Better than Fiction

September 1, 2022

Drew Young inherited the Book Nook when her grandmother passed away, and she's done her best to continue running the store, even though it's not her passion. Drew isn't a reader, and she often feels overwhelmed and trapped in this unasked-for career. Now the Dirty Birds, her grandmother's book club, have interfered again, booking famous romance author Jasper Williams to speak at the store. Jasper is unlike anyone Drew has ever met. He's incredibly attractive, kind, and seems to understand Drew in ways that no one else does. When he makes a deal to give her book recommendations in exchange for Drew showing him the best parts of her state, Drew can't say no. As they become closer while exploring Colorado, Drew wonders if Jasper's interest in her is genuine or just research for his next book. Told from Drew's point of view, the story also tackles some big issues like grief and dysfunctional families. Readers will enjoy the quirky secondary characters and supportive relationships around Drew. VERDICT This heartwarming, steamy romance from Martin (Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes) is recommended for general purchase.--Heather Miller Cover

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 19, 2022
Martin (Intercepted) shines in this enchanting tale of a reluctant bookstore owner and the author who shows her love is possible. After photographer Drew Young’s grandmother dies, Drew inherits her beloved Denver bookstore, the Book Nook. Though not an avid reader, she’s determined to keep her grandmother’s legacy alive and keep the store going. Among the Book Nook’s regulars are “the Dirty Birds,” a meddling but endearing group of elderly romance fans who conspire to set Drew up with bestselling romance author Jasper Williams. Sparks fly between the unlikely couple, but complications arise first when Drew’s obnoxious, entitled father tries to take over the bookstore and then when a small but consequential secret about Jasper’s past with the store comes to light. Hopeless romantic Jasper has a reputation for writing perfect “book boyfriends”—and readers will find that he fulfills this fantasy pretty well himself. The charmingly ornery Drew makes a great contrast, and it’s emotionally satisfying to watch her high walls come down. Stellar supporting characters—especially Drew’s bestie, Elsie, and sister, Daisy—add humor throughout. The result is utterly entertaining. Agent: Jessica Watterson, Sandra Dijkstra Literary.

October 15, 2022
Photographer Drew Young put her dreams on hold when she inherited her grandmother's Denver bookstore, the Book Nook, which was an odd surprise since she doesn't read. Drew's estranged father wants to contest the will, forcing Drew to keep the property even though she would rather be out in nature, capturing images of her beloved Colorado mountains. While she resents her predicament, being immersed in her grandmother's world is comforting, and members of the local romance book club, the Dirty Birds, happily set Drew up on a date with well-known author Jasper Williams. This literary Adonis, who is a bit lonely in his ivory tower, is in town for several months to write a new book and needs a local to show him the sights. To ease Drew's insecurities, Jasper makes a deal; for each adventure she takes him on, Drew must read a book of his choice, thus easing her defensiveness and sarcasm one date at a time. Martin's latest multicultural contemporary rom-com explores grief and anxiety and is romantic with just the right amount of spice.

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