Love Me Do
by Lindsey Kelk
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Pub Date Sep 05 2023 | Archive Date Sep 26 2023
Harper 360 | HarperCollins
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Description
Greeting card copywriter Phoebe Chapman knows a good romantic line or two—and it makes her a fantastic Cupid.
So when she lands in the Hollywood Hills—a place that proves film stars, golden beaches and secret waterfalls don’t just exist in the movies—she can’t resist playing matchmaker for her handsome neighbour, carpenter Ren.
But you can’t hide from love in La La Land.
And isn’t there something a little bit hot about Ren, her own leading man next door?
A feelgood, sunshine-filled, friends-to-lovers romcom, Love Me Do is a dreamy summer love story, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emily Henry.
EVERYONE ADORES LOVE ME DO:
“A total delight . . . captures all the sunny glamour of LA, but still so relatable and completely hilarious. You need this book in your suitcase this summer!”—BETH O’LEARY
“A new Lindsey book is the next best thing to going on holiday.”—MHAIRI McFARLANE
“Her books are my go-to comfort reads. Love Me Do transported me to California . . . I loved every minute.”—SOPHIE COUSENS
“My favourite LIndsey book yet, and her funniest . . . I loved it”—DAISY BUCHANAN
“A vitamin D-infused delight”—STYLIST
“Delicious escapism at its very best. An utterly unforgettable, spirit-lifting summer rom com that’s full of soul, joy, laugh-out-loud moments and meaning. Flawless.”—HELLY ACTON
“Fabulous, feel-good and funny. I loved it! The perfect rom com to pack in your suitcase this summer.”—ALEXANDRA POTTER
“A gorgeously warm and funny rom-com. A delight.”—LOUISE O’NEILL
“Fun, fizzy and utterly rom-com-tastic, Lindsey Kelk has knocked it out of the park yet again!”—MIKE GAYLE
“Funny and summery and so, so delicious.”—SOPHIE IRWIN
Available Editions
EDITION | Paperback |
ISBN | 9780008619329 |
PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
This was an adorable story! I loved all of the characters but Myrna was my absolute favorite. Everyone needs an older friend like her! Ren and Pheobes story was great to watch unfold!
Oh this book was really delightful. I loved that it wasn’t mainly a romance. Phoebe got to have good realizations about herself and gained two friends of different generations. I so want to be Myrna Moore when I grow up (I say as a 33 year old, haha.) Falling in love with a cute guy was a bonus. It truly was great to read.
Thanks as usual to NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a book of firsts for me…
First time reader of a Lindsey Kelk book.
First time receiver of an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley & Harper Collins!
Lindsey Kelk has been a sleeper author for me. How? How have I never heard of her!
A slow burn romance but the many laugh out loud (Cheez-it’s or OJ, anyone) moments made up for the mild spice. Phoebes was entirely relatable. Well done!
The most perfect summertime read! What’s a more quintessential summer time activity than exploring LA, lounging poolside, hiking, picnicking in a cemetery, birdwatching with the hunky next door neighbor, befriending a former Hollywood starlet, or dressing up as a mermaid for a kid’s birthday party?? Love Me Do was such a witty, sharply written story about unlikely friendships, adventure, sisters, and betting on yourself with a side of birdwatching and romance. The entire cast radiated charm, adding immense warmth and joy of the story.
This elder millennial was in heaven with all the pop culture references from Friends to Britney to beanie babies to She’s All That (one of the greatest films in cinematic history), but when you can seamlessly work in The Land Before Time and our collective love for Littlefoot, that’s a true literary feat. There’s even some millennial pink on the insanely gorgeous cover!
Going in, I knew this was a vacation style romance (the FMC is in LA for two weeks) so I was prepared for insta love, which is typically a trope I don’t enjoy, HOWEVER, much like stories with similar setups (The Holiday), I really enjoyed it for the fun, breezy, charming read that it was. I DO wish there had been an epilogue, but I liked how the ending was resolved.
I haven’t had this much fun - I laughed out loud more times than I can count - reading a book in a while and I fell in love with Phoebe, Suzanne, Bel, Ren and especially Myrna. Truly, I want to be besties with Myrna. This was the first I’ve read from Lindsey Kelk and I can’t wait to dive into her backlist titles!
I fell in love with the world in this book. I had originally planned to read some of the book yesterday, pause, collect my thoughts, then finish the book today but i couldn't put the book down and ended up reading straight through it in one sitting. Pheobe was sweet and anxiety driven and easy to relate to. Then your introduced to Bel who has this glorious larger than life personality, she's just so contagiously happy i think everyone needs someone like Bel in their life. Of all the people in this book i absolutely didn't think id become so attached to Myrna so quickly, she's so glamorous even in her attempts to separate herself from the modern world and so loving in her own brash way. Then there's our dear Ren who sees the world through rose-colored glasses. Everything he finds even slightly intriguing becomes all-consuming so quickly its like one moment he's being introduced and the next he's absolutely enraptured in it. I wish i could go back and read this for the first time all over again just to relive the feelings i experienced through this book.
I honestly went into Love Me Do blind - all I knew was it was by Lindsey Kelk (an autobuy author for me) and had a super cute cover with summer / vacation vibes.
As usual, Lindsey didn’t let me down. She delivered another heartwarming romcom filled with a sweet cast of characters, some wonderful sisterly growth moments, and a slow burn romance I was rooting for.
I love how her FMCs all just feel relatable and authentic, they tend to heave average jobs and lives, slightly clumsy, and muck things up a bit — you know, not be perfect 🤷♀️ In this case, we have Phoebe who’s gone out to LA for a super long overdue visit with her older sister.
Phoebe was relatable and I loved seeing her grow unexpected friendships during her stay with Bel and Myrna. I loved her messy matchmaking attempts and the growth we saw with her relationship with her older sister too.
Phoebe and Ren were so cute together Manda it was fun seeing them interact and grow their connection throughout too. If you’re looking for a lighthearted summer or vacation read, look no further.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read an early copy! 💜
This book was a little hard to get into because I felt like I couldn’t relate to Phoebe; however, I am so glad that I stuck with it. I am more like Phoebe than I thought, and I was crying at the end of the book. It’s an amazing, fun read.
Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk is a quick and easy rom com that was the perfect choice for my day of lazing in my backyard. (Sadly not with a pool, but in hot miserable Missouri summer sun)
The story of Phoebe and Ren is great and all, but they didn’t have as much alone time as I liked, but that’s okay because the side characters were, to me, the stars of the book. Bel and Myrna made me laugh out loud and I think the real love story is the relationships that Phoebe develops with them.
There are pop culture references, two sisters finding their way to a better relationship, and of course, the happy ever after we want. It was a terrific book.
I’m off to read Ms. Kelk’s other books now!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
thank you so much to @lindseykelk and @harpercollins for the opportunity to read this arc. this was such a fun read full of all the summer vibes!
the multiple relationships in this book really were the star for me! seeing phoebe became friends with people she would’ve never thought and how much fun their conversations were was so delightful.
i also loved phoebe and ren together & the way they just made sense. my only wish is that we would have seen even more of them together and a bit more development of their romance.
A really lovely story about self-confidence, friendship, and seeing yourself as others see you (with a great romance as a bonus!).
Phoebe has flown all the way from the UK to spend a couple of weeks with her sister in LA. Unfortunately, her sister has to immediately rush to an emergency business trip leaving Phoebe on her own. Fortunately, her sister has an incredible home (and a very handsome next door neighbor). As Phoebe gets to know the neighborhood and her neighbors, she finds herself unexpectedly falling in love with LA.
I was surprised by how invested I was in Phoebe's and Ren's relationship and absolutely adored Myrna. I do wish we had more time with the characters, perhaps another chapter or two, as I enjoyed spending time with them and it felt like a lot was happening toward the very end. Recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet and fun read set in sunny California.
Thank you very much to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
Every time I pick up a contemporary romance, I'm pleasantly surprised! This was a very quick, cute read. Definitely The Holiday vibes. Would recommend!
This book is just fantastic. I loved it so much. I laughed and cried so many times. I figured I'd sit down and read a few pages. A few hours later I was laughing and crying. I loved Phoebe, Ren, Bel and Myrna. It reminded me abit of the Holiday. Phoebe finds her true worth after a nasty break up.
I loved this book. There's so many great quotes that I can't wait until my pre-ordered copy comes to read and highlight it again.
This was my first Lindsey Kelk book and it certainly won’t be my last. I’m about to make my way through her whole backlist!
Honestly, this book was so damn cute and adorable I loved every second of reading it. There’s a lot of laugh out loud moments that actually had my husband telling me to shut up and then asked to read what was so funny. The romance was sweet. I loved the love letter aspect of the story and the LA setting was perfect for it. The friendships in this book was amazing. I loved all the side characters so much! But the star of the show was definitely Myrna. That woman was batshit crazy and I freakin loved her!
If you love a good friends to lovers with slow burn and love letters then I highly recommend picking this one up on September 5th!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the e-arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-book advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is my first book by Lindsey Kelk but it will certainly not be my last. The writing was fabulous and the humor in this book was so great.
We meet Phoebe, a girl from England that has come to LA to visit her sister in an attempt to keep her mind occupied during a week when her toxic ex is going to marry someone else. Plans are altered when she learns her sister has to go on an emergency business trip, leaving her completely alone in her sprawling LA villa. Reading, TV watching, eating all the snacks and a sparkly pool in a house that rivals the swankiest Beverly Hills hotels, what more does a girl need?
Enter a cast of characters that Phoebe was never expecting, including a hot bird watching next door neighbor, a sweet and energetic new friend that is her sister's personal trainer, and a mysterious ex actress from Hollywood's Golden Era. Even the city of LA becomes a character which Phoebe quickly grows to love. The dynamics of each of these relationships was real and relatable and I really loved the growth of the relationship with her sister once she gets back from her business trip.
This Rom/Com is perfect as a beach or vacation read and was giving "The Holiday" movie vibes which I loved! It was a sweet and very funny read. The humor in this book was some of the best I have read and had me laughing out loud constantly. I can't wait to read more from this author.
This book follows someone who has been through an emotional and mentally abusive relationship, who has now put walls up that are very hard to break down. After visiting her sister, meeting a new friend, meeting her sisters neighbor things take a wild turn. She tries to play matchmaker between her new friend and her sisters hot neighbor. She put other peoples feelings before hers, and with the help of Myrna Moore, she was able to realize it was time to put her wants and needs first.
Enjoying a book is one thing, but falling in love with a book is a whole different sensation. This is a book that opens doors to topics that sometimes are looked past when it comes to writing a good book. As someone who has experienced many things that take place in this book, it is amazing to have representation. It gave me a love for the book that I never would have thought been possible. I was able to annotate without being forced to think about things, it all just came naturally. The writing style provides vivid detail, detail that puts a reader in the middle of the story, as if it were real life. That is something that I find not many authors will do, but Lindsey Kelp blew this one out of the water, or hit this one out of the park ;) Not only does this book involve love, but it involves hurt, raw emotions, and many other feelings not only for the main character, but for all of the characters around her. I believe that this bit of perspective into the other characters feelings is what really keeps the book calling you back for more.
While I did give this read 5 starts, I hope to everything in existence that in a. future book we can have an insight of what happens to Phoebe and Ren in their future together. Thanks Lindsey...
I am a loyal Lindsey Kelk reader and this book did not disappoint!
We follow Phoebe on her whirlwind two week vacation to see her sister who lives in LA. However, the day she lands, her sister announces she must go to Seattle for a work emergency for a "few days" leaving Phoebe alone. She quickly encounters Bel, her sister's personal trainer, and Ren, her sister's dashing neighbour, and Myrna, an old hollywood star, who all help her see beyond the glitz and superficial facade of LA.
All characters were charming in their own way and I wish I could have been on vacation in LA with them all. Lindsey gives each character in her books such personality and there is always some great British humour built in! This book has a little less banter than others but still easily devourable and entertaining. Readers will enjoy the sprinkle of Twilight references, Real Housewives , Taylor Swift and Disneyland moments too!
I appreciated how Lindsey wrote a lighthearted romcom book but also managed to interweave serious topics. Prepare for some instalove, holiday romance and other tropes that make you squee but also some moments the discuss grief, domestic abuse and toxic past relationships.
Who doesn’t love a modern day take on Cyrano? Love Me Do is a delight rom-com take on the famous French romantic where Cyrano is replaced by British greeting card writer, Phoebe Chapman. We follow Phoebe on her vacation in Los Angeles where she makes new friends, discovers new strengths in herself, and maybe even finds love.
Although the pacing in the first half of the book could use a bit of finessing, the story picks up and captures your heart with a strong middle and finish. The character of Myrna Moore, a now elderly Hollywood starlet is gold, and honestly who we would all love to be when finding ourselves in our 80’s. Definitely a highlight of the story.
Synopsis: When Phoebe goes to LA for a two week vacation, she finds herself playing matchmaker for her sister’s friend Belle and her attractive now next door neighbor Ren. What she doesn’t expect is to find herself falling in love with Ren during the process… not until she’s in too deep.
What I liked:
-Kelk, like always, did a great job adding humor into her writing. I loved all the modern day jokes and references
-Phoebe was a likable main character who saw the best in others
-The LA setting and adventures set there were fun to read about, especially from the POV of a British main character
-The love triangle trope was done well with minimal miscommunication
-The ending was super sweet
What wasn’t for me:
-The story didn’t feel original
-I didn’t love Belle’s character and she played such a big role in the book for a side character
-I needed more than the last 10% of the book with Phoebe and Ren together!
Thank you Harper360 for the ARC! Pub 9/5
“On the other hand, what a way to go.” This author just got a new fan! I’m completely obsessed🔥!!!
First, this book is so hilarious!!!😂😂 On page 21, my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard. By the end of the book I laughed my ass off so much!! Everyone needs a Myrna Moore in their life! Favorite character.
“You gotta know your freeways if you’re going to make it in LA.”
I really like how it explains different areas in LA. For example, the mention of the 101 freeway is one of my favorite drives! The descriptions were so amazing as well. I could picture everything so vividly.
Phoebe makes a trip from England to visit her sister Suzanne in LA. While Phoebe left a horrible relationship two years ago, she’s not expecting to like someone on her trip.
Suzanne, the hard-working sister ends up flying to Seattle for business leaving her sister to discover the city with Bel, her trainer.
Bel was really funny to me. So much enthusiasm and positive vibes but the guy department just didn’t seem like her thing.
“I’m here. If you fall, I’ll catch you.”🤤
Let’s talk Ren! I enjoyed how simple, down-to-earth and romantic he is. But he for sure needed to open his eyes up. Some things were so obvious that he should have noticed.
“Myrna Moore never, ever missed a trick.”
That lady is absolutely amazing! She had me laughing the majority of the time and her character really stood out to me. I’m actually going to miss reading about her! She was the perfect friend that Phoebe needed. What she did at the end of the book, made my heart so happy.
I could go on and on about all the things I loved about this book. Again, this author has a new fan and I’m definitely checking out her other books!
Thank you, NetGalley for the EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram (@Alexandriavwilliams_) shortly
Book : Love Me Do
Author : Lindsey Kelk
Pub Date : 05 Sep 2023
Thank you NetGalley, Harper 360, HarperCollins, & the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Do you need a super cute holiday LA centered insta-love rom-com book in your life? One that gives you the feels—make you laugh out loud, smirk, yell, shout and just fall in love with the plot and characters? This book is for YOU!
I love the characters and how well developed they are. They each have something different and bring something special to the table. I felt like I could related to one or more of the characters. I wanted to live in this story forever! I loved following and watching everything play out and that end was so perfect!!
I will continue to read more books from this author, I love the writing style and they are always just so fun! Absolutely an easy 4 stars and will be telling my book friends about this one!!!!
"Love Me Do" was a sweet, fun romance that I really enjoyed! Written by Lindsey Kelk, this book centers around Phoebe, who was has left Britain to visit her sister in sunny LA. Phoebe's workaholic sister quickly has to leave for a business trip, leaving Phoebe to get to know her neighbors and community. One of the most special neighbors is Ren, a quiet but sweet carpenter who lives next door. While Phoebe is trying to help a new friend get to know Ren, she realizes that she has feelings for him as well. But will she be willing to step up and tell him how she's feeling?
I enjoyed the sweet chemistry between Ren and Phoebe, and thought they were well-suited. I also really loved Phoebe's older neighbor, 82-year-old Myrna, who has lived a big life of her own and is very straightforward about what she thinks. She provided a lot of comedy in this romantic novel. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more books by Kelk. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Phoebe is going on holiday in LA to see her sister. When she arrives, she meets an extremely good looking neighbor/bird watcher named Ren and they form a fast connection. Phoebe quickly puts him in the friend zone when she discovers her new friend Bel has a crush on Ren. She becomes a matchmaker for the two, despite her own growing feelings for Ren.
I read Lindsey Kelk’s book The Christmas Wish last year, and so I was excited to have the opportunity to read another of her books. This one didn’t disappoint! She has the best sense of humor in her writing that makes me smile and laugh out loud throughout the whole book. I enjoyed Phoebe’s personality and her sweet relationship with her frankly former starlet neighbor. This book definitely gave me vibes from The Holiday. If you enjoy sweet rom coms with humor and closed door romance, this would be an excellent choice for you!
Thank you to Lindsey Kelk, Harper Collins, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a perfect summer read…love, growth, personal development and friendships…what’s not to love?
Lindsey Kelk has such a fun and fresh voice that I really adore and appreciate. Pick this up when you want a sunny book set in SoCal that has some real depth to it!
This story follows thirty-four year old Phoebe Chapman as she arrives in Los Angelos on holiday to stay with her sister Suzanne. While Suzanne thinks that Phoebe is hoping for a much needed break, the reality is: her ex is getting married in a few days. When her sister is whacked away on an emergency work trip Phoebe is left to start her holiday alone. Until she meets her sister's handsome neighbor, Ren, and personal trainer, Bel. Bel is set on the fact that Ren is the love of her life, but there is one problem; she can't string a sentence together when talking to him. With the help of Phoebe's poetic writing skills she plays matchmaker for the two, all while pushing her own growing feelings for Ren aside.
I rated this book 4 stars!
I am so grateful to have received an arc for this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins. I fell in love with this book and Phoebe so quickly. She is one of the most relatable characters I have ever read. She was able to get under my skin in the best way. The concept of the book was so interesting and I wasn't exactly sure how it was going to play out but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are really what sold me on the book. Bel was just the absolute sweetest girl with the best intentions. There were some points where I was like “girl get a grip” but are they really a good character is you don't ask that question? And Ren, oh Ren. The most adorable man ever with a heart of gold. But can we please take a minute to talk about Myrna Moore? I LOVED her. She was the perfect old women who doesn't like many people but when she does, she cares deeply (maybe even harshly when it comes to telling the truth). She is by far one of my favorite characters ever.
Lindsey Kelk really has the ability to draw you in with her writing. I was invested from the beginning and could not put it down. I felt so many emotions when reading this book. I was laughing one minute and then almost brought to tears the next for Phoebe. I can relate to Phoebe a lot in the sense that she felt unworthy of some of the things that she wanted, which is why she pushed Ren and Bel together. I truly felt for her in those moments. When the book came to the end I feel that it was wrapped up very quickly. I feel there could have a little more to tie it all together (I also wished Ren fought a little more for at the end, personally).
Overall, I loved this book and I really hope we have the chance to see the other characters stories in a future book. I wish we were able to learn more about Suzanne because I think was the perfect example of a big sister, tough and loving in they own way. This book truly was not what I expected and I love it all the more for it. I can't wait to read more from Lindsey Kelk!
Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk is my favortie read of 2023! Absolute gem that deserves all the stars in the sky! This delightful romantic comedy has feelings of The Holiday movie, but completely fresh and swoonworthy.
A heartwarming tale filled with delightful surprises, witty banter, and enough romantic tension to make your heart skip a beat. Kelk's skillful storytelling transports readers to a world where film stars, golden beaches, and secret waterfalls are not just fantasies found on the silver screen. But what truly sets Love Me Do apart is the irresistible chemistry between Phoebe and Ren. As their friendship blossoms into something more, the sparks between them fly off the pages. Kelk masterfully captures the excitement and trepidation of falling in love, leaving readers cheering for this adorable couple.
If you're in the mood for a feel-good read that will warm your heart and leave you with a smile on your face, Love Me Do is the book for you.
This book was amazing. It was sweet, funny, and it made me cry a time or two.
Phoebe is more invested in the love lives of the people aroud her than her own. She even goes as far as writing a love letter for her friend to the man she is unknowingly falling for.
I loved getting to see Phoebe finally accept that she deserves to experience the kind of love she has only read about it romance novels.
While the romance does take center stage, Phoebe’s relationship with Ren isn’t the only relationship this book highlights. Phoebe befriends Myrna Moore, a reclusive elderly movie star. I absolutely LOVED Myrna’s character. She served as Phoebe’s conscience in a way. She never held back how she truly felt about the drama taking over Phoebe’s life.
I can’t wait to see more from Lindsey Kelk!
I want to extend a huge thank you to Harper Collins, Lindsey Kelk, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book!
This was a very cute book! I loved phoebe’s personality, as well as the meet cute with Ren. It’s light and breezy, and perfect for a summer read!
What fun summer read! First of all I love the cover design. This was my first read from Kelk but definitely won’t be my last.
I absolutely loved watching the FMC (Phoebe) experience LA for the first time. And I loved watching the friendships grow between characters and the sisterly banter between Phoebe and Suzanne. While I liked the flirtation between Ren and Phoebe throughout the book, I do wish we could’ve seen more of them together. But maybe Kelk will write another in the series and we can see them again!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC! I devoured it!
4 - Lindsey Kelk knows how to nail a quirky, chaotic rom com! Phoebe is visitng her sister, Suzanne, in LA when Suzanne admits she has to head out on an unexpected work trip. Alone in her sister's extravagent LA home, Phoebe befriends the gorgeous boy next door, her sister's chaotic trainer ,and a reclusive retired actress in the neighborhood. This comedic cast of characters makes for a heartful story about getting over heartbreak and unexpected friendships. You do have to suspend disbelief at times as some of the plot lines were a bit over the top, but that's what Kelk does best!
This was a fun one! If you like the movie, the Holiday with Kate Winslet, Jude Law, etc you’ll enjoy this. There isn’t a storyline in England, but the MC is a Brit living temporarily in LA. Interesting characters, although several of them had some seriously frustrating moments, The storyline was engaging.
Thank you #HarperCollinsPublishers and #NetGalley for the arc e-book
I don't read a ton of "women's fiction" because I prefer straight up romance, but Lindsey Kelk is always an exception for me because her characters are relatable, her writing is great, and the plots are always a nice mix of funny and touching. This was no exception - Phoebe Chapman is a greeting card copywriter from England who heads to sunny LA for a holiday to visit her sister, who seems to work for some unnamed tech company. Almost immediately upon picking Phoebe up from LAX, her sister, Suzanne, is called away on a work emergency and spends most of the two weeks that Phoebe is visiting away. Phoebe quickly meets a few quirky characters to keep her entertained. There's Ren, the super hot next door neighbor who is obsessed with bird watching; Bel, Suzanne's perky trainer (who is also a model/actress/kids' birthday party mermaid/dog walker) who quickly befriends Phoebe; and Myrna, Golden Age Hollywood royalty who hasn't acted in 60 years but is still incredibly dramatic. Phoebe is recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship and has been branded crazy for trying to warn her ex-boyfriend's current fiancé about how terrible he is during her hen party, so she's mostly just happy to be away from home for a while. Bel is in lust/"love" with Ren and Phoebe, who loves meddling and matchmaking, gets involved in a whole Cyrano de Bergerac subplot that was probably my least favorite part of the book. I did love her friendships with Ren, Bel, and Myrna, and was happy with the sister bonding parts of the plot. This was funny and charming, but with some darkness (definitely a content warning for Phoebe's emotionally abusive past relationship) that made it feel more realistic (and it's unfortunate how realistic that was). An all around solid read, and very on brand for Lindsey Kelk.
This book was a fun, witty, love letter to Los Angeles and finding oneself. I really enjoyed the UK meets US banter. Plus, who doesn’t love an old school love letter? A quick and fun read!
The Beatles' song kept playing in my head as background music during my reading of this sweet and heartfelt retelling of Cyrano DeBergerac with a gender-reverse twist, reminiscent of a heartwarming holiday movie. The main characters are easily relatable, and I cannot help but emphasize my praises for Myrna Moore, who portrays an absolutely adorable supporting character, stealing scenes and making you wish she were your real-life bestie.
While there may be some clichés and a touch of cheesiness in the story, it didn't stop me from being drawn into the execution and becoming attached to the plot. I found myself turning the pages faster with each delightful revelation, a smile spreading deeper across my face.
The plot centers around Phoebe, the main character, who bravely leaves her abusive ex behind to spend the summer in her sister's Hollywood Hills house. There, she befriends the lovely Bel, her sister's personal trainer, and the sweetest boy next door, Ren, who is both a real cinnamon bun and a meticulous carpenter. As the story unfolds, Phoebe realizes that Bel has feelings for Ren, but she can't express them. Being a professional writer of greeting cards, Phoebe decides to play matchmaker by writing love letters on Bel's behalf.
During her time in Hollywood, Phoebe also befriends an eighty-year-old Hollywood starlet, and together they enjoy quality time, hanging out by the poolside, picnicking in the cemetery (as can only be done in Hollywood), taking long hikes, and peacefully birdwatching. Phoebe finds herself falling for the city and, despite resisting to confess, she begins to fall in love with the man she's trying to matchmake with another woman. Oh, dear Phoebe, what have you done? After all you've been through, don't you deserve your own happy ending?
The author weaves a delightful and heartwarming narrative, skillfully blending romance, friendship, and self-discovery into a captivating tale. With every turn of the page, I found myself immersed in Phoebe's world, feeling her emotions, and cheering her on as she navigated the complexities of love and relationships.
Phoebe's journey of personal growth and healing is both empowering and relatable. Her decision to leave her abusive ex and embark on a summer adventure becomes a catalyst for positive change, allowing her to find strength within herself and redefine her own worth. As she bonds with Bel and Ren, the connection between the characters feels authentic and genuine, making their stories all the more engaging.
Myrna Moore's portrayal of an adorable and endearing supporting character adds a delightful touch to the narrative. Her interactions with Phoebe are heartwarming, providing moments of laughter and insight that further enrich the reading experience.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you're looking for something extra sweet, motivational, and entertaining, making it a perfect summer read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360/Harper Collins for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
When I grow up, I want to be Myrna. Unabashedly herself, bedecked with jewels and blatantly opinionated, she gives the reader life. I laughed out loud when she told the salesperson that Phoebe was her lover while Phoebe was trying on dresses. She also provided some lines that I myself found helpful. Why not me? If you aren't on your own team, why would anyone else like to join? Phoebe came to LA feeling lost and unwanted. Until Ren stated that she was more than enough did she start to believe it. She certainly has a way with words and her witty observations were spot on but she was very down on herself and continued to hide rather than act. However, Bel, Suzanne, Myrna and Ren helped her see who she was and what she deserved. The ending was exactly how it should be. I would read a sequel as well.
Lindsey Kelk is always exactly what I need. Her writing, her characters, her sense of community, always manage to pluck me up and out of my world and into hers. I loved Love Me Do so much that I want to hug it tightly to my chest. This was the perfect love story - and I am not a fan of romance, unless it’s from Ms Kelk. It was funny, witty, deep and multi-dimensional. All the stars.
Phoebe Chapman is a fantastic matchmaker. She finds herself at her sisters house in Hollywood Hills playing matchmaker and befriending an 82 year old film star. She ends up falling in love with Los Angeles and something or someone else…
This was a good light hearted read everyone needs for summer. I very much related to the story between the sisters and I love when two people really try to close the gap to become closer. A bit of a slow burn, most of the action comes towards the end but it didn’t take away from the story PLUS I love me a slow burn. This is my first book I’ve read by Lindsey Kelk and it will not be my last!
Thank you NetGalley, Harper 360, & HarperCollins for the ARC, and giving me the chance to read and review it honestly.
This book was giving me “‘The Holiday” vibes and I am not at all mad about it. Throw in a good One Direction, Friends, and Game of Thrones reference and you’ll always have me coming back for more.
Phoebe is in LA visiting her sister on holiday from England. Kelk paints a gorgeous picture of LA, one most outsiders would never know about, and it has me wanting to book a flight to find the hidden wonders she describes in this book.
Throughout her visit we see Phoebe form relationships with a very colorful group of people- all of which are amazing and add so much to the story. (Myrna is a hero and we all need one in our lives.)
This book had me giggling from the very start. The one-liners are gold and the dialouge is perfect.
The storyline can seem a bit childish at times but it’s all in good fun. There is a bit of miscommunication but it’s all due to the MCs trauma- which we find her battling throughout the book. Phoebe faces her demons in this wonderful, beautifully written story.
This story has a little bit of everything for everyone. It could totally be a movie and I’d be first in line to see it.
Read this one if you’re into:
Slow Burns
Friends to Lovers
Love Letters
RomComs
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for an eARC of Love Me Do.
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the holiday setting in Los Angeles. I also loved seeing the relationship between the two sisters grow in addition to phoebes relationship with ren.
Myrna was also an amazing character. I loved learning about her life. I definitely recommend this book.
Oh I loved this one so much! Perfect slow burn romance 💘. Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk features Phoebe from the UK who writes greeting cards for a living and hottie with a body (for watching birds), Ren. It is the cutest friends to lovers I’ve read yet! I loved the pop culture references and the way I felt like Phoebe was my friend. 4/5 ⭐️ thank you Harper 360, HarperCollins, Netgalley and Lindsey Kelk for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @harpercollins360 for an early copy of Love Me Do by @lindseykelk. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Blurb:
Greeting card copywriter Phoebe Chapman knows a good romantic line or two—and it makes her a fantastic Cupid. So when she lands in the Hollywood Hills—a place that proves film stars, golden beaches and secret waterfalls don’t just exist in the movies—she can’t resist playing matchmaker for her handsome neighbour, carpenter Ren. But you can’t hide from love in La La Land. And isn’t there something a little bit hot about Ren, her own leading man next door?
A feelgood, sunshine-filled, friends-to-lovers romcom, Love Me Do is a dreamy summer love story, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emily Henry.
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Love Me Do is so frustratingly good and such a light and chill read. I loved all the characters, especially Myrna with her spunk – her comebacks are fun and such a delight! I half enjoyed, half hated how Phoebe and Ren’s relationship grew though. From the get-go, from their very first conversation, it was clear they were perfect for each other. As their friendship grew and as Phoebe was playing matchmaker for Bel and Ren, it was frustrating and heart wrenching to see her potential with Ren fall to waste. I did enjoy Phoebe coaching Bel though, it was somewhat both hilarious and embarrassing with how Bel’s conversations with Ren went😅
Another thing I really enjoyed was Phoebe’s character development. I can relate with her somehow as I prefer to do things on my own, stay indoors, and lessen social interactions, but her time in LA and mostly with Bel’s and Myrna’s influence, Phoebe was able to become more adventurous and appreciate her surroundings.
Rating Love Me Do ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5. Releases September 5th, 2023
So cute! Loved the meet cute and that Kiss Cam scene! (Can we have more of those in romcoms please? 😍)
I really enjoyed "Love Me Do" by Lindsey Kelk, whose work I have read & enjoyed before. This is a fun tale (and a possible re-telling of "Cyrano"??) as we meet sweet Phoebe who comes to L.A. for 2 weeks w her sister, after leaving an abusive ex. She falls in love with California, and her sister's quirky, crazy world & people. She meets the neighbor, Ren, a hottie and her sister's trainer, Bel, who asks her to help with her feelings for Ren, and complications ensue, of course. There's also eccentric Myrna, the aged actress, who really amps the fun up! Really enjoyed this title! My sincere thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the complimentary DRC - my pleasure to review it!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review.
This book reminded me so much of The Holiday which is one of my favorite movies of all time. This was a love triangle trope that wasn’t cringy. I just wish there were more scenes with Ren and Phoebe!
This was a great, unique story line and I truly enjoyed it! I loved that there were many different stories within, each character had their own journey throughout the book.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was hilarious and fun. I loved the cast of characters and enjoyed the variety. Of course the ending fit together too perfectly but it's a good beach read.
I was completely hooked on Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk! The book boasts fantastic characters, a taste of old Hollywood, and a British perspective on LA.
Phoebe Chapman is headed to LA to spend two weeks with her sister. However, upon arrival, her sister is called away to Seattle for a work emergency. Undeterred, Phoebe decides to stay and unwind by her sister's pool. Little does she know that her time in LA will help her learn to be a leading lady in her own life
Phoebe's character is an absolute riot, and I found myself bursting into laughter throughout the book, even if it meant receiving some curious glances from fellow passengers on the plane!
A special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you for allowing me to read this title early!
I really enjoyed the characters, setting, and sister dynamic. I thought the neighbor forced proximity romance was sweet. I loved the tension. I found the birdwatching side story interesting as well!
I thought the ending was a little rushed. I would have loved an epilogue or a bit more of the couple finally together. Maybe a newsletter bonus idea?
3.5 rounded to 4
What a fun summer romcom. I actually really loved Bel more than Phoebe - she was hilarious and you could see her sparkle and shine a mile away. Ren was a deep soulmate kind of man, tricked into thinking it’s Bel he should go for when it’s really Phoebe who wrote the letter that sparked feelings of love.
This is a funny non spicy low stakes minimal conflict kind of romance (aside from a heavier topic of emotional abuse flashback explanations to shed light on Phoebe’s situation more).
Thank you Harper Collins 360 and NetGalley for the gifted eARC.
Thank you Harper Collins, Harper360 and NetGalley for the ARC!
“Love Me Do” was wonderful! As a LA native, it was like being home again - such a love letter to Los Angeles.
This book is very character-driven (Myrna is a character I wish were real) and everyone had their own voice. I felt connected to the story and loved it all. It also oddly reminded me of one of my favorite Christmas movies, “The Holiday”.
I appreciate the tenderness with which the author handled emotional abuse. I felt that it was a topic that has not been addressed enough, and the author really spoke to it in an authentic and truthful way.
Thank you again for the ARC!
This is such a fun read for the summer! I loved all of the characters in this book, which I think is so rare! I would read a sequel book about any of the side characters (I'd love a book about Bel or Suzanne or Myrna!)
Phoebe is leaving the UK and coming to LA for two weeks to visit her sister, Suzanne. Unfortunately, Suzanne gets called away on a business trip, which leaves Phoebe on her own in Suzanne's beautiful home. She meets her neighbor, Ren, as he is birdwatching! He's handsome and funny! Phoebe also meets Bel, who is Suzanne's personal trainer. Phoebe finds out that Bel is attracted to Ren, but she gets so nervous around him. She asks for Phoebe's help with Ren, but the problem is that Phoebe is also interested in Ren.
Along the way, Phoebe also meets Suzanne's other neighbor, Myrna. Myrna is a reclusive, former Hollywood starlet, and she is hilarious! I loved her character!
There were some heavier topics, and I think that they brought a lot to the story. I was so happy to see the sisterly bond between Phoebe and Suzanne. The friendship with Bel and Phoebe was great too!
I would have liked to see more of Ren. He was such a caring person, and I would love to know more about him and Phoebe in the future. I think a sequel to this book would be amazing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper for an ARC of this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper360 for this advance copy of Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk in exchange for for my honest review. This one is out 9/5/23, only a month away!
I really enjoyed this one and the ease of how it read - we’re following Phoebe, who is on holiday from the UK visiting her sister Suzanne in LA. For some reason, Suzanne bounces for a few days to work and Phoebe finds herself in her house alone and meets up with Ren, her attractive bird-loving neighbor and Bel, Suzanne’s personal trainer who seems to have boundary issues. While this one is super easy to read, I think it could’ve used just a touch of focusing - Phoebe is noted to be a greeting card writer, which I suppose provides the premise of the love letters, but it’s literally never mentioned again. And Bel is really unlikable - Phoebe seems to not mind when she does really ridiculous things and I’m surprised these two managed to connect as friends because Bel was really hard to relate to. And honestly, the whole side plot with the grumpy next door neighbor made zero sense, and just provided Phoebe a “reason” to stay in the end, but if it’s a contemporary love story, shouldn’t love be reason enough to stay? I don’t know, I found myself rolling my eyes at her parts and wondering what she added to the story.
Ultimately, I’m landing on 3.5 stars and rounding up because it was very easy to read and the mermaid scene at the kids birthday party had me laughing out loud and cackling. Many thanks again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for this review. Pub date is coming soon, 9/3/23!
Love Me Do is a delightful romance, but I was even more excited by the story about the friendships in the book. I couldn’t put this down because I needed to know what was going to happen. It was a really cozy, fun book.
I loved this and I loved Phoebe. This is a perfect romance. A great pick to read while longing at the pool for the day. It sucks you in and you completely lose track of place and time.
I just reviewed Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk. #LoveMeDo #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
This is my first book by Lindsey Kelk but it will certainly not be my last. The writing was fabulous and the humor in this book was so great. This Rom/Com was the most perfect vacation and summertime read. All the characters were charming in their own way. Phoebe is going on holiday in LA to see her sister. When she arrives, she meets an extremely good looking neighbor/bird watcher named Ren. Phoebe quickly puts him in the friend zone when she discovers her new friend Bel has a crush on Ren. She becomes a matchmaker for the two, despite her own growing feelings for Ren.. The story shows love, growth, personal development and friendships. Love the story and hope to see the characters in a future book, especially what happens to Suzanne.
Thank you to Lindsey Kelk, Harper 360, Harper Collins, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 stars
this was a lot of fun! I wish there was more time & focus spent on the actual building of Phoebe & Ren's relationship instead of Phoebe trying to get him & Bel together and her time with Myrna. but I thought the humor was great and really liked all the characters. crossing my fingers for a sapphic romance with a certain someone??? would def read from this author again.
Every book that Lindsey Kelk writes is a winner. Love Me Do had me laughing out loud, swooning, cringing, then laughing out loud all over again. Phoebe was my kind of girl- a pasty, self deprecating failed mermaid who just loves stacks of pancakes.
Phoebe was a highly likeable modern day female Cyrano. Who wouldn't want a handwritten love letter vs someone sliding into your DMs?! Her friendship with Bel was so sweet (let me tell you- I wouldn't be that nice!!), as were her heart to hearts with her sister. BUT! Phoebe's chemistry with Ren was PHWOAR. I'd like to take up bird watching to catch a glimpse of Ren through my binoculars!
Myrna was the character who truly stole the show though. All those side eyes and zingers (but also tough love, sage advice!) were a hoot. I'd love to have a neighbor like Myrna! Lindsey Kelk does an amazing job of writing both her main characters and side characters as if you would know them in real life, which makes them so easy to connect with. Bravo on another fantastic book!
Also- just wanted to say I love the reference to tuna pizza. It's an inside joke in my family and I was laughing my butt off!
If you can suspend your disbelief in the fact a new person in town can easily work their way into getting close to a group of residents, then this is a read I absolutely recommend. It is well-written, has some tender moments, sizzling chemistry between the characters, as well as a, wholesome group of people. This has all the hallmarks of a bestseller, and I'm sure it'll hit the lists. I'm absolutely going to want to read Lindsey Kelk's next book.
This is such a fun and lighthearted read! I was already a fan of Lindsey Keli from the I Heart series. This book did not disappoint. The characters and plot draw you in. I particularly enjoyed Myrna and the depth her character added to the story. This gave old Hollywood glam vibes and made me crave a trip to Los Angeles. Excellent book!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! Love Me Do was quirky, funny and sweet. Very reminiscent of The Holiday! This was my first book of Kelk’s and it won’t be my last. I will say the ending felt a little rushed but overall, great summer read!
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC! After reading The Christmas Wish last year by Lindsey and loving it, i had to read her summer romcom immediately. It did not disappoint in the slightest. This was a cute and funny book that made me smile so much! I adored Phoebe and I liked the little spin Kelk put on the friends to lovers trope.
Lindsey Kelk is SO much fun! I love her writing and her incredible sense of humor. Love Me Do was such a charming and hilarious read! Highly recommend.
What a delight! I adored reading Lindsey Kelk’s latest, Love Me Do - a love letter to Los Angeles featuring, well, love letters. British Phoebe spends a two week holiday at her sister’s posh home in The City of Angels, and from the beach to a woodland hike to Disneyland, she and the reader are treated to the best of L.A. The dialogue is snappy and often laugh out loud funny, but still manages to be insightful. Phoebe is immensely likable and relatable. The secondary characters are likewise well drawn - particularly former film star Myrna. The fawning over hunky neighbor Ren is a bit overdone at times for my personal taste, but that is a mere nit.
Highly recommended to fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren and other intelligent, uplifting romances - and, of course, those who have enjoyed any of Kelk’s prior books. I also loved 2022’s The Christmas Wish, which was my first Kelk novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Lindsey Kelk is one of my all time favorite authors for light, fun reads, and this was my first time being approved for an ARC so to say I was excited was an understatement.
Love Me Do was light, fun and hilarious! An easy read that finds you rooting for ALL of the characters, even when you should probably hold a couple of grudges.
Phoebe has flown across the world to visit her high-powered sister in LA. She isn’t surprised when her sister has to leave for work as soon as Phoebe lands. This leaves Phoebe alone to explore the ritzy LA neighborhood where her sister lives, which includes a high strung friend/personal trainer, the grumpy neighborhood recluse and most importantly, the UBER hot neighbor who is obsessed with birds and building things. Following Phoebe along on all of her adventures had me wanting to plan a trip to LA ASAP, and I loved how she navigated through the awkward situation she found herself in!
I would recommend this to anyone who is in need of a light, fun, romance!
ARC REVIEW
Love Me Do
By Lindsey Kelk
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Publishing date: 9/5/23
Phoebe travels from the UK to LA to visit her sister Suzanne. Unfortunately, Suzanne has to work the majority of the visit, so Phoebe befriends her sisters trainer, Bel. Phoebe also meets Suzanne's neighbor Ren, who Bel is coincidentally INFATUATED with. The problem is, every time she tries to talk to Ren, Bel loses her ability to speak and is totally head over heels.
Phoebe offers to break the ice and writes a love letter to Ren, pretending to be Bel. Ren feels an instant connection with the letter, but for some reason, the connection with Bel isn't flowing as naturally in person as it does on paper.
And what is Phoebe going to do when she realizes that she also has feelings for Ren.....everything she wrote in the letters pretending to be Bel was ACTUALLY how she felt.....oh no!
REVIEW
I read my first Lindsey Kelk book last year at Christmas. And it's EASILY, my favorite Christmas story. (The Christmas Wish, add it to your TBR) When I saw this one on net galley, I HAD to have it!
I loved this story! I really enjoyed the Los Angeles setting. I have never been to California and loved the LA references....a Dodgers game, hiking in the hills, Hollywood parties, etc.
The characters were fantastic. The standout for me was Myrna. I was ACTUALLY laughing out loud. The relationship between Phoebe and Myrna was so cute. Excuse me @lindseykelk can we get a book about Myrna as a young hollywood star?!😍
Overall, cute book. I liked it and think you will as well if you enjoy romance!
Thanks @harpercollins360 and @netgalley for the chance to read this one early!
Oh how i fell in love with Phoebe and Ren. Their chemistry was incredible. It broke my heart as Phoebe started helping Bel with dating Ren, all while she was also slowly falling for him. When they were at the game and Bel took out Phoebes letter out of the jacket and start reading it. Ouch, it hurt having to read how she had to pretend it was another letter from Bel for Ren. I’m glad Ren and Bel realizes they’re are not compatible. Also, I’d love Myrna as a friend please and thank you! I live about a 15 min drive from Disneyland and I love that the sisters made out to the park. I’m glad they had their special moment where they could finally express their feelings and baggage. Oh how I would like to one day get a reservation at Oga’s Cantina. In the end, I’m glad Phoebe realized “why not her?,” she deserves it. She deserves love and happiness, and that’s with Ren.
Love Me Do is a new favorite rom com for me! This is my first Lindsey Kelk book, I’m not sure how she escaped my notice. I’ll be checking out her back list for sure!
It takes a lot to make me laugh but Love Me Do had me laughing out loud throughout the whole story.
I loved all the other elements that were expertly woven through the love story (no spoilers). Lindsey’s characters had depth and were relatable in their own unique way. Honestly Myrna was the absolute best, I loved her humor and life experiences. I loved her more than Ren and Phoebe. I’d love to read Myrna’s story; it could be epic!
The slow burn romance between Phoebe and Ren was done beautifully. I loved seeing their interactions and connections grow as the story progressed. I was caught off guard by the kissing scene, I didn’t see it coming at all, which I loved (no spoilers).
Thank you NetGalley, Lindsey Welk and Harper Collins for the ARC, in exchange for my review.
I loved this book! My favorite movie is The Holiday, and it definitely gave me the same feels! Check it out if you are in the mood for a fun, light book that will definitely make you laugh!
special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and Lindsey Kelk for an ARC of this book!
this was a super fun summer read! the L.A. setting was so cute and made me wanna book a one way trip to LAX ASAP rocky. the little hints and nods to celebrities (i'm looking at you Harry Styles and the three name drops you had in this book) made it even more fun and i loved the illusions to old Hollywood. the romance was lighthearted and perfect for chick-lit. excited to read more by Lindsey Kelk in the future!
One hundred and twelve- That’s the number of highlights I made while reading Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk. This book is hilarious, endearing, and, if you haven’t gathered by that triple digit number, so relatable. I could not stop laughing and smiling all throughout reading this story.
The characters were incredibly lovable and their friendships were natural and genuine. I didn’t enjoy the romance as much as I had hoped, but I loved the friendships enough to make up for that. Phoebe’s friendship with Myrna, a reclusive and grumpy 82- year-old retired film star, outshone all of the other relationships.
I just wish the ending had been a little less rushed. So much happened at the end, and I think some of these events deserved a little more development- especially with the romance. Even though the romance wasn’t the main focus of the story, I was still hoping for a more passionate declaration of feelings. But if you’re looking for a story that’s more focused on friendships and self-growth, you may not mind that.
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Love Me Do comes out September 5, 2023. Make sure to add this to your TBR if you want a great end-of-summer read.
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. This novel gave me similar feelings to The Truth About Cats and Dos mixed with The Holiday. This was fun and quirky. Low stakes but well thought out plots. I enjoyed this a lot! Love the cover too!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 🖤
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!
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
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins, Harper 360 and Lindsey Kelk for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
Phoebe takes a 2-week holiday from England to LA to visit her sister and get away from her life for a while. What she doesn’t expect is for her sister to immediately leave on a work trip, leaving her to manage LA alone. Thankfully, she’s swept into the lives of a few locals who show her the city, and maybe even friendship and love.
This was my first book by Lindsey and it was a fun, lighthearted summer read! Being from near LA, it was an added bonus to be able to visualize the locations in the book.
It was a bit slow in the beginning, but right around halfway I got more invested in the plot and characters and it was so hard to put it down. I fell in love with all the side characters and how everyone interacts with each other.
Insta-love romances are in my top faves since I’m a huge romantic, but I’m not sure there were enough scenes between Phoebe and Ren for me to get on board with it. Myra has more scenes with Phoebe (which is great because I adore that character) but it just felt lopsided.
I liked the ending, but I wish there was more insight into it! It felt kind of abrupt. I would have loved to see more of their relationship after it just started, but I also get the timing of the ending suited the story better. I’m just greedy with happy endings.
ITS FREAKING LINDSEY KELK WHO WOULDNT LOVE THIS. Her writing is so relatable and so stinking funny. Reading her books are like cozying up with your best friend and a glass of wine
Before I delve into my thoughts about this delightful summer read, I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and Lindsey Kelk for providing me with an ARC of "Love Me Do" in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers around Phoebe, our protagonist, who embarks on a journey to Los Angeles, CA to visit her sister Suzanne, residing in a picturesque abode nestled in the Hollywood Hills. During her stay, Phoebe becomes acquainted with her next-door neighbor Ren, a skilled carpenter. Another intriguing character is Bel, the personal trainer for Phoebe's sister and a former movie star who calls the same neighborhood home. Each character contributes immensely to the narrative, and the gradual development of their relationships adds a heartwarming dimension to the tale.
Phoebe resonated deeply with me; her fantastic sense of humor, shared enthusiasm for Twilight (a mutual interest!), and her overall delightful nature made her an endearing character. Normally, I don't always find myself entirely connected to the main characters in stories, but this time, I reveled in experiencing the LA lifestyle through Phoebe's perspective. Our similarities made me feel like I was right there with her, even though I've never set foot in LA.
This book radiates with a feel-good romance. The palpable chemistry between the characters and the seamless flow of the narrative contribute to its excellence. The vivid depiction of the setting, complete with its brilliant portrayal of LA, transported me there in spirit (despite never having visited). Reading this book put me in such a delightful mood, stoking my excitement for the upcoming summer season. I am definitely looking forward to diving into Lindsey's other literary works soon.
I enjoyed every bit of this read. All of the characters were amazing.
Phoebe is on holiday to visit her sister when her sister has to unexpectedly bail and forgets to cancel her personal trainer Bel. What she doesn't expect is Bels intense crush on her sisters bird obsessed neighbor. She vows to help the two of them but she doesn't account for her own feelings toward Ren.
Lindsey Kelk never dissapoints and this read is no exception.
AWESOME!! Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360, HarperCollins for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a heartwarming, fun and hilarious rom-com that takes place in the amazing city of Los Angeles, California!! It's a friends to lovers romance that is filled with angst, tension, humor, love, chemistry and wonderful secondary characters. The book is so unique and not like your typical rom-com and it will have you smiling, laughing and swooning! I absolutely LOVED this book so much!! Literally, could not put it down and finished it in a day.This is my first read by Lindsey Keik and it will not be my last! The author has done an excellent job with developing characters that are so real and relatable. I can't wait to read more of her books! Another book to add to my favorites for 2023!!🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Phoebe is visiting her sister in LA for two weeks in hopes of forgetting her toxic ex and his upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, her workaholic sister has to take an emergency business trip and leaves Phoebe all alone to entertain herself. While enjoying the pool she ends up meeting the super hot next door neighbor, Ren. The next morning a woman barges into the house claiming to be her sister's personal trainer named Bel. It turns out that Bel has a huge crush on Ren and is so nervous she gets tongue tied around him. Phoebe has given up on love for herself but decides to help Bel. Before you know it, Phoebe is writing love letters for Bel to give to Ren and tagging along on their dates. The problem is that Phoebe finds herself falling for him too!!
If you are looking for a quick, cute and delightful summer read then this is the book for you! I highly recommend this book and it deserves all the stars!💫💫💫💫💫
If this isn’t the classic rom-com, I don’t know what is. This read was sweet, funny, heartwarming, and of course if had our HEA. When Phoebe crosses the pond to visit her sister, she is met with an empty house and two weeks to entertain herself. All the characters of Ren, Bel, Suze (at the very end!), and Myrna remind Phoebe of who she is, what she deserves, and what life is all about! This book is for sure worth the read ❤️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was my first from this author but there were many things that surprised me as I read. The story was sweet and kept my interest. I felt like Myrna - the elderly neighbor - added some much needed advice and life experience that didn’t feel pushy. There were also a few times I found myself actually laughing as I read… the characters were relatable and up to date in ways that I rarely see in books. It was so effortlessly done and a very enjoyable read!
What a perfect summer romance. In spite of the fact that I might not be taking a dip at the LA pool side, I certainly enjoyed going to all the places this book takes you. Throughout the book, there are many nostalgic references. Despite loving how the book ended, I would like to be Mayra Moore's best friend like others. Thank you so much for sharing this fun summer read with me.
Obviously, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.
I got about a quarter through this before firmly deciding that I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book! I laughed a lot and wanted to squeeze every character. So I’m pausing for now and can’t wait for release day so that I can continue reading this goofy rom com.
[b:Lindsey Kelk|2824597] is giving major Cyrano vibes with her latest romance – with none of the creep factor.
When Phoebe flies out to LA for a two week holiday with her big sister, she probably should have expected Suzanne to have to dash to an out-of-town meeting only moments after Phoebe’s arrival. She didn’t expect the extremely attractive – and extremely shirtless – man with binoculars in the next backyard. Ren turns out to be the neighbor, an avid birder, and the object of a major crush from Bel, Suzanne’s trainer and Phoebe’s self-appointed LA tour guide. Ren doesn’t even know Bel exists, but Phoebe, a greeting card writer, offers to help Bel write a love letter to Ren to express her feelings. Only, after handing the letter over, she begins to wonder if she hasn’t made a massive mistake.
Anyone with eyes in their head can see Bel and Ren make a terrible match, whereas Ren and Phoebe seem to be made for one another. Ren is adorable: His enthusiasm for birding, his love for his late grandfather, the joy he takes in restoring the old house. A+ book boyfriend. Bel, flighty and a bit wild, is so obviously wrong for him, but she makes a fabulous friend for Phoebe, showing her some of LA’s hidden gems and pulling her into some truly bonkers adventures. I’m completely obsessed with Myrna Moore, fading (by her own description) movie star, whose mail keeps mistakenly getting delivered to Suzanne’s house, is an absolute riot.
It’s worth saying how wonderful it is to see how Kelk writes Phoebe’s past. Everyone thinks she’s still not over her ex, but they couldn’t be more wrong. And (light spoilers) <spoiler>she writes Phoebe’s strength in recognizing she was being abused, and choosing to get help, leave, and continue to get therapy is not something I see enough in romance heroines with painful pasts</spoiler>.
If anything, I wish we had more time with the Phoebe-Suzanne relationship: While Suzanne ends up being gone for work for most of the story, it puts Phoebe’s developing friendships with Bel and Myrna, and her feelings for Ren, at center stage, but the relationship between the sisters could have been give just as much space and deserved more. The sisters are so much fun when they’re together on the page.
Finally, as someone who grew up in the LA area and couldn’t get out fast enough, [b:Love Me Do|75738819] made me wish I knew the LA Kelk describes. It sounds magical.
CW: Emotional abuse by a partner (described, in the past)
[b:Love Me Do|75738819] by [b:Lindsey Kelk|2824597]
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫 4.5 stars rounded up
🦜 Love that the LA parrots made an appearance. #Birdersunite
🌮 It’s a crime Phoebe never actually gets to eat the tacos everyone raves about
💃🤵🏽♂️The clothes… the houses… the glamor really shines through (and actually sounds glamorous, which isn’t always the case!)
🏰 It’s a good thing Suzanne is rich, otherwise going to Disney for only a couple hours is a crime against responsible spending unless you have a season pass
<i>Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>
In Love Me Do, the reader finds Phoebe on her first vacation in LA with her career obsessed sister Suzanne. Suzanne has to immediately go on a work trip to Seattle, leaving Phoebe to herself in her sisters mansion. From the first day, Phoebe gets acquainted right away with Suzanne's seemingly gorgeous but quirky neighbor Ren who is obsessed with bird watching and Bel, her sisters trainer who becomes a fast friend. Bel has always had a crush on Ren, and Phoebe believes she can be the one to get them together; the only problem is that Phoebe might be crushing on Ren herself.
Lindsey Kelk is an autobuy for me at this point. Her ability to write such relatable, quirky, but also charming characters makes my heart sing. This book is fun, flirty, and just the breath of fresh air that I needed! All the characters were so fun and the story was cute and well thought out, something a bit different than I've read in the past, and I just had a blast reading it. I loved it, and will be recommending and buying it for all my friends and family without a doubt.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.
Love Me Do was a super fun romcom about Phoebe visiting her sister in California and trying to play Cupid for someone else. Phoebe's two week vacation ends up being life changing for her. This book was easy to follow along with and the story flowed nicely. It also had great characters, funny and overall it was well done by the author. I would highly recommend this to anyone! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this e book. I greatly enjoyed reading it.
4 stars!
"Love Me Do" is the second book from Lindsey Kelk that I have read, and I can't wait to go back and read her back catalog because I absolutely love her writing! The way Kelk writes humor, love, and friendship is so honest, authentic, funny, and downright delightful! Her books are like a warm hug, or a cup of coffee with friends, or a soft, fuzzy blanket that's just come out of the dryer - endlessly comforting! Some may read her books as cheesy, and yeah, I could entertain that notion, but no matter - I am along for all of the rides she provides her readers. I loved watching Phoebe's journey in this story, and I loooooove the swoon-worthy Ren! They were such a good pair together. The story kept me on the edge of my seat as Phoebe tries to set Ren up with Bel, her sister Suzanne's personal trainer, even though she herself is falling for him from afar. Ren and Phoebe had such natural chemistry and banter with one another that it was hard not to root for them to get together. I enjoyed watching Phoebe's sisterly relationship with Suzanne become stronger over time as they open up to each other (something that they haven't ever really done). I really liked Bel and Phoebe's blossoming friendship. I loved the Los Angeles setting and all of the humor that comes from a proper British lass discovering things like Erewhon's outrageous prices and the fact that no one in LA seems to work. I adored the references to famous Los Angeles-based cinema like "Pretty Woman." I laughed out loud many, many times while reading this fantastic book. This book gave me big "Roxanne" (Cyrano de Bergerac) vibes. It's a light, eventful summer story that you should absolutely take a chance on!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsey Kelk, Harper 360, and HarperCollins for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
When I realized this was a gender-bent Cyrano retelling I was a little nervous, but Love Me Do proved I had no reason to doubt.
Phoebe is our funny and quirky main character who tries to help Bel, her stunningly beautiful friend, win the heart of Ren, the kind, romantic, incredibly attractive love interest. While, Phoebe sets out to help Bel, she ends up falling for Ren herself.
I love the side characters in this. Myrna is a reclusive former actress who befriends Phoebe. Her quick wit and penchant for saying what’s on her mind is endearing and highly entertaining.
I recommend this sweet story of finding love and yourself in unlikely places.
Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk
Release Date: September 5th
5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
I have read books by Lindsey Kelk in the past, specifically In Case You Missed It, and I very much enjoyed her style of writing. Once I saw she had a new book, I knew I wanted to read it.
Phoebe Chapman needs to get away for a little while, and what better place than LA for a long awaited reunion with her sister. However, within hours, Phoebe is alone as her sister is called away on an extended business trip. No matter, she can read and relax and entertain herself. Enter Ren: her sister’s beyond handsome next door neighbor. There’s one catch, her sister’s friend is in love with Ren, and now Phoebe finds herself playing Cupid to the first guy she’s been attracted to in years.
I have to say, I always love a modern retelling of a classic tale, and this one gives off serious Cyrano vibes. This is done very well, as you can clearly see the author’s inspiration, but she makes it fully her own. I found the writing and characters witty, charming and engaging, especially Myrna, another neighbor, but this one a classic movie star. I have a mild obsession with Old Hollywood, so I loved her addition to the story. I would recommend this book to any rom com lover and will happily read it again soon!
Love Me Do
Lindsey Kelk
Pub Date: September 5, 2023
Love me Do is the PERFECT lighthearted, feel-good summer read! This was my first book by Lindsey Kelk, and I’ve already added some of her other books to my shelf!
I absolutely adored Phoebe and thought she was so relatable and genuine. Some of my favorite books have characters like Phoebe, and I thought her character development was just perfect! Myrna was another one of my favorites. As an 80-something ex-actress, she was just a vibe!
Read If You Like:
💖Friends to Lovers
💖Amazing Characters
💖Love Letters
💖LA Setting
💖Slow burn
Thank you Harper 360, Lindsey Kelk and NetGalley for a #gifted copy of Love Me Do!
Posted on Goodreads on August 29, 2023: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- September 5, 2023: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on September 5, 2023
**-will post on designated date
Thank you so much @HarperCollins for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 05 September 2023)
SYNOPSIS | Phoebe is visiting her sister in LA for two weeks in the hopes of forgetting about her toxic ex & his upcoming wedding, however her workaholic sister takes an emergency business trip leaving her to fend for herself for the majority of this time. She grudgingly meets her sisters personal trainer (Bel), as she forgot to cancel her morning workout, & swoon-worthy next door neighbor (Ren) who take her under their wing & show her the hidden gems of Los Angeles.
WHAT I LIKED:
- Phoebe's humor is exactly my cup of tea & there was several scoff out loud moments (& several excellent one-liners!)
- the whole cast of wonderful secondary characters
- the Twilight references
- overall I just had a really lovely low-stakes enjoyable time reading this. It'd make a perfect pool side read.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I didn't think there was enough interactions between Phoebe & Ren to warrant dropping the "I love you" after two weeks of knowing each other
- golden retriever love interest energy
A fast fun read. All Phoebe wanted to do when she landed in Los Angeles from the Uk was to have a good long visit with her sister- but it turns out that Suzanne is taking off that night for a work crisis in Seattle, leaving Phoebe to, she thinks to spend time alone. HA! Almost immediately she meets Ren, the hot neighbor (who doesn't seem to acknowledge it) who loves birds. And then she's woken by the arrival of Bel, Suzanne's trainer who takes her on a voyage of discovery through LA. Bel's got a lot of jobs to keep her going while she waits for her acting break including as a mermaid at a kid's party. She's also reduced to a pile of hair whenever she's close to Ren who she swears she's in love with. And then there's the reclusive and incredibly wealthy neighbor Myrne, a retired movie star. If you've read Kelk you know that this is a romp with lots of humor and heart and if you haven't read her- well you're in for a treat. And there's a happy ending. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Made me smile.
This wonderfully written book was such a blast to read and had me laughing my head off the entire way! Great characters and a great plot line. I only wish there was an epilogue!
I’ve always enjoyed the British rom com writing of Lindsey Kelk. She’s a must read author for me. In Love Me Do, she takes her story to LA but peppered with British flair. Phoebe comes to visit her sister after a tough breakup. Her sister immediately leaves on a business trip, leaving Phoebe to meet her friends and neighbors on her own. Enter sexy Ren, trainer Bel, and a wealthy faded actress. Will Phoebe return to her old life after her holiday or realize the sun really is brighter in LA?
I recently had the pleasure of reading Love Me Do by Lindsay Kelk, and it truly captivated my heart. This delightful rom-com had me chuckling, swooning, and even cringing at times. The irresistible banter between the characters kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Lindsay’s writing style is charming and engaging, making it difficult to put the book down. The storyline follows Phoebe, whose hilarious and relatable narration had me laughing out loud. From awkward encounters to unexpected twists, Love Me Do is a rollercoaster of emotions, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
I couldn’t help but fall in love with the well-developed characters. Each one was unique, bringing their own quirks and dynamics to the story. But must admit Myrne was my favorite!
As a fan of romance novels, Love Me Do certainly exceeded my expectations. Lindsay’s ability to blend humor, romance, and a hint of awkwardness made this book an absolute joy to read. I found myself emotionally invested in Phoebe’s journey, eagerly rooting for her happiness.
Overall, Love Me Do is a delightful and entertaining read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a feel-good romantic comedy. Lindsay’s talent for crafting engaging stories, memorable characters, and witty dialogue has certainly won me over. I eagerly await her future works and declare her as one of my favorite authors.
One of my top reads of the year!
Phoebe travels from her lack luster life in the UK to visit her older sister in LA. There, she finds friendship, Hollywood royalty, a new type of relationship with her sister, and love all while realizing how special LA really is.
My heart broke when I finished reading this book. There is something so special about Lindsey Kelk's writing. Each scene is developed with such humor that I found myself laughing out loud the whole time. I honestly have't laughed this much reading in a long time. The pop culture references, one-liners, and downright quirky humor had me rolling. I want to be friends with Phoebe. I felt so much of my own humor in her. I could read about her all day long and not be bored. Hand down, one of my favorite FMCs. Ever.
But, this book isn't just a showcase for Phoebe. All of the side characters were unique and so well drawn out. Myrna, the faded Hollywood actress (Shirley McLaine in my head) is so deadpan yet wise. Ren, the hot, bird-loving neighbor is adorable. Bel, the ditzy wanna be actress is nice, ditzy to a T. Suzanne is the older sister we all want: fierce, independent, and accepting. They all come together to tell this modern day Cyrano de Bergerac.
Beyond the comedy, Kelk tackles the large issue of being mentally abused within a relationship. She does it with such care and your heart breaks for Phoebe and what she still has to go through to gain back some confidence from a previous relationship. Some of the best books and movies are able to tell a series story, like this, but also allow the humor to pour through. This book did that in spades! This is not one to miss.
-letters
-helping someone with love
-Old Hollywood
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the gifted copy. My reviews are always honest.
Set in LA, but featuring a British main character, this story has a lot of The Holiday film vibes and I Heart New York (also by Lindsey) feels, with plenty of uniqueness all its own.
I love a British main character new to the US, it’s an experience I can totally relate to and I soak that up. Phoebe is a greeting card writer visiting her sister in LA. The sister has to unexpectedly leave for work, so Phoebe’s alone in this LA mansion for her holiday. But she’s not alone for long! There’s hot neighbor, Ren, Bel, her sister’s trainer, and a mysterious and reclusive octogenarian neighbor. By the first week of her holiday, Phoebe’s matchmaking Ren and Bel and developing a friendship with a queen of old Hollywood. I read this last month over the course of a day, totally immersed in this happy, escapist, funny story.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Net Galley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Love Me Do Lindsey Kelk
I loved me this book! I have never read anything by Lindsey Kelk but I will be reading her other books shortly.
I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. Every. single. one. How often does that happen?
I think there are some great lessons to learn from this book. It wasn't so much a romance, but the book has spice and a love story. I really loved the book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harpers Collins, and Lindsey Kelk for the e-ARC. This review is my own opinion.
I liked this one! It was a fun end-of-summer book before I move into cozier reads this fall. This book was funny and heartwarming, and I loved the blend of British and LA sensibilities (two places I'm very familiar with). The characters were delightful and easy to invest in.
I'd recommend this to rom-com lovers who loved The Holiday. Looking forward to the author's next book!
Although I still don’t understand how the title coincides with the story the graphic is beautiful and captures the essence of Phoebe and her adventures in LA! Phoebe travels from London to visit her sister in the city that gives as much as it is given. When her sister has to head out of town for work she decides to face LA on her own and quickly stumbles into friendships. Her sisters trainer, neighbor, and the mysterious woman down the road. She can’t stop herself from meddling and gets herself involved in all their lives. Mostly for the better but the path to that outcome is filled with self discovery and ultimately self love. This book discusses verbal abuse and highlights the strength that is needed to reframe your own thoughts and truly flourish post traumatic relationships!
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Phoebe leaves England and goes on vacation to visit her sister in California for two weeks. She hopes to have a fun time and forget about the fact that while she’s away her ex will be getting married but as soon as she arrives, her sister has to leave town for work so Phoebe’s plans soon get changed as she is facing being in LA by herself. That is until Bel, her sister, Suzannes’s personal trainer comes barging into her home and therefore into Phoebe’s life since Suzanne is out of town and they quickly become friends. Phoebe also meets Ren, her sisters hunky birdwatching neighbor, and instantly develops a crush on him before she finds out that Bel has been crushing on him for ages and needs Phoebe’s help to finally make a connection. So phoebe agrees a la cyrano de Bergerac and mixups ensue. Then Phoebe meets an old time movie star Myrna after delivering some mail to her that was accidentally delivered to their house and they strike up an unexpected friendship because Myrna is a formidable figure and decided it was to be. I think she was my favorite character.
This was a cute, easy read that didn’t take itself too seriously even when tackling more serious issues.
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
I postponed picking up this book because, based on the summary, the idea of a Cyrano or Shop Around the Corner redo was not motivating. Thankfully, this story didn't follow those ideas much... and I mean it's just a slight Cyrano thing (no Shop Around the Corner).
It was charming and timely -- meaning, some of those snarky pop culture bits may be dated in a few years -- but it felt like a love letter to LA that included a rom-com. I didn't know I needed it in my endless summer vacation rotation, but it was such a fun read that I felt like I was living a 'Party in the USA' as soon as our main character hopped off her own plane at LAX.
By the end of the e-arc received from NetGalley, I hadn't realized I actually read and enjoyed a previous Lindsey Kelk book until I saw her other writing credits. Like this one, On a Night Like This, featured a Brit and American romance set in a slightly different yet no less magical opulent party that made me want to be transported. Looking forward to more from this author.
Phoebe is from England and writes greeting cards, and her sister Suzanne lives in LA and makes a lot of money working for a popular app company. Phoebe flies in to see her, but Suzanne is going out of town for the first part of her stay. As someone who lives in LA I love Phoebe’s thoughts after she arrives…
“The light was different in LA. Even though I knew it was the exact same sun in the exact same sky, everything was more magical here.”
Phoebe decides she’s going to spend time at the pool, but is distracted by the sight of a man Michelangelo might have created as he’s birdwatching from the yard below Suzanne’s house. After she meets the guy, named Ren, she finds out that Suzanne’s trainer, Bel, has a crush on him and she sets them up. But who is Ren really interested in?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are memorable and I loved watching Phoebe discover the real LA, so different than the stereotypes. 4.5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
This was such a fun book to read! I loved the Hollywood setting and that it ventured outside of the stereotypical California scene. The unique cast of characters added depth and humor to the story and I loved that it touched on recovering from emotional abuse and beginning to believe in yourself again. Excellent story!
📚 Just finished "Love Me Do" by Lindsey Kelk, and it's a solid 5/5 stars! 💫 Imagine a feel-good romcom with a twist on Cyrano DeBergerac, set in sunny LA. ☀️ Phoebe, the greeting card copywriter turned Cupid, is an absolute gem. 💌 Her matchmaking adventures for her hunky neighbor Ren had me in stitches. 😂 And can we talk about how "Love Me Do" by The Beatles played in my head the whole time? 🎶 It's like reading a heartwarming holiday movie! 🍿☕️ If you're into cozy and heartwarming summer reads, this one's a winner. 🏖️💕 #LoveMeDo #BookReview #RomComReads #NetGalley
Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk was a sweet, sunny, friends-to-lovers rom-com!
Phoebe and Ren were amazing characters. I adored their chemistry and relationship.
I thought they fit together so well.
This book sucked me in from the very first page and kept me interested the whole way through!
Gorgeously written, with two magnetic leads and a warmth that radiates from every page.
This story was exciting, exhilarating, romantic, and fun.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thank You NetGalley and HarperCollins for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
A rom-com set in LA has so much going for it already. The sun, the beach, the mountains, the Hollywood sign, the birds, and the beautiful neighbors. There was a little bit of everything in this new Lindsey Kelk and I quite enjoyed hanging out with Phoebe as she spends two weeks in her sister's gorgeous home in the Hollywood Hills.
Here are four of my favorite bits:
🌟Lindsey Kelk's sense of humor casts a golden light on the narrative.
🌟Phoebe's letters are beautiful. Ren's response was swoon-worthy.
🌟Myrna Moore -- a surprise in every encounter.
🌟Gentle, but effective exploration of abuse in relationships.
A couple of not so great things:
👎Bel was all over the place. Too much for me.
👎Susanne, the sister, was also not my favorite supporting character.
This title is coming out soon! If you are a Lindsey Kelk fan, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
LOVE ME DO – Lindsey Kelk
Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0008619640
September 5, 2023
Romantic Comedy
Los Angeles, California – Present Day
Greetings card copywriter Phoebe Chapman arrives in Los Angeles for a two-week vacation with her sister Suzanne, only to learn that her sister is about to leave for Seattle for a business trip and will be gone “a few days.” Rather than cancel her vacation and return home where her ex is about to marry, Phoebe decides to stay at Suzanne’s house and entertain herself. Phoebe soon encounters the next-door neighbor, Ren Garcia, who is a carpenter and bird watcher. Oh, and he is drool-worthy sexy. They share a few minutes discussing birds, but Phoebe isn’t looking for a guy after her bad experience with her ex. Besides, she will be returning to England in two weeks.
The next morning, Phoebe is rudely awakened by a yoga instructor friend of Suzanne’s by the name of Bel. Bel is a little kooky and she is attracted to Ren. Phoebe decides to play matchmaker for the two of them by penning a love letter to Ren and signing Bel’s name to it. Turns out it works, and now she gets to watch the two fall in love. Unfortunately, Phoebe soon discovers that she likes Ren too. To distract herself, she explores the area on foot and runs into an elderly retired movie star, Myrna Moore. The woman is a bit eccentric, but she intrigues Phoebe. Meanwhile, Ren and Bel’s romance is rocky, and it is Phoebe to the rescue. But is her matchmaking going to end with her heart broken?
All Phoebe wanted to do was to have a nice visit and vacation with her sister in LOVE ME DO but nothing went according to her plan. Suzanne has a Type One personality, and she has to fix the issues in the Seattle office because no one else can. Phoebe’s ex is a controlling person and she got out before he emotionally hurt her further. She tried to warn his fiancée about his personality by crashing the hen (bachelorette) party, but she got labeled jealous by those who knew her. Knowing no one else in Los Angeles, Phoebe ends up becoming friends with Ren, Bel, and even crotchety old Myrna. In LOVE ME DO, there are plenty of chuckles and laughs with this odd assortment of characters. Phoebe wants to enjoy her vacation and forget the fact that her ex is getting married. What she experiences in Los Angeles is something that she will never forget.
LOVE ME DO is cute and funny, with the characters colorful and entertaining. Being in a strange country might intimidate some people but Phoebe is not afraid to experience new things, even if her body ends up exhausted afterwards. Her love notes to Ren on behalf of Bel are coming from inside her. She doesn’t realize it at first, but readers will sense it. Phoebe and Ren are perfect together as they laugh and enjoy each other’s company. But hanging over them is the fact that Phoebe doesn’t want to admit it for two reasons. One is that she considers Bel a friend and she wouldn’t betray a friend. Then there is the fact that she is leaving to return to England. How can they even think about love when she is only there for two weeks?
Prepare to chuckle and smile at the antics of Phoebe and the people around her. By the end of LOVE ME DO, you’ll be rooting for everyone to end up happy.
Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today
Adorable rom-com. I loved the side characters so much, I would read any spin offs about them. This gender flipped Cyrano inspired story also felt a bit like The Holiday and I was here for it.
Loved this story of Phoebe from England visiting her sister in LA. Phoebe arrives to discover her sister has to immediately head out for a work trip. Alone in a new town, she finds new friends that end up more like family, including an old movie star with an amazing house just down the street. It was fun to read about some of the cultural differences through Phoebe’s eyes. I enjoyed all of the characters in this fresh and delightful story! I’m going to explore Lindsey Kelk’s backlist and keep an eye out for future books by her.
Love Me Do is out September 5th! Thank you Netgalley and Harper 360 for my e-arc!
This book is the quintessential feel good #summerread.
The relationships between the characters were well written and @lindseykelk stacked the tropes sooooo perfectly. Nothing felt like it was trying to hard and was a great binge read.
I also appreciated the strong “The Holiday” with with Kate Winslet vibes (best movie ever).
Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollins for the ARC of this books for an honest review. Grab your copy on September 5!
Last fall I read and fell in love with my first Lindsey Kelk novel, The Christmas Wish. Everything about that book was perfect so I immediately requested a review copy of her latest romcom, Love Me Do. I'm thrilled to report that Kelk knocked this one out of the park too.
The story follows Phoebe Chapman, a young British woman who has come to stay with her sister in L.A. for a couple of weeks. Phoebe is coming off of a bad break up and wants some downtime to regroup. When her sister gets called out of town on a business trip, Phoebe needs to come up with ways to entertain herself. She soon meets Ren, her sister's handsome next door neighbor, and Bel, her sister's personal trainer, and becomes fast friends with each of them.
Phoebe is attracted to Ren but not interested in starting anything since she'll be gone in two weeks, but when she learns Bel also has a secret crush on Ren, Phoebe decides to play matchmaker. Bel gets so nervous around Ren that she can't seem to string together even the most simple of sentences, so Phoebe offers to write a love letter for Bel to give to Ren. Because this is a romcom, you know things won't go according to plan and that there are sure to be shenanigans galore.
I don't want to give any spoilers, but I'll just say that Love Me Do has major Cyrano de Bergerac vibes and I loved every minute of it. Phoebe is a fabulous character. She's smart, hilarious, resilient, and she also undergoes a lot of personal growth during her time in L.A. I was fully invested in her story and I also adored all of the secondary characters, particularly a quirky, aging Hollywood icon who lives down the street and just adds such an extra element of fun to what was already a charming and delightful read.
Love Me Do is perfect for fans of:
💕Friends to Lovers
💕Slow Burn Romance
💕Quirky side characters
💕Miscommunication trope (normally this isn't my favorite, but Kelk does it really well here)
4 1/2 STARS
I grabbed this one because I always enjoy someone trying to set someone else up. It always causing chaos I can laugh at which makes me happy. However, what I didn't expect was how much I would love this one! The characters are incredible!! They are all really interesting and different. They aren't perfect but they also aren't bad people. I also loved reading about LA. I've never been there and now I feel I need to go immediately. Well probably not immediately but it sounds like a much more interesting place than I thought it was. I loved that a little bit of old hollywood made it into this book and wow do I wish I could have been at that party even though I hate parties. Finally, I loved how Phoebe went out of her way to help Samantha. It was a brave thing to do and something many people would not have done. I would love to read more about these characters. I would honestly read a book with any of these characters as the hero or heroine!
Lindsey Kelk is guaranteed to put a smile on any reader’s face! She writes the cutest romcoms with the most relatable and interesting characters that I have grown to love throughout the years. And while the IHeart series will always hold a special place in my heart I feel like each book she releases gets better and better!
Love Me Do truly has it all! It’s funny, has a friends-to-lovers trope, a cute matchmaking theme, and the most loveable secondary characters. This one made me laugh, smile, and just feel good! I recommend this one and really anything that Lindsey writes!
4.25 out of 5. This was Adorable and sweet. It was giving me The Holiday (LA edition) vibes and inspiration throughout. I love the Holiday so that is a very good thing. You have the interesting neighbor but who could be in a complicated relationship and the elder neighbor you have to help. Ren was a very interesting character, a geeky hot man is always a good idea. However, I could have done without Bel. I did not get her and she annoyed me throughout the book. I get that she is supposed to be on good heart and a good friend but she just was not it for me, the book would have been better without her and another form of wrench put in. side note: The shoutout to Deuxmoi was relevant and cool. I also have to like a book that has this quote: “There are only two types of people in this world, Disney people and those who don’t know that they are Disney People.”
This was the cutest book to end Summer with!!
This was the first book I've read by this author so admittedly I had a little bit of a slow start getting into her writing style.
But, once I got a few chapters in it was smooth sailing! It was the perfect read in one day kind of beach read.
The book revolves around Pheobe, the FMC, who is supposed to be spending some one on one sister bonding time (and to forget about her horrible ex) in LA but soon after arriving in the City of Angels, her sister is called away on a work trip. She is given the "ultimatum" to come on the work trip and occupy herself while her sister is at work or have her sister's home to herself. She chooses the latter and it's a whirlwind from that point forward!
Perfect for readers that like:
✨a lot of com in their romcoms
✨ a meet cute
✨insta love to the max
✨close proximity
4.00⭐️
Special thanks to netgalley and @harpercollins360 for the review copy to read and review before its publication date.
This was my first Lindsey Kelk book but it certainly won’t be my last. This book was the perfect combination of (and I mean this in the best way possible) my dork diaries phase and my current romance obsession. Although I normally read more spicy books, it didn’t feel like this book was missing anything, and I appreciate that the romance was more tension than physical attraction.
This book didn’t feel like it was dragging on at any point and was predictable to the point where everything makes sense in hindsight. More than this, I LOVE when characters are put into new situations because you get to experience it with them, so you don’t feel clueless as a reader. That is exactly what happened in this book with Phoebe going to LA. It was more than just a romance. It was a book about Phoebe finding herself in new friends, young and old, and in a place that didn’t hold as much baggage as her home in the UK. I went into this thinking it would be just about a girl and a boy, but I’m so glad that it was more than a fluffy rom-com!
ps. thank you harper360 for the arc!
I just read Love Me Do by @lindseykelk which was like a love letter to Los Angeles. It was the story of a British woman who comes to LA for a couple of weeks to visit her sister and ends up in a Cyrano del Bergerac situation by helping her sister’s trainer make some moves on a hunky neighbor. Oh, was this book just adorable. Obviously we all know how it will turn out but the road to get there was full of eccentric and quirky characters including a neighbor who was a famous Hollywood star years ago, witty banter, a hilarious glimpse at life here and our overpriced smoothies and Harry Styles references. Absolute perfection. I didn’t want it to end.
This was such a fun, cute summer read. I loved the characters and the writing was engaging. I was especially drawn to Myrna Moore. She is who I aspire to be when I grow up. This is a beautiful story of friendship, and being willing to put others wants and needs above your own and reconnecting with family when they are all you have left. It’s also a beautiful story about old school romance and how we can lose sight of that in today’s world. I loved this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Colins for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an ARC review and these are my honest thoughts and opinions. I am so happy that i was approved for this book, I absolutely loved the characters ❤ Phoebe is our MFC who flys to LA to spend time with her sister but ends up alone when her sister take on a job. While alone Phoebe meets Ren (our MMC) the ridiculously sexy neighbor who turns out to be the crush of her sisters personal trainer Bel. Phoebe decides to try to hook Bella and Ren up... but there is one BIG problem...Phoebe is beginning to fall for Ren too! This book kept me laughing for sure!
I will definitely recommend this book to others!
I want to say thank you to netgalley, Lindsey, Harper 360, and Harper Collins for my ARC to read and review. As always ,please check the TW!
Read this if you like:
- friends to Lovers
Sometimes books literally make a “SPLASH” - in this case, Love Me Do literally landed in the water!
I devoured this book in one-day sitting poolside as I couldn’t get enough of the story set in the Hollywood hills.
Then the book decided to dip its page edges in pool. While a bit wet, I was still able to read the love story of Ren & Phoebe. The book just looks a little fluffier now, and a bit loved.
Friends to Lovers
Laugh out loud moments
Love letters
Slowburn
LA setting
Sunshine filled
I fell in love with the summer #ROMCOM of 2023! Thank you HaperCollins for the complimentary paperback.
This was such a delightfully charming read filled with the dry humor I love and set in a Hollywood I definitely want to visit!
Phoebe Chapman has flown from London for some quality time with her sister but impending work catastrophe takes her sister to Seattle, leaving Phoebe to fend for herself in the Hollywood Hills. Lucky for Phoebe, she's got quite the slew of characters to keep her busy! From her sister's sunshiny personal trainer, Bel; Ren, the hunky birdwatching neighbor; and, Myrna, the peevish, yet endearing old-woman around the corner, Phoebe has no shortage of entertainment while her sister's out of town. But, why not throw in just a little more excitement by playing match maker with smitten Bel and hottie neighbor Ren. The only problem...Phoebe likes him too!
This book was a whole cast love story for me! Each relationship was quirky, endearing, and utterly delightful. I enjoyed watching Phoebe develop relationships with each additional character and I would venture to say that it's all of these relationships, not just the romance between Ren and Phoebe that made this book so endearing. I smiled from start to finish and if you, like me, love a grumpy, no filter, sarcastic, yet lovable wise old woman as a side character, read this book for Myrna! She is the best!
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and HarperCollins 360. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Consider me a Lindsey Kelk fan, I had a blast with her holiday read last year and am so glad I got a review copy of Love Me Do, thank you Harper 36o!
Love Me Do is a fun romance but it is so much more, which is really what I loved about this book and what I like about Kelk's books in general: she gets that a good romcom requires well developed characters, a little self growth, and good friends/family members for depth, humor, and fun scenes. I like a book with a story that is more than falling in love and meet cutes and this is it. Love Me Do also has a great character in Myrna as well, it is great to have characters of all ages to enjoy in this book.
There is a lot to recommend in this read and pardon me while I go and read more from this author!
Gah!!! Such a book hangover after finishing this book! I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to recommend to friends. Myrna, oh Myrna…by far my favorite character!! I caught myself laughing out loud so many times at the things she said. Definitely reading more Kelk books in the future.
such a fun read! i definitely feel like i could have read it by the pool!
very good, light hearted! definitely will make you laugh! i loved all the british humor. i love all the characters especially phoebe. the ending was super slow as well as their romance i mean superrrrr slow burn. that’s my only complaint!
Another fantastic Lindsey Kelk book! I just love her writing and characters and plots SO much and this book was no different. The LA setting was perfection and made made me want to visit more often. But can I stay in Suzanne’s house please?! Or Rens?! Or Myrna’s?! I loved all the details about the homes. From the beginning I was rooting for Phoebe and loved her so much. I also was laughing out loud throughout the book. Myrna and Bell were the perfect side characters and I loved the friendships Phoebe builds with them. My only complaint is that there wasn’t just one more chapter or an epilogue. I wanted a little peak into all the characters futures! And what about Samantha?! Can she get a book please?! A novella?! Haha!
I’ve yet to read a Lindsey Kelk novel that didn’t wrap me up in its magic 😍 This contemporary, reverse gender Cyrano de Bergarac was everything I needed in a book right now - love, sisterhood, friendship, loss, pain, laugh out loud humor, and sunshiny brightness.
I utterly and absolutely loved this one! Ms. Kelk’s books are wonderfully cheery and never fail to put a smile on my face.
I think I also need a book of Myrna Moore's sage and sensible life advice ❤
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the DRC!
Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk is a hilarious slow burn poolside read! This feel good story was just what I needed to end my summer reading! Check this out if you like genuine friendships, laugh out loud moments, and crotchety former movie stars.
4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was very cute! I liked the gender bent, fresh take on a classic story like Cyreno de Bergerac.
The book was a fun, cute summer read! There were also some parts where I laughed out loud, which is rare for me!
Thank you @harpercollins @netgalley for a copy of this book. I always enjoy books set in LA and this was a cute story about Phoebe who is visiting her sister in LA. She meets her sisters neighbors and fitness trainer and goes on some sightseeing adventures. The supporting cast of characters were great and really made the story. The love story was a slow burn and Ren is just the sweetest.
Lindsey Kelk has written a classic story filled with themes of friends to enemies, self discovery, damage from verbal abuse and learning to accept and love yourself once again.
Phoebe comes to the U.S. to visit her sister on her vacation in Los Angeles. From the moment of meeting Phoebe the reader sees the protective walls she has built to around herself. She finds it much easier to express herself and her feelings in writing. This is why the contents of the love letters come naturally for her.
Little by little Kelk reveals Phoebe’s past relationship with her ex-boyfriend who is responsible for those walls she has put up. She was in an abusive relationship - not physical, but verbal. After years of that abuse Phoebe now struggles hard to believe in herself once again.
Luckily, there are several people who help Phoebe find her way again …
Ren is the easy going, very good looking next door neighbor that makes Phoebe’s heart beat faster. And although they begin as friends there is no doubt where they will end up.
Suzanne is Phoebe’s sister and their bond grows stronger when secrets are revealed between the two.
Bel instantly becomes good friends with Phoebe. She just pushes her way in with all her brightness and joy.
Myrna - she is the BEST character - every time Phoebe and her are together I laughed so hard. Kelk created a character who says & does what she wants with no regret. It is refreshing!
I do think there are plenty of chances for Kelk to speed up and move the story along more quickly. I wished there was more interaction between Phoebe & Ren. Still, this book is an enjoyable and delightful read.
This was an adorable funny RomCom. You can’t help but love Phoebe and want to kick her at the same time. The trials she goes through to understand herself in love is quite relatable and in that she comes to understand what she writes. “Who decides when to give it a name and what to call it?”
I loved this - I was so delighted to get to read this ARC. I have a huge soft spot for an LA romance that has a side of old Hollywood mystery and glamour. This very slow burn did not disappoint! It perfectly balanced heart and antics and created a world and cast of characters that I wanted to dive right into. I was rooting so hard for Phoebe and Ren, even while she Cyrano'd her sweet but simple friend Bel! I loved that the story was so sweet but didn't shy away from hard topics - the family dynamics and the brokenness from Pheobe's prior relationship all felt so real and relatable. This would have been the perfect world to dive into as a vacay read!
Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk is perfect story with tons of laughs. I love the character Phoebe. She is a love/hate character but that is what makes you love her! This book reminded me a lot of the movie the Holiday but only following one character and not a switch. I've read this author before and I this is her best book yet!
4 ⭐️
this one was a cute, fun & quick read! insta love story (so be warned y’all!) she goes on a vacation, meets a guy & falls in love within 2 weeks. but it was so fun to watch it happen! the plot was pretty good considering insta love is not usually my favorite thing in a book, novellas sure, but books usually I never liked it. but I really enjoyed this & Lindsey did a great job with the story line!! both characters were fun & I loved watching their story play out!! the comedy in this book was top notch. it was absolutely funny! I was laughing throughout the whole book!
Thank you to Harper collins and netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: phoebe travels from England to la to visit her sister and avoid her exs wedding. However her sister is called away for work so phoebe is left to explore la. She meets her good looking neighbor and mysterious neighbor along with her sisters trainer and gets caught up in adventures and a love triangle.
What I liked: this is a great romance. I loved the writing, characters, and plot. Phoebe was real and authentic, Munda was a gem, her zingers made me laugh out loud many times. Ren was the heartthrob but so much more. Suzanne was gone for a lot of the story but their interactions really show sisterly love. Bri grew a lot during the story. The ending did wrap up nicely but it aligned with the story and setting. I highly recommend this for romance lovers
A girl from Britain, Phoebe, comes to LA to be her sister. Her sister has to leave town as soon as she arrives on a business trip. Phoebe makes friends with her sisters neighbor and her personal trainer. She also makes friends with the neighborhood recluse who happens to be a old movie star. This books is funny and heartwarming. There is also a romance that develops. I enjoyed this one.
This is such a charming romance!
Phoebe is from England and is visiting her sister in LA. Her sister has a work emergency and Phoebe is left to her own devices in her beautiful home. She finds herself befriending the hot bird-watching neighbor, Ren, her sister’s personal trainer, Bel, and Myrna the eighty something year old retired Hollywood actress.
This is a romance but the relationships Pheobe develops and the adventures they had are what made the book. It was an addictive read with some laugh out loud moments. I adored the characters, especially Myrna. It was heartwarming read and I was sad to let go of the characters at the end.
Love Me Do was such a cute read. I loved the characters and how they meshed together in the most chaotic way. I really loved Ren and Myrna's characters. Ren was such a well written character, he had such a good personality and was able to captivate me from the first page. Myrna was such a character, while we got a lot of scenes with her I still wish we had more because she was so funny and just the comedic relief I needed when things were getting heavy.
I enjoyed Phoebe's character, I related a little too much to her. I felt her emotions like they were my own. Which just showed how well Lindsey Kelk writes. I loved the way Lindsey wrote her characters and really made you feel like you were living these things out with them. I found this book to be so fun, but frustrating at some points when Phoebe wouldn't stick up for herself or her feelings, but I LOVED IT. There were a few points where I was very mad at Phoebe, like when she wouldn't let anyone in, but I found that to make Phoebe a realistic character. I found the ending to be a little rushed, but overall I was happy with the ending so it kind of made up for anything that was rushed. I really enjoyed this book and really loved Lindsey Kelk's writing.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc 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!
This was a very enjoyable read. It was easy to connect with the characters who were not only likable but also relatable. The author did a twist and used a "Cyrano DeBergerac" storyline which I'm not typically a fan of. I don't usually like one person helping another to get the guy or girl that they actually are in love with. But it was done well in this story and the way everything wraps up works for me.
Phoebe has arrived in LA to visit her sister only to be quickly abandoned when her sister has to jet off on an emergency work trip. Phoebe soon meets the neighbor, Ren who is remodeling the neighboring house that used to belong to his grandfather and they strike up a fast friendship. But when Phoebe's new friend, Bel tells her she's had a crush on Red forever, Phoebe decides to help her break the ice by writing him a love letter. And so the story continues....
Along with this story, there are side stories and characters as well that further enrich the storyline. It's all blended well together to make a solid read. I can easily recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this one! This book is the definition of rom-com, and I could totally picture it as a movie as I was reading. This book was not only silly and made me laugh, but it also delved into some serious topics as well. This book had a good balance of humor while also normalizing seeking therapy, the complexities that surround a family when they don’t share their feelings, the difficulties in being vulnerable in relationships, and the different stages that accompany experiencing abuse of any kind in a relationship. Not only did I enjoy the supporting characters, but I really liked Phoebe as the main character because she is just an all around good person. Phoebe is also a very relatable character and I appreciated that balance because of how unique some of the other characters could be.
I did find myself wishing that this book ended with an epilogue. I felt like there was more that could have been added to tie up everything that had been explored.
This book was released on 9/5/23, so it is ready for your enjoyment!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The difference between a low smut book that is great and one that leaves me with angry blue balls is the author’s ability to craft a story that I care about where even a chaste kiss at a baseball game leaves me satiated. Mission accomplished @lindseykelk - you wrote a great one and not a blue ball in the room (well except for my husband who was woefully ignored while I devoured this book)!!!
Phoebe is an English rose visiting her sister in LA, but her sis leaves for an emergency work trip as soon as she arrives. Don’t worry about poor Phoebe, bc she immediately meets her sister’s perfect neighbor Ren and sweetly superficial trainer Bel and has instant best friends. Bel is obsessed w Ren so Phoebe helps her woo him in true Cyrano De Bergerac fashion by writing a love note to him from her. But wouldn’t ya know- Phoebe also falls for Ren bc he is flawless and is basically the vegan prince of Los Angeles. Every gal wants him “tofu” her. Add in a 82yo glamorous yet irritable former movie star neighbor who sprinkles truth bombs all over the place like glitter and this book sparkles with humor, sarcasm, sexual tension, and friendship. I loved it.
Love Me Do is a sweet rom-com that feels like a huge love letter to Los Angeles (the city is a character in and of itself). I highly recommend as a fun, low steam, witty, well written book that you won’t be able to put down! Read it.
Thanks @harpercollins @netgalley for this ARC. This book drops 9/5.
Smut- 1.57 stars
Romance- 4.82 stars
Story- 4.89 stars
Soybean curd as a sex pun- 9.65 stars
I loved this book! It's the perfect summer romance. I felt like I could really relate to Phoebe and her romance with Ren developed so beautifully!
"Love Me Do" was a delight!
As Phoebe embarks on a journey from her quaint English town to the bustling city of Los Angeles to visit her sister for a few weeks, she finds herself unexpectedly forming connections with the locals. From her neighbor, Ren, whose depth is as captivating as his good looks, to her sister's spirited and comical trainer, Bel, and even an 80-something reclusive movie star living in a home that feels like a masterpiece in itself, Phoebe's LA adventure takes unexpected turns. Yet, amidst these newfound connections, Phoebe grapples with her own inner demons. Can she learn to trust herself once more after the scars of her previous relationship? Will she summon the courage to be honest with both herself and those who have entered her life?
This book is a romantic comedy gem, offering laugh-out-loud moments, cringe-inducing escapades, and poignant instances of longing and hope that will keep you turning the pages!
Special thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this funny & heartwarming novel.
Wonderful characters, great setting, adorable story line; this book had everything. I loved the mingling of past and present with Myrna Moore and the emphasis on Ren’s grandparents house and Phoebe’s grandmother. This was a lighthearted, fun read but with just enough dark moments to make it believable. There were also plenty of humorous moments to balance it all out. And the ending (minus the dreaded misunderstanding) was exactly right. This is the perfect read for vacation, rainy afternoons, or whenever you need a pick me up.
Lindsey Kelk is the British Emily Henry and I love her! This book is your classic "Hitch" meets "The Holiday" (two of my favorite movies)! I was worried Kelk would go down the route of Bel becoming the mean girl, villain, but this was a real "women supporting women" book! The only villain mentioned was Thomas and he never made an appearance. I absolutely loved Ren's romantic heart and the eccentric Myrna (she was fabulous and I want to be her when I grow up,) Definitely read this book.
I LOVED this book. Spending time with the female main character was an absolute pleasure and getting to know her was like getting to know a new bestie. The pace was easy and meandering but not in any way that would hurt my enjoyment, and I was sucked in from the first sassy line. This book reminded me of my favorite smart romcoms in the best of ways. 10/10 honestly no notes!
Five stars. Wonderful characters and plot. Fun Rom Com!! Will be recommending and reading anything in the future from this author. I have read everything she's written. Always a welcome escape. Thank you for the title.
This light-hearted romance will give you all the feelings you seek in a romcom. I love the plot. Humor, check. Slow burn, check. classic friend-to-lover, check. Writing, check. This is an easy reading with full of roller-coaster plot. Also this is my 1st book of Kelk, and I definitely would reading all of her works after this.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
First thought: An adorbale fast read that shows old fashion romance is not dead. This one will have you laughing, smiling, wishing you had these friends and leave you saw awww so cute feeling. If you love a good love letter this one is for you.
Phoebe is taking a holiday across the pond to LA to visit with her sister for a few weeks. She’s escaping the wedding of her ex and is looking forward to the break from her copywriter job. Little does she know as soon as she gets there her sister would have to rush out of town on business leaving her alone in the Hollywood hills surrounded by the rich and beautiful.
Her first night there she find her extra hot neighbor spying on her from the yard below. So she confronts him, but he’s actually an old soul and he was just birdwatching. Phoebe will deny it but you feel the instant sparks between her and Ren. The next morning she is woken up but a beautiful stranger in the house, it’s her sisters personal trainer Bel. Phoebe and Bel instantly hit it off and become fast friends.
Bel confides in Phoebe she’s in love with Ren but she can’t put two words together when she’s around him. Phoebe helps Bel write him a love letter, and Ren instantly falls in love with the words in the letter. Bel continues to rope Phoebe in for help and she quickly becomes the third wheel on their dates. That’s when the lines get blurred in this adorable friends to lovers romance you don’t want to miss.
Tropes you’ll find:
* Friends to Lovers
* Love Letters
* Slow Burn
* Vacation Romance
* LA Lifestyle
* Supportive Friends
Adorable. Sweet. Romantic. Wholesome. All words I could use to describe Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk.
I bought The Christmas Wish last year on a recommendation from a friend, but I never got to it last season, so it's currently sitting on my shelf. Love Me Do is my first Kelk read, but it will not be my last.
Read this if you love:
- Snarky sisters
- Outgoing BFFs
- Nosey former Hollywood starlet neighbors who meddle
- Hunky carpenter neighbors
- Adventures around L.A.
- Female empowerment
- British rom-coms
Did this book vibe a little bit like The Holiday in terms of relationships, love for L.A. and Hollywood, siblings, escaping the UK because of some form of heartbreak...? Yes, it absolutely did. It just didn't take place at Christmas.
I adored the main characters of this story so much. It was more about romantic self-love, grand gestures, swoony moments, and family/friendships, but there is a beautiful (albeit small love triangle) love storyline woven throughout the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the early access to this one. These are my honest thoughts.
This is my first book by his author and it won't be my last. I immediately loved both MCs in this book, especially Pheobe. The more you learned about her the more you were rooting for her to get everything and more. Ren was quite the sweet and swoony hero. I loved their meet cute and the bird-watching element.
LA has never been high on my list of places to visit but this book has me wanting to travel there and do the underrated off-the-beaten-path activities they did. It sounded magical and right up my alley. Pheobe's relationship with Myrna was unique and special. I loved the old Hollywood that she brought to the story.
This was a fun read that I flew through because I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to my next Linsdey Kelk read.
Phoebe is on a two week vacation visiting her sister in LA when she meets the hot neighbor Ren. Her sister's best friend has a major crush on Ren so Phoebe tries to set them up, with a bit too much help on her part. From love letters, mermaid mishaps, to extravagant parties Gatsby would be jealous of, this book will have you laughing out loud. It is a must read summer romance!!
This was such a cute read. I love all of Lindsey’s books but really loved the characters in this one.
What a sweet story of friendship, life changes, and love!
Kelk is a favorite, and this story was no exception! This book started with a love letter for a character, but as a reader it felt like she wrote a love letter to Los Angeles as well. I could picture the scenes so clearly, and every page held so much humor with the heart. While we were supposed to be falling in love with the main characters, I also fell in love with Myrna, the cranky old neighbor. She was by far my favorite and had me laughing out loud throughout her scenes. What a fun story, and I can’t wait to see what else Kelk brings to life with her words!
Thank you NetGalley, Harper 360, and Harper Collins for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
I fell in love with Lindsey Kelk's writing and humor with her holiday book, The Christmas Wish last year and was so excited to receive Love Me Do. The cover is gorgeous, the sunny Los Angeles setting is fun, and the Brit on holiday in America was the perfect pool-side read. Kelk does an amazing job on creating not only likeable main characters that are easy to root for, but also for creating hilarious endearing secondary characters who often steal the spotlight and scenes! She also does a wonderful job making her romance reads also about family and friendships for a book with depth and heart. I enjoyed this sweet, funny, book SO MUCH! Any book that can me laugh and tear up is the perfect read in my opinion. If you enjoy British humor and slow burn romance, add this one to your TBR today.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for my e-ARC in exchange for my review.
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and I’d recommend it to anyone. This book was hilarious and I loved the relationships.
My first book by Lindsey Kelk, and I’d definitely like to read more by her. A cute read, perfect summer read.
📚✨ Phoebe's LA adventure took an unexpected turn when her sister jetted off on a work trip, leaving her solo in the city of angels 😇.
Enter the sizzling hot neighbor, Ren, and the sister's personal trainer, Bel. Phoebe morphs into Cyrano de Bergerac, penning love letters as "Bel" and going undercover on dates. 🔥💘
Now, let me tell you, this book is your ultimate poolside companion. 🏊♀️🌞 It's a whirlwind of humor, emotions, and summer vibes. 🌴😂 You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll definitely swoon.
But here's the kicker: it's not just about romance; it's about friendships blossoming like the California sunshine 🌞🤗. Watching Phoebe grow is like witnessing a desert flower bloom after a rainstorm. 🌼💧
So, if you're looking for a quick, hilarious, and heartwarming read, grab this book ASAP! 🏃♀️💨 Phoebe's adventures will leave you smiling from ear to ear. 😁📚
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.
This was a super cute read that satisfied my romantic heart! Phoebe is our female lead who after leaving an abusive ex goes to California to spend the summer with her sister (who gets called away for work as soon as she arrives.) There is a fun meet-cute with the neighbor Ren who Phoebe develops a crush...but then she befriends Bel who she finds out thinks Ren is the love of her life (even though she has never spent any time with him and doesn't really know him!) Phoebe puts aside her feelings for Ren and agrees to be "Cyrano DeBergerac" for Bel to win him over with love letters written by her. I adored the interactions and situations between Phoebe and Ren, but honestly was not a big fan of Bel. The storyline is kind of predictable, but still fun to get to the happily ever after we get through the needed angst. An absolute bonus was the elderly starlet, Myrna. What a hoot!
4 stars
This was such a great light-hearted love story. The British banter was soo good. Phoebe is such a good friend by trying to push her feelings away for her newly found friend.
I really wish there was an epilogue because I crave more and more of Phoebe and Ren's story!!
Such an easy read!
4/5 stars
4.5 stars. This was so cute!! Loved the cast of characters and the way the author described LA made me want to book a flight ASAP. I'd love to see more books where Bel and Suzanne fine love! Maybe even Myrna haha
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a cute funny story, although I didn't appreciate the dishonesty that plays a major role in the plot. I wonder if that could have been done differently. It definitely resolves too easily as well.
Otherwise I enjoyed uptight British Phoebe getting a taste of life in Los Angeles. There was great humor throughout the book and vivid descriptions. I loved that one character is an avid birdwatcher and how that shows up in the scenes.
Highly recommend for romance readers.
Phoebe Chapman leaves the UK to visit her sister in Los Angeles for a much-needed two-week vacation. What she doesn’t know is that her sister has a work emergency that sends her to Seattle for nearly all of Phoebe’s vacation. Phoebe thinks she will spend her time relaxing at her sister’s lavish LA home but instead meets her sister’s personal trainer and plays matchmaker setting up the trainer and her sister’s neighbor.
I love stories where the author puts time and effort into developing the supporting characters. I like Phoebe, but the supporting cast made me enjoy the story so much. Bel is a bit over the top but fits her role well. Ren, the handsome neighbor, is the ideal love interest, and I honestly wish I could become friends with Myrna Moore instead of Phoebe.
Most of the novel is fun and quirky, but there are also areas of sincerity and depth. Phoebe and Suzanne’s relationship is true sisterly love, but they were raised to keep everything inside, build up walls around their emotions, and definitely, do not ask for help. I love that Lindsey Kelk adds this into the story and challenges the less tolerant ways many people have been raised, particularly in precious generations. But she does so in a respectful manner, not blaming those who came before us, instead acknowledging that we know more and can do better.
There’s so much to love in Love Me Do. A main character from the UK, handsome MMC, L.A. and Hollywood vibes, LGBTQ rep, multiple generations, reminiscing happy memories, and much more.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins 360 for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book so much! I thought the characters were all so fun and quirky, I really loved their banter. This book took me through all the feels and I was honestly sad when I realized how fast I read it. This is my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more!
** Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC and chance to read and review this book**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: Phoebe heads to LA to spend time with her sister, who ends up traveling to Seattle for work. All alone, Phoebe befriends Bel, her sisters personal trainer, as well as her sisters neighbor, the charming handsome Ren. Bel is infatuated with Ren and insists they are meant to be so Phoebe helps Bel try and form a connection with Ren, despite her own growing feelings.
🌶️ slow burn
TW: emotional abuse
What’s not to love?!
✅Awkward main character
✅Twilight references
✅ charming neighbor
✅ retired movie star
Review: Very fun and charming quick read! I loved *almost* every second of this story. I enjoyed all the characters and how they interacted and I really connected with Phoebe and found myself having manny things in common with her. I did feel that there was an odd chapter or two in the middle where a few things that didn’t add up and the timeline was confusing and I would’ve loved an epilogue as I felt things wrapped up too quickly at the end.
✨there’s only two kinds of people in the world - Disney people and people who don’t know that they’re Disney people ✨
This one was a cute summer love story. Rated as four stars GR, but it fits more like 3.5 instead. Rom Coms are becoming increasingly harder for me to enjoy, but if you love Rom Coms, definitely give this one a shot. The love letters were a fun take with this, neighbors, friendship and love all hit marks with this one.
Wonderful story to read - I recommend that you add to your list. Happy reading!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely
I found this one a little slow to start, but the characters were great and the tension/chemistry were very well done. The Cyrano-type story was an interesting setup and not one I've ready many times before. I also liked the angle of a British character experiencing the U.S. for the first time.
This was such a feel good, lighthearted, summer read. Right from the beginning I was hooked, and didn’t want to put the book down. This book is filled with it all, humor, love, chemistry, tension, and great characters! This book will have you laughing the whole time. The author does a great job at creating relatable characters and showing growth with them. This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. I highly recommend checking this book out!
This book was amazing! Such a great read! Definitely will have you laughing and smiling, such a good feel book. The characters were amazing!
Lindsey Kelk has never disappointed me before, and Love Me Do was no different! I was rooting for Phoebe and loved watching her move forward after her traumatic relationship and gaining her confidence back and realizing how she deserved to be treated in a relationship. Ren was a dream, and I loved the old Hollywood aspect to the story. Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the eARC.
Phoebe Chapman arrives in Los Angeles from the UK to spend a wonderful vacation with her older sister, only to find that her workaholic sister has picked her up from the airport to turn around and fly away on a business trip. Of course, she invites Phoebe to come along with her to Seattle, where it will probably be overcast and rainy, much like what Phoebe just left. Or, Phoebe could stay at her sister’s fabulous house with a pool, stocked fridge, just miles from the ocean. With a clear choice, Phoebe settles in and finds herself not spending time alone at all but with her neighbor, Ren; a former ’50’s/’60’s starlet, Myrna Moore; and Bel, her sister’s trainer. In Love Me Do, Lindsey Kelk has written a frequently hilarious and sweet story about a resilient young woman’s attempt to play Cyrano de Bergerac and/or Cupid, which backfires–as these things tend to do, and to get past a very bad relationship.
Oh, this book made me laugh and smile and just feel good, which, I’ve got to tell you are fantastic things when you’re feeling a little blue or, more generally, anytime for that matter.
Phoebe is snarky/funny, warm, and self-deprecating. As the depth of her story unfolds, the reader finds themselves cheering her on. They understand her insecurities and hope that she finds the courage to reach out for what she wants.
I loved the characters of Ren, Myrna, and Bel, who added so much to this story. Especially Myrna who is more than just a spunky old lady but a shrewd, exceedingly well-intentioned manipulator with foresight as well. Bel’s character could have just been the typical dumb-but-sweet beautiful L.A. woman but Kelk provided her with a perceptive streak, making her often unexpectedly wise. And Ren is not the average rom-com hero. He’s a bird-watching, housebuilding, vegan who just happens to look like a movie star.
All in all, this is the perfect vacation read or a read when you need a smile.
Many thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley for sending me a copy. And my apologies for not giving a more timely review.
This book was a great quick read. It was a little predictable, but I was okay with that as it was a palate cleanser for me after reading some heavy stories before it. I loved and related to the main characters and enjoyed how their stories intertwined. Overall? I look forward to more from this author!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advanced copy!
This was charming and cute. Phoebe takes a long-needed vacation (conveniently timed when her ex is getting married) to visit her sister in Los Angeles. Her sis Suzanne has a huge house in the Hollywood Hills, but with her success comes a lot of work and she leaves right when Phoebe arrives. I liked the way Phoebe stumbled across handsome neighbor Ren, how funny Suzanne's personal trainer Bel was and the "Holiday" like vibes of an aging film star living down the street.
I absolutely adore Lindsey Kelk novels! This one was cute and I was very entertained by the shenanigans the MC got herself into! Definitely a fun light read!
This was a sweet, sunny California romance novel, and I loved it!
I loved Phoebe, the main character who is a proper British girl who still has scars from a previous relationship.
She's visiting her sister's fancy house in the States and ends up befriending a handsome neighbor.
To add to the excitement of the neighborhood, Phoebe also meets Myrna, a former Hollywood starlet who is now in her 80's.
Myrna is a hilarious character and adds so much to the book!
The book is so much fun and a very enjoyable read! I definitely recommend it!
Thank you to #netgalley for this ARC of #lovemedo
This was a cute story with a main character who was very easy to like. This was my first time reading this author and I will definitely be looking for more of her books. The story is as cute as the cover!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Phoebe heads to Los Angeles to visit her sister and try to forget about her ex boyfriend’s upcoming wedding. Her sister has to leave for an unexpected business trip, but Phoebe will be just fine! She soon meets her hot next door neighbor, Ren. And soon after she meets her sisters personal trainer, Bel. Bel confides in her that she has a huge crush on Ren but never knows what to say. Wanting to help play Cupid, Phoebe starts writing love letters for Bel to give to Ren. But soon she finds herself falling for Ren too.
This book was so adorable, so heartwarming, and really really funny!!! It would make for a great movie!! I loved the characters and felt like the writer did a wonderful job making them feel relatable. Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down! This was such a cute and fun read!! I look forward to reading more from
Lindsey Kelk!
📘: Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk
🗓️: September 5, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsey Kelk, and Harper 360 for this ARC!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*Reviewed on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Take a memorable escape to Los Angeles with Phoebe to visit her sister. The only problem is that her sister must travel for work right after Phoebe arrives so she won't be there for the first part of the trip. Thankfully, she has an amazing neighbor, Ren, who immediately helps Phoebe feel welcome in this new city. It also helps that he is very easy on the eyes. And then there's her sister's personal trainer, Bel, who is a wonderful tour guide and is full of adventures to keep Phoebe busy. Then we meet her sister's mysterious older neighbor, Myrna Moore, who adds some old Hollywood glamor to the trip.
This book is so wonderfully written I truly felt like I was on this exciting trip right along side Phoebe. The locations and characters are described so vividly that I felt like their pictures were right there on the pages of the book. The characters are simply amazing! I would love to live across the road so that I could also be a part of this fabulous community. The story itself is exceptional, a bit predictable but it is the perfect modern twist on a classic storyline. There is a equal amount of romance and humor mixed into this storyline to have me laughing out loud and quickly turning the pages to find out what happens next.
I hope you love the marvelous trip that Lindsey Kelk takes you on throughout the pages of this book as much as I did!
I am extremely grateful to Harper 360/Harper Collins and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this fabulous book in exchange for an honest review.
Love Me Do was a fun love letter to Los Angeles and as a resident, I enjoyed hearing about all the beauty of the city. And as a Disney fan, I particularly loved the Disneyland chapter with very accurate details. The strength of the book really lies in the supporting characters. It is not that I didnt love the main but lets just say I kinda forgot her name halfway through the book and thats probably not the best sign. I could not wait to get to chapters with Myrna, the old hollywood starlet and even Bel, the clueless girl with a heart of gold. The ending came together nicely and I really enjoyed this.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this! This is a great rom com that leaves you laughing and smiling. Cute, sweet and lots of chemistry! Would absolutely recommend to romance readers!
This was cute, clean, and fun. It felt like a love letter to Los Angeles. I think if you have read Kelk's previous work you would really enjoy this new read.
Okay, this was the cutest book ever! This is the perfect summer vacation read. We follow Pheobe as she is visiting her sister in California. After meeting Ren her sister's next-door neighbor and a real-life cinnamon roll it game over for Phoebe in the best way. Although their romance was more of a subplot it all felt very well balanced. I loved every single side character, they all felt so real. There in something about kelks writing that just pulls the emotion out of you, there were several times when I had tears in my eyes, but there were also moments that had me laughing out loud. overall this book was such a blast and I am so grateful to have received this arc.
Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk is a delightful romantic novel that takes place in the Hollywood Hills. The story follows the protagonist, a matchmaker named Gemma, who can't resist playing cupid for her handsome neighbor, Ren, a carpenter. As she spends more time with Ren, she realizes that she can't hide from love in La La Land. The chemistry between Gemma and Ren is palpable, and the author does an excellent job of building up the tension between them. The book is a perfect blend of romance, humor, and drama, and it kept me hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend Love Me Do to anyone who loves a good romantic novel.
I fell in love with Lindsey Kelk's writing with her holiday book last year. It was super fun to read her new book, which was the perfect summer read!
This was a delightful story that involved romance but wasn't soley a romance, had amazing characters, and so many laugh-out-loud moments. I can't wait to read many, many more Lindsey Kelk books.
Funny, smart, and swoony. I’m new to Kelk and this one definitely intrigued me enough to check out her next one!
I have read a few previous books from Lindsey Kelk, and I simply love her writing style. Love Me Do did not disappoint. It was basically a Hallmark Rom com, that honestly would make a great movie, I mean she is a greeting card writer could it be anymore cheesy? I loved every bit of this book. Perfect summer vibes, as it is set in sunny LA California,characters are likable and well written,
4.5/5
As a long-time fan of Lindsey Kelk (both her books, as well as her work as a podcast host), I was absolutely thrilled when NetGalley sent me a digital e-ARC of Love Me Do. Lindsey is a master of constructing a classic romantic comedy. While the premise wasn't necessarily the *most* believable, I was more than happy to suspend my disbelief and lose myself in this charming story about a British woman who visits her sister in LA and finds herself falling in love (with the city, as well as the people...one of them, in particular).
What I loved:
- Kelk's brand of humor. She's witty and just snarky enough without being mean. Her humor is also rooted in every day, mundane experiences that are deeply relatable (e.g. the horror of getting in the shower and realizing after the fact that the safety seal on your new shampoo hasn't been removed).
- The author's ability to write character chemistry, not only between the FMC and MMC, but also between the two sisters, as well as the protagonist and new friends she makes over the course of the novel.
- The way that Lindsey Kelk managed to make me fall in love with LA in this book, despite the fact that I've never particularly enjoyed or appreciated the city.
- The rom-com situations that the FMC and MMC find themselves in. You'll just have to read it and see, but this is rom-com writing of the Nancy Meyers and Nora Ephron variety. (Esp. the description of the LA mansions. I need Nancy Meyers to turn this into a movie just so I can see these houses brought to life.)
Phoebe Chapman, a heartbroken Brit, unexpectedly turns matchmaker in LA, trying to pair her sister's personal trainer, Bel, with Ren, the charming neighbor. Her journey through love letters, an unlikely friendship with an aged film star, and matchmaking adventures, leads her to a deeper appreciation of LA and perhaps a new chance at love.
Lindsey Kelk is an auto-read author for me so I was excited about her new release this year! The book struck me as charming and sweet, with echoes of The Holiday, adding a touch of charm. Exploring LA through Phoebe's journey, especially familiar places, was a highlight for me. All the characters were endearing and kept me engaged. I loved Phoebe as a main character and appreciated seeing her perspective throughout the novel. However, Ren, the male lead, lacked depth and seemed naive. I found the most annoying character to be Bel. I didn’t understand why Phoebe was so willing to help Bel when Phoebe didn’t owe anything to her and all Bel did was guilt trip Phoebe into awkward situations. This read more as a women’s fiction than romance. Overall, I gave this 3.5 stars and rounded to 4 stars on GoodReads.
I really liked this book, it was different than anything else I've read which was a breath of fresh air. I will be recommending this to my friends, and auto buy this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk.
Really loved the character development in this book. I loved the chemistry between the characters and upw unique it was. This was a quick read which i enjoyed so much!
This book was adorable! It was such a fun and quick summer read and also, I adore the cover. The setting of the book was really fun and the banter between the main characters was top tier. If you need a palette cleanser or even just a fun beach rom com, I’d highly recommend picking this one up.
This book has vivid scenes and is a great escape from reality. There are many parts where I was laughing out loud.
I completely underestimated this book. From the beginning, it was such a fabulous read and such a cute love story. It was completely unexected and not the traditional love story -- but sometimes you just need that! You need to have the unexpected. This author brought a different style of humor and I am still giggling thinking about different aspects. This truly intrigued me to read more by this author!
Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the advanced read of Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk.
This book, published in September of 2023, is great for those of us who love a good rom com. I had read Lindsey Kelk’s The Christmas Wish, which I enjoyed, so I was looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint! And one of my issues with The Christmas Wish were all the British references… but this book luckily took place in California. ;)
Phoebe Chapman travels to the Hollywood Hills to visit her workaholic sister, but ends up befriending her bubbly personal trainer and handsome carpenter neighbor instead. There is matchmaking, silly situations, romance, and lots of sunshine filled scenes that transport you to LA. I really enjoyed the main and secondary characters. And as far as rom com books go, this fits that bill perfectly!
Such a cute romance with some surprising deep moments! I loved the way that each of the characters had something that they were working through for the duration of the story but still complemented each other
This is a little outside my regular reading comfort zone, but it was a lot of fun! Cute, beachy, sun-soaked. There was a good balance of romance and women's lit for me, and I think it will appeal to a lot of readers.
This was such a cute and fun read by Lindsey Kelk! I really enjoyed the Christmas Wish, and was so excited to read another novel by the author. Similar to the last title I read, this book was well-written and left me laughing out loud several times. Great pace and flow and I loved all of the secondary characters in addition to Phoebe and Ren. The author has a knack for creating characters who seem like real people and side characters that we all have a friend or sibling that they are similar to. Lindsey Kelk will now always be an auto-read for me when she releases a new book!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy of this title.
I really loved this story.
Phoebe makes greeting cards for a living but is visiting her sister in LA to get away from an ex who is getting married. Her sister has to travel to Seattle for work but she quickly meets Ren... the lovely neighbor.
Lindsey Kelk is an auto-read author for me because I know her books will always leave me laughing. Love Me Do kept my attention as Phoebe got up to everything exploring her sisters mansion and LA. I found the storyline to be a bit whimsical and far fetched however; that's the kind of book i want to read to escape from it all!
A huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this ARC!
Nothing like a Brit across the pond finding love to put me back in the summertime mood! This book is great for Emily Henry fans. I thought the characters were so funny and likable, and there was plenty of good old fashioned banter to keep this reader interested. It was a cute story that wasn't heavy at any point and was a great palate cleanser for me following some non-fiction reads. I'll be waiting for more Kelk titles!!
This is a good book. The two main characters are Phoebe and REN. Phoebe is in LA to visit her sister for two weeks. Renis restoring the house next door to her Sister’s house. There is an instant attraction. A friend of Phoebe’s sister is in love with Ren she ask Phoebe to introduce her to Ren. So she does, they start dating. Phoebe realizes she has an attraction to Ren. The friend and Ren break up. Ren and Phoebe realize they love each other.
Pheobe decides to hop on a plane to see her sister for 2 weeks so get away from her ex and his wedding. Pheobe arrives to L.A just as her sister is leaving on a business trip. Pheobe is bummed until she meets Bel her sister’s personal trainer that she forgot to cancel on. Bel has a huge crush on Pheobe’s sister’s neighbor Ren. Pheobe decides to be a match maker and tries to bring Bel and Ren together but how can she keep her feelings at bay? Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my honest feedback!
THIS BOOK WAS SOOO GOOD!!! One, the cover is amazing— it’s what instantly drew me in. The storyline is what made me love it. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this💝
This book gave me alllll the fanny flutters and I got sucked into the love story from the first page. Brit is a perfectly imperfect FMC that I felt myself really feeling connected to, and even though I didn’t agree with every decision she made, I could 100% put myself in her place which had me feeling even more invested in the story!
Would definitely recommend!
A fun adult contemporary romance, with good characters and plot!
I received an e-ARC from the publisher
Phoebe flys from the UK to LA to visit her sister Suzanne for two weeks. When she arrives, Suzanne says she has to leave that night to Seattle for work. Phoebe decides to stays at her nice house in LA anyway. She soon meets the gorgeous neighbor, Ren. They immediately hit it off. The next day Phoebe meets Suzanne’s personal trainer, Bel. They become fast friends and when Phoebe learns that Bel has the hots for Ren she decides to set them up. In the process of setting them up Phoebe notices she has feelings for Ren but she pushes them aside since she is just visiting.
I loved this story so much. The connection between Phoebe and Ren was so strong and the emotions that were felt with the whole quasi “love triangle” were so palpable and I was screaming internally the whole time Phoebe kept pushing for Ren and Bel to work out. The addition of the character, Myrna, was perfect for the story and it gave this old Hollywood glamour element that I loved (also created some ‘The Holiday’ vibes which I am always down for!) I was really worried that this one wasn’t going to have a happily ever after, but of course this romance didn’t let me down. It just really waited until the last moment. I would definitely recommend this sweet romance.
Love Me Do is the sweetest summer vibe book that you need to pick up! This romance is not just a fun, fluffy tune but it also has depth and i really enjoyed that about this book. The cover is absolutely stunning and I’m really excited to read more from this author! Highly recommend!
I'm not sure how this is the first Lindsey Kelk book I've read, but I'm excited to read more in the future! This was fun, sweet, emotional, and well-written. I had a great time living in this world and it makes such a wonderful beach read.
One of my favorite romance reads to date! Instant Lindsey Kelk fan from this one... I loved everything about Love Me Do and will recommend it to anyone looking for a heart-warming romance with some substance. Perfect for the beach or pool!
I'm pretty sure this is my first Lindsey Kelk book and I know it won't be my last! It was so heart-warming and emotional and so well-written, I will be recommending this to anyone looking for a sweet, beach read.
This was such a feel good rom-com with lots of humor and charm. It was a breezy, heartwarming read that explores love, friendship, and the surprises life loves to throw your way.
Really great book, it had me on my toes the entire time and I’m really interested in reading more from this author really soon.
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General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Multicultural Interest