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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
406 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2025
About the author
Elise Kennedy
18 books319 followersI write cozy, steamy, contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 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. 🤧
September 23, 2026
Unexpectedly Bookish by Elise Kennedy
Love in Fairwick Falls series#4. Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. Curvy and erotic. A spin on You’ve Got Mail with small town and grumpy sunshine troupes.
Reed and Pearl working in a bookstore together. They can’t stand each other. At all. In person at least.
By chance, they are also messaging each other, not realizing it’s the other, complaining and boosting each other. And getting a little frisky too.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Rachel Dane and Grayson Owen. The performances of both were fantastic, giving the characters the double lives they are experiencing. It’s a dual format so each has their own chapter POV. They each do both voices with varying pitch making conversions easy and fun to follow. The audiobook is engaging and highly entertaining.
I got so much enjoyment from listening to them bicker and snark at each other in person and commiserate via text with their pen pal. I couldn’t wait to hear the reveal.
Very steamy with two yummy epilogues.
Includes curvy female, autistic characteristics, and misophonia.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op. I purchased a copy to listen to again in the future.
Love in Fairwick Falls series#4. Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. Curvy and erotic. A spin on You’ve Got Mail with small town and grumpy sunshine troupes.
Reed and Pearl working in a bookstore together. They can’t stand each other. At all. In person at least.
By chance, they are also messaging each other, not realizing it’s the other, complaining and boosting each other. And getting a little frisky too.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Rachel Dane and Grayson Owen. The performances of both were fantastic, giving the characters the double lives they are experiencing. It’s a dual format so each has their own chapter POV. They each do both voices with varying pitch making conversions easy and fun to follow. The audiobook is engaging and highly entertaining.
I got so much enjoyment from listening to them bicker and snark at each other in person and commiserate via text with their pen pal. I couldn’t wait to hear the reveal.
Very steamy with two yummy epilogues.
Includes curvy female, autistic characteristics, and misophonia.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op. I purchased a copy to listen to again in the future.
March 29, 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!
September 15, 2026
Nobody Had to Become Less Themselves to Get the HEA
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an advance listening copy.
⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 5/5 | 🎧 5/5
This book had so many tropes that work for me on paper—brother’s best friend, black cat/golden retriever, forced proximity, workplace romance, anonymous texting—but what made it a five-star read was how much substance existed underneath them.
Pearl and Reed are funny and ridiculously spicy together, but their relationship is ultimately about being known accurately, accommodated without shame, and loved as the person you actually are.
Reed’s neurodivergence was one of my favorite parts of the book. His autism, misophonia, sensory needs, awkwardness, and exhaustion from constantly being expected to adapt felt specific and lived-in rather than like a collection of traits attached to a character. I especially loved that Pearl never treated accommodating him as some extraordinary act of kindness. She listened, believed him, and adjusted without making him feel fragile or burdensome. The author’s note added meaningful context to why that representation felt so grounded.
Pearl receives that same acceptance. Reed doesn’t fall for her and then slowly sand down everything that makes her Pearl. She gets to remain morbid, sarcastic, angry, tattooed, fiercely opinionated, and deeply caring. Even happiness cannot stop this woman from essentially responding to feelings with, “Ew.” 😂 Their black cat/golden retriever dynamic was genuinely excellent because neither person needed to become more like the other for the relationship to work.
I also loved how much characterization happened through behavior. Pearl’s allergen-conscious baking is rooted in wanting her niece, who has a life-threatening food allergy, to have normal childhood food experiences. Reed doesn’t just tell Pearl he supports her dream; he starts thinking about ingredients, accessibility, and how his bookstore can better accommodate families like hers. Again and again, love in this book looks like paying attention.
The anonymous texting was equally well done. It wasn’t just a cute hidden-identity gimmick—their online relationship developed real emotional and sexual intimacy, which made the eventual reveal matter. And without spoiling how it happens, I was VERY nervous about the potential for manufactured drama here. I loved the choice the book made instead.
Actually, the communication throughout this romance deserves its own flowers. These two manage jealousy, boundaries, honesty, attraction, and potentially messy situations like adults without turning every misunderstanding into a possessive meltdown. Bless them.
And yes, the spice is spicing. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Sexting, dirty talk, toys, explicit scenes—the five peppers were not awarded ceremonially. 😂 But even the sexual relationship contributes to their intimacy and character development rather than feeling pasted onto the romance.
Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens also earned a full 5/5 from me. This is dual narration rather than duet, and I would have loved duet for such a dialogue- and chemistry-heavy story, but that didn’t diminish how well the performances worked. Grayson Owens isn’t necessarily the type of voice I’d automatically gravitate toward, but he was so right for Reed that character fit completely outweighed my usual narrator preferences.
Most importantly, this book never asked either character to become easier to love.
Pearl’s rage stayed intact. Reed’s autism stayed intact. They simply found someone willing to learn who they actually were.
That got me.
Who Should Listen?
Pick this up if you want a very spicy small-town romance with black cat/golden retriever energy, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, anonymous online flirting, a bookish setting, strong neurodivergent representation, plus-size representation, allergy-family representation, and characters who actually communicate. It also works cleanly as an interconnected standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an advance listening copy.
⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 5/5 | 🎧 5/5
This book had so many tropes that work for me on paper—brother’s best friend, black cat/golden retriever, forced proximity, workplace romance, anonymous texting—but what made it a five-star read was how much substance existed underneath them.
Pearl and Reed are funny and ridiculously spicy together, but their relationship is ultimately about being known accurately, accommodated without shame, and loved as the person you actually are.
Reed’s neurodivergence was one of my favorite parts of the book. His autism, misophonia, sensory needs, awkwardness, and exhaustion from constantly being expected to adapt felt specific and lived-in rather than like a collection of traits attached to a character. I especially loved that Pearl never treated accommodating him as some extraordinary act of kindness. She listened, believed him, and adjusted without making him feel fragile or burdensome. The author’s note added meaningful context to why that representation felt so grounded.
Pearl receives that same acceptance. Reed doesn’t fall for her and then slowly sand down everything that makes her Pearl. She gets to remain morbid, sarcastic, angry, tattooed, fiercely opinionated, and deeply caring. Even happiness cannot stop this woman from essentially responding to feelings with, “Ew.” 😂 Their black cat/golden retriever dynamic was genuinely excellent because neither person needed to become more like the other for the relationship to work.
I also loved how much characterization happened through behavior. Pearl’s allergen-conscious baking is rooted in wanting her niece, who has a life-threatening food allergy, to have normal childhood food experiences. Reed doesn’t just tell Pearl he supports her dream; he starts thinking about ingredients, accessibility, and how his bookstore can better accommodate families like hers. Again and again, love in this book looks like paying attention.
The anonymous texting was equally well done. It wasn’t just a cute hidden-identity gimmick—their online relationship developed real emotional and sexual intimacy, which made the eventual reveal matter. And without spoiling how it happens, I was VERY nervous about the potential for manufactured drama here. I loved the choice the book made instead.
Actually, the communication throughout this romance deserves its own flowers. These two manage jealousy, boundaries, honesty, attraction, and potentially messy situations like adults without turning every misunderstanding into a possessive meltdown. Bless them.
And yes, the spice is spicing. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Sexting, dirty talk, toys, explicit scenes—the five peppers were not awarded ceremonially. 😂 But even the sexual relationship contributes to their intimacy and character development rather than feeling pasted onto the romance.
Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens also earned a full 5/5 from me. This is dual narration rather than duet, and I would have loved duet for such a dialogue- and chemistry-heavy story, but that didn’t diminish how well the performances worked. Grayson Owens isn’t necessarily the type of voice I’d automatically gravitate toward, but he was so right for Reed that character fit completely outweighed my usual narrator preferences.
Most importantly, this book never asked either character to become easier to love.
Pearl’s rage stayed intact. Reed’s autism stayed intact. They simply found someone willing to learn who they actually were.
That got me.
Who Should Listen?
Pick this up if you want a very spicy small-town romance with black cat/golden retriever energy, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, anonymous online flirting, a bookish setting, strong neurodivergent representation, plus-size representation, allergy-family representation, and characters who actually communicate. It also works cleanly as an interconnected standalone.
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!!!
September 13, 2026
Nerdy, punk, gothic and spicey!!!
Another beautiful read!!
Another beautiful read!!
September 19, 2026
Another great book by Elise Kennedy! This is the third book I’ve read in this series and it’s just as good as the previous ones! This series is so cute and heart warming and funny (and spicy!)
I love that Elise puts REAL characters in her stories. Real characters with real issues and anxieties. This story in particular features a plus-sized MFC and a neurodivergent MMC. I have an autistic son so I appreciate the realistic way neurodivergence is handled in this story.
Pearl is a mood! She’s a plus sized emo/goth goddess who loves family and friends, reading is her passion, and she bakes gluten free goodies on the side. She’s blunt and doesn’t sugar coat things. She says what she means but not in a mean way. She’s very loveable and I’d love to have her as a friend.
Reed is so adorable! (I love guys with glasses) I want to hug him! He's a total golden retriever boy! He is her brother’s best friend! He’s needy, smart, bookish, and neurodivergent. I can feel his anxiety and shyness in the story. I sympathize with him and identify with him in many ways. He’s developed an online relationship with Bookish (his online crush) who he feels very connected to ….more so than anyone. But she’s also crushing on Pearl, who is his assistant.
Through this story we see Pearl and Reed deal with life decisions and obstacles. Through this they discover things about themselves and help each other in ways they didn’t realize they needed.
This story touches my heart in some many ways as Pearl could simply try to improve Reed, but she doesn’t. She makes him more comfortable in ian anxious situation. He even says that she meets him where he is instead of trying to improve him. This is a good lesson on acceptance especially for a neurodivergent individual.
Pearl… oh my! She is so funny! Again, I love her! The wedding story! I was in Walmart parking lot with tears streaming down my face I was laughing so hard! That scene had me in stitches!
Pearl and Reed’s chemistry is amazing. You can really tell that they love and respect each other. I guess their backstory and connection made for even more chemistry for later. They were absolutely perfect! So far they are my favorite couple of the series!
Let’s talk about the ending. It was ADORABLE! So much so that I had tears forming in my eyes. It was perfect! It was a very satisfying ending for both characters that was completely them.
The narrators for this story were perfect! They really brought Pearl and Reed to life.
So all in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was well worth the read/listen (the whole series is). I can’t wait to dive into the next one.
Tropes/themes: brother’s best friend, online crush, plus sizes FMC, emo/goth FMC, nerdy MMC, autism representation, bookish characters, baking, acceptance, found family
Thank you so much to Elise Kennedy, Netgalley and Victory Editing for the pleasure of reviewing this book.
I love that Elise puts REAL characters in her stories. Real characters with real issues and anxieties. This story in particular features a plus-sized MFC and a neurodivergent MMC. I have an autistic son so I appreciate the realistic way neurodivergence is handled in this story.
Pearl is a mood! She’s a plus sized emo/goth goddess who loves family and friends, reading is her passion, and she bakes gluten free goodies on the side. She’s blunt and doesn’t sugar coat things. She says what she means but not in a mean way. She’s very loveable and I’d love to have her as a friend.
Reed is so adorable! (I love guys with glasses) I want to hug him! He's a total golden retriever boy! He is her brother’s best friend! He’s needy, smart, bookish, and neurodivergent. I can feel his anxiety and shyness in the story. I sympathize with him and identify with him in many ways. He’s developed an online relationship with Bookish (his online crush) who he feels very connected to ….more so than anyone. But she’s also crushing on Pearl, who is his assistant.
Through this story we see Pearl and Reed deal with life decisions and obstacles. Through this they discover things about themselves and help each other in ways they didn’t realize they needed.
This story touches my heart in some many ways as Pearl could simply try to improve Reed, but she doesn’t. She makes him more comfortable in ian anxious situation. He even says that she meets him where he is instead of trying to improve him. This is a good lesson on acceptance especially for a neurodivergent individual.
Pearl… oh my! She is so funny! Again, I love her! The wedding story! I was in Walmart parking lot with tears streaming down my face I was laughing so hard! That scene had me in stitches!
Pearl and Reed’s chemistry is amazing. You can really tell that they love and respect each other. I guess their backstory and connection made for even more chemistry for later. They were absolutely perfect! So far they are my favorite couple of the series!
Let’s talk about the ending. It was ADORABLE! So much so that I had tears forming in my eyes. It was perfect! It was a very satisfying ending for both characters that was completely them.
The narrators for this story were perfect! They really brought Pearl and Reed to life.
So all in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was well worth the read/listen (the whole series is). I can’t wait to dive into the next one.
Tropes/themes: brother’s best friend, online crush, plus sizes FMC, emo/goth FMC, nerdy MMC, autism representation, bookish characters, baking, acceptance, found family
Thank you so much to Elise Kennedy, Netgalley and Victory Editing for the pleasure of reviewing this book.
March 30, 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.
September 19, 2026
📖 Unexpectedly Bookish
✍️ Elise Kennedy
📚 Love in Fairwick Falls, Book 4
🎙️ Rachel Dane & Grayson Owens
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I sort of loved this one. ❤️
“Unexpectedly Bookish” is such a sweet story about two people falling for each other virtually AND in person… completely unbeknownst to them.
What really stood out to me was Reed’s autism representation, particularly the acceptance and willingness of the people around him to accommodate his challenges without making a big deal out of it. As a mom of a son with profound autism, that kind of representation is incredibly important to me. I loved seeing people simply recognize what Reed needed and be willing to meet him there.
Both Reed and Pearl are flawed in ways that made them feel real. They’re each struggling with where they are in life, how they see themselves, and how much of their true selves they’re willing to let other people see. Watching those walls slowly come down was probably my favorite part of their relationship.
And yes, there’s plenty of open-door romance if that’s your vibe 🔥, but this book offers so much more than the spice. There’s friendship, vulnerability, acceptance, and two people figuring out how to show someone else who they really are.
Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens were both new-to-me narrators, and I really enjoyed their performances. They each brought something different to Reed and Pearl while also giving the supporting characters distinct voices. I’d happily listen to either of them again.
Sweet, spicy, bookish, and unexpectedly heartfelt. ❤️
✍️ Elise Kennedy
📚 Love in Fairwick Falls, Book 4
🎙️ Rachel Dane & Grayson Owens
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I sort of loved this one. ❤️
“Unexpectedly Bookish” is such a sweet story about two people falling for each other virtually AND in person… completely unbeknownst to them.
What really stood out to me was Reed’s autism representation, particularly the acceptance and willingness of the people around him to accommodate his challenges without making a big deal out of it. As a mom of a son with profound autism, that kind of representation is incredibly important to me. I loved seeing people simply recognize what Reed needed and be willing to meet him there.
Both Reed and Pearl are flawed in ways that made them feel real. They’re each struggling with where they are in life, how they see themselves, and how much of their true selves they’re willing to let other people see. Watching those walls slowly come down was probably my favorite part of their relationship.
And yes, there’s plenty of open-door romance if that’s your vibe 🔥, but this book offers so much more than the spice. There’s friendship, vulnerability, acceptance, and two people figuring out how to show someone else who they really are.
Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens were both new-to-me narrators, and I really enjoyed their performances. They each brought something different to Reed and Pearl while also giving the supporting characters distinct voices. I’d happily listen to either of them again.
Sweet, spicy, bookish, and unexpectedly heartfelt. ❤️
March 29, 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 14, 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!
September 11, 2026
Um...I'm obsessed! I flew through this book SO FAST, I absolutely loved it. Reed and Pearl are such a perfect match, despite being just about as opposite as they can be. I loved how the story shook out, it was like You've Got Mail on steroids. The secret pining on both characters' parts is SO enticing! The way that these two made me swoon and kick my feet like a giddy schoolgirl! I love their energy, their banter, and the representation of a plus size FMC and an autistic & virginal MMC. They are the definition of black cat x golden retriever energy, and I loved every second.
Pearl is a goth princess who loves three things: books, specialty baking, and her online chatroom beau. She is sarcastic and feisty, while also struggling internally with her body image and self worth. I appreciate Elise's way of writing Pearl as a plus-size character, it made her very relatable as a fellow plus-size woman.
Reed is a failed architect trying to make his way as an indie bookstore owner. He is quirky and has a touch of the 'tism, which makes him struggle a bit socially. He feels comfortable with Pearl, however, as well as his online love interest. They both make him feel as though his quirks are an asset, not a burden.
Major props to Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens for absolutely nailing these characters! Rachel excelled in delivering Pearl's sarcasm and wit, and she deserves special recognition for voicing Beulah. Grayson brings a lovable quality to Reed, and makes his awkwardness endearing. They both do an amazing job with the banter and chemistry between Pearl and Reed.
Pearl is a goth princess who loves three things: books, specialty baking, and her online chatroom beau. She is sarcastic and feisty, while also struggling internally with her body image and self worth. I appreciate Elise's way of writing Pearl as a plus-size character, it made her very relatable as a fellow plus-size woman.
Reed is a failed architect trying to make his way as an indie bookstore owner. He is quirky and has a touch of the 'tism, which makes him struggle a bit socially. He feels comfortable with Pearl, however, as well as his online love interest. They both make him feel as though his quirks are an asset, not a burden.
Major props to Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens for absolutely nailing these characters! Rachel excelled in delivering Pearl's sarcasm and wit, and she deserves special recognition for voicing Beulah. Grayson brings a lovable quality to Reed, and makes his awkwardness endearing. They both do an amazing job with the banter and chemistry between Pearl and Reed.
September 18, 2026
Absolutely hands down my favorite of the series so far!! Read and Pearl were the perfect unconventional romance with a goth girl not scared to embrace all of her dreams and take em when she meets her Clark Kent, nerodivergent bookstore owner, Read. I loved all their spicy back and forth texts before they ever realized they knew one another in real life. I couldn't help but squeal when they realized who the other was....it was absolutely perfect. This was one of the best representations that love is sometimes found in the most unexpected places. Thank you Elise Kennedy and Netgalley for another fabulous read in this one. I absolutely devoured the audio and feel like the narrators, Rachel Dayne and Grayson Owens were awesome in duet narration for this one.
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.
April 30, 2026
RTC but damn this was perfect 😍
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 7, 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:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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### 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**
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**What I didn't like Spoilers**
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**Tropes**
As I said above this book is a bit of a "romance trope salad". Here is a list, I probably forgot some:
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### 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
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Published March 31, 2025
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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
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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
September 20, 2026
Thanks, NetGalley for advance listener copy of Unexpectedly Bookish 🫶🏻 this is book 4 in the Love in Fairwick Falls series but can be read as a standalone 😁
⭐️4/5
🎧5/5
🌶️5/5
Basically: small town romance, prickly plus sized FMC and cinnamon roll neurodivergent MMC, his best friends little sister, he fell years ago, one bookstore, forced proximity, anonymous spicy texting, and the inevitable “wait… YOU’RE the person I’ve been sexting?” crisis. 📚💀
Reed, human sunshine actually as hot as the sun, gives up his career as an architect and moves back to town having been on the hunt for the perfect bookstore to renovate and own. His new assistant is his best friends little sister, Pearl who can only be described as a marshmallow rolled in glass and barbed wire.
She’s living with her brother and his kid to help them out but when they go for an extended trip, broski has the great idea that Reed can stay in his place while the apartment attached to the bookstore is being renovated. Aaaaand that Reed should hire Pearl as an assistant to get the shop running quickly.
He pisses the shit out of her, or would have him believe, and bless him, he’s trying to chisel away at her tough exterior.
But don’t know who is nice to him? impossibly_bookish a gal he met online that he’s been texting, sexting for a while and may be falling for. But he doesn’t know what she looks like and she lives all the way in Colorado. Or does she?? And that’s fine coz Pearl also has an anonymous online beau hemingway_cansuckit to keep her occupied.
So they’re close as fuck online, some seriously steamy texting, and offline they’re oblivious but as they get to know each other more they both start to have internal dilemmas about having feelings for 2 peoples…. LOOOL what are the chances? 🤷🏼♀️
I really enjoyed this one a lot more than I expected - I’m always pretty middle of the road when it comes to contemporary romance and within the first few chapters I wasn’t sure I was gonna have a good time coz Pearl is a complete dickhead a lot of the times. One of the opening scenes is her withholding an EpiPen from someone going into anaphylaxis and while he was a raging misogynist it did feel a bit icky and close to home.
By the end of the book she did thaw a bit and I warmed up to her but she’s definitely not my favourite FMC. Having said that I did appreciate the fact that the characters stay “flawed” and were loved regardless.
🔆Reed however was sweet as sugar but also filthy is fuuuuuck and… 🫦 inexperienced. Like V-card inexperienced. But he wasn’t a fumbling little wallflower oh no and MOUTH on that man 😰🥵 he literally buys her a new vibrator in his likeness (holds hands very far apart) and sends it to her - if that ain’t love… 🌶️
🎙️Rachel Danes and Grayson Owens really suited the characters - a perfect fit. Would have loved for this to have been duet to really feed into the chemistry but the dial still worked for me 🔥
Anyway. There were a LOT of plot points thrown in where ya did have to suspend yer disbelief a bit and it is the usual like “ah I’m a fuck up or I have issues but I’m actually really talented and cool and lovable”
But the book had a lot of heart, covered some pretty diverse topics and had some deep conversations. 💥as someone who has sensory issues I felt like this captured it so perfectly and I felt seen and like my feelings are valid
🔥🥵🌶️ hot hot hot. I loved that the scenes didn’t seem just tossed in but actually helped set the chemistry and deepened the relationship between them emotionally too wasn’t just PWP 🫦
This had so many of my favourite tropes tho
🔆 Golden Retriever MMC
🥀 Forced Proximity
🔆Trapped in a (insert anything here) spice
🥀HOT AF
🔆Sexting (anonymous)
🥀Found Family
🔆Inexperienced MMC
🥀Siblings Best Friend
⭐️4/5
🎧5/5
🌶️5/5
Basically: small town romance, prickly plus sized FMC and cinnamon roll neurodivergent MMC, his best friends little sister, he fell years ago, one bookstore, forced proximity, anonymous spicy texting, and the inevitable “wait… YOU’RE the person I’ve been sexting?” crisis. 📚💀
Reed, human sunshine actually as hot as the sun, gives up his career as an architect and moves back to town having been on the hunt for the perfect bookstore to renovate and own. His new assistant is his best friends little sister, Pearl who can only be described as a marshmallow rolled in glass and barbed wire.
She’s living with her brother and his kid to help them out but when they go for an extended trip, broski has the great idea that Reed can stay in his place while the apartment attached to the bookstore is being renovated. Aaaaand that Reed should hire Pearl as an assistant to get the shop running quickly.
He pisses the shit out of her, or would have him believe, and bless him, he’s trying to chisel away at her tough exterior.
But don’t know who is nice to him? impossibly_bookish a gal he met online that he’s been texting, sexting for a while and may be falling for. But he doesn’t know what she looks like and she lives all the way in Colorado. Or does she?? And that’s fine coz Pearl also has an anonymous online beau hemingway_cansuckit to keep her occupied.
So they’re close as fuck online, some seriously steamy texting, and offline they’re oblivious but as they get to know each other more they both start to have internal dilemmas about having feelings for 2 peoples…. LOOOL what are the chances? 🤷🏼♀️
I really enjoyed this one a lot more than I expected - I’m always pretty middle of the road when it comes to contemporary romance and within the first few chapters I wasn’t sure I was gonna have a good time coz Pearl is a complete dickhead a lot of the times. One of the opening scenes is her withholding an EpiPen from someone going into anaphylaxis and while he was a raging misogynist it did feel a bit icky and close to home.
By the end of the book she did thaw a bit and I warmed up to her but she’s definitely not my favourite FMC. Having said that I did appreciate the fact that the characters stay “flawed” and were loved regardless.
🔆Reed however was sweet as sugar but also filthy is fuuuuuck and… 🫦 inexperienced. Like V-card inexperienced. But he wasn’t a fumbling little wallflower oh no and MOUTH on that man 😰🥵 he literally buys her a new vibrator in his likeness (holds hands very far apart) and sends it to her - if that ain’t love… 🌶️
🎙️Rachel Danes and Grayson Owens really suited the characters - a perfect fit. Would have loved for this to have been duet to really feed into the chemistry but the dial still worked for me 🔥
Anyway. There were a LOT of plot points thrown in where ya did have to suspend yer disbelief a bit and it is the usual like “ah I’m a fuck up or I have issues but I’m actually really talented and cool and lovable”
But the book had a lot of heart, covered some pretty diverse topics and had some deep conversations. 💥as someone who has sensory issues I felt like this captured it so perfectly and I felt seen and like my feelings are valid
🔥🥵🌶️ hot hot hot. I loved that the scenes didn’t seem just tossed in but actually helped set the chemistry and deepened the relationship between them emotionally too wasn’t just PWP 🫦
This had so many of my favourite tropes tho
🔆 Golden Retriever MMC
🥀 Forced Proximity
🔆Trapped in a (insert anything here) spice
🥀HOT AF
🔆Sexting (anonymous)
🥀Found Family
🔆Inexperienced MMC
🥀Siblings Best Friend
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!
September 20, 2026
🎧 Audiobook Review — Unexpectedly Bookish by Elise Kennedy
Narration Notes
Huge thank‑you to NetGalley for the ALC — even though the book is already out, this audiobook was such a treat. Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens bring the exact energy this story needs. Their delivery feels natural, warm, and lived‑in, and they make Reed and Pearl feel like real people you’re eavesdropping on instead of characters being performed. It’s cozy, it’s smooth, and it fits the tone perfectly.
⭐ Review
Elise to the front of the class please...you have new fan!!! I went into this thinking it would be cute, and instead I got a tender, affirming, black‑cat‑meets‑golden‑retriever romance that had me kicking my feet.
We’ve got Pearl — our plus‑size, bookish, all‑black‑everything FMC who gives full black cat energy but hides a heart of gold under all that eyeliner. She will do anything for her niece, especially when it comes to her gluten allergy. Pearl is out here baking allergen‑free cakes, making treats so her niece feels included at school, and basically doing the most because she knows exactly what it feels like to be singled out. As a plus‑size, gothic woman, she’s used to being overlooked or judged, and she refuses to let her niece feel that same sting.
And then there’s Reed — our autistic, neurodivergent MMC who has just moved to town to open a bookstore. He’s sweet, thoughtful, a little awkward, and has quirks that some people don’t understand… but Pearl? She gets him. She accommodates him without making it a big deal, because she knows what it’s like to move through the world feeling “different.” And Reed sees that. He sees her. And he is absolutely, overwhelmingly drawn to her.
The twist?
They’ve been texting each other for months — flirty, vulnerable, late‑night messages without realizing they’re talking to the person right in front of them. Pearl is working at Reed’s bookstore. Reed is falling for Pearl in real life. Pearl is falling for Reed online. And neither of them knows....... Delicious 🤤 😋
It’s tender. It’s funny. It’s messy in the human way. And yes, Reed may be a virgin, but this man has BDE and I was here for it!!!!!!!. He’s confident, he knows what he wants, and he brings that quiet, steady energy that makes you feel like yes zaddyyyyy 😂 👌🏿 It’s just… presence. Assurance. Intention. I was sat!
What I loved most is how affirming this story is. It reminds you that the right person won’t make you feel like an inconvenience. They won’t treat your needs like a burden. They’ll want to show up for you because loving you means loving all the things that come with you.
This was my first Elise Kennedy book, and I’m absolutely a fan now. I’ll be digging through her backlist immediately because this one? This one was giving.
Narration Notes
Huge thank‑you to NetGalley for the ALC — even though the book is already out, this audiobook was such a treat. Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens bring the exact energy this story needs. Their delivery feels natural, warm, and lived‑in, and they make Reed and Pearl feel like real people you’re eavesdropping on instead of characters being performed. It’s cozy, it’s smooth, and it fits the tone perfectly.
⭐ Review
Elise to the front of the class please...you have new fan!!! I went into this thinking it would be cute, and instead I got a tender, affirming, black‑cat‑meets‑golden‑retriever romance that had me kicking my feet.
We’ve got Pearl — our plus‑size, bookish, all‑black‑everything FMC who gives full black cat energy but hides a heart of gold under all that eyeliner. She will do anything for her niece, especially when it comes to her gluten allergy. Pearl is out here baking allergen‑free cakes, making treats so her niece feels included at school, and basically doing the most because she knows exactly what it feels like to be singled out. As a plus‑size, gothic woman, she’s used to being overlooked or judged, and she refuses to let her niece feel that same sting.
And then there’s Reed — our autistic, neurodivergent MMC who has just moved to town to open a bookstore. He’s sweet, thoughtful, a little awkward, and has quirks that some people don’t understand… but Pearl? She gets him. She accommodates him without making it a big deal, because she knows what it’s like to move through the world feeling “different.” And Reed sees that. He sees her. And he is absolutely, overwhelmingly drawn to her.
The twist?
They’ve been texting each other for months — flirty, vulnerable, late‑night messages without realizing they’re talking to the person right in front of them. Pearl is working at Reed’s bookstore. Reed is falling for Pearl in real life. Pearl is falling for Reed online. And neither of them knows....... Delicious 🤤 😋
It’s tender. It’s funny. It’s messy in the human way. And yes, Reed may be a virgin, but this man has BDE and I was here for it!!!!!!!. He’s confident, he knows what he wants, and he brings that quiet, steady energy that makes you feel like yes zaddyyyyy 😂 👌🏿 It’s just… presence. Assurance. Intention. I was sat!
What I loved most is how affirming this story is. It reminds you that the right person won’t make you feel like an inconvenience. They won’t treat your needs like a burden. They’ll want to show up for you because loving you means loving all the things that come with you.
This was my first Elise Kennedy book, and I’m absolutely a fan now. I’ll be digging through her backlist immediately because this one? This one was giving.
September 20, 2026
I requested Unexpected Bookish on NetGalley because something about it pulled me in. And apparently my instincts were working overtime because they led me straight to my new favorite author: Elise Kennedy.
This is one of the most satisfying reads I’ve had in a while.
✅️Book girlies… THIS BOOK COVERS SO MANY OF THE TROPES WE LOVE.
One thing I see ALL the time in book reviews is how much everyone hates the miscommunication trope.
🙋🏻♀️ I’m included in that statement.
But hear me out…
This isn’t miscommunication.
It’s more of a mutual “There’s no reason to tell you, so why would I?” situation. And somehow that distinction makes ALLLLL the difference.
This book is light AND complex. Stay with me…
Reed is Pearl’s brother’s best friend. He’s kind, thoughtful, a little bit of a dork, and very handsome and has some other... perks 😉.
The problem?
He’s falling in love with someone he’s never actually met.
She lives in another state. They have a months long virtual relationship that is becoming very real… so... how exactly is this supposed to work?
Meanwhile, Reed moves to Fairwick Falls to pursue his dream of buying an historic property and turning it into a bookstore. 📚
To make that happen, he needs somewhere to stay.
Enter his best friend’s house....
Where Pearl also happens to live....
Pearl. The girl he’s had a crush on since high school.
Even though she wants absolutely NOTHING to do with him, Reed can’t help being attracted to her.
Now he’s trying to reconcile his growing feelings for Pearl with his increasingly serious online relationship with a woman he’s never met.
‼️And THIS is where things get complicated.
When I say this book is light and complex, I mean it.
At 52% through the audiobook, I had the brief thought:
“Okay… what could possibly happen in the next 48%?”
😂😂😂
A LOT.
There are stories within stories, and just when you think you have everything figured out… nope. There’s more.
A few of the tropes:
📚 Forced(ish) Proximity
💼 Boss/Employee
🏡 Found Family
🐈⬛ Black Cat/Golden Retriever
👀 Hidden Identity
🔥 Medium Slow Burn
✨ Newfound Identity
🚪 One Closet (similar energy to One Horse 🤣)
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5 Spice
Now I’m sitting here wondering how Elise Kennedy managed to become a new favorite author after ONE BOOK.
Apparently I need to go find out. 😂📚
Unexpected Bookish was published September 15th and will be an immediate favorite in the book girlies rotation.
This is a review of the audiobook.
This is one of the most satisfying reads I’ve had in a while.
✅️Book girlies… THIS BOOK COVERS SO MANY OF THE TROPES WE LOVE.
One thing I see ALL the time in book reviews is how much everyone hates the miscommunication trope.
🙋🏻♀️ I’m included in that statement.
But hear me out…
This isn’t miscommunication.
It’s more of a mutual “There’s no reason to tell you, so why would I?” situation. And somehow that distinction makes ALLLLL the difference.
This book is light AND complex. Stay with me…
Reed is Pearl’s brother’s best friend. He’s kind, thoughtful, a little bit of a dork, and very handsome and has some other... perks 😉.
The problem?
He’s falling in love with someone he’s never actually met.
She lives in another state. They have a months long virtual relationship that is becoming very real… so... how exactly is this supposed to work?
Meanwhile, Reed moves to Fairwick Falls to pursue his dream of buying an historic property and turning it into a bookstore. 📚
To make that happen, he needs somewhere to stay.
Enter his best friend’s house....
Where Pearl also happens to live....
Pearl. The girl he’s had a crush on since high school.
Even though she wants absolutely NOTHING to do with him, Reed can’t help being attracted to her.
Now he’s trying to reconcile his growing feelings for Pearl with his increasingly serious online relationship with a woman he’s never met.
‼️And THIS is where things get complicated.
When I say this book is light and complex, I mean it.
At 52% through the audiobook, I had the brief thought:
“Okay… what could possibly happen in the next 48%?”
😂😂😂
A LOT.
There are stories within stories, and just when you think you have everything figured out… nope. There’s more.
A few of the tropes:
📚 Forced(ish) Proximity
💼 Boss/Employee
🏡 Found Family
🐈⬛ Black Cat/Golden Retriever
👀 Hidden Identity
🔥 Medium Slow Burn
✨ Newfound Identity
🚪 One Closet (similar energy to One Horse 🤣)
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5 Spice
Now I’m sitting here wondering how Elise Kennedy managed to become a new favorite author after ONE BOOK.
Apparently I need to go find out. 😂📚
Unexpected Bookish was published September 15th and will be an immediate favorite in the book girlies rotation.
This is a review of the audiobook.
April 5, 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.
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