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LOVE!: An Enthusiastic and Modern Perspective on Matters of the Heart
Most of us mosey between single, dating and committed in a half-rapturous, half-tortured loop for a large portion of our lives.There’s no right or wrong when it comes to love, life and relationships. There are no rules and there is no normal when it comes to the heart; it’s different for each of us, every single time. However! A fresh perspective never hurts, especially if the Same Shit keeps happening again and again. Thankfully, this visually pleasing tome lovingly serves up a few for you to consider.With her trademark warmth, wit and realism, Australia’s favourite relationship advisor Zoe Foster Blake is here to benevolently guide you through the murky, magnificent spectrum of love. Love for yourself! A love of being single! Love for the journey of finding love, rather than just the destination! Love for our exes, who all teach us something even if we want to tip them into the ocean! And of wholehearted and respectful love for others. Whether you are gloriously, serenely single, disheartened after a nuclear heartbreak, wedged ungraciously in the friend zone, managing a flock of completely inappropriate Tinder suitors, or profoundly in love and primed for a Major Commitment, this is an indispensable and empowering reference guide to the heart. Read it with an open mind, and an open heart.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
61 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
About the author
Zoë Foster Blake
24 books659 followersZoë Foster Blake is an Australian author and the founder of Go-To skin care. Yes, she is writing this in third person.
Zoë writes mostly for young women, because she thinks they're wonderful and deserve nice books.
Zoë has published five fiction titles, THINGS WILL CALM DOWN SOON, AIR KISSES, PLAYING THE FIELD, THE YOUNGER MAN and THE WRONG GIRL (made into a network TV series in Australia).
Zoë has also written four non-fiction titles: a dating and relationship guide called TEXTBOOK ROMANCE, (written with Hamish Blake), AMAZINGER FACE, a compilation of beauty tips and tricks, BREAK-UP BOSS, (also an app) and LOVE!, essays from a decade spent writing relationship advice. She published CLEAN SLATE, an Audible Original about infidelity in a seemingly perfect marriage in 2020.
She also writes picture books: NO ONE LIKES A FART, which won the ABIA Children’s Picture Book of the Year in 2018 because farts are where it’s AT, BACK TO SLEEP, FART AND BURP ARE SUPERSTINKERS (titled NO ONE LIKES A BURP in the US), SCAREDY BATH, BATTLE MUM, HAPPY FARTER’S DAY, and BEST PRESENT EVER.
When she's not updating her goodreads bio she's writing her new novel, out Oct 2026.
Zoë writes mostly for young women, because she thinks they're wonderful and deserve nice books.
Zoë has published five fiction titles, THINGS WILL CALM DOWN SOON, AIR KISSES, PLAYING THE FIELD, THE YOUNGER MAN and THE WRONG GIRL (made into a network TV series in Australia).
Zoë has also written four non-fiction titles: a dating and relationship guide called TEXTBOOK ROMANCE, (written with Hamish Blake), AMAZINGER FACE, a compilation of beauty tips and tricks, BREAK-UP BOSS, (also an app) and LOVE!, essays from a decade spent writing relationship advice. She published CLEAN SLATE, an Audible Original about infidelity in a seemingly perfect marriage in 2020.
She also writes picture books: NO ONE LIKES A FART, which won the ABIA Children’s Picture Book of the Year in 2018 because farts are where it’s AT, BACK TO SLEEP, FART AND BURP ARE SUPERSTINKERS (titled NO ONE LIKES A BURP in the US), SCAREDY BATH, BATTLE MUM, HAPPY FARTER’S DAY, and BEST PRESENT EVER.
When she's not updating her goodreads bio she's writing her new novel, out Oct 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 12, 2019
This book is the kind of book you'd read on the toilet.
The book starts by talking about how you don't need to love yourself for someone else to love you, then a few chapters later it goes on and on about how you can't enter a relationship without self-esteem etc. It's very contradictory.
It's incredibly sexist and focuses way too much on those who are capable of entering into relationships.
My niche is I am in my late 20s and have never had a partner. My niche was not explored. Being single is good apparently, but Foster Blake kept mentioning her cute little married life. So, um, the goal is to get married. This book is so archaic.
But I'd read it on the toilet, because it's trashy and easy to read. But it's something to read with a lot of perspective.
A better book about love should explore gender roles and how they're changing. The psychology of men and women in love is what is more educational.
The biggest concern was that the book had a tiny little disclaimer at the end about seeking professional help if you're needing emotional support. That should have been at the FRONT of the book.
The book starts by talking about how you don't need to love yourself for someone else to love you, then a few chapters later it goes on and on about how you can't enter a relationship without self-esteem etc. It's very contradictory.
It's incredibly sexist and focuses way too much on those who are capable of entering into relationships.
My niche is I am in my late 20s and have never had a partner. My niche was not explored. Being single is good apparently, but Foster Blake kept mentioning her cute little married life. So, um, the goal is to get married. This book is so archaic.
But I'd read it on the toilet, because it's trashy and easy to read. But it's something to read with a lot of perspective.
A better book about love should explore gender roles and how they're changing. The psychology of men and women in love is what is more educational.
The biggest concern was that the book had a tiny little disclaimer at the end about seeking professional help if you're needing emotional support. That should have been at the FRONT of the book.
December 19, 2021
I love Zöe Foster-Blake with my whole heart but I really didn’t like this book.
Love! didn’t touch on platonic love at all and the whole piece just felt a bit aggressive. While I understand the book was written as if it was one big column, it became irritating. It also seemed to communicate that doubts and living with a partner destined a relationship to either failure or mediocracy, and while that may be true for some people, it just lacked nuance.
There was also a theme about waiting for a man to chase you to maintain mystery. Love is love, it’s not game.
Love! didn’t touch on platonic love at all and the whole piece just felt a bit aggressive. While I understand the book was written as if it was one big column, it became irritating. It also seemed to communicate that doubts and living with a partner destined a relationship to either failure or mediocracy, and while that may be true for some people, it just lacked nuance.
There was also a theme about waiting for a man to chase you to maintain mystery. Love is love, it’s not game.
August 19, 2020
A bit too long for my liking, but boy do I love the way Zoë writes! Numerous times while reading, I was chuckling so hard I read it out loud to my poor partner or took a photo and sent the quotes pages to my girlfriends.
Some super sound advice for different stages of people’s romantics lives and shared with a good mix of seriousness and light-heartedness.
Thanks, Zoë! X
Some super sound advice for different stages of people’s romantics lives and shared with a good mix of seriousness and light-heartedness.
Thanks, Zoë! X
August 23, 2020
This book reinforces a lot of lessons I’ve learnt from dating and it’s nice to be reminded that dating can be TOUGH.
I didn’t like that the is super heteronormative (I know she acknowledges this) but it’s almost cringey straight culture BS at times. Like according to Foster Blake men like to pursue women and women like to be pursued? And you need to wait a certain amount of time before texting someone? I hate hate hate hate those “dating rules”. The only rules you need are to be respectful and kind both to yourself and whoever you date.
I didn’t like that the is super heteronormative (I know she acknowledges this) but it’s almost cringey straight culture BS at times. Like according to Foster Blake men like to pursue women and women like to be pursued? And you need to wait a certain amount of time before texting someone? I hate hate hate hate those “dating rules”. The only rules you need are to be respectful and kind both to yourself and whoever you date.
September 28, 2022
An audiobook that genuinely uplifted my self worth. A listen for any gal whether single or in a relationship!
January 7, 2021
LOVEd it (lol) (but really, I did)
March 16, 2023
Nothing necessarily new for me but stuff I needed to hear anyway lol
February 23, 2019
For me this book bought up alot of old memories of Zoe's articles in the Cosmo days. I love the way she writes and it was like flicking through old articles but better. More rounded, more sophisticated.
To be honest, I purchased because I love Zoe and I love her writing style so I enjoyed it regardless however I didn't gain much from it personally. I think it's an amazing book for any female to read about love. It would be an ace gift one for your gal pals too!
To be honest, I purchased because I love Zoe and I love her writing style so I enjoyed it regardless however I didn't gain much from it personally. I think it's an amazing book for any female to read about love. It would be an ace gift one for your gal pals too!
June 13, 2022
Fun writing style that Zoe is known for, on all the stages of love. I enjoyed the first part but found it slowly getting repetitive as it went on. The advice was fairly general and the chapters didn't flow as well as I would have liked.
I probably would have enjoyed five years ago but for now not so much.
I probably would have enjoyed five years ago but for now not so much.
February 3, 2024
Audiobook!!
It was a very good book, I am in a happy relationship though and this was more advice about breakups. Love Zoe though!!!!
It was a very good book, I am in a happy relationship though and this was more advice about breakups. Love Zoe though!!!!
February 6, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
“I love myself, I look after myself and I am the best version of myself”
This book attracted me by having a lovely blue and pink cover, and the word Love! in huge letters, and imagined it to have been a more scientific, educational study about emotions and biology. I wasn’t familiar with Zoe Foster Blake but really enjoyed the casual, natural chatty style of this, in a book that was more about healthy romantic and sexual relationships. I may not have gained as much from it at this point in my nice, settled home style life but still relatable.
Noteworthy elements that stood out included the difference between self worth and self esteem (“If you don’t finish the house you have to sleep in the rain and the cold!”); the importance of personal accountability in situations; having being alone and single days - I always thought a relationship with self was just as important as the we. Also, definitely marry the brain not the face...
I have to also bow down for possibly the best line that I’ll hear this year on having to step up and take the action - Twain, you can eat your various sized frogs, but in less than twenty words I’ve heard a phrase that I’m going to repeat to myself often in high anxiety fleeting moments:
“You must be brave, so feel the adrenaline, do a nervous poo, and get on with it”
“I love myself, I look after myself and I am the best version of myself”
This book attracted me by having a lovely blue and pink cover, and the word Love! in huge letters, and imagined it to have been a more scientific, educational study about emotions and biology. I wasn’t familiar with Zoe Foster Blake but really enjoyed the casual, natural chatty style of this, in a book that was more about healthy romantic and sexual relationships. I may not have gained as much from it at this point in my nice, settled home style life but still relatable.
Noteworthy elements that stood out included the difference between self worth and self esteem (“If you don’t finish the house you have to sleep in the rain and the cold!”); the importance of personal accountability in situations; having being alone and single days - I always thought a relationship with self was just as important as the we. Also, definitely marry the brain not the face...
I have to also bow down for possibly the best line that I’ll hear this year on having to step up and take the action - Twain, you can eat your various sized frogs, but in less than twenty words I’ve heard a phrase that I’m going to repeat to myself often in high anxiety fleeting moments:
“You must be brave, so feel the adrenaline, do a nervous poo, and get on with it”
February 22, 2021
‘Retreating back to what you know before you’re done healing will not make your pain stop.’
I LOVE ZOE and loved her book Break-Up Boss, so I expected similar vibes from LOVE, which I 100% got.
My favourite part of reading books by Zoe is that I feel like I am sitting down at a girls only sleepover with my best friend. I love how her writing style is so casual, witty and encouraging. I feel empowerment and positivity when I am reading her work.
After looking at reviews, I saw many complaints about the lack of relatability for some women. However, I believe Zoe has accurately pinpointed those in their late teens through their twenties and created a book to cater.
LOVE! was a wonderful mix of seriousness and laughter, with good advice for those in different stages of their lives. I believe this is the type of book you will pick up at various points when you feel drawn and need a little bit of sisterly advice to help you through.
I LOVE ZOE and loved her book Break-Up Boss, so I expected similar vibes from LOVE, which I 100% got.
My favourite part of reading books by Zoe is that I feel like I am sitting down at a girls only sleepover with my best friend. I love how her writing style is so casual, witty and encouraging. I feel empowerment and positivity when I am reading her work.
After looking at reviews, I saw many complaints about the lack of relatability for some women. However, I believe Zoe has accurately pinpointed those in their late teens through their twenties and created a book to cater.
LOVE! was a wonderful mix of seriousness and laughter, with good advice for those in different stages of their lives. I believe this is the type of book you will pick up at various points when you feel drawn and need a little bit of sisterly advice to help you through.
October 25, 2023
2.5 stars
Look, Zoe Foster-Blake is funny and charming and this book was easy to consume, but it ultimately lacked depth or succeeded in doing anything that hasn’t already been done a million times over. Which in many ways should be expected given it is based on columns she wrote for Cosmopolitan, which I have never walked away from reading feeling more intelligent or enlightened.
I believe I would have enjoyed this book more if I was single and in my twenties. As a married person in my thirties, I wasn’t even close to being the target audience for this book (which I knew going into it) and much of her advice left me wondering how dating had become so complicated in the last 15 years.
Look, Zoe Foster-Blake is funny and charming and this book was easy to consume, but it ultimately lacked depth or succeeded in doing anything that hasn’t already been done a million times over. Which in many ways should be expected given it is based on columns she wrote for Cosmopolitan, which I have never walked away from reading feeling more intelligent or enlightened.
I believe I would have enjoyed this book more if I was single and in my twenties. As a married person in my thirties, I wasn’t even close to being the target audience for this book (which I knew going into it) and much of her advice left me wondering how dating had become so complicated in the last 15 years.
March 18, 2019
I may be biased because I am a young woman in her twenties and I love a good Zoe Foster-Blake book, but I finished this within 4 days (I should mention I listened on Audible)! It was extremely easy to follow & I loved the way it was flowed through effortlessly. I love the witty ness of her writing & this book is no exception. I think it has some great advice, although I can imagine it may hit a few sore points for people as I don’t think everyone shares the same views. None the less, great book & will be recommending!
July 2, 2020
Colloquial writing but bang on my kinda tone. Kinda wish I’d had a book like this on my shelves throughout my 20s.
I’m very single currently but it has so many good messages (and some shit ones but nobody is perfect and ZFB isn’t claiming to be). I’ve definitely aged past the target market for this (as I said, I wish I had it on my shelves throughout my 20s) but it’s a decent reminder of some things to keep in mind at all times while navigating relationships.
I’m very single currently but it has so many good messages (and some shit ones but nobody is perfect and ZFB isn’t claiming to be). I’ve definitely aged past the target market for this (as I said, I wish I had it on my shelves throughout my 20s) but it’s a decent reminder of some things to keep in mind at all times while navigating relationships.
January 21, 2021
Love this book! Zoë is an Aussie icon and inspiration. 🤩 She gives lots of romance scenarios and advice with examples. I especially appreciate the part about loving yourself instead of seeking validation from others. I don't agree with everything she says, but then again everyone has different opinions about love and at least Zoë is very open minded about most of it. Really enjoy her quirky writing style. I listened to the audiobook, which she narrates in an engaging way. 😁
March 1, 2021
Zoe is an amazing writer. This is a self help book that she puts a light hearted spin on.
It's a tough topic and she takes the worst case scenario that you're reading this is a deep dark moment and she's your best friend trying to cheer you up whilst providing helpful advice.
For those who are harsh she was a relationship columnists for many years and that is who is writing this book not the super deep loving mother that she also is.
It's a tough topic and she takes the worst case scenario that you're reading this is a deep dark moment and she's your best friend trying to cheer you up whilst providing helpful advice.
For those who are harsh she was a relationship columnists for many years and that is who is writing this book not the super deep loving mother that she also is.
February 23, 2021
In true Zoe Foster style she has written this textbook as if she is talking to the reader - I love that!
I loved that the layout of the book was like a textbook that had proper tabs for different stages of relationships.
The only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars is because I didn’t like the Q&A at times I felt as though I was reading the advice column of a magazine.
I loved that the layout of the book was like a textbook that had proper tabs for different stages of relationships.
The only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars is because I didn’t like the Q&A at times I felt as though I was reading the advice column of a magazine.
September 27, 2022
I don’t know if I’ve ever read a relationship self help book targeted at young, Caucasian, monogamous women… and if this is anything to go by, I never will again.
Foster-Blake’s advice is to buy into and reinforce problematic gender norms (‘men need to chase, it’s biological’), have shit communication and manifest your way to happiness. NO THANKS.
Foster-Blake’s advice is to buy into and reinforce problematic gender norms (‘men need to chase, it’s biological’), have shit communication and manifest your way to happiness. NO THANKS.
September 8, 2019
Sometimes I forget how unique Australian slang is – ‘crack the shits’ is such an Aussie thing to say.
It is pretty hetero normative. Also it’s inconsistent; from one section to another she tells you to do the exact opposite thing.
Man… I don’t know…
3 stars?
It is pretty hetero normative. Also it’s inconsistent; from one section to another she tells you to do the exact opposite thing.
Man… I don’t know…
3 stars?
January 16, 2020
This book was a little bit of a let down, and I eventually grew tired of the constant wit. But, there’s some solid advice in here and it will absolutely be a great reference book down the line. I LOVED the page design too. A respectable book.
April 5, 2020
Absolutely loved this book and Zoe. All of her beliefs and advice resonate with me in its own way. Zoe keeps it lighthearted and also reminds everyone to love yourself because I do really think that is such an important thing. I wouldn’t recommend anyone reading it xxx
February 2, 2021
I love Zoë. Her writing style is warm, compassionate, empowering, and zesty, and this is a collection from her decade as an advice columnist for Cosmo. This is no Esther Perel, but it's light-hearted, fun, and extremely easy to read.
January 7, 2023
Incredible! A beautiful and lighthearted writing style that brings fun and laughter throughout. A great read on all things LOVE (self, dating, hurting, and commitment included). Couldn’t recommend this enough, regardless of where you are on your journey.
August 28, 2019
Bloody loved it! Zoe has a way of making you feel like you’ve been besties forever and she’s hitting you with the hard truth, without being an asshole!
December 12, 2020
I found it a bit repetitive and too many generalisations about men/women that comes across a bit judgemental at times. However, some worthwhile thinking points and love the design of the book.
May 6, 2021
Couldn't get half way through. Found some of the advice very outdated, e.g making the man chase to make him keen.
October 4, 2021
Definitely a good real for a the single gal pals out there !!
October 25, 2021
2.5 stars - adore Zoe’s witty writing style but I found this way too repetitive!
March 25, 2022
Unfortunately I did not enjoy this writing style. I felt like the language is aimed at teenagers. :-(
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews