Book Reviews: Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander

 

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“They would ‘date,’ it had been agreed. They would ‘hang out.’ Nothing heavy. No commitment. Just a few months of fun, over the summer.”

Thank you to NetGalley, Poppy Alexander, and HarperCollins for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

There’s something about a small-town bookshop story that immediately has my heart, and Battle of the Bookshops delivered exactly the kind of cozy, comforting read I was hoping for.

When Jules returns to the seaside town of Portneath after her Aunt Flo suffers a bad fall, she quickly realizes things are worse than she imagined. Aunt Flo’s beloved bookshop—the kind of place filled with stories, memories, and heart—is struggling to stay open. Just as Jules steps in to help, a shiny new bookshop opens directly across the street, run by someone from her past she never expected to see again. Old rivalries resurface, and suddenly the future of the shop—and the town—feels uncertain.

Battle of the Bookshops Blurb

The cute, seaside town of Portneath has been the home of Capelthorne’s Books for nearly a hundred years…

The shop, in the heart of a high street that stretches crookedly down the hill from the castle to the sea, may be a tad run-down these days, but to Jules Capelthorne, the wonky, dusty world of literary treasures is full of precious childhood memories. When her great-aunt Florence gets too frail to run it alone, Jules ditches her junior publishing job in London and comes home to make the bookshop’s hundredth birthday a celebration to remember.

Jules quickly discovers things are worse than she ever imagined: The bookshop is close to bankruptcy, unlikely to make it to its own centenary celebration, and the lease on the building is up for renewal. With a six-figure sum needed, the future looks bleak.

To make matters worse, the owner of the property is the insufferable Roman Montbeau, from the posh, local family who owns half of Portneath. The Montbeaus and Capelthornes have feuded for years, and Roman has clearly not improved since he tormented Jules as a child. Fresh from a high-flying career in New York, he is on a mission to shake things up, and—unforgivably—proves his point about Capelthorne’s being a relic of the past by opening a new bookshop directly opposite—a shiny, plate-glass-windowed emporium of books.

Jules may not be able to splash the cash on promotions and marketing like the Montbeaus, but she’s got some ideas of her own, plus she has a tenacity that may just win the hardest of hearts and the most hopeless of conflicts.

Let the battle of the bookshops commence…

 

Poppy Alexander’s writing is warm, approachable, and easy to sink into. Portneath feels like one of those places you wish you could visit for a weekend and never leave, with its seaside charm and tight-knit community. The story is told mostly from Jules’s point of view, with occasional chapters from Roman’s perspective, which I really enjoyed. Those moments added extra depth and made the emotional beats of the story feel more complete.

At the heart of this novel is a long-standing family feud between the Capelthornes and the Montbeaus—a subtle, bookish nod to Romeo and Juliet—paired perfectly with the rivalry between two competing bookshops. Beyond the romance, there’s a strong focus on family dynamics, generational tension, and what it means to protect the things (and people) you love, even when it’s complicated.

What I loved most about Battle of the Bookshops was how comforting it felt to read. The pacing was steady, the banter was charming, and there were several moments that genuinely made me smile. It’s the kind of story you curl up with on a quiet afternoon, turning pages just to spend a little more time in its world.

This was my first book by Poppy Alexander, and it definitely won’t be my last. I rated Battle of the Bookshops 4 stars, and I’d happily recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy, small-town romances, bookish settings, and stories with heart. Fans of Jenny Colgan and Beth O’Leary will feel right at home here.

🌙 What do you think—read it or skip it? Let’s chat in the comments! And if you want more reviews, fantasy favorites, and bookish treasures, hit that subscribe button.

 Amazon | Books-a-Million | Bookshop.org

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Book Reviews: Never Over by Clare Gilmore

 

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Paige is a songwriter who receives a life-changing call from a recording studio interested in her music. While the opportunity is exciting, the agent’s feedback is honest and critical—her songs are missing emotional depth. Determined to make them better, Paige comes up with an unconventional plan: she seeks out her ex, hoping that reopening old wounds will give her the heartbreak she believes her music needs.

Never Over Publisher's Blurb:

A swoony second-chance romance where facing the one who broke your heart could be the thing that makes your dream come true.


Twenty-five-year-old Paige Lancaster is one contract away from earning a living doing her favorite thing in the world: writing songs. But when a music industry professional suggests she might be holding back with her lyrics to lessen the heartbreak of an old flame, Paige doubts if her music is ready to be heard.


In a rare, impulsive move, Paige reaches out to Liam Bishop after four years of no-contact to ask him for a small favor: date her, and then re-break her heart, all so she can remember what those big, songworthy emotions felt like. And since Liam is the one who first set Paige on this career path, he hesitantly agrees.


Across two months of Liam’s summer work travel, the exes are forced to share hotel beds, rehash the past, and date in the present, all while navigating the building attraction between them they both swore was the one line of their agreement they wouldn’t cross.


But when it becomes near impossible not to act on their rippling chemistry, and as ever intensifying feelings blur reality with what’s driven by the music, Paige and Liam will both have to decide which is more important: art for the sake of it, or love over everything.

I received this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin in exchange for an honest review, and this was my first read by Clare Gilmore. I’m happy to say it definitely did not disappoint.

The story is set primarily in Bristol, Tennessee, before shifting to Knoxville when Paige moves closer to her family. The narrative alternates between the present and the past, slowly revealing what led to Paige and Liam’s breakup. While the dual timeline occasionally left me momentarily confused, it ultimately added emotional weight and depth to the story.

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster—I laughed, I cried, and I felt deeply connected to the characters. The plot stood out to me as a fresh and unique take on the second-chance romance trope, using songwriting and emotional vulnerability as the heart of the story. It’s one of those plots that sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading.

The character development was steady and thoughtful, making this a truly character-driven novel. Paige is a complex heroine—she relies heavily on others, often doubts herself, and struggles with confidence in ways that feel raw and realistic. 

Watching her confront those flaws and grow emotionally was incredibly satisfying. Liam was equally compelling, and the dynamic between him and Paige felt authentic, layered, and emotionally charged.

One line that perfectly captured the tone of their relationship was:

“You came to find me at work, after four years of radio silence, and risked getting kicked out by security, because you need me to break your heart?”

That moment encapsulated the humor, heartbreak, and tension that made their story so compelling.

I ultimately gave this book a 4-star rating. While the retrospective point of view took a bit of adjustment, the emotional payoff made it worth it. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary romance and second-chance love stories, especially fans of Sarah Adams or Elsie Silver. Recommended for readers 18+ who are looking for a heartfelt, emotional romance with depth and originality. 

🌙 What do you think—read it or skip it? Let’s chat in the comments! And if you want more reviews, fantasy favorites, and bookish treasures, hit that subscribe button.

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Book Reviews: The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst

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Heartbroken and in need of a fresh start, Calisa escapes to Vermont to help her great-aunt run a struggling bed and breakfast—and what begins as a temporary getaway quickly turns into something far more meaningful. From the moment she arrives, it’s clear this small inn, its people, and its quiet magic have more to offer than she ever expected.

The Faraway Inn Publisher's Blurb

After a devastating heartbreak, a teen girl decides to spend her summer helping her eccentric great aunt manage her quaint Vermont inn—but the fixer-upper is hiding a magical secret—in this cozy and irresistable new YA fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop.
When sixteen-year-old Calisa arrives at her great-aunt’s B&B in rural Vermont for the summer, she’s shocked to find a rundown inn rather than the cozy bed-and-breakfast she was expecting. Grumpy and eccentric, Auntie Zee is determined to keep anyone from messing with her beloved inn . . . even though she clearly needs the help.

To convince her great-aunt to keep her around, Calisa sets to work fixing up the inn, enlisting extra help from the groundskeeper’s (handsome) son. But the longer she stays, the surer she is that there’s something strange about the B&B—and its guests. Something almost . . . otherworldly.

The inn is hiding a magical secret—but secrets are like doors. Once Calisa opens this one, she won’t be able to go back . . .

I absolutely loved the premise of this story. Watching Calisa pour her energy into restoring the inn while trying to heal her own heart made her journey feel both relatable and deeply emotional. She’s strong, independent, and determined, even when things feel overwhelming. Her growth throughout the story was one of my favorite parts.

The cast of characters truly brought the story to life. The found-family dynamic was warm and comforting, and the small-town charm added so much heart. Jack, the groundskeeper’s son, was such a standout—kind, attentive, and quietly supportive. His interactions with Calisa felt natural and sincere, and their slow-building connection was incredibly sweet. One of my favorite moments came from this line:

“He said moms, plural. He had been listening when she’d talked about them. He listens not just about goat cheese. It was a very nice trait. She couldn’t help but like him a bit more. Just as a friend.”

That small moment perfectly captured the emotional depth and thoughtfulness woven throughout the story.

The pacing was steady and comforting, allowing the setting, relationships, and subtle magical elements to shine. There’s a cozy, almost whimsical atmosphere to the book that gave me serious Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries vibes—perfect for readers who enjoy gentle fantasy blended with heartfelt character development.

Overall, this was a warm, charming, and quietly magical read. If you love stories filled with found family, healing journeys, small inn charm, and just a touch of magic, this book is absolutely worth picking up. I highly recommend it!

Pre-order Here: Amazon | Books-a-Million 

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Book Reviews: We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark

 

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Arvelle’s life is shattered when she’s approached by a vampire with an impossible offer: compete in The Sundering, a brutal, high-stakes tournament where survival is never guaranteed. The reward? Her brother’s life. The cost? Everything else. To truly win, Arvelle must not only survive the trials—but ultimately kill the Emperor himself.

We Who Will Die Publisher's Blurb

Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down.

Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard.

She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court.

With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor.

To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

I picked up the Book of the Month Special Edition, and it is absolutely stunning—easily one of the most beautiful editions on my shelf. This was also my first novel by Stacia Stark, and it definitely did not disappoint. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the Hunger Games–style competition, the Ancient Rome–inspired setting, and the gladiator-esque trials that push each competitor to their limits.

The worldbuilding is one of this book’s strongest elements. It truly felt like stepping into Gladiator—but with vampires, magic, and far higher emotional stakes. Every arena, political maneuver, and power structure felt intentional and immersive, making the world feel both expansive and dangerous.

Arvelle herself is a standout heroine. She’s strong, independent, and relentlessly determined—never backing down from a challenge, no matter how impossible the odds. Her relationships with other characters, especially Rorrik and the Primus, add so much depth to the story. The layered backstories and evolving dynamics don’t just enrich the characters—they actively drive the plot forward and raise the emotional stakes with every chapter.

It’s worth noting that this book contains mature themes and open-door romance, and the pacing is fast and addictive. Once the story begins, it barely lets you breathe—in the best way. I found myself completely absorbed from start to finish. One quote that especially stayed with me was:

“I missed you more than I missed the sun.”
This book hit so many of my favorite tropes: slow burn, forced proximity, political intrigue, forbidden love, found family, and enemies-to-lovers—all woven together seamlessly. The result is a story that’s equal parts intense, emotional, and undeniably spicy.

Book Reviews Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of Demi Winters, Callie Hart, Jennifer L. Armentrout, or Sarah J. Maas, this book should absolutely be on your TBR. It gave me strong ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash vibes while still feeling fresh and uniquely its own.

Overall, this was a gripping, spicy romantasy that I couldn’t put down—and one I’ll definitely be continuing. 

🌙 What do you think—read it or skip it? Let’s chat in the comments! And if you want more reviews, fantasy favorites, and bookish treasures, hit that subscribe button.

This book will be released on December 30, 2025 wherever books are sold.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BooksaMillion

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What Are You Currently Reading For Fun?

 

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Hello, friends! It’s Christmas season, once more. I was engrossed in reading, and I find most of the books I’m reading on Kindle Unlimited.

The last book I read was Snow Place Like Home by Laura Pavlov. This book is a part of Amazon’s Home Sweet Holidays original series. It is less than 100 pages and was such a cute novella.

Goldie’s brother is getting married on Christmas Day, and the best man, Ace, is Goldie’s high school crush, and, she was his high school crush. One night is all it takes for them to become smitten. It is worth the read, and I will read more books by Laura Pavlov.

I am reading My Favorite Holiday by Lauren Blakely. This is a billionaire romance where the boss, Wilder, fake-dates his employee, Fable. Fable breaks up with her boyfriend on Thanksgiving.

Her sister gets engaged, and they decide to get married in the next couple of weeks on Christmas Eve, after the week-long Christmas competition. Brady, the ex-boyfriend, will be part of the wedding party; therefore, Fable and Wilder concoct a plan to be each other’s plus one. Their primary goal is to beat Brady at all the games, but also to show him how to treat a woman.

I am about 70% through the book, and so far it’s a brilliant book! The main reasons I started reading this book are the Christmas vibes, the storyline, the angst and tension, the winter wonderland, and that he would burn the world down for her. It’s spicy, but there are some laugh-out-loud moments for sure.

What will I read next? I am a mood reader, so I’m not sure what I’ll read next. Although I have a few books in mind. I may read another Christmas-themed book like The Christmas Bookshop, or I may change it up and read Brimstone by Callie Hart. If I go with Brimstone, I may reread Quicksilver first, so I don’t get lost and wonder what’s going on, especially since Quicksilver was read at the start of the year. I don’t reread books; however, I may make an exception. I guess we’ll see soon what’s next.

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September 2025 New Romantasy Book Releases

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Do you love discovering new romantasy books and authors? Same here! There’s nothing quite like wandering through Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million, spotting gorgeous new covers, and adding just one more book to your TBR.

September 2025 is packed with exciting new romantasy releases, from epic fantasy adventures to magical love stories you won’t want to miss. In this post, I’m sharing 18 romantasy books releasing in September 2025—plus, there’s a free printable TBR tracker waiting for you at the end to help you keep track of your must-reads.

Let’s dive in and see what’s coming soon!

Kingdom of Tomorrow by Gena Showalter - September 1

Blurb: Twenty-year-old Arden Roosa has always known only Ourland, a fractured world of fallen gods and feared artifacts—but the nights bring a madness that turns innocents into killers. Her life shifts when she discovers The Book of Arden, a mysterious tome written about her own story. Sent to Fort Bala Royal Academy, she trains under the ruthless High Prince Cyrus Dolion, sparks flying between them, while also joining the secretive Tome Society, whose prophetic books reveal truths that challenge everything she knows about Ourland, the gods, and her own destiny.

A Storm in Every Heart by Kate King - September 1

Blurb: Odessa Ashwater knows loving a siren comes at a deadly cost, yet after rescuing Crown Prince Kastian of Hydratta, she once believed they were destined for each other. A century later, their bond seems only to bring destruction. Kastian, having lost everything in a single night, maintains an unshakable calm—until the fierce, captivating siren before him reignites desires he thought long buried. When a political engagement puts Odessa in mortal danger, Kastian may be the only one who can save her.

The Shattered King - September 2

Blurb: In the kingdom of Cansere, young men are drafted for war and healing is the only legal craft. Nym, a healer and beekeeper, supports her family alone, but when summoned to the palace to treat the reclusive Prince Renn, she plans to fail and return home. Yet Renn’s mysterious illness challenges everything she knows, and her first small success forces her to become his official healer. Now a ward of the castle, Nym must navigate the treacherous court, uncover the truth behind Renn’s ailment, and confront the growing connection she can’t ignore.

Wild Reverence - September 2

Blurb: Matilda, the youngest goddess of her clan, was born in the fiery depths of the underworld and wields humble messenger magic. In a realm where gods constantly backstab each other for power and trust is fleeting, she hides a dangerous secret to stay safe. Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett dreamed of Matilda and begged for her help on the darkest night of his life, but when she never answered, he moved on to become a hardened river lord. That is, until Matilda literally falls into his room with a message meant for him. As fate pulls them together, Matilda faces her greatest challenge yet—risking everything, even her heart, to change the violent ways of the gods and embrace a love that could destroy or save her.

Fearful by Lauren Robert’s - September 2

Blurb: Mara never intended to return to Ilya, but when the king makes a life-altering decision, her curiosity lures her back. Determined to uncover Kitt Azer’s true motives, Death herself takes an interest in him—especially if he is destined for the Mors. As Mara navigates court intrigues and witnesses the tangled lives within the castle, she discovers that life holds more than death alone, including love. But even the purest desires can spark vengeance and ambition, and in the end, fate will claim them all.

Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray - September 2

Blurb: On her seventeenth birthday, Vanessa Hart’s life is torn apart when a savage werewolf attack takes her best friend, her father, and her home. Bitten and forced to transform into the very monster that ruined her, she’s given a brutal choice: serve the Wolf Queen’s Court or die. At the magical yet treacherous Castle Severi, Vanessa plots revenge while being pulled between golden, charming Prince Sinclair—promised to her enemy—and his dark, secretive cousin, Calix. But as the Court edges toward war, Vanessa discovers she may be just a pawn in a deadly game of power, love, and betrayal.

Shadows of Perl by J. Elle - September 3

Blurb: Quell Marionne’s explosive Rite of Induction shattered the magical world, awakening a deadly power within her and costing her both her family and the boy she loved. Fleeing to House Perl, where she’s finally celebrated instead of feared, Quell searches for her missing mother—only to uncover dark secrets lurking in every House. Meanwhile, assassin Jordan Wexton, sworn to protect the Sphere that sustains all magic, must face the devastating truth: the greatest threat to it is Quell herself. As war looms and the Sphere begins to crack, Quell and Jordan are forced onto opposite sides, torn between love, duty, and the fate of magic itself.

Lover Forbidden by J.R. Ward - September 9

Blurb: After a near-death encounter, Lyric is saved by a mysterious stranger she can’t stop thinking about, even as her family—especially her father, Qhuinn—rejoices that she’s safe. Determined to find him, she secretly seeks out Devlin, and their connection is instant and undeniable. But while Lyric is ready to embrace life to the fullest, Devlin harbors a dangerous secret that could end the war between the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the lessers forever.

Blackwicket by Bea Northwick - September 9

Blurb: In the coastal town of Nightglass, the infamous Blackwicket House sits abandoned after the death of its last caretaker, Fiona Blackwicket. When her sister, Eleanora, returns home to bury her, she plans to leave quickly—but the Brom, a powerful black-market magic organization, soon takes interest in her rumored ability to consume curses. Adding to the danger, Victor Harrow, a ruthless inspector for The Authority, arrives determined to crush the Brom—and eliminate the last Blackwicket. But Victor’s dark past is entwined with Eleanora’s deepest secret, one that could unleash the most dangerous magic of all.

Thorn Season by Kiera Azar - September 11

Blurb: In the Kingdom of Daradon, Wielders—those born with a magical Spectre capable of gentle touches or deadly acts—are feared and hunted. Alissa Paine, heiress to a Hunter family, is secretly one of them, surviving only through self-control and her father’s protection. When summoned to the royal court for debutante season, she becomes entangled in intrigue and danger, torn between a ruthless prince who would destroy her if he knew her secret and a charming foreign ambassador with his own hidden motives. With discovery and desire closing in, Alissa must navigate treachery and romance, learning that survival may demand becoming the sharpest of thorns.

The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews - September 16

Blurb: Taken by enemies from the man she loves, she may seem like a pawn—but she’s the first Ever Queen, and she will fight relentlessly to return to his arms. Her captors will learn the price of crossing her. For him, she is the light he cannot stop chasing, and he will hunt down anyone who dares harm her, leaving only the fallen at her feet as she reclaims her throne.

Commanding Blood and Bonds by S.J. Barnett- September 16

Blurb: As the Four Horsemen ride to open hell’s gates, Alvara and August race to piece together a fractured prophecy, relying on a Soul Bond more powerful—and dangerous—than they imagined. Freya must rally an army to Grayshell’s cause while confronting the shadows of her past, where failure could cost her life. Meanwhile, Cyrus Stuart faces a Wraith haunting his legacy and a masked man enforcing a deadly ancient bargain. As alliances shift and betrayals rise, heroes and villains blur, and time may not save them from the coming storm.

The Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L. Armentrout - September 23

Blurb: Poppy’s unexpected awakening unleashes ancient powers, transforming Casteel and Kieran in ways even the Fates hadn’t foreseen. The Blood Crown has fallen, but an even greater threat has risen: the Great Conspirator, the true Primal of Death, seeks to reclaim his unimaginable power. As the gods awaken, each hiding their own dark secrets, Poppy, Casteel, and Kieran must navigate a fractured realm where every choice could unravel everything they’ve fought for—and shatter the bonds that hold them together.

What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller- September 23

Blurb: In the kingdom of Amarra, where most noblemen were killed in a failed rebellion, women must kidnap husbands from other realms to marry. Warrior princess Olerra aims to secure her claim to the throne by abducting the perfect husband: the handsome, gentle second-born prince of their greatest enemy. Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, is kidnapped by mistake and taken to Amarra, where he’s meant to wed Olerra. Trained to resist, he plans to escape—but as he gets to know his captor, his certainty about what he wants begins to waver.

Witch of the Wolves by Kaylee Archer- September 30

Blurb: Cordelia Levine, a twenty-three-year-old witch living quietly in London, is kidnapped by brooding werewolf Bishop Danvers on her estranged father’s orders. At her father’s estate, she discovers her powerful bloodline of witches with secondary werewolf traits must be protected from rival packs. With danger closing in and tension within the Albion Pack, Cordelia must decide if the man who tore her from her life could also be the one to save it.

Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on my list of 18 romantasy books releasing in September 2025! Whether you love dragons, fae courts, or slow-burn magical romances, there’s something here to get excited about.

Don’t forget to grab the free printable TBR tracker at the bottom of this post to keep track of your new reads.

Which September release are you most excited about? Drop your top pick in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’ll be reading next!

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