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Stacked
Laugh, swoon, and fall in love with a hilarious small-town romance that’s stacked with charm! Stacked is a witty, heartwarming tale of rivalry, rekindled sparks, and unexpected love.
My life revolves around The Green Frog, New Burlington’s beloved independent bookstore—until Robert Kilgore, my high school crush turned Wall Street hotshot, rolls back into town with a flashy bookstore-bourbon-bar combo that threatens to put me out of business. His smoldering looks and sharp wit make our rivalry anything but professional, and soon, old memories and new chemistry ignite a spark we can’t ignore.
But with my bookstore on the line and our dueling dreams clashing, can we turn this page into a happily-ever-after?
Stacked delivers laugh-out-loud moments, steamy tension, and a cozy small-town vibe you’ll want to visit again and again. Readers “Hilarious and heart-melting!” and “I couldn’t stop smiling!” Don’t miss the rom-com everyone’s talking about!
Get Stacked now and dive into a love story that’s too irresistible to put down! Start reading today!
My life revolves around The Green Frog, New Burlington’s beloved independent bookstore—until Robert Kilgore, my high school crush turned Wall Street hotshot, rolls back into town with a flashy bookstore-bourbon-bar combo that threatens to put me out of business. His smoldering looks and sharp wit make our rivalry anything but professional, and soon, old memories and new chemistry ignite a spark we can’t ignore.
But with my bookstore on the line and our dueling dreams clashing, can we turn this page into a happily-ever-after?
Stacked delivers laugh-out-loud moments, steamy tension, and a cozy small-town vibe you’ll want to visit again and again. Readers “Hilarious and heart-melting!” and “I couldn’t stop smiling!” Don’t miss the rom-com everyone’s talking about!
Get Stacked now and dive into a love story that’s too irresistible to put down! Start reading today!
- GenresRom ComEnemies To Lovers
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2024
25 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Sara Celi
35 books224 followersNew Orleans born Sara Celi has lived all over the United States. She calls the Greater Cincinnati area and the Queen City home.
She has spent more than a decade working in journalism and broadcasting, with jobs both on-air and off-air at TV stations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications, magazines and newspapers, and she is a contributing author to Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Power of Positive.
Sara graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004.
In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fund raise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids.
She has spent more than a decade working in journalism and broadcasting, with jobs both on-air and off-air at TV stations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications, magazines and newspapers, and she is a contributing author to Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Power of Positive.
Sara graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004.
In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fund raise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 29, 2024
Thank you to Sara Celi for sharing this book with me in exchange for an honest review.
This is the perfect standalone, summer read for anyone who loves a rivals-to-lovers, small town romance between a local bookstore owner who is trying to revitalize her business and a former Wall Street hedge fund guy who has moved back to his hometown to open a books and bourbon concept. There is a parade float competition, a viral kiss, and more.
We get to see the MMC and FMC do the deed, but no body parts are named so it is mostly closed-door. We get just enough to keep us engaged with the relationship.
I felt it was lacking the “com” in rom-com until around 60% in. Most of the interactions up to that point between the MMC and FMC were quite the opposite. I also felt the relationship became serious overnight with no insight as to why from the characters.
For those reasons, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars!
This is the perfect standalone, summer read for anyone who loves a rivals-to-lovers, small town romance between a local bookstore owner who is trying to revitalize her business and a former Wall Street hedge fund guy who has moved back to his hometown to open a books and bourbon concept. There is a parade float competition, a viral kiss, and more.
We get to see the MMC and FMC do the deed, but no body parts are named so it is mostly closed-door. We get just enough to keep us engaged with the relationship.
I felt it was lacking the “com” in rom-com until around 60% in. Most of the interactions up to that point between the MMC and FMC were quite the opposite. I also felt the relationship became serious overnight with no insight as to why from the characters.
For those reasons, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars!
September 4, 2024
Thanks Sara Celi for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
‘Stacked’ starts out feeling reminiscent of ‘You’ve Got Mail’ with the friendly neighborhood bookstore that had been around as long as anyone could remember run by Anya. In comes Robert, who has been away in New York until returning home to open his own bookstore/bourbon bar. That is where the similarities with the feel good film end. The town has charm. There is an annual Fourth of July parade where the floats compete for a $10k price. The local authors are on a first name basis with the local bookshop manager and wander in and out of the story. It is very cute and picturesque and that, along with the descriptions of the bookstore set up, created a super cozy feeling.
The characters were interesting but there were some areas I felt could have been built out a bit more. When explaining why Robert left his previous job at a hedge fund, it was because he read something on the company intranet that left him uneasy. We are never told what he read that led him to jump ship to open a bookstore. Additionally, Robert seemed oblivious to how he was potentially devastating the neighborhood bookstore with its his actions in opening a second bookstore in a small town and participating in the float contest using resources previously utilized by Anya. Both actions could seem innocuous but instead made Robert appear clueless, overbearing, and unfeeling.
Anya, manager of the neighborhood bookstore, came across as naive and rather fragile. She had spent time in Chicago until a violent event took place, leading her to come home where she felt safe. When meeting Robert, she switches from despising him to insta-love rather quickly causing a some serious whiplash for the reader. The most interesting thing about her character’s past is that she worked backstage at Second City while in Chicago. This seemed only relevant to connect her high school ‘theater kid’ personal to who she was as an adult, but only brought up later to explain why she had materials and a sewing machine to help construct her float.
Overall, I wished there was more talk about books and less about TikTok (yes, there is a whole TikTok related subplot). I would give this 4 stars for the small town cozy bookstore romance. The lack of character depth and breadth though knocks this down to 3.5 stars for me.
‘Stacked’ starts out feeling reminiscent of ‘You’ve Got Mail’ with the friendly neighborhood bookstore that had been around as long as anyone could remember run by Anya. In comes Robert, who has been away in New York until returning home to open his own bookstore/bourbon bar. That is where the similarities with the feel good film end. The town has charm. There is an annual Fourth of July parade where the floats compete for a $10k price. The local authors are on a first name basis with the local bookshop manager and wander in and out of the story. It is very cute and picturesque and that, along with the descriptions of the bookstore set up, created a super cozy feeling.
The characters were interesting but there were some areas I felt could have been built out a bit more. When explaining why Robert left his previous job at a hedge fund, it was because he read something on the company intranet that left him uneasy. We are never told what he read that led him to jump ship to open a bookstore. Additionally, Robert seemed oblivious to how he was potentially devastating the neighborhood bookstore with its his actions in opening a second bookstore in a small town and participating in the float contest using resources previously utilized by Anya. Both actions could seem innocuous but instead made Robert appear clueless, overbearing, and unfeeling.
Anya, manager of the neighborhood bookstore, came across as naive and rather fragile. She had spent time in Chicago until a violent event took place, leading her to come home where she felt safe. When meeting Robert, she switches from despising him to insta-love rather quickly causing a some serious whiplash for the reader. The most interesting thing about her character’s past is that she worked backstage at Second City while in Chicago. This seemed only relevant to connect her high school ‘theater kid’ personal to who she was as an adult, but only brought up later to explain why she had materials and a sewing machine to help construct her float.
Overall, I wished there was more talk about books and less about TikTok (yes, there is a whole TikTok related subplot). I would give this 4 stars for the small town cozy bookstore romance. The lack of character depth and breadth though knocks this down to 3.5 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
STACKED by Sara Celi is a small town romantic comedy that sometimes had me chuckling and occasionally cringing. This is Anya and Robert’s story. They’ve both left their small town in Ohio where they grew up for school, jobs and careers but both are drawn back for different reasons and at different times in their lives.
She runs the small independent bookstore in town which is barely hanging on and he’s a financial whiz from Wall Street who left it all behind to open a bourbon bar and bookstore in one in their same small town. When their paths cross she’s spitting fire but is there something else under all that anger? They take a step forward and many more back before an epic fight and kiss they share goes viral on ticktock. Will they end up capitalizing on their fame and popularity or just go on about their business.
There are multiple stories being told that work together nicely. There are family and friends, small town traditions and gossip, businesses to run, some steamy getting to know you moments, anger, fear, laughter and more. And through it all we see their feelings and emotions change. There are a few loose ends by the end and while there’s closure and a chance for a happily ever after the ending seemed rushed, even with the epilogue.
STACKED is filled with books, dreams and more. Sit back with the drink of your choice and let the pages turn.
She runs the small independent bookstore in town which is barely hanging on and he’s a financial whiz from Wall Street who left it all behind to open a bourbon bar and bookstore in one in their same small town. When their paths cross she’s spitting fire but is there something else under all that anger? They take a step forward and many more back before an epic fight and kiss they share goes viral on ticktock. Will they end up capitalizing on their fame and popularity or just go on about their business.
There are multiple stories being told that work together nicely. There are family and friends, small town traditions and gossip, businesses to run, some steamy getting to know you moments, anger, fear, laughter and more. And through it all we see their feelings and emotions change. There are a few loose ends by the end and while there’s closure and a chance for a happily ever after the ending seemed rushed, even with the epilogue.
STACKED is filled with books, dreams and more. Sit back with the drink of your choice and let the pages turn.
August 27, 2024
Manager of a bookshop struggling for survival, Anya is stressed out about the health of the elderly shop owner and making ends meet in small town Ohio.
When former classmate Robert returns to town from NYC after having made his fortune in hedge funds, Anya is incensed to learn that he’s opening an upscale bourbon and bookstore that will likely put the final nail in The Green Frog’s coffin.
As a confrontation between Anya and Robert becomes a public spectacle, he kisses her to stop her tirade. A viral TikTok later, and what follows is a “You’ve Got Mail”-ish romance.
It occurred to me while reading this book that what’s missing is the humor. The clashes between the MCs until about halfway through isn’t banter or even sarcasm, but a lot of outrage, supposition, and accusations. The emphasis on city vs small town is kind of tired and juvenile: we all know bad things happen in small towns, too. I would’ve rated this higher had there been some levity; as is I give it three point five stars rounded up to four.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
When former classmate Robert returns to town from NYC after having made his fortune in hedge funds, Anya is incensed to learn that he’s opening an upscale bourbon and bookstore that will likely put the final nail in The Green Frog’s coffin.
As a confrontation between Anya and Robert becomes a public spectacle, he kisses her to stop her tirade. A viral TikTok later, and what follows is a “You’ve Got Mail”-ish romance.
It occurred to me while reading this book that what’s missing is the humor. The clashes between the MCs until about halfway through isn’t banter or even sarcasm, but a lot of outrage, supposition, and accusations. The emphasis on city vs small town is kind of tired and juvenile: we all know bad things happen in small towns, too. I would’ve rated this higher had there been some levity; as is I give it three point five stars rounded up to four.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
September 3, 2024
Stacked
Happily received the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Can you ever go home again? 2 small town kids try life in the big city and discover it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, returning home to settle down.
Set in the adorable town of New Burlington, Anya and Robert start as enemies, but after a viral TikTok, a parade, a wedding, and a move end up as lovers.
Any story set in a bookstore is will peak my interest, but these rival booksellers fell a little flat in my opinion. This is a great quick summer read, enjoyable enough, light spice, but a little too quick of a HEA. There were some chuckles while reading, but the com part of rom-com was a little lacking.
Absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a nice little stand alone romance, and I’m sad the Green Frog bookstore isn’t real!
Happily received the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Can you ever go home again? 2 small town kids try life in the big city and discover it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, returning home to settle down.
Set in the adorable town of New Burlington, Anya and Robert start as enemies, but after a viral TikTok, a parade, a wedding, and a move end up as lovers.
Any story set in a bookstore is will peak my interest, but these rival booksellers fell a little flat in my opinion. This is a great quick summer read, enjoyable enough, light spice, but a little too quick of a HEA. There were some chuckles while reading, but the com part of rom-com was a little lacking.
Absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a nice little stand alone romance, and I’m sad the Green Frog bookstore isn’t real!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
I started reading this book and got drawn in to how the enemies to lovers would work out.
Anya and Robert are both invested in their businesses and making them a success - for different reasons.
I felt sorry for Anya because Robert kept getting in early for the parade but it wasn't really his fault. She did presume a lot and went ballistic when the eventual happened. Robert was a real sweetie and could see the chemistry between them but Anya could only see the rivalry.
Unfortunately it went from angry to swoony too fast for me - from Anya's point of view. I would have liked a little more angst about liking your enemy.
The ending was a little rushed and he didn't have to work too hard to get Anya to forgive him..
This was a good read but could have been an excellent one with a few changes.
Anya and Robert are both invested in their businesses and making them a success - for different reasons.
I felt sorry for Anya because Robert kept getting in early for the parade but it wasn't really his fault. She did presume a lot and went ballistic when the eventual happened. Robert was a real sweetie and could see the chemistry between them but Anya could only see the rivalry.
Unfortunately it went from angry to swoony too fast for me - from Anya's point of view. I would have liked a little more angst about liking your enemy.
The ending was a little rushed and he didn't have to work too hard to get Anya to forgive him..
This was a good read but could have been an excellent one with a few changes.
August 30, 2024
I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows the concept of You’ve Got Mail, whether intentionally or unintentionally, in the way of two bookstores competing and the owners crushing on each other. You have your typical enemies to lovers type romance with a spice rating of 2-2.5.
I rate this book at 3.5- it was a quick and easy read. Cute with the focus being in a small midwestern town and I loved the inclusion of having a 4th of July parade float competition to give more character to the town. Definite room for some expansion of town people building and relationship building between the MMC and the FMC as I feel they were saying “I Love You” after 3 dates and not a lot of depth seen by the reader or shared with the reader.
The story follows the concept of You’ve Got Mail, whether intentionally or unintentionally, in the way of two bookstores competing and the owners crushing on each other. You have your typical enemies to lovers type romance with a spice rating of 2-2.5.
I rate this book at 3.5- it was a quick and easy read. Cute with the focus being in a small midwestern town and I loved the inclusion of having a 4th of July parade float competition to give more character to the town. Definite room for some expansion of town people building and relationship building between the MMC and the FMC as I feel they were saying “I Love You” after 3 dates and not a lot of depth seen by the reader or shared with the reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
New Burlington is a small town in Ohio that enjoys a robust economy because of larger towns nearby. When the owner of the bookstore, The Green Frog, steps down, she turns the store over to her manager Anya, who shares her love for books. When the guy who was the BMOC in Anya's high school class arrives in town, friction and attraction begin to build between Anya and Robert, the owner of the new bookstore. Competitive but still friendly, the two set out to best each other in the annual float parade. Fans of "You've Got Mail" will love this story as you try to compare the two storylines. It is pretty simple but still well worth reading.
September 25, 2025
***ARC Review***
This is a lighthearted rom-com style book following two small-town ‘kids’ as they navigate business rivalry (competing bookstores), attraction and coming/finding home.
This had enemies-to-lovers, and unfortunately Robert kept getting the better of Anya which increased the conflict. I was a bit disappointed when the feelings changed - I felt it was a bit too abrupt, unfortunately.
Based on that, the chemistry was a bit off - you don’t really feel it grow… it’s just there.
It had the potential to be great, the premise was solid, just the execution wasn’t quite there. I would say 3-3.5…
This is a lighthearted rom-com style book following two small-town ‘kids’ as they navigate business rivalry (competing bookstores), attraction and coming/finding home.
This had enemies-to-lovers, and unfortunately Robert kept getting the better of Anya which increased the conflict. I was a bit disappointed when the feelings changed - I felt it was a bit too abrupt, unfortunately.
Based on that, the chemistry was a bit off - you don’t really feel it grow… it’s just there.
It had the potential to be great, the premise was solid, just the execution wasn’t quite there. I would say 3-3.5…
August 28, 2024
If you’re looking for a great beach read look no further than Stacked. I love a good book based on,well, books. Bookstore reads are fun, especially when theirs a rival opening up in the same small town. I enjoyed Anya and Robert’s banter plus their relationship was so relatable it’s refreshing. The author dives into all the angst of dating and the dangers/trials women have to face. One can totally relate to Robert’s. He is the guy you know that everything seems to go his way. You love to hate him but hate to admit you love him.
September 4, 2024
Anya runs the Green Frog bookstore in New Burlington however when customer Mrs Peterson droppes the bombshell that a new bookstore slash bar is opening Anya is dismayed and wonders if the store will survive the competition.
Its gets worse when she finds out that Robert Kilgore is the owner of the new store. Anya now has two fights on her hands, keep the store going while battling the growing attraction she feels for Robert. Loved the interplay between Anya and Robert and read the book in one sitting.
Its gets worse when she finds out that Robert Kilgore is the owner of the new store. Anya now has two fights on her hands, keep the store going while battling the growing attraction she feels for Robert. Loved the interplay between Anya and Robert and read the book in one sitting.
November 22, 2024
This was an adorable little love story about two rival booksellers in a small town in Ohio. Anya manages the local, long-standing The Green Frog bookstore when Robert comes in and opens a Bookstore/Burbon place. Anya gets competitive as Robert gets the hots for Anya. Will he ever win her over?
This was an easy, quick read. I enjoyed the plot and characters; even the supporting characters were good. Anya’s friend Morgan was fun and likable, and Gwen, the owner of The Green Frog, gave off the vibes of your favorite grandmother.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and left me feeling happy.
This was an easy, quick read. I enjoyed the plot and characters; even the supporting characters were good. Anya’s friend Morgan was fun and likable, and Gwen, the owner of The Green Frog, gave off the vibes of your favorite grandmother.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and left me feeling happy.
August 26, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Robert and Anya
Genre- Rom Com
Length- 215 pages
Heat- They do the things without naming the parts. Much of it is closed door.
Series? N
Safety? Y
Triggers- none
Tropes- Enemies to Lovers, Great Minds Think Alike, Viral Moment, Bookstore-Bakery-or-Inn
Mewsings
What I liked- this was a cute story! A little reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner, but with its own original plot. I liked that two bookstore rivals could fall in love.
MMC/FMC- Robert and Anya
Genre- Rom Com
Length- 215 pages
Heat- They do the things without naming the parts. Much of it is closed door.
Series? N
Safety? Y
Triggers- none
Tropes- Enemies to Lovers, Great Minds Think Alike, Viral Moment, Bookstore-Bakery-or-Inn
Mewsings
What I liked- this was a cute story! A little reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner, but with its own original plot. I liked that two bookstore rivals could fall in love.
September 3, 2024
Robert and Anya went to school together but didn't really run with the same crowd. They both left, him to New York, her to Chicago, but she came back after an unpleasant event. She's been running the Green Frog for a long time, mostly on her own as the owner is getting on.
Now Robert is back intending to open a book shop too. She's really upset but more so when she meets him again, he's very attractive and she doesn't want to have feelings for him!
An entertaining read from Sara
Now Robert is back intending to open a book shop too. She's really upset but more so when she meets him again, he's very attractive and she doesn't want to have feelings for him!
An entertaining read from Sara
September 3, 2024
This is a standalone, easy read, set in a small town romance. Anya manages an established bookstore that is seeing diminishing sales. Robert is returning home from the big city to open a books and bourbon startup. The first part of the story deals with the conflict between the two main characters as Robert keeps coming out on top of every competing scenario the two face. Then they kiss and Anya's luck changes. Of course Robert messes up, but in the end we get our HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2024
Sort of a riff on You’ve Got Mail…
Anya is manager of a struggling bookstore in a small town. In rolls in her nemesis, Robert, with a bookstore that sells booze. He is like a bulldozer who blindly demolishes everything in his path, cuz it’s what he wants. Their interactions lacked banter and was more abrasive.
Anya is manager of a struggling bookstore in a small town. In rolls in her nemesis, Robert, with a bookstore that sells booze. He is like a bulldozer who blindly demolishes everything in his path, cuz it’s what he wants. Their interactions lacked banter and was more abrasive.
September 7, 2024
3.5 stars
February 20, 2025
It's giving Hallmark original movie.
November 3, 2025
Cute. A palette cleaner for sure.
December 3, 2025
You’ve Got Mail but boring.
September 24, 2025
I read Stacked by Sara Celi yesterday on a whim. I found it after looking for another book, and it seemed like it’d be cute. I really, really wanted to love it.
It’s a fine story. There just seemed to be something missing - chemistry between the two MCs is definitely part of it. It just all felt really forced and continued to feel that way throughout. Ugh, it could have been so much better! Two rival bookstore owners?? It could have been You’ve Got Mail for 2025!
I still have it 3 stars - it did keep me reading until it was too late. It was entertaining enough. I’m glad that I read it through KU rather than buying it, though.
It’s a fine story. There just seemed to be something missing - chemistry between the two MCs is definitely part of it. It just all felt really forced and continued to feel that way throughout. Ugh, it could have been so much better! Two rival bookstore owners?? It could have been You’ve Got Mail for 2025!
I still have it 3 stars - it did keep me reading until it was too late. It was entertaining enough. I’m glad that I read it through KU rather than buying it, though.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews