Love and Other Words
Macy Sorensen is a new pediatrics resident engaged to an older, steady man, and she has kept her heart carefully guarded for years. Then she runs into Elliot Petropoulos, the bookish boy next door at her father's vacation home who became her best friend and first love after her mother's death, and whom she has not spoken to in a decade. The story alternates between their teenage years and the present as Macy confronts what really broke them apart. Kirkus highlights the parallel past-and-present love stories and Macy's grief over losing her mother.
About This Book
Love and Other Words is a contemporary romance novel by Christina Lauren, first published in 2018 by Gallery Books. It runs 432 pages. Readers can expect second chance, first love, friends to lovers.
At a glance
- Genre
- Contemporary
- Trope
- Second Chance
- Length
- 432 pages
- Format
- Trade Paperback
Where to read or listen
Get Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Why You May Love This Book
You may love this if…
- A pediatric resident forced to confront her past encounters her first love, from whom she has been estranged for a decade.
- Fans of dual-timeline narratives
- Readers who enjoy emotional journeys centered on childhood connections
- Reflective
- Features Second Chance
The Romance
Tropes, dynamics, and the chemistry that drives this story.
Relationship Dynamics
Details
Type: unknown
Pairing: unknown
Power balance: unknown
How It Feels
The emotional landscape you'll move through while reading.
High angst.
Heat Level
Based on available metadata and editorial review.
Who Is This Book For?
Best for
Reading mood
Recommended audience: Adult contemporary romance readers
Content Guidance
The Story
Spoiler-Free Synopsis
Macy Sorensen is building a stable, quiet life as a resident, engaged to an older man and keeping her emotions in check. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Elliot Petropoulos—her childhood best friend and first love—the carefully constructed walls around her heart begin to crumble. Through a dual-timeline narrative, the story moves between their formative teenage years and the present, exploring the grief of losing her mother and the silent conflict that severed their connection.
Central Conflict
Macy must reconcile her current life and engagement with the resurfacing of her first love and the unresolved trauma surrounding her mother's death.
Setting
Macy's father's vacation home and current-day setting (pediatrics residency).
Strengths
- Dual-timeline structure
- Exploration of grief
Discussion Guide
Questions to deepen your reading experience or spark a book club conversation.
- 1
How does the central conflict shape the relationship between the main characters?
- 2
How does the setting influence the characters' decisions and their relationship?
- 3
How do the relationship dynamics evolve throughout the story?
- 4
Who would you most want to recommend this book to?
- 5
How did the pacing affect your reading experience?
- 6
Which aspect of the story did you find most compelling?
How This Profile Was Created
Eikna uses book metadata and AI-assisted analysis to create structured romance profiles. Public profiles are reviewed and approved by an editor before publication.
- Editor reviewed:
- Yes
- Last reviewed:
- October 4, 2026
- Confidence:
- Moderate confidence
- Profile version:
- eikna-public-book-intelligence-v1
About the Author
Christina Lauren
What Readers Say
No reviews yet
Be the first to share what you thought of this book.
Publication Details
- Publisher
- Gallery Books
- Format
- Trade Paperback
- Length
- 432 pages
- Language
- English
- ISBN-13
- 9781501128011
Love and Other Words: quick answers
- Who wrote Love and Other Words?
- Love and Other Words was written by Christina Lauren.
- When was Love and Other Words published?
- Love and Other Words was first published in 2018 by Gallery Books.
- What genre is Love and Other Words?
- Love and Other Words is a contemporary romance novel, with second chance, first love, friends to lovers.
- How many pages is Love and Other Words?
- Love and Other Words is 432 pages long (Trade Paperback).
Are you the author? Verify your author profile to manage this book.
This is my book — sign inWhere to read or listen
Get Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Want more books like this?
Let Lyra help you discover lesbian romance books that match your exact mood, favorite tropes, and reading style.