Between the Stacks

by Riley Harp

I just wanted a quiet corner to ugly-cry. Instead, a dusty old book ate me.

Now I’m flat on my back in a fancy throne room, staring up at the kind of fae lord who should come with a warning. tall, smirking, magic curling around him, and eyes that say he’s already undressing me.

Apparently, I’m “the Reader” he’s spent centuries summoning. Flattering. Except I have no idea how to get home, and he keeps calling me my little human in a voice that makes me melt.

He says he needs my help to restore his power, but every touch and wicked smile feels less like a quest—and more like a dangerous game I’m losing, one heartbeat at a time.

I should be desperate for escape. But his touch makes me desperate for something else entirely.

A cozy fantasy romance with a dash of spice and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Romance

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun

This was a fun light take on fae and centers around a magical library. I enjoyed the characters banter how the story flowed.

[Fos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook 4 🌟
Novella

AI Narrated - not too bad! 3.5 🌟
I've had human Narrators I've disliked more, but obviously not Teddy Hamilton 🧸 or Erin Mallon, Shane East category.

This is a really cute bookish fae/human story with light spice, very likable characters. Cinnamon Roll 🤓 Nerdy Fae. Bookish heroine and hero. Both are thoughtful and consent oriented.
I really enjoyed it. Nice people you'd actually enjoy IRL.

No 3rd act break up.
No bad guys.

I'd call this cozy with a bit 'O spice!!

[Jenntleh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Between the Stacks by Riley Harp follows Ellie Morgan, who is unexpectedly transported by a magical book into a mysterious fae Library. There, she encounters a fae and is pulled into a world filled with enchantment, secrets, and otherworldly intrigue. The premise has strong potential, especially with the unique setting of a magical Library that could have offered rich lore and deeper exploration.
However, while the concept is interesting, the execution leans heavily into romantic and sensual elements at the expense of plot and world-building. Much of the story feels like it prioritizes chemistry over substance, leaving the magical setting underdeveloped and the overall narrative lacking depth. I kept waiting for more structure, stakes, or expansion of the fae world, but it never fully materialized.
This is a quick, easy read if you're looking for something light with a strong romantic focus, but if you’re hoping for immersive fantasy or intricate storytelling, it may fall short.2.5 ⭐⭐✨

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it was going to be quite different, but what it ended up being was good. I thought this was going to be a generally cozy book about a human girl falling into fairy realm and slowly falling in love. Which was kind of what it was, but the author really ramped up the possibility of smut, gave us some, then pretty much backed off of it completely. We got explicit descriptions of what they were feeling earlier on in the novel, but then none after they eventually consummate. It was kind of disappointing actually. If the novel is trying to be a romance then don't put in early smut, if the novel is trying to be a smut novel then put in more smut. Personally, I would have liked more smut because the author wrote it quite well.

[Janice Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story looked interesting and I didn't look too closely before purchasing. I'm not a big fan of erotica, but there was an interesting story besides the sex scenes, and who could resist a magical library.

[Theresa Henault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!

Beautifully written. The story was equal parts humor, romantic, and had me falling in love with these two characters. A perfect example of an extraordinary love story. ❤️

[Karie Railing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Good cute book. Wish it has some more twists and turns. Overall cute and adoreable. Reccommend for young adult romance.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for Uncover Bookish Boyfriend Bingo - Cinnamon Roll Hero and extra of a magical library which is always fun.

[Katie Knudtson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cute And Profound Read

I absolutely loved this! It’s a shorter novel that combines whimsy and profound thoughts all wonderfully woven together in a sweet tale.