It’s a Love Story by Shirlie and Martin Kemp
🌟 Review Note:
This was a personal pick from my non-fiction TBR, one I chose to enjoy on audiobook. It isn’t part of any blog tour or promotional request – just a book I wanted to experience for myself, purchased with my monthly Audible credit.
As always, this review reflects my honest thoughts.
About The Book:
‘From Wham! to Spandau Ballet, from success to chaos in the blink of an eye – Martin and I are two ordinary people who have been on an extraordinary adventure together. Through it all, our commitment to each other and to our family is what has always mattered the most.’ (Shirlie Kemp)
It’s a Love Story tells the incredible story of Martin and Shirlie Kemp – from the moment they set eyes on each other, through their stellar careers, to raising a family together.
For the first time, fans and listeners will have an insight into their journey together, the lessons they have learned in the spotlight and behind the scenes, and their secrets to success, happiness and raising a loving family. This audiobook will uncover the personal highs and lows of Britain’s favourite couple and the unbreakable bond that has kept them strong, no matter how hard the fight gets.
’40 years together has been filled with incredible highs, when every teenage dream and every wish literally came true, to the most horrifying of lows that belonged in our nightmares. Shirlie and I are always asked, “What’s the secret to a long marriage?” – well, hopefully this book might answer that question!’ (Martin Kemp)
About The Authors:
Shirlie Kemp first rose to fame in the early 1980s as one half of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie, who found chart success following her time as a backing singer and dancer for the legendary group Wham!. Known for her down-to-earth charm and graceful stage presence, Shirlie was a close friend and confidante of George Michael and part of the fabric of one of pop music’s most iconic eras. Outside of music, Shirlie stepped back from the spotlight to focus on family life, raising two children with husband Martin Kemp while maintaining a quiet strength and presence behind the scenes. In recent years, she has reconnected with audiences through her honest reflections, interviews, and now, her co-authored memoir. Shirlie remains a beloved figure for fans of 80s pop and a symbol of grace, resilience, and enduring love.
Martin Kemp is a musician, actor, and broadcaster best known as the bassist for Spandau Ballet, one of the defining bands of the 1980s New Romantic movement. With hits like True and Gold, Martin became a household name not only for his music but also for his film and TV work — most notably his long-running role as Steve Owen in EastEnders. Behind the fame, Martin has faced and overcome enormous personal challenges, including a life-threatening brain tumour, which he has since spoken about with honesty and hope. A devoted husband and father, Martin has also become a familiar voice on radio and a charismatic presence on reality and entertainment shows. His life has been a blend of creative highs and personal resilience, making him one of Britain’s most recognisable and respected entertainers.
My Review:
I listened to It’s A Love Story on audiobook, and honestly, it might be the best memoir I’ve ever experienced. Narrated by Shirlie and Martin Kemp themselves, each reading their own chapters, it’s like being invited into their living room for a long, emotional chat. Their honesty, warmth, and deep love for each other come through so vividly — you feel every high and low right alongside them.
As someone who grew up with Martin Kemp posters on my wall (right next to far too many of George Michael!), this felt like catching up with lifelong friends. They aren’t celebrities in the modern, influencer sense — they earned their fame through talent and passion, and their stories reflect that era of music where connection with fans really mattered.
I adored hearing how Shirlie and Martin remember the very moment they met — it’s the kind of real-life romance that gives you butterflies. Their relationship is a dream many hope for, and after 40 years, the strength of their bond is something truly special.
Some chapters really hit hard. Shirlie’s account of Wham!’s groundbreaking trip to China left me stunned. I remember the media frenzy back then, but hearing how traumatic it was for her gave me a whole new perspective. Her voice still carries that weight, even now.
Martin’s battle with a brain tumour also resurfaced memories I hadn’t revisited in years. I remembered how ill he was, but I’d forgotten it was a brain tumour — and that made it even more personal for me. I chose this audiobook as a distraction while waiting for my own MRI results, related to my inoperable brain tumour. Probably not the best timing — but oddly, Martin’s story gave me hope. His surgery was risky, but it was possible. And maybe one day, that option will exist for more of us too.
The chapter on George Michael’s death completely broke me. I was already emotional, remembering my own mum who passed just days before him, but hearing Shirlie relive those phone calls and the devastating Christmas Day loss was overwhelming. I sobbed. George was a bright light with a huge heart — his loss was deeply personal to so many of us.
This book touched me in a way no other memoir has. It’s about more than fame — it’s about enduring love, private strength, family values, and surviving unimaginable loss. Shirlie and Martin raised their children with integrity and humility, keeping them grounded in a world that often isn’t. Maybe it was a simpler time, maybe they just handled it right — either way, it’s a story that stays with you.
If you grew up in the 80s, if George Michael meant something to you, if you’ve faced health battles or love stories of your own — this memoir is for you.
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