Love at First Book - Contemporary Romance Review

Goodreads:  Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

Rating:  Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  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.

Genre:  Romance - Contemporary    

Why I Picked This Book:  I love this author's cozy mysteries and the premise of this one caught my eye so I had to give it a try.

My Impression: This was a fun grumpy/sunshine read while also dealing with some serious issues - especially about parent/child relationships.  Em has spent the bulk of her life taking care of her mother while sacrificing her own interests and even her health.  I loved her friend Sam and she was such a good friend and I also really liked that Em talked so openly and honestly about seeing a therapist.

Kieran (or Kier or Murphy) has a challenging family life as well though his issues aren't quite so obvious at first.  While I connected with Em almost immediately it took a bit longer to warm up to Kieran.  He's a bit sharp and reserved and isn't always the most sensitive in dealing with people.  I really enjoyed how he gravitates towards Em and how they bring out different sides of each other.  Their banter was fun without feeling over the top.  I was dreading a misunderstanding situation but it ended up not being too much of an issue thankfully.

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  I really loved the side characters and the food mentions and frienships really added to the book.  I especially enjoyed that Em doesn't say she's a reader but she talks knowledgely about books that she has read and it is clear just how much she loves Siobhan's books.  This is the first romance I've read from this author but it definitely won't be the last.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I'm looking forward to reading more of her mysteries and romances.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy bookish romances this is a must read!

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *