Book Review: Love At First Sight by Laura Jane Williams

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…

*****

Jessie has dreams of running her own business but also loves being a nanny to Henry. When she meets a stranger at Whole Foods with whom she spends a perfect evening, she believes that maybe she could chase her dream whilst also keeping her current job. She also thinks that maybe she found the one…or is he?

I was a BIG fan of Our Stop so I jumped at the chance to review Love At First Sight, the latest novel from Laura Jane Williams.

The plot of this novel moves well and I really couldn’t figure out where it was going to go next. The premise is strong and focuses on Jessie as she tries to navigate next stages. She is attempting to find courage to seize life with both hands.

The characters are what really made this novel for me. Jessie is a strong lead and I feel she is very relatable. How many of us want to go for something but don’t know how to take that next step and/or are scared to do so? As I read, I willed her on with everything I had.

She has obstacles in her way including her boss who seems to feel like Jessie is her friend but isn’t always a good one back. India was wonderful, as was Henry. The subplot surrounding Jessie’s father was also one I felt people could empathise with. Cal and Leo – I am not going to say much about these two as I feel that would spoil too much of the story. Let’s just say that some of the characters are better behaved than others – that can be said about a lot of people in this book. Above all though, this story is about Jessie and her attempt to build a life she’s always wanted. I think it’s something she could have done with or without love. What she did decide is something I hope you’ll find out for yourself. This novel is a perfect summer holiday companion…just saying.

Love at First Sight is a tale about finding your own path and grabbing hold of your destiny whatever that brings. I loved this novel. It didn’t completely go the way I thought it would and that’s a plus in my book.

(Thank you to Penguin for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review).

About Laura Jane Williams:

Laura Jane Williams (she/her) is known as the queen of the meet-cute. She is the author of six rom-coms, as well as the forthcoming Lovestruck (June 2023). 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.

Her latest book, Love At First Sight was released by Penguin on 19th June 2025. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Waterstones, Amazon US and Barnes & Noble. 

Say hello to Laura Jane via her website, and Instagram.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.