BOOKED: A Collection of RomCom Novellas for Book Lovers

A Museum of Literature Romance #1-3

by Jenn McKinlay

From New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay comes the Museum of Literature RomCom Omnibus.
For the first time all three novellas are in one volume. Royal Valentine The Attraction Distraction It Happened One Christmas Eve Come join the fun with a secret identity and a trip to England, a second chance romance while in search of an ancient literary artifact in Greece, and a holiday caper starting with a hijacked sleigh! As the intrepid librarians and archivists of the Museum of Literature travel the world for the love of books, curating their own happily ever afters along the way. What more could any romcom adoring book lover want?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Books About Books, Adult, Anthologies

341 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2023

About the author

Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNFED.

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three cute novella length stories. Romance without all the open door descriptives. Perfectly trope filled.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent audiobook collection of three linked novellas set among the staff of the Museum of Literature in New York City. As far as plotting, they're pretty good as novellas. They handle passage of time very well in a short form (and the third one has "It Happened One Night" energy, which was fun) but each story hinged on an absolutely unnecessary miscommunication trope and look, I'm getting a little tired of that one.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good 3.5 stars for me. it was a fun light read quick to get into in each of the stories. read on beach 🏖️.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled big time with these. I give novellas grace because they are hard to do well. However, these were just bland. I will say the last one was the best and even that was just okay.

I will say I loved the cover. So cute to use the book in the novellas in the bookcase and he is holding booked.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute collection of novellas. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the stories.

[Toni Laliberte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is three novellas in one book. All three are good, but It Happened One Christmas is my favorite. They all have adventure, romance, books, handsome MCs, and beautiful FC's. They're all connected with the Museum of Literature, as all three women work or had worked there. The first novella is a romance. The second is a mystery/romance. The third is an adventure/romance. These are all easy stories to get through and worth the read.

[Guru Jad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenn McKinlay’s Booked is a delightful collection of romantic comedy novellas centered around book lovers. Each story features charming characters, witty banter, and a deep appreciation for literature, making it a perfect read for anyone who enjoys romance and books in equal measure.


What Works Well:


Bookish Themes – One of the biggest strengths of this collection is how seamlessly McKinlay weaves a love of books into each story. Whether it’s set in a bookstore, a library, or involves characters who are passionate about reading, the literary elements add an extra layer of charm to the romances.


Witty and Engaging Writing – McKinlay’s signature humor shines through in every novella. The dialogue is sharp and playful, and the romantic tension is well-balanced with lighthearted moments, making each story feel like a classic rom-com.


Short and Sweet Stories – The novella format works well, offering bite-sized romances that are satisfying without feeling rushed. Each story moves quickly but still provides enough character development to keep readers invested.


Diverse Tropes and Characters – The collection offers a mix of beloved romance tropes, including enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and opposites attract. This variety ensures that different readers will find something to enjoy, and each couple brings their own unique dynamic to the stories.


What Could Have Been Better:


Some Stories Feel Too Short – While novellas are meant to be quick reads, a few of the stories feel like they could have been expanded into full-length novels. Certain relationships develop very quickly, making some of the romances feel a bit rushed.


Predictability – As with many rom-coms, the outcomes of the stories are fairly predictable. While this isn’t necessarily a flaw—since the journey is the enjoyable part—readers looking for unexpected twists might find the plots a bit formulaic.


Not All Stories Are Equally Strong – Some novellas stand out more than others, with certain characters and relationships feeling more developed and engaging. A couple of the stories may not resonate as strongly, depending on the reader’s preferences.


Final Thoughts:

Booked is a charming, feel-good collection perfect for romance readers who also love books. Jenn McKinlay delivers witty, heartwarming stories that celebrate both love and literature, making it an ideal pick for a cozy afternoon read. While some stories could have benefited from more depth, the collection as a whole is a delightful escape that will leave readers smiling. If you enjoy rom-coms filled with bookish charm, this one is worth picking up.

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically I try to read mostly romances within the LGBTQ+ community because it's where I can see my community and myself represented. However, any romance by Jenn McKinlay? You can count me in. And boy was this the most amazing romcom(s) to end the year with. This book consists of three novellas and each one follows a different woman who works at the Museum of Literature. Each novella is a new romance story and these books take you from the heart of New York City, to castles in England, secret islands in Greece, all the way to cozy cabins and homes on the northern East Coast.

All of these novellas are short but sweet romances and they pull you right in. Knowing they have to be short, Jenn writes the characters so well and cuts right to the chase making sure the reader knows what's happening without the book feeling rushed at all.

Each female main character’s storyline is well-developed and they have some situation in their life that leads them to meeting their man. Whether that be running away from a proposal, traveling to a private island in Greece, or meeting someone at a fancy ball.
What I also love about Jenn’s romances is that there is a moment later in the story, once the main character has gotten to know the love interest better, that she has some inner turmoil with herself or the significant other and really processes her emotions to figure out if she feels ready and confidant to have a relationship with the man. It’s possible that he did something to betray her trust, or she just needs to make sure she’s not moving too fast, but whatever the case, it models healthy boundaries and processing emotions. Which is so important in any relationship–fictional or not.

I was instantly drawn into Booked and completely in love with the funny, witty, and vivid writing in all three of these novellas. (I’m not one to pick favs, but the Attraction Distraction really stole my heart.) I loved this book from start to finish and so if you are a book and/or romance lover, go pick up Booked by Jenn McKinlay when it releases on January 17th! Thank you Jenn for kindly gifting me an arc of Booked!

[Tara Blais Davison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Likeable stories though nothing exceptional apart from the notion of the “Jólabókaflóðið; (solids like yolo-bookah-flood) found in It happened one Christmas Eve. This is an Icelandic tradition where you gift each other books and spend the rest of Christmas Eve sitting by the fire, enjoying chocolates and reading your new book.
**The central event in Scandinavia is Christmas Eve (julaften), when the main Christmas meal is served and gifts are exchanged. This might be due to the old Germanic custom of counting time in nights, not days (e.g. fortnight), as it holds for other holidays.
* The English translation of Jolabokaflod is "the Christmas Book Flood." On Christmas Eve, you'll find most Icelanders snuggled in with a cup of something warm all doing the same thing: reading a book. The premise is simple: Gift a new book to someone you love.

[kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book I listened to on audiobook from the library. It has three Novellas that have been published as individual books too. All written by the same author. I tend to like cozy mysteries and other types of novels like fantasy. Occasionally I like to break things up with some romantic stories. The author is very creative in who she puts together and the setting for each story. I think those are challenging aspects of writing a romance to make it work. I thought she did a nice job with each story. It’s hard to tell a full story in a shortened version so there’s not a lot of detail or complications. It’s pretty straightforward. My favorite though, was the Christmas one, as there were a lot of funny parts to it and it was just Christmasy! I had fun with that one! I could see it becoming a Hallmark movie! I have a secret love of Christmas love stories.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really quick read in terms of finding love in the unlikely spaces. It’s three novellas in one book. Jenn Mckinlay takes you from New York, England and Greece. Each story hooks you right away. Each story is fast pace but you never feel the story is being rush. The characters come to life with each page you read. An the concept of reaching for something you don't think you deserve resonates with women as it is a proven fact that men will reach for something outside of their limits where women often don't. Like a job if a woman does not have all the criteria described they won't apply but men just apply.

A light and easy read.

[Div Manickam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the stories of finding love in work n life ..

Highlights from the book 📖
I know where I belong

You are the most unexpected thing to happen to me.

Books have always been my best friends and library sanctuary

This cottage is my sanctuary, safe space, where I could be myself



.. been my rock and shoulder to cry, my best friend and love of my life

He had always supported me, protected me and loved me

Aphrodite.. vision ... Choose between a stolen treasure or something of value


I was feeling overwhelmed with the task at hand

There was absolutely nothing he could say. Not now . Not ever.


It was the safest I had felt in a long time.
I got carried away. Won't happen again.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Libro.fm and the publisher for an advanced audio copy of this book.

I almost didn’t finish this, but because I did I will do 3 stars. While they were cute, the stories in this book were cornier than I expected. (For example, the frequent use of “ugh” and “argh” made me cringe.) I liked that all three were loosely connected, through the Museum of Literature, and maybe I would have loved this more if they were each a full-length book rather than as presented as novellas to allow for more character development and details.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

These three novellas are quick and entertaining tales. In “Royal Wedding,” Molly falls in love with someone she has no right to love, only she doesn’t know that until it’s too late. In “The Attraction Distraction,” Sarah goes on a dangerous quest for artifacts but finds love instead. In “It Happened One Christmas,” readers will likely find similarities to an old movie, “It Happened One Night.” This story is every bit as good as the movie, except it has Santa Claus instead of Clark Gable. All three novellas are well written and lovely romances.

[meghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate an ebook. So convenient. Always have something to read. But nothing quite beats holding and enjoying a good book. So I was excited when this book was released containing the novellas I love together in one very cute package. I really enjoyed getting to know the staff of the Museum of Literature and following them on their adventures. This will definitely be a go-to happy feels read for me. I'm so not done with these characters. So I'll just be over here reading this again. Hoping for more stories.

[Nikole (literarily_occupied) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 3 stars

This is a collection of three novellas that are loosely connected through women who work at the Museum of Literature.

All three stories are light and easy, and though they are quick reads, they don't feel rushed.

Of the three, I most enjoyed the first novella. The others were okay, but each story seemed to get a little more corny and the overuse of "ack" and other onomatopoeias was annoying.

Special thanks to the Libro.fm Librarian ALC program, Dreamscape Media, and the author for this complimentary Audiobook Listening Copy.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a trio of highly enjoyable stories centered around three woman who work at The Literary Museum in New York. The great thing is they are all so different from each other. From a royal trying to be just a regular guy, to a dangerous quest for an ancient artifact, to possibly one of the most fun Christmas romps I've ever read. One thing is for sure, I was never bored reading these stories. I wish I could spend more time with the experts of this museum who make their living studying literary history.

[Ashley Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading one of Jenn McKinlay’s romcom books but I’ve been a fan of her mystery series for a long time. This book is a collection of novellas that relate to books and employees of the Museum of Literature. I enjoyed all three novellas but I think the last one, It Happened One Christmas Eve, was probably my favorite. All of these stories were cute, funny, and heartwarming. This definitely won’t be my last time reading McKinlay’s romantic comedy books!

[Quick · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5) The first novella has a love interest who ghosts another character for a month without any explanation (the sudden departure/leaving without notice has explanation but is followed by absolutely no attempt at contact in modern times) therefore losing enough points with me that I didn’t want the protagonist to end up with him. The second novella was fun and the third novella was quite lovely.

[Sarah Diop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for any romance book lover. It’s has 3 super cute love stories that are based around the New York Museum of Literature and their employees. I listened to the audiobook so when it went to the second story the narrator was the same actress/voice. It did take me a moment to get used to that transition and that she was no longer Molly. I enjoyed all three heroines and their love interests. It was a funny, sweet and predictable rom-com.

[Sonia Bellhouse]

Each story is complete and satisfying and it’s hard to pick a favourite. All convey a special attraction that deepens into love. Great banter, and fun filled stories. Royal Valentine,they so obviously were meant to be together.The Attraction Distraction, attraction, a quest and rivalry. It Happened One Christmas Eve, don’t we all just love a feisty heroine, especially when she is escaping from a predictably boring marriage ?

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute group of novellas involving the ladies of the Museum of Literature

Royal Valentine: insta love with a case of hidden identity and a second chance

The Attraction Distraction: an impossible quest in search of a rare artifact with your ex on an inhabited island

It Happened One Christmas Eve: a runaway would be fiancée on a mission to get to her cabin in Maine with the help of a reporter

[April Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was cute! It was actually 3 separate romance novellas but the FMC’s are connected because they all work at the same museum. Listened on audio, so having a woman narrate a deeper man’s voice plus the different accents was a bit much - probably would have preferred to read physical because of that. But overall, I liked it!

[Cindie Usevich · Rating 4 out of 5]

These 3 short stories were very cute and sweet. I've always enjoyed this author's work. The middle story was a little lackluster which is why I'm not giving it 5 stars, but the other two stories were funny and adorable. The copy I read was printed in a really weird font so it made it a little hard to read, but that's my only real complaint.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

These three novellas hit just the right note: light, romantic, and the connection to BOOKS. They are only loosely connected in that the main characters appear briefly in the other stories. They do not have to be read in order or as a set. Pick, choose, but definitely enjoy!
** Waited too long to write review. So, it is sparse.

[zimmytheflygirl ✈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read romance with just enough humor to make you chuckle. While they are not the best written, I still enjoyed all three of the books. They were, for the most part, clean...and that is why I gave it 5 stars.
The first and third books, for me, where the best ones.

[Katie LaGassie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally, I'm a devourer of RomComs and I adore books aimed at book lovers but I had the hardest time getting through this one. The novellas are very hallmark-y. (Usually I love that!) Something was just missing for me, so, it could just be a case of "lovely book, wrong reader."

[Marran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda cute. I read the third story it happened one christmas eve at chrismas..Im not fan of novellas overall. I think they are to short to get a feel for the charachters and to get a good story going. But they where enjoyable enough

[Heather Jenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each short story had potential and was really great for a short story. However it is missing part of why I fundamentally love romcoms… the slow burn. Then a story is over so quick you don’t have time to build sexual tension or true emotional upheaval.