Title: Better Than Fiction
Author: Alexa Martin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Headline Eternal
Pages: 320
Release Date: 8 November 2022
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Hello fellow book lovers, today I'm sharing my review for the charming, swoon-worthy and utterly relatable rom-com, Better Than Fiction by Alexa Martin, which follows a reluctant (and book hating) bookstore owner, Drew Young who learns to reevaluate her pessimistic outlook on love—and life, when she meets kindhearted (and gorgeously handsome) romance author Jasper Williams.
Synopsis
As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn't anticipate inheriting her grandma's bookstore, the Book Nook. She's in way over her head even before the shop's resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best--meddle.
Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From river rafting to local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fiction.
When messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She's reminded that real life isn't always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he's writing a happily ever after just for them.
Review
I absolutely adored reading this, lately I’ve become a complete sucker for the grumpy x sunshine trope so I knew as soon as I heard the premise that I had to read this immediately. And I’m really glad I did as it was everything I could want in a rom-com; endearing protagonists, a sizzling romance that I couldn’t get enough of and a quirky cast of characters who provided a much needed dose of humour during some of the more emotional/intense scenes.
I especially loved the dirty birds who were MARVELLOUSLY entertaining, they’re incorrigible and just a little meddling but I’d honestly do anything to join their book club and get to experience their infectious brand of humour. They really look out for Drew and treat her as one of their own family members—I loved seeing them leap to Drew’s defence when Drew’s estranged father shows up and causes trouble.
I really liked Drew too, and loved how heartfelt and detailed her character development was. She’s a very down to earth character who’s flawed and complex—and her emotional journey surrounding her grief (in loosing her grandmother and her dream career in one fell swoop) was absolutely heartbreaking to watch unfold, fortunately she does have a really supportive group of friends and family (specifically her mum, sister, best friend and the dirty birds) that really made Drew—despite her prickly, pessimistic and guarded personality—incredibly relatable.
Jasper likewise, was a fantastic character and love interest for Drew (and my new favourite book boyfriend.) His kindness, patience and hopeless romantic tendencies made him the perfect (sunshiney) counterpoint to Drew and I genuinely loved the chemistry between them, trust me the sparks start flying pretty much as soon as they meet —not to mention how utterly swoon-worthy all those romantic (and bookish) dates were!
I can’t really say anything more as I fear accidentally spoiling the entire plot but if you love opposites attract, sunshine/ grump or only one bed tropes then I definitely urge you to go pre-order this slow burn, sizzlingly sweet and poignant contemporary romance ASAP!
And a huge thank you to Headline Eternal and Netgalley for the e-arc.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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