I’ve read many of Jenn McKinlay’s mysteries, and all of her last four romantic comedies. She upped her game with her latest romcom, Love at First Book. It’s sexy, romantic, and gut wrenching. Of course, I picked this one up expecting to like it. It features a librarian who heads to Ireland to take two jobs, working as the assistant to her favorite writer, and helping in The Last Chapter, the local bookstore.

At twenty-nine, Emily Allen finally makes a move for herself. Her manipulative, demanding mother would have been content to keep Emily as her unpaid servant, waiting on her, and taking care of her as she has for nine years after Emily’s father left them. But, Em’s mother is quite capable. Emily spent all of her twenties trying to appease her, and it made Em a hypochondriac.

She can’t believe she’s going to work with Siobhan Riordan, the author whose young adult novels helped Emily survive her troubled youth. But, Siobhan never finished her series. She’s had writer’s block for ten years, and Emily wants a happy ending. She might not get one herself if it’s up to Siobhan’s son Kieran Murphy, the bookstore manager, who makes it clear Emily isn’t welcome in the shop, or with his mother.

Emily discovers a whole new personality when coping with Kier. She’s a fighter with a ready wit, and she won’t give in during an argument. It’s a side of herself she never saw, but she’s proud that she can go toe to toe with her handsome, sexy boss. Their attraction grows, until Em learns why Kier was reluctant to have her work with his mother. By then, it might be too late to save her heart.

Love at First Book is a love letter to bookshops, books, and loving mothers. As Kier and Emily banter, they challenge each other with their knowledge of book passages. But, Emily yearns for something Kier might not be able to give.

McKinlay’s latest is a romance about two people who need to be saved. It might just take book magic, and a charming Irish village, for them to find each other.

Jenn McKinlay’s website is https://jennmckinlay.com/

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay. Berkley, 2024. ISBN 978059345744 (paperback), 368p.

FTC Full Disclosure – Although I read a galley from NetGalley, I bought a copy of the book to keep.