Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

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Description:
When a librarian moves to a quaint Irish village where her favorite novelist lives, the last thing she expects is to fall for the author’s prickly son… until their story becomes one for the books, from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading .

Emily Allen, a librarian on Martha’s Vineyard, has always dreamed of a life of travel and adventure. So when her favorite author, Siobhan Riordan, offers her a job in the Emerald Isle, Emily jumps at the opportunity. After all, Siobhan’s novels got Em through some of the darkest days of her existence.

Helping Siobhan write the final book in her acclaimed series—after a ten-year hiatus due to a scorching case of writer’s block—is a dream come true for Emily. If only she didn’t have to deal with Siobhan’s son, Kieran Murphy. He manages Siobhan’s bookstore, and the grouchy bookworm clearly doesn’t want Em around.

When Siobhan’s health takes a bad turn, she’s more determined than ever to finish her novel, while Kieran tries every trick in the book to get his mother to rest. Thrown into the role of peacemaker, Emily begins to see that Kieran’s heart is in the right place. Torn between helping Siobhan find closure with her series and her own growing feelings for the mercurial Irishman, Emily will have to decide if she’s truly ready to turn a new page and figure out what lies in the next chapter.

Review:

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay is a wonderful enemies to lovers standalone novel.   We meet Emily Allen at the start, when she arrives in Ireland. Emily is a librarian in Martha’s Vineyard, who is obsessed with her favorite author’s books.  After writing a letter to the author, Siobhan Riordan, Emily was offered a job to be her assistant in helping her get out of her writer’s block, which has been 10 years since she last wrote another book in the Tig McMorrow series. Emily jumps at the chance to leave home, as she feels suffocated and dreams of going to Finn’s Hollow in Emerald Isle, and working with her hero, as well as helping in the bookstore.

Before she gets to meet Siobhan, she meets her boss at the bookstore, who turns out to be Siobhan’s son, Keir, who is broody, grumpy and treats her badly, determined to get her back to America; but Emily manages to bring out her sassy side giving the same back at him. In a short time, things will change, as the fiery chemistry between them escalates, with both eventually finding themselves falling for each other.  The banter between them was fun and witty; with Keir unable to resist Emily’s charm.

Emily is thrilled to meet her hero, Siobhan, which was a dream come true.  Siobhan was a terrific character, being so sweet and happy around Emily, taking her around the town. Finally, with both discussing things, Siobhan begins to find her muse, and starts to write again.  I really loved Siobhan, and her closeness to Emily. Emily was the perfect person for Siobhan, as they both became close, with both having so much love and passion in working on the book.

We learn more about why Keir is so protective of his mother, and when Siobhan’s health takes a turn, she is more determined to finish the final book.  Emily learns the secret that she has to keep it from Keir, and understands why he always wanted her to rest. Emily made a promise, and can she hide the truth of Siobhan’s health until she finishes the book?

When Keir learns the truth about Siobhan’s health, he pushes Emily away, and tells her to leave Ireland when the book is done.  As we get closer to the end, all three of them work together to finish the book, to a successful conclusion. Keir will realize that he loves Emily, and they will find their way back together.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story, with love, romance, friendship, great secondary characters; and lots of Ireland.  I loved how the town all adored Siobhan, especially those who were part of the book shop and house.  This book covered a lot of issues along the way, such as emotions, grief, love and family. Love at First Book was so very well written by Jenn McKinlay.

Love at First Book was a fantastic read, which I thought was the best one yet from McKinlay. I loved the book from start to finish.  I suggest you read Love at First Book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher