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

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.