I enjoy reading Sophie Kinsella books and this one did not disappoint. Love at first sight, opposite attractions, friends, family, and dogs. In the beginning I was a little bit annoyed with Ava because I felt that no one can be that happy, but as the story moved along you got to see why she was the way that she was. And sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and do something you're not comfortable with. I'm happy with the ending, and enjoyed the story.

Ava, a writer who strongly believes in true love and romance whisks off to a writing retreat in Italy after many failed attempts at dating. While in Italy, meant to be working on her novel, circumstances lead her to meeting Dutch, a mysterious and handsome man who joins the retreat as a late entry. The two have an instant attraction and begin a relationship-maintaining the rules about not sharing any personal information. The whirlwind love affair continues back to London, where Ava and Dutch (Matt) begin to discover each other for their true selves. Quickly, they realize that they aren't who the other thought they were, can they make it through?

I want to start this off by saying I am a huge Sophie Kinsella fan. I own and love all of her books, that's why I was beyond excited when I received this ARC, especially since Ava is my name too (spelt differently, ha)! So it greatly disappoints me to say I could barely make it through this book, I strongly disliked every single character. Everything about this book felt amateurish and if Kinsella hadn't written it, I would've dropped out very early on.

First, the characters. Ava, while good intentioned and loyal, is a mess. I think she was meant to come off as quirky and different, and she does, but she's also annoying, frustrating and delusional. She seems to lack understanding of the world as it happens around her, is attached to her dog in a way that made me cringe and lives this all over the place, super disorganized life. She constantly makes excuses for those around her, claims she's a feminist but allows herself to be treated horribly by her friends and Matt, and continuously stops herself from expressing her true thoughts and feelings. The fact that she "fell in love" so quickly with someone she had zero chemistry with, and claimed to stay in love with that person was so unbelievable. Matt is a liar, he's inconsiderate and secretive. He came off as so bland and boring past the beginning of the book it was hard to read about the relationship with Ava. Again, absolutely zero chemistry between the two. I found the countless friends, I believe who were also written to be different and quirky, annoying, weird and rude in their own way. While I found them realistic, which I appreciated because Ava certainly wasn't, Ava brushed them off and they were present but just odd. Next, the plot. Basically if you want to read a book about two characters who have absolutely nothing in common besides a love of ice cream, with zero chemistry, who in no world should be together, this is the book for you. The entire book is just them realizing they're not meant for each other but staying together anyways. I thought the side plot with Harold just made Ava weirder. Ava is just so naive and all she wanted was to make something work that so clearly wasn't, although it tried, this book was about little else. I do not recommend this read at all. I would rate it 1 star but since I finished I'll rate it a 1.5 rounded up.

It's breathakingly easy for "Aria" and "Dutch" to fall for each other at an Italian retreat. Banned from using their real names or telling personal details, it's all a heady mix of infatuation, swoon and adventure that our star-crossed lovers hope to preserve when they return to their real lives in London. Hijinks ensue...I'm resisting the urge to describe it further because it was very hilarious to follow along with Ava (when she's not Aria) as she learns about Dutch!

I enjoyed Love Your Life, even if it was a little over-the-top at times. I love a book that features friendships and fleshed out supporting characters, and Love Your Life doesn't disappoint! In fact, I was kind of more into the Ava/Dutch's friends more than them? Like I'm ready for a Maud book please! Read this book if you're in the mood for comedy!

I am normally a big Sophie Kinsella fan. Unfortunately, Love Your Life fell flat for me. It wasn’t terrible, but the plot was a bit lackluster. I liked Ava, the main character, but I also found her to be a bit young in her thinking. Maybe I’m just too old to relate to her character. Everyone loves a happily ever after, and this didn’t disappoint. I just wanted more of a “meat and potatoes” plot. I am thankful to have had the chance to read an advanced copy. Thank you!

I always look forward to a new release from Sophie Kinsella, and Love Your Life did not disappoint! I finished it in one weekend, as I was unable to put it down. As always, be prepared to laugh! Her books come with so much lighthearted humor, which I think everyone can use right about now. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s beautiful ending!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

While Love Your Life is certainly cute and fun, there were moments where I didn’t feel fully convinced of Matt and Ava’s relationship and love for each other.... I still found the story to be heartwarming and adorable. In some parts I longed to back on that Italian beach with them but still with the read. I’d put this one in your bag next time you head to the beach! As always, Kinsella shines with her characters and wit!

Love Your Life was just the kind of book I needed in these stressful times. A bit formulaic for Sophie Kinsella, perhaps, but a formula I always enjoy. Nell and Topher were great side characters; we had an appropriate villainess, some difficult parents to sort out, and a connection with an older character who just needs to be seen. If you liked Shopaholic (the early ones), this is in the same vein. Perhaps a sequel? Let's hope so.

When I see a new Sophie Kinsella book, I reach for it RIGHT THAT SECOND. "Love Your Life" once again shows why she is the queen of romance.

I still have shivers, it was that much fun.

I felt that I could truly relate to Ava, a hopeless romantic unsuited for the digital world of dating, or... the digital world, in general. As the blurb beautifully sums up, "he believes in feelings, not algorithms," So, as she goes on a writers' retreat in Italy, she fits perfectly into the 'camp' where no one is even allowed to use their real names. In this totally different setting, Ava meets a man - one who literally couldn't be more different from her. He is hella annoying, lacks manners and has a drastically different lifestyle. Will their relationship survive the dreamy Italian adventure?

Honestly, I'm so glad I picked up this book which made me laugh out loud (in public places). The awkward situations that result from the couple's differences are... awkward AF, and therefore hilarious and lighthearted.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I will read anything written by Sophie Kinsella. That said, I don't always enjoy them Sadly, this was one of those times. The book was just meh/okay for me. I really really enjoyed the first part of the book (until Ava and Matt returned to "real life"). After that, I didn't really care for either Ava or Matt or their story. I did enjoy the ending and found myself wanting to read more about the friends! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I confess -- I love Sophie Kinsella's books and enjoy her style of writing. This book was true to form, with a lovely happily-ever-after ending.

True to form, there's a female lead character who falls for a guy and hits rocky roads in the relationship. But it all works out in the end. Which is just what I need in these dark days...a light hearted story about two kind, earnest, deeply in love people who fight their way through troubled waters to a happy ending.

I wanted to read a fun book and this book hit the spot. The main character Ava is a quirky writer who goes on a writing retreat and meets the man of her dreams. When they come home to real life, things get real and their differences sure stand out. Will they stay together or will their differences win?

I love this author and wanted to love this book but I did not love it but I did not hate it either. It was a struggle for me in parts. Some of the characters were so negative and unlikable in parts. This did read pretty fast though. IT was good.

In this lighthearted, fun novel, we follow protagonist Ava as she prepares for an Italian writing retreat to finish her book following a disastrous string of bad dates and relationships. She's going there to strictly focus, however, all that goes out the window as soon as "Dutch" saunters into the retreat. This book has such an engaging tone and POV that keeps me reading, because she's such a relatable lead. During the anonymous "no personal information given" retreat, Ava as Aria is so taken with this Dutch guy who isn't good at writing but is willing to learn. They cant reveal any personal details, yet they keep flirting and it's getting precious. It's a cute, steamy, fun, and indulgent holiday romance that's fun and enjoyable to read. Aria and Dutch have such an undeniable pull and connection, which makes for a sweeping romance. The holiday part only lasts for the beginning, and most of the story sees them attempt to bring their holiday fling back to their vastly different real-world lives, dogs, jobs, exes, family, and all. Outside the retreat bubble, Ava and Matt (his real name) try to meld their lives and figure out if their vacation love is real and enough. It's a fast read that I couldn't put down and ended up finishing in a single sitting. The rose-colored glasses of their holiday romance wears off, but neither of them want to split because they believe they are meant to be and this is real, despite being polar opposites in nearly every sense. Together, they've managed to expand each other's views, and that's real love: That you can accept that what you think isn't the end-all-be-all that you think it might be, but rather that they could try something new and still accept one another. It's like more than just a romance between Ava and Matt, but as they make each other better as individuals and it's just cute as hell.

It's not an easy love story, because hey life isn't easy, and I think that's why I loved it so much. It's honest, vulnerable, and authentic. It's funny, witty, romantic, emotional, and heartfelt. So many emotions in one book and that's why I fell hard for this book. Wow, just incredible. It's not just a happy, sugary-sweet romance but we see raw emotions and growth from both sides, and that's what makes it special. I didn't want the story to end, I wanted more and just to see where else there love story and journey goes whether together or apart, well, hopefully together, because that ending was precious.

This book gives me all the inspiration to write more, finish more, and move past by seemingly crippling case of writer's block.

I was unable to finish this title. I'm sorry, but I couldn't get pulled into the story, I found the plot unrelatable and the characters were not ones I could identify with. I wish the the author and publisher much success on it's release.

I have a love/hate relationship with Sophie Kinsella novels; I love the irreverence of her books and how one of her characters (usually the heroine) is always super positive and has an overactive imagination. But, I also hate that that character also has an overactive imagination and gets way carried away. That said, I did enjoy this book. I love Ava's friends and I loved that they had such a strong support group for each other! And I really enjoyed that Ava and Matt didn't give up on each other. And that their friends didn't try to "talk sense" into them and just supported them. I love it when side characters support main characters!

**Love Your Life is a story about finding love. Aspiring author, Ava meets someone she thinks is simply perfect at a writer’s retreat. Retreat rules forbade them revealing anything about their real lives, but what will happen when real life is revealed? Ava had some very strong daydreams about the man that seem to be diametrically opposite to his real self. Will the physical pull these two feel be enough to overcome their differences? Sophie Kinsella has created supporting characters aka known as friends of the principals that will both amuse readers and sometimes make them. cringe...especially Harold... a friend of the canine variety. I had high hopes for this book, but finishing it became a chore as I couldn’t relate to any of the characters except the dog. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.

I was happy to get the chance to read an advance copy of Love Your Life. I always enjoy Sophie's books, and I thought it would make fun quarantine reading. This one was entertaining, but a little more far-fetched than usual. There was a fun cast of characters, but the main character was somewhat juvenile, but maybe I'm too old to relate to her. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the escapism and think a lot of readers will enjoy reading this.

There’s a dog, and he doesn’t die. Now that we’ve got that out of the way... When I see a new Sophie Kinsella book is coming out, I get excited because they always make me laugh out loud! This one was only a two-laugher, though. More of a romance than a rom-com.

These two people meet and fall in “love” at a retreat where they know nothing about one another. Surprise! They are quite different back in real life with their own clothes, names, and stuff. And baggage, which they decide not to discuss until it’s too late. I live that she has such a lovely, supportive group of friends and so does he. It makes the main characters more complete and enjoyable. The ending was ideal.

Yes! This is hilarious, humorous, entertaining, heartwarming! This is a real winner!

I’m a big fan of author’s works and her last two books “ I owe you one” and “ Surprise me” were a little disappointing for me. ( Actually since I’ve read “ I’ve got your name”, I haven’t found any of her books so much adorable. I truly missed her optimistic, clumsy but likable heroines and smart,funny, feel good stories like first books of Shopaholic series and “ Can you keep a secret”, “Twenties girl”)

But here are the good news:

This book brought back the author’s old time books’ vivid, laughable, exhilarating, heart churning, emotional, sarcastic, clever vibes!

Other strengths of the book that I truly enjoyed: Well developed characters, inappropriate situations ( including naked sauna adventures, writing steamy scenes for your creative writing class based on your real experiences and sharing them with your classmates) , amazing supporting characters ( Nell, Maud, Topher we’re adorable! I have to admit at some parts of the book I loved them more than protagonists) opposite attracts, meaningful, heartfelt representation of chronic illness and emphasizing importance of tight friendship bounds.

There’s nothing to say more because there are so many things to fall in love with this book and take it to Vegetarian restaurant and end your night with creamy gelato!

Quick summary of plot line: Ava is free lancer between jobs and focusing on different things including aromatherapy and writing a book! With her close gang of friends’ pressure she attends a writing retreat program in coastal Italy.

She wants to focus on finishing her historical romance novel. But with the cancellation of martial art retreat program, a few students decide to join their writing group including very charming, sexy man with sunshiny smile nicknamed himself as “ Dutch” . As their retreat’s basic rule Ava also introduces herself “Aria”! But as you may imagine instead of writing her historical romance she starts work on a erotic romance because after she’s experienced cliff-jumping’s full taste of adrenaline rush, she also decides jumping on charming stranger and their whirlwind romance blooms faster they can imagine.

They realize they start to fall hard even though they don’t know anything about each other including their real names.

And as they both say they loved each other when they go back to London, harsh realities start to punch their faces incessantly because Aria and Dutch’s steamy insta love story turns into Ava and Matt’s struggling relationship which needs to handle with care because they don’t like their houses, job preferences, approaches to the art and have complex feelings about each other’s friends. Actually they don’t even like the same kind of food. And of course Matt’s pretentious, icy cold, irritating family members who adore his ex girlfriend don’t help to fix their problems.

Could the polar opposites have a long term commitment or should they give up and part their ways?

You’re gonna read and find out!

I’m still giving 4.25 stars! Don’t throw anything on my face! I still find crushed tomato pieces on my scalp when I get shower after writing a mediocre review for Shadows!

This book was so close to five stars but Matt’s 180 degree rotation and turning into a pretentious, nervous, serious stress ball and his unlikable attitudes around Ava and their too fast insta love theme are a little bit unrealistic for me. Romance parts are overshadowed by the entertaining parts and friendship bounding of the story. But of the protagonists’ friends stole their show. I loved their parts more and let’s not forget the mischievous, shirt lover Harold, the lovely dog who stole my heart!

Overall: I’m giving four stars but I highly recommend this book to all comedy, romcom, feel good romance lovers and especially the author’s fans like me. I had amazing time! I laughed so much! I’m so thankful to the author to make me smile and warm my heart !

Special thanks to NetGalley and Random Press Publishing/Dial Press for sharing this fantastic ARC with me in exchange my honest review.

Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella is another fun, lighthearted romp from the author of the beloved Shopaholic series, of which I am a huge fan. Ms Kinsella and I must share a similarly quirky sense of humour because I always find myself laughing out loud at many of the antics of her hapless heroines. This one will certainly make you smile as you embark on Ava's rocky road to romance.

Ava is on a writers' retreat in Italy when she meets 'Dutch', a pseudonym given the class rules of remaining anonymous for the duration of the course. The attraction is almost instantaneous, and the two pursue a romantic and idyllic holiday tryst. But when the retreat comes to an end, it is time to reveal not only their names and nationalities, but their true selves. Will the romantic idyll continue when Ava and Dutch return to their everyday lives, and will expectations be met, or left wanting? Is happily ever after, in fact, better left to the writers and readers of fiction and fantasy?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and found myself rooting not only for Ava, but for nearly all of the colourful cast of supporting characters. I did feel that Ava tended to analyze situations in a similar process to one Becky Bloomwood, and I loved her all the more for it. I am already looking forward to devouring Ms Kinsella's next literary treat.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for this ARC.