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Book talk – Review of ‘The House Swap’ by Jo Lovett


Hello! Good news, as you know, this blog is coming back. It has been on hiatus since 2016 wow wow, life am I right? BUT it is finally coming back, so expect a whole lot of reconstructive work, but let us celebrate first, with a brand spanking new review.

The House Swap was published this week Monday, 19 April 2021 


I just wanted to start off by saying a huge thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me this ARC.

Cassie Adair, former lawyer turned children’s book author is living the dream - the island dream. From a private beach to farmyard animals, Cassie loves her peaceful island life. That is, until her shrill, but well-meaning agent wants Cassie’s new series of books to be set in London. London of all places!

Cassie has to decide whether she is ready to trade her quaint island life for the bustling streets of the capital.

Savvy venture capitalist James finds himself blind sighted one evening when, at the birthday of his very casual girlfriend Emily, her family suddenly expects him to propose. ON STAGE. IN FRONT OF HER ENTIRE FAMILY.

James’s ‘no commitment’ situation suddenly turns out to be very, very committed - at least for Emily who refuses to take no for an answer. They say, ‘hell has no fury like a woman scorned’ and that turns out to be more than just an expression for James.

Both looking for a new location, James and Cassie find each other on a house swapping website which turns out to be the ultimate solution for them.

Cassie has to brave the city and James has to get away from Emily before his face and reputation take more of a hit. Cassie and James are opposites, not just in terms of personality but everywhere else. Despite their rocky beginnings, the two develop a long-distance friendship and our journey begins.

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Jo’s writing style is very easy to follow, it is well thought out and carefully crafted. The story is slow and comfortable, like a nice walk on the beach. Characters are well fleshed out and come to life very easily. There is no ‘insta’ romance, no forced flirtation. The story grows very organically and feels very realistic, and Jo takes her time with how the story unfolds.

It goes down like a pint of ice cream on a summer's day and can only be classified as a comfort read - something to pick up when you need a calm, easy read, perhaps something to enjoy on a beach? ;) The House Swap is a fluffy, light read. I enjoyed it with some Stan Gaetz in the background and almost felt like I was right there on the island myself.

I really enjoyed both of their characters and loved the growth in James’s arc. Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a free copy pre-release and thank you to Jo for her lovely comments and work on this book.

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