Book Lovers: I Need More Emily Henry

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 377
Goodreads

One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming....
Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby.
Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters’ trip away—with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she’s convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they’ve met many times and it’s never been cute.
If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.

---

»«

This is going to be another quick review because…alright, I get it. I get why everyone loves Emily Henry. And, look, I know I’ve only read one book by her, but if you don’t think I’m going to get my hands on every other book she’s ever written, you’d be mistaken.

Yes, friends, this is my first Emily Henry book, and I absolutely adored it.

Book Lovers is a pleasant twist on the small-town romance – and it is very much aware that it is that. In fact, achieving a small-town romance is part of the plan Nora’s sister Libby has for her. I’m getting ahead of myself, though. Let me chat about what I loved, and since I loved most of this book, I think the easiest way to explain it is with a good ‘ole bullet point list:

• THE SISTERLY LOVE: Libby and Nora have a wonderful relationship. It was such a joy to experience it blossom further into an even stronger bond throughout the story. Even when you think there is some conflict, these sisters really know how to communicate with each other (even if it has flaws at times). At the end of the day, the love they have for each other shines through between both of them. And Libby isn’t just some side character sibling that shows up when convenient, Henry put time into creating a good familial relationship between the two.
• THE INDEPENDENCE: Nora is an independent person, and it shows throughout. In fact, a major spin on the story is her making a decision for her (View Spoiler »basically, instead of giving everything up to be with the man, she decides to choose herself and her career « Hide Spoiler). Her personality felt authentic and believable (it didn’t feel forced at all and made sense due to her past).
• THE ROMANCE: Charlie and Nora are like two peas in a pod. They have the same sense of humor and snarky essence about them. They also have the same drive for their careers and to help their families. I feel like I’ve been reading a lot of opposites-attract stories lately, so this was refreshing. Don’t get me wrong, it still has enemies-to-lovers vibes, it’s just a different variation of it. Oh and the tension is so good. It will get your panties up in a bunch (that makeout sesh in the lake, infuriating!)

My only complaint, which isn’t even enough to get me to knock this down half a star, is that it was a bit insta-lovey. I don’t doubt they had some strong feelings for each other but dropping the L-bomb so soon with very little time spent together, was a turn off. For about half a second, then I got over it because everything else about it was top notch (I can’t spoil anything. I hope this whole complaint isn’t a spoiler in itself. I’m sorry if it is!)

Besides, there is a Gilmore Girls-esque town hall meeting. How can I not love this book? In fact, now that I think about it, Charlie has strong Luke vibes (think grumpy-ish and aloof). So, yeah, I am sold on Emily Henry and can’t wait to read another one of her books!

Have you read any of her books? Which one should I read next?