She's fighting to save her indie romance bookstore. He's opening a chain store right across the street.
Let the bookstore war—and the sparks—begin. When a hopeless romantic opens a small-town bookstore devoted to love stories, the last thing she expects is a rival chain store — and an infuriatingly charming CEO — setting up shop right across the street.
Title: Love to Hate You by Marina Adair
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Rom-Com
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Rivals to Lovers, Sunshine × Grump, Small Town, Forced Proximity
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Heat Level: Moderate (flirty tension, a few spicy moments)
Content Notes: Family boundary issues (unsupportive/dismissive relatives), business rivalry/financial stress, mild emotional vulnerability/past hurt
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Book Thoughts Before the Review
It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for small-town romances and stories that celebrate books within books. When I spotted Love to Hate You by Marina Adair on NetGalley (huge thanks for the ARC!) — with its rival bookstores, sunshine-meets-grump energy, and a hint of You’ve Got Mail nostalgia — I couldn’t resist clicking "Request."
I’ve read a few of Adair’s backlist titles over the years, but this one feels especially charming. It’s breezy and heartfelt, the kind of rom-com that reminds you why falling in love can be equal parts chaos and comfort.
Publisher’s Description
A modern twist on You’ve Got Mail starring an indie bookstore owner looking for true love and a cynical CEO who may ruin everything, from New York Times bestselling author Marina Adair.
Summer Russo believes in the power of destiny and true love, which might be why she sank her entire life savings into reviving a nearly-bankrupt independent bookstore that specializes in romance novels and beach reads. But just as she starts to get the hang of the new business, a big-box bookstore moves in next door, run by the grumpy and arrogant Kingston, who seems determined to ruin her day and her livelihood.
Wes Kingston is a cut-throat CEO who doesn’t believe in love or failure. He runs his business the way he runs his life: alone. And he isn’t going to let a fiery femme fatale take him down, especially when she is dead set on stopping the opening of his new bookstore.
At least Summer has her family’s annual vacation in Mystic, CT to look forward to as a break from the standoff. But when she arrives at the beachside cabin, she realizes that her usual summer respite may not be so carefree after all. Her sister has brought along not only her boyfriend but a second guest — his brother, who just happens to be the very same surly but infuriatingly sexy bookstore mogul Summer thought she was getting away from.
The bookstore war is still on, and neither Summer nor Kingston will go down without a fight. But when one thing leads to another and fighting turns to foreplay, both find themselves stuck in a battle for the bookstore — and for their hearts.
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My Review
Love to Hate You is rom-com comfort with bookish heart. Marina Adair plays to the strengths of enemies-to-lovers: crackling banter, competitive chemistry, and that delicious shift from sparring partners to soft spots. Summer Russo runs a romance bookstore on sheer grit and glitter—loyal, idealistic, and determined to make a happily-ever-after her business model. Enter Wes Kingston, a polished British CEO opening a rival shop across the street, whose guarded pragmatism clashes with Summer’s open-hearted optimism.
Their rivalry delivers playful You’ve Got Mail vibes with a small-town twist—window-display one-upmanship, flirty jabs, and grudging admiration. What won me over is how Adair threads genuine warmth beneath the sparring: Wes quietly has Summer’s back when her family doesn’t, and Summer coaxes out the soft center behind his corporate armor. The pacing is brisk (a perfect weekend or pool read), the tone is cozy with a blush of spice, and the payoff feels earned.
If I had a wish list, I’d ask for a touch more resolution with certain family dynamics and a little extra time in Wes’s head near the end. But those are minor notes in an otherwise thoroughly charming romance that celebrates bookshops, boundaries, and choosing someone who sees you clearly.
Character Spotlight
Summer Russo: Sunshine incarnate—owner of a romance-focused indie bookstore, a believer in big feelings and second chances. She’s a chronic peacemaker who learns to draw lines in the sand. Her arc is about claiming space without dimming her light.
Wes Kingston: The grump with a quiet soft spot—buttoned-up, clever, and initially all business. His armor is competence; his weakness is self-protection. Watching him champion Summer (and unlearn old defenses) turns their rivalry into real partnership.
Why You’ll Love It
- Bookstore war, big heart: Catnip for readers who love stories about stories.
- Sunshine × Grump done right: Spark, substance, and swoon.
- Comfort-read energy: Light, funny, emotionally satisfying.
About the Author: Marina Adair
Marina Adair is a New York Times author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances
have sold over a million copies. She has hit #1 overall in Amazon Kindle Paid and her St. Helena Vineyard series was optioned and made into the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, and Valentines in the Vineyard.
Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a MFA from San Jose University and currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats.
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💛 A Note on Supporting Indies: Since Love to Hate You celebrates the heart of independent bookstores, purchasing through Bookshop feels especially meaningful. Every purchase supports local bookstores like Summer's—the real-life champions of the book community.
Related Reading: Love Marina Adair’s charm and banter? Explore more of her earlier stories and browse my Enemies to Lovers favorites for more flirty rivalries and heart-melting endings.
Join the Conversation
Did you side with Team Indie or Team Chain? And which moment made you smile the most—banter, pranks, or that first real vulnerability? Tell me below—I love hearing your take!
This post contains affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Forever Book Lover. When you purchase from Bookshop, you are supporting local, independent bookstores.
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