"Love in Lockdown" puts a modern twist on the usual meet-cute romance. Chloe James set up this adorable romance between Sophia and Jack, two apartment neighbors who have never met (or have they?!) but begin to develop a relationship during the Covid quarantine. While both are dealing with their own health issues and the difficulties involved with being isolated from others, they begin to rely on each other for companionship and even love. I thought this book was very timely and incredibly cute.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Due to what I'm sure will be fixed in editing before this heads out for publication, the break up of the chapters was very hard to see because they weren't bolded. I am sure this will be fixed in publication.

Overall, it was a good read. I think it was sweet and endearing, especially during these tough times.

A lovely read about the current circumstances, although much more positive and filled with plenty of love and joy! I really enjoyed the blossoming romance between Sophia and Jack, it was heart-warming & had me smiling over a situation that hasn't brought much joy to the real world. I was slightly jealous of the community the two had around them, they really made the most of hard times & not only did they work on themselves, they supported the people around them and made use of a trying time. I read this book in the space of a day, it was just that spirit lifting book that I needed in my life!

I figured this would be a cute rom-com (which it totally is), but it's also so much more. This is a story about resilience, community, and hope in the crazy times we call the present.

If you're anything like me, you're seeing the influx of quarantine-related stories and wondering if people are just jumping on the bandwagon to capitalize on what is possibly the weirdest fictional trend since YA paranormal romance: pandemic romance. I was worried this might be a bit gimmicky, but it feels like Chole James genuinely wants to explore the effects of lockdown in a meaningful way. "Together, Apart" feels less like a slogan and more like a defiant battle cry in the midst of isolation and loneliness.

"when everything else stops, love is all that's left. It counts for everything as it always does, in the key workers, the nurses, the hospital staff, the shop assistants, the bus and delivery drivers - everyone braving a common enemy for the sake of others " - Love In Lockdown, Chloe James

This book was just what I needed. It was fun and lighthearted and yes it was your typical romance novel and I could guess the ending but it was still one that I absolutely flew through and loved.

It is set during lockdown which was a really tough time for us all and the pandemic is still ongoing so we're still struggling now. I understand that for many they may not enjoy being taken back to such a sad time but I actually found it really comforting. It felt alot more real and recent when I was reading and the author has written it in a really lovely way too. She hasn't made it too fluffy and ignored all of the bad bits, she showed people's struggles and how hard it was for us all. She doesn't brush over any of this at all but she doesn't focus in too much on the negatives, this book really does show how much we all united in these times. And it's true, we did. Communities came together, we had the clap for the NHS and all other key workers and people were assisting in buying shopping for those vulnerable people who couldn't get it and all of this was shown in the book. Times were awful, it was a shock to us all and it deeply affected many peoples lives but as the quote I used at the start says, love prevailed.

This book was an absolute joy to read. It was heartwarming, comforting and I'd definitely reccomend if you're in the mood for a lighter read but one that may feel slightly closer to home.

Certainly a novel of and for 2020...a year none of us will forget! The author includes many of the small details we can all identify with:shortage of toilet roll, panic buying and queues as well as rainbows and clapping for NHS.
This is an uplifting and optimistic read set in the midst of a pandemic, reminding us of all that is most important when the things we fill our lives with are stripped away. A timely read as we find ourselves heading into a bleak second lockdown.
Enjoyable and uplifting...and hopefully one that will be historical fiction soon!

May be a bit cliche after 8 mos of a pandemic, but this quirky romance is filled with sweet gestures and restores my faith in romance in this crazy time.
Through sickness, health concerns, elderly and all- friends to lovers can shine through. There is good in the world.

My favourite thing about this book was the characterisation. The two leads were charismatic, believable and warm throughout. The backstory that each was provided made the connection between them feel realistic even though they had never met. Additionally, the side characters (particularly the older neighbours and Jack's brother) were a delight and really helped me to immerse myself in Jack and Sophia's world - I would even argue that at times, the side characters were in danger of overwhelming the two main characters, they were that well written.

An extra level of charm was bought into the book with the real-life touches from lockdown that were added to give the book a real sense of community; at times it read like a love letter to everyone who endured those tough months. It captured the essence of how the whole country united in the face of difficulty really well, but without coming across as saccarine or disingenuous.

My only hesitation with this book is the pace. It worked well for the plot that things moved fairly slowly, as it mimicked how lockdown really felt, but it meant that at times I struggled to stay engaged as fully as I would have liked to. I always know when I'm really loving a book because I'll carve out time to read it as quickly as possible - I just didn't get that feeling from this book and I think it's because it was more based in cosiness than pace.

Enjoyable and worth a read if you're looking for something easy-going and cute.

A very cute romantic story, set in COVID lockdown, between two neighbors. Sophia and Jack. Both characters head out to their apartment balconies (one floor apart, stacked on top of each other) to clap for essential workers and strike up a friendship - and, eventually, more. This was a sweet romance that also brought in some elements of friendship, both between Sophia and Jack and amongst their other neighbors. All in all, an enjoyable read that brings some much-needed positivity to the year 2020.

4 romantic comedy stars

This was the first book I’ve read that is set firmly during lockdown/COVID times and it was bittersweet. Set in the UK, it seems to have a different feel than in the US. There are nightly clapping sessions for all the front-line workers, helping your neighbor, etc. This was a feel-good book and a great escape for me.

Sophia lives in an apartment building with a roommate. She is still working as a teacher, but with a much smaller group of children. One night out on her balcony, she “meets” her upstairs neighbor Jack and the two begin a whirlwind friendship! They share drinks and food with a little box pulley system that Jack has worked out.

Jack needs to stay in quarantine, but Sophia finds ways to keep him busy and help out all the nearby neighbors. Some need someone to talk with, some need help getting groceries, some need help walking their dog. It all leads to a mostly wonderful sense of community.

There are some obstacles in Jack and Sophia’s path, but as often happens, fate finds a way to smooth them out. Will Sophia and Jack survive lockdown and finally get to meet face-to-face?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
This book shares the reality of Covid-19 and how the characters Jack and Sophia cope with their particular situations. A lot of the time, I found myself reading some of their thoughts and agreeing that I felt the same. That how they felt, was how many people felt.
I think the main plot was done well, but I would have appreciated a bit more interaction with the main characters to develop their romance.
3.5 stars

I was tempted by his book as I thought it would be interesting to read. I have to say I was not disappointed. The story is basically about two people falling in love even though they have never met due to the lockdown due to Covid-19. This was an amusing but thought provoking book looking at how various people coped during lockdown and the sense of community that grew all over the country. Anyone who thinks that a book set in the time of lockdown would be too many reminders, it has a great message running through it that a little bit of help and kindness towards others can go a long way.

Such a cute and fun read! Perfect distraction in life right now. Really enjoyable characters and story and hard to put down!

Finally a realistic romance for these times! Made me believe in love once again.

I was just beyond excited to read Love in Lockdown. While in lockdown. And wanting love. I've been hugely into romance lately for the fun and comfort of it, but I really wanted something more realistic. This is it!

Love in Lockdown follows Sophia who is not only funny and delightful, but also very realistic. Just like so many of us, she is afraid that after lockdown, she will not be able to do great things or fall in love with The One. She is devastated, and I couldn't felt but feel like I'm her!

So when a similarly devastated, used-to-be-the-life-of-the-party guy Jack hears Sophie crying from his balcony in an apartment below, they strike a conversation and soon it becomes a heartwarming routine. The two find themselves in a short-yet-long-distance relationship where they're so close but have to stay apart.

I just loved this adorable romance, which was much needed during quarantine for me. Not only did it brighten up my days, but also allowed me to feel that love is out there to find, even when physical contact is not possible. The only reason it's a four-star rating for me is that I couldn't help but roll my eyes at some of the cliches, such as the lack of toilet paper. Overall - endearing, sweet and fun.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Love in Lockdown ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel reading a book set during lockdown, but the premise of this book intrigued me: is it possible to meet someone and fall in love during a time of quarantine? Sophia and Jack “meet” one night, as they stand on their respective balconies, his a story above hers, while they join in with others clapping for essential workers. Jack has a health condition that means he can never leave his flat or have contact with anyone, so they never see each other, but their relationship grows through nightly chats, baskets that bring food and drink up and down, and helping others in their community. I loved the fact that they really had no idea what the other looked like, because in the end it’s so much more to know what’s in the inside than the outside. Beyond the sweet romance (and a grand gesture that warmed my heart!), we are also introduced to the people who live in their community, a wonderful cast of characters trying their best to cope with a difficult situation. The author does a great job of dealing with the pandemic in a way that is realistic, but hopeful. In the end, this is a heartfelt, endearing story of love, resilience, and helping others. It reminds me of all the lessons I’ve learned during this time.

This book epitomizes that even in times of uncertainty and abject loneliness, happiness and love will always prevail if you have a good heart and intentions such as Sophia. Through her, Jack drew great joy in their balcony conversations and realized his illness did not define him and what he hoped and desired. Through the book, it was if his heart actually grew in terms of Beth and also the great lengths he did for Sophia from afar. The community actually grew closer but most importantly, they really cared for each other which in a cosmopolitan city often doesn't occur. A sweet and uplifting read.

I picked up this book because of the title and I was so hopeful that it would cheer me up after this crazy idea. This book is set during the COVID quarantine with Sophia and Jack being our main characters who are neighbors and have to actually talk because uhmm hello we under quarantine .The author did a great job because after reading this book I was hopeful and it's such a cute book..Recommend it to everyone in need of some romance .Huge thanks to AVON for my advanced copy .

Almost 4 full rolls of loo paper!

A Meet Cute for our Covid 19 times!

Too soon? Not at all!

This sweet novel takes us back to the weeks of lockdown, before Covid fatigue set in.
When neighbors in the UK could be seen with rainbow pictures in their windows, standing in their gardens, and on their balconies, weekly, on Thursday nights, to applaud the healthcare workers of the NHS.

And, when our fictional characters, Sophia and Jack, “meet” as they begin “talking” from their balconies, and sharing drinks and food, by sending these things up and down, the one flight difference, in boxes and baskets, lowered and raised by pulley, parapet to parapet.

They cannot actually SEE each other with the way that the balconies are designed, but that doesn’t stop them from forming a bond with one another and with the neighbors that they share the Thursday night ritual with.

Are the feelings they are developing real? Or will they fizzle out like a reality show romance that makes it to the “real world”?

I was looking for something light and uplifting, and this fit the bill, with likeable leads, and a great supporting cast of characters !

My only suggestion-ditch the epilogue, and give us the sequel, “LOVE after Lockdown”! ❤️

Thank You to Avon books for my gifted copy!
It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!

Available Nov. 23, 2020!

This was such a beautiful and uplifting book once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down and read it in an afternoon. The book really resonated with me as like jack I was also shielding for nearly 8 months and could really relate to what he was going through and also how it feels to have a life limiting illness and how that affects daily life and relationships etc. The author covered the topic of epilepsy and kidney disease in a sensitive way and also covered the effects of lockdown and how everyone needed to pull together to help each other in an insightful way without getting bogged down with the politics and background of the Covid virus instead focusing on the happy things and community spirit to come out of the pandemic. I think there were a lot of Sophie’s out there helping others and I was lucky to also have my own in the form of a good friend who became my food fairy. If your looking for a light hearted heartwarming romantic read then look no further than love in lockdown.

Love in Lockdown by Chloe James is a timely, lighthearted read that will strike a chord with anyone who is trying to adjust to a new normal. This is about overcoming adversity, and finding a sense of community during a challenging situation.

Sophia is struggling to keep it all together when the UK goes into lockdown. She fears for the safety of her mother, a frontline worker, and will be attending the much anticipated wedding of her sister virtually. When she has a teary moment on the balcony, her upstairs neighbour, Jack, is an audible witness to her distress, and offers a kind ear. Jack, it seems, is also struggling with the changes brought about by the lockdown as he is confined to his flat owing to a pre-existing condition. The two neighbours, who were previously strangers, begin to rely on one another to get through the difficult days.

This is a heartfelt story about the banding together of neighbours, and the ways in which a sense of community can be achieved, particularly in times of crisis. I look forward to reading more from Ms James.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I’d been waiting for romance authors to tackle love in the time of social distancing and fears about the virus. This novel is the first one I’ve seen and the author really does a nice job capturing what rings true about a community of people going through lockdown in England during the screen. Jack has some sort of a kidney problem that forces him to stay in total lockdown so he won’t risk an infection. He strikes up a friendship with Sophia who lives in the apartment below him when they both are on their balconies clapping for the NHS.

Sophia is a teacher for a few really cute youngsters whose parents are working at the hospital. She has her own illness problems so she and Jack have empathy for what the other is going through. But Sophia is also a kind-hearted woman who looks out for ways to help her neighbors get through this time. She spends a lot of time running errands or visiting others. Jack spends his time phoning and talking to some of the elderly, lonely people in the neighborhood.

That was what was so lovely about this story - how the author captured the way that this disparate group of people were coming together during the shutdown to comfort and entertain each other, for example to hold weekly concerts out on their balconies. And Sophia’s students were endearingly cute as they talk about their arts anc craft projects and their fears. Sophia’s sister has to plan a virtual wedding celebration in the middle of the lockdown, but it all turns out so sweetly.

The story was lovely, but it did bring me down going through those early, scary, and lonely first months.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Cute book with a relevant story line. It was funny and engaging from the first chapter on to the end.

Thanks to NetGalley, Chloe James and Avon Books for and Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.

There is one scene early on in this book which sets the mood for the entire remainder. It involves a saxophone, some singing and a whole lot of emotion. If there is one word to describe this beautiful little gem, it is emotion.

Sophia is out on her balcony for the weekly Clap for NHS. They have been on lockdown for two weeks and she is feeling the weight of it. She begins sobbing after the clap, feeling the pressure of grief and sadness all at once. Her neighbor, Jack, whom she has never met hears her sobbing and calls out to her, offering his support. Both Jack and Sophia have serious health issues in play. Jacki is in complete isolation due to a weakened immune system. They "meet" without laying eyes on each other and so being a beautiful friendship. Together, they find ways to help and unite their neighbors while falling in love with each other.

This is one of the happiest little novels I have read in a long time. The characters are engaging and quirky and despite the somewhat heavy background of the Covid Pandemic, it is kept light. I enjoyed this escape from our current reality very much and loved being a part of this cool "neighborhood"!

What a lovely story, a great feel good love story to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Lockdown is a huge part of all our lives at the moment, but this book made you aware of all the beauty that comes from it, of the togetherness, the caring nature it brought out of everyone, the community spirit, it was lovely written.

A timely and charming read that really tugs at the heartstrings, I absolutely adored Love In Lockdown - although it was definitely a bit surreal reading a book about lockdown.

Sophia is afraid lockdown will put her life on pause – just as she was she was going to put herself out there and meet someone new. And when the the first clap for the key-workers rings out around her courtyard, she’s moved to tears for all kinds of reasons.

Jack is normally used to living life to the fullest - but because of a health condition, he has to cocoon and is starting to go totally stir-crazy. That is until that night he hears a woman crying from the balcony beneath his. He strikes up a conversation with the stranger and puts a smile back on her face.

Soon their balcony meetings are the highlight of Jack and Sophia’s days - but even as they grow closer together, they’re always kept apart.

While I loved the main romance of the story, I was also really drawn into the stories of their neighbours. I loved the sense of community that developed among the people who were living in the apartment block - like, how they were all checking in on each other and hosting weekly concerts out on their balconies, It kind of felt like I was part of the community as well.

This was such a wonderful, uplifting read! I absolutely devoured it in 2 days. The story follows Jack and Sophia, neighbours who live above and below each other in a block of flats. When the country goes into lockdown, during the first clap for carers, they strike up a conversation on their balconies. I love a cute, fluffy read and this is definitely that, however it was also very emotional and poignant. It’s the perfect book for the current circumstances, especially as England goes into lockdown 2.0. The point of view switches between Jack and Sophia with every chapter, and it’s nice to hear what each of them are going through individually, Sophia as a teacher and Jack shielding with a kidney condition, and then to see what happens when they unite and are able to support each other. The story also has many side characters, like Bertie and Mavis, who all have their own stories that intertwine with each other, and they all work together and get to know each other, and lean on each other in these hard times. It’s a beautiful story about community spirit and falling in love.

Really great book. Captured the whole lockdown situation perfectly. The characters were down to earth people whose lives had to change to survive the pandemic. The relationship between Jack and Sophie was intrigueing. I readvitvat a time we in Ireland were just facing into our second lockdown so very apt. This book should be on a list for teenagers to read in about 30 years time. They will not believe that this lockdown actually happened at call.

At the beginning of quarantine, I saw a TikTok about a guy trying to interact with another girl who was on a roof in NYC. In the TikToks, they started going on dates. When I saw this book, it reminded me of those interactions, which always seemed like a great idea for a book. So of course I wanted to read it.

I think this was a super cute book about the times that we're in. I think it was uplifting when nothing else seems to be over. Overall, I do recommend it!

I LOVE this book!! I love that love doesn’t stop during the worst of times — ie, NOW — and that it turns bad into good.
Also, it made me think of the couple that met across the tops of buildings: she was dancing, he was watching, and they ended up having virtual dates until they actually met!!

A charming and fairly original take on a romantic comedy, given that it takes place during our current pandemic.

Jack and Sophia are neighbors. His balcony is right above hers. They have never met in person. At the beginning of the pandemic when everyone is in lockdown, Jack can hear Sophia crying on her balcony after the nightly clap for the NHS workers. They begin to chat, and before you know it, it’s a daily ritual.

Jack can’t leave his apartment due to a health condition. Sophia is a teacher, and teaches in-person to a smaller group of students. Between the two of them, they come up with ideas that will help their community during these hard times, and Jack enjoys feeling like he has things to do and look forward to. Not only do Jack and Sophia share food and drinks via a cardboard box attached to rope, but they also start to share a mutual attraction (without seeing each other).

Will that attraction last past lockdown?

This is a feel-good, hopeful story written in a time when things don’t feel good or particularly hopeful. From the nightly claps for essential workers to the neighborhood coming together to help each other out (great cast of characters), interesting side stories, and a bit of romance, this book delivers exactly what it promises...a light and fun diversion.

3.5 stars.

Thank you to Avon Books UK, author Chloe James, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Great book for what we’re going through now. Easy to read in one sitting. Definite page-turner. Would recommend if you like romantic comedies.

This was extremely heartwarming! From the first chapter, I instantly saw similarities and linked this narrative to Beth O’Leary’s book ‘The Flatshare’. The book will make you smile and you’ll soon become emotionally attached to Jack and Sophia. I felt like I was in lockdown with them! They’re both loveable characters and I enjoyed James’ writing style. Each chapter was in Sophia or Jack’s POV and I enjoyed finding out about their past and seeing how their characters develop. 



Obviously this book is very fitting for what we are all currently going through - a global pandemic! But whilst reading this story it touches upon how we have all celebrated the NHS and become one as a community. Even though this book is fiction with a hint of real life - it reminded me how much we have gone through in 2020. This love story is exactly what you need to brighten up this frightening and strange year! I wish this romance story was real!

Love in Lockdown focuses on Sophia and Jack. In March 2020 Britain went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some people were deemed high risk and were therefore not allowed to leave their homes even for exercise as the rest of us. In this book Jack is faced with this reality. Others were deemed key workers - NHS staff, shop workers and teachers who worked in education hubs with the children of other key workers who could not be homeschooled like the majority of children. Sophia is faced with this tough job. Through the Thursday night 8pm clap that we all enjoyed Jack and Sophia "meet" It turns out that Jack stays upstairs from Sophia and though their balconies are positioned in such a way that they can't see each other they can talk and quickly realise how much they need the other. With other neighbours becoming involved in their balcony chats, soon there is a great community spirit amongst the residents and they realise that being forced to stay in and play their parts in the war against Covid will lead to friendship, community spirit and love.
It was really interesting to set a story during the lockdown which is still so current in all of our minds. I thought it was great to have the 2 main characters facing such different lockdown experiences. One continuing to work in what was unquestioningly one of the most important of key working sectors and one facing that shielding that stripped the liberties of so many and lead to a rapid decline in mental health for many. The characters were real and true and depicted an experience that many will have taken for granted through their own lockdown lives.
It was a romantic comedy, the romance was light and fluffy and came flowing so naturally. The comedy was quick and had me giggling several times over.
The secondary characters were brilliant and lent themselves perfectly into the story without detracting from the main duo.

4 stars!! Love in Lockdown follows the story of two singles living in the UK during the Covid-19 lockdown. Jack lives in the apartment above Sophia but they've never met until they begin talking to each other from their balconies. They get to know each other and it's the beginning of a romance. They also get to know other people who live in their apartment complex and the book revolves around the relationship growing between Jack and Sophia, as well as their friends and neighbours. The book is told in chapters which alternate between Jack's and Sophia's points of view.

I really enjoyed this one, it was a very slow burn but I felt it suited a book where the pandemic is preventing the characters from actually meeting face to face. The realities of living during Covid 19 are all there, from toilet paper shortages to learning how to use Zoom, and if you don't want to hear anymore about the virus I would recommend skipping this book. I liked the honest depictions and how all the characters got to know each other from their balconies. There was a sense of friendship among those in the apartment complex and I loved how they all helped each other out. The romance between Jack and Sophia was sweet and grew slowly as they talked from their balconies over weeks of lockdown. Friendship grew into love and it was an easy read romantic comedy that I enjoyed over the weekend. I liked how the book ended and the loose ends were all tied up.

Overall, this was a cute romantic comedy set in the era of Covid-19. Anyone looking for a lighthearted romance with a slow burn would like this. But I would avoid it if you're looking to escape the pandemic by getting lost in a book, this one will for sure remind you of the current global situation.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

I have a suspicion that we are likely to see quite a few 'lockdown' novels in the coming months and years. It's unusual that something happens that has such an impact on not only the whole country but the whole world. Of course, it was slightly different from place to place, but there are few, if any, people who seem to have not been affected in one way or another by the covid outbreak. I was interested to see how it would be dealt with in this novel. Were we really ready for a romance set in lockdown?
On the whole, I enjoyed the romance between Jack and Sophia. I like the idea of a couple falling for one another without actually meeting and in the context of the lockdown the whole thing worked really well. Added to this were the other little bits and pieces that led to a different world under lockdown. We've got the elderly people who live on their own struggling with day to day life, a young couple finding their wedding plans destroyed and new parents facing giving birth under restrictions. The whole thing, along with the sense of community that runs through the book, really did paint a picture of the lockdown experience that many of us have faced this year.
Something that did irritate me very slightly was the two main characters saying darn. It seems like such an unlikely thing for them to say. I know that it's a minor point, but it threw me out of the story and didn't ring true as being British.
Overall this was an entertaining and fun read. It's a difficult one as I'm not sure that we're that close to it all being over as yet and this story only covers the first lockdown in the UK. As Britain moves back into lockdown and the rest of the world is still coping with all that this virus has to throw at us, I can't help but wonder how Jack and Sophia would be coping with facing it all again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have to admit, I was in two minds about reading a book about the COVID-19 lockdown situ when here in England we have literally just gone back in to lockdown. BUT, it was personally exactly the sort of book I needed to read right now.

This book is told between two different POV's: Jack and Sophia. Jack and Sophia 'meet' one Thursday evening at 8PM during the weekly clap for key-workers event and get talking to one another and these evening chats then turn into a part of their daily routine. I absolutely adored both Jack and Sophia, I was so attached to them both from the first chapter and I fell completely in love with the idea of them as one. The story also touched upon other members of the community, with them all coming together as a team to make lockdown easier for one another.

This book was your stereotypical, cliche, love story. There were no twists and turns, you knew exactly what was going to happen from the get go and in my opinion, that's what made it so good?! I found it SO relatable too. Stockpiling loo roll, clap for key-workers, zoom calls, all of the lockdown shenanigans are in this book and I couldn't help but smile and laugh reflecting back on it.

This is such a wonderful story, one that has made light of the awful situation we have all faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and I feel this is an absolute must read.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Chloe James for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is out November 23rd!

First off I loved this book. I am so happy I was given the chance to review it. I thought this story was lovely not too deep but a very easy read. Would love to know if their love lasts past lockdown or not aswell. Overall 4 stars from me.

A Story of Finding Love in Difficult Times... The New Normal❣️ Great Uplifting Read

Told from Sophia and Jack's perspective, Sophia working as a school teacher who gets to nearly-meet Jack when going out on her balcony on that first Thursday night NHS clap... from here a friendship grows, getting to know each other through acts of kindness and talk alone.

A bit of a slow burner, but once I got into to the story it was a good read, reflecting in difficult times can often bring out the best in people/communities. Even more poignant as the premise is based around current times. There were times where I felt it repeated things, such as with being in lockdown, which I didn't feel necessary as was the basis of the story. Overall great read.

A lovely warm and heartfelt story about a community coming together during these crazy time. Perfect reading for me (here in the UK) amid our 2nd lockdown.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book is a lighthearted, timely, read which will strike a chord with anyone trying to adjust to a new normal.

It’s about finding a sense of community during a difficult and challenging situation.

Sophia, is struggling in trying to keep it all together when the UK goes into lockdown.

Her fears are for the safety of her mother, who is frontline worker, along with attending the much anticipated wedding of her sister, but virtually.

So when she has a teary moment on the balcony, Jack, her upstairs neighbour, is an witness to all her distress, and offers to hear her worries, kindly.

Jack, is also struggling with the changes that the lockdown has brought, as owing to a pre existing condition, he’s confined to his flat.

So two neighbours, who, before all this, were previously strangers, start to rely on one another in order to get through the difficult days.

A very heartfelt story about the coming together of neighbours, also, the ways in which a sense of community can be sought, particularly in times of crisis.

What a year it’s been so far, and while books have proven to be the ultimate in escapism for me this year, I was intrigued to see what it would be like to read a book that actually featured the lockdown era.

I really feel that the author handled this topic perfectly. We all had different experiences of lockdown, and it’s been difficult for so many. But this book is sensitive to this, but also has a lighthearted and uplifting feel.

Leaving the unusual circumstances aside, this is a wonderful, character led, story of both love and of community.

There are some lovely moments of kindness, of humour, of friendship and, of course, of romance.

I really liked both Jack and Sophia, and I liked the way the story alternates between both of their points of view.

A really unique and insightful novel, it’s a real page-turner. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book. I devoured it in a day I needed to know what happened next and couldn’t put it down. It’s written well and had a lovely plot

When I first heard about this book I thought "Uh, uh, no way I'm reading this. Too soon. Who would want to read a book about the lockdown when the second one is waving at us on the horizon?" Apparently, I did. After reading some good reviews I decided to give it a chance and I'm so glad I did. What a lovely shot of optimism in these trying times!

I must be thankful lockdown was not too hard for me. I, like a household plant, am an indoors species and lockdown is my natural habitat. Give me food and a book and I'm happy! However, I feel for all those people who had such a hard time out of it.

"Love in lockdown" portrayed the spirit of the lockdown so well I could see myself reflected in so many of the situations the characters were going through. It was curious to check how, even living in a different country, we all went through the same things like the loo paper, yeast and flour shortage or the clapping for the key workers (here in Spain it was daily for three months!).

It was amazing seeing these characters create such a tight-knit community, helping each other even though they didn't know each other at all. This sense of community that brought out the best in people was so uplifting to read about (sadly, time proved that it was all a mirage, cause as soon as we were let out of our homes it all went downhill fast again, but that's an issue for another forum).

Like Troy and Gabriela...
<img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/9dbda868c8f325c69f15968e15575397/tenor.gif?itemid=5384679" width="500" height="250" alt="description"/>
...but not for long.

Jack and Sophia were both so cute. I couldn't wait for restrictions to be lifted so they could meet face to face. I know their relationship was a bit too sweet and perfect, but it was just what the doctor ordered right now!

The cast of secondary characters was an eclectic and lovable one, but my favorite was Bertie (and Tilly). The way he dealt with his loneliness awoke so much tenderness in me and was a perfect example of how much harder this has been for the elderly.

There were also some hilarious moments, like the wedding chapter, that had me crying with laughter.

Uplifting and delightful read that showed how although we may feel isolated at times, we are not alone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Would you believe this made me nostalgic. It did portray lockdown 1 very well and I could really relate to the community, the weekly clap, the helping of neighbours, the one up manship of who was loudest and was there etc. I have a good friend who is online dating through all of this, so I see how hard it is to be single.

There was some great moments - the lockdown wedding, lockdown birth.

Loved the main characters but also Eddie (and Tilly)

A good feel good read makes a great change from my usual books and for that I am grateful.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest and fair review which I have done.

Love In Lockdown is a perfect romance for our times.
Jack lives in the flat above Sophia. He is a bartender who is furloughed during lockdown and isolating due to health issues. Sophia is a teacher who remains working for a small group of children of key workers.
Jack and Sophia become firm friends when they both start using their respective balconies and begin chatting; but do not meet face to face! They try to make the most of their time and start helping others in their community. Can their love for helping others bring them closer together? Will their romance blossom or will their past bad experiences in the love department stop them finding true love together?
Jack and Sophia are both excellent, well developed and likeable characters. They are supported by a number of other people in the community who all make Love In Lockdown a perfect read for this time. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Highly enjoyed this book which is a definite sign of the times. Love during the pandemic is like a minefield and this book brings it to life.

Charming and sweet is the best way to describe this book.

Nothing better than a nice story to lift your spirits and I believe Chloe James achieved this with Love in Lockdown.

Sophia Trent and Jack Stanton are living in the same building without ever meeting in person. Jack has some health issues and he’s unable to leave his apartment during the pandemic lockdown. Sophia, on the other hand, is able to continue with her job as a teacher. She studied law but after developing epilepsy she gave up her career and now works with kids. Due to her illness, her boyfriend of five years didn’t want to stay with her.

One day after that NHS clapping, she becomes emotional and starts crying. Jack who lives above Sophia can hear her and they strike a conversation. Soon this becomes the norm. Sophia sends treats his way, while he sends special cocktails using a box and rope to her apartment balcony. Together, this duo and with the help of WhatsApp start helping their courtyard community.

Love in Lockdown brings some solid points about the pandemic including mental health issues that can arise from isolation, the need to help the elderly and other vulnerable populations, the importance of telemedicine and exhaustion of the healthcare workers, the need for teachers to help kids during these dire times.

My one complaint about the book would be the ending, I felt it needed more. Something was missing in the romance department.

3.5/5 fangs

Cliffhanger: No

A complimentary copy was provided by Avon UK via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It’s lockdown and life as Sophia knows it has been turned upside-down. She is trying to adjust to the new normal, with Zoom calls, one-way sop paths, and disinfecting grocery bags, which is all quite different to the way life was before. Another new thing to add to her list of lockdown activities is the Thursday evening clap for the NHS. At 8pm on Thursday, Sophia heads out to her little balcony and joins the clap. She claps for her roommate, her mom, everyone she knows is out on the frontlines fighting against COVID-19. It’s an emotional moment, and as emotions bubble over, Sophia has a quiet cry on her balcony.

Or so she thought. While she is still drying her tears, a concerned voice calls down from the balcony above asking if she’s okay … she was sobbing quite loudly, and the man upstairs is worried that something is wrong. Sophia tries to explain herself, and while doing so strikes up an unexpected friendship with the man, whose name is Jack. Jack is shielding and staying inside because of chronic kidney disease, which puts him at extra risk of severe illness if he were to contract the virus. Thus, an unlikely friendship starts: Sophia and Jack share cocktails and meals via a makeshift dumbwaiter contraption, and counsel one another through their tough days or their family dramas. Somehow, in the middle of a time of isolation, Sophia and Jack have managed to not be so isolated after all.

I knew it would only be a matter of time before a book set during the COVID-19 lockdown would make its way onto shelves. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect of these books – would they be inordinately depressing, boring, or mundane, or would authors use this as a way of sparking creativity and telling stories in a unique and unexpected way. Furthermore, given that so many people read for escapism, how would an author manage to take a story set in the current bleak world and make it feel like an escape? On the whole, though, I think this book achieves that.

Love in Lockdown by Chloe James is definitely a “cute” romance story between two people who meet under exceptional circumstances. The thread running through the whole book is that of community spirit and the fundamental good of humankind. I was sceptical about it at first, and unsure of how the plot would be able to move forward with limited settings and interactions, but I was pleasantly surprised. The creative use of side plots made the book feel as if it was always moving along, although I think the book did get quite heavy with these side plots. I suppose this is a natural consequence of being essentially limited to two apartments as settings for the story, but I sometimes found that there seemed to be a lot happening all at once, and that there were slightly too many dramatic turns of event that seemed a bit unbelievable or trite. On the whole, though, I thought the author managed to keep the story moving along smoothly and managed to execute a satisfactory story arc in a creative way.

The writing style in the book is very easy to read, and I found that I zipped through the pages (or screens, on Kindle, I suppose) at a rate of knots. The book is pure froth, which, given the subject matter, is actually quite an achievement. I think it was an easy, uplifting read that focussed on some serious themes as well, such as what it is like to live with pre-existing conditions during this lockdown, as well as how loneliness and isolation can impact on mental health. One other thing that this book showed me is how differently I handled the lockdown in my South African setting, compared to the characters in this book. It was interesting to get an insight into another country’s version of lockdown, even if it was through a fictional setting, where poetic license is probably par for the course in certain instances.

Overall, I think this was an enjoyable romance novel, that delivers on the promise of escapism in a time where it is so desperately needed. I was nervous about the onset of “Lockdown Lit” but I think that if this book is anything to go by, I wouldn’t necessarily mind reading more books set during this period in our history … and I’ll definitely be looking out for more by Chloe James when I’m in need of something light-hearted and enjoyable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advance copy in exchange for a review!

Love in Lockdown by Chloe James

During the Covid-19 lockdown Sophia gets to know her upstairs neighbour Jack during chats on the balcony. The story of them falling in love is set against the backdrop of their family, friends and community trying to cope with the pandemic. A heart-warming story that also covers more serious issues of chronic illness, bereavement and grief, loneliness and many others. Lovely characters, great story and a fabulous record of what the lockdown was really like (I'm sure we'll forget all the details the author includes as times goes on) - very highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I wish my lockdown was filled with as much love, romance, heart and community spirit as this gorgeous story. Watching Sophie and Jack’s love blossom made me cry tears of pure joy - and the bouquet? SOBBING! This book is essential 2020 self-care.