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Shelf Control

Not yet published
Expected 10 Jan 26
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“Every time a little bit of passion or interest shows up, you lock down and act like it never happened,” he says, his voice softer now. “You don’t need to do that. Not here, not with me.”

Emory doesn’t do vulnerability. As the backbone of Bookmark, she manages to keep everything running smoothly while keeping everyone at arm’s length.

After all, caring too much has always meant losing what matters.

When the owner’s grandson, Rylen, shows up to learn the ropes before taking over the business, Emory’s carefully constructed walls are suddenly under siege. He’s unfairly attractive, effortlessly wins over the regulars, and worst of all, his watchful eyes catch every slip in her carefully maintained indifference..

And now she’s stuck training him.

She convinces herself that the way she notices his cologne is just because the back office is so cramped, that his smile doesn’t affect her, that she’s just tolerating him until his training ends.But between restocking shelves and helping customers, the lies grow weaker and her carefully guarded heart betrays her more and more.

As the line between colleagues and something more blurs dangerously, Emory will have to decide if she’s brave enough to risk her heart on the one man that really sees her… even if he’s about to become her boss.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 10, 2026

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About the author

Kate Nicole

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 21, 2025
ARC 💖 Thank you!

Emory is the girl who's had people take advantage of her, and told that you should always forgive family no matter what

Rylen has a tragic history and issues with his dad, but a very loving grandmother.

It was an easy and fun read, few miscommunications within, not really my fav trope, but very enjoyable.

I feel the side characters could have been included more. I want to know more about Callie, Clark, Grandma and Mr Wheeler.

Maybe a future book where Callie is the FL. I feel there is a lot to her character to be explored.
Profile Image for Maria.
43 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 out of 5)

Thank you to the author/publisher for providing this ARC.

I requested this ARC because it’s set almost entirely in a bookshop — and honestly, that already felt like a warm hug 📚☕. There’s also a quiet mystery surrounding Mr Wheeler and his choice of books, which I really enjoyed. It’s very much the kind of story that makes you want to curl up somewhere cosy and daydream about owning a little bookshop of your own.

This is a character-driven read that focuses on family relationships and emotional healing, showing how something that seems small or simple to one person can have a deep impact on someone else. I found myself rooting for the FMC throughout, even if I occasionally wished she would stand up for herself a little sooner.

The dynamic between the two leads was one of my favourite parts 💕. Their interactions were quirky, full of gentle teasing, and their relationship developed at a natural, satisfying medium-burn pace. While the main characters were well explored, I did wish some of the side relationships — particularly between Rylen and his grandmother — had been given more space, as those moments could have added even more warmth to the story.

I read this in one sitting, though the book would benefit from some tighter editing, as there were moments of repetition and a bit of telling rather than showing. Still, the cosy atmosphere and lovely premise really carried the story for me.

Tropes: #bookworm #mediumburn #battlingtrauma

Overall, a cosy, engaging read with comforting vibes and a lot of heart ✨
Profile Image for Denise.
146 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 27, 2025
A big thank you to Kate for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book, all opinions are my own. I absolutely adored it!

I'm impressed by how the book tackled some heavy topics, like family issues like sibling rivalry, and struggling to cope with abandonment and changes. These themes were executed beautifully, tugging at the heartstrings while keeping the tone engaging. The banter between Emory and Rylen was a highlight, and his nickname for her was just perfect!

While the story had its repetitive moments, I couldn’t put it down, read it two days. Overall, it’s a cute read with a mix of light-hearted moments and deeper issues.
2 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 20, 2025
⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️

Thank you to the author for the advance copy.

This story centers on Emory—witty, funny, and emotionally layered—who works at a small independent bookstore owned by Margie, a warm, grandmotherly presence who feels like the heart of the shop. The novel opens with a fast-paced scene between Emory and her sister, Sienna, immediately signaling that this is not simple sibling rivalry, but something deeper and more calculated. That opening moment sets the tone and pulls you in right away.

When Margie’s grandson, Rylen, arrives to help run (and eventually take over) the store, the real story begins. Rylen is the kind of effortlessly charming love interest who delivers playful verbal sparring and sharp wit—the kind of banter that feels familiar, earned, and genuinely fun rather than forced. As the narrative unfolds, we learn more about Emory and Sienna, slowly piecing together why Emory’s walls are so firmly built. Of course, Rylen notices these things almost immediately.

What follows is a journey of watching a woman learn to take up space, honor her boundaries, and push back against toxic family dynamics in a way that feels deeply relatable—especially to eldest daughters. The emotional beats land naturally, without feeling rushed or overly dramatized, and the pacing remains quick and engaging throughout, making this an easy, immersive read.

I also deeply appreciated the sections focused on Callie, Emory’s roommate. Her story—stepping up to care for her siblings as alcoholism tangles and deflates her family—adds an emotionally grounded layer to the book. The scenes set in Callie’s mother’s home are clear, definitive, and unflinching, leaving you with the strong sense that the author truly understands the raw angst and instability of being a child of an alcoholic.

I did notice some repetition in the descriptive language, though that may also be because I finished the novel in under a day, completely invested in these characters. While the story unfolds smoothly, there were moments where additional background or a slightly slower burn could have deepened the emotional stakes even further.

Overall, this was a fantastic read—fast-paced, emotionally resonant, and highly relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these characters and am very much looking forward to reading more from Kate Nicole in the future.
Profile Image for Andreea.
171 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 26, 2025
Shelf Control was a quick and cozy read with a bit of spice. I loved the descriptions of the bookshop and antique stores. They felt warm & vibrant, and the whole setting had that comforting charm that works perfectly between heavier reads.

The main characters were great together (I looooved the mostly direct, upfront communication) and the friendship between Emory and Callie was a lovely touch all through the book, but I often wished for a bit more character development. Some of them felt a little one‑dimensional. For example her sister steals joy, so Emory hides what she enjoys - which was all they did on the page together. The resolution here was super satisfying, though, so I don't mind that we didn't explore Sienna's reasons for being like that. Some characters you love to hate unambiguously.

But I also felt like Rylen’s motivations weren't fully explored, and I loved his story, I wanted more of that! Things like what were his family's expectations that he alluded to a couple of times, why he chose business management education over programming given his passion project, and why he accepted the bookstore situation so easily in just a few short days/weeks. Emory also goes through a lot of learning, but Rylen doesn’t really change. He mostly shows up and is instantly perfect, with the only shift being that he makes space for her things when they move in, because based on descriptions he was a bit of a minimalist. I'd have loved to hear more about reconciling these differences on-page! The final chapter was genuinely lovely, though, and I'm glad they got the HEA they deserved.

Overall, this is a cozy, enjoyable romance with great vibes and charming settings. I just found myself wishing for more because I enjoyed it a lot and it seemed to go by very fast.

If you enjoy sweet, low‑stakes romances with cozy bookshop settings, Shelf Control should be right up your alley!

✨Disclaimer ✨ I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Andrea.
125 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 27, 2025
Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

I’ve never felt so seen and validated by a book before. I truly believe so many people will resonate with this story. From the very beginning, I connected deeply with Emory and felt for her on such a personal level. There is so much vulnerability woven into this story that it left me feeling incredibly emotional. Emory has my whole heart — she deserves so much more than what she endured. Her healing journey is not easy, but I deeply admire her quiet strength and resilience.

I absolutely loved Rylen. His charm feels effortless, and everything he said had me giddy and fangirling. He is such a perfect partner for Emory — truly caring, supportive, and emotionally aware. I loved how he gently pushes her when she needs it while still fully respecting her boundaries. The way he loves and shows up for Emory made me fall for him instantly. I do wish we had gotten to know more about him, but I adored him regardless.

There are moments of miscommunication, but they felt realistic and valid for Emory’s story and growth. Overall, Shelf Control is a beautifully written, emotional read that hit me right in the feels. It’s cozy, well-paced, and incredibly sweet. I highly recommend this read when it releases!
Profile Image for Bethany Elsey.
115 reviews
December 28, 2025
ARC REVIEW 📚✨

Super cute and cozy read! Caught my attention that the prime location is a bookstore, I mean how perfect is that for a romance!

Emory is a reserved character that hides herself so she doesn’t like to wear her heart on her sleeve.
Introducing Rylen, who is the bookstore owners grandson, where he slowly opens her up and finally crack through her wall.

The constant back and forth was brilliant. The slow build yearning and just the confidence they build in each other.

I will admit that it felt repeated towards the end but I couldn’t complain too much as I LOVE them both!

I would have loved to see more of Callie and maybe get more of Margie where she sits down with Emory without Rylen there? Since Emory finds comfort in Margie, it would have been nice to have her more included.

But overall, if you want a cozy romance, then pick this book up when it releases!

Thank you to Kate Nicole and publishers for sending me a free copy of this book in return of an honest review.
Profile Image for Emma.
106 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2025
A bookstore romance where the main girl has trouble letting people in? say less

This was cute, sweet (even if a bit insta-lovey), and a laid back kinda read. Emory is the definition of keep your expectations low so you are never disappointed and GIRL I GET IT. Her character development over the course of the book was fun to read, even if at times i felt frustrated by her choices. Rylen was a sweetie pie and so supportive of literally everything Emory did, even when she was pushing him away. The dates he took her on were masterful. There is a hint of miscommunication as the third act conflict, which I know isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but personally I felt it really aligned with Emory’s characterization.

If you love a forced proximity romance with a cozy setting and a dash of familial drama, this is the book for you.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!
Profile Image for Cassie Ring.
1 review
December 23, 2025
This story is a great cozy read. The thing I love most is the depth of the FMC. She is so well-written that I am able to put myself in her shoes and understand her, even though I don’t have the same experience. The emphasis on her love of mismatched and thrifted items in contrast to her default walls she puts up creates the perfect picture of how her mind works.

With a lot of romance books, the story suffers in order to emphasize the spice. Kate Nicole ensures that the story drives the book, and the spicy scene placement makes sense. They feel like details meant to show the intimacy of the characters and how it helps develop their relationship, instead of just spice for the sake of spice.

Overall, this book made me fall in love with the characters and become emotionally invested. The writing was beautiful and the pace was perfect.
Profile Image for Jacy.
101 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2025
✨ARC Review✨

Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review!!

✅ Forced Close Proximity
✅ MMC that’s super sweet
✅ Bickering like an old married couple
✅Workplace romance
✅Found family

I went into this ARC very blind and I’m happy I did.

Shelf Control follows Emory as she balances life: work, her sister and her future new boss. Like, awkward position there - I’ve been in Emory’s shoes — training my own manager.

This book was a solid read; started slow but picked up the pace. Not many books have me read nearly 200 pages in two hours.

I did find the story a little repetitive in some of the sentences, using the same descriptions and so on and so forth. That’s my only not so negative remark.

It is a solid debut novel!
Profile Image for Paige Miller.
21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
December 22, 2025
Bookmark is Emory’s happy place and she has worked there for 3 years, but what happens when the owner brings in her grandson to learn the ropes and take over the business? Rylen is a quick learner and is also quick to develop feelings for Emory, but she doesn’t quite reciprocate right away. Their story has a few ups and downs, plenty of family drama, and it was a fun read. I’d definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a quick romance story to get you in your feels! My only downside to this is it is a bit of an instant love type feel and that isn’t always my favorite, but that being said I wanted more of their story when the book was over.

*I’d like to thank Tes Archer for allowing me to read an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
Profile Image for Brittany.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 24, 2025
Thank you to the author for sending me this ARC.

Shelf Control was SUCH a cute bookstore romance. Rylen gradually breaking down the walls that Emory instinctively puts up was cute because you could see he was not giving up.

Sometimes, family can be your biggest bully and I think that type of toxic sibling relationship was portrayed pretty well here, and you feel so proud of Emory for sticking up for herself.

I also really enjoyed the backstory we got on Callie, and how she's had to navigate her life.

The only thing is that the last 10 chapters felt like everything was happening at once and there were bits I wish I could read more about.

I am excited to see what the author has in store for the future.
Profile Image for M Ortiz.
95 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 18, 2025
Emory, Rylen & Bookmark

Emory has been working at Bookmark a quaint little bookstore, everything had a rhythm and her life was predictable until he walked in. The owners grandson Rylen. This book takes us through Emory's struggle with opening up and actually caring about things without being scared to show it. Rylen is so sweet, he really is as perfect as you can get. But of course everyone has their flaws and they both had to work through that. I'm glad they got their happy ending. The one thing I will say that bothered me is the build up with them took up like 95% of the book and them falling into everything happened so quickly and a bit rushed in the last chapter.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 20, 2025
This story primarily focuses on the FMC’s trust issues and how easy it has become to shut people out. She’s relatable in her awkwardness, and I found it interesting that there wasn’t many details on her looks throughout the book. She talked about her sister’s looks and her roommate’s, but described herself in very few and plain details.
This isn’t just a love story with an FMC and MMC, this is a love story to the FMC herself. She learns to set boundaries, and to open herself up to trust those who deserve it. Thanks for the ARC!
Profile Image for Kasey Climes.
35 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 26, 2025
This was a cute and quick read. I think that the book was a very good story though I felt the ending felt a little rushed. I think it either could have been stretched a little bit longer or the culminating events could have taken place a little earlier instead of the last 40 pages. I also feel like the scenes from one chapter to the next were a little choppy. They would switch from one day and skip things I would have hoped would be happening in the next chapter.

Altogether I still think it was a cute storyline and I was happy reading the book!
Profile Image for Ruth Sanders.
79 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 24, 2025
Arc copy sent by author

(You have no idea how long I've wanted to say that)

Anyway, I absolutely loved this story, and these characters 💖 I found this to be a believable story about two people, both with an uncomfortable past that they were able to overcome. This story also made me so grateful to have the sisters I have not any that act like that. Five stars for my very fist arc copy and my newest auto buy author. Thank you, Kate, for sending me this copy of your book 🥰
Profile Image for Amber Mock.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 26, 2025
ARC😉 This book was DELICIOUS!

The characters are extremely well written and grow as you go on but not in a “rushed” sense at all. It’s a cozy book with awesome a well developed thoroughly thought out plot

This is a boon I’ll definitely e getting to add to my shelves at home to reread when I need a “comfort” book.

Once the book is published I’ll comeback with notes and highlights but I do not want to ruin this book for anyone else 💕 don’t second guess this romance and just dive it!
Profile Image for Rachael.
609 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 20, 2025
ARC review.

This was a good read, I especially liked the emotional development of the FMC, even though her attitude at not getting her own way is a bit pants (self-protective mode/sabotaging on happiness).

The gentleness and patience of the MMC shines through, even as he makes his own mistakes.
Profile Image for Emily Arriola.
172 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 24, 2025
I really enjoyed reading Shelf Control! I loved how Emory and Rylan were able to work through their issues and grow stronger together!


📚dislike to lovers
📚workplace proximity
📚banter
📚reluctant attraction
Profile Image for Megan.
61 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 24, 2025
This was a super cozy read and I really enjoyed it! The characters were super relatable and the story progressed really naturally with the FMC learning to set her boundaries, take up space and speak up for herself. I'd highly recommend picking this book up, it was a fun read!
Profile Image for J. Lambert.
Author 1 book7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 27, 2025
OH MY GOSH!!!

I’m so excited for this book to actually be in my hands (will be adding to my Must Buy list IMMEDIATELY)!!!

I came across the ARC for this book stumbling around on threads and I’m so glad I did 💙 Thank you for the opportunity & the excellent end of 2025 read!
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