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A Little, A Lot
Penelope Adams has a new year’s reclaim her confidence, reframe her relationship with her body, and maybe—finally—find the kind of love she’s spent years shelving at her job at Ever After Books. But when her childhood crush—and first kiss—walks back into her life, tattooed, brooding, and suddenly her new coworker, Pen’s carefully guarded heart doesn’t stand a chance.
Dominic Miller never planned to return to Prairie Ridge, but grief and guilt brought him back to his aunt’s bookstore—and straight into the path of the girl who once helped him fall in love with stories. Penelope may have grown into a woman with curves, confidence, and sharp wit, but her heart? Still just as big. She’s not a supporting character—she’s the entire plot.
Dominic Miller never planned to return to Prairie Ridge, but grief and guilt brought him back to his aunt’s bookstore—and straight into the path of the girl who once helped him fall in love with stories. Penelope may have grown into a woman with curves, confidence, and sharp wit, but her heart? Still just as big. She’s not a supporting character—she’s the entire plot.
- GenresRomance
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 6, 2026
Second chances and book store settings, can a reader ask for more?
In under 200 pages we learn so much from Penelope Adams. She is on a journey to make herself the main character in story. She's finally learning to accept her body and her love of books- so we can all relate to her!
In walks her childhood crush, Dominic Miller. He's no little boy anymore, he's big, brooding and tattooed.
And so Penelope is navigating this development and it's pure reading enjoyment. Thank you to the author and Torch Lit Link for a copy to read!
In under 200 pages we learn so much from Penelope Adams. She is on a journey to make herself the main character in story. She's finally learning to accept her body and her love of books- so we can all relate to her!
In walks her childhood crush, Dominic Miller. He's no little boy anymore, he's big, brooding and tattooed.
And so Penelope is navigating this development and it's pure reading enjoyment. Thank you to the author and Torch Lit Link for a copy to read!
January 1, 2026
*** I was provided the ARC for this book***
I liked this story, but i thought some parts were a little cheesy. There were several popular book references and it like the author just used those to get some pop in the story.
Its about a FMC who works at a romance bookstore and a MMC who is the nephew of the bookstore owner.
So while the setting is at a romance bookstore, that seemed kinda obvious I guess with the culture right now. The story with them was sweet and cute, the "smutty" scenes were ok.
I wanted to give it a 3.5 but I get the overall theme so it kinda saved it a little for me. so I gave it a 4.
3.5-4 ⭐️
3🌶
I liked this story, but i thought some parts were a little cheesy. There were several popular book references and it like the author just used those to get some pop in the story.
Its about a FMC who works at a romance bookstore and a MMC who is the nephew of the bookstore owner.
So while the setting is at a romance bookstore, that seemed kinda obvious I guess with the culture right now. The story with them was sweet and cute, the "smutty" scenes were ok.
I wanted to give it a 3.5 but I get the overall theme so it kinda saved it a little for me. so I gave it a 4.
3.5-4 ⭐️
3🌶
December 25, 2025
This was such a perfect, cozy read.
A Little, A Lot completely captured my attention, and I ended up reading it in one day. Jen Aisling’s writing is easy, warm, and genuinely enjoyable. The story is sweet without feeling rushed, and the characters are incredibly likable.
I loved the bookstore setting, the childhood crush/second-chance romance, and the overall feel-good vibe of this book. It’s the kind of romance that makes you smile while reading and leaves you feeling comforted when it’s over.
If you’re in the mood for an easy, heartwarming romance, this one is absolutely worth adding to your TBR. Thank you to Jen Aisling + Torch Lit for the early ARC ❤️🥰
A Little, A Lot completely captured my attention, and I ended up reading it in one day. Jen Aisling’s writing is easy, warm, and genuinely enjoyable. The story is sweet without feeling rushed, and the characters are incredibly likable.
I loved the bookstore setting, the childhood crush/second-chance romance, and the overall feel-good vibe of this book. It’s the kind of romance that makes you smile while reading and leaves you feeling comforted when it’s over.
If you’re in the mood for an easy, heartwarming romance, this one is absolutely worth adding to your TBR. Thank you to Jen Aisling + Torch Lit for the early ARC ❤️🥰
January 1, 2026
Thank you to Jen Aisling and Torch Lit Ink for the e-ARC. The opinions expressed here are left voluntarily and my own.
This story was great because it was a book about books! Our MC's work together in a romance bookstore so we see a lot of books, and a specific audio narrator is mentioned a few times. They were childhood friends, and both helped each other in ways they didn't know they carried with them as they grew up. Their meet-again stirred up old feelings, and they're both hesitant to make a move to move it forward, until they do.
There is fun, sweetness, and a lot of emotions - grief, and internal turmoil. I've not yet read a book where the FMC is curvy and people say rude things and it affects the story line, so that was new and for our FMC became empowering.
Not really a spoiler, but maybe tw?
All in all, I think this one is more of an emotional romance where there is growth for the MC's and you can see that as they lean on each other and grow through what they go through. If you're okay with getting in your feels, then this one is perfect.
This story was great because it was a book about books! Our MC's work together in a romance bookstore so we see a lot of books, and a specific audio narrator is mentioned a few times. They were childhood friends, and both helped each other in ways they didn't know they carried with them as they grew up. Their meet-again stirred up old feelings, and they're both hesitant to make a move to move it forward, until they do.
There is fun, sweetness, and a lot of emotions - grief, and internal turmoil. I've not yet read a book where the FMC is curvy and people say rude things and it affects the story line, so that was new and for our FMC became empowering.
Not really a spoiler, but maybe tw?
All in all, I think this one is more of an emotional romance where there is growth for the MC's and you can see that as they lean on each other and grow through what they go through. If you're okay with getting in your feels, then this one is perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This was a warm, beautiful story with a lot of heart, and very relatable characters.
I love Jen's writing. Even though it's not simple, it's very easy to follow. It drew me into the story even without me realizing it, and quickly made me care about Dominic and Penelope. I loved the setting - the bookstore, and especially loved the bookish references and the role that books had in the story. Even though the stakes aren't high at all, the plot kept me interested and I couldn't wait to find out what happens.
The characters were my favorite part of the book. Dom was the perfect combination of broody and tattooed with caring and emotional. His backstory and the way he processed loss made me feel for him and the way he loved made him a wonderful book boyfriend. Penelope is one of the most relatable characters I've ever read about, and that made her extra special for me. I liked that body image was an important part of the book. Without making it a big deal, the story explores how Penelope sees herself, how others see her and how does Dom.
The other very special thing that this book does, is portray in a very realistic way the relationship and the communication between the characters. As a whole, it's a cute and light story, with enough depth to also make it emotional and meaningful.
This was a warm, beautiful story with a lot of heart, and very relatable characters.
I love Jen's writing. Even though it's not simple, it's very easy to follow. It drew me into the story even without me realizing it, and quickly made me care about Dominic and Penelope. I loved the setting - the bookstore, and especially loved the bookish references and the role that books had in the story. Even though the stakes aren't high at all, the plot kept me interested and I couldn't wait to find out what happens.
The characters were my favorite part of the book. Dom was the perfect combination of broody and tattooed with caring and emotional. His backstory and the way he processed loss made me feel for him and the way he loved made him a wonderful book boyfriend. Penelope is one of the most relatable characters I've ever read about, and that made her extra special for me. I liked that body image was an important part of the book. Without making it a big deal, the story explores how Penelope sees herself, how others see her and how does Dom.
The other very special thing that this book does, is portray in a very realistic way the relationship and the communication between the characters. As a whole, it's a cute and light story, with enough depth to also make it emotional and meaningful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I wanted to thank Jen Aisling and torchlitink for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review!
This is my second time reading a book by Jen and I honestly really enjoy her writing style! This story is coming out just in time to ring in the new year. It follows the lives of Penelope Adam’s who has her new year resolution goals already set for herself. However these goals are shaken up a little bit when her childhood crush, Dominic, comes back into her life and becomes her coworker.
This was honestly just such a feel good type of story. Seeing Penelope and Dominic’s dynamic together especially now that they were given a second chance at being a part of each other’s lives just made for such a wholesome story. I love how Jen creates her characters and brings body positivity to light. I was also a huge fan of the bookish references that were used throughout the story considering how Penelope was the one that got Dominic to love books. I don’t want to give too much away on what happens with this story so I’m limiting myself to what I can share but if you are looking for a second chance, childhood friends to lovers story, then this book will be for you!
This is my second time reading a book by Jen and I honestly really enjoy her writing style! This story is coming out just in time to ring in the new year. It follows the lives of Penelope Adam’s who has her new year resolution goals already set for herself. However these goals are shaken up a little bit when her childhood crush, Dominic, comes back into her life and becomes her coworker.
This was honestly just such a feel good type of story. Seeing Penelope and Dominic’s dynamic together especially now that they were given a second chance at being a part of each other’s lives just made for such a wholesome story. I love how Jen creates her characters and brings body positivity to light. I was also a huge fan of the bookish references that were used throughout the story considering how Penelope was the one that got Dominic to love books. I don’t want to give too much away on what happens with this story so I’m limiting myself to what I can share but if you are looking for a second chance, childhood friends to lovers story, then this book will be for you!
Review of advance copy
This was such a refreshing, feel good read that completely stole my heart. 💖
From the moment I stepped into Ever After Books, I knew this story would be special. A bookstore setting, a bookworm, endless bookish references ......and that dream custom bookshelf moment? I was actually sooo jealous. Penelope’s journey of reclaiming her confidence, fixing her relationship with her body, and finally not let outsiders affect how she sees herself felt incredibly real and relatable.
The themes of body positivity were handled so beautifully and honestly. Watching Pen discover that she’s worth more than she thinks was empowering and emotional. It isn't always easy to love ourselves, but this story opens your eyes and reminds you that we're worthy! I also have to mention that I teared up multiple times, the moments of loss, struggles, grief, and growth were just written so perfectly.
And Dom… absolute dream book boyfriend material. Tattooed, brooding, soft where it counts, and so clearly devoted. Their shared history, the childhood crush to forever love, and the way he sees Pen for exactly who she is made their romance incredibly touching. He moves back to escape his past, and gains the future he was destined for.
This story is warm, heartfelt, and beautifully written. A reminder that love can find you when you finally let yourself be seen. My only lingering wish? That we’d get confirmation that Dom absolutely did sue his ex-fiancé and best friend...and won. 😉
A must-read for romance lovers, book lovers, and anyone who’s ever struggled to love themselves fully. 📚✨
From the moment I stepped into Ever After Books, I knew this story would be special. A bookstore setting, a bookworm, endless bookish references ......and that dream custom bookshelf moment? I was actually sooo jealous. Penelope’s journey of reclaiming her confidence, fixing her relationship with her body, and finally not let outsiders affect how she sees herself felt incredibly real and relatable.
The themes of body positivity were handled so beautifully and honestly. Watching Pen discover that she’s worth more than she thinks was empowering and emotional. It isn't always easy to love ourselves, but this story opens your eyes and reminds you that we're worthy! I also have to mention that I teared up multiple times, the moments of loss, struggles, grief, and growth were just written so perfectly.
And Dom… absolute dream book boyfriend material. Tattooed, brooding, soft where it counts, and so clearly devoted. Their shared history, the childhood crush to forever love, and the way he sees Pen for exactly who she is made their romance incredibly touching. He moves back to escape his past, and gains the future he was destined for.
This story is warm, heartfelt, and beautifully written. A reminder that love can find you when you finally let yourself be seen. My only lingering wish? That we’d get confirmation that Dom absolutely did sue his ex-fiancé and best friend...and won. 😉
A must-read for romance lovers, book lovers, and anyone who’s ever struggled to love themselves fully. 📚✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Little, A Lot was exactly the kind of comfort read I needed for the end of the year.
A childhood crush turned second chance romance is impossible not to sink right into it.
Watching Penelope work through self-doubt, body image struggles, and the quiet ways the world has shaped how she sees herself felt incredibly real. Her growth is emotional, empowering, and relatable. And then there’s Dominic. Tattooed, guarded, soft beneath the surface, and completely devoted. A top-tier book boyfriend material.
The communication between the characters feels genuine, their struggles are messy and human, and their love grows in a way that feels both comforting and profound. Even without high-stakes drama, the story holds your attention through heart and humor.
A Little, A Lot is a feel-good romance. A story about choosing yourself, letting yourself be seen, and finding love in the place you least expect. Cozy, emotional, swoony, and full of heart.
A childhood crush turned second chance romance is impossible not to sink right into it.
Watching Penelope work through self-doubt, body image struggles, and the quiet ways the world has shaped how she sees herself felt incredibly real. Her growth is emotional, empowering, and relatable. And then there’s Dominic. Tattooed, guarded, soft beneath the surface, and completely devoted. A top-tier book boyfriend material.
The communication between the characters feels genuine, their struggles are messy and human, and their love grows in a way that feels both comforting and profound. Even without high-stakes drama, the story holds your attention through heart and humor.
A Little, A Lot is a feel-good romance. A story about choosing yourself, letting yourself be seen, and finding love in the place you least expect. Cozy, emotional, swoony, and full of heart.
December 29, 2025
ARC REVIEW 📚
If you’re looking for a quick read with some whitty lines and relatable content, this one’s for you. Penelope and Dominic were childhood friends but they’ve since spent years apart. Dominic left prairie ridge thinking he’d never come back, yet here he is. Now he’s back and forced to work along side Penelope at the bookstore his grandmother poured her heart into. What could possibly go wrong while Dominic’s trying to get his head right.
This was a fun read and I loved the bookish aspects, but I do wish it had been longer only because a few things felt like they came out of nowhere. But overall, the story was feel good and I loved that the two MCs already had a connection built. The spice was also 🥵.
4⭐️ for Dom and his broody attitude and mishap in the bookshelves.
Thank you Jen Aisling + Torch Lit Ink for the ARC opportunity 🩷
If you’re looking for a quick read with some whitty lines and relatable content, this one’s for you. Penelope and Dominic were childhood friends but they’ve since spent years apart. Dominic left prairie ridge thinking he’d never come back, yet here he is. Now he’s back and forced to work along side Penelope at the bookstore his grandmother poured her heart into. What could possibly go wrong while Dominic’s trying to get his head right.
This was a fun read and I loved the bookish aspects, but I do wish it had been longer only because a few things felt like they came out of nowhere. But overall, the story was feel good and I loved that the two MCs already had a connection built. The spice was also 🥵.
4⭐️ for Dom and his broody attitude and mishap in the bookshelves.
Thank you Jen Aisling + Torch Lit Ink for the ARC opportunity 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Little, A Lot pulled me right in. The story is heartwarming, funny, spicy, and also deals with grief. I loved picking up on the bookish references that were included. The characters are relatable, along with the journey they take. Jen's writing flows through the emotions of the characters and is easy to follow. I adored Penelope and Dominic as a couple and as individuals.
The positive body image theme was written wonderfully. It made Pen's change in confidence and self worth seen. It meant a lot to watch her grow and realize she is more. Dom gave her the reassurance she needed to be able to speak up.
Dom was definitely the perfect book boyfriend. Tattooed, listens to her favorite books, and narrator, works in a bookstore and is Pen's constant. He comes with an emotionally pained past, but that's what makes him real.
I loved this story and highly recommend it. Besides, who wouldn't want to read about a bookstore called Ever After!
The positive body image theme was written wonderfully. It made Pen's change in confidence and self worth seen. It meant a lot to watch her grow and realize she is more. Dom gave her the reassurance she needed to be able to speak up.
Dom was definitely the perfect book boyfriend. Tattooed, listens to her favorite books, and narrator, works in a bookstore and is Pen's constant. He comes with an emotionally pained past, but that's what makes him real.
I loved this story and highly recommend it. Besides, who wouldn't want to read about a bookstore called Ever After!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I laughed. I cried .I swooned.
A Little, A Lot is a story about two people carrying scars and finding strength in each other. Penelope Adams is determined to reclaim her confidence and believe she deserves love, while Dominic Miller is quietly fighting his own battles, trying to rebuild after heartbreak. What makes their connection so powerful is how they support each other through every hardship, never flinching from the messy, vulnerable parts of life.
Books become their safe place. Dominic reads with a kind of reverence, and Penelope is the one who first opened that door for him, introducing him to The Chronicles of Narnia when they were younger. That shared love of stories becomes the thread that ties them together again, years later, in the cozy bookstore where fate brings them back together.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional honesty that makes this book unforgettable. Watching them lean on each other, laugh together, and slowly heal was like being reminded that love isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, even when you’re broken.
This is an emotional romance full of body positivity, found family vibes, and the kind of swoony bookstore setting that makes you want to move in. But more than that, it’s about how love can be both a refuge and a revolution when two people decide to fight their battles side by side.
A huge thank you to Jen Aisling & Torch Lit for the early copy!!
A Little, A Lot is a story about two people carrying scars and finding strength in each other. Penelope Adams is determined to reclaim her confidence and believe she deserves love, while Dominic Miller is quietly fighting his own battles, trying to rebuild after heartbreak. What makes their connection so powerful is how they support each other through every hardship, never flinching from the messy, vulnerable parts of life.
Books become their safe place. Dominic reads with a kind of reverence, and Penelope is the one who first opened that door for him, introducing him to The Chronicles of Narnia when they were younger. That shared love of stories becomes the thread that ties them together again, years later, in the cozy bookstore where fate brings them back together.
Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional honesty that makes this book unforgettable. Watching them lean on each other, laugh together, and slowly heal was like being reminded that love isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, even when you’re broken.
This is an emotional romance full of body positivity, found family vibes, and the kind of swoony bookstore setting that makes you want to move in. But more than that, it’s about how love can be both a refuge and a revolution when two people decide to fight their battles side by side.
A huge thank you to Jen Aisling & Torch Lit for the early copy!!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Penelope and Dominic were childhood friends and I absolutely adored the story of how they became friends as kids. More than a decade later, Dominic finally returns to the small town of Prairie Ridge, to help out at his aunt’s bookshop where Penelope is working at too.
Their reconciliation was definitely not a smooth one as Dominic is still stuck on his failures back in Kentucky while Penelope is plagued by her self-worth issues.
The pain which they go through in the third act was realistically portrayed and I couldn’t help but root for our bookworm couple. If there was a bookshop like “Ever After” nearby, it would definitely become one of my favourites hangout spots!
Their reconciliation was definitely not a smooth one as Dominic is still stuck on his failures back in Kentucky while Penelope is plagued by her self-worth issues.
The pain which they go through in the third act was realistically portrayed and I couldn’t help but root for our bookworm couple. If there was a bookshop like “Ever After” nearby, it would definitely become one of my favourites hangout spots!
January 2, 2026
This book had me smiling and swooning. It also had me crying(listen I'm an emotional reader 😂). But, my oh my, Dominic Miller, is a dream. Tall, handsome, and broody. Sign me up, please.
I love the setting is in a bookstore. Pen's love for all the books including audiobooks. And even having Dominic read all the books that Penelope reads is 🔥 My favorite raven series happened to be mentioned(ifykyk).
My favorite scene is him getting caught listening to an audiobook 😍
I genuinely enjoyed this book!
I love the setting is in a bookstore. Pen's love for all the books including audiobooks. And even having Dominic read all the books that Penelope reads is 🔥 My favorite raven series happened to be mentioned(ifykyk).
My favorite scene is him getting caught listening to an audiobook 😍
I genuinely enjoyed this book!
January 1, 2026
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book I've read by Jen Aisling. I wasn't as enthralled in this book at first as I wanted to be. I'm not a huge fan of how the author chose to skip weeks to cover each month of the year.
BUT, I loved the story of Dom and Pen. It was written to where you could feel the connection, support, and love between the two MCs. It was well written to cover a heavy topic like grief.
I enjoyed this read!
This is the second book I've read by Jen Aisling. I wasn't as enthralled in this book at first as I wanted to be. I'm not a huge fan of how the author chose to skip weeks to cover each month of the year.
BUT, I loved the story of Dom and Pen. It was written to where you could feel the connection, support, and love between the two MCs. It was well written to cover a heavy topic like grief.
I enjoyed this read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cute romance with loads of heart, laughter, and of course, books.
I flipped through this book so fast and found myself ooo-ing and awe-ing right alongside the characters.
“You know what I love about January first? It’s a fresh start, a new beginning. Your year ahead is like a block of clay, simply waiting for you to mold it. The power to be anything, do anything, is in your hands.”
I flipped through this book so fast and found myself ooo-ing and awe-ing right alongside the characters.
“You know what I love about January first? It’s a fresh start, a new beginning. Your year ahead is like a block of clay, simply waiting for you to mold it. The power to be anything, do anything, is in your hands.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved going back to Prairie Ridge with A Little A Lot. A beautiful second chance romance that takes place in a romance book store?! Say less. Dom is our brooding book boyfriend, and I love that he loves romance. The shared history with him and Penelope is super sweet and there are some great audiobook Easter eggs in here! Another amazing write by Jen Aisling!
January 3, 2026
This was so adorable! Made me laugh. sigh and even tear up. The grief was written so well and done beautifully. I loved their story and can't wait to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✅ My thoughts:
A Little, A Lot was a sweet, cozy and emotional book that I enjoyed reading. The characters are likable and engaging.
Will they find their happily ever after?
Will they survive working together in the bookstore?
💙Childhood Crush
🤍Second Chance
💛Curvy/Nerdy FMC
💚Tattooed/Broody MMC
🧡Bookstore Co-Workers
🩷Friends-to-Lovers
Are looking for a sweet, slow-burn…..and, somewhat messy book to read? A LIttle, A Lot will give you all the feels and more! You need to add it to your tbr list🥰
A Little, A Lot was a sweet, cozy and emotional book that I enjoyed reading. The characters are likable and engaging.
Will they find their happily ever after?
Will they survive working together in the bookstore?
💙Childhood Crush
🤍Second Chance
💛Curvy/Nerdy FMC
💚Tattooed/Broody MMC
🧡Bookstore Co-Workers
🩷Friends-to-Lovers
Are looking for a sweet, slow-burn…..and, somewhat messy book to read? A LIttle, A Lot will give you all the feels and more! You need to add it to your tbr list🥰
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews