Love Story

Sophie has a big secret and when she returns home to her spend time with her bookish family things come to a head. She has to make a split decision, fill her enemy in on her secret or tell the truth. He’s the least person shed tell under normal circumstances but she’s desperate. Her family cannot find out she’s Este Cox the bestselling romance author the entire world is desperate to unmask.

This felt like a love letter to all the romance readers. For the fans of Lindsey Kelk, “Beth O’Leary, Fallon Ballard, Ali Hazelwood, Sarah Adams, Hannah Grace, Lucy Score”, the list goes on. The bookish community better get ready because its a good one.

Joe pushes all her buttons, some good others not so much but ebbing stuck together for the weekend quickly brought them closer. They can relate to one another, trying to make their own path in the literary industry without their parents. Their sexual chemistry is palpable, the forced proximity making it all the better, you can’t help but root for them. Although there are layers to the story mainly due to Sophies use of a pen name. Her family is very opinionated and navigating that isn’t an easy task.

The balance between comedy and romance is incredible, one of the things Kelk always excels at in my opinion. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and will most likely end up being one of my favorite 2024 reads. Can’t recommend it enough.

Read this if you like
⚡️Enemies to lovers
🛏️One bed trope
🩷Romance
🌶️Spice
🎤Pop culture references

A book about a writer in the romance genre, and her own love story?! What a cute idea; I really enjoyed this one!

Sophie Taylor has written the hottest, international, bestselling romance novel, but no one knows she wrote it. She released the book under a pseudonym. A chance encounter with Joe Walsh, the marketing director at her publishing company, sends her life into a tailspin. Will she decide to come clean to the world and her family to take credit for her writing? And what will Joe Walsh have to do with it?

I have read a couple of Lindsey Kelk’s novels, and her writing always makes me laugh. She has a great sense of humor, and I always love the chemistry between her main characters. Sophie and Joe had great chemistry from the beginning. This was definitely Lindsey Kelk’s spicest novel to date, and I loved it!

I would recommend this romcom to all romance lovers!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper360 for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

This was an absolute gem to read! I devoured this with quickness, I could NOT put it down. I loved all the pop culture references and the banter and comedic relief had me crying from laughter.

Love love love!

Add this to your TBR now!! I absolutely devoured this sweet, and incredibly darling love story. It was just too good!! I was not wanting it to end.

Lindsey Kelk is one of the queens of romance who never ceases to amaze me with her heartfelt and entertaining romcoms. Especially when she adds obnoxious, very eccentric family members into the equation, so much is guaranteed. I have to admit I never resist the charm of my favorite tropes: forced proximity (separated by curtains is a great tribute to "It Happened One Night") and enemies to lovers! (Later it added love at first sight and he fell first tropes that I don't much enjoy, like main character Sophie Taylor does, but they still blended perfectly into the entire formula I truly enjoyed.) There's even Montague vs. Capulet-like fight between enemy families that made me guffaw a lot!

The steamy chemistry that set most of the chapters on fire between Sophie and Joe was brilliant! Hate at first sight slowly turns into lust when they first meet under the wrong circumstances: when Sophie makes a secret meeting about her book, perfectly hiding her identity using the pseudonym Este Cox, she's ambushed by the creative director of their publishing company, the smug, privileged, but also hot-as-hell Joe Walsh, who's questioning the identity of the author and mocking her book. Sophie doesn't leave without a fight, even though she has a train to catch to her family's countryside house to celebrate the festivities of her powerful editor father, who has already secretly shared his activity spreadsheets and invited tons of people created to irritate her.

Sophie stays for lunch to share a few shots of Baileys with the disgusting-at-first-sight Joe Walsh while their pissing contest banters take an extra turn. They continue day drinking, finding themselves singing duets on the stage of a karaoke bar. But drinking fuels the lust, and hatred forces Sophie to dramatically leave the bar to hop on her train.

When she's ushered by her brother William, who's also her agent and one of the few people who knows her secret bestseller identity, at the train station, she realizes she forgot her tote bag carrying a special edition of her book, her drafts for her second book, and her laptop! This is truly a disaster! Anyone who finds it will also discover the secret identity she's kept from her very literary snob parents: her criticizing editor father and harshest book critic mother who easily end authors' careers. And let's not forget her 19-year-old sister Charlotte, who is spoiled and extremely self-absorbed, recently opened a bookstore, conducts marketing campaigns as a BookToker on TikTok, slams books, and is interestingly a big fan of Sophie's "Butterflies" (Sophie is not sure her sister would highly defend her book if she found out her big sister wrote it!)

When William and Sophie arrive at the family house, Sophie thinks she can manage only a few days without killing anyone, plastering a smile on her face as her parents talk trash about her book in her vicinity (what if they find out she wrote it?!) Yes, she knows her father is a typical drama king wearing clown costumes to emphasize his sarcasm towards the literary world, her mother keeps spoiling her younger sister, creating disasters in the kitchen, and gossiping with her pretentious bunch of friends, while her sister Charlotte makes it her biggest mission to reveal the real identity of Este Cox on her TikTok account, nosing around Sophie's belongings. They've also invited her least favorite misogynistic, xenophobic uncle and aunt! Her father even invited her ex C.J.: the same man she knew as Colin and dated, lived with for five years, and even financed so he could concentrate on his book, who then stole her book idea and, as soon as he had a publishing agreement, dumped Sophie. The reason? Well, he became too famous to date a small-town school teacher.

But this is not the only disaster she has to get through. Her father also invited his arch-nemesis Geoffrey with a secret agenda, and Geoffrey's son decides to join his father: his son is none other than Joe Walsh! And that's not all: her father forces them to share a cottage because there's not enough space at the house for their guests! Oh boy, you think this is the last straw! Nope, this is just the beginning because it seems like Joe Walsh has found out her secret and, interestingly, he calls a truce and helps her keep it safe! But why? Does he have a secret agenda other than getting into her pants? Well, she can let him do that even though she highly doubts she can trust him, but sparks keep flying, attraction is palpable, and she doesn't know where to stop. Oh boy, does she even want to resist his charms?

Overall: It seems like the end part of the book is a little rushed and a big conflict is solved a bit faster than expected, which made me feel there could be a sequel because I had some unanswered questions in my mind, and it felt like there should be more adventures awaiting them. I wish there would be another book! I'm so open to spending more time with Sophie & Josh and Sophie's eccentric family! (In the beginning, I found them too irritating, but they kept growing on me! William is an exception, whom I loved from the first chapter he was introduced.)

I highly recommend this very entertaining romcom! It's captivating, funny, and so much fun is guaranteed! I'm looking forward to reading more Lindsey Kelk books in the near future! She never disappoints me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for sharing this entertaining romcom's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I can not begin to express how much I enjoyed this book! Even though I felt personally attacked throughout the book, I was laughing almost the whole time because something was either relatable or just genuinely funny. Sophie is an author to an erotic novel, but she can't let her parents know. Both her mother and father are both well known in the publishing/critic industry and would be ashamed if they knew their daughter wrote such a novel.

Her journey leads her to cross paths with a guy named Joe. He works for the publishing company that her novel is under. I loved their relationship throughout the book. They were so quick with their snarky come backs which constantly left me laughing.

Sophie's father has a 60th birthday party with quite the questionable guest list. Her father's frenemy, his son Joe, her ex CJ, and several other family members attend. What could possibly go wrong? Will her family find out her true identity as the author Este Cox?

I personally loved all of the mentions of authors, book titles, and other tid bits that I could relate to or understand. Did I start reading a bunch of popular booktok books when I first started reading? Yes. Was Iron Flame one of my favorite books? Also yes. I don't even want to mention the minotaurs. This novel was just downright humorous the entire time. I would LOVE to see a special editon of this book with sprayed edges so that I can add it to my growing collection.

Thank you so much Netgalley, Lindsey Kelk, and Harper360 for an ARC! This was one of my favorite books this year. 5/5🍓

Fans of enemies to lovers romance books need to pick up Love Story! This is the book for you! A must read!

This book was so much fun to read. I love books where we can escape. I especially love the author and I'm glad I pre-ordered this book. I love the romance genre and it was fun to get a behind the scenes of the publishing world. I laughed and cried. The characters were lovable and hilarious.

It's such a weird description an overrated book. I think books and authors deserve the hype. Let's hype the books we love and that help us feel things.

Everyone thinks Sophie is just a schoolteacher, but she has a secret. She has also written the smash hit romance, Butterflies, under a pen name. When she meets a hot marketing executive named Joe, she can’t stand him and his self assured nature. She can’t believe her bad luck when she returns home for a birthday party to find that she’s sharing a cottage with… Joe.

I really enjoy Lindsey Kelk’s writing! She is funny and writes such relatable characters, and I was so excited to have a chance to read this book early. I loved how she incorporated so many nods to other romance authors, romance tropes, and the genre in general, while also pointing out how it is looked down upon by some people in the literary world. She also pointed out how teaching as a profession can be looked down upon by others, which I have personally experienced as a teacher, so obviously I found that very relatable! The tropes in this book were excellent: enemies to lovers, he falls first, instalove, forced proximity, and only one bed. It was fun how the characters actually discuss their own tropes too!

Thank you to Lindsey Kelk and Harper 360 for the arc and the opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.

4.5 stars! This book was so fun! I loved the storyline and the writing. It was fast paced without getting sloppy, and also dialogue heavy without losing the plot! I also appreciated the references to Bridget Jones and Pride & Prejudice etc. Sophie, the main character, felt relatable but also unique and not a copy paste of every other female main character I’ve already read! I would recommend this book to those who love light hearted fun romances (especially set in England!) and look forward to reading more by this author in the future! Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Lindsey Kelk for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thank you to Harper 350 for the ARC of this one! I have never read a book by Lindsey Kelk before but I definitely will read more now. I devoured this one in an evening and I just loved it so much! The main characters seemed so real and I just love an unlikely love story!

Sophie is a primary school teacher who has written a bestselling romance novel under a secret pseudonym. She does f want to reveal her identity for fear of other people's judgement. Joe works at the publishing house where her book is published and their first meeting is anything but stellar. He comes across as judgemental of romance in general and Sophie feel judged and irritated by his presence. As she travels to the country for her dad's birthday celebration, she runs into Joe, who is there with his father who is a friend of her dad's. They spend them together and forge an unlikely connection. There's some miscommunication which isn't always my favorite but I truly loved this one. Perfect book for fans of people like Sophie Cousens, Falon Ballard, etc. Thanks for the opportunity to review it!

Sophie and Joe cracked me up. What a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author. All comments are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for providing this book, with my honest review below.

I love Lindsey Kelk’s books as there doesn’t seem to a be a bad one, she is just a guaranteed great story with heart, characters who are light and funny, and excellent writing every time. Of course I was not disappointed with Love Story which continues her stellar record.

Love Story introduces us to Sophie, a teacher and low key romance writer of the most famous book out there right now. Sophie hides her identity as the author due to her parent’s very high brow book ties (her father is a publisher of very serious books, her mother a literary critic of very serious books), but when Sophie attends her father’s big top birthday weekend all bets are off. Post drunken karaoke and blow up with her publisher’s creative director, Joe, she is shocked to have him arrive for the wedding weekend and stuck with him in her family’s shed turned dream cottage for the duration. While he is absolutely gorgeous and sweet, he says some jerky things early on and doesn’t want a relationship. Very quickly we see the two’s chemistry and are laughing at their shenanigans and banter…. Until the weekend goes in the wrong direction thanks to horrid exes and secrets revealed.

I loved the humor in this story and the way the plot’s main conflicts could have been very real (if you wrote a spicy book would you want your parents and boss to know as first instinct?). I couldn’t put this down and can’t wait for more, but especially encourage you to read this if you want a strong romantic comedy and are intrigued by a writer slipping in her own perspective and experience with a genre that can have conflicting opinions associated with it.

Lindsey Kelk brings her trademark humour, a touch of satire and Taylor Swift references to 'Love Story', a love story about love stories and how its a derided genre.

Daughter of two literati and publishing titans, school teacher Sophie the secret author of a blockbuster romance novel. The only two people who know are her agent brother William and her godfather publisher Malcolm. That is, until Joe, Creative Director at her publisher crashes her celebratory lunch with Malcolm and promptly guesses who Sophie is. Throw in Sophie's lost laptop containing her long-awaited second book and a weekend birthday party in the country with the who's who of publishing and Sophie finds herself caught in the madness while trying to hide her simmering attraction to Joe and big secret.

I really enjoyed this book and I liked the budding romance with Joe, who finds himself baffled that he's found himself falling in love on first sight. I hated the way Sophie and her parents let spoilt 18-year-old younger sister Charlotte get away with everything from stealing Sophie's handbag and generally just going through her stuff. I found her absolutely insufferable and thought she needed to be taken down a peg or two. That said she was so well written. For me, though, the highlight was Sophie's relationship with her brother William.

I think its Lindsey Kelk's wittiest and spiciest. Kelk makes some very sharp observations about the publishing world (cackled at the name of Sophie's publisher who bared a very close resemblance to Kelk's) and literary snobs.

However, at times, I think this book is too heavy-handed in making its point about the romance genre and how its derided because women love it. I think this is partly because I've lately read a lot of romance books about romance books/authors that the meta-ness of it all is becoming old. At one part of the book, Kelk spends half a paragraph listing real-life romance authors and tropes are called out as they happen. And while sister Charlotte's dialogue, while spot on characterisation of a Gen Zer, also belabours the point about woman and romance. For a book that will be read by this same audience, surely this is a captured audience?

Thanks to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Sophie and Joe were everything. The family dynamics were crazy. It was such a fun and entertaining book to read and I didn’t want to put it down. It made me laugh while also making me feel punchy at times. It was great!

A huge thank you to Harper360 and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed above are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read! 4 / 5 stars.
This is such a love letter to romance novels and the publishing industry. I think in some ways this has been overdone (we know, we know, romance isn't just ding-dongs and fabios anymore) but I really enjoyed the perspective of Sophie, a daughter to major elites in the publishing industry who has written the best selling romance book of the year under a pen name. I loved seeing the family dynamic of pride and self worth play out over a very short period of time, and I particularly liked the yo-yo of her mom as she grappled with who the author was and then her feelings about the book. This felt SO real to me. Also her brother is just straight up adorable.
I've said before and I'll stick with it: I think British banter is by FAR the best,so there were points that were truly laugh out loud funny to me. Instalove is not one of my favorite tropes but I thought this was done pretty well. Its slightly open door and very chemistry heavy. I didn't love the third act break up...I knew with how quickly Joe and Sophie got together it was going to have to be a little messy, but it just didn't feel the most believable. I also really really missed an epilogue. I got to the end and thought wait...thats it?
But a wonderful read, particularly if you love romance books!

Okay my bookish Swifties - if you’re anything like me and Love Story was your jam back in 2009 let me introduce you to your next read!
Filled with some of our favorite artist’s Easter eggs, Love Story is all about Sophie Taylor - a grade school teacher in the UK who happens to write one of the best selling romance novels of the year….except no one knows because she wrote it under the name Este (!! Ahh I see what you did there Lindsey) Cox. That is until publishing dreamboat Joe Walsh finds out Sophie’s secret. I won’t spoil anything for you but omg I loved this book - and not just because of the Taylor Swift references. Romance novels sometimes get a bad rap - with people often implying they’re smut with no substance, not actually literature, the list goes on. Sophie is fighting all of this throughout Love Story and Lindsey does an amazing job at addressing the importance of these books, how many of these stories helped readers realize that they deserve more in their relationship, physically or otherwise and I adore how Lindsey addresses this through Sophie dealing with her secret. Not to mention Joe is definitely your golden retriever type guy hidden under a “players” skin. While Joe and Sophie’s enemies to lovers story is a part of it, the heart of this book is about owning what you love and if that includes romance novels - be HELLA proud of it. Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC! I can’t wait to add this one to my trophy shelf when it comes out!

With the anticipation of the reveal of who Este Cox is, everyone thinking the author is Joe, and the drama with Sophie's parents I could not put Love Story down. I enjoyed all the modern references in the book, especially to real-life romance authors. I loved 95% of the book, but I thought the ending could be better, and less rushed. The drama with Joe's marriage of convivence was random and felt unnecessary. Overall, I enjoyed the book, I just wished we got more of Sophie and Joe being in a happy relationship.

Love Story is for the romance readers, it truly is a love story to the genre. Sophie has a big secret, she has written a romance book that has become a huge hit, but struggles with wanting to keep her identity as the author anonymous. The story starts in London, where she meets Joe who works at the publishing house for her book. They spend the afternoon together before she heads home to her family for a weekend long celebration of her father’s birthday. Joe ends up at the weekend party, and the story continues from there.

As a fan of Lindsey Kelk’s books I was very excited to get to read the advanced copy of Love Story. The book had some similarities to her book, In Case You Missed It, for me. While I didn’t love it quite as much as The Christmas Wish and Love Me Do, it was a fun read and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre.

Love Story had a great central story and I really enjoyed the dialog between the main characters. Along with that we had a number of side characters and a story surrounding the weekend celebrations. I really loved some of the side characters, but others were truly awful. If you love a lot of drama in your romcom’s then this book is for you.

This book combines a lot of quick paced fun and hijinks with a really solid romance story. I recommend this for anyone who loves an exciting and heartwarming romcom!

Thank you to the publisher Harper 360 and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC to review in exchange for my honest review.

LOVE STORY is a sweet and highly entertaining love story. I enjoyed the humor and writing. Sophie Taylor, a teacher (and also a highly successful anonymous romance writer) crosses path with Joe Walsh, a very short path much to Sophie's liking, thinking she will never have to set eyes on Joe again. Days later, Sophie finds herself having to share a cottage with said Joe Walsh, who also finds out Sophie's secret of being the famous author Este Cox. Now Sophie can do nothing but trust and hope Joe will keep her secret. Chaos and hilarity (and dare Sophie say, feelings?!) ensue.

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the arc in exchange or my honest review.

This was so much fun to read!
It felt like a good classic romcom
I did skip some steamy bits, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything significant to the story by skipping them.

I haven’t been this giddy over a book in ages! Absolutely kicking my feet and giggling. The queen of witty banter, hysterical one-liners, and oh so much more. This was fantastic.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Harper 360 for allowing me access to this e-book! (What a gorgeous cover!!!!)
It's a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance filled with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and just the right amount of tension!
Sophie Taylor, a small-town schoolteacher with a big secret, and Joe Walsh, a confident creative director, clash from the start (honestly wasn't a big fan of Joe at the beginning)
The twist of Sophie being the elusive romance author, Este Cox, adds an intriguing layer to the story, and their forced proximity in a charming countryside cottage leads to some truly memorable moments!
I loved the humor and how easy it was to read! I definitely want to read the other books by this author now!!

Everybody in this book’s universe wants a love like Jenna & Eric, but excuuuse me for wanting a love like Sophie & Joe’s. (But not like how Sophie Turner’s & Joe Jonas’ end up, obviously.) A beautiful story with a series of unfortunate events, an awful & pretentious ex, and the seemingly scheming world of literary families, resulting in the remembrance of romance stories and (finally!) a realistic relationship. Get you a man who would go to lengths to help you with your secret identity and apologize in front of a room of romance lovers <3

Thank you Net Galley, Harper360 and Lindsey Kelk for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun read! The story follows Sophie Taylor, who has written an international bestselling romance novel under the pen name Este Cox. Only her agent and publisher know her true identity, which she's chosen to keep secret for a couple reasons. First, she's a kindergarten teacher and knows the school and parents won't approve of her spicy debut novel. Second, her mom is a book critic and her dad is a big name in publishing. Neither of them appreciate romance novels.

Sophie meets a handsome man, Joe Walsh, who is a creative director for her publisher. He's handsome, polished and arrogant; three things Sophie doesn't need in her life. But the more time they spend together, the more she realizes maybe there's more to him than the handsome face that's worthy of a romance novel cover.

This book was especially enjoyable because it talks about the stigma associated with reading romance novels and names many influential authors who are working to break that stigma. (Many of whom I've read and love.) The subtext of this book was that it's ok to read and love romance novels, which is good because I really do!

Lindsey Kelk's writing style is quick moving, entertaining and funny. I had several LOL moments while reading this book.

I took off 1 star because I'm not a huge fan of the insta-love trope (to be fair, she does call it that out in the book). I just feel like there could have been a little more depth to the relationship between Sophie and Joe. Second, there's no epilogue! There's a grand romantic gesture and that's it! The story ends!

Hopefully this is the first in a series (I'd like to see Sophie's best friend Sarah find love) so we can see some finality in the relationship between Sophie and Joe.

This was such a great contemporary romance. It's a book that is literally a love story for this genre of book, shouting out all of the female authors who have made these stories we love so much possible. This book is so funny and heartfelt. The banter is top-notch and the characters are both relatable and wonderfully written. Sophie and Joe were experts at pushing each other's buttons and their romance felt genuine and well earned. Lindsey Kelk is a pro at mixing humor, and romance to get the perfect balance. will legit be recommending this book to anyone and everyone. It was such a feel good story and I didn't want it to end.

I forget how much I love British humor until I start reading a new book by a Brit. They really lean into the comedy of misery..not in a second hand embarrassment way, but in the deeply relatable, “if I don’t laugh, I’ll cry” way.

I think I smiled through this whole book, and if it wasn’t because I was laughing, it’s because I was swooning. You know the tummy drop feeling when the tension is pulled taut?? Sooooo much of that here!

And of course we love the defense of the smut! But for a book about smut, there is a conspicuous lack of it. The spice here is tasteful, which I will admit balances nicely in its contrast with the described “filth” Sophie has written. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want just a teensy bit more!

Something else that I desperately wanted was an epilogue. I need to see a couple be happy for a little bit after we put them through it!

Sophie has a secret--she's the writer behind the best selling spicy romance, Butterflies. After she meets hotshot making executive Joe Walsh, she has to work double time to keep her identity secret from him and her family.

This book, man....it is one big love letter to romance novels and their readers and I adored it. Here's what I loved:

The humor: Kelk has an amazing sense of humor and this shines through in her new novel. I found myself laughing so hard at her one-liners that are slipping into every inch of this book. The sibling bickering was also top tier.

Sophie and Joe: These two were amazing. Joe was literally swoon worthy. I found myself highlighting all of his declarations of love because there were just perfect. And Sophie was hilarious.

The cast of characters: Everyone was so well developed in this. Sophie's family and friends, her delusional Ex, Joe's family...it was just perfect. I wanted to be in this book and at the weekend celebration.

All in all, this was an amazing romcom!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy.

Love Story by Lindsey Kelk

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️

A huge thank you to HarperCollins, Harper360, Netgalley, and Lindsey Kelk for granting me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Lindsey Kelk always writes such entertaining and heartfelt romance and Love Story is certainly one of her best works so far! The main characters felt genuinely relatable and the supporting characters really tied the story together. This was an absolute joy to read. From the humor to the banter to the pop culture references, this read perfectly encapsulates what makes contemporary romance so much fun!

Sophie and Joe had incredible chemistry and you’ll find yourself rooting for them all throughout the story. I also loved all the references to other romcom works/authors. I devoured this wonderful, witty read in less than a day and the gorgeous book cover is definitely another added bonus!

Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- He falls first
- Insta-love
- Forced proximity
- Writer FMC

I like Lindsey Kelk, having read four of her books previously, and was excited for this new one, Love Story. The premise is very relevant, an author of a world renowned best selling romance novel is hiding under a pseudonym for fear of lack of acceptance and derision by her famous publishing parents, the headmistress at her school, and the judgment of the world. This theme is so prescient because romance is the highest selling genre right now, but it is looked down upon by public and publishing elite alike.

I agree with Sophie about the progression of the genre. When I was a teen this was called Women's Fiction. Already a problematic category because there is no men's fiction. So all books in this category were deemed less than general fiction books. Back then (the 90s) romance were novels with shirtless Fabios on the cover. They were seen as tawdry and less than literature, so that's what I thought as well. I liked the next term, Chick Lit, because it seemed to be biting back at the world, reclaiming the misogyny that categorized them as other. But now everything is categorized as romance. And people are saying that sex scenes make these books smut! What? There are sex scenes in mystery/thrillers, general fiction, everywhere. Why are these smut? Because they are written by women! And women should be ashamed of being sexual.

So this is the lense through which this book is written. And the book is rather enjoyable. Kelk writes novels through a dreamy gaze, often on the edge of being realistic. They are enjoyable, quick, escapist, and full of characters who you pull for. This is no exception. I understood and related to Sophie. I have been embarrassed about reading so much romance, and also revel at a world where things go well at the end. I liked the character of Joe; he was a different kind of intelligent rake than I had seen before. Will and Charlotte were fun siblings, and the parents specific and fun.

My biggest problem with this book is it doesn't call out the misogyny loudly enough. I almost stopped reading when Sophie's mom created a book club to celebrate the book because it was deemed worthy when they was written by a man. No one acknowledged this at the time. I consoled myself with the thought it would be addressed later, but it barely was. This made the way viewpoint here less wry and more "aw shucks, what can we do?"
I dislike 3rd act miscommunication. And I think this one was totally unnecessary. Instead, a bigger deal could've been made about the veracity of romance and she could've esteemed herself more and told off everyone.

Instead we have a very Bridget Jones- Daniel Cleaver, Mark Darcy type fight at the party and a misunderstanding between Joe and Sophie. The BJD reference was cute and enjoyable. It made the book more cinematic.

I definitely enjoyed this book and will continue to read Kelk's work, I just wish she took this a little further. 4 stars. Thanks to Harper Collins and Net Galley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

“Love Story” by Lindsey Kelk was such a hilarious, fun, and swoonworthy read.

I found myself laughing out loud so many times while reading this book. Joe and Sophie were so well-matched and witty and I was rooting for them the whole way.

While the story was a little goofy and ridiculous at times, I really loved how Kelk addressed misconceptions over romance and its legitimacy as a genre despite its negative perception. This book reminded me exactly why I love romance— even though it may be escapism at times, it is also feminist literature that helps women to understand their worth.

☁️↳ “What did you dream about last night?”
💗↳ “You”

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my first Lindsey Kelk book and definitely won’t be my last! Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsey Kelk & HarperCollins for the ARC of Love Story.

Sophie Taylor & Joe Walsh are great characters who draw you in and leave you wanting to learn more. Love Story is written from the POV of Sophie in first person. I typically like multiple POVs but this did not disappoint. Sophie’s brother William was probably my favorite character from the book. His sense of humor was unmatched. This book definitely had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I loved Kelk’s insights into real life books, TikTok, Bookstagram and booktok. I left wanting more from the story, I feel like it was just starting to get really good. Maybe that’s Kelk’s point, to leave it open for a potential sequel.

Sophie Taylor is an elementary teacher who wrote the book, Butterflies, under the alias, Este Cox. Only her publisher/Godfather, Mal, and her agent/brother, William, know she’s Este Cox but will she be able to keep it under wraps? Joe Walsh is arrogant and extremely handsome. Sparks fly the first time Sophie & Joe’s eyes meet for the first time. A trip back to her home town and a one-bed cottage makes Sophie question loyalty and whether she can trust Joe with her big secret or not.

This is definitely a romance book written for current day romance readers. It’s very “of the moment” and self-referential. There were a number of things about this one that I liked — the chaos of the party scene, the drama of the author’s persona in hiding etc. However, I thought the third-act breakup was wholly unnecessary and I found myself really struggling with the FMC’s family — her parents were insufferable and the younger sister was such a spoiled narcissist. It made it harder to appreciate the lighter and more fun parts of the book.

3.5 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

She does it again folks! I finished this book in less than 24hrs, so stinking cute reading a romance that takes place in a booktok world. Kelk’s writing is so good, you can’t help but cry when Sophie cries and celebrate with her. Amazing book and author.

****Publishing September 17, 2024****

Sophia Taylor wrote a book that was a sensational hit under the pen name Este Cox. Her publisher is chomping at the bit to get the sequel published, but Sophia is not in any rush! Also, he wants her to do interviews, but Sophia is not ready to reveal her true identity due to her job and her parents would not approve of the steamy romance she wrote. Sophia finds herself in many predicaments, including losing her bag with her laptop and the printout of the unfurnished sequel. Will her secret identity be revealed? Sophia’s sister is determined to reveal who Este Cox is through her new bookstore. Will she figure it out? Can Sophia keep her secret identity a secret?

A fast-paced book that is entertaining, funny, and will have you shaking your head at times. The premise of the book is clever! I loved how Sophia had to grapple with people from her past, while trying to figure out how to handle the current pressures and issues she faced. A great book to take on vacation as it will keep you turning the pages!

Thanks to Harper360, I was provided an ARC of Love Story by Lindsey Kelk in exchange for an honest review.

There is something about Lindsey Kelk’s humor that just works for me. Some of the situations in this book are so “out there” but most of the time it made things all the more entertaining while reading.

Sophie finds herself at the center of nearly every single one of those aforementioned out there situations during her father’s birthday bash weekend celebrations, mainly because she’s hiding the secret of having written a romance novel that has taken the world by storm from her literary snob parents. Enter Joe, the handsome creative for her publisher who she’s undeniably attracted to but infuriates her at the same time and the drama kicks up even more. Add in her terrible ex and all bets are off. Mix in a whole mess of secondary characters of family and publishing rivals and who knows what’s coming.

Chaos. Chaos is what ensues. However, at its heart, this book is a love letter to the romance genre and a commentary on the ridicule and condescension it routinely faces despite its popularity. Sophie’s younger sister, Charlotte, for all her bratty entitlement has some of the best monologues on the subject direct toward their parents. One of my favorite things about the book were the strong convictions and evolving opinions that came through in the face of those statements.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is a first by this author but will not be my last! I read this in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

A new to me author. I enjoyed this book it was just a little too wordy for me. There were some parts that dragged but overall it was an entertaining read. Sophie has a secret and Joe Walsh ends up knowing it. He definitely rubs Sophie the wrong way but in the end….the secrets come out and a love is born.

Smart, witty, a little over the top…but an absolutely hilarious love letter to romance books. This one is definitely for the booksta girlies!

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the ARC! Such a fun read.

4.5 ✨

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for my ARC.

This was so FUN and a total delight. A romance book about a romance book, a fantastic ensemble cast that was a total hoot, Lindsay Kelk’s signature humor and wit, a somehow spicy but still closed door romance. How does she do it?!

If you are a Lindsay Kelk fan, you’ll love her newest! I really enjoyed this and will definitely add it to my personal collection once it’s released.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this title. Anything Lindsey Kelk writes is GOLD. Five stars.

It’s obvious that Kelk is a student of romcoms. This book is her black belt test and she nailed it! It references classics like Bridget Jones to modern authors like Christina Lauren, Emily Henry, Elena Armas and more. This had funny scenes a la Bridget Jones that had me cracking up. The secondary characters were fun and even though this was closed door, the tension and chemistry were there. This British romcom is worth the read.

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

Browsing Netgalley I saw the cover for Love Story and I thought that’s cute; I'll shoot my shot for an ARC Copy and I’m so glad I did! So Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins and Lindsey Kelk for the ARC!

Lindsey wrote the cutest romance ever! I loved how all the characters, even the side ones really made the story what it was and that it was set in the literary world. This is my first read by Lindsey but I am definitely going to be reading some of her other books.

The characters are both so relatable and their development as a couple is grand! I loved the enemies to lovers, along with all the laughs. I found myself still thinking about this book when I would have to put it down. I also loved all the pop culture references– even if I’m a Swiftie (Please don’t kill me.) It felt very real and relatable with references to BookTok, and real authors we read and interact with on Bookstgram. I truly just loved the RomCom feel good vibes this book brought!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was super cute! The pace was quick and really engaging which is what I mostly look for when I’m reading. I loved the chemistry Sophie and Joe had and even all the side characters were fun and enjoyable to read. It was like watching a 2000s romcom but in book form!

One of my favorite things about the story was the banter. I found myself laughing along with every joke and rolling my eyes at the others. I’ll say it again but it really did feel straight out of a romantic comedy. Like the attention to detail?? Incredible.

Plus the Taylor Swift references?? 10/10

Love Story gave me all the butterflies!
If you were into British popular culture from 2012-2017, this book is for you!

Remember, Zoella/ Tanya Burr/ or Sprinkle of Glitter? This book transported me right back to my early college self of watching British Youtubers in all their glory. And, I mean that in the best way possible. (Joe himself may have given me some Marcus Butler vibes and that's why I was so smitten.)
The storyline isn't set around youtubers but it's filled with British terminology, trends, and language that are my guilty pleasure. So, if you're like me and love all things BritPop, this is the one for you!

The book itself is set in present day, but the feeling has me rushing back to what it felt like to be OBSESSED with something or someone. The way this entire city is, with the infamous Butterflies. The way this book had me WISHING I could open up my kindle and start Butterflies right along with everyone else.

Love Story was cute, romantic, a bit steamy, and in some parts I actually LOL'd (legitimately, I laughed out loud!) I loved the TSwift name drops, and I have to think her Fearless album would make a great backdrop to this book.

My only critique, I wish there was more steam as Sophie and Joe have major BED CHEM!

This is my first read by Lindsey Kelk and it definitely made me want to add all of her books to my TBR, immediately! For fans of Abby Jimenez, Tessa Bailey, and Ali Hazelwood!


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

Homage to old movies!

Sophie Taylor is a primary school teacher with a really big secret as the best-selling author Este Cox. But her secret hits a glitch when she runs into Joe Walsh who is the editorial director for the publisher and she accidently leaves her tote bag with him with the draft of her next book thinking that it was gone forever.

Sophie never expected to see Joe at her parent’s house for her dad’s birthday party because he’s the son of her dad’s editorial enemy especially when they had to stay in the stay in the cottage that has only one bed and a couch.

Love Story is a homage to old movies where you can pick out the specific movies and scenes that are over the top and make you laugh because she doesn't want anybody to know that she wrote Butterflies

P.S. I loved Sophie’s sister Charlotte!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This novel was Lindsey Kelk's ode to romance novels and the best romance novelists. After a painful breakup, Sophie authored a salacious romance, under a pen name, that became a best seller and was optioned for a movie. Only her manager brother and publisher godfather know she is author Este Cox. Super handsome creative director Joe finds out, she loses the manuscript for her second novel, along with evidence of her identity, and everyone convenes at her family estate for her father's birthday. Along the way many nods to romance tropes. It was fun and funny.

My take: 4.25 out of 5. A sweet romance I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this and that is as strong endorsement as you can get from me. I loved the banter, the enemies to lovers, the family shenanigans, and as absurd as her hiding her persona is I kind of felt for her too. Also Joe Walsh was a great book romance. In general I loved how much of a love letter to romances and female authors it was and an empowerment of all reading habits. Two of my favorite quotes:

"instalove is my least favorite trope" i strongly agree!

"that's why I think modern romance novels are so brilliant they celebrate women exactly as they are"

Sophie is a brilliantly funny FMC that wants to keep her success quiet, mainly because she doesn’t think her work is good enough for her parents. You see, they are giants in the literary world and Sophie knows that if they ever found out that she wrote an internationally best-selling “smut" book, they’ll be terribly disappointed.

What Sophie doesn’t count on is a pain-in-the-arse marketing director who’s hot–literally–on her trail! Joe knows that something is up with Sophie and he’s up for the challenge in discovering what it is. When the pair are thrust together for a family weekend event, it’ll take all Sophie’s willpower to keep her secret under wraps, and… to keep her thoughts to herself while sharing close quarters with Smokeshow Joe. Cue the hijinks, and the blazing chemistry!

Love Story is a fun read that had me laughing, swooning, and tearing up right alongside the characters. The storyline is brilliantly written, the characters are quirky and relatable, and the journey Sophie takes is an endearing and heartfelt one.

Love Story is also a great defender of the romance genre as a whole. Why we constantly have to defend why we love romance is ridiculous. It’s a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t want to get lost in a book where a character (that’s easily relatable) finds their confidence and the courage to become their authentic self and accept that they are worthy of the gifts they’ve been given, that they are worthy of love, and of being treated with respect. That their thoughts and opinions matter. The romance genre gives strength, encouragement, and inspiration. It gives us permission to dream our impossible dreams and to love freely and without apology.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love Story and highly recommend it. This is my first read by Lindsey Kelk and she’s definitely made a new fan.

Sophie Taylor is keeping a big secret. She’s the author of an international, bestselling romance novel. No one knows, especially not her snobby literary family, because she wrote it under a pseudonym. After Joe Walsh, the marketing director at her publishing company, finds out that she’s the author of the world’s hottest book, Sophie must decide if she’s going to come clean and take credit for her novel, and how exactly Joe is going to fit into all of it.
This book was so much fun. It’s enemies to lovers romcom with lots of great banter. It is one of the funniest books I’ve read in a while. I really enjoyed it, and I highly recommend that you check this one out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsey Kelk, and Harper360 for providing me with a free digital reviewer copy in exchange for an honest review.

If Lindsey Kelk writes it, I will read it. I loved this book and devoured it. The banter between Sophie and Joe was amazing. I didn’t want this book to end and was sad when i read the last sentence. I would love to see a sequel and see what happens to Sarah.

i loved this so much!! the perfect short and sweet romcom that will leave you swooning. i loved the characters and their chemistry. the pacing and writing were also fantastic. i would read more from this author

Love Story is a cute, romantic comedy that will leave you in stiches.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

Hilarious and fresh! I adored reading Lindsey Kelk’s delightfully entertaining latest, Love Story, an original take on the worthiness of the romance genre. The dialogue is snappy and often laugh out loud funny, but still manages to be insightful. I love the many pop culture references. The characters are interesting and well drawn. And Kelk is a fine storyteller to boot.

Highly recommended to fans of Katherine Center, 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, and 2023’s Love Me Do.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

4/5 I received a free copy of Love Story by Lindsay Kelk for an honest review! Thank you @harpercollins360 for the ARC

I really enjoyed reading this book! It has a lot of modern references and I loved how involved the siblings were in this story. It’s a cute love story with a twist! I did think some parts were a little cringey but overall it was a good, quick romance read!

Sparks fly, secrets unravel, and you won’t be able to stop smiling!

Small-town schoolteacher Sophie Taylor has a secret. She is Este Cox, the world-famous romance author no one can seem to unmask. But here's the kicker: she needs the help of Joe Walsh, this ultra-conceited creative director.

Of course, nothing brings out the tension (and the laughs) like being forced to share a tiny cottage.

This book was seriously such a blast to read, complete with nods to authors we already fangirl over.

I loved the way the story unfolded like you’re watching a rom-com on the big screen. It’s light, it’s flirty, and you’ll fly through it in one sitting.

This is perfect for those cozy nights when you want something that’ll make you laugh and melt your heart at the same time!

Thank you NetGalley are Harper 360 for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 36o for providing the ARC.

I really loved this book! It had a great mix of humor, sarcasm, banter, crazy shenanigans, and a swoony love story at the center of it. Sophie is the middle child of middle children, constantly feeling overshadowed by her hotshot older brother and her hellbent-on-world-domination younger sister. Dealing with her parents who are literary darlings in their own right. And trying to extricate herself from a pretentious idiot of an ex all while trying to come to terms that she has just published one of the biggest bestsellers in publishing history. There's also the the hot, smarmy guy who just keeps showing up when she really doesn't want him to, but needless to say, life is a mess.

This book was charming and funny. I love that the author focused on how romance as a genre is often viewed by other people, despite being the highest grossing genre out of them all. And I love how she took those arguments and demonstrated to everyone why romance books can and are great for so many people. I loved the central storyline with Sophie and Joe, and Sophie's family provides some needed levity to the story. If I had to criticize anything, I'd probably say the pacing, as almost all of the book takes place over a weekend. But it is not a deal breaker.

Excellent and hilarious book!

Here is such a fun and feel good story and one that confirms what author Lindsey Kelk believes-that we love happy stories during difficult times. Her protagonist and, I think the author as well, see a role for romances as fiction that is just as worthy as any other reads.

Este Cox has written a book that takes off and becomes a huge bestseller. But…there is no Este, she is really teacher Sophie. Sophie is from a literary family and does not want to acknowledge her authorship of a sexy, romantic read to them. Lots of shenanigans ensue from this decision.

Playing against Este is Joe. As this is an enemies to lovers tale, readers watch as these two spar and come together. Watching them and the other characters in this story made for a delightful read.

I could pretty much say that, moving forward, I will read anything that Ms. Kelk writes. She knows how to help readers escape and enjoy her world for a few hours. Kelk gives readers a nice mix of plot, character, humor and heart.

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

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the ARC of Love Story in exchange for an honest and independent review.

Without a doubt, Love Story has quickly become one of my absolute favorite reads of 2024. The one thing that sets this book apart from all others is the seamless dialogue that occurs between it's characters that allows the book to read as if you are watching a movie. That is impossibly hard to achieve, but Lindsey has hit it out of the park. The back and forth is truly priceless and I found myself laughing out loud to all of it's witty banter and Taylor Swift references (huge Swifty over here myself)! At it's core, the plot is so relatable and I know it will resonate with readers around the world. The fact that Lindsey references and calls out all the notable romance authors that have impacted our lead character, Sophie, was a wonderful hats off to all the work contributed by these incredible authors that have brought romance novels to where they are today at the forefront of literature. I also loved the dynamic that was created by making Sophie's character an undercover romance author. There has always been a stigma associated with those who read romance novels vs other genera's of literature almost as if romance novels are less than or a stain on other literary works. I love that books like Love Story address that misconception head on and take a stand for not only the talented authors that create these works but also those that turn to romance novels for a sense of empowerment or belonging allowing women and men to stand up for what they want out of a relationship or partnership. Barriers are being broken down across readers of all walks and this book is testament to that and it's wonderful to see and be living in a generation that embraces literature from all avenues.

Honestly, standing ovation to Lindsey Kelk on this wonderful addition to romance novels and a sincere thank you from those of us that love to get lost in their pages. This one stands apart from the rest for me and I'm so thankful to have had the pleasure of getting lost in Sophie's story and Lindsey's own Love Story to all romance novels out there. Please run, don't walk to pick this one up September 17th!

This book perfectly encapsulates why romance readers adore love stories. With Sophie being a romance reader and a majority popular romance author, but under a pseudonym, it brings so much fun and relatability to book. I loved how other romance authors were named and tropes and trends were discussed. This book felt like being in the bookish community while still understanding why romance isn’t always accepted into the greater literary world. However, I found that Sophie explained so well why romance is such an important genre and how it’s more than just smut that some people see it as. As for the actual love story within the book, I loved how Sophie and Joe met and how they ended up connecting later. I love how Joe supported Sophie, but when that twist was revealed! My goodness, it was so perfect! I like out both Joe and Sophie were flawed people, but their chemistry felt dynamic and tangible. This took the trope of instalove and made it feel like something that could actually happen. There were so many layered nuances in this book that I loved, and the supporting cast of characters was *chefs kiss.* Give me more William and Charlotte literally any day of the week. I absolutely fell in love with this offer over this book and I cannot recommend enough for anyone who loves romance. I was in a massive slump and started this book one evening and stay up past 1 AM finishing it because it is that level of perfection. 5⭐️, 2🌶

Love Story **review**
I absolutely LOVE this book. This is my first book by Lindsey Kelk, and I can 100% say I will be reading more of her books. I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Before I get into the main characters, I need to say that her references, were on POINT!
If you're a swiftie you will love this book. I loved all the references, from mentioning my favorite authors, to being so transparent on what's being talked about currently. I just loved the Taylor references; I loved the mentions of books and authors.
Now, to the actual story, OMG!!!!!
I devoured Sophie & Joe relationship, I thought their connection was perfect, the fighting hahah was awesome, their moments with each other were more than what I could ask for, and I can definitely say that they're one of my favorite couples!
(I would love to describe everything, but I do not want to give any spoilers)
Now, the reason why I did not give it a 5 stars... Charlotte :( I could not stand her the WHOLE book until the last chapter :)
I understand her personality, which was great, but OH MY GOD there were some things she did, that I just could not believe. I am so grateful I only have one sibling, because Charlotte was just testing my patience the whole book. However, I did love her the last chapter, but I wished Charlotte had apologized, that's what I thought would have redeemed her for me. However, this is my opinion, and no one is obligated to agree with me:)
Overall, please read this book!!! it's more than what you can think of. I love you Lindsey and cannot wait to read more of your books.
One last thing, Thank You Net Galley for allowing me to get an ARC, as well as whoever is in charge of approving it.

Great story and plot for a contemporary romance. Love the dynamic of the characters. Super quick read. Recommend for everyone

This was so good!!

Thank you NetGalley for this ark! I enjoyed the read and will be purchasing a hard copy!!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for this arc to read in exchange for my honest review!

Let me start off by saying I think Lindsey and I could be bffs if we met in real life, but in a not weird way.

Love Story is a modern Romeo and Juliet for swifties who read romance.
I’m obsessed with the banter between Sophie and Joe, sometimes laughing OUT LOUD IN PUBLIC (embarrassing) at some of the back and forth. ESPECIALLY when CJ was the victim. That guy sucks.
As for the other characters, the bff is everything you would want.
Sophie’s siblings are a chaotic mess, but who wouldn’t be with those parents? I love Will!!! Charlotte’s drive is inspirational but her selfishness in some parts stressed me out.

This book is so much fun and a sweet, door half-open (cracked? ajar? etc), love story.

It meant so much to me to read about a fmc with a love of romance novels who understands the stigma of romance readers.
“We’ve been trained to be grateful for what we’re given rather than ask for what we want,” THANK. YOU.
The fmc’s growth into celebrating her achievements (in writing a best-selling romance novel) instead of trying to hide behind a pseudonym is so beautiful to watch.

And while I did love to see some of my favorite romance authors name dropped, it kind of brought me out of the escapism I was searching for. Regardless, this book was such an easy and lovely read.

Also you know how if an actual man were to read you scenes from your spicy books you’d immediately call the cops? Well turns out if the man is fictional it’s actually hot. Who knew?

All the stars! This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Ms. Kelk is a true rom-com phenom. As in any great rom-com not only do we get a great love story of the two main characters but all the bumbling side characters and funny situations that come along with it. This was a fantastic love story for Sophie and Joe but it also was a love story to fellow rom-com authors and readers. Gone is the stigma that rom com’s are just fluff and sexy scenes. In today’s world when life is sometimes scary, overwhelming we need an outlet to just shut the world out and exist in happy moments. There is no shame in romance writing or reading. It’s one of the top selling genres. This wasn’t the first book I’ve read or authors have mentioned the criginess of Goodreads! With often being gifted of ARC’s I take in mind in my review that this is someone’s blood , sweat and tears put in their story along with their village behind them every step of the way. I am never rude and when I read another’s review as with movies they are entitled to their opinion but I have my own. Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily

I really enjoyed this book. It was really funny at times. It was so witty. I loved the interactions between the siblings. I’ll be thinking about this book for some time. Loved it.

This was such a fun book! i absolutely adored every single thing! the characters, the plot, the writing, the cover! it was such a wonderful book! definitely adding this to my collection

This was really cute. Loved the storyline, good humour and I just had so much fun. I highly recommend it

Lindsey Kelk is always great at adding romance and comedy together. Her books are so cute and impossible to put down. Love Story is a great book!

I loved Sophie, Joe, and all the wacky characters in this book. That is another thing that Lindsey Kelk does. She brings so much life to every character. Sophie was so worried about her secret that she didn't see that her family would support her no matter what and they show that.

My only issue with the book is the 3rd act breakup that was kind of just shoved in there though it did explain a bit of the mystery that is Joe.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lindsey Kelk, and Harper360 for the e-ARC. This review is my own opinion.

I love books with characters in the writing/publishing biz. Sophie (w/ other character support) remind the reader why romance novels are impactful and meaningful. Lots of screen-adaptable scenes. This book gives all the feels & is an enjoyable read.

Lindsey Kelk can do no wrong in my book (pun intended) and this is one of my favorites of hers. I love books about writers and this was such a fun look behind the scenes of publishing, and in particular, romance publishing. Also, I want to be Charlotte when I grow up.

Love Story is an ode to the romance genre. It's a self-aware delight that acknowledges the various romance tropes, highlights favorites, and makes the reader fall in love with the genre. I laughed several times and just loved this book! It's perfect for readers who loved "The RomCommers" by Katherine Center. Kelk has gotten better with each book she has written, and I think this is her best yet.

There were so many things I loved about this book! Was it the most well-written literary masterpiece? Nah…so if that’s what you’re looking for then look elsewhere. BUT, was it laugh-out-loud funny, filled with popular references, snarky to the brim, and a book with a few great life lessons? ABSOLUTELY!!! So if that’s what you need, look no further than “Love Story” by Lindsey Kelk (not to be confused with the popular Taylor Swift song)!