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Love Story
She’s a small-town schoolteacher.
He’s a hotshot marketing director.
Together, it’s hate at first sight.
Sophie Taylor has a secret and Joe Walsh thinks he knows it (all). He’s devilishly handsome, incredibly hot – and far too sure of himself.
Unfortunately, Sophie desperately needs his help. She has lost her laptop – and her sequel to the sensational, spicy romance that everybody’s talking about.
Because Sophie is not just hiding something small. She is Este Cox, the mysterious romance author the entire world is desperate to unmask.
When a trip to Sophie’s home town leads to the disgruntledpair sharing a one-bed cottage, it’s a short step to sharing a whole lot more besides… Can Sophie trust Joe with the truth – and be herself?
He’s a hotshot marketing director.
Together, it’s hate at first sight.
Sophie Taylor has a secret and Joe Walsh thinks he knows it (all). He’s devilishly handsome, incredibly hot – and far too sure of himself.
Unfortunately, Sophie desperately needs his help. She has lost her laptop – and her sequel to the sensational, spicy romance that everybody’s talking about.
Because Sophie is not just hiding something small. She is Este Cox, the mysterious romance author the entire world is desperate to unmask.
When a trip to Sophie’s home town leads to the disgruntledpair sharing a one-bed cottage, it’s a short step to sharing a whole lot more besides… Can Sophie trust Joe with the truth – and be herself?
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2024
About the author
Lindsey Kelk
49 books4,892 followersLindsey Kelk is the Sunday Times bestselling author of books including the I Heart series, On A Night Like This, The Christmas Wish, and One in a Million, along with the middle grade Cinders & Sparks series.
As well as writing books, Lindsey co-hosts the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, and Tight and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network.
Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in Nottingham, London and New York before settling in LA, where she lives with her husband and two very rude cats.
As well as writing books, Lindsey co-hosts the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, and Tight and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network.
Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in Nottingham, London and New York before settling in LA, where she lives with her husband and two very rude cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
July 18, 2024
Oof. With a cover this pretty and the expectations I had for this book - this sucks having to say that I really wasn't a fan of this one.
2 Stars
╰┈➤ 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓯 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂
Love story is a lighthearted rom-com that follows our FMC Sophie as she grapples with becoming a best selling author of an erotic romance novel she published under a pen name. Growing up in a family that has always worked in publishing, Sophie opted to become a teacher.
Her parents being 'pinkies up' literary scholars, they would never approve of their daughter being a romance novelist.
Gathered for the weekend at her family's home for her father's 60th birthday, Sophie is bombarded with several obstacles to keep her Este Cox alter-ego under wraps. Including her ex boyfriend CJ who's recently a best selling author, along with a hot colleague/childhood friend.
What could possibly go wrong?
╰┈➤ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼
On the positive side- I did like like that the pacing moved fairly quickly. The short chapters and punchy lines were a great way to start and pull me in.
Unfortunately, it didn't take long for me to start scoffing and rolling my eyes lol. I'm super picky when it comes to rom-coms, for a while there I just refused to read them. I'm not usually a fan of the hokiness and the cartoon like character personalities.
Some of the humor actually had me laughing out loud but as the I continued reading the author mentions BookTok, TikTok, Instagram, Bookstagram, tropes and several authors by name over and over again and it just threw me out of the story - If it was just a couple of times, I'd be able to just forget about it but it's super frequent.
Instalove isn't a favorite for me and the insta of this love match goes hard, it didn't feel like any chemistry was really developed between the two of them. Kelk was just like 'and now you kisssss.' And so it was.
The supporting characters - while in some aspects had me giggling, in other aspects I didn't really like them very much. Sophie's parents speak about her as if teaching isn't a noble career and I don't understand why our FMC is I'm assuming in her late 20s or early 30s, I don't remember if it's mentioned. But she acts like a child. In her mannerisms, in seeking approval from her parents.
╰┈➤ In short, by 45% I was skimming and speed reading to get to the end being so put off by all of the characters, except maybe Sophie's brother, William. The general hokey feeling and the constant pop-culture references soured my enjoyment of this one.
2 Stars
╰┈➤ 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓯 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂
Love story is a lighthearted rom-com that follows our FMC Sophie as she grapples with becoming a best selling author of an erotic romance novel she published under a pen name. Growing up in a family that has always worked in publishing, Sophie opted to become a teacher.
Her parents being 'pinkies up' literary scholars, they would never approve of their daughter being a romance novelist.
Gathered for the weekend at her family's home for her father's 60th birthday, Sophie is bombarded with several obstacles to keep her Este Cox alter-ego under wraps. Including her ex boyfriend CJ who's recently a best selling author, along with a hot colleague/childhood friend.
What could possibly go wrong?
╰┈➤ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼
On the positive side- I did like like that the pacing moved fairly quickly. The short chapters and punchy lines were a great way to start and pull me in.
Unfortunately, it didn't take long for me to start scoffing and rolling my eyes lol. I'm super picky when it comes to rom-coms, for a while there I just refused to read them. I'm not usually a fan of the hokiness and the cartoon like character personalities.
Some of the humor actually had me laughing out loud but as the I continued reading the author mentions BookTok, TikTok, Instagram, Bookstagram, tropes and several authors by name over and over again and it just threw me out of the story - If it was just a couple of times, I'd be able to just forget about it but it's super frequent.
Instalove isn't a favorite for me and the insta of this love match goes hard, it didn't feel like any chemistry was really developed between the two of them. Kelk was just like 'and now you kisssss.' And so it was.
The supporting characters - while in some aspects had me giggling, in other aspects I didn't really like them very much. Sophie's parents speak about her as if teaching isn't a noble career and I don't understand why our FMC is I'm assuming in her late 20s or early 30s, I don't remember if it's mentioned. But she acts like a child. In her mannerisms, in seeking approval from her parents.
╰┈➤ In short, by 45% I was skimming and speed reading to get to the end being so put off by all of the characters, except maybe Sophie's brother, William. The general hokey feeling and the constant pop-culture references soured my enjoyment of this one.
August 3, 2024
Writing: trademark Lindsey Kelk (punchy and conversational) | Plot: unique | Ending: again, I humbly ask for an epilogue (which I never do)
my opinion
People in China heard me scream when I opened my email to find a NetGalley widget for this absolutely stunning book. I am nothing but a Lindsey Kelk stan and once again, she did not disappoint. I can't wait to receive my pre-ordered copy to sleep with under my pillow because this cover is EVERYTHING!!!
This was different than her past books for 2 reasons. 1: Kelk catches a lot of flack for her lack of ding dongs, so horndogs rejoice, this is her horniest book yet. It's not completely open doors, but it's like not all the way closed until one of them realizes you're creepin on them and shuts it in your face. Lots of talk about ~moisture~ and ~tingling~ in this one. And by a lot, I mean for Kelk, not Elsie Silver levels. I wouldn't be surprised if this is her best rated book as there seems to be a direct correlation between spice levels and rating in the romance arena.
And 2: there was A LOT of romance for a Kelk book. I mean it was mostly horniness, but still, the MMC was fully in the frame. In some of her past books, the male love interest has less on-page time than the FMCs cat. I like how she addressed head-on that it was insta-love (everyone's least fave trope), instead of pretending they had some deep, meaningful connection they built over time like some other books ahem Heartless by Elsie Silver (sorry for the double drive-by).
I really enjoyed her take on the popular online discourse surrounding romance novels. Namely: are romance novels everything literature isn't supposed to be? Are they thinly disguised porno mags? Has the genre been boiled down to a bunch of tropes? Are they actually feeding the monster we call misogyny? She does it in a way that doesn't feel too Ted Talk-ish or navel-gazey, but her points are made. Given the topics covered in this book, I feel like it would make for a lot of great, potentially heated, discussions.
As always, I laughed and laughed and laughed. I won't lie, the middle was a bit slow for me, but it picked back up with some classic Kelk jokes. Warning: there's one scene involving the MMC and a horned-up old lady that is a bit... iffy... to say the least. Perhaps it got the chop as this is the uncorrected proof (several typos are afoot). Other than that, fun times were had.
pros & cons
pros: unique premise, funny as always, loved that it addressed the popular discourse about the romance genre without it feeling like a lecture, good bants between Joe and Sophie, side characters add colour to the story, the fight scene reminded me of that backyard scuffle in Crazy, Stupid, Love (a classic. Fight me)
cons: iffy scene between Joe and horned up old lazy, middle a bit slow for me
__
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my opinion
People in China heard me scream when I opened my email to find a NetGalley widget for this absolutely stunning book. I am nothing but a Lindsey Kelk stan and once again, she did not disappoint. I can't wait to receive my pre-ordered copy to sleep with under my pillow because this cover is EVERYTHING!!!
This was different than her past books for 2 reasons. 1: Kelk catches a lot of flack for her lack of ding dongs, so horndogs rejoice, this is her horniest book yet. It's not completely open doors, but it's like not all the way closed until one of them realizes you're creepin on them and shuts it in your face. Lots of talk about ~moisture~ and ~tingling~ in this one. And by a lot, I mean for Kelk, not Elsie Silver levels. I wouldn't be surprised if this is her best rated book as there seems to be a direct correlation between spice levels and rating in the romance arena.
And 2: there was A LOT of romance for a Kelk book. I mean it was mostly horniness, but still, the MMC was fully in the frame. In some of her past books, the male love interest has less on-page time than the FMCs cat. I like how she addressed head-on that it was insta-love (everyone's least fave trope), instead of pretending they had some deep, meaningful connection they built over time like some other books ahem Heartless by Elsie Silver (sorry for the double drive-by).
I really enjoyed her take on the popular online discourse surrounding romance novels. Namely: are romance novels everything literature isn't supposed to be? Are they thinly disguised porno mags? Has the genre been boiled down to a bunch of tropes? Are they actually feeding the monster we call misogyny? She does it in a way that doesn't feel too Ted Talk-ish or navel-gazey, but her points are made. Given the topics covered in this book, I feel like it would make for a lot of great, potentially heated, discussions.
As always, I laughed and laughed and laughed. I won't lie, the middle was a bit slow for me, but it picked back up with some classic Kelk jokes. Warning: there's one scene involving the MMC and a horned-up old lady that is a bit... iffy... to say the least. Perhaps it got the chop as this is the uncorrected proof (several typos are afoot). Other than that, fun times were had.
pros & cons
pros: unique premise, funny as always, loved that it addressed the popular discourse about the romance genre without it feeling like a lecture, good bants between Joe and Sophie, side characters add colour to the story, the fight scene reminded me of that backyard scuffle in Crazy, Stupid, Love (a classic. Fight me)
cons: iffy scene between Joe and horned up old lazy, middle a bit slow for me
__
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July 10, 2024
I wanted to love it, but unfortunately didn’t.
July 1, 2024
Publication Date: 04th July 2024
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Enjoyable as always but need an epilogue!
Sophie Taylor is a small-town elementary school teacher with popular figures as parents. Not just that, she is the mysterious Este Cox, the author of Butterflies, a book flying off the shelves faster than it can be printed.
Joe Walsh is arrogant, annoying, overconfident, and way too handsome to be a good man. However, sparks fly between the two and intensify when they meet again.
Sophie needs help when her bag with her laptop and the latest manuscript is lost. But is Joe the man to help her or will take advantage of her situation? Let’s find out!
The story comes in Sophie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I was excited when I got a widget for the author’s latest book. While I have a few teeny issues with some aspects, no denying that I enjoy her work. And look at that cover. Isn’t it pretty?
NGL, I was a bit surprised when the MMC entered the story right in the first chapter. I also forgot the premise and spent a while wondering if he was the one or not, lol. A quick look at the blurb cleared things up.
As you can guess from the premise, this is an enemies-to-lovers trope with insta-love thrown into the mix. There’s no pretense about it, though. It starts as insta-lust which makes sense given how handsome the guy is. *swoon*
The book deftly deals with the bias against romance (never mind that it is one of the bestselling genres). The conversations are scattered throughout the book and raise many points I cheered for. I came across this post on Facebook , which aligns with what the book discusses.
Considering the FMC’s family background, many authors get a mention. It can be a wee excessive for some readers. The names can get too many at times.
The writing has a lot of humor, something the author does with ease. It is fun reading and chuckling at the banter between different characters.
The side characters are distinct and do their bit to keep the story flowing. Charlotte is what we call a chota packet bada dhamaka (small in size but a huge impact). She brings a lot of drama and laughter to the plot.
There’s one scene that is uncomfortable but is presented with a humorous touch. Just saying that if the roles were reversed, it would never be funny. At least, there’s an acknowledgment that it is not supposed to be funny, so that’s something.
There is a dreaded third-act breakup, which did leave me with mixed feelings. I’m not a fan of this trope and feel it could have been better with an epilogue. This brings me to the next point – why is there no epilogue?
When the book advocates the importance of romance reads, it makes sense to have an epilogue and provide readers with the full satisfaction of seeing the characters get their HEA. And if the author hates epilogues, why not extend the last scene to another page and let the happiness sink in? Some of us are fast readers. It doesn’t work well if the book ends before we fully feel the lead couple getting back together. Give us a little something to enjoy and then end the book. Ugh!
The book has some spice but not as much as I expected. Somehow, the main scenes fade out despite it being (or supposed to be) an open door. So, I’d put it around steam level 2.
To summarize, Love Story is an enjoyable read with many lighthearted moments and some emotional ones. It makes a strong case for the romance genre without shoving the theme into the readers’ faces. Naturally, I’m ready for the next book by the author.
Thank you, Vicky Joss, NetGalley, and HarperCollinsUK, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #LoveStory
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Enjoyable as always but need an epilogue!
Sophie Taylor is a small-town elementary school teacher with popular figures as parents. Not just that, she is the mysterious Este Cox, the author of Butterflies, a book flying off the shelves faster than it can be printed.
Joe Walsh is arrogant, annoying, overconfident, and way too handsome to be a good man. However, sparks fly between the two and intensify when they meet again.
Sophie needs help when her bag with her laptop and the latest manuscript is lost. But is Joe the man to help her or will take advantage of her situation? Let’s find out!
The story comes in Sophie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I was excited when I got a widget for the author’s latest book. While I have a few teeny issues with some aspects, no denying that I enjoy her work. And look at that cover. Isn’t it pretty?
NGL, I was a bit surprised when the MMC entered the story right in the first chapter. I also forgot the premise and spent a while wondering if he was the one or not, lol. A quick look at the blurb cleared things up.
As you can guess from the premise, this is an enemies-to-lovers trope with insta-love thrown into the mix. There’s no pretense about it, though. It starts as insta-lust which makes sense given how handsome the guy is. *swoon*
The book deftly deals with the bias against romance (never mind that it is one of the bestselling genres). The conversations are scattered throughout the book and raise many points I cheered for. I came across this post on Facebook , which aligns with what the book discusses.
Considering the FMC’s family background, many authors get a mention. It can be a wee excessive for some readers. The names can get too many at times.
The writing has a lot of humor, something the author does with ease. It is fun reading and chuckling at the banter between different characters.
The side characters are distinct and do their bit to keep the story flowing. Charlotte is what we call a chota packet bada dhamaka (small in size but a huge impact). She brings a lot of drama and laughter to the plot.
There’s one scene that is uncomfortable but is presented with a humorous touch. Just saying that if the roles were reversed, it would never be funny. At least, there’s an acknowledgment that it is not supposed to be funny, so that’s something.
There is a dreaded third-act breakup, which did leave me with mixed feelings. I’m not a fan of this trope and feel it could have been better with an epilogue. This brings me to the next point – why is there no epilogue?
When the book advocates the importance of romance reads, it makes sense to have an epilogue and provide readers with the full satisfaction of seeing the characters get their HEA. And if the author hates epilogues, why not extend the last scene to another page and let the happiness sink in? Some of us are fast readers. It doesn’t work well if the book ends before we fully feel the lead couple getting back together. Give us a little something to enjoy and then end the book. Ugh!
The book has some spice but not as much as I expected. Somehow, the main scenes fade out despite it being (or supposed to be) an open door. So, I’d put it around steam level 2.
To summarize, Love Story is an enjoyable read with many lighthearted moments and some emotional ones. It makes a strong case for the romance genre without shoving the theme into the readers’ faces. Naturally, I’m ready for the next book by the author.
Thank you, Vicky Joss, NetGalley, and HarperCollinsUK, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #LoveStory
Read
July 9, 2024Hate to DNF an ARC but hate this book more.
Pop-culture references are overused to the point of exhaustion and make the book feel like it's trying too hard to be hip and cool. Maybe I set myself up for this when I failed to realize the title is a Taylor Swift song, but still. Cringe-worthy lines aside, everything was so shallow it crumbled on a breeze.
Maybe I'm too old or not cool enough to read stuff like this.
The narrator did a wonderful job but I still can't shake the feeling that she's more suited for historical fiction.
Read if you like Taylor Swift and that one author I refuse to support, I guess.
Thank you NetGalley/HarperCollins for the ALC.
Pop-culture references are overused to the point of exhaustion and make the book feel like it's trying too hard to be hip and cool. Maybe I set myself up for this when I failed to realize the title is a Taylor Swift song, but still. Cringe-worthy lines aside, everything was so shallow it crumbled on a breeze.
Maybe I'm too old or not cool enough to read stuff like this.
The narrator did a wonderful job but I still can't shake the feeling that she's more suited for historical fiction.
Read if you like Taylor Swift and that one author I refuse to support, I guess.
Thank you NetGalley/HarperCollins for the ALC.
May 1, 2024
I don't know what I was expecting, but this definitely exceeded any expectations I had!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Sophie Taylor, a primary school teacher with a big secret. She is leading a double life as the mysterious author, Este Cox, who everyone is trying to unmask.
What I really enjoyed about this book is the fact that the plot is actually unique and it held my attention the whole way through. I genuinely could not put this book down! The fact that the book also went into the discourse surrounding romance novels and how they are perceived by some people was very interesting to me.
For me personally I love a good romance novel with spicy scenes, but I like to KNOW to expect the level of spice I am getting. I find that BookTok sometimes tends to hide that while promoting a book which can be misleading (understandably so though considering how censored you have to be on TikTok). But I guess that's why I enjoy Goodreads as a platform, I know I'll get a more realistic review from here.
Speaking of spice,,,, this one definitely has a good amount to prepare for that! Had me holding my damn breath bc of how INTENSE the chemistry is between Sophie and Joe.
Now for what I really did not like. (some parts may contain spoilers- they will be hidden!)
✧ The mention of real life authors in the book and the T Swift references. I don't know what it is, but when I am trying to read a book I don't want to be thinking of real life. I understand I might be one of the few people who doesn't like references to real life, but it's the same feeling as when TV shows started incorporating Covid-19 into their shows and it just made the escape from reality impossible.
✧ Are we just going to brush off the fact that
✧ Miscommunication trope!! Are you kidding meeeeeee.
✧ Third Act Breakup BECAUSE of the stupid miscommunication trope.... Can we scrap those please?? If it was a third act breakup for a different reason I would be more understanding but it wasn't...
That being said, this book really surprised me in a good way and even though I have never read anything by Lindsey Kelk before, I am officially a fan!
4⭐️
Pre-read: Hyped to read this now that I am on break from work~~ Got a huge list of things to catch up on! So glad I got the ARC~
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Sophie Taylor, a primary school teacher with a big secret. She is leading a double life as the mysterious author, Este Cox, who everyone is trying to unmask.
What I really enjoyed about this book is the fact that the plot is actually unique and it held my attention the whole way through. I genuinely could not put this book down! The fact that the book also went into the discourse surrounding romance novels and how they are perceived by some people was very interesting to me.
For me personally I love a good romance novel with spicy scenes, but I like to KNOW to expect the level of spice I am getting. I find that BookTok sometimes tends to hide that while promoting a book which can be misleading (understandably so though considering how censored you have to be on TikTok). But I guess that's why I enjoy Goodreads as a platform, I know I'll get a more realistic review from here.
Speaking of spice,,,, this one definitely has a good amount to prepare for that! Had me holding my damn breath bc of how INTENSE the chemistry is between Sophie and Joe.
Now for what I really did not like. (some parts may contain spoilers- they will be hidden!)
✧ The mention of real life authors in the book and the T Swift references. I don't know what it is, but when I am trying to read a book I don't want to be thinking of real life. I understand I might be one of the few people who doesn't like references to real life, but it's the same feeling as when TV shows started incorporating Covid-19 into their shows and it just made the escape from reality impossible.
✧ Are we just going to brush off the fact that
✧ Miscommunication trope!! Are you kidding meeeeeee.
✧ Third Act Breakup BECAUSE of the stupid miscommunication trope.... Can we scrap those please?? If it was a third act breakup for a different reason I would be more understanding but it wasn't...
That being said, this book really surprised me in a good way and even though I have never read anything by Lindsey Kelk before, I am officially a fan!
4⭐️
Pre-read: Hyped to read this now that I am on break from work~~ Got a huge list of things to catch up on! So glad I got the ARC~
April 30, 2024
I already know this will be all over the place, so bear with me. I have so many thoughts but I keep getting caught up in reading highlighted quotes and giggling.
If you like banter, you’ll like this book. Simple as that. There were a few passages early on that I chuckled at but didn’t highlight, thinking it would be fine and I probably wouldn’t care to go back once I was done the book. Now that I’m done, and I have 10-12 other things highlighted, I wish I had. These characters were so quick witted and a lot of fun to experience. It was funny but not in a “trying to be funny” type of way, but rather a sarcasm/dry humour and wit kind of way. Big fan.
‘Mostly just scared of her mother,’ the butcher countered. ‘She’s a very exacting woman. Last month, she returned a chicken because the legs were different sizes.’
They both gave me a look, as though I was the one who went around judging chickens on their appearance.
‘He shouldn’t have skipped leg day?’ I offered.
Neither of them laughed. Harsh but fair.
Now let me set a scene for you… it’s lunch time on a Monday afternoon. I check my email and see HarperCollins has sent this ARC, and think oh cool, I’ll check that out later. Granted I thought the story sounded fun but I have never read anything by this author, so wasn’t sure what to expect. I finish work, scarf down a sandwich and run (late) to class, because of course Monday’s are my busiest days. Class finishes at 8pm, I get snuggled up like a bug in a rug with the window open and a new book. It’s raining. Life is good. I then proceed to read this entire book in one sitting until the wee hours of the morning because I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I couldn’t! Nor did I want to. I had that much fun while reading this.
‘Never marry a lawyer. That’s the best romantic advice I could ever give you. They’re always weaselling in or out of something.’
I looked up at him with one raised eyebrow. ‘You said the best romantic advice you could ever give me was to shag as many men as humanly possible because they’re all so terrible, you might as well go with the one who knows how to bang?’
‘When did I share that nugget of wisdom?’ ‘
On my sixteenth birthday.’
‘I clearly left it too late because you didn’t bloody listen, did you?’
I’ll be completely honest in that when I see books with the main characters as writers/editors/publishers etc., I run the other way. It feels too close to the fourth wall for me, and often quickly becomes that character’s entire personality. While yes, I knew Sophie was going to be a writer, I decided to give this a go anyways because enemies to lovers is my kryptonite. Screw candy, I’ll get into a stranger’s van if they offer an enemies to lovers book for my travels. But I digress. What I think differentiates Love Story is that Lindsey used these characters to challenge societal stereotypes. While we are doing better, even over the 5 years (BookTok you are helping), there is still a perception that romance books are just smut, or “porn on a page” for lonely, unfulfilled women (don’t come for me I don’t agree!). And with that in mind, I think sometimes we as romance readers aren’t as loud with our love for these books.
Let me ask you: Have you ever felt judged for what you’re reading? Or had someone ask, and you feel a bit embarrassed to tell them about a book you liked? I certainly have. And I think it’s because we’re still not at a place where we feel there will be no judgement. There will always be people who like the classics, or literary greatness, which is wonderful for them. But that does not make their opinions, or tastes, any more important or correct than ours, nor does it make their books better. Romances embody so much more than smut. This is exactly the message that this story challenges and I was HERE FOR IT!
Lord knows instalove is down near the bottom of tropes we will accept. Has anyone ever read an instalove book and thought “yes, this is the one. The best book I’ve ever read”? I doubt it. But you know what else? I think Lindsey doubts it too. Because she called out her own characters for this and I was cackling. I like that she pushed it to the forefront to discuss this instead of just trying to play it off as *romantic*.
William, Charlotte, Sarah, even Gregory were great characters. The comedic timing was spot on, they added excitement, and supported the story quite well.
‘Even better, he’s staying at the house,’ I told her, attempting to laugh but failing miserably. It really wasn’t funny but Sarah seemed to disagree.
‘Sophie!’ she exclaimed. ‘That’s the best news I’ve heard so far!’
‘It is?’
‘Yes! It’s so much easier to kill someone when they come to you. Less lurking, more unaliving. Please let me do it. Please, please, please?’
And can I just say, that twist?! I was flabbergasted. I feel like not everyone will be, but I was trying to think ahead about what could happen and this was NOT what I expected! I gasped. Honest to goodness gasped and then put my kindle down to collect myself. I think I loved it more because of how unexpected it was. But then of course I started freaking out thinking how are we (yes, I’m a part of this now) going to get out of that little pickle. I’ll likely be thinking about this for a while.
I must say, after finishing this book and sitting with it for a while, I’m really happy with the growth, acceptance, and bravery that as shown by these characters. And I’m not talking only about Sophie or Joe. Several of these characters had different areas to grow in, and from knowing that to the conclusion of this story, there were several character arcs. Reading the last chapter especially I was THRILLED.
I’m sure some people will want an epilogue to this story, but personally I’m happy without. I find epilogues forced (and tbh I begrudgingly read them but dislike 95% of same) and I’m glad Lindsey did not go there. I believe this story was wrapped up in the perfect way for these characters. It’s hard for me to say otherwise when I had a stupid silly smile slapped on my face but come on.
Final thoughts:
1. I am buying a paperback for my shelf as soon as they are available
2. From here on out, beside ROM-COM in the dictionary you’ll now find the cover of Love Story.
*An ARC was received from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
If you like banter, you’ll like this book. Simple as that. There were a few passages early on that I chuckled at but didn’t highlight, thinking it would be fine and I probably wouldn’t care to go back once I was done the book. Now that I’m done, and I have 10-12 other things highlighted, I wish I had. These characters were so quick witted and a lot of fun to experience. It was funny but not in a “trying to be funny” type of way, but rather a sarcasm/dry humour and wit kind of way. Big fan.
‘Mostly just scared of her mother,’ the butcher countered. ‘She’s a very exacting woman. Last month, she returned a chicken because the legs were different sizes.’
They both gave me a look, as though I was the one who went around judging chickens on their appearance.
‘He shouldn’t have skipped leg day?’ I offered.
Neither of them laughed. Harsh but fair.
Now let me set a scene for you… it’s lunch time on a Monday afternoon. I check my email and see HarperCollins has sent this ARC, and think oh cool, I’ll check that out later. Granted I thought the story sounded fun but I have never read anything by this author, so wasn’t sure what to expect. I finish work, scarf down a sandwich and run (late) to class, because of course Monday’s are my busiest days. Class finishes at 8pm, I get snuggled up like a bug in a rug with the window open and a new book. It’s raining. Life is good. I then proceed to read this entire book in one sitting until the wee hours of the morning because I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I couldn’t! Nor did I want to. I had that much fun while reading this.
‘Never marry a lawyer. That’s the best romantic advice I could ever give you. They’re always weaselling in or out of something.’
I looked up at him with one raised eyebrow. ‘You said the best romantic advice you could ever give me was to shag as many men as humanly possible because they’re all so terrible, you might as well go with the one who knows how to bang?’
‘When did I share that nugget of wisdom?’ ‘
On my sixteenth birthday.’
‘I clearly left it too late because you didn’t bloody listen, did you?’
I’ll be completely honest in that when I see books with the main characters as writers/editors/publishers etc., I run the other way. It feels too close to the fourth wall for me, and often quickly becomes that character’s entire personality. While yes, I knew Sophie was going to be a writer, I decided to give this a go anyways because enemies to lovers is my kryptonite. Screw candy, I’ll get into a stranger’s van if they offer an enemies to lovers book for my travels. But I digress. What I think differentiates Love Story is that Lindsey used these characters to challenge societal stereotypes. While we are doing better, even over the 5 years (BookTok you are helping), there is still a perception that romance books are just smut, or “porn on a page” for lonely, unfulfilled women (don’t come for me I don’t agree!). And with that in mind, I think sometimes we as romance readers aren’t as loud with our love for these books.
Let me ask you: Have you ever felt judged for what you’re reading? Or had someone ask, and you feel a bit embarrassed to tell them about a book you liked? I certainly have. And I think it’s because we’re still not at a place where we feel there will be no judgement. There will always be people who like the classics, or literary greatness, which is wonderful for them. But that does not make their opinions, or tastes, any more important or correct than ours, nor does it make their books better. Romances embody so much more than smut. This is exactly the message that this story challenges and I was HERE FOR IT!
Lord knows instalove is down near the bottom of tropes we will accept. Has anyone ever read an instalove book and thought “yes, this is the one. The best book I’ve ever read”? I doubt it. But you know what else? I think Lindsey doubts it too. Because she called out her own characters for this and I was cackling. I like that she pushed it to the forefront to discuss this instead of just trying to play it off as *romantic*.
William, Charlotte, Sarah, even Gregory were great characters. The comedic timing was spot on, they added excitement, and supported the story quite well.
‘Even better, he’s staying at the house,’ I told her, attempting to laugh but failing miserably. It really wasn’t funny but Sarah seemed to disagree.
‘Sophie!’ she exclaimed. ‘That’s the best news I’ve heard so far!’
‘It is?’
‘Yes! It’s so much easier to kill someone when they come to you. Less lurking, more unaliving. Please let me do it. Please, please, please?’
And can I just say, that twist?! I was flabbergasted. I feel like not everyone will be, but I was trying to think ahead about what could happen and this was NOT what I expected! I gasped. Honest to goodness gasped and then put my kindle down to collect myself. I think I loved it more because of how unexpected it was. But then of course I started freaking out thinking how are we (yes, I’m a part of this now) going to get out of that little pickle. I’ll likely be thinking about this for a while.
I must say, after finishing this book and sitting with it for a while, I’m really happy with the growth, acceptance, and bravery that as shown by these characters. And I’m not talking only about Sophie or Joe. Several of these characters had different areas to grow in, and from knowing that to the conclusion of this story, there were several character arcs. Reading the last chapter especially I was THRILLED.
I’m sure some people will want an epilogue to this story, but personally I’m happy without. I find epilogues forced (and tbh I begrudgingly read them but dislike 95% of same) and I’m glad Lindsey did not go there. I believe this story was wrapped up in the perfect way for these characters. It’s hard for me to say otherwise when I had a stupid silly smile slapped on my face but come on.
Final thoughts:
1. I am buying a paperback for my shelf as soon as they are available
2. From here on out, beside ROM-COM in the dictionary you’ll now find the cover of Love Story.
*An ARC was received from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2024
In één ruk uitgelezen en enorm genoten. Maar de constante Taylor Swift references waren me wat veel van het goede (zegt deze lopende TS reference)
July 6, 2024
Stupid. So stupid. At first it felt like this book was going to be an interesting commentary on the public perception of romance books and how TikTok has effectively ruined how books are talked about, marketed, and become popular for all the wrong reasons. But then we did a complete 180 and the book became all the things it was critiquing at first and Kelk felt that she had to suck up to all the popular TikTok authors and their shitty books, and for what? It became the ultimate cliche.
Too much name dropping of shitty authors, a lacklustre romance littered with quickly aging references, and at the end of the day the central villain was an 18 year old spoiled brat. Should’ve kept this in the drafts.
My iPad died before I could finish the last chapter so even it knew I shouldn’t waste my time with this garbage. Lindsey Kelk I am beyond disappointed, you sell out.
Too much name dropping of shitty authors, a lacklustre romance littered with quickly aging references, and at the end of the day the central villain was an 18 year old spoiled brat. Should’ve kept this in the drafts.
My iPad died before I could finish the last chapter so even it knew I shouldn’t waste my time with this garbage. Lindsey Kelk I am beyond disappointed, you sell out.
July 5, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as ‘Love me do’ but it was still funny and entertaining 😂 very full of tropes and at some point it just became saturated 😅
Props to the unique plot though!
Props to the unique plot though!
July 20, 2024
LOVE STORY - LINDSEY KELK
- ARC AUDIO BOOK
This is only the second audio book I have listened to and I can I say the storyline does make a massive difference to how much you enjoy them. The storyline was gripping straight away and I really enjoyed the narration! I just wanted to listen to it none stop!
The book follows a romance author Sophie who has published a spicy bestseller under a pseudonym and how her life unfolds after she meets the lovely Joe! A wonderful insight to how romance books make women feel!
I listened over 2 days on a 1.75 speed!
@rachaelmcreads
- ARC AUDIO BOOK
This is only the second audio book I have listened to and I can I say the storyline does make a massive difference to how much you enjoy them. The storyline was gripping straight away and I really enjoyed the narration! I just wanted to listen to it none stop!
The book follows a romance author Sophie who has published a spicy bestseller under a pseudonym and how her life unfolds after she meets the lovely Joe! A wonderful insight to how romance books make women feel!
I listened over 2 days on a 1.75 speed!
@rachaelmcreads
August 1, 2024
Final score: 3.75 stars rounded up for goodreads.
I loved this book!!!
It was slow burn romance set in England about an author and a creative director!
I loved the witty humour, the dialogue and the setting! There aren’t enough books set in London / England.
I will say that I don’t think they were enemies at all- frenemies, maybe? The entire book took place within three days and they didn’t meet prior to the book so that’s definitely not enough time to be enemies. I also didn’t like the fact they had all these feelings after three days, I just don’t think it would’ve ended the way it did.
I also personally hate the whole he’s married trope, even if it’s a green card marriage, he should’ve told her- even if he’s technically not with his wife, she’s still his wife and that’s cheating.
I like HEAs, but I just think this one shouldn’t have been one. But nevertheless, I love this book and I will definitely be re-reading it over and over.
I loved this book!!!
It was slow burn romance set in England about an author and a creative director!
I loved the witty humour, the dialogue and the setting! There aren’t enough books set in London / England.
I will say that I don’t think they were enemies at all- frenemies, maybe? The entire book took place within three days and they didn’t meet prior to the book so that’s definitely not enough time to be enemies. I also didn’t like the fact they had all these feelings after three days, I just don’t think it would’ve ended the way it did.
I also personally hate the whole he’s married trope, even if it’s a green card marriage, he should’ve told her- even if he’s technically not with his wife, she’s still his wife and that’s cheating.
I like HEAs, but I just think this one shouldn’t have been one. But nevertheless, I love this book and I will definitely be re-reading it over and over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for giving me an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed Lindsey Kelk’s books from back in the day when she first released them, e.g. I Heart London, About A Girl, but it’s been a long time since I’ve read anything of hers.
Sophie is a schoolteacher who has written a bestselling debut romance novel under a secret pen name, and the world is trying to discover her secret identity. Joe is the creative director at her publisher and has no idea who she is. I thought the opening between them was odd. Two strangers who dislike one another who decide to get drunk and spend the next few hours together. It just didn’t make sense to me or sounded plausible. Why would you spend time with someone you didn’t like? What’s the point in getting drunk with them?
I liked Sophie and I loved her family. Each of their own personalities shone through and I loved seeing Sophie’s dynamic with them. Charlotte is a privileged selfish brat but harmless. Her character was a fun read. Sarah, her best friend, was also a riot. Kelk’s side characters are so well-written.
I did love the obsession with the special edition of Sophie’s book, Butterflies. It really reminded me of all this FOMO culture over book boxes and special releases of books, which I’m guilty of. The love of books is really shown throughout this book and it felt really relatable.
Over time, Sophie and Joe’s dynamic grew on me. I did like their banter even though she could be unnecessary prickly and it definitely annoyed Joe. I could feel their sexual tension, and the ending was sweet (but not amazing). I didn’t love Joe though - I never felt he fully redeemed himself from the annoying arrogant man at the start - so that makes me feel a bit meh about the book. However, I did love Sophie and really rooted for her.
I did find the book annoyingly too trendy. It talks about TikTok, Taylor Swift, current popular books and authors like Iron Flame and Emily Henry, nostalgic mentions of Twilight and Hunger Games. It’s not something I would re-read 5 years or even 2 years down the line.
It’s been a long time since I have read any of Kelk’s books and this didn’t impress me. However I will continue to read her books in future and am looking forward to her YA romantasy, The Bell Witches, releasing later this year.
This book, however, gets 2.5 stars from me, rounded up.
Sophie is a schoolteacher who has written a bestselling debut romance novel under a secret pen name, and the world is trying to discover her secret identity. Joe is the creative director at her publisher and has no idea who she is. I thought the opening between them was odd. Two strangers who dislike one another who decide to get drunk and spend the next few hours together. It just didn’t make sense to me or sounded plausible. Why would you spend time with someone you didn’t like? What’s the point in getting drunk with them?
I liked Sophie and I loved her family. Each of their own personalities shone through and I loved seeing Sophie’s dynamic with them. Charlotte is a privileged selfish brat but harmless. Her character was a fun read. Sarah, her best friend, was also a riot. Kelk’s side characters are so well-written.
I did love the obsession with the special edition of Sophie’s book, Butterflies. It really reminded me of all this FOMO culture over book boxes and special releases of books, which I’m guilty of. The love of books is really shown throughout this book and it felt really relatable.
Over time, Sophie and Joe’s dynamic grew on me. I did like their banter even though she could be unnecessary prickly and it definitely annoyed Joe. I could feel their sexual tension, and the ending was sweet (but not amazing). I didn’t love Joe though - I never felt he fully redeemed himself from the annoying arrogant man at the start - so that makes me feel a bit meh about the book. However, I did love Sophie and really rooted for her.
I did find the book annoyingly too trendy. It talks about TikTok, Taylor Swift, current popular books and authors like Iron Flame and Emily Henry, nostalgic mentions of Twilight and Hunger Games. It’s not something I would re-read 5 years or even 2 years down the line.
It’s been a long time since I have read any of Kelk’s books and this didn’t impress me. However I will continue to read her books in future and am looking forward to her YA romantasy, The Bell Witches, releasing later this year.
This book, however, gets 2.5 stars from me, rounded up.
April 23, 2024
Thank you Harper Collins for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've never read from Lindsey Kelk before, but after this banger I ordered almost her entire backlist because if anything will get me to love a book that has tropes I don't love, it's a sense of humour that's twisted the same way mine is.
‘You don’t think books like this give women unrealistic expectations?’ ... ‘Only if you don’t think you deserve love.’
"Love Story" is set mostly over one single chaotic weekend, so it's as insta-love as it gets. We follow Sophie, who's written a bestselling smutty romance novel under a pen name and has told noone, especially not her parents who work in publishing and are extreme snobs when it comes to literature. I absolutely loved Sophie, and could completely understand where she came from. Joe, on the other hand, I couldn't really put my finger on, which was definitely intended and resolved by the end, but I just couldn't trust the guy really.
The banter between Sophie and Joe as well as Sophie and her family were top notch, pee in my pants, water through my nose hilarious. The way they collectively roasted her ex will forever have a place in my heart.
Through Sophie's journey, Kelk opens up a conversation about the (internalised) misogyny that romance authors and readers face. The way women are belittled and insulted for writing and reading romance, even when it provides escapism in the same way as, say, fantasy is infuriating because the belittlement is aimed specifically at women. I don't exclude myself from that internalised misogyny, I used to be sort of a literary snob myself, only for the last few years I accepted the romance loving part of me. I loved how Kelk managed to give shout outs to her fellow romance authors.
Despite my rave, I have two quips with it. For one, the ending was a bit messy for my taste. The other was scene in which the MMC was sexually harrassed by a woman and it was kinda laughed off as a joke? Did I misinterpret that scene?
4.5
I've never read from Lindsey Kelk before, but after this banger I ordered almost her entire backlist because if anything will get me to love a book that has tropes I don't love, it's a sense of humour that's twisted the same way mine is.
‘You don’t think books like this give women unrealistic expectations?’ ... ‘Only if you don’t think you deserve love.’
"Love Story" is set mostly over one single chaotic weekend, so it's as insta-love as it gets. We follow Sophie, who's written a bestselling smutty romance novel under a pen name and has told noone, especially not her parents who work in publishing and are extreme snobs when it comes to literature. I absolutely loved Sophie, and could completely understand where she came from. Joe, on the other hand, I couldn't really put my finger on, which was definitely intended and resolved by the end, but I just couldn't trust the guy really.
The banter between Sophie and Joe as well as Sophie and her family were top notch, pee in my pants, water through my nose hilarious. The way they collectively roasted her ex will forever have a place in my heart.
Through Sophie's journey, Kelk opens up a conversation about the (internalised) misogyny that romance authors and readers face. The way women are belittled and insulted for writing and reading romance, even when it provides escapism in the same way as, say, fantasy is infuriating because the belittlement is aimed specifically at women. I don't exclude myself from that internalised misogyny, I used to be sort of a literary snob myself, only for the last few years I accepted the romance loving part of me. I loved how Kelk managed to give shout outs to her fellow romance authors.
Despite my rave, I have two quips with it. For one, the ending was a bit messy for my taste. The other was scene in which the MMC was sexually harrassed by a woman and it was kinda laughed off as a joke? Did I misinterpret that scene?
4.5
July 9, 2024
Yes to this entire book. I could leave my review there but I should probably write some more words as to why this book was so epic!!
Not only is it book centred, with right on the nose insights to real world books, bookstagram, booktok and all that comes with being a bookfluencer, but the main central plot storyline was just perfection.
Our main character, an author come English teacher, is the anonymous best seller of the hottest romance novel around. And from the snippets we got from the book, I wouldn’t mind reading ‘Butterflies’ too. I think I would also be a hardcore fan groupie.
I loved Sophie’s character and her romance story was divine. The book was also so damn satisfying in its conclusions and mounting plots that fist pumping for joy when certain people got their comeuppance is inevitable.
And can I just say, the narrator of the audiobook (Kristen Atherton) did THE most amazing job ever and I think now is one of my favourite audiobook narrators. She voiced all of the characters perfectly and had the exact amounts of comedic timing to really do the humour justice and had me laughing, teary and so engaged that the book flew by.
I seriously loved this story and audiobook and it’s a definite reread for the future.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Not only is it book centred, with right on the nose insights to real world books, bookstagram, booktok and all that comes with being a bookfluencer, but the main central plot storyline was just perfection.
Our main character, an author come English teacher, is the anonymous best seller of the hottest romance novel around. And from the snippets we got from the book, I wouldn’t mind reading ‘Butterflies’ too. I think I would also be a hardcore fan groupie.
I loved Sophie’s character and her romance story was divine. The book was also so damn satisfying in its conclusions and mounting plots that fist pumping for joy when certain people got their comeuppance is inevitable.
And can I just say, the narrator of the audiobook (Kristen Atherton) did THE most amazing job ever and I think now is one of my favourite audiobook narrators. She voiced all of the characters perfectly and had the exact amounts of comedic timing to really do the humour justice and had me laughing, teary and so engaged that the book flew by.
I seriously loved this story and audiobook and it’s a definite reread for the future.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
June 18, 2024
5/5★
🫶🏼🥹✨💕
🫶🏼🥹✨💕
July 17, 2024
this was so much fun i’m in love with the characters !! i had such a great time, spend the whole book laughing so hard loved it !! 4,75⭐️
June 2, 2024
Oh, I love a Lindsey Kelk book. I mean, who doesn't love a bit of Lindsey Kelk?
And wasn't I excited to read a book about a teacher who was writing, albeit secretly, unlike myself, and had published a massive hit of a book, even though critics were labelling it as escapism/romantic fluff/smut?
Este Cox has a massive hit on her hands, Butterflies, but no one, bar her agent (her brother William) and publisher (her godfather, Mal), knows who Este Cox is.
The problem is that Sophie Taylor, daughter of a publishing powerhouse father, highly acclaimed book critic mother, and the author of Butterflies, cannot take the credit, knowing how her family feels about romance.
She's fulfilled a dream of writing a novel that has been widely acclaimed and become a TikTok BookTok sensation, as well as reams of women and some men raving about the writing and enjoying the naughty bits. Now, she needs to finish that sequel before the publisher goes wild with frustration. However, something is just not clicking as she writes.
Joe Walsh is a hugely attractive man who manages to push many of Sophie's buttons, some good, some not so good, within a short space of time. Then, when she thinks she is safe, she finds herself stuck with him for a whole weekend! Plus, he becomes someone who can relate to many of her familial problems with his publishing powerhouse dad.
Both have secrets and are trying to forge their own paths in the literary world without having their achievements branded 'nepo-baby'.
Kelk's brilliant creation of sexual tension between these two made me root for them, especially in their forced proximity situation.
There were some hilarious scenes, too, and one of my favourites has to be the older men who end up in a bouncy castle trying to have a duel over some work-related rivalry.
This story has plenty of layers, and it definitely waves the #RespectRomFic hashtag flag that all of us Romance readers and writers support.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC.
And wasn't I excited to read a book about a teacher who was writing, albeit secretly, unlike myself, and had published a massive hit of a book, even though critics were labelling it as escapism/romantic fluff/smut?
Este Cox has a massive hit on her hands, Butterflies, but no one, bar her agent (her brother William) and publisher (her godfather, Mal), knows who Este Cox is.
The problem is that Sophie Taylor, daughter of a publishing powerhouse father, highly acclaimed book critic mother, and the author of Butterflies, cannot take the credit, knowing how her family feels about romance.
She's fulfilled a dream of writing a novel that has been widely acclaimed and become a TikTok BookTok sensation, as well as reams of women and some men raving about the writing and enjoying the naughty bits. Now, she needs to finish that sequel before the publisher goes wild with frustration. However, something is just not clicking as she writes.
Joe Walsh is a hugely attractive man who manages to push many of Sophie's buttons, some good, some not so good, within a short space of time. Then, when she thinks she is safe, she finds herself stuck with him for a whole weekend! Plus, he becomes someone who can relate to many of her familial problems with his publishing powerhouse dad.
Both have secrets and are trying to forge their own paths in the literary world without having their achievements branded 'nepo-baby'.
Kelk's brilliant creation of sexual tension between these two made me root for them, especially in their forced proximity situation.
There were some hilarious scenes, too, and one of my favourites has to be the older men who end up in a bouncy castle trying to have a duel over some work-related rivalry.
This story has plenty of layers, and it definitely waves the #RespectRomFic hashtag flag that all of us Romance readers and writers support.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC.
July 11, 2024
4 ⭐️
I liked this!! literally ate it up in 2 sittings.
I bought this book because it contained 3 of my favourite tropes : small town romance, enemies to lovers & one bed. Literally what more could i have asked for.
I absolutely LOVED sophie. She was so funny and witty and i just felt like i KNEW her. Her parents' growth was adorable :( her dad is so funny bless him & the scene where her mum visits her :(
i loved the focus on how great romance novels are. it was so beautifully and heartwarmingly written. i will never feel silly for reading one again. there were just so many facets to this book as well as the romance and i adored them all.
joe. right. conventionally attractive and i was defo getting butterflies (!!) but why did he have to have a bad boy reputation. i couldn't trust him the entire book and it sort of ruined things for me. he just felt a bit insincere i dont know. and the plot twist? and the way she forgave him SO FAST with like 3 pages til the end? maybe i read it too fast but it felt a bit rushed and again.. insincere. i wasnt actually rooting for them as much as i wanted idk he seems like bad news. i just needed more to make me actually trust him?? but he was hot and i loved the spicy parts !! it wasnt too much it was giving emhen in the best possible way.
overall i did love it. super chill cosy read i absolutely devoured. i loved sophie & her family (not charlotte shes annoying. so fucking entitled) and i wanted to love joe. i do. but i just dont trust him as much as i wanted to.
oh my god also what the fuck was happening with joe & aunt carole ????????? WHY WAS THAT NEEDED
FIRST ROMANCE SINCE MY BREAK UP THO!!!! DEFO FINISHING CHESNUT SPRINGS NOW.
I liked this!! literally ate it up in 2 sittings.
I bought this book because it contained 3 of my favourite tropes : small town romance, enemies to lovers & one bed. Literally what more could i have asked for.
I absolutely LOVED sophie. She was so funny and witty and i just felt like i KNEW her. Her parents' growth was adorable :( her dad is so funny bless him & the scene where her mum visits her :(
i loved the focus on how great romance novels are. it was so beautifully and heartwarmingly written. i will never feel silly for reading one again. there were just so many facets to this book as well as the romance and i adored them all.
joe. right. conventionally attractive and i was defo getting butterflies (!!) but why did he have to have a bad boy reputation. i couldn't trust him the entire book and it sort of ruined things for me. he just felt a bit insincere i dont know. and the plot twist? and the way she forgave him SO FAST with like 3 pages til the end? maybe i read it too fast but it felt a bit rushed and again.. insincere. i wasnt actually rooting for them as much as i wanted idk he seems like bad news. i just needed more to make me actually trust him?? but he was hot and i loved the spicy parts !! it wasnt too much it was giving emhen in the best possible way.
overall i did love it. super chill cosy read i absolutely devoured. i loved sophie & her family (not charlotte shes annoying. so fucking entitled) and i wanted to love joe. i do. but i just dont trust him as much as i wanted to.
oh my god also what the fuck was happening with joe & aunt carole ????????? WHY WAS THAT NEEDED
FIRST ROMANCE SINCE MY BREAK UP THO!!!! DEFO FINISHING CHESNUT SPRINGS NOW.
July 28, 2024
Holy shit.
I would rather shoot myself than read this book again.
Please drag me through a desert and let me starve to death and dry out before I open the first page again.
If I had bothered, I would have written a longer and more detailed criticizing review.
But it’s not worth the author nor my time.
The biggest issue is not even the mentions of all the trope references, social media or 15 names of modern authors. (God help us)
The issue is that the girl’s parents are highly educated writers/critics. They know what makes a book popular and will sell.
So the author literally knows the recipe for a good book. Since it’s explained in this book.
The parents are shitty people who let their youngest child behave like this:
1. Admitting to go through someone’s private things in their bedroom.
2. Loudly blackmail someone and threaten to release a video online.
3. Steal a designer purse that everybody clearly can see is expensive.
And oh what’s that? The youngest sister did all these things to her big sister. In front of the parents. And a big crowd.
And through the book the parents talks bad about being a teacher. In 2024. No thank you.
1/1 star.
Yes, I’m offended how someone could write this and publish this.
The cover is so cute though. I thought I wanted this book in my bookshelf even if I considered to just Kindle this book. At least on my kindle I would have been able to delete it.
Now I have to give this book away.
Bye.
I would rather shoot myself than read this book again.
Please drag me through a desert and let me starve to death and dry out before I open the first page again.
If I had bothered, I would have written a longer and more detailed criticizing review.
But it’s not worth the author nor my time.
The biggest issue is not even the mentions of all the trope references, social media or 15 names of modern authors. (God help us)
The issue is that the girl’s parents are highly educated writers/critics. They know what makes a book popular and will sell.
So the author literally knows the recipe for a good book. Since it’s explained in this book.
The parents are shitty people who let their youngest child behave like this:
1. Admitting to go through someone’s private things in their bedroom.
2. Loudly blackmail someone and threaten to release a video online.
3. Steal a designer purse that everybody clearly can see is expensive.
And oh what’s that? The youngest sister did all these things to her big sister. In front of the parents. And a big crowd.
And through the book the parents talks bad about being a teacher. In 2024. No thank you.
1/1 star.
Yes, I’m offended how someone could write this and publish this.
The cover is so cute though. I thought I wanted this book in my bookshelf even if I considered to just Kindle this book. At least on my kindle I would have been able to delete it.
Now I have to give this book away.
Bye.
July 5, 2024
Love Story is a fun, witty, and swoony read perfect for lovers of rom coms.
In fact the central thread of the story is very much an unapologetic ode to romance books. I loved the peppering of jokes, name dropping and references to female romance authors throughout. Sophie and Joe have great chemistry and their relationship development felt perfectly paced. Sophie’s quirky and self focussed family made for hilarious interactions, and I loved their character development.
I loved this so much I read it both as an ebook and audiobook. Kristin Atherton’s narration was animated and immersive, and really brought Sophie and Joe’s bickering and banter to life. I also really enjoyed her characterisation of Charlotte.
I picked this up after reading (and loving) Love Me Do last year, and can’t wait to delve into Lindsey Kelk’s other books.
Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
In fact the central thread of the story is very much an unapologetic ode to romance books. I loved the peppering of jokes, name dropping and references to female romance authors throughout. Sophie and Joe have great chemistry and their relationship development felt perfectly paced. Sophie’s quirky and self focussed family made for hilarious interactions, and I loved their character development.
I loved this so much I read it both as an ebook and audiobook. Kristin Atherton’s narration was animated and immersive, and really brought Sophie and Joe’s bickering and banter to life. I also really enjoyed her characterisation of Charlotte.
I picked this up after reading (and loving) Love Me Do last year, and can’t wait to delve into Lindsey Kelk’s other books.
Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
July 5, 2024
"Love Story" by Lindsey Kelk is a great romantic comedy that had me hooked from the start. Sophie Taylor, a primary school teacher with a secret identity as bestselling romance author Este Cox, is a character full of charm and relatability.
Her witty banter and evolving romance with the confident Joe Walsh make for an engaging read. The story's backdrop—a weekend getaway filled with chaos and hilarious moments—adds to its appeal.
The book beautifully explores themes of literary snobbishness and the stigma around the romance genre, with clever nods to "Bridget Jones' Diary"
While the romance is sweet and occasionally steamy, it's the humor and charm of the story that shine brightest.
Overall, "Love Story" is a fun, light-hearted read perfect for a summer escape.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own
Her witty banter and evolving romance with the confident Joe Walsh make for an engaging read. The story's backdrop—a weekend getaway filled with chaos and hilarious moments—adds to its appeal.
The book beautifully explores themes of literary snobbishness and the stigma around the romance genre, with clever nods to "Bridget Jones' Diary"
While the romance is sweet and occasionally steamy, it's the humor and charm of the story that shine brightest.
Overall, "Love Story" is a fun, light-hearted read perfect for a summer escape.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own
July 5, 2024
Love Story is the perfect embodiment of a noughties rom com. My heart was warmed, broken and pounding with anxiety and anticipation with every page. Even while reading this book, I preordered the book before its official release because I loved it that much. It has shot up to one of my top three books read this year, and I cannot wait to read more of Lindsey Kelk’s phenomenal work!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC, and to Lindsey Kelk for what I know will be the book of the summer!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC, and to Lindsey Kelk for what I know will be the book of the summer!
June 7, 2024
Read if you like:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Writer FMC
- Insta-love
- Forced Proximity
I always enjoy Lindsey Kelk’s sense of humour and this book was no exception! There were so many hilarious moments and I loved all of the fun references used throughout. I really enjoyed being in the mind of a romance writer and felt that Joe & Soph had some great chemistry. Overall, this was a really light and fun read, and it’s probably my favourite that I’ve read from her so far!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
- Enemies to Lovers
- Writer FMC
- Insta-love
- Forced Proximity
I always enjoy Lindsey Kelk’s sense of humour and this book was no exception! There were so many hilarious moments and I loved all of the fun references used throughout. I really enjoyed being in the mind of a romance writer and felt that Joe & Soph had some great chemistry. Overall, this was a really light and fun read, and it’s probably my favourite that I’ve read from her so far!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2024
Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - May 31, 2024
Publication Date - July 4, 2024
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @lindseykelk, @harpercollinsca and @netgalley!
Love Story is a book about an author, which continues to intrigue me as a reader who is not also an author. I enjoyed reading about the publishing industry and how pseudonyms can get so complicated! I love the passionate debates and witty comebacks shared between the main characters throughout the entire story. It felt like foreplay and I ate it up! Sophie and Joe had me giggling and laughing out loud at some points. The karaoke scene reminded me of 27 Dresses... leave a comment below if you know what scene I’m talking about!
If you like rom coms and books about authors, along with a solid dose of drama, you should try Love Story!
Get excited to read Love Story, available July 4! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Date Read - May 31, 2024
Publication Date - July 4, 2024
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @lindseykelk, @harpercollinsca and @netgalley!
Love Story is a book about an author, which continues to intrigue me as a reader who is not also an author. I enjoyed reading about the publishing industry and how pseudonyms can get so complicated! I love the passionate debates and witty comebacks shared between the main characters throughout the entire story. It felt like foreplay and I ate it up! Sophie and Joe had me giggling and laughing out loud at some points. The karaoke scene reminded me of 27 Dresses... leave a comment below if you know what scene I’m talking about!
If you like rom coms and books about authors, along with a solid dose of drama, you should try Love Story!
Get excited to read Love Story, available July 4! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
July 13, 2024
I had SUCH a fun time with this one. Lindsey Kelk had me giggling and LOLING on every chapter ! ❤️ Gotta love a book that pokes fun at its own tropes 😆
July 9, 2024
the sexual tension , the banter , the drama , 5 stars all round 🌸🫶
July 11, 2024
I'm having mixed feelings after finishing this one so we're going 2.5/10.
Look, I love a cheesy little romance as much as the next gal, but Love Story just didn't totally do it for me.
I will say that this book was fun enough. The premise was cute and there were plenty of times when I could feel myself getting sucked into it.
Unfortunately, every time that happened it was very quickly followed by something that pulled me out. There wasn't anything bad enough to make me feel like I had to DNF (well, except one thing, more on that in a sec) but there were a few things that stopped me from really loving the book. It was pretty trope-heavy at times and some of the dialogue just didn't feel believable for me.
The one thing that did almost bring me to the brink of DNF (and probably would've if it had happened any sooner than forty pages from the end) was Joe's secret marriage arc. The third-act breakups kill me every time, but I will eat it right up if it makes sense for the couple and the story at hand. Here, it came entirely out of left field and its only purpose seemed to be serving for the third-act breakup rather than the characters themselves. I might just be being picky on this part because I feel so strongly about a good third-act breakup, but this one missed the mark for me.
Look, I love a cheesy little romance as much as the next gal, but Love Story just didn't totally do it for me.
I will say that this book was fun enough. The premise was cute and there were plenty of times when I could feel myself getting sucked into it.
Unfortunately, every time that happened it was very quickly followed by something that pulled me out. There wasn't anything bad enough to make me feel like I had to DNF (well, except one thing, more on that in a sec) but there were a few things that stopped me from really loving the book. It was pretty trope-heavy at times and some of the dialogue just didn't feel believable for me.
The one thing that did almost bring me to the brink of DNF (and probably would've if it had happened any sooner than forty pages from the end) was Joe's secret marriage arc. The third-act breakups kill me every time, but I will eat it right up if it makes sense for the couple and the story at hand. Here, it came entirely out of left field and its only purpose seemed to be serving for the third-act breakup rather than the characters themselves. I might just be being picky on this part because I feel so strongly about a good third-act breakup, but this one missed the mark for me.
July 5, 2024
It is a strange feeling to agree with most of the things written in this book - which is not an essay - but not particularly like the plot or the characters. But be that as it may, this is my current situation.
It is a strange feeling, that of agreeing with most of the things written in this book-which is not an essay-but not particularly liking either the plot or the characters. But so be it, this is my current situation.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
It is a strange feeling, that of agreeing with most of the things written in this book-which is not an essay-but not particularly liking either the plot or the characters. But so be it, this is my current situation.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
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