How to Write a Love Story: A Novel
One writer, one editor, one hot summer . . . Will this be a romance for the books?
Ciara Sheridan’s father has left her with three things: a sprawling and distinctly ramshackle estate on the Irish coast, the outline for the finale to his bestselling epic fantasy series that he wanted her to finish—and writer’s block.
Enter Sam Avery: Frank Sheridan fanboy and hotshot editor, sent from the New York publishing house direct to Ciara’s doorstep—red pen ready.
At first, Ciara and Sam butt heads with crackling energy. But with the deadline looming, Ciara and Sam have just a few weeks to stop bickering, write this novel, and secure Frank's legacy.
As the summer heats up, so, too, does the tension between them. Will their own love story be the plot twist neither of them see coming?
Ciara Sheridan’s father has left her with three things: a sprawling and distinctly ramshackle estate on the Irish coast, the outline for the finale to his bestselling epic fantasy series that he wanted her to finish—and writer’s block.
Enter Sam Avery: Frank Sheridan fanboy and hotshot editor, sent from the New York publishing house direct to Ciara’s doorstep—red pen ready.
At first, Ciara and Sam butt heads with crackling energy. But with the deadline looming, Ciara and Sam have just a few weeks to stop bickering, write this novel, and secure Frank's legacy.
As the summer heats up, so, too, does the tension between them. Will their own love story be the plot twist neither of them see coming?
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Community Reviews
How to Write a Love Story is one of those books that feels like it should’ve emotionally wrecked me…but it didn’t.
The premise? Dead fantasy author, crumbling Irish estate, writer’s block, publishing drama, AND a hot editor flown in from New York? Forced proximity, creative tension, Irish summer—honestly, all the ingredients were there.
And yet.
The emotional payoff for Ciara felt like it got lost somewhere. We spent so much time building toward this big cathartic breakthrough, and then…we just kind of waved at it from a distance. I wanted tears. I wanted drama. I wanted to feel something other than mild appreciation.
We were this close to greatness.
Now, Maddy and Shane? Unexpected MVPs. I would absolutely read an entire book about them instead. Their dynamic had more spark, more personality, more something than the main couple, which is…not ideal for the main couple.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book. I didn’t love it either. It exists comfortably in that middle space where you finish it and go, “yeah, that was a book I read.” Cute, easy, a little underwhelming, and full of missed opportunities.
Not bad. Just…not the love story I was promised.
The premise? Dead fantasy author, crumbling Irish estate, writer’s block, publishing drama, AND a hot editor flown in from New York? Forced proximity, creative tension, Irish summer—honestly, all the ingredients were there.
And yet.
The emotional payoff for Ciara felt like it got lost somewhere. We spent so much time building toward this big cathartic breakthrough, and then…we just kind of waved at it from a distance. I wanted tears. I wanted drama. I wanted to feel something other than mild appreciation.
We were this close to greatness.
Now, Maddy and Shane? Unexpected MVPs. I would absolutely read an entire book about them instead. Their dynamic had more spark, more personality, more something than the main couple, which is…not ideal for the main couple.
Overall, I didn’t hate this book. I didn’t love it either. It exists comfortably in that middle space where you finish it and go, “yeah, that was a book I read.” Cute, easy, a little underwhelming, and full of missed opportunities.
Not bad. Just…not the love story I was promised.
How to Write a Love Story is undeniably adorable—light, charming, and easy to get swept up in.
While I wouldn’t say I was completely obsessed with it, I still found it very enjoyable overall. The dynamic between Ciara and Sam was fun, and the setting added a cozy, summery atmosphere that really worked for the story. It’s the kind of book that’s pleasant from start to finish, even if it doesn’t fully blow you away.
I’d still recommend it if you’re in the mood for a sweet, low-stakes romance.
While I wouldn’t say I was completely obsessed with it, I still found it very enjoyable overall. The dynamic between Ciara and Sam was fun, and the setting added a cozy, summery atmosphere that really worked for the story. It’s the kind of book that’s pleasant from start to finish, even if it doesn’t fully blow you away.
I’d still recommend it if you’re in the mood for a sweet, low-stakes romance.
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