Laugh with Me by Campbell Linden
Campbell Linden delivers a heartfelt romance in Laugh With Me, the fourth installment of the Timeless Love series. This age-gap, workplace romance features emotionally mature characters, realistic conflict, and a heroine who refuses to settle for less than what she deserves.
Chris Olsen, a 45-year-old professional who keeps his emotions tightly guarded, meets 26-year-old Emily Marron in a charming, accidental encounter. After adorable pup Alfie barrels into Emily, Chris steps in and immediately takes care of her, setting the tone for their evolving relationship.
Emily Marron, despite landing her job through her godmother’s connections, embraces the opportunity and proves her willingness to work her way up. She knows exactly what she wants from a relationship. Even though she hesitates at first, she finds the courage to ask for it and never backs down once she does. Her confidence and emotional clarity make her one of the strongest and most grounded heroines I’ve read recently.
Chris, on the other hand, took longer to win me over. He hides behind his past and lets fear hold him back from fully committing. Linden shows his emotional restraint through nuanced writing, but I struggled to feel fully satisfied with his journey. The grovel moment does land, but not as powerfully as I needed it to. I wanted more vulnerability, more fight for Emily.
The emotional layers in this romance run deep. Emily shares a strong, open relationship with her mother, who, despite her initial hesitation about the age gap, trusts her daughter’s choices. That bond added warmth and believability. In contrast, Emily’s strained relationship with her father—due to his affair with a much younger woman—adds emotional tension and explains some of her internal struggles with trust and commitment.
In Laugh with Me, and all her books, Linden excels at writing mature, thoughtful characters.
Both Chris and Emily navigate their connection with care and introspection. Their slow-building romance reflects real-life pacing, especially when two people carry emotional baggage. The workplace dynamic adds another compelling layer, allowing the romance to evolve naturally without unnecessary drama.
While Laugh With Me didn’t fully deliver the emotional payoff I hoped for, the story still resonated. It portrays love between older characters with respect, intelligence, and heart. Fans of age-gap romances and workplace love stories will find something to enjoy here.
Laugh With Me is a smart, character-driven romance with emotional maturity and a realistic pace. It’s not flashy, but it’s sincere—and sometimes that’s exactly what a romance needs to feel timeless.
POV: 3rd Person
3rd ACT BREAK-UP: Yes
TROPES: Age-Gap; Workplace Romance; Floof-in-charge
SERIES: Timeless Love
TYPE OF SERIES: Series of Standalones
