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How to Write a Love Story
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2 days and 14:09:17
10 copies available
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One writer, one editor, one hot summer... 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 her doorstep - against Ciara's wishes and red pen at the ready.
With the deadline looming, Ciara and Sam have just a few weeks to stop bickering, write this novel and secure Frank's legacy.
But 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?
Book Lovers meets Leap Year in this dual-POV, forced-proximity, bookish romantic comedy with a VERY HOT twist - the brand-new book from bestselling Kindle chart sensation and Irish author, Catherine Walsh.
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 her doorstep - against Ciara's wishes and red pen at the ready.
With the deadline looming, Ciara and Sam have just a few weeks to stop bickering, write this novel and secure Frank's legacy.
But 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?
Book Lovers meets Leap Year in this dual-POV, forced-proximity, bookish romantic comedy with a VERY HOT twist - the brand-new book from bestselling Kindle chart sensation and Irish author, Catherine Walsh.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
37781 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Walsh
8 books3,215 followersI'm not on here anymore!
You can find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catwalshwri...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
March 1, 2026
I truly can’t put into words how much I love this book and I’m envious of everyone who gets to read it for the first time.
‘how to write a love story’ is a slow burn romance that follows sam avery and ciara sheridan in the first pov.
I don’t think I can articulate how much I enjoyed this book, and how even though it’s a romance, it felt so much more than that.
the romance isn’t at the forefront of the plot—which made for a good story because it’s not integral to it and felt like an added extra. I loved that sam and ciara got to know each other as friends before exploring anything romantic.
I loved the instant chemistry where it felt like—despite knowing each other less than 24 hours—they had known each other for years.
there’s a good mix of banter, moments of sincerity, and the right amount of spice that it doesn’t take away from the plot.
there was some solid side characters that felt important to the story and how it progressed. I’m very excited for what felt like the potential second book for maddie!
“I think I need to be clear, that given the choice, I would choose you every time.”
this is and forever will be one of my favourite books and I can’t recommend it more!
thank you little brown for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
update (22/02/26) – just finished my reread and I truly love this book so much. I will forever mourn the version of me that got to read this for the first time
‘how to write a love story’ is a slow burn romance that follows sam avery and ciara sheridan in the first pov.
I don’t think I can articulate how much I enjoyed this book, and how even though it’s a romance, it felt so much more than that.
the romance isn’t at the forefront of the plot—which made for a good story because it’s not integral to it and felt like an added extra. I loved that sam and ciara got to know each other as friends before exploring anything romantic.
I loved the instant chemistry where it felt like—despite knowing each other less than 24 hours—they had known each other for years.
there’s a good mix of banter, moments of sincerity, and the right amount of spice that it doesn’t take away from the plot.
there was some solid side characters that felt important to the story and how it progressed. I’m very excited for what felt like the potential second book for maddie!
“I think I need to be clear, that given the choice, I would choose you every time.”
this is and forever will be one of my favourite books and I can’t recommend it more!
thank you little brown for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
update (22/02/26) – just finished my reread and I truly love this book so much. I will forever mourn the version of me that got to read this for the first time
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
REVIEW TO COME😍😍!!!!!!!!
♡🦋✦🌸A book about books, and a summer on the Irish coast🌸✦🦋♡!!!!!!!
♡🦋✦🌸A book about books, and a summer on the Irish coast🌸✦🦋♡!!!!!!!
February 20, 2026
4.5💫
talk about a SLOW. BURN.
guys. let's be real for a second. this was so good and i need everyone to add this to their tbr. this will be THE book of the spring/summer and i'm so excited for everyone to get the opportunity to read this book.
sam is an editor at a big fantasy publishing group and he has been assigned to go to ireland to help ciara finish the last book of her diseased fathers' widely popular fantasy series. sam is also a mega fan of the series, which makes this job for him extra special and important.
ciara and sams relationship is so slow burn but it's absolutely the perfect timing for them. i loved watching how they relationship developed and got stronger overtime. their humor together and banter was also so fun to read and their relationship just felt so sweet and wholesome to me. I loved the small town setting and i think maddie was the perfect side character. she was so funny too and i just loved her as a character. hopefully we get her story next with hamburger man??
i need everyone to get so excited for this release and add it to their anticipated reads list because WOW this was SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you to dutton books, catherine walsh, and natgalley for the arc!!! out 3/10 :)))
talk about a SLOW. BURN.
guys. let's be real for a second. this was so good and i need everyone to add this to their tbr. this will be THE book of the spring/summer and i'm so excited for everyone to get the opportunity to read this book.
sam is an editor at a big fantasy publishing group and he has been assigned to go to ireland to help ciara finish the last book of her diseased fathers' widely popular fantasy series. sam is also a mega fan of the series, which makes this job for him extra special and important.
ciara and sams relationship is so slow burn but it's absolutely the perfect timing for them. i loved watching how they relationship developed and got stronger overtime. their humor together and banter was also so fun to read and their relationship just felt so sweet and wholesome to me. I loved the small town setting and i think maddie was the perfect side character. she was so funny too and i just loved her as a character. hopefully we get her story next with hamburger man??
i need everyone to get so excited for this release and add it to their anticipated reads list because WOW this was SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you to dutton books, catherine walsh, and natgalley for the arc!!! out 3/10 :)))
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked it. Kind of want to put the shrugging woman emoji behind that statement and call it a day because I don’t have much else to say about it.
It’s just that this book didn’t really make me feel anything. It was fine, but I never really warmed to the story. Which might be because 1) it’s a book about writing a book. And I think I found out through this story that I’m not into that. And 2) while I really liked Ciara, I did not like Sam. He was mostly okay, but there was something about him that rubbed me the wrong way. And he is the hero, so with me not liking him this was doomed from the start.
I’d have appreciated the slow burn of their romance if the romance had worked for me but be warned that it is actually a slow burn. It takes them a good while to get things going. I found Ciara to be very cute and fun and charming. I liked the setting. I really liked her friendship with Maddie.
But in the end, I still just liked it and I want more from the stories I read. So I guess this wasn’t for me.
Might be for you though.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
It’s just that this book didn’t really make me feel anything. It was fine, but I never really warmed to the story. Which might be because 1) it’s a book about writing a book. And I think I found out through this story that I’m not into that. And 2) while I really liked Ciara, I did not like Sam. He was mostly okay, but there was something about him that rubbed me the wrong way. And he is the hero, so with me not liking him this was doomed from the start.
I’d have appreciated the slow burn of their romance if the romance had worked for me but be warned that it is actually a slow burn. It takes them a good while to get things going. I found Ciara to be very cute and fun and charming. I liked the setting. I really liked her friendship with Maddie.
But in the end, I still just liked it and I want more from the stories I read. So I guess this wasn’t for me.
Might be for you though.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2025
Catherine Walsh delivers yet again - probably one of the best romance novels I've ever read. One that sticks with you and I'd recommend to everyone. Enjoy! & thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 3, 2026
I love a Catherine Walsh book and How to Write a Love Story is one of my favorite romances of 2025.
This book was everything I could have hoped for, and everything I love about romance novels. It has a wonderfully ideal Irish coast setting, a cast of quaint secondary characters, and a romance with easy chemistry but not without the tension or angst.
When our main character is tasked with finishing her deceased father's final book in his world famous fantasy series, she finds that her writers block is more than she can bear. Enter charming literary agent Sam Frank, who is this series biggest fan -- sent to Ireland to help her find her way again.
This beautiful slow burn romance swept me off my feet from the very first few chapters. The house that the book is set in is almost a charming character in and of itself. This book has all the right amounts of depth, healing, banter and sincerity. I found the romance to feel authentic in tone to reality. The conflict was also realistic as all the pressures of legacy, history, failure and love come together in a tangled heap.
I was enchanted and so glad I was able to snag this one early. If this is how 2026 is starting off with romance reads, I am already in the best of company.
This book was everything I could have hoped for, and everything I love about romance novels. It has a wonderfully ideal Irish coast setting, a cast of quaint secondary characters, and a romance with easy chemistry but not without the tension or angst.
When our main character is tasked with finishing her deceased father's final book in his world famous fantasy series, she finds that her writers block is more than she can bear. Enter charming literary agent Sam Frank, who is this series biggest fan -- sent to Ireland to help her find her way again.
This beautiful slow burn romance swept me off my feet from the very first few chapters. The house that the book is set in is almost a charming character in and of itself. This book has all the right amounts of depth, healing, banter and sincerity. I found the romance to feel authentic in tone to reality. The conflict was also realistic as all the pressures of legacy, history, failure and love come together in a tangled heap.
I was enchanted and so glad I was able to snag this one early. If this is how 2026 is starting off with romance reads, I am already in the best of company.
November 15, 2025
CAN YOU ALL HEAR ME SCREAMING FOR YOU TO ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR ??!!!!!!
I had absolute fun reading this book till 5 in the morning.
This is a story of Ciara an author whose talent was overshadowed by her father her whole life, who was a legendary author but some circumstances made her face it all.
And she had her editor Sam, who made her face it all with as much comfort and ease as he could provide.
Carrigwest is a small community where everyone looks after each other in their own crazy wayyy.
It's an amazing feeling well you apply for a random ARC and it turns out to be one of the best, you ever readddd.
This was my first book by Catherine and what a way to begin !! It clicked instantly for me, and I practically inhaled the whole thing.
This book has such a perfect balance of humour and sentiment, sarcasm and heartfelt moments. When I first started it, I expected a typical rom-com full of laughs, but it surprised me with its emotional depth. It has overwhelming emotions, but never overshadowing the light parts, just the right touch. This was my first EditorXAuthor trope read and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. Every character was hilarious not only the main characters but side characters too, it was so much fun to read.
It was genuinely refreshing to see the behind-the-scenes reality of what both editors and authors deal with. The struggles, the meltdowns, the writer’s block, and the nerves. Seeing the pressure they face, and how reader expectations aren’t always only exciting but can be overwhelming, made the story feel so real. And how the editor’s honesty and steady support, is important in shaping the story so readers get the best version possible. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the process.
I’m counting down the days for Maddie and Shane’s book! Every character was such a delight to read—no dull moments, no cheesy filler. From Mary’s gossip, to Ronan brewing whiskey in the bathtub, to Casey being an unexpected father figure. I adored all of them. They were hilarious and endlessly fun.
All I'm saying is BE READY TO GET OBSESSED WITH IT IN COMING SUMMER !! ⛱️🏝️
thank you netgally and little, brown book for the ARC.
I had absolute fun reading this book till 5 in the morning.
This is a story of Ciara an author whose talent was overshadowed by her father her whole life, who was a legendary author but some circumstances made her face it all.
And she had her editor Sam, who made her face it all with as much comfort and ease as he could provide.
Carrigwest is a small community where everyone looks after each other in their own crazy wayyy.
It's an amazing feeling well you apply for a random ARC and it turns out to be one of the best, you ever readddd.
This was my first book by Catherine and what a way to begin !! It clicked instantly for me, and I practically inhaled the whole thing.
This book has such a perfect balance of humour and sentiment, sarcasm and heartfelt moments. When I first started it, I expected a typical rom-com full of laughs, but it surprised me with its emotional depth. It has overwhelming emotions, but never overshadowing the light parts, just the right touch. This was my first EditorXAuthor trope read and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. Every character was hilarious not only the main characters but side characters too, it was so much fun to read.
It was genuinely refreshing to see the behind-the-scenes reality of what both editors and authors deal with. The struggles, the meltdowns, the writer’s block, and the nerves. Seeing the pressure they face, and how reader expectations aren’t always only exciting but can be overwhelming, made the story feel so real. And how the editor’s honesty and steady support, is important in shaping the story so readers get the best version possible. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the process.
I’m counting down the days for Maddie and Shane’s book! Every character was such a delight to read—no dull moments, no cheesy filler. From Mary’s gossip, to Ronan brewing whiskey in the bathtub, to Casey being an unexpected father figure. I adored all of them. They were hilarious and endlessly fun.
All I'm saying is BE READY TO GET OBSESSED WITH IT IN COMING SUMMER !! ⛱️🏝️
thank you netgally and little, brown book for the ARC.
March 3, 2026
4.5 ★ I LOVED this. From the very first page I was absolutely hooked and obsessed with this story. This book was so fast paced and easy to binge that I almost wish I had slowed down a little to savor it. I couldn't get enough. I love books about books, writers, and the publishing world and I think this book did that so well. I loved the premise of Ciara writing the last book in her father's series, and Sam being a fan of Ciara's father's books but also her editor. The tension that resulted between these two was INSANE. The banter was also top tier, and the yearning I felt from Sam was TOOOO good! I really enjoyed Ciara and Sam both together and individually, and I think they had excellent character growth both together and apart. Catherine's writing has always been a favorite of mine, with how fast paced, humorous, and heartfelt it is. I loved that this book had so many parts to it along with the romance. There was healing, friendship, a little side character rivalry, and the sweetest small town Ireland summer setting. I think every aspect of this book added so much to the story and kept me so entertained. I truly couldn't put this book down and read it in less than 24 hours. This book has everything I'd hope for in a summery romance and I'd recommend it to anyone that asked! My words truly don't do this book justice! Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review! This is one everyone needs on their spring and summer tbrs!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
2.5 stars
I really great setting with a loveable FMC with extremely underwhelming MMC.
The MMC single handedly ruined this book for me. He started off as a dick, which is fine, but that didn't go away. And I don't mean that he just had a rough exterior that we tend to love in a male lead. He was mostly a kind person that had a good sense of humor, but he did not have the right reactions to specific situations, and always at the FMC's expense.
He never had the respect for her as a human being. And in the middle of the work he just decides he is attracted to her and then I guess that's that.
There was also one of those things where 2 weeks of time goes by at the very beginning where really crucial development should have been but got glossed over and all of a sudden they're somewhat more comfortable with each other.
Not to mention a sequel is clearly being set up and those two characters had WAY more chemistry in their short interactions than the main characters here.
Sorry to say this was a definite disappointment 💔
2.5 stars
I really great setting with a loveable FMC with extremely underwhelming MMC.
The MMC single handedly ruined this book for me. He started off as a dick, which is fine, but that didn't go away. And I don't mean that he just had a rough exterior that we tend to love in a male lead. He was mostly a kind person that had a good sense of humor, but he did not have the right reactions to specific situations, and always at the FMC's expense.
He never had the respect for her as a human being. And in the middle of the work he just decides he is attracted to her and then I guess that's that.
There was also one of those things where 2 weeks of time goes by at the very beginning where really crucial development should have been but got glossed over and all of a sudden they're somewhat more comfortable with each other.
Not to mention a sequel is clearly being set up and those two characters had WAY more chemistry in their short interactions than the main characters here.
Sorry to say this was a definite disappointment 💔
Want to read
September 28, 2025catherine walsh just automatically saved 2026 with this announcement
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
How to Write a Love Story is signature Walsh: relatable characters, excellent banter laced with humor à la Catherine Walsh, and a story that will grab your attention and play like a movie in your mind.
I loved both Ciara and Sam. Ciara's mind is a marvel - her tendency towards darker thoughts with a humorous undertone never failed to delight me. I could picture Sam just looking at her, going "hmm you're kind of scary, I dig it". Sam is such a loveable character too - a good guy, the kind that you want by your side. Both Ciara and Sam stay true to themselves, and while their partnership at first is not easy - this kind of relationship demands trust and some level of ease and comfort - seeing Ciara and Sam work towards their happiness was such a treat.
The Ireland setting is always a pleasure too.
The dual pov is fantastic - making you know the characters more intimately.
Everything feels very well balanced in this story. Walsh knows how to write well-rounded and layered characters - who are more than just two people being in love.
Catherine Walsh is one of my favorite authors, and I absolutely trust her to deliver stories that I know I will love. And if like me you are a Walsh fan, you will definitely love Sam and Ciara!
Thank you Dutton for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
---------
Who's ready for a new Catherine Walsh?! (Me, always me)
I loved both Ciara and Sam. Ciara's mind is a marvel - her tendency towards darker thoughts with a humorous undertone never failed to delight me. I could picture Sam just looking at her, going "hmm you're kind of scary, I dig it". Sam is such a loveable character too - a good guy, the kind that you want by your side. Both Ciara and Sam stay true to themselves, and while their partnership at first is not easy - this kind of relationship demands trust and some level of ease and comfort - seeing Ciara and Sam work towards their happiness was such a treat.
The Ireland setting is always a pleasure too.
The dual pov is fantastic - making you know the characters more intimately.
Everything feels very well balanced in this story. Walsh knows how to write well-rounded and layered characters - who are more than just two people being in love.
Catherine Walsh is one of my favorite authors, and I absolutely trust her to deliver stories that I know I will love. And if like me you are a Walsh fan, you will definitely love Sam and Ciara!
Thank you Dutton for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
---------
Who's ready for a new Catherine Walsh?! (Me, always me)
November 10, 2025
4.5
I adored this book. It is such a cozy uplifting romance.
Ciara Sheridan's father is a famous writer. She is left heartbroken when he passes and overwhelmed with the sprawling infamous estate, located in Ireland. He wanted Ciara to finish the last book in his very famous and loved series. But it proves to be a very challenging task. So, the publisher sends their hot shot editor, Sam, to help her get through the writing process.
Sam and Ciara captured my heart. So did the town and the side characters. Every character was so lovable. It is such a delightful and beautiful love story that kept me flipping the pages.
The love story is a slow burn with excellent genuine build up and tension. Some of their time is spent off page so I can see why people may feel like the romance was rushed, but I think it was executed perfectly. This is a rom-com with emotional depth and great character development. There was a bit of a third-act-breakup that had me rolling my eyes and made me slow my reading with apprehension. Thankfully, the end redeemed that discomfort for me.
This is more than a romance. It's also about writing, publishing, editing, fandom, grief, and healing. It was highly fascinating and engaging.
Read this if you like:
Forced proximity
Witty banter
Ireland setting
Dual pov
I would recommend this charming and heartfelt book.
Thank you Dutton Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
I adored this book. It is such a cozy uplifting romance.
Ciara Sheridan's father is a famous writer. She is left heartbroken when he passes and overwhelmed with the sprawling infamous estate, located in Ireland. He wanted Ciara to finish the last book in his very famous and loved series. But it proves to be a very challenging task. So, the publisher sends their hot shot editor, Sam, to help her get through the writing process.
Sam and Ciara captured my heart. So did the town and the side characters. Every character was so lovable. It is such a delightful and beautiful love story that kept me flipping the pages.
The love story is a slow burn with excellent genuine build up and tension. Some of their time is spent off page so I can see why people may feel like the romance was rushed, but I think it was executed perfectly. This is a rom-com with emotional depth and great character development. There was a bit of a third-act-breakup that had me rolling my eyes and made me slow my reading with apprehension. Thankfully, the end redeemed that discomfort for me.
This is more than a romance. It's also about writing, publishing, editing, fandom, grief, and healing. It was highly fascinating and engaging.
Read this if you like:
Forced proximity
Witty banter
Ireland setting
Dual pov
I would recommend this charming and heartfelt book.
Thank you Dutton Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2026
Perfect in every way! I love Catherine Walsh’s books and this one is for sure my favorite! Love Ciara. Love Sam. Love it all!
I read this in about 12 hours and truly couldn’t put it down. If you’re an Emily Henry fan I highly recommend! The banter was so fun and the tension was DELICIOUS.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc!
I read this in about 12 hours and truly couldn’t put it down. If you’re an Emily Henry fan I highly recommend! The banter was so fun and the tension was DELICIOUS.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the arc!
Read
September 16, 2025I have very complicated feelings about this book but i will say that obsession that non-american authors have with appealing to the american idea of a HEA for marketing purposes being an engagement and/or baby drives me up the wall.
Received a digital arc from the publisher.
Received a digital arc from the publisher.
Read
March 3, 2026rtc cause im still thinking
November 25, 2025
Thank you, @duttonbooks, for the #gifted eARC to read in exchange for my honest thoughts.
🔥🔥 1.5ish open door scenes
CW: Death of a parent (off page and in the past, but talked about)
Ciara is writing the long-awaited conclusion to the 10 book fantasy series written by her late father. And Sam is her editor. She’s quirky and frustrating. And it’s his job to make sure the book gets done. Oh and it’s set in Ireland. Need I say more?
Wow, this was a pure delight to read! Catherine Walsh just has a way with words that makes me grin like an idiot and giggle non-stop. Seriously, she is a funny funny girl (also, do you follow her on instagram? She is a funny funny girl on there, too).
I really just loved this book. I easily devoured it in a day, because it was so much fun! I loved Ciara and Sam’s relationship and how it grew while she wrote and he edited. It naturally flowed from a co-worker type relationship to a friendship to more.
I also love books about the book/editing/publishing/writing world and this one fully delivered. I think we all have a certain special book series we grew up reading and loving and waiting impatiently for every single book to be released - and if that’s you, you will feel seen and honored in this book. Ciara does not take finishing her father’s legacy lightly and honestly it just felt very honoring and lovely. It sort of made me feel nostaglic for the classic stories of my childhood and through feeling that, I could really understand the weight Ciera was under as an author.
Read if you like books set in Ireland, dual POV, forced proximity, excellent banter, laughing, books that give a peek into the publishing and editing world, books with an author FMC, and an overall low-stakes and delightful read.
🔥🔥 1.5ish open door scenes
CW: Death of a parent (off page and in the past, but talked about)
Ciara is writing the long-awaited conclusion to the 10 book fantasy series written by her late father. And Sam is her editor. She’s quirky and frustrating. And it’s his job to make sure the book gets done. Oh and it’s set in Ireland. Need I say more?
Wow, this was a pure delight to read! Catherine Walsh just has a way with words that makes me grin like an idiot and giggle non-stop. Seriously, she is a funny funny girl (also, do you follow her on instagram? She is a funny funny girl on there, too).
I really just loved this book. I easily devoured it in a day, because it was so much fun! I loved Ciara and Sam’s relationship and how it grew while she wrote and he edited. It naturally flowed from a co-worker type relationship to a friendship to more.
I also love books about the book/editing/publishing/writing world and this one fully delivered. I think we all have a certain special book series we grew up reading and loving and waiting impatiently for every single book to be released - and if that’s you, you will feel seen and honored in this book. Ciara does not take finishing her father’s legacy lightly and honestly it just felt very honoring and lovely. It sort of made me feel nostaglic for the classic stories of my childhood and through feeling that, I could really understand the weight Ciera was under as an author.
Read if you like books set in Ireland, dual POV, forced proximity, excellent banter, laughing, books that give a peek into the publishing and editing world, books with an author FMC, and an overall low-stakes and delightful read.
Want to read
October 22, 2025Y'all, I think I need this book because my name is Ciera, and my husband's name is Sam.
March 4, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.5
Five stars for this book that I absolutely loved! Cat Walsh writes some of the best banter but somehow mixes it perfectly with heartwarming scenes that also made me cry.
Set in a small town in Ireland, the FMC, Ciara, is an author that has agreed to finish her late father’s (also an author) epic fantasy series. Sam, the MMC, is the editor that is tasked with helping her get past her writer’s block. I loved how funny and sarcastic Ciara could be and also how much of a fan boy Sam is of her father’s books. The crush that each of them started having on each other was so stinking cute!
Also, if you know me and some of my favorite elements in a romance, you know that small town and side characters are some of them. This book had the best side characters! From Ronan, to Mary, to her bff Maddie…I loved them all. I’m really hoping Maddie gets her own book with Shane because she was hilarious in this book!!
There is a quote at the end of the book that none of the main characters said. It made me cry because this sums up why I love to read and why I’m so passionate about it:
“I met him through his words, and I want you to know that he brought me so much comfort that it was like he had gifted me a second world I could escape to.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book!
Spice: 🌶️.5
Five stars for this book that I absolutely loved! Cat Walsh writes some of the best banter but somehow mixes it perfectly with heartwarming scenes that also made me cry.
Set in a small town in Ireland, the FMC, Ciara, is an author that has agreed to finish her late father’s (also an author) epic fantasy series. Sam, the MMC, is the editor that is tasked with helping her get past her writer’s block. I loved how funny and sarcastic Ciara could be and also how much of a fan boy Sam is of her father’s books. The crush that each of them started having on each other was so stinking cute!
Also, if you know me and some of my favorite elements in a romance, you know that small town and side characters are some of them. This book had the best side characters! From Ronan, to Mary, to her bff Maddie…I loved them all. I’m really hoping Maddie gets her own book with Shane because she was hilarious in this book!!
There is a quote at the end of the book that none of the main characters said. It made me cry because this sums up why I love to read and why I’m so passionate about it:
“I met him through his words, and I want you to know that he brought me so much comfort that it was like he had gifted me a second world I could escape to.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book!
December 23, 2025
ARC Review - thank you to NetGalley and Hachette for the early read!
This book is, quite simply, the cutest thing I’ve read in a long time!!!
Yes, there is a romance at the centre of it - like one of the most genuinely lovely and grounded ones I’ve read in a long time. But this story is also a full-blown love letter to small towns. The kind where everyone knows everyone, where community matters, and where people and places are deeply entwined. If you’re a small-town girly, you’ll understand exactly why this hit differently.
This is comfort reading at its best: sunshiny, heart-happy, little feet kicks and deeply charming. It’s funny in that quiet, observational way, and emotionally satisfying without ever feeling heavy-handed. The kind of book you finish with a smile and immediately start thinking about who you’re going to recommend it to.
A five-star, feel-good read that absolutely did what it came to do. Thanks Catherine Walsh - I needed this one ☺️
This book is, quite simply, the cutest thing I’ve read in a long time!!!
Yes, there is a romance at the centre of it - like one of the most genuinely lovely and grounded ones I’ve read in a long time. But this story is also a full-blown love letter to small towns. The kind where everyone knows everyone, where community matters, and where people and places are deeply entwined. If you’re a small-town girly, you’ll understand exactly why this hit differently.
This is comfort reading at its best: sunshiny, heart-happy, little feet kicks and deeply charming. It’s funny in that quiet, observational way, and emotionally satisfying without ever feeling heavy-handed. The kind of book you finish with a smile and immediately start thinking about who you’re going to recommend it to.
A five-star, feel-good read that absolutely did what it came to do. Thanks Catherine Walsh - I needed this one ☺️
January 25, 2026
I looooved this! Catherine Walsh just has such a knack for creating stories that I can picture so vividly, I loved the small town setting and the characters and the premise! I loved that Ciara was grumpy and a bit of a hot mess, and I loved seeing her fall for Sam and start to let him in. I’m such a sucker for stories set in the book world and I loved seeing glimpses of the writing and publishing process.
The love story was so sweet and soft, it was a slow build up and I really felt the chemistry between Sam and Ciara.
I’m really hoping there’s a second book about Maddie and Shane too 🤭
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
The love story was so sweet and soft, it was a slow build up and I really felt the chemistry between Sam and Ciara.
I’m really hoping there’s a second book about Maddie and Shane too 🤭
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
remind-me-once-out
July 11, 2025I'm going to need this. In my hands. ASAP.
December 25, 2025
Such a good book!!!
Ciara is our FMC who is a writer in Ireland tasked with completing the last book of the most popular series with her recently late father. At her aid is Sam, an editor from NYC, flown in to help Ciara stay on track. Ciara is obviously hesitant of their professional relationship due to Sam being a 'mega-fan' of her fathers' series, but lines start to blur even more when they push the workplace boundaries.
I found this book extremely entertaining and heartwarming. It was definitely emotional as we are reading about Ciara move through grieving her father. Seeing Ciara open up after that tragic event to Sam, and all of the people close to her, was relieving to say the least. I truly believe Sam was a pinnacle part in Ciara grieving, and writing, journey, and they definitely needed each other in the end!
Thank you to NetGalley for proving and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ciara is our FMC who is a writer in Ireland tasked with completing the last book of the most popular series with her recently late father. At her aid is Sam, an editor from NYC, flown in to help Ciara stay on track. Ciara is obviously hesitant of their professional relationship due to Sam being a 'mega-fan' of her fathers' series, but lines start to blur even more when they push the workplace boundaries.
I found this book extremely entertaining and heartwarming. It was definitely emotional as we are reading about Ciara move through grieving her father. Seeing Ciara open up after that tragic event to Sam, and all of the people close to her, was relieving to say the least. I truly believe Sam was a pinnacle part in Ciara grieving, and writing, journey, and they definitely needed each other in the end!
Thank you to NetGalley for proving and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 8, 2025
talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, shit on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.
[full review to come]
[full review to come]
February 4, 2026
• Adjusted Rating: 4.25 stars!!
• POV: 1st Person / Dual
• Book Spice: Level 2
• Content Thoughts:
This book flowed so well from beginning to end. The emotional moments had weight to them, especially the romance. There was a natural build up that gave the characters time to actually grow into their feelings instead of everything happening all at once. You could feel their interest in each other developing in a believable way.
I was also really fascinated by the look into the publishing world. Seeing the life of a writer and an editor from the inside made the whole story even more interesting. It honestly made me more curious about the industry as a whole. The amount of work that goes into editing and supporting an author is wild, and I loved that the book leaned into that. I’m always a fan of stories that gently poke fun at their own world, especially when it’s clear the author has real experience with it.
The main storyline about continuing a book series after the father’s passing was interesting to follow and I was invested in knowing what would happen. The mix of grief and self-doubt felt very real. Taking on something that big while mourning a loved one is not easy and giving us that journey to follow added to the overall plot. I also loved how the story balanced that with humor and romance.
The setting was great, the banter was bantering 🤭 , and the dialogue felt like how real couples actually would talk to each other. And I already need a book about Shane and Maddie. That rival-to-lovers setup has so much potential and sounds like it would be so fun to read.
Again, I loved the storytelling, the emotional elements, and the view into book publishing. This one just worked for me.
Thank you Dutton for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
• POV: 1st Person / Dual
• Book Spice: Level 2
• Content Thoughts:
This book flowed so well from beginning to end. The emotional moments had weight to them, especially the romance. There was a natural build up that gave the characters time to actually grow into their feelings instead of everything happening all at once. You could feel their interest in each other developing in a believable way.
I was also really fascinated by the look into the publishing world. Seeing the life of a writer and an editor from the inside made the whole story even more interesting. It honestly made me more curious about the industry as a whole. The amount of work that goes into editing and supporting an author is wild, and I loved that the book leaned into that. I’m always a fan of stories that gently poke fun at their own world, especially when it’s clear the author has real experience with it.
The main storyline about continuing a book series after the father’s passing was interesting to follow and I was invested in knowing what would happen. The mix of grief and self-doubt felt very real. Taking on something that big while mourning a loved one is not easy and giving us that journey to follow added to the overall plot. I also loved how the story balanced that with humor and romance.
The setting was great, the banter was bantering 🤭 , and the dialogue felt like how real couples actually would talk to each other. And I already need a book about Shane and Maddie. That rival-to-lovers setup has so much potential and sounds like it would be so fun to read.
Again, I loved the storytelling, the emotional elements, and the view into book publishing. This one just worked for me.
Thank you Dutton for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 24, 2026
“Hilarious, magical, and swoon-worthy” - me (and every professional reviewer, probably)
If you have not had the chance to read anything by Catherine Walsh, then you’re living in a dull, diluted version of this world. She brings so much color and life to her characters (main and side) and this book was no exception.
Ciara and Sam were so wonderfully written, but the side characters were what really pushed this book to 5 stars for me. Often times, side characters either fall flat or take up too much of the storyline, but Walsh writes them so perfectly every time.
This book was the perfect mixture of romance and humor, while also keeping me intrigued with the main plot of the story. I finished it so quickly because I wanted to know how everything going on with our main characters was resolved.
Walsh has the ability to suck you in from start to finish and leaves you feeling like you’ve lived inside the story. The premise of this book was so refreshing and I loved that it felt unique and not like every other romance I’ve read in the past.
If this isn’t already on your TBR for March, you need to add it now and thank me later 😮💨
Thank you Net Galley for the early read!
If you have not had the chance to read anything by Catherine Walsh, then you’re living in a dull, diluted version of this world. She brings so much color and life to her characters (main and side) and this book was no exception.
Ciara and Sam were so wonderfully written, but the side characters were what really pushed this book to 5 stars for me. Often times, side characters either fall flat or take up too much of the storyline, but Walsh writes them so perfectly every time.
This book was the perfect mixture of romance and humor, while also keeping me intrigued with the main plot of the story. I finished it so quickly because I wanted to know how everything going on with our main characters was resolved.
Walsh has the ability to suck you in from start to finish and leaves you feeling like you’ve lived inside the story. The premise of this book was so refreshing and I loved that it felt unique and not like every other romance I’ve read in the past.
If this isn’t already on your TBR for March, you need to add it now and thank me later 😮💨
Thank you Net Galley for the early read!
October 12, 2025
I loved it 🥺🥰
I giggled I teared up I fell in love with all the characters
Catherine Walsh is SO talented at writing funny and loveable people (not just Ciara and Sam but their friends and colleagues and everyone in the village)
I can't wait to get my own physical copy so I can highlight all the parts that made me laugh and kick my feet
Infinite thank yous to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. I might even read it again before it comes out who knows 😂
I giggled I teared up I fell in love with all the characters
Catherine Walsh is SO talented at writing funny and loveable people (not just Ciara and Sam but their friends and colleagues and everyone in the village)
I can't wait to get my own physical copy so I can highlight all the parts that made me laugh and kick my feet
Infinite thank yous to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. I might even read it again before it comes out who knows 😂
February 1, 2026
this was a delight - especially when it comes in the form of a book about books! loved sam and ciara & appreciated the span across months to see their relationship come to life. i also greatly appreciated the focus on the side characters, the focus on each character’s personal development, and how it came together with the romance of it all. i’m excited for others to get the chance to enjoy the book this spring! i have a good feeling about it 🤭
thank you netgalley & dutton for the arc!!!
thank you netgalley & dutton for the arc!!!
February 15, 2026
Catherine Walsh does it again! After loving Holiday Romance and Snowed In I am delighted to have a book from her that is the perfect summer read!
Set in a quaint coastal Irish town, Ciara is tasked with finishing the last book in a world renowned fantasy series her late father wrote. In comes the charming editor from NYC, Sam, to bolster her spirits and get her writing back on track.
With zinging chemistry, sharp wit and humor, and a delicious slow burn How To Write a Love Story is brimming with heart and charm. The setting is cozy, the side characters are quirky and real, and you get enough from each POV that the characters feel raw and real.
Romance readers, pick this one up! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc! This one comes out in March 2026!
Set in a quaint coastal Irish town, Ciara is tasked with finishing the last book in a world renowned fantasy series her late father wrote. In comes the charming editor from NYC, Sam, to bolster her spirits and get her writing back on track.
With zinging chemistry, sharp wit and humor, and a delicious slow burn How To Write a Love Story is brimming with heart and charm. The setting is cozy, the side characters are quirky and real, and you get enough from each POV that the characters feel raw and real.
Romance readers, pick this one up! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc! This one comes out in March 2026!
September 16, 2025
This book is so lovely and I was hooked the entire time. I was literally laughing from page one and I felt close to the characters the entire time. Awesome read, highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really solid summer romance! Perfect for future beach reading and wanderlust inspiration due to its strongly written sense of place (seriously, I am now craving a trip around the Irish coast). I also liked all the characters, I think Catherine Walsh nailed the charm of a quirky supporting cast of small town residents without getting over the top with them.
I felt like the Shane and Maddie secondary plotline could get distracting at times, though if they get their own book I'd probably read it since they had good banter.
I also struggled to see the romantic connection between Sam and Ciara at first but once they really started getting together it was much stronger and well-written. They became a couple that I felt would truly go the distance post-epilogue!
The discussions of grief and the pressures of the book industry were very well done and balanced well with the lighter elements of the story. Overall a really strong book!
Thanks to Dutton and Netgalley for the eARC review copy ✌️
I felt like the Shane and Maddie secondary plotline could get distracting at times, though if they get their own book I'd probably read it since they had good banter.
I also struggled to see the romantic connection between Sam and Ciara at first but once they really started getting together it was much stronger and well-written. They became a couple that I felt would truly go the distance post-epilogue!
The discussions of grief and the pressures of the book industry were very well done and balanced well with the lighter elements of the story. Overall a really strong book!
Thanks to Dutton and Netgalley for the eARC review copy ✌️
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