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Between Bookshelves: A Slow-Burn Lesbian Romance About Bookstore Love and Finding Home: A Tender WLW Bookstore Romance About First Love, Poetry, and Finding Home
A tender, slow-burn lesbian romance for fans of bookshop love stories, poetry, and emotionally intimate WLW fiction.
What happens when a quiet bookseller meets a girl who reads like she’s searching for something more?
In Between Bookshelves, debut author Sylvie Mercer invites you into a soft, emotionally rich lesbian love story set in a cozy independent bookstore. If you adore queer romance, found family, and sapphic slow burns that take their time unfolding, this is the WLW novel you’ve been waiting for.
Follow Sophie—a guarded bookstore owner with a poet’s soul—and Ava, a curious literature student whose questions go deeper than the page. Their connection begins with books, blossoms in the margins, and lingers long after the final chapter. From shared cups of tea to almost-kisses and whispered confessions, this story celebrates what it means to be truly seen—and truly loved.
What happens when a quiet bookseller meets a girl who reads like she’s searching for something more?
In Between Bookshelves, debut author Sylvie Mercer invites you into a soft, emotionally rich lesbian love story set in a cozy independent bookstore. If you adore queer romance, found family, and sapphic slow burns that take their time unfolding, this is the WLW novel you’ve been waiting for.
Follow Sophie—a guarded bookstore owner with a poet’s soul—and Ava, a curious literature student whose questions go deeper than the page. Their connection begins with books, blossoms in the margins, and lingers long after the final chapter. From shared cups of tea to almost-kisses and whispered confessions, this story celebrates what it means to be truly seen—and truly loved.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2025
8 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 18, 2025
I chose this book to read because I needed something sweet and light-hearted after a very dark book. It sort of felt like a short film/story. It could have been stretched out with more world building and certainly more character building, but the author kept it as a small story.
A book that was just pure life and romance and an easy read. I enjoyed it and it was definitely a quick one.
I would recommend it to people who want to clear their head or just whiz through something comforting. I will say the writing could have been better… how many times do you need to use the word “sacred” in one book. Metaphors and sentence structures felt heavily repeated- definitely not of high intellect.
But a sweet book nonetheless- and nice to read a WLW book that isn’t soul-wrenching!
A book that was just pure life and romance and an easy read. I enjoyed it and it was definitely a quick one.
I would recommend it to people who want to clear their head or just whiz through something comforting. I will say the writing could have been better… how many times do you need to use the word “sacred” in one book. Metaphors and sentence structures felt heavily repeated- definitely not of high intellect.
But a sweet book nonetheless- and nice to read a WLW book that isn’t soul-wrenching!
May 18, 2025
This book was honestly the best thing I’ve laid my eyes on for a long time when it comes to literature.
Sophie and Ava resonated with me in only a way me and my girlfriend resonate with each other.
I felt seen, appreciated and understood in ways I never knew I could.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful story, I’m so happy I read it.
Sophie and Ava resonated with me in only a way me and my girlfriend resonate with each other.
I felt seen, appreciated and understood in ways I never knew I could.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful story, I’m so happy I read it.
July 26, 2025
I loved the idea and wanted to love the story, but it read like something churned out by AI. Lot’s of “Not this, but that” style writing and em dashes…and then even referencing em dashes… it was over kill.
June 13, 2025
such a comfortable little read🫶 it made me feel so safe and peaceful 5/5 ⭐
January 17, 2026
“I want to live in a world where I can love who I love and not have to explain it.”
Between Bookshelves by Sylvie Mercer
159 pages
The genre is LGBTQ+ Romance.
Some tropes and themes include: small-town romance, slow burn, age gap, sunshine x grumpy, black cat x golden retriever, longing.
This is a standalone book.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and read it digitally.
I learned four new words.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Briefly mentioned a sex scene, the moments that led up to it and afterwards but never went into detail about the deed.
Enjoyability: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
First Thoughts:
I picked up this book during a difficult period in my life, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I chose this book because I was looking for an easygoing, romantic read, (with some WLW representation sprinkled in). This book delivered on all fronts—and more. It exceeded my expectations in the best way.
What I liked:
- Firstly, the author’s note is one of the best I have ever read. It was detailed, heartfelt, and genuinely touching; it felt like a warm hug. Before even reaching page one, I already felt connected to the author and her writing.
- The writing itself really stood out to me. With every page I turned, the wording and descriptions felt fresh and meaningful. Nearly every page made me feel something in some way, highlight way too many quotes and moments. The description of literal rain, for example, touched me so much that I guarantee will remember it in months to come.
- I also loved the inclusion of quotes from other pieces of literature and poetry. They never felt out of place. Every quote or reference was picked mindfully and added depth to the story. Many focused on WLW experiences and the struggles that come with being a WLW individual. These moments struck a chord with me. It hit me in my heart consistently, and triggered many reflection moments. My TBR list has also grown due to these references.
- The central relationship in the book was… chefs kiss. The author fully embraces the WLW relationship, portraying a series of beautiful conversations and moments that centre around identity, love and queerness. This book made me feel truly seen, not only through its representation but also through its characters and romantic storyline. The author succeeds in crafting a relationship that develops naturally and realistically, whilst still marinating a dreamy and romantic undertone..
- I also loved how slow, gentle, and comforting the book was. It was easy to read and not mentally demanding, which made it perfect for my current life circumstances. Coming back to it after a hard day felt soothing, like curling up under a blanket with a warm cup of tea. This book truly became part of my safe space.
What I disliked:
- My only critique is that I wanted more time with the characters and their relationship. Once they got together, the story felt like it ended too quickly. I would have loved to see their dynamic explored further— but this is really just the complaint of a reader who didn’t want the story to end.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and despite it being an easygoing read, I know I’ll remember both the story and the feelings it gave me for a long time. It came into my life at the perfect time, and I found myself growing very attached to the characters and their journey.
I will absolutely reread this book in the future, and plan to explore more of the author’s work. Her writing impacted me deeply, and I’m excited to follow along with her writing journey.
If you’re looking for a cosy, comforting romance best enjoyed under a blanket with a warm drink, I highly recommend giving this a try. Fans of small-town romances (with WLW representation sprinkled in), and avid bookworms will likely adore this book. A quick warning, though: one character dog-ears pages… so, if you consider that a crime like I do, be prepared!
It appears in one of my favourite descriptions inside the book, and it stayed with me throughout. I feel like the word perfectly captures the dreamy, soft atmosphere of the bookstore setting, and emphasises the magical feeling that the book left me with.
Ava didn’t smile. “I came for a book.” Sophie nodded, like this was normal. “Anything specific?” “You,” Ava said.
Between Bookshelves by Sylvie Mercer
159 pages
The genre is LGBTQ+ Romance.
Some tropes and themes include: small-town romance, slow burn, age gap, sunshine x grumpy, black cat x golden retriever, longing.
This is a standalone book.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited and read it digitally.
I learned four new words.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Briefly mentioned a sex scene, the moments that led up to it and afterwards but never went into detail about the deed.
Enjoyability: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
First Thoughts:
I picked up this book during a difficult period in my life, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I chose this book because I was looking for an easygoing, romantic read, (with some WLW representation sprinkled in). This book delivered on all fronts—and more. It exceeded my expectations in the best way.
What I liked:
- Firstly, the author’s note is one of the best I have ever read. It was detailed, heartfelt, and genuinely touching; it felt like a warm hug. Before even reaching page one, I already felt connected to the author and her writing.
- The writing itself really stood out to me. With every page I turned, the wording and descriptions felt fresh and meaningful. Nearly every page made me feel something in some way, highlight way too many quotes and moments. The description of literal rain, for example, touched me so much that I guarantee will remember it in months to come.
- I also loved the inclusion of quotes from other pieces of literature and poetry. They never felt out of place. Every quote or reference was picked mindfully and added depth to the story. Many focused on WLW experiences and the struggles that come with being a WLW individual. These moments struck a chord with me. It hit me in my heart consistently, and triggered many reflection moments. My TBR list has also grown due to these references.
- The central relationship in the book was… chefs kiss. The author fully embraces the WLW relationship, portraying a series of beautiful conversations and moments that centre around identity, love and queerness. This book made me feel truly seen, not only through its representation but also through its characters and romantic storyline. The author succeeds in crafting a relationship that develops naturally and realistically, whilst still marinating a dreamy and romantic undertone..
- I also loved how slow, gentle, and comforting the book was. It was easy to read and not mentally demanding, which made it perfect for my current life circumstances. Coming back to it after a hard day felt soothing, like curling up under a blanket with a warm cup of tea. This book truly became part of my safe space.
What I disliked:
- My only critique is that I wanted more time with the characters and their relationship. Once they got together, the story felt like it ended too quickly. I would have loved to see their dynamic explored further— but this is really just the complaint of a reader who didn’t want the story to end.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and despite it being an easygoing read, I know I’ll remember both the story and the feelings it gave me for a long time. It came into my life at the perfect time, and I found myself growing very attached to the characters and their journey.
I will absolutely reread this book in the future, and plan to explore more of the author’s work. Her writing impacted me deeply, and I’m excited to follow along with her writing journey.
If you’re looking for a cosy, comforting romance best enjoyed under a blanket with a warm drink, I highly recommend giving this a try. Fans of small-town romances (with WLW representation sprinkled in), and avid bookworms will likely adore this book. A quick warning, though: one character dog-ears pages… so, if you consider that a crime like I do, be prepared!
It appears in one of my favourite descriptions inside the book, and it stayed with me throughout. I feel like the word perfectly captures the dreamy, soft atmosphere of the bookstore setting, and emphasises the magical feeling that the book left me with.
Ava didn’t smile. “I came for a book.” Sophie nodded, like this was normal. “Anything specific?” “You,” Ava said.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews