LOVE STORY is the latest from author Lindsey Kelk. I read her books when she started writing and her initial books were popular in the chicklit genre. I enjoyed her I Heart series which was very sex and city-esque but with more warmth and likeability.
She's recently started writing fantasy too and this book felt like an interesting mix of romance and women's fiction. It is not exactly a romance, there are a few romantic moments though it's more about the before when Sophie and Joe are falling for each other after loads of drama and more drama.
The story is set over a weekend in a country house, in England where everyone is gathered to celebrate Sophie's father's 60th birthday. Her parents Hugh and Pandora are literary legends being editor and a critique, well regarded in the publishing community. William, their elder son is a literary agent and their younger daughter Charlotte is on the verge of opening a bookshop.
That leaves us with Sophie who didn't exactly follow in the footsteps of her family and is a primary school teacher. Many literary things were expected from her as a younger Sophie wanted to be a writer. Her parent's legacy especially her mother's expectations weighed heavy on Sophie. That doesn't mean she let go of her writing dream, she wrote a book under a pen name that became a mega-hit.
Sophie has kept this success a secret from everyone except her brother and her publisher. However, when a few others at the party discover this, Sophie feels threatened as she's not ready to reveal it. This is where the drama starts and Joe comes in, in an ideal situation it would've been a mutual attraction and a quick fling between them. However, it becomes a game of hot and cold, almost kisses and a lot of verbal sparring.
There's a constant pull between them due to forced proximity and both being overly cautious. One of the reasons I enjoyed this story was the time frame, it all happened within days. Had it been over time it wouldn't have the same intensity.
The dynamic between Sophie and Joe is very entertaining with their consistent hot and cold moments. There's a bit of angst, frustration and banter all paired with drama from their family.
There's also a lot of name-dropping of popular authors who seem to be attending Hugh's birthday bash. There's also defending the romance genre from almost all characters which is very affirming and cheerful to witness.
From a Friday to Monday, there are a lot of things that keep the reader entertained. This is a book you'll surely find a lot of laughs and escapism.
A birthday party, wonky cake, adults fighting like kids, secrets being revealed, exes being punched and two people falling in love, if you find this appealing pick up the book now and enjoy the funniest birthday party from the comfort of your home.
She’s a small-town schoolteacher, he’s a hotshot creative director. Together, it’s hate at first sight.
Sophie Taylor has a secret and Joe Walsh is the last person she'd tell. He’s devilishly handsome, incredibly hot – and far too sure of himself.
But Sophie desperately needs his help.
Because she's not just hiding something small. She is Este Cox, the mysterious romance author the entire world is desperate to unmask.
When a trip to the countryside means sharing a cottage with only one bed, it’s a short step to sharing a whole lot more besides… Can Sophie trust Joe with the truth – and be herself?
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