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Bookstores, Crushes, and Mortal Enemies
Jackson Hillside just had a meet-cute made for the movies. It could have been truly epic except the other guy, Auggie, spilled coffee all over Jackson’s favorite shoes. Determined to break his streak of bad luck with dating, Jackson goes to a party where he bumps into Auggie again.
Turns out, Auggie’s pretty great, albeit a little clumsy. Things almost look promising until Jackson learns Auggie’s family was responsible for the closing of Jackson’s family’s beloved bookstore.
Jackson doesn’t need Auggie anyway. He has “He Who Writes,” a guy he met on a writing website, and someone he’s really falling for. But things get confusing when Auggie re-enters Jackson’s life, and soon, Jackson might be falling for Auggie, too.
Now, Jackson’s involved with two very different boys, one he can hang out with in real life and one he has never actually met. And, when Jackson finds out the identity of “He Who Writes,” things go from promising to catastrophic.
BOOKSTORES, CRUSHES, AND MORTAL ENEMIES is an LGBTQ+ YA book inspired by You’ve Got Mail.
Turns out, Auggie’s pretty great, albeit a little clumsy. Things almost look promising until Jackson learns Auggie’s family was responsible for the closing of Jackson’s family’s beloved bookstore.
Jackson doesn’t need Auggie anyway. He has “He Who Writes,” a guy he met on a writing website, and someone he’s really falling for. But things get confusing when Auggie re-enters Jackson’s life, and soon, Jackson might be falling for Auggie, too.
Now, Jackson’s involved with two very different boys, one he can hang out with in real life and one he has never actually met. And, when Jackson finds out the identity of “He Who Writes,” things go from promising to catastrophic.
BOOKSTORES, CRUSHES, AND MORTAL ENEMIES is an LGBTQ+ YA book inspired by You’ve Got Mail.
ebook
Published June 9, 2020
6 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Katie Kaleski
12 books109 followersKatie Kaleski has started down many career paths and held many jobs—indie craft store clerk, pizza maker, photo developer, shoe salesperson and cashier, dental assistant in the army, daycare teacher, student teacher—but her favorite one by far is being a writer.
She’s originally from Chicago, so she says things like pop, gym shoes, and front room. Her favorite food group is sugar, and she loves writing young adult and romance novels.
She’s originally from Chicago, so she says things like pop, gym shoes, and front room. Her favorite food group is sugar, and she loves writing young adult and romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 4, 2020
3.5*
This was a cute story. It's inspired by You've Got Mail, with it's own little twist on the movie.
Jackson and Auggie were both sweet characters and each had some endearing qualities.
Things with Jackson's dad wrapped up a little too easily, for all the conflict they had throughout the book. But I'm glad they worked things out, since they really only had each other.
There were a couple of times when it seemed like scenes jumped out of order, I'd have to go back and reread, to make sure I wasn't missing anything.
But overall, this was a sweet read.
This was a cute story. It's inspired by You've Got Mail, with it's own little twist on the movie.
Jackson and Auggie were both sweet characters and each had some endearing qualities.
Things with Jackson's dad wrapped up a little too easily, for all the conflict they had throughout the book. But I'm glad they worked things out, since they really only had each other.
There were a couple of times when it seemed like scenes jumped out of order, I'd have to go back and reread, to make sure I wasn't missing anything.
But overall, this was a sweet read.
September 26, 2021
Quite cute, but with a lot of sad undertones. Not exactly the comfort-read I thought it would be.
June 2, 2020
A sweet, coming-of-age story of two high school boys, Jackson and Auggie, who felt attracted to each other from the moment they met, but Jackson tried to stay away from Auggie because of a feud between their families. Aside from Auggie, Jackson also had an online friend that he spoke to almost daily, and Jackson was developing feelings for him as well, although they had never seen each other. Jackson's father's interference, Auggie's illness, and the family feud almost ended their relationship, but Jackson still had his online friend to fall back on, or so he thought. This was a very sweet, chaste romance, and I'd like to see the continuation of the story. I'm hoping there will be a sequel showing the outcome of Auggie's surgery, and the two families burying the hatchets so the boys can be together and plan their future.
June 3, 2020
Jackson and Auggie have the prefect meet cute and things seem great until Jackson finds out that Auggie’s father was responsible for the closing of Jackson’s family’s bookstore. Jackson tries to fight his attraction but it’s really hard (because Auggie is the sweetest, most kind person ever!)
This is a LGBT YA romance inspired by “You’ve Got Mail” and it was the best YA book I’ve read in a long time. I was hooked from the first page. It was so so so adorable!!! Jackson and Auggie were super cute together, they honestly melted my heart. I loved them so much and I was rooting for them! Such a fun book, the perfect summer read.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This is a LGBT YA romance inspired by “You’ve Got Mail” and it was the best YA book I’ve read in a long time. I was hooked from the first page. It was so so so adorable!!! Jackson and Auggie were super cute together, they honestly melted my heart. I loved them so much and I was rooting for them! Such a fun book, the perfect summer read.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
May 31, 2020
Bookstores, Crushes, & Mortal Enemies by Katie Kaleski is a Young Adult, contemporary m/m romance with a star crossed lovers feel. This is a well written story with good characters that made me smile. Jackson and Auggie are adorable with their meet-cute and sweet interaction. And then we get the drama of young love - young forbidden love. I highly recommend this book if you want more cute and sweet, young love story with a bit of angst but not much heat.
June 6, 2020
Super sweet young adult story. Jackson and Auggie (sigh) young love! Jackson works in a bookstore. He runs into Auggie. Auggie is of the family that bought Jackson’s family bookstore. It was a super cute, fun read.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received from Gay Book Promotions. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received from Gay Book Promotions. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
June 3, 2020
this was a sweet and adorable teen story.. it was cute and feel good.. it was entertaining and kept me interested. i liked the characters with a dash of love that shouldnt be haha. so much fun to read.
June 7, 2020
FR- Alors alors... alors, est ce que vous avez vu Vous avez un message. avec Tom Hanks et Meg Ryan? Vous avez aimé Alors ce roman est fait pour vous. Il s'agit clairement d'une réécriture du film en version MM et ado et j'ai adoré.
J'aime les romans Young Adult et celui ci ne fait pas exception à la règle. Les personnages sont super attachants, notamment Jackson. L'histoire étant racontée de son point de vue, on s'attache énormément à lui et j'ai versé ma petite larme plus d'une fois. Le personnage de Auggie est tout aussi attachant et j'avoue que j'aurai aimé que certains aspects concernant Auggie soient plus creusés car on reste parfois en surface.
Le roman est moyennement long et il se passe pas mal de choses mais tout reste en surface et la part belle est faite aux personnages et à la construction de leur relation amoureuse.
J'ai passé un excellent moment de lecture. La plume de l'auteure est entraînante et j'ai dévoré ce roman en quelques heures. Je suis passée par tout un tas d'émotions et j'ai adoré la fin même si elle est plus que prévisible.
C'est le genre de roman LGBT qu'on peut facilement faire lire à un public ado et qui plait également aux adultes. Alors oui c'est une historie mignonne même si prévisible. Oui l'auteure aurait pu creuser un peu plus certains thèmes et sujets mais je trouve qu'il faut également ce genre de roman, peut être pour un public plus jeunes , car il y a très peu de drames vraiment creusés au fil des pages. Ce genre de roman est trop rare à mon gout et celui ci en particulier est bien écrit et entraînant. Les sujets abordés les sont de façon juste et touchante et les personnages sont très intéressants.
En résumé un très bon roman Young Adult LGBT à mettre entre les mains des ados qui s’intéressent à ce thème ou pour le leur faire découvrir.
ENG- So well well well... well did you see You've Got Mail. with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan? If you like it, this novel is made for you. It is clearly a rewriting of the film in MM and teen version and I loved it.
I love the Young Adult novels and this one is no exception. The characters are super endearing, especially Jackson. The story being told from his point of view, we get very attached to him and I shed my little tear more than once. The character of Auggie is just as engaging and I admit that I would have liked certain aspects concerning Auggie to be more detailed because we sometimes stay on the surface.
The novel is moderately long and there is a lot going on but everything remains on the surface and the spotlight is given to the characters and the construction of their romantic relationship.
I had a great time reading. The author's pen is catchy and I devoured this novel in a few hours. I went through a lot of emotions and I loved the end even if it is more than predictable.
This is the kind of LGBT novel that can be easily read to a teenage audience and which also appeals to adults. So yes it is a cute history even if predictable. Yes the author could have dug a little more certain themes and subjects but I find that it is also necessary this kind of novel, perhaps for a younger audience, because there are very few dramas really dug over the pages. This kind of novel is too rare for my taste and this one in particular is well written and catchy. The subjects covered are fair and touching and the characters are very interesting.
In summary, a very good Young Adult LGBT novel to put in the hands of teens who are interested in this theme or to make them discover it.
J'aime les romans Young Adult et celui ci ne fait pas exception à la règle. Les personnages sont super attachants, notamment Jackson. L'histoire étant racontée de son point de vue, on s'attache énormément à lui et j'ai versé ma petite larme plus d'une fois. Le personnage de Auggie est tout aussi attachant et j'avoue que j'aurai aimé que certains aspects concernant Auggie soient plus creusés car on reste parfois en surface.
Le roman est moyennement long et il se passe pas mal de choses mais tout reste en surface et la part belle est faite aux personnages et à la construction de leur relation amoureuse.
J'ai passé un excellent moment de lecture. La plume de l'auteure est entraînante et j'ai dévoré ce roman en quelques heures. Je suis passée par tout un tas d'émotions et j'ai adoré la fin même si elle est plus que prévisible.
C'est le genre de roman LGBT qu'on peut facilement faire lire à un public ado et qui plait également aux adultes. Alors oui c'est une historie mignonne même si prévisible. Oui l'auteure aurait pu creuser un peu plus certains thèmes et sujets mais je trouve qu'il faut également ce genre de roman, peut être pour un public plus jeunes , car il y a très peu de drames vraiment creusés au fil des pages. Ce genre de roman est trop rare à mon gout et celui ci en particulier est bien écrit et entraînant. Les sujets abordés les sont de façon juste et touchante et les personnages sont très intéressants.
En résumé un très bon roman Young Adult LGBT à mettre entre les mains des ados qui s’intéressent à ce thème ou pour le leur faire découvrir.
ENG- So well well well... well did you see You've Got Mail. with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan? If you like it, this novel is made for you. It is clearly a rewriting of the film in MM and teen version and I loved it.
I love the Young Adult novels and this one is no exception. The characters are super endearing, especially Jackson. The story being told from his point of view, we get very attached to him and I shed my little tear more than once. The character of Auggie is just as engaging and I admit that I would have liked certain aspects concerning Auggie to be more detailed because we sometimes stay on the surface.
The novel is moderately long and there is a lot going on but everything remains on the surface and the spotlight is given to the characters and the construction of their romantic relationship.
I had a great time reading. The author's pen is catchy and I devoured this novel in a few hours. I went through a lot of emotions and I loved the end even if it is more than predictable.
This is the kind of LGBT novel that can be easily read to a teenage audience and which also appeals to adults. So yes it is a cute history even if predictable. Yes the author could have dug a little more certain themes and subjects but I find that it is also necessary this kind of novel, perhaps for a younger audience, because there are very few dramas really dug over the pages. This kind of novel is too rare for my taste and this one in particular is well written and catchy. The subjects covered are fair and touching and the characters are very interesting.
In summary, a very good Young Adult LGBT novel to put in the hands of teens who are interested in this theme or to make them discover it.
May 5, 2020
Jackson works at a bookstore in spite of the fact that his father doesn’t want him to. That kind of needs an explanation, doesn’t it? When Jackson was young, he grew up in an apartment above his family’s bookstore. He built book forts with his mother, laughed, and equated the smell of books with “home”. All of that changed when the Rushnell family bought them out. They wouldn’t sell at first… then the threats started… then the bookstore sold. And then, worst of all, Jackson’s mother died.
Early in the novel, Jackson is rushing out of work with a freshly brewed coffee when someone runs into him. Well, not just “someone” – a cute boy… but Jackson is so bitchy he doesn’t really notice. Okay – he notices, but he doesn’t really want to. Later, once he decides he doesn’t mind noticing how cute this boy is – he finds out his name is Auggie – Augustine Rushnell. Yes. The same Rushnell who basically destroyed his family.
There’s a lot going on in this novel. And I loved it. It seems at first like it’s going to be a really light rom-com… but there’s a lot of depth to it. The pain in Jackson’s life comes at him from a couple of angles. His father has been distant from him since his mother’s death. I think that’s not uncommon and sadly, it’s the opposite of what children need. In Jackson’s case, it’s complicated by the fact that his father doesn’t want him to write because that’s what his mother did. He’s in that horrible place from which he can’t stand to see his son being like his mother because it hurts too much.
This has left Jackson trapped between what he wants to do and what his father wants him to do. It’s a difficult place for any teenager to be and Jackson’s frustration makes him seem a bit prickly to others.
This novel is really character-driven and they are great! I really loved the relationship between Jackson and his best friend Charlie. Their conversations and teasing are funny and charming and very realistic. I loved that the author gave us two such great teen male characters who weren’t afraid to support each other… and could still torment each other. It filled my heart with joy!
I also really loved Auggie! He was kind of like a cross between a Prince Charming and Romeo. He has been through a lot in his life and he has a remarkable attitude about it. It was a pleasure to see a
character recovering from a TBI who was happy and positive.
As Auggie and Jackson being “not” dating – because you can’t date someone from the family who destroyed your own family … Jackson is also beginning a relationship online with another writer named “He-who-writes”. He has no idea who the writer is … but the anonymity of it allows him to reveal a lot about his writing and the uncertainty he is facing.
This story is as much about the initial meet-cute as it is about struggling to fight for what you want in life It’s really confusing trying to figure out what you're going to do with your future… and it’s made even more difficult when what you want goes against what a parent wants.
Early in the novel, Jackson is rushing out of work with a freshly brewed coffee when someone runs into him. Well, not just “someone” – a cute boy… but Jackson is so bitchy he doesn’t really notice. Okay – he notices, but he doesn’t really want to. Later, once he decides he doesn’t mind noticing how cute this boy is – he finds out his name is Auggie – Augustine Rushnell. Yes. The same Rushnell who basically destroyed his family.
There’s a lot going on in this novel. And I loved it. It seems at first like it’s going to be a really light rom-com… but there’s a lot of depth to it. The pain in Jackson’s life comes at him from a couple of angles. His father has been distant from him since his mother’s death. I think that’s not uncommon and sadly, it’s the opposite of what children need. In Jackson’s case, it’s complicated by the fact that his father doesn’t want him to write because that’s what his mother did. He’s in that horrible place from which he can’t stand to see his son being like his mother because it hurts too much.
This has left Jackson trapped between what he wants to do and what his father wants him to do. It’s a difficult place for any teenager to be and Jackson’s frustration makes him seem a bit prickly to others.
This novel is really character-driven and they are great! I really loved the relationship between Jackson and his best friend Charlie. Their conversations and teasing are funny and charming and very realistic. I loved that the author gave us two such great teen male characters who weren’t afraid to support each other… and could still torment each other. It filled my heart with joy!
I also really loved Auggie! He was kind of like a cross between a Prince Charming and Romeo. He has been through a lot in his life and he has a remarkable attitude about it. It was a pleasure to see a
character recovering from a TBI who was happy and positive.
As Auggie and Jackson being “not” dating – because you can’t date someone from the family who destroyed your own family … Jackson is also beginning a relationship online with another writer named “He-who-writes”. He has no idea who the writer is … but the anonymity of it allows him to reveal a lot about his writing and the uncertainty he is facing.
This story is as much about the initial meet-cute as it is about struggling to fight for what you want in life It’s really confusing trying to figure out what you're going to do with your future… and it’s made even more difficult when what you want goes against what a parent wants.
June 7, 2020
What a sweet story!
I'm a sucker for a good NA (new adult) story but it's been ages since I've read a YA (young adult) one. Bookstores, Crushes, and Mortal Enemies (BCME) probably falls somewhere in between the two. Auggie and Jackson are 17 in the story but there is no sexual content at all, just a bit of kissing.
BCME was a book that had me hooked right from the beginning. The only reason I didn't read it in one sitting was real life kept interfering. This was such a sweet coming of age story. Jackson and Auggie have a great meet cute when Auggie bumps into Jackson causing Jackson to spill his drink and ruins his new shoes.
While there is a great attraction between Jackson and Auggie, things go downhill when Jackson finds out that Auggie's father is the one who ruined his family's life. Auggie won't be deterred, though, and pursues a friendship with Jackson.
The story is told in first person POV by Jackson. We get to learn his innermost thoughts about life, his relationship with his father, his writing, and his budding romance with Auggie. There are great supporting characters from Jackson's job in a bookstore as well as his best friend Charlie.
This is a story that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend for anyone to read. I loved that there was no angst about Jackson and Auggie being gay – none at all. No one in the story had an issue with it. Not the parents, the friends or co-workers. It was a non-issue and I hope that one day it will really be true in real life.
I'd love to read another story about Jackson and Auggie a few year later in their relationship.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I'm a sucker for a good NA (new adult) story but it's been ages since I've read a YA (young adult) one. Bookstores, Crushes, and Mortal Enemies (BCME) probably falls somewhere in between the two. Auggie and Jackson are 17 in the story but there is no sexual content at all, just a bit of kissing.
BCME was a book that had me hooked right from the beginning. The only reason I didn't read it in one sitting was real life kept interfering. This was such a sweet coming of age story. Jackson and Auggie have a great meet cute when Auggie bumps into Jackson causing Jackson to spill his drink and ruins his new shoes.
While there is a great attraction between Jackson and Auggie, things go downhill when Jackson finds out that Auggie's father is the one who ruined his family's life. Auggie won't be deterred, though, and pursues a friendship with Jackson.
The story is told in first person POV by Jackson. We get to learn his innermost thoughts about life, his relationship with his father, his writing, and his budding romance with Auggie. There are great supporting characters from Jackson's job in a bookstore as well as his best friend Charlie.
This is a story that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend for anyone to read. I loved that there was no angst about Jackson and Auggie being gay – none at all. No one in the story had an issue with it. Not the parents, the friends or co-workers. It was a non-issue and I hope that one day it will really be true in real life.
I'd love to read another story about Jackson and Auggie a few year later in their relationship.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
June 9, 2020
Bookstores, Crushes, and Mortal Enemies is an interesting book by Katie Kaleski. I definitely devoured it, but it's hard for me to review. There is plenty I enjoy, but some times I just got bored.
This is a romance that starts with a spilt coffee and ruined shoes. It's a story full of attraction, interest, and a family feud. Auggie and Jackson are two young men from vastly different backgrounds, as one comes from privilege and the other comes from poverty and has no family support. But, more than anything, Jackson was always told to hate Auggie's family.
Both young men have their share of struggles. Auggie's issues surprised me and made him an extremely sympathetic character. As well, Jackson is living a double life. Online he's able to be who he wants to be and pursue his passions.
This is a story that is a nod to "You've Got Mail." There is a special love of books and bookstores that comes alive through the two main characters as well. If your looking for characters who love and appreciate books, look no further.
I enjoy the writing style and the characters are both fantastic. The author includes some intriguing backstories, and some fun side characters.
Bookstore, Crushes, and Mortal Enemies is a story of forgiveness and acceptance. Katie Kaleski does a wonderful job with this inspiring story of two men discovering their passions and deciding to go after them.
This is a romance that starts with a spilt coffee and ruined shoes. It's a story full of attraction, interest, and a family feud. Auggie and Jackson are two young men from vastly different backgrounds, as one comes from privilege and the other comes from poverty and has no family support. But, more than anything, Jackson was always told to hate Auggie's family.
Both young men have their share of struggles. Auggie's issues surprised me and made him an extremely sympathetic character. As well, Jackson is living a double life. Online he's able to be who he wants to be and pursue his passions.
This is a story that is a nod to "You've Got Mail." There is a special love of books and bookstores that comes alive through the two main characters as well. If your looking for characters who love and appreciate books, look no further.
I enjoy the writing style and the characters are both fantastic. The author includes some intriguing backstories, and some fun side characters.
Bookstore, Crushes, and Mortal Enemies is a story of forgiveness and acceptance. Katie Kaleski does a wonderful job with this inspiring story of two men discovering their passions and deciding to go after them.
June 20, 2020
This is a really well written Young Adult novel, that leaves you thinking about things slightly differently. The themes I took from this book is forgiveness, and don’t judge a book by its cover, only in this instance it is don’t judge the boy by his parents.
Jackson is your ordinary teenager, struggling through high school with all the usual stuff that teenagers go through. He is still grieving his Mothers death, which he partly blames on his parents being pushed to sell their book store which meant so much to his mother.
We start where Jackson meets a young man named Auggie, over a spilt cup of coffee, literally. They kind of hit it off, until Jackson finds out Auggie’s surname, which is the same name that forced his parents to sell the bookstore to Auggie’s fathers development Company.
Jackson finds it extremely difficult to date Auggie, I think out of some miss guided loyalty to his Mother.
But Auggie will not give up and slowly they build a relationship and work past the issues. After all Who could deny Auggie, who is so caring and sweet and genuine, but also has problems of his own, not least a brain condition that affects his life on a daily basis.
I really liked the authors writing style, with a touch of humor and a positivity. The story is nicely paced, and both characters are strong in their own way, yet vulnerable too.
I think the book is an excellent Coming of age story with a few strong themes, especially of not judging people before you know them.
Jackson is your ordinary teenager, struggling through high school with all the usual stuff that teenagers go through. He is still grieving his Mothers death, which he partly blames on his parents being pushed to sell their book store which meant so much to his mother.
We start where Jackson meets a young man named Auggie, over a spilt cup of coffee, literally. They kind of hit it off, until Jackson finds out Auggie’s surname, which is the same name that forced his parents to sell the bookstore to Auggie’s fathers development Company.
Jackson finds it extremely difficult to date Auggie, I think out of some miss guided loyalty to his Mother.
But Auggie will not give up and slowly they build a relationship and work past the issues. After all Who could deny Auggie, who is so caring and sweet and genuine, but also has problems of his own, not least a brain condition that affects his life on a daily basis.
I really liked the authors writing style, with a touch of humor and a positivity. The story is nicely paced, and both characters are strong in their own way, yet vulnerable too.
I think the book is an excellent Coming of age story with a few strong themes, especially of not judging people before you know them.
June 9, 2020
Thank you, Swoon Romance, for my eARC in exchange of an honest review!
I'm going to keep this short and sweet as I don't want to be overly critical of the book. I liked it, I liked the unique characters and the fact being gay wasn't as frowned upon and problematic in it as in most of the LGBTQ+ books I've read before. It was refreshing in a way and I do hope places like that excist where holding hands with another boy just draws the occasional dirty look.
But it was just too predictable to my liking.
And for some reason the way how the author referenced things that the characters immediately got (like actors, other books, etc) annoyed me a little bit. I've grown to love references like that which I immediately get, but I don't know if the ones in this book were unfamiliar to me or they were entirely made up. No names or titles were mentioned and that threw me off a little.
All in all, it's a pretty heartwarming love story, but I just didn't grow that attached to the characters, I'm afraid. I'm sure it'll attract plenty of other people who will love it more :)
I'm going to keep this short and sweet as I don't want to be overly critical of the book. I liked it, I liked the unique characters and the fact being gay wasn't as frowned upon and problematic in it as in most of the LGBTQ+ books I've read before. It was refreshing in a way and I do hope places like that excist where holding hands with another boy just draws the occasional dirty look.
But it was just too predictable to my liking.
And for some reason the way how the author referenced things that the characters immediately got (like actors, other books, etc) annoyed me a little bit. I've grown to love references like that which I immediately get, but I don't know if the ones in this book were unfamiliar to me or they were entirely made up. No names or titles were mentioned and that threw me off a little.
All in all, it's a pretty heartwarming love story, but I just didn't grow that attached to the characters, I'm afraid. I'm sure it'll attract plenty of other people who will love it more :)
June 9, 2020
Bookstores, Crushes and Mortal Enemies has a cute set-up, playing on the “you’ve got mail” theme, with plenty of teenage drama, some real-life issues and lots of texting. The story is told only from Jackson’s POV. He is pretty dramatic at times, so I’d have liked to have had Auggie’s perspective as well. He seems to be the more balanced of the two, even struggling as he is with some issues of his own. Jackson is often self-absorbed and judgmental, quite the grump and defensive as he admits himself. He’s also no stranger to mixed signals. I didn’t totally get what Auggie sees in him, or why he saw it so soon. Some of the secondary characters are certainly well-written, especially Charlie, but Jackson’s father fell a bit flat for me. Not well-rounded enough for such a key figure, he serves a purpose but it wasn’t done with enough nuance. The dialogue wasn’t always as fluent as I’d have liked, and Jackson and Auggie sometimes sounded a little stilted and too formal for teenage boys. The story dragged a little in places, the pacing slowed down by unnecessary little moments.
June 4, 2020
This is a wonderfully cute young adult romance that gives you all the warm fuzzy feels. The meet-cute between Jackson and Auggie is adorable and definitely the stuff of movies. As is everything that happens after, from Jackson learning that Auggie's family was responsible for buying his favourite bookstore, and therefore hating him on principle... to maybe not hating him so much. And to top it off, there is the matter of Jackson's burgeoning anonymous online romance. The story is really character-driven and there is a great deal of depth given to the characters and the storyline. It makes what is otherwise a light rom-com, a tad more emotional. There is a lot going on in their lives and this comes with plenty of fun, humorous, and sweet moments. Jackson and Auggie make an adorably precious couple and it's just impossible to not root for them!
June 3, 2020
This is absolutely precious!
This is one of those books I see myself reading again and again, and each time fall completely head over heels with Jackson and Auggie. They were both exceptionally cute, two clueless young men having their first taste of adult life.
Although written with a humorous style, their troubles were real. They went through their own personal issues while navigating their feelings for each other, and they were absolutely adorable together. From their first meet-cute and until the final page, their interactions were fun, sweet, charming and a delight to witness.
If you want to meet two incredible young men that will stay in your hearts forever, this is the book for you.
This is one of those books I see myself reading again and again, and each time fall completely head over heels with Jackson and Auggie. They were both exceptionally cute, two clueless young men having their first taste of adult life.
Although written with a humorous style, their troubles were real. They went through their own personal issues while navigating their feelings for each other, and they were absolutely adorable together. From their first meet-cute and until the final page, their interactions were fun, sweet, charming and a delight to witness.
If you want to meet two incredible young men that will stay in your hearts forever, this is the book for you.
June 10, 2020
Cute coming of age story. Jackson learns a lot about himself and love with the help of Auggie. Watching these two fall in move was adorable. I don't read much YA anymire, but when I get the chance this is exactly the type of book I like to see.
Jackson has to learn to grow up. From hos home life, to his new feelings, he struggles to make the best out of the situation. When he lets Auggie in, he's not prepared for how it's going to change his life, but watching him grow more confident. Watching him become a young man who is able to go after what he wants is sweet and I didn't want to stop reading because I wanted to stay with these characters forever.
There's some teenage angst, but mostly it's a book that will make you smile and beleive in your first love again.
Jackson has to learn to grow up. From hos home life, to his new feelings, he struggles to make the best out of the situation. When he lets Auggie in, he's not prepared for how it's going to change his life, but watching him grow more confident. Watching him become a young man who is able to go after what he wants is sweet and I didn't want to stop reading because I wanted to stay with these characters forever.
There's some teenage angst, but mostly it's a book that will make you smile and beleive in your first love again.
June 9, 2020
Katie Kaleski is a new to me author, but I will be reading more of her works in the future. When I read the blurb for Bookstores, Crushes, and Mortal Enemies, I thought it would be a fun, cute, light-hearted read, and it turned out to be so much more. The characters were multi-dimensional and had layers upon layers, and they drove the story, which turned out to have depth and meaning I hadn't been expecting. There were quirky, fun moments, cutesy moments, but there were also those serious moments that made you stop and think. I loved this book and I absolutely recommend that everyone out there pick it up for themselves. You won't want to put it down. 5 stars.
June 5, 2020
A sweet, cute, at times outright funny, YA story.
Jackson and Auggie are both so cute, Jackson being the grumpy teen and Auggie the rich, beautiful, but still vulnerable and scared one.
They should be mortal enemies, and Jackson doesn't want to have nothing to do with Auggie as soon as he learns who is family is; but Auggie is too sweet and persistent and irresistable for Jackson to stand any chance!
Together they find their way towards adolthood, with a lot of help from good friends and despite the meddling of their (quite unpleasant) parents.
Jackson and Auggie are both so cute, Jackson being the grumpy teen and Auggie the rich, beautiful, but still vulnerable and scared one.
They should be mortal enemies, and Jackson doesn't want to have nothing to do with Auggie as soon as he learns who is family is; but Auggie is too sweet and persistent and irresistable for Jackson to stand any chance!
Together they find their way towards adolthood, with a lot of help from good friends and despite the meddling of their (quite unpleasant) parents.
November 19, 2020
Heart achingly beautiful
I have so many things to say about this book but the only one I can wver get out is 'WOW' I absolutely adored this book from start to finish and I love, love, LOVED the 'You've Got Mail.' inspiration to it. I was crying and squealing with joy reading the last few pages! I hope you decide to make this into a paperback one day because I will definitely be gifting them to family and friends!
I have so many things to say about this book but the only one I can wver get out is 'WOW' I absolutely adored this book from start to finish and I love, love, LOVED the 'You've Got Mail.' inspiration to it. I was crying and squealing with joy reading the last few pages! I hope you decide to make this into a paperback one day because I will definitely be gifting them to family and friends!
Want to read
April 18, 2020I mean You’ve got mail is one of my fave romcoms.... I’m really looking forward to this one!!! Sounds very promising!!
June 15, 2020
The twist was not really a twist... Not an enemies to lovers trope... Family feud between two guys puts them on enemy lines...
January 3, 2021
This was cute. The ending was a little too neat and tidy, but after a heavier read for my last book, this was a fun way to continue my day of reading!
June 2, 2020
This is a cute read, which is aimed at the YA market.The book is both romantic, humorous, and is loosely based on the whole Romeo and Juliet story, but much more light hearted. The main characters are perfect for one another, the snarky Jackson and the kind and slightly earnest Auggie are a perfect foil for one another. It was sweet to watch their love blossom, eventhough Jackson really did attempt to fight it. The story was very detailed, easy to follow, with well written dialogue, and likeable secondary characters. My only gripe is that the writing is interspersed with emails, very much as it was in Love, Simon. 3 and a half stars.
Read
April 27, 2023DNF - 35%
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