What do you think?
Rate this book
Looking Out for Love
Stella Shakespeare isn’t having a good day, or month come to think of it. She’s been unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend,cut off from the bank of dad and at thirty-two years old, she doesn’t know what she’s doing with her life. What Stella really wants is to find love. She wants all-consuming, can’t-think-about-anything-else, can’t-even-manage-to-eat kind of love. What she found beside her in bed that morning wasn’t love. But when a tall, handsome man in a well-fitting suit walks into a Notting Hill pub, she thinks she’s finally found The One. Everything seems to be falling into place now Stella has met the man of her dreams and has an actual job working with a private investigator nicknamed ‘The Affair Hunter’. Although sadly, life is never that straightforward and Stella starts to question whether she’s been looking for love in the wrong places all along… ––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘Enjoyable and endearing’ Katie Fforde ‘With laugh-out-loud moments, you’ll love this romcom’ Prima ‘Hilariously relatable’ Sophie Cousens ‘For fans of Jilly Cooper…warm-hearted, hilarious and romantic’ Best ‘I laughed out loud throughout this’ Laura Jane Williams ‘The perfect poolside page-turner!’ Woman & Home ‘Super funny, super witty and so warm’ Lia Louis ‘It wouldn’t be summer without a new romcom from Sophia Money-Coutts to deliver a hit of bookish serotonin’ Red ‘Funny, joyful, life-affirming’ Cressida McLaughlin ‘This is a heart-warming, witty, feel good rom-com that will brighten the cold winter’ Platinum Magazine
448 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2023
107 people are currently reading
1837 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
March 4, 2024
Oh, this was a good one. It’s been a while since I read it, and I still recall much of the plot with fondness. Likable and relatable characters that learn and change and some really cute moments. I felt good about the world after reading it.
April 16, 2023
Looking for Love is funny. It is a rom com. There are some moments when I cracked up due to Stella's character.
What is missing is the real plot and the real connrction between the characters.
Miss Coutts writing is dragging in unvessary plot. There is not enough focus on the main plot.
Overall an OK book to close my weekend.
3 stars
What is missing is the real plot and the real connrction between the characters.
Miss Coutts writing is dragging in unvessary plot. There is not enough focus on the main plot.
Overall an OK book to close my weekend.
3 stars
February 22, 2023
*Love Revelations*
**3.5 Stars**
Stella Shakespeare and yes that is her surname, has always wanted to fall in love. She has this idea in her head of what it should look like and she seems to have her head in the clouds. She thought she found the one and that ended in disaster so she has been hunting for it with a string of one night stands. The last one seemed ok until she bumps into him time and time again, much to her irritation.
She is from a wealthy family and has gone from job to job until her father cuts off her allowance. She goes for one interview that does not go well as she was hung over and was sick in the bin during the interview. On her way home she virtually bumps into a strange woman. This woman asks her to describe someone from the office which Stella does and she says great and offers her job. The lady is a private investigator (Aka The Affair Hunter) lol 😄
At the same time Stella meets a man that knocks her off her feet. He could absolutely be the one or is he?…
We see Stella start to grow and her opinion of love turns out to be completely different to what she expected, with a few laughs along the way.
**3.5 Stars**
Stella Shakespeare and yes that is her surname, has always wanted to fall in love. She has this idea in her head of what it should look like and she seems to have her head in the clouds. She thought she found the one and that ended in disaster so she has been hunting for it with a string of one night stands. The last one seemed ok until she bumps into him time and time again, much to her irritation.
She is from a wealthy family and has gone from job to job until her father cuts off her allowance. She goes for one interview that does not go well as she was hung over and was sick in the bin during the interview. On her way home she virtually bumps into a strange woman. This woman asks her to describe someone from the office which Stella does and she says great and offers her job. The lady is a private investigator (Aka The Affair Hunter) lol 😄
At the same time Stella meets a man that knocks her off her feet. He could absolutely be the one or is he?…
We see Stella start to grow and her opinion of love turns out to be completely different to what she expected, with a few laughs along the way.
April 29, 2023
Is Stella colour blind because fitz was a walking red flag ??
July 25, 2023
I really liked this one! At first I was worried because it’s written in third person, but it’s written extremely well that you don’t feel any disconnect from the characters.
The side characters stole the show, they were amazing and seemed so lovely!
I just wish this book had a bit more “end” instead of a lot of middle, I would of been happy to shorten the middle for a more satisfying ending (hopefully that makes sense? I don’t want to give the ending away!)
The side characters stole the show, they were amazing and seemed so lovely!
I just wish this book had a bit more “end” instead of a lot of middle, I would of been happy to shorten the middle for a more satisfying ending (hopefully that makes sense? I don’t want to give the ending away!)
December 9, 2022
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an easy, enjoyable read.
Unfortunately I found the main character [Stella] to be very frustrating, in the fact that she was very gullible and so desperate to find Love.
It really did seem that she did not know what true Love is all about.
Could have been 4 stars if she had been more believable.
This was an easy, enjoyable read.
Unfortunately I found the main character [Stella] to be very frustrating, in the fact that she was very gullible and so desperate to find Love.
It really did seem that she did not know what true Love is all about.
Could have been 4 stars if she had been more believable.
February 9, 2023
I really enjoyed my previous read from Money-Coutts and so was excited to have the opportunity to read this new release. However, I struggled to get invested in the plot and found the protagonist to be incredibly frustrating.
At the beginning I found the story to be rather entertaining and I frequently chuckled at Stella’s mishaps. It felt like I was in for an entertaining read that was pacey and light-hearted. However, when the writer introduced the subplot concerning Billie, I found it too realistic and made the mood change considerably. No longer thinking it was an entertaining piece of chick lit, I was distracted by Billie and wanted Stella to grow up and be a responsible adult.
Along the way there are many scenes that lightened the story and I was particularly intrigued by Stella’s new job working with Marjorie. It sounded as bizarre as Marjorie’s character! I thought this added something a bit different to the story, even if it did feel a bit far-fetched. Yet, I did think Money-Coutts could have extended this element of the plot to engage more with Stella, rather than it being a job that she finds increasingly enjoyable.
As for Stella herself… well, she is clearly spoiled, selfish and pretty useless. Her obsession with finding true love means she keeps making the same old mistakes. Her growing connection with Fitz sent my alarm bells ringing, but Stella failed to pick up on any signs that this is not the right relationship for her. Coupled with how she behaves with Billie, I grew less interested in her as a character because I wanted to see Stella step up more for her best friend and not put herself first all of the time. I thought the portrayal of her relationship with Fitz was too obvious for the story and instead found myself wishing for the genuine happy ever after that I knew would come at the conclusion.
I especially liked Harold’s character and thought him particularly sweet. His is so patient towards Stella and it is a shame that she does not recognise this – more reasons why I grew to dislike her! Again, such a strong supporting character, I thought the writer could have developed this character further, providing a bit more balance to Stella’s headstrong ways.
For me, this book was not as enjoyable as my previous read from Money-Coutts. It promised plenty of romance and laughter, but I was brought back to reality with a bump with Billie’s story and Stella’s behaviour just grated with me throughout the book.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At the beginning I found the story to be rather entertaining and I frequently chuckled at Stella’s mishaps. It felt like I was in for an entertaining read that was pacey and light-hearted. However, when the writer introduced the subplot concerning Billie, I found it too realistic and made the mood change considerably. No longer thinking it was an entertaining piece of chick lit, I was distracted by Billie and wanted Stella to grow up and be a responsible adult.
Along the way there are many scenes that lightened the story and I was particularly intrigued by Stella’s new job working with Marjorie. It sounded as bizarre as Marjorie’s character! I thought this added something a bit different to the story, even if it did feel a bit far-fetched. Yet, I did think Money-Coutts could have extended this element of the plot to engage more with Stella, rather than it being a job that she finds increasingly enjoyable.
As for Stella herself… well, she is clearly spoiled, selfish and pretty useless. Her obsession with finding true love means she keeps making the same old mistakes. Her growing connection with Fitz sent my alarm bells ringing, but Stella failed to pick up on any signs that this is not the right relationship for her. Coupled with how she behaves with Billie, I grew less interested in her as a character because I wanted to see Stella step up more for her best friend and not put herself first all of the time. I thought the portrayal of her relationship with Fitz was too obvious for the story and instead found myself wishing for the genuine happy ever after that I knew would come at the conclusion.
I especially liked Harold’s character and thought him particularly sweet. His is so patient towards Stella and it is a shame that she does not recognise this – more reasons why I grew to dislike her! Again, such a strong supporting character, I thought the writer could have developed this character further, providing a bit more balance to Stella’s headstrong ways.
For me, this book was not as enjoyable as my previous read from Money-Coutts. It promised plenty of romance and laughter, but I was brought back to reality with a bump with Billie’s story and Stella’s behaviour just grated with me throughout the book.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️
This was my second try at reading this book. The first time I just wasn’t feeling it and assumed it was just me but unfortunately the second time wasn’t as good either.
The book is a Rom com however I didn’t laugh or find any of it amazingly funny.
It’s written in third person - which isn’t my favourite but I can deal with it - it written well, however Stella the FMC just annoyed me a lot, I’m not sure what it was exactly but she was spoilt, a romantic but to be point where it was unbelievable, she was gullible and it just all annoyed me.
Another downfall is the plot time, well to be there wasn’t really one, nothing stood out as the main plot or story which just made it kind of boring for me.
Not my favourite book unfortunately.
This was my second try at reading this book. The first time I just wasn’t feeling it and assumed it was just me but unfortunately the second time wasn’t as good either.
The book is a Rom com however I didn’t laugh or find any of it amazingly funny.
It’s written in third person - which isn’t my favourite but I can deal with it - it written well, however Stella the FMC just annoyed me a lot, I’m not sure what it was exactly but she was spoilt, a romantic but to be point where it was unbelievable, she was gullible and it just all annoyed me.
Another downfall is the plot time, well to be there wasn’t really one, nothing stood out as the main plot or story which just made it kind of boring for me.
Not my favourite book unfortunately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2023
The amount of times I found myself chuckling at some of the stuff this woman said or did was crazy! I absolutely love a book that makes me laugh unexpectedly.
Looking Out For Love is a fun and cute romance centred around Stella and her need to find the man for her, her one true love and what better way to find him than sampling others.
When Stella finds her perfect one she’s in for a ride. There’s so much that comes for her and it was great to read.
There’s fun times, sad times and a fair bit of drama throughout this book and I just have to say her family…oh I disliked them so so much.
This is my first read from this author and I will be looking into her others.
Looking Out For Love is a fun and cute romance centred around Stella and her need to find the man for her, her one true love and what better way to find him than sampling others.
When Stella finds her perfect one she’s in for a ride. There’s so much that comes for her and it was great to read.
There’s fun times, sad times and a fair bit of drama throughout this book and I just have to say her family…oh I disliked them so so much.
This is my first read from this author and I will be looking into her others.
February 18, 2023
I’d like to thank NetGalley and HQ for approving me for an ARC of this book.
Told entirely from the POV of our protagonist we meet Stella Shakespeare when she is at the lowest point of her life. Having been dumped by her boyfriend, cut off from the bank of dad and jobless, she desperately needs to turn her life around. Stella is frustrating, irritating and not the most likeable person but I did find her candid nature amusing. She is openly honest and doesn’t feel the need to hide who she is but she has obviously had a very privileged upbringing. Once I got over my irritation with Stella I found I could settle into the story a lot more.
The shining star of this story for me was Harold. From his kitchen concoctions to his matchmaker abilities, he often had me chuckling and brought an extra dynamic to the book. The same can be said of Sam, Billie and Marjorie. All of these characters made the story all the more enjoyable. They weren’t afraid to call Stella out when she was being irrational but supported her in finding her own path.
This book screams humour and sex appeal. There are moments of lust and love that certainly knocked the temperature up a few notches but hidden amongst the steam are serious questions facing every woman of a certain age. The pressure to find ‘the one’, have children, and be in a serious relationship are all things society insists we must all achieve to have a fulfilling life. Sophia Money-Coutts addresses these issues and others, perfectly. We also have Billie’s storyline which will resonate with many and spotlights a much-needed topic.
Despite my initial irritation with Stella this witty, fun and sexy book was an enjoyable read.
Told entirely from the POV of our protagonist we meet Stella Shakespeare when she is at the lowest point of her life. Having been dumped by her boyfriend, cut off from the bank of dad and jobless, she desperately needs to turn her life around. Stella is frustrating, irritating and not the most likeable person but I did find her candid nature amusing. She is openly honest and doesn’t feel the need to hide who she is but she has obviously had a very privileged upbringing. Once I got over my irritation with Stella I found I could settle into the story a lot more.
The shining star of this story for me was Harold. From his kitchen concoctions to his matchmaker abilities, he often had me chuckling and brought an extra dynamic to the book. The same can be said of Sam, Billie and Marjorie. All of these characters made the story all the more enjoyable. They weren’t afraid to call Stella out when she was being irrational but supported her in finding her own path.
This book screams humour and sex appeal. There are moments of lust and love that certainly knocked the temperature up a few notches but hidden amongst the steam are serious questions facing every woman of a certain age. The pressure to find ‘the one’, have children, and be in a serious relationship are all things society insists we must all achieve to have a fulfilling life. Sophia Money-Coutts addresses these issues and others, perfectly. We also have Billie’s storyline which will resonate with many and spotlights a much-needed topic.
Despite my initial irritation with Stella this witty, fun and sexy book was an enjoyable read.
November 14, 2023
This absolutely did not feel like a lighthearted rom com. It was all over the place, and it felt like there were 3 separate storylines going on that didn’t match each other whatsoever - Stella’s love life, Billie’s cancer and the ‘affair hunter’ agency. The author didn’t try hard enough to link them all up, and as a result the book felt very stop/start.
Stella was an awfully selfish woman, and it was teeth grindingly frustrating to have to sit through her being a terrible friend during Billie’s cancer treatment and thinking that a half-hearted apology every so often was enough to make up for everything.
Fitz was a walking red flag and Stella ignored every single warning signal that he sent her way. I didn’t feel the chemistry between any of the main characters and the lack of cohesiveness in the storyline meant that this made for an overwhelmingly disappointing read.
Stella was an awfully selfish woman, and it was teeth grindingly frustrating to have to sit through her being a terrible friend during Billie’s cancer treatment and thinking that a half-hearted apology every so often was enough to make up for everything.
Fitz was a walking red flag and Stella ignored every single warning signal that he sent her way. I didn’t feel the chemistry between any of the main characters and the lack of cohesiveness in the storyline meant that this made for an overwhelmingly disappointing read.
March 2, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this one. I really didn't like Stella. She redeemed herself a bit towards the end but she was just so selfish. I found the supporting characters, especially Harold, much more likeable and loved their parts of the story.
Enjoyable, funny and emotional at times, just too long in my opinion, so overall just an okay read.
Enjoyable, funny and emotional at times, just too long in my opinion, so overall just an okay read.
February 1, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
This was such a nice, easy read! I read half on a 2 hour flight and still managed to finish it while on a busy city break!
Sophia's writing is just so comforting and reliable at this point, I always know I will enjoy whatever she writes!
Stella did annoy me at times but I loved her really and all of the side characters who bring her back to reality (especially Harold!).
As always, I can't wait to read what Sophia writes next!
This was such a nice, easy read! I read half on a 2 hour flight and still managed to finish it while on a busy city break!
Sophia's writing is just so comforting and reliable at this point, I always know I will enjoy whatever she writes!
Stella did annoy me at times but I loved her really and all of the side characters who bring her back to reality (especially Harold!).
As always, I can't wait to read what Sophia writes next!
October 23, 2022
Another good read by Sophie Money-Coutts!
Stella Shakespeare is in her 30s, but unlike everyone else around her, she hasn't got her life all sorted. No job, no man, no money. At least she has a flat, paid for by her father, though he's cut off her money until she sorts herself out. And she has her best friend Billie.
Through a series of strangely unlinked events that end up coming together, she finds herself a job, a man, another admirer, an unexpected new friend, and a lot of new drama on her plate.
It was an easy read that I finished on a rainy Sunday afternoon. A bit of a giggle and a few moments of 'Come on Stella, can't you see!?!'
But it's not all giggles, as there is the more serious topics of a life-threatening illness and infidelity explored within the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stella Shakespeare is in her 30s, but unlike everyone else around her, she hasn't got her life all sorted. No job, no man, no money. At least she has a flat, paid for by her father, though he's cut off her money until she sorts herself out. And she has her best friend Billie.
Through a series of strangely unlinked events that end up coming together, she finds herself a job, a man, another admirer, an unexpected new friend, and a lot of new drama on her plate.
It was an easy read that I finished on a rainy Sunday afternoon. A bit of a giggle and a few moments of 'Come on Stella, can't you see!?!'
But it's not all giggles, as there is the more serious topics of a life-threatening illness and infidelity explored within the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2023
Looking Out for Love by Sophia Money-Coutts
Rom-Com | Chick Lit | Audiobook
•Stella Shakespeare wants all-consuming love, but she has trouble knowing if she is dating The One. She realises that finding love isn't so straightforward.
•Stella and Billie shared an admirable friendship and I enjoyed reading their friendship develop. I couldn't stand how gullible and selfish Stella was and it took a while into the book before she had a turning point. I felt like the plot lack depth and connection to me personally. This just wasn't for me, but it may be more meaningful for someone else.
Feels: a tiny bit spicy (great scenes, I wish there were more of them).
★★★ 3/5
Rom-Com | Chick Lit | Audiobook
•Stella Shakespeare wants all-consuming love, but she has trouble knowing if she is dating The One. She realises that finding love isn't so straightforward.
•Stella and Billie shared an admirable friendship and I enjoyed reading their friendship develop. I couldn't stand how gullible and selfish Stella was and it took a while into the book before she had a turning point. I felt like the plot lack depth and connection to me personally. This just wasn't for me, but it may be more meaningful for someone else.
Feels: a tiny bit spicy (great scenes, I wish there were more of them).
★★★ 3/5
November 26, 2024
Mini-Review: You guys! What an adorable novel! This one felt like a mix of Fleabag, Legally Blonde, and Bridget Jones Diary in the best way. Stella Shakespeare is a frustrating, funny, flirty protagonist, and her journey to find love and a career hand-in-hand is a perfect read for someone looking for some feel-good fun, and more than just romance in their Rom-Com. Sure, there's a little "red flag blindness" in this one, but, let's be real y'all, the best kinds of novels like these are ones where you get to shout at the protagonist, just a little bit :)
July 22, 2024
It took me ages to finish this book… Overall the story was fine but I thought it took waaaay too long to get to the point. It didn’t help that from the very first moment I didn’t like Fitz at all and very quickly realised he had to be cheating. It was kind of painfull to read how long it took for Stella to see that and I had hoped we’d read more of her and Sam together. I skipped through a couple chapters towards the end and dind’t feel like I missed anything at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2024
Found it quite hard to root for the main character as I found her pretty insufferable. I know the whole point was to see her grow and change etc, but I think the people in her life let her off the hook a bit too easily lol. Was a fun read though, very romcom vibes and was a nice chill one in the sun
January 17, 2024
The main character was insufferable in the first chapters but as I continued to read on , I could see myself in her shoes and could understand a bit why she’d do certain things but overall a good read
June 15, 2025
The story was fine. Super rushed in the end. It really wasn’t a romance between Stella and S. The entire book focused on F. I knew F was not true to his word - a little too obvious. Also their conclusion was meeehhh. However, I would have liked to know more about S. And about Stella and S and their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed it. It was funny, lighthearted and slightly predictable but left you feeling like the world can be a good loving place. I’d definitely recommend for all the romcom lovers.
November 11, 2022
Standard but well done chick lit fare for anyone who wants an enjoyable, non-taxing read.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 27, 2023
This is the second book I’ve read by Money-Coutts. Great writing style. Witty and light. Easy reading and escapism.
This book has romance, friendship, family drama, tears and so much laughter. Couldn’t help routing for Doctor Sam
The story starts with Stella Shakespeare is trying to find her path in life. Off to an interview in last night’s clothes. The ultimate walk of fame.
Loved Billie, Doctor Sam and Stella’s neighbour Harold.
Another good read. Looking forward to the next read
This book has romance, friendship, family drama, tears and so much laughter. Couldn’t help routing for Doctor Sam
The story starts with Stella Shakespeare is trying to find her path in life. Off to an interview in last night’s clothes. The ultimate walk of fame.
Loved Billie, Doctor Sam and Stella’s neighbour Harold.
Another good read. Looking forward to the next read
May 20, 2023
Classic romance novel. Was cringey and predictable but a cute read and perfect for the sunbed on holiday!!!
April 3, 2024
i finished this earlier today and i've already forgotten the entire plot
April 14, 2024
3.5 ⭐
October 4, 2024
Sometimes you just need a comforting, easy read to cheer you up. This was very heartwarming
January 23, 2025
This was surprisingly really good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews