Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady: Review

If there is ever a winning theme for a romance book it has to be one based in a bookstore. So many readers dream of cozy book shops and when there is a male lead who loves reading too, how can you miss?

This upcoming book brings us not one book store, but two! Brady ups the ante with this sweet ‘n spicy romance. Check out my thoughts below.

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Pub Date: June 3, 2025
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593640845

OVERVIEW:
Despite managing bookstores on the same Boston street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson have never interacted much—Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, and Ryan’s sells romance only. But when the new owner of both stores decides to combine them, the two are thrust into direct competition. Only one manager will be left standing, decided by who turns the most profit over the summer.

Efficient and detail-oriented Josie instantly clashes with easygoing and disorganized Ryan. Their competing events and contrasting styles lead to more than just frustration—the sparks between them might just set the whole store on fire. Their only solace during this chaos is the friendship they’ve each struck up with an anonymous friend in an online book forum. Little do they know they’re actually chatting with each other.

As their rivalry heats up in real life, their online relationship grows, and when the walls between their stores come tumbling down, Josie and Ryan realize not all’s fair in love and war. And maybe, if they’re lucky, happily ever afters aren’t just for the books.

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady Review

I must admit I love this story’s “You’ve Got Mail” vibe. First of all, a special discussion forum buddy with whom you can share pretty much anything is a great way to burn off your frustration with your new boss, who is pitting you against your rival!

This crazy plot seemed a bit far-fetched at first, but Brady develops this story with finesse and plausibility all over the pages. Her characters are unique and fun. The secondary characters are a riot and the spicy risqué book nights are so creative. Where is something like that where I live?

Ryan and Josie each carry a lot on their shoulders, and their growth from strangers to tolerable co-workers and finally more feels like a natural progression. I love their growth through work lessons and the love of books. The way the author brings in other authors, books, reviewer info, and the overall love of reading to bind them together is clever and sweet.

Battle of the Bookstores is a slow burn, opposite’s attract love story with the texting buddies amping up the confusion and awareness. But once reality hits, the hair comes down and the shoes come off quickly. This is a sweet’n spicy “he falls first” story that will delight readers of romance and women’s fiction all over!

4 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.