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The Ivy House
Kate Barton is a woman who gets what she wants. Fresh out of university, she’s secured her dream job as a jewellery designer. However, it involves returning to her imposing family home, The Ivy House and the chaos she left there. When she falls for a tall, dark, mysterious stranger, she’s shocked to learn that he’s linked to every part of her life.
Alex Compson is a man who never sits still. Clever, secretive, but vulnerable, he’s built a fortress around his heart. A chance encounter with a beautiful woman forces him out of his comfort zone and deeper into her life.
The Ivy House itself is forbidding and protective of its inhabitants, with the power to tear relationships apart, or secure them forever. With both Kate and Alex keeping secrets from each other, which threaten to collapse their relationship, will the house come to their rescue or force them apart?
The Ivy House is the first book in a series of linked standalones. Content death of a parent (not on page), injury, accident, hospital treatment
Alex Compson is a man who never sits still. Clever, secretive, but vulnerable, he’s built a fortress around his heart. A chance encounter with a beautiful woman forces him out of his comfort zone and deeper into her life.
The Ivy House itself is forbidding and protective of its inhabitants, with the power to tear relationships apart, or secure them forever. With both Kate and Alex keeping secrets from each other, which threaten to collapse their relationship, will the house come to their rescue or force them apart?
The Ivy House is the first book in a series of linked standalones. Content death of a parent (not on page), injury, accident, hospital treatment
- GenresRomance
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2024
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Laura-Elise Bishop
5 books19 followersHey! I’m Laura Elise. I’m an indie author from South East England, where I live with my husband and son in a cute little village. I was the kid in the corner with a book for a lot of my childhood. Reading has always been an obsession of mine and so has writing! I love to travel and I incorporate cities, beaches and rural landscapes into my writing. I’m also a massive history geek so watch out for various historical details in my books. I’ve got a very wild taste in music and I create a playlist for every mood and each one of my books!
If I’m not reading or writing I’ll either be on the beach, having a swim in the sea, or on my sofa, doing something creative like embroidery or jewellery making.
If I’m not reading or writing I’ll either be on the beach, having a swim in the sea, or on my sofa, doing something creative like embroidery or jewellery making.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 28, 2023
Kate and Alex are an adorable pair of humans learning how to make their way in the world! There are so many cute and quirky moments that makes this story feel so real.
The hardships that they face in their relationship make their characters so relatable and easy to sympathize with.
Gah I love them and I can’t say anything more about them without gushing and spoiling it. But I love it. Tada 😂
The hardships that they face in their relationship make their characters so relatable and easy to sympathize with.
Gah I love them and I can’t say anything more about them without gushing and spoiling it. But I love it. Tada 😂
January 20, 2024
Fresh out of university, Kate is returning home to start her dream job as a jewellery designer.
On her first night out with her friends, she meets a mysterious stranger who she feels an instant connection with.
Alex has a lot going on. Juggling multiple jobs and always looking out for everyone.
As one chance encounter follows the other, Kate and Alex are starting to realise that there might be more between them, than they are ready to admit. Slowly they start to open up to each other, but will they be able to overcome all obstacles to be together for good?
The Ivy House is a beautifully told story about two people slowly getting to know and starting to trust each other. Their group of family and friends is amazing and you can feel the love and care they have for one another. Even if there are misunderstandings and different opinions, I never had a doubt, that they would have each other's backs without hesitation if need be.
On her first night out with her friends, she meets a mysterious stranger who she feels an instant connection with.
Alex has a lot going on. Juggling multiple jobs and always looking out for everyone.
As one chance encounter follows the other, Kate and Alex are starting to realise that there might be more between them, than they are ready to admit. Slowly they start to open up to each other, but will they be able to overcome all obstacles to be together for good?
The Ivy House is a beautifully told story about two people slowly getting to know and starting to trust each other. Their group of family and friends is amazing and you can feel the love and care they have for one another. Even if there are misunderstandings and different opinions, I never had a doubt, that they would have each other's backs without hesitation if need be.
September 11, 2024
I don’t know where to start with this book! I was sent this book to beta read and it did not disappoint!
Both MCs have complicated pasts! They are just finding their feet and their trust! They have huge character development! I was so invested!
This books was the sweetest one I’ve read in ages! The right amount of warm fuzzy feelings mixed with such an emotional rollercoaster!
The whole book felt very relatable and the accountability that all of the characters took for their actions was so good to see!!
I loved that I knew where all the places were and the was it was described made me feel like I was there! Was so daydreaming about living in their world!!
Both MCs have complicated pasts! They are just finding their feet and their trust! They have huge character development! I was so invested!
This books was the sweetest one I’ve read in ages! The right amount of warm fuzzy feelings mixed with such an emotional rollercoaster!
The whole book felt very relatable and the accountability that all of the characters took for their actions was so good to see!!
I loved that I knew where all the places were and the was it was described made me feel like I was there! Was so daydreaming about living in their world!!
September 16, 2025
Laura-Elise's debut is a sweet romance that follows Kate, a jewellery designer, who wants to leave her party girl antics in the past and focus on repairing her relationships with her mother and friends in her hometown of Canterbury while also embarking on an exciting new career. Along the way, she meets Alex, a mysterious DJ who captivates her from the start. Sparks fly the moment they lock eyes, but Kate's past along with the fact that she and Alex are connected through mutual friends, makes her hesitant to take things past a fling. However, the chemistry and attraction between them is undeniable, and who is she to question the universe that throws them together at every opportunity? But, both Kate and Alex have to overcome past experiences and fears that are holding them back. Adding to the drama is a job offer for Kate in the south of France that will take her away from the newly repaired friendships and Alex.
I love these characters, as always in Laura-Elise's books - they're full of warmth, so relatable and endearing. Set against the backdrop of the quaint town of Canterbury as well as a few chapters where we travel to the south of France the descriptions were vivid and richly detailed. It felt as though I was immersed in the scenes watching events unfold. It was another enjoyable weekend escaping into this sweet romantic story.
I love these characters, as always in Laura-Elise's books - they're full of warmth, so relatable and endearing. Set against the backdrop of the quaint town of Canterbury as well as a few chapters where we travel to the south of France the descriptions were vivid and richly detailed. It felt as though I was immersed in the scenes watching events unfold. It was another enjoyable weekend escaping into this sweet romantic story.
June 4, 2024
Party goer Kate is running away from her problems. But time is up and she must return home - to her family house, her friends and family and the city she left behind, Canterbury.
On yet another night out on the town, Kate meets a “tall dark stranger”, who she can’t stop thinking about. Kate believes she will never see him again, but fate has other plans for her, throwing Alex in her path once again.
The Ivy House is a story about two people who feel drawn together, but who’s secrets threaten to destroy the relationship and trust they come to build. Will their pasts and scars condemn their match made by not one, but two chance encounters?
This was a very slow burn story, with an underlying slow pace. I liked how, as the story went on, the characters’ layers were pulled back and we see them grow.
Kate was a trying to keep it together but was a bit of a mess at the beginning. I liked her relationship with her friends and that she was a jewellery designer.
I liked Alex and how he was so protective of his loved ones and so caring towards Kate. I liked how they complemented each other.
The third-act miscommunications had me wincing a few times but I liked their HEA under the French sun.
On yet another night out on the town, Kate meets a “tall dark stranger”, who she can’t stop thinking about. Kate believes she will never see him again, but fate has other plans for her, throwing Alex in her path once again.
The Ivy House is a story about two people who feel drawn together, but who’s secrets threaten to destroy the relationship and trust they come to build. Will their pasts and scars condemn their match made by not one, but two chance encounters?
This was a very slow burn story, with an underlying slow pace. I liked how, as the story went on, the characters’ layers were pulled back and we see them grow.
Kate was a trying to keep it together but was a bit of a mess at the beginning. I liked her relationship with her friends and that she was a jewellery designer.
I liked Alex and how he was so protective of his loved ones and so caring towards Kate. I liked how they complemented each other.
The third-act miscommunications had me wincing a few times but I liked their HEA under the French sun.
March 1, 2024
I read this a few times at varying stages of the beta process, and really fell in love with Kate. She has a heart of gold and is working so hard to figure herself and her close relationships out. This story has gorgeous settings in England and France, strong bonds, relationship ruptures and repairs, and importantly, a dark-haired mystery man. Initially reluctant for more than a casual connection, Alex and Kate find their seemingly different paths to align beautifully in this slow-burn, fade-to-black tale of growth and love.
March 5, 2024
Beautifully written with a rich tapestry of characters - ideal for fans of women's contemporary fiction and closed door, slow burn romance.
Kate returns to her ancestral home after university - they're both in need of some TLC. Trying to get her life on track, Kate meets the mysterious Alex. But the house is a character in its own right, and it's seen its fair share of relationships in its walls... will it welcome Alex into its warm chambers, or shut the door on him, leaving him out in the cold?!
Kate returns to her ancestral home after university - they're both in need of some TLC. Trying to get her life on track, Kate meets the mysterious Alex. But the house is a character in its own right, and it's seen its fair share of relationships in its walls... will it welcome Alex into its warm chambers, or shut the door on him, leaving him out in the cold?!
July 27, 2024
It’s lovely to read about places you have seen brought to life and so descriptive.
The novel beautifully explores themes of love, family, and the passage of time. Charlotte’s growing connection with the house’s history and her budding romance with a local historian make for a satisfying and heartwarming tale.
For anyone looking for a cosy and romantic escape, “The Ivy House” offers a perfect blend of mystery, history, and love. Laura-Elise has crafted a charming and touching story that will linger with readers long after the final page.
The novel beautifully explores themes of love, family, and the passage of time. Charlotte’s growing connection with the house’s history and her budding romance with a local historian make for a satisfying and heartwarming tale.
For anyone looking for a cosy and romantic escape, “The Ivy House” offers a perfect blend of mystery, history, and love. Laura-Elise has crafted a charming and touching story that will linger with readers long after the final page.
March 31, 2024
I loved everything in this book! The characters will remain for a long time in my heart and I want to visit the ivy house! The descriptions of Canterbury and Nice made me travel and I had to fight the urge to book some tickets to England 🤣
Kate is perfect the way she is, trying to figure out how she feels about this mysterious guy. And Alex, you want to cuddle him and tell him everything will be okay now.
Thanks to the author for giving us this so good story
Kate is perfect the way she is, trying to figure out how she feels about this mysterious guy. And Alex, you want to cuddle him and tell him everything will be okay now.
Thanks to the author for giving us this so good story
September 3, 2024
A beautiful story
A beautiful story for anyone looking for a fun, sweet read with some light spice, amazing friends, laughter, and a lot of character growth.
The Ivy House was such a sweet read! I loved Alex and Kate together so much. They both had some past traumas to overcome and didn't always approach it the best of ways (hello plot). Alex was definitely a tough nut to crack but so sweet on the interior. This book just made my heart happy.
A beautiful story for anyone looking for a fun, sweet read with some light spice, amazing friends, laughter, and a lot of character growth.
The Ivy House was such a sweet read! I loved Alex and Kate together so much. They both had some past traumas to overcome and didn't always approach it the best of ways (hello plot). Alex was definitely a tough nut to crack but so sweet on the interior. This book just made my heart happy.
April 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The way I absolutely adored Kate and Alex’s story with all my heart like it’s definitely the best thing I’ve read this week! This was such a great read and I’m already sooo excited for the next book, it’s insane! 100000/10 would definitely recommend until I die.
The way I absolutely adored Kate and Alex’s story with all my heart like it’s definitely the best thing I’ve read this week! This was such a great read and I’m already sooo excited for the next book, it’s insane! 100000/10 would definitely recommend until I die.
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November 28, 2023I was able to read this intriguing story as a beta reader, I look forward to revisiting this story in its final format to leave a final review.
February 17, 2024
I love a good love story and I absolutely adored Alex and Kate's fade to black romance. They characters are relatable and it was easy to read. It felt like fate had a hand in bringing them together, repeatedly. But they also had to put in the effort to overcome personal obstacles. I appreciate that deeper message. The way that they communicated with each other was inspiring. They spoke openly and honestly with one another, talking things through. It was very realistic.
February 17, 2024
Kate’s just starting out in her career as a jewelry maker. Alex is a DJ (but also works for a security company and at his mom’s hotel). Neither one is looking for a relationship, but sometimes love doesn’t care about that. These two have a hard time opening up, but they just need some time 💚
February 4, 2024
Whilst this is a fade to black romance (the scene ends just as the characters get down and dirty), I blooming loved the intense connection between the two characters.
Alex is just ❤️🔥 He is this super hot, dark and mysterious character who gives me Bruce Wayne feels…honestly the man is 🤤
What I enjoyed though was the fact Kate and Alex’s relationship went through the wringer, not just because of their relationship but their pasts and they learn how to navigate together.
There is also a lovely part where Kate works in France and I was all for that!!
I honestly just thought it was this lovely, wholesome book with some tense moments, especially with the house 🤫
One last thing, I have Shola Ama’s 90s Garage tune: Imagine on my brain after the lyrics are referenced in the story 😂
Alex is just ❤️🔥 He is this super hot, dark and mysterious character who gives me Bruce Wayne feels…honestly the man is 🤤
What I enjoyed though was the fact Kate and Alex’s relationship went through the wringer, not just because of their relationship but their pasts and they learn how to navigate together.
There is also a lovely part where Kate works in France and I was all for that!!
I honestly just thought it was this lovely, wholesome book with some tense moments, especially with the house 🤫
One last thing, I have Shola Ama’s 90s Garage tune: Imagine on my brain after the lyrics are referenced in the story 😂
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews