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The Reluctant Romantic
She sells romance, but is she buying it?
Bestselling romance novelist Emery Parker (aka Emerald Pearl) has a secret: she's hopelessly awkward around actual women. So when she accidentally demolishes a display in Eveline Auclair's bookshop, it's embarrassment at first sight. And then Eveline… offers her a job?
French bookshop owner Eveline despises romance novels and the “happily-ever-afters” they peddle. Little does she know, her new clumsy assistant is the acknowledged queen of the genre.
As Emery's writer's block dissolves and Eveline's icy exterior thaws, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. But with every lingering glance and electric touch, Emery's deception grows more impossible to confess.
When the truth inevitably spills, will their story end before it truly begins? Or can Emery convince Eveline that sometimes real love is better than fiction, even for the most reluctant romantic?
The Reluctant Romantic is an opposites-attract Sapphic romance featuring a very happy ending, from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, The Almost Bride, and Teaching Hope.
Bestselling romance novelist Emery Parker (aka Emerald Pearl) has a secret: she's hopelessly awkward around actual women. So when she accidentally demolishes a display in Eveline Auclair's bookshop, it's embarrassment at first sight. And then Eveline… offers her a job?
French bookshop owner Eveline despises romance novels and the “happily-ever-afters” they peddle. Little does she know, her new clumsy assistant is the acknowledged queen of the genre.
As Emery's writer's block dissolves and Eveline's icy exterior thaws, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. But with every lingering glance and electric touch, Emery's deception grows more impossible to confess.
When the truth inevitably spills, will their story end before it truly begins? Or can Emery convince Eveline that sometimes real love is better than fiction, even for the most reluctant romantic?
The Reluctant Romantic is an opposites-attract Sapphic romance featuring a very happy ending, from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, The Almost Bride, and Teaching Hope.
290 pages, ebook
Published November 6, 2025
98 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 17, 2025
(rounded down from 3.25)
This started out as a classic romcom premise: mistaken identity-ish stuff, someone who is moderately famous ending up taking a retail job because attractive owner of the shop. I enjoyed the meta commentary about romance books and people who hate/look down on them versus people who love them deeply. What I didn't enjoy was the old cliche of every time Emery is about to come clean, something happens, and they are interrupted. The fifteenth time this happened (only a slight exaggeration), I was fully tired of it, but the end was wholesome and sweet enough, so it was a fun time anyway.
This started out as a classic romcom premise: mistaken identity-ish stuff, someone who is moderately famous ending up taking a retail job because attractive owner of the shop. I enjoyed the meta commentary about romance books and people who hate/look down on them versus people who love them deeply. What I didn't enjoy was the old cliche of every time Emery is about to come clean, something happens, and they are interrupted. The fifteenth time this happened (only a slight exaggeration), I was fully tired of it, but the end was wholesome and sweet enough, so it was a fun time anyway.
November 20, 2025
The Reluctant Romantic is another sweet romcom from Sienna Waters, and it is another hit for me. This one is set in a bookstore and features a romance author with writer's block and a bookstore owner jaded by a past relationship. A simple omission leads to a case of false identity, but when feelings develop, clearing the air seems impossible.
The novel features an endearing, meddling found family and a beautiful London setting. With likable characters who are lovers of romance and surrounded by books, this story is perfect for me. It is cozy and low-angst, featuring a logical breakup and grand gestures—everything needed for a happy, feel-good experience.
Sienna Waters rarely disappoints when I need a lighthearted romance between heavier reads.
#bookstore #London #French #author #shopowner #foundfamily #oppositesattract #icequeen #smarmyex #romcom #mistakenidentity #falseidentity #breakup #grandgestures #romantic #NottingHill #HEA #epilogue
I received this ARC from Booksprout. This is my honest opinion.
The novel features an endearing, meddling found family and a beautiful London setting. With likable characters who are lovers of romance and surrounded by books, this story is perfect for me. It is cozy and low-angst, featuring a logical breakup and grand gestures—everything needed for a happy, feel-good experience.
Sienna Waters rarely disappoints when I need a lighthearted romance between heavier reads.
#bookstore #London #French #author #shopowner #foundfamily #oppositesattract #icequeen #smarmyex #romcom #mistakenidentity #falseidentity #breakup #grandgestures #romantic #NottingHill #HEA #epilogue
I received this ARC from Booksprout. This is my honest opinion.
January 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.75 stars, rounded up here)
This is the perfect romcom/lighthearted romance to just enjoy on a snowy or rainy day with a cup of hot tea while just getting lost in the atmosphere of it all.
Right from the start I was hooked by the blurb of the book, who doesn’t want to read a book about a romance author who is incredibly clumsy and somehow manages to work in a bookshop (without anyone knowing her identity) and falls hopelessly in love with the bookshop owner who absolutely hates romance novels?
And let me say that this book delivers SOO well on this!!! I honestly couldn’t even stop reading or thinking about it because I was so into it the whole time. I was into the characters, the story and literally the whole atmosphere that Sienna Waters spectacularly created.
Speaking about the characters, both Eveline and Emery are so well written and in my opinion drawn up pretty realistically as well. I spent so many times laughing whenever Emery managed to be her clumsy self and I spent countless times swooning over the romance between Eveline and Emery. One cannot imagine how many times I wanted the characters to “just get on with it and KISS” during the middle of the story.
What struck with me most, though, was the way the Sienna Waters handled the lie coming out and all that happened afterwards. The way she made both characters realize their mistakes and actively included the side characters as well. It was really refreshing to read this and still feel the lightheartedness of it all.
Besides that, the pace of the book is really nice too, the writing is absolutely amazing and I would throughly recommend reading it, especially, as I mentioned before, on a rainy or snowy day when one just needs something lighthearted and funny that still manages to make one swoon.
This is the perfect romcom/lighthearted romance to just enjoy on a snowy or rainy day with a cup of hot tea while just getting lost in the atmosphere of it all.
Right from the start I was hooked by the blurb of the book, who doesn’t want to read a book about a romance author who is incredibly clumsy and somehow manages to work in a bookshop (without anyone knowing her identity) and falls hopelessly in love with the bookshop owner who absolutely hates romance novels?
And let me say that this book delivers SOO well on this!!! I honestly couldn’t even stop reading or thinking about it because I was so into it the whole time. I was into the characters, the story and literally the whole atmosphere that Sienna Waters spectacularly created.
Speaking about the characters, both Eveline and Emery are so well written and in my opinion drawn up pretty realistically as well. I spent so many times laughing whenever Emery managed to be her clumsy self and I spent countless times swooning over the romance between Eveline and Emery. One cannot imagine how many times I wanted the characters to “just get on with it and KISS” during the middle of the story.
What struck with me most, though, was the way the Sienna Waters handled the lie coming out and all that happened afterwards. The way she made both characters realize their mistakes and actively included the side characters as well. It was really refreshing to read this and still feel the lightheartedness of it all.
Besides that, the pace of the book is really nice too, the writing is absolutely amazing and I would throughly recommend reading it, especially, as I mentioned before, on a rainy or snowy day when one just needs something lighthearted and funny that still manages to make one swoon.
December 12, 2025
Emery is the word clutz personified around woman she finds attractive apparently!
Books go flying, shelves come tumbling down, all sorts you name it. 🤣
Lying by omission is a running theme, but in the grand scheme of things it’s not that groundbreaking of a lie in hindsight, but the hurt comes from the continuous deceit.
It’s only hits hard when you deep the way Eveline was betrayed beforehand and why this revelation would hurt her so much.
Despite the lies, I don’t think this is a good enough reason to not give it a go in the slightest!
It was a different kind of love to what I’m used to reading. A more subtle, mellow love. Which isn’t a bad thing just different, I liked it.
“But that's precisely why people read romance novels. For the guarantee that, no matter how difficult the journey, love prevails in the end” - 💞
Mistaken Identity. Grumpy x Sunshine. Bookshop Romance. Slow Burn. Bisexual Rep. Found Family. Dual POV.
Books go flying, shelves come tumbling down, all sorts you name it. 🤣
Lying by omission is a running theme, but in the grand scheme of things it’s not that groundbreaking of a lie in hindsight, but the hurt comes from the continuous deceit.
It’s only hits hard when you deep the way Eveline was betrayed beforehand and why this revelation would hurt her so much.
Despite the lies, I don’t think this is a good enough reason to not give it a go in the slightest!
It was a different kind of love to what I’m used to reading. A more subtle, mellow love. Which isn’t a bad thing just different, I liked it.
“But that's precisely why people read romance novels. For the guarantee that, no matter how difficult the journey, love prevails in the end” - 💞
Mistaken Identity. Grumpy x Sunshine. Bookshop Romance. Slow Burn. Bisexual Rep. Found Family. Dual POV.
November 3, 2025
What a delightful story! A romcom in a book! Emery Parker is a renowned romance writer, who doesn't think romance will ever happen to her. She's also suffering from writers block and is under a deadline. Late again for a book signing, she runs into the wrong bookshop. It's proprietary Eveline Auclair despises romance novels and early in the conversation with Emery tells her that.
This is a story of opposites, forgiveness, and love! A FAVORITE! I LOVE THIS BOOK! 5 Stars !!
This is a story of opposites, forgiveness, and love! A FAVORITE! I LOVE THIS BOOK! 5 Stars !!
October 23, 2025
For sure a rom-com. quirky characters and great main-characters. Totally opposite and both with funny habits. With a big smile and some sad moments it's a good written story.
November 30, 2025
Loved the premise with great back characters, but clear from the start we were headed for a huge car crash ~Skip read over that & enjoyed the last 30%. Not in the mood for great angst… Read in a day.
October 28, 2025
This is a rom-com in words. A clumsy brilliant romance writer meets a bookseller that’s thinks romance is a waste of space. Loved every minute of it. The twists and turns, the devastation of cascading books, the grand gestures. It all leads to a brilliant book, you won’t be able to put down.
October 24, 2025
Another fun read by SW. I always think the latest one is my favourite and this is no exception. It’s got some great characters in that all have their own clear voice and you can really believe in them. It’s obviously got the necessary HEA, but it gets there in a fun way and although there is struggle it’s not too angsty or contrived.
Totally recommend for a quick bit of quality escapism.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Totally recommend for a quick bit of quality escapism.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2025
4.5! Good start. I love the premise and seeing the main get deeper and deeper is entertaining.
Great plot twist at 30%!
Naturally this twist involves the main making a decision that despite being understandable has me shouting nooooo at her. I'm certainly not a bystander in this novel!
Still not bystanding as the main makes maybe later decision after maybe later decision. I can honestly barely stand the tension. Then of course because selfish “I’ll put it off’s” can only happen so many times, then there is a circumstance that really does stop it…… Oh my!
Well….
A tense last bit that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Great plot twist at 30%!
Naturally this twist involves the main making a decision that despite being understandable has me shouting nooooo at her. I'm certainly not a bystander in this novel!
Still not bystanding as the main makes maybe later decision after maybe later decision. I can honestly barely stand the tension. Then of course because selfish “I’ll put it off’s” can only happen so many times, then there is a circumstance that really does stop it…… Oh my!
Well….
A tense last bit that I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 17, 2025
This was my first time reading a Sienna Waters book and it definitely won't be the last.
This was such a fun book. I loved Emery and Eveline so much! Poor Emery got herself into some sticky, albeit, funny situations over and over again. This book made me laugh often and cry once.
There's a fun cast of characters that shake things up and are definitely ride to die for their bffs.
I really enjoyed my time reading The Reluctant Romantic and think you will too.
This was such a fun book. I loved Emery and Eveline so much! Poor Emery got herself into some sticky, albeit, funny situations over and over again. This book made me laugh often and cry once.
There's a fun cast of characters that shake things up and are definitely ride to die for their bffs.
I really enjoyed my time reading The Reluctant Romantic and think you will too.
November 5, 2025
Thank you to Booksprout and Sienna Waters for this ARC opportunity. I am happily leaving my honest review.
I was so excited to read another book by Sienna Waters and The Reluctant Romantic did not disappoint! I really enjoyed this delightful sapphic romance and was happily entertained from beginning to end. The Reluctant Romantic is an emotionally intelligent sapphic romance that I found to be quite charming and satisfying opposites attract love story. This book was so fun to read and Waters uses her signature humour to create a warm, funny and emotional story that I didn’t want to put down.
Emery Parker is a romance writer that uses the pen name Emerald Pearl. She has had considerable success but finds herself suffering from a case of writer's block as of late. Despite her successful writing of swoon worthy love and perfect happy endings she is notoriously shy and rather clumsy around real life women. Emery’s clumsiness is on full display as she bulldozes a carefully constructed book exhibit at Eveline quaint french bookshop. In a fun twist, Emery ends up working at a Bookstore believing that perhaps a little immersion therapy will help unblock her writing and allow the creative juices to flow once again. Eveline is composed and definitely emotionally guarded. She runs her own successful business and is skeptical about romance novels and just loves itself.
This book was such a fun and refreshing sapphic love story. Though the premise is simple, a romance writer hiding her identity to work for a bookstore owner who hates romance, it is clever and doesn't feel derivative. As Emery and Eveline begin working together a beautiful slow burn romance unfolds. I enjoyed Waters' use of careful description, whimsy and effortless approach in this story. The writing style was warm and intentional and really aided in crafting a story that felt organic and sincere. Emery is painfully awkward, sweet and genuine. She loves love and believes whole heartedly that everyone has the capacity to find that one special someone to love and be loved by. She is authentic and I was quite smitten with her. Emery is the kind of girl that you’d be lucky to snag because she is all heart. Eveline is kind of prickly and has the exterior of a cube of ice. She is real, vulnerable and has experienced enough hurt in life to be afraid to hope. Her growth into a woman willing to lower her guards for Emery and to be open to love is sweet, satisfying and realistic. The dynamic between Emery and Eveline is electric. They are so different but fit so well. Emery’s optimism balances Eveline's realism. Their chemistry sparkles and I really enjoyed their free flowing witty banter. They have as much emotional intimacy as they do physically and are lovely to read about. I loved Eveline’s bookshop and that a great deal of the story takes place there. At times, it felt like a character all its own.
This was a wonderfully tender and joyful slow burn, opposites attract a psychic love story. Sienna Waters’ writing is strong and delivers heart skipping exchanges with dialogue that flows so well. Waters delivers an organic and believable romance that I was enthralled by. I definitely recommend for all fans of sapphic love stories with a happy ending which helps to remind us all that the best things in life are those we don’t plan. The Reluctant Romantic feels like the book equivalent of a warm hug! This is a book that I will re-read! Bravo to Sienna Waters and I eagerly await her next book!
I was so excited to read another book by Sienna Waters and The Reluctant Romantic did not disappoint! I really enjoyed this delightful sapphic romance and was happily entertained from beginning to end. The Reluctant Romantic is an emotionally intelligent sapphic romance that I found to be quite charming and satisfying opposites attract love story. This book was so fun to read and Waters uses her signature humour to create a warm, funny and emotional story that I didn’t want to put down.
Emery Parker is a romance writer that uses the pen name Emerald Pearl. She has had considerable success but finds herself suffering from a case of writer's block as of late. Despite her successful writing of swoon worthy love and perfect happy endings she is notoriously shy and rather clumsy around real life women. Emery’s clumsiness is on full display as she bulldozes a carefully constructed book exhibit at Eveline quaint french bookshop. In a fun twist, Emery ends up working at a Bookstore believing that perhaps a little immersion therapy will help unblock her writing and allow the creative juices to flow once again. Eveline is composed and definitely emotionally guarded. She runs her own successful business and is skeptical about romance novels and just loves itself.
This book was such a fun and refreshing sapphic love story. Though the premise is simple, a romance writer hiding her identity to work for a bookstore owner who hates romance, it is clever and doesn't feel derivative. As Emery and Eveline begin working together a beautiful slow burn romance unfolds. I enjoyed Waters' use of careful description, whimsy and effortless approach in this story. The writing style was warm and intentional and really aided in crafting a story that felt organic and sincere. Emery is painfully awkward, sweet and genuine. She loves love and believes whole heartedly that everyone has the capacity to find that one special someone to love and be loved by. She is authentic and I was quite smitten with her. Emery is the kind of girl that you’d be lucky to snag because she is all heart. Eveline is kind of prickly and has the exterior of a cube of ice. She is real, vulnerable and has experienced enough hurt in life to be afraid to hope. Her growth into a woman willing to lower her guards for Emery and to be open to love is sweet, satisfying and realistic. The dynamic between Emery and Eveline is electric. They are so different but fit so well. Emery’s optimism balances Eveline's realism. Their chemistry sparkles and I really enjoyed their free flowing witty banter. They have as much emotional intimacy as they do physically and are lovely to read about. I loved Eveline’s bookshop and that a great deal of the story takes place there. At times, it felt like a character all its own.
This was a wonderfully tender and joyful slow burn, opposites attract a psychic love story. Sienna Waters’ writing is strong and delivers heart skipping exchanges with dialogue that flows so well. Waters delivers an organic and believable romance that I was enthralled by. I definitely recommend for all fans of sapphic love stories with a happy ending which helps to remind us all that the best things in life are those we don’t plan. The Reluctant Romantic feels like the book equivalent of a warm hug! This is a book that I will re-read! Bravo to Sienna Waters and I eagerly await her next book!
December 29, 2025
3.5/5
I liked this book. It was a cute and relaxing read with characters that had chemistry and were interesting in their own way. I actually thought it was kind of adorable how clumsy Emery is (even though it was a bit over the top at times) and I found Eveline to be super sweet and calming to read as a character.
That said, this book really beat the hell out of a few tropes. Its played off somewhat by the story being about a writer and the characters being fully aware of the tropes they are falling into, but... they still fall into them. Repeatedly.
Not sure what to call it, but there is a common miscommunication thing where *just* when one of the characters is about to come clean about something, some event stops them from revealing the truth. Well, this happens A LOT in this story and honestly it got pretty annoying and unbelievable with how overdone it was.
On top of that, while most of the side characters are fun and endearing, I *hated* Domi. I was so confused by her for most of the book, because she is mentioned as being one of Emery's friends as well as her agent. But man.. from the very first conversation with this woman, I did not like her. She was mean. Hardly anything she said towards Emery until the epilogue was positive and several times I had to wonder if she was actively sabotaging Emery's relationship for her own personal gain.
I dunno, I'm gonna call out bad friends in books every time I see them because I think its crazy how common it is in a lot of stories. Its fine to write a flawed character, but their behavior should be called out and not just glossed over and ignored like its normal to have abusive friendships.
I liked this book. It was a cute and relaxing read with characters that had chemistry and were interesting in their own way. I actually thought it was kind of adorable how clumsy Emery is (even though it was a bit over the top at times) and I found Eveline to be super sweet and calming to read as a character.
That said, this book really beat the hell out of a few tropes. Its played off somewhat by the story being about a writer and the characters being fully aware of the tropes they are falling into, but... they still fall into them. Repeatedly.
Not sure what to call it, but there is a common miscommunication thing where *just* when one of the characters is about to come clean about something, some event stops them from revealing the truth. Well, this happens A LOT in this story and honestly it got pretty annoying and unbelievable with how overdone it was.
On top of that, while most of the side characters are fun and endearing, I *hated* Domi. I was so confused by her for most of the book, because she is mentioned as being one of Emery's friends as well as her agent. But man.. from the very first conversation with this woman, I did not like her. She was mean. Hardly anything she said towards Emery until the epilogue was positive and several times I had to wonder if she was actively sabotaging Emery's relationship for her own personal gain.
I dunno, I'm gonna call out bad friends in books every time I see them because I think its crazy how common it is in a lot of stories. Its fine to write a flawed character, but their behavior should be called out and not just glossed over and ignored like its normal to have abusive friendships.
November 11, 2025
Romance author Emery Parker aka Emerald Pearl is blocked on her new book. Shy, clumsy and awkward she's the opposite of her literary creation. Her best mate Jax keeps trying to get her to go out and date...
Eveline Auclair runs The Turned Page, and dislikes romance novels, calling them brain rot. She is very displeased there is a Emerald Pearl signing up the street.
Emery barges in, mistaking the one bookstore for the other, then accidentally knocks a display over. Eveline just wants to toss the strange woman out, but the already hugely late Emery volunteers to clean up the mess. Emery tidies the mess then sticks around, helping out. Eveline needs a staffer, so...
Emery is developing a crush on the bookseller, which Jax finds hilarious. However she encourages her, and covers for her with her agent.
I do find myself really hating the agent. She's not supporting her client, but treating her like a servant. In her defense, Emery needs managing, but she's being a ass about it.
The two get intimate, but Emery struggled with telling her she's Emerald. Then Eveline's ex husband turns up, who stole her work causing her to flee France.
Then a fan recognizes Emery as Emerald, and once again Eveline feels betrayed. Third act breakup....
I do love how Emery decides to win her back. Good wrap up.
4 out of 5 stars,
Eveline Auclair runs The Turned Page, and dislikes romance novels, calling them brain rot. She is very displeased there is a Emerald Pearl signing up the street.
Emery barges in, mistaking the one bookstore for the other, then accidentally knocks a display over. Eveline just wants to toss the strange woman out, but the already hugely late Emery volunteers to clean up the mess. Emery tidies the mess then sticks around, helping out. Eveline needs a staffer, so...
Emery is developing a crush on the bookseller, which Jax finds hilarious. However she encourages her, and covers for her with her agent.
I do find myself really hating the agent. She's not supporting her client, but treating her like a servant. In her defense, Emery needs managing, but she's being a ass about it.
The two get intimate, but Emery struggled with telling her she's Emerald. Then Eveline's ex husband turns up, who stole her work causing her to flee France.
Then a fan recognizes Emery as Emerald, and once again Eveline feels betrayed. Third act breakup....
I do love how Emery decides to win her back. Good wrap up.
4 out of 5 stars,
November 17, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! The last Sienna Waters book I read was incredibly fun, so I knew I wanted to read her newest book right away. Plus, I couldn't resist the fact that it was a sweet romcom between an author and a bookshop owner, set in said bookshop. Give it here! If you're a fan of the movie You've Got Mail, I know you'll love it too. Same vibes, only sapphic, so basically heaven.
The characters in this story are well-developed and make the story extremely charming. Emery, a clumsy romance writer struggling with her next book, takes an unlikely job where she meets Eveline. Eveline is the French, mysterious, grumpy, guarded, hater of romance novels, bookshop owner of your dreams. There's a reason Emery can't go 2 minutes without knocking something over whenever she's around. I also loved the supporting characters in this book for adding a good amount of emotional depth while also keeping the storyline light and fun.
“That’s what makes a good writer, I think. The courage to be honest, even when it’s difficult. Especially when it’s difficult.” -Abe
“Words are meant to be read, stories meant to be told. Keeping them locked away serves no one.” -Abe
“You call them fantasies for desperate people? I call them blueprints for brave ones.” -Eveline
One of my notes was "this feels like a love letter to romance novels".
The characters in this story are well-developed and make the story extremely charming. Emery, a clumsy romance writer struggling with her next book, takes an unlikely job where she meets Eveline. Eveline is the French, mysterious, grumpy, guarded, hater of romance novels, bookshop owner of your dreams. There's a reason Emery can't go 2 minutes without knocking something over whenever she's around. I also loved the supporting characters in this book for adding a good amount of emotional depth while also keeping the storyline light and fun.
“That’s what makes a good writer, I think. The courage to be honest, even when it’s difficult. Especially when it’s difficult.” -Abe
“Words are meant to be read, stories meant to be told. Keeping them locked away serves no one.” -Abe
“You call them fantasies for desperate people? I call them blueprints for brave ones.” -Eveline
One of my notes was "this feels like a love letter to romance novels".
November 4, 2025
The Reluctant Romantic by Sienna Waters is everything I love in a Sapphic romance—witty, heartfelt, and full of slow-burn chemistry. Emery Parker, a romance author who’s ironically awkward about real-life love, is instantly relatable. Her unexpected clash with Eveline Auclair, a grumpy bookshop owner who despises romance novels, sets the stage for a delightful opposites-attract story.
The banter between Emery and Eveline is sharp and funny, but it’s the emotional depth that really shines. Waters does a beautiful job exploring vulnerability, identity, and the messy beauty of falling in love. The Parisian bookshop setting adds a cozy, magical vibe that makes the story even more immersive.
Despite a central deception, the resolution is satisfying and sincere. The ending is joyful without being overly sweet—just the right balance. If you enjoy queer romance with substance, humor, and a touch of literary charm, this one’s a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The banter between Emery and Eveline is sharp and funny, but it’s the emotional depth that really shines. Waters does a beautiful job exploring vulnerability, identity, and the messy beauty of falling in love. The Parisian bookshop setting adds a cozy, magical vibe that makes the story even more immersive.
Despite a central deception, the resolution is satisfying and sincere. The ending is joyful without being overly sweet—just the right balance. If you enjoy queer romance with substance, humor, and a touch of literary charm, this one’s a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2025
3 stars. It was okay.
The characters are likable, but they never expand beyond their basic premises of clumsy or traumatized. They have no dreams or aspirations, everyone's randomly bisexual just because as well as accepting of any kind of sexuality in all age groups, and they exist in this piece of time when things are great except the plumbing, since everything keeps getting flooded all the time.
The plot is serviceable but incredibly predictable - I could see every major turn coming a mile away based on how the initial conflict is set up. The book hits all the usual romance beats, but they’re tied up too neatly and feel formulaic. Most of the secondary characters didn’t feel like real people; they seemed to exist just to move the story forward. There's just too many of them for the length of the book.
I was hoping for something less tropey, and perhaps that's on me. I see other reviewers giving it five stars, so your mileage may vary.
The characters are likable, but they never expand beyond their basic premises of clumsy or traumatized. They have no dreams or aspirations, everyone's randomly bisexual just because as well as accepting of any kind of sexuality in all age groups, and they exist in this piece of time when things are great except the plumbing, since everything keeps getting flooded all the time.
The plot is serviceable but incredibly predictable - I could see every major turn coming a mile away based on how the initial conflict is set up. The book hits all the usual romance beats, but they’re tied up too neatly and feel formulaic. Most of the secondary characters didn’t feel like real people; they seemed to exist just to move the story forward. There's just too many of them for the length of the book.
I was hoping for something less tropey, and perhaps that's on me. I see other reviewers giving it five stars, so your mileage may vary.
November 7, 2025
Ms Waters' books always leave me smiling and often laughing over the antics of her characters.
Emery is very self conscious. She feels that she needs to hide parts of herself due to low confidence. I love how Emery learns about gaining more confidence in herself with help from Eveline, a French lady and owner of The Turned Page bookstore. Of course Emery’s and Eveline’s first meeting was hilarious. I laughed for a bit. Poor Emery felt bad. Naturally, this starts some lovely scenes where Emery and Eveline fall for each other. The characters, setting, and dialogue were exactly perfect. I love the humor, the characters, and the lovely scenes that were so marvelously depicted on the page. Emery shows such amazing growth and learns a lot. One tiny thing that Eveline brings, besides a lot, to the story is her attitude about romance books that I found humorous and understand well. Ms Waters has become a such a favorite author that I love reading her fabulous stories.
Emery is very self conscious. She feels that she needs to hide parts of herself due to low confidence. I love how Emery learns about gaining more confidence in herself with help from Eveline, a French lady and owner of The Turned Page bookstore. Of course Emery’s and Eveline’s first meeting was hilarious. I laughed for a bit. Poor Emery felt bad. Naturally, this starts some lovely scenes where Emery and Eveline fall for each other. The characters, setting, and dialogue were exactly perfect. I love the humor, the characters, and the lovely scenes that were so marvelously depicted on the page. Emery shows such amazing growth and learns a lot. One tiny thing that Eveline brings, besides a lot, to the story is her attitude about romance books that I found humorous and understand well. Ms Waters has become a such a favorite author that I love reading her fabulous stories.
November 7, 2025
Just when I think I have my favourite top 10 Sienna books picked, she goes and writes another one that expands the list to 11. Oh who am I kidding let’s round it up to 15.
Emery is a clutz around women but highly successful in her career as a romance author.
Eveline is closed off and hates romance yet owns a bookstore which is like owning a stables and hating horses.
I digress…. Emery is in the wrong place at the right time but fails to disclose who she really is. Can Eveline overlook Emery’s career choice?
Full of wit and snark, the usual supporting characters who always play their part and for once a third act breakup (my pet hate) that actually fits and is necessary to advance the plot. Another great book by one of my go to authors.
Emery is a clutz around women but highly successful in her career as a romance author.
Eveline is closed off and hates romance yet owns a bookstore which is like owning a stables and hating horses.
I digress…. Emery is in the wrong place at the right time but fails to disclose who she really is. Can Eveline overlook Emery’s career choice?
Full of wit and snark, the usual supporting characters who always play their part and for once a third act breakup (my pet hate) that actually fits and is necessary to advance the plot. Another great book by one of my go to authors.
November 11, 2025
Cute book! There were, at times, where the endless circles of Emery wanting to tell Eveline the truth but being interrupted by something got to be a bit old, and the development of their relationship at times seemed to lack a little depth, but overall I liked the story and the pacing. I appreciate that not all novels have to have multiple smut scenes to get across the nature of the MCs falling in love, and I liked that the scene for this couple was appropriately placed. Also a big fan of Eveline basically telling Charles to shove it.
I also really loved the epilogue, I felt like it was an appropriate glimpse time-wise into their future and thought it was a really great ending to their story.
I also really loved the epilogue, I felt like it was an appropriate glimpse time-wise into their future and thought it was a really great ending to their story.
November 2, 2025
Emery Parker is a romance novelist with writer's block. Running late as usual for her book signing she goes to the wrong bookshop and meets grumpy owner Evaline Auclair who detests romance novels. On her way out she knocks over a book display as she is accident prone around women she likes. Evaline who is short handed hires Emery after hearing her knowledge about books and so begins the dance. I liked the book but the will she (Emery) or won't she tell Evaline that she is a famous romance author three quarters in was too long and irritated me. I could have used a shorter amount of conflict.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
A wonderful, sweet and complicated romantic comedy. It was like a movie in a book.
The characters, main and secondary were incredible. They had depth and actually contributed to the plot. I loved the opposites dynamic between seemingly ice queen Eveline and clumsy sweetheart Emery. They balance each other out. Maya, Abe, Zara, Ollie, Jax and Domi were perfect for the found family aspect of the story.
It’s my first Sienna Waters book, I adored it. Im going to read the ones on my TBR ASAP. A definite re-read for me.
Thank you to Sienna Waters and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC.
Edit Review
The characters, main and secondary were incredible. They had depth and actually contributed to the plot. I loved the opposites dynamic between seemingly ice queen Eveline and clumsy sweetheart Emery. They balance each other out. Maya, Abe, Zara, Ollie, Jax and Domi were perfect for the found family aspect of the story.
It’s my first Sienna Waters book, I adored it. Im going to read the ones on my TBR ASAP. A definite re-read for me.
Thank you to Sienna Waters and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC.
Edit Review
December 27, 2025
The premise seemed promising, and the main characters were fairly well portrayed, even if the supporting cast lacked depth. It’s a shame, I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. Even though the story leans into and plays with the usual romantic clichés, it was just too much: no surprises, and the cringe was honestly hard to handle.
One thing that really irritated me was the whole sequence where Emery keeps trying to talk to her but literally everything gets in the way, combined with all the repetitions, it just became exhausting.
It wasn’t terrible by any means, but with my background in the genre, it just didn’t stand out or offer anything I hadn’t read before.
One thing that really irritated me was the whole sequence where Emery keeps trying to talk to her but literally everything gets in the way, combined with all the repetitions, it just became exhausting.
It wasn’t terrible by any means, but with my background in the genre, it just didn’t stand out or offer anything I hadn’t read before.
October 24, 2025
This is a fabulous story of Emery, who is a best selling romantic author, falling for a grumpy unromantic bookshop owner, Eveline. I just loved this book, the main characters were well thought out and had hidden depths and the secondary characters were brilliant. Nice bit of humour to go with the relationships. Couldn’t put it down, would highly recommend, defo best book from Ms Waters so far.
November 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. Eveline and Emery are such likeable characters - as are their friends. I loved the bookstore setting, and I wanted to visit it and join the romance book club too! The story itself is well done, interesting and engaging. Definitely worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2025
cute, but my second hand embarrassment about killed me.
The book was really amusing, punchy, and cute. I’m a sucker for grumpy/sunshine. However the grand gestures made me have to put my reader down before I threw it out of second hand embarrassment. In Eveline’s shoes, I’d have probably disappeared into the woods and become a hermit over it.
The book was really amusing, punchy, and cute. I’m a sucker for grumpy/sunshine. However the grand gestures made me have to put my reader down before I threw it out of second hand embarrassment. In Eveline’s shoes, I’d have probably disappeared into the woods and become a hermit over it.
December 1, 2025
I wanted to like this one more than I did, but I just didn't feel any chemistry between the couple.
And sadly, I also didn't really care that much about them as individuals. The choices the MC made, over and over, while agonizing about realizing they were wrong, became boring quickly.
Side characters rocked though.
And sadly, I also didn't really care that much about them as individuals. The choices the MC made, over and over, while agonizing about realizing they were wrong, became boring quickly.
Side characters rocked though.
December 2, 2025
Lying for love
Emery is a writer who has writer’s block. She ends up in the wrong bookstore for a book signing and meets Eveline. I found the plot very good and the character is excellent. It is amazing that one lie can lead to so much drama. I recommend this book for all romance readers.
Emery is a writer who has writer’s block. She ends up in the wrong bookstore for a book signing and meets Eveline. I found the plot very good and the character is excellent. It is amazing that one lie can lead to so much drama. I recommend this book for all romance readers.
December 16, 2025
I love this book. It is equally sweet and funny. It seems with every new book from Seinna they get better. There is a pull between Emery and Eveline that they cannot deny. If Emery can get past her clumsiness and make a move, they may just have a chance. This is a terrific book you do not want to miss. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2025
I so enjoyed this book. Scratch every romance writer and you’ll find a little bit of Emery, I swear. Not that they’d officially admit it. So add the elements of an inadvertent deception to the awkward Emery and the icy non-romantic Eveline and you have this wonderful, funny, HEA read. Very Sienna Waters.
I read a preview copy of this book and I’m posting a genuine review.
I read a preview copy of this book and I’m posting a genuine review.
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