Ali Brady delivers a charming and surprisingly nuanced romance in Battle of the Bookstores, proving once again why the writing duo behind The Beach Trap, The Comeback Summer, and Until Next Summer has become a reliable name in contemporary romance. This fourth collaboration between Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey tackles the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope with refreshing authenticity, creating a story that feels both familiar and wonderfully unexpected.
When Literary Fiction Meets Romance: A Perfect Storm
The premise is deliciously simple yet brilliantly executed. Josie Klein manages Tabula Inscripta, a refined literary bookstore in Boston’s Davis Square, while Ryan Lawson runs Happy Endings, a romance-focused shop next door. When their new landlord Xander decides to merge the stores and keep only one manager, these polar opposites must compete for survival. The twist? Their only emotional refuge comes from anonymous conversations with online book friends—who happen to be each other.
What makes this setup particularly compelling is how Brady subverts traditional romance expectations. Josie, our uptight literary snob, isn’t the typical romance heroine who needs to learn to loosen up. Instead, she’s a complex character whose rigidity stems from genuine trauma and responsibility thrust upon her too young. Her mother’s pattern of abandonment and her sister’s accident forced Josie to become hyperorganized and self-reliant—traits that serve her well professionally but create barriers in relationships.
Ryan, meanwhile, defies every stereotype about romance-loving men. He’s not feminized or mocked for his genre preference. Instead, Brady presents him as genuinely passionate about love stories while struggling with dyslexia and feeling inadequate compared to his high-achieving brothers. His dedication to creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ readers adds depth that elevates him beyond simple romantic interest.
The Digital Age of Romance: BookFriends Connection
The online component of their relationship provides the novel’s most innovative element. Through the anonymous book forum BookFriends, Josie (BookshopGirl) and Ryan (RJ.Reads) develop a genuine emotional connection that contrasts sharply with their real-world antagonism. Brady handles this dual identity storyline with impressive skill, avoiding the potential pitfalls of making readers feel manipulated or confused.
The conversations between BookshopGirl and RJ.Reads feel authentically nerdy and passionate, capturing how book lovers actually discuss literature online. These exchanges reveal each character’s vulnerabilities in ways their face-to-face interactions cannot, creating dramatic irony that propels the story forward without feeling forced. When Ryan discovers Josie’s identity first, his internal struggle between honoring her wishes for anonymity and his growing feelings adds genuine tension.
Supporting Characters That Actually Support
Brady populates the bookstores with memorable supporting characters who serve the plot rather than merely providing comic relief. Ryan’s staff at Happy Endings—particularly Cinderella with her ever-changing hair colors and collection of romance-themed pins—feel like real people with their own stories. Josie’s sister Georgia emerges as more than just a catalyst for Josie’s backstory, serving as both emotional support and a voice of reason who challenges Josie’s self-imposed isolation.
Even antagonist Xander Laing, while clearly villainous, represents a real threat faced by independent bookstores everywhere. His profit-focused mentality and manipulation tactics feel grounded in current retail realities, making the stakes feel genuine rather than manufactured.
Bookstore Details That Ring True
The authors clearly did their homework regarding independent bookstore operations. From inventory management and profit margins to the exhausting reality of running a small business alone, the details feel authentic. The contrast between Josie’s meticulously organized literary haven and Ryan’s chaotic but welcoming romance paradise illustrates their personality differences while respecting both approaches to bookselling.
The various events they host—from Josie’s literary salon to Ryan’s “Knitting and Knotting” workshop—showcase how modern bookstores create community while generating revenue. These scenes provide natural opportunities for character development and conflict while celebrating the vital role bookstores play in their communities.
Where the Story Stumbles
Despite its many strengths, Battle of the Bookstores isn’t without flaws. The pacing occasionally feels uneven, particularly during the middle section where the competition setup takes precedence over character development. Some of Josie’s internal monologues about her mother’s relationship patterns become repetitive, and the resolution of Ryan’s job dilemma feels somewhat rushed.
The book also suffers from what might be called “romance novel syndrome”—certain conflicts could be resolved with simple honest conversation, but characters make choices that serve plot convenience rather than emotional truth. Ryan’s decision to quit and move away without discussing it with Josie feels particularly forced, even given his character’s tendency toward grand gestures.
Additionally, while the authors handle the class differences between Josie’s literary customers and Ryan’s romance readers with general sensitivity, some moments veer toward stereotyping that undermines the book’s otherwise inclusive message.
The Brady Formula: Character Growth Through Crisis
What elevates this novel above typical category romance is Brady’s commitment to genuine character development. Both protagonists must confront their deepest fears and insecurities to find happiness. Josie’s journey from emotional self-protection to vulnerability feels earned rather than convenient, while Ryan’s path from self-doubt to confidence never undermines his essential kindness.
The resolution doesn’t require either character to completely change their personality or abandon their values. Instead, they learn to appreciate different perspectives while maintaining their core identities. Josie doesn’t become a romance convert, but she develops respect for the genre’s emotional truth. Ryan doesn’t abandon his beloved romances for literary fiction, but he gains appreciation for more challenging narratives.
A Love Letter to the Book Community
Perhaps most impressively, Battle of the Bookstores serves as a genuine love letter to books, booksellers, and the communities they create. The dedication to “book people—the readers, the librarians, the booksellers, and anyone who gets lost in big books, big feelings, and big, beautiful endings” isn’t mere marketing copy—it reflects the story’s genuine appreciation for how literature shapes our lives.
The novel celebrates both literary fiction and romance without diminishing either genre, suggesting that all stories have value when they help readers understand themselves and others. This inclusive message feels particularly relevant in current discussions about literary merit and cultural value.
Similar Books Worth Reading
Readers who enjoy Battle of the Bookstores might appreciate:
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – Features dueling writers with opposing genres
- The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Wiles – Celebrates bookstore culture and found family
- Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory – Contemporary romance with professional competition
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – Classic enemies-to-lovers with workplace tension
- Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert – Celebrates romance novels and personal growth
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to Contemporary Romance
Battle of the Bookstores succeeds where many contemporary romances fail by treating both its characters and its readers with intelligence and respect. While not perfect, it offers genuine emotional stakes, authentic character development, and a celebration of book culture that feels both timely and timeless. Brady has crafted a story that honors the transformative power of literature while delivering the satisfying romance readers expect.
For fans of bookish romance, enemies-to-lovers stories, or anyone who’s ever felt passionately about their favorite genre, this novel provides exactly the kind of comfort reading that makes you want to immediately visit your local independent bookstore. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best love stories aren’t just between two people—they’re between readers and the books that help them discover who they’re meant to become.
