Book Smart Kate

by @claregilmorewrites – Friends, this book is EVERYTHING I want in a romance novel. Clare Gilmore has delivered an absolute gem—no, a stunner!

Josephine “Josie” Davis has spent her 20s building her own fashion brand from scratch. She’s a powerhouse CEO, determined to expand her business from online to brick-and-mortar in a way that’s both responsible and ethical. She’s poured everything into her work, but when a key investor insists she hire a consultant, she’s blindsided to discover it’s none other than Will Grant—her ex-best-friend’s twin brother and the boy she kissed nine years ago. A kiss that ended her friendship with his sister.

The Will Josie remembers was brooding, sharp-tongued, and always quick to call her shallow. But the Will Grant of today? He’s thoughtful, kind, and seems determined to go above and beyond—not just as a consultant but as a friend. As they reconnect, Josie fights against her growing feelings, convinced her company should come first. Yet, the more time she spends with Will, the more she questions whether her single-minded focus on work is holding her back from the happiness she truly craves.

Told entirely from Josie’s perspective, this is a tender, insightful, and heartfelt story about second chances, friendship, self-discovery, and learning to let others in. While the single POV keeps us grounded in Josie’s journey, Will is a fully realized, nuanced character who might just be one of my favorite male main characters ever. Both Will and Josie wrestle with their futures, and what sets this book apart is its emphasis on honest, mature communication. There’s no third-act miscommunication or unnecessary breakup—just a beautifully complex narrative that pushes both characters toward richer, more fulfilling lives.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It’s a thoughtful, heartwarming romance that feels refreshingly adult in every way.

The audiobook, narrated by Katharine Leonard, is nothing short of mesmerizing. At 10 hours and 47 minutes, Leonard brings the story to life with a captivating performance that perfectly complements Gilmore’s brilliant writing.