What do you think?
Rate this book
The Love Library
What if you could date your favourite book boyfriend?
"All loans are at the borrower's own risk..."
After a series of dating disasters, Tess Hardy wonders if she'll ever find the man of her dreams - or if he only exists on the pages of her favourite novels. So when she's invited to visit The Love Library, a 200-hundred-year-old institution which promises dates with her favourite romantic heroes in real life, Tess can't resist!
But handsome head librarian Gabe Sharma seems grumpily determined to keep the library under lock and key. And as soon as Tess steps into the beautiful building crammed full of books, she realises why - it's not just dust in the air... it's magic. Here she really can grab drinks with Heathcliff, dine with Rochester and cosy up to her one true literary love, Darcy.
There's just one Gabe. He's determined to sabotage all of Tess's dates! And why is it that she has more fun fighting with Gabe than flirting with any of her book-bound suitors...?
Heartwarming, hot and hilarious, The Love Library is a must-read for anyone who wishes they could step into the pages of their favourite book. Perfect for fans of Ashley Poston, Lucy Jane Wood and Kirsty Greenwood.
"All loans are at the borrower's own risk..."
After a series of dating disasters, Tess Hardy wonders if she'll ever find the man of her dreams - or if he only exists on the pages of her favourite novels. So when she's invited to visit The Love Library, a 200-hundred-year-old institution which promises dates with her favourite romantic heroes in real life, Tess can't resist!
But handsome head librarian Gabe Sharma seems grumpily determined to keep the library under lock and key. And as soon as Tess steps into the beautiful building crammed full of books, she realises why - it's not just dust in the air... it's magic. Here she really can grab drinks with Heathcliff, dine with Rochester and cosy up to her one true literary love, Darcy.
There's just one Gabe. He's determined to sabotage all of Tess's dates! And why is it that she has more fun fighting with Gabe than flirting with any of her book-bound suitors...?
Heartwarming, hot and hilarious, The Love Library is a must-read for anyone who wishes they could step into the pages of their favourite book. Perfect for fans of Ashley Poston, Lucy Jane Wood and Kirsty Greenwood.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2026
About the author
Sarra Manning
42 books1,967 followersSarra Manning is a teen queen extraordinaire. She spent five years working on the now sadly defunct J17, first as a writer and then as Entertainment Editor. She then joined the launch team of teen fashion bible Ellegirl, which she later went on to edit and has consulted on a wide range of youth titles including Bliss, The Face and More.
Sarra is now editor of What To Wear magazine. She's also been a regular contributor to ELLE, The Guardian, ES Magazine, Seventeen, Details and Heat and wrote the Shop Bitch column for Time Out. Sarra lives in North London with her dog Miss Betsy
Sarra is now editor of What To Wear magazine. She's also been a regular contributor to ELLE, The Guardian, ES Magazine, Seventeen, Details and Heat and wrote the Shop Bitch column for Time Out. Sarra lives in North London with her dog Miss Betsy
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Soooo cute! It was a bit hard to get into it at first but once the chemistry between the two main characters is here, it's so good!
July 10, 2026
To me, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me -- despite its unwieldy title – is an absolute classic, not just of romance fiction but of fiction in general. It takes place over a long enough period of time for the character development to be believable, and Neve has fraternal, familial, and collegial relationships that also change and grow alongside her romantic one. Just like, you know, a real person. I keep bringing it up in every recent Manning review because the contrast is STARK.
I don’t know what’s worse in the modern era of romance novels: characters with a squad of minion besties who only exist to gas them up at unilaterally convenient intervals, or characters with no real sense of relating to any other human in the world besides their love interest. How many times have I yawned over a female MC who works in media/PR/publishing/the creative industry and has a gay male workmate who doubles up as their main friend? Tessa has one scene – one! – with her ‘narcissistic’ mother and then there’s a whole denouement involving going low-contact with her – a denouement that moreover involves her ex’s new girlfriend – that is presumably supposed to be satisfying. It’s not, because we don’t spend any TIME with Tessa’s mother. We get a lot of steam-of-consciousness about Tessa’s insecurities, which she blames on her mother, but no evidence of them in real time, any more than there’s evidence of how they affect her in practice. Just lots of inner whining.
I am not sure when this was supposed to be set, because it reads as unbelievable that any journalist in 2026 cares about ‘legacy media’ when the legacy media in question is a weekly, one-city tabloid. Given how even the likes of the Washington Post are losing legitimacy, this doesn’t track. A ‘journalist’ isn’t, to me, someone who writes opinion pieces. That’s a blogger, and Tessa should be grifting on Substack. I mean, it’s super handy that she has a roommate who is very financially successful, never at home, and functionally celibate, but that’s not a reliable long-term option. Of course it’s all fixed because ‘reader she married him’ but Gabriel’s family legacy is also haemorrhaging money and excuse me if I don’t think dirty money from oil billionaires is the answer. This mainly speaks to the story’s utter lack of interest in anything bar getting these two characters together, like grumpy and sunshine pieces of lego being smash-cut together. Never mind that of the two Tessa is by far the grumpiest.
The Love Library concept is so deeply flawed. The Sharma library has for question mark number of centuries been able to access both writers of and characters in books (no distinction is made between them, or between the ‘character’ of the writer versus the real person). This resource has been mainly used by dry academics, and was apparently of no interest whatsoever to the wider world until Ella decides to let people date romantic heroes. To quote a romcom heroine the book forgets to cite, 'As IF!'
WHY does copyright apply? I mean I know why in Doyleian sense, Manning doesn’t want to get sued by Emily Henry, but why in a Watsonian sense does it matter? Many of these books/characters predate the concept of copyright!
Most importantly: why would anyone want to date someone they KNOW is a time-limited, emotion-limited option? Ella burbles on about how enjoyable early dating is with your now-husband, which is a very married-brain take. In 2026, NO ONE ENJOYS DATING. EVERYONE HOPES THIS DATE WILL BE THEIR LAST. Why would ‘Mr Darcy’ be BETTER when you KNOW HE HAS A WIFE AT HOME? (I mean, excluding for polyamorous people, but they generally have a better time anyway and probably wouldn’t use this service.)
That’s even before we consider what happens to the CHARACTERS afterwards. Do they forget you immediately? Does it all happen off-page, or explain backstories? There’s a whole tragic love story to be found in these concepts but it never gets off the ground because Manning is too busy giving Lit 101 takes on ‘Rochester is a bad guy, actually!!!’ and ‘Mellors was probably a creep’ while lazily peddling a crossed-wires storyline between Tessa and Gabriel. ftlog, that ONLY works in SINGLE POV.
Basically my feeling is – and has been for a few books now – do better. Because Manning CAN. For some reason she seems to be actively degenerating her skill so it will be MORE like Emily Henry. Emily Henry whose prose is as grey as a rock and whose characters are flat as cardboard and whose whole effect on the romance genre has been one of painting a beautiful period home Millennial greige. WHY would you WANT this (I mean aside from money)? It’s dispiriting in the extreme. It took me two weeks to read what should have been a breathless two-day read. There’s also a lot of insalubrious sentence structure that should have been weeded out by a stringent editor and which makes the prose read as even weaker and more amateur that it already is.
tl;dr FUCK DUAL POV AND ONE EMILY HENRY IN THE WORLD IS ABSOLUTELY SUFFICIENT!!!
I don’t know what’s worse in the modern era of romance novels: characters with a squad of minion besties who only exist to gas them up at unilaterally convenient intervals, or characters with no real sense of relating to any other human in the world besides their love interest. How many times have I yawned over a female MC who works in media/PR/publishing/the creative industry and has a gay male workmate who doubles up as their main friend? Tessa has one scene – one! – with her ‘narcissistic’ mother and then there’s a whole denouement involving going low-contact with her – a denouement that moreover involves her ex’s new girlfriend – that is presumably supposed to be satisfying. It’s not, because we don’t spend any TIME with Tessa’s mother. We get a lot of steam-of-consciousness about Tessa’s insecurities, which she blames on her mother, but no evidence of them in real time, any more than there’s evidence of how they affect her in practice. Just lots of inner whining.
I am not sure when this was supposed to be set, because it reads as unbelievable that any journalist in 2026 cares about ‘legacy media’ when the legacy media in question is a weekly, one-city tabloid. Given how even the likes of the Washington Post are losing legitimacy, this doesn’t track. A ‘journalist’ isn’t, to me, someone who writes opinion pieces. That’s a blogger, and Tessa should be grifting on Substack. I mean, it’s super handy that she has a roommate who is very financially successful, never at home, and functionally celibate, but that’s not a reliable long-term option. Of course it’s all fixed because ‘reader she married him’ but Gabriel’s family legacy is also haemorrhaging money and excuse me if I don’t think dirty money from oil billionaires is the answer. This mainly speaks to the story’s utter lack of interest in anything bar getting these two characters together, like grumpy and sunshine pieces of lego being smash-cut together. Never mind that of the two Tessa is by far the grumpiest.
The Love Library concept is so deeply flawed. The Sharma library has for question mark number of centuries been able to access both writers of and characters in books (no distinction is made between them, or between the ‘character’ of the writer versus the real person). This resource has been mainly used by dry academics, and was apparently of no interest whatsoever to the wider world until Ella decides to let people date romantic heroes. To quote a romcom heroine the book forgets to cite, 'As IF!'
WHY does copyright apply? I mean I know why in Doyleian sense, Manning doesn’t want to get sued by Emily Henry, but why in a Watsonian sense does it matter? Many of these books/characters predate the concept of copyright!
Most importantly: why would anyone want to date someone they KNOW is a time-limited, emotion-limited option? Ella burbles on about how enjoyable early dating is with your now-husband, which is a very married-brain take. In 2026, NO ONE ENJOYS DATING. EVERYONE HOPES THIS DATE WILL BE THEIR LAST. Why would ‘Mr Darcy’ be BETTER when you KNOW HE HAS A WIFE AT HOME? (I mean, excluding for polyamorous people, but they generally have a better time anyway and probably wouldn’t use this service.)
That’s even before we consider what happens to the CHARACTERS afterwards. Do they forget you immediately? Does it all happen off-page, or explain backstories? There’s a whole tragic love story to be found in these concepts but it never gets off the ground because Manning is too busy giving Lit 101 takes on ‘Rochester is a bad guy, actually!!!’ and ‘Mellors was probably a creep’ while lazily peddling a crossed-wires storyline between Tessa and Gabriel. ftlog, that ONLY works in SINGLE POV.
Basically my feeling is – and has been for a few books now – do better. Because Manning CAN. For some reason she seems to be actively degenerating her skill so it will be MORE like Emily Henry. Emily Henry whose prose is as grey as a rock and whose characters are flat as cardboard and whose whole effect on the romance genre has been one of painting a beautiful period home Millennial greige. WHY would you WANT this (I mean aside from money)? It’s dispiriting in the extreme. It took me two weeks to read what should have been a breathless two-day read. There’s also a lot of insalubrious sentence structure that should have been weeded out by a stringent editor and which makes the prose read as even weaker and more amateur that it already is.
tl;dr FUCK DUAL POV AND ONE EMILY HENRY IN THE WORLD IS ABSOLUTELY SUFFICIENT!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Such a cute concept, kept me engaged all the way through
Such a cute concept, kept me engaged all the way through
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you’re a reader then chances are you’ve daydreamed about meeting one of the characters from your favourite books…imagine that you could spend an afternoon in the company of the hero or heroine from the books on your shelves. A magic key, a simple command and…poof! Mr Darcy sitting on your sofa with a cuppa.
What if that really could be possible? Welcome to The Love Library.
Let’s get one thing straight - Tess is not ok.
Her career as a feature writer has stalled and she’s found herself shunted into writing advertorials for walk-in showers and corrective shoes. Her boss is a micro-managing nightmare who seems to be blocking any chance of promotion.
Her mother is constantly putting her down and she can’t stop herself from watching the numerous TikTok uploads of a nail-clacking health and lifestyle influencer who’s now living with Tess’s git of an ex boyfriend, who unceremoniously dumped her just weeks before her 30th birthday.
And of course a level of self-confidence can only be described as subterranean.
Tess is also a single gal about town. There’s only one problem - Tess doesn’t want to be a single gal. She’s tried it all, the apps, the parties the set-ups and even one disastrous blind date with her mother’s dentist’s nephew.
Quite frankly, she’s had enough of unsolicited dick-pics and she’d quite like to meet a nice guy…surely that’s not too much to ask?
So when an invitation lands in her inbox inviting her to trial a new dating experience called The Love Library Tess decides to give it a whirl.
It sounds too good to be true - a date with her favourite men from literature. Not actors, not high-tech holograms but the actual person from her favourite stories. But can love really be found with a fictional character who, just like Cinderella, isn’t allowed out of their pages past midnight? Enter Gabe Sharma, not a book character but the socially withdrawn, incredibly grumpy (joint) Head Librarian - a leading expert in philosophy with an aversion to fiction.
The Love Library is a thoroughly enjoyable book, that once I picked it up I found hard to put down. The main protagonists are likeable and the story moves at a decent pace that will keep you interested, without giving you a chance to get bored. I think it’s fair to say that from the outset you’ll have a pretty good idea about what’s going to happen (if you’ve ever read any kind of romance book before), but there’s just enough doubt thrown into the mix to keep you wondering about the ending. It’s a light, endearing and well-written contemporary romance that will wrap you up in a warm hug.
This was the first book I’ve read by Sarra Manning but I highly doubt it will be my last - I’m already looking forward to picking up my next read from this author.
I would highly recommend The Love Library to any contemporary romance readers.
Book clubs will enjoy debating which characters from literature they’d like to meet and how those characters might react to life in the twenty-first century.
There is a sprinkling of adult language throughout, including a singular use of the c-word and one rather passionate sex-scene - none of which seem forced or gratuitous but feel natural as part of the plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of The Love Library for me to read and review. The Love Library will be published in June 2026.
What if that really could be possible? Welcome to The Love Library.
Let’s get one thing straight - Tess is not ok.
Her career as a feature writer has stalled and she’s found herself shunted into writing advertorials for walk-in showers and corrective shoes. Her boss is a micro-managing nightmare who seems to be blocking any chance of promotion.
Her mother is constantly putting her down and she can’t stop herself from watching the numerous TikTok uploads of a nail-clacking health and lifestyle influencer who’s now living with Tess’s git of an ex boyfriend, who unceremoniously dumped her just weeks before her 30th birthday.
And of course a level of self-confidence can only be described as subterranean.
Tess is also a single gal about town. There’s only one problem - Tess doesn’t want to be a single gal. She’s tried it all, the apps, the parties the set-ups and even one disastrous blind date with her mother’s dentist’s nephew.
Quite frankly, she’s had enough of unsolicited dick-pics and she’d quite like to meet a nice guy…surely that’s not too much to ask?
So when an invitation lands in her inbox inviting her to trial a new dating experience called The Love Library Tess decides to give it a whirl.
It sounds too good to be true - a date with her favourite men from literature. Not actors, not high-tech holograms but the actual person from her favourite stories. But can love really be found with a fictional character who, just like Cinderella, isn’t allowed out of their pages past midnight? Enter Gabe Sharma, not a book character but the socially withdrawn, incredibly grumpy (joint) Head Librarian - a leading expert in philosophy with an aversion to fiction.
The Love Library is a thoroughly enjoyable book, that once I picked it up I found hard to put down. The main protagonists are likeable and the story moves at a decent pace that will keep you interested, without giving you a chance to get bored. I think it’s fair to say that from the outset you’ll have a pretty good idea about what’s going to happen (if you’ve ever read any kind of romance book before), but there’s just enough doubt thrown into the mix to keep you wondering about the ending. It’s a light, endearing and well-written contemporary romance that will wrap you up in a warm hug.
This was the first book I’ve read by Sarra Manning but I highly doubt it will be my last - I’m already looking forward to picking up my next read from this author.
I would highly recommend The Love Library to any contemporary romance readers.
Book clubs will enjoy debating which characters from literature they’d like to meet and how those characters might react to life in the twenty-first century.
There is a sprinkling of adult language throughout, including a singular use of the c-word and one rather passionate sex-scene - none of which seem forced or gratuitous but feel natural as part of the plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of The Love Library for me to read and review. The Love Library will be published in June 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tess Hardy is looking for love.
Yes! Yes! Yes! The Love Library is absolutely brilliant. I didn’t so much read it as gulp it down. It might just be the most perfect example of enemies to lovers in modern commercial romantic fiction that I’ve read.
The slightly magical premise of a library where readers can borrow characters from books is superb and the right side of believable to make the story so engaging. (Let me take out Angel Clare and give him a piece of my mind!) And I thought naming the protagonist Tess Hardy was inspired!
Tess is fantastic. Self-deprecating, overweight and frustrated by her job, with a mother not slow in pointing out her faults, she embarks on a quest to find romance, borrowing men from out of copyright fiction. Tess is, like so many of us, unable to see her positive attributes too, so that she is relatable and endearing. Her ability to empathise with others and to give them her whole-hearted attention made me want to climb into the pages and hug her. I especially loved the moments in the story where food is involved for Tess because they felt so real.
Gabe is the perfect romantic hero too. Darcy-like to some extent with his somewhat rigid approach to running the inherited library with his twin sister Ella, he is never mere pastiche. I adored that he is also a philosophy professor because the blend of life lessons from the great thinkers positioned alongside the fictional lessons in books illustrates what those of us who read romantic fiction already know – all life is to be found between the pages of a book. Both Tess and Gabe are a little prejudiced against one another’s approaches, but it’s that finding of common ground that makes the story so engaging.
Of course there’s the expectation of a happy ending, especially when Pride and Prejudice forms the backdrop of The Love Library’s actions, but the route to that ending is fabulously entertaining. The humour (meet Mellors), the heartbreak, the fizzing attraction between Tess and Gabe all mean that it’s impossible to put the book down. There is some strong language and occasional moments to bring a blush to the reader’s cheeks, but these elements are in perfect balance to enhance the plot and just perfect in execution.
It’s quite hard to define what wonderful romantic fiction The Love Library is. Filled with hope over expectation, literary and philosophical reference, brimming with humour and a passionate understanding of real people, I thought it was excellent. I’d defy anyone who loves romantic fiction not to adore it too. Don’t miss it because it is a truth (about to be) universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of the need for a superb romcom must be in want of The Love Library by Sarra Manning! Sensationally good!
Yes! Yes! Yes! The Love Library is absolutely brilliant. I didn’t so much read it as gulp it down. It might just be the most perfect example of enemies to lovers in modern commercial romantic fiction that I’ve read.
The slightly magical premise of a library where readers can borrow characters from books is superb and the right side of believable to make the story so engaging. (Let me take out Angel Clare and give him a piece of my mind!) And I thought naming the protagonist Tess Hardy was inspired!
Tess is fantastic. Self-deprecating, overweight and frustrated by her job, with a mother not slow in pointing out her faults, she embarks on a quest to find romance, borrowing men from out of copyright fiction. Tess is, like so many of us, unable to see her positive attributes too, so that she is relatable and endearing. Her ability to empathise with others and to give them her whole-hearted attention made me want to climb into the pages and hug her. I especially loved the moments in the story where food is involved for Tess because they felt so real.
Gabe is the perfect romantic hero too. Darcy-like to some extent with his somewhat rigid approach to running the inherited library with his twin sister Ella, he is never mere pastiche. I adored that he is also a philosophy professor because the blend of life lessons from the great thinkers positioned alongside the fictional lessons in books illustrates what those of us who read romantic fiction already know – all life is to be found between the pages of a book. Both Tess and Gabe are a little prejudiced against one another’s approaches, but it’s that finding of common ground that makes the story so engaging.
Of course there’s the expectation of a happy ending, especially when Pride and Prejudice forms the backdrop of The Love Library’s actions, but the route to that ending is fabulously entertaining. The humour (meet Mellors), the heartbreak, the fizzing attraction between Tess and Gabe all mean that it’s impossible to put the book down. There is some strong language and occasional moments to bring a blush to the reader’s cheeks, but these elements are in perfect balance to enhance the plot and just perfect in execution.
It’s quite hard to define what wonderful romantic fiction The Love Library is. Filled with hope over expectation, literary and philosophical reference, brimming with humour and a passionate understanding of real people, I thought it was excellent. I’d defy anyone who loves romantic fiction not to adore it too. Don’t miss it because it is a truth (about to be) universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of the need for a superb romcom must be in want of The Love Library by Sarra Manning! Sensationally good!
June 19, 2026
So this dropped in my letterbox yesterday morning and I read right the way through to 1:30 in the morning as I could not leave this book alone!
It has been a while since I've read a book in a day and also since I've done a marathon read like this ,as a teenager I would devour books like this pretty much all the time .
So I had this book on pre order as I do with any sarra manning book because next to Tolkien she is my favourite author.
It was really refreshing to have a modern book that wasn't 90% smut! This book was fun , it was whimsical without being childish.
We have our two main characters Tess and Gabe. And what I love about Sara's writing is that she knows how to make a relatable character, there is a line where she is describing Tess having a panic about going out as she is a girl that loves wearing midi dresses..... but only shaves her legs to her knees as let's face it if you can see it does it matter? And I've never felt more seen 🤭 as that is something I totally do!
I digress, this story is set in a library which is fantastic anyway but it's not a normal library NO IT IS A MAGICAL LIBRARY. They offer a service where you can date a character from a book, but it's not an actor or a cgi version as Tess comes to find out , no it is the actual physical character from the stories.
So we have several failed dates, we have heathcliff and several other characters that once they step off the page thier appeal is less then endearing! Which I think is such a lovely nod to the fact that real love is not easy, and especially modern love. Book girlies we dream of having our book boyfriends come to life, but when It comes down to it the real romance is our relationships where the little silly things matter. The making sure there's a drink on your bedside table. Or picking the blue M&Ms out because they taste different.
There is a few lines in this book I loved one being
As Chekhov had written -I'm wearing black because I am in mourning for my life-
And if you know as a Sarra manning stan this is a line edie says in diary of a crush french kiss.
There is also a line saying I am made up of books
Which I think is beautiful, becouse I do believe that we take parts of our loved characters and weave them into our beings, as a teenager I loved Sara's characters and they became part of me.
All in all I highly recommend this book! My question to you is who would you call out of a book to date? There's only once choice for me .... "hello mr Frodo Baggins "💜
It has been a while since I've read a book in a day and also since I've done a marathon read like this ,as a teenager I would devour books like this pretty much all the time .
So I had this book on pre order as I do with any sarra manning book because next to Tolkien she is my favourite author.
It was really refreshing to have a modern book that wasn't 90% smut! This book was fun , it was whimsical without being childish.
We have our two main characters Tess and Gabe. And what I love about Sara's writing is that she knows how to make a relatable character, there is a line where she is describing Tess having a panic about going out as she is a girl that loves wearing midi dresses..... but only shaves her legs to her knees as let's face it if you can see it does it matter? And I've never felt more seen 🤭 as that is something I totally do!
I digress, this story is set in a library which is fantastic anyway but it's not a normal library NO IT IS A MAGICAL LIBRARY. They offer a service where you can date a character from a book, but it's not an actor or a cgi version as Tess comes to find out , no it is the actual physical character from the stories.
So we have several failed dates, we have heathcliff and several other characters that once they step off the page thier appeal is less then endearing! Which I think is such a lovely nod to the fact that real love is not easy, and especially modern love. Book girlies we dream of having our book boyfriends come to life, but when It comes down to it the real romance is our relationships where the little silly things matter. The making sure there's a drink on your bedside table. Or picking the blue M&Ms out because they taste different.
There is a few lines in this book I loved one being
As Chekhov had written -I'm wearing black because I am in mourning for my life-
And if you know as a Sarra manning stan this is a line edie says in diary of a crush french kiss.
There is also a line saying I am made up of books
Which I think is beautiful, becouse I do believe that we take parts of our loved characters and weave them into our beings, as a teenager I loved Sara's characters and they became part of me.
All in all I highly recommend this book! My question to you is who would you call out of a book to date? There's only once choice for me .... "hello mr Frodo Baggins "💜
Did Not Finish
June 29, 2026DNF at 36%.
This was one of my most anticipated reads. It was my first book by this author, and it had been sitting on my Goodreads TBR for months, so the moment it came out, I picked it up and sadly, I’m disappointed😭
Also, let’s be honest, the cartoon cover is gorgeous. I absolutely love it. And that’s saying something because I’m starting to get a little tired of cartoon covers, but the color contrast on this one is just so pretty!!!
But let’s get to what actually matters. Why did I DNF it???🤔 Well my friends, I just couldn’t connect with the story💔 especially the characters. And to be even more specific, the FMC. I really couldn’t, guys. I wanted to. I really did. I gave it multiple chances, but at no point did the story grab my attention enough to keep me invested.
I tried reading it and couldn’t get into it. Then I switched to the audiobook, and that didn’t help either. I will say, though, I really liked the narrator’s voice. Her accent is so nice, and I’d honestly love to listen to her narrate another book so, the audiobook itself wasn’t the problem either. The problem was the character herself. I just didn’t like her. At times she came across as pretty hypocritical, and she made comments that, in my opinion, were completely unnecessary. Without getting into specifics, I think some of those comments lean into stereotypes and harmful misconceptions, and that really threw me off.
As for the MMC, I couldn’t connect with him either. I honestly didn’t care about him at all, and I never felt any real chemistry between them. Nothing about their relationship made me want to keep reading or listening!!! And since I didn’t want to end a month that had been so amazing reading wise with a book I was clearly going to hate, I decided it was best to stop😌
I haven’t seen anyone mention the things that stood out to me in their reviews yet. So if this book gets more attention and you happen to come across this review, please leave a comment or send me a message if you felt the same way. I seriously need someone to talk to about this book because right now I have no one who understands my frustration. So please, let me know I’m not the only one😭
This was one of my most anticipated reads. It was my first book by this author, and it had been sitting on my Goodreads TBR for months, so the moment it came out, I picked it up and sadly, I’m disappointed😭
Also, let’s be honest, the cartoon cover is gorgeous. I absolutely love it. And that’s saying something because I’m starting to get a little tired of cartoon covers, but the color contrast on this one is just so pretty!!!
But let’s get to what actually matters. Why did I DNF it???🤔 Well my friends, I just couldn’t connect with the story💔 especially the characters. And to be even more specific, the FMC. I really couldn’t, guys. I wanted to. I really did. I gave it multiple chances, but at no point did the story grab my attention enough to keep me invested.
I tried reading it and couldn’t get into it. Then I switched to the audiobook, and that didn’t help either. I will say, though, I really liked the narrator’s voice. Her accent is so nice, and I’d honestly love to listen to her narrate another book so, the audiobook itself wasn’t the problem either. The problem was the character herself. I just didn’t like her. At times she came across as pretty hypocritical, and she made comments that, in my opinion, were completely unnecessary. Without getting into specifics, I think some of those comments lean into stereotypes and harmful misconceptions, and that really threw me off.
As for the MMC, I couldn’t connect with him either. I honestly didn’t care about him at all, and I never felt any real chemistry between them. Nothing about their relationship made me want to keep reading or listening!!! And since I didn’t want to end a month that had been so amazing reading wise with a book I was clearly going to hate, I decided it was best to stop😌
I haven’t seen anyone mention the things that stood out to me in their reviews yet. So if this book gets more attention and you happen to come across this review, please leave a comment or send me a message if you felt the same way. I seriously need someone to talk to about this book because right now I have no one who understands my frustration. So please, let me know I’m not the only one😭
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
I was immediately drawn to the interesting concept of this magical romance and even though it took a good few chapters for me to get into it, once I did, I was fully on board.
In many ways it feels like a cinematic rom com coming to life on the pages, which I adored. And I always appreciate a dual POV.
Having it be set in London and traipsing along streets and through areas that I've visited myself only added to my enjoyment.
Both Tess and Gabe are likeable, even if he appears to come off as quite surly and standoffish. Through actions rather that what he says, we can see that he cares about Tess and is a genuinely good guy.
The bookish dates were interesting, too, and it will certainly make you think twice about swooning for Heathcliff or Rochester anytime soon.
The first date with Heathcliff, in particular, throws you into the action while offering up a funny take on modern dating.
As a bit of a cynic myself when it comes to real life relationships and love, who also adores and consumes so many romance books and movies, I could understand where both Gabe and Tess were coming from.
And at the end, I really cared about both and them and was urging them to be together.
I especially liked seeing Gabe consuming all things romance, and how he began to understand Tess on an even deeper level by doing so, while he was heartbroken.
I am a big believer that all men should be made to read outside of their comfort zones, so I really liked this and how it wrapped up.
Watching Tess believe in herself more, and stand up for herself at work, was great too.
I will say, I wasn't a huge fan of the main sex scene. I'm sorry, but the word hole should never be used in what is meant to be a steamy/sexy encounter.
Quite a few of the words in that moment seriously gave me the cringe.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately drawn to the interesting concept of this magical romance and even though it took a good few chapters for me to get into it, once I did, I was fully on board.
In many ways it feels like a cinematic rom com coming to life on the pages, which I adored. And I always appreciate a dual POV.
Having it be set in London and traipsing along streets and through areas that I've visited myself only added to my enjoyment.
Both Tess and Gabe are likeable, even if he appears to come off as quite surly and standoffish. Through actions rather that what he says, we can see that he cares about Tess and is a genuinely good guy.
The bookish dates were interesting, too, and it will certainly make you think twice about swooning for Heathcliff or Rochester anytime soon.
The first date with Heathcliff, in particular, throws you into the action while offering up a funny take on modern dating.
As a bit of a cynic myself when it comes to real life relationships and love, who also adores and consumes so many romance books and movies, I could understand where both Gabe and Tess were coming from.
And at the end, I really cared about both and them and was urging them to be together.
I especially liked seeing Gabe consuming all things romance, and how he began to understand Tess on an even deeper level by doing so, while he was heartbroken.
I am a big believer that all men should be made to read outside of their comfort zones, so I really liked this and how it wrapped up.
Watching Tess believe in herself more, and stand up for herself at work, was great too.
I will say, I wasn't a huge fan of the main sex scene. I'm sorry, but the word hole should never be used in what is meant to be a steamy/sexy encounter.
Quite a few of the words in that moment seriously gave me the cringe.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.25 rating
Someone make this a movie immediately!! I beg!
As always, a magical realism romance is one of my favorite genres to read and this did not disappoint! I was immediately hooked with the idea of a magical library service that allows you to bring to real life, a character from a literary text. I mean, come on! Tell me you wouldn’t get the chance to meet Peeta Mellark, Edward Cullen, or Mr. Darcy!
Tess is our 30 something year old gal who genuinely has the worst luck when it comes to dating, is stuck in a horrible job, and is in love with the one man she can’t have, Mr. Darcy. After another tragic date, Tess is offered the chance to ‘date’ some book boyfriends by The Love Library institution but with some stipulations, of which make for some surprising and interesting dates.
Gabe is our moody, grumpy, and devilishly handsome co-head librarian is completely against The Love Library but can’t truly put a stop to it as his twin sister, the other co-head librarian, wants to give it a shot. Now, stuck and forced to work along side one another, we see how Gabe and Tess form a bond through some terrible literary dates. And this is where the fun begins and let me tell y’all, it is absolutely hilarious and completely endearing.
And let me just say, I absolutely loved the chemistry between Tess and Gabe! Truly, such sweet and tender moments that they had but also so real and passionate. I adored them! Also I seriously need someone to make this into a movie with Raymond Ablack as Gabe and Nicola Coughlan as Tess.
Thank you to Orion publishing for the ARC.
Someone make this a movie immediately!! I beg!
As always, a magical realism romance is one of my favorite genres to read and this did not disappoint! I was immediately hooked with the idea of a magical library service that allows you to bring to real life, a character from a literary text. I mean, come on! Tell me you wouldn’t get the chance to meet Peeta Mellark, Edward Cullen, or Mr. Darcy!
Tess is our 30 something year old gal who genuinely has the worst luck when it comes to dating, is stuck in a horrible job, and is in love with the one man she can’t have, Mr. Darcy. After another tragic date, Tess is offered the chance to ‘date’ some book boyfriends by The Love Library institution but with some stipulations, of which make for some surprising and interesting dates.
Gabe is our moody, grumpy, and devilishly handsome co-head librarian is completely against The Love Library but can’t truly put a stop to it as his twin sister, the other co-head librarian, wants to give it a shot. Now, stuck and forced to work along side one another, we see how Gabe and Tess form a bond through some terrible literary dates. And this is where the fun begins and let me tell y’all, it is absolutely hilarious and completely endearing.
And let me just say, I absolutely loved the chemistry between Tess and Gabe! Truly, such sweet and tender moments that they had but also so real and passionate. I adored them! Also I seriously need someone to make this into a movie with Raymond Ablack as Gabe and Nicola Coughlan as Tess.
Thank you to Orion publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tess, our relatable FMC is thoroughly tired and frustrated by modern dating. When she gets the unique opportunity to date famous heroes from literary fiction, it seems like a dream come true. After all, going on a date with romantic icons like Mr Darcy or Heathcliff sounds perfect in theory—but in reality, it leaves a lot to be desired. This book demonstrates that hilariously and perfectly. Tess is a true romantic at heart, and you can't help but root for her throughout the story. Her low self-esteem, fueled not just by romantic disappointment but by professional setbacks as well, makes her incredibly empathetic. You genuinely hope this bizarre experience will help her find the fire in her belly again.
Enter our MMC, Gabe—a delightfully stuffy Head Librarian (/assistant), and Philosophy Professor. He clashes with Tess from the very beginning in a lovely, fizzy way as he is fiercely opposed to his family’s historic library being used for superficial romantic pursuits. What follows is a series of wonderful shenanigans, including a delighted encounter with a bear and Gabe’s subconscious attempts to sabotage Tess’s literary dates as he starts falling for her without even realising it.
If you love the "grumpy x sunshine" trope, academic settings, and a healthy dose of bookish humour, pick this up immediately. It’s a lovely, whimsical reminder that sometimes the perfect man isn't trapped in a 19th-century novel—he's right in front of you. 4⭐️
Enter our MMC, Gabe—a delightfully stuffy Head Librarian (/assistant), and Philosophy Professor. He clashes with Tess from the very beginning in a lovely, fizzy way as he is fiercely opposed to his family’s historic library being used for superficial romantic pursuits. What follows is a series of wonderful shenanigans, including a delighted encounter with a bear and Gabe’s subconscious attempts to sabotage Tess’s literary dates as he starts falling for her without even realising it.
If you love the "grumpy x sunshine" trope, academic settings, and a healthy dose of bookish humour, pick this up immediately. It’s a lovely, whimsical reminder that sometimes the perfect man isn't trapped in a 19th-century novel—he's right in front of you. 4⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think that what this book is selling the dream of every reader is. To spend an afternoon with your favorite book character, to see them in real life, it would be a dream come through. That is also the case for our main character Tess.
Tess is done with dating. All the apps aren't working and old fashioned meeting someone on the street isn't happening for her. Her last hope arrives in the form of an email from the Love Library. They promise her a date with her favorite literary man.
After two disastrous dates, she starts to give up on the idea of the library. That is, until Gabe, the head librarian, convinces her to give it one last chance.
Gabe, a philosophy professor and someone who doesn't read fiction novels, will try everything to give his library a second wind. He will even read fiction and study up on its male heroes so he can give Tess the dates with the most eligible bachelors (or in some cases, questionable men). But maybe he likes Tess more than he thinks, because he will not give her the one date she really wants, the one with Mr. Darcy.
Throughout this experience, Tess and Gabe get to know each other better. They go from literary adversaries to something more. Tess starts to wonder if she maybe has to look for love outside the pages. Maybe love can be found in the friendship we made along the way?
Thank you Sarra Manning and Netgalley for the e-ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Tess is done with dating. All the apps aren't working and old fashioned meeting someone on the street isn't happening for her. Her last hope arrives in the form of an email from the Love Library. They promise her a date with her favorite literary man.
After two disastrous dates, she starts to give up on the idea of the library. That is, until Gabe, the head librarian, convinces her to give it one last chance.
Gabe, a philosophy professor and someone who doesn't read fiction novels, will try everything to give his library a second wind. He will even read fiction and study up on its male heroes so he can give Tess the dates with the most eligible bachelors (or in some cases, questionable men). But maybe he likes Tess more than he thinks, because he will not give her the one date she really wants, the one with Mr. Darcy.
Throughout this experience, Tess and Gabe get to know each other better. They go from literary adversaries to something more. Tess starts to wonder if she maybe has to look for love outside the pages. Maybe love can be found in the friendship we made along the way?
Thank you Sarra Manning and Netgalley for the e-ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tess wonders if she will ever meet the man of her dreams or if he only exists in the pages of her novels. So when she is invited to visit The Love Library, an old institution that offers dates with her favourite romantic heroes, she can’t resist. But grumpy librarian Gabe tries to prevent anyone from entering the library and soon Tess discovers its magic; that she really can get dates in real life with the characters from her books.
Having grown up reading this author’s YA books and them being a favourite of mine at the time (and enjoying the one adult one I previously read) I could not understand why I hadn’t read more of this author’s later books. This concept was fantastic, I was really drawn into the premise of a magical library and enjoy books within books. The idea of bringing characters from literature to life sounded really fun, especially with the romantic spin. This ended up an entertaining, light hearted read, however I found that it was slower than I had hoped and I found myself not fully invested in the story, likely as I didn’t connect to the characters, while also feeling young adult at times.
Even though I had some niggles, I still appreciate the original concept and think it was a well written story. This would be great for those looking for an amusing romance with a magical edge. I am interested to see what other ideas this author comes up with. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Having grown up reading this author’s YA books and them being a favourite of mine at the time (and enjoying the one adult one I previously read) I could not understand why I hadn’t read more of this author’s later books. This concept was fantastic, I was really drawn into the premise of a magical library and enjoy books within books. The idea of bringing characters from literature to life sounded really fun, especially with the romantic spin. This ended up an entertaining, light hearted read, however I found that it was slower than I had hoped and I found myself not fully invested in the story, likely as I didn’t connect to the characters, while also feeling young adult at times.
Even though I had some niggles, I still appreciate the original concept and think it was a well written story. This would be great for those looking for an amusing romance with a magical edge. I am interested to see what other ideas this author comes up with. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was really pulled into the idea of this book; it felt like a really original and fresh idea, and whilst I had fun reading this, I struggled to connect with the writing style and characters. I wish we got to know more about the library itself and how it functions. I enjoyed seeing great literary heroes within a modern landscape and had a good laugh at their surly dispositions when confronted with modern technology.
Tess was an interesting character, and I wanted to see her come into her self-confidence more; it felt like she had only just begun to during the last few pages. Gabriel was a sweet, yet often misguided character. I loved seeing him go through his romance era and change his whole view on life afterwards. Once again, I wanted more from them as a couple and to see more displays of communication between them. Some really great scenes showcased this connection of theirs, and we really got to see how they felt towards each other and the chemistry that they had despite trying to quell it.
A fun and easy-to-read romance with a fresh concept. Whilst I have a couple of reservations, I had a good time reading it, and loved the scene at the end (very reminiscent of classic rom-coms!)
A big thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Tess was an interesting character, and I wanted to see her come into her self-confidence more; it felt like she had only just begun to during the last few pages. Gabriel was a sweet, yet often misguided character. I loved seeing him go through his romance era and change his whole view on life afterwards. Once again, I wanted more from them as a couple and to see more displays of communication between them. Some really great scenes showcased this connection of theirs, and we really got to see how they felt towards each other and the chemistry that they had despite trying to quell it.
A fun and easy-to-read romance with a fresh concept. Whilst I have a couple of reservations, I had a good time reading it, and loved the scene at the end (very reminiscent of classic rom-coms!)
A big thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I want to thank Jonathanball Publishers for a proof copy. All opinions are my own. This is my first Sarra Manning novel.
What if you could date your favourite book boyfriend?
The concept pulled me right in. I mean, a magical library that can bring characters into the real world, and you can talk or date them?😲
One important thing is that they have to be public domain...
I struggled in the beginning with who is narrating, but once I had the hang of it, it read better😅
Tess is struggling to find the one. After numerous failed dates, an intriguing email lands in her inbox, inviting her to the Love Library. Naturally, she thought it was a joke.
Enters Gabe, joint head librarian, he is stern, loves philosophy, and doesn't really understand the concept of love.
This didn't feel like an enemies to lovers, even though there is bickering and date sabotaging (not enough to give it flesh), grump x sunshine, yes.
I did connect with Tess in some aspects, like emotionally eating and lacking self-confidence, and I'm happy she got over the hurdle.
Gabe grew on me. He had the emotional sense of a teaspoon, hard to express his feelings.
The chemistry was okay.
Spice: 🌶
I enjoyed the dates with the book 'boyfriends', but there simply wasn't enough to say there were sabotages as the story was slow pacing.
It was a nice cosy romance. I'll probably reread this again in a few years.
What if you could date your favourite book boyfriend?
The concept pulled me right in. I mean, a magical library that can bring characters into the real world, and you can talk or date them?😲
One important thing is that they have to be public domain...
I struggled in the beginning with who is narrating, but once I had the hang of it, it read better😅
Tess is struggling to find the one. After numerous failed dates, an intriguing email lands in her inbox, inviting her to the Love Library. Naturally, she thought it was a joke.
Enters Gabe, joint head librarian, he is stern, loves philosophy, and doesn't really understand the concept of love.
This didn't feel like an enemies to lovers, even though there is bickering and date sabotaging (not enough to give it flesh), grump x sunshine, yes.
I did connect with Tess in some aspects, like emotionally eating and lacking self-confidence, and I'm happy she got over the hurdle.
Gabe grew on me. He had the emotional sense of a teaspoon, hard to express his feelings.
The chemistry was okay.
Spice: 🌶
I enjoyed the dates with the book 'boyfriends', but there simply wasn't enough to say there were sabotages as the story was slow pacing.
It was a nice cosy romance. I'll probably reread this again in a few years.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A simple concept - what if it was possible for a fictional character to emerge from their book and interact with you? - is handled here with elegance, humour, and some remarkably logical explanations. In fact, the whole idea is presented in a casually prosaic fashion: of course there’s a library down a tiny alleyway in central London that is overseen by generations of the same family, and why wouldn’t it be the subject of several articles in a Sunday newspaper? Ultimately though, it’s the vehicle for some very funny and thought-provoking depictions of how several classic characters would come across in the modern world (the speed dating scene is an absolute delight), and an education for both Gabe, who knows very little about romantic heroes, and Tess, who finds she doesn’t know as much as she thinks she does. Tess in particular is so, so relatable - in her thirties, self-confidence knocked by the actions of those close to her, and desperately searching for the perfect life she believes everyone else is living. The way she and Gabe spark off each other is delicious; their chemistry is palpable and the reader can’t help but root for her to realise that perhaps her romantic hero is closer (and more grumpy, and a lot less fictional) than she thought. An extremely enjoyable read, whether you know something of the classic books referenced or not.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After a series of dating disasters, Tess Hardy wonders if she'll ever find the man of her dreams - or if he only exists on the pages of her favourite novels. So when she's invited to visit The Love Library, a 200-hundred-year-old institution which promises dates with her favourite romantic heroes in real life, Tess can't resist!
But handsome head librarian Gabe Sharma seems grumpily determined to keep the library under lock and key. And as soon as Tess steps into the beautiful building crammed full of books, she realises why - it's not just dust in the air... it's magic. Here she really can grab drinks with Heathcliff, dine with Rochester and cosy up to her one true literary love, Darcy.
There's just one Gabe. He's determined to sabotage all of Tess's dates! And why is it that she has more fun fighting with Gabe than flirting with any of her book-bound suitors...?
A fun concept and I loved the quotes from the books, also the fact that Gabe took it upon himself to start reading romance novels. I cringed at the sex scene (some of the language used) and felt that Tess's lack of confidence was dragged out but at least she redeemed herself in the end. Overall a fun and charming easy read.
But handsome head librarian Gabe Sharma seems grumpily determined to keep the library under lock and key. And as soon as Tess steps into the beautiful building crammed full of books, she realises why - it's not just dust in the air... it's magic. Here she really can grab drinks with Heathcliff, dine with Rochester and cosy up to her one true literary love, Darcy.
There's just one Gabe. He's determined to sabotage all of Tess's dates! And why is it that she has more fun fighting with Gabe than flirting with any of her book-bound suitors...?
A fun concept and I loved the quotes from the books, also the fact that Gabe took it upon himself to start reading romance novels. I cringed at the sex scene (some of the language used) and felt that Tess's lack of confidence was dragged out but at least she redeemed herself in the end. Overall a fun and charming easy read.
December 23, 2025
Sarra Manning is one of my top auto-buy authors, and The Love Library did not disappoint.
This book is written for the romance lovers. For the people who swoon as they turn pages and dream of one day finding their own version of a book boyfriend.
Tess is feeling down on her life - her work sucks, her mom is constantly putting her down and she’s single. But, after an invitation to a ‘Love Library’ lands in her inbox, could things be turning around?
As a massive Sarra Manning fan, this book gave me the same warm fuzzy feelings as a few of her older books, and it made me love the characters here even more. I just wanted to give Tess a big hug.
There are so many wonderful lines that had be giggling and kicking my feet and one of Tess’ dates is something I never thought I’d read in my life, but also hit a big love of mine. I honestly feel like Manning was thinking of me when she wrote.
A must have for any romance readers TBR!
Thank you NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the ARC.
This book is written for the romance lovers. For the people who swoon as they turn pages and dream of one day finding their own version of a book boyfriend.
Tess is feeling down on her life - her work sucks, her mom is constantly putting her down and she’s single. But, after an invitation to a ‘Love Library’ lands in her inbox, could things be turning around?
As a massive Sarra Manning fan, this book gave me the same warm fuzzy feelings as a few of her older books, and it made me love the characters here even more. I just wanted to give Tess a big hug.
There are so many wonderful lines that had be giggling and kicking my feet and one of Tess’ dates is something I never thought I’d read in my life, but also hit a big love of mine. I honestly feel like Manning was thinking of me when she wrote.
A must have for any romance readers TBR!
Thank you NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a surprising five-star read. I really didn’t know what to expect with this one, as I hadn’t really read the blurb, just knew that I had read the author and really enjoyed their work before so gave it a go, and I’m glad I did, however I was a little confused for a bit, but then I got really into the story and the premise and was whole heartedly cringing when one characters name was said, as I haven’t read many classics so would have likely made similar choices, but one I was forced to read, and knew that he wouldn’t age well, but I must say I loved the idea of the Love Library, and was swept away walking around the randomness that is Soho, the descriptions where delightful and you could see yourself there with them, walking the streets and having a drink and just soaking the atmosphere up. I loved how the story was wrapped up, and have been left thinking about which character I would check out, and I am struggling to think who I would, who do you think you would check out?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love Sarra Manning's style and thought the concept of The Love Library was fantastic! It was full of wonderful literary references and I adored the snarky insight into our favourite fictional heroes. I felt the library itself was brought to life beautifully and the London around it felt real. This was one of my most anticipated books this year and I really enjoyed it.
I would say that Tess and Gabe probably aren't my favourite of the author's couples. Gabe is fine, I enjoyed his journey from stuffy and uptight to really embracing Tess' chaos to find his joie de vive. But I found Tess could be self-sabotaging and just a bit miserable, which sometimes brought down the tone of what otherwise is quite a lighthearted book. But mostly, I'm just a bit miffed that my favourite literary hero, Mr Thornton, got name checked but didn't get a date!
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion for the ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
I would say that Tess and Gabe probably aren't my favourite of the author's couples. Gabe is fine, I enjoyed his journey from stuffy and uptight to really embracing Tess' chaos to find his joie de vive. But I found Tess could be self-sabotaging and just a bit miserable, which sometimes brought down the tone of what otherwise is quite a lighthearted book. But mostly, I'm just a bit miffed that my favourite literary hero, Mr Thornton, got name checked but didn't get a date!
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion for the ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
June 27, 2026
A love story, for book lovers, who love love stories ♥️
‘How I envy Captain Wentworth for being half agony, half hope, when Im ninety nine per cent agony and only one per cent hope.’
I absolutely adored this. The premise alone completely sold me, the chance to date any fictional man you want, with the catch that the book has to be out of copyright.
It’s funny, romantic and feels like such a love letter to people who grew up falling in love with fictional characters.
I also really loved the way Sarra Manning balances the fantasy with reality, because it turns out nineteenth century red flags are still very much red flags in the present day.
Underneath all the humour and escapism, this is really a story about recognising what real love actually looks like, and maybe realising that what you’ve been searching for has been right in front of you all along.
‘How I envy Captain Wentworth for being half agony, half hope, when Im ninety nine per cent agony and only one per cent hope.’
I absolutely adored this. The premise alone completely sold me, the chance to date any fictional man you want, with the catch that the book has to be out of copyright.
It’s funny, romantic and feels like such a love letter to people who grew up falling in love with fictional characters.
I also really loved the way Sarra Manning balances the fantasy with reality, because it turns out nineteenth century red flags are still very much red flags in the present day.
Underneath all the humour and escapism, this is really a story about recognising what real love actually looks like, and maybe realising that what you’ve been searching for has been right in front of you all along.
July 5, 2026
3.5
The start was a bit confusing but once the story proper started I enjoyed it more. The dates were funny. Of course they would be a fun idea but a disaster in reality. However, there weren't enough of them. I would've liked to see at least one enjoyable date, even if platonic, as a reason for Tess to keep coming back.
I didn't like Ella's character at all. She is supposedly on maternity leave but initiates the Love Library scheme, yet gets angry with Gabe when she disregards the library's rules and he does his best to salvage the whole thing. I got second hand embarrassment from her and Gabe bickering in front of library patrons and employees. Was it meant to warm us to the adorable siblings? Because it didn't me. Not to mention a hereditary Head Librarian post... but that might not bother non-librarians as much!
Good concept, pretty well executed, a little too self aware.
The start was a bit confusing but once the story proper started I enjoyed it more. The dates were funny. Of course they would be a fun idea but a disaster in reality. However, there weren't enough of them. I would've liked to see at least one enjoyable date, even if platonic, as a reason for Tess to keep coming back.
I didn't like Ella's character at all. She is supposedly on maternity leave but initiates the Love Library scheme, yet gets angry with Gabe when she disregards the library's rules and he does his best to salvage the whole thing. I got second hand embarrassment from her and Gabe bickering in front of library patrons and employees. Was it meant to warm us to the adorable siblings? Because it didn't me. Not to mention a hereditary Head Librarian post... but that might not bother non-librarians as much!
Good concept, pretty well executed, a little too self aware.
June 29, 2026
Well hello Gabe Sharma!!!
I received an email from my local bookstore that the book was coming out 26 June 2026 so I was heavily anticipating. So I bought it and read it. Amazing!!! I have never read the Brontes or the Classics like Jane Austen but throughout the book there was plenty reference to that and it was really amazing. The first chapters were a drag but half way through the book you could start to see Gabe cracking. He was a fool but a fool secretly in love. My favorite quote in the book was “It was another lesson that comparing your own triumphs and tragedies with other people was futile. Everyone was on their own journey, with their own unique travel itinerary” - Tess Hardy!
Thank @Sarra Manning…🎉🎉
I received an email from my local bookstore that the book was coming out 26 June 2026 so I was heavily anticipating. So I bought it and read it. Amazing!!! I have never read the Brontes or the Classics like Jane Austen but throughout the book there was plenty reference to that and it was really amazing. The first chapters were a drag but half way through the book you could start to see Gabe cracking. He was a fool but a fool secretly in love. My favorite quote in the book was “It was another lesson that comparing your own triumphs and tragedies with other people was futile. Everyone was on their own journey, with their own unique travel itinerary” - Tess Hardy!
Thank @Sarra Manning…🎉🎉
July 7, 2026
Imagine if, for one afternoon or evening, you could be in the company of the hero or heroine from your favourite book? Welcome to The Love Library...
I adored Sarra Manning's 'The Last Days of Summer' and this is a huge deviation style and genre wise, from the familiar. But it works, it really does, and Sarra handles the switch in her usual way. Sprinklings of humour, a bit of spice, a brilliant heroine and a great concept and storyline.
Add in a blend of philosophical life lessons from a slightly uptight professor turned-into-library owner and what else could we possibly need?
Sarra Manning has entered her magical realism era and it's simply the best.
I adored Sarra Manning's 'The Last Days of Summer' and this is a huge deviation style and genre wise, from the familiar. But it works, it really does, and Sarra handles the switch in her usual way. Sprinklings of humour, a bit of spice, a brilliant heroine and a great concept and storyline.
Add in a blend of philosophical life lessons from a slightly uptight professor turned-into-library owner and what else could we possibly need?
Sarra Manning has entered her magical realism era and it's simply the best.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book has me from the very first page!
Imagine a Library where you can summon your favourite book characters and love interests. No imagine they never quite live up to the pedestal we put them on when we read.
Tess was just such a chaotic romantic and she felt so real to how the modern dating world is and how we so often fantasize about our literary loves!
Gabe, our grumpy librarian that paired so well with our sunny Tess, really was a great real love interest.
I can't wait to read more from this author as I loved the writing style and witty banter!
Imagine a Library where you can summon your favourite book characters and love interests. No imagine they never quite live up to the pedestal we put them on when we read.
Tess was just such a chaotic romantic and she felt so real to how the modern dating world is and how we so often fantasize about our literary loves!
Gabe, our grumpy librarian that paired so well with our sunny Tess, really was a great real love interest.
I can't wait to read more from this author as I loved the writing style and witty banter!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3,5 ⭐️
Thank you, Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group | Orion, for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
A classic three-act romance, nothing too special. A nice story that has an undertone of magic and a slight miscommunication trope. It is cute, but honestly, I was not blown away by the story. I do recommend it if you want a nice, light romance novel and a story that is easy to follow. A little 1800's romance novel knowledge does come in handy.
Thirty-three-year-old Tess Hardy wonders if she'll ever find the man of her dreams - or if he only exists on the pages of her favourite novels. So when she's invited to visit The Love Library, a 200-year-old institution which promises dates with her favourite romantic heroes in real life, Tess can't resist! But handsome head librarian Gabe Sharma seems grumpily determined to keep the library under lock and key. And as soon as Tess steps into the beautiful building crammed full of books, she realises why - it's not just dust in the air... it's magic. There's just one problem: Gabe. He's determined to sabotage all of Tess's dates! And why is it that she has more fun fighting with Gabe than flirting with any of her book-bound suitors...?
Thank you, Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group | Orion, for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
A classic three-act romance, nothing too special. A nice story that has an undertone of magic and a slight miscommunication trope. It is cute, but honestly, I was not blown away by the story. I do recommend it if you want a nice, light romance novel and a story that is easy to follow. A little 1800's romance novel knowledge does come in handy.
Thirty-three-year-old Tess Hardy wonders if she'll ever find the man of her dreams - or if he only exists on the pages of her favourite novels. So when she's invited to visit The Love Library, a 200-year-old institution which promises dates with her favourite romantic heroes in real life, Tess can't resist! But handsome head librarian Gabe Sharma seems grumpily determined to keep the library under lock and key. And as soon as Tess steps into the beautiful building crammed full of books, she realises why - it's not just dust in the air... it's magic. There's just one problem: Gabe. He's determined to sabotage all of Tess's dates! And why is it that she has more fun fighting with Gabe than flirting with any of her book-bound suitors...?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I really enjoyed this, I was completely invested and I couldn’t put it down. A magical library where you can bring to life any fictional character from a book? Sign me up immediately!
I really liked Tess, she was so relatable and when she was on her dates with the characters she chose, it didn’t go entirely as she expected. I loved the chemistry between Tess and Gabe, the (joint) Head Librarian.
I definitely recommend picking this one up if you love a romance with magical realism.
Thank you to the publisher for my copy of the book.
I really liked Tess, she was so relatable and when she was on her dates with the characters she chose, it didn’t go entirely as she expected. I loved the chemistry between Tess and Gabe, the (joint) Head Librarian.
I definitely recommend picking this one up if you love a romance with magical realism.
Thank you to the publisher for my copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another winning read from a truly fabulous author, 'The Love Library' more than lives up to expectations. Charming, sexy, and laugh-out-loud funny, this romance is packed with literary characters, irresistible chemistry, and a gorgeous library setting. The clever concept and swoon-worthy moments make it an absolute joy of a romance, the kind of book you’ll want to devour in a single sitting. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dare I say this is my favourite book from Sarra Manning? Yes I think it might just be. The love library sounds like such an amazing place and I find that I have been enjoying books with a little touch of magic so much more lately. How I would like to go on dates with some of my favourite book characters!
I loved the dynamic between Tess and Gabe and found myself kicking my feet at times whilst reading lol
A joy of a book!
I loved the dynamic between Tess and Gabe and found myself kicking my feet at times whilst reading lol
A joy of a book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a glorious concept for any book lover! To be able to hang out with your literary favourites: brilliant. To date them? Sounds even more brilliant, but in Tess's case we learn that perhaps some things are best left to the imagination. (The entire sequence with Heathcliff had me giggling with glee). This was a fun read and gorgeously romantic, and a sure staple in beach bags of readers everywhere this summer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF at 12%
Why a book being published in the year of our lord 2026 needs to include Harry Potter and Hogwarts references is baffling. No, thank you.
I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this one early, but I can't continue with a book written by an author who explicitly supports JKR in her work.
* thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book via NetGalley *
Why a book being published in the year of our lord 2026 needs to include Harry Potter and Hogwarts references is baffling. No, thank you.
I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this one early, but I can't continue with a book written by an author who explicitly supports JKR in her work.
* thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book via NetGalley *
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews