Long Story Short, it was such a cute meet! 🩷

🗽: ⭐⭐⭐✨

The characters are always so realistic in Victoria's novels, i felt like I could easily root for the main characters and I loved how everything was connected from the half mark onwards!

I definitely feel like the sex scenes have improved a lot in this book but still find it hard sometimes to not skip them (honestly, it might just be a me problem)

I thought this was a solid romance and can't wait for the next one!! 🥹


Thank you to Net Galley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance of the release date! It has been an incredible experience and I will most likely read from this author again!

The book was enjoyable and an easy read however there was some cringe text throughout which put me off giving it 5 stars. Predictable but enjoyable

This book had such potential to be a fun romance, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. Everything felt predictable. The characters felt very one dimentional to me. Jake and Freya didn't even click for me. I felt no chemistry at all. The age gap just highlighted the flaws of the characters like Jake being immature and Freya being basic. The couple's romance felt forced and not natural. This book wasn't anything special and quite forgettable.

I was really intrigued by the plot summary of this book and was excited to dive in, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully live up to my expectations. The first 60% felt repetitive and slow, making it difficult to stay engaged. It wasn’t until the latter part of the book that I finally got into the story.

One of my biggest issues was the characterization—while the main character had solid growth (which I appreciated!), the side characters felt underdeveloped and didn’t leave much of an impact. The romance aspect also didn’t quite work for me; I just couldn’t connect with it.

That said, I did enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world, especially the details about literary agents and the author’s process. It added an interesting layer to the book. One suggestion to the publisher: there were a few typos here and there that could use some fixing.

Overall, this had potential, and I liked parts of it, but I just wish the pacing and character depth were stronger.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me the ARC.

Long Story Short is a charming, character-driven romance that delivers on plot, banter, and heart—perfect for readers who want something more grounded than your typical office rom-com.

Set in the world of publishing (a refreshing twist!), this felt like a proper peek behind the curtain. Freya, an assistant literary agent, is trying to save the reputation of Jake, a grumpy, bestselling author caught trash-talking romance—and it’s as messy and fun as it sounds.

The slow burn is delicious, the tension is paced beautifully, and the FMC is one readers will root for. There’s minimal spice, but the chemistry crackles.

My only small note: Jake calls Freya “baby” and “cutie” a few times, which didn’t quite fit with the tone of his character. He struck me more as a “sweetheart” or “honey” kind of guy—something a little more rugged and classic.

I would recommend it for readers who enjoy books by Abby Jimenez, Meghan Quinn, or a lower-spice Tessa Bailey. It's a solid four-star read.

Read as an ARC via NetGalley from Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review.

A cute romance between a disgraced romance writer and the wannabe literary agent trying to save his career and progress her own.
Set in New York, it is a whirlwind of the quintessential romance staples - an awkward meet-cute, a lovely dress-up scene, a break from reality date, and a series of misunderstandings or crosses wires. It had funny parts, and the early blurring of lines between being professional and speaking your truth were nicely done.

Ultimately, a fun read, but a little predictable and missing something to make it stand out from it's competitors. However, I enjoyed it and wouldn't hesitate to pick up another work by the author.
I did, also, enjoy the discourse regarding the romance genre in publishing and how it is often belittled in comparison to other genres.

I really enjoyed Long Story Short—it’s such a fun, smart romance with book-loving characters you can’t help but root for. Freya is sharp, confident, and refreshingly unfiltered, making her the perfect match for the infuriatingly charming Jake. I especially loved that both characters share a love for books—it made the story feel even more personal and heartwarming.

This book was not at all what I was hoping it would be. I absolutely hated the MMC and ended up DNF at 51%. I just couldn't anymore.

This book offers a breezy, heartwarming escape, filled with witty banter, endearing mishaps, and just enough chemistry to keep the pages turning. The love interest is suitably charming, with enough depth to make their dynamic engaging, even if some of their conflicts feel a bit predictable.

While the book excels in humor and sweet moments, the protagonist’s personal growth occasionally takes a backseat to the romantic plot. A deeper exploration of their emotional journey could have added more weight to their happily-ever-after.

That said, the supporting cast adds plenty of fun, and the romantic tension is well-paced, making it easy to root for the central couple. The writing is light and engaging, perfect for readers looking for a feel-good story with a few laughs along the way. If you don’t mind a little predictability and enjoy banter-filled romance, this book is a charming pick—just don’t expect too much introspection between the meet-cutes and grand gestures.

That was not good.
This story has so much potential and the premise sounded beguiling. I loved the setting. However, the execution was not on par with expectations. The MMC was rude, misogynistic and plainly annoying. The writing left much to be desired as well.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

Sadly this book didn't turn out the way I hoped it would. When I saw the tropes I got so excited and was certain I was going to enjoy it, but unfortunately that wasn't the case

Victoria Walters' Long Story Short is a delightful and heartwarming read that seamlessly blends romance, friendship, and self-discovery. Set in the charming town of Littlewood, the story follows a cast of endearing characters whose lives intertwine in meaningful and unexpected ways. Walters has a gift for creating cozy and uplifting narratives that touch on deeper themes of resilience, love, and the importance of community. The book’s lighthearted yet emotional tone makes it a comforting escape, perfect for fans of uplifting contemporary fiction. Whether you're in the mood for a feel-good story or seeking a gentle reminder of life's little joys, Long Story Short will leave you with a smile.

So Freya has to try and help Jake rebuild his career and the trust of the romance readers.
He was heard saying they were fools for reading romance and for believing in happy ever afters.
I love HEA but always wondered why as you know what is going to happen.
But I actually read it in this book and it’s not necessarily about the HEA it’s the journey it takes to get there that people love reading. And that is so true. The journey is different everytime. This books was so good and so well written. The author is now on my go to list.
Highly recommend

I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced release copy of this book. I really enjoyed this story even though at times it seemed a little repetitive.

Freya is a single woman living in London, hopeless romantic and working towards her dream job to be a literary agent. Jake Richards is a bestselling romance author struggling to trust if HEA is even a possibility anymore. A forced proximity storyline has them exploring New York City together while also attempting to save Jake’s career at a romance writers conference.

While I enjoyed the behind the scenes peek into the publishing world and loved to explore NYC through Freya and Jake’s POV, the story fell a little flat for me. Some of the writing was tricky to follow and miscommunication between main characters frustrates me more than it entertains.

This was a quick read with a guaranteed HEA and some armchair traveling! If you’re looking for something fun and easy this might be good read for you.

at least it's a quick read. i guess.

i like my men grumpy. sure. i don't like them misogynistic. if a man tells me to calm down, i'm puking on his shoes and he'll just have to deal with it.

I’ve never read from this author but this book was so good! It was perfectly executed with love, emotion, character depth and life lessons. It was swoony and fun! I enjoyed getting to know the characters and live their lives alongside them!

Long Story Short is the story of Freya, an assistant to a hot shot literary agent, and a moody romance author, Jake, who had recently had been overheard talking shit about writing romance novels, and the fans that he makes money off of.

The timing couldn’t be worse. An article went out before a major romance book conference that is make it or break it for both Freya and Jake. Oh, and by the way, Freya has been a huge fan of Jake Richards for years. His books inspired her career, her love of happy endings, and her dreams of finding that big, life-altering love.

Long Story Short may be another “enemies to lovers” trope romance novel, but it hits different. I found Long Story Short to be quite addicting. The journey is detailed, it’s complicated, and full of growth. Our main characters are funny and likable. The story doesn’t just focus on the romance brewing between the main characters, it has depth. Freya explores her next chapter in her career. She explores the world (well, NYC during the free hours she isn’t at the conference). She finds her voice. It was refreshing to see the female main character’s career be an important part of the storyline, especially in a romance novel. Love isn’t the “be all end all” here but it’s a great part of Freya’s story.

Long Story Short does more than tell a love story between our main characters, it’s a love story to one’s self. Long Story Short tells the story of Freya and Jake finding themselves in life, in their careers, before they can fully find each other.

“Making a book easy to read is damn hard to write.”

Long Story Short was a light and cute romcom. Most of the story happens during a romance event in New York, and as I anticipate several events I’ll attend later this year, reading this book was a nice way to wait.
I liked that the author used Cancel Culture as a motor for the book (even though I wish it had been more developed), and as a way to introduce her author character who doesn’t believe in Love anymore. Something, however, lacked in the book for me to be able to be completely invested. The pace was a bit slow for a classic romcom, especially because a lot of things felt repeated. It prevented me from growing completely attached to Freya and Jake. I wasn’t a super fan of how Freya’s boss is villainized, and didn’t have any redemption, while men had this arc. If I liked Freya’s Bridget-Jones-like clumsiness, it felt a bit too much sometimes, especially when it led Jake to be quite patronizing.
I regret that because I usually love books occuring in the publishing industry, but these things made this one fall a bit short, even though it remained an entertaining read.

Thank you to the author and Boldwood Books for the eARC via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

📚 BookTok Review: Long Story Short by Victoria Walters 💕​

Long Story Short by Victoria Walters is a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. The story follows Freya Harrison, an ambitious assistant literary agent, who is tasked with managing the agency's most challenging client, Jake Richards—a bestselling romance author whose recent controversial comments have jeopardized his career. Their forced proximity at a high-profile romance conference leads to unexpected sparks and challenges. ​

What to Expect:
-Classic Romance Tropes: The novel expertly weaves together beloved tropes such as enemies-to-lovers, grumpy meets sunshine, forced proximity, and slow-burn romance, creating a captivating narrative. ​
-Character Dynamics: Freya's determination and Jake's brooding demeanor create a compelling contrast, leading to witty banter and palpable tension as they navigate their professional and personal boundaries. ​
-Themes of Redemption and Growth: As Jake seeks to repair his tarnished reputation, both characters embark on journeys of self-discovery and emotional growth, adding depth to their evolving relationship. ​

If you're in the mood for a spicy, trope-filled romance that delves into the complexities of love and career, Long Story Short is a must-read.​
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