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Engineering a Love Story
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Expected 6 Oct 26It's the year 2000—dot-coms, Bush v. Gore, and sky-high San Francisco rents. But while the country swoons with irrational exuberance, Chelsea Lefevre's life is collapsing faster than a tech bubble.
She'd had everything she thought she was supposed to want: a house on Boston's North Shore, exquisite wedding china, a Waspy mother-in-law. A steady, safe marriage. But after a mortifying slip-up, Chelsea finds herself heading into the 21st century alone. Her lifeboat? A new job advising tech execs, taken to escape the misogyny she endured as a software engineer—only to discover she has a surprising knack for spotting the next hot thing.
In this heady new world, Chelsea meets Seth Murphy, a magnetic sales executive at one of the country’s hottest startups. Professional boundaries make Seth off-limits, but Chelsea is tired of steady and safe. What starts as a casual fling soon spirals into a secret and intense affair, jeopardizing Chelsea’s career, newfound independence—and heart.
But as the bubble bursts, Chelsea will have to decode the difference between good enough and too good to be true, and reckon with how much a smart woman can risk when she’s the only female in the room.
Warm and witty, Engineering a Love Story is about growing up after a decade of adulthood and refusing to settle for a life that's less than the one you're capable of living.
She'd had everything she thought she was supposed to want: a house on Boston's North Shore, exquisite wedding china, a Waspy mother-in-law. A steady, safe marriage. But after a mortifying slip-up, Chelsea finds herself heading into the 21st century alone. Her lifeboat? A new job advising tech execs, taken to escape the misogyny she endured as a software engineer—only to discover she has a surprising knack for spotting the next hot thing.
In this heady new world, Chelsea meets Seth Murphy, a magnetic sales executive at one of the country’s hottest startups. Professional boundaries make Seth off-limits, but Chelsea is tired of steady and safe. What starts as a casual fling soon spirals into a secret and intense affair, jeopardizing Chelsea’s career, newfound independence—and heart.
But as the bubble bursts, Chelsea will have to decode the difference between good enough and too good to be true, and reckon with how much a smart woman can risk when she’s the only female in the room.
Warm and witty, Engineering a Love Story is about growing up after a decade of adulthood and refusing to settle for a life that's less than the one you're capable of living.
372 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Kathleen Reidy
2 books22 followersKathleen is a writer and public librarian based in the Boston area. Her debut novel, Engineering a Love Story, will be published by Sibylline Press in October 2026. She holds a master’s degree in library science. Before returning to public library work, Kathleen spent more than a decade in the tech industry. Her short fiction has been published by Puddingstone Press and WayWords. She lives with her husband, daughters, and fluffy best friend.
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August 12, 2026
Title: Engineering a Love Story
Author: Kathleen Reidy
Release Date: 10-06-2026
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
In the age of the dot com boom in early 2000, we follow Chelsea Lefevre, a software engineer who is simply trying to find her place in the world. After a work trip resulting in a scandalous encounter with a co-worker, Chelsea is left reeling about her own marriage to Ash Kelsey. A marriage that has been coated in familiarity and friendship rather than passion and yearning. After many realizations, Chelsea embarks on a journey of self discovery only to tumble her way into bed with an off-limits sales-executive, resulting in a high-stakes once in a lifetime romance.
While Chelsea fights her way through the collapse of her personal identity, closest relationships, and misogynistic workforce, she finds herself labeled as the very cliche she doesn’t want to be. She is determined to prove to herself and everyone around her that she is more than meets the eye and deserves so much more than she’s been offered.
Kathleen Reidy, drew me in by chapter three and had me spending every free moment cheering on Chelsea’s emotional journey of self love and discovery. I devoured every second of this book and I can’t wait to see what happens when it comes out into the world.
Thank you Kathleen Reidy, Sibylline Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book from Sibylline Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of Engineering a Love Story.
Author: Kathleen Reidy
Release Date: 10-06-2026
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
In the age of the dot com boom in early 2000, we follow Chelsea Lefevre, a software engineer who is simply trying to find her place in the world. After a work trip resulting in a scandalous encounter with a co-worker, Chelsea is left reeling about her own marriage to Ash Kelsey. A marriage that has been coated in familiarity and friendship rather than passion and yearning. After many realizations, Chelsea embarks on a journey of self discovery only to tumble her way into bed with an off-limits sales-executive, resulting in a high-stakes once in a lifetime romance.
While Chelsea fights her way through the collapse of her personal identity, closest relationships, and misogynistic workforce, she finds herself labeled as the very cliche she doesn’t want to be. She is determined to prove to herself and everyone around her that she is more than meets the eye and deserves so much more than she’s been offered.
Kathleen Reidy, drew me in by chapter three and had me spending every free moment cheering on Chelsea’s emotional journey of self love and discovery. I devoured every second of this book and I can’t wait to see what happens when it comes out into the world.
Thank you Kathleen Reidy, Sibylline Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book from Sibylline Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of Engineering a Love Story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a captivating debut novel by Kathleen Reidy! I felt so connected to Chelsea from the very beginning. She represents so many experiences that women face at one point or another: discovering who they are, falling in love, navigating a career in a male dominated field, and finding their place in the world after realizing they're on the wrong path.
We meet Chelsea as she leaves a tech conference and heads home to her college sweetheart, Ash. She begins to realize that she may have rushed into marriage and that the life she envisioned for herself no longer feels right. In her new role at a tech company, advising executives in the post-Y2K era, she constantly finds herself as the only woman in the room. When she becomes swept up in a whirlwind affair with the sales executive at an emerging startup in her field, things quickly become complicated.
I really connected with Chelsea during this confusing period in her life. She tries so hard to appear like she has everything together while rediscovering her independence and fighting to be taken seriously in a male dominated industry. It was refreshing to watch her come to terms with the fact that her marriage wasn't right for her and that it was okay to choose a different path.
I also thought Seth made perfect sense for Chelsea. As the complete opposite of Ash, he offered her a new perspective on life that she desperately needed. While I didn't always agree with Seth's actions, I never doubted his feelings or the genuine connection they shared. I also appreciated the time period in which this story takes place. The emergence of new technology, the absence of social media, and the backdrop of politics all combined to make this a thoughtful and compelling romance.
If you love:
▪️ Self-discovery
▪️ Emotional growth
▪️ Workplace romance
▪️ Tech industry setting
▪️ Strong female protagonists
▪️ Early 2000s nostalgia
▪️ Second chances at happiness
I can't wait to read her next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sibylline Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Chelsea as she leaves a tech conference and heads home to her college sweetheart, Ash. She begins to realize that she may have rushed into marriage and that the life she envisioned for herself no longer feels right. In her new role at a tech company, advising executives in the post-Y2K era, she constantly finds herself as the only woman in the room. When she becomes swept up in a whirlwind affair with the sales executive at an emerging startup in her field, things quickly become complicated.
I really connected with Chelsea during this confusing period in her life. She tries so hard to appear like she has everything together while rediscovering her independence and fighting to be taken seriously in a male dominated industry. It was refreshing to watch her come to terms with the fact that her marriage wasn't right for her and that it was okay to choose a different path.
I also thought Seth made perfect sense for Chelsea. As the complete opposite of Ash, he offered her a new perspective on life that she desperately needed. While I didn't always agree with Seth's actions, I never doubted his feelings or the genuine connection they shared. I also appreciated the time period in which this story takes place. The emergence of new technology, the absence of social media, and the backdrop of politics all combined to make this a thoughtful and compelling romance.
If you love:
▪️ Self-discovery
▪️ Emotional growth
▪️ Workplace romance
▪️ Tech industry setting
▪️ Strong female protagonists
▪️ Early 2000s nostalgia
▪️ Second chances at happiness
I can't wait to read her next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sibylline Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Engineering a Love Story is a thoughtful, character-driven novel that takes a quieter, more introspective approach to romance. Rather than relying on sweeping gestures or idealized happily ever afters, it explores the complexities of love, ambition, timing, and the difficult questions that arise when you’ve found love but still wonder if there is something more.
Set in 2000 during the Gore-Bush presidential election, the story is woven together with references to the debates, election night, the recount, and the Supreme Court ruling. As someone who lived through that era, albeit as a high school student, I appreciated how these moments grounded the story in a very specific point in time. The historical references felt authentic without overwhelming the narrative and served as subtle markers of the characters’ lives unfolding alongside a pivotal moment in American history.
The writing itself is understated, literary, and emotionally restrained. It reminded me at times of My Year of Rest and Relaxation in its observational style and deliberate pacing. This is not a light, frilly romance. It is gritty, reflective, and populated by flawed, complex characters whose choices feel rooted in real life rather than genre conventions. The emotional payoff comes not from dramatic twists but from watching these characters slowly reveal themselves and navigate the uncertainty of adulthood, relationships, and the future.
Readers looking for a fast-paced romance or a fairy tale ending may find the pacing too measured. But if you enjoy literary fiction, nuanced character studies, and stories that acknowledge love is not always simple or neatly resolved, this book is well worth picking up. I think many readers who have experienced love while still questioning what they want from life will find something relatable within these pages.
Overall, I found this to be an engaging and memorable read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Engineering a Love Story is a thoughtful, character-driven novel that takes a quieter, more introspective approach to romance. Rather than relying on sweeping gestures or idealized happily ever afters, it explores the complexities of love, ambition, timing, and the difficult questions that arise when you’ve found love but still wonder if there is something more.
Set in 2000 during the Gore-Bush presidential election, the story is woven together with references to the debates, election night, the recount, and the Supreme Court ruling. As someone who lived through that era, albeit as a high school student, I appreciated how these moments grounded the story in a very specific point in time. The historical references felt authentic without overwhelming the narrative and served as subtle markers of the characters’ lives unfolding alongside a pivotal moment in American history.
The writing itself is understated, literary, and emotionally restrained. It reminded me at times of My Year of Rest and Relaxation in its observational style and deliberate pacing. This is not a light, frilly romance. It is gritty, reflective, and populated by flawed, complex characters whose choices feel rooted in real life rather than genre conventions. The emotional payoff comes not from dramatic twists but from watching these characters slowly reveal themselves and navigate the uncertainty of adulthood, relationships, and the future.
Readers looking for a fast-paced romance or a fairy tale ending may find the pacing too measured. But if you enjoy literary fiction, nuanced character studies, and stories that acknowledge love is not always simple or neatly resolved, this book is well worth picking up. I think many readers who have experienced love while still questioning what they want from life will find something relatable within these pages.
Overall, I found this to be an engaging and memorable read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.
4 stars
There are two books I always recommend if you are struggling to figure out who you are and what you want in life, especially if you are in your mid to late 20s. Engineering a Love Story by Kathleen Reidy will now be the third.
Set in the early 2000s, Reidy accurately depicted the struggles of a working woman in a male dominated field, all while trying to navigate rocky interpersonal relationships. Chelsea is the epitome of what may be traditionally perceived as a flawed character, that is if you ignore the road to self-discovery she is on. Did she make questionable choices at times? Yes, but that’s the beauty (or ugliness, I should say) in life. It takes an immense amount of courage to leave something you deem safe and secure, especially not knowing if what’s to come will be worse. As a woman in my mid 20s, there are many times I found myself relating to what Chelsea was going through and, within those situations, how difficult it is to deal with the consequences and emotions they bring (AKA got flashbacks of an old situationship, yikessss!).
However, I will note that many characters within the story seem to normalize cheating in the name of "true love", which definitely rubbed me the wrong way, so keep that in mind when moving forward. There was also a lot more political talk than I expected, and as a Canadian who merely knows the basics of American Politics from the 2000s (I was barely born...), it did at times disrupt my flow.
Overall, I would read this book if you feel like you’re stagnant in life and are scared to take risks or leave your comfort zone, because in the end, life is what we make of it, not what is expected of us.
4 stars
There are two books I always recommend if you are struggling to figure out who you are and what you want in life, especially if you are in your mid to late 20s. Engineering a Love Story by Kathleen Reidy will now be the third.
Set in the early 2000s, Reidy accurately depicted the struggles of a working woman in a male dominated field, all while trying to navigate rocky interpersonal relationships. Chelsea is the epitome of what may be traditionally perceived as a flawed character, that is if you ignore the road to self-discovery she is on. Did she make questionable choices at times? Yes, but that’s the beauty (or ugliness, I should say) in life. It takes an immense amount of courage to leave something you deem safe and secure, especially not knowing if what’s to come will be worse. As a woman in my mid 20s, there are many times I found myself relating to what Chelsea was going through and, within those situations, how difficult it is to deal with the consequences and emotions they bring (AKA got flashbacks of an old situationship, yikessss!).
However, I will note that many characters within the story seem to normalize cheating in the name of "true love", which definitely rubbed me the wrong way, so keep that in mind when moving forward. There was also a lot more political talk than I expected, and as a Canadian who merely knows the basics of American Politics from the 2000s (I was barely born...), it did at times disrupt my flow.
Overall, I would read this book if you feel like you’re stagnant in life and are scared to take risks or leave your comfort zone, because in the end, life is what we make of it, not what is expected of us.
August 7, 2026
Engineering a Love Story was, for me, a refreshing take on contemporary women’s fiction, exploring themes of love, identity, and self discovery.
Set in the early 2000s, the novel follows Chelsea, who has just ended her year-long marriage to her husband, Ash. As she begins to rebuild her life, she realizes that she no longer feels connected to the person she once was or the future she had imagined for herself. The story follows her journey as she navigates her life as a woman in the male-dominated tech industry, with all the challenges, frustrations, and successes that come with it. A new colleague further complicates her love life, forcing Chelsea to confront the difficult question about what she truly wants.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel was its unpredictability. Rather than making the outcome of Chelsea’s relationships obvious, the story keeps you guessing until the very end, reflecting her own uncertainty about what – and who – she truly wants.
The writing style is engaging and easy to immerse yourself in. It is witty and humorous when the moment calls for it, while never shying away from deeply personal and emotionally complex topics.
Overall, I had a great time reading Engineering a Love Story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories about people realizing that the life they have built no longer fits them, finding the courage to leave behind what feels safe, and embracing uncertainty in order to grow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC.
Set in the early 2000s, the novel follows Chelsea, who has just ended her year-long marriage to her husband, Ash. As she begins to rebuild her life, she realizes that she no longer feels connected to the person she once was or the future she had imagined for herself. The story follows her journey as she navigates her life as a woman in the male-dominated tech industry, with all the challenges, frustrations, and successes that come with it. A new colleague further complicates her love life, forcing Chelsea to confront the difficult question about what she truly wants.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel was its unpredictability. Rather than making the outcome of Chelsea’s relationships obvious, the story keeps you guessing until the very end, reflecting her own uncertainty about what – and who – she truly wants.
The writing style is engaging and easy to immerse yourself in. It is witty and humorous when the moment calls for it, while never shying away from deeply personal and emotionally complex topics.
Overall, I had a great time reading Engineering a Love Story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories about people realizing that the life they have built no longer fits them, finding the courage to leave behind what feels safe, and embracing uncertainty in order to grow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC.
August 14, 2026
I went into Engineering a Love Story expecting a swoony love story, and ended up getting almost everything but that.
Set in the year 2000, we follow Chelsea, a recently single woman who throws herself into a new career advising tech executives after leaving behind a life and a marriage that were supposed to be safe and steady. She quickly discovers she has a talent for spotting the next big thing, but things get a little more complicated when a work assignment brings her face-to-face with Seth, a magnetic sales executive who is very much off-limits.
And then there's the part of the book that surprised me: I expected romance. Instead, I got a story that seemed much more interested in everything behind love and figuring out what you actually want when the life you planned for yourself no longer fits.
The writing is captivating, although I'll admit it didn't pull me in right away. This was one of those books I had to put down, come back to, reread a few pages, rediscover, and then keep going. Somewhere along the way, I finally found myself really appreciating what it was doing.
I didn't go into this one expecting much, which probably is for the best and made the surprise even better. It's thoughtful, a little different, and maybe even a refreshing way of looking at the genre.
Set in the year 2000, we follow Chelsea, a recently single woman who throws herself into a new career advising tech executives after leaving behind a life and a marriage that were supposed to be safe and steady. She quickly discovers she has a talent for spotting the next big thing, but things get a little more complicated when a work assignment brings her face-to-face with Seth, a magnetic sales executive who is very much off-limits.
And then there's the part of the book that surprised me: I expected romance. Instead, I got a story that seemed much more interested in everything behind love and figuring out what you actually want when the life you planned for yourself no longer fits.
The writing is captivating, although I'll admit it didn't pull me in right away. This was one of those books I had to put down, come back to, reread a few pages, rediscover, and then keep going. Somewhere along the way, I finally found myself really appreciating what it was doing.
I didn't go into this one expecting much, which probably is for the best and made the surprise even better. It's thoughtful, a little different, and maybe even a refreshing way of looking at the genre.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a refreshing blend of women's fiction, romance, and a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s. The dot-com boom isn't just a backdrop,it feels like its own character, and I loved seeing the uncertainty, excitement, and chaos of that era through Chelsea's eyes.
Chelsea was easy to root for. She's intelligent, ambitious, and trying to rebuild her life after realizing that the "perfect" life she worked so hard for wasn't actually making her happy. Watching her navigate a male-dominated tech industry while learning to trust herself made her journey feel authentic and empowering without ever feeling preachy.
The romance was a slow burn with plenty of chemistry, but what stood out most to me was that this wasn't just a love story. It was about finding the courage to reinvent yourself, taking risks, and deciding what success really looks like on your own terms.
There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me cringe on Chelsea's behalf, and plenty of scenes that captured the excitement and uncertainty of a rapidly changing world. If you enjoy character-driven stories with strong female leads, workplace dynamics, and romance woven into a story about personal growth, this is definitely worth picking up.
Chelsea was easy to root for. She's intelligent, ambitious, and trying to rebuild her life after realizing that the "perfect" life she worked so hard for wasn't actually making her happy. Watching her navigate a male-dominated tech industry while learning to trust herself made her journey feel authentic and empowering without ever feeling preachy.
The romance was a slow burn with plenty of chemistry, but what stood out most to me was that this wasn't just a love story. It was about finding the courage to reinvent yourself, taking risks, and deciding what success really looks like on your own terms.
There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me cringe on Chelsea's behalf, and plenty of scenes that captured the excitement and uncertainty of a rapidly changing world. If you enjoy character-driven stories with strong female leads, workplace dynamics, and romance woven into a story about personal growth, this is definitely worth picking up.
June 24, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing an ARC.
Engineering a Love Story was a refreshing take on contemporary romance that leaned into realism rather than grand gestures. I appreciated how authentic the character dynamics felt and how the story explored both personal relationships and career ambitions for a woman in the early 2000s who is feeling a little bit all over the place in her life, in a way that felt believable and grounded.
While I didn’t feel particularly attached to the main character, I understood her motivations and emotions throughout the story, which made it easy to stay invested in her journey. The setting and the subject-specific elements surrounding online banking added an interesting layer that helped the book stand out, and I enjoyed the messy, realistic approach to relationships. That said, I found it difficult to fully root for the romance as the love interest didn’t leave a particularly strong impression on me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, well-paced read with a satisfying ending. It may not be a romance that stays with me long-term, but I appreciated its realism and would happily pick up another book by Kathleen Reidy in the future.
Engineering a Love Story was a refreshing take on contemporary romance that leaned into realism rather than grand gestures. I appreciated how authentic the character dynamics felt and how the story explored both personal relationships and career ambitions for a woman in the early 2000s who is feeling a little bit all over the place in her life, in a way that felt believable and grounded.
While I didn’t feel particularly attached to the main character, I understood her motivations and emotions throughout the story, which made it easy to stay invested in her journey. The setting and the subject-specific elements surrounding online banking added an interesting layer that helped the book stand out, and I enjoyed the messy, realistic approach to relationships. That said, I found it difficult to fully root for the romance as the love interest didn’t leave a particularly strong impression on me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, well-paced read with a satisfying ending. It may not be a romance that stays with me long-term, but I appreciated its realism and would happily pick up another book by Kathleen Reidy in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This wasn’t a bad book but I honestly feel like…nothing happened? The characters didn’t really grow and the entire book was mostly mundane events. I also would have liked to see the FMCs relationship with Ash to have more insight/context as to why their relationship didn’t work.
The FMC was so naive and a bit insufferable. She is constantly making spontaneous decisions and not worrying about them in the moment, but then continues to criticize the MMC for doing the same thing. Also, while I love the spotlight on the importance of discussing politics with someone you might not be up dating, it felt random and as if the plot didn’t benefit from the conversations the characters were having. I also don’t think it was necessary to repeatedly point out that the MMC was republican? (But I mean I get it, that is a jump scare) After the first time, I figured it wasn’t needed but that same conversation point is said 3 or 4 more times.
Overall, this wasn’t bad but I don’t think I’ll be recommending to anyone simply as it felt like a waste of time.
This wasn’t a bad book but I honestly feel like…nothing happened? The characters didn’t really grow and the entire book was mostly mundane events. I also would have liked to see the FMCs relationship with Ash to have more insight/context as to why their relationship didn’t work.
The FMC was so naive and a bit insufferable. She is constantly making spontaneous decisions and not worrying about them in the moment, but then continues to criticize the MMC for doing the same thing. Also, while I love the spotlight on the importance of discussing politics with someone you might not be up dating, it felt random and as if the plot didn’t benefit from the conversations the characters were having. I also don’t think it was necessary to repeatedly point out that the MMC was republican? (But I mean I get it, that is a jump scare) After the first time, I figured it wasn’t needed but that same conversation point is said 3 or 4 more times.
Overall, this wasn’t bad but I don’t think I’ll be recommending to anyone simply as it felt like a waste of time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book from NetGalley and would like to start by saying thank you. This book exceeded my expectations tremendously. I know you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I was judging this book by its title. The title makes one think it is a cheesy romance novel; however, I found that this book touched on important and profound ideas while following the love life of the main character. Author Kathleen Reidy writes the perfect novel, touching on politics during the Gore v. Bush election, the struggle of women employed within STEM fields, and the societal pressures that come with being a woman with a not-so-picture-perfect love life. Engineering a Love Story is easily recommendable to anyone who loves a romance novel with focus outside of the romance itself. I did not find this story to be predictable from the start like many romance novels, and the story does not feel rushed. I was extremely satisfied by the end and the pace of the conflict and conflict resolution. I would love to see more work from Reidy in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved getting to go back to the year 2000 in this novel–honestly, the historical (though it pains me to call it that) time period is probably my favorite aspect of the book. The story is also compelling, following a young adult navigating the fallout of her divorce while balancing a career advising tech companies. It was fascinating to read about everyone experiencing economic and historical events in real time, including the infamous 2000 presidential election.
I’d say that to call this a love story is more accurate than a romance, as it definitely doesn’t follow the beats of a traditional romance, which was refreshing. There was no guarantee of “happily ever after,” and Chelsea’s career is absolutely crucial to her path and to the story. This is a woman dealing with financial struggles post-divorce, trying a long-distance relationship, sidestepping land mines at work, and trying to figure out if she’s ever going to have it all figured out. I didn’t necessarily agree with all of Chelsea’s choices, but I rooted for her.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sibylline Press for the ARC!
I’d say that to call this a love story is more accurate than a romance, as it definitely doesn’t follow the beats of a traditional romance, which was refreshing. There was no guarantee of “happily ever after,” and Chelsea’s career is absolutely crucial to her path and to the story. This is a woman dealing with financial struggles post-divorce, trying a long-distance relationship, sidestepping land mines at work, and trying to figure out if she’s ever going to have it all figured out. I didn’t necessarily agree with all of Chelsea’s choices, but I rooted for her.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sibylline Press for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
Chelsea is a woman in a very male dominated workplace (I can relate) and she is probably smarter than all of them (I assume, because, honestly, we usually are :P). She married her childhood sweetheart but now knows that was a mistake and they separate. She embarks on an affair with a co-worker (bad idea, in my humble opinion – do not poop where you eat!) but it seems to be what she needs.
I loved how this focused on not only Chelsea as a woman and trying to find personal satisfaction, but also as she manages her career ambitions and how she is trying to fit into a very male-centric world.
I was more interested in her career ambitions, if I am honest, as the romance was fun but not my main focus. I loved how she did what she needed to do for herself and how she made changes (no matter how hard they were) to make her life happier.
I loved how this focused on not only Chelsea as a woman and trying to find personal satisfaction, but also as she manages her career ambitions and how she is trying to fit into a very male-centric world.
I was more interested in her career ambitions, if I am honest, as the romance was fun but not my main focus. I loved how she did what she needed to do for herself and how she made changes (no matter how hard they were) to make her life happier.
Review of advance copy
Oh Chelsea! To be 29, in the male-dominated tech world in 2000, to realize your marriage - comfy though it is - is not enough, that you're good at your job, excellent maybe - probably - but are still The Woman on the team, to fall in love with That Guy, when you know it's absolutely not the right thing to do. There's a time in your life when everything happens all at once, and that's exactly what is going on in this novel. Reidy takes us on her journey, the good, the bad, the really not a good idea bad, the that's just unfair bad, and the glorious, and does so with honesty, sensitivity and grace. Most amazingly, she kept her head up through it all, because that's what had to be done. What girl did and still do. And she offered us this well-written record of it all.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Engineering a Love Story was such a nostalgic and immersive read. The early 2000s setting pulled me right into the dot com era, and I enjoyed experiencing that world alongside Chelsea as she navigated major changes in both her personal and professional life.
What worked especially well for me was the easy pacing. The story moved comfortably without ever feeling rushed, giving me time to settle into Chelsea’s journey, the changing tech landscape, and the romance developing alongside it. There’s a great mix of career, independence, relationships, and starting over that made the story feel like more than just a romance.
This was an easy, engaging read with a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere. especially fun if you remember the turn of the millennium era and all the uncertainty and excitement that came with it.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.
What worked especially well for me was the easy pacing. The story moved comfortably without ever feeling rushed, giving me time to settle into Chelsea’s journey, the changing tech landscape, and the romance developing alongside it. There’s a great mix of career, independence, relationships, and starting over that made the story feel like more than just a romance.
This was an easy, engaging read with a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere. especially fun if you remember the turn of the millennium era and all the uncertainty and excitement that came with it.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In the wake of Y2K, twenty-nine-year old tech analyst Chelsea LeFere realizes her five-year marriage is a mistake. Separation and divorce from her pleasant-enough husband relatively painlessly, but the marriage, as it turns out, wasn’t her last mistake. Trying to juggle romance and career in the male-dominated tech world of the early 2000s provides plenty of opportunity for messing up…and for learning how to stand up for herself on the job and in a relationship.
An inspirational romance for any woman early in her career, Engineering a Love Story is also a reminder - for those of us at a certain age - of how far women in the workplace (and in a romantic relationship) have come…and how vigilant we need to be to avoid returning to those times.
An inspirational romance for any woman early in her career, Engineering a Love Story is also a reminder - for those of us at a certain age - of how far women in the workplace (and in a romantic relationship) have come…and how vigilant we need to be to avoid returning to those times.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read the perfect book for summer: Engineering a Love Story. It transported me right back to the dot-com bubble, before smartphones changed everything. The story captures what it was like to be a woman navigating a predominantly male industry with authenticity and heart.
Smart, funny, and refreshingly vulnerable, the book balances humor with genuine emotion. The characters feel real, and the nostalgia is woven seamlessly into the story without overshadowing it. Whether you remember the early tech boom firsthand or are discovering that era for the first time, it's an engaging and memorable read.
If you're looking for a thoughtful, entertaining summer read with romance, wit, and plenty of heart, I highly recommend Engineering a Love Story.
Smart, funny, and refreshingly vulnerable, the book balances humor with genuine emotion. The characters feel real, and the nostalgia is woven seamlessly into the story without overshadowing it. Whether you remember the early tech boom firsthand or are discovering that era for the first time, it's an engaging and memorable read.
If you're looking for a thoughtful, entertaining summer read with romance, wit, and plenty of heart, I highly recommend Engineering a Love Story.
Read
July 19, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
Engineering a Love Story was a slow-paced book that grew on me as I read. Set in the early 2000s tech world, this debut follows a woman figuring out what she wants from her life, both professionally and personally.
I liked that the story didn’t feel formulaic and that it explored a woman who cared just as much about her career as she did about her relationships. Her professional ambitions weren’t simply a backdrop for a love story, which made this feel a little different from what I expected going in.
Overall, an enjoyable debut so grab it when it comes out in October.
Engineering a Love Story was a slow-paced book that grew on me as I read. Set in the early 2000s tech world, this debut follows a woman figuring out what she wants from her life, both professionally and personally.
I liked that the story didn’t feel formulaic and that it explored a woman who cared just as much about her career as she did about her relationships. Her professional ambitions weren’t simply a backdrop for a love story, which made this feel a little different from what I expected going in.
Overall, an enjoyable debut so grab it when it comes out in October.
August 11, 2026
Thank you @sibyllinepress and Kathleen Reidy for the ARC of Engineering a Love Story! 👩💻
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was such an interesting read! I loved the setting of the tech world during the 2000s, with the dot com bubble and innovation. To me, this book read far more lit fic than romance. The FMC grapples with her career and love life, making choices that can be a hard read, yet you can’t put it down! I liked the niche industry — software advising in the 2000s — and that was the highlight more than the romance. I recommend this book but just thought it was different than I expected! Pub date 10/6/26.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was such an interesting read! I loved the setting of the tech world during the 2000s, with the dot com bubble and innovation. To me, this book read far more lit fic than romance. The FMC grapples with her career and love life, making choices that can be a hard read, yet you can’t put it down! I liked the niche industry — software advising in the 2000s — and that was the highlight more than the romance. I recommend this book but just thought it was different than I expected! Pub date 10/6/26.
Did Not Finish
July 11, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Unfortunately, this book just did not work for me. I found it hard to engage with and overall a bit boring. I struggled to connect with the main character and did not connect with any side characters. This book was lacking something and didn't bring anything interesting or new to the table. If you are intrigued by the synopsis I would still suggest giving it a go as it isn't a bad book just not for me.
Thanks again to NetGalley!
Unfortunately, this book just did not work for me. I found it hard to engage with and overall a bit boring. I struggled to connect with the main character and did not connect with any side characters. This book was lacking something and didn't bring anything interesting or new to the table. If you are intrigued by the synopsis I would still suggest giving it a go as it isn't a bad book just not for me.
Thanks again to NetGalley!
July 20, 2026
Book Rating: ⭐️
This was an advanced readers copy from NetGalley.
The description of this book, in my opinion, did not match the book that I read. I did not like how the narration was written or that back and forth of talking about past and present. And this book was written in first person. It got weirdly political at the most random moments. The author would also go into significant detail on things that I didn’t think were important to the story.
Also, there was a study guide at the end of the book.
This was an advanced readers copy from NetGalley.
The description of this book, in my opinion, did not match the book that I read. I did not like how the narration was written or that back and forth of talking about past and present. And this book was written in first person. It got weirdly political at the most random moments. The author would also go into significant detail on things that I didn’t think were important to the story.
Also, there was a study guide at the end of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book, it was a breath of fresh air and a nostalgic journey back to the early 2000’s and dot com era. I love all the deep topics explored throughout the book and the emotional dilemmas that Chelsea battles while she tries to a build a life where she chooses herself, chooses more for herself. It is a beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking journey of a woman discovering what she wants and finding the courage to pursue it. Then finding love in the most inconvenient time and place.
August 9, 2026
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, and I wanted to like it, but I just really did not. I finished it because I try to finish every book, but I didn't get into the plot and did not like the characters - also, I did not think they were well developed. It was a slow start and did not really ever pick up the pace. Chelsea and Ash don't work, and I thought that Boops might be the added part that was needed, but even when she made an appearance at the start, it did not engage me. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Sibylline Press, for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was pleasantly surprised after reading this book was a debut novel. The book is well written and the story doesn’t center around the typical “love story” formatting, which was refreshing. There were many moments when the ending remained unpredictable; Does Chelsea end up alone? With Seth? With someone new? Does it even matter? I loved that she started to get comfortable in her own life - even if it was a little lonely, as life can be sometimes. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher through Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
I absolutely loved this debut novel! This perfectly captures life, love, and figuring out how to find genuine happiness. Chelsea's story in the 2000s juggling a divorce, her career, and new relationships is relatable and inspiring. This book was beautifully written and not your conventional love story. I wholeheartedly recommend!
I absolutely loved this debut novel! This perfectly captures life, love, and figuring out how to find genuine happiness. Chelsea's story in the 2000s juggling a divorce, her career, and new relationships is relatable and inspiring. This book was beautifully written and not your conventional love story. I wholeheartedly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was very engrossed unexpectedly- why would a story taking place in the tech world in the year 2000 hold my interest? Anyway, it did. The pacing was slow and not action packed in any way, but I found Chelsea’s quarter life crisis something I was all in on. Seth did annoy me at times- wish he would’ve gone to bat for her more! really love this string of romances taking place in the early 2000s and would recommend this one to anyone after a bit of nostalgia when it comes out later this year.
Review of advance copy
Love Story captured the time and struggles of being young and trying to figure out your life and what makes you happy or unhappy and why? The feeling of being alone which is both scary and exciting and all decision are your own...both good and bad. The feeling of moving forward and living your own life was really captured in this wonderful story.
August 10, 2026
I got this as an early advance from NetGalley. So a thank you to them!
This book just wasn’t it for me. The work talk was a little too much and too in depth it was kinda boring. And the politic talk was just a no for me. The storyline wasn’t horrible though and I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if the work talk was as frequent as it was.
This book just wasn’t it for me. The work talk was a little too much and too in depth it was kinda boring. And the politic talk was just a no for me. The storyline wasn’t horrible though and I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if the work talk was as frequent as it was.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An engrossing and perceptive story about ambition, love, and a woman's search for the life she truly wants. Set in the year 2000, it also evoked a nostalgia for this reader! I highly recommend this debut and am looking forward to reading more by Kathleen Reidy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A terrific debut novel that follows a young woman coming of age in the midst of Y2K. It's engaging, funny, and full of nostalgia, perfectly capturing the spirit of the era and evoking memories of a not-so-distant past.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Could not put it down. A page-turner about real life, relatable choices, and a woman working in a man’s world. Set in 2000’s and relevant to today, an inspiring read for anyone.
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