Don't Take The Girl Book Review
I’ve had a fantastic reading year so far. I got back into reading in the fall of 2020, and in those early years (2020–2022) I found several “1,000/5 stars” books—the kind that leave you in a reading slump because nothing else compares. The kind you think about 24/7, hunt for merch and special editions, and find yourself smiling about at random moments. But 2023 and 2024? Not so much.
Enter 2025—and I’m already on my third 1,000/5 star read. In May/June it was Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven. In July, The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston. And now, just eleven days into August, Don’t Take the Girl by L.A. Ferro. Three in one year—and back-to-back, no less. It’s been a truly unforgettable summer.
And to think I almost missed it. Since late last year, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Hambright PR Influencers list, which has brought me some incredible ARCs and audiobooks. My poor TBR pile has been sitting in the corner collecting dust. This summer, I promised myself I’d give it some love and paused most ARC requests. I had four still due and planned to take no more—until the Don’t Take the Girl email landed in my inbox. At that point, I still had two ARCs left to finish, but something told me to sign up. Not only did I do it, but I immediately cracked it open out of order. Zero regrets.
Before I dive into what made this book so special, let me say this: I’m usually wary of romance novels over 350 pages. With fantasy or fantasy romance, I’m fine, but with straight romance or rom-coms, I tend to lose interest halfway through. At 490 pages, this one gave me pause. But again—something told me to push forward. And I’m glad I did, because Don’t Take the Girl had me hooked from page one.
One thing I adored is that the story follows Laney and London chronologically from childhood to the present, rather than jumping back and forth in time. It made the book feel like watching a TV series, with each chapter a new, addictive episode—every one better than the last. The pacing is smooth, the plot is balanced, and there’s never too much of anything. Everything lands exactly where it should.
If I had to sum up my reading experience, it would go something like this:
“Aww, how cute.”
“I wish I’d had a London when I was younger.”
“What the hell is going on?”
“AHHHHHHHHHHH.”
“Excuse me, sir? 🔥🔥🔥”
“AHHHHHHHHHHH (again).”
“🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥”
“What? Nooooooo.”
“YES, that’s what I’m talking about.”
“I freaking loved this.”
The end.
The story begins when Laney moves next door to London as a child. After a slightly bumpy start, they become inseparable. As they grow, so do their feelings—but in high school, they drift apart, neither knowing the other feels the same way. A devastating turn of events shatters their relationship, and it isn’t until six years later that fate brings them face to face again. Their reunion rekindles old feelings and stirs up past heartbreak—but Laney still doesn’t know the truth about what happened back then, or why London walked away.
If you love shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, or Ransom Canyon, this will be right up your alley. Personally, I think it would make a perfect TV series. The early chapters even gave me Dawson’s Creek vibes—minus Dawson, because he drove me crazy.
This book is still living rent-free in my head, and I have a feeling it will do the same for you. In a sea of romance novels released daily, Don’t Take the Girl is a breath of fresh air—a heartfelt, standout story that delivers every swoon, sigh, and smile you want from a perfect summer read.
Don’t Take the Girl isn’t just another romance—it’s the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. It’s heartfelt without being heavy, romantic without being predictable, and brimming with moments that will make you laugh, swoon, and clutch the pages just a little tighter. Laney and London’s journey is one you’ll want to experience, savor, and revisit, and I can say without hesitation that this book has earned a permanent spot on my favorites shelf.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing this bookish moment with me. If you pick up Don’t Take the Girl, I’d love to hear your thoughts—did it melt your heart as much as it did mine?
Happy reading, and may your TBR always bring you stories that stay with you long after the last page.
Until the next book travel, M.
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