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

Narrator Kristin Atherton brings to life Lindsey Kelk's 'Love Story', a love story about our love for love stories and how its a derided genre complete with Kelk's trademark humour, a touch of satire and Taylor Swift references.

Daughter of two literati and publishing titans, school teacher Sophie is secretly the author of a best-selling romance novel. The only two people who know are her agent brother William and her godfather publisher Malcolm. That is, until Joe, Creative Director at her publisher crashes her celebratory lunch with Malcolm and promptly guesses who Sophie is. Throw in Sophie's lost laptop container her long-awaited second book and a weekend birthday party in the country with the who's who of publishing and suddenly Sophie finds herself caught in the madness while trying to hide her secret and her simmering attraction to Joe.

Atherton has such a lovely, voice with a clear voice that sounds kinda posh, which fits with Sophie's background, making this such a lovely listening experience.

I think its Lindsey Kelk's wittiest and spiciest. Kelk makes some very sharp observations about the publishing world (cackled at the name of Sophie's publisher who bared a very close resemblance to Kelk's) and literary snobs. However, at times, I think this book is too heavy-handed in making its point about the romance genre and how its derided because women love it. I think this is partly because I've lately read a lot of romance books about romance books/authors that the meta-ness of it all is becoming old. At one part of the book, Kelk spends half a paragraph listing real-life romance authors and tropes are called out as they happen. And while sister Charlotte's dialogue, while spot on characterisation of a Gen Zer, also belabours the point about woman and romance.

For a book that will be read by this same audience, surely this is a captured audience?

Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

What a joyous book! Full of epic one-liners and the usual laugh out loud moments you would expect from Kelk. Adored the characters (especially Sophie) and loved the way it bigged up Bridget Jones’ Diary 👏
Just everything you would want from a rom-com!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @harpercollinsuk for providing me with an audiobook arc via @netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#lovestory #lindseykelk #harpercollins #audiobook #romcom #netgalley #netgalleyreads #bookreview #fivestarreview #bookstagram

This book was my introduction to Lindsey Kelk and I have to admit I was impressed. It was captivating and I loved how the characters were bantering with each other. I personally needed Sophie to be more sure of herself. I mean, she was a badass author, she could’ve been more convincing. Joe was funny and I liked how he pursued Sophie. They are definitely cute together.
I listened to the audiobook and I have to say it was easier to listen to it since I was sooo busy lately. Doing chores while listening to this cute story it was nice!
Thanking to Netgalley, HarperCollins and Lindsey Kelk for this ALC! It was a great opportunity that I’m very grateful for!🫶🏻

This is not my first Lindsey Kelk book but it is my first audio listen of one of her books, and it has been a while since I read one of her books and it was a fun dip back into her writing.

I thought the narration was fab for this book, Kristin Atherton did a great job bringing the book to life.

I personally enjoy more relationship building in my books, but we definitely see more of the romance in this book than others I’ve read by her in the past where it is lightly touched upon.

I liked that it was a quick and easy read and it would be a great holiday read. I loved that she touched upon the internalised misogyny that romance readers and writers face and I enjoyed the witty lines from Lindsey that we always get in her books.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio, NetGalley and author Lindsey Kelk for this arc.

I thouroughly enjoyed Love Story.

The writing was nice & punchy and gave the story a good flow. The narrator, Kristin Atherton, did a fantastic job bringing the story and characters to life.
The plot was unique and the character fun with a little quirk.

I didn't love the insta-love aspect but it wasn't too front and center so I'll give it a pass. The dreaded third-act break up due to miscommunication is also a trope I think we should retire - at least for a while. And I would've liked an epilogue.

All together a fun and quick read.

As previously advised, I am unapologetically in my romance reads era (again) and so I was all over this one when it showed up.

Quick summary of Love Story to get you started:
* Sophie Taylor, primary school teacher. Parents (one an editor of worthy tomes, the other a literary critic) reckon she’s wasting her potential a bit.
* Sophie’s ex: has written a worthy literary tome. Her dad loves him. Sophie has also written a bestselling book, but no one knows because she’s used a nom-de-plume. The book is a bit spicy.
* Joe Walsh, publishing house creative director. Good hair. Aggravating. Over-endowed with confidence.

Sophie’s struggling with writing the sequel to her debut bestseller, and she can’t talk to anyone about it (secret, aye?). She can’t even spend the weekend tearing out her hair over the edits, because she has to return to her family home to attend her dad’s birthday celebrations. Her 18 year old sister is determined to be the centre of attention, and Very Important Bags are going missing.

This is such a well-crafted book. There’s a lot of knowing side-eye references to the tropes and criticisms of romance novels, but also an unashamed joy in the shared experience of reading and living a happy ending. The cast of characters is chefs’ kiss: from the parents to the best friend, the annoying ex to the unwitting fans of her book that Sophie meets - the voices feel authentic and there are several laugh out actual loud moments.

The tension is built and broken with just the right rhythm, the conventions hold (there’s only one bed! Someone will have to sleep on the armchair! - unless…), and the 🌶️ scenes are good if you like that kind of thing 🙃 The mirroring of the plot to Sophie’s own book is steered with a light touch; like all the themes in the book it doesn’t bludgeon the reader over the head. The representation of sibling relationships is the best I’ve read in some time.

Kristin Atherton narrates the audiobook, and she does an excellent job; with multiple female characters it might have been hard to differentiate the voices, but I was never once confused. Her timing is spot on, and her delivery of one-liners leaves no crumbs.

Whether or not you’re in a happy-ever-after place in your life just now, Love Story probably has something you’ll enjoy. The bouncy castle scene may satisfy those revenge fantasies, for instance - you’ll see what I mean. Get it got.

This is what it is - an easy romance. Unfortunately I didn't feel the chemistry between the main couple and was actually more intrigued by how the FMC's authorship would be revealed.

I have loved Lindsey Kelk since the ‘I Heart’ books.
This one didn't disappoint. It was such a fun romance novel. The main characters were likeable, and this book contained all the elements I have come to love from a Lindsey Kelk novel.
The narrator was great. Very talented and had a range of different voices. This is a perfect summer listen.

I usually love Lindsey Kelk's books but this one didn't work for me so much. There were a LOT of pop culture references which I think will date this book incredibly quickly. There are also an incredible amount of Taylor Swift references, which got to be too much even for me as a pretty big Swiftie.

A lot of the characters were also incredibly unlikely, up to and including Sophie's sister Charlotte. She was truly awful and irredeemable. In fact, most of the side characters in here were truly irredeemable. The whole family gave me weird Saltburn vibes.

I also didn't enjoy the sexual harassment scene and felt it should have been removed.

For a book centred around a book so spicy the author doesn't even want people to know they wrote it, the book is rather closed door. That was rather jarring.

⭐️⭐️.5 / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book was very eye opening. It was nice reading about characters older then the usual romance books, usually the characters in romances are in their early 20s, while the two MCs of this book was in their late 20s/early 30s and it was eye opening. The FMC, Sophie Taylor, is a secret spicy romance writer - working as a primary school teacher by day and one of the best selling romance authors by night, working under a pseudonym, so there's many references to romance books, tropes and current romance authors. The MMC, Joe Walsh, is a creative director of a publishing company, but he's honestly nothing really to write home about if I'm being honest. The sun really shines on the Sophie and her journey, her relationship with her family and her relationship with herself as she works on trying to stay anonymous. Sophie's parents are both really famous in the publishing world, as a critic, editor or agent, but they mainly deal in classic literary fiction and really wordy stuff so they're really snobby to romance novels. So seeing this story play out was honestly really easy to listen to and read. One thing I would've liked... is more spice, for a book about a best selling spicy author, we had one almost closed door but still a little spicy spice scene and about 2-3 kisses. Really nothing to write home about, it was kinda insta lovey but it wasn't really developed looking back on it. The audiobook was decent, but it would've performed better as a duet or if it was dual POV. Overall an easy read but could've been better.