[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Maisy inherited her great-aunt Eloise’s lovely – but old – Victorian home and her overwhelmingly large collection of romance novels. In fact, the books are piled precariously throughout the house – stacked on steps, piled in rooms, and heaped in the living spaces. And Maisy’s dream is to turn the house into a romance bookstore and share her great-aunt’s favorite stories with her customers. As a literature professor with two Master’s degrees, Maisy is definitely qualified to run the store. And since her ex just snaked a promotion out from under her, it’s time to throw caution to the wind and follow her dream.
The first step in the process is to have an expert in to assess the work the house will need to update it and convert it into a book store. Enter Ryder Copeland. He’s far too good looking for Maisy’s own good. With his cowboy hat and rugged good looks, he looks exactly like the guy on the cover of her favorite romance novel.
No matter how much chemistry Maisy feels with Ryder, it doesn’t matter. The wedding ring on his left hand means he is off limits. But Ryder only wears the ring to discourage relationships. He’s been divorced for 3 years, but he’s not ready to tread into a relationship again. Right now, he has set a course for himself and his teenage daughter that will be taking them out of Fairdale. And that course has no space for the petite bookseller whose smile could break down his resolve.
Review
I have enjoyed Jenn McKinlay‘s mysteries for years, but after reading her Bluff Point books last year and this first book in her new Happily Ever After series, I think her romance books are even better than the mysteries! After finishing this book, I wanted to go re-read the Bluff Point books. That series is a lot of fun. I think I caught a sentence that ties this book to that series, as well.
I was hooked at the start when I realized this was a book book. The main character is a reader and a literature professor. The house at the center of the story is stuffed to overflowing with books. The goal is to turn it into a bookstore. I was sold on the story at that point!
And then I got to know the characters. After that, there was no putting this one down until I finished. Maisy and Ryder are fantastic together, but the supporting cast – including Ryder’s daughter Perry, and King George the cat – round out the story so well. There are some fun hints at potential future stories – including the relationship at the center of book 2, The Christmas Keeper, out in the fall of 2019. And I am absolutely here for those future stories! I highly recommend this funny, endearing romance. (Language, sex)