This was a fun, romantic comedy which follows the lives of Nell and Charlie, who both end up as interns writing for a comedy sketch show. Nell however has worked hard for this position and it's her dream job, whereas Charlie has landed his post because of who his father is! Nell is gutted to be working alongside Charlie, despite there being some chemistry between them when they first meet before the internship starts. With only one permanent position up for grabs, who will get the job?!

I've read the author's previous book, which I really liked, and this one was just as enjoyable! Nell is a great character, and was really likeable. I loved her sense of humour, which was good as she was writing for a comedy show, but also really liked Charlie's which seemed much more natural! Perhaps we shouldn't really like Charlie as not only does his dad need to pull some strings to get him a job, but Charlie lacks the guts to stand up to him...but, of course we like him!! He's lovely, but it's obvious he has some family issues he needs to sort out!

The book flowed at a great pace and was full of fun and laughs. I loved all the other characters working at the company (with the exception of one or two!) and thought they worked well together. It cleverly gave us a glimpse behind the scenes of a comedy show and it certainly makes you realise how much hard work it is! The storyline was easy to read and it was light-hearted and warming. It kept me interested right through to the end and is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face!

"The Funny Thing About Love" by Tom Ellen is a charming and witty romantic comedy that explores the unexpected and often humorous twists and turns of modern relationships. Ellen’s writing is filled with sharp dialogue, relatable characters, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that make this novel a delightful read from start to finish.

The story follows the ups and downs of love in all its messy, unpredictable glory. Whether it's navigating the awkwardness of a first date, dealing with the complexities of long-term relationships, or coping with the surprises that love can throw your way, Ellen captures the essence of it all with humor and heart. The characters are well-developed and endearing, each bringing their own quirks and challenges to the narrative, which makes the romantic entanglements all the more entertaining and real.

Ellen expertly balances comedy with moments of genuine emotion, making "The Funny Thing About Love" not just a fun read, but also a story that resonates with anyone who has ever been in love—or wanted to be. The novel’s exploration of the highs and lows of relationships is both insightful and relatable, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance with a comedic twist.

In the end, "The Funny Thing About Love" is more than just a rom-com; it’s a celebration of the unpredictability of love and the joy that comes with embracing it, flaws and all. Tom Ellen delivers a novel that is as heartwarming as it is hilarious, perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good story about the funny side of love.

This was a great romance, that really delved into our perceptions of people and how these can change. I was thoroughly invested in Nell and Charlie's stories, and their changing relationship with each other. While at times Charlie could be a little oblivious and I would have liked him to see him more aware of his actions and surroundings, we do get to see his character development and his interest in Nell is charming. I liked their banter and getting to know these characters through their own POV. It gave us a lot of insight into their relationships (or lack thereof) with their family and friends and it very much felt like these characters had their own personalities and back stories, as well as enough flaws to be realistic. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to Tom Ellen's next book!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

A well written, fun and clean romance that is easy to read and has you wanting to know where things go - the characters are really likeable, and the plot is well rounded and touches on some important topics without feeling preachy.

his was such a fun rom-com, i loved how much comedy was involved and how witty the characters were. it felt so quick and easy to read, and it is was such a heartwarming story.

i loved how even though it was a rom-com and the romance is central to the plot, there were so many secondary themes that i adored as well.

thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc 🫶🏻

Nell is over the moon when she lands herself an intern role with her favourite comedy sketch tv show Punching Up, with a chance of a permanent position at the end of of it. This is made even more poignant by the fact she used to watch the show when she was younger, with her father, who is sadly no longer alive, but she knows he'd be so proud of her. Her excitement is short lived when, a couple of days later, she walks into the office to discover they've taken on another intern, Charlie and he just happens to be the son of the chief executive. Determined to battle for the position she fought so hard to secure, she resolves to do everything she can to show she's the best person for the job, it would seem Charlie has more than work on his mind though and, as they get to know one another, the attraction is definitely mutual...

This is the latest book by Ellen and once again is an easy and compelling read which had me hooked from the start. I loved Nell's character and was in awe of how driven and determined she was to land the role she's dreamed of her whole life, even when Charlie appeared on the scene, apart from a minor setback, she didn't lose that, in fact it made her more determined to fight for it. I loved that Nell and Charlie had this spark and was keen to see how this developed through the story and the complexity of Charlie's character added extra substance to it all. This is a tale of ambition, friendship, romance and so much more. Another great read by this author.

I'd like to thank Bonnier Books UK and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

I enjoyed this feel good read, it made me laugh and I was absolutely rooting for the characters! Another great read by this author and I will absolutely look forward to his next one.

I’ve been a fan of Tom Ellen’s ever since his debut co-authored YA book Lobsters was published, and I’m so glad his current adult books have the same humour and heart. The Funny Thing About Love hooked me from the very start, and I really enjoyed this fast-paced romantic comedy. I didn’t want it to end!

Nell and Charlie are both excellent characters, so likeable and relatable, and of course funny. I was rooting for them since their early meet cute at a coffee shop, and their journey is everything I was hoping for. Obviously no relationship is easy, be it romantic or platonic, and Tom Ellen does a great job of showing that here. Each character has ups and downs, self-doubt and confidence, and how they overcome their obstacles makes for a highly enjoyable read.

I think my favourite aspect of this book is the setting — a comedy sketch show, specifically the writer’s staff. It allows for so many jokes, and also gives an insight into what it’s like working at such a place. It’s fascinating to get a behind the scenes look at how shows like this get made, and I loved learning more about a corner of TV that I’m not well versed in.

The Funny Thing About Love is a fantastic summery romcom, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who likes the romance genre. I flew through it while sat in the garden listening to the birds, and honestly it was the perfect way to get to know Nell and Charlie. I already can’t wait for Tom Ellen’s next book, and I hope it’s as good as this one!

I've read other books by this author so I was excited to read this one. This book is set in the world of comedy writers working for a show called 'Punching Up' which was an interesting background to the story. The story itself is a fairly typical love story of enemies to lovers. An enjoyable book that is ideal for summer reading.

This is a very funny and thought provoking five-star read. Nell was such a lovely character; she really blew me away with her strength. Nell has been trying for this dream for so long, she has every reason to believe in herself, but sometimes we have self-doubt and losing a loved one can cause that strength to wobble. But what I loved most about this story, was watching Nell and Charlie grow and become people they could be proud of, as well as being funny and putting a hit show out. There are several parts to this story that will challenge you, but honestly it will make you smile, and then end will win you over and make you smile. I adore the way Tom Ellen writes, they just have this was of making characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.

this was such a fun rom-com, i loved how much comedy was involved and how witty the characters were. it felt so quick and easy to read, and it is was such a heartwarming story.

i loved how even though it was a rom-com and the romance is central to the plot, there were so many secondary themes that i adored as well.

thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc 🫶🏻

I absolutely loved the author’s previous novel The Lifeline, and so had high hopes for The Funny Thing About Love.
It’s set over the course of a month when Nell and Charlie are interns at a comedy sketch show Punching Up. Nell is a huge fan of the show and it’s been her dream to be accepted onto the internship while Charlie was offered the role as his father is the CEO of the production company.
This was a sweet, enjoyable, light and predictable romcom that I read quickly over the course of 24 hours. I enjoyed the storyline and the dual narration and the characters of Nell and Charlie are likeable. However, it felt that there was something missing here, there was little depth to the characters and it’s in no way as good or as memorable as the Lifeline.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
3.5 stars.

I really enjoy Tom Ellen's books they are so easy to read and always strike the right balance.

Nell's favourite comedy show Punching Up, the one she watched with her dad and shaped her dreams of becoming a comedy script writer, have offered her an internship. It's her dream job and she is beyond excited about it. Imagine her disappointment when she learns that this year they have taken on two interns and the other one, Charlie, is the son of the chief executive.

Nell and Charlie are well developed and likeable as are the supporting characters and the story is fast paced and humorous. A quick, easy and entertaining read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for the ARC.

I've loved all of Tom Ellen's previous novels, both 'All About Us' and 'The Landline' shattered my heart, so I was beyond excited to receive this. I hate to say it, but I was left feeling a bit disappointed. As with a lot of his previous work, there's dual narrators - which is one of my favourite approaches to romcoms - but his character's feel a little lacking in development or likeability. Nell & Charlie both feel a little one-note. The novel takes place over a month, they fall for each other implausibly quickly in that time and it becomes a tad repetitive in exploring that. I loved the idea of following an SNL style show, but with Curtis Sittenfeld's 'Romantic Comedy' having come out so recently - it was hard not to make comparisons.
Fundamentally, I think my expectations were sky high for this as the previous books that I loved had this hugely profound momentum to the story that just wasn't here with this one. Instead it's very nice and well written, but slight.

The Funny Thing About Love by Tom Ellen
Rating: 4/5

Nell's long-awaited dream is finally materialising. After enduring months of frustrating job rejections, the twenty-one-year-old has finally secured a coveted internship writing for her beloved comedy sketch show, “Punching Up”. What's even more enticing? The internship comes with the promise of a guaranteed job if she proves her worth.

However, the seemingly perfect scenario takes an unexpected turn when Nell realises she's not the only intern vying for the spot.

Enter Charlie, a strikingly attractive and seemingly privileged individual who effortlessly secured the internship thanks to his influential father's connections.

Determined to rise above the competition, Nell resolves to outshine Charlie. But navigating the ruthless world of television proves to be no joke, especially with Charlie as her formidable rival. Yet, as Nell delves deeper into their rivalry, she discovers layers to Charlie that challenge her initial perceptions.

The backdrop of a comedy scriptwriters' office brings an added dose of allure to the tale, offering ample chances for comedic moments and mischief. The supporting cast is intricately crafted, enhancing the depth of the storyline.

Nell's character is particularly enjoyable, and her growth throughout the narrative is compelling.

While the romance between Nell and Charlie takes centre stage, the book also delves into themes of ambition, camaraderie, and self-exploration.


"The Funny Thing About Love" is a delightful and heartening read that is sure to evoke smiles and laughter! This romance captivates with its brisk pace and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Thank you so much to Bonnier Books and the author, Tom Ellen, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Title: The Funny Thing About Love by Tom Ellen

Release Date: July, 4th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"The Funny Thing About Love" by Tom Ellen is a delightful romantic comedy that offers a fresh take on the classic workplace rivalry trope.

The story follows Nell, a determined young woman who lands an internship at her favourite comedy sketch show, Punching Up. However, her excitement is dampened when she discovers she has to compete against Charlie, another intern who seems to have everything handed to him on a silver platter.

What makes this book stand out is its witty humour and engaging characters. Nell is a relatable protagonist whose determination to succeed is both admirable and endearing. Charlie, despite his privileged background, is portrayed with depth and complexity, making him more than just a typical antagonist.

The setting of a comedy scriptwriters' office adds an extra layer of charm to the story, providing plenty of opportunities for humour and hijinks.
The supporting characters are also well-developed and add richness to the narrative. I enjoyed Nells character as well as the character development throughout.

While the romance between Nell and Charlie is central to the plot, the book also explores themes of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery.

The Funny Thing About Love is a fun and heartwarming read that will leave you smiling and giggling! This romance was a quick and engaging read that kept me interested from start to finish.


Thank you to The Publisher Bonnier Books UK | Hot Key Books, The Author Tom Ellen & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Easy to read romance which held my attention throughout. I loved Nell, not so keen on Charlie! Thought the idea of being set in a comedy script writers office was good and added to the book. Overall 3 stars.

Review coming soon!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Opinions are mine.