Unexpectedly Bookish

Love in Fairwick Falls #4

by Elise Kennedy, Rachel Dane (Narrator), Grayson Owens (Narrator)

REED

After years in stifling corporate architecture, Reed Berry is chasing his dream in Fairwick opening a cozy bookstore.

His plan? Design a bookstore that sparks wonder to honor his late grandfather.

The hitch? Pearl Bishop—his new assistant, and the human embodiment of a "Do Not Touch" sign. She's all dark eyeliner, piercings, and attitude sharp enough to cut glass. His sunny, can-do attitude has her threatening to throw him out the nearest window.

Good thing he has his anonymous, late-night confidant—impossibly_bookish—to escape to.

His steamy, secret online crush gets him in ways Pearl never would.



PEARL

Pearl Bishop is nobody's idea of a sweet, small-town girl. She's all death metal tattoos, piercings, and black lipstick—a girl who's perfected the art of keeping people at a distance.

Especially good guys like Reed Berry.

He's her brother's best friend, her new boss, temporary roommate, and the poster boy for annoyingly cheerful. But the way he looks at her? Like she's the only woman who exists? It's messing with her carefully crafted armor.

But Pearl's got bigger problems, like scraping together enough cash to, you know, live? And her ancient neighbor/mortal enemy who is hell-bent on stopping both the bookstore and Pearl's allergen-free bakery dreams with red tape.

The only person who sees past Pearl's sarcasm and ink-stained armor is her online confidant, hemingway_cansuckit—a guy she's been swapping filthy, flirty messages with for months.

The man she's been falling for, text by text.
The man she's agreed to finally meet in person.


Black Cat / Golden Retriever (Opposites Attract)
Texting + Hidden Identity
Plus size FMC
Virgin MMC
Brother's best friend
Roommates (Forced Proximity)
Autism Rep

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Grumpy Sunshine, Contemporary Romance

Audible Audio

Published September 5, 2026

About the author

I write cozy, steamy, contemporary romances.
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Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly Bookish by Elise Kennedy
Love in Fairwick Falls series#4. Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. Curvy and erotic. A spin on You’ve Got Mail with small town and grumpy sunshine troupes.
Reed and Pearl working in a bookstore together. They can’t stand each other. At all. In person at least.
By chance, they are also messaging each other, not realizing it’s the other, complaining and boosting each other. And getting a little frisky too.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Rachel Dane and Grayson Owen. The performances of both were fantastic, giving the characters the double lives they are experiencing. It’s a dual format so each has their own chapter POV. They each do both voices with varying pitch making conversions easy and fun to follow. The audiobook is engaging and highly entertaining.

I got so much enjoyment from listening to them bicker and snark at each other in person and commiserate via text with their pen pal. I couldn’t wait to hear the reveal.
Very steamy with two yummy epilogues.
Includes curvy female, autistic characteristics, and misophonia.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op. I purchased a copy to listen to again in the future.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an audio ARC from NetGalley . Thank you to all involved.

I rated this book a 3/5 stars.

The audio portion of the book was really well done. Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens did the narration. I love both of their voices and I think they did a good job bringing the characters to life.

Things I liked about this book:
📚I love a “Golden retriever and Black cat” romance.
📚 Reed and pearl were super likeable and had so much chemistry. I love their banter.
📚I enjoyed pearl and reeds development in the book. Reed finding family and opening his business. And Pearls baking.
📚 All of the characters in this book were so likeable and funny. I laughed a lot.

My only complaint about this book is a 100% “Me issue” and it was that there was a lot of “spice” in the book(like not a crazy amount ). It was fine - it’s just not my thing. I will be looking into the rest of these books because I really like the side characters in this book and would love to hear more about them.

[Eunoia]

idk skimmed, saw this and advertised as having v mmc. just look at some safety details and guess whaaaaaAaaat

mmc is a v but has had a gf idk. he also had casual dates, and his 'inexperience' was an issue for him. I believe he is only a v bc he did not do the p to v but done almost everything already duh. good thing fmc is not a v.

not for me. 🤧

[Steamy Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC 🥹🫶🏻

Audiobook narrated by Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens

Tropes:
🖤 Black cat/golden retriever
🖤 Brother’s best friend
🖤 Workplace romance
🖤 Roommates & forced proximity
🖤 Texting & hidden identity
🖤 Plus-size FMC
🖤 Virgin MMC
🖤 Autism representation
🖤 Bookstore setting

Reed and Pearl are anonymously texting each other without realizing who’s on the other end!! 🤭
It was sooo cute and SPICYYYYY!! 🤭🔥

I listened to the audiobook, and Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens did an amazing job with the narration!! 🫶🏻

Pearl has the perfect black cat personality, and I loved her character. 🖤 The plus size representation was done so well.

Reed is so cute, nerdy, smart, and relatable. And what a dirty talker! 🤭🔥

I really recommend the audiobook! 🔥

Rating: 4 stars

[Grace grace_loves_books13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking loved it!!! 🤩 Book 4 in Elise Kennedy’s Love in Fairwick Falls series of interconnected standalone contemporary romances!

📚Punk, black cat, curvy, spikey FMC
📚Sweet, muscley, golden retriever MMC
📚Texting (&sexting😏) + hidden identity
📚Opening a new bookstore!
📚Autism Rep
📚Open door spice 🥵

I cherish every visit to Fairwick Falls! I found myself wanting to return to this world for days after I finished. My first goth FMC! 🖤 Elise Kennedy is the QUEEN of normalizing sexy plus-size bodies and the men who adore them. I loved the literary references that came with the plot of opening a bookstore and I ate up all of the texting!

4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you Elise Kennedy for an eARC!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody Had to Become Less Themselves to Get the HEA

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an advance listening copy.

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 5/5 | 🎧 5/5

This book had so many tropes that work for me on paper—brother’s best friend, black cat/golden retriever, forced proximity, workplace romance, anonymous texting—but what made it a five-star read was how much substance existed underneath them.

Pearl and Reed are funny and ridiculously spicy together, but their relationship is ultimately about being known accurately, accommodated without shame, and loved as the person you actually are.

Reed’s neurodivergence was one of my favorite parts of the book. His autism, misophonia, sensory needs, awkwardness, and exhaustion from constantly being expected to adapt felt specific and lived-in rather than like a collection of traits attached to a character. I especially loved that Pearl never treated accommodating him as some extraordinary act of kindness. She listened, believed him, and adjusted without making him feel fragile or burdensome. The author’s note added meaningful context to why that representation felt so grounded.

Pearl receives that same acceptance. Reed doesn’t fall for her and then slowly sand down everything that makes her Pearl. She gets to remain morbid, sarcastic, angry, tattooed, fiercely opinionated, and deeply caring. Even happiness cannot stop this woman from essentially responding to feelings with, “Ew.” 😂 Their black cat/golden retriever dynamic was genuinely excellent because neither person needed to become more like the other for the relationship to work.

I also loved how much characterization happened through behavior. Pearl’s allergen-conscious baking is rooted in wanting her niece, who has a life-threatening food allergy, to have normal childhood food experiences. Reed doesn’t just tell Pearl he supports her dream; he starts thinking about ingredients, accessibility, and how his bookstore can better accommodate families like hers. Again and again, love in this book looks like paying attention.

The anonymous texting was equally well done. It wasn’t just a cute hidden-identity gimmick—their online relationship developed real emotional and sexual intimacy, which made the eventual reveal matter. And without spoiling how it happens, I was VERY nervous about the potential for manufactured drama here. I loved the choice the book made instead.

Actually, the communication throughout this romance deserves its own flowers. These two manage jealousy, boundaries, honesty, attraction, and potentially messy situations like adults without turning every misunderstanding into a possessive meltdown. Bless them.

And yes, the spice is spicing. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Sexting, dirty talk, toys, explicit scenes—the five peppers were not awarded ceremonially. 😂 But even the sexual relationship contributes to their intimacy and character development rather than feeling pasted onto the romance.

Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens also earned a full 5/5 from me. This is dual narration rather than duet, and I would have loved duet for such a dialogue- and chemistry-heavy story, but that didn’t diminish how well the performances worked. Grayson Owens isn’t necessarily the type of voice I’d automatically gravitate toward, but he was so right for Reed that character fit completely outweighed my usual narrator preferences.

Most importantly, this book never asked either character to become easier to love.

Pearl’s rage stayed intact. Reed’s autism stayed intact. They simply found someone willing to learn who they actually were.

That got me.

Who Should Listen?
Pick this up if you want a very spicy small-town romance with black cat/golden retriever energy, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, anonymous online flirting, a bookish setting, strong neurodivergent representation, plus-size representation, allergy-family representation, and characters who actually communicate. It also works cleanly as an interconnected standalone.

[Tampatha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Workplace romance… except they don’t know they’re dating each other! Yes please!! 👀📱 Such a fun book! I hadn’t read anything by Elise Kennedy before, and I think I need to change that!

Reed and Pearl are secretly falling for each other through anonymous texts, completely unaware they’re coworkers. The You’ve Got Mail vibes were EVERYTHING for me! 💕😂

I really loved how REAL these two felt. They’re both struggling with how they see themselves, how they want others to see them, and how much of their true selves they’re willing to show. I really liked watching them open up and realize they didn’t have to hide the messy parts of themselves was probably my favorite part. ❤️

The autism and plus sized representation were so well done, and it made these characters feel incredibly real and relatable to me. I connected with Reed and Pearl on so many levels and had such a fun time following their journey. They were both fantastic characters!

🎧 Definitely recommend the audiobook! The narrators brought just the right amount spice and emotion to Reed and Pearl and it made it such a smoother flow to the story.

Thank you to #netgalley #elisekennedy #victoryediting for the ARC. This review is my own.


#UnexpectedlyBookish

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl Bishop is the ultimate black cat. Entirely herself and making no apologies for it, she builds strong walls and loves HARD.
Reed Berry is burnt out. After spending years in a career that he hated to please his father, Reed wants to finally do something for himself. Naturally, that means it's time to open up the most whimsical bookstore we wish was real.

It's been a while since I've swooned this much for a hero! Reed is absolutely feral for Pearl and her body. He literally lifted weights to be able to throw her around just in case she ever took a chance on him 😍 The way these two fell SO hard for one another being so different, but loving each other exactly as they were, was absolute perfection. I'm obsessed with them, their dynamic, and this dirty talking virgin hero! *fans self*

[Faye ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nerdy, punk, gothic and spicey!!!
Another beautiful read!!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elise Kennedy is becoming an automatic read for me! I really enjoy her characters and am in invested in the town of Fairwick Falls.

I love Pearls confidence and take no prisoner attitude. I loved the texting storyline and found the connection between the characters to be perfect. I enjoyed how the roles were reversed and the male main character is experienced. I especially loved how Pearl was able to adapt to everyone around her with allergies and misophonia!!!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Elise Kennedy! This is the third book I’ve read in this series and it’s just as good as the previous ones! This series is so cute and heart warming and funny (and spicy!)

I love that Elise puts REAL characters in her stories. Real characters with real issues and anxieties. This story in particular features a plus-sized MFC and a neurodivergent MMC. I have an autistic son so I appreciate the realistic way neurodivergence is handled in this story.

Pearl is a mood! She’s a plus-sized emo/goth goddess who loves family and friends, reading is her passion, and she bakes gluten free goodies on the side. She’s blunt and doesn’t sugar coat things. She says what she means, but not in a mean way. She’s very loveable and I’d love to have her as a friend.

Reed is so adorable! (I love guys with glasses) I want to hug him! He's a total golden retriever boy! Reed is her brother’s best friend! He’s nerdy, smart, bookish, and neurodivergent. I can feel his anxiety and shyness in the story. I sympathize with him and identify with him in many ways. He’s developed an online relationship with Bookish (his online crush) who he feels very connected to ….more so than anyone. But he’s also crushing on Pearl, who is his assistant.

Through this story we see Pearl and Reed deal with life decisions and obstacles. Through this they discover things about themselves and help each other in ways they didn’t realize they needed.

This story touches my heart in some many ways as Pearl could simply try to improve Reed, but she doesn’t. She makes him more comfortable in ian anxious situation. He even says that she meets him where he is instead of trying to improve him. This is a good lesson on acceptance especially for a neurodivergent individual.

Pearl… oh my! She is so funny! Again, I love her! The wedding story! I was in Walmart parking lot with tears streaming down my face I was laughing so hard! That scene had me in stitches!

Pearl and Reed’s chemistry is amazing. You can really tell that they love and respect each other. I guess their backstory and connection made for even more chemistry for later. They were absolutely perfect! So far they are my favorite couple of the series!

Let’s talk about the ending. It was ADORABLE! So much so that I had tears forming in my eyes. It was perfect! It was a very satisfying ending for both characters that was completely them.

The narrators for this story were perfect! They really brought Pearl and Reed to life.

So all in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was well worth the read/listen (the whole series is). I can’t wait to dive into the next one.

Tropes/themes: brother’s best friend, online crush, plus sizes FMC, emo/goth FMC, nerdy MMC, autism representation, bookish characters, baking, acceptance, found family

Thank you so much to Elise Kennedy, Netgalley and Victory Editing for the pleasure of reviewing this book.

[Erin Blajszczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How is somebody that nerdy that hot? It doesn’t make sense.”

Summary
Reed has never been thrilled about his career in architecture, so when he inherits a large sum of money from his grandfather, he decides it’s time for a change. He decides to purchase and renovate an old library and turn it into a bookstore in the tiny town of Fairwick Falls, where his best friend (Luca) lives with his sister and daughter. The apartment over the bookstore won’t be ready for months, so Luca offers to let him move into his place, while he’s off on a trip to Disney with his daughter. This would be a great solution, except that he’s had a massive crush on Luca’s prickly sister Pearl since they were kids. Hopefully his steamy, anonymous situationship with a fellow booklover will be enough to distract him from the girl he’s now living with.

Why did I pick up this book?
I have been following Kennedy’s writing since she published her first novella in 2022, and have gobbled up everything she’s written. She welcomed me onto her ARC team a while ago, and I could not wait for this 4th installment in the Fairwick Falls series.

What did I enjoy about it?
There are so many things for me to list that I loved in this book, chief among them, the anonymous texting conversation piece. It added such a fun, sweet, and steamy element to the book, it was perfect. We learn immediately that Reed and Pearl are texting each other but don't know it, so I was truly on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how they would eventually discover this truth and what would happen between them when they did. The spice was absolute perfection, as per usual with Ms. Kennedy. I so appreciated the accessible representation of both Pearl and Reed (with elements of Kenney’s own life experiences present on the page), and enjoyed the variety of relationships all across this book. This book was exactly what I needed right now after a MAJOR slump and I never wanted it to end.

What did I not enjoy about it?
I’m struggling to come up with something…? If I had to name something, I think their online relationship went a little past the line into obsession territory with how willing they were to commit to whatever they were doing, despite never talking or meeting in-person. But not enough to give me the ick.

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're an alt girl (even if you're not), add this to your TBR now! Heavily tattooed and pierced, wears all black fmc, Pearl, made me feel so seen. I loved her take no shit attitude, how she had a tough exterior but deeply cared for and fiercely defended those she loves. Her wit had me cracking up so many times and made for the best banter with the mmc, Reed, and those around her.

Reed was the ULTIMATE golden retriever and epitome of a book boyfriend. Tall nerd with glasses who reads books in the streets and a freak in the sheets? Say less! He read Pearl's favorite book, annotated it, and gifted it to her. Like, COME ON. How sweet and thoughtful is that? He was the constant positive reinforcement Pearl needed, even if she said she didn't. Always supporting and motivating her to pursue her passion, finding ways to make her life easier, and making sure she's always taken care of in all aspects. I can't get enough of him!

It's about finding and loving yourself, whole-heartedly accepting that you are enough and have every right to chase your dreams. It's about learning to accept help from others and that you are worthy of love and support from those near and dear to you.

Unexpectedly Bookish is book 4 in the Love in Fairwick Falls series and is an interconnected standalone. Although not necessary, I would recommend reading them in order to avoid any potential spoilers!

Read if you love:
🖤 Black cat x golden retriever
📚 Opposites attract
🖤 Brother's best friend
📚 Plus size alternative FMC
🖤 Nerdy virgin MMC
📚 Flirty banter
🖤 Autism & food allergy rep
📚 Open door spice and sexting
🖤 Small town romance

Thank you so much, @smalltown.romance, for this arc in exchange for an honest review and for being cool as a cucumber when I messaged you all my thoughts! Can't wait for the next Fairwick Falls book.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 This was a perfectly cute and cozy narrative. I had no idea when I picked this up that it was part of a series, let alone such an established series, but this installment functions perfectly well as a standalone. I appreciated the diverse representation in this narrative, and how supportive and accepting the main characters were. I did also appreciate that Reed was not only aware of, but concerned about, the power dynamic that existed between himself and Pearl; it might not have slowed the plot much, but acknowledgment is still nice.

The contrast within the narrative between the established, anonymous online relationship's easy banter, and the (initially) stilted, tense interactions of the real life relationship was interesting; I appreciated the way this was utilized to further develop and rationalize the characters' opinions of each other as they grew closer in real life. The plot may have been a bit heavy handed with its hints on the journey to the characters discovering that their online crushes(?) were also their real life crushes, but I'm willing to forgive a mild absence of subtlety.

This narrative does suffer from a third act break up. While that is never my favorite plot devise, this one felt especially unfounded with how communicative and supportive the characters had been previously.

I did love the feud with the elderly neighbor, even if it required a healthy suspension of disbelief at points. There's just something about an older woman with a ridiculously petty axe to grind that makes my day, vicariously of course.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this ALC. In exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This series is just so fricking good. I read the fifth book in this series after getting approved for it on NetGalley, and I enjoyed it so much that when I realized I was able to request this book, I immediately wanted to go back and read the rest because I absolutely loved Pearl and Reed.

First of all, the slow burn was perfect. I loved that Pearl and Reed have basically been crushing on each other for years; the chemistry is so obvious from the very beginning, watching them get the opportunity to know each other. I loved the anonymous texting storyline, the fact that they are getting closer through these messages without realizing they were in each other’s proximity at all times.

What I loved most about their relationship was how supportive of each other they were. Reed is dealing with his late autism diagnosis and is finally starting to realize and understand who he is as a person, and Pearl is with him throughout this journey, constantly supporting him. Reed was also the same with Pearl, encouraging her to start her own business and pursue her dreams.

More than anything, I just loved how obsessed Reed was with Pearl, he was so utterly obsessed with her, and all his actions reflect that. I love a man who loves his girl, and Reed is totally that.

At this point, I’ve read two books by this author and have loved both, but I am definitely planning to go back and read the rest of the books. I had such a good time with this one.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Unexpectedly Bookish
✍️ Elise Kennedy
📚 Love in Fairwick Falls, Book 4
🎙️ Rachel Dane & Grayson Owens
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I sort of loved this one. ❤️

“Unexpectedly Bookish” is such a sweet story about two people falling for each other virtually AND in person… completely unbeknownst to them.

What really stood out to me was Reed’s autism representation, particularly the acceptance and willingness of the people around him to accommodate his challenges without making a big deal out of it. As a mom of a son with profound autism, that kind of representation is incredibly important to me. I loved seeing people simply recognize what Reed needed and be willing to meet him there.

Both Reed and Pearl are flawed in ways that made them feel real. They’re each struggling with where they are in life, how they see themselves, and how much of their true selves they’re willing to let other people see. Watching those walls slowly come down was probably my favorite part of their relationship.

And yes, there’s plenty of open-door romance if that’s your vibe 🔥, but this book offers so much more than the spice. There’s friendship, vulnerability, acceptance, and two people figuring out how to show someone else who they really are.

Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens were both new-to-me narrators, and I really enjoyed their performances. They each brought something different to Reed and Pearl while also giving the supporting characters distinct voices. I’d happily listen to either of them again.

Sweet, spicy, bookish, and unexpectedly heartfelt. ❤️

[Rain]

Words can’t fully express how grateful I am to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this book and treasure it. As I’m writing this review, my heart feels so full. Yes, Unexpectedly Bookish is a sweet contemporary romance, but what truly made it special for me were the characters. Pearl and Reed were so beautifully and thoughtfully written.

As someone who is neurodivergent, I know all too well the feelings Reed experiences throughout the story. And Pearl’s experience of feeling like she has to put on a different exterior than who she truly is really resonated with me as well.

Thank you so much, Elise Kennedy, for not shying away from showing what it can be like to be neurodivergent. Yes, we may be awkward sometimes, but we love deeply, we care, and we want to help others. Seeing that represented with so much heart meant more to me than I can put into words.

Contemporary romance isn’t usually my first choice, but this book has absolutely won me over. I will definitely be buying a copy because this is the kind of book I’ll reach for whenever I need a little pick-me-up—to remind myself that I’m okay just as I am and to simply feel a little more joy.

And since I’m an audiobook girl, I can’t forget to mention the performances by Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens. You both did a phenomenal job bringing Pearl and Reed to life. Your performances made this already special story even more enjoyable.

[Jess - Reader of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Bookish by Elise Kennedy 💚
Love in Fairwick Falls, Book 4
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • RomCom
ARC Review
417 pages
🗓️ March 31 - HAPPY PUB DAY!

💚brother’s best friend
💜temporary roommates
💚workplace romance
💜secret identity
💚opposites attract
💜childhood crush to dislike to love
💚3rd act wobble

📍”Have you ever felt like no one knows the REAL you? The *you* that you want to be?”

📍“You’re not too much, Reed. Not for me, at least.”

📍“You are all the best parts of the universe combined, and I am the luckiest man in it right now.”

Q.: Jess, I haven’t read the others in the series, can I start with this one?
A.: Absolutely! I did and it was marvelous. Got me all curious about the others, though. I can’t wait to go back and read them all.

Q.: How is the chemistry between the main characters?
A.: Off the charts! For real, I’m serious. These too are boiling water on every page. And not just in a physical way. Nope. It’s more than that. The way they understand each other, joke with each other, care for each other… oof, it’s impossible not to fall for them.

Q.: Is this a fast or slow read?
A.: Fast! Don’t get me wrong, the book is not small. But… first, you won’t be able to just put it down. Second, Elise Kennedy’s writing is so good! It captures your attention from page one and never lets it go. Lastly, you have to keep reading until *the big discovery* and then, well, you need to be there for the aftermath. *blink* *blink* you’ve reached the end and you didn’t even notice. It’s also very late and you should probably go to sleep.

Thanks for coming 😁 and thank you Elise Kennedy @smalltown.romance for this ARC. 💚💜

[Chelsi Langdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book number 4 in the Fairwick Falls series. When I requested the ARC, I didn’t realize it was part of the series. With that said, Unexpectedly Bookish can definitely be read as a standalone book. I was not confused at all and actually want to go back and read books 1-3!

Unexpectedly Bookish is set up in a cute manor. The format of the book does have many text messaging formats which helps understand Reed and Pearls relationship. You will have to read this book to understand my reference 😉

If you had a best friend offering up a place for you to stay while your apartment is finished, would you move in? What if there was a caveat to this temporary living condition of your best friend’s sister, Pearl, who also lives there and you’ve had a crush on her since high school? Would you take him up on the offer?
Well, Reed’s internet friend, “IMPOSSIBLY BOOKISH”, encourages him to follow his dreams of opening a book store. He purchases a historical building and moves in with his best friend and high school crush. With Reed opening up his own business, he asks Pearl if she would like some extra money and help out with the bookstore. Will Reed be able to see Pearl as someone else other than his high school crush or will an unexpected relationship develop?

Thank you Elisa Kennedy for allowing me the opportunity to ARC this book. Even though I didn’t read the first 3 books, I really enjoyed this one.

[Erin Genoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to book funnel and Elise Kennedy for the ARC copy! This is such a cute book!!! I gave it a 4.5 stars! I really like the MMC, Reed, but the MFC, Pearl gave me EVERYTHING I needed! She is so relatable and I love her emotions, banter, and thoughts!! Also her growth in the book was lovely to read!! The storyline between Reed and Pearl was beautiful and the spice was spicy!!!!! Next, the silent war with the old lady neighbor, Beulah! 😂 I will not forget the scene of them getting the run around at the courthouse and everywhere they went Beulah was there 🤪 . There were other little storylines within the book, but you will just have to go read it! There were a couple of MINOR things that I wanted less or more of. At times Reed was tooo nice and compliant so I wanted less of him being annoying nice. And them finding out they were texting each other… I loved WHEN they found out, but I need more. Overall, this book was so good! Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read the others! Thanks again!

Black Cat / Golden Retriever (Opposites Attract)
Texting + Hidden Identity
Plus size FMC
Virgin MMC
Brother's best friend
Roommates (Forced Proximity)
Autism Rep

[Tahnee W · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I’m probably in the minority here, but unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me, which was especially disappointing because on paper, it sounded like exactly the kind of story I usually love.
There were definitely things I enjoyed. I loved Pearl helping Reed feel included, and the two of them had great banter. I also thought the online connection was a cute twist, and I really appreciated that the author didn’t turn it into a second-act breakup.
That said, Reed being a virgin felt unnecessary to me. The way he was written didn’t really connect with that characterization. He was so sure of himself and confident, which somehow didn’t quite work for me within the setting or their relationship.
As the story continued, I found my attention starting to wane. Ultimately, I think I was looking for more romance and emotional connection, with the spice complementing the relationship rather than the story leaning so heavily into straight spice. I wanted to feel more invested in them as a couple, and unfortunately, I just never quite got there.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced listener copy!

[Cristie Sluberski · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨

𝗨𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱𝘆
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑 𝟹𝟷𝚜𝚝, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻 — 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝙽𝚘𝚠!

Thank you so much to @smalltown.romance for the eARC copy of this book! 🫶🏼

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
📖 small town romance
🖤 brother’s best friend
📖 forced proximity
🖤 black cat/golden retriever
📖 Autism representation
🖤 open door romance
📖 dual POV

𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: Now don’t let this cute cover fool you, because after reading this one I need a shower STAT 🥵 Reed had me blushing so hard! That man has a way with his words if you know what I mean. Not only is Reed a spicy talker, but his grand gestures had me in pure swoon bliss with the biggest, cheesiest smiles on my face. I loved the neurodiverse representation so much in this one! What I loved most about it though was how Pearl accepted Reed as his true self. Reed does the same for Pearl as well & it was so endearing how they show up for one another through acceptance. This book just overall made my heart so happy!

[Lauryn Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um...I'm obsessed! I flew through this book SO FAST, I absolutely loved it. Reed and Pearl are such a perfect match, despite being just about as opposite as they can be. I loved how the story shook out, it was like You've Got Mail on steroids. The secret pining on both characters' parts is SO enticing! The way that these two made me swoon and kick my feet like a giddy schoolgirl! I love their energy, their banter, and the representation of a plus size FMC and an autistic & virginal MMC. They are the definition of black cat x golden retriever energy, and I loved every second.

Pearl is a goth princess who loves three things: books, specialty baking, and her online chatroom beau. She is sarcastic and feisty, while also struggling internally with her body image and self worth. I appreciate Elise's way of writing Pearl as a plus-size character, it made her very relatable as a fellow plus-size woman.

Reed is a failed architect trying to make his way as an indie bookstore owner. He is quirky and has a touch of the 'tism, which makes him struggle a bit socially. He feels comfortable with Pearl, however, as well as his online love interest. They both make him feel as though his quirks are an asset, not a burden.

Major props to Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens for absolutely nailing these characters! Rachel excelled in delivering Pearl's sarcasm and wit, and she deserves special recognition for voicing Beulah. Grayson brings a lovable quality to Reed, and makes his awkwardness endearing. They both do an amazing job with the banter and chemistry between Pearl and Reed.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Unexpectedly Bookish! It's a spicy black cat/golden retriever romance featuring plus-size and autism representation with You've Got Mail vibes.

Reed is kind, caring, and forging a new path for himself as he leaves his career behind to open his dream bookstore. But his plans change when he crosses paths with Pearl, his best friend's little sister. As they begin to connect over books, he realizes Pearl may look tough, but inside, she's a total softie who will bend over backwards to help anyone in need.

The Love in Fairwick Falls series is such a fun, cozy series with just the right amount of spice. Each book brings more and more character to this little town, and I love it!

This is a story of self-acceptance wrapped in a small-town romance. I loved how supportive Reed and Pearl are of each other and how they grow to become their best selves together. Plus, there's a surprise chapter towards the end of this book that is incredibly heartwarming.

Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens are the perfect narrators for Reed and Pearl. Even though it's dual narration, their voices complemented each other and made for an emotional, fun, spicy listen.

Thank you, Elise Kennedy and NetGalley, for the advance listen. All thoughts are my own.

[Danielle Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hands down my favorite of the series so far!! Read and Pearl were the perfect unconventional romance with a goth girl not scared to embrace all of her dreams and take em when she meets her Clark Kent, nerodivergent bookstore owner, Read. I loved all their spicy back and forth texts before they ever realized they knew one another in real life. I couldn't help but squeal when they realized who the other was....it was absolutely perfect. This was one of the best representations that love is sometimes found in the most unexpected places. Thank you Elise Kennedy and Netgalley for another fabulous read in this one. I absolutely devoured the audio and feel like the narrators, Rachel Dayne and Grayson Owens were awesome in duet narration for this one.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so incredibly grateful to have received an advanced copy of Unexpectedly Bookish from the author! 🫶

Unexpectedly Bookish is an incredible story! 🥹💕 I have absolutely been loving The Fairwick Falls series and this story is a beautiful addition to this wonderful series! ❤️ All of the characters are truly so wonderful and I connected with them all so deeply with their flaws and struggles! 🫶

I couldn’t put this book down and I read this story within the span of hours because it was that good! 🥰 Pearl truly is such an incredible FMC! 🖤 She looks all tough on the outside but secretly is a teddy bear on the inside and it honestly is so beautiful seeing her journey with learning to love herself exactly as she is! 🧸 Her dream is to open up her own allergen-free bakery which is honestly incredible! 🥹 Reed on the other hand is a golden retriever MMC and is basically a walking ray of sunshine! ☀️ His dream is to open up his own bookstore and it’s truly amazing everything he does to try and achieve it! 📚

There story additionally has tons of You’ve Got Mail vibes and it’s amazing! 🤭 Pearl has been to talking to a guy online anonymously for months and Reed has been talking to a girl anonymously online as well for months. It was fun to have the text exchanges pop up throughout the story and I will say nothing further than that on that topic. I also thought it was wonderful that the book has both Pearl and Reed’s POVs! ❤️

If you love a black cat FMC and a golden retriever MMC, forced proximity, brother’s best friend, hidden identities, Autism representation, plus-sized FMC, You’ve Got Mail vibes, and an amazing book that you won’t be able to put down then this is the book for you! 🫶

[Jeong Sieun Alexandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review through Netgalley thanks to the author ☆

I was overjoyed to get the opportunity to listen to two more books in this series !

I completely swoon from the first page with Reed 🫢
I have to say that Pearl made me swear and grumble with her sometimes annoying behavior YET their story was such a sweet love story I couldn't hold the blame for too long.
They both went through so much and deserve this happiness, you will too, for sure, root for them from the get go.

The found family and cozy town vibes were a pleasure to come back to and I cannot wait to deep dive into the next audiobook 🙌

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Unexpectedly Bookish
✍️ Elise Kennedy
📚 Love in Fairwick Falls, Book 4
🎙️ Rachel Dane & Grayson Owens
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I sort of loved this one. ❤️

"Unexpectedly Bookish" is such a sweet story about two people falling for each other virtually AND in person... completely unbeknownst to them.

What really stood out to me was Reed's autism representation, particularly the acceptance and willingness of the people around him to accommodate his challenges without making a big deal out of it. As a mom of a son with profound autism, that kind of representation is incredibly important to me. I loved seeing people simply recognize what Reed needed and be willing to meet him there.

Both Reed and Pearl are flawed in ways that made them feel real. They're each struggling with where they are in life, how they see themselves, and how much of their true selves they're willing to let other people see. Watching those walls slowly come down was probably my favorite part of their relationship.

And yes, there's plenty of open-door romance if that's your vibe 🔥, but this book offers so much more than the spice. There's friendship, vulnerability, acceptance, and two people figuring out how to show someone else who they really are.

Rachel Dane and Grayson Owens were both new-to-me narrators, and I really enjoyed their performances. They each brought something different to Reed and Pearl while also giving the supporting characters distinct voices. I'd happily listen to either of them again.

Sweet, spicy, bookish, and unexpectedly heartfelt. ❤️

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was everything I hoped it would be.
FMC with a take no shit attitude and a sassy personality.
MMC with a heart of gold and a filthy mouth.
Throw in some baked goods, a book store, smutty bits and much talk about bookish things?
My heart was smitten!
This is book 4 in an interconnected series, of which this was my first foray.
This can totally be read as a stand alone, and I highly recommend you do!
Much love to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for my ALC!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a very cute book about love and acceptance. Elise Kennedy tackles some difficult issues including fitting in, adult autism, life threatening allergies, and family dynamics. As we learn about Pearl and Reed you just can't help but fall in love with small towns, imperfect characters, and quirky families.