Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Book Lovers

Rate this book
Best friends. Literary soulmates. Will they find a happily ever after together?

Librarian Bennet Webb’s dream trip to Bath was supposed to be perfect, a literary pilgrimage to honor Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, topped off with a proposal from her longtime boyfriend. Instead, Bennet finds herself alone in the city of her dreams. That is until she meets an unexpected companion who changes everything for the better.

Alice Higgins is a waitress by day, aspiring novelist by night, and sworn enemy of all things Austen. But when a flustered yet adorable American tourist stumbles into the restaurant where she works, Alice is surprisingly willing to reconsider her views.

Soon the pair strike up a transatlantic book swap. Alice will read Bennet’s beloved classics, and Bennet will try Alice’s contemporary picks. What begins as a literary experiment turns into a connection that deepens with every page. Could the love stories they share lead to a happily ever after they never expected?

Don’t miss this heartwarming, slow-burn, cozy, friends to lovers romance about bad timing, good books, and the courage to choose the plot twist you never saw coming.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2025

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

T.B. Markinson

73 books1,219 followers
T. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
490 (46%)
4 stars
388 (36%)
3 stars
143 (13%)
2 stars
33 (3%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
Profile Image for Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace.
1,569 reviews142 followers
May 24, 2025
'Arc generously provided by both authors (Markinson & MacLeod) in exchange for a honest review'

**'Continuously telling your stories are sometimes linear and even sequential -- but the difficult part of telling them is not really that, it's pretty much the thinking process..'

3.5 stars!
Another enjoyable story from Markinson & MacLeod. It might seems a wee bit long but still readable when having a place/country be an included main character.
Recommended book!
Profile Image for Sandra.
587 reviews142 followers
May 28, 2025
4⭐️
Bennet, an American librarian, is a big fan of Jane Austen and historical novels. She travels to England to take part in the celebrations marking Austen's 250th birthday in Bath. The only downside is that her boyfriend Sean canceled shortly before departure. In Bath, she happens to come across the restaurant where Alice, a British woman with American roots, works. She is also a book lover, but of contemporary novels, and hopes to become a writer herself one day. Although Alice is annoyed by all the hype surrounding Jane Austen, she cannot resist Bennet's charm, and soon a friendship develops between the two.

Their story is a slowly developing romance set in England and America. Alice turns Bennet's life upside down, but it takes Bennet some time to realize what her feelings actually mean, to accept them, and then to act on them. The characters are down-to-earth, charming, and very likeable.
It is also a book about finding yourself, pursuing your dreams, not giving up, supporting each other, and about family and friendship.

As always in the stories of these two authors, humor plays an important role, as does character development. It is an entertaining love story that I enjoyed, although I found the middle section a bit long-winded.

Thank you to the authors for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for lauraღ.
2,425 reviews206 followers
August 20, 2025
“I was thinking of her the whole time. I was in love with her with every stitch, and I didn’t even know it.”
 
3.5 stars. I love a classic friends to lovers, and this just hit so good. I really enjoyed it! Bennet and Alice are both book lovers, one from America and one from England. Bennet is a librarian who enjoys a lot of classic literature and Jane Austen in particular, while Alice is a writer and waitress who prefers modern lit. They meet while Bennet is on vacation in Bath, and an unlikely friendship springs up between them.

This was really sweet and slow burn in the best of ways; a toaster oven romance where we get to see them develop as friends before the romance comes into play. There's a little period where they have a long distance friendship, and I do wish we'd seen more of the particulars of that, and the ways they build a rapport. But they had a lot of chemistry, nonetheless, and they don't spend too much time apart. And I do love a lot of mutual oblivious pining. They were really cute together. I have to admit, I'm very ambivalent about Anglophilia as a concept, but that part of the plot thankfully didn't get too obnoxious. We mostly concentrated on Bennet getting out of her terrible relationship, her career aspirations, Alice's ambitions as a writer, and of course, the romance. 

It was a pretty simple story, but I love friends to lovers so much. So many cosy and cute moments. A bit of typical miscommunication, but it wasn't TOO egregious, thankfully. I will say, I was hoping for a bit more tension and longing, particularly when they were roommates. When they ended up having to share a room, I was sure that there would be a bunch of fun romantic moments centred on their room. But we never really explored that, which was a disappointment.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Lori Prince and Marisa Calin, and honestly, they're mostly why I enjoyed this so much. It was performed with duet narration, which we don't get a lot of with sapphic audiobooks. And it was SO dynamic and fun, and especially cool in a situation like this, where the main characters have different accents. Listening to this was a blast; definitely the way to go if you're going to read this. I've read from these authors before, and this is one of my faves now. Definitely not perfect, but a really cute read.
Profile Image for emily.
959 reviews182 followers
August 12, 2025
this was a fun one. i think overall, my emotional attatchment level is really closer to a 3.5ish, but the narration was so great that i bumped this one up. the writing duo of miranda macleod and t.b. markinson has been consistently solid for me. usually, it's either a decently reliable romance, or it's one that i really really love. lori prince narrates a lot of their works, and that always adds to my enjoyment, since she's still one of my favorite narrators—here, she narrates with her real life wife, and another awesome narrator i already enjoyed, marisa calin. i loved the way that they did it here; they alternate chapters, but they both perform their character's lines throughout the entire book, regardless of what pov we're in. it feels like an even more imersive performance and i really, really loved it. the actual plot and characters were sweet and i enojyed them, but i don't think they will rank among my favorites by this duo. if you like audiobooks even a little bit, i would highly rec the audiobook version though, it really adds to the fun.
Profile Image for Misha.
1,906 reviews82 followers
May 29, 2025
(rounded up from 4.5)

I love a good Jane Austen-based book, whether it's a sapphic remix or retelling of her books or something based on admiring her. Bennett is one of the MCs in this book, and she LOVES Jane Austen and saves up for a dream trip to where Jane lived and all the touristy things that are part of the Jane Austen-con of sorts. While there alone, she meets a British woman who is working at a local cafe while writing her own book, and the two connect and carry on an intercontinental book club.

I read a lot of books by this duo of authors since they work so well and are usually always a delight to read. This book, I must say, is the least spicy (low) of any of their books that I have read and there's even a fun little meta commentary in one of the spicy scenes about how hard it is for a writer to describe the act without the usual cliches.

Anyway, a fun slow burn filled with friends turning into lovers while trying to chase their dreams.
Profile Image for Izzie.
46 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2025
i liked this but i didn’t love it. i thought the characters were cute and compatible and all that, i just felt like the execution could’ve been better. the “slow burn” wasn’t filled in with any angst or pining really, it was just massive time jumps. and i feel like some things happened to quick.
Profile Image for Fran Sappharc.
966 reviews50 followers
May 23, 2025
I loved this book!
I barely raised my eyes from the page. The tension when Emma dangled what she dangled!
I loved that the writers took the time to tell the story that the story needed! I also loved that there was a good chunk of happiness shown on the page and not just a one chapter epilogue!
Profile Image for Caitlin.
2,118 reviews65 followers
April 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this novel. The slow burn friends to lovers felt so authentic and the feelings were genuine and I loved both characters so much.



Otherwise, the book was amazing from start to finish.
Profile Image for Maria Fledgling Author  Park.
1,052 reviews56 followers
August 1, 2025
Book Lovers from Bath to Boston

Attention, Jane Austen fans! Here's a love story just for you. Imagine saving for the trip of a lifetime to stay in the very rooms where Jane lived in Bath. Walk through the Roman Baths where she might have had tea. Bump into a waitress named Alice and become fast friends. Wait, scratch that last one.

However, that is how life for Bennet Webb changes dramatically. Having studied to become a Librarian and cultivated all of the fine arts of the Regency period in England, and with an emphasis on all things Jane Austen, Bennet's fondest dream has come true.
She has two glorious weeks to wander in Austen's footsteps.

The Authors' plot mix-ups are exquisitely timed and are hilarious, and, as appropriate, tragic too. The interplay between Bennet and Alice is awkward, tender, funny, annoying, frustrating, passionate, and ultimately just so perfect.

Anyone who appreciates the classics, Austen in particular, will take satisfaction in the minute details put into the descriptions of the Regency and Victorian clothing, furniture, and decorations used throughout the book.

My absolute favorite thing, however, is Bennet's customized Kindle cover. A gift from her mother, made from real leather, it resembles an antique book. To anyone who knows me, I want one for Christmas.

Ah, but I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the slow burn, friends-to-lovers story. Book Lovers is uniquely a love story that focuses on romantic love, in its many incarnations. As opposed to many books in this genre which are just words surrounding spicy scenes. I enjoyed watching two young people figure out the meaning of love for themselves and how it is supposed to fit into their own lives.

If you are an Austen fan, I know you will understand when I say that Book Lovers has an ending that would not fit into the world of Austen and the Brontë sisters. I loved it anyway. I think you will too. Book Lovers earns it's five star rating.


Profile Image for Farah Mendlesohn.
Author 36 books173 followers
August 3, 2025
I loved how this started, although swapping kindles.... that felt like swapping knickers!

But the book slowed right down and really dragged at the end long past the "just talk! dammit!" moment.
Profile Image for Kirsty Atkinson.
7 reviews
August 5, 2025
Admittedly I primarily checked this one out for the narrators. The amazing Lori Prince and her wife, Marisa Calin, narrate this book duet style, and honestly I loved the narration. Bennet and Alice are two very sweet characters both with personalities that make them loveable. Bennet is so oblivious that I found it funny and endearing. Being British, I was surprised by the accuracy of British terminology, snack names and even the names of stores here, considering it was written by American authors. The earlier chapters really do go out of their way to show that many things are British haha. I enjoyed listening to their story overall. Loveable characters with a well paced story
1 review
July 14, 2025
Recommended

This book was really enjoyable, with the witty banter between the two likeable women. Both the settings and the background to the story were a delight for any fan of Jane Austen.
Profile Image for S..
Author 2 books49 followers
October 1, 2025
At first the characters came off a bit immature but as I continued to read I fell in love with their quirkiness. It is definitely a sapphic romance full of adventure and coziness. Would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a lighthearted read with likable characters.
Profile Image for Violet.
88 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2025
3/5 - sapphic, cozy, slow-burn, friends to lovers

Pretty decent romance overall, but just didn’t totally click for me. Fans of Jane Austen should definitely give this a try, and will likely connect with Bennet and this story more than I could (but ofc you don’t have to be an Austen fan to find enjoyment here).

The story started off strong, and I did enjoy both MCs, but I didn’t love the pacing as the story progressed. There were moments where time jumps or important events happened off-page and we’d only find out about them afterwards. I wanted to see more of the in-between moments to really buy into all the developments! Still, it was a pretty good read, but not my favorite from Markinson and MacLeod.
Profile Image for Andietrue.
218 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2026
I loved the premise of Book Lovers, friends bonding over literature, history, and contemporary stories. With Bennet as a devoted Jane Austen fan and Alice as an aspiring writer in a very cute, warm friends‑to‑lovers romance. TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod’s writing style is lovely and I adored the cosy setting and both main characters, who are so loveable, funny, and adorable together. This is a classic friends‑to‑lovers story, but it’s definitely a slow burn — at times a glacial pace… and it did get on my nerves a bit because it felt draggy. Still, overall, I liked the story and the heart behind it. I wavered between 3.5 and 4 ⭐️ but rounded it up.
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,169 reviews34 followers
May 24, 2025
Friends first

Bennet is in a sad relationship and travels alone to the Jane Austen birthday event. Alice is so not interested in anything Jane Austen, but Bennet steals her heart from the beginning. Alice has to navigate being in love with her friend who is straight. The story has a lot of funny moments and I love all the characters. Take the journey with them from England to America and back again you won’t regret it.
732 reviews6 followers
May 30, 2025
I am unashamedly in love with TB and Miranda’s abilities with words.

This story is delivered so beautifully. I have laughed out loud, giggled, and shed a few tears. The skill that Miranda MacLeod and TB Markinson have displayed with this tale of love is so much more than I expected. The characters are vivid, the depth of the story is astounding. Obvious immersion in Jane Austen’s life and times and the ability to make it enjoyable for all of us is quite impressive. My literary teachers need to read this! Of all of your collaborative books this is without question my favorite.
Profile Image for Laura .
257 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2026
dnf at 25% // liked the concept but the book just feels like it has no stakes, the boyfriend has no personality outside of "he sucks" and the break-up bores me to death when bennett has never said a single thing she loves about him and bennett and alice calling each other best friend while barely knowing each other is so silly
Profile Image for Elena.
345 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2026
Sweet, super low-angst story. I did this on audio, narrated by Lori Prince & Marisa Calin. This is the first narration I listen to by Calin and I really liked her voice.
Profile Image for Pilar.
147 reviews6 followers
July 30, 2026
amarían so american de olivia
Profile Image for Erin.
704 reviews104 followers
September 27, 2026
Oh, this crippled me! For the majority, I was inwardly screaming, "Alice! She's not worth it!"
Lori Prince is one of my Sapphic narrators on auto-approval; extra star for her performance.
1 review
May 29, 2025
best book yet

This just might’ve the best book by this duo yet. I’ve read all their co-written and individually write books and I have enjoyed them all, but this was the best!
68 reviews
May 24, 2025
I have a bone to pick

I lost several hours of sleep because I could not put this book down till I finished it. Its wonderful, the best my favorite authors have written. Brava! Now I'm going to bed, thank you.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,162 reviews80 followers
July 24, 2025
This was very sweet! I don't have much to say about it. It didn't, like, knock my socks off - it was a bit angsty but not overly so. It has a very extended denouement after the climax where, you keep thinking, ok this book is over and this is the end, right? And then there's ONE MORE CHAPTER and kind of leads you from the "they finally get together" to them getting engaged, and THEN ends. (I'll mark this as spoilers for that, although, seriously, if you can't guess this will have an HEA then, is this your first lesbian romance or what?) I like it but also felt it was a bit... mid? IDK. I can't pinpoint why, it honestly was good. I couldn't picture either Alice or Bennet very easily, maybe that is part of it. Not that their characters aren't fleshed out, just that, it was hard to imagine them together or feel their chemistry, like, in a physical steamy kind of way. Eh.

Side note, unrelated to this book itself: When I searched Goodreads for this book, it brought up a straight romance also called Book Lovers and then like, a slew of others with BOOK or LOVE or LOVERS in the title but not that exact title, and it sort of REFUSED to find this algorithmically via a normal search until I put in one of the author's names, and that's probably Goodreads just having a bad search engine but also feels a bit homophobic, if I'm being honest. Like, seriously, there are hundreds of thousands of books on Goodreads. I bet more than 2 have the name "Book Lovers" actually. But, if I'm searching for EVERY ONE with that title, so I can scroll and find the one I want, how TF do you think "oh, let's just skip every OTHER book with that title and go right to a bunch of other titles with only some of the same words" ? I am guessing the search results are being influenced by ratings and popularity, like, they assume (incorrectly) that I *must* be looking for some other book that's been reviewed 4,000 times instead of this one that's probably been reviewed way less, but - presumptuous much? I know the title I am searching for! I literally typed it in, exactly! Frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AGC.
348 reviews17 followers
June 15, 2025
Book Lover by Markinson and MacLeod is a gem—witty, heartfelt, and brimming with charm. From the very first chapter, the writing sparkles with smart dialogue and emotionally rich prose. The chemistry between Bennet and Alice is undeniable, and the way their relationship unfolds is refreshingly authentic. The authors strike a perfect balance between humor and vulnerability, giving the story real emotional depth without ever losing its light, joyful tone.

I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want it to end. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a story that’s as romantic as it is fun.
Profile Image for Amy.
889 reviews37 followers
July 8, 2025
Omg this was so truly absurd and essentially, I have to imagine, a self-insert fanfic for this author. I did get pulled in at the beginning but the premise, dialogue, characters, everything about this was just silly.

Also the synopsis is so misleading! It says they swap favorite books and talk about them, but really for maybe 5 pages they swap kindles and don’t discuss anything looool.
Profile Image for Women Using Words.
519 reviews74 followers
June 23, 2025
My thoughts…

What truly draws readers into a romance is the feeling that the love story could be real, something one might experience or wish for themselves. It’s the sense of trust and openness between characters—the way they speak honestly and share not only their big dreams and fears, but also the small, everyday moments. Readers want to see characters who cheer each other on, even when life gets tough or doubts creep in. No matter where the challenges come from, facing those struggles together makes the happy ending feel all the more meaningful and deserved. It’s like watching a true partnership grow right before your eyes. And it’s those small, tender moments—the inside jokes, the quiet confessions late at night, the gentle acts of support—that truly make the love story sparkle, leaving readers with a warm, satisfied feeling and a deep emotional connection. TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod understand this, which is why Book Lovers is garnering so much attention and praise from its readers.

What makes Book Lovers so special is its leading ladies. Bennet and Alice immediately capture readers’ hearts. These two feel like real people: flawed, relatable, and full of depth. The spark between them is palpable. Markinson and MacLeod build delicious tension through witty banter, lingering glances, and heartfelt conversations, creating a relationship that keeps readers turning pages.

From the start, the authors infuse the romance with warmth and humor. Bennet is a devoted Jane Austen fan whose carefully planned vacation unravels when her boyfriend cancels, leaving her to travel to Bath, England alone. On her first stop, she meets Alice, a quick-witted waitress with no shortage of opinions. Bennet is instantly drawn to Alice’s infectious energy. Their friendship begins with an easy openness that makes their dynamic compelling from the outset. Bennet finds that Alice’s unexpected companionship challenges her to grow, while Alice learns to see the world—and herself—in new ways. When Bennet’s vacation ends, they agree to swap books via Kindle. As their connection deepens through this transatlantic book exchange, feelings blossom and a slow-burn relationship begins to develop. This becomes the foundation for a romance fueled by mutual respect, gentle encouragement, and sweet, tender moments—the kind that leaves readers rooting for them every step of the way.

The authors excel at showing characters confronting their deepest fears and insecurities, often through challenging life circumstances. Bennet and Alice’s emotional vulnerability and willingness to evolve set the stage for deep, meaningful self-discovery. Watching them grow together makes their journey feel genuine and rewarding. The narrative is punctuated by heartfelt interactions, acts of kindness, and the gradual building of trust and intimacy. Their relationship anchors both characters’ arcs, providing comfort and encouragement as they grow together. Even in the face of upheaval, the authors infuse Bennet and Alice’s road to romance with warmth and humor, making the emotional journey both engaging and uplifting.

Final remarks…

Both T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod are known for well-developed characters, emotional depth, and satisfying romance arcs. Their reputation for delivering heartfelt, feel-good stories always promises a rewarding read—and Book Lovers more than delivers on that promise. With its uplifting tone and thoughtful exploration of love and connection, this slow-burn romance will delight readers who crave authenticity and emotional resonance. Ultimately, Book Lovers captures the essence of what it means to truly connect with another person. It’s a celebration of friendship, self-discovery, and the magic that happens when two lives intertwine. Fans of this talented duo will be enchanted by Bennet and Alice’s journey, eagerly turning pages to see how love can blossom in unexpected ways.

Strengths…
Well-developed, likable characters
Layered character development
Balanced chemistry and tension
Authentic emotional journeys
Fun, lighthearted moments
Happy ending

Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews