Lauren Kate first stole my heart with the unforgettable story of Lanie and Noah in By Any Other Name. So when I had the chance to dive into another of her books, I jumped at it. Unfortunately, the same magic that drew me in before was missing from The Spirit of Love. Don’t get me wrong - the connection between the characters, their development, and the overall adoration for Sam and Jude are all present. But the plot itself didn’t pull me in as strongly, largely because the outcome is more or less revealed in the book synopsis. Honestly, this could have been a solid four-star read if the summary hadn’t spoiled the big twist. So, here’s my advice for anyone interested: absolutely do not read the synopsis. You’ll have a completely different - and much better - experience if you go in blind.

Fenny can’t believe her dreams are finally within reach. After a weekend away, she’ll begin her new life as a director, having spent years writing for the hit show Zombie Hospital. But first, she just needs to get into the right frame of mind, courtesy of a secluded weekend in Catalina. Her plans take a sharp turn when a terrible storm rolls in on the campsite, and she’s unwillingly rescued by Sam. Determined to send her mysterious hero - who responded to a flare she didn’t send - on his way, she soon learns just how dire her situation really was. Sam saves her life not once but twice as they make it to safety. What should have been a brief encounter between strangers quickly turns into a passionate weekend, but it dissolves into a fling when Sam sidesteps her attempts to stay connected and Fenny is pulled back to reality. Convinced she’ll never see him again, Fenny is stunned when Sam walks into her producer’s office - except now he’s ten years older, goes by Jude, and is taking her director job! Fenny has no idea what’s going on, but the more time she spends with Jude, the more convinced she is that something bigger is at play - and that she’s the key.

To be honest, I’m not really sure what the intended takeaway from this story is. Both Fenny and Jude felt lost and searching, drifting through what some would call an existential crisis. Jude constantly feels like something is missing, while Fenny believes she knows what will make her whole - only to discover that achieving her dream still leaves her feeling incomplete.

Curiosity kept me turning the pages, but there wasn’t a clear sense of direction. The novel unfolds almost like a “day in the life” of Fenny: we follow her at work, with friends and family, and through her complicated relationship with Jude, which moves from enemies to friends to infatuation. As things progress, I couldn’t shake the feeling of “what’s the point of all this?” Even at 80%, starting Part Three, I still didn’t know where the story was going. Part One focuses on Fenny’s connection with Sam; Part Two shifts to Jude.

With only 9% left, I found myself asking, “Where is this going?” I was worried everything would be rushed at the end after so much buildup - and that’s exactly what happened. After twenty-five chapters of setup, everything is resolved in the final two, and then the story just ends. So many questions remain unanswered.

In the end, I felt like there was so much untapped potential. I wanted more clarity, more meaning, and more of the special sauce that Lauren Kate is so capable of delivering. With that being said, I understand this book dabbles in the realm of fantasy and magic, which often require a certain willingness to “just go with it.” Maybe that’s where I asked for more than the book intended to deliver- perhaps the mystic elements are meant to satisfy the unexplainable. If that is the case, this book is perfect for someone who just wants a "feel good read" with an HEA.

I had to DNF this one. I made it to about 100 pages and couldn’t continue. Very slow for me. And I couldn’t connect to the writing

Rating: 4.5 Stars

In order to center herself before her big directing debut, Fenny goes on a weekend getaway to Catalina. She expected to enjoy some solitude, but found herself in a dangerous storm. Not to fear, as Sam, a young and attractive Search and Rescue responder, came to her aid. Fenny could not fight the attraction between them and enjoyed an amazing weekend fling. Energized from her weekend, Fenny was ready to take on directorial duties but discovered that she has been replaced by directing wunderkind, Jude. She wanted to hate him, but Fenny could not deny the energy between them. Caught in a sort of love-triangle, what will Fenny decide?

My reading had been rather slow this past week, but there was something about this book that had me devouring the pages. First, I was recognizing Fenny's friends, and sure enough, this book was set in the same world as What's in a Kiss? Obviously, I was excited to catch up with the gang, partake in their celebrations, and get to know Fenny better. It's always a special treat when I get to revisit characters I adored, but there was so much more to savor in The Spirit of Love.

First of all, I loved Fenny. She was funny and witty and bantered in a way you would expect a top notch TV writer to banter. The dialogue was truly sparkling, and I could often be seen grinning as I read it. The time on the set of the show was rather fun, except for when I was raging for Fenny. HOW DARE THEY!!! It felt good to feel so much passion for Fenny, and I loved rooting for her.

I also could not help rooting for Fenny and Jude. Yes, Sam was this amazing Labrador who gave Fenny a shot of confidence and opened her eyes to the wonders of nature, but Jude was...everything. The dynamic, the chemistry, the energy between him and Fenny was undeniable. And he had a grumpy dog he name Walter Matthau! I couldn't get enough of him, or Jude, or Fenny and Jude.

The supporting cast was fantastic as well. They added so much to the fun. Fenny had some amazing ride-or-die friends, and they quickly embraced Jude. Her sister and the kids were good for laughs as well. I liked basking in all their love and chaos and was happy Fenny had them all.

There was also a touch of magic in this tale. I will admit that I was glad I did not read the synopsis. It made that element of the story have greater mystery and for me, I felt the payoff was bigger because I went in blind. Regardless, the magical element was interesting and could be open to much interpretation.

Overall, I was delighted by this magical romance which filled me with glee.

I just finished The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate, and it truly swept me into a world where the magical and the emotional blended beautifully.

Even though I figured out the plot twist early on, it didn’t take away from the story's charm. If anything, it let me focus more on the emotional beats and the characters’ journeys, especially Fenny’s. She was driven and unapologetically after what she knew she deserved. Watching her fight for both her career and her heart was inspiring.

What really stuck with me were the feelings of heartache and hope—how they were woven through the story like a pulse. It tugged on all the right emotional strings in just the right ways.

Overall, The Spirit of Love delivered an enchanting mix of real emotions and mystical touches that made it a heartfelt, memorable read.

All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

This is a story about Fenny, her career, and her love life....but that's all I'm going to tell you. Go into this one blind! Trust me!

Here's what I liked:

Fenny: She's such a good character. You get to see so many different sides of her when it comes to her family and friends, her work, and her loves. All of this gives her so much depth.

The humor: The book was laugh out loud funny in so much of it. I adore books that can bring such humor to themselves. It's a true Romcom.

The magical realism: As with Kate's last book, this one has some magical realism to it. Don't ask questions on how this is all happening though, that's not important. Just enjoy the ride!

All in all, this was a really great romcom with a magical twist!

Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted copy!

Fenny is about to direct the TV show she's been a screenwriter for years, but to her shock, it's passed over to someone named Jude. To double the shock, she realizes that it's Sam, the same guy who she had a magical weekend with but somehow he looks older, sadder, & different. Can Sam and Jude be the same man? And if they are, will Fenny’s love be enough to put him back together?

This book reminded me so much of the movie "The Lake House." Split into 2 timelines, the plot deals with how Fenny falls in love with the same man during 2 different scenarios of her life. I think the best way to describe it is "You've Got Mail" with a travel travel twist.

It was one hell of a whimsical story, I enjoyed watching both the timelines unfold. Read to experience it because it's hard to describe ha!

<i>Thank you Netgalley & Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.<i>

Fenny is on the brink of a new adventure, stepping into the role of director, and she decides to take a refreshing getaway to the picturesque Catalina Island. With plans to camp on the beach and clear her mind, she seeks solace in nature. However, her serene retreat takes an unexpected turn when a fierce storm hits. Just when hope seems lost, a striking man named Sam appears, rescuing her and inviting her to ride out the tempest in his cozy cabin. Their weekend together is nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, deep conversations, and undeniable chemistry. But as the storm subsides, reality calls Fenny back to her life.

On her first day on set, Fenny is brimming with anticipation, only to be blindsided by the news that she won’t be directing after all. The producers have decided to hand the reins to the hottest up-and-coming director for the TV show. While she will still contribute as a writer, the change leaves her reeling. When she meets Jude, the new director, her heart races. The resemblance to Sam is uncanny, yet there's something distinct about him—he seems older and carries an air of mystery. Fenny is drawn to him in a way that feels both familiar and electrifying, and she can't shake the feeling that their paths were meant to cross.

This enchanting tale seamlessly weaves elements of magical realism with a compelling narrative. The story unfolds with just the right amount of mystery, keeping readers eager to uncover the truth. The banter and palpable chemistry between Fenny and Jude add layers of intrigue, making their connection irresistible. At its core, the book explores themes of choice, second chances, and the complexities of love—highlighting the journey of learning to love oneself while embracing the imperfections of others. Although it features characters from the author's previous work, “What’s in a Kiss?”, it stands strong as a standalone read. The romance is tastefully done, offering a blend of fade-to-black moments alongside candid discussions that make it far from a closed-door narrative. All in all, this book is a delightful, quick read that’s perfect for a summer escape!

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advanced copy of The Spirit Of Love.

Fenny is so excited to finally be directing but when she is replaced by the man she spent a magical weekend with she is totally shocked.

I could not connect with the characters or the book at all. This one was not for me.

Thanks to Putnam Books for the ARC of this one and to PRH Audio for the ALC! I have enjoyed books by this author in the past and was excited to dive into this one! The concept behind this book was a fun one and the little bit of magical realism reminded me of an Ashley Poston book. The book follows Fenny, a television writer who has worked her way up the ladder to direct the current show is working on. She spends one unforgettable weekend with a man and is ready to tackle the new challenge of directing. Unfortunately her excitement doesn't last long, since she immediately gets replaced by a new hot shot director. She really wants to dislike him, but he reminds her so much of the man from her unforgettable weekend.

This one was a good love story, but for me the details of the time slip and magic just were nut flushed out enough. I liked it but didn't love it. That being said, I will still look for other books by this author in the future!

Grateful to Putnam for providing ARCs to attendees at the #bookhuddle Victoria Retreat.

Fenny has been working as a writer on a tv show, but is finally getting her big chance to direct some episodes. To get herself in the right head space, she decides to spend a weekend camping at Catalina Island, but she ends up rescued from a sudden storm by Sam. They have a fling and Fenny returns to work on Monday, only to find that the show's producer has decided to bring in a very famous director for the episodes that Fenny was supposed to do. While she's upset about the change, as she finds herself spending more time with Jude she finds herself falling for him.

In all, this was a really interesting concept for a story, but the execution didn't hit right for me - it took a long time for the book to acknowledge that Sam and Jude were the same person (literally 91% of the way through!) and it was never really resolved if they "re-integrated" and fixed the time slip or if Sam is still out there. This might work for someone who really loved "The Seven Year Slip" by Ashley Poston!

Such a fun and refreshing summer read! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and this book definitely pulled me out of it. The premise was super intriguing, and even though this was my first time reading anything by Lauren Kate, I really enjoyed her writing style—it kept me turning the pages. There were a few parts that weren’t totally my thing, but I still finished it in about a week. I’ll for sure be checking out more of her books after this!

📚ARC Review📚

The Spirit of Love⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Preparing for her new role as a director, Fenny takes a much needed trip to Catalina Island. She plans to camp out on the beach to clear her head. But when a storm comes in, she finds herself being rescued by a handsome man, Sam, and now waiting out the storm with him in his cabin. After spending an amazing weekend with Sam, Fenny must go back to “the real world” to start her new position.

Her first day on set as a director Fenny gets called into the office, only to find out she won’t be directing after all. They decided to go with the hottest, upcoming director for tv show but she will continue to write for it. When she’s introduced to Jude (aka JDS) she is taken back. How could he look so much like Sam, the man she just has an incredible weekend with, but also older and a little different at the same time. She doesn’t understand it, but she has a feeling she knows this man. She also can’t deny the chemistry between them.



Sometimes magical realism books can be a hit or miss with me, but this one was done well, so it was a hit! I liked how we found out what happened but there was still a mystery about it. I also enjoyed the banter and chemistry between the main characters. I liked the deeper meaning of getting a choice, second chances, and how to love yourself and someone else even when they don’t have it all together. This book does have characters from her other book, “What’s in a Kiss?”, but can be read as a standalone. Also, I would say this one is more fade to black with scenes but does have on page talk about sex, so I wouldn’t really consider it a closed door romance. Overall, I enjoyed this book and it’s a great, quick read for the summer.

This book will publish on July 1, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

I’m sitting here after finishing this book and I’m… confused? But in a good way? The time loop thing is definitely something I’m not used to but when I saw Lauren Kate—author of the Fallen series that I loved as a kid—wrote this I had to try it. I did like the banter and relationship between Fenny & Jude, but Sam!!! SAM IS BAE.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and to PRH Audio for the alc.

If you know me, then you know that I highly enjoy books with elements of magical realism. This book was no exception. I was super excited to keep reading and find out what the big twist was going to be! And trust me, even if you think it might be slightly predictable, there are still elements of the story that will surprise you! Furthermore, Kristen DiMecurio does a great job with the audiobook narration, and even though I think this book may have benefited from a male narrator, her voice alone is still perfect.

I highly recommend you check out this book this summer!

Fenny is a staff TV writer (and aspiring director) for a campy zombie TV show. (I would absolutely watch the heck out of a show called "Zombie Hospital," btw.) After an out-of-character weekend fling with the younger Sam, she finds that the directing job she thought was in the bag was unceremoniously given to Jude (an acclaimed movie director who bears a striking, if older, resemblance to Sam). Amidst her career disappointment, Fenny must find a way to work with Jude while also trying to reconcile just what happened with Sam and figure out why Jude seems so familiar.

I liked it! This was a quick read and I genuinely wish it were longer, I enjoyed it that much. Fenny had a delightfully dry sense of humor, Sam was hunky and adorable with surprising depth, and Jude was a bit stiff but also vulnerable at the same time. I liked the premise, and although it took a little bit to wrap my mind around it I liked that the story jumped right into things and just kept rocketing along until the end. There was enough tension in the main plot to keep things interesting, although for me it was a teensy bit confusing at times. (Try to ignore any plot holes or thin parts of the story and just go along with things, don't over-think it. Also, there is sexual content and there wasn't any sexual health/protection discussion prior to the sexual activity, which is always a pet peeve of mine in a contemporary romance.) I would have enjoyed an epilogue since the ending felt a bit abrupt for my tastes. This book is part of a series (or I guess maybe an interconnected set of books), and while characters from the other books show up in this one I wasn't lost and it works just fine as a standalone. I'm definitely going to go back and read the others, though, because I really liked this one plus I've read this author before and I enjoy her voice and writing style. This is the perfect weekend read if you're looking for a magical realism romance with a nice thread of low-key humor and an HEA. Publishes July 1, 2025 (just in time for holiday weekend beach/pool reading). This review is based on a complimentary eARC of the story, all opinions are my own.

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

I was grateful that this ended up being a quick read because you start the book super frustrated when Fenny gets screwed over by her boss and then it kind of fell flat until the very end for me. I wasn’t interested in the relationships. The ending did pull me in but I wish the author had added just a bit more into the twist.

Probably wouldn’t recommend.

DNF…I tried to read this but I just couldn’t get into the story. I couldn’t put my finger on it but there was something about Fenny I didn’t like and couldn’t continue on.

Set in the same LA world as What's in a kiss?, this latest from Lauren Kate has more of her trademark magical realism involving an aspiring television show director, Fenny, having a wild weekend with a mystery man on Catalina Island before the show starts where she has her directing job given to a buzzy newcomer, Jude who has an uncanny similarity to Sam, the guy she had the fling with.

This workplace, friends to lovers romance with a twist had me deeply invested and I loved the female friendship and women in Hollywood content. Good on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like The dirty version or It's a love story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was a fun one to read. A book with a little bit of summer romance, personal growth and magical realism. It starts with Fenny going on a weekend to decompress before her big directorial debut on a tv show she has been working as a screenwriter for the past ten years. She happens to meet a guy named Sam and they had such a whirlwind weekend. On the first day of her directorial debut she finds out she has been replaced with a new director named, Jude. A guy that looks eerily similar to Sam, but is not Sam. It’s a fun magical adventure of Fenny fighting for what she wants and finding love.

I wish I went into this book blind. but I made the mistake of reading the synopsis and wondering the whole book about what was going to happen. But the ending tied it up into a neat mind-blowing bow. The cover is gorgeous and the premise of this book had me trying to figure things out. I enjoyed this book greatly.