Greetings 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.

I loved this from the start. A hilarious meet-cute between Ren and Phoebe had me in stitches. I loved that from then on he was tour guide in a way, showing her Los Angeles in a novel way. She was in denial for the most part, matchmaking him with her sister Suzanne's personal trainer Bel, but she figured it out 😄

Bel was an interesting character; golden retriever energy but with a surprising depth to her. I also loved Myrna Moore, reclusive elderly movie star and as sharp-tongued as they come 😂 My first Lindsey Kelk book and I enjoyed it. Definitely going to read more from this author 😄

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lindsey's books are always so easy reading and funny, with great, loveable characters and this one was no exception.
I was rooting for Phoebe from the start, hoping she'd find the friends she deserved and the happiness in her life.
I loved the characters of Suzanne, Bel, Ren and Myrna and they all fitted in to the storyline so well.
The setting was beautiful - I just loved everything about it.
Five stars for yet another fabulous romantic story.

I may say this every year when I read a Lindsey Kelk book but this might be her best yet! Phoebe is such a great character and is so kind and thoughtful to her friends even if she might be putting them before herself. Which is how she ended up setting her friend up with her sisters neighbour Ren. Even though she is starting to think Ren might be her perfect match instead!

Ren is such a sweetheart and I loved how excited he was about birds!

The usual Lindsey Kelk banter and humour is here and of course a lovely sweet romance!

Another absolute gem from Lindsey. I was laughing by the second page. Her books are filled with such humour, warmth and love. Phobe is a brilliant, relatable character (who like myself, still appreciates Twilight). Lindsey's characters always have such depth to them. There are some real swoonworthy moments too....Ren is such a sweetheart. With an amazing cast of supporting characters Love Me Do is the perfect summer read.

Let’s start off my saying I’m one of Lindsey’s biggest fan, I love all her books.

When Phoebe visits her sister in LA she gains so much more than a holiday away from her normal life. Phoebe the good friend she is plays matchmaker for her sisters handsome neighbour Ren.

As we follow Phoebe on her journey around LA as she discovered the hidden gems of Hollywood, meets a movie star and swims in a waterfall. Phoebe discovers more than the bright lights of Hollywood.

I loved Phoebe’s character as always in Kelk’s books she is the girl next door with a lot more going for her than meets the eye. It was so intriguing seeing how LA appeared and not just being all about the glitz and the glamour.

I loved all the 90s references and Phoebe was extremely funny, her quick wit which was a bit of me. I wasn’t overly keen on Bel’s character at first I thought she was a bit of a nob, I remember writing this actual word somewhere in the book. Ren was clearly a dream boat but he was very unaware of the fact he was stunningly gorgeous which is attractive in itself right? But I didn’t rate him.

There was one character Mayna, she was the most hilarious character in the book for me and I really really loved her no nonsense approach. I loved Phoebe’s connection with her and I could easily read more on their relationship.

wow this book really has it all, friendships family, romance and proper laugh out loud one liners!
a fun lighthearted read with characters you will fall in love with . i’m hoping there is a second instalment

Love me some, Lindsey Kelk! I read a few of the author's I Heart books a decade ago and didn't enjoy these. Since I am a huge Paige Toon fan and those two are kind of besties in the book world (along with Giovanna Fletcher), I was kind of disappointed in myself for not liking Kelk's work a bit more. So, this winter, I decided to give her another chance and read "The Christmas Wish". And that one, I devored and absolutely loved! Then my eyes hit "Love Me Do" on NetGalley and I had seen an interview with Lindsey before, talking about her latest book - I liked the sound of it. I was so glad when I got approved for a digital ARC, so thanks again to the publisher, HarperCollins!
I read this one via my Kindle app, since my eReader isn't that compatible with PDFs. It's harder for me to read on my Kindle app, which is why it took me a couple of weeks to finish this book. I really liked it, the trope never seemed forced, the bird talk was a bit boring to me, but I'll acknowledge the huge amount of research this topic must have meant for the author. The main character, Phoebe, and the love interest Ren just clicked. This was like reading a cosy, comfy romcom. And I liked this book even more than watching those. There was no fake extended drama to it, the writing was really great and the plot was very smooth along the way. I can't wait to add more Lindsey Kelk titles to me physical bookshelf. I am so excited I like her recent novels more than the I Heart series. Glad I gave her another chance!

What a gem of a book! It is a fantastic read and had me hooked from the very first page. Thank you Lindsey for this great read.

Lindsey Kelk does it again!

Phoebe Chapman is off to spend time at her sister Suzanne's place in LA for a much needed 2 week break. However when Suzanne is suddenly called away for urgent business in Seattle, Phoebe makes friends with some of the locals. First off there's Bel, Suzanne's personal trainer who is super loveable and a ball of energy. Ren, the handsome man next door. And Myrna, the super glamorous but blunt reclusive 82 year old Hollywood actress. When Bel convides in Phoebe about her crush on Ren, Phoebe decides to help Bel write a love letter to Ren. But the more she gets to know Ren, will she regret playing matchmaker?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, what I love about Lindsey's books is how loveable and relatable all the main characters are. And Phoebe is no different. I loved joining her on her holiday, getting swept up in the moment and having adventures. And while there's always a love story as part of the plot, there's always so much more like friendships, families and personal growth.

The love story with Ren has elements of insta-love but due to the set up with Bel, there is a slow burn/distance to it. I did like it, however there's not much due to the timeline of the book. An epilogue would have been nice or even better, a sequel would be great! Especially if it allowed for us see more of Phoebe's relationship with Suzanne too. The setting in LA is fun too, especially as I had been to that area and could picture some of the places mentioned. So I wouldn't be against returning there.

Another smash from one of my favourite contemporary fiction writers!

Everybody thinks Phoebe is still heartbroken from the breakup with her ex, and with him getting married next weekend, what better time to take an overdue trip to visit her sister at her LA mansion? Except her sister needs to go to Seattle for work… however, like most of us would, Phoebe embraces the chance to just lie around the pool and chill. Until she meets Bel, Ren and Myrna.
Bel is her sisters personal trainer and basically personifies a lot of LA stereotypes, Ren is the love interest who seems obsessed with birds, and Myrna is the faded hollywood starlet cooped up on her own around the corner.

I actually really liked this book. I think it was @books.brownies.etc who said it felt a bit like Kate Winslet’s story from The Holiday and it totally did but I was there for it! I feel like I would have preferred the relationships to be explored a little bit more as none of them seemed to feature enough for my liking and I didn’t really forge any deep connections with them. Kelk’s writing style though is so relatable and I love that I can easily put myself in the main characters shoes. Ultimately, it was a great summer read which has me wanting to go back to California ASAP!

Review: This book was so much fun from start to finish. If you know me you’ll know that I will read anything Lindsey Kelk writes and will recommend her books until the cows come home but this was a great standalone with all the feels and a great way to travel to LA without having to endure that hellishly long flight! I loved getting to meet Phoebe because she is a character who is easy to relate to. She has her flaws and she has a past btu she has come to LA for a break from her life and it was great sharing her adventure. Her sister is a fun character too and I enjoyed the ying and yang of their relationship and then her sister’s neighbour Ren is a great addition to the character line-up. They have a wonderful meet cute and you just know from their meeting that Ren is going to add quite the intrigue to the novel.
My favourite character though has to be Bel. If you love the I heart series and you love the way Jenny and Angela meet and she sorts Angela out with the food and the shopping, this is the same but on the west coast. Bel is a personal trainer with every side hustle under the sun going on because of course she is an actress too and so you just know that she and Phoebe are going to get up to no good. The fact that she takes Phoebe out to one of the author's favourite restaurants to begin with really sets the tone for their relationship. Then we have glamorous retired actress Myrna. She is really something else. To begin with she gave me Sunset Boulevard vibes but then she also has a little bit of Elizabeth Taylor meets Moira Rose about her. Her meet cute with phoebe also includes fences like Ren’s does so there’s a definite theme going on here.
I loved all the locations I got to travel to with phoebe and her new friends, it really was a great experience to be had through the pages of the book. Some of the locations I could picture because I have been there and others I felt like I had because they are described so vividly through Phoebe’s eyes-it was a lot of fun. And then we have the perfect balance of humour and romance that Lindsey Kelk always seems to manage to capture in her books. She never fails to make me laugh out loud with her funny one liners and the situations she puts her characters in. I mean “and do you know they don’t sell Birds Eye potato waffles in America? No wonder there’s so much political unrest.” How could you not laugh at that? I loved this book. You will laugh, you will go to Disneyland, you will be willing some of these characters to get it on already-what more do you want?

This is such a cute enjoyable summer read. The book follows Phoebe as she lands in LA to visit her sister. She needs a break from reality as her ex boyfriend’s wedding is approaching. Along the way she makes new friends and connections in the heartwarming story. As with other books by Lindsey Keli this book has some genuinely funny, laugh out loud moments. Overall a really enjoyable sweet romcom!

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.


The story is set in LA, where Phoebe has gone up visit her sister Suzanne.

But her sister has to leave for a work trip, meaning Phoebe is on her own in LA.

She meets her sisters neighbour and personal trainer, and tries to matchmaker.

The letters she sends to Ren are meant to be from Bel, but she’s the one writing them.

Will her efforts pay off?

I recommend this book.

Well Lindsey just keeps getting better and better! I’ve read all her books from the very first I Heart.
This book takes you to LA and her description of the area makes you feel you are there which I love when reading a book. The characters are all likeable which makes you feel as if you know them personal. The humour was spot on and I read while on holiday so people did stare when I couldn’t help laughing out loud. I may have helped to sell a few as people did ask me what I was reading.
Phoebe the leading lady goes off to LA to visit her sister and while there meets the neighbour Ren who so happens to be not too bad on the eye. The story evolves with Phoebe trying to set her sisters personal trainer up on a date with the handsome Ren but as you know Lindsey’s books have twists and turns that make you giggle throughout.
I loved this book and devoured in a couple of days and was sad when I finished it. I hope she writes a follow up as I would love to see how Phoebe’s life develops.

Phoebe is a greetings card copywriter who has just landed in LA for a two week holiday with her sister. But when her sister is called away for work, Phoebe has to occupy her time somehow. Enter hot neighbour Ren and personal trainer Bel, who Phoebe attempts to matchmake. There's one flaw in her plan though, it's Phoebe who's writing the romantic letters to Ren, not Bel!

Love Me Do is great light hearted chick-lit fun, with plenty of humourous moments (particularly the mermaid party!). It's perfect for summer.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Phoebe lands in LA to visit her high-flying older sister Suzanne for two weeks, but Suzanne announces she has been called to Seattle for a few days. Phoebe stays behind, ready to soak up the sun and laze by Suzanne’s pool, but she isn’t prepared for the gorgeous neighbour Ren birdwatching from his garden. And when Suzanne’s personal trainer Bel arrives the next morning and the two hit it off, Phoebe is ready to help Ren and Bel find true love. Except it might be hard for Phoebe to admit it’s her he’s really interested in.

𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Lindsay Kelk has written a funny, entertaining and heartwarming story that pulls from her own UK and LA experience to give the loveable Phoebe her own HEA. Phoebe’s inner thoughts are a joy and while she just wants to help those around her, she seems to put herself at the back of the confidence queue. I adored the way she crept into the hearts of the neighbours and Bel, and bonds with Suzanne when she finally returns home. There is an entertaining “Cyrano de Bergerac” element that is just waiting to fail, as well as old Hollywood glam on show. Love it!

Read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub Date 20 Jul 2023

3.7 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming (but with a few bumps)

34-year-old Brit Phoebe Chapman visits her older sister Suzanne in LA. She is dazzled by her sister’s mansion and decides the makes the best of her two-week holiday. When Suzanne has to leave for Seattle to avert a crisis at work, Phoebe is left to her own devices in the city.
Soon, Phoebe meets a handsome next-door neighbor, Ren, and her sister’s physical trainer, Bel. She also meets an 82-year-old faded movie star and learns more about life and relationships.
When Bel confesses her crush on Ren, Phoebe decides to play matchmaker. After what had happened in her love life, she hopes to help others find happiness. However, matters of the heart are hardly straightforward.
The story comes from Phoebe’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
I knew I had to request this when I saw the author’s name. I enjoy her writing style and how seamlessly she blends humor into the narrative. This one is no exception and has many lighthearted and funny moments alongside serious topics.
The city, Los Angeles, is another character in the book. It gets a lot of space, which adds to the local flavor. And no, this is not a tourist list despite the trip to Disneyland. The setting comes alive in its hidden beaches, unexplored natural ponds, and old-fashioned homes with more personality than some celebs.
The book has some strong side characters. We don’t have a female villain, either. There’s a bad dude, who thankfully stays in the past (and is passive throughout). The vibes are pretty much happy, introspective, and positive.
Myrna is the best character in the book. If you ever have to meet a faded movie star, make sure it’s someone like Myrna. You can’t settle for anything else! I’d have loved it if she had more space instead of Bel. While Bel is a bumbling dear girl, I don’t need so much of her.
The relationship between the sisters is realistic and relatable. You can see their love but also the distance they try to eliminate. Even with Suzanne being active only in the beginning and the last part of the book, she is there with her little sister Phoebe.
The main plot starts after 35%. From her previous works, I know this is how the author writes. I didn’t mind the slow start in those books. However, it feels stretched here. And with Bel being a constant presence, the scenes between Ren and Phoebe are not enough. I wanted more of their conversations.
Ren also doesn’t get enough chances to prove his true potential. Of course, I don’t really like that they think it’s okay to make decisions on his behalf, and he forgives a little too easily. At least there are no miscommunication or evil intentions to create unwanted complexities. Phoebe's natural talent to complicate things is more than enough for the plot.
The last 15% of the book has a lot of action. This should have come earlier and at a slower pace for their relationship to have a more natural arc. And there’s no epilogue, either! (Readers who don’t like it can skip it. Authors shouldn’t stop writing prologues and epilogues because some readers don’t like them. Some stories require one.)
The ending is sweet (and expected). I’ve debated a lot between 3 and 4 stars. I liked One Night Like This and The Christmas Wish a lot more. But this has its merits too. Phoebe’s growth feels realistic, and I like how she finds closure with her past. So, 4 stars it is!

To summarize, Love Me Do is a heartwarming and sweet read with some laugh-out-loud moments and introspective times. I wouldn’t call it one of the best, but it’s a good read.
Thank you, NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and HarperFiction, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Hilarious, laugh out loud, feel good, fabulous new book from Lindsey Kelk! Perfect summer reading, light hearted, fun and a great easy read.
Phoebe Chapman has flown into Los Angeles to see her sister Suzanne for a much needed summer vacation, feeling a little like she has lost her way with her life in England. Although they haven’t been together for a few years, the sisters have a deep bond despite being completely different from each other, unfortunately Suzanne is called away for work as soon as Phoebe lands!! What will she do whilst her sister is away? Eating snacks by the pool beckons until she gets caught up with some amazing new friends in the community around Suzanne’s beautiful home in the hills of Hollywood.
Great characters, enjoyable story, did find Bel annoying but otherwise good fun!! The glamour and glitz, the old Americana, it all here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the early read.

This was such a lovely book to read. The story itself had some lovely moments that made it very special and elevated it above just a romance, this is so much more than just person meets person, something happens but they live happily ever after.
I really hope the locations visited in this book are real ones as they sound amazing and I would love to visit them someday. The characters are really well written and even when I found myself a little frustrated at Phoebe, I could understand her and why she was doing, or not doing what she was.
The secondary characters of Bel and Myrna bring so much fun to the story, it was great seeing how their characters developed as well as our stars, Phoebe and Ren.
I found that this provoked an emotional response from me with the authors understanding of the effects of controlling relationships and the need for choice. This is only a minor point in this story but having had this experience myself, I felt it was handled in a very honest way.
I've only read one other book by this author before and having loved that one too, I'm going to have to have a serious look at getting more of her previous books.

This was a great slow burn romance -Pheobe and Ren were fantastic main characters and I would happily read more stories based on these characters.