⭐⭐⭐⭐

The premise of The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate really sucked me in – you have Fenny who has the most exquisite weekend fling with Sam, and as she’s about to embark on her dream job as a director of a TV show she’s been the main writer for, she meets Jude (who reminds her of Sam in many ways), who’s been brought in to be the new director instead of Fenny.

I was captivated from the beginning of the story and couldn’t put this book down until I figured out how Sam and Jude were connected, and Fenny’s role in their stories. I thought that it was really interesting how the author took two characters (Fenny and Jude) who both had life altering circumstances/near-death experiences and how they then both took opposite outlooks on approaching their life after they occurred. I really loved the chemistry between Fenny and Jude, and honestly wished there were more chapters at the end of the book so that I could get more out of their relationship. The side characters also brought a lot to the story – Edie, Olivia, Jake, Masha – and this has made me want to go back and read Olivia and Jake’s story.

Overall, I recommend this book if you enjoy books with magical realism (i.e. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston) – then you will vibe right along with this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Lauren Kate and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

I’m finding I really love a romance with a little magic and this one didn’t disappoint! This is my second romance read of Lauren’s. I was a fan years ago of her Fallen series, but her magical realism romances are just so good and ones I’m now watch for!

Fenny Fein’s dreams are finally coming true. After all the years she’s spent working her way up the Hollywood ladder, she’s finally been promoted to Director of Zombie Hospital, the campy series she’s been writing for. To get in the right head space she decides to give herself some alone time on Catalina island before her first day. Only, a sudden storm moves in and someone, someone real handsome, has just unzipped her tent and carried her to safety and to his cabin to wait out the storm. Enter Sam, who is younger than her and their chemistry is off the charts. She’s not a fling girl, but finds herself leaning into their chemistry. After their long weekend together she’s still thinking about him Monday at work when she’s called into her boss’s office to find not only is she not Director now, but the guy replacing her is Sam…not wait it’s Jude. The uncanny resemblance is messing with her head and it’s left Jude, the new and famous up and coming director, unsteady and confused with what is happening.

This book has great call backs and cameos from her friends from Lauren’s previous book, What’s in a Kiss. I laughed out loud, swooned over the tenderness and longing, and felt so tight with the tension and mystery. I simply couldn’t put it down. Similar writing to authors Ashley Poston and Kirsty Greenwood.

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam and Lauren Kate for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

very mysterious and unique book. one quick recommendation, don't read the synopsis or anything, go in blind, because the synopsis spoils WAY too much. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Magical realism romance

This was such a fun read- Fenny (who else was a boy meets
World fan!) finds herself in a love triangle with two versions of the same man. It gave me severance vibes but more fun.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for this eARC.

This was a genuinely surprising read. I really didn't know what this story was about before I started and I am glad I didn't see anything.
This was unexpected and a delightful read. A touch of magical realism with parallel timelines that really kept me guessing until the very end.

Fenny needs a reset before her big break. She meets Sam on her off the grid weekend. Sparks fly and Fenny leaves the weekend more hopeful than not. Once reality and the real world hits, can Fenny get back to the feelings she had growing with Sam?

This was a quick, heartwarming read that, even though you might be able to guess to plot twist, you really don’t know for sure until the very end. I liked that it kept me guessing and interested for the whole book.

The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate was phenomenal and completely unexpected. What began as a seemingly simple love story quickly unfolded into something deeper, richer, and more emotionally intense than I anticipated. Lauren Kate weaves romance, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural into a story that lingers long after the final page. The characters were complex and compelling, and the twists kept me hooked throughout. A truly moving read—I couldn’t put it down!

I would like to thank Putnam Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I u am giving it 4 stars because of the premise and the well written characters. I do have some quibbles with the execution, however, which I will get into in a sentence or two. If you , like me, read the author's previous book- What's in a Kiss, you will remember some of these same characters. This book is not a sequel per se, but the same group of friends. There is not mention of the paranormal/fantasy events of the previous book, however. Anyway, if you read the synopsis, you will see that Fenny, the main female character, meets a man on a weekend trip, has great sex, and then Monday at sees someone who looks like him. The written synopsis talks about Fenny having to bring together 2 halves of a soul. This does not happen until the final quarter of the book. The build up was way to slow for me, especially since this synopsis was what brought me to the book. Anyway, to recap, Fenny is a writer on a TV show called Zombie Hospital. She is finally getting a chance to direct. She goes to Catalina Island for a weekend camping trip. There are storms, and a good looking Search and Rescue guard (Sam)carries her away before she is swept away by the storms. His jeep has fallen over the cliff and he takes her to his cabin. They spend the weekend together, having mind blowing sex. She leaves and goes to work on Monday to find that, first, she has been replaced as director by Jude De Silva, and second, Jude looks like an older version of Sam.Most of the book is based on the relationship between Jude and Fenny, in an enemies to friends type plot, until, late ( very late), in the book we get more information on why there is a resemblance. As I said, I really liked the characters, and the premise. It was just a little too drawn out for me, and the ending was way too abrupt. Maybe one more chapter/epilogue was in order?

To say that I adored this book would be an understatement. If you are a fan of contemporary romances infused with magical realism (think Ashley Poston) you should enjoy it.

And while I’d like to wax poetic about just how good the novel was, it’s hard to review it without including spoilers. As some other reviewers have stated, it’s best to go in blind. Let the story carry you through the twists and turns, and you won’t regret it.

What I can say about this book: I loved each of the characters and the chemistry is on point. Once everything starts to come together… ugh, total perfection. I know I’ll be re-reading this and buying the audiobook as well.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this advanced reader copy, provided in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate was a quick and fun read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I was eager to see how the story would unfold, with just the right mix of heart and intrigue to keep the pages turning. Fans of Ashley Poston will likely enjoy this one. It has that same whimsical, romantic charm.

Thank you to Penguin Group for the ARC!

-A woman falls for two men with eery similarities in this cute but bizarre romance

I’m not sure what to make of this one. Parts I really enjoyed and parts were…dumb. BUT if you’re looking for a light palate cleanser I would recommend!
Thanks NetGalley! Out in June.

4.5 Stars!

It's been a hot minute since I've read something by Lauren Kate, and I'm so glad this is the book I ended up reading. I absolutley adored this book! I mean, magical realism, a parallel timeline, and a sweet love story...how could you go wrong? This story delivered with a unique storyline, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and characters you can't help but root for. The Spirit of Love is a fun read with an entertaining meet-cute that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. I easily devoured this story in just a few short hours and had the best time getting swept up in Fenny and Jude's story.

3.5!! Fenny gives herself a self care weekend on the picturesque Catalina Island before her big directorial debut at work. While camping out on the beach, a torrential storm hits her campsite and a mysterious Search & Rescuer, Sam, rescues her from her solitude and the storm. Fenny and Sam have a magical, romantic weekend exploring the island Sam calls home. When Fenny returns home and on her first day of her big debut, she is unceremoniously replaced as director by Jude de Silva, who happens to look exactly like Sam.

I really enjoyed the magical realism elements of this book and the little bit of mystery over what was happening! I loved how Jude and Fenny’s work relationship developed over the course of the book. I felt the ending was wrapped up too quickly though, especially since there isn’t an epilogue. I still have questions and part of it felt unresolved!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and perfect for fans of Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics.

🛶 Magical realism
🛶 Work rivals to lovers
🛶 Fade to black
🛶 Catalina Island/Hollywood setting

This story was nothing like I expected it to be and I absolutely loved it. I devoured it in one day and am excited to read more by this author!

Fenny is getting ready to film her first episode of a show as a director but first she went away to Catalina island to reset her mindset. During this R&R, she met Sam at the island had an unforgettable couple of days with him. She felt like her and Sam had chemistry. When she arrived on set to direct her first episode, she was told that she has to wait to direct because Jude, a big shot director, is coming to direct instead. When Fenny met Jude, Jude looks a lot like Sam but somehow doesn’t know Fenny at all….


I was so excited to Read another story by Lauren Kate! I was a big fan of the Fallen series when I was in highschool. However, this was a letdown for me. I wanted to love this but I just didnt feel any chemistry for the characters and to me it just felt forced. The ending was pretty anticlimactic for me as well. It wasn’t horrible to me it was just predictable and I wanted more.

Thank you Netgalley and Putnam Books for this ARC ❤️

*THE SPIRIT OF LOVE*
3/5 ⭐
I got to read this one courtesy of the publisher, Lauren Kate and @netgalley. Now, I will preface by saying if I had understood this was a timeslip, I probably would not have requested it. I am not a huge fan of books/movies with time travel and whatnot, BUT I did enjoy this read more than I thought I would. I liked the progression of Fennys character as she realizes life is so much more than just her job and her work and we love her super supportive friend group even though if my friend came to me in this situation I would probably think she had lost her mind. Ultimately, I did enjoy this more than I thought I would!

2.75⭐

LIKED:
- There are really good bones to this story. Without giving too much away (it’s not that it’s terribly unpredictable), the light mystery of what ties everything together in this story is charming. The only thing with it is that I wish there had been more connectivity with Sam that really added more depth to the emotionality.
- I liked Fenny. I understood her motivations and what she wanted out of life for herself, and I understood why she would like these two men. I felt for in her ups and downs and I wanted the best for her. I just…do not understand why her name was Fenny. Especially not Fenny Fein.
- ‘Zombie Hospital’ as a show concept is so ridiculous and I appreciate that.
- I like this cover for its simplicity, it’s sweet. I wish it was a bit more tied to the actual book besides just the Catalina bits, but that’s fine.

LAMENTED:
- Jude is frustrating. He’s lacks really any flaw that would make him endearing. He’s just nice all the time, which, yes, nice is good and all, but it makes for a real lack of any sort of tension within their building relationship. This is especially noticeable when Sam is so charming.
- The aforementioned mystery of this book is not hard to discern, nor do I think it’s meant to be. However, it drags on for way too long. It all comes to a head way too late in the book that causes the middle of the book to crawl. There are so many scenes that feel insubstantial to the greater good of the overall book.
- The book just…ends?? The climax happens and then the book is over. No epilogue, no actual discussion between the two characters. Just the acknowledgements. It’s wild and definitely to the detriment of the story.
- This is a personal thing, but I found the spirituality of this book to be a bit hamfisted. This book can be spiritual in nature, that’s fine, but the way it’s handled feels odd. The discussions never actual tie to anything with the plot well enough to have deeper meaning. I think what I mean is that they feel kind of like excuses (whether by the characters or the author) rather than meaningful conversations.
The title of this book is a fine title, but also…not really what this book is about slash spoils the book?

LONGED FOR:
- Jude to have some depth.
- The book’s third act to feel more polished.
- More time with Sam, honestly.


Will I read the next one? : Maybe. I think this author has really sollid ideas but I’m not super sold that she can execute on them just yet.

I was excited for this book even though I definitely went into it blind. I did not know the genre and did not read the description prior to completing the book. That being said, after reading the book description and the genre, I think it gives away too much. The FMC is tolerable but nothing about this book really drew me in. I was a bit confused due to my lack of information about the book going in, but other than that, it was easy to follow and I didn't dislike the characters. An easy read but not one I had any attachment to finishing (although I did).

The Spirit of Love is a mind-bending, magical romance that took me on an unforgettable ride. Fenny, the fun and fearless main character, was such a joy to follow, and her love interests were genuinely captivating—each one adding something unique to the emotional and fantastical journey.

From the dreamy beaches of Catalina Island to zombie-filled desert scenes, the settings were as surprising as they were vivid. The blend of romance, magic, and a touch of the supernatural kept me flipping pages at lightning speed. I honestly didn’t want it to end—I adored being in Fenny’s world and would happily return to it again.

This book is a wild, romantic escape with just the right mix of heart and magic.

A vacation fling, a workplace rival, two very different love connections. The Spirit of Love is a new novel by Lauren Kate that will have you leaning forward in your seat as the tale unfolds.

After a whirlwind weekend fling before beginning work as director for the first time on the show she loves, Fenny is blindsided when she returns to real life. Turns out the director gig was given to a stranger with a flawless reputation at the last minute instead. As much as she tries to dislike him, they start to connect on a deeper level, but she can't forget about the man she met in the forest.

This is a perfect example of why I do not read book summaries before I begin. With this one? The entire plot would have been ruined if I had, so if you haven't done that yet, save yourself the great feeling of discovering a story for yourself and don't read it. Whyyy do publishers do that?

Beyond that gripe, I really enjoyed the story. I had fun piecing things together for myself, though I had another theory bumping around in my brain for a big chunk of it so (if you didn't read the back) I wouldn't say the ending isn't very predictable.

The romance between Fenny and Sam at the beginning of the book was interesting and refreshing and just enough swoony without being too much. The development of the new relationship with Jude (not dating, but you get what I mean) felt genuine and not forced, which is important for the integrity of a story like this with two love interests.

Magical Realism tends to usually stretch a thread too far for me, and that was honestly the case with this story. It all makes sense and was set up incredibly well, but I wasn't filled with a feeling of 100% satisfaction by the time it was all said and done. Honestly I think that's just a me thing though. If you're a fan of magical realism in general, this is probably an ideal romance for you!

As always I am honored when I am able to read a book early, and The Spirit of Love was a really nice escape with an interesting story.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of Spirit of Love! Lauren Kate serves up a whimsical, time-bending romance with a premise that had me instantly intrigued: one man, split in two by magic and heartbreak, and one woman stuck in the middle—trying to glue his soul (and her love life) back together.

Fenny is a firecracker. She’s fresh off the best night of her life and finally stepping into the director’s chair on the show she’s been writing for a decade. Life is good—until it isn’t. Enter Jude, the hotshot new director who just so happens to be the older, moodier doppelgänger of Sam, the dreamy stranger who saved her during a weekend storm. Is she hallucinating? Is it fate? Or is she about to star in her own very confusing rom-com?

The setup is golden—imagine The Time Traveler’s Wife meets Sliding Doors with a side of steamy banter. But while the story is wildly original, it sometimes got tangled in its own timeline. I spent a lot of the book trying to keep track of which version of the man Fenny was falling for, and the emotional beats didn’t always land as hard as I hoped. The pacing wobbled, especially in the middle, where the magical realism started to feel more like magical whiplash.

Still, Lauren Kate’s writing has an airy charm, and there are some genuinely moving reflections on healing, identity, and whether love can bridge the gap between who we were and who we become. I didn’t fall head-over-heels, but I definitely appreciated the ambition and the heart behind this one.

A dreamy, if dizzying, romantic puzzle. Recommended for fans of genre-bending love stories and second-chance soulmates—with a side of time travel chaos.