First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows Cassie, an author living on a remote island off the coast of Maine, and James, a man working in finance living in the heart of London. The two both, for their own reasons, are looking to relocate for a few months. They end up swapping homes for the summer. What follows is a funny story about 2 completely different people finding love.

I enjoyed this book. Cassie was relatable and such a badass. James started out seeming very rude, but the island life opens him up. I was especially enjoying Cassie's journey of wanting to have a baby, partner or no partner. This book was fun to read and the romance was cute. I wouldn't say this is a new favorite. It's a pretty standard romance novel. It definitely isn't changing the genre, but it is worth the read if you need a light, fun read this summer.

TW: miscarriage, stalking, cheating

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @bookouture and @netgalley for the ARC of The House Swap, releasing on 4/19.

Trigger warnings: alcoholism, death of a sibling, infertility / miscarriage

Cassie is a 37 year old children’s book author living in relative anonymity on a remote island in Maine. James is a successful partner for a financial firm based in London, who recently and very publicly broke up with his girlfriend (who is displaying some stalking tendencies). For various reasons, Cassie and James agree to swap homes for several months - and in some ways, swap lives.

James, who is a very private person, is thrust into a small-town existence, eventually succumbing to quaint traditions like weekly poker nights at his 80 year old neighbor’s house. Cassie brings her friendly demeanor to London, where she immediately takes advantage of the city life (including meal delivery services!) and befriends all of James neighbors.

Over the course of the story, they both begin to open themselves up to new experiences - and form a friendship through phone calls to check in. Along the way, they both fight some of their own personal demons, coming out the other side stronger and more resilient than before.

This book is a lovely take on what could happen if you switch lives for a few months. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys the escapism of that type of premise.

Things I loved:
💕 the small town island life - I could picture the alpacas and beautiful beaches
💕 the way that Cassie and James progressed from enemies to friends to something more
💕 the personal growth that each character went through before getting to their HEA

3.5/5 - Cassie needs to travel to London to research a series of books, James needs to get away from London after a break up with a girlfriend. Enter the house swap where Cassie moves to his swanky apartment in London and he moves to her kitschy home on an island in the USA. Cassie and James couldn't be more different and they find themselves getting involved in each other's lives and learning more about themselves than they though possible.

This was a heartbreaking read for me with many trigger warnings including addiction (familial), miscarriage, IVF, fertility, cheating, death of family members, estranged family, and probably more that I am missing. It took me about 30% of the book to get into it, but after that I became fully invested in the characters.

The book is touted as a romance, but it is not only romance, but rather about each person learning about themselves and how to come to terms with their past histories. It was a little strange to me that James' turnaround (from a grumpy guy, to a caring guy) was a little quick and unexplained, but It was nice to see him living on the island. I loved that as he got to know Cassie (through texting and chatting) you really got to see him explore his relationship with his sister and deal with grief and loss.

A lot of this story is built on two people living in two different places, learning about each other through texting and phone calls. You can definitely see that there is chemistry there, but because of both of their histories they struggle with acting on the romance. When they both return to their respective homes, they still keep in contact and connect in a night of romance. When something unexpected happens, they have to decide whether they are going to proceed with the relationship. I struggled somewhat with this part, just because James was so uncommunicative, and it was hard to see how Cassie, in some ways, just accepted it.

Overall this was a good book, with an interesting premise. It had a wonderful ending and I will definitely pick up Jo Lovett's books in the future. I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher for an open and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was initially drawn to this book because the synopsis sounded like a rendition of the classic Christmas film The Holiday. . At times the characters actions and intentions were a bit questionable and at times the progression of time wasn't shown in a way that was abundantly clear but either way, the time spent with James and Cassie was fun. Personally, I preferred James's story line as I felt that this was much more fleshed out and it was easier to see his character thaw out and become someone more likable than in the beginning of the book, whereas Cassie just gets everything she wants by the end of the book instead of learning anything. With a delightful mix of unlikeable characters, likeable characters, character development and romantic fluff, this was a great sunny day.

Cassie has a beautiful house off the coast of Maine, on an island that's got the perfect small town vibe, complete with lovable, loyal, and eccentric friends. As much as she loves it there, she's the author of an acclaimed series of children's books, and she needs to be in London to research her next books. James is a wealthy financial executive who needs to escape from an overly aggressive former girlfriend. Through a website, they swap houses, and in some way, end up swapping lives. This is a feel good, sweet romance with wonderful characters and beautiful London and Maine settings.

I loved the two different settings of this book! It made me want to visit the island for sure! The neighbor characters added to the enjoyment of the story. I recommend reading this book to wind down after a long week of work.

The Premise:

Cassie (a writer, lives on a utopic secluded island) and James (banker types, lives in a swanky apartment in the middle of London). They swap houses, inadvertently get involved in each other's lives, opposing personalities clash... but an unlikely bond forms.

My Thoughts:

This was a light read, with reasonable characters and an interesting set-up. I really enjoyed the premise and the characters. The story was engaging, as were the protagonists and the other characters. There are some definite flaws, that prevent it from being a rom-com hall of Famer, but there is enough promise.


Here are some itemized thoughts:

Pros:
1) Refreshing premise, making it nice and distinct from the other typical rom-coms we are usually inundated with.
2) Interesting, well-formed characters with their own distinctive personality.
3) This is a personal one: I liked that for once the enemies to lovers trope didn't have the guy pining for the girl since the get-go and in the end there is a declaration of how he has always loved her but resorted to childish, petulant antics, leading to more misunderstandings. I mean I enjoy those when done well (re: the spanish love deception by elena armas), but not so much when it's used as a cop-out.
4) The characters being in their mid-thirties added a welcome experienced texture.
5) I liked the secluded island setting.

Cons:
1) The first half sags a little at points, while the setup is interesting, you have to push through at points.
2) It is a 2 POV book (Cassie and James), but it's not told in a first POV style, which made reading parts of it a little clunky. Was not as smooth as I would have liked it to be for me to really get into the character's frame of mind.
3) 2nd half rushes a little to wrap things up.
4) Basically points 1 and 3 lead to: a lot of setup (albeit some really interesting things), but a rushed ending.
5) I wasn't a huge fan of the expository nature of the development of the main relationship, like for example, at several points we are told instead of shown, how their relationship progresses: eg: we speak daily now. I don't think their relationship is completely out of left-field, I do see the seeds in the first half. The gratification is a little rushed. I would have enjoyed a longer book making the characters feel more lived-in, us following their journey a little more closely, more interactions that showed us their connection rather than us simply reading they have one.
6) Personally, I don't mind, but it can be a trigger for a lot of people. IVF and Miscarriage triggers.

The verdict:

Rom-com lovers, give it a go, push through some of the slower parts, It's not a life-changing book, but a sweet, and light book. However, it may leave you longing for a better pay-off. I do think the writing can be polished more, but I am excited to read more from the author.

I recieved an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher: Thank you!

It's a typical birthday party. Music, champagne, over-dressed adults, confetti and an expected proposal that never comes. For James, who was expected to propose to his casual girlfriend of a few months, the need to escape London for a while is necessary. For Cassie, who lives on a tiny island in Maine, a trip to London is necessary in order to write her next book. James has a flat in London, Cassie has a house in Maine - the opportunity is perfect. Or maybe not so perfect. From lengthy lists to grumpy phone calls, James and Cassie begin an unexpected relationship that spans continents in this heart-warming, meet-cute that almost isn't. An endearing read that also manages to touch on weightier subjects with a deft hand, Jo Lovett's The House Swap is worth a read.

A quick, simple and nice read. Ideal for disconnecting the brain from reality for a while.
Extremely well written, very funny with hilarious dialogue, but with very touching moments too. The story is a bit predictable, but in a good way, the way that makes you feel all cosy inside. The characters are well defined, including the secondary ones (Laura is a great example!)
Overall a recommended reading to spend a few hours of pure escapism.
And with a gorgeous cover as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#TheHouseSwap #netgalley Bookouture

If you liked Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare and The Switch, be prepared to fall in love with Cassie and James in The House Swap!

Cassie is a writer coping with a bad break-up and miscarriage by moving away from Glasgow to a small island off the US east coast. Her neighbors are friendly and quirky and all share a love of blueberry cakes that I fully appreciate!

James is a closed off investor living the single life in central London. His troubled upbringing has left him emotionally cut off from those around him. I absolutely loved watching him heal throughout this story.

A book deal and a stalking ex drive Cass and James to enlist on a House Swap website very much like AirBnB.

This is a brief synopsis of the set up, but in no way fully reflects the turn that this book takes. I would give fair warning for triggers in this books such as miscarriage, stalking, fertility struggles, IVF failure, and unplanned pregnancy.

For a story so centered around pregnancy, there was not much to warn me about this going in which seems somewhat incentive given what Cassie goes through.

I think this book will be right up some people’s alley, but unfortunately I was not one them. I struggled to get into this book, only really being invested near the 50% mark when the House Swap finishes up and we can have James and Cass on the same page in the same location.

This is very much a story about personal growth, not so much a romance. I am definitely a sucker for romance though, and this was a closed door book with some emotionally damaged characters.

I love the cover, but I do not think it is a very accurate representation of the story ( Cassie’s mother is from Jordan and she herself is described to have dark skin and very big, curly hair yet the woman on the cover is white and thin with straight hair). I think the mark was missed a bit here and that the cover suffers from whitewashing. If our leading lady is a POC, shouldn’t that be reflected?

Overall, a solid book that will definitely be someone’s new favorite read! I would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.

This book was so hard for me to get into. Honestly rather boring at times, and very repetitive. I had to put it down and read something else because I didn’t find it enjoyable. I had wanted to love it, but it wasn’t for me.

So I don’t ever really know what to expect with NetGalley reads, but this one took me by surprise. It did take me a couple chapters till I got invested, but once I did I was here for it.

It’s been a while since I have read dual narration and I always forget how much I love it. You get to see so much more of both characters. I had reasons I liked and disliked both of them. Which makes for good writing.

At first I worried this would be another basic enemies to lovers (which is fine, but all I read nowadays) but once you really get into it is about a lot more than that.

It wasn’t a simple romance. It had a lot more of a story, especially with Cassie’s POV. ♥️

Like I said, I at first wasn’t sure, but it turned into a 5🌟 read!

This ARC came at the perfect time. I was in a reading slump and these kinds of books are the ones that usually get me out of it.

I read the book in one sitting, it was a quick, cute read. The reasons I gave the book 2.5 stars:

- I never connected with the characters. There was a lot of telling, and very little feeling or showing.

- The drastic change in James' personality.

- The ending was very predictable.

Overall, The House Swap was enjoyable!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked Cassie and James, and especially loved watching James’ character development. The story is pretty slow and at times I wish the storyline was more detailed. Overall it was a really cute concept and I enjoyed it.

James needs to escape his miserable life and Cassie needs to get off the island and live a little they find each other though a house swap app and the rest is history.

Cassie packed her life up and move from Glasgow to a little island off Maine to write and live in peace. Her animals and her neighbours are her companions yet there is one thing missing in her life. Her publisher suggests coming to London to scope out some content for her new book series and Cass reluctantly agrees.

James’s life couldn’t be more opposite. He doesn’t speak to his family he works too much and he’s just dodged the bullet that was Emily. The girl he was seeing yet she thought they were about to get engaged. He needs out of London and some time to get everything back in order.

They swap started rocky and expectations on little things weren’t communicate. I loved Cassie’s detailed lists she left for James (something I’d totally do) and thoughtful things left for him, while James left the loft bare surprising Cass and causing some frustration between one another.

James meets the neighbours and begins to adjust to life in solitude with shitty wifi. After having an awful run in with Emily Cass finally starts to find her feet and settle in. Two things on her mind. Deciding whether to go ahead with IVF or not and her book.

The more the two talk they more tension forms between them. This soon turns to chemistry when the pair finally cross paths again. When the swap comes to an end the pair struggle to part ways. Both growing so much being away from their homes. The sparks are there but is it enough when they both want different things in life, or so they think!

This warm and fuzzy love story is for lovers of the switch and the hating game! I really enjoyed the story and the middle aged life topics of marriage, children and IVF.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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He needs an escape. She needs an adventure.

So why not swap lives?

When Cassie and James find each other on a home swap website, it feels meant to be. City hotshot James needs a bolthole after a relationship goes sour and Cassie needs to leave the comfort of her little island to research her new book.

Soon, James is living in Cassie’s cute but ramshackle house off the coast of Maine, and Cassie’s living in James’s super smart London penthouse. It’s the perfect solution.

Except it turns out it’s difficult to switch homes without getting involved in each other’s lives. Cassie’s unimpressed when James’s ex turns up, and James is furious when he discovers that he’s going to have to help organise Cassie’s neighbour’s eightieth birthday party.

But as the insults fly, so do the sparks, and when the time finally comes to swap back, Cassie and James find they aren’t ready to give each other up – until a shocking discovery brings the pair crashing back to reality and forces them to decide what life they really want.

An utterly heart-warming love story that will make you laugh and cry, fans of One Day in December, The Hating Game and The Flatshare will fall head over heels for The House Swap.
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So I read this in one day, which definitely suggests that I loved it. And I LOVED it. It's an old premise. There have been other books and even a fantastic movie along the same lines. Two people need a break from their normal lives. They swap houses for a time. The story is one that is worth being told.

Other reviews I have read suggest that this book is hit-or-miss for people, but this was a big hit for me. The characters were fantastic...they were well-rounded and quirky and fun. Even more minor characters got the full treatment, which is not always the case, and I appreciated it. Cassie and James were delightful, and I found myself rooting for them both, and their story was one I enjoyed reading. I do agree that this book would be a great match for someone who loved The Hating Game, as I believe that was another one-day read for me. In any case, if you are a fan of romance, definitely pick up The House Swap...it was a fun way for me to spend most of a day off!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

I am sorry but this book didn't keep me interested .


I will give it 3 stars since it had great setting and characters but it was very slow for me .



Hope you people like the book:)

I really enjoyed the House Swap by Jo Lovett. It had a great mix of comedy, tragedy, and romance that I appreciated and I was very drawn to the main character.

**ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This book is great if you're looking for something light, simple, and fun. A quick read.
Personally, I didn't always feel the connection between the two main characters, James and Cassie. But there were a few moments between them that I enjoyed.
I also thought that James' character development was quite abrupt. He went from this tough, brash character to being completely caring and friendly almost instantaneously. I would have preferred if the transition was more drawn out.
I also enjoyed some of their banter and I adored the side characters!
I liked it. There were a few bumps in the road, but nothing too major.

This was an enjoyable and humorous read with interesting characters and a heartwarming romance developing between the two protagonists through their emailed conversations after they swap homes on different continents . Initially the two have a mutual dislike for each other but their feelings soon change . Their interactions with the neighbours in their respective new homes lead to some amusing episodes too. I liked how each of them developed over the time of the swap , with both changing in ways for the better by the end of the book.
I found it a very heartwarming read and thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Zara stonely.