This book was not for me this was a middle of the road women’s fiction that I think was marketed completely wrong as romance. This book follows Lucy a tech writer who when loses her job takes on an advice column for a men’s magazine posing as a man. Lucy starts falling for another writer at work but this storyline is completely overshadowed by all the family drama from Lucy’s sister. The romance in this book felt forced and almost like an afterthought with the two characters barely having interactions in this book.The women’s lit storylines following Lucy’s sister was way more interesting. I really disliked the way they used AI help the writer come up with ideas and how it was seen as a small indiscretion. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

I'm not 100% sure why I requested this book because I'm not a fan of office romance. But, I think if I did like office romance, I would have enjoyed this. It's a palette cleanser book. A nice in-between read for me

Thanks to netgalley for the arc but I feel like this book was not for me.
From the title, the cover and the blurb I was really excited to read it but I felt like the plot was completely different and the story was a bit all over the place.
I am sure some people will enjoy it though.

Thanks to Storm Publishing for the widget. I dont think this book was for me. It was something totally different from the blurb that I read. I felt like the MFC Lucy was way too much into her head and the story was more about her sister which not gonna lie I was more interested in what was going on with her. I read till the end and to be honest I like the last 20 % of the story more than everything else.

I really had to push myself to finish this one. It was ok but very slow and somewhat repetitive at times

Where should I start??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall 3.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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