Love Sold Separately was definitely a fun read, and honestly deserves more like 3.5 stars. Dana Barry lands a new acting job at The Shopping Network - a gig that promises some much-needed exposure and financial stability - and becomes embroiled in a suspected murder almost immediately. She also meets two very different, and very attractive men: the convicted felon sound tech and the detective on the case. Dana is a well-meaning, sometimes lovable and certainly relatable, screwup, with a irreverent sense of humor and a sharp eye.

I must say, the love story really seemed to matter the least of the various threads Meister puts into this book, and I really didn't feel invested in where it went. The murder case was more intriguing than I thought it'd be, with plenty of potential suspects and motives; Meister layers in some surprisingly beautiful writing about insecurity and family relationships; and imagining the behind-the-scenes at a shopping network was really fun. Quick aside: Why do so many people know or care about this third tier shopping network? I also really loved Megan, the sidekick best friend whose path I'd happily dive into further; her scenes and those involving Dana's family often helped to ground a story with some sincerity amidst an absurd plot.

If you're looking for a quick, fun read with a bit of mystery, pick this one up when it's released in August!

I struggled as I began this book, really wanting to like it. And then it got better, a lot better, but still not enough that I could recommend it to Library Reads. It felt choppy especially at the beginning, and I was frustrated with the heroine's use of weed and her ex's prescription. Still, I like reading about actors and they way Meister writes about how Dana got into this mode for her audition and later her job. I liked the mystery, and I didn't guess the outcome though I did become suspicious of several people before their reveals, which is good. The solution was a little unlikely, even given the motives and characters. So a mixed bag of 3.5 stars, but I liked it enough to show that as a 4.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and digital ARC of this book. This is my first time reading anything written by Eleen Meister and I was rather pleased with it. This is a great murder mystery with just the right dash of romance to put a nice little bow around it. I found myself trying to figure out who the "killer" was and I'm always happy when I'm surprised at the end. This was a truly good read and I would recommend it to all my friends If I had to say one think I didn't care too much for was the pill usage and how she would justify using only this "one time" when it actually was a couple of times. But all in all this was a nice good read that makes me want to find other books by Ellen.

While this romantic mystery had a synopsis that hooked me, I feel like it fell flat.

I know that this is one of those books that either you love it or you don’t, and I just didn’t. Here’s hoping for Ellen Meister that I fall into the minority.

Three stars for the premise.

Dana has been unlucky in a lot of things: love, a job, and family. When the opportunity comes for her to audition for the Shopping Channel as one of the hosts, she leaps at the chance to make a name for herself. But when THE host of the Shopping Channel is murdered, she finds herself being pulled deeper and deeper into the mystery. Why does everyone seem to hate the now ex-host? Why is the gorgeous detective constantly trying to blame her equally gorgeous male friend and coworker for murder? And who is the real murderer?

I really enjoyed Love Sold Separately, more than I expected I would. It kept me guessing right up to the end! I actually thought I had figured out the murderer...and then I didn’t. Kudos to the book for keeping me on my toes.

The characters were all fun in the book. I have to say, it really had me guessing which guy Dana would end up with as well. I had my personal choice, and I’m glad Dana went with the guy I hoped she would.

Also, this book really gave us one of the best lines ever: “...he has a nose like the Statue of Liberty.” A perfect description, I’m sure, and one that made me giggle. Is it the size of the nose? Was it a perfectly sculpted nose? Was it green? Okay, I’m being silly now, but really, that was a great line that is surprisingly descriptive.

I definitely recommend this book if you love romcoms and murder mysteries! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book as an eARC.

I truly, truly hate doing it but I have to DNF this at approx. 40%.
I really have nothing against this book and don’t really have anything specific to criticize, I just don’t think it’s for me. The 40% I read, I pretty much binged in one fell swoop, took a break to talk to a friend, went to start reading again and just felt like I couldn’t remember anything that had happened. I didn’t connect with the main character and while the synopsis is what originally had me interested, it just fell flat for me. It was fast paced and an easy read, so I can definitely see the appeal and would recommend others try it. Unfortunately it’s just not for me.

The premise of the book held some real promise: a romance combined with a murder mystery. I thought Dana's character was fun and quirky. However, the romance that was supposed to be developing between Dana and two of the male characters was not believable. There was no chemistry in either of these relationships. The murder mystery was fun (a bit like a Jennifer Cruisie novel), but the male characters were flat and the romance never really went anywhere.

I really enjoyed this mystery romance. There were multiple twists in the plot and an enjoyable storyline following Dana's career as a saleswoman with The Shopping Channel. I was really rooting for her sales numbers throughout the book! This would be a great vacation read for when you want a distraction from everyday life.

I really enjoyed this romcom/mystery novel! It kept me guessing and I didn't want to put it down! Great read!

This turned out to not be my thing. It had me sold based on the description, but the characters felt weird to me. I don't even remember how it ended. I'm sure there are people who will read this and love it, but it wasn't for me.

This story was entertaining, the characters likeable, and there were some fun aspects to it. The writing was well done and the story flowed well, I just wasn’t gripped by it or invested in the story or the lives of the characters.
It is what I would call a light mystery with a contemporary romance feel to it. You don’t have to be a big mystery reader to enjoy it, as the mystery is certainly a main aspect in the story, but it is not constantly in your face.
I enjoy Dana’s position within her family, as well as her tendency to not always do what she “should”. She is making her own way and she is taking the path she wants to, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Even though it is probably not a story I would read again, I would recommend to someone who is looking for s light mystery and something not too heavy.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

Fun read! I enjoyed the quirkiness of Dana, and felt like she was an unique character. The storyline moved right along and kept you interested.

Received this book as an ARC from #netgalley for an honest review and opinion. First time reading a book by this author and must say it was a great book. Dana is an aspiring actress who finally lands a great job on a tv shopping channel show, unfortunately on the same day another tv host is mudered or is it suicide??? If that doesn't make for a crazy and eventful first day the hot audio engineer and police detective surely will...

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**

Title Love Sold Separately

Author Ellen Meister

Release Date August 25, 2020

Description from Amazon

Starting out single in the big city as an actor in her twenties, Dana Barry was sure she was on her way to success. But now, newly unemployed, her life is a mess…that is, until she hears The Shopping Channel is auditioning. Relying on her keen eye for detail, sheer bravado and knack for knowing what makes people tick, she lands the host job. While navigating tricky office politics, Dana is caught in the drama when the star host who hired her is found dead. She knows the prime suspect, a male colleague, is innocent—they were sharing some “alone time” together on the rooftop when they both heard the gunshot. Complicating things for Dana is the electric chemistry she feels with the handsome detective in charge. She is so close to having it all if, just this once, she doesn’t screw up. But trouble seems to come easier to Dana, and, she finds, it’s often a lot more fun.

Initial Thoughts

I love a good rom-com / murder mystery combo. I knew I had to apply for this book when I saw it on NetGalley!

Some Things I Liked

Dana’s observational skills. I thought Dana was a great character. I’d love to read more about her.
Realism. I thought this book was filled with realistic characters and actions. Rom-coms are often filled with fluff and are far-fetched. I liked that Love Sold Separately took a more realistic approach.
Quick read. I liked that I read this book in one sitting. The story was engaging and the mystery kept me on my toes.
Plot twists. I must say, I loved the final plot twist regarding the murder. I never saw that coming.

Series Value

This book feels complete but, that being said, I can also easily see more mysteries that Dana and Ari solve together. I would definitely read more in this series.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this book. I thought some of the subplots were cheesy and underdeveloped but overall, it was a fun read and I loved the twists regarding the mystery elements.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

Make or Break at the Lighthouse B&B by Portia MacIntosh – if you enjoyed the wit, romance, and ideas of starting over in a new place, try this rom-com by Portia MacIntosh.
Coming Home to Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters – if you liked the themes of re-discovering yourself, try this book by Victoria Walters.

A quick read and an enjoyable mystery but a lot of other unnecessary side stories. Dana stumbles into something a murder scene and is instantly charmed by the lead detective. He is successful, her own career is a mess. Opposites attract. That's pretty much the story.

Ok but not a favorite. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love Sold Separately was good, not great. An easy read but unlikeable characters made it hard to stay engaged. There was a little too much going on and I would've enjoyed more focused development. Cute cover!

A fascinating mystery, with twists and turns like the most marvelous path. Dana is a fantastic lead, with pathos and understanding, and the professional world she has to navigate is dark and intense. This read you can't put down.

This was a fun spin on a murder mystery book with a side of romance. I spent much of the book trying to figure out the murder aspect and enjoyed the twist at the end. Dana’s character was a bit irritating to me and was kind of all over the place. I really wished for more scenes with Megan, as she was a great character. Maybe she should have her own book!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Mira and Netgalley for an advanced reading e-copy of this book.

Dana Barry’s life is a mess. She’s an actor who got fired from her job at Hot Topic and is drowning her sorrows in drug and drink. So when her manager lets her know The Shopping Channel is auditioning for a host, Dana, slaps herself together and tries out. She does such a good job of talking about a comb for what seems like forever that the powers that be hire her on the spot.

On her first day, the boss is killed, and the rest of the book is spent trying to find the killer. It seems Dana spends more time at it than the police do.

As you may have guessed, with “love” in the title, this story is heavy on romance. First, it’s an employee and then a detective. Dana gets around.

I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes peak at what goes on at places like QVC. It was a refreshing change from the setting of most books these days – a beach town, an old house that needs refurbishing or a school. I also admire someone, like Dana, who has all those adjectives ready and waiting to describe the fashions and jewelry.

I thought her father was a very strong character and what he said about her was very telling.
I liked the book for the most part, but had a little trouble keeping up with the evidence found that pointed to the murderer. It didn’t always make sense to me and this is why I gave it four stars instead of five.