Love and Other Words: Book Review
Hi friends! Today I’m reviewing Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren!
GoodReads Rating: 3/5 stars
Love and Other Words alternates between the past, where Macy and Elliot meet and first fall in love as teenagers, and the present, a decade later, where an unexpected reunion stirs up feelings they both thought were buried. Macy, now an emotionally guarded pediatrics resident, is content with her stable, unromantic life with her fiancé. But when she runs into Elliot, memories flood back, along with unresolved feelings and questions about why they fell apart. As the story unfolds, there are secrets that are revealed and must be confronted.
Christina and Lauren are two female co-authors that have weaved together a story of young love and the impact of childhood loss. The writing style in this book is more restrained than their usual romantic comedies, lending a subtle, serious tone that emphasizes the emotional depth of Macy and Elliot’s relationship.
Macy is a complex protagonist; her guardedness is understandable, given her past losses and the pain she still carries. Elliot is equally well-developed- thoughtful, warm, and earnest. Their chemistry is palpable and layered, and watching them over time makes their relationship feel incredibly real. Both characters evolve in significant ways, with their experiences shaping them into individuals who must relearn trust and vulnerability.
For me, the story did feel a bit slow as it oscillated between timelines, and the mystery of why Macy and Elliot fell apart felt drawn out. I was also looking for a light-hearted romance, and Love and Other Words leans heavily into introspective and sometimes painful territory.
Love and Other Words is a love story that will resonate with fans of character-driven romance. If you enjoy an emotional second-chance romance, Love and Other Words is for you.
Thanks for reading!
