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Love in New Bedford #5
Love in the Stacks
Hold on to your cardigan! This small-town Christmas is about to get steamy…
The most recent addition to New Bedford’s crack team of small-town librarians is Ben, a mysterious, tight-lipped recluse who prefers cataloging in the basement to interacting with his eccentric coworkers.
Poppy, the intrepid circulation clerk, is content to let him brood alone…at first.
As Christmas Eve approaches, Poppy braves Ben’s prickly demeanor—and the spooky basement stairs—with offerings of hot chocolate and friendship. What she discovers at Ben’s dimly lit desk is an endearing, complicated man who always expresses exactly what he wants.
Or would, if not for the constant interruptions that keep him from touching her.
When an unexpected snowstorm traps the potential lovebirds in the library overnight, Poppy and Ben finally have a chance to explore the energy that crackles between them.
Is it just epic sex? Or is it love in the stacks?
This book is approximately 15,000 words
The Dirty Bits from Carina Press give you what you want, when you want it. Designed to be read in an hour or two, these sex-filled microromances are guaranteed to pack a punch and deliver a happily-ever-after.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
The most recent addition to New Bedford’s crack team of small-town librarians is Ben, a mysterious, tight-lipped recluse who prefers cataloging in the basement to interacting with his eccentric coworkers.
Poppy, the intrepid circulation clerk, is content to let him brood alone…at first.
As Christmas Eve approaches, Poppy braves Ben’s prickly demeanor—and the spooky basement stairs—with offerings of hot chocolate and friendship. What she discovers at Ben’s dimly lit desk is an endearing, complicated man who always expresses exactly what he wants.
Or would, if not for the constant interruptions that keep him from touching her.
When an unexpected snowstorm traps the potential lovebirds in the library overnight, Poppy and Ben finally have a chance to explore the energy that crackles between them.
Is it just epic sex? Or is it love in the stacks?
This book is approximately 15,000 words
The Dirty Bits from Carina Press give you what you want, when you want it. Designed to be read in an hour or two, these sex-filled microromances are guaranteed to pack a punch and deliver a happily-ever-after.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2019
8 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Delilah Peters
5 books16 followersDelilah Peters is a sucker for love. After years of crafting heavy, moody stories, she embraced her inner optimist--and her unabashed affection for tropes--and danced into contemporary romance.
Raised in a small, frigid town in Upstate New York, she now inhabits a small, rural town in the steamy South. There, she lives in the moment with her hero, three wild children, four cats, unfinished knitting projects, and snuggle puppy. She likes flawed characters, Octobers, memes, and quiet mornings... though she never gets enough of any of them.
Raised in a small, frigid town in Upstate New York, she now inhabits a small, rural town in the steamy South. There, she lives in the moment with her hero, three wild children, four cats, unfinished knitting projects, and snuggle puppy. She likes flawed characters, Octobers, memes, and quiet mornings... though she never gets enough of any of them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 3, 2019
4 Raunchy Librarian Stars ⭐
Love In the Stacks is gorgeous little novella that I found completely endearing and it had me smiling the entire read. Somehow this author managed to weave a tale of two awkward and quirky librarians so perfect for each other that they burned up the pages.... and that's no lie!
Poppy and Benjamin are colleagues who after some heavy petting in the library basement get snowed in together Christmas Eve.
But in the events leading up to one of the hottest nights of their lives, you get an insight into their passion and emotions they no longer need to hide.
When I stopped twirling, a little drunk on the night and the snow, and on the magic of Christmas Eve, Ben smiled at me, the first real smile he'd given me since our interlude in the stacks.
"You", he said. "You are beautiful."
Although this is a really quick read, the mood was perfectly set with a staff Christmas party, gaudy Christmas sweaters and stolen kisses. Both characters were flawed, kooky and downright amusing.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Love In the Stacks is gorgeous little novella that I found completely endearing and it had me smiling the entire read. Somehow this author managed to weave a tale of two awkward and quirky librarians so perfect for each other that they burned up the pages.... and that's no lie!
Poppy and Benjamin are colleagues who after some heavy petting in the library basement get snowed in together Christmas Eve.
But in the events leading up to one of the hottest nights of their lives, you get an insight into their passion and emotions they no longer need to hide.
When I stopped twirling, a little drunk on the night and the snow, and on the magic of Christmas Eve, Ben smiled at me, the first real smile he'd given me since our interlude in the stacks.
"You", he said. "You are beautiful."
Although this is a really quick read, the mood was perfectly set with a staff Christmas party, gaudy Christmas sweaters and stolen kisses. Both characters were flawed, kooky and downright amusing.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 26, 2019
ARC received from NetGalley
I am quite confuse with this book. It turns out this book is erotica. But without story/ plot. The characters are build without further development. Just a lot of sex. Like watching a porn movie. After I realized it, it makes me snicker. Because this book is so ridiculous funny with that statistic about sex and certain body organs.
Do I like it? Not really. Do I hate it? I find it entertaining actually. I managed to finish it through during my lunch break.
There is not much to be reviewed since there is no story/ plot
3 stars
I am quite confuse with this book. It turns out this book is erotica. But without story/ plot. The characters are build without further development. Just a lot of sex. Like watching a porn movie. After I realized it, it makes me snicker. Because this book is so ridiculous funny with that statistic about sex and certain body organs.
Do I like it? Not really. Do I hate it? I find it entertaining actually. I managed to finish it through during my lunch break.
There is not much to be reviewed since there is no story/ plot
3 stars
October 5, 2019
Quirky, fun, sexy. What a delightful story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I so enjoy these quick reads. This story reminds me of one I read before that was very similar. After all who doesn’t love a story about a librarian since we live for reading?
This one contains a surprising male lead that has a fabulously dirty mind and it is almost unexpected. But it’s always the quiet ones!
Good story with the insta-like theme, this one is quick, quirky, and sexy - just the way we like!
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I so enjoy these quick reads. This story reminds me of one I read before that was very similar. After all who doesn’t love a story about a librarian since we live for reading?
This one contains a surprising male lead that has a fabulously dirty mind and it is almost unexpected. But it’s always the quiet ones!
Good story with the insta-like theme, this one is quick, quirky, and sexy - just the way we like!
* copy received for review consideration
September 24, 2019
Thank you Netgalley and Carina Press for the advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love a sweet awkward guy. I couldn't get enough of them in a genre that mostly is filled with arrogant billionaires. And socially awkward guy who works in the library? That's even better!
At 55 pages, I thought this would be one of those slam bam, thank you ma'am kind of story.
I was pleasantly wrong.
I love a sweet awkward guy. I couldn't get enough of them in a genre that mostly is filled with arrogant billionaires. And socially awkward guy who works in the library? That's even better!
At 55 pages, I thought this would be one of those slam bam, thank you ma'am kind of story.
I was pleasantly wrong.
September 26, 2019
Poppy and Ben get trapped in the library by a snowstorm and have to spend Christmas Eve together, and upon getting to know each other, began to fall in love. Cute story.
I received a arc copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a arc copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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March 25, 2022Review also available at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: There may be snow outside, but in here, the temperature is rising. And rising. And rising.
Character Chemistry: After recovering from an early misstep, these characters have exemplary communication skills
Plot: Librarians have sex in the library on Christmas Eve
Overall: I mean. It’s an Erotic Christmas Novella. What more could you ask for?
Love in the Stacks is from The Dirty Bits line by Carina Press - which means it’s a mini-romance that focuses on the sexytimes. That means that there’s not a lot of build up or detailed character work here.
Scene 1: I bring you hot chocolate and remind you of my name. You tell me I need to put air in my tires.
Scene 2: You give me my Christmas present - a tire gauge. And then you remove my underwear.
With that said, however, this is an extremely effective sexy romance that highlights verbal communication. Ben, our hero, is neurodivergent and therefore doesn’t really understand non-verbal cues. That means when Poppy first makes some friendly overtures to her new co-worker (the afore-mentioned hot chocolate), things are a bit awkward and confused. She thought she was sending clear signals, but he was scowling at her after he kissed her, so is he interested or not?
Once Ben explains his situation, they start putting things out in the open. Which means that there’s a lot of dirty talk and explicit discussions of desire which is both hot and makes for some interesting commentary on what makes a workable relationship. Poppy thinks:
And so they embark on some sexytimes that are centered around careful communication. Plus a very convenient snow storm which leaves them stranded in the library.
Because the story was so focused on talking about sexual satiation, Love in the Stacks was more emotionally satisfying than the average erotic novella.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Heat Factor: There may be snow outside, but in here, the temperature is rising. And rising. And rising.
Character Chemistry: After recovering from an early misstep, these characters have exemplary communication skills
Plot: Librarians have sex in the library on Christmas Eve
Overall: I mean. It’s an Erotic Christmas Novella. What more could you ask for?
Love in the Stacks is from The Dirty Bits line by Carina Press - which means it’s a mini-romance that focuses on the sexytimes. That means that there’s not a lot of build up or detailed character work here.
Scene 1: I bring you hot chocolate and remind you of my name. You tell me I need to put air in my tires.
Scene 2: You give me my Christmas present - a tire gauge. And then you remove my underwear.
With that said, however, this is an extremely effective sexy romance that highlights verbal communication. Ben, our hero, is neurodivergent and therefore doesn’t really understand non-verbal cues. That means when Poppy first makes some friendly overtures to her new co-worker (the afore-mentioned hot chocolate), things are a bit awkward and confused. She thought she was sending clear signals, but he was scowling at her after he kissed her, so is he interested or not?
Once Ben explains his situation, they start putting things out in the open. Which means that there’s a lot of dirty talk and explicit discussions of desire which is both hot and makes for some interesting commentary on what makes a workable relationship. Poppy thinks:
“Are you alright?
It seems like such a simple question, but there’s so much to glean from it.
It’s a request for information that encompasses a world of questions: Did I hurt you? Did you like what I did to you? Did I make you feel special? Do you want me to do it again? Do you want me?”
And so they embark on some sexytimes that are centered around careful communication. Plus a very convenient snow storm which leaves them stranded in the library.
Because the story was so focused on talking about sexual satiation, Love in the Stacks was more emotionally satisfying than the average erotic novella.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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December 1, 2020
This was a quick little Christmas erotica story. Two librarians get snowed in the library after a staff Christmas party. Lots of hot (but also sweet) sex ensues. The hero is neurodiverse and I found his rep both accurate and endearing. Actually, while I would have loved this premise to be more of a full-storied romance, it was still wonderful for what it is.
October 15, 2019
Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I honestly didn't know that this was a novella when I first read it so I was pretty confused when the book finished so soon. At first I thought I had gotten a draft or sample instead of a full book and later on I figured it was novella. A shame at that too considering how smoking hot the book had been. Hopefully I'll get another chance to read Ms Peters books as they seem to make any living and breathing human hot and bothered.
I honestly didn't know that this was a novella when I first read it so I was pretty confused when the book finished so soon. At first I thought I had gotten a draft or sample instead of a full book and later on I figured it was novella. A shame at that too considering how smoking hot the book had been. Hopefully I'll get another chance to read Ms Peters books as they seem to make any living and breathing human hot and bothered.
October 28, 2019
This was the first book that I have read from this author and I really enjoyed this short story. It was a very quick, very hot read. Poppy and Ben work in a library and after the company Christmas party, they get stranded thanks to a snowstorm and spend a very unforgettable night. If you are looking for a quick read that will steam up your Kindle then this is the book for you.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 12, 2020
Nerd stuff. Library shenanigans. Ongoing consent. Boundaries. Squirting. Forced proximity. Christmas cookies.
This short, rare gem of a book was hot and sweet. There wasn’t a strong emotional connection between the MCs, but definite chemistry. The author had some really neat turns of phrase... and some that pulled one of of the story, such as “quote-unquote” spelled out like so. Will be reading more of hers for sure.
This short, rare gem of a book was hot and sweet. There wasn’t a strong emotional connection between the MCs, but definite chemistry. The author had some really neat turns of phrase... and some that pulled one of of the story, such as “quote-unquote” spelled out like so. Will be reading more of hers for sure.
November 29, 2019
The Dirty Bits line has been hit or miss for me, but this one was a hit. A quick and steamy novelette featuring library coworkers on Christmas Eve. They're scheduled to close the library together and then there's a heavy snowstorm... The hero is autistic and clearly explains that he needs the heroine to give him clear verbal cues, which is communicated as some excellent dirty talk. The whole thing takes place over the course of one night and I found it just Christmassy enough to be a quick holiday read.
July 9, 2023
the writing was not good!
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October 24, 2019Content Warnings
Note: I do not recommend this book to autistic readers or to Jewish readers
This really did not work for me, as an autistic Jewish reader. This felt like it fetishized and generally deeply othered the autistic love interest. The Jewish representation seemed to merely be there to make Christians feel okay about erasing Jewish folks and centering Christmas.
I will try to be more articulate about both elements and write a full review later on.
Note: I do not recommend this book to autistic readers or to Jewish readers
This really did not work for me, as an autistic Jewish reader. This felt like it fetishized and generally deeply othered the autistic love interest. The Jewish representation seemed to merely be there to make Christians feel okay about erasing Jewish folks and centering Christmas.
I will try to be more articulate about both elements and write a full review later on.
October 14, 2019
Love in the Stacks (Love in New Bedford #2) by Delilah Peters
4 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Poppy loves her job. She works with some amazing people. When they get a new person, especially an attractive man, she wants to know more about him. While her coworkers are fine to let him be in the basement, doing his job, Poppy sees something more.
Ben likes his job. He is new to the city, but knows his job well and isn't to perturbed by the talking that goes on among the staff about him. He knows that he can be awkward and shy. It's something he's dealt with all his adult life.
When Christmas approaches and the library puts on a holiday gathering, Poppy and Ben have their chance to really talk. However, talking isn't what's on their minds.
These two really steam up the library books and despite the story being short, its' full of steamy scenes. What you lack in length of story, you make up for in the characters' connection. They can't seem to stay away from each other and once they've tasted each other, all bets are off.
4 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Poppy loves her job. She works with some amazing people. When they get a new person, especially an attractive man, she wants to know more about him. While her coworkers are fine to let him be in the basement, doing his job, Poppy sees something more.
Ben likes his job. He is new to the city, but knows his job well and isn't to perturbed by the talking that goes on among the staff about him. He knows that he can be awkward and shy. It's something he's dealt with all his adult life.
When Christmas approaches and the library puts on a holiday gathering, Poppy and Ben have their chance to really talk. However, talking isn't what's on their minds.
These two really steam up the library books and despite the story being short, its' full of steamy scenes. What you lack in length of story, you make up for in the characters' connection. They can't seem to stay away from each other and once they've tasted each other, all bets are off.
October 21, 2019
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a super short book which still packs a goodly amount of punch. If you are ready to start thinking about the good bits of Christmas, then this is a good place to start!
We get to meet a number of people who work in a library approaching Christmas-time. Two of them are most definitely interested in each other - but one, Ben, is new, shy and works in the basement, and the other, Poppy, is surrounded by "friends" who do not see Ben's appeal. Luckily, they both ignore the notions of others and when snowed in take full advantage of the chemistry between them.
Perfect lunch break length and just naughty enough to give you a smile on your face before dealing with the reality of the afternoon!
This is a super short book which still packs a goodly amount of punch. If you are ready to start thinking about the good bits of Christmas, then this is a good place to start!
We get to meet a number of people who work in a library approaching Christmas-time. Two of them are most definitely interested in each other - but one, Ben, is new, shy and works in the basement, and the other, Poppy, is surrounded by "friends" who do not see Ben's appeal. Luckily, they both ignore the notions of others and when snowed in take full advantage of the chemistry between them.
Perfect lunch break length and just naughty enough to give you a smile on your face before dealing with the reality of the afternoon!
October 9, 2019
Library Circulation aid Poppy is intrigued by the "library troll" in the basement. She doesn't like that everyone teases Ben for being a loner archivist more interested in his work than being social and she also thinks he is super hot. One cup of slightly spilled hot chocolate brought as a gift to bring Ben out of his office to the staff holiday party leads to a night of debauchery in the stacks.
Overall for a short story this felt uneven. From the author note at the back Ben is neuro-divergent, but this isn't exactly laid out in the story itself. Also, as a library worker, many of the details of how work life is at the library felt unrealistic. Serving alcohol at a staff party then expecting two staff members to stay and close up the library, with patrons still there, felt not quite right.
Poppy's character felt more fleshed out than Ben and their quick jump into banging at work, with coworkers still there, also didn't work for me personally.
Overall for a short story this felt uneven. From the author note at the back Ben is neuro-divergent, but this isn't exactly laid out in the story itself. Also, as a library worker, many of the details of how work life is at the library felt unrealistic. Serving alcohol at a staff party then expecting two staff members to stay and close up the library, with patrons still there, felt not quite right.
Poppy's character felt more fleshed out than Ben and their quick jump into banging at work, with coworkers still there, also didn't work for me personally.
January 1, 2022
Love in the Stacks is part of a series of erotica designed to be read in an hour or two - and it delivers high quality for this format! The cast of characters is kept small and is naturally focused on the hero and heroine. The scene is likewise kept small, with 90% of the short read taking place in the library where the couple both work. Despite the condensed form, the author manages to convey a sense of something other than "love/lust at first sight," as it is obvious that an interest and attraction had been growing between the two MCs, and that we are only seeing the climax (no pun intended) of that growing tension. The hero, Ben, is also neurodivergent in some way, and I appreciated the effort the author made to include this sort of representation.
Some of the "sexy times" language had me wincing - but these were probably just my personal caveats and preferences.
Some of the "sexy times" language had me wincing - but these were probably just my personal caveats and preferences.
January 1, 2020
This series was a hit or miss to me. This little story was more on the HIT side in the category - fun, steamy, sexy and not complicated. Ideal for the end of the year.
The book served its purpose and I was in the mood for this kind of read so I hope that the next stories in Dirty Bits will be on the better side as well.
Development was something, that was not exactly here especially when it comes to characters and plot. It was on the more basic side of life.
Generally, it was an easy story with sex that was just a good break in between and served its purpose
The book served its purpose and I was in the mood for this kind of read so I hope that the next stories in Dirty Bits will be on the better side as well.
Development was something, that was not exactly here especially when it comes to characters and plot. It was on the more basic side of life.
Generally, it was an easy story with sex that was just a good break in between and served its purpose
November 18, 2019
Rating: 2.5 stars
This was fine for what it was, which is a short Christmas erotica more than a romance. Not a lot of character or plot development, but it does have a snowed in together trope! Points for having a neurodivergent MC, and then minus-points for the heroine and her BFF calling him a Basement Troll and being kind of gross about it... Overall a fairly enjoyable holiday romp about being snowed in at the library on Christmas Eve. ;)
This was fine for what it was, which is a short Christmas erotica more than a romance. Not a lot of character or plot development, but it does have a snowed in together trope! Points for having a neurodivergent MC, and then minus-points for the heroine and her BFF calling him a Basement Troll and being kind of gross about it... Overall a fairly enjoyable holiday romp about being snowed in at the library on Christmas Eve. ;)
July 6, 2020
Ummm, if you want just sex this is for you because that seems to be all Poppy and Ben do......I think if there was more story to it instead of sex right away I’d have given another star ......it’s not bad but could be better
October 18, 2019
This was a really cute read. A Christmas novella about finding the love of your quirky life right beneath your nose. Hot library nerd for the win!
I received an arc of this book.
I received an arc of this book.
November 13, 2019
Some people have all the “stuck in the library during a blizzard, might as well bang it out” luck. Super fun and steamy short story!
FYI hero is neurodiverse.
CW: past infidelity
FYI hero is neurodiverse.
CW: past infidelity
February 7, 2023
This was so short I literally have no impression at all about anything lol.
November 15, 2022
Poppy and Ben are co-workers and GET SNOWED IN A LIBRARY (one of the best tropes ever btw) 🥳🥳🥳
I loved it! It was super short, soft, sweet and hot, everything I want in a Christmas novella.
I loved it! It was super short, soft, sweet and hot, everything I want in a Christmas novella.
October 27, 2019
Love in the Stacks was an impulse request from Netgalley. I saw that title and confirmed from the description that it was a romance novel set in a library (involving library staff, specifically. even better), and I was sold. A short and steamy romance, with the promise of an HEA? Perfect. Never mind that I’d never heard of the author. Librarian romances are pretty much my kryptonite.
Love in the Stacks did not disappoint! It’s short and sweet and steamy, with two likable leads, Poppy and Ben. Poppy seems like a pretty standard geeky white female librarian. (This is not a bad thing for me.) Ben is also a librarian, but specifically an archivist (Be still, my cataloging librarian heart!), and is neuro-diverse and secular Jewish. He’s also handsome and patient and thoughtful and a very clear communicator. Pretty much swoon-worthy.
This novella is only 55 pages, so the time frame for the romance moves along at a slightly unrealistically brisk pace, but for once I didn’t feel like the brevity distracted from the story. Not a lot happens in this story, other than some holiday library shenanigans, lots of sexy times, and a sweet little love story, but those events are satisfying on their own. A lot of the sexy times occurred at the library, which is both of their place of employ, which not only stressed me out (What if they get caught?!), but was also a bit unprofessional. But I thoroughly enjoyed the story anyway. I especially enjoyed the little touches throughout the story that made it feel more realistic and fleshed out, without lots of detailed descriptions and world-building (for instance, Ben’s concern about Poppy’s car’s low tire pressure, or Poppy mentioning a cosplay outfit being warm/ causing sweating, or having a rude coworker or two.) Despite the brevity of the writing, the world and main characters felt real and enjoyable.
This is a small town romance, and often times “small town” is code-word for “super white/ no ethnic diversity”. Love in the Stacks doesn’t seem like a big exception to that stereotype–most of the characters as described sounded white-presenting–but the story is so brief as to barely describe the supporting characters, and the author clearly made an attempt to include some diverse representation, as Ben is both Jewish and neuro-diverse, and another staff member is briefly mentioned as being in a same sex marriage. The author even mentions having had sensitivity reading done for the story, to make sure her representation was accurate and respectful, which I very much appreciate. I’m hopeful that as I read more works by the author, there will be more racial diversity included as well.
I hadn’t heard of Delilah Peters prior to this book, but I plan to be looking up the rest of her work and reading through them all soon. I highly recommend this little romance (or mini-mance, as Carina Press calls it) to anyone who is a sucker for short and sweet and steamy romance, especially if you also have a soft spot for libraries and librarians.
Thank you to #Netgalley and Carina Press/ Harlequin for a chance to read #LoveInTheStacks in exchange for my honest opinion.
Love in the Stacks did not disappoint! It’s short and sweet and steamy, with two likable leads, Poppy and Ben. Poppy seems like a pretty standard geeky white female librarian. (This is not a bad thing for me.) Ben is also a librarian, but specifically an archivist (Be still, my cataloging librarian heart!), and is neuro-diverse and secular Jewish. He’s also handsome and patient and thoughtful and a very clear communicator. Pretty much swoon-worthy.
This novella is only 55 pages, so the time frame for the romance moves along at a slightly unrealistically brisk pace, but for once I didn’t feel like the brevity distracted from the story. Not a lot happens in this story, other than some holiday library shenanigans, lots of sexy times, and a sweet little love story, but those events are satisfying on their own. A lot of the sexy times occurred at the library, which is both of their place of employ, which not only stressed me out (What if they get caught?!), but was also a bit unprofessional. But I thoroughly enjoyed the story anyway. I especially enjoyed the little touches throughout the story that made it feel more realistic and fleshed out, without lots of detailed descriptions and world-building (for instance, Ben’s concern about Poppy’s car’s low tire pressure, or Poppy mentioning a cosplay outfit being warm/ causing sweating, or having a rude coworker or two.) Despite the brevity of the writing, the world and main characters felt real and enjoyable.
This is a small town romance, and often times “small town” is code-word for “super white/ no ethnic diversity”. Love in the Stacks doesn’t seem like a big exception to that stereotype–most of the characters as described sounded white-presenting–but the story is so brief as to barely describe the supporting characters, and the author clearly made an attempt to include some diverse representation, as Ben is both Jewish and neuro-diverse, and another staff member is briefly mentioned as being in a same sex marriage. The author even mentions having had sensitivity reading done for the story, to make sure her representation was accurate and respectful, which I very much appreciate. I’m hopeful that as I read more works by the author, there will be more racial diversity included as well.
I hadn’t heard of Delilah Peters prior to this book, but I plan to be looking up the rest of her work and reading through them all soon. I highly recommend this little romance (or mini-mance, as Carina Press calls it) to anyone who is a sucker for short and sweet and steamy romance, especially if you also have a soft spot for libraries and librarians.
Thank you to #Netgalley and Carina Press/ Harlequin for a chance to read #LoveInTheStacks in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 31, 2022
Originally upon finishing this, I was like this is cute and steamy and short and sexy and I gave it 4 stars. And then I went to sleep (this was after midnight last night). After sleeping on it, I have issues. I'm not keen on people having sex in a library even though it might sound hot in theory. It's dusty and musty and gross and there's a high risk of paper cuts in uncomfortable places.
But all that aside, there is both neurodiversity rep and Jewish rep in this little novella and while I get that space is at a premium in novellas, I'd love if both of these reps were treated as more than a casual afterthought. It's fairly apparent that Ben, the MMC, is on the autism spectrum but it's never clearly laid out. What we have are context clues in the form of Ben not being able to read nonverbal cues and needing everything spelled out clearly with words, which leads to some spectacular dirty talk when he and Poppy act on their mutual attraction. However, Ben is referred to as Benjamin the Basement Troll by their other coworkers because of his nature (he's quiet and shy and aloof) and it reeks of ableism and othering and made me question why the author decided to include this rep only to treat it in this manner. He is also Jewish and it's literally one throwaway line - there is nothing else to suggest he is Jewish and again, what is the point of including it if all you get is 1 line about it to imply this story is not centering Christianity in this very Christmas-centric holiday fic. Diversity for diversity's sake is superficial and doesn't work for me.
The writing itself was good and again, it is very very sexy but the problematic elements of this story were far too strong for me to be able to overlook them in favor of the high heat. I want sexy times AND I want good representation. I only got 1 of the 2 in this one.
But all that aside, there is both neurodiversity rep and Jewish rep in this little novella and while I get that space is at a premium in novellas, I'd love if both of these reps were treated as more than a casual afterthought. It's fairly apparent that Ben, the MMC, is on the autism spectrum but it's never clearly laid out. What we have are context clues in the form of Ben not being able to read nonverbal cues and needing everything spelled out clearly with words, which leads to some spectacular dirty talk when he and Poppy act on their mutual attraction. However, Ben is referred to as Benjamin the Basement Troll by their other coworkers because of his nature (he's quiet and shy and aloof) and it reeks of ableism and othering and made me question why the author decided to include this rep only to treat it in this manner. He is also Jewish and it's literally one throwaway line - there is nothing else to suggest he is Jewish and again, what is the point of including it if all you get is 1 line about it to imply this story is not centering Christianity in this very Christmas-centric holiday fic. Diversity for diversity's sake is superficial and doesn't work for me.
The writing itself was good and again, it is very very sexy but the problematic elements of this story were far too strong for me to be able to overlook them in favor of the high heat. I want sexy times AND I want good representation. I only got 1 of the 2 in this one.
November 28, 2019
5/5 - Whenever Delilah Peters teams up with Carina Press, great things happen.
I honestly love the Love in New Bedford series. Such dirt-sexy romantic love happens in this town. This is a short read, about 55 pages. It’s a contemporary erotic romance so there is an HFN. It does have a jump in the epilogue. I liked the length but honestly I would read a full length novel about these characters.
Poppy and Ben are librarians. Poppy is a positive and friendly chick. She had her heart broken in the past and has lost confidence in herself but also takes initiative. Ben is the hot, sexy, cranky librarian that spend all his time in the basement stacks researching.
They have some sparks and then, Christmas Eve. They both have to work late together and alone. Their way of celebrating the holiday is all kinds of YES. There’s and snow storm and the power goes out. But the heat is turned way up!
Each of the books in this standalone series feature diverse characters. Either mental or race. Ben, represents neurodiversity — and it is so good. He’s so sexy and so in control but he also has very hard lines for himself which Poppy understands.
*I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review * Thank You.
FYI:
Oral, manual, penetrative sex. Anal play (no sex).
Love in New Bedford series order (note the order on Goodreads is confusing but they are standalones).
Right Next Door (Carina Press)
Love in the Stacks (Carina Press)
Sugar Rush
Second Story
In Love on Air
I honestly love the Love in New Bedford series. Such dirt-sexy romantic love happens in this town. This is a short read, about 55 pages. It’s a contemporary erotic romance so there is an HFN. It does have a jump in the epilogue. I liked the length but honestly I would read a full length novel about these characters.
Poppy and Ben are librarians. Poppy is a positive and friendly chick. She had her heart broken in the past and has lost confidence in herself but also takes initiative. Ben is the hot, sexy, cranky librarian that spend all his time in the basement stacks researching.
They have some sparks and then, Christmas Eve. They both have to work late together and alone. Their way of celebrating the holiday is all kinds of YES. There’s and snow storm and the power goes out. But the heat is turned way up!
Each of the books in this standalone series feature diverse characters. Either mental or race. Ben, represents neurodiversity — and it is so good. He’s so sexy and so in control but he also has very hard lines for himself which Poppy understands.
*I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review * Thank You.
FYI:
Oral, manual, penetrative sex. Anal play (no sex).
Love in New Bedford series order (note the order on Goodreads is confusing but they are standalones).
Right Next Door (Carina Press)
Love in the Stacks (Carina Press)
Sugar Rush
Second Story
In Love on Air
January 23, 2023
I have read many books in this series from Carina Press and have enjoyed them immensely. This one, to be honest, didn't wow me.
I liked the characters of Poppy and Ben well enough, and I liked their banter, although Ben's scowls started to annoy me by the end.
I also appreciated the representation of neurological diversity, and Carrie's almost blithe acceptance of Ben's differences.
The main thing I found troubling was Ben's mercurial mood switches. It seemed like one minute he'd be barely engaging and the next minute he'd be all up in Poppy's business, being sexually aggressive, bantering, etc. And then the switch would flip off again and he was back to being withdrawn. It didn't seem internally consistent, or consistent with my (not limited, but certainly not expert) knowledge of neurologically diverse individuals.
Finally, I was surprised that Poppy considered Carrie a friend, as Carrie seemed like a nasty person. Decent human beings shouldn't say (or even think) some of the things Carrie said, and if I were Poppy, I'd (1) call her on them more pointedly then she did and (2) think very carefully whether she was worthy of being my friend. Who, over the age of about 8, calls another person a troll? Unacceptable.
In general, worth a quick read but don't expect it to rock your world. I realize that that is not the point of these short novellas, but this one accomplishes less than others in the Carina Press Dirty Bits series.
I liked the characters of Poppy and Ben well enough, and I liked their banter, although Ben's scowls started to annoy me by the end.
I also appreciated the representation of neurological diversity, and Carrie's almost blithe acceptance of Ben's differences.
The main thing I found troubling was Ben's mercurial mood switches. It seemed like one minute he'd be barely engaging and the next minute he'd be all up in Poppy's business, being sexually aggressive, bantering, etc. And then the switch would flip off again and he was back to being withdrawn. It didn't seem internally consistent, or consistent with my (not limited, but certainly not expert) knowledge of neurologically diverse individuals.
Finally, I was surprised that Poppy considered Carrie a friend, as Carrie seemed like a nasty person. Decent human beings shouldn't say (or even think) some of the things Carrie said, and if I were Poppy, I'd (1) call her on them more pointedly then she did and (2) think very carefully whether she was worthy of being my friend. Who, over the age of about 8, calls another person a troll? Unacceptable.
In general, worth a quick read but don't expect it to rock your world. I realize that that is not the point of these short novellas, but this one accomplishes less than others in the Carina Press Dirty Bits series.
October 19, 2019
I've read a few of these short stories from Carina Press. While they don't offer a long, in-depth story, they are a fun, quick read with lots of dirty bits as the title of the series would suggest. This is a very quick read, but for something fast and instantly satisfying, then you can't go far wrong here.
The story is about Poppy and Ben, who both work in the library in New Bedford. Ben has not been there long and works in the archives downstairs. He's a little different, being shy and reserved one minute, but once Poppy gets to know him, he's anything but and the sparks fly between them.
As this is quite short, there isn't a great deal of character development or plot here, but that doesn't really matter. It was still very enjoyable and I liked the growing relationship between the two.
The story is set at Christmas and even features a snowstorm that traps Poppy and Ben in the library together overnight. If you had a cold winters evening in front of the fire, then this book would be a great read to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The story is about Poppy and Ben, who both work in the library in New Bedford. Ben has not been there long and works in the archives downstairs. He's a little different, being shy and reserved one minute, but once Poppy gets to know him, he's anything but and the sparks fly between them.
As this is quite short, there isn't a great deal of character development or plot here, but that doesn't really matter. It was still very enjoyable and I liked the growing relationship between the two.
The story is set at Christmas and even features a snowstorm that traps Poppy and Ben in the library together overnight. If you had a cold winters evening in front of the fire, then this book would be a great read to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 20, 2024
On Saturday last week, I ended up in the hospital and while waiting decided to click into something random on my Kindle, so I got my partner to pick a page number and a book number and it landed on Love in the Stacks by Delilah Peters. This was part of The Dirty Bits/ Love in New Bedford series published by Carina Press. This book also helps with being a Christmas in July-themed read as it is set at Christmas between two library workers. Ben and Poppy, this Christmas are going to both brave up and talk to one another and who knows what hijinks they might get up to between the stacks, especially after one Christmas Party that leaves Ben and Poppy stranded and stuck in the library overnight together. As a former librarian and a lover of books, I loved this read as it highlighted a few of my favorite things from librarians, quirky characters, love of Christmas, book recommendations, and romance between the stacks. The other thing too was that this book is a quick read that hits the spot at being novella length. Love in the Stacks is the perfect instalove sexy read without feeling too OTT smutty.
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