love story by lindsey kelk
book review #14
Hello readers,
Lindsey Kelk’s "Love Story" is a heartfelt romantic comedy that uses familiar tropes while injecting a bit of humor and warmth. While the book has garnered a range of ratings (including my own at 2-stars), some elements may easily make it a 5-star read for others. Let’s dive into what worked, what didn’t, and why this book might still be worth exploring for the right reader.
One trope I found particularly difficult to enjoy was the parents inviting the ex to family events by completely disregarding their daughter’s feelings. In "Love Story," Sophie’s parents do this, bringing her ex-boyfriend back into the family fold without considering how it affects her. While this adds drama to the storyline, it feels frustrating and disconnected from Sophie’s emotional journey. For some, this may heighten the tension and push Sophie to grow, but for me, it detracted from the realism of the family dynamics.
I found Sophie’s sister to be an especially difficult character to enjoy. Her spoiled, self-centered behavior made her grate throughout the book, and I often struggled to empathize. Despite this, she seemed always present, adding to my frustration with her character. It felt like her moments overshadowed more compelling parts of the story.
On the other hand, the enemies-to-lovers trope was a highlight, especially in the early interactions between Sophie and Joe. The sharp banter between the two brought the playful tension I enjoy in romance novels. Lindsey Kelk did a fantastic job building that sizzling dynamic at the beginning, and I only wish we’d seen even more of that witty sparring throughout the book.
Family relationships are at the heart of "Love Story," but unfortunately, not always in the most endearing way. However, that’s not to say there aren’t redeeming moments. The touching conversation Sophie had with her mom near the end was a beautiful resolution to the parental disconnect, and I especially loved the detail that Sophie’s mom was the first person ever to have a book signed by Sophie herself.
One aspect of "Love Story" that didn’t sit well with me was the frequent references to real-life elements like existing authors, social media, and other current cultural touchpoints. This is more of a personal pet peeve—I prefer when books immerse me in a world separate from my everyday life. When contemporary references are included, it pulls me out of the story and makes it harder for me to get lost in the fictional reality. However, this might be a fun and relatable addition for readers who enjoy a grounded setting with ties to real-world events.
One of the standout moments in "Love Story" is the mention of Sophie’s Brazilian fans, who are portrayed as warm and encouraging. This added a charming touch to Sophie’s journey, making her realize how loved and appreciated she is outside of her complicated family dynamics. It’s a small but significant part of the book that shows how much influence readers can have on authors, and it was one of the sweetest moments that resonated deeply with me. (Plus the whole fact I am from Brazil <3)
A big part of Sophie’s emotional journey revolves around her relationship with Joe, who happens to be a complex character with his own flaws. One aspect I wish had been explored more was Sophie giving Joe a chance to redeem himself after the revelation that he was married. The middle of the book felt a bit long-winded, and I would have preferred the author to focus more on Sophie processing Joe’s past a lot earlier and giving him space for redemption during the book's second half. This would have added depth to their relationship arc and made the story even more compelling.
While "Love Story" wasn’t a perfect read for me, I can easily see why it could be a five-star favorite for others. The sharp banter, heartwarming moments, and eventual emotional growth offer plenty to enjoy, even if the family dynamics and pacing weren’t to my taste. If you’re a fan of Lindsey Kelk’s humor and enjoy the ups and downs of enemies-to-lovers romances, this book might be what you’re looking for.
For me, it’s a two-star read, but for those who connect with the character arcs and can overlook a few frustrating family scenes and real-life references, it could easily be a five-star experience. Everyone’s love story is different—maybe this one will be your favorite.
So tell me, have you read this one before? If not, will you pick it up and find out if it is a 2 or 5-star for you?
Read you soon,
Bea.
Photo by: Bea Barros.