Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson: Book Review

Sourcebooks expect Shauna Robinson’s debut novel Must Love Books to be released on January 18, 2022. This contemporary book introduces the reader to Nora Hughes, a 20-something struggling with life. Overworked, underpaid, and perpetually stressed, Nora struggles to find joy in anything which used to bring her happiness. How can she relieve that stress to find any joy in life?

I want to thank Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Must Love Books. All opinions presented here are solely mine.

CW/TW: talk of suicide, depression

Synopsis from Goodreads

Meet Nora Hughes―the overworked, underpaid, last bookish assistant standing. At least for now. When Nora landed an editorial assistant position at Parsons Press, it was her first step towards The Dream Job. Because, honestly, is there anything dreamier than making books for a living? But after five years of lunch orders, finicky authors, and per my last emails, Nora has come to one grand conclusion: Dream Jobs do not exist.

With her life spiraling and the Parsons staff sinking, Nora gets hit with even worse news. Parsons is cutting her already unlivable salary. Unable to afford her rent and without even the novels she once loved as a comfort, Nora decides to moonlight for a rival publisher to make ends meet…and maybe poach some Parsons authors along the way.

But when Andrew Santos, a bestselling Parsons author no one can afford to lose, is thrown into the mix, Nora has to decide where her loyalties lie. Her new Dream Job, ever-optimistic Andrew, or…herself and her future.

Positives

The cast of characters is diverse, yet their diversity isn’t the only focus. Yes, it is mentioned a few times how Nora is the only person of color in the office, but it’s not a constant conversation.

Nora’s feelings about her current situation are relatable. How many people think they’ve found their dream job straight out of school only to have the dream crash and burn? I think everyone has had that feeling at some point or another in their life.

Negatives

Nora admits that she feels depressed and unhappy with her situation, which is a positive, but how she handles it is harmful. She turns to Andrew for a distraction and uses sex to distract him from discussing their feelings and emotions. I understand that people do this all the time, but it’s not a healthy way to handle the situation.

There was a curious lack of male characters in the book. There are three male characters mentioned with regularity compared to seven females. I have always heard how the publishing industry is full of males, and this book doesn’t seem to reflect that.

My Opinions

I will admit, I don’t understand where the title came from for the book. When I first heard of the book, I had assumed that this was a romance that revolved around a woman looking for someone who loved books and reading. This is so far from the truth. I believe that during a conversation early in the book, Nora mentions that she is looking for someone who must love books. But I don’t see how that ties into the story in the book.

I have seen this book marketed as a romance in many places, and while there is a romance in the book, it doesn’t feel like a romance read. I say that because it isn’t the main focus of the book. In the majority of romance books I’ve read, the romance is the main focus on the story. This feels more like a contemporary with a romance side-story.

Overall, I enjoyed the read. I feel that if you like a fun, yet serious contemporary with bit or romance, you will like this book.

Looking for some more books to read? Check out my other book reviews and my monthly reading wrap-ups.