Bookwyrm Acquisitions by Constance Lopez:

4 stars

The patriarch of the Zeleny clan, an emerald dragon, was murdered and, to add insult to injury, his hoard was confiscated by the other emeralds. Cammie would rather mourn in peace and build her own hoard than chase after the other dragons and try to revive what had been lost, like her uncle and sister. But then Nic stops by the bookstore where she works and buys the book she’s been trying to find for years—a book she needs for her hoard. They make a deal; Cammie will help him acquire valuable books, and she will earn the book she wants so badly. Cammie makes friends among his staff and feels…at home. It’s all going rather well…until the house gets set on fire. Too bad Nic isn’t really who he says he is.

Bookwyrm Acquisitions—great title—is like a BFF in book form; it’s light, fun, quirky, intriguing, with great characters, and a good pace. This book has charm! It overlaps with cozy just a bit, but has higher stakes than typical. It has books, cardigans, antiques, shopping, good food, warmth, and movie nights. It’s a very friendly book.

The worldbuilding is proportionate and entertaining. The characters…well, Nic can be a jerk, or he can be hot; Cammie is relatable, but undersells herself; Sophie is an annoying but loving sister; Will has a fascinating set of odd characteristics and an adorable fixation on his wife; Eri is all softheartedness and maternal love; Josephine is a delight who can’t get your name right; Steve is hilarious; Kaldruin is shy but precious; Sergei is all grumpiness and loyalty; and Darcy is the perfect touch of whimsy. The characters are awesome.

This style used to be more common a few years ago, and I miss it. Bookwyrm Acquisitions is a good work-week book—a bit of magic, family drama, found family fun, with a nice undercurrent of romance that’s unlikely to stress anyone out and quite likely to offer a bit of relaxation.

Who could say no to a tiny, cuddly dragon with fairy wings?