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Friend Zone: Roman
In Livs Leben läuft gerade alles schief. Ihr Traum, Astronomin zu werden, droht zu platzen, ihre WG hat sich aufgelöst, und auch ihr Liebesleben ist eine einzige Katastrophe. Als ihr Bruder sich verlobt, wird Liv So kann es nicht weitergehen. Also schmiedet sie zusammen mit ihrem besten Freund Henry einen Plan, um ihr Leben auf Spur zu bringen. Die schwierigste drei Dates mit demselben Mann. Während Liv eine desaströse Verabredung nach der anderen erlebt, ist Henry stets zur Stelle, um sie zu retten. Henry, mit dem sie als Kind auf Fahrrädern durch die Straßen gerast ist und in dessen braunen Augen sie neuerdings versinken könnte – und der nie mehr sein wird als ihr allerbester Freund …Für alle, die diese Tropes
*Friends to Lovers*
*Girl Next Door / Boy Next Door*
*Friends to Lovers*
*Girl Next Door / Boy Next Door*
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2025
About the author
Lauren Ford
1 book47 followersLauren lives in Australia with her husband, two daughters and one overly excitable Sheepadoodle.
Her debut novel, LIV IS NOT A LOSER, is a best-friends-to-lovers romantic comedy about a woman who realises she’s a loser and puts together a ten-step plan to change her life.
Her latest novel, ONE LAST NIGHT, is a contained enemies-to-lovers, fake dating rom-com where a once-in-a-lifetime storm traps the staff overnight at a local seafood restaurant.
Her debut novel, LIV IS NOT A LOSER, is a best-friends-to-lovers romantic comedy about a woman who realises she’s a loser and puts together a ten-step plan to change her life.
Her latest novel, ONE LAST NIGHT, is a contained enemies-to-lovers, fake dating rom-com where a once-in-a-lifetime storm traps the staff overnight at a local seafood restaurant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
February 12, 2025
4★ ‘For my fellow people pleasers. Take the day off.’
What don’t look at me funny, this was the dedication. Anyways i’m sure i have pulled y’ll attention now so let’s begin.
This is one of those books where you found yourself skeptical to start in the beginning but by the end of it, the romance would ultimately win you over and make you rooting for them. It is hard to trust how in just on night the author would manage to unfold everything be it relationship development, dialogues or storyline and make it believable at the same time, but the way Lauren Ford portrayed everything so beautifully and vivid i am delighted that it worked with me. I have read a similar kind of book which took place in just 24 hours and i adored that book with my whole heart. Tbvh open ending make a story more realistic that the characters has still a long way to go even after the epilogue, there is a different kind of beauty to it.
Main Characters? relatable, likable and cozy
Chemistry and romance? Natural and wholesome
Pacing? Perfect and to the mark
Character development? The transition from bickering buddies to understanding coworkers to intimate fake-couple to lovers with heart-deep connection in just one night, which was to my surprise was genuine and smooth
Side-character? Major highlight, i can’t imagine this book without them. Their dynamics with each other as well as the main character was uplifting into the middle of all the chaos. Found family element was perfectly done.
Overall, this book was everything i could expect from a cute-hilarious rom-com. Didn’t expected to like it this much. It was complex but in a gentle way. Harrison has every trait you could ask in a book boyfriend.
funny? ✓
protective? ✓
make sure to keep you feed? ✓
encourages you to speak your mind? ✓
pushes your buttons when needed? ✓
mature and with good communication skills? ✓
self aware and know what he wants? ✓✓✓
This is my first book of the author and definitely isn’t going to be the last, looking forward to read more of her work in future. Can we get Thomas and Scout’s book please?
If you like well-written heartfelt romance with limited locations and tight time-frames and love to see how a single night can change everything, you should give this book a try.
Tropes:
☞ Forced Proximity
☞ Nemesis at workplace
☞ Boss’s Daughter
☞ One the spot fake-boyfriend to get rid of ex *ahem*
☞ Found family
☞ 24hr timeline
Thank You Lauren Ford, Canelo publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
What don’t look at me funny, this was the dedication. Anyways i’m sure i have pulled y’ll attention now so let’s begin.
‘You love riling me up. I think it’s your secret guilty pleasure.’
‘Not secret and not guilty. Just my pleasure.’
This is one of those books where you found yourself skeptical to start in the beginning but by the end of it, the romance would ultimately win you over and make you rooting for them. It is hard to trust how in just on night the author would manage to unfold everything be it relationship development, dialogues or storyline and make it believable at the same time, but the way Lauren Ford portrayed everything so beautifully and vivid i am delighted that it worked with me. I have read a similar kind of book which took place in just 24 hours and i adored that book with my whole heart. Tbvh open ending make a story more realistic that the characters has still a long way to go even after the epilogue, there is a different kind of beauty to it.
‘You were always in the front of my mind when you weren’t even mine. I can’t imagine anything easier than making you a priority, our life together a priority. I can’t imagine you not being the first thing I think of every day. That’s the easiest part of this.’
Main Characters? relatable, likable and cozy
Chemistry and romance? Natural and wholesome
Pacing? Perfect and to the mark
Character development? The transition from bickering buddies to understanding coworkers to intimate fake-couple to lovers with heart-deep connection in just one night, which was to my surprise was genuine and smooth
Side-character? Major highlight, i can’t imagine this book without them. Their dynamics with each other as well as the main character was uplifting into the middle of all the chaos. Found family element was perfectly done.
‘I don’t think fighting with someone is something you should miss.’
‘It is when fighting with someone is more fun than a conversation with anyone else. It makes you feel alive. We work, Agnes. Even when we’re arguing, we work.’
Overall, this book was everything i could expect from a cute-hilarious rom-com. Didn’t expected to like it this much. It was complex but in a gentle way. Harrison has every trait you could ask in a book boyfriend.
funny? ✓
protective? ✓
make sure to keep you feed? ✓
encourages you to speak your mind? ✓
pushes your buttons when needed? ✓
mature and with good communication skills? ✓
self aware and know what he wants? ✓✓✓
‘Date me, Agnes Keegan. Fall in love with me. If fighting is this much fun, imagine how good it will be loving each other.’
This is my first book of the author and definitely isn’t going to be the last, looking forward to read more of her work in future. Can we get Thomas and Scout’s book please?
If you like well-written heartfelt romance with limited locations and tight time-frames and love to see how a single night can change everything, you should give this book a try.
Tropes:
☞ Forced Proximity
☞ Nemesis at workplace
☞ Boss’s Daughter
☞ One the spot fake-boyfriend to get rid of ex *ahem*
☞ Found family
☞ 24hr timeline
Thank You Lauren Ford, Canelo publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 27, 2025
Still five stars and Harrison is perfect 😌
Rereading because I just remembered that this book is awesome.
———-
I can’t get enough of this book, I keep rereading and fangirling over it, it’s so good.
Do you know those contained murder mysteries where all characters are stuck together in one location? Make that a romance, but with one side character asking every now and then if anyone died.
I had my doubts about a love story unfolding in one night, but the unusual circumstances created a perfect background and it all made sense. It was even explained why they had been “enemies” in the first place, which was highly appreciated.
I loved their chemistry, (it’s so hot when a guy is only a fake boyfriend, but acts like a real one 🤤 ) and the way their relationship evolved. It went fast, but a crisis can do that to people, so it didn’t feel rushed.
Another amazing thing was that Agnes was halfway through serving us a third act breakup, but Harrison wasn’t having any of that. 🥹❤️ Yesss!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
———
I absolutely adored this! It was hot, fun and very well written.
RTC
——
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc❤️
Rereading because I just remembered that this book is awesome.
———-
I can’t get enough of this book, I keep rereading and fangirling over it, it’s so good.
Do you know those contained murder mysteries where all characters are stuck together in one location? Make that a romance, but with one side character asking every now and then if anyone died.
I had my doubts about a love story unfolding in one night, but the unusual circumstances created a perfect background and it all made sense. It was even explained why they had been “enemies” in the first place, which was highly appreciated.
I loved their chemistry, (it’s so hot when a guy is only a fake boyfriend, but acts like a real one 🤤 ) and the way their relationship evolved. It went fast, but a crisis can do that to people, so it didn’t feel rushed.
Another amazing thing was that Agnes was halfway through serving us a third act breakup, but Harrison wasn’t having any of that. 🥹❤️ Yesss!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
———
I absolutely adored this! It was hot, fun and very well written.
RTC
——
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc❤️
March 1, 2025
3.65 ⭐
This was actually a nice surprise. To begin with, everything happens during (like the title states) one last night and I thought it would be rushed and/or not explored in-depth enough but it worked pretty well.
At first, I was really annoyed by the MCs behavior (MMC in his mid-thirties and FMC freshly thirty) especially since they were working together. The beginning was really repetitive with their arguments going absolutely nowhere but when MMC had to start helping FMC with her ex, they came to a sort of truce that made their relationship more bearable, even pleasant with their banter.
I'm actually relieved it happened during that last night and not over the years because I'm not sure that I would have handled well their bickering the whole time to be honest. But they ended up working well together, I liked the chemistry even though it's still hard to judge a relationship on such short period of time.
I'm not familiar with meteorology, but I was really 'annoyed' at the start of the story when the MMC kept saying that a storm was coming (there was an official warning) but the FMC and her father (are they some kind of climate skeptic?) kept ignoring him saying it would be that important. In 2024, I'm pretty sure we have a better forecast accuracy. But okay, let's say we needed that for the plot. Speaking of plot, I enjoyed the 'big revelation', it was a realistic ending.
What I liked the least though, was the comedy side. It mostly came from the side characters (co-worker, special guest 1...) and I found it heavy-handed, between the nosy friends and the pushy one (Scout ?) but that's something that will always bother me in CR.
Special mention to the FMC (I guess from the dedication that she's one of those people pleasers, so I can relate), yeah, in few hours there's no room for a major character growth but loved her last words to her ex mother-in-law!
Tropes
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and Lauren Ford for the free copy.
This was actually a nice surprise. To begin with, everything happens during (like the title states) one last night and I thought it would be rushed and/or not explored in-depth enough but it worked pretty well.
At first, I was really annoyed by the MCs behavior (MMC in his mid-thirties and FMC freshly thirty) especially since they were working together. The beginning was really repetitive with their arguments going absolutely nowhere but when MMC had to start helping FMC with her ex, they came to a sort of truce that made their relationship more bearable, even pleasant with their banter.
I'm actually relieved it happened during that last night and not over the years because I'm not sure that I would have handled well their bickering the whole time to be honest. But they ended up working well together, I liked the chemistry even though it's still hard to judge a relationship on such short period of time.
I'm not familiar with meteorology, but I was really 'annoyed' at the start of the story when the MMC kept saying that a storm was coming (there was an official warning) but the FMC and her father (are they some kind of climate skeptic?) kept ignoring him saying it would be that important. In 2024, I'm pretty sure we have a better forecast accuracy. But okay, let's say we needed that for the plot. Speaking of plot, I enjoyed the 'big revelation', it was a realistic ending.
What I liked the least though, was the comedy side. It mostly came from the side characters (co-worker, special guest 1...) and I found it heavy-handed, between the nosy friends and the pushy one (Scout ?) but that's something that will always bother me in CR.
Special mention to the FMC (I guess from the dedication that she's one of those people pleasers, so I can relate), yeah, in few hours there's no room for a major character growth but loved her last words to her ex mother-in-law!
Tropes
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and Lauren Ford for the free copy.
June 30, 2026
2.75 stars
Kind of cute but mostly boring and surface-level.
I liked it enough to finish it, but the story and the characters lacked depth. The writing style wasn't for me either, very on the nose and over-explained.
__
He's her work nemesis. They're fake dating. What's the worst that could happen?
👀👀👀👀👀
Kind of cute but mostly boring and surface-level.
I liked it enough to finish it, but the story and the characters lacked depth. The writing style wasn't for me either, very on the nose and over-explained.
__
He's her work nemesis. They're fake dating. What's the worst that could happen?
👀👀👀👀👀
July 11, 2024
Don't let the rating scare you away (as in, don't forget, a three is good) because this is a debut author I would definitely read from again. So why not a higher rating? Welllll.
I'll admit that considering this is marketed as a romance I found the romance to be the least believable part of the story. At least from one end of the pairing. Henry's feelings for Liv? The little references to his observations, his hidden feelings, it all told a bigger story that Liv took a little longer to catch-on to. Which is fine. But once Liv clued in.. I just didn't feel it. It felt rushed and unrealistic and overall I needed more.
And that's fine. Because ultimately this did read a bit more women's fiction than standard romance both in the telling of it and as there was a lot of growth and discovery and emotional history to work through from Liv's perspective as it came to both her professional life and personal/familial life. And I do like that Ford included Henry in this some of this same endeavour, too, as it felt more realistic. It's not always just one side of relationship pairing that can feel stuck or listless, sometimes it's both; and it seems like women are often the ones portrayed with these particular issues. So I liked that this was somewhat balanced.
What I also liked was the friend slash sibling group -- made up of Liv, her brother Joe, their bestie Henry, and Joe's fiancé, Seth. I wish we had gotten to know Seth a bit more, he ended up being the least fleshed out and with the least page time, but there was one beautiful scene with him that stood out. And it's that which made me wish we'd had more with him. I feel we could've had some of the random antics and flashbacks cut in favour of this and it definitely would've benefited and felt stronger as a result.
And by antics I mean.. the kids. I'm sorry but these were the least realistic-sounding eight year olds ever and it was just one (or two, maybe three) too many bits of weirdness to chew through. It's to a story's benefit to not be too tightly focused on a couple and their drama but sometimes it can also drift off into unnecessary filler and unfortunately I think we had that happen a bit here.
But. If you're looking for a story with a goal of self-improvement, unexpected love waiting in the wings, and some quirky and strange but more loveable than not family dynamics, you should definitely consider picking this one up.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
I'll admit that considering this is marketed as a romance I found the romance to be the least believable part of the story. At least from one end of the pairing. Henry's feelings for Liv? The little references to his observations, his hidden feelings, it all told a bigger story that Liv took a little longer to catch-on to. Which is fine. But once Liv clued in.. I just didn't feel it. It felt rushed and unrealistic and overall I needed more.
And that's fine. Because ultimately this did read a bit more women's fiction than standard romance both in the telling of it and as there was a lot of growth and discovery and emotional history to work through from Liv's perspective as it came to both her professional life and personal/familial life. And I do like that Ford included Henry in this some of this same endeavour, too, as it felt more realistic. It's not always just one side of relationship pairing that can feel stuck or listless, sometimes it's both; and it seems like women are often the ones portrayed with these particular issues. So I liked that this was somewhat balanced.
What I also liked was the friend slash sibling group -- made up of Liv, her brother Joe, their bestie Henry, and Joe's fiancé, Seth. I wish we had gotten to know Seth a bit more, he ended up being the least fleshed out and with the least page time, but there was one beautiful scene with him that stood out. And it's that which made me wish we'd had more with him. I feel we could've had some of the random antics and flashbacks cut in favour of this and it definitely would've benefited and felt stronger as a result.
And by antics I mean.. the kids. I'm sorry but these were the least realistic-sounding eight year olds ever and it was just one (or two, maybe three) too many bits of weirdness to chew through. It's to a story's benefit to not be too tightly focused on a couple and their drama but sometimes it can also drift off into unnecessary filler and unfortunately I think we had that happen a bit here.
But. If you're looking for a story with a goal of self-improvement, unexpected love waiting in the wings, and some quirky and strange but more loveable than not family dynamics, you should definitely consider picking this one up.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
May 20, 2025
I adored One Last Night, and I was very curious about this author’s debut. Well, the good news is: she’s improving - because this wasn’t as good.
Liv has a very tight-knit group of friends: her brother Joe and his boyfriend Seth, plus their childhood friend Henry, who is also Joe’s business partner. They hang out all the time.
Their dynamic was great and their banter was absolutely hilarious. Everyone should have a support system like that. It was pretty obvious from the start that Henry had a soft spot for Liv, and the transition from friends to lovers went very smoothly - which I loved. No hesitation, no annoying push-and-pull—it was glorious.
Until it wasn’t.
Because the third-act breakup—or should I say, halfway breakup—happened. I’m not even sure when exactly, but the book dragged so much after that it felt like halfway. There was all sorts of drama—some real, some very much fabricated—plus immaturity and a slightly cringe grand gesture. Yikes.
I love this author’s writing, and it definitely saved the story for me. (And Henry. Henry was perfect. 🥰) It was still fun to read, despite the issues I had with it, and I’ll absolutely read whatever she writes next.
Liv has a very tight-knit group of friends: her brother Joe and his boyfriend Seth, plus their childhood friend Henry, who is also Joe’s business partner. They hang out all the time.
Their dynamic was great and their banter was absolutely hilarious. Everyone should have a support system like that. It was pretty obvious from the start that Henry had a soft spot for Liv, and the transition from friends to lovers went very smoothly - which I loved. No hesitation, no annoying push-and-pull—it was glorious.
Until it wasn’t.
Because the third-act breakup—or should I say, halfway breakup—happened. I’m not even sure when exactly, but the book dragged so much after that it felt like halfway. There was all sorts of drama—some real, some very much fabricated—plus immaturity and a slightly cringe grand gesture. Yikes.
I love this author’s writing, and it definitely saved the story for me. (And Henry. Henry was perfect. 🥰) It was still fun to read, despite the issues I had with it, and I’ll absolutely read whatever she writes next.
November 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had so much fun reading this book, I went through all the emotions!
Found family ✅
Enemies to Lovers ( in a way) ✅
Forced proximity ✅
Fake dating ✅
Protective MMC ✅
Strong FMC ✅
The book takes place all in one day in The Shark Biscuit on the last day before it closes forever. Everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. Agnes has a life changing day. She is finally forced to be honest with herself and realizes how lying has complicated things for her. Harrison, the MMC, is there by her side every step of the way. The way he cares for her was beautiful to read. He made sure to care for her in private. He didn't want the praise, he just wanted to make sure she was okay. He made her feel safe and she made him feel safe.
A small little appreciation post for Harrison and the author for including this in the book.
I absolutely loved the banter between Harrison and Agnes. It was written perfectly 🤌
If I could make a request it would be a story written about Scout and Thomas. I need more of this world!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had so much fun reading this book, I went through all the emotions!
Found family ✅
Enemies to Lovers ( in a way) ✅
Forced proximity ✅
Fake dating ✅
Protective MMC ✅
Strong FMC ✅
The book takes place all in one day in The Shark Biscuit on the last day before it closes forever. Everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. Agnes has a life changing day. She is finally forced to be honest with herself and realizes how lying has complicated things for her. Harrison, the MMC, is there by her side every step of the way. The way he cares for her was beautiful to read. He made sure to care for her in private. He didn't want the praise, he just wanted to make sure she was okay. He made her feel safe and she made him feel safe.
A small little appreciation post for Harrison and the author for including this in the book.
I absolutely loved the banter between Harrison and Agnes. It was written perfectly 🤌
If I could make a request it would be a story written about Scout and Thomas. I need more of this world!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this book arc! It’s the first romance book I’ve dived into for a while, and here are my thoughts:
I enjoyed the author’s comedic writing, I often found myself chuckling to myself or being generally amused by the antics of different characters: especially side characters like Barry and Daisy who I feel really stole the show every-time they were mentioned. However, whilst on the topic of writing, I sometimes found the writing style to be rather long and sometimes confusing to read. It felt too lengthy at times and that occasionally maybe a sentence should of been shorter or tidied up a bit. I don’t like to nit pick grammar or sentence structures as I do not have an English degree or am in the professional field of writing but it was something I noticed as a reader.
Unfortunately this book, despite at times being very funny, was a miss for me as an overall romance book. I feel like it was more of a book about self discovery with a sprinkle of friends forever insta-love. I often found Liv to be very childish, and not endearing enough where I was rooting for her to change her ways. But, I also think she was a product of her environment. Her family often made me want to bang my head against the wall with the lack of boundaries, and whilst I know this is the reality for a lot of people- I genuinely wished that they got reprimanded more for it. Liv was a loser, childish and irresponsible, but she also was someone who had barely any real support from her family. They were unfortunately quite flat characters for me.
I didn’t mind the romance itself, I like the trope of friends to lovers but I think the main tension was ridiculous and spoke volumes to the main character’s childish behaviour. However, the author acknowledges this and I did enjoy the fact that it was rectified by acknowledging the character needed to self reflect and grow more. I would of thrown in the towel if the character got what they wanted (trying not to spoil here) but instead it was a great opportunity for character development. Henry was an enjoyable love interest, and a great friend to Joe and Liv. I’m glad he got his happy ending as he was one of my favourite characters (alongside Barry and Daisy).
I think overall I would market this more as a comedic self discovery find yourself novel, rather than a romance, I think that if you go into it as a romance you may not enjoy it as much. But, if you, like Liv, am someone unsure of their place in the world and find yourself lost, misunderstood and devalued by your family, then this is a relatable book.
I enjoyed the author’s comedic writing, I often found myself chuckling to myself or being generally amused by the antics of different characters: especially side characters like Barry and Daisy who I feel really stole the show every-time they were mentioned. However, whilst on the topic of writing, I sometimes found the writing style to be rather long and sometimes confusing to read. It felt too lengthy at times and that occasionally maybe a sentence should of been shorter or tidied up a bit. I don’t like to nit pick grammar or sentence structures as I do not have an English degree or am in the professional field of writing but it was something I noticed as a reader.
Unfortunately this book, despite at times being very funny, was a miss for me as an overall romance book. I feel like it was more of a book about self discovery with a sprinkle of friends forever insta-love. I often found Liv to be very childish, and not endearing enough where I was rooting for her to change her ways. But, I also think she was a product of her environment. Her family often made me want to bang my head against the wall with the lack of boundaries, and whilst I know this is the reality for a lot of people- I genuinely wished that they got reprimanded more for it. Liv was a loser, childish and irresponsible, but she also was someone who had barely any real support from her family. They were unfortunately quite flat characters for me.
I didn’t mind the romance itself, I like the trope of friends to lovers but I think the main tension was ridiculous and spoke volumes to the main character’s childish behaviour. However, the author acknowledges this and I did enjoy the fact that it was rectified by acknowledging the character needed to self reflect and grow more. I would of thrown in the towel if the character got what they wanted (trying not to spoil here) but instead it was a great opportunity for character development. Henry was an enjoyable love interest, and a great friend to Joe and Liv. I’m glad he got his happy ending as he was one of my favourite characters (alongside Barry and Daisy).
I think overall I would market this more as a comedic self discovery find yourself novel, rather than a romance, I think that if you go into it as a romance you may not enjoy it as much. But, if you, like Liv, am someone unsure of their place in the world and find yourself lost, misunderstood and devalued by your family, then this is a relatable book.
June 17, 2024
4.5 stars
Headlines:
Friends to more
Stuck in a rut
Escaping the rut
This debut from Lauren Ford was full of whip-smart wit, a great crop of characters and a plot that felt relatable. Rom-com feels were engaging from start to finish with a heroine to cheer for and a good guy giving longing looks.
Liv was the kind of character that was endearing. She didn't have her act together and she lacked self-belief. The loser list actually became something useful to her as she tried to focus her life a little, starting with dating, a phone plan and a pet.
The side characters in this story were rich and a big part of the tale, especially Joe, Seth and Felicity. Liv had daddy issues and that made for interesting self-discovery. All through this book, while I enjoyed Liv's chaos, I was willing her to find her way, accomplish her dreams and of course, get her man.
Henry was a bit of catnip to me. I love a friend that becomes something more, especially a good guy. He lifted Liv up, he empowered and encouraged her, laughed with her and gave great hugs. The twist that fell about two thirds in, really felt unexpected and left me feeling uncertain almost till the end.
This was a fantastic debut and I cannot wait to read more from Lauren Ford.
Thank you to Canelo for the review copy.
Headlines:
Friends to more
Stuck in a rut
Escaping the rut
This debut from Lauren Ford was full of whip-smart wit, a great crop of characters and a plot that felt relatable. Rom-com feels were engaging from start to finish with a heroine to cheer for and a good guy giving longing looks.
Liv was the kind of character that was endearing. She didn't have her act together and she lacked self-belief. The loser list actually became something useful to her as she tried to focus her life a little, starting with dating, a phone plan and a pet.
The side characters in this story were rich and a big part of the tale, especially Joe, Seth and Felicity. Liv had daddy issues and that made for interesting self-discovery. All through this book, while I enjoyed Liv's chaos, I was willing her to find her way, accomplish her dreams and of course, get her man.
Henry was a bit of catnip to me. I love a friend that becomes something more, especially a good guy. He lifted Liv up, he empowered and encouraged her, laughed with her and gave great hugs. The twist that fell about two thirds in, really felt unexpected and left me feeling uncertain almost till the end.
This was a fantastic debut and I cannot wait to read more from Lauren Ford.
Thank you to Canelo for the review copy.
September 14, 2025
In diesem Buch geht es um die Astronomiestudentin Liv Granger, die im Moment in ihrem Leben nichts auf die Reihe bekommt. Bis sie eines Tages eine Loser-Liste erstellt, die sie zwingt auf drei Dates mit dem gleichen Mann zu gehen. Dabei rettet sie ihr bester Freund Henry.
Das Buch hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Vor allem der Humor der Autorin, der die Geschichte unterhaltsam machte. Die beiden Hauptfiguren Liv und Henry waren mir von Anfang an sympathisch. Ich weiß nicht, wie alt Liv ist, aber ich konnte ihre Lebenssituation so gut nachvollziehen. Manchmal fühlt man sich eben wie der größte Loser.
Henry hingegen ist der absolute Traummann und seine Freundschaft (und darüber hinaus) ist so süß.
Eine Sache hat mich allerdings gestört. Der Konflikt am Ende war aus meiner Sicht ein bisschen unnötig und langgezogen
Das Buch hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Vor allem der Humor der Autorin, der die Geschichte unterhaltsam machte. Die beiden Hauptfiguren Liv und Henry waren mir von Anfang an sympathisch. Ich weiß nicht, wie alt Liv ist, aber ich konnte ihre Lebenssituation so gut nachvollziehen. Manchmal fühlt man sich eben wie der größte Loser.
Henry hingegen ist der absolute Traummann und seine Freundschaft (und darüber hinaus) ist so süß.
Eine Sache hat mich allerdings gestört. Der Konflikt am Ende war aus meiner Sicht ein bisschen unnötig und langgezogen
July 21, 2024
Sometimes you need a book that isn't too topic-heavy, no complicated plot lines that you have to keep track of, no slow burn romance that you have to patiently sit through 500+ pages for etc.
Sometimes you need a book like this one.
'Liv Is Not A Loser' is part of Tadem Collective's Readalongs that they were hosting on Instagram. As soon a I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to take part. I've been in the mood for lighter, contemporary reads and I was hoping this one would satisfy my mood. The book follows our main character, Liv, a twenty-something woman who is feeling a bit stuck in her life. She feels like she is missing out and falling behind in all areas of her life– in her career and in her personal life– and when her brother announces his engagement to his long-time partner, that was the final nail in the coffin. Liv decides to make a checklist of goals that she wishes to achieve in order to bran herself as not a loser.
The romance was sweet. I love a childhood friends to lovers story, and this was one of the good ones. It might've progressed a little too fast for my taste, but it still concluded nicely. This book was almost a comfort read for me. I relate a lot to our main character and it was nice to witness her go through enough character development to realise that ultimately it's up to you to decide how you live your life and the at the end of the day we have choices. Liv's story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the triumph of self-belief.
3.5
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Star ratings and their meanings:
★★★★★: I loved everything about this book! I would re-read it and would highly recommend it to you, your family and your cat!
★★★★: I liked it. I didn’t love it but I still liked it enough to still rate it highly. I could see myself still recommending this book to a lot of people
★★★: It was an okay book. There maybe have been a few things that bothered me while reading this book but for the most parts the likes outweigh the dislikes.
★★: the cons outweigh the pros, unfortunately. There might be some things that were lacking in some areas—writing, characterisation, plot etc, but there may have been a few moments that I liked.
★: Nope. I should've just appreciated this book from afar.
Sometimes you need a book like this one.
'Liv Is Not A Loser' is part of Tadem Collective's Readalongs that they were hosting on Instagram. As soon a I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to take part. I've been in the mood for lighter, contemporary reads and I was hoping this one would satisfy my mood. The book follows our main character, Liv, a twenty-something woman who is feeling a bit stuck in her life. She feels like she is missing out and falling behind in all areas of her life– in her career and in her personal life– and when her brother announces his engagement to his long-time partner, that was the final nail in the coffin. Liv decides to make a checklist of goals that she wishes to achieve in order to bran herself as not a loser.
The romance was sweet. I love a childhood friends to lovers story, and this was one of the good ones. It might've progressed a little too fast for my taste, but it still concluded nicely. This book was almost a comfort read for me. I relate a lot to our main character and it was nice to witness her go through enough character development to realise that ultimately it's up to you to decide how you live your life and the at the end of the day we have choices. Liv's story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the triumph of self-belief.
3.5
Novelstorian (Blog) ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter ✨
Star ratings and their meanings:
★★★★★: I loved everything about this book! I would re-read it and would highly recommend it to you, your family and your cat!
★★★★: I liked it. I didn’t love it but I still liked it enough to still rate it highly. I could see myself still recommending this book to a lot of people
★★★: It was an okay book. There maybe have been a few things that bothered me while reading this book but for the most parts the likes outweigh the dislikes.
★★: the cons outweigh the pros, unfortunately. There might be some things that were lacking in some areas—writing, characterisation, plot etc, but there may have been a few moments that I liked.
★: Nope. I should've just appreciated this book from afar.
September 3, 2024
Liv Granger has never been able to commit to anything – a career, a fixed address, a relationship – and she may, in fact, be a massive loser. With the help of brother Joe and her best friend Henry, they come up with ten tasks to change her life.
My Grade: DNF-D+ ⭐️⭐️ I thought that this book had so much promise, and there are some of my favorite tropes included (childhood friends to lovers, he falls first, secretly dating). But the FMC was too immature, and the romance was rushed. Very disappointing.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ Some pretty steamy kisses and make out sessions, but unsure on how far it actually goes.
Why the Score?
-The FMC Liv was tough to understand. The book labels her as a "loser", but in actuality she is just a person who acts like a young teenager and has the inability to act like a responsible human.
-A romance between the FMC and her childhood bestie Henry is done so quickly and is really confusing. There needed to be more of a buildup, and perhaps more flashbacks to their childhood. It all came together so extremely awkward.
-The 3rd act breakup left me frustrated and just didn't make any sense. (not that they generally do anyways)
-Once an animal dies for no damn reason, I immediately DNF. This was so completely unnecessary and I don't know why this was included. Terrible.
My Grade: DNF-D+ ⭐️⭐️ I thought that this book had so much promise, and there are some of my favorite tropes included (childhood friends to lovers, he falls first, secretly dating). But the FMC was too immature, and the romance was rushed. Very disappointing.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ Some pretty steamy kisses and make out sessions, but unsure on how far it actually goes.
Why the Score?
-The FMC Liv was tough to understand. The book labels her as a "loser", but in actuality she is just a person who acts like a young teenager and has the inability to act like a responsible human.
-A romance between the FMC and her childhood bestie Henry is done so quickly and is really confusing. There needed to be more of a buildup, and perhaps more flashbacks to their childhood. It all came together so extremely awkward.
-The 3rd act breakup left me frustrated and just didn't make any sense. (not that they generally do anyways)
-Once an animal dies for no damn reason, I immediately DNF. This was so completely unnecessary and I don't know why this was included. Terrible.
May 6, 2025
‘Date me, Agnes Keegan. Fall in love with me. If fighting is this much fun, imagine how good it will be loving each other.’
I love a good enemies to lovers story. I loved watching Agnes and Harrison go from annoying each other to understanding one another, and then falling for each other. All in the span of one wild night.
Traumatic, stressful experiences have a power of peeling away the masks we hide behind, revealing our bare bones. When Agnes' family restaurant floods during their last night of service before closing forever, Harrison and Agnes see each other clearly for the first time in 6 years of working together. We're taken on a journey into their renewed beginning (forced proximity?) and it's so gentle and sweet and touched with a bit of silliness, too.
I loved the cast of characters (with exception to a certain ex-boyfriend and his mum) and the setting by the ocean. I also enjoyed going on a side quest to learn about bug rolls (a kind of lobster roll). And then getting hungry and eating a courgette, because I didn't have any seafood. Maybe I'm getting off track here. Sorry.
In summary, I enjoyed reading this book, so much. ❤
I love a good enemies to lovers story. I loved watching Agnes and Harrison go from annoying each other to understanding one another, and then falling for each other. All in the span of one wild night.
Traumatic, stressful experiences have a power of peeling away the masks we hide behind, revealing our bare bones. When Agnes' family restaurant floods during their last night of service before closing forever, Harrison and Agnes see each other clearly for the first time in 6 years of working together. We're taken on a journey into their renewed beginning (forced proximity?) and it's so gentle and sweet and touched with a bit of silliness, too.
I loved the cast of characters (with exception to a certain ex-boyfriend and his mum) and the setting by the ocean. I also enjoyed going on a side quest to learn about bug rolls (a kind of lobster roll). And then getting hungry and eating a courgette, because I didn't have any seafood. Maybe I'm getting off track here. Sorry.
In summary, I enjoyed reading this book, so much. ❤
July 25, 2024
The only thing I knew about this book going into it was that it was a romantic comedy and I'm not going to spoil it by saying what the tropes are because my surprise at that, and therefore the plot, was one of my favourite things about this book. But let's just say, it's my all-time favourite trope. And honestly if we'd just had a book which focused on their relationship without any disturbances then I probably would have rated it 5 stars because THESE TWO 😍
This book is for anyone who feels stuck in a rut and doesn't know what to do with themselves. Anyone who wants a laugh. Anyone who wants to feel something and ESPECIALLY loves a good romance. And even if you don't like any of those things then you'll probably find something you like (and you might learn a cautionary tale and start writing your own list). So fun
This book is for anyone who feels stuck in a rut and doesn't know what to do with themselves. Anyone who wants a laugh. Anyone who wants to feel something and ESPECIALLY loves a good romance. And even if you don't like any of those things then you'll probably find something you like (and you might learn a cautionary tale and start writing your own list). So fun
August 27, 2025
I enjoyed this one, more than I expected to. And devoured it, in one sitting. I have no regrets.
This book oozes found family. Being true to yourself and not shying away from those tough conversations. Don't even get me started on Harrison. Or his forearms.
Easy to read, fast paced, forced proximity and hilarious side characters. This romance is sweet, funny and wholesome. It didn't need spice to keep it moving, which is refreshing. Was a great way to spend the day. And now I want fish and chips.
This book oozes found family. Being true to yourself and not shying away from those tough conversations. Don't even get me started on Harrison. Or his forearms.
Easy to read, fast paced, forced proximity and hilarious side characters. This romance is sweet, funny and wholesome. It didn't need spice to keep it moving, which is refreshing. Was a great way to spend the day. And now I want fish and chips.
June 10, 2026
A charming and highly entertaining romantic comedy.
I am keen to read more from Australian author Lauren Ford.
I am keen to read more from Australian author Lauren Ford.
March 18, 2025
This was a cute friends-to-lovers glow-up story that had very sweet themes of friendship, family, and reconciliation. I liked the way it affirmed different ways of living and that getting stuck is not the end of the story. Liv goes on a real journey to address the areas where she's struggling and make commitments to the future she wants to have.
That said, I feel like the characterisation was a little flat. Liv is a real mixed bag of impulsivity, judgement, and sudden epiphanies. I couldn't get a good read on why she'd stagnated to the point she's in at the beginning of the novel, or what supposedly changed to kick-start her from there. Henry, the love interest, is adorable and wonderful, but doesn't have a huge amount of character outside of his long-unrequited love for Liv.
Besides those two main characters, the book had the standard cast of quirky, funny friends, family and town fixtures who keep you laughing throughout the book. Possibly a few too many. As with all romcoms, there will be jokes and characters that fall flat, and others that hit perfectly. This book had a few cliches, but also a few new things. The dates with Patrick were hilarious.
As for the conflicts/complications, these felt a little forced to me. Not quite misunderstandings, but just overreactions and melodrama for the sake of it. Henry, in particular, seems like the sort of person to just talk it out, so it's hard to buy into the sudden 'impossibility' of their romance.
Overall, a sweet book with a cute message, but slightly clunky characterisation and plotting.
That said, I feel like the characterisation was a little flat. Liv is a real mixed bag of impulsivity, judgement, and sudden epiphanies. I couldn't get a good read on why she'd stagnated to the point she's in at the beginning of the novel, or what supposedly changed to kick-start her from there. Henry, the love interest, is adorable and wonderful, but doesn't have a huge amount of character outside of his long-unrequited love for Liv.
Besides those two main characters, the book had the standard cast of quirky, funny friends, family and town fixtures who keep you laughing throughout the book. Possibly a few too many. As with all romcoms, there will be jokes and characters that fall flat, and others that hit perfectly. This book had a few cliches, but also a few new things. The dates with Patrick were hilarious.
As for the conflicts/complications, these felt a little forced to me. Not quite misunderstandings, but just overreactions and melodrama for the sake of it. Henry, in particular, seems like the sort of person to just talk it out, so it's hard to buy into the sudden 'impossibility' of their romance.
Overall, a sweet book with a cute message, but slightly clunky characterisation and plotting.
July 10, 2024
If you're wanting a feel-good, charming, funny, sad read all rolled into one, this is it! I read this through my online bookclub Pigeonhole, and fell in love with several of the characters but in particular Barry, a biscuit of a boy, wise beyond his years and was delighted to hear that he, together with his love interest Daisy, are to be featured in a forthcoming book. 5 stars
January 17, 2026
3.5
children in books who talk like grown adults are one of my biggest bookish pet peeves. so much so that it lowered my rating. but overall it was an enjoyable, easy read
children in books who talk like grown adults are one of my biggest bookish pet peeves. so much so that it lowered my rating. but overall it was an enjoyable, easy read
December 11, 2024
3.75🌟
*received as an arc from net-galley* book comes out in 30/1/25
I did not expect to have enjoyed this book as much as i did!!!!!!! Harrison and Agnes were just everything 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 and the found family with everyone at the restaurant??????????? Ugh im obsessed. This book had me giggling, squealing, tearing up & just feeling so warm all over. Definitely a cosy romance that serves as a great palate cleanser between bigger and more intimidating books.
The book being promoted as enemies to lovers feels inaccurate to me.. i couldn’t even say that they disliked eachother, let alone hate eachother. It was all a big misunderstanding. I loved their back n forth bickering🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣and the way everyone at the restaurant would cackle (me alongside them)
Devin and his mum were… interesting 😭😭😭😭😭😭that definitely caught me off guard and thank God Agnes said bye bye to that!!!
Will Thomas and Scout get a book??? They need to😩the chemistry between those two is insane!!!!
Overall i had a great time reading this book and would recommend to all those looking for a cosy romance that will have you feeling all the emotions!!!!
*received as an arc from net-galley* book comes out in 30/1/25
I did not expect to have enjoyed this book as much as i did!!!!!!! Harrison and Agnes were just everything 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 and the found family with everyone at the restaurant??????????? Ugh im obsessed. This book had me giggling, squealing, tearing up & just feeling so warm all over. Definitely a cosy romance that serves as a great palate cleanser between bigger and more intimidating books.
The book being promoted as enemies to lovers feels inaccurate to me.. i couldn’t even say that they disliked eachother, let alone hate eachother. It was all a big misunderstanding. I loved their back n forth bickering🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣and the way everyone at the restaurant would cackle (me alongside them)
Devin and his mum were… interesting 😭😭😭😭😭😭that definitely caught me off guard and thank God Agnes said bye bye to that!!!
Will Thomas and Scout get a book??? They need to😩the chemistry between those two is insane!!!!
Overall i had a great time reading this book and would recommend to all those looking for a cosy romance that will have you feeling all the emotions!!!!
March 8, 2025
4.25⭐️
July 24, 2024
Liv Is A Loser, is so adorably funny. I just can’t believe that this romantic comedy, best friends to lovers, novel, is Lauren Ford’s first novel.
It’s not very nice being evicted, with no where else to go, and being homeless, but sadly, Liv is in that situation. She has all her belongings in one suitcase and two plastic shopping bags with a bearded dragon just sitting on the side of the road.
Liv is quite lucky, her friend Felicity is putting her up, in her spare room, but there’s just one tiny thing, Liv forgot to tell her friend about Falkor her reptile. Well it’s not everyone’s cup of tea having a bearded dragon stay in your house. With her brother Joe and her best friend Henry Liv is going to set some tasks, to change her life with a set of ten rules, that I wondered if Liv will see this ten rule list through, and accomplish them all.
1, Commit to one drink at a time.
2, Get a new phone
3, commit to three dates with the same person
4, Find a permanent address.
5, Finish my degree.
6,Pursue and internship in my field.
7, Book and pay for a holiday that’s over six months away.
8, Start a savings account and direct deposit money into it every week.
9, Purchase a houseplant, and I also add to it
10, Buy a pet and keep it alive at all costs.
Liv Is Not A Loser is fans of Lindsey Kelk, and Sophie Kinsella
It’s not very nice being evicted, with no where else to go, and being homeless, but sadly, Liv is in that situation. She has all her belongings in one suitcase and two plastic shopping bags with a bearded dragon just sitting on the side of the road.
Liv is quite lucky, her friend Felicity is putting her up, in her spare room, but there’s just one tiny thing, Liv forgot to tell her friend about Falkor her reptile. Well it’s not everyone’s cup of tea having a bearded dragon stay in your house. With her brother Joe and her best friend Henry Liv is going to set some tasks, to change her life with a set of ten rules, that I wondered if Liv will see this ten rule list through, and accomplish them all.
1, Commit to one drink at a time.
2, Get a new phone
3, commit to three dates with the same person
4, Find a permanent address.
5, Finish my degree.
6,Pursue and internship in my field.
7, Book and pay for a holiday that’s over six months away.
8, Start a savings account and direct deposit money into it every week.
9, Purchase a houseplant, and I also add to it
10, Buy a pet and keep it alive at all costs.
Liv Is Not A Loser is fans of Lindsey Kelk, and Sophie Kinsella
August 11, 2024
*I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really loved this! It wasn't super clear initially where this novel was set, and I don't think we ever got a state/suburb, but eventually I worked out that this was Australian. The banter between characters was really fun and entertaining. I loved the friend and family dynamics, and loved the relationship between Liv and Henry.
Either way, this was cute and I really enjoyed this.
I really loved this! It wasn't super clear initially where this novel was set, and I don't think we ever got a state/suburb, but eventually I worked out that this was Australian. The banter between characters was really fun and entertaining. I loved the friend and family dynamics, and loved the relationship between Liv and Henry.
Either way, this was cute and I really enjoyed this.
October 20, 2024
A new author and a promising debut.
Liv is at an age where most of her friends are settled, and here she is, still in a part-time job doing nothing much, and in her 7th year of trying to finish her degree. There is no relationship on the horizon and nowhere to live, thanks to being ceremoniously evicted with brief notice.
The story revolves around a list Liv makes with her brother, Joe, his boyfriend, Seth, and their friend, Henry, to pull her out of loser territory.
It is an easy-to-read story with a friends-to-lovers feel, including a bit of 'will they won't they?' and plenty of family dynamics.
Liv is at an age where most of her friends are settled, and here she is, still in a part-time job doing nothing much, and in her 7th year of trying to finish her degree. There is no relationship on the horizon and nowhere to live, thanks to being ceremoniously evicted with brief notice.
The story revolves around a list Liv makes with her brother, Joe, his boyfriend, Seth, and their friend, Henry, to pull her out of loser territory.
It is an easy-to-read story with a friends-to-lovers feel, including a bit of 'will they won't they?' and plenty of family dynamics.
June 19, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Canelo for this advanced copy.
This is that LOL, pull you out of your book slump, root for the underdog book. The friendship with Henry that becomes more, the misunderstood relationship with her dad that in the end brings them closer and Livs ever changing list of how to live life is what made this book great for me.
This was a wonderful debut and I can't wait to read more from this author.
This is that LOL, pull you out of your book slump, root for the underdog book. The friendship with Henry that becomes more, the misunderstood relationship with her dad that in the end brings them closer and Livs ever changing list of how to live life is what made this book great for me.
This was a wonderful debut and I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 2, 2024
Liv feels like a loser. Everyone around her is getting married, having kids or otherwise advancing in their lives. She decides to write a list to help her feel more accomplished. Her best friend Henry confesses his love for her, and she realises she's also in love with him.
This felt very long, and I didn't like Liv as a character. Wouldn't recommend
This felt very long, and I didn't like Liv as a character. Wouldn't recommend
June 17, 2024
This was so heartwarming and hilarious! I really enjoyed this and found it such a delightful debut.
Henry was definitely my favourite character. Right from the start you can tell he cares alot for Liv and I'm definitely a sucker for a friend's to lovers story. Also kept imagining Henry Cavill the whole time so can't really complain 🤭🥰🤣🤣
A massive thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Henry was definitely my favourite character. Right from the start you can tell he cares alot for Liv and I'm definitely a sucker for a friend's to lovers story. Also kept imagining Henry Cavill the whole time so can't really complain 🤭🥰🤣🤣
A massive thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2024
At the start of this book, Liv is actually a bit of a loser. She can’t commit to a roommate, pet, or to finishing her degree and pursuing her love of astronomy.
With the help of her brother and of her childhood friend, Henry, Liv resolves to change her life, and writes a list of ways to make things better. Following the list results in some hilariously funny events, but also in the slow realisation that commitment to Henry might be the best thing ever.
I absolutely loved this book. Lauren Ford is great at character building, and there’s a special friendship between Liv’s niece, Daisy, and her friend Barry, which is absolutely beautiful and also hysterically funny. At the end if the day, Liv is really not a loser! This is a lovely book, full of heart and love between family and friends as well as romantic love. Joyous to read.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
With the help of her brother and of her childhood friend, Henry, Liv resolves to change her life, and writes a list of ways to make things better. Following the list results in some hilariously funny events, but also in the slow realisation that commitment to Henry might be the best thing ever.
I absolutely loved this book. Lauren Ford is great at character building, and there’s a special friendship between Liv’s niece, Daisy, and her friend Barry, which is absolutely beautiful and also hysterically funny. At the end if the day, Liv is really not a loser! This is a lovely book, full of heart and love between family and friends as well as romantic love. Joyous to read.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
October 26, 2025
Nope. Just no.
I hated every second of it and some parts were way too cringe to read.
I read this Book only because it was in one of my mystery-book-boxes and it showed me, why I don't like "Best friend to lovers". 🙃
I hated every second of it and some parts were way too cringe to read.
I read this Book only because it was in one of my mystery-book-boxes and it showed me, why I don't like "Best friend to lovers". 🙃
April 25, 2026
A cutesy friends to lovers read that I definitely what I needed when I read this. I loved Liv (and she definitely isn’t a loser!!!) She felt v v relatable and Henry was perfect on every way! But the main star of the show has to be Barry. Oh he was everything
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