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How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop
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Expected 18 Aug 26After a social media post gone wrong, a literary agent runs away to look after a seaside bookshop for the summer—and forms an unlikely friendship with a charming novelist struggling with his latest idea.
Petra doesn’t like books anymore—not since her career as a literary agent imploded after a social media typo went viral. Now she is stuck for six months, babysitting a little bookshop by the sea—surrounded by books that just remind her of her failure.
Ross McCloud’s award-winning debut novel blew the minds of the world’s literati, but that was five years ago. Now Ross and his keenly awaited second work have vanished. Something has gone wrong—horribly wrong—and Ross doesn’t want to talk about it.
Marooned in Capelthorne’s Bookshop miles from London, Petra can’t stop thinking about all the ways she has let people down. Then she discovers Ross lurking, incognito, in the second-hand books section. Misery loves company it seems, and a kinship tentatively forms.
In the meantime, the magic of the bookshop slowly begins to enchant Petra. Soon, her book recommendations assume legendary status; she is chairing the newly formed Beach Reads Book Club; leading a weekly writing group and hosting a series of popular talks and signings by local authors. She is even starting to read again.
Petra is also finding time to help her new best friend Jess—owner of a local telephone box library—to launch the inaugural Portneath Literary Festival. What better opportunity to put the Festival on the map—says Ross—than for Petra to unveil his second novel to the world there, before re-launching her career representing him at the Frankfurt book fair? What a comeback! But can Petra find the courage to help the man she loves?
Their love of books may be re-ignited, but is that enough to save them both from their own worst enemy—themselves?
Friends to loversGrumpy x GrumpySmall-town romanceSlow burn
Petra doesn’t like books anymore—not since her career as a literary agent imploded after a social media typo went viral. Now she is stuck for six months, babysitting a little bookshop by the sea—surrounded by books that just remind her of her failure.
Ross McCloud’s award-winning debut novel blew the minds of the world’s literati, but that was five years ago. Now Ross and his keenly awaited second work have vanished. Something has gone wrong—horribly wrong—and Ross doesn’t want to talk about it.
Marooned in Capelthorne’s Bookshop miles from London, Petra can’t stop thinking about all the ways she has let people down. Then she discovers Ross lurking, incognito, in the second-hand books section. Misery loves company it seems, and a kinship tentatively forms.
In the meantime, the magic of the bookshop slowly begins to enchant Petra. Soon, her book recommendations assume legendary status; she is chairing the newly formed Beach Reads Book Club; leading a weekly writing group and hosting a series of popular talks and signings by local authors. She is even starting to read again.
Petra is also finding time to help her new best friend Jess—owner of a local telephone box library—to launch the inaugural Portneath Literary Festival. What better opportunity to put the Festival on the map—says Ross—than for Petra to unveil his second novel to the world there, before re-launching her career representing him at the Frankfurt book fair? What a comeback! But can Petra find the courage to help the man she loves?
Their love of books may be re-ignited, but is that enough to save them both from their own worst enemy—themselves?
Friends to loversGrumpy x GrumpySmall-town romanceSlow burn
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 18, 2026
259 people want to read
About the author
Poppy Alexander
11 books593 followersPoppy's first published book - the bestselling 25 Days 'Til Christmas - has been translated into several languages and optioned for TV.
Poppy Alexander wrote her first book when she was five. There was a long gap in her writing career while she was at school, and after studying classical music at university, she decided the world of music was better off without her and returned to writing instead. She takes an anthropological interest in family, friends and life in her West Sussex village (think, The Archers crossed with Twin Peaks) where she lives with her husband, children and various other pets.
She is generally lurking on social media as @PoppyAlexanderBooks on Instagram and Facebook.
Poppy also writes as Rosie Howard.
Poppy Alexander wrote her first book when she was five. There was a long gap in her writing career while she was at school, and after studying classical music at university, she decided the world of music was better off without her and returned to writing instead. She takes an anthropological interest in family, friends and life in her West Sussex village (think, The Archers crossed with Twin Peaks) where she lives with her husband, children and various other pets.
She is generally lurking on social media as @PoppyAlexanderBooks on Instagram and Facebook.
Poppy also writes as Rosie Howard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wanted to like this book, but let's just say I was disappointed. Everything seemed so promising, but the execution was just not okay. I struggled to find anything I liked here besides the cover.
I didn't really like the writing style. The book uses 3rd person POV, but the narration feels like a diary or something being written live while going through every scene. Whether it's Petra or Ross, both feel the same. I ended up thinking they have the same personality. They don't have distinct voices. Then, the book promised grumpy x grumpy. But where is it? Is the grumpy x grumpy even here with us? I don't think Petra or Ross are grumpy at all, I can already tell this from their very first interactions. Which, as I kept reading, made me think they're kinda childish. They don't act their age.
I guess this just isn't the right book for me. Very unfortunate.
I didn't really like the writing style. The book uses 3rd person POV, but the narration feels like a diary or something being written live while going through every scene. Whether it's Petra or Ross, both feel the same. I ended up thinking they have the same personality. They don't have distinct voices. Then, the book promised grumpy x grumpy. But where is it? Is the grumpy x grumpy even here with us? I don't think Petra or Ross are grumpy at all, I can already tell this from their very first interactions. Which, as I kept reading, made me think they're kinda childish. They don't act their age.
I guess this just isn't the right book for me. Very unfortunate.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Advanced Reader Copy from HarperCollins Publishers
I was so excited to recieve this copy. I really enjoyed reading Battle of the Bookshops and then to see how Jules and Roman's life played out while getting a new love story in How To Find Romance In a Bookshop. I loved how Poppy connected this book to the first one.
I wasn't sure about Petra in the beginning but the more she faced Portneath and the lovely people, she began to really grow on me. She had to start fresh in a place where she knew no one. Then she meets Ross. He's mysterious and he's closed off to literally everyone. Ross faced a pretty hard mental battle by himself.
I could not put this book down. I needed to know that Ross and Petra would end up together in Portneath. which really makes me wish I too, could belong in Portneath.
I was so excited to recieve this copy. I really enjoyed reading Battle of the Bookshops and then to see how Jules and Roman's life played out while getting a new love story in How To Find Romance In a Bookshop. I loved how Poppy connected this book to the first one.
I wasn't sure about Petra in the beginning but the more she faced Portneath and the lovely people, she began to really grow on me. She had to start fresh in a place where she knew no one. Then she meets Ross. He's mysterious and he's closed off to literally everyone. Ross faced a pretty hard mental battle by himself.
I could not put this book down. I needed to know that Ross and Petra would end up together in Portneath. which really makes me wish I too, could belong in Portneath.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 6, 2026Has anyone ever had as much self doubt as Petra? I think the answer is probably no. I liked the first of these books, and the town and quirky British people are fun. And parts of this book are great - the relationship is fun, the book info is fun, etc. - but parts just drag through the world of book publishing, the failure of these people to have a normal conversation, Petra's CRIPPLING SELF DOUBT - and it took me a long time to finish.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Petra wakes up to realize she’s committed job suicide. After posting a social media update about a client, a typo turns a regular post into truly awful. As her client list shrinks, Petra takes time off to decompress and lands in Portneath, where she takes on running a local bookstore. Enter Ross: a hermit-ish man also hiding out, but for very different reasons. Ross is a wildly successful literary fiction darling, reeling from the fallout of a damaging professional and personal relationship and a mad case of writer’s block. The two strike up a slow, steady, and deeply healing friendship, each working toward reclaiming their lives.
Poppy Alexander is the queen of the cozy English romance, and I will forever run toward one of her books. I inhaled this one just like the others. Petra and Ross are wonderfully sweet, the setting is a lovely dip into a coastal town where people quietly find their footing again, and the calming tone feels like a salve. This is a gentle but complex novel about two people with real baggage, handled without slipping into a stereotypical trauma dump. Alexander’s heroines are often demure, thoughtful, and quietly strong, and I love experiencing these stories through their eyes. This novel also offers insight into the competitive and sometimes predatory world of high-profile publishing, injecting an unexpected thread of tension into the plot. I did wish the ending lingered a bit longer, as the wrap-up felt rushed and left me wanting more time with their resolution.
I highly recommend Alexander’s novels. She writes her characters with heart, places them in dreamy settings, and allows readers to live in their gentle, subtle orbit for a couple hundred pages.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Poppy Alexander is the queen of the cozy English romance, and I will forever run toward one of her books. I inhaled this one just like the others. Petra and Ross are wonderfully sweet, the setting is a lovely dip into a coastal town where people quietly find their footing again, and the calming tone feels like a salve. This is a gentle but complex novel about two people with real baggage, handled without slipping into a stereotypical trauma dump. Alexander’s heroines are often demure, thoughtful, and quietly strong, and I love experiencing these stories through their eyes. This novel also offers insight into the competitive and sometimes predatory world of high-profile publishing, injecting an unexpected thread of tension into the plot. I did wish the ending lingered a bit longer, as the wrap-up felt rushed and left me wanting more time with their resolution.
I highly recommend Alexander’s novels. She writes her characters with heart, places them in dreamy settings, and allows readers to live in their gentle, subtle orbit for a couple hundred pages.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is potentially the most unsatisfying book I've read in a long time. As I have shared before, I absolutely hate when I have been honored with an advanced copy of someone's hard work and don't like it. But, this one needs a lot of help.
Let me start with a positive - I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the publishing world in this story's plot. And the concept had potential, but that's where the positive notes end.
First, the FMC, Petra, goes on sabbatical after an autocorrect typo changed bibliophile to another "phile" in a press release on one of her authors. The whole thing was an attempt at humor, I believe, but considering there is absolutely no amount of levity appropriate for that topic, it turned me off from the start.
Second, there were A LOT of mistakes. You expect to see that in advance copies as they haven't been through all the edits, but this one felt like it was in beta. There were so many sentence structure issues, typos, inconsistencies, etc, that I lost count.
And finally, this was the most unromantic romance I've ever read. There's zero yearning. The couple's interactions are stunted and bizarre. And the end frustrated me so much. I wanted Petra to stand up for herself and for Ross to grow a pair but they were both just disappointments. I honestly didn't care if they made it at the end or not because there was nothing to hold on to. The friendship plot was far better than the romance.
So, unfortunately , with all the issues above, and pacing and abrupt scene breaks as well, this one is a no for me.
Let me start with a positive - I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the publishing world in this story's plot. And the concept had potential, but that's where the positive notes end.
First, the FMC, Petra, goes on sabbatical after an autocorrect typo changed bibliophile to another "phile" in a press release on one of her authors. The whole thing was an attempt at humor, I believe, but considering there is absolutely no amount of levity appropriate for that topic, it turned me off from the start.
Second, there were A LOT of mistakes. You expect to see that in advance copies as they haven't been through all the edits, but this one felt like it was in beta. There were so many sentence structure issues, typos, inconsistencies, etc, that I lost count.
And finally, this was the most unromantic romance I've ever read. There's zero yearning. The couple's interactions are stunted and bizarre. And the end frustrated me so much. I wanted Petra to stand up for herself and for Ross to grow a pair but they were both just disappointments. I honestly didn't care if they made it at the end or not because there was nothing to hold on to. The friendship plot was far better than the romance.
So, unfortunately , with all the issues above, and pacing and abrupt scene breaks as well, this one is a no for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
After an unfortunate typo on social media goes viral and derails her credibility as a literary agent, Petra’s boss gently suggests a fresh start. She soon finds herself traveling from London to a charming seaside village, where she’ll manage a local bookstore while the owners are away for six months. But books—once her greatest love—now remind her of everything she’s lost.
Ross McCloud, meanwhile, is hiding out in the same village. His debut novel was a runaway success five years ago, but he hasn’t been able to write a single word since. Keeping to himself, he spends his days tucked away in the second-hand section of the bookstore… until Petra discovers who he really is.
As Petra settles into village life, her love of books slowly returns. She forms new friendships, rediscovers her confidence, and builds a quiet but meaningful connection with Ross. She’s the only one who knows his true identity—and the only one who encourages him to try writing again. Ross insists she’s become his muse.
I’ve enjoyed many of Poppy Alexander’s novels, and once again she delivers lovable, relatable characters you can’t help but root for. This story beautifully highlights the power of friendship, community, and second chances. With its twists, surprises, and heartfelt moments, I found it wonderfully hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Ross McCloud, meanwhile, is hiding out in the same village. His debut novel was a runaway success five years ago, but he hasn’t been able to write a single word since. Keeping to himself, he spends his days tucked away in the second-hand section of the bookstore… until Petra discovers who he really is.
As Petra settles into village life, her love of books slowly returns. She forms new friendships, rediscovers her confidence, and builds a quiet but meaningful connection with Ross. She’s the only one who knows his true identity—and the only one who encourages him to try writing again. Ross insists she’s become his muse.
I’ve enjoyed many of Poppy Alexander’s novels, and once again she delivers lovable, relatable characters you can’t help but root for. This story beautifully highlights the power of friendship, community, and second chances. With its twists, surprises, and heartfelt moments, I found it wonderfully hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. After a viral social media mistake destroys her career as a literary agent, Petra retreats to a seaside bookshop to run for the next for six months, despite no longer loving books. There she meets Ross, a novelist whose debut was a success, but then vanished and is now hiding from the world (and his unfinished second book). Drawn together by shared disappointment and struggles, the two form a bond as Petra is slowly pulled in to the bookshop and its community. As Petra helps revive the town’s literary life and rebuild her confidence, Ross proposes a plan: debut his long-awaited novel at a local literary festival and relaunch both of their careers. But to move forward, they must first confront their own fears and failures, and decide whether love and second chances are enough for them.
I absolutely loved the bookish setting and really enjoyed the depth of Petra and Ross as characters. The author takes a lot of time in forming the relationship and connection between Petra and Ross, and that slower pace really allowed the bookshop and community to shine as characters, as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved the bookish setting and really enjoyed the depth of Petra and Ross as characters. The author takes a lot of time in forming the relationship and connection between Petra and Ross, and that slower pace really allowed the bookshop and community to shine as characters, as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I like this friends to lovers rom com set in Devon, England in Cornwall by the sea. Petra has escaped a horrendous mistake in her job as a literary agent in London, and Ross has found refuge in Devon after fleeing a controlling editor who fed on his fame as a famous debut novelist and claimed his success as her own.
Ross's good looks immediately draws Petra's attention and their involvement in writing, reading and the publishing world pulls them closer together. The book's insight into the world of publishing is fascinating, from the point of view of both former literary agent Petra and writer Ross t
I loved how the two characters fit into the smaller world of the town in Devon, and became fast friends with the booksellers and other people there. Their romance was fueled by Petra's desire to get Ross writing again, and helping him with his new book based on Shakespeare's characters in The Tempest. And Petra, once fed up with reading, began her slow interest in books again.
The setting in Cornwall, the cliffs, the ocean, the hills, and the towns add a certain du Maurier quality to the novel that I definitely liked.
An enjoyable rom com especially for lovers of Shakespeare.
Ross's good looks immediately draws Petra's attention and their involvement in writing, reading and the publishing world pulls them closer together. The book's insight into the world of publishing is fascinating, from the point of view of both former literary agent Petra and writer Ross t
I loved how the two characters fit into the smaller world of the town in Devon, and became fast friends with the booksellers and other people there. Their romance was fueled by Petra's desire to get Ross writing again, and helping him with his new book based on Shakespeare's characters in The Tempest. And Petra, once fed up with reading, began her slow interest in books again.
The setting in Cornwall, the cliffs, the ocean, the hills, and the towns add a certain du Maurier quality to the novel that I definitely liked.
An enjoyable rom com especially for lovers of Shakespeare.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After a social media blunder that leads to her job loss, Petra decides to escape London and find solace in the quaint town of Portneath. While the owners of Capelthorne’s Bookshop are away, she takes charge of running the bookstore. During her time there, she befriends Ross, another loner who has also chosen to hide away in this small town. As they spend more time together, their friendship blossoms into something more, creating an endearing and heartwarming story in Poppy Alexander’s novel.
Firstly, I have never encountered a character with such spectacular foot-in-mouth syndrome as Petra. Nearly every line out of her mouth had me face-palming in secondhand embarrassment and loving every second of it. The dynamic between her and Ross is an absolute delight; their banter is truly chef’s kiss. I couldn’t help but picture Ross as Jamie from Outlander the entire time — accent and all — which only made him more swoon-worthy.
The ending left me warm and wistful, suddenly yearning for a cozy countryside cottage and a best friend to share life with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poppy Alexander for the advanced reader’s copy!
Firstly, I have never encountered a character with such spectacular foot-in-mouth syndrome as Petra. Nearly every line out of her mouth had me face-palming in secondhand embarrassment and loving every second of it. The dynamic between her and Ross is an absolute delight; their banter is truly chef’s kiss. I couldn’t help but picture Ross as Jamie from Outlander the entire time — accent and all — which only made him more swoon-worthy.
The ending left me warm and wistful, suddenly yearning for a cozy countryside cottage and a best friend to share life with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poppy Alexander for the advanced reader’s copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I smiled when I saw the reference, in the first chapter, to Jules Capelthorne, one of the main characters from “The Battle of the Bookshops”, and that the plot would involve the main character (Petra) temporarily running Jules’ bookstore, Capelthorne’s. It was nice to revisit Portneath and some of its residents.
Petra, the ex-literary agent with a serious case of foot-in-mouth syndrome, and Ross, literary wunderkind who used up all his marketable ideas in his first novel, make for an entertaining pair of protagonists. I enjoyed the dynamic between them; though I admit to some frustration that the author delayed having them open up to each other about specific issues. I liked that Petra’s time running Capelthorne’s and her involvement in the local book clubs helped restore her love of reading and the literary world. I also liked that Ross’s second novel was a reimagining of a classic that provided a fresh and more positive perspective on a major character. The story has a very fitting (and happy) ending.
Petra, the ex-literary agent with a serious case of foot-in-mouth syndrome, and Ross, literary wunderkind who used up all his marketable ideas in his first novel, make for an entertaining pair of protagonists. I enjoyed the dynamic between them; though I admit to some frustration that the author delayed having them open up to each other about specific issues. I liked that Petra’s time running Capelthorne’s and her involvement in the local book clubs helped restore her love of reading and the literary world. I also liked that Ross’s second novel was a reimagining of a classic that provided a fresh and more positive perspective on a major character. The story has a very fitting (and happy) ending.
February 1, 2026
Petra wakes up to discover she’s committed career-ending social media suicide. After posting about a client, a typo transforms an ordinary update into something truly awful. As her client list rapidly dwindles, Petra takes time off to decompress and finds herself in Portneath, where she temporarily takes over running a local bookstore.
Ross: a reclusive, hermit-ish man also hiding out—but for very different reasons. Ross is a wildly successful literary fiction darling, struggling in the aftermath of a damaging professional and personal relationship, along with a brutal case of writer’s block. The two form a slow, steady, deeply healing friendship, each quietly working toward reclaiming their lives.
I highly recommend Poppy Alexander’s novels. She writes characters with heart, places them in beautiful, comforting settings, and allows readers to exist in their gentle, subtle orbit for a few hundred pages—a place I’m always happy to visit.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own. 📚💙
Ross: a reclusive, hermit-ish man also hiding out—but for very different reasons. Ross is a wildly successful literary fiction darling, struggling in the aftermath of a damaging professional and personal relationship, along with a brutal case of writer’s block. The two form a slow, steady, deeply healing friendship, each quietly working toward reclaiming their lives.
I highly recommend Poppy Alexander’s novels. She writes characters with heart, places them in beautiful, comforting settings, and allows readers to exist in their gentle, subtle orbit for a few hundred pages—a place I’m always happy to visit.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own. 📚💙
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is about second chances at careers, at love, and at finding joy in the things that once hurt you. Petra is burned out and running from her past, while Ross is hiding from the pressure of a success he can’t seem to repeat. Watching them slowly find their way back to themselves and to each other inside a seaside bookshop was genuinely lovely.
I especially loved seeing Petra and Ross’s relationship evolve from friendship to something deeper. The romance is a true slow burn, gentle and realistic, built on shared vulnerability rather than big dramatic moments. It’s soft, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded.
The bookshop setting, small-town atmosphere, and bookish community vibes made this feel like a warm hug of a story. It reminded me why I love stories about books, healing, and people starting over.
If you’re in the mood for a slow paced, cozy romance with heart, this is an easy recommendation and absolutely a perfect spring/summer read.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this ARC!
I especially loved seeing Petra and Ross’s relationship evolve from friendship to something deeper. The romance is a true slow burn, gentle and realistic, built on shared vulnerability rather than big dramatic moments. It’s soft, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded.
The bookshop setting, small-town atmosphere, and bookish community vibes made this feel like a warm hug of a story. It reminded me why I love stories about books, healing, and people starting over.
If you’re in the mood for a slow paced, cozy romance with heart, this is an easy recommendation and absolutely a perfect spring/summer read.
Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second in, hopefully a series, by Poppy Alexander. I had the great pleasure of reading the first story last year I believe - Battle of the Bookshops - with Netgalley and the author reached out to me and asked me if I would like to read the second one - I could not wait!
This follows up in the same bookshop as the first book, the main female lead she is a riot - she is a book publicist and one night before she goes home- she thought she wrote that her client was a "bibliophobe" but she actually says he is a "bibulous pediphole". Then we learn that bibulous is a drunk :)
From there it doesn't go so well for Petra. She goes to the bookshop and that is where our adventure starts.
We have familiar characters, and we get to see how everyone has grown through time :) Actually I think I like this book more than the original book- I don't know why, maybe because Petra and the main male lead our more realistic and relatable to me - I don't know anyone that is super rich lol.
You will love this book - be sure to give it a try!
This follows up in the same bookshop as the first book, the main female lead she is a riot - she is a book publicist and one night before she goes home- she thought she wrote that her client was a "bibliophobe" but she actually says he is a "bibulous pediphole". Then we learn that bibulous is a drunk :)
From there it doesn't go so well for Petra. She goes to the bookshop and that is where our adventure starts.
We have familiar characters, and we get to see how everyone has grown through time :) Actually I think I like this book more than the original book- I don't know why, maybe because Petra and the main male lead our more realistic and relatable to me - I don't know anyone that is super rich lol.
You will love this book - be sure to give it a try!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a breezy and delightful story about a frazzled book agent and a disillusioned author. Petra leaves London after a social media faux pas and takes up the reins of Capelthorn’s book store while the owners are on a 6 month honeymoon. Ross, who had a great response to his debut book 5 years ago but hasn’t written a thing since, has been renting a cottage while trying to deal with a case of imposter syndrome. These two have a sweet, slow burn romance that quietly moves from friends into something more. As both settle into the daily life of the town, they find a supportive group of friends who help remind them that being part of a community can be healing and rewarding. As chance to work together arises, can Petra and Ross handle the pressures and still stay together?
I love books about people who love books and How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop fit the bill perfectly!
A huge thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for sharing the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I love books about people who love books and How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop fit the bill perfectly!
A huge thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for sharing the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately I ended up feeling pretty disappointed. Honestly, the only thing I truly liked about it was the cover.
I struggled with the writing style from the beginning. It felt a little immature to me. The story is written in third person, but the narration almost reads like a diary or like someone is writing everything down as it happens. It goes through every small moment in a way that didn’t really work for me.
Another issue I had was with the characters. Whether the chapter was from Petra’s perspective or Ross’s, they sounded exactly the same. Their voices didn’t feel distinct, and at times it felt like they had the same personality. That made it harder for me to connect with either of them.
As the story went on, their behavior started to feel kind of childish, and they didn’t act their age. Because of that, it was hard for me to stay invested in the story.
In the end, I think this just wasn’t the right book for me, which is a little unfortunate because I had higher hopes going into it.
I struggled with the writing style from the beginning. It felt a little immature to me. The story is written in third person, but the narration almost reads like a diary or like someone is writing everything down as it happens. It goes through every small moment in a way that didn’t really work for me.
Another issue I had was with the characters. Whether the chapter was from Petra’s perspective or Ross’s, they sounded exactly the same. Their voices didn’t feel distinct, and at times it felt like they had the same personality. That made it harder for me to connect with either of them.
As the story went on, their behavior started to feel kind of childish, and they didn’t act their age. Because of that, it was hard for me to stay invested in the story.
In the end, I think this just wasn’t the right book for me, which is a little unfortunate because I had higher hopes going into it.
February 1, 2026
How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop is the cozy seaside hug I desperately needed! 🌊📚
If you love the 'small-town romance' trope (but with a hilarious 'Grumpy x Grumpy' twist!), this book is perfection. Petra and Ross bonding over their career disasters in the stacks? Yes, please. But I have to be real... Petra tested my patience! She was so stuck in her head about that viral typo (which, okay, absolute nightmare fuel) that she kept getting in her own way.
I was literally yelling at my Kindle, "Girl, stop punishing yourself!" It was agonizing watching her be so scared to jump back into the literary world when she was obviously brilliant at running the book club. It was so frustrating! But watching her slowly find her courage? My heart exploded.
The slow burn is delicious, and seeing Jess from her other books again was the best bonus. It wasn't perfect, but it left me smiling so hard. Defintely read this if you need a comeback story.
If you love the 'small-town romance' trope (but with a hilarious 'Grumpy x Grumpy' twist!), this book is perfection. Petra and Ross bonding over their career disasters in the stacks? Yes, please. But I have to be real... Petra tested my patience! She was so stuck in her head about that viral typo (which, okay, absolute nightmare fuel) that she kept getting in her own way.
I was literally yelling at my Kindle, "Girl, stop punishing yourself!" It was agonizing watching her be so scared to jump back into the literary world when she was obviously brilliant at running the book club. It was so frustrating! But watching her slowly find her courage? My heart exploded.
The slow burn is delicious, and seeing Jess from her other books again was the best bonus. It wasn't perfect, but it left me smiling so hard. Defintely read this if you need a comeback story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this ARC, for an honest review. This book is the sequel to The Battle of the Bookshops. I will admit, I absolutely love sequels. I also love books that are about books, the publishing industry,etc. Had I not been given this ARC, I would totally have gotten this book. I read an ARC for the original, The Battle of the Bookshops. Roman and Jules, from the original book are away on a 6 month honeymoon. However, they need someone to run their bookstore, Capelthorn's while they are gone. This is where Petra comes in. While working at the shop, she runs into Ross McCloud, who is an author trying to hide after his award winning 1st novel. As their friendship blossoms and then becomes more, this book entails all the angst of a new relationship. It's the friends to lovers trope that everyone enjoys and most have encountered at some point in their life.
If you are just stumbling on to this book, I would recommend getting this book and the first one.
If you are just stumbling on to this book, I would recommend getting this book and the first one.
February 9, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I have been on a roll recently, reading bookish-centered romances, and it has been so dreamy. I wish I had the opportunity to run away to a small, seaside town in England to run a bookstore for half a year like Petra; even if the circumstances surrounding her stay weren't ideal, she found love and family, so I'd say it worked out for her.
This is my first novel of Poppy Alexander's, so maybe it's just her writing style, but I did find that this story dragged a little for me. I am all about a slow burn, absolutely, but I had a harder time getting into this story than I have others like it. I still enjoyed following Petra and Ross' love story, and I especially loved the found family aspect, so it wasn't a total miss for me.
I have been on a roll recently, reading bookish-centered romances, and it has been so dreamy. I wish I had the opportunity to run away to a small, seaside town in England to run a bookstore for half a year like Petra; even if the circumstances surrounding her stay weren't ideal, she found love and family, so I'd say it worked out for her.
This is my first novel of Poppy Alexander's, so maybe it's just her writing style, but I did find that this story dragged a little for me. I am all about a slow burn, absolutely, but I had a harder time getting into this story than I have others like it. I still enjoyed following Petra and Ross' love story, and I especially loved the found family aspect, so it wasn't a total miss for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After a social media post gone wrong, a literary agent runs away to look after a seaside bookshop for the summer—and forms an unlikely friendship with a charming novelist struggling with his latest idea.
EEK! I love Poppy Alexander and fell in love with The Battle Of the Bookshops and jumped for joy when I got the opportunity to read this one too. I love that they are both connected.
I devoured this one pretty quickly and just fell in love with everything about it.
Petra leaves London and heads to a seaside village to run a bookshop for 6 months. There she runs into Ross, a successful novelist who is also hiding out from the stress of everyday life. There they form a friendship and a connection that is undeniable.
This was a fantastic book and I totally fell in love with it all.
EEK! I love Poppy Alexander and fell in love with The Battle Of the Bookshops and jumped for joy when I got the opportunity to read this one too. I love that they are both connected.
I devoured this one pretty quickly and just fell in love with everything about it.
Petra leaves London and heads to a seaside village to run a bookshop for 6 months. There she runs into Ross, a successful novelist who is also hiding out from the stress of everyday life. There they form a friendship and a connection that is undeniable.
This was a fantastic book and I totally fell in love with it all.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was such a cozy, feel-good, delightful read. I found myself hooked from the very first pages and feeling all the emotions along the way.
The story follows Petra, a literary agent whose career takes a hit after a viral typo online. She escapes to a charming seaside village in Devon to temporarily run a small bookshop. There she meets Ross, a bestselling author who’s been hiding away with a serious case of writer’s block. Watching these two slowly build a friendship and help each other rediscover their love of books was really heartwarming.
I loved the cozy bookshop setting, the small-town community, and the slow-burn romance made this feel like the perfect comfort read. By the end, I was smiling and wishing I could visit that little bookshop myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
The story follows Petra, a literary agent whose career takes a hit after a viral typo online. She escapes to a charming seaside village in Devon to temporarily run a small bookshop. There she meets Ross, a bestselling author who’s been hiding away with a serious case of writer’s block. Watching these two slowly build a friendship and help each other rediscover their love of books was really heartwarming.
I loved the cozy bookshop setting, the small-town community, and the slow-burn romance made this feel like the perfect comfort read. By the end, I was smiling and wishing I could visit that little bookshop myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was riveting. I could not put it down, well, I tried not to, but life got in the way; however, I did read it through as much as possible. I had to know what would happen with Petra and Ross. This was a truly lovely story about two damaged souls who helped to heal one another. The story was well-paced and full of descriptive prose. I could see myself in Portneath. All of the additional characters were well utilized in the story, creating a further sense of warmth and love in Portneath. This is a bit of a slow-building romance, but it is well worth it once they are together. I truly had the best time reading this book and highly recommend it. Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley, Poppy Alexander, and Avon for this ARC!
Where do I start? I absolutely loved this romance.
Dear Petra made a spelling error at work when she was publishing an article on social media and over night her career plummeted. Due to this she had to take step down, and what better place to get away than a small bookstore in a discreet town. In comes Ross who is also getting away from society but for a different reason. I absolutely love the banter and chemistry Petra and Ross have together as they help each other get back on track to success.
The love of a bookstore. If you are looking for a cute romance book here it is!
Where do I start? I absolutely loved this romance.
Dear Petra made a spelling error at work when she was publishing an article on social media and over night her career plummeted. Due to this she had to take step down, and what better place to get away than a small bookstore in a discreet town. In comes Ross who is also getting away from society but for a different reason. I absolutely love the banter and chemistry Petra and Ross have together as they help each other get back on track to success.
The love of a bookstore. If you are looking for a cute romance book here it is!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked up How to Find Love in a Bookshop because the premise sounded adorable. A cozy bookshop and romance? Yes please. But this ended up being a reminder not to judge a book by its cover—especially when the cover is that cute.
I really wanted to like this one, but it dragged on relentlessly. I struggled through it and almost tossed it onto my DNF pile more than once. The story just felt slow and hard to get through.
The ending was actually the best part, which makes it even more frustrating. Too bad I couldn’t just start there. Thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the book early.
I really wanted to like this one, but it dragged on relentlessly. I struggled through it and almost tossed it onto my DNF pile more than once. The story just felt slow and hard to get through.
The ending was actually the best part, which makes it even more frustrating. Too bad I couldn’t just start there. Thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the book early.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Poppy flees a career embarrassment to a cosy English town and spend a few months at the site of Battle of the Bookshops romance. There she meets Ross, also hiding from the public eye after an unhealthy if not wildly successful debut as a novelist. With nods to The tempest (just as BOTB had nods to Romeo and Juliet), this is a cosy, clean story of a sweet friendship which becomes more as these two heal and grow in one another’s company, supported by a village of charming characters.
Thanks to the publisher for an early peek at this book.
Thanks to the publisher for an early peek at this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Petra and Ross's story had me scratching my temple a lot but in really great ways. I couldnt decide if I loved it or was just frustrated that they were both too stubborn to admit that they needed someone and wanted it to be each other...that they wouldn't just TALK through the hard parts. But I found my self in bed each night reading before I went to sleep excited to visit this little town and dig more into the world of book clubs and secret novels. Loved the story and want a follow up so I can know what every character is doing NOW!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this story from the start, needing a break from publishing to run a bookshop by the sea?? (Owned by Roman and Jules from The Battle of the Bookshops also by Poppy Alexander). It’s a cozy book with fun characters but I’m only giving it 3 stars because I didn’t love how the ending came about, gave me a little ick factor that it never cleared up. It is a closed door romance, which I very much appreciated.
Thank you Poppy Alexander and Net Galley for the advanced copy!
Thank you Poppy Alexander and Net Galley for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was cute and easy. It's a perfect pallate cleanser. It's a cozy read that put me in a relaxed and romantic mood.
I loved how Petra and Ross' relationship developed slowly and with real meaning. It's not an insta love and for that I am eternally grateful. I connected to them both and how they became friends and then more. I believe them and it's always refreshing reading a Poppy Alexander romance.
It's a heartfelt, feel good romance that is perfect for anyone of this genre.
I loved how Petra and Ross' relationship developed slowly and with real meaning. It's not an insta love and for that I am eternally grateful. I connected to them both and how they became friends and then more. I believe them and it's always refreshing reading a Poppy Alexander romance.
It's a heartfelt, feel good romance that is perfect for anyone of this genre.
February 15, 2026
This book was a really cozy, light book for book lovers. The pace is slow but the characters are entertaining & easy to root for. This is a great book to pick up if you’re looking to relax & you’re good with a book that isn’t overly complex or dramatic. I would definitely recommend this as a pleasant palette cleanser.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really enjoyed this cozy, acquaintances to friends to lovers story of Petra and Ross. Petra realized a little too late that she had made a terrible mistake in a social media post. It caused her to lose her clients one by one Ross is successful but is choosing to hide from the public for reasons all his own. If you want a sweet story that happens over time, this one is for you.
February 26, 2026
A sweet story of finding yourself and finding love along the way. Ross and Petra’s romance felt realistic with the pacing and getting to know each other. This was a slow-paced, cozy romance, with emphasis on community and friendship.
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