- DEMI BLAIZE l Romance Author

The Book Club

OCTOBER Book Club Pick

**Battle Of The Bookstores by Ali Brady**

Spicy Enemies-To-Lovers Workplace Romance

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We’ve all heard it before: The book was better than the movie.

And in most cases, I’ve found it to be true. But there are always exceptions:

So… don’t hate me for this, buuuuut-

The Lord Of The Rings trilogy were better as movies.

*Demi runs and hides*

I know that’s a controversial take, but all I’m saying is that sometimes, the book doesn’t always measure up to the cinematic hype of a big budget production. So when Chandler Ainsley recommended the book Battle Of The Bookstores by Ali Brady on her channel with the note that it was based on a classic romcom movie that I adore (You’ve Got Mail, for those wondering), I was intrigued, but also wary.

Yeah. I had no reason to be. This book was an absolute delight, and dare I say, modern-day improvement on a well-loved classic.

I stayed up all night reading this one, and have zero regrets.

Here’s why you’re going to love Battle Of The Bookstores

1. They’re competing for their jobs.

There’s no holding back on this one. We get a brief introduction to our characters and their situations before we’re thrust into a high-stakes work situation that could leave Josie or Ryan without the job of their dreams.

It’s messy, it’s rivals to lovers, it’s heated and high competition.

And it’s done so well. Half the time, I didn’t know who to root for because I liked them both. I felt for the both of them. I wanted both of them to succeed. Both Josie and Ryan had their own reasons behind why their stores meant so much to them, and both had great skills to contribute to the bottom line.

I was so torn, right up until the decision was made, and the way this book ended – no spoilers, of course – made me fist-bump the air in an all-too-dramatic fashion because I love it when a bad boss gets taken down a peg.

2. The side characters.

I’ve already mentioned that I liked both main characters, but it’d be a crime not to mention the side characters. Specifically, the Happy Endings staff.

At first, I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy the fact that Ryan had a healthy staff of 3+ people, but they added so much joy to whatever situation was happening on page – a book signing, promotional event, or surprise proposal – honestly, they either left me laughing or put tears in my eyes.

They made me wish I worked in a bookstore surrounded by engaging, funny women who knew how to appreciate a good fictional moment, and I loved spending that time with them while reading. It was truly the most gorgeous of escapes.

3. The anonymous messages!

Aside from the competing stores needing to boost their bottom line, this book also took inspiration from You’ve Got Mail in the form of anonymous messages. But instead of emails, Ryan and Josie met online on an anonymous book forum.

And it works.

We start the book knowing these two have a deep friendship with one another. It spans years and has become their safe space whenever work, family, or life become too much.

Knowing that they do actually know each other quite well adds this layer of complexity to their real-life dislike of each other. Josie and Ryan don’t know that they’re actually online friends. Until Ryan figures it out.

And after that, I just kept turning the pages until Josie found out too.

4. The bookish terminology.

It’s just an indulgent factor, but an important one nonetheless.

I love it when books about books exist. And I love it because it lets me know I’m not alone in my intense love of stories.

This book did this so well. It was written with the intention of becoming a love letter to the book industry, and I felt that in every word I read.

From discussing bookish tropes, to literary vs genre fiction, to bookish pet peeves, to different formats of storytelling – this book covered all of it seamlessly, and it added to the book, never once distracting from the enemies to lovers story unfolding in front of me.

Final verdict

Love, this one was perfection. Need I say more?

I loved this so deeply that I didn’t want it to end, and wish I could read it for the first time again.

If you’re ready for something cosy, fast-paced, expertly written, with no third-act breakup, with self-aware characters committed to growing, you won’t want to miss this book.

I feel so spoiled having read this. Like I stumbled across a life-altering treasure, and now I get to re-read it anytime I like.

I’m so excited for November’s pick.

Happy reading, love,
Demi xx

Battle Of The Bookstore ratings:

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Giggle Rating: 😂😂😂😂😂

Kick-my-feet Rating: 🦶🦶🦶🦶

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