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Book Review: Love at First Sight by Laura Jane Williams

Love at First Sight is a warm and witty story full of heart, choices, and one unforgettable heroine.

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Paperback copy of Love At First Sight by Laura Jane Williams held in front of blooming garden flowers. The bright yellow cover features illustrated red roses and white text, with praise from Emily Henry and Lindsey Kelk above the title.
  • Category : Contemporary Romance
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 19 Jun. 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1804949698
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1804949696

She’s found the one. He’s just not the one for her.

Jessie doesn’t believe in love at first sight. Until one sunny Saturday in London, a fire alarm in Whole Foods throws her into a stranger’s arms. Cal is charming and funny: their chemistry is instant.

Quick-fire flirting turns into the most romantic day of Jessie’s life. But that evening they’re forced apart before swapping numbers. Jessie is devastated – has she just lost the one?

After weeks of searching, Cal turns up on her doorstop holding two dozen red roses. It feels like fate.

The only thing is, they’re not for her…

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Love at First Sight Review

What a brilliant start! From the very first pages, I was drawn in by Laura Jane Williams’ warm, witty writing and by Jessie, who I loved instantly. She’s smart, passionate, and deeply caring—especially when it comes to the dream she has for Stray Kids, and her role as Henry’s nanny. Her relationship with Henry is just wonderful to read: honest, affectionate, and grounded in a real belief in children and their potential.

The meet-cute with Cal was fun and charming, and I was intrigued when he came back into Jessie’s life. But I’ll admit—while I loved the idea of him early on, he began to grate on me. Still, if that’s what Jessie wanted… The story raises interesting questions about desire vs. what we really need.

One of the most emotional moments for me came when Jessie phoned her dad—I cried. That scene, and the thread around Jessie’s own relationship struggles, was heartbreaking and beautifully done. And while Jessie sees Henry’s mum, Ali, as family, the story makes it clear that their relationship is a complicated one. Ali doesn’t bend or compromise easily, and the line between family and employer is tense and complex.

Leo, on the other hand—working at the local butcher’s—was a delight. I really liked him, and felt Jessie totally misjudged him. Their flirtation and friendship was great to watch, even as she held him at arm’s length.

And I can’t not mention India—Jessie’s best friend. I was honestly a little envious of their relationship. Supportive and grounded—it’s a lovely portrayal of female friendship.

Throughout the story, Jessie faces multiple choices and internal conflicts: Cal or Ali? Cal or Leo? Henry or Stray Kids?

The pace was just right, and the relationships felt authentic and layered. Most of all, I adored watching Jessie grow and figure out what mattered most to her.

The ending? Loved it. It was such a tonic—joyful, uplifting, and satisfying in all the right ways.

About the Author

Laura Jane Williams (she/her) is known as the queen of the meet-cute. She is the author of 14 rom-coms. She is also the author of three works of non-fiction.

The rights to Laura’s international bestseller Our Stop have been sold for television, and her books have been translated into languages all over the world. She loves romance, being a parent, and lifting very heavy weights.

Find out more about Laura on www.laurajaneauthor.com.

Shaz Goodwin

I’m Shaz – crochet designer, writer, and mindfulness advocate behind Jera’s Jamboree. With a diploma in crochet and a passion for well-being, I love sharing patterns and calm in equal measure. Subscribe to my newsletter on Substack. Find me on: X  |   Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  LinkedIn  |  BlueSky.

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