“I’ve been waiting for you to come home for eleven years. I’ll go anywhere you go.” ― Christina Lauren, Love and Other Words
Some stories don’t shout—they whisper. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is one of those books. First published in April 2018, this novel is from a writing duo known for emotional and honest love stories.
The book follows Macy and Elliot, two childhood friends who reconnect after years apart. Their story is told through a mix of past and present, showing how their bond was built over time and what tore them apart.
The setting shifts between quiet homes, cozy corners, and moments filled with words that matter. The emotional tone is tender and bittersweet, filled with longing and warmth.
Love and Other Words is about love, memory, and forgiveness. It reminds us that some relationships leave a mark. With soft pacing and heartfelt scenes, the book speaks to anyone who has held onto a first love.
Plot Summary
“I like your kind of quiet. Your heart isn’t quiet.” ― Christina Lauren, Love and Other Words
Love and Other Words moves between two timelines—past and present. In the past, Macy and Elliot formed a close friendship as teenagers. They bond over books, late-night talks, and quiet moments that slowly grow into something more.
In the present, Macy is living a very different life. When she sees Elliot again after many years, everything she has buried starts to come back. Their reunion is full of tension, old feelings, and questions that were never answered.
The story gently pulls readers into their history. It shows how one moment can change everything and how silence can last longer than words. The plot builds on small, emotional scenes rather than big twists.
Characters and Character Arc
This story is centered around two main characters whose bond is both gentle and deeply emotional. Their growth is slow but meaningful.
Macy: A quiet and careful woman, Macy has learned to protect herself. After losing her mother young, she builds walls around her heart. As the story moves forward, she learns to face what she’s been avoiding.
Elliot: Kind, curious, and open-hearted, Elliot wears his feelings clearly. He loves deeply and never forgets what Macy means to him. Time changes him, but he still believes in their bond.
Together, their story shows how people grow apart and how hard it is to come back together. By the end, both Macy and Elliot face the truth they’ve been hiding from.
Themes and Plotline
The main theme is love—the kind that begins young and never truly fades. The book shows how first love shapes a person, even years later. Macy and Elliot’s story is full of longing and quiet care.
Loss also runs through the story. Macy’s grief shapes her choices, and silence becomes a way to stay safe. But healing comes, little by little, as she reconnects with her past.
Second chances give the story its heart. It asks: Can love return after silence and time? The book never rushes the answer. Instead, it shows the slow path toward trust and understanding.
What Genre and Tropes Does Love and Other Words Have?
Love and Other Words is a contemporary romance. The setting, language, and events all take place in the modern world. The love story unfolds slowly and focuses more on emotions than on dramatic twists.
The book uses two familiar romance tropes: second-chance romance and childhood friends-to-lovers. Macy and Elliot meet when they’re young, grow close, and then fall apart. Years later, they meet again and face what they once had. Their history gives the story a deep emotional pull.
Readers can expect a quiet, emotional story that takes its time. The book moves back and forth between past and present. It focuses on small moments that carry meaning. If you enjoy slow-build love stories with strong feelings and real growth, this one may speak to you.
Ratings and Reviews
“It never occurred to me that love could be anything other than all-consuming. Even as a child, I knew I never wanted anything less.” ― Christina Lauren, Love and Other Words
Love and Other Words has a strong average rating of 4.23out of 5 on Goodreads. It has been rated by over 726,944 readers, which shows how widely it has been read and shared.
The high number of ratings reflects the book’s strong emotional pull and popularity among fans of romance. Many readers return to it for its mix of longing, quiet love, and slow emotional growth.
Reviews
Many Goodreads users praised the story for its emotional depth and gentle pace. The back-and-forth timeline also received a lot of love.
- “Love and Other Words is impossibly sweet. I just love when a book reminds me of how single I am in every page.” – Goodreads user
- “Elliot is like top 5 book boyfriends of all time; he is perfect. And Macy is a pretty relatable MC.” – Goodreads user
- “I also enjoy the format of the book, how the chapters alternate from past to present.”
Goodreads user
These reviews show how the book leaves a strong impression through its soft, emotional storytelling.
Love and Other Words stands out because of its dual timeline and emotional pacing. The story moves between past and present, helping readers see the full journey of love and loss.
It also stands apart because of its soft tone and careful storytelling. Instead of rushing the romance, it takes its time. The result is a warm, moving story that feels honest and lasting.
Who Should Read Love and Other Words?
Love and Other Words is best suited for older teens and adult readers. The writing is easy to follow, but the emotional themes are deep and may be better understood by readers who have experienced love, loss, or long-lasting friendships.
The book includes some mature content, such as grief, emotional trauma, and romantic intimacy. While these scenes are not overly detailed, they are better suited for readersaged 16 and up. The emotional weight of the story may also be too heavy for younger audiences.
If you enjoy stories about first love, missed chances, and emotional healing, this book may be a good fit. It’s a quiet, tender read that focuses more on feelings than a fast-moving plot. Readers who like slow-building romance and second chances will likely connect with it.
Book Recommendations If You Liked Love and Other Words
If you were drawn to the emotional story and second-chance love in Love and Other Words, you might enjoy these similar books. Each one focuses on deep connections, missed timing, and the kind of love that stays with you.
- Every Summer After by Carley Fortune: A story about first love, time apart, and reconnecting years later.
- The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward: A romance about past love and unexpected second chances.
- Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino: Two people meet again years after falling out of touch and wonder what might have been.
- Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover: A slow-burning love story built on music, friendship, and emotional growth.
- The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo: A moving story about love, choices, and the different paths life can take.
These books carry the same quiet depth and strong emotions. If you want more love stories that feel real and heartfelt, they’re worth adding to your list.
Conclusion
Love and Other Words is a gentle, emotional story that stays with you. Macy and Elliot’s relationship feels real, built on time, trust, and pain.
Their bond grows slowly across the pages. You see the good moments and the heartbreak. This makes their reunion feel earned, not rushed.
The story doesn’t rely on big drama. Instead, it leans into quiet conversations and shared memories, which makes it feel honest and strong.
The use of past and present lets readers feel the full weight of their love. Their character growth feels steady and true. If you like books that reflect real emotions and love that takes its time, Love and Other Words is a great choice.
It offers more than just a romance—it gives you a connection you can feel. It’s a story about what we keep, what we lose, and how love can return.
More from the Authors
Christina Lauren is the pen name for two longtime writing partners, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. Together, they’ve written many popular romance novels known for their humor, emotion, and strong characters.
- Roomies: A fake marriage turns into something real between a musician and a writer.
- The Unhoneymooners: Two enemies are forced to go on a honeymoon trip together—and maybe fall for each other.
- Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating: A quirky friendship slowly shifts into love, even when both claim they’re not a match.
- Love on the Brain: A science-based rom-com filled with fun banter and workplace tension.
- Twice in a Blue Moon: A story about young love, fame, and finding your way back after betrayal.
If you enjoyed the emotional balance in Love and Other Words, Christina Lauren’s other books offer plenty of stories that mix humor, romance, and real heart.
