.The scent of a dying industry is a particular one. It’s not just the cheap coffee and mildew of a crumbling newsroom; it’s the perfume of regret, of stories untold, and of principles slowly succumbing to budget cuts. It’s the air that Robert Kenyon masterfully conjures in the opening pages of Headline Love, a debut novel that is far more than its charming, pun-intended title suggests. This is a story that gets its ink-stained fingers under your skin and doesn’t let go'

We are deposited unceremoniously into the world of The Holloway Gazette, a weekly rag held together by duct tape and the sheer, stubborn force of its lead investigative reporter, Liam Carter. Kenyon’s prose is immediately immersive, painting a picture so vivid you can feel the grit on the desks and hear the dying whine of the fossilized computers. Liam is a spectacular creation—a brooding, wounded hero in the classic sense, but rendered with such specific, aching humanity that he avoids cliché.

He is a man haunted by a past we only glimpse in terrifying shards: a failed military career, a fractured family, a professional disgrace that exiled him from the big leagues to this “6,000-person town that seems content to let it fade.” His fortress is his 1972 Royal typewriter and his three unbreakable rules, chief among them: “No partners."

And then, she arrives. A burst of sunshine-yellow and polka-dot rain boots named Nora Whitmore. Where Liam is all shadows and grit, Nora is vibrant, incisive, and unnervingly cheerful. She is not just a foil; she is an earthquake sent to shatter Liam’s carefully constructed isolation. Kenyon avoids making her a mere manic pixie dream girl by giving her a sharp journalistic mind, a psychology minor’s understanding of human tells, and a deep-seated need to prove herself away from the shadow of her powerful media-mogul father.

Their meet-cute is a glorious clash of worlds, a battle for twelve inches of desk space that crackles with instant, antagonistic chemistry. The plot kicks into gear with a deceptively simple observation: the mayor’s missing wedding ring. What Nora sees as a juicy story of infidelity, Liam dismisses as small-town gossip. But Kenyon uses this thread to unravel a far darker tapestry of corruption, embezzlement, and fraud that reaches into the highest echelons of Holloway’s power structure.

The investigation is a tightly wound thriller, but the novel’s true brilliance lies in using this external plot as a

crucible for its central characters. The narrative, told in alternating chapters from Liam and Nora’sperspectives, is a masterclass in voice. Liam’s chapters are written in a tighter, harder prose, his observations tinged with cynicism and a weary, bone-deep pain. Nora’s sections are slightly more open, quicker, buzzing with intellectual energy and a vulnerability she tries to hide behind relentless optimism. Kenyon doesn’t just tell us they are different; he makes us feel it in the very rhythm of the sentences.

As they are forced to work together, the enemies-to-partners-to-lovers arc is executed with flawless precision. The banter is sharp and laugh-out-loud funny. The tension is palpable, a slow burn built on shared glances over microfiche readers, whispered strategies in the musty silence of the public library, and the terrifying, exhilarating risk of trusting another person with your secrets—and your scars.'

Their relationship feels earned, every step forward a hard-fought victory against their own demons. And those demons are real. Kenyon doesn’t use Liam’s PTSD as a simple character trait; it is a visceral, ever-present threat that is portrayed with unflinching honesty and profound empathy. The reveal of his past in Afghanistan is a heart-wrenching moment that recontextualizes every gruff exterior and every flinch. Similarly, Nora’s struggle with her father’s legacy and the shocking personal cost of their investigation gives her depth and gravitas far beyond the “plucky newcomer” archetype.

'''The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from the beleaguered editor Carl to the endearing intern Tommy and the sage Mrs. Pritchard with her oatmeal cookies. They are not mere set dressing; they are the soul of Holloway, the community worth fighting for. The antagonist, Mayor Higgins, and his accomplice, the impeccably vicious School Board President Eleanor Hartman, are satisfyingly complex and menacing, their desperation raising the stakes to a terrifying, physical degree in a brilliantly tense third-act confrontation.

Headline Love is a triumphant fusion of genres. It is a propulsive mystery that will keep you turning pages late into the night. It is a sharp, witty newsroom comedy that celebrates the dying art of local journalism. Most of all, it is a deeply moving romance about two broken people who find that their jagged edges fit perfectly together, making each other not just whole, but stronger. They don’t complete each other; they empower each other to face their pasts and fight for their future.

Robert Kenyon hasn’t just written a love story between two people; he’s written a love letter to the truth, to second chances, and to the power of a good story, all set against the beautifully rendered backdrop of a town that feels as real as the paper in your hands. It’s a remarkable debut, as satisfying as the final, definitive thud of a Royal typewriter striking a perfect period.

'Headline Love' is powerful story-telling that lingers

Readers' reviews also enthusiastic over 'Headline Love'

Headline Love swept me off my feet! Liam and Nora’s chemistry is electric, and their relationship feels real, full of tension, trust, and tenderness. I couldn’t put it down!

I just started Headline Love, and honestly, I didn’t expect to get hooked so fast. The opening scene in the newsroom feels alive, you can almost smell the ink and hear the hum of the old press. Liam’s frustration, the sense of a fading small town paper, and then Nora walking in with all her color and energy it all just feels real.

This book hit me harder than I expected. I am in my 70s and have read plenty of love stories, but few balance tenderness with truth the way this one does. The emotional restraint in the writing makes the final confessions even more powerful. You don’t have to be young to appreciate what it means to take one more chance on love, or on life.

I didn’t expect Headline Love to hit me so hard! Liam and Nora felt so real, their banter, frustrations, and quiet moments all pulled me in. The small-town newspaper setting gave the story such a grounded feel, and I loved the mix of romance and moral tension. For a short book, it packed in a ton of emotion without ever feeling rushed. I finished it in one sitting and wanted more.

This book surprised me in the best way possible. I loved watching Liam and Nora navigate their feelings while trying

newsroom details, the moral choices, everything rings true. I can’t wait to explore the rest of the series

This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about truth, courage, and redemption. The characters are layered and real, the writing clean and emotional. Easily one of my favorite short reads this year.

Utterly addictive. Liam and Nora’s chemistry jumps off the page. The newsroom banter, the tension, the forbidden romance perfection. Couldn’t stop reading.

I didn’t expect to fall for a newsroom romance, but this one hooked me. The corruption subplot gave it depth beyond the usual love story.

Heart pounding and heart melting all at once. The push and pull between duty and desire was so believable. Can’t wait for book two.

I liked how the story wove in small town secrets and media ethics without ever losing sight of the relationship. Smart writing!

One of the best workplace romances I’ve read in years. The dialogue sparkles witty, real, and full of chemistry

I was supposed to read one chapter before bed. I finished at 3 a.m. That’s how you know it’s good..

to do what’s right in their work. It’s rare to find a story that balances romance and integrity so naturally. The dialogue felt real, and the chemistry jumped off the page. Short, heartfelt, and beautifully written, totally recommend it!.

I loved this book more than I thought I would. The writing is vivid, and I could picture every scene in the Gazette’s office like it was a movie. Liam’s guarded heart and Nora’s sunshine personality were such a great contrast. There’s real emotional depth here, not just romance for the sake of it. It’s short but hits all the right notes.

This was such a lovely read! It’s got everything, heart, humor, and a bit of heartbreak. The romance feels mature and real, and I liked how it didn’t shy away from difficult emotions. The small-town politics added an extra layer of tension that made the story even more gripping. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book two!

This was such a heartwarming read! I loved how the author captured the little moments, the quiet looks, the unspoken words, and the messy honesty between two people learning to trust again. It’s a short story, but it carries real emotional weight. Definitely one of those books you finish with a smile.

I finished the book late last night and couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s a quiet story, but powerful, about people trying to do the right thing in a noisy world. The romance, the