Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is a deeply emotional second-chance romance that has captured hearts across BookTok. This beautifully written story follows Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos, childhood best friends who fell in love through their shared passion for books and words — until one night tore them apart. If you're curious about this viral emotional romance or want to know where to read it for free, you've come to the right place!
Story Summary
Love and Other Words is a deeply emotional second-chance romance that blends nostalgia, heartbreak, and healing. Written by Christina Lauren, it tells the story of Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos, two childhood best friends who fell in love through their shared love of books and words — until one night tore them apart.
The novel alternates between then and now: their teenage years spent discovering friendship and first love, and their adult years, where they've become strangers with unresolved pain between them.
When they run into each other again by chance over a decade later, everything comes rushing back — the memories, the chemistry, and the hurt. What follows is a story about forgiveness, timing, and the power of unfinished love.
It's tender, devastating, and beautifully written — a love story that feels like home, even when it hurts.
Main Characters
Macy Sorensen
- • Age: Late 20s
- • Ethnicity: Caucasian-American
- • Hair Color: Light brown
- • Eye Color: Hazel
- • Identity: Pediatric resident / book lover / emotional wall-builder
A woman who once loved freely but now hides behind control and quiet routines. After losing her mother young and her father later in life, Macy guards her heart until Elliot reappears — forcing her to face everything she's been running from.
Elliot Petropoulos
- • Age: Late 20s
- • Ethnicity: Greek-American
- • Hair Color: Dark brown
- • Eye Color: Green
- • Identity: Bookworm / romantic / childhood best friend
Once the boy who made Macy believe in love, Elliot is now the man who broke her heart — and regrets it every day. Intelligent, charming, and deeply emotional, he's determined to prove that their story isn't over.
Every Spicy Chapter – Breakdown & Highlights
Love and Other Words doesn't rely on constant spice — instead, it's about emotional intimacy and the slow buildup that makes every touch feel personal. Macy and Elliot's connection grows from childhood friendship to full-blown soulmates, and every intimate moment between them feels earned.
Here's the full rundown of the key scenes — what happens, what it means, and a quote that captures the moment.
Chapter 18 – The First Kiss
They're just teens and best friends, sharing books and secrets for years. One night in Macy's room, the vibe shifts as Elliot looks at her longer than usual. Their first kiss is a bit awkward but feels right.
"His lips brushed mine, soft as a page turning, and my world opened."
Chapter 23 – The First Time
This is the moment. The night Macy and Elliot finally move from being friends to something more. Macy's back from college, and they've been dancing around their feelings for ages. It starts off with teasing and laughter, then turns breathless. They're nervous but clearly in love, and every touch feels like a promise.
"Every touch felt like a word we'd been too scared to say."
Chapter 35 – The Reunion
Eleven years later, Macy and Elliot haven't spoken since that night, but fate brings them back together. The chemistry is instantly clear. They chat, argue, and finally admit their feelings are still there.
"He kissed me like he was remembering every second we'd ever lost."
Chapter 38 – The Night Together
This is their moment to get it right. After being honest, Macy allows herself to love him again. It's cozy and sweet—no games, just genuine love.
"It wasn't about what we'd done before — it was about what we'd survived to get here."
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Goodreads Reader Reactions
Readers call Love and Other Words "a love letter to second chances." It's a book that makes you cry, smile, and believe in soulmates all at once.
Positive Reactions:
"Christina Lauren wrote the blueprint for childhood friends-to-lovers."
"It hurt so good — and I forgave Elliot right along with Macy."
Critical Reactions:
"The pacing is slow, but honestly, it fits the heartbreak."
"This book destroyed me and then rebuilt me."
Where to Buy or Read Love and Other Words
- Amazon: Paperback, Kindle eBook, and Audible audiobook (narrated by Erin Mallon & Stephen Dexter).
- Barnes & Noble: Paperback and Nook eBook editions.
- Apple Books & Kobo: Digital versions available worldwide.
- Libraries: Widely available via Libby and OverDrive due to its BookTok fame.
Related Books by Christina Lauren
If you loved Love and Other Words, you'll adore their other emotional or romantic reads:
Similar Emotional Reads:
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
For similar second-chance, lakeside nostalgia. Another childhood friends-to-lovers story with emotional depth and beautiful writing.
The Unhoneymooners
For something lighter and full of humor. Still Christina Lauren's signature style but with more comedy and less heartbreak.
Something Wilder
Adventure, love, and second chances again, Christina Lauren-style. Perfect for readers who want more emotional depth with added adventure.
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Love Love and Other Words? Watch smut brought to life on Shortbread, just like TV shows.
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