Love on a Bookshelf

by Kiah Thomas

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Slow Burn

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 20, 2026

About the author

Kiah Thomas started telling stories when she was a kid; reimagining the endings in books she read. She rediscovered her love of kids books when she had children of her own, and started writing beginnings as well as endings. Kiah is passionate about books that kids and adults can enjoy together. She lives in Melbourne, Victoria with her husband, three children and at least seven stuffed toy penguins.

Reviews

[Madalyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is giving a lot more YA than anything else. maybe like a first romance book you’ve ever read type of vibe. the story line was okay, very predictable but i did enjoy the book itself and the characters.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at about 40%. If I’m constantly checking how much I have left in a book before it’s done, that’s not a good sign.

I’m a fan of enemies to lovers and slow burn when it’s done right, but this just felt silly. Two adults acting childish because of one very small encounter over a year ago is ridiculous. Perhaps if more negative encounters happened over those 18 months (after all, he’s a local author and she runs the local bookstore, plenty of opportunities) I might have felt more inclined to finish out their story. Clarrie felt a bit too whiny and dramatic for me, also. I understand that she’s struggling with the store and her grandma, but perhaps it could have been conveyed a little differently than constantly being reminded of her grandma being gone and bills piling up.

It took to about 35% of the book before we’re even given forced close proximity of the MCs to flesh out their situationship more, which really felt a little too late to keep my interest.

I did like Yumi and the group at the knitting club though, and I felt like that was a good balance from the two grumpy MCs.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ This was better than I expected! I read it in one sitting between two flights (with a very chaotic connection) and for how simple the plot and set up were, I was really really in it.

Clarrie (short for Clarence, not sure how I feel about it) and Declan were your typical stressed, overthinking, thrown into business together and still mostly uncommunicative main characters. Though we eventually got to understand that his behavior is from social nerves rather than hating Clarrie, Declan had very little personality for the beginning 50% of the book. Clarrie found him very charming, but in moments we didn’t get to see. His staying at Knit&Stitch, his speeches at the events, his participation at book club, etc etc- all were timelapsed away and superimposed with Clarrie’s own description of “wow he was charming!” …where?

But my favorite thing about the book was that it wasn’t an insta-love / “him pining the whole time for her.” I thought it was going to be, re: the dedication, but I was pleasantly surprised at the turns it took! I was delighted with Clarrie’s “back from book tour responsibility tour” between her shop, her mom, and her grandmother. I wish we had gotten to see a bit more regarding Declan’s developing longer term feelings for her and decision to put her above his (seemingly long time, dedicated to his father) life plans.

For what this book was, it wasn’t overcomplicated and it made you want more, and while there really wasn’t strong character development, they found a way to accept themselves, their situations, and the other, and honestly what more could you want from an easy romcom!

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a quick, average read for me. There were definitely parts I liked, the side characters, talking about the bookstore, and Clarrie fighting for her true dream. But because it was quick, the romance fell a little flat for me. It took a long time for me to really see any chemistry between Clarrie and Declan especially because they had one short interaction that prompted the moment that kicks off the whole thing. It was just hard for me to understand what it was about each other that made them work together. Also, all the really big problems came to a head in the last ten percent and it felt like things were set up and then resolved a little too quickly. But if I look past those things, I did enjoy Clarrie's love for her grandmother and there were some surprises at the end of the book that I did enjoy seeing and that I thought were quite clever.

[Noelle Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Thank you to Kiah Thomas, Headline, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Love on a Bookshelf is written from the POV of Clarrie, a struggling bookstore owner. This book begins with Clarrie running into Declan Archer, a best selling author, at her bookstore. As the lighting goes out, Declan suggests that she invest in better lighting and Clarrie suggests that he write a better book. Two years later, Declan’s second book comes out and the dedication happens to be targeted at Clarrie. As the bookstore continues to struggle and the media finds out who the dedication is about, Declan’s publicist suggests they join forces as Declan goes on a book tour. Clarrie agrees to sell the books during the tour so she can save the bookstore, but will it become more than that?

If you’re looking for a quick read with no spice, then I definitely think you’ll enjoy this one! Personally, I wish there was more sarcastic banter with the enemies to lovers storyline. I also prefer my books to have more spice, but again that’s a personal preference! I’m glad I stuck with it, as this was a book that got better the more I got into it. Altogether, I ended up rating it 3.75 stars ⭐️

Love on a Bookshelf is available now! ✨

[Shan (fictionfatale) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Headline Books and NetGalley for the e-arc of Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas!

In Love on a BookShelf, we are following Clarrie Brooks who's life is a bit of a mess. She's running a failing bookshop, she's just been dumped and her apartment is falling to pieces. The story kicks off with Clarrie having a bad day in her bookshop and in comes Declan Archer who is a local author looking to sign stock. They start off on the wrong foot.. resulting in Declan telling Clarrie to invest in better lighting for her shop and Clarrie telling Declan to write a better book. Fast forward two years, Declan has written a best seller and he's dedicated his book to the book seller who told him to write a better book...

It took a while to get into the story however around the 30% mark was when I became hooked. I will always opt for a book with an undertone of bookish themes and this was the perfect mix of that with the romance.

I will say I felt the romance was slightly surface level and would have wanted a bit more background information on Clarrie's breakup which there was big emphasis on at the start and then barely mentioned again.

Overall 3 stars- a fun read for the summer!

[Marie Yarwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Clarrie is left her grandparents bookshop she is suffering from heartbreak with trying to do her grandparents proud by keeping the popularity of the bookshop alive but with neverending expenses of repairs and upgrades occurring, her mother starts to look at selling the bookstore from under Clarries feet so she can go back to her previous life and career prospect.
The latest bestselling author book is released into her store and unbeknownst to Clarrie the author has dedicated the book to her (albeit cryptic). When the author asks if she will come along on his book tour to be the book seller she isn't sure if it's the right thing to do but after talking it over with her friend and assistant Yumi, she decides to join the team for 2 weeks touring alongside the author and his team.
What will happen on the book tour? you will have to read this story to find out..... just remember if you ever speak your mind make sure you are alone

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me! At first I wasn’t sure about this book because, heads up, it starts quite slow and you definitely need to like the characters to want to continue reading it. But honestly it was a refreshing romance in a way because this didn’t feel like rushed love and the books feels more realistic. It includes a lot of struggles you see people facing in reality and showcases that someone might be completely different than they appear to the public. The romance builds up slowly over time but in my opinion the back and forth between the main characters makes it fun plus it has side characters that feel like they bring sunshine to the book when it fits well.

[Sam Metcalfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC copy of Love on a Bookshelf, due to be published on June 5th.
Loved this book, it was so cute and a perfect light read. Books about books and bookshops are one of my favourite genres so I knew I had to read this as soon as I saw it.
Definitely recommend this book if you want a sweet romance.

[literary_hoarder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Kiah Thomas for the chance to review this arc.

I really liked this book. It was heartfelt, cute and cosy. The chemistry between the two characters was great. I love second chance romances and anything to do with bookshops. Carrie was very relatable and it was nice to read a slow burn romance.

[Lexy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very sweet and easy romance read, it had my favourite things; a book shop, enemies to lovers, only one (tent) bed trope and the main characters Clarrie and Declan are both very enjoyable to read 🧡 the attraction and romance actually felt real!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐

ARC Review

This is a really cute story between Clarrie a bookstore owner and Declan and author who after receiving a cutting remark from Clarrie dedicates his next book to her (or so we are lead to believe).

Whilst the beginning felt a bit slow once I was about 30% of the way through I was really enjoying this cosy story. I particularly liked the fact that Declan knew of Clarries gran when she was running the bookstore.

[Clodagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, bookish romance which is a perfect summer read. I really liked Clarrie as a main character and found her very relatable, and really loved her sense of humour throughout, even when she was having a difficult time. The romance was fun, I feel like they work well as a couple and it didn’t feel rushed. While there are sad and stressful moments, there is a lot of humour and heart throughout this book and it’s very enjoyable.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Siadhbh Sheil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, fun, easy read. The characters were all likeable in their own way that made the book easy to read on. A simple yet refreshing storyline, it would be a great meet cute in real life!! Props to Declan’s mam for being a great matchmaker! Would definitely recommend for a romance read for a cosy evening in, in the winter or sitting on a beach in the sun. Jealous of Clarrie living my dream life!

[Charlotte Darby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas – 4.5 Stars (ARC Review)

I absolutely loved curling up with this charming, bookish romance. The premise is irresistible: Clarrie Brooks is barely keeping her beloved grandmother’s cozy bookstore afloat when bestselling author Declan Archer wanders in. As the blurb teases, “What if a gorgeous, grumpy author dedicated his new bestseller to the stranger who inspired him – and that stranger was you?” Clarrie’s life is already a mess—her boyfriend just dumped her, and it’s literally raining through the ceiling of her apartment—so when Declan advises her to invest in better lighting and she snaps back that he should “write a better book,” the sparks fly from the very start.

Two years later, Declan’s new novel has turned into a beloved cult hit, and he’s dedicated it to “the bookseller who told him to write a better one.” Suddenly Clarrie finds herself catapulted into the spotlight as readers and reporters frantically try to unmask the mysterious muse behind the dedication. It’s a cozy, literary premise that feels like a hug on the page – no wonder it’s described as “a celebration of love and all things bookish.” The scenes in Clarrie’s shop (complete with a fun knitting circle and quirky staff) are warm and lived-in, and Declan’s famous-but-unhappy author life is painted with gentle humor (he’s grumpy but secretly a big softie).

The slow-burn romance at the heart of the story is absolutely heartfelt. There’s witty banter and smiles in every scene (I couldn’t stop laughing the first time Clarrie puts Declan in his place), but also real emotional growth. Clarrie has to learn to trust again and embrace a new chapter of her life, and Declan gradually sheds his prickly exterior as he sees Clarrie’s kindness and strength. Their connection grows naturally – it’s tender, imperfect, and so satisfying to watch unfold at its own pace. The supporting cast adds extra warmth: from Clarrie’s loyal friend Yumi to the adorable knitting club at the shop, every character feels like family. I especially loved how everyone in town cares about Clarrie and Declan’s happiness, which made the big romantic moments hit even harder.

By the end, Love on a Bookshelf had me smiling, swooning, and even tearing up a bit – in the best way. There’s a really sweet payoff (and even a clever little twist) that had me giggling and cheering in the final chapters. Thomas balances humor and heart beautifully – it’s truly “warm, big-hearted and uplifting.” If I have one small quibble, it’s that I wished for just a tad more detail about Declan’s mysterious book itself (it felt like a character we didn’t fully see), but honestly that’s splitting hairs in such a loving story. The emotional journey and the cozy bookshop setting more than make up for it.

Final Thoughts: This ARC stole my heart. Love on a Bookshelf is perfect for anyone who loves a cozy bookstore setting, slow-burn second chances, and characters who find new beginnings in unexpected ways. The bookish details and genuine humor throughout make it a pure delight. I’m giving it 4.5 stars and can’t wait to recommend it to all my romance-loving friends!

Recommended for fans of: cozy indie bookstores, slow-burn romances, big-hearted character growth, and witty, uplifting storytelling.

[Elysha Chua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love on a Bookshelf is a gentle, heart-warming romance that really grows on you as it unfolds. The first half made me cringe a little at times—not because anything was explicit (it isn’t), but simply because I’m new to the romance genre and wasn’t expecting some of the physical references. The pacing also starts off slow, almost like a K-drama, but by the 100-page mark I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down.

Declan, with his curly black hair and striking green eyes, has a wonderfully Mr Darcy–like presence whose gruff exterior softens beautifully as the story progresses. Clarrie is clumsy, clever, warm, and relatable, with an honest voice that draws you in. Their dynamic—full of playful banter, quick retorts, and subtle emotional shifts—keeps you eagerly waiting for their connection to deepen.

One of the standout elements for me was the way the story is grounded in nature and small-town life. The wilderness scenes, tree-spotting moments, and gentle encounters with wildlife give the novel a peaceful, atmospheric quality that made me want to head outdoors myself. The cosy bookshop setting, the comforting food details (granola, salad sandwiches, brownies), and the emphasis on supporting local businesses add an extra layer of charm that left me quietly uplifted after each reading session.

The romantic arc is sweet and very tame, which I genuinely appreciated. It keeps the focus on the characters’ connection rather than explicit scenes, and the more intimate tent moment landed beautifully for me. It’s also gentle enough that I was happy to share it with my 12-year-old daughter, a something I wasn’t necessarily expecting in the romance genre.

A standout quote for me was:
“All these people’s lives have been touched and impacted by something that someone created from nothing. And it’s warm and it’s sweet, but it’s also poignant, and something about the moment makes my breath catch and my eyes sting.”
It perfectly captures the heart of the story, highlighting the value of creativity, connection, and the quiet ways people shape one another’s lives for the better.

By the time I reached the final chapters, the story had taken on a warm, cinematic feel—almost like Notting Hill, but set against the background of the Australian outdoors. Love on a Bookshelf is a thoughtful, uplifting, and endearing romance with plenty of soul.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!

This was the perfect light read if you're looking for something fun and pretty carefree. Clarrie runs Brook's Books, the bookstore her grandmother signed over to her, but there are a lot of issues with the shop, such as the power, which causes the lighting to go out occasionally. This is when she meets Declan Archer, the author of a new book, who manages to catch Clarrie on what is one of the worst days of her life. Clarrie isn't in the mood for Declan, who's come to sign some of his new books, and tells him to write a better book.

Skip two years later, and guess who's back? And with a better book in tow, which has been helpfully dedicated to the very bookseller who told him to write something better. Clarrie is mortified, especially when the new book turns out to be a bestseller, with people equally interested in the book and the author. She's thrown in the deep end when Decland, begrudgingly, asks her to go on a publicity tour to sell his books whilst he gives talks. She doesn't want to do this, but she needs to find the money to keep the bookstore open and do repairs. As you can imagine, the story writes itself from there.

There was nothing too intense with this story, and it was written well to the point the pages flew past. This is definitely a bonus point for it, but I do feel like it was more of a self-discovery book than a true romance. There's nothing wrong this that, obviously, but I was expecting more romance and sparks to fly. By the end of the book, I didn't really feel like Declan and Clarrie had a believable romantic connection with each other, particularly as it only takes place over two weeks. What did happen was Clarrie discovering herself and what she wants, not just what others around her expect, and also coming to terms with having the legacy of her grandparent's bookshop and learning that it's okay to adapt and move forward.

I didn't particularly understand why Declan's book was so famous, as it sounded pretty boring to me, and there were brief attempts at some drama, which frankly felt unnecessary given how quickly they were resolved. Either way, it was an enjoyable read as long as you're not looking for something swimming in romance!

[Malvina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a nice romance that is also about books and bookshops, so this qualifies. But Clarrie, the bookshop owner, clashes with author Declan on their first meeting and decides he's horrible, mainly because she embarrasses herself. She works herself into a right tizz when his second book comes out two years later, which she has been avoiding reading for the above petty reason - even though it's such a good seller the sales might just save her struggling bookstore (or at least pay for repairs to the wonky electrics). He's also dedicated the book to her, the bookseller who told him to write a better book, so she sort of works herself into quite the state of righteous indignation, then maintains the grudge. Curiously, there's also something wrong in her entire management of the bookstore, which used to be her grandparent's shop. She somehow can't run with her assistant's excellent suggestions about improvements and sales points, and seemingly doesn't even have the energy to try. Her mother is also trying to sell the shop without her authority. Clarrie's hurtling towards Failure with a capital F. The fact that Declan's second book is so popular irks her so much she seems to save her furious energy for him instead, being all righteously indignant about - what, exactly? I couldn't work out what was driving the conflict. So that was the first half of the book, where Clarrie was pretty much shooting herself in the foot for such trivial, petty reasons she was going to lose the shop. She was mean and illogical and acted like a colossal goose; I totally didn't get what was driving the conflict between them when he was actually being fairly nice to her. The second half of the book was a nice slow burn romance between the two of them, and Clarrie sorting herself out somehow. It read much better and it did save the book, but the conflict through the first half rang false to me. Thankfully I did enjoy the second half, which is where my 3 stars came from.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a fantastic time with this and flew through it in two days. I really liked Clarrie who I found so relatable – who hasn’t found themselves muttering something they probably shouldn’t have when they’re having a bad day? This turning into the catalyst that changed both her and Declan’s lives was a really interesting concept and I was hooked pretty much from the start.

Declan was an interesting character. While views of him were slightly clouded by the fact that the book is told solely from Clarrie’s perspective, I enjoyed the little hints we got about him and the character behind that prickly exterior. One thing I did find slightly unclear though: his book. It probably wasn’t until about 75% into the story that I really got any sense of what it was about (for a long time I wasn’t even clear on if it was fiction or nonfiction) and I found it a surprising choice for a developing bestseller. It would have been nice to understand more about the book earlier on but I liked how the trickles of information I did get told me something about his character.

The book had some well-known romance tropes – misunderstandings, a bit of a grumpy/sunshine, and a slow burn build up – but I really liked the development of Clarrie and Declan’s relationship. I enjoyed seeing their interactions and how their understanding of each other grew. It felt real and honest (with some funny moments thrown in).

While this is a romance, it isn’t just this. It is also a novel of self-discovery for Clarrie and I loved watching her develop from someone who was struggling and very closed off into someone who opened themselves up to love again despite a difficult time. It was a cosy and engaging read for romance book lovers, but it also offered a lot of depth.

With thanks to the publisher Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC ahead of publication for an honest review

[Chelsea Keighley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put off reading this one for ages and I’m not quite sure why, because it turned out to be a really enjoyable read. A cute, cosy romance with plenty of heart and humour, set in the kind of slightly chaotic bookshop you can’t help but fall in love with.

Clarrie Brooks is having a rough time. Her flat is falling to pieces (it’s literally raining inside), the bookshop she’s trying to keep afloat is struggling, and her boyfriend has just dumped her. Things only get worse when the power cuts out yet again, just as author Declan Archer turns up. He tells her to sort out the lighting. She tells him to write a better book. Not exactly a dream first meeting.

Fast forward two years, and Declan’s new novel is on the verge of cult status. He’s dedicated it to the mystery bookseller who gave him that brutal but honest push. As speculation swirls, Clarrie is dragged into the spotlight — and maybe into her own new love story.

I really liked both main characters. The romance is a proper slow burn, which I always enjoy, and their back-and-forth had just the right amount of spark. The tone stays light throughout, with lots of warmth and a lovely little twist near the end that tied things together beautifully.

This was such a fun, easy read — perfect for summer. I flew through it in a day and smiled the whole way through.

I’d give it 3.75 stars. A charming story with heart, humour and a hint of bookish magic.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Alisha ☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas is one of those cozy, slow-burn romances that feels like curling up in a familiar armchair, surrounded by books and a warm cup of tea. Set in Clarrie’s grandmother’s charming but slightly chaotic bookshop, the story is filled with warmth, humour, and the kind of atmosphere book lovers dream of. The romance between Clarrie and Declan builds slowly—starting with clashing personalities and gradually blooming into something sweet and sincere. Declan’s quiet, brooding nature paired with Clarrie’s awkward but loveable presence makes for some truly tender moments. The side characters, especially the quirky knitting group and Clarrie’s close-knit circle of friends, bring the story to life and add so much heart.

That said, the romance does take a while to fully develop—it doesn’t really ignite until about 70% into the book, so if you love a good slow burn with al the angst, this one is for you. I also found myself wishing we got more depth into the mysterious book that Declan wrote—it plays such a central role but didn’t feel fully fleshed out. Still, the story shines in its quiet, comforting way. It’s not trying to be dramatic or flashy—it’s a gentle reminder that love often grows in quiet corners and unexpected moments. If you enjoy Emily Henry-style stories or soft romances set in bookish worlds, this one will definitely charm you. I'd give it a warm 3.75 to 4 stars—it left me smiling, and I’d happily read more from Kiah Thomas in the future.

[Gales Tales70 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely cute enemies to lovers read.

Clarrie Brooks is barely keeping her beloved grandmother's cozy bookstore afloat when bestselling author Declan Archer wanders in. Clarrie's life is already a mess after her boyfriend dumped her, and it's literally raining through the ceiling of her apartment-so when Declan advises her to invest in better lighting and she snaps back that he should
"write a better book," the sparks fly from there..

Fast forward a couple of years, Declan's new novel has turned into a number one bestseller and he's dedicated it to "the bookseller who told him to write a better one."

The slow-burn romance at the heart of the story is absolutely heartfelt. There's lots of banter and smiles in every scene. Carrie has to learn to trust again and embrace a new chapter of her life, and Declan gradually sheds his prickly exterior as he sees Clarrie's kindness and strength. Their connection grows naturally at its own pace. The other characters and most of the town love both Carrie and Declan and want to see them together and happy.

Love on a Bookshelf had me smiling all the way through. There's a beautiful ending with a sneaky little twist in the final chapters. This is the perfect read for anyone who loves a cozy bookstore setting.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC copy for honest review

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas was a sweet charming story of self discovery for our main character Clarrie. There were a number of moments while reading that made me smile. The characters were all different and I liked their interactions and individual arcs.

I enjoyed the premise and the bookish setting but the pacing was too slow for me. As a huge fan of slow-burn romance, I was excited to dive into this story, but this isn't a true enemies to lovers romance. Which is a bit disappointing if that was what attracted you to this read in the first place.
I liked the writing style and the quieter moments full of emotion. The characters had potential, and I enjoyed their individual arcs, but I just wanted more from their relationship earlier on—more chemistry, more longing, and more of that heart-racing tension that makes a slow burn so satisfying.

This book had a sweet premise and was charming, but the pacing left me wanting a stronger emotional pull earlier in the story. If you love an extra slow burn, this might be for you, but I personally prefer a bit more angst sprinkled throughout.

Overall, I think this is a decent debut novel for Kiah Thomas and I would recommend this to lovers of slow burn romance who don't need too much angst, banter, etc.

Thanks to Net-Galley for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ramona Nastase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love on a Bookshelf by Kiah Thomas is a light, heartwarming read that blends romance, family bonds, and the charm of preserving something meaningful. Set against the cozy backdrop of a small, struggling bookshop, the story unfolds with a comforting pace, making it a perfect pick for readers who enjoy low-stakes, feel-good fiction.

At its core, this is a cute love story with a gentle emotional thread—one that also honors the importance of legacy and family ties. The romance is sweet without being overly dramatic, and the connection between the main characters feels genuine, if a bit predictable at times. What stands out, however, is the strong thread of familial love and the touching portrayal of preserving a family business not just out of obligation, but out of love and respect for what it represents.

Thomas’ writing style is simple and accessible, making it an easy read—ideal for a weekend unwind. While it may not leave a lasting mark or break new ground in the genre, it delivers exactly what it promises: a comforting story about love, memory, and the quiet power of keeping cherished traditions alive.

Perfect for fans of small-town romance and stories that celebrate family heritage with a touch of whimsy.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This mild feel-good romance features a bookshop owner, Clarrie, and an author, Declan. They first meet under less than ideal circumstances. She is in an emotional maelstrom after putting her beloved grandmother into memory care and breaking up with her boyfriend. When he brings by a copy of his book to flog, she is abrupt and rude.

Time passes. Clarrie is struggling. The plan had been for her and her grandmother to run the bookshop together. The shop is Clarrie's favorite childhood memory. But the reality and the financial challenges are daunting. She has a chance to get a much-needed cash infusion by going on tour with an author and selling books at his appearances. And of course, the author is none other than Declan. The situation is enhanced by the dedication of his latest book which mentions her and their first unfortunate meeting.

Somewhat predictably, as the two spend time together, they cast aside their old animosity and get to know each other. Other plot elements including both their mothers and Clarrie's bookshop second-command are also entertaining. The outcome is never in doubt. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maja]

It took me a while to finish this one, and by the final chapters, I found myself skimming just to reach the end. All the ingredients for a great romance were here: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a brooding male lead (always wearing a baseball cap and hiding from his adoring fans), and a struggling book store. Unfortunately, the final product was just ok to start, and then dragged towards the end.
The initial encounter between the main characters, which was supposed to set the stage for their rivalry, felt surprisingly underwhelming. She insulted his book and he insulted her broken lights at her store. It didn’t seem strong enough to justify the depth of animosity that followed. I think if we had seen more consistent clashes or tension-filled moments over time, the enemies-to-lovers arc would’ve felt more earned.

Clarrie, the FMC, came off as emotionally immature and frustratingly stubborn, which made it hard for me to root for her or stay invested in her growth.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Peek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of Love on a Bookshelf!

As a huge fan of slow-burn romance, I was excited to dive into this story, but unfortunately, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. While I enjoyed the premise and the bookish setting, the romance itself felt like it took too long to truly develop. We didn’t get much in terms of tension or angst between the main characters until about 70% in, which made it hard to stay fully invested in their connection.

That being said, I did appreciate the writing style and the quieter moments of emotional depth. The characters had potential, and I enjoyed their individual arcs, but I just wanted more from their relationship earlier on—more chemistry, more longing, and more of that heart-racing tension that makes a slow burn so satisfying.

Overall, this book had a sweet premise and some charming moments, but the pacing left me wanting a stronger emotional pull earlier in the story. If you love an extra slow burn, this might be for you, but I personally prefer a bit more angst sprinkled throughout.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of bookish romances, then Love on a Bookshelf is a must-read. This is Kiah Thomas’s first adult novel, and it’s absolutely heartwarming.

The story follows Clarrie, who takes over her grandmother’s beloved bookstore—a cozy little haven filled with charm and nostalgia. Enter Declan, a grumpy, brooding author who shakes things up in the best way.

But this book is more than just a romance—it’s a beautiful journey of self-discovery. I loved watching Clarrie grow into herself, learning to trust her instincts and embrace what she truly wants from life.

One of my favorite parts of this story was Clarrie’s relationship with her grandmother. Their bond warmed my heart and even brought a few tears to my eyes. It reminded me so much of my own grandma and the love and wisdom she’s always shared with me.

This is the kind of story that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and never leave the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy—I adored every minute of it. Perfect for fans of heartfelt, bookish romance

[☆Laura☆]

Clarrie Brooks hereda la librería de sus abuelos tras la enfermedad de su abuela, enfrentándose a una existencia que, aunque cargada de nostalgia, se tambalea entre goteras, luces intermitentes y deudas crecientes. Su vida da un giro inesperado cuando un día entra en la tienda un autor de mirada intensa y actitud altiva: Declan Archer. Clarrie, tras leer y despreciar su libro, le lanza una crítica honesta e incendiaria: "deberías escribir un libro mejor". Lo que no espera es que, un año después, ese mismo autor se vuelva un fenómeno literario... y que le dedique su nueva obra.

La dedicatoria viraliza la librería, atrae a periodistas y fans, y pone a Clarrie en el ojo del huracán mediático. Todo mientras lidia con su propia inseguridad, el duelo por su abuela, una madre controladora y una amiga adorable y leal Yumi,. Declan reaparece, exigiendo respuestas… y lo que empieza como un enfrentamiento cargado de reproches e ironía pronto evoluciona en algo mucho más profundo.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clarrie Brooks is down on her luck—her boyfriend's gone, her apartment's falling apart, and her beloved bookshop is barely hanging on. When snarky banter with a visiting author turns into unexpected inspiration, she never expects it to change her life. Two years later, his hit book is dedicated to the mystery bookseller who pushed him to do better—Clarrie. Now, with the spotlight suddenly on her, Clarrie might just get a second chance at love…and happily ever after.

This was a sweet, cozy read with a very slow burn and no steam. I found myself wishing for a bit more grit and heat to really pull me in. There were definitely moments where I felt for Clarrie—honestly, inheriting a bookshop from your grandparents is the dream, so props to her. At times she was super relatable, and at other times, wildly frustrating (girl, try something new for a change!).

If you're in the mood for a light, quick read with charming banter and a breezy romp through Australia, this will hit the spot. Thank you to NetGalley & Headline for the ARC.
2.5 stars