Love, In Balance: A Five Mountains Novel by Louna Stone: A Book Review

I love reading new authors whenever I pick up a new book, especially when it's an author's debut novel. Plus, it's even more exciting when you know the author and have been an avid fan of her blog for years. Louna Stone, a lifestyle blogger and now author, is someone I've been following for a long time. I've always loved her blog content (and still do!) and now she's released her debut novel - *Love, In Balance. When Louna asked me to read her new book before its release, it was a no-brainer, I downloaded the Kindle app and got reading immediately! 

Let's set the scene:

Lista is a PhD student studying mechanical engineering. Her friend's group is mainly made up of men, but this doesn't influence her to find romance. As she has physical differences and has gone through traumatic experiences, she doubts that anyone will love her for who she is.

Quin is a biomechanics engineering lecturer who is scared to put a foot wrong at work after issues with his students. Quin is adamant about steering clear of relationships and socialising in general, that is until he meets Lista.

When the two academics meet at a pub quiz on New Year's Eve, sparks fly and there's even a kiss at midnight. However, due to a misunderstanding, they don't see each other again for a little while. That's until they come across each other at the university Lista is studying at and where Quin is her new lecturer. Will the spark they felt on NYE be found again as they get to know each other?

What I liked about Love, In Balance

I loved the developing relationship between Lista and Quin, it was a slow build but it was written so well. I also loved that the main character was disabled (an amputee). This is something not often written in books, so I loved that detail. 

I also liked Lista's friendship group, they are all great friends and very supportive of Lista when she goes through a difficult time. 

I have to talk about one thing that I really liked, something which I would like to incorporate within my friend group, is the 'Friend Message Code Sheet' at the back of the book. I think every friendship group should have a code sheet for emergencies etc!

What I disliked about Love, In Balance

Nothing. I adored the book!

My favourite line/moment from the book

This mini paragraph in the book really resonated with me, and it will for so many others!

Would I recommend Love, In Balance by Louna Stone?

Absolutely I would! This book is the perfect book to cuddle up to at night with a hot chocolate or glass of wine. If you're a fan of Ali Hazelwood's books, I have no doubt you will love this one. 

STEM-themed books are becoming my new favourite genre. Not only do they make great reads, but you also gain a little extra knowledge you never knew you needed! 

I love how Louna made the main female protagonist an independent, headstrong, resilient woman. As I said before, I love how Louna wrote about the main character Lista having a disability. I can't relate to someone who is an amputee, but I can relate to the aspect of having a disability and being labelled as disabled. Just because someone is disabled, it doesn't make them weak or more vulnerable. 

Also, we need to talk about Quin. He's the perfect man. He kind of has that golden retriever trait, but I love that. I love how supportive he is when Lista is going through a difficult time. 

This is a fantastic read and I would totally recommend it!

*Trigger Warnings - this book contains open-door sex scenes. It also contains elements of mental health, trauma, sexual assault, sexual abuse and grief. 

Let me know your thoughts on my review!