book lovers: my first romance book
- paigenherbooks
- May 30, 2022
- 4 min read
5/5
Emily Henry... you did it. You made my first romance centric novel one to remember. I really enjoyed it. WAAAAAAY more than I thought that I was going to! I am a sucker for Hallmark movies and this book was just like reading a Hallmark movie but even better and cuter. I adored it!
Synopsis: 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.
Where to start, ohhhh where to start!
Let's talk characters first!
Nora, our main character, was actually not only relatable but well written! Sometimes within the literature world, it is way too common that female leads are annoying-at least to me. Writers haven't figured out how to craft strong, interesting female leads that don't make me want to scream or hit them upside the head. Henry accomplished this (thank you!!) Nora is funny, scratch that she is right down witty! She is her own person, independent but loves her family. Fantastic at her job and has goals! I loved her! She was such a funny character to read the story through and I just really enjoyed who she was in and out! Also, not to mention she has my dream job of being a literary agent turned editor (ummm hello!!!)
Then we have Charlie (OH MY GOSH ALKDJFJAD)
He was cute, he was romantic, he was funny, and SMART......also he LOVES BOOKS hello again my personal heaven!! Juuuuust kidding, Charlie wasn't really my personal romantic partner type but man he was PERFECT for Nora and I loved that for her! He was literally her other half and I was shipping (the act of wanting two characters to be together) SO hard! When the romance started to dial turn up I was living for it! The moments were so cute and wholesome. I adored it!
Nora's sister, Libby was also such a good supporting character! She was kind and pushed her sister to do things outside of her comfort zone which I also really enjoyed and loved!
The rest of the supporting characters were also all like-able and I think fit well within the story of Nora and Charlie's relationship!
PLOT: I was hooked to this book. I devoured it within a day and I have literally zero regrets. It was interesting, which I will be the first to admit, I was surprised. I am not a romance reader...like at all. I think books that are driven by a romance plot are lack luster and lack anything that I genuinely want to read. Give me more. That being said..........I loved this book. There was an actual plot that was outside the realm of the romance (completing the vacation list) and I loved how the romance was dealt with. Nora didn't give up all her hopes and dreams just for some guy.
FINALLY THANK YOU!!!
They compromised like real life and she went and continued living her dream out! Charlie was an ADDITION not a whole encompassing part. I just was so happy to see that. Too often our main characters up literally everything for a man.
So did I like it?
YES!
I thought Book Lovers was the perfect little summer read. Something very light and easy to read but very cute and love-able! It was interesting and funny! Not to mention I really enjoyed how it was a whole novel about cliche Hallmark tropes and our characters fall into it but they know it! The self awareness made some of the scenes just even more adorable and wholesome! Emily Henry for sure knows how to write a romance novel I will give her that! I may just have to check out some of her other works......but we shall see haha!
First romance novel in the books and I am unbelievably glad that I chose Book Lovers to check it off! A romance book I am happy to see sit and occupy space next to my action, fantasy, and adventure novels!
Happy happy reading friends and best wishes to all who are in love or wish to be!
xoxo,
paige :)
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