Checking You Out

by Miranda Reese

It’s 1998, and the Maple Valley Public Library is one of the last quiet strongholds of the pre-digital world. Holly Bennett, steadfast champion of all things analog, treasures the card catalog, worn paperbacks, and the historical romances she devours with her Swooning for Stepbacks book club. A hopeless romantic at heart, Holly longs for the kind of love she’s only ever read about, but so far, her real life has offered none of it. Her orderly world is upended when Ethan Montrose arrives—a sleek, city-bred tech consultant with a mission to modernize her beloved library. He is everything Holly has resisted in her past. He is confident, charming, and full of ideas that clash with her traditions. As their rivalry heats up, they uncover a long-buried family secret hidden in the library’s past. When the walls between old ways and new ideas finally crumble, Holly and Ethan realize their dreams, for the library and for each other, are stronger together than apart. Sometimes the best love stories aren’t written in books—they’re found between the stacks.

406 pages, Paperback

Published July 13, 2026

Reviews

[Gina]

“People always thought libraries were about books. Rows of them. Stacks on stacks. But books were just the surface. Libraries were about people.”

Thank you to 5 Prince Publishing for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book is so dang cute. It’s so nostalgic and atmospheric, placing the reader firmly in the late 90s. This is the perfect romance heading into fall.

The story follows Holly who’s struggling with the loss of her grandmother, taking care of her younger sister, and changes that are coming to her beloved library. She holds on to the familiar card catalog and isn’t pleased with the impending digital upgrade. Ethan is the tech sent to help with the transition and they are intently at odds. They’re forced to work together and despite Holly’s reservations, she can’t help the feelings she develops.

Holly is such a great character. She’s complex and averse to change. The personal interactions at the library mean so much to her that she can’t imagine digital replacements. Ethan is unexpected to her and he continually tries to remind her that he is there to help make things easier. He struggles with the expectations of his parents and longs to find the place where he’s meant to be.

Seeing them both embrace change and their feelings is so satisfying. They’re determined to save the library and find ways to work together to do that. There’s great tension and chemistry, and with the supporting characters it feels like being dropped into this picturesque town. Holly and Ethan both have great arcs through the story that leaves them in better places than where they started. It’s just such a sweet story, and it’s a beautiful love letter to libraries for everything they do.

[Heather Shirk]

What an adorable rom com about Holly, who is the head librarian for Maple Valley library. She meets Ethan and the rest is history! I loved her friendship with Evelyn and Hollys relationship with her sister. The 90s references sprinkled in brought me back!

[Rania Hanna]

A sweet book, with spice, romance, and second chances.
I particularly love the autumnal setting, the small-town feels, the heartfelt characters, and, of course, the library!

A perfect cozy book for romance readers.

[Debbie Yeager]

Great read

Loved this book! Sweet story with spice. Characters are cute and the slow burn love story keeps you reading. Definitely recommend!

[Gina A]

What a cute book! I enjoyed the characters and the story. It was sufficiently spicy, but also very sweet and romantic.