Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the e-ARC to read and review. I read this entire book while waiting for my car to be fixed in the shop, so it was the perfect backdrop for some of the characters' workplace. I'm really torn about my actual star-rating, so instead of getting hung up on that, I'll just dive into my thoughts: I think this is standing out to me as 2 separate books put together.

This book is a really poignant look at a young woman chasing her dreams and deciding what those dreams even LOOK like for her - and this part of the story is going to stay with me for a long time, I can already tell.

This book is also an awful romance.

I couldn't believe John was the romantic lead for this story -- he feels like the guy the heroine is dating at the *start* of a Hallmark romcom: the one who barely communicates unless it's about his two (2) hobbies, has a handful of redeemable qualities, and is overwhelmingly holding his girlfriend back from being a true star, being happy, and trying new things that excite and challenge her. My brain called him a "wompy high school boyfriend" while reading, and I don't know if he ever got better. <spoiler> I'm shocked he wasn't simply cast in this story to be the dead weight Emily would eventually need to shed.</spoiler>

Emily isn't the most initially sparkling of leads. She doesn't have a ton of long term dreams: she hasn't been dreaming about being an artist or museum curator or at-home caretaker or ANYTHING for her entire life. But she's trying on those identities (a little clumsily, the way your 20s can really be about!) and learning what she likes, which was a joy to read about. Throughout, she's ambitious in her own way, and truly makes opportunities out of every chance encounter. She meets people and finds a way for them to mutually matter to one another, and it's really showing her strength. She doesn't seem excessively caught up in external validation, but she does apply to things like a NYU graduate program and an internship at The Met because they feel big and exciting, and hey, why not? I could really relate to this about her - even though I knew more about the career path I wanted to chase when I was pretty young, I still felt like working for big brand name companies with a lot of recognition may, in turn, bring ME some recognition in my work. I have always felt like I had to do big, capital-I Important things, even though I could make my own happiness in whatever world I found myself. Emily could just as easily find success in New York City as she could carve out her own little community in Prince Edward Island -- and it's a joy to see her trying all kinds of options.

The Worlde plot thread was a bit much for me, but it's what caught my interest in reading this in the first place, so it did its job!

This one is pure romance magic! Sweet, heartfelt, and just the right amount of swoon. If you’re a fan of love stories that tug at your heartstrings, grab this one. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I had a few people tell me how much they had enjoyed it, so I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I grew tired of the wordle gimmick quickly and I didn't feel enough of an investment or interest in the characters.

I ended up dnfing this pretty far through, so I think I have read enough to leave a review. Unfortunately, I do not like the style in which this book is written, and I really could not connect to the main character. While I thought the premise of this book could have been interesting, the writing style really put me off the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Amy James for the advanced copy of A Five-Letter Word for Love.

I really liked the overarching theme of Wordle in this story and how it brought Emily and John together. The plot of Emily trying to go for her dreams while still wanting John who was comfortable without big dreams led to a very reflective narrative. I really enjoyed it overall.

I personally don't rate books under 3 stars majority of the time. This book however was definitely not for me. I personally liked the idea of this book and how the characters found community in the game of Wordle like many people have across the country. I found the main character to generally be boring with not much interesting going on. She was not relatable to me and the male main character was just too grumpy and passive for my liking. I think overall there was way too much emphasis on the rules of Wordle every time they played it, I understand that it is included for readers who may not be familiar with the game but I'm not certain people who haven't played would need a refresher every single time. I think if the characters were more interesting and had a little more personality this book could have definitely been a home run hit for me, but it just missed the mark.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this title with me in return for my honest review. The opinions are solely my own and do not reflect those of the publisher, author or NetGalley.

2.5 rounded up!

I am such a Wordle lover, so A Five Letter Word For Love’s premise was an exciting one for me.

I was interested in a lot of the aspects in the novel, like finding oneself and career and how not knowing can really skew your perception on what you want. However, I think that John, the mmc, was right in saying that the fmc, Emily, was pretty pretentious about it. It felt really judgmental at points, and while she acknowledges it, it doesn’t feel like she is really apologetic.

I love the town and the caretaking, and even the museum. I just wish she stood up to her boss there sooner — it was a bit aggravating. Also there was no resolution with her friends that she was upset with? Would have liked to know if she continued to be their friend.

Regardless, I was interested in how things turned out, but I think I would have been just as satisfied if I was told.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was....fine. It took me a little bit to get into it, and then it just took a while for me to read. It was funny at first, and then I kept getting stuck on the fact that I was reading a book about the Wordle. It was alright.

2.5 stars
I am so so so sad to say that I did not enjoy this book. I am not sure what all to say because there isn't really that big of a reason I did not like it. I did not like any of the characters and I felt no chemistry AT ALL between our two love interests and I hate that because so many people have loved this book and I was really hoping to love it as well

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for providing an ARC of A Five Letter Word for Love.

🟩Release Date: Dec. 3 2024
🟨 Tropes:
• Manic Pixie Dream Girl
• Workplace Romance
• Wordle, Wordle, Wordle

I love myself a silly little romance focused around one thing. Christmas romances? Yes. Hockey romances? Yes. Hockey and Regency romances? Oddly yes... But Wordle! The thing I really only remember exists when I am at Thanksgiving or Christmas when all my older relatives break out their phones to play! Yes, please, do sign me up.

So yeah, I got a little excited for a Wordle-y romance. And it was... Fine?

Emily is a floundering 27 year old who is broke with a degree in chemistry, but dreams of having a super important or artsy job in a big city. Because that's what makes your life worth living, duh!!

Enter her quiet, minds his own business, coworker: John. He *clearly* hates Emily or something because he doesn't talk to her every single second of the day. And is also rude to customers! Well, he is if you are Emily. I think this is something critical that needs to be addressed: John is straight to the point and doesn't frill things up or try to be something he isn't, is that rude or is that just called being an honest individual? His behavior and mindset reads to me as being neurodivergent, and honestly some of the reviews I have seen hating him for being "so boring", "rude", or "not what a love interest should be" are really toxic. He might not be the leading man with flowing locks of hair and his shirt unbottoned, running across the continent to show his undying love, but is that *really* better or healthier than a partner who knows what they want and cares for you in a realistic manner?

Emily is really terrible to John. She would happily leave him and the life she loves behind for "her dream job since she can remember" AKA her dream job of at most 2 months, and she doesn't understand how that is unfair of her. She belittles John constantly for "not trying hard enough at life" or "settling" as if it's a bad thing to be content.

And this is all without mentioning how much Emily thinks about Wordle. It's constant. She mentions many times how it's always there for her, it's part of her every day, blah blah blah. Her and John form a relationship over Wordle, but honestly at one point it comes across that John doesn't care about it nearly as much as she does (he doesn't enter the word in even though they figured it out). I was kind of expected this to be the cause of a third act breakup for a Wordle themed romance, since that I could more easily forgive and see them reconciling over. But nope, it's never really addressed.

Anyway! If you are die-hard about Wordle, there may be aspects that are annoying to you (Wordle rules are not followed, the words are way too elementary, etc.) and if you AREN'T die-hard about Wordle, you will get annoyed by the constant mentioning of it... So expect some level of annoyance either way.

Loved the beginning and really enjoyed the whole premise. I saw a lot of my own personality and friendship/personal struggles in Emily. I felt that she was me a few years ago. I love John's character and his whole casual, nonchalant attitude. I felt as though he was the typical guy you meet but also such a cinnamon roll! I love the side characters and how much you have those exact types in life!

I thought the roller coaster relationship they went on made sense and I understood most of it. I wish the ending was different: there, I said it!

Overall, it was good and I couldn't put it down!

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc, even if I got to it a little later!

I really enjoyed this book, it was sweet and fun, exactly the kind of light reading I needed.

I did have a little issue with it, and that was Emily’s attitude towards finding her ‘dream job’. Just like John, I felt that she was being whiny and snobbish at times and while there was some development from this, it didn’t quite feel like enough.

But overall, I had a great time reading this and would still recommend it!

What a fun rom-com! I am such a Wordle fan, and was so excited when I received this arc based off the cover alone. Though I didn't find the main characters to be very likeable, I did still really enjoy the concept of the story, and found it to be a unique take on a 'workplace' romance. I had a fun time reading this book, though I personally did not find it to be the most memorable romance I've ever read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eArc!

A Five-Letter Word for Love is the perfect wholesome romance for readers looking for contemporary romance with a little bit of sass and quarter-life crises thrown into the mix. Emily, our protagonist, like many twenty-something graduates, is still searching for her dream job and finding her place in the world. Her college degree in a STEM field is basically useless, as the one thing Emily knows for sure is she won't be happy in a job that doesn't allow her to flex her creativity at least a little. But finding the answers to the meaning of life can be a little harder when stuck in a small town like Waldon, PEI. Until she figures out her bigger life plans, Emily's focus is on maintaining her Wordle streak and making just enough money to pay her student loans.

Emily is the perfect Gen-Z protagonist - a little angry at the world and the pretentiousness of crossword puzzles, and a whole lot of anxious about starting her dream career and reaching the milestones all her old university roommates seem to have already mastered. A Five-Letter Word for Love feels like a timely, realistic romance for a generation just starting to realize that life post-college isn't as straightforward as it seems.

As a Wordle girlie, I squealed when I got approved for this ARC.

If you’ve ever wondered how Wordle could spark romance, A Five Letter Word for Love answers that question with a charming, albeit somewhat predictable, love story. Set against the quaint backdrop of Prince Edward Island, the novel follows Emily Evans, an extroverted receptionist dreaming of a bigger life, and her seemingly grumpy coworker John, whose settled, small-town existence couldn’t be more different from hers.

What makes this story unique is in the use of Wordle as the medium for a connection. Emily and John share small pieces of their lives through the daily puzzles, building a bond that is sweet and refreshingly ordinary. A little subdued, quiet moments mark their interactions; Emily, needing to break loose from her career rut, and John's mystery yet dependability-their chemistry is palpable, if understated.

Emily is a vibrant protagonist who isn't afraid to take risks and pursue her dreams, which alone makes her journey compelling, even in the parts where the pacing feels rushed. Her determination to find fulfillment beyond her comfort zone is inspiring; the ending leaves you wishing her story had gone just a bit further. Meanwhile, John's quiet strength and his unexpected moments of sweetness gave him an enigmatic appeal, even though some of his motivations remain puzzling-what did "court" mean, anyway?.

It's a novel of self-discovery, as much as it is one of love, and it fails to live up to the promise it holds. Parts of the story, such as the character development of Emily, have been undernourished and could be given more depth. The romance in it is sweet but at times predictable, leaning toward familiar tropes without adding a distinct twist.

For readers looking for a light, small-town romance with a little quirk, A Five Letter Word for Love is a cozy and enjoyable read. Nothing too out of the ordinary, perhaps, but with its down-to-earth characters and some clever moments with Wordle, it is an endearing debut worth exploring.

Amy James crafts a heartfelt story in A Five Letter Word for Love, where we follow Emily’s journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance. While the book was enjoyable overall, I have to admit that Emily’s character was occasionally grating. Her quirks often felt more frustrating than endearing, and at times, I found myself questioning John’s feelings toward her—did he even like her all that much? Their dynamic didn’t feel as emotionally convincing as I’d hoped.

As an avid Wordle player, I was immediately intrigued by the title and loved the subtle nods to puzzles and wordplay woven throughout the story. Beyond that, what truly shines in this book is the overarching theme: happiness isn’t tied to achieving some idealized version of life. Instead, it’s about appreciating and finding joy in what you already have. James delivers this message beautifully through the plot’s twists and turns. It’s a comforting reminder that perfection isn’t the goal—contentment is.

The pacing and storyline kept me engaged, and I found myself reflecting on my own priorities while reading. Fans of cozy contemporary romance with a deeper message will likely enjoy this one, even if they don’t love every character. I’ve noticed other reviewers on NetGalley share similar thoughts about Emily’s personality being a bit polarizing, but that didn’t take away from the book’s charm for me.

Overall, while not perfect, A Five Letter Word for Love was a sweet, satisfying read. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a story that’s less about the fantasy of love and more about its grounding, realistic aspects.

Rating: 4/5 stars.

I have tried to read this book several times and I find the main character annoying. I haven't figured out if it's her lackluster approach to life or if it's something else. I will try it again in the future, but I did not finish as of the date of this review.

Emily is 27 years old, and she has no idea what she's doing with her life. She has big dreams of having a creative career in the big city, but she's stuck working at an auto shop as a receptionist on Prince Edward Island. Her only company is her coworker John, who couldn't seem to care less about her. The only thing she has going for herself is a 300+ day streak on Wordle. One day, she's forced to ask John for help on the Wordle when she's stuck on her last guess. This sparks a romance between the two of them that leads Emily to question what she really wants in life and step outside her comfort zone. The setting of Prince Edward Island in this book was so picturesque, and I loved imagining all of the scenery. I also enjoyed the small town vibes and the relationships Emily formed with her elderly clients. I found Emily to be quite a relatable character at times, because she's very ambitious but she's not quite sure what she wants to do with her life yet. I think this is something a lot of 20 somethings can relate to. However, she was a bit immature at times and didn't seem to really think through her decisions, which annoyed me. The romance between Emily and John lacked chemistry. John didn't seem to like Emily that much and he seemed a bit rude to her. I did like the overall message of the book though, which is that your don't need to have some big fancy job or glamorous life in order to be happy.

This was an incredibly good read! The story was beautifully written and the characters were flushed out really well! Definitely worth the read!

The premise of this book was adorable - two coworkers bonding over Wordle, developing a friendship and, ultimately, a romance. The characters were fairly likable - Emily, the main character, goes on a journey of finding what she truly wants and prioritizes in life. I think the execution of the book is what fell flat - although both main characters were in their late twenties, sometimes they felt younger than that. But, I think a lot of the thoughts that young adults have in their late twenties are articulated in this book - because do we really want what we want, or is there something bigger and better out there for us? Sometimes Emily & John’s romance seemed to have a weird pace and their communication was alllll over the place. Overall, it was an enjoyable, cheesy read. The writing style seems like a new writer, (it is a debut novel) but for a sweet read for someone who likes Wordle, I recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collin’s Publishing for the ARC of this book to read.