The book was very tender and charming. We learned how people can create a found family. They show the power for friendship. Also, the trivia aspect was great.

I wasn’t into this. I did not finish it, unfortunately. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this arc.

What a pleasant surprise! So tender. So charming. Responding to an ad searching for pub quiz teammates, five strangers join together as The Red Hot Quizzy Peppers. With all sorts of messy interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts unraveling within the story, I adored seeing this lonely group of unlikely friends gain confidence, follow their dreams, and even find love.

The mental health representation was really heartfelt and candid. These characters had their struggles, and harsh words were definitely shared, but I loved the overarching support underneath their friendship. Each character offered something truly unique. Though there was one storyline I hoped ended differently, I was deeply invested in all their lives!

The trivia aspect was so fun. It added a wonderful touch of levity to the story. And I loved the special addition of opening each chapter with a trivia question, with the answer relating to an upcoming scene. I’m happy I read this! If you love a story of found family, this is a comforting one!

I love a book based on trivia nights. Told by multiple perspectives. To be honest I wasnt expecting much and it really suprised me at how much I loved it.

I was very excited when I read the summary of this book. I really love the idea of a story centered around a trivia contest. And I really enjoyed that part of the book. It was fun trying to guess answers and play along.
The characters relationships with each other and the other team members was ok but sort of sad. I struggled to find anyone happy in this book. It seemed like all of the relationships were a mess and no one was trying to make things better. It is especially hard to read about adults in these situations because they have the opportunity to change things. And it just seemed like they let life lead them instead of them taking ownership and making their life into something they wanted.
For fans of non-fiction or biographies you may enjoy this book as it was more "real life" than "escapism".
Enjoy!

I just feel like there’s too many points of view too quickly in the book. It would’ve been better to focus the first chapter or two on one specific character and then bring in other characters as needed and kind of as introduced. I feel like jumping in quickly with all of the characters just made it feel too cluttered and like I needed to take notes on every single character. While I’m reading I’m trying to read to have fun not to do clinical diagnosis of the book. Once I got through the first half, the book got better for me. I enjoyed the characters and loved watching them grow as friends. I did feel frustrated with a lot of the storylines and the way it took so long for them to get out of their bad habits. But I do believe that made them more realistic. Overall it was good but I don’t think it was anything spectacular.

I found this piece to be exceptionally well-crafted, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into more works by this author. Given its potential popularity among our library patrons, we're certainly looking forward to adding it to our collection

From the start I had a hard time relating and caring about the characters. It was a struggle to get through the book and was often bored.

The story is really interesting and unique. Kind off like found family as the female lead looks of team members for her trivia team. Each member with their area of expertise and personal issues. I did not relate with all characters but that's obviously possible. Also, liked the fact that the book is not a typical romcom.

The Lonely Hearts Trivia Night is a bittersweet heart-warming story of strangers to friends with the twinge of reality sprinkled in

The book is perfect. As I began reading I found myself getting confused on characters but as I progressed I eased into the familiarity of characters in their day to day lives. The story set in London centres the life of chaotic Donna who having lost her friends decides to advertise for quiz team members. Harry recently single and unemployed, couple Luke and Jaime having recently moved from the north and married mum of two Bryony join. Alongside the regular quiz nights Farnsworth delves deep into the characters backstory, one in particular giving an Emily and Lorelai Gilmore feel from the Gilmore Girls. I especially enjoyed the writing format of paragraphs and pages for the certain dynamics and storylines to give a more personal feel outside the quiz life. The story although rather positive did have topics of teen pregnancy and mental health which I found quiet enjoyable and unexpected from the book description. Overall I adored this book and will be most certainly buying in when it’s released and reading further works of Lauren Farnsworth (sequel possibly ?)

Thank you Netgalley for the ebook!

In this book we follow five characters in four POVs and it’s really hard to read a book when you basically don’t care about them for the biggest part of the book.

I’m getting closer to thirty myself and the characters were all roughly around my age and I just can help but mirror myself to how they act in certain situations and how childish they often seemed.

They know that what they’re doing is the wrong thing to do and yet they still do it and then mope about the consequences? Of their own actions???

Now, I may seem a bit harsh about this book, because it did grab me at certain times and I even chuckled now and then. I enjoyed the writing style and how often we switched between the characters and how they’re always drawn back together because of some trivia quiz.

A very interesting premise. A lonely woman, Donna, puts an ad up for a trivia team. 3 other lonely people respond. Each chapter begins with a trivia question, the answer corresponds to what will happen in the chapter.
The book takes place in London, so there are some cultural differences that confused me a little, such as unemployment insurance, the school system, the real estate system and the health system, each of which intersects with the characters.
Donna seems to have a very good job, and they seem to put up with her moods. Harry has lost his job yet seems in no hurry to get a new one.
The other characters have many problems, and they begin to help one another. It is heartening to see the bonds between them grow as the win one trivia contest after another.
This is not your typical rom com as each character struggles in their lives.
Mental health issues, as well as relationships, feelings of self worth or lack of it, marital issues, parental problems, are all dealt with.
I received an EARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Like ∙ flag

Five lonely and unhappy strangers meet up in a pub, answering an add to form a trivia team. Donna, the leader of the endeavour, feels like nothing ever sticks in her life and she has been noticing more and more that there are fewer people in her life. Harry’s girlfriend left him right after he lost his job and he has been struggling to get out of bed everyday and doesn’t know if he will ever be happy again. Bryony has been a mum since she was seventeen, her kids are older and need her less and she is trying to find herself outside of being a wife and mother. Jaimie and Luke moved to London from their small town to have a wonderful life, but life in London is lonely and they seem to be drifting further apart. The five unlikely friends will enter the Pub Quiz tournament as they try and turn their lives into something that brings them happiness.
This is very much a book about regular people facing everyday problems, coming together for a normal activity and it’s beautiful. These are the type of characters you see parts of yourself or your friends in. You know some version of these peoples problem and have seen it play out to whatever conclusion. I found it fairly easy to relate to all the characters on some level and that made it so easy to be invested in their outcomes. I adore trivia, I found the trivia questions sprinkled throughout the book a delight.
Thank you to @laurenfarnsworthwrites @netgalley and @alcovepress for letting me read this one early in exchange for a review. Look for it June 18, 2024
#booklover #trivia #trivianights #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booknerd #bookbloggerspost #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookworms #readersofinstagram #readersofig #readersofinsta #readforjoy #readersgonnaread #readeveryday #bookblogger

I'm sorry, but I won't have the time to read this book by the archive date. Thank you for access to the arc. If you have an audio version, I could probably get it finished in a few days. Thanks!

5 stars to make up for my lack of participation

"The Lonely Hearts Trivia Night by Lauren Farnsworth is a heartwarming tale of unexpected connections and the power of trivia to unite even the most unlikely of companions. Following the journey of five strangers thrust together on a trivia team, the story beautifully unfolds as they navigate life's twists and turns, forging deep friendships along the way. Farnsworth's skillful storytelling captures the essence of romance and the beauty of human connection, making this a delightful read for anyone seeking a book brimming with love, friendship, and the joy of life's surprises."

When hurt people doing their best to get by become form a trivia team at their local pub, they become a found family that supports each other on the rollercoaster of life. The Lonely Hearts Trivia Night delves into deep issues like unemployment, infidelity, parenting woes, and mental health in a thoughtful way. This is the perfect book for anyone who’s thought: “My life is in shambles. Now what?” I rooted for the main characters from beginning to end.

I really liked this one. I appreciate stories about lonely people discovering friends / found family and community and this fit the bill wonderfully.

I felt the mental health rep here is written with insight and sensitivity that allows the characters to evolve and grow.

An enjoyable read.



Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the DRC

i am so thankful that i got to read this book early! thank you so much to the publishers and to netgalley. what a lovely story this was!! it was fantastic and sweet and precious and lovely in every single way!!!

The Lonely Hearts Trivia Night by Lauren Farnsworth is a beautiful story about friendship and human connection. It follows 5 strangers who end up on a trivia team and how they form strong bonds despite their differences. I loved seeing how each character evolved throughout the book. As a trivia fan myself, I also loved how trivia brought them all together. Would recommend to anyone looking for a book filled with romance, friendships, and how life can bring you down unexpected paths.

This debut novel, “The Lonely Hearts Trivia Night” by Lauren Farnsworth, invites readers into a delightful world where friendship blossoms over obscure facts and shared laughter. Set against the backdrop of bustling London, this heartwarming tale introduces us to five strangers who find themselves united by chance and circumstance.

Meet Bryony, Harry, Jaime, Luke, and Donna. Each is grappling with their own loneliness when they stumble upon an ad seeking members for a bar trivia team. The Red Hot Quizzy Peppers, as they dub themselves, embark on a journey that transcends mere quizzing. Their quest for camaraderie leads them to unexpected places, revealing hidden talents, vulnerabilities, and the magic of human connection.

This read is a delightful blend of wit, charm, and poignant moments. Want to know why I thought it deserved a resounding five stars? Ok, then first we have to talk about depth of character.

Farnsworth masterfully crafted characters who leap off the page. Bryony, the quirky librarian with a penchant for historical trivia; Harry, the retired accountant nursing a broken heart; Jaime, the enigmatic artist with a secret; Luke, the introverted IT specialist; and Donna, the free-spirited bartender; they all come alive with distinct voices and relatable struggles. Their quirks and vulnerabilities make them endearing, and you'll find yourself rooting for their happiness.

The trivia nights serve as more than a backdrop; they become a metaphor for life's uncertainties. As the team tackles questions like "How did prosecco get its name?" and "Which Mariah Carey song conquered twenty-six countries?"—they inadvertently unravel their own mysteries. The pursuit of knowledge becomes a bridge to understanding, and the camaraderie forged during these nights is heartwarming.

Farnsworth doesn't shy away from portraying mental health struggles. Each character battles their demons—whether it's anxiety, depression, or self-doubt. The author handles these themes with sensitivity, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative. The friendships that emerge become lifelines, proving that sometimes, healing lies in unexpected connections.

Forget grand gestures and clichéd declarations. The romance in this novel is subtle, authentic, and grounded in reality. It's about shared glances, hesitant confessions, and the warmth of companionship. The chemistry between characters develops organically, leaving you with a contented sigh.

The city pulsates through every page, from the bustling pubs, to the rain-soaked streets, and the Tube rides. Farnsworth captures London's essence, making it more than a setting as it becomes a silent participant in the characters' lives.

Beneath the trivia banter lies a profound exploration of identity, purpose, and the courage to forge new paths. The novel nudges us to look beyond the surface, to see the lonely hearts behind the answers.

This book is a gem. Farnsworth's writing is like a soothing cup of tea on a rainy day: comforting, familiar, and utterly satisfying. Whether you're a trivia enthusiast or simply seeking a heartwarming read, this novel won't disappoint.

Grab a seat at the Red Hot Quizzy Peppers' table, sip your drink, and prepare to fall in love with trivia, London, and with the lonely hearts who find solace in each other's company.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.