Book Review: “Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) 496,120 ratings

A Heartfelt Second-Chance Romance That Stays With You

Christina Lauren’s Love and Other Words is a deeply emotional love story about first love, heartbreak, and the power of words. First published in 2018, this novel is a beautifully crafted tale that blends past and present timelines to deliver a moving and unforgettable second-chance romance.

Set against the backdrop of childhood summers and adulthood regrets, Love and Other Words explores the beauty of finding love in unexpected places and the pain of losing it, making it one of Christina Lauren’s most poignant and beloved novels.

Synopsis

Macy Sorensen has her life all figured out. As a successful pediatric resident engaged to a stable, pragmatic man, she keeps her heart safely guarded. But when she unexpectedly runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—her carefully constructed world begins to crack.

Told through alternating timelines, the story takes us back to Macy and Elliot’s childhood summers, when they bonded over their shared love of books, long conversations, and the thrill of young love. But something happened that tore them apart, and now, after more than a decade, Macy must decide if she can trust Elliot again—and if their love story deserves a second chance.

Get this book

Why This Book Stands Out

✅ Beautifully Layered Storytelling — The dual-timeline narrative keeps readers hooked as past and present slowly intertwine.

✅ Deeply Emotional & Relatable — The novel captures the intensity of first love, heartbreak, and healing with raw authenticity.

✅ A Love Story for Book Lovers — Macy and Elliot’s bond over books adds an extra layer of charm for literary romantics.

✅ Second-Chance Romance Done Right — This story proves that true love, even after years apart, can still find its way back.

A Few Drawbacks

➖ The pacing in the present-day timeline may feel slow at times, but it builds toward an emotionally powerful climax.

➖ Some readers might find the reason for Macy and Elliot’s breakup frustrating, but it adds to the novel’s emotional depth.

Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars

✨ Who Should Read It?

📚 Fans of second-chance romance and emotional storytelling.

📚 Readers who love books about first love and childhood friendships.

📚 Anyone who enjoys heartfelt, character-driven narratives with deep emotional stakes.

💀 Skip It If: You prefer light, humorous rom-coms over deeply emotional love stories.

With its heart-wrenching yet hopeful narrative, Love and Other Words is a must-read for romance lovers. Christina Lauren delivers a stunning portrayal of love, loss, and the power of words, making this book a truly unforgettable experience.

I want it!