I really enjoyed this book and the writing style. It was easy to read and the story kept me engaged. Such a great book for a debut novel.

Love and other puzzles was a fun, relatable read about life in Sydney. It was a 3/5 star read for me and I look forward to seeing more from this author in the future.

Love and Other Puzzles is fun, funny, contemporary Sydney-set novel with a fabulous premise: newspaper crossword puzzles dictate heroine Rory's life for a week to unstick her from the rut in which she finds herself. Unfortunately, I wasn't quite the reader for this - but readers looking for contemporary women's fiction should find something to love. While there were some delightful moments of romantic cuteness, I was expecting a more generic romance novel as reading material for a summer roadtrip (as in the romance genre... not an uninteresting romance!) However, this was a me-problem, not a book problem!

Easy to read and super fun, Love and Other Puzzles was a diverting beach read by a debut novelist who clearly adores romcoms. Rory's monotonous routine was super related, and I always love a book with a distinctive Australian voice. Congratulations to Kimberley Allsopp!

Rory works as a journalist but she hasn’t ever done any reporting. Instead, she looks after the classifieds and creates the weekly TV crossword.
With her relationship with artist boyfriend Lucas on the ropes and feeling lost about life in general, the rom-com fan and crossword aficionado decides to let the New York Times crossword clues guide her decisions.
This leads Rory to an art gallery event where she meets an interesting guy called Harry and propels her to chase an interview with elusive newsreader Elle Chambers.
This quirky story had its high points - from the crossword experiment to Rory's witty interactions with Harry and on the trail of Elle - but overall I found it a disjointed reading experience.

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy. Despite it being a review copy I DNFd at 40 percent. Rory, the main character is an extremely unpleasant person. She does not like her boyfriend, she is a misogynist, there is loads of body shaming. There are small things that just don't add up (if you walk for an hour and then got for a half hour run that's about 15,000 steps). Rory also doesn't like her boyfriends parents - they do pay for her Sydney flat, but lets not worry about. Her boyfriend's sister is "sweet but vapid". Rory is insecure, whiney and boring. I'm cannot care enough to read another page of this.

I have been in a MAJOR reading-rut. In fact, I’ve been faffing-about with two novels (both good, both stories that I’m enjoying) for a month (IKR?!). I decided I needed to change things up. So, I turned to a genre I very rarely read from – rom-com/ ‘chick-lit’ – and picked up Kimberley Allsopp’s debut, Love and Other Puzzles. It was everything I expected – light, warm, and pleasing in a way that a good rom-com always is (i.e. predictable but comforting, and no-loose-ends).

The story focuses on Rory, whose life is highly regimented (she calls it ‘very carefully managed’). She has weekly lunch and dinner menu plans; a basket for shoes at the front door; and checks the weather forecast before laying out her clothes for the next day. When things in Rory’s relationship and her job at a digital newspaper start to go wrong, Rory decides to shake things up by letting the clues of The New York Times crossword puzzle dictate all of her decisions for a week. It starts with raising her hand at a staff meeting to take on a task that others can’t complete, and that sets off a series of events that follow a perfect rom-com narrative arc.

Rory is a likeable character, and it’s clear from the outset that every part of her rails against her decision to let the crossword be her guide. But she is determined to stick with it, telling herself, ‘…there’s nothing wrong with structured whimsy…’.

The reasons for Rory’s intense need for control are revealed in her history – a mother who made occassional appearances in her life, anchored by loving grandparents who had very particular routines. Obviously Rory gravitated toward the routine/ reliable love.

The best part of this book was the multiple references to rom-com movies. Hard-core fans will no doubt spot more than I did, but there’s a list at the end of the book if you want to check them off. I’m not entirely sure that the intended audience (twenty-somethings?) would know all the eighties rom-coms that Allsopp incorporates, but then again, the work of Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyer is timeless.

This book did exactly what I wanted – provided a light, enjoyable diversion. It reminded me a little of Toni Jordan’s Addition, which I also enjoyed.

I received my copy of Love and Other Puzzles from the publisher, Harper Collins Australia, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

3/5

Rory is a journalist working at a Sydney newspaper who, after a couple of years on the job, has never managed to find a story to promote her further than compiling the classifieds and the weekly tv guide crossword. Her relationship with her boyfriend too has hit a bump in the road and, in a bit of a crazy and desperate moment, Rory decides to let her personal and professional life be directed by the NY Times crossword and the answers to its clues.

Although it is not specified, Rory most likely has undiagnosed autism. At the very least she has OCD and her reliance on routine is so strong that the mere idea of acting spontaneously and following wherever the clues lead her is, therefore, an extremely big deal and shows how hopeless she’s feeling.

The romance part of the book was very contemporary. There were parts which I found distressing in relation to the representation of psychological domestic abuse. Luckily Allsopp managed to balance this out with some sweet, more traditional romcom scenes.

I must point out that if you’re not a huge romance fan, I think you’d still enjoy this book. The plot, its conflict and resolution does not rely completely on the romance at all and there is lots more humour, poignancy and heartwarming moments to enjoy.

I loved all the pop references. I’m not 100% sure that the intended audience, twenty somethings, would have watched or be familiar with all the 80s romcom classics but I appreciated their inclusion anyway.

I’d also like to congratulate Allsopp for not adding endlessly unnecessary scenes just to increase the word count. I am so over 400 plus words for the sake of it.

4 ½ out of 5

Love and Other Puzzles is a heartwarming and refreshing Australian romance novel about how small steps out of your comfort zone can lead to big rewards. Our main character is rigid Rory, a 20-something journalist whose life is perfectly predictable. Finally realising her life, career and relationship are going nowhere, Rory spontaneously decides to let the clues in her beloved daily NYT crossword puzzle dictate her decisions for a week.

Now, while I did receive an ARC of Love and Other Puzzles, I actually ended up listening to the audiobook and really enjoying it. The narration was fantastic and Rory was such an endearing and witty character. She found herself in some ridiculous situations and I sympathised with a lot of her struggles, which really reflected what life in your 20s is all about. She's surrounded by a great cast of supporting characters, including Harry and Ted the bus driver.

Love and Other Puzzles is also overflowing with rom-com references. From Suddenly 30 to Clueless and While You Were Sleeping, no rom-com is left unnoticed. While some might not enjoy the abundance of pop culture references, I'm all for it! It was totally unique and gave the book an original edge.

Finally, I have to say I loved the ending. It definitely wasn't what I expected but in the best way possible. So, if you're looking for a unique Australian romance set in darling Sydney, I highly recommend reading or listening to Love and Other Puzzles.

An engaging Australian rom-com, set over the space of a week, when young journalist Rory’s life completely flips upside down. For someone who lives a very regimented life she sets herself the challenge for a week to change one thing each day, seeking inspiration from her daily crossword. This book has elements of Eleanor Oliphant and Sorrow and Bliss for a younger audience. It reads well, is well paced, and a bit of fun.

Witty and heartfelt, with a great storyline - this book is a great read. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I’m not usually a romance/romcom fan when it comes to books. I will admit, I was drawn to this one mainly for the cover. Thankfully, it paid off!

Love and Other Puzzles was funny. Like actually funny to the point of going “ha!” out loud. I know, right!? The dialogue and writing also felt realistic and natural, and I really enjoyed the banter between characters, who I found to be very endearing. Especially the protagonist Rory, who depicts everyone’s favourite anxious, relatable, millennial heroine, out here making questionable choices and just trying to figure it all out.

Other things I enjoyed: the depiction of female friendships that have not only been formed IN adulthood, but are positive and supportive. Even Rory’s boss at work, who is a tough, no bullshit woman, ends up being reasonable and understanding, rather than following the usual female boss stereotype.

The one comment I would make is that this has been presented as a romance/romcom, but it wasn’t really. We start to see the beginning of a romance potentially blooming, but this wasn’t really developed to the point of defining the book. To me, it was more a story about figuring out who you are, what you really want, and what kind of space you want to occupy in the world.

This was an enjoyable, easy read, and I would highly recommend if it sounds like your jam, or if you’ve been eyeing it off.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

With her wisely witty debut novel Love and Other Puzzles, Kimberley Allsopp has brought nostalgic fun and feelings back to the modern rom-com. Read my full review published on BookloverBookReviews.com

I loved this book. It truly spoke to me. Go read it. The end.

No, seriously, this is an amazing read and I have completely used up all my tabs and highlighters for the words of wisdom and clever quips that had me totally enthralled.

I have a reasonable level of self-awareness. I know that I like to plan, that checking items off lists fills me with joy and a sense of achievement. I know that not everyone likes mapping out their hours, days, weeks, lives. Kitt was being kind using the word regimented instead of rigid. But having everything in order and diarised wasn’t working for me anymore.

This is full of Australianisms that made me either smirk or laugh out loud. Yes, this is a romcom that has all the necessary ingredients - a cast of cringeworthy characters, embarrassing moments and a journey that is well worth it. It’s clever, it's quick witted and it is highly entertaining. Finding yourself stuck in life, turning to the crossword to look for direction is sure to make for many an amusing moment.

Why not let the creators of the black-and-white grid guide me for a week? Let its themes be my themes. A week wasn’t long enough to do any lasting damage and if it wasn’t working, I would just find something else or resign myself to a lifetime of chickpea salads on a Monday. A life that I didn’t mind. I just didn’t love. The crossword was my constant ... Where was the harm in instilling a modicum of power in the grid, in the hope that it might empower me?

Yet, when you pause long enough, you realise how Kimberley has really captured some awesome memories and reflective themes. Firstly I just loved how I was taken back to being a little girl and watching my Mum sitting there doing the daily crossword from the newspaper, or the reference to the Hagar comic, which was my Dad’s favourite and we often shared a giggle over. But then, when I stopped to look at my highlights, it became obvious how Kimberley was right on point about so many things. Here was a woman just searching for consistency after a childhood of inconsistencies due to her mothers absences.

The true constant in my life – that I couldn’t control – was violently missing her when she was gone and then internally sighing with relief and exhaustion the moment she was back. But always love. Every shade of it.

So, when you realise that life is not what you want or wish it to be … how does one change? Looking to your reliable, regular puzzle is not so zany but still too confining as Rory’s friend tries to point out:

‘Rory, I love this crossword experiment. I do. It’s great to see you doing something fun. But I wonder if you’re relying on it, possibly, a little too much at the moment? You’re allowed to have your own agency. I mean you’re the one choosing which meaning you divine from what clues. You can take it easier on yourself.’

Love and Other Puzzles is totally awesome. It’s full of wit and charm, it's refreshing and never dull with a perfect combination of humour and hindsight:

I had to let people be human. I couldn’t live up to this fictionalised version

Stop pushing yourself to have it all worked out now. It’s okay to spend some time getting things wrong before you get them right.

You’ve never been about the journey. It has always been the destination that’s mattered to you, but that’s just not how the universe works.

It sure works Kimberley, this was such an enlightening journey. Thank you.








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Oh gosh I can't believe this book made me cry.

Love and Other Puzzles by Kimberley Allsopp is a beautiful yet raw book about Rory who has an over organised life, decides to take a spin and let The New York Times crossword puzzle shake up her life. Woo go Rory! 

It took me a while to like Rory, but eventually I loved her. She reminded me of a toss up between Bridget Jones and Mercy (The Other Side of Beautiful). You know the type; spontaneity leads to getting muddle or climb out of bathroom windows when the tough gets going 😆

I got a kick out of the explanation for the front cover because now it makes complete sense. I also love the mentions of different movies and show titles/scenes, some I did get while others I had to look up. 

Overall a standout debut novel and it might just make me break my own book buying ban because it's one book I need on my shelf to reread in the future.

Thank you to Harpercollins, Netgalley and Kimberley Allsopp for a eARC of Love and Other Puzzles.

I had a sleepless night after reading Love and Other Puzzles by Kimberley Allsopp. Not because of the book itself... I just had a heap of stuff on my mind; but it means it got the full post-reading Deborah over-thinking / over-analysis treatment because my mind wouldn't shut down. (So I apologise for that in advance!)

I very much enjoyed this debut novel by Allsopp. It's probably a little different than my usual reading fare, which is probably why I didn't receive a print copy for review. And though Rory is a couple of decades (at least two, maybe three) younger than me, I could kinda relate to the messiness of her life and the denial in which she's wrapped herself... assuming that all will work out and she's on the right track.

I read an early copy of this book electronically so the layout of the final version may have changed but I did find the writing / text a bit dense at times. I'm not sure if more whitespace or paragraphs would have helped but I found myself rushing with my reading and given that I'm a fast reader, that's saying something!

Rory's internal dialogue - as well as the conversations with her bestie Kitt, boss Dave and a guy called Harry - reminded me of The Gilmore Girls. (And I LOVE the dialogue in that show, as well as The Marvellous Mrs Maisel - which has the same writer/creator.)

I could very much relate to the writing; I write similarly, where I start talking about something and get slightly sidetracked with an anecdote before (hopefully) coming back to the original point. So Allsopp's writing is sassy and prose clever but it does sometimes get a bit laden down with words. Lots of words. Again, (weirdly) I related (to) and appreciated this but found its verboseness a little challenging at times.

Because I had time to overthink the book after finishing it I found myself picking at other things... some coincidences for example and the way everything is perfectly wrapped up in the end. Having said that, I'm aware it's meant to mirror a romcom and I did want a happy ending but it was a bit like too many things going right after going wrong. Given Rory's propensity to daydream and addiction to romcoms I actually wondered if the romance thing might mostly be in her imagination and the stuff of witty repartee rather than the good old love at first sight kinda thing. (And I might have enjoyed that option.)

My overthinking meant I (again) pondered the discussion Rory has with her mother about her father and I'm not sure it was needed (as it felt like an afterthought). I did appreciate that it gave us some insight into Rory's character and perhaps would have liked a little more reference to that. Her mother dismisses the similarities but much of the novel is spent on Rory's rigid nature and inflexibility so some consideration as to whether it's a result of a very-absent and eccentric mother and unusual home life or something more physiological interested me.

I should mention how much I loved the pop culture / romcom references and 'got' all of them. Thankfully there weren't too many featuring YA shows on Netflix or the like so I could very much relate to everything including Four Weddings and a Funeral, When Harry Met Sally, Serendipity and You've Got Mail.

This is a very cleverly written and entertaining debut by Allsopp. The characters are all likeable and engaging and Rory in particular is disarmingly honest. In many ways my (later) overanalysis of the ending was unwarranted but guess it's also because the book stayed with me after I'd shut down my iPad. (Or perhaps I was jealous... that Rory's life seems to be coming together while mine..... #notsomuch!)

The ideal book for anyone feeling a little stuck in a monotonous daily routine. Rory is genuine and funny - and now I want to read anything by Kimberley Allsopp.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC.

Thanks to Harper Collins Australia, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I finished this book grinning (i mean ear to ear like a Cheshire cat) as I did the whole way through reading this gem of a book. In summary, Rory is having a 'ok' life - she's not setting the world ablaze as a journalist and her relationship isn't setting anything ablaze either. She likes systems and schedules and rules but knows that she has become rigid and that's stopping her from living her best life. So, she decides that for a week she is going to use the New York Times crossword to help her bring some spontaneity to her life. It's just a week - what harm could it do ... and then her world blows up.

This is a very funny book - hilarious and poignant, the writing is a wonderful combination of hopeful and cynical. It's unique and layered and delightful. I absolutely adored the female characters, Rory's best friend Kitt and her boss in particular. They were surprising in the way they were at once strong and compassionate - I want to meet them in real life, or maybe just BE them. I hope they exist because they make me proud to be a woman.

Rory is wonderfully complex. Lucas is perfect in his portrayal of a douchebag boyfriend - I am sure he will be familiar to ex-partners everywhere. And Henry is officially my new favourite book boyfriend - he's not in the story much but he makes a huge impression. I need this to be a movie where Henry is played by Liam Hemsworth.

i haven't read anything by this author before but I am looking forward to more from Kimberley Allsopp. Her writing is inspiring and full of depth, while still being light enough to feel like you have escaped for a little while.

“Don’t just tune out after the first sentence.”

I would take this advice as you read this book. I was puzzled by this book, and by the main character, Rory: was she anxious? Regimented? Afraid of change? None of the above? Was this a comedy? Was this a sad diary of a young woman who didn’t know how to cope?

So many movie and celebrity references and name dropping and product p[acement throughout this book, I almost thought it was an Instagram influencer’s account or a guide for IMDB. That part was a little cringeworthy, and for an up and coming wannabe journalist (just like her grandfather). I was rather surprised that these were her comfort zones. Rory seemed to have a lot of questions and never seemed happy with anything. She believes what she wants to hear, and doesn’t really listen – and this advice she also gets from her grandmother. Rory decides to rely on her daily crossword fix to provide her with proverbs for life. Eat icecream (I agree with that one), raise your hand (you need crossword advice to speak up?), doors opening opportunities, and Harry. I must admit that it is clever to use the cryptic clues as lifelines for Rory, wanting more from life.

Rory’s attitude infuriated me, and Lucas her boyfriend was just as grating. The moments with Kitt, her girlfriend, her grandmother and mother seemed to be more deeper in connection , and said a lot without saying much, quite good highlights of this book. It was the actual conversations with Rory and other characters and Rory inside her own head that seem to lose me. It was hard to find the right position to balance Rory’s planning and itemized life wit her need to trust herself and take risks; there was no perfect balance.

Thanks NetGalley for the e-ARC..

In the delightful romcom, Love and Other Puzzles from debut Australian novelist Kimberley Allsopp, Rory Byrnes impulsively turns to the New York Times crossword puzzle for inspiration to change her life.

7A A bovine Baskin treat = icecream

With her career stalled and her relationship failing, Rory, who has always relied on order and routine, decides that three times a day for the next week she’ll let the answers to The New York Times crossword puzzle guide her decisions.

34A What do you do before you speak in class = raise your hand

To revitalise her journalistic career at ‘The Connect’ Rory, raises her hand, and volunteers to arrange an interview with elusive newsreader, Elle Chambers, who is rumoured to be launching a bid for a political seat. The only problem is Rory has no idea how to deliver on it.

12D A 2010 Steve Martin novel = An Object of Beauty

The first step Rory takes to reconnect with her live in boyfriend, artist Lucas, is to agree to attend a gallery opening, despite generally avoiding such events, where she ends up spending most of her time talking with the bartender, Harry, and goes home alone.

As the week progresses, the crossword inspires a little more chaos than Rory expects but she’s determined to follow through.

Allsopp’s protagonist is easy to like. Rory is sweet and warm-hearted, just a little lost amid her quarter-life crisis. Her need for order is mostly a form of self defence, the result of a somewhat chaotic upbringing with her free spirited single mother, which her grandparents did their best to ameliorate.

I was also a fan of Rory’s loyal and funny best friend, Kitt, and charmed by several of the other characters, including Rory’s mentor Dave, and bus driver, Ted. Rory’s boyfriend, on the other hand, is a jerk, but this is a romcom so there is a worthy man waiting in the wings.

The writing is witty and sharp. I loved the many pop culture references, most of which relate to Hollywood romcoms.

Love and Other Puzzles is a captivating uplifting read, sure to satisfy any hopeless romantic.

Loved everything about this book. Love the inside jokes, the witty humour, very easy to read and well needed after the year of 2021.