Love on Location

by Lynne Shelby

Shortlisted for the 2022 RNA Jane Wenham-Jones Award for Romantic Comedy.

Can movie magic lead to a real-life romance?

When Laurel Martin is hired to rewrite the script for a new timeslip blockbuster, she expects the historical advisor hired by the studio to be an elderly academic who won't interfere too much with her writing. But when she meets Professor Jason Harding, a young and unexpectedly handsome archaeologist who has some ideas of his own about the script, she realises the job isn't going to be as simple as she first thought.

As their work takes them from arguing over historical details in a cramped London office to discovering the hidden beauties of a Greek island, Laurel and Jason's relationship starts to echo the romance of their script.

But with Laurel's actor ex-boyfriend making trouble at home, and constant issues with the volatile director, will Laurel and Jason ever be able to write the happy ending for their own story?

Escape with this charming, summery romance, perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft and Miranda Dickinson.

Genres: Romance

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2021

About the author

Lynne Shelby writes contemporary women’s fiction/romance.

Her debut novel, ‘French Kissing,’ now re-released in e-book as 'Meet Me In Paris' won the Accent Press and Woman magazine Writing Competition. Her fifth novel, Love On Location, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novelists' Association Award.

When not writing or reading, Lynne can usually be found at the theatre or exploring a foreign city - Paris, New York, Rome, Copenhagen, Seattle, Reykjavik - writer's notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband, and has three adult children who live nearby.

Reviews

[Jenni Keer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun slow burn romance between archaeologist Jason, and scriptwriter Laurel, where I learned so much about both their worlds. This unlikely paring do find love on location - and the book does exactly what it says on the tin! I highly recommend escaping to Greece with this charming summer read.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me so long to get into, I loved the story line just didn’t really get on with the characters until half way through the book. I’m glad laurel got her happy ending as she deserved it. I really didn’t like Connor at all, but I enjoyed it in the end.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has always had a rather special touch when writing about theatreland, balancing the glitz and glamour with a realistic view of the hard work and many disappointments that accompany it. This time, we’re in the world of big budget movie-making – and I’m delighted to report that she brings to it the same degree of fascination and involvement.

Laurel is a screenwriter, brought in at short notice to polish up the script for Swords and Sandals, a timeslip romance due to start shooting in the Greek islands in five weeks’ time. It’s her big break, and she’s less than pleased to find that she’s been paired up with a historical advisor, an archaeologist brought in to make sure the detail’s accurate and that there are no anachronisms. She’s surprised to find that he’s not the doddery old professor she expected, Jason is much younger and distinctly hot – but she’s less pleased to find that he’s seen as her co-writer, and finds him undermining her at script meetings and arguing with her ideas. But their relationship slowly becomes a little more comfortable, and they find themselves summoned to the Greek island of Kyros where the shoot is going far from smoothly and they might need to make some last minute changes to the script. The travel arrangements let them down, and they find themselves in Athens for a few days, unexpectedly (and a little uncomfortably) sharing a room – but their friendship grows as Jason shows her the sights, and things heat up considerably when they get to Kyros.

Back at home, Laurel has an on-off relationship with Conor – he’s a stage actor, very much the centre of his own universe – and he’s “temporarily” moved into her flat to the consternation of her friend and flatmate Amber. But Amber has a part in Swords and Sandals – and the possibility of a relationship with Harry, the lead actor, if only she can get over her unrequited feelings for her male friend. And Amber and Laurel are both headed for Kyros, leaving Conor in the flat – and leaving Laurel with the problem of how to extricate herself from the less than satisfactory relationship.

The characters in this book are really well drawn – I really liked Laurel from the very beginning, and Jason slowly won me over as he became more fully rounded with glimpses of his past and his relationship with Laurel developed. The romance elements are strong and believable, and with some lovely emotional touches, and just the right degree of misunderstanding and conflict – and equally well handled in the secondary storyline of Amber and Harry. The locations, of course, are just perfect, and beautifully brought to life – first Athens, and then Kyros, and who doesn’t love a luxury villa on a Greek island with an arbour for writing in, a roof terrace to sleep under the stars and an illuminated pool. But I also loved all the richness of the detail about the process of movie making – the long and difficult days, the unreasonable and irascible director, the small details about the whole filming process.

One aspect of the storytelling that I really enjoyed was the way that Laurel wrote scripts in her head for real life events – she sees everything in film-related terms, from the perfect moment for the next kiss to the appropriate moment to cut away from the action or to declare “it’s a wrap”. At first, I did wonder if it might become a little annoying – but it really didn’t, and worked really well. The only thing about the whole book that did perplex me a little was what on earth Laurel saw in Conor – but I guess we all have moments when our judgement can be a little questionable.

I very much enjoyed this one – pure escapism, an excellent and well-told story, wonderful locations, well drawn characters, a strong and believable romance, and the sheer fascination of film-making on location. Perhaps my favourite book from the author so far, and recommended to all.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Love on Location, Laurel is tasked with rewriting the script of the time-slip movie Swords and Sandals, only to find she has been paired up with an archaeology professor to ensure historical accuracy. As Laurel is used to working alone, there is a bit of friction between them to start with but, knowing they have no choice but to make the best of it, they slowly come to appreciate each other’s expertise.
I have read and enjoyed Lynne Shelby’s previous books based in the world of film and theatre. She always shows both sides of working in the entertainment industry, and balances the glamour with a realistic portrayal of the hard slog and disappointments behind the scenes. Here we get fascinating glimpses behind the scenes on a film set, and find out just how temperamental a director can be.
The large cast of characters are well written and believable, though there were one or two occasions when Laurel and Jason’s behaviour did not ring true. The idyllic Greek locations are depicted in vivid detail – I particularly enjoyed the sojourn in Athens as Jason shows Laurel round the ancient sites and explains the history behind them. The only aspect I had a slight problem with was that someone who writes screenplays for a living would not read books.
I really enjoyed escaping to the Greek island of Kyros, and look forward to Lynne Shelby’s next foray into life in the entertainment world. Thanks to Headline Accent and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew from the blurb that I would love this book as it features scriptwriting, an idyllic Greek island and snippets of ancient Greek history. Laurel and Jason are well drawn characters and the location is described so well It was easy to imagine the two villas and the beach. Of course there has to be an impediment to true love and in Laurel's case it's her two-timing boyfriend Conor. The sub-plot is neatly interwoven and complements the main story perfectly. I also enjoying learning about want goes on behind a shoot. Really enjoyed my Greek 'fix'which could only have been bettered by being able to read it in Greece.

[Leith Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, Lynne Shelby is a new author to me. I was happily surprised, this is a fun romance, it’s well written and it flew by once I started reading. The characters are very relatable as well.
The descriptions of Greece were fantastic, I’ve been there once and remember being in awe of the Parthenon. This book brought me right back, and will have you checking flights to Athens! The romance started as a slow burn but definitely picked up! I recommend this book, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed reviews about this book. On the one hand, it was an easy read and the main character was interesting, if not a bit cliche. I liked the romance aspect and the location of various Greek islands. However, the long romantic paragraphs of hypothetical rambling made me want to punch the main character and forever alter her thoughts so she would never have to create stories in her head, which is actually quite a serious mental illness. I also absolutely despise sudden marriage and proposal within a couple of months even if it was the side characters. Oh and i was not a fan of the cheating AT ALL, she faced no repercussions and didn't touch on the fact that SHE WAS LITERALLY SLEEPING WITH SOMEONE WHO WASN'T HER BOYFRIEND. Also don't go back to him if you know he cheated, even though it shows her as weak and flawed character which i would normally appreciate, don't be so pathetic. However, i enjoyed reading it and would possibly recommend.

[Rona Nimmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love on Location
by Lynne Shelby

Laurel Marten is a script writer called by a film company to do some rewriting on the final script of a blockbuster time travel romantic drama. Working with professor Jason Harvey as historical advisor. She was expecting an elderly gentleman she couldn’t be more wrong. Jason is the exact opposite. They didn’t hit it off very well whilst in there cramped office but when they transfer to the film location of on beautiful Greek island things slowly start to change.

Lovely , beautifully descriptive novel with a easy paced romance with the odd twist thrown in.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love on Location was a cute beach-y read, but I wouldn’t say it was particularly well written… the mix of archaeology and films was interesting, but the main character was a bit annoying and her inner monologues could have been cut, in my opinion. The ending was predictable and I wish there had been a little bit more of a challenge for the characters to overcome. I picked this one up on sale and I’m glad I did.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love on Location isn’t my usual genre and I found the dialogue a bit awkward. This was a nice little story and love match though. The locations and history tidbits were interesting. A fast escapist read.

[Suzanne Rogerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, loved the location and the situation felt new and original. I'm glad I've discovered Lynne Shelby's work and look forward to reading the rest of her books.

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall this was enjoyable but I found myself more interested in the side characters' relationship.

[Etta (Chonky Books Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love on Location transports the reader to Ancient Greece with the characters working on the creation of the fictional feature film, Swords and Sandals, a time-slip romance featuring modern-day Chloe and historical Lysander. Before going into the actual novel, I would definitely not be opposed to someone actually making this movie! It sounds like a very sweet story, even if the main characters are presented with the 27th version of the draft script to try to create a masterpiece. Even though all the edits the two characters give the original script, I am sure that I will still willingly spend money to watch this movie on the big screen.

The main character, 29-years-old Laurel Martin is a screenwriter looking for her big break. She has been involved in smaller projects, but nothing as large scale as a feature film. She has an on-off, currently on, relationship with her actor boyfriend Conor, who is preparing for his role in a play. Their story is interesting as I wish that there was a little more background to how the two work as a couple. From my perspective, I honestly could not see why Laurel would be with him aside from convenience and loyalty from their shared past. She lives with her best friend, Amber Wallace, an aspiring actor. Amber and Laurel have a fantastic friendship where they are involved in each other’s lives, while still having some space. When Laurel receives a call to work on a new movie from Marcus Farley of Farley Productions, which he runs with his wife Shannon, she is ecstatic to rewrite the script for the love story.

Laurel, however, will not be working alone as the director, Drew Brightman, has brought in another team member to add to the authenticity of the piece. Dr. Jason Harding is a 33-years-old lecturer of archeology at a local London university. Although he has never written a screenplay before, he is extremely knowledgeable in Ancient Greece. Jason’s companion character is his friend and colleague, Emily Page. While she is not as involved in the story as Amber, I loved that Jason had a friend to confide in during his portions of this duel-perspective story. As Laurel is very unsure about working with Jason, the two characters end up butting heads a lot as they try to put a new script together.

The two of them end up in the film’s location on the Greek Island of Kyros, where their professional tension seems to soften the more they get to know each other. Additionally, the two of them find that they have a growing attraction with the one major problem of Conor looming in the background. For me, I am surprised that the synopsis presents Conor as ex as he is with Laurel for a lot longer than I would have anticipated. While I greatly disliked his character, it felt a little like a misrepresentation of the relationships and expectations within the story.

Overall, this delightful escapism read goes into the exploration of the behind-the-scenes pieces for creating a movie. It was very interesting to read about everything about the inner workings from the million rewrites, even if the director wants a tiny detail changed last minute, to just the actual filming in general. Laurel and Jason were both very likable characters and I loved how they taught each other about their respective industries! Even before any romance was in the works for them, I enjoyed the two of them getting to know the other. It was evident that they formed a real bond over the course of the novel. As Lynne Shelby is a new-to-me author, I cannot wait to read more from her in the future!

**I give a special thank you to Rachel @rararesources,, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to participate with this enjoyable novel via Netgalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the shooting of a movie is the perfect set for a romance for the scriptwriters. 

Laurel Martin dreams of being a successful screenwriter. So when she is hired to rewrite the script for the hopeful next blockbuster, she grabs the opportunity with both hands.
As the film will be a historical romance, she ahs to work together with Professor Jason Harding, to make sure that everything in the film is accurate. 
However, Jason is not the stereotypical Professor, as in being elder and even nerdy, but he is young, very handsome but also very stubborn as he has his own ideas about the script.
Even if Laurel and Jason are clashing with different opinions, they have to work together to make this script a success, even going with the whole cast and crew to the Greek island where the shooting is taking place.
Will this beautiful island work its magic also on Laurel and Jason? Or will Laurel return to her actor boyfriend? 

Oh wow, just wow… how much did I enjoy reading this story???
I obviously love reading a good romance, so I was mentally prepared to let myself surround by love. But I surely didn’t expect to find myself turning page after page after page!
You know that feeling when you’re having a dilemma and you don’t know what to do? Well, I found myself in that position after reading too many chapters at once!
Continue reading, and fall more in love with the book, but also finishing it way too quickly? Or stop reading for a while, so that I can enjoy reading it for a longer period? But then also only thinking about the story while doing other things…
Eventually I choose for the first option… 

Laurel is this kind character, with an imagination to be jealous of. She even imagines her life in script – form, which was funny to read.
But she is also a great friend to Amber, who has secretly a crush on her best friend who is getting married. Laurel tries to stand by Amber’s side, but also gives the right kind of advice. Because she knows it can all end badly.
And when Amber has a small part in the film Laurel is screenwriting, Laurel is genuinely thrilled for her. 

Of course reading how Laurel and Jason are initially clashing is just hilarious to read, but I found it heart – warming seeing how these two slowly are getting closer.
Jason is the kind of man that can be very stubborn at moments, but other moments he is the kindest, most gentle man I wish I could meet myself!

There is just one thing I truly disliked in the book, and that was the character of Conor… From the start I couldn’t find anything appealing and I wished he would rather quickly be out of the picture. 

But I fell completely in love with the story, the characters, and not only Laurel and Jason, but also Amber and Harry, the setting in Greece…
It made me wish I was the main character and that I was living Laurel’s life, of course skipping the sadder parts! 

An easy story to read, even too easy, because before I knew, I reached the end, which made me sad. I could have read so many more chapters about these beautiful, lovely characters and never get bored of them!

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This was an excellent read! An engaging, fun, and very entertaining story..
I really enjoyed the story of Laurel and Jason - our main protagonists and also of Amber and Henry - the secondary couple in the story. Film making and a Greek setting - what more could you ask for? This was pure escapism and very well written. The author creates three-dimensional characters who engage your interest and have you rooting for them throughout the story.

I thought the setup was very well done even though there seemed to be an awful lot of characters.

The only thing which I struggled with was the heroine's relationship with her boyfriend Connor. That she ignored all the suspicious activity on his part - despite him having betrayed her before - was the one thing I found hard to believe. Connor was very one-dimensional and unappealing; His selfish, thoughtless behaviour was so obviously a contrast to Jason's that I really could not understand why she was still with him - let alone having sex with him at every opportunity. I felt uncomfortable with her willingness to start a relationship with Jason, whilst still involved with Connor. However, it's a rom-com so I put that to one side and just enjoyed it.

This was the only part of the book I wasn't quite in tune with, so it's 4 stars rather than the 5 I would otherwise give. A thoroughly enjoyable and emotionally satisfying read from this wonderful author.

[Ellie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Lynne Shelby book I’ve read, and I have to say it certainly won’t be my last. I really enjoyed Love on Location, set predominantly on the Greek Island of Kyros, and follows the story of a screenwriter and an archaeologist, who are co-writing a film script together. The setting was described in such detail it was easy to imagine I was there with Laurel and Jason - beautifully vivid descriptions of the scenery. The little snippets detailing what goes on behind the camera during the making of a film were fascinating. I also really enjoyed Laurel’s habit of scriptwriting scenes in her own life, as she would like it to happen, in her head - it was an amusing and clever way to move the story along.

The characters are engaging, with Laurel as a very likeable heroine, and Jason very much my kind of hero. There is little angst between the two, with secondary characters providing interesting secondary storylines of their own without detracting from the main story. Conor, as Laurel’s irritating two-timing boyfriend did, at times, feel a tad like a caricature, but did not stop me enjoying following Laurel and Jason’s love story.
This is a perfect feel-good and uplifting read, and I will definitely be looking for my next Lynne Shelby book to read soon.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully fun read! Laurel and Jason were both amazing characters who made me cheer them on throughout the entire story. They just worked well together. Also it is set in the Greek Island of Kyros so you could not ask for a better backdrop to envision while reading.

The only person I really didn't like was Laurel's ex. He just rubbed me the wrong way from the moment he stepped in the storyline. I mean he was the character that you hope somehow dies horrible. All in all this was an amazing read and I will certainly be checking out this author again.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the background of the filmmaking industry, this story immerses the reader in the world of scriptwriting, glamorous locations and exacting directors.

Laurel is asked to revise a script with the help of Jason, a historical advisor. She hopes this is her chance to write movie scripts full-time. Life is more complex than the script she writes in her mind. Jason is an academic and an archaeologist. The couple clash over the script but gradually realise together they are a talented team.

Vivid descriptions of the locations, and the glamour and unpredictability of the film industry, make this an informative read. The perfect Summer escape is completed with believably flawed vibrant characters and realistically crafted romance.

I received a copy of this book from Headline Accent via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[nihaarika · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Greek mythology/history buff, this book really spoke to me. I ended up loving it a lot more than I thought I would. The writing in Love on Location is great and the way things were described made it so much easier to see them play out in front of you like a movie (which is the actual setting of the book). Laurel and Jason had a wonderfully cute romance; I really loved the conversations they had with each other and the banter they shared. The side characters were pretty great too and felt well-developed to me.
Overall, this was a pretty fun read which kind of made me want to pick up this author's other works.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC!

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynne Shelby does a remarkable job of writing characters that are quirky, fun, and easy to like. The story whisks you away to Greece where magic can happen.

The settings are richly described making you feel like you are right there watching this story play out like a movie.

I enjoyed the curtain being drawn back to let us peek at the behind-the-scenes action on a movie set.

This book is the perfect summer beach read or to snuggle in under a blanket in winter and dream of Greek Islands and love.



I received a copy of the book for a book tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Ceri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this book completely shocked me by how much I enjoyed it!

It was filled with amazing descriptions of Greece mythology and landscape 😍 Gosh it was a lovely summery read!

The book focuses on Laurel who is a screenwriter and Jason, an archaeologist, teamed together to make sure the film they are sorting the script for is historically correct.

If your interested in the makings of on a movie set, I'm sure you will enjoy this book.

Towards the end I did get frustrated with some things that happened! But that's just me 🤷 Perfect summer read that just draws you in ☺️

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I thought that this was a great story!

I thought that it was well written and that it has a really good storyline too.

It was a romantic and sexy read and I thoroughly enjoyed it from cover to cover.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!