I have to say that I think the blurb for this book is doing it a huge disservice. This book was such an incredibly unique story; but a major spoiler is revealed in the blurb which you don't find out until 92% into the book. In all honesty, I feel like they're giving away what should have been an incredible twist. It's mind-blowing, and I've never read anything quite like it! I truly hope some second-thoughts are made on the marketing so everyone can experience this book in all it's glory.

What do I think you should know going into this book it you're not a "go in blind" reader? This is an incredible story by Lauren Kate which delivers all of the magic of the Fallen series in a RomCom package! This story follows Fenny, who after an unforgettable summer fling, returns for the first day of her dream job directing- only to be met with a rival director who somehow looks like... her summer fling?! While these two men may appear the same physically- the differences in their personalities, their hobbies, their interests, their hearts- couldn't be more clear. What you'll get from this scenario is what I'll describe as a mystical love-triangle that will leave you gasping for air!

This book was unexpected and unlike anything else I've read; I truly loved it and would recommend.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (Cracked Door, Not Very Spicy, Overall Wholesome|Fluffy)

If You Liked That, Read This:
• The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea
• You, with a View by Jessica Joyce

TW's:
• Sprinkle of Misandry & Misogyny 🤏🏻

Tropes/Vibes:
• RomCom
• Boss Bitch Energy 💥
• One Night Stand/Casual Fling
• Film Set Setting 🎬
• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Love Triangle ♻️
• All the Witty Banter
• Perfect Summer Read 🏖️

Thank you, Netgalley, for providing this ARC in exchange for review 💕

A dreamy, time-slip romance full of charm and emotion. Lauren Kate weaves love, identity, and a touch of magic into a heartfelt, whimsical tale.

Lauren Kate's 'The Spirit of Love' is a genre-blending romance that dares to ask what happens when fate splits a person into two versions of themselves - and what love might look like on either side of that divide.

The story follows Fenny, a rising TV writer with a bright future and a heart still recovering from past wounds. A dreamy weekend getaway on Catalina Island introduces her to Sam, a charming stranger with whom she shares an instant and profound connection. But just as quickly as he appears, he vanishes - leaving Fenny unsure if what they shared was real or imagined.

Back on set for her directorial debut, Fenny is thrown off-course when her job is reassigned to Jude, a gruff, emotionally guarded director who bears and uncanny resemblance to Sam... if Sam had aged twenty years and carried the weight of regrets. What follows is a tender, witty, and at times metaphysical journey as Fenny navigates two versions of the same soul - one filled with possibility, the other with experience - and uncovers the truth behind the uncanny bond she can't shake.

This is not your average love triangle. Kate plays with time, identity, and emotional repair in a way that feels both fresh and quietly profound. Fenny's voice is warm and believable, her banter snappy without feeling forced. The romantic tension is balanced by deeper questions: What makes someone whole? And can love truly heal what's been broken by time?

Though the pacing wavers slightly in the middle and the magical mechanism behind the time-slip remains somewhat ethereal, the emotional beats land beautifully. The novel's heart lies in its exploration of choice, second chances, and the courage it takes to love someone fully - even when they're still trying to piece themselves back together.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much. I loved the premise and I loved how everything worked out. The only thing I didn't love was that I would have loved an epilogue, I just wanted one more chapter with these characters finally together.

I really loved seeing Fenny and Jude come together slowly as friends and see that connection morph into love. You get that insta love at the beginning with Sam but the relationship with Jude was fantastic.

I really love a magical realism romance, and this one was fun. This is a great light read for the summer, you wont be disappointed.

This is such a unique romance! I don't think I can describe it without giving it away. I read it very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved trying to sort out the mystery while still loving the romance. The supporting characters were great friends to Fenny. Jude and Sam are both swoony romance heroes and I loved them. I also loved the behind the scenes look at a TV show. I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for this eARC!

The Spirit of Love by Lauren Kate

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Fenny, a television writer and soon to be director, goes to Catalina Island seeking adventure over a weekend away from work and has a blissful time with Sam, a man she meets there. She can’t stop thinking about him even though their goodbye wasn’t ideal. Her first day as a director goes completely wrong when they replace her with a man named Jude, who coincidentally looks a lot like an older version of Sam. Confused by her feelings and disappointed with the chaos on set, Fenny tries her best to prove herself and to do the best work she possibly can. As time goes on, Fenny and Jude get to know each other better and start to fall for each other. However, Fenny still feels like she has loose ends with the man she met on Catalina, Sam.

This was such a fun, sweet romance with a perfect happily ever after! A closed door, single POV, workplace romance with a magical element to it, The Spirit of Love is an entertaining and unique read!

Spirit of love is a romantic story with a sprinkle of magical realism, existentialism, and a glimpse into the world of writing and directing

The premise of this book was super interesting! I really love Lauren Kate’s voice and every book I’ve read of hers I have found hard to stop reading. There were aspects of the story that were not a super great match for me, but even still I read this book in less than two days because I find her writing style super compelling.

I found our main character to be a mix of cool confidence and curious while struggling with identity and security in her profession. I found the commentary around existentialism intriguing, but ultimately kind of confusing. I appreciated that Jude pointed out the fallacy with Fenny’s perspective on purpose because I also felt like her behavior didn’t match her words most of the time!

I feel like this book had some good character growth and interesting exploration into topics that plague all humans lol The magical realism components were definitely confusing and I think it contributed to the pacing feeling weird in the book. I like the concept overall and I think it’s one that’s hard to execute.

Overall, it was a cute romance that had some good comedy and fostered good opportunities for introspection!

Ughhhhh I’ll be so for real. This book had me for the first 90% but it just couldn’t stick the landing. The resolution honestly makes no sense and Jude took things way too well. I liked Fenny as a character and I really liked the tension between her and Jude that was created by him unwittingly taking her directing job. And I almost wish that was the whole book? Basic, yes, I know. But I feel like there was still a lot to explore there and I liked watching that relationship grow and expand. I’m just ultimately left disappointing and wishing this book was a little different.

Note: I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars!

This was such a cute and refreshing summer read with some light mystery and magical realism elements! To me, this would be absolutely perfect for fans of Ashley Poston or "The Love of My Afterlife" by Kristy Greenwood- very reminiscent of those magical realism styles and the romance was cute and more subtle (the romantic undertones are really woven into the developing friendship between the FMC and MMC). I was a huge fan of Lauren Kate's Fallen series when I was in middle school, so I was so excited to see that she started writing romcoms and this absolutely didn't disappoint. I do think it is important to go into this one blind, as the synopsis does give away the answer to the light mystery woven into the story that drives the plot. While it's not particularly difficult to figure out, I do think that a lot of the fun for me was seeing how the mystery would shake out in the end!

Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam Books, and Lauren Kate for this ARC!!

GO IN BLIND ALERT!! I'm going to give you a two-sentence summary below, but beyond that TRUST ME it's better if you don't read the book's provided synopsis! 

I was in such an ARC slump for a LONG time, and this short and sweet read got me out of it.

About to begin her dream job as director of the TV show she's dedicated her entire career to, Fenny takes a celebratory solo camping trip and falls (rockslides?) into a weekend fling Sam, Catalina Island's Search and Rescue resident hunk. Upon returning to real life, Fenny is furious to learn that hotshot indie film director Jude de Silva will be joining the show and stealing her thunder.

The first thing to note here is that I LOVE me some magical realism. So if that's not your jam, probably skip this one. Also, please take the love triangle trope VERY unseriously. I'm not here for that. You'll get it, don't worry.

The workplace backdrop here is a TV show, so it's all very LA, but in an accessible way that makes me think some people there might be normal. Although the magical realism here does lean a liiiiitle farther into the woo-woo than I'd usually be into...I chalk it up to all that sun going to their heads.

My favorite thing about this book is the biting humor, which I would call hopeful cynicism. I also really love Fenny's relationship with her sister's family.

This could have used more spice IMO, but I think that's this author's style? There is an interconnected standalone that occurs before this one called What's In A Kiss? but I did not feel like I'd missed anything by skipping ahead.

Really enjoyed the concept of this one and felt the magical realism aspect was done very well. Felt there was nothing going on outside of the romance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.