I loved other books by Lindsey Kelk, especially the I Heart series. It took me a few chapters to get into this book, and I didn't like Sophie's uncle Malcolm. He was too loud and brash every time he spoke. Once I got into it, I really enjoyed it.

I found Sophie quite loud, opinionated and immature a lot of the time, and I found myself getting frustrated with her. I thought she was even unkind at times and not appreciative of those around her. Her dialogue in much of the book seemed to be her complaining or being critical of her family or Joe.

Some people might have found her outlook on life and way of expressing herself fun or funny, but I didn't.

I wanted to like her, but I didn't for much of the book. There were many times when I wished she'd just go back to her life in London, as it seemed she didn't want to be back in her childhood home.

However, I was interested in her journey to publication with her book Butterflies.

Although some people may have found the cover of Butterflies tacky, I didn't. It sounded so unique, and I liked the synopsis of her book.

My own experience with writing projects made me empathize and sympathize with Sophie.

I liked her friend Sarah a lot, as she was always supportive.

There are a lot of relatable situations in this book. I really liked Sophie's brother William and how supportive he was. Her parents were welcoming. She and her sister Charlotte are very different personality-wise. This added some conflict. It's interesting that there's such a difference in age between her and 18-year old Charlotte. That added something unique to the plot, because we get life from her point of view as well as Charlotte's. I liked how ambitious Charlotte was about opening a bookshop and how she gave an insight into what it takes to create and sell a successful book and her ideas for her business.

I found Charlotte more mature than Sophie at some points in the book.

I really enjoyed seeing the bookshop through Sophie and Joe's visit there.

The mystery of who the author of Butterflies really was good, although why it had to be a secret I don't know. Keeping it that way did add some fun, and was unexpected, but I also felt it a little unneccesary, and it did drag on a bit. I enjoyed the "interview" between Joe and Sophie's mother's friends, though. I thought the questions were very well formulated.

I liked Joe. He's polite, handsome and has a great knowledge of book editing. He and Sophie living in the cottage on her parents' property provided a good element of "forced proximity" trope to the plot, without that being the entire plot.

The plot of Love Story has a lot of themes: work, family, love and priorities in life.

It captures Sophie's experience of having to come back home after time away very well, and the sleepy town and her memories are very visual and moving.

I felt bad when her bag with her laptop and drafts of Butterflies was left on the train. I felt that was the last thing she needed. I was hoping she'd get it back.

I don't know why Sophie thought Joe was so annoying. I didn't find him that way at all. I found him more tolerable than Sophie for much of the book.

I didn't feel anything romantic between them until their visit to Sophie's sister's bookshop onwards. This was around the 62% mark in the audiobook. I felt this was too late, and then the romance seemed too sudden and like instaromance for my liking.

Love Story is overall a well-developed, well-paced standalone novel. Despite that, it took me some time to finish. I think it's because of Sophie. I feel calling the book Love Story is interesting, as there isn't much romance in it at all.

Sophie's writing has more romance than her life. It does show the complexities of family life well. I loved all the banter between her and Joe about. the book Butterflies and about the writing and publishing process, as well as their experience of good and bad reviews.

The fans of the book are really realistic.

The narrator is good, and there are a lot of different accents in the novel, which she captures to prefection. I didn't find it confusing at all to follow who was speaking and what was happening and when.

Overall, and although each family member was very well created, I felt there was too much of a focus on family issues and not enough on Joe and Sophie and their lives

I wanted to witness Sophie's experience as a teacher, as it was only mentioned. I also wanted to know more about Sarah and her life and children and her experience as a single mum.

I would have loved to have had her as a friend.

The ending was good, if a little "Notting Hill" and slightly predictable, but I thought it had some great tension and was realistic and romantic. It was a good way to bring everything in the book to a close.

I want a sequel of Love Story, because I want to find out where Sophie and Joe's lives lead them and where Charlotte's, William's, Sarah's, and also Sophie and Charlotte's parents' stories go, too.

4 stars

Thanks to Lindsey Kelk and publisher for my audiobook in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

Sophie is secretly the bestselling romance author Esta Cox. The only people who know are her brother and her godfather. But soon, her secret will be at risk and the only way to keep her secret is with the help of Joe Walsh, the extremely handsome but very annoying son of her father's work colleague.

Soon, her two separate worlds will collide, and her heart will be on the line, but is he really worth the risk when secrets could break it all?

I loved the character of Sophie and understood why she was keeping her secret and protecting herself and her vulnerability.

Kelk gives us a comical narrative, with characters that we love and cheer on from the start. This was a great Romance novel that i would highly recommend.

Love Story - Lindsey Kelk

A really well paced audiobook, with fantastic characters and a perfect plot for book lovers, I raced through it. It has been ages since I read a Lindsey Kelk book and I have decided that I really should read her backlog of books, I'm not sure why I stopped reading them. As well as the two main characters the author writes the side characters so well that they complement the story excellently. I particularly enjoyed Sophie's mums character as she changes so well throughout the book. Joe was the absolute perfect book boyfriend, with his own secrets to discover.

Thank you so much HarperCollins UK Audio for the audiobook in return for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Lindsey Kelk is an auto buy author for me, I adore her books. They are light but with emotion, drama and characters you will fall in love with.
This may be my new favourite Kelk book. I loved the plot so much. A bestselling author who has hidden her career from everyone apart from her brother? This was a great premise expertly executed. The relationship between Sophie and Joe was so funny at times, but wonderful.

I could not put it down, it's possible my favourite one by her yet. What's not to love about a book featuring a secret romance writer with lots of wit and banter to boot?! I ate it up. Highly recommend this one if you haven't read it

I’ve been a reader of Kelk’s books in the past - her books sit in a similar sphere as Emily Henry for me.

This one follows Sophie: by day she’s a teacher, but by night, she is a secret romance writer, and the sales of her debut novel have just gone wild. However, Sophie is too scared to share this with her very literary family for fear of how they’ll react.

When she leaves her laptop and the manuscript of the sequel to her novel on the train, the handsome Joe Walsh is able to reunite them. Pity then that Joe has a rather bad reputation, is the son of her father’s frenemy, and seems to have figured out who Sophie is. When he’s invited to stay for her father’s birthday weekend, sparks fly between him and Sophie.

I’ll be honest, so many romance books out there are saying they include an “enemies to lovers” trope - but really, I’m not seeing it. This one was no exception. I found both Joe and Sophie’s character motivations really confusing when it came to their romance - what was keeping them apart? I couldn’t really say. There was no earth shattering grudge or reason which meant they couldn’t have just got together and communicated like adults!

What I did like, however, was Sophie’s relationship with her family and her struggle to reveal herself as a writer. That was definitely the highlight of this book for me, along with Kelk’s great British sense of humour.

It’s a perfectly adequate romance, but not up to Kelk’s usual standards for me - and I think there is probably a lot better romantic fiction out there right now. So I’d probably not strongly recommend this - but it was generally fine and the audio narration was pleasant.

This book is certainly for anyone who wants to lsiten to a book that is pure fluffy vibes, wholesome plot and awesome characters. It won't be a book that will change you or your life at that, but it will be a book that made you feel all fuzzy feelings inside and just go 'awe this was an awesome time'.
The chemistry between Joe and Sophie was so good! And genuine! Not once did it felt forced or awkward.

Love Story by Lindsey Kelk, presented as an audiobook, is a delightful and captivating romance that shines with Kelk's signature wit and charm. The narrative follows the ups and downs of love, career, and friendship in a fresh and engaging way, enhanced by the audiobook format that brings the characters and their emotions to life. Kelk’s storytelling is infused with humor, relatable moments, and a modern twist on the complexities of relationships, making listeners feel as though they are part of the journey. The pacing and lively narration add extra warmth and energy, turning this love story into a thoroughly enjoyable and immersive listening experience. It's a perfect pick for those looking for a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud romance to brighten their day.

A bestselling romance author posing as a school teacher? I'm hooked! I love stories that dive into the behind-the-scenes of the publishing world, and books about books are always fascinating!

It’s a perfect mix of sweet and sexy, and overall just plain fun! I also appreciated how it tackles the stigma surrounding reading and writing romance novels.

Read this if you like:
🙅🏻‍♀️Enemies to Lovers
🛌 One Bed
😆 Witty Banter
📚 Books about books

This book came at a perfect time for me, I am currently completing my own challenge of Swiftember so of course Love Story was a must, I love the narrator of this story and really enjoyed following along with this relationship I love when the stories have bookshops/writers within them as you truly feel the connection and cosy feels

I really enjoy Lindsey Kelk’s writing and I love the humour inserted into the characters and their banter and this is the best I’ve read from her!
Classically British in some of its humour that you have to cringe right along knowing it has probably happened in real life to someone.
This may be more funny than it is romantic but it is set over such a short time frame that this makes it better for me. The wit and sarcasm from these characters is spot on and is laugh out loud funny in some parts.
There is a serious element to this story and one that is quietly weaving through the love and romance. This is a story of how romance as a genre is belittled, how women who write it or read it are not as high brow as maybe other genres and authors.

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley and provide my honest opinion

I love romance books and I believe that they have a place in the world of literature. They make you feel better in so many ways. But to say that they change your life overnight or a spicy romance have literary claim is a bit of an exaggeration. Apart from this bit in the plot, I had a great time listening to the story. The book would deserve a more memorable title though.

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


✨ Publishing
✨ Scotland/London vibes
✨ Who’s who?




✨ I haven’t read a book from Lindsey kelk in a long time. I think since 2019 and this book is a great comeback.

✨ The story was very light,. The main character is Sophie who writes the most spiciest romance book and she hid her identity because her parents was a literature snobs. She also had a rough breakup with her ex which they invited to go to Sophie’s dad birthday (awkward) .
Anyway, she met Joe. Who’s the son of the publishing boss of Sophie . At first they were just enjoying together but Joe doesn’t do relationship. I know 🚩.

✨ but anyway, up until they met again and people starting to recognise the spiciest book ever, Joe willingly to take the responsibility for Sophie not get embarrassed to her family.
Story is funny. Light and airy.
Just perfect for summer ❤️




✨ Thankyou for the opportunity to read this book for a honest review:)


🫶🏼shaye.reads

Phenomenal . . . truly remarkable and amazingly unpredictable

An absolute corker . . . totally engrossing and superbly written ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was so much fun! I loved listening to the audiobook! The narrator did such a great job and kept me hooked to the story.
The characters were great and I loved the discussions on the romance book genre and how some people don’t consider it “great literature”

I almost DNF Love Story by Lindsey Kelk. Poor Sophie seems to surround herself with the most awful, misogynistic and unbelievably frustrating people. Her parents are the worst kind of literature snobs, her little sister is an entitled brat, and her ex-boyfriend is perhaps one of the worst creatures I've ever had the misfortune of being introduced to on paper. Even Joe Walsh, the MMC, is pretty obnoxious. However, I kept reading and I'm incredibly grateful that I did...

Sophie is a New York Times bestselling romance author. Instead of celebrating the success of her book 'Butterflies', she writes under the pseudonym Este Cox. Why? Her parents believe 'smut' like Butterflies "and the women who read them set back feminism a hundred years."

Ouch. This is a love story and although I did enjoy the romance element of this book, I was more invested in the discussion surrounding the nature of romance novels and the deep-rooted misogyny that surrounds the entire genre. It also had all the fun and humour of an early '00s romantic comedy by Richard Curtis. It was an incredibly relevant and hilarious romp which I could definitely see making its way on to the big screen. I actually ended up loving her little sis in the end and her brother William was absolute perfection.

I did feel that the finale was a little rushed. The whole book takes place over just a couple of days. Sophie and Joe spent more time apart than together. The book itself pokes fun at the 'instalove' trope, but this almost felt like a defence mechanism as this was exactly what this was; all though their chemistry was believable and I loved their constant sparring.

Love Story is a love letter to all romance readers and authors. I absolutely loved all the hilarious antics, mishaps and thoughtful dialogue.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the audiobook version, I couldn't get on board with the female narrator lowering her pitch when becoming the MMC. It sounded almost comical and completely took me out of the story. However, I did enjoy reading Love Story immensely... the actual audiobook just wasn't for me.

This was my first Lindsey Kelk and I will definitely be reading more. I love when the main character is an author and the love interest was perfect.

It’s rare but it happens: I didn’t like a book.

This book had the potential to be a really great story, but unfortunately, the female main character’s pettiness made it difficult to enjoy. The plot itself is well-crafted—she writes a novel that she’s ashamed of because it’s a bit spicier than usual. Despite her success, earning tons of money from it, she’s too embarrassed to tell her publishing family that she’s the author. The mother would never accept <i> her daughter </i> wrote a <i> romance </i>, she is too good and to choose such a worthless genre.

At 70% no one still has a clue she is the real author and she is still firm in the decision not to tell anyone.

At some point, the younger sister nearly outs her secret, which really bothered me. Why would anyone want to expose someone’s pen name so much? That felt so wrong to me. I understand what the author was trying to do with this plot point, but instead of adding tension or depth, it just dragged the story down due to the main character’s pettiness.

Another issue is the lack of a dual POV. We only get the FMC’s perspective, so we never really know what the MMC is thinking, and that feels like a missed opportunity. Because of this, I struggled to finish the book. Despite the voice actress doing a fantastic job with the narration, the story was difficult to get through.

I feel like the author wanted to make a tribute to all our beloved romance books and the amazing people that are behind it, but she did it by exposing and using one of the worst stigma there is on this genre.

Overall, I’m disappointed. While the main concept is positive, the execution is poor. I found very few redeeming qualities in the story, and more than once, I considered not finishing it.

The voice actress did an amazing job with it, the problem definitely wasn’t hers or the production.

Sadly this fell a little bit flat for me overall, and it was mostly the audio narration that carried it for me. Great to pass the time, but not particularly swoony or memorable.

Love Story pulled me in from the get-go. A book about books and writing! Yes, please! Sophie is a teacher who secretly writes a hugely successful romance novel. Whilst she is an advocate of romance novels, she fears her family's snobbery would rebuff her work. As she makes her way back to the family fold for a celebration, she bumps into Joe, and they clash. This is the perfect enemies to lovers couple. The tension and sexual attraction is on fire. Kelk moves away from her usual style to really focus on the pair, and the result is some spicy hot scenes. It was such a fun audiobook listen. You will want to binge your way to the end at speed. #lovestory #lindsaykelk #netgalley #audiobook #romance #harpercollinsukaudio