cut glass. And Reed? He's sunshine and golden retriever charm, which seems to make her want to throw him out the nearest window.
Good thing he has his anonymous, late-night confidant—impossibly_bookish—to escape to.
His steamy, secret online crush gets him in ways Pearl never would.
PEARL
Pearl Bishop is nobody's idea of a sweet, small-town girl. She's all death metal tattoos, piercings, and black lipstick—a girl who's perfected the art of keeping people at a distance.
Especially good guys like Reed Berry.
He's her brother's best friend, her new boss, temporary roommate, and the poster boy for annoyingly cheerful. But the way he looks at her? Like she's the only woman who exists? It's messing with her carefully crafted armor.
But Pearl's got bigger problems, like scraping together enough cash to start her allergen-free bakeryand dodging her nosy neighbor, who is hell-bent on stopping both the bookstore and her bakery with permit red tape.
The only person who sees past her sarcasm and ink-stained armor is her online confidant,hemingway_cansuckit—a guy she's been swapping filthy, flirty messages with for months.
The man she's been falling for, text by text.
The man she's agreed to finally meet in person.
...What could go wrong?
Featuring:
Black Cat / Golden Retriever (Opposites Attract)
Workplace
Plus size FMC
Virgin MMC
Brother's best friend
Roommates (Forced Proximity)
Epistolary + Hidden Identity (Shop Around the Corner)
Autism Rep
After years in corporate architecture that stifled his creativity, Reed Berry is moving to Fairwick Falls and chasing his dream: opening a cozy bookstore.
His plan? Design a bookstore that sparks wonder and a love of reading on a shoestring budget.
The hitch? Pearl Bishop—his new assistant, and the human embodiment of a "Do Not Touch" sign. She's all dark eyeliner, piercings, and attitude sharp enough to cut glass. And Reed? He's sunshine and golden retriever charm, which seems to make her want to throw him out the nearest window.
Good thing he has his anonymous, late-night confidant—impossibly_bookish—to escape to.
His steamy, secret online crush gets him in ways Pearl never would.
PEARL
Pearl Bishop is nobody's idea of a sweet, small-town girl. She's all death metal tattoos, piercings, and black lipstick—a girl who's perfected the art of keeping people at a distance.
Especially good guys like Reed Berry.
He's her brother's best friend, her new boss, temporary roommate, and the poster boy for annoyingly cheerful. But the way he looks at her? Like she's the only woman who exists? It's messing with her carefully crafted armor.
But Pearl's got bigger problems, like scraping together enough cash to start her allergen-free bakeryand dodging her nosy neighbor, who is hell-bent on stopping both the bookstore and her bakery with permit red tape.
The only person who sees past her sarcasm and ink-stained armor is her online confidant,hemingway_cansuckit—a guy she's been swapping filthy, flirty messages with for months.
The man she's been falling for, text by text.
The man she's agreed to finally meet in person.
...What could go wrong?
Featuring:
Black Cat / Golden Retriever (Opposites Attract)
Workplace
Plus size FMC
Virgin MMC
Brother's best friend
Roommates (Forced Proximity)
Epistolary + Hidden Identity (Shop Around the Corner)
Autism Rep
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
39 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Elise Kennedy
19 books261 followersI write cozy, steamy, contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
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April 1, 2025idk skimmed, saw this and advertised as having v mmc. just look at some safety details and guess whaaaaaAaaat
mmc is a v but has had a gf idk. he also had casual dates, and his 'inexperience' was an issue for him. I believe he is only a v bc he did not do the p to v but done almost everything already duh. good thing fmc is not a v.
not for me. 🤧
mmc is a v but has had a gf idk. he also had casual dates, and his 'inexperience' was an issue for him. I believe he is only a v bc he did not do the p to v but done almost everything already duh. good thing fmc is not a v.
not for me. 🤧
March 31, 2025
Freaking loved it!!! 🤩 Book 4 in Elise Kennedy’s Love in Fairwick Falls series of interconnected standalone contemporary romances!
📚Punk, black cat, curvy, spikey FMC
📚Sweet, muscley, golden retriever MMC
📚Texting (&sexting😏) + hidden identity
📚Opening a new bookstore!
📚Autism Rep
📚Open door spice 🥵
I cherish every visit to Fairwick Falls! I found myself wanting to return to this world for days after I finished. My first goth FMC! 🖤 Elise Kennedy is the QUEEN of normalizing sexy plus-size bodies and the men who adore them. I loved the literary references that came with the plot of opening a bookstore and I ate up all of the texting!
4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you Elise Kennedy for an eARC!
📚Punk, black cat, curvy, spikey FMC
📚Sweet, muscley, golden retriever MMC
📚Texting (&sexting😏) + hidden identity
📚Opening a new bookstore!
📚Autism Rep
📚Open door spice 🥵
I cherish every visit to Fairwick Falls! I found myself wanting to return to this world for days after I finished. My first goth FMC! 🖤 Elise Kennedy is the QUEEN of normalizing sexy plus-size bodies and the men who adore them. I loved the literary references that came with the plot of opening a bookstore and I ate up all of the texting!
4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you Elise Kennedy for an eARC!
April 8, 2025
Elise Kennedy is becoming an automatic read for me! I really enjoy her characters and am in invested in the town of Fairwick Falls.
I love Pearls confidence and take no prisoner attitude. I loved the texting storyline and found the connection between the characters to be perfect. I enjoyed how the roles were reversed and the male main character is experienced. I especially loved how Pearl was able to adapt to everyone around her with allergies and misophonia!!!
I love Pearls confidence and take no prisoner attitude. I loved the texting storyline and found the connection between the characters to be perfect. I enjoyed how the roles were reversed and the male main character is experienced. I especially loved how Pearl was able to adapt to everyone around her with allergies and misophonia!!!
March 31, 2025
“How is somebody that nerdy that hot? It doesn’t make sense.”
Summary
Reed has never been thrilled about his career in architecture, so when he inherits a large sum of money from his grandfather, he decides it’s time for a change. He decides to purchase and renovate an old library and turn it into a bookstore in the tiny town of Fairwick Falls, where his best friend (Luca) lives with his sister and daughter. The apartment over the bookstore won’t be ready for months, so Luca offers to let him move into his place, while he’s off on a trip to Disney with his daughter. This would be a great solution, except that he’s had a massive crush on Luca’s prickly sister Pearl since they were kids. Hopefully his steamy, anonymous situationship with a fellow booklover will be enough to distract him from the girl he’s now living with.
Why did I pick up this book?
I have been following Kennedy’s writing since she published her first novella in 2022, and have gobbled up everything she’s written. She welcomed me onto her ARC team a while ago, and I could not wait for this 4th installment in the Fairwick Falls series.
What did I enjoy about it?
There are so many things for me to list that I loved in this book, chief among them, the anonymous texting conversation piece. It added such a fun, sweet, and steamy element to the book, it was perfect. We learn immediately that Reed and Pearl are texting each other but don't know it, so I was truly on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how they would eventually discover this truth and what would happen between them when they did. The spice was absolute perfection, as per usual with Ms. Kennedy. I so appreciated the accessible representation of both Pearl and Reed (with elements of Kenney’s own life experiences present on the page), and enjoyed the variety of relationships all across this book. This book was exactly what I needed right now after a MAJOR slump and I never wanted it to end.
What did I not enjoy about it?
I’m struggling to come up with something…? If I had to name something, I think their online relationship went a little past the line into obsession territory with how willing they were to commit to whatever they were doing, despite never talking or meeting in-person. But not enough to give me the ick.
Summary
Reed has never been thrilled about his career in architecture, so when he inherits a large sum of money from his grandfather, he decides it’s time for a change. He decides to purchase and renovate an old library and turn it into a bookstore in the tiny town of Fairwick Falls, where his best friend (Luca) lives with his sister and daughter. The apartment over the bookstore won’t be ready for months, so Luca offers to let him move into his place, while he’s off on a trip to Disney with his daughter. This would be a great solution, except that he’s had a massive crush on Luca’s prickly sister Pearl since they were kids. Hopefully his steamy, anonymous situationship with a fellow booklover will be enough to distract him from the girl he’s now living with.
Why did I pick up this book?
I have been following Kennedy’s writing since she published her first novella in 2022, and have gobbled up everything she’s written. She welcomed me onto her ARC team a while ago, and I could not wait for this 4th installment in the Fairwick Falls series.
What did I enjoy about it?
There are so many things for me to list that I loved in this book, chief among them, the anonymous texting conversation piece. It added such a fun, sweet, and steamy element to the book, it was perfect. We learn immediately that Reed and Pearl are texting each other but don't know it, so I was truly on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how they would eventually discover this truth and what would happen between them when they did. The spice was absolute perfection, as per usual with Ms. Kennedy. I so appreciated the accessible representation of both Pearl and Reed (with elements of Kenney’s own life experiences present on the page), and enjoyed the variety of relationships all across this book. This book was exactly what I needed right now after a MAJOR slump and I never wanted it to end.
What did I not enjoy about it?
I’m struggling to come up with something…? If I had to name something, I think their online relationship went a little past the line into obsession territory with how willing they were to commit to whatever they were doing, despite never talking or meeting in-person. But not enough to give me the ick.
September 12, 2025
3.5 This was a perfectly cute and cozy narrative. I had no idea when I picked this up that it was part of a series, let alone such an established series, but this installment functions perfectly well as a standalone. I appreciated the diverse representation in this narrative, and how supportive and accepting the main characters were. I did also appreciate that Reed was not only aware of, but concerned about, the power dynamic that existed between himself and Pearl; it might not have slowed the plot much, but acknowledgment is still nice.
The contrast within the narrative between the established, anonymous online relationship's easy banter, and the (initially) stilted, tense interactions of the real life relationship was interesting; I appreciated the way this was utilized to further develop and rationalize the characters' opinions of each other as they grew closer in real life. The plot may have been a bit heavy handed with its hints on the journey to the characters discovering that their online crushes(?) were also their real life crushes, but I'm willing to forgive a mild absence of subtlety.
This narrative does suffer from a third act break up. While that is never my favorite plot devise, this one felt especially unfounded with how communicative and supportive the characters had been previously.
I did love the feud with the elderly neighbor, even if it required a healthy suspension of disbelief at points. There's just something about an older woman with a ridiculously petty axe to grind that makes my day, vicariously of course.
The contrast within the narrative between the established, anonymous online relationship's easy banter, and the (initially) stilted, tense interactions of the real life relationship was interesting; I appreciated the way this was utilized to further develop and rationalize the characters' opinions of each other as they grew closer in real life. The plot may have been a bit heavy handed with its hints on the journey to the characters discovering that their online crushes(?) were also their real life crushes, but I'm willing to forgive a mild absence of subtlety.
This narrative does suffer from a third act break up. While that is never my favorite plot devise, this one felt especially unfounded with how communicative and supportive the characters had been previously.
I did love the feud with the elderly neighbor, even if it required a healthy suspension of disbelief at points. There's just something about an older woman with a ridiculously petty axe to grind that makes my day, vicariously of course.
April 16, 2025
If you're an alt girl (even if you're not), add this to your TBR now! Heavily tattooed and pierced, wears all black fmc, Pearl, made me feel so seen. I loved her take no shit attitude, how she had a tough exterior but deeply cared for and fiercely defended those she loves. Her wit had me cracking up so many times and made for the best banter with the mmc, Reed, and those around her.
Reed was the ULTIMATE golden retriever and epitome of a book boyfriend. Tall nerd with glasses who reads books in the streets and a freak in the sheets? Say less! He read Pearl's favorite book, annotated it, and gifted it to her. Like, COME ON. How sweet and thoughtful is that? He was the constant positive reinforcement Pearl needed, even if she said she didn't. Always supporting and motivating her to pursue her passion, finding ways to make her life easier, and making sure she's always taken care of in all aspects. I can't get enough of him!
It's about finding and loving yourself, whole-heartedly accepting that you are enough and have every right to chase your dreams. It's about learning to accept help from others and that you are worthy of love and support from those near and dear to you.
Unexpectedly Bookish is book 4 in the Love in Fairwick Falls series and is an interconnected standalone. Although not necessary, I would recommend reading them in order to avoid any potential spoilers!
Read if you love:
🖤 Black cat x golden retriever
📚 Opposites attract
🖤 Brother's best friend
📚 Plus size alternative FMC
🖤 Nerdy virgin MMC
📚 Flirty banter
🖤 Autism & food allergy rep
📚 Open door spice and sexting
🖤 Small town romance
Thank you so much, @smalltown.romance, for this arc in exchange for an honest review and for being cool as a cucumber when I messaged you all my thoughts! Can't wait for the next Fairwick Falls book.
Reed was the ULTIMATE golden retriever and epitome of a book boyfriend. Tall nerd with glasses who reads books in the streets and a freak in the sheets? Say less! He read Pearl's favorite book, annotated it, and gifted it to her. Like, COME ON. How sweet and thoughtful is that? He was the constant positive reinforcement Pearl needed, even if she said she didn't. Always supporting and motivating her to pursue her passion, finding ways to make her life easier, and making sure she's always taken care of in all aspects. I can't get enough of him!
It's about finding and loving yourself, whole-heartedly accepting that you are enough and have every right to chase your dreams. It's about learning to accept help from others and that you are worthy of love and support from those near and dear to you.
Unexpectedly Bookish is book 4 in the Love in Fairwick Falls series and is an interconnected standalone. Although not necessary, I would recommend reading them in order to avoid any potential spoilers!
Read if you love:
🖤 Black cat x golden retriever
📚 Opposites attract
🖤 Brother's best friend
📚 Plus size alternative FMC
🖤 Nerdy virgin MMC
📚 Flirty banter
🖤 Autism & food allergy rep
📚 Open door spice and sexting
🖤 Small town romance
Thank you so much, @smalltown.romance, for this arc in exchange for an honest review and for being cool as a cucumber when I messaged you all my thoughts! Can't wait for the next Fairwick Falls book.
March 31, 2025
Unexpected Bookish by Elise Kennedy 💚
Love in Fairwick Falls, Book 4
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • RomCom
ARC Review
417 pages
🗓️ March 31 - HAPPY PUB DAY!
💚brother’s best friend
💜temporary roommates
💚workplace romance
💜secret identity
💚opposites attract
💜childhood crush to dislike to love
💚3rd act wobble
📍”Have you ever felt like no one knows the REAL you? The *you* that you want to be?”
📍“You’re not too much, Reed. Not for me, at least.”
📍“You are all the best parts of the universe combined, and I am the luckiest man in it right now.”
Q.: Jess, I haven’t read the others in the series, can I start with this one?
A.: Absolutely! I did and it was marvelous. Got me all curious about the others, though. I can’t wait to go back and read them all.
Q.: How is the chemistry between the main characters?
A.: Off the charts! For real, I’m serious. These too are boiling water on every page. And not just in a physical way. Nope. It’s more than that. The way they understand each other, joke with each other, care for each other… oof, it’s impossible not to fall for them.
Q.: Is this a fast or slow read?
A.: Fast! Don’t get me wrong, the book is not small. But… first, you won’t be able to just put it down. Second, Elise Kennedy’s writing is so good! It captures your attention from page one and never lets it go. Lastly, you have to keep reading until *the big discovery* and then, well, you need to be there for the aftermath. *blink* *blink* you’ve reached the end and you didn’t even notice. It’s also very late and you should probably go to sleep.
Thanks for coming 😁 and thank you Elise Kennedy @smalltown.romance for this ARC. 💚💜
Love in Fairwick Falls, Book 4
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • RomCom
ARC Review
417 pages
🗓️ March 31 - HAPPY PUB DAY!
💚brother’s best friend
💜temporary roommates
💚workplace romance
💜secret identity
💚opposites attract
💜childhood crush to dislike to love
💚3rd act wobble
📍”Have you ever felt like no one knows the REAL you? The *you* that you want to be?”
📍“You’re not too much, Reed. Not for me, at least.”
📍“You are all the best parts of the universe combined, and I am the luckiest man in it right now.”
Q.: Jess, I haven’t read the others in the series, can I start with this one?
A.: Absolutely! I did and it was marvelous. Got me all curious about the others, though. I can’t wait to go back and read them all.
Q.: How is the chemistry between the main characters?
A.: Off the charts! For real, I’m serious. These too are boiling water on every page. And not just in a physical way. Nope. It’s more than that. The way they understand each other, joke with each other, care for each other… oof, it’s impossible not to fall for them.
Q.: Is this a fast or slow read?
A.: Fast! Don’t get me wrong, the book is not small. But… first, you won’t be able to just put it down. Second, Elise Kennedy’s writing is so good! It captures your attention from page one and never lets it go. Lastly, you have to keep reading until *the big discovery* and then, well, you need to be there for the aftermath. *blink* *blink* you’ve reached the end and you didn’t even notice. It’s also very late and you should probably go to sleep.
Thanks for coming 😁 and thank you Elise Kennedy @smalltown.romance for this ARC. 💚💜
April 16, 2025
This is book number 4 in the Fairwick Falls series. When I requested the ARC, I didn’t realize it was part of the series. With that said, Unexpectedly Bookish can definitely be read as a standalone book. I was not confused at all and actually want to go back and read books 1-3!
Unexpectedly Bookish is set up in a cute manor. The format of the book does have many text messaging formats which helps understand Reed and Pearls relationship. You will have to read this book to understand my reference 😉
If you had a best friend offering up a place for you to stay while your apartment is finished, would you move in? What if there was a caveat to this temporary living condition of your best friend’s sister, Pearl, who also lives there and you’ve had a crush on her since high school? Would you take him up on the offer?
Well, Reed’s internet friend, “IMPOSSIBLY BOOKISH”, encourages him to follow his dreams of opening a book store. He purchases a historical building and moves in with his best friend and high school crush. With Reed opening up his own business, he asks Pearl if she would like some extra money and help out with the bookstore. Will Reed be able to see Pearl as someone else other than his high school crush or will an unexpected relationship develop?
Thank you Elisa Kennedy for allowing me the opportunity to ARC this book. Even though I didn’t read the first 3 books, I really enjoyed this one.
Unexpectedly Bookish is set up in a cute manor. The format of the book does have many text messaging formats which helps understand Reed and Pearls relationship. You will have to read this book to understand my reference 😉
If you had a best friend offering up a place for you to stay while your apartment is finished, would you move in? What if there was a caveat to this temporary living condition of your best friend’s sister, Pearl, who also lives there and you’ve had a crush on her since high school? Would you take him up on the offer?
Well, Reed’s internet friend, “IMPOSSIBLY BOOKISH”, encourages him to follow his dreams of opening a book store. He purchases a historical building and moves in with his best friend and high school crush. With Reed opening up his own business, he asks Pearl if she would like some extra money and help out with the bookstore. Will Reed be able to see Pearl as someone else other than his high school crush or will an unexpected relationship develop?
Thank you Elisa Kennedy for allowing me the opportunity to ARC this book. Even though I didn’t read the first 3 books, I really enjoyed this one.
April 5, 2025
Thank you to book funnel and Elise Kennedy for the ARC copy! This is such a cute book!!! I gave it a 4.5 stars! I really like the MMC, Reed, but the MFC, Pearl gave me EVERYTHING I needed! She is so relatable and I love her emotions, banter, and thoughts!! Also her growth in the book was lovely to read!! The storyline between Reed and Pearl was beautiful and the spice was spicy!!!!! Next, the silent war with the old lady neighbor, Beulah! 😂 I will not forget the scene of them getting the run around at the courthouse and everywhere they went Beulah was there 🤪 . There were other little storylines within the book, but you will just have to go read it! There were a couple of MINOR things that I wanted less or more of. At times Reed was tooo nice and compliant so I wanted less of him being annoying nice. And them finding out they were texting each other… I loved WHEN they found out, but I need more. Overall, this book was so good! Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read the others! Thanks again!
Black Cat / Golden Retriever (Opposites Attract)
Texting + Hidden Identity
Plus size FMC
Virgin MMC
Brother's best friend
Roommates (Forced Proximity)
Autism Rep
Black Cat / Golden Retriever (Opposites Attract)
Texting + Hidden Identity
Plus size FMC
Virgin MMC
Brother's best friend
Roommates (Forced Proximity)
Autism Rep
April 19, 2025
✨ 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨
𝗨𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱𝘆
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑 𝟹𝟷𝚜𝚝, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻 — 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝙽𝚘𝚠!
Thank you so much to @smalltown.romance for the eARC copy of this book! 🫶🏼
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
📖 small town romance
🖤 brother’s best friend
📖 forced proximity
🖤 black cat/golden retriever
📖 Autism representation
🖤 open door romance
📖 dual POV
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: Now don’t let this cute cover fool you, because after reading this one I need a shower STAT 🥵 Reed had me blushing so hard! That man has a way with his words if you know what I mean. Not only is Reed a spicy talker, but his grand gestures had me in pure swoon bliss with the biggest, cheesiest smiles on my face. I loved the neurodiverse representation so much in this one! What I loved most about it though was how Pearl accepted Reed as his true self. Reed does the same for Pearl as well & it was so endearing how they show up for one another through acceptance. This book just overall made my heart so happy!
𝗨𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱𝘆
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑 𝟹𝟷𝚜𝚝, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻 — 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝙽𝚘𝚠!
Thank you so much to @smalltown.romance for the eARC copy of this book! 🫶🏼
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
📖 small town romance
🖤 brother’s best friend
📖 forced proximity
🖤 black cat/golden retriever
📖 Autism representation
🖤 open door romance
📖 dual POV
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: Now don’t let this cute cover fool you, because after reading this one I need a shower STAT 🥵 Reed had me blushing so hard! That man has a way with his words if you know what I mean. Not only is Reed a spicy talker, but his grand gestures had me in pure swoon bliss with the biggest, cheesiest smiles on my face. I loved the neurodiverse representation so much in this one! What I loved most about it though was how Pearl accepted Reed as his true self. Reed does the same for Pearl as well & it was so endearing how they show up for one another through acceptance. This book just overall made my heart so happy!
March 28, 2025
I am so incredibly grateful to have received an advanced copy of Unexpectedly Bookish from the author! 🫶
Unexpectedly Bookish is an incredible story! 🥹💕 I have absolutely been loving The Fairwick Falls series and this story is a beautiful addition to this wonderful series! ❤️ All of the characters are truly so wonderful and I connected with them all so deeply with their flaws and struggles! 🫶
I couldn’t put this book down and I read this story within the span of hours because it was that good! 🥰 Pearl truly is such an incredible FMC! 🖤 She looks all tough on the outside but secretly is a teddy bear on the inside and it honestly is so beautiful seeing her journey with learning to love herself exactly as she is! 🧸 Her dream is to open up her own allergen-free bakery which is honestly incredible! 🥹 Reed on the other hand is a golden retriever MMC and is basically a walking ray of sunshine! ☀️ His dream is to open up his own bookstore and it’s truly amazing everything he does to try and achieve it! 📚
There story additionally has tons of You’ve Got Mail vibes and it’s amazing! 🤭 Pearl has been to talking to a guy online anonymously for months and Reed has been talking to a girl anonymously online as well for months. It was fun to have the text exchanges pop up throughout the story and I will say nothing further than that on that topic. I also thought it was wonderful that the book has both Pearl and Reed’s POVs! ❤️
If you love a black cat FMC and a golden retriever MMC, forced proximity, brother’s best friend, hidden identities, Autism representation, plus-sized FMC, You’ve Got Mail vibes, and an amazing book that you won’t be able to put down then this is the book for you! 🫶
Unexpectedly Bookish is an incredible story! 🥹💕 I have absolutely been loving The Fairwick Falls series and this story is a beautiful addition to this wonderful series! ❤️ All of the characters are truly so wonderful and I connected with them all so deeply with their flaws and struggles! 🫶
I couldn’t put this book down and I read this story within the span of hours because it was that good! 🥰 Pearl truly is such an incredible FMC! 🖤 She looks all tough on the outside but secretly is a teddy bear on the inside and it honestly is so beautiful seeing her journey with learning to love herself exactly as she is! 🧸 Her dream is to open up her own allergen-free bakery which is honestly incredible! 🥹 Reed on the other hand is a golden retriever MMC and is basically a walking ray of sunshine! ☀️ His dream is to open up his own bookstore and it’s truly amazing everything he does to try and achieve it! 📚
There story additionally has tons of You’ve Got Mail vibes and it’s amazing! 🤭 Pearl has been to talking to a guy online anonymously for months and Reed has been talking to a girl anonymously online as well for months. It was fun to have the text exchanges pop up throughout the story and I will say nothing further than that on that topic. I also thought it was wonderful that the book has both Pearl and Reed’s POVs! ❤️
If you love a black cat FMC and a golden retriever MMC, forced proximity, brother’s best friend, hidden identities, Autism representation, plus-sized FMC, You’ve Got Mail vibes, and an amazing book that you won’t be able to put down then this is the book for you! 🫶
April 12, 2025
this is a very cute book about love and acceptance. Elise Kennedy tackles some difficult issues including fitting in, adult autism, life threatening allergies, and family dynamics. As we learn about Pearl and Reed you just can't help but fall in love with small towns, imperfect characters, and quirky families.
May 22, 2025
Stumbled across this book and loved it! The two main characters are complicated and messy and it was enjoyable reading their evolution as a couple and individually. The storyline is interesting with two people having a texting relationship without realizing they know each other in person. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and inclusivity throughout the book. I did not realize this was book 4 of a series so now I plan to go back to book 1-3.
September 8, 2025
# Dad Reviews Unexpectedly Bookish by Elise Kennedy
*A Cozy, Cute, and Sexy Contemporary Romantic Comedy*
**Medium Used:** 100% ebook via Hoopla
## Ratings out of 5
**Overall Rating:**
💜💜💜💜 (4/5)
**Sweetness Level:**
🍪🍪🍪 (3/5)
**Steam quality Level:**
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 (5/5)
**Steam quantity Level:**
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5)
**FMC Likability:**
🖤🖤🖤🖤 (4/4)
**MMC Likability:**
👓👓👓👓 (4/4)
**Plot Engagement:**
📚📚📚 (3/3)
**At least 1 bad dad:**
💯 (yes)
### Content warnings for this book and review (per Elise Kennedy's website):
**Off Page**
Bi-phobia, Fatphobia, CPS called
**On Page**
Allergic reaction (EpiPen), minor injury of a child (brief), claustrophobia, panic attack, fatphobia (brief), bullying, autistic sensory overwhelm, , , scenes featuring kids, mention of wanting kids, alcohol use, cursing, sexting, [the remaining are spice scene spoilers and appear below the spoiler free section there is **not** any non-consent or dubious-consent in this book]
## Spoiler Free Review
*Unexpectedly Bookish* is a contemporary romantic comedy that tells the falling in love story between Pearl, a self-described "fuck-up", and Reed, a successful architect who is leaving his career to open a bookshop. Reed finds the perfect building for his bookshop in the fictional small town of Fairwick Falls, Pennsylvania where his best friend Luca loves with his 6 year old daughter, Annabelle (AB), and sister, Pearl. The story is dual POV and set in the fictional small town of Fairwick Falls, Pennsylvania. It is the fourth book in Elise Kennedy's Fairwick Falls series but can be read as a stand alone (I have not read books 1-3).
I found the way the story paces the relationship development between the main characters to be novel. As Pearl and Reed's "IRL" romance blossoms gradually, IMPOSSIBLYBOOKISH (Pearl) and HEMINGWAY_CANSUCKIT (Reed) are engaged in an anonymous digital romance that began a few months before the start of the story. The first half of the book has "fast-burn" spice and affection via Bookish and Hemingways anonymous messaging. I found the spice in Unexpectedly Bookish to be better than most romantic comedies and the quality of the characters and plot were merely at par so the early spice was a positive despite my preference for slow burns.
The book is on the longer end for the romcom genre (406 page kindle edition). I'll note much of that additional length is due to the quantity and length of the spicy scenes. Another reason though may be that the plot was trying to do a bit too much. Everything it does I welcome, if not actively seek, in my romcoms but it felt like too much was put into the "romance trope salad" instead of the "plot main course".
**What I liked about this book**
* Both Pearl and Reed are shown having positive relationships with AB.
* Pearl is a plus sized grumpy bad bitch goth. Reed is a glasses and sweater vest wearing neurodivergent-divergent friendly to all nerd.
* The main characters both have relationships with side characters that matter to their character arcs and the overall plot.
* MCs are in their late 20s, acting like it, and facing struggles related to being in their late 20s.
* A townie in a townie bar says 'Yinz' 🖤💛.
**What I did not like about this book**
* Aspects of the writing were a bit jarring to me, for example multiple times Pearl's thinks something like "I have such a praise kink".
* Reed has the body of a typical MMC. It is not dwelled on but in a book that otherwise really tries to break the mold of the typical romcom MCs making Rees a normal height felt like a missed opportunity.
## Spoilers Review
**What I liked Spoilers**
*
*
*
**What I didn't like Spoilers**
*
*
**Tropes**
As I said above this book is a bit of a "romance trope salad". Here is a list, I probably forgot some:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
### Spice Scene Content Warnings:
### This Book Reminded Me of
* The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award in the way it is a light cozy read.
* The FMC and MMC dynamic in Maneater by Emily Antoinette.
### Who should read this book?
1. People seeking cozy romcoms with plenty of spice.
2. People who enjoy the grumpy goth FMC with a soft heart paired with a the nerdy cinnamon roll MMC.
## [Elise Kennedy’s Website](https://elisekbooks.com/en-usd/collec...)
*A Cozy, Cute, and Sexy Contemporary Romantic Comedy*
**Medium Used:** 100% ebook via Hoopla
## Ratings out of 5
**Overall Rating:**
💜💜💜💜 (4/5)
**Sweetness Level:**
🍪🍪🍪 (3/5)
**Steam quality Level:**
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 (5/5)
**Steam quantity Level:**
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5)
**FMC Likability:**
🖤🖤🖤🖤 (4/4)
**MMC Likability:**
👓👓👓👓 (4/4)
**Plot Engagement:**
📚📚📚 (3/3)
**At least 1 bad dad:**
💯 (yes)
### Content warnings for this book and review (per Elise Kennedy's website):
**Off Page**
Bi-phobia, Fatphobia, CPS called
**On Page**
Allergic reaction (EpiPen), minor injury of a child (brief), claustrophobia, panic attack, fatphobia (brief), bullying, autistic sensory overwhelm, , , scenes featuring kids, mention of wanting kids, alcohol use, cursing, sexting, [the remaining are spice scene spoilers and appear below the spoiler free section there is **not** any non-consent or dubious-consent in this book]
## Spoiler Free Review
*Unexpectedly Bookish* is a contemporary romantic comedy that tells the falling in love story between Pearl, a self-described "fuck-up", and Reed, a successful architect who is leaving his career to open a bookshop. Reed finds the perfect building for his bookshop in the fictional small town of Fairwick Falls, Pennsylvania where his best friend Luca loves with his 6 year old daughter, Annabelle (AB), and sister, Pearl. The story is dual POV and set in the fictional small town of Fairwick Falls, Pennsylvania. It is the fourth book in Elise Kennedy's Fairwick Falls series but can be read as a stand alone (I have not read books 1-3).
I found the way the story paces the relationship development between the main characters to be novel. As Pearl and Reed's "IRL" romance blossoms gradually, IMPOSSIBLYBOOKISH (Pearl) and HEMINGWAY_CANSUCKIT (Reed) are engaged in an anonymous digital romance that began a few months before the start of the story. The first half of the book has "fast-burn" spice and affection via Bookish and Hemingways anonymous messaging. I found the spice in Unexpectedly Bookish to be better than most romantic comedies and the quality of the characters and plot were merely at par so the early spice was a positive despite my preference for slow burns.
The book is on the longer end for the romcom genre (406 page kindle edition). I'll note much of that additional length is due to the quantity and length of the spicy scenes. Another reason though may be that the plot was trying to do a bit too much. Everything it does I welcome, if not actively seek, in my romcoms but it felt like too much was put into the "romance trope salad" instead of the "plot main course".
**What I liked about this book**
* Both Pearl and Reed are shown having positive relationships with AB.
* Pearl is a plus sized grumpy bad bitch goth. Reed is a glasses and sweater vest wearing neurodivergent-divergent friendly to all nerd.
* The main characters both have relationships with side characters that matter to their character arcs and the overall plot.
* MCs are in their late 20s, acting like it, and facing struggles related to being in their late 20s.
* A townie in a townie bar says 'Yinz' 🖤💛.
**What I did not like about this book**
* Aspects of the writing were a bit jarring to me, for example multiple times Pearl's thinks something like "I have such a praise kink".
* Reed has the body of a typical MMC. It is not dwelled on but in a book that otherwise really tries to break the mold of the typical romcom MCs making Rees a normal height felt like a missed opportunity.
## Spoilers Review
**What I liked Spoilers**
*
*
*
**What I didn't like Spoilers**
*
*
**Tropes**
As I said above this book is a bit of a "romance trope salad". Here is a list, I probably forgot some:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
### Spice Scene Content Warnings:
### This Book Reminded Me of
* The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award in the way it is a light cozy read.
* The FMC and MMC dynamic in Maneater by Emily Antoinette.
### Who should read this book?
1. People seeking cozy romcoms with plenty of spice.
2. People who enjoy the grumpy goth FMC with a soft heart paired with a the nerdy cinnamon roll MMC.
## [Elise Kennedy’s Website](https://elisekbooks.com/en-usd/collec...)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
Hemingway Can Suck It!
********************
Tropes: Black Cat Plus Size FMC, Virgin Neurodivergent Golden Retriever MMC, Hidden Identity, Texting/Sexting, Roommates/Forced Proximity, Best Friend's Little Sister, Cozy Small Town
********************
Content Warnings: Off Page: Fatphobia, Bi-Phobia, CPS; On Page: Claustrophobia, Panic Attack, Fatphobia, Bullying, Autistic Sensory Overwhelm, Toxic Parental Relationships, Discussion of Pregnancy/Starting a Family, Graphic Sexting, Open Door Sex Scenes, Adult Language, Sex Toy Play, Light Kink
********************
Quote: “I will fight for you. I’ll fight City Hall, I will fight Beulah, I’ll even fight you as long as you want me, if that’s what it takes to convince you that you are perfect for me. I came alive when I met the real you. I will spend every day for the rest of my life convincing you that you deserve every good thing in this world.”
********************
Blurb/Synopsis: REED: After years in stifling corporate architecture, Reed Berry is chasing his dream in Fairwick Falls: opening a cozy bookstore.
His plan? Design a bookstore that sparks wonder to honor his late grandfather.
The hitch? Pearl Bishop—his new assistant, and the human embodiment of a "Do Not Touch" sign. She's all dark eyeliner, piercings, and attitude sharp enough to cut glass. His sunny, can-do attitude has her threatening to throw him out the nearest window.
Good thing he has his anonymous, late-night confidant—impossibly_bookish—to escape to. His steamy, secret online crush gets him in ways Pearl never would.
PEARL: Pearl Bishop is nobody's idea of a sweet, small-town girl. She's all death metal tattoos, piercings, and black lipstick—a girl who's perfected the art of keeping people at a distance.
Especially good guys like Reed Berry.
He's her brother's best friend, her new boss, temporary roommate, and the poster boy for annoyingly cheerful. But the way he looks at her? Like she's the only woman who exists? It's messing with her carefully crafted armor.
But Pearl's got bigger problems, like scraping together enough cash to, you know, live? And her ancient neighbor/mortal enemy who is hell-bent on stopping both the bookstore and Pearl's allergen-free bakery dreams with red tape.
The only person who sees past Pearl's sarcasm and ink-stained armor is her online confidant, hemingway_cansuckit—a guy she's been swapping filthy, flirty messages with for months.
The man she's been falling for, text by text.
The man she's agreed to finally meet in person.
********************
Review: Installment #4 of the Love in Fairwick Falls series is adorably witty and charming, a small town rom-com that should be used to teach how to write a romantic comedy. The love story of Reed and Pearl is a nice mix of plot and character, with guest appearances from the Parker Sisters and the rest of the town of Fairwick Falls. Layered in with the nearly explosive chemistry between the main protagonists, Kennedy adds in a texting plot with Reed and Pearl falling in love via their alter egos--impossibly_bookish and HemingwayCanSuckIt.
It's not listed in the tropes, but there is a subplot featuring a Found Family trope, with Reed's uncanny resemblance to a recently deceased member of the Fairwick Falls community resulting in DNA tests to confirm he has three new sisters. The autism representation was written with care and respect. It's chef's kiss! And I would be remiss if I didn't mention chapter 35. I don't want to spoil it, so I will just say this it is magic and made me cry sweet, misty tears.
The spice is perfect. Hot and detailed, without overwhelming the romance. I cannot say anything negative about this book except that I couldn't put it down and actually lost some sleep. I cannot wait for book #5, Luca and Olivia's story, to be released December 11th, 2025.
********************
Ratings: Movie Rating R, Overall 5/5, Romance 5/5, Violence 1/5, Spice 3/5, Cover Image 5/5
********************
Published March 31, 2025
********************
Tropes: Black Cat Plus Size FMC, Virgin Neurodivergent Golden Retriever MMC, Hidden Identity, Texting/Sexting, Roommates/Forced Proximity, Best Friend's Little Sister, Cozy Small Town
********************
Content Warnings: Off Page: Fatphobia, Bi-Phobia, CPS; On Page: Claustrophobia, Panic Attack, Fatphobia, Bullying, Autistic Sensory Overwhelm, Toxic Parental Relationships, Discussion of Pregnancy/Starting a Family, Graphic Sexting, Open Door Sex Scenes, Adult Language, Sex Toy Play, Light Kink
********************
Quote: “I will fight for you. I’ll fight City Hall, I will fight Beulah, I’ll even fight you as long as you want me, if that’s what it takes to convince you that you are perfect for me. I came alive when I met the real you. I will spend every day for the rest of my life convincing you that you deserve every good thing in this world.”
********************
Blurb/Synopsis: REED: After years in stifling corporate architecture, Reed Berry is chasing his dream in Fairwick Falls: opening a cozy bookstore.
His plan? Design a bookstore that sparks wonder to honor his late grandfather.
The hitch? Pearl Bishop—his new assistant, and the human embodiment of a "Do Not Touch" sign. She's all dark eyeliner, piercings, and attitude sharp enough to cut glass. His sunny, can-do attitude has her threatening to throw him out the nearest window.
Good thing he has his anonymous, late-night confidant—impossibly_bookish—to escape to. His steamy, secret online crush gets him in ways Pearl never would.
PEARL: Pearl Bishop is nobody's idea of a sweet, small-town girl. She's all death metal tattoos, piercings, and black lipstick—a girl who's perfected the art of keeping people at a distance.
Especially good guys like Reed Berry.
He's her brother's best friend, her new boss, temporary roommate, and the poster boy for annoyingly cheerful. But the way he looks at her? Like she's the only woman who exists? It's messing with her carefully crafted armor.
But Pearl's got bigger problems, like scraping together enough cash to, you know, live? And her ancient neighbor/mortal enemy who is hell-bent on stopping both the bookstore and Pearl's allergen-free bakery dreams with red tape.
The only person who sees past Pearl's sarcasm and ink-stained armor is her online confidant, hemingway_cansuckit—a guy she's been swapping filthy, flirty messages with for months.
The man she's been falling for, text by text.
The man she's agreed to finally meet in person.
********************
Review: Installment #4 of the Love in Fairwick Falls series is adorably witty and charming, a small town rom-com that should be used to teach how to write a romantic comedy. The love story of Reed and Pearl is a nice mix of plot and character, with guest appearances from the Parker Sisters and the rest of the town of Fairwick Falls. Layered in with the nearly explosive chemistry between the main protagonists, Kennedy adds in a texting plot with Reed and Pearl falling in love via their alter egos--impossibly_bookish and HemingwayCanSuckIt.
It's not listed in the tropes, but there is a subplot featuring a Found Family trope, with Reed's uncanny resemblance to a recently deceased member of the Fairwick Falls community resulting in DNA tests to confirm he has three new sisters. The autism representation was written with care and respect. It's chef's kiss! And I would be remiss if I didn't mention chapter 35. I don't want to spoil it, so I will just say this it is magic and made me cry sweet, misty tears.
The spice is perfect. Hot and detailed, without overwhelming the romance. I cannot say anything negative about this book except that I couldn't put it down and actually lost some sleep. I cannot wait for book #5, Luca and Olivia's story, to be released December 11th, 2025.
********************
Ratings: Movie Rating R, Overall 5/5, Romance 5/5, Violence 1/5, Spice 3/5, Cover Image 5/5
********************
Published March 31, 2025
April 9, 2025
📜Quick Summary: Reed is taking the plunge and moving to Fairwick Falls to open up a bookstore. Right now, he’s working a job he’s just not happy at, and his friend-IMPOSSIBLYBOOKSIH- via the web, is encouraging him to take the leap. Once the decision was made, Reed had nowhere to live until the third floor apartment was ready to be inhabited, so he is crashing at his best friend Luca’s place…that unfortunately comes with his loud mouth, tattooed up sister who is just cranky all the time. Pearl, the sarcastic, pierced up sister, does not want Reed crashing with her. Two months of living together!? Pearl is struggling to make ends meet as it is, but the only thing getting her through (and off 🌶️) is her online chat buddy-HEMINGWAY_CANSUCKIT- who hates the same things she does. Can she survive working with her new roommate as her boss? Or will his hot, charming self start to melt her steel exterior?
❣️Initial Feels: I am already in love with Reed! Gosh, I can picture this bookstore…this cute little town. Pearl is a force of nature, and I can’t wait to watch her get in touch with her soft side! She’s just gotta melt!
👀Trigger Warnings: open door romance, sexting (if it’s not your thing)
🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖Read if you want: a curvy/spicy/honest main character woman, brother’s best friend, quaint town of Fairwick Falls, forced proximity, hidden identities, Autistic male lead
🙋🏼♀️Moving Character: Gosh….don’t make me pick!! Truthfully, Pearl and Reed were equally powerful for me. Usually I sway one way or the other, and a specific character just STANDS OUT to me…but this time, both had their flaws, their challenges, their discomforts, and both persevered. Reed is a man of many words and hot damn, did he deliver the SPICE! He also was a big, handsome teddy bear that just needed to be cuddled. And Pearl…the girl who was the trouble maker, loud and spoke her mind, defended her friends and wasn't afraid to get physical. This girl made me blubber. She may have melted my heart a little too.
🗨️Thoughtful Words: “I like the idea that I’m not perfect for anybody else but you.”
“It’s brave to do what you want, even if it doesn’t make other people happy.”
“When something’s important, you suffer through the uncomfortable so you can make everything even better.”
“Everything you want is on the other side of discomfort.”
💡Final Sentiments: I was immediately sucked in! Right from the start, I imagined walking this town, walking into this bookstore and felt like there’s no way this was fake! But alas, it’s not real. The characters though, Pearl and Reed? Their steamy loathing selves melted off the pages so easily. Elise’s writing is always so well put together, that you feel like you’re listening to old friends banter and bicker. I started with this novel but will be immediately going back to read the first three because I need the full story on every single character! This book had it all…it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel for these people who don’t even exist. I could not put it down, and when I had to stop, I thought about what they would be doing. I mean, what will come next? I need more! I need more! Don’t forget to read the author’s note. She’s a rockstar too!
🌟Overall Rating: 5 stars
🔉Special thanks to Elise Kennedy for this arc of Unexpectedly Bookish, out now!
This is book four in the Fairwick Falls series but can be read as a standalone!
❣️Initial Feels: I am already in love with Reed! Gosh, I can picture this bookstore…this cute little town. Pearl is a force of nature, and I can’t wait to watch her get in touch with her soft side! She’s just gotta melt!
👀Trigger Warnings: open door romance, sexting (if it’s not your thing)
🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖Read if you want: a curvy/spicy/honest main character woman, brother’s best friend, quaint town of Fairwick Falls, forced proximity, hidden identities, Autistic male lead
🙋🏼♀️Moving Character: Gosh….don’t make me pick!! Truthfully, Pearl and Reed were equally powerful for me. Usually I sway one way or the other, and a specific character just STANDS OUT to me…but this time, both had their flaws, their challenges, their discomforts, and both persevered. Reed is a man of many words and hot damn, did he deliver the SPICE! He also was a big, handsome teddy bear that just needed to be cuddled. And Pearl…the girl who was the trouble maker, loud and spoke her mind, defended her friends and wasn't afraid to get physical. This girl made me blubber. She may have melted my heart a little too.
🗨️Thoughtful Words: “I like the idea that I’m not perfect for anybody else but you.”
“It’s brave to do what you want, even if it doesn’t make other people happy.”
“When something’s important, you suffer through the uncomfortable so you can make everything even better.”
“Everything you want is on the other side of discomfort.”
💡Final Sentiments: I was immediately sucked in! Right from the start, I imagined walking this town, walking into this bookstore and felt like there’s no way this was fake! But alas, it’s not real. The characters though, Pearl and Reed? Their steamy loathing selves melted off the pages so easily. Elise’s writing is always so well put together, that you feel like you’re listening to old friends banter and bicker. I started with this novel but will be immediately going back to read the first three because I need the full story on every single character! This book had it all…it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel for these people who don’t even exist. I could not put it down, and when I had to stop, I thought about what they would be doing. I mean, what will come next? I need more! I need more! Don’t forget to read the author’s note. She’s a rockstar too!
🌟Overall Rating: 5 stars
🔉Special thanks to Elise Kennedy for this arc of Unexpectedly Bookish, out now!
This is book four in the Fairwick Falls series but can be read as a standalone!
April 8, 2025
Unexpectedly Perfect
Dedication: For the Women Who Rage May your hellfire spirit find the one who burns for you.
Pearl (FMC): Part-time Florist Delivery Driver & Bookstore Interior Designer · The Fun Aunt · Black Cat · Loves Death Metal · Heart of Gold ·
Reed (MMC): Owns a Bookstore · Ex-Architect · Late Autistic Diagnosed · Loves People · Misophonia · Sunshine · Secret Virgin ·
Tropes:
📚 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🖤 Brother's Best Friend
📚 Forced Proximity
🖤 Roommates
📚 Texting + Hidden Identity
🖤 Virgin MMC
📚 Plus Size FMC
🖤 Opposites Attract
📚 Autism Rep
🖤 Found Family
📚 Text Conversations
🖤 Small Town Setting
Rating: 🧁🧁🧁🧁.🍰 (4.5⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, self pleasure, fun in chatroom chats😉, toys as teammates, talk you through it, 🐫, 👅, road 👤, hand necklace, 💦 play)
T/W: claustrophobia (on page), panic attack (on page), fatphobia (brief, on page), bullying (on page), autistic sensory overload (on page), parental dismissal of feelings (on page), additional of new family members (on page), alcohol consumption (on page), CPS (referenced), biphobia (referenced), allergic reaction & EpiPen usage (on page)
If You’ve Got Mail was goth, hot, autistic-coded, and occasionally spicy enough to fog up your Kindle screen, you’d get Unexpectedly Bookish.
Pearl is a black cat in combat boots with a GF cupcake heart. Reed is sunshine in a sweater vest who named a bookstore after her. Do they know they’ve been texting each other under the usernames hemingway_cansuckit and impossiblybookish?
No.
Do we know?
Oh, absolutely—and watching them spiral toward realization like a romcom asteroid made of pining, unresolved sexual tension, and inside jokes about Sylvia Plath is half the fun.
Elise Kennedy, I bow to your ability to write stories where goth girls get their golden boys, neurodivergent people get their happy endings, and texting gets very out of hand.
The autism rep that feels real and beautiful. The vibes...texting your crush while side-eyeing them IRL not realizing they are your crush. I adored the found family, nosy neighbors, and laughed at one feral city hall scene with a villainous senior citizen named Beulah. Pearl discovering that being “too much” is actually exactly right for someone who sees every cloud and still chooses her every time was swoon worthy. A love story for anyone who’s ever felt like too much—and found someone who saw them as just right.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Dedication: For the Women Who Rage May your hellfire spirit find the one who burns for you.
Pearl (FMC): Part-time Florist Delivery Driver & Bookstore Interior Designer · The Fun Aunt · Black Cat · Loves Death Metal · Heart of Gold ·
Reed (MMC): Owns a Bookstore · Ex-Architect · Late Autistic Diagnosed · Loves People · Misophonia · Sunshine · Secret Virgin ·
Tropes:
📚 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🖤 Brother's Best Friend
📚 Forced Proximity
🖤 Roommates
📚 Texting + Hidden Identity
🖤 Virgin MMC
📚 Plus Size FMC
🖤 Opposites Attract
📚 Autism Rep
🖤 Found Family
📚 Text Conversations
🖤 Small Town Setting
Rating: 🧁🧁🧁🧁.🍰 (4.5⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, self pleasure, fun in chatroom chats😉, toys as teammates, talk you through it, 🐫, 👅, road 👤, hand necklace, 💦 play)
T/W: claustrophobia (on page), panic attack (on page), fatphobia (brief, on page), bullying (on page), autistic sensory overload (on page), parental dismissal of feelings (on page), additional of new family members (on page), alcohol consumption (on page), CPS (referenced), biphobia (referenced), allergic reaction & EpiPen usage (on page)
If You’ve Got Mail was goth, hot, autistic-coded, and occasionally spicy enough to fog up your Kindle screen, you’d get Unexpectedly Bookish.
Pearl is a black cat in combat boots with a GF cupcake heart. Reed is sunshine in a sweater vest who named a bookstore after her. Do they know they’ve been texting each other under the usernames hemingway_cansuckit and impossiblybookish?
No.
Do we know?
Oh, absolutely—and watching them spiral toward realization like a romcom asteroid made of pining, unresolved sexual tension, and inside jokes about Sylvia Plath is half the fun.
Elise Kennedy, I bow to your ability to write stories where goth girls get their golden boys, neurodivergent people get their happy endings, and texting gets very out of hand.
The autism rep that feels real and beautiful. The vibes...texting your crush while side-eyeing them IRL not realizing they are your crush. I adored the found family, nosy neighbors, and laughed at one feral city hall scene with a villainous senior citizen named Beulah. Pearl discovering that being “too much” is actually exactly right for someone who sees every cloud and still chooses her every time was swoon worthy. A love story for anyone who’s ever felt like too much—and found someone who saw them as just right.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
April 9, 2025
Thank you to BookFunnel and Elise Kennedy for an ARC copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was hooked from the beginning.
Reed Berry moved to Fairwick Falls to pursue a dream of opening his own bookstore. He moves in temporarily to his best friend Luca’s house, and while Luca and his young daughter are away at Disney, he is sharing a living space alongside Luca’s sister, Pearl. Who just happens to be the girl he’s had a crush on since they were children. Luckily, he has an anonymous online (slightly steamy) situationship with a fellow booklover, and this can hopefully distract him from his new temporary housemate.
Pearl is a prickly, sarcastic, pierced and tattooed goth who takes no nonsense. Pearl also has an anonymous online situationship with a fellow booklover. Hopefully her anonymous friend can distract her from the childhood friend she knew, who now happens to be the gorgeous man she is now living with.
Both have a hard time fitting in, for different reasons, but their online personas make them a perfect match for each other, whilst they are frenemies offline.
They say opposites attract, but can they overcome their differences?
Reed has one of the dirtiest mouths I’ve read for a while and Pearl’s heart of gold has you rooting for them from the start. Each character has their own growth and development to become multi-faceted and they feel relatable and real.
There are also elements of social expectations, behaviour and attitudes, and representation of both autism and misophonia which really do help create a fantastic story, whilst giving an informative explanation about autism and misophonia for those who do not personally experience it. It is inclusive and accepting of differences which adds to
This books charm.
Unexpectedly Bookish has all the opposites attract, Small town romance, Brothers best friend, spicy romance you could want, with added plus size body confidence, straight talking, flirty texting( and sexting), happy MMC and those You’ve Got Mail vibes we all love.
I would happily recommend this, and cannot wait to read more from Elise Kennedy.
I was hooked from the beginning.
Reed Berry moved to Fairwick Falls to pursue a dream of opening his own bookstore. He moves in temporarily to his best friend Luca’s house, and while Luca and his young daughter are away at Disney, he is sharing a living space alongside Luca’s sister, Pearl. Who just happens to be the girl he’s had a crush on since they were children. Luckily, he has an anonymous online (slightly steamy) situationship with a fellow booklover, and this can hopefully distract him from his new temporary housemate.
Pearl is a prickly, sarcastic, pierced and tattooed goth who takes no nonsense. Pearl also has an anonymous online situationship with a fellow booklover. Hopefully her anonymous friend can distract her from the childhood friend she knew, who now happens to be the gorgeous man she is now living with.
Both have a hard time fitting in, for different reasons, but their online personas make them a perfect match for each other, whilst they are frenemies offline.
They say opposites attract, but can they overcome their differences?
Reed has one of the dirtiest mouths I’ve read for a while and Pearl’s heart of gold has you rooting for them from the start. Each character has their own growth and development to become multi-faceted and they feel relatable and real.
There are also elements of social expectations, behaviour and attitudes, and representation of both autism and misophonia which really do help create a fantastic story, whilst giving an informative explanation about autism and misophonia for those who do not personally experience it. It is inclusive and accepting of differences which adds to
This books charm.
Unexpectedly Bookish has all the opposites attract, Small town romance, Brothers best friend, spicy romance you could want, with added plus size body confidence, straight talking, flirty texting( and sexting), happy MMC and those You’ve Got Mail vibes we all love.
I would happily recommend this, and cannot wait to read more from Elise Kennedy.
October 4, 2025
Love Reed and pearl romance so much and love the brothers best friend trope between them and love that pearl works at bloom with the Parker’s sisters and needs a part time job so pearl starts working with Reed who is opening a bookshop and love that they both don’t know they are messaging each other like Reed is Hemingway_cansuckit and pearl is impossibly bookish and he names the bookshop after her as well and Reed looks exactly like their dad who died frank and Reed is a third generation architect and pearl loves baking and wants to open up her own bakery but it’s just having the funding to buy a shop and not a big fan of Luca pearls brother neighbour Beulah who ruins pearl plans and makes it worse but she improves at the end and love the spicy scenes between Reed and pearl and love that he calls her bookish and gorgeous in the book and love that Reed is a hot nerd but not a fan of Luca and pearl parents are mentioned and love that pearl is close with her niece Annabel (AB) and annabel calls pearl AP and I love reading Elise writing so much and easy to get into and I can’t wait to read pearls brother Luca and Olivia’s story next in the series and I just loved this book so much and love the bookish references and love the small town vibe so much and everyone knowing about anything and love that rose, violet, lily, grey, jack and Nash appear in this book as well and bloom their flower shop is mentioned and reeds stands up for pearl and Reed tells his parents about his bookshop and his half sisters and him dating pearl and love the family chat at the end and reeds bookshop is a success in fair-wick falls and love the small town people helping out and pearl finally opening up her own bakery called blackbird bakery and frank the Parker sisters and Reed dad is finally that the unfinished business is done and he’s happy and love that pearl loves reading and Reed listens to audio books and love that Luca pearls brother is happy for Reed and pearl dating in the end
Spicy
Dual PoV
Small town romance
Romantic comedy
Opposites attract
Hidden identity
Bookshop (workplace romance)
Brothers best friend
Autism rep
Under 400 pages
Spicy
Dual PoV
Small town romance
Romantic comedy
Opposites attract
Hidden identity
Bookshop (workplace romance)
Brothers best friend
Autism rep
Under 400 pages
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
Reed and Pearl are two characters that grabbed hold of my heart and took me on an emotional journey. Their story includes following one’s dream, dealing with the expectations of others, making connections, and lowering the guards around their hearts. It is funny, entertaining and poignant with a healthy dose of spice thrown in for good measure.
Reed and Pearl have so much in common. They are both have jobs they hate, but have dreams of opening their own businesses, a bookstore for him, and an allergen free bakery for her. Both have faced derision and rejection in the past because of their failure to conform to the norms. Now, Pearl’s Goth accessories and makeup, as well as her blunt, straightforward and angry attitude are an effective shield for the softer more vulnerable side of her. Reed has worn his own facade for years. He has become a successful architect, a job he hates, in order please his parents and hides his neurodivergent tendencies with considerable effort. In the past, Pearl was his protector and friend, and they even shared a kiss.
They have something else in common too. They are both chatting on line with a person who shares their love of books. Recently, those chats or texts have become much more personal, intimate and flirty, some decidedly x-rated. They feel a real connection to this person without knowing any identifying details. They each wonder if they are brave enough to meet the other person face to face and see where their connection could lead. Now, Reed has just bought an old building for his dream bookstore in Fairwick Falls, which also happens to be where Pearl lives with her brother, Reed’s best friend, and her niece. When he ends up as her roommate and her new boss, both become aware of the sparks between them, sparks that could lead to something more between them than friendship if they wanted. The road ahead proves to be a bit twisty, tumultuous and unpredictable, as well as transforming for them both.
This book has my wholehearted recommendation.
Reed and Pearl have so much in common. They are both have jobs they hate, but have dreams of opening their own businesses, a bookstore for him, and an allergen free bakery for her. Both have faced derision and rejection in the past because of their failure to conform to the norms. Now, Pearl’s Goth accessories and makeup, as well as her blunt, straightforward and angry attitude are an effective shield for the softer more vulnerable side of her. Reed has worn his own facade for years. He has become a successful architect, a job he hates, in order please his parents and hides his neurodivergent tendencies with considerable effort. In the past, Pearl was his protector and friend, and they even shared a kiss.
They have something else in common too. They are both chatting on line with a person who shares their love of books. Recently, those chats or texts have become much more personal, intimate and flirty, some decidedly x-rated. They feel a real connection to this person without knowing any identifying details. They each wonder if they are brave enough to meet the other person face to face and see where their connection could lead. Now, Reed has just bought an old building for his dream bookstore in Fairwick Falls, which also happens to be where Pearl lives with her brother, Reed’s best friend, and her niece. When he ends up as her roommate and her new boss, both become aware of the sparks between them, sparks that could lead to something more between them than friendship if they wanted. The road ahead proves to be a bit twisty, tumultuous and unpredictable, as well as transforming for them both.
This book has my wholehearted recommendation.
July 19, 2025
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Are you a fan of the 90’s Rom-Com You’ve Got Mail? Well, Unexpectedly Bookish is the updated version of that movie just with spice. While reading this latest book in the Love in Fairwick Falls series, I couldn’t help but think of this movie at points. And I have to say the charm that made that movie so right for the times came to this book. While most books in this series don’t need to be read in order, it might be best to read the previous one to know what is happening, as it does lead into this book.
Unexpectedly Bookish gives us the loveable male lead of Reed, to is new to the town, but he does know our female lead Pearl, as they did grow up together. Little did they know when they were growing up, they both had a crush on each other, and it never went away. Reed has a few issues he has had to learn to grow up with, and I feel like Pearl really got him through it and showed it’s okay, he is different. It was great to see her get him to open up and feel lighter and better about life.
Pearl is for sure a girl with a hard outside and soft inside. She is way harder on herself than anyone else is on her, and I feel like we all can relate to that. And just like Pearl, who helped Reed this time, it is Reed to helps Pearl see she isn’t a huge mess up. She is pretty amazing, and she does a great job of helping her brother with her niece. There is a scene with Pearl and her niece that tugged at the heartstrings.
Unexpectedly Bookish is a book I loved, and I can’t wait to pick it up again. I’m giving this book four and a half stars. While the book had heart and amazing moments, there sure was spice, making this a four chili pepper for the spice rating. If you don’t like spice, you can easily pass over the spice in the book. This book is available wherever you get your books, and if you are a KOBO Plus it is included in your membership.
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Are you a fan of the 90’s Rom-Com You’ve Got Mail? Well, Unexpectedly Bookish is the updated version of that movie just with spice. While reading this latest book in the Love in Fairwick Falls series, I couldn’t help but think of this movie at points. And I have to say the charm that made that movie so right for the times came to this book. While most books in this series don’t need to be read in order, it might be best to read the previous one to know what is happening, as it does lead into this book.
Unexpectedly Bookish gives us the loveable male lead of Reed, to is new to the town, but he does know our female lead Pearl, as they did grow up together. Little did they know when they were growing up, they both had a crush on each other, and it never went away. Reed has a few issues he has had to learn to grow up with, and I feel like Pearl really got him through it and showed it’s okay, he is different. It was great to see her get him to open up and feel lighter and better about life.
Pearl is for sure a girl with a hard outside and soft inside. She is way harder on herself than anyone else is on her, and I feel like we all can relate to that. And just like Pearl, who helped Reed this time, it is Reed to helps Pearl see she isn’t a huge mess up. She is pretty amazing, and she does a great job of helping her brother with her niece. There is a scene with Pearl and her niece that tugged at the heartstrings.
Unexpectedly Bookish is a book I loved, and I can’t wait to pick it up again. I’m giving this book four and a half stars. While the book had heart and amazing moments, there sure was spice, making this a four chili pepper for the spice rating. If you don’t like spice, you can easily pass over the spice in the book. This book is available wherever you get your books, and if you are a KOBO Plus it is included in your membership.
April 28, 2025
These two have an "are you seeing anyone else?" talk with each other's phone personalities, then almost immediately and very enthusiastically make out in person, then text about how much they care about each other. I didn't like it. At least she called him out for it, though!
It was interesting that they found out at the same time about the double identity thing. It avoided some of the complications (good and bad) that are normally present in books with this trope when one character knows and the other doesn't.
In general, though, I really did enjoy this book. They were both really cute towards one another, Reed drooling after her and incorporating her into his life and Pearl looking for ways to help him just like she does for everyone else.
Unexpected ghost chapter was ?
The autism rep was great! I appreciated that Reed (the golden retriever, outgoing and friendly) was the autistic person in this, and not Pearl (the black cat, disagreeable and contrary) (though obviously the suspicion is that it's both of them). I haven't seen that much in books, but it definitely exists in real life. I liked the people-pleasing agreeability because you're inherently unlikeable/never burdening anyone or trusting them to want to support you thing that Reed has going on, and felt like a lot of his gripes and feelings (particularly around his frustration when people would ask him to do things that didn't work for him and when he "wished sometimes that neurotypical people would read a book on how to make his life easier, rather than the other way around") reflected my own experience pretty well.
The bi and fat rep were also nicely done. The plus-sized emphasis might've strayed into overdone if this hero hadn't *preemptively started lifting weights he estimated could be her size so that he could pick her up one day*, jesus fucking christ.
It was interesting that they found out at the same time about the double identity thing. It avoided some of the complications (good and bad) that are normally present in books with this trope when one character knows and the other doesn't.
In general, though, I really did enjoy this book. They were both really cute towards one another, Reed drooling after her and incorporating her into his life and Pearl looking for ways to help him just like she does for everyone else.
Unexpected ghost chapter was ?
The autism rep was great! I appreciated that Reed (the golden retriever, outgoing and friendly) was the autistic person in this, and not Pearl (the black cat, disagreeable and contrary) (though obviously the suspicion is that it's both of them). I haven't seen that much in books, but it definitely exists in real life. I liked the people-pleasing agreeability because you're inherently unlikeable/never burdening anyone or trusting them to want to support you thing that Reed has going on, and felt like a lot of his gripes and feelings (particularly around his frustration when people would ask him to do things that didn't work for him and when he "wished sometimes that neurotypical people would read a book on how to make his life easier, rather than the other way around") reflected my own experience pretty well.
The bi and fat rep were also nicely done. The plus-sized emphasis might've strayed into overdone if this hero hadn't *preemptively started lifting weights he estimated could be her size so that he could pick her up one day*, jesus fucking christ.
April 1, 2025
Elise Kennedy knows how to write! I knew going back to Fairwick Falls was going to be another amazing journey, and it exceeded my expectations! This is part of an interconnected series, but each can be read as a standalone, as well.
Pearl is a strong female! She may seem tough on the outside, but she is on a journey of learning to be herself and to accept that it’s okay to have feelings. I absolutely loved being along with her on her ride to self love and pursuing her dreams!
Reed is a golden retriever! I love how deep he loves! He is always happy and sees the bright side in every situation, but he’s not always honest and is learning that he deserves to be loved for who he is-all of him! His dream of opening a bookstore is within reach!
One of my favorite plot lines in this story is how they both develop feelings for someone online who loves books and challenging each other. I love how we can see the text conversations between them both. I also really enjoy reading both POVs to really dive deep into Pearl’s and Reed’s thoughts.
Elise does a superb job at respectfully representing plus size characters and characters with autism in positive ways. I truly felt myself falling in love with them and their story more and more with every page. Elise will never disappoint…you’ll fall in love with the characters-both main and side, and you won’t want to leave. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll swoon. You’ll want to dive into the pages and be immersed in their world. The chemistry. The banter. The tension. The inner thoughts. It’s SO good! I mean it…it’s sooooo good! It’s a book I wish I was able to experience again for the first time!
Pearl is a strong female! She may seem tough on the outside, but she is on a journey of learning to be herself and to accept that it’s okay to have feelings. I absolutely loved being along with her on her ride to self love and pursuing her dreams!
Reed is a golden retriever! I love how deep he loves! He is always happy and sees the bright side in every situation, but he’s not always honest and is learning that he deserves to be loved for who he is-all of him! His dream of opening a bookstore is within reach!
One of my favorite plot lines in this story is how they both develop feelings for someone online who loves books and challenging each other. I love how we can see the text conversations between them both. I also really enjoy reading both POVs to really dive deep into Pearl’s and Reed’s thoughts.
Elise does a superb job at respectfully representing plus size characters and characters with autism in positive ways. I truly felt myself falling in love with them and their story more and more with every page. Elise will never disappoint…you’ll fall in love with the characters-both main and side, and you won’t want to leave. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll swoon. You’ll want to dive into the pages and be immersed in their world. The chemistry. The banter. The tension. The inner thoughts. It’s SO good! I mean it…it’s sooooo good! It’s a book I wish I was able to experience again for the first time!
April 8, 2025
Rating: 5⭐️ Spice: 3.5🌶️
Tropes/themes:
📖 Brothers best friend
📚 Temporary roommates
📖 Workplace romance
📚 Secret Identity
📖 Opposites attract
📚 Autism rep
Elise Kennedy out did herself with Unexpectedly Bookish, book 4 in the Fairwick Falls series. I think this one might be my absolute favorite of this series! Wallflower in Bloom was my favorite until this one! This one has blown the series open! Reed and Pearl couldn't be any more opposite but they also couldn’t be more perfect for one another. Their love journey is epic!
I absolutely loved Reed. He was the most honest, down to earth and happy MMC that I have ever read! But that mouth on Reed, boy it’ll make you blush! Pearl, I have no words for FMC, she was phenomenal. Pearl was the most relatable character I have ever read. Reed and Pearl are such opposites it’ll have you laughing out loud with their banter and picking on each other all through the book. And ohh my gosh don’t get me started on their amazing chemistry. It was OFF THE CHARTS! For each, and it wasn’t just all physical, it was the way they connected with one another, the way they understood each other, joked with each other, and cared for each other. Pearl had so much growth in this book. Being with someone who got her to her core standing in her corner she became more confident in herself to follow her dreams.
Reed and Pearl’s storyline was beautiful and very spicy, I think it’s one of her spiciest books in this series. And I was here for it all day!! The storyline was believable, as you read about the war between the two neighbors and all the small town charm. I love the found family aspect of the book, love that Reed now had more people in his corner. I love how Elise handled the autism rep in her story, it felt real and beautiful, she wrote about it eloquently.
I loved this book so much! It is everything I want in a small town, brothers best friend, opposites attract, spicy romance. Elise’s writing always captures my attention and doesn’t let go until the very end. It was a fast read, but not because it’s a small book, because once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down.
Tropes/themes:
📖 Brothers best friend
📚 Temporary roommates
📖 Workplace romance
📚 Secret Identity
📖 Opposites attract
📚 Autism rep
Elise Kennedy out did herself with Unexpectedly Bookish, book 4 in the Fairwick Falls series. I think this one might be my absolute favorite of this series! Wallflower in Bloom was my favorite until this one! This one has blown the series open! Reed and Pearl couldn't be any more opposite but they also couldn’t be more perfect for one another. Their love journey is epic!
I absolutely loved Reed. He was the most honest, down to earth and happy MMC that I have ever read! But that mouth on Reed, boy it’ll make you blush! Pearl, I have no words for FMC, she was phenomenal. Pearl was the most relatable character I have ever read. Reed and Pearl are such opposites it’ll have you laughing out loud with their banter and picking on each other all through the book. And ohh my gosh don’t get me started on their amazing chemistry. It was OFF THE CHARTS! For each, and it wasn’t just all physical, it was the way they connected with one another, the way they understood each other, joked with each other, and cared for each other. Pearl had so much growth in this book. Being with someone who got her to her core standing in her corner she became more confident in herself to follow her dreams.
Reed and Pearl’s storyline was beautiful and very spicy, I think it’s one of her spiciest books in this series. And I was here for it all day!! The storyline was believable, as you read about the war between the two neighbors and all the small town charm. I love the found family aspect of the book, love that Reed now had more people in his corner. I love how Elise handled the autism rep in her story, it felt real and beautiful, she wrote about it eloquently.
I loved this book so much! It is everything I want in a small town, brothers best friend, opposites attract, spicy romance. Elise’s writing always captures my attention and doesn’t let go until the very end. It was a fast read, but not because it’s a small book, because once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down.
April 17, 2025
I absolutely love this series.I loved the first three books which featured the Parker sisters.
Unexpectedly Bookish is Reed and Pearl's romance.Reed has just moved to Fairwick Falls and is opening a bookstore which is his dream.
Pearl has not been in Fairwick falls for long and she is not your typical small town girl with her piercings,tattoos and black lipstick.
Reed is Pearl's older brother's nerdy best friend and she has no time for him.
Reed is shy and has issues,he is attracted to Pearl,but the only person trusts is his online friend Impossibly Bookish.
Pearl and Reed end up becoming roommates and she also ends up as Reed's assistant.
They both have their own issues to work through along with fighting an elderly neighbour who has it in for them and tries to stop the bookstore from opening.
The way they start to understand each other and get close is so sweet.They eventually get to their happily ever after.
Loved every single second of Reed and Pearl's rom com.Also loved catching up with the Parker sisters,AB Pearl's niece Luca's daughter was adorable.
Thankyou Elise for another great read in this series and cannot wait for more.
I recieved an ARC of this book for free from Elise Kennedy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Unexpectedly Bookish is Reed and Pearl's romance.Reed has just moved to Fairwick Falls and is opening a bookstore which is his dream.
Pearl has not been in Fairwick falls for long and she is not your typical small town girl with her piercings,tattoos and black lipstick.
Reed is Pearl's older brother's nerdy best friend and she has no time for him.
Reed is shy and has issues,he is attracted to Pearl,but the only person trusts is his online friend Impossibly Bookish.
Pearl and Reed end up becoming roommates and she also ends up as Reed's assistant.
They both have their own issues to work through along with fighting an elderly neighbour who has it in for them and tries to stop the bookstore from opening.
The way they start to understand each other and get close is so sweet.They eventually get to their happily ever after.
Loved every single second of Reed and Pearl's rom com.Also loved catching up with the Parker sisters,AB Pearl's niece Luca's daughter was adorable.
Thankyou Elise for another great read in this series and cannot wait for more.
I recieved an ARC of this book for free from Elise Kennedy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 19, 2025
Pearl and Reed, what can I say about these two they are like polar opposites on paper. I absolutely adore the relationship that they had online and their personalities really shine through. Throughout the book, you can see how good of a person pearl is, that she puts on a front that she is some unfriendly person, but she’s probably is the most loyal. Gotta love it for a girl who will throw it down for another girl. Reed is very interesting to me. He is this bookish romance, reader who always wants to be accepted, but on the outside shows that he is just happy go lucky, like nothing ever bothers him. I do like the fact that they brought in his Misophonia. I mean it’s something that bothers so many people to see like pearl be so adaptive of it and so genuinely accepting of who he is as a person that they know they took those two go together
If you love, a nerdy cinnamon roll guy who falls head over heels first it’s been paining after a girl since they were young kids, and you love a hard loyal feminine stick it to them kind of girl. You will love this book. I truly love reading about Fairwick Falls, every single time and so grateful to get this book as an ARC. I cant wait to see what’s next for Love in Fairwick Falls!
If you love, a nerdy cinnamon roll guy who falls head over heels first it’s been paining after a girl since they were young kids, and you love a hard loyal feminine stick it to them kind of girl. You will love this book. I truly love reading about Fairwick Falls, every single time and so grateful to get this book as an ARC. I cant wait to see what’s next for Love in Fairwick Falls!
March 30, 2025
I've been looking forward to this story for a while now and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Reed shows up in Fairwick Falls to follow a dream and visit his best friend Luca. He stays with Luca, his daughter and his sister Pearl, who Reed has loved forever. Pearl is a tough one and acts like she hates everyone, especially Reed. She's of course immediately attracted to him, having always had a soft spot for him growing up. Reed has challenges keeping him from relationships and Pearl is receptive to them. They both have online alter egos which are falling into serious territories unknowing who they really are. I've read a few stories with similar premises, but this is the first one to really get it right. Maybe it's because they found out at the same time and not one finding out way before another that it worked for me, but it did. A lot happens for Reed, including the discovery that the Parker sisters are his half sisters. Honestly, that side plot was extremely satisfying since each Parker sister is amazing. Seeing Reed and Pearl join in that brood just makes me happy. We also got the bread crumbs for the next two books. Single dad and enemies to lovers? Yes please. Bring it on!
April 8, 2025
Unexpectedly Bookish is filled with so much witty banter, deep emotional growth, and the most relatable main characters!
I love the history and reluctant friendship between Pearl and Reed. Reed being Pearl’s brother’s best friend and her long time crush. Reed has been in love with his best friend’s little sister for a long time, but has never voiced these feelings. Both have had what they thought were unrequited feelings for one another for years.
Pearl is the grumpiest of grumps, with her dark wit and sarcasm, however she has the biggest heart and cares for those in her inner circle. The way Pearl loves, accepts and honors Reed’s quarks was incredibly heartwarming. The same can be said for Reed, he loves Pearl’s gloomy demeanor and appreciates her for who she is. Pearl is the blackest of black cats and Reed is the sweetest golden retriever there ever was.
Loved seeing them both support each other in their own individual goals. Reed opening the bookstore of his dreams with Pearls assistance was so much to read as the project progressed and came to fruition. Reading as Reed motivated Pearl to pursue her dream of opening an allergen friendly bakery - be still my heart for the way he stood up for her! The lengths they would both go to for the other was amazing! It just goes to show how strong their connection was with one another, and how deeply they care for each other.
There is a lot going on in this book! Annoying, cranky neighbors, long lost family members, and hidden identities in chattooms! It’s a fun, emotion packed romantic comedy that will be sure to get a laugh out of you and even a bit of a cry too!
A huge thank you to Elise Kennedy for the early copy! I am obsessed with the Love in Fairwick Falls series, it has been such am incredible journey with each couple!
I love the history and reluctant friendship between Pearl and Reed. Reed being Pearl’s brother’s best friend and her long time crush. Reed has been in love with his best friend’s little sister for a long time, but has never voiced these feelings. Both have had what they thought were unrequited feelings for one another for years.
Pearl is the grumpiest of grumps, with her dark wit and sarcasm, however she has the biggest heart and cares for those in her inner circle. The way Pearl loves, accepts and honors Reed’s quarks was incredibly heartwarming. The same can be said for Reed, he loves Pearl’s gloomy demeanor and appreciates her for who she is. Pearl is the blackest of black cats and Reed is the sweetest golden retriever there ever was.
Loved seeing them both support each other in their own individual goals. Reed opening the bookstore of his dreams with Pearls assistance was so much to read as the project progressed and came to fruition. Reading as Reed motivated Pearl to pursue her dream of opening an allergen friendly bakery - be still my heart for the way he stood up for her! The lengths they would both go to for the other was amazing! It just goes to show how strong their connection was with one another, and how deeply they care for each other.
There is a lot going on in this book! Annoying, cranky neighbors, long lost family members, and hidden identities in chattooms! It’s a fun, emotion packed romantic comedy that will be sure to get a laugh out of you and even a bit of a cry too!
A huge thank you to Elise Kennedy for the early copy! I am obsessed with the Love in Fairwick Falls series, it has been such am incredible journey with each couple!
April 18, 2025
Reed spent years as an architecture, is finally deciding to chase his dream of opening a bookstore to honor his late grandfather. Pearl, his new assistant is all attitude, tattoos, piercings and a big sign that says “NO TOUCHING”, because she is also his best friends little sister. While his positive attitude has her threatening to toss him out the nearest window LOL, at least he has his night time chats with Impossibly_bookish who he met on book forum and his been chatting with for months. Will they finally meet up in person?
I enjoyed this story and the fact that it was all about book lovers. The tension and banter that Pearl and Reed have is great and they are easy to relate to. The love and acceptance from the town and each other that Reed experiences and then Pearl experiences is the greatest. I love that found family and sense of community in Fairwick Falls. The difficult issues in the book were well written.
This is book four in the Love in Fairwick Falls series, but can be read as a standalone. While I have read and really enjoyed other works by Elise Kennedy this is the first in this series that I have read. I will be reading the others in the series.
I enjoyed this story and the fact that it was all about book lovers. The tension and banter that Pearl and Reed have is great and they are easy to relate to. The love and acceptance from the town and each other that Reed experiences and then Pearl experiences is the greatest. I love that found family and sense of community in Fairwick Falls. The difficult issues in the book were well written.
This is book four in the Love in Fairwick Falls series, but can be read as a standalone. While I have read and really enjoyed other works by Elise Kennedy this is the first in this series that I have read. I will be reading the others in the series.
March 31, 2025
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
📖𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭
🧁𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲
📖𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
🧁𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐩.
𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐲 is back with a charming small town romance! 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 has returned to Fairwick Falls to open a cozy bookstore and finds himself working alongside his longtime crush, Pearl Bishop. The only hitch? She just so happens to be his best friend's sister.
𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 knowing Pearl for what feels like forever, Reed's feelings for her had remained dormant until now, and the only thing stopping him is his online crush. Little does Reed know, his late-night confessions to his online crush are to Pearl herself.
𝐈 adored the development of Reed and Pearl's relationship. The characters are charming and easy to relate to. The way autism was portrayed in the story was truly commendable. Elise handled this sensitive topic with great care and love. Overall, this small town romance is perfect for those who enjoy opposites attracting and a story full of fun characters.
Thank you to 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐲 for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions shared are entirely my own.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 𝟑/𝟓🔥
📖𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭
🧁𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲
📖𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
🧁𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐩.
𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐲 is back with a charming small town romance! 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 has returned to Fairwick Falls to open a cozy bookstore and finds himself working alongside his longtime crush, Pearl Bishop. The only hitch? She just so happens to be his best friend's sister.
𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 knowing Pearl for what feels like forever, Reed's feelings for her had remained dormant until now, and the only thing stopping him is his online crush. Little does Reed know, his late-night confessions to his online crush are to Pearl herself.
𝐈 adored the development of Reed and Pearl's relationship. The characters are charming and easy to relate to. The way autism was portrayed in the story was truly commendable. Elise handled this sensitive topic with great care and love. Overall, this small town romance is perfect for those who enjoy opposites attracting and a story full of fun characters.
Thank you to 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐲 for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions shared are entirely my own.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟐𝟓⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 𝟑/𝟓🔥
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