Lindsey Kelk is one of my favorite rom-com writers. Her novels are sweet, sassy, and so much fun to read. Phoebe is visiting her sister in L.A. to escape the fact that her ex is getting married. Her sister is called away on a work assignment and Phoebe is vacationing alone. She meets her sisters personal trainer, the good looking guy next door and an aging film star. All of these characters make for a fun read. Phoebe does not think she is anything special but may learn some valuable lessons. This book is a retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac which I had to read in high school English. This is a more fun version of the story.

I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fun romance.

Thank you to #netGalley, #LindseyKelk, and #HarperCollins for this great read.
#LoveMeDo

Phoebe Chapman may have given up on love, but she can still play Cupid for somebody else. Phoebe is on holiday visiting her sister in the Hollywood Hills, but instead she finds herself alone in a beautiful home and roped into a matchmaking scheme between Bel, her sister's personal trainer, and the handsome carpenter next door, Ren. Bel has a head-over-heels crush on Ren, who has no idea Bel even exists, and Phoebe is bound and determined to set them up. She gets caught up with writing love letters, exploring a new city, and forming an unexpected friendship with a reclusive 82-year-old film star down the street. And she's falling in love with Los Angeles, but is that all she's falling for?

This was a lovely summertime read, one of those books that allows you to just escape and enjoy reading an adorable story! I've read plenty of books set in LA, but I loved that this wasn't so much talking of the hustle and bustle, but a more intimate and beautiful side of the city. Phoebe really takes this vacation to reflect on healing from a previous abusive relationship, and each friendship she makes in LA heals a different portion of her. Ren was sweet and intuitive, Bel was the personification of "sunshine and butterflies", and Myrna has hilarious wit and no filter. If you're looking for a cute friends-to-lovers, closed door romance, this one is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

An adorable poolside read, full of golden retriever boyfriend energy, an idyllic sunny California setting, and rom-com/pithy one-liner energy!!

When Pheobe Chapman, a proper English miss, visits her sister in California.. her life isn't bad. Just so so - and she SO wants more than that. Deserves it, really, after all she's been through, right? After booking that much-needed getaway and literally crashing into her sister's sunny California dream house - things start to steam up in the form of a very hot neighbor. What ensues is a delightful portrayal of finding oneself again in platonic friendship, honest family relationships, and even taking chances on romantic love!!

NOTES:
- Would be a great audiobook! Easy storyline to follow and there aren't any tricky alternating to keep up with
🌶️- Slow burn
CWs: emotional abuse

**Thank you to Harper 360, HarperCollins & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

The summer is not quite over yet! Here is a fun book for those last lazy days whether at the beach, on the porch or in the AC.

Phoebe writes greeting cards for a living. It has all gone a bit sour as her latest romance ended with her partner getting ready too marry someone else (the nerve!). So, this Brit goes to visit her wealthy sister in LA. Readers will enjoy watching how her California dreams come true.

Lindsey becomes friendly with Bel who has a massive crush on Ren. In a modern take on Cyrano, Phoebe tries to move this relationship forward. But…who would make the best couple? Read this one to fine out!

The descriptions of LA, food, houses, beaches, etc are all designed to give readers a great armchair travel experience. There are times to laugh and also some moments of deeper emotion.

All in all, a pretty perfect summer read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this title. All opinions are my own.

Love Me Do is a light and enjoyable beach read, filled with old Hollywood magic, sun, beaches, pool time, flirtations, love triangles, new friendships, and more. It’s a fun vacation escape for both the protagonist AND the reader.

Thank you Lindsey Kelk, Harper 360, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

I was interested in reading this book because of its cover. It seemed like it would be a cute and fun read. The first few chapters were promising, and I liked the story line. But then, all of a sudden, I found myself struggling with this book. Some of the parts in the story were so overdrawn that I found myself skimming to get to a good part. Sadly, I lost interest in this book, and I am DNFing it. I do think this book might be the perfect read for someone else, so I am rating it 3 stars.

Book Releases September 5, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the E-ARC

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

3. 5 stars. This book started off so well, but by the end I enjoyed it less and less. I thought Phoebe was fun and funny, but learning her backstory with her ex came a little too late. It was frustrating to follow her decision making process until I learned more about why she reacted the way she did. I loved the interactions with Myrna and thought she was hilarious. I know Bel is supposed to come across as fun and sunshiney, but I found her irritating. Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun, light romance that was an enjoyable read. It was a spot-on depiction of the culture of LA and I liked the “fish out of water” element of a Brit navigating the city.

That being said, there were some elements of the book that were challenging. I felt at the beginning like the love triangle was almost set up too well - I wanted Bel to be with Ren, which I knew wasn’t the way things were going. At the same time, when it came apart, it felt rushed and I felt like there could have been more substance to the decision. There were a few other things like that which stretched belief. Even with those issues, I would recommend this book to romance readers.

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of those books that you can sit and enjoy and read very easily. It was fairly light and a fun book and is the perfect beach read! Phoebe goes to stay with her sister after a bad breakup with her abusive ex. But when she gets there her sister is called away for business. While Phoebe stays alone in her sisters LA home, she befriends her attractive neighbor, Ren, and her personal trainer, Bel. She also meets the grouchy elder, Myrna….absolutely loved this character! To me, this story was more about the friendships and their connections than it was about the romance. I really wish we had gotten more of Phoebe and Ren. But, even without it, this was an excellent story and I will definitely be recommending it!

I love Lindsey Kelk books and have read them all. I really enjoyed the Phoebe character in “Love Me Do”. She was quirky, kind and a really good friend. I also enjoyed her friendship with Myrna. It definitely transported me to old Hollywood. The Bel character felt a little over the top for me. I liked her side hustles but her overall personality felt a bit forced. I thought the mental health aspect of the book was well handled.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (one fade to black scene)
Trigger Warning: psychological abuse recounted

Phoebe Chapman is ready for two weeks of relaxation in L.A. with her sister Suzanne after a very difficult year. But when an emergency work trip leaves Phoebe alone in her sister's swanky house, she ends up befriending the hot neighbor, Ren Garcia, as well as her sister's trainer, Bel, and embarking on several adventures with her two new acquaintances. When Bel reveals she has a crush on Ren, Phoebe decides to help her new friend find true love by using her literary skills to pen a love note on Bel's behalf. As Ren and Bel spend more time together, Phoebe soon realizes that she's developed feelings for Ren that just make things more complicated. Will she be able to support Bel's pursuit of Ren when her own heart longs for his affection?

This was my second book by Lindsey Kelk, and I just love the humor she infuses in her stories! Just like her previous book, this one is a perfect blend of women's fiction and romance that had me cheering on the heroine as she found love and happiness. Phoebe definitely had some self-esteem issues at times, but her backstory really helped me understand why she struggled to believe that she deserved to be with Ren. I really liked the love letters she wrote and enjoyed experiencing the wonders of L.A. through her eyes. Ren was so wholesome with his love of birds and desire to restore his grandparents' home. I could feel the chemistry between him and Phoebe immediately, and I was eager to see them get together. Bel was a really fun side character, even if she took advantage of Phoebe's kindness at times. She definitely proved herself to be a good friend in the end, though. And I absolutely loved Myrna, the cranky but caring former movie star who lived down the street. This book was just the right amount of pop culture and wackiness, and I can't wait to read more from Lindsey Kelk in the future!

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins 360 for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Kelk's books to me overall are good fun and light reads but some are a little more juvenile than others. This one was a touch slow and silly for me however it still had that characteristic wit and charm that I enjoy in her books.

THANK YOU for the ARC, Netgalley and Harper Collins! This book was so adorable. It’s like a warm hug. I loved the setting as an socal native, and the characters are so sweet in this book. I loved every single one and was rooting so hard for the ending. It’s a very sweet story and I thought it was such a fresh take on the trope. Highly recommend!

This book was such a summer-y, warm, chaotic hug, I loved it so much oh my god 😭

Lindsey Kelk has this way of writing books where the MC goes through wonderful self- understandings and changes and then along/through that process of respecting and finding themself finds their true love, and I love it so much.

Also the crazy friendships and shenanigans? The best, I wanna have those adventures too 😭

The hea was so, so cute, ugh 😭😭😭

TWs - emotional domestic abuse (past relationship), absentee parents, death of a grandparent (past) and the resultant grief (present)

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Phoebe Chapman is flying across the Atlantic to visit her sister in Los Angeles and take a much needed holiday after a bad breakup. Everyone thinks poor Phoebe can’t handle that her ex is about to be remarried and insists on her living large and having fun. Phoebe keeps her emotions close and guarded but she is a fixer and loves to help others and hear their sagas. Phoebe has taken it upon herself to set up two new friends she just met, Ren and Bel. Let me just tell you, when Bel was first introduced, I thought she was over the top, and I was not going to be able to handle this character. I have to say though that she grew on me and for the most part, I enjoyed her.
As the ultimate friend, Phoebe can never seem to say no, which how she wound up in an absolutely hilarious escapade dressed as a mermaid. I could not stop laughing reading about what she endured in that costume!
I loved watching Phoebe grow as she realized it is OK to advocate for herself and that sharing with others does not make you weak. I have to say one of my favorite characters was Myrna. She was sarcastic, witty and loyal. Phoebe and Myrna made a perfect combo and let the truth bombs fly.
During Phoebe’s two week holiday, she had a ton of adventures, dealt with the ghost of her ex and quite possibly had a bit of fun herself in the love category.
I highly enjoyed this! This was my first time reading Lindsey Kelk and I can’t wait to grab an another one of her books!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This sweet romantic story is a gem. All of the characters are so lovable Phoebe, Ren, Suzanne, Bel, and Myrna. Phoebe’s story is about a strong woman who got away and truly grew. (Trying to avoid spoilers.) I can’t say it better than Bel about Myrna, I want to be her when I grow up. I hope I have her and Ren’s ability to be exactly who they are, loudly and with no fear or care for what anyone else thinks.

If you’re searching for a heartwarming and delightful summer read that will leave you with a smile on your face, “Love Me Do” by Lindsey Kelk is just the book you need. Overflowing with charm, wit, and a healthy dose of sunshine, this friends-to-lovers romcom is a captivating exploration of love, friendship, and the unexpected twists that life throws our way.

The story revolves around lovable Brit Phoebe Chapman, who finds herself amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Hills, thanks to her sister’s invitation. However, what she didn’t anticipate was the whirlwind of emotions that would sweep her up, thanks to the charismatic personal trainer, Bel, and the sweet, sensitive carpenter next door, Ren.

Kelk weaves a tale of unrequited love with finesse, as we witness Bel’s head-over-heels infatuation with Ren. The dynamic shifts when Phoebe steps in as the cupid-in-disguise, offering to play matchmaker. The ensuing romantic escapades are filled with hilarious mishaps, heartfelt love letters, and a touch of serendipity.

But “Love Me Do” isn’t just about romance; it’s about self-discovery and friendship. Phoebe’s unexpected bond with an 82-year-old reclusive film star adds depth to the narrative, as she explores the true essence of Los Angeles and the people who call it home.

Kelk’s writing is a breath of fresh air, immersing readers in the sun-soaked world of Los Angeles. Her characters are endearing and relatable, each with their quirks that make them feel like old friends. Phoebe’s journey from a skeptical Brit to someone embracing the magic of love and the city is heartening to witness.

“Love Me Do” is a celebration of love in all its forms. It’s a story that tugs at your heartstrings and fills you with warmth, leaving you believing that love has the power to work its magic in the most unexpected of ways. Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emily Henry, this dreamy summer love story is a must-read for anyone seeking a dose of joy and romance.

“Love Me Do” by Lindsey Kelk is a charming, feel-good book that will brighten your day and leave you with a renewed belief in the magic of love. With its captivating storyline, lovable characters, and vibrant setting, this book is a perfect companion for lazy summer afternoons or cozy nights by the fire. Grab your copy, dive in, and let the enchanting journey sweep you off your feet.

Rating: 4.5/5

Phoebe Chapman, who writes greeting cards for a living, always knows the right sentiments for someone else to express how they’re feeling. Traveling from the UK to LA, she soon begins helping a new friend woo the man she’s actually falling for herself.

With a playful mix of Cyrano and The Holiday, this story was delightful. The LA setting was so vibrant and rich that it was its own character. I love a detailed setting, and Kelk’s LA was so vivid, from the climate to the natural surroundings and animal life—it really let us see the city from the eyes of someone who was in love with it. The architectural details were also well painted.

There were entertaining and side characters, especially Myrna, the aging starlet who lives down the street from Phoebe’s sister. This was a heartwarming read that was solid the whole way through.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced copy of this manuscript.

This is the first book I’ve read by Lindsay Kelk, but not the last! She definitely has a dry, sarcastic sense of humor- similar to Emily Henry, which is pretty much my ideal situation. The secondary characters were incredibly fun, especially Myrna, and it gave me “The Holiday” vibes. (Kate Winslet’s storyline, though Jack Black is no Ren.) My one complaint, in fact, is that Ren seemed very unrealistic, but I honestly was content to convince myself otherwise as I read. I would recommend this one, and I look forward to reading more by the author! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc.

Lovelorn Brit Phoebe Chapman has barely set foot in her sister’s house in the Hollywood Hills when she’s swept up by lovable Bel, her sister’s personal trainer, and handsome Ren, the sweet and sensitive carpenter next door. Bel has a head-over-heels crush on Ren but Ren has no idea Bel even exists. Certain that the two of them are meant to be together, Phoebe offers to play matchmaker. Caught up with writing love letters and an unexpected friendship with a reclusive 82-year-old film star, Phoebe finds herself falling for the real Los Angeles – but is that all she’s falling for?

This was a fun escapist slow burn romance. You do have to suspend some disbelief here. It is a bit insta-lovey. I loved the LA background and all the things Bel and Ren took Phoebe to on her vacation. Both Ren and Phoebe are these old soul chill characters I really related to. Myrna's character was perfection! I need her in my life! I wish we would have gotten to see more romance between Ren and Phoebe. I felt like it was very much concentrated towards the last 1/4 of the book. The one thing I didn't love was the character Bell. She is somehow extremely unlikeable but yet everyone seems to fall under her charm. She seemed a bit immature. She just thought Ren was her soul mate because he was hot? Ugh that is so high school. And when she didn't get her way she guilted everyone with her problems as if everyone didn't have those same problems.

Overall I'd give this 3.5 stars. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 9/5.