Where should I start??

The cover of this book is cute, which is what initially drew me in when looking for ARCs. The blurb had me expecting a forbidden, steamy office romance with some laughs thrown in.

However, it didn’t live up to expectations. The plot is all over the place. It spends too much time in the past, with Lucy (FMC) dwelling on her past relationship. It’s taken a lot away from the present-day story and could have been summarised quickly and effectively in a few pages.

So, Lucy and Ross's (MMC) slow burn was only a simmer. There were some small sparks in the book between them, but there was no tension or buildup that I crave in a romance.

The side characters and subplot added some much-needed depth, but even with them, the whole story still felt disjointed.

Listen, I liked it enough to finish it; there were parts I truly enjoyed. However, I was left wanting more and feeling unfulfilled.

Sophie Ranald delivers another witty and engaging rom-com with The Love Hack, a story that blends romance, self-discovery, and modern dating dilemmas in a fresh and entertaining way.

Ranald’s writing is sharp and humorous, capturing the nuances of contemporary relationships and the ever-complicated world of dating in the digital age. The side characters add depth and personality, making the book feel like more than just a love story—it’s also about friendship, self-worth, and finding balance.

If there’s one thing I wished for, it would be a bit more depth in certain emotional moments, as some conflicts wrapped up a little too neatly. But overall, The Love Hack is a delightful, feel-good read perfect for fans of modern rom-coms with smart, independent heroines.

Highly recommend for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful romance!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. For more book reviews, please check out @blondesbooknook

"The Love Hack" von Sophie Ranald erzählt die Geschichte von Lucy, einer Journalistin, die nach einer Umstrukturierung ihres Magazins eine neue Rolle als Ratgeberkolumnistin für Männer übernimmt. Obwohl sie wenig Erfahrung in Beziehungsfragen hat, gibt sie unter dem Pseudonym "Ask Adam" Beziehungstipps. Parallel dazu entwickelt sie Gefühle für ihren Kollegen Ross, was ihre berufliche und persönliche Situation weiter verkompliziert.​

Das richtige Buch für Fans von leichten Liebesgeschichten mit zeitgenössischen Elementen. Lucy verwendet nämlich Künstliche Intelligenz zur Beantwortung von Leserfragen in ihrer Kolumne, was einige als unethisch ansehen.

Overall 3.5

This is a lighthearted, fun romantic comedy that blends modern dating dynamics with humor and self-discovery. Megan works in the tech industry & decides to on a personal project to "hack" the world of romance. She sets out to figure out the best approach to love by using her skills as a tech-savvy professional, applying logic and algorithms to the chaotic world of dating. Her ultimate goal is to find her perfect match—but things don’t go as smoothly as planned. The book explores themes of love, self-worth, and the modern challenges of dating in the digital age. It combines humor with insight, giving readers a fresh perspective on relationships, technology, and finding balance in life and love.

I adored this book!
I love a story that I struggle to put down, I want to devour it because of the main characters, or the story line etc. And this book had both of these. Lucy was loveable, Ross was charming and the whole concept of Lucy fighting to keep a job she loved and writing her 'Ask Adam' column was a joy to read. I did pre-empt quite a bit of what was going to happen, my only critique would have been to have a few more shock factors. However, overall it was a joyful, easy read that I loved.

How is a book titled The Love Hack barely going to have any exchanges between Lucy and Ross? This book was a complete letdown. I wouldn't even categorize it as a romance.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Love Hack is a romantic comedy that explores the challenges of online dating and the search for love in modern times. The story follows the protagonist, who tries to balance her professional and personal life while navigating the world of dating apps. Although the plot has some interesting elements, the reading turned out to be somewhat predictable.

Sophie Ranald’s writing is light and casual, with fast-paced dialogues that make the book an easy and uncomplicated read. The main character is well-developed and represents the uncertainties of those experiencing relationships in the digital context, but at times, the story feels like it follows a well-trodden path without offering many surprises.

While it’s an enjoyable read, The Love Hack didn’t stand out as a work that provided anything truly groundbreaking or deeply impactful. If you’re looking for a light read to pass the time, it might be a good option, but don’t expect an extraordinary experience.

In summary, The Love Hack is a fun story but with few moments that truly captivate. For those looking for a laid-back romance, it could be a good choice, but anyone expecting something more memorable might feel a little disappointed.

Easy read- perfect palate cleanser. This gave my Sophie Kinsella level nostalgia. Fun and light read; the answer to any busy week.

I feel like i was baited with this when they said "for fans of Emily Henry". lies. This was terrible. I can't even finish it its so bad. i had to force myself to get to 20% and after that-i just can't do anymore.

A light hearted easy read. Lucy finds herself writing an agony uncle column dear Adam but soon finds she needs help with it .

It didn't do it for me sadly... I dnf'ed after 50%. I found that the romance lacked development, the FMC Lucy was just way too annoying for me and I just couldn't bother about the book in general. Maybe it will work out for some readers, but not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange of my honest thoughts.

*The Love Hack* by Sophie Ranald is a charming, witty, and irresistibly fun romantic comedy that offers the perfect mix of humor, heart, and modern romance. The story follows Cassie, a talented but unlucky-in-love woman working in the tech industry. When her best friend enlists her help in a “love hack” to improve her dating life using apps and online tricks, Cassie finds herself navigating the highs and lows of modern relationships—while grappling with her own complicated feelings toward her romantic future.

Ranald’s writing shines through with its engaging, snappy dialogue and relatable characters. Cassie is a likable and down-to-earth protagonist whose blend of intelligence, vulnerability, and self-doubt makes her incredibly easy to root for. Her journey of discovering what she truly wants in love, as well as figuring out how to reconcile her tech-savvy career with her more traditional romantic ideals, is both hilarious and heartfelt.

The plot is a delightful rollercoaster of dating mishaps, awkward situations, and those “will-they-won’t-they” moments that make romantic comedies so endearing. The "love hack" concept is a fresh twist, adding an element of modernity and humor to the story, as Cassie uses tech and apps in often comical but insightful ways to navigate her relationships.

While the romance is central to the story, *The Love Hack* also explores themes of self-worth, friendship, and the role technology plays in how we connect with others. The relationships Cassie forms—whether romantic or platonic—are dynamic and real, adding emotional depth to the story.

However, the story can be somewhat predictable at times, especially if you’re familiar with rom-com tropes, but Ranald’s ability to inject humor and emotional growth into the plot keeps it fresh and enjoyable. The pacing is light and easy, making it a great book for a cozy afternoon read, and the conclusion offers just the right amount of sweetness and resolution.

Overall, *The Love Hack* is a delightful, fast-paced read for fans of romantic comedies who enjoy a mix of humor, heart, and a little bit of tech-savvy love advice. With relatable characters, a funny premise, and a heartwarming romance, Sophie Ranald has created a story that will leave readers smiling long after they’ve finished the last page.

The Love Hack by Sophie Ranald is a delightful rom-com that made me laugh while rooting for Lucy. This story offers a mix of humor and emotional depth. It's a fun lighthearted read with a twist of modern-day romance. The chemistry between Lucy and Ross was irresistible and it weaves in important lessons of boundaries. It's a lighthearted and funny book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
Lucy is kind of a mess-and that’s okay, aren’t we all? I feel like she was such a victim to her staggering lack of self esteem, that she was a little hard to root for at times, and my lord, did she have a penchant for bad choices.

The Love Hack was such a fun and entertaining read! I absolutely adored Lucy- watching her grow into her confidence through her "Ask Adam" column felt so rewarding and made me feel like a proud mom. Her cluelessness about men and relationships added so much charm, and seeing her find her voice was incredibly satisfying. The chemistry between Lucy and Ross was irresistible, and their dynamic unfolded beautifully with just the right mix of humor and heart. The story also weaves in important lessons about boundaries and self-worth, making it more than just a rom-com. Lighthearted, funny, and full of heart, this book is a perfect weekend escape!

The Love Hack by Sophie Ranald is a delightful and charming rom-com that will have readers laughing out loud while rooting for the protagonist. Lucy, a rookie advice columnist dishing out relationship tips to men under the pen name “Ask Adam,” is far from interested in romance herself. After a painful breakup, she’s content to binge Netflix and cuddle with her cat. But when she meets Ross, her new co-worker, everything changes. He’s funny, charming, and sparks a connection with her that she can't ignore.

As Lucy navigates the complexities of her job, her growing feelings for Ross complicate things even further. To make matters worse, she suspects that Ross is behind an email in her “Ask Adam” inbox, which would mean he's already taken. What follows is a delightful blend of hilarious misadventures, awkward moments, and heartfelt revelations as Lucy tries to navigate her professional and personal life, with a little help from an AI assistant who might just be the cupid she needs.

This feel-good, relatable novel is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Emily Henry, and Beth O’Leary, offering a mix of humor, warmth, and emotional depth. The Love Hack is a fun, lighthearted read with a twist of modern-day romance, making it a perfect escape for anyone in need of a heartwarming love story.

The Love Hack by Sophie Ranald is a charming and hilarious rom-com about love, work, and the complications of modern dating. Lucy, a rookie advice columnist for a popular online platform, gives relationship advice under the guise of “Ask Adam” while struggling with her own lackluster love life. When she develops a crush on her new co-worker, Ross, things take a complicated turn, especially after a mysterious email sparks doubts about his feelings. As Lucy juggles her viral column, a quirky AI assistant, and her growing attraction to Ross, the book is a delightful mix of laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt vulnerability, and a dash of workplace romance. A perfect read for fans of lighthearted romantic escapades!

Sadly I could not connect to the characters or the plot in this book, the cover is absolutely gorgeous though, I’d be interested to read a different book from this author

*The Love Hack* by Sophie Ranald is a perfect fit for readers who crave a lighthearted, humorous, and heartwarming romantic comedy. However, I personally didn’t enjoy it as much. I struggled to connect with the characters, and found the story a bit boring at times. While it may be a great choice for fans of feel-good rom-coms, it just didn’t resonate with me.

This is the story of Lucy, who is a journalist and is tasked with writing an advice column for man. Lucy also has a huge crush on her colleague Ross. This book had so much potential but did not deliver. Lucy was an incredibly unlikable lead character who never actually did anything to improve her life.
The book also had an incredibly out of nowhere plot point about 9/11 that doesn’t go anywhere and it felt like emotional damage just for shock value.