Unoriginal and repetitive plot. Nothing was surprising, it was dull. The characters held no substance.

I enjoyed the idea of Artificial Intelligence being intertwined with a romantic comedy, bringing a new element to the genre. There were some humorous parts that I appreciated and I loved the strong family dynamics. However, this still ended up falling flat for me. It was incredibly slow paced and often felt redundant. While it is categorized as a romance novel, there surprisingly wasn’t much romance involved. There was very little character and plot development. The main character was pessimistic to a fault, making it honestly frustrating to read at times. I felt absolutely no connections to any of the characters. While the ending was conclusive, I didn’t find it very satisfying. Overall, this one was just a miss for me unfortunately.

ARC provided by NetGalley, thank you!

I thought this book was pretty bland and boring. I struggled to connect with the FMC and she kept droning on about how she's not like other girls. I think this could've been about half as long and still gotten the same points across.

A cute, sweet fluffy romcom! The Love Hack is definitely a great laid back summer read. It was easy-to-read novel and perfect if you are looking for a quick, cute romance story that will hold your interest. While this book does have the typical rom-com elements, there are also the family dynamics that i enjoyed a lot. Thanks for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for my review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Our FMC is Lucy, a 29 year old magazine writer in the UK who pitches the idea of an advice column, “Ask Adam”, as a means to save her job. For “Ask Adam”, Lucy poses as “Adam” and answers questions men send into the magazine. Her problem though, is she doesn’t really know how to answer any of these men. She doesn’t know the first thing about relationships and is much more used to staying home with her cat, Astro.

At first, Lucy enlists the help of her younger sister, Amalie, to help her answer some of the questions. However, after Lucy gets married and moves to NYC, she is no longer able to help Lucy out. At the same time, her boss increases the frequency of the column to a daily feature. To help answer the questions and keep up with the increased volume, Lucy turns to an AI assistant program for guidance. But can she trust the advice the AI assistant gives?

Lucy has another problem, she has a crush on the guy who sits across from her, Ross. He’s kind, he’s thoughtful, and he gets her Seinfeld references. But, not only is he not single, he is dating Lucy’s sister’s friend. Lucy has been hurt by a relationship with a guy from work in the past and doesn’t want to be hurt again.

When she gets an email at “Ask Adam”, Lucy is certain it is from her sister’s new husband. With her sister acting strange since her move, Lucy sets out to investigate if the letter is from him and, if it is, what it means for her sister’s future.

For the most part I enjoyed this book. It is well written and the pacing is good. The main characters felt real and I enjoyed some of the side characters (even if I did keep mixing up who was who in the group of guys at Lucy’s work). This could be a personal thing, but I did struggle with the MMC being in a relationship with another woman for a majority of the book. The MCs had great chemistry together and I enjoyed their back and forth banter. There was no cheating by our MCs, but it was hard, for me at least, to want to root for a couple who couldn’t be together.

3.5 stars for The Love Hack, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads.

With the revolution of AI, it was interesting to see it play a role in a love story that did not feel dystopian or like an episode of a 60s sitcom about the year 2000. The subtle use AI was enough to show that this is a modern story set in our ever-changing world. With that, The Love Hack had just enough of a twist to be unique without feeling like the author had set out to create this epic love story. This was quite and simple and logical romance. Some people use romance as a form of escape, so it is not uncommon that romance novels include escapist elements like tropical settings, famous MCs, and over-the-top meet cutes. The Love Hack does not have those elements and instead has a focus on humanizing others and love itself. The wonderful thing about the romance genre is that there is room at the table for so many stories, and people can read romance for more than one reason. I love to read an adventurous love story, but my favorite stories often take place in the workplace like The Love Hack because it is so relatable. If one of my friends told me the plot of this book happened to them, I would absolutely believe them and be happy they found someone to share their life with. Fictional or not, The Love Hack may not inspire an escape but rather a glimmer of hope for reality.

This had a lot of potential but fell flat for me. I’m not usually one to romanticize in-office sexual predatory behavior, but to each their own. The British slang was a fun surprise. I did enjoy that! Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy. Publication date June 7, 2024.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of The Love Hack in exchange for an honest review.

Lucy’s position at a women’s publication becomes redundant and proposes a new column, “Ask Adam” and advice column for the sibling publication for men. She quickly develops a crush on colleague Ross who shortly begins dating a friend of Lucy’s sister when he runs into their Hen night group at the club.

This book was very hard to read and a struggle to finish. The plots and subplots are a bit all over the place lacking focus and depth. The characters are flat and there is a lack of likability or investment.

The concept of this book seemed interesting but it just wasn’t for me 😭 I AM SO SORRY

I didn’t like the MCs tbh I could not relate to them and I was not convinced on their romance at all. They barely had any conversations, don’t know each other well, and one minute dating someone else then getting together? Huhhh
Im good with OW/OM drama but for this I was like uhhh nah. I hate seeing MCs get with other people in front of the other MC. It feels icky.
There was a lot of side plots happening, I think there too much going on at once. Amelie’s relationship took up a lot of the book when I wanted development between Ross and Lucy. Honestly was more interested in Amelie’s situation.

Maybe this book could be enjoyed by someone else, just wasn’t for me. I would say it’s more women’s fiction than a romcom. I don’t think that romance or comedy was in the room with us.

This was a book about Lucy and her struggles when she starts a new path in her career surrounded by new people and the way she navigates her feelings for the coworker. Amelie, Lucy's sister is preparing to marry her fiance Zack and that is a big part of this book. I felt like the characters didn't feel like real people, their characterization was superficial, especially Ross the romance interest.
For me this was a good book, I liked the writing and the sister bond between Lucy and Amelie, but I felt like the romance between Lucy and Ross was the weakest part. It felt like they didn't had any chemistry and their interaction didn't made me feel like it could result a romantic relationship. The ending was very unrealistic.
In the end I appreciate the writing and the relationship between the two sister, but if you want to read about a romance workplace this will be disappointing and with no steam.

This was such a fun read! It had me laughing out loud at times. I enjoyed the British lingo. The flashback of Lucy's former employment and workplace romance provided helpful insight to her behavior. I felt that the relationship between Lucy and Ross was too slow to develop. I wish a little more happened early. Small but intimate moments sometimes like the New York conversation soon. I would love to see a book 2 about Lucy's sister.

Thank you NetGalley, Strom Publishing and Sophie Randal for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Love Hack was an incredibly engaging read that I couldn't put down. I read the book within 24 hours of starting it.

The book gives a lot of Bridget Jones vibes, in the best way possible. The writing is fun, vibrant, and interesting. The plot varies a little from the summary provided for the book, however, and I'd argue that in the end, this is a story of family, friendship, and sisterhood more than just a romance, although that is certainly part of the story as well.

There are many funny references throughout the book and a lot of pop culture humor spread throughout. It can be worrisome in some writing, as pop culture references can date some works, but this book did not feel bogged down by the references.

The burn in this book is incredibly slow. There is obvious mutual pining between the main charecters for a very long time that left me wanting to see more between them. The payoff was good. Intimate scenes were mentioned, but brief and not super explicit. They would be easy to skip if you prefer no spice or they are perfect for people who prefer low spice writing.

This book is super enjoyable and an easy, breezy, fun read. This book kept me hooked and laughing throughout. I'd definitely say it is worth the read.

This such a sweet easy read, snuggled up with the dogs and just fell into this. I really enjoyed it. I love a good co workers romance and this was definitely one. The characters are adorable and so relatable.
I also loved the cover it’s so bright and just says pick me.
Loved the story and their slow burn relationship.
A lovely cute couple

This was an enjoyable, breezy romance, set in London and New York City. The characters were believable, the situations felt realistic, and the dialogue wasn't forced. I particularly liked the dialogue with Lucy's co-workers.

Nothing too deep or heavy, I enjoyed this and would read more from the author.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.

I really wanted to like this book - the pop culture references, the magazine publishing environment, the slow burn office romance. But unfortunately this book just didn’t hit the mark for me.

Lucy works at a London magazine publisher, and after a round of redundancies - she ends up the agony aunt of a men’s magazine. But as someone who’s always been awkward and not good with men, she finds it hard to come up with answers to the questions she receives from men. In comes a genAI tool to help her save the day.

Unfortunately, the story had the makings of a good romance and it just fell flat. I know it’s a slow burn, but I found it tough that the MMC was still dating someone else halfway through the novel. It made me question his intentions a lot. That being said, Ross came across as a decent guy, and I loved Lucy’s cat Astro. Plus the genAI aspect was a really interesting take - though it did make me a little terrified and I hope companies are teaching staff about ethical AI use!

While this book didn’t tick all my boxes, you might like this book if:
- you love office romances, particularly slow burn
- you love a socially awkward main character
- you enjoy pop culture references - especially Harry Met Sally (iykyk) and Seinfeld references
- strong sister bonding

Shout out to Sophie Ranald, Storm Publishing and NetGallery for granting me the opportunity to read and review this book early!

Thank you for the ARC of this book. It was such a fun, enjoyable read. The characters were lovable, and I flew through this book in a little more than a day. I’ve never read a book with a storyline that was at all similar to this one, and it definitely kept me engaged. I really appreciated that although it was a romance, it focused so much on the main character and her growth, as well as her relationship with her sister. This will be a book I recommend to all my book loving friends who want a cute romance.

2.25 stars!

I’m not sure if I would really call this a romance but maybe more of women’s fiction? the writing is great and the overall story of the characters kept me reading on but I can’t say that I was too intrigued with the romance.

Lucy was giving off very much pick me energy whilst also being insecure and obviously coming to terms with how her last relationship ended I’m not sure she was ready to start into a new one by the time she met Ross.

Ross was a little bland and tbh we didn’t get to know much about him until he came to visit lucy in new york and even then it felt his story was more like a device to make you feel bad for him rather than something that really made his character who he was. He also was just kind of a “dick” as the author loves to say. I need the men in my romance books to be kinda head over heels for the fmc not kissing her sisters best friend on a night out that they’re all attending??

Lucy’s sister. I’m ngl I was more intrigued with her throughout the story and ultimately that was what kept me going. I wanted to see the downfall of Zach though he kind of just disappeared after she left and left them to it.

overall great writing, great drama where the sister was concerned but not a lot of romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for sending me this arc

3 stars!

This book did not leave a lasting impression on me.

I could not connect with the MC's romance, as there were few moments between Lucy and Ross. I also felt like Lucy was incredibly immature, making the reader struggle through her thoughts.
The OW drama is something that does not settle well with me.

All in all, it is an okay read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC!

The Love Hack was irresistible! I couldn't put it down and literally finished this in less than a night. This rom-com was PERFECT. It had heart, humor, love, and comedy. I felt for these characters. I can't wait to read another novel by Sophie Ranald. I did receive a free advanced reader's copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

Late bloomer Lucy becomes an unlikely advice columnist for men after her IT editor job is merged with her work crush Rob and she pitches the 'Ask Adam' concept to save her job. Luckily she has her secret weapon - her much more experienced younger sister Amelie to help. Except Amelie is marrying and her new husband Zack wants her to focus on him after they move to New York for a secondment. Lucy is introverted, prefers the company of her cat Astro after a disastrous experience with an ex-colleague. In flashbacks we learn about how she naively fell into a toxic relationship at her previous workplace.

I nearly DNF early on when Lucy suddenly develops an almost obsessive crush on Rob. I'm glad I continued as this was an enjoyable read with some lovely banter with Lucy and Rob and interesting side characters. The reason why I give this 3.5 stars but rounded down is I felt each plot thread didn't resolve itself satisfactorily for what was set up. This meant when the main story was resolved it was anti-climatic for me with no real development. I think there were too side plots so focusing on Lucy in the workplace (without the sister's story) with Rob and their colleagues would've been stronger.

Ask Adam doesn't really go viral except for one post which is a real shame given her ineptitide with men could've had promose that her advice without Amelie's help was successful. With respect to Amelie’s storyline, the giant red flags about Zach were dropped to focus on an affair (and URGH predictably Amelie being sick was for *that* development and I don't understand why abortion was never considered). I also wish Lucy took the work opportunity at the end instead of chosing the remain stagnant. That just seemed to take a step back when she really needed to move forward in her life more.

Romance wise I didn't mind the various developments with Rob, but I feel like its resolution happened as a bit of an anti-climax as I didn't get to really feel that he was properly crushing on her as well. It really needed more of Lucy and Rob in the workplace and less of her sister's stuff. Yet I really enjoyed these characters, especially once Lucy started to grow out of her willful naivity a bit and start taking charge of her life.

Overall this book was such an easy read that hit the spot for escapist fiction.

Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.