Loved this, starting with the ingenious concept of a house butch, although I understand that house femmes also exist and can be just as useful. The two main characters of Robbie and Devyn and delightful, they have interesting family backgrounds although we don't explore Devyn's as much. I enjoyed the sub plot about Robbie's uncle just as much as the main plot. A wonderful read, I was intrigued by the different lifestyles of a Seattle houseboat vs life by the ocean in San Diego with the paddle surfing jack russell. Delightful.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one’s hard to rate. It’s one of those books where you can’t quite name why you don’t love it. Good writing, good characters, I liked it all. I just didn’t love it. And how do you rate such book? Were there any major problems? Not really. I didn’t like how it all wrapped up. You don’t just skip six months. It sort of felt like the author got bored with thinking up the story. Other than that it’s good. There’s humor, there’s emotion, tears. It’s all lovely. I guess you can’t force love whether for people or books. Also, was there really just one straight character?

I always have the same problem with Jaime Clevenger books. My mind knows it just read a good book. My heart just doesn’t fall for it.

With all that said, I’m sure plenty of people will love it. Don’t hesitate to pick it up. It is a good book. It’s not a forgettable book. I just don’t think you’ll be wowed by it.

This story is based on the idea that remote workers for the same company can live anywhere as long as they can physically go and fix some computer issues occasionally. Robbie does a houseswap with her colleague Matt for 1 month- to get better weather and because Matt is living in the same property as he soon to be ex wife – as they are mid divorce. They swap not just jobs/accommodation but lists of jobs that have to be completed while there.
All well and good. Only nobody told Devyn, the (ex)wife and when going to fix the computer she has to pretend to be Matt. No problem for a housebutch. Baggy clothing and a cap and she’s sorted.
This story has the features of a good book. A couple of women thrown together by circumstance, a lesbian couple available to offer advice, a gay uncle and of course a cute dog.
We watch their life unfold and then collapse and watch as they seek to navigate to a new normal.

We get to an actual epilogue – and see life as it has settled down.

It’s quite a pleasant story – lots of angsty feelings and wishful thinking and avoiding looking at each other. This is well paced, with humour and kept me reading.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cute housebutch story. Although this is a new term to me, I totally need one in my life. Robbie is so lovable and loving. She can repair or fix most anything and she really wants Devyn to like her. Devyn on the other hand is a workaholic physician who loves her job and spends way too much time at the hospital. She ignored her husband and that ended badly. Now she needs Robbie and can't admit it. The back and forth between the two of them is enjoyable. The chemistry is right there at the surface. Jaime pulls it all together brilliantly in an extremely enjoyable read.

This was a different kind of love story. Robbie and Matt switched job locations. Matt was divorcing Devyn and wanted to go to Seattle where Robbie lives. Robbie agreed to switch locations for a month and the story begins. Devyn and Robbie do not get along when Robbie shows up to Devyn's house. The plot revolves around choices both women must make. I found the book an interesting read and recommend it to all romance readers.

Very cute read about sparks that start flying when an (unexpected for one party) houseswap doesn't go quite as planned. When Robbie murders the important plants Devyn has in her garden on top of living in her shed after house swapping with her soon-to-be ex-husband without Devyn knowing about the arrangement it seems like things will not work out well. Luckily there's the cute dog to force a longer co-habitation and it turns out there is a lot of chemistry between both ladies.
Jamie Clevenger always manages to write relatable characters with realistic storylines, as if it could happen to you or your friends. The development of a relationship feels realistic without forced drama or angst. Just life, sometimes swinging a curve ball. Ideal book to curl up with and to immerse yourself in a sweet romance. Recommended for any contemporary romance lover out there.

***Thank you Netgalley and Bella Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book***

How can you not love the dog on the cover? Exactly! Angel is in this book quite a bit as are Devyn and Robyn.
Devyn is a doctor and in the midst of a divorce from her husband, Matt. What she does not know is that her husband swapped houses with his co-worker, Robyn, for a month. She finds out about the swap when she sees Robyn weedwacking her garden.
Robyn is thrilled to swap her houseboat for a month in San Diego. She tells Matt that she will do any needed repairs he needs and take care of Angel.
When the two women find out their situation, the atmosphere is hostile. Robyn tells Devyn she will stay out of her hair, make necessary repairs per Matt's request and take care of Angel. The two agree to an uneasy truce and soon begin to feel the hostility ease. They even begin to spend time together when Devyn is not at the hospital and wonder what will happen at the end of the month.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Houseswap 101 brings an unique setting and intriguing characters. Robbie, who lives on a houseboat near Seattle, swaps homes with Matt from San Diego to escape the rain and unwittingly finds herself embroiled in a domestic dilemma. She arrives at a cottage that Matt’s ex-wife, Devyn, an ER doctor, didn't know was part of the swap, leading to an awkward yet intriguing first encounter. As Robbie settles in, her presence becomes a catalyst for change in Devyn's structured life, sparking unexpected feelings.

Both characters are deeply relatable, with Robbie's easy-going nature complementing Devyn’s intense career as a doctor. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of home improvement projects and daily life adjustments, bringing them closer in unforeseen ways. The story is not just about romance; it delves into personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of moving on from past relationships. The addition of a lovable dog and supportive side characters adds layers to the narrative, making it rich with emotional depth and genuine connection.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Clevenger's novels. I love that they typically include characters that are complex and realistic. Clevenger’s writing shines in Houseswap 101, combining humour with characters that kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved the housebutch aspect, as this was a new term for me but one I'd love to read more of.

This book is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romances with a dash of realism and a lot of heart.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

The characters had sizzling chemistry from the start. The author had done a good job of building a believable connection within a short span of time, and both leads were likeable and relatable. The ending felt a little rushed but I didn’t mind as I liked the main characters and wanted them to have their happy ending. Overall a well written and engaging book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bella Books for an eARC copy of this book!

I enjoyed this book even more than I thought I would! The references to real world events and changes to working life (COVID, remote working, etc) felt seamless, especially given the environments each protagonist works in.

Both the main characters felt very fleshed out, suitably flawed and loveable, and their chemistry was amazing! All the conflict within the novel felt very organic to their characters and situation, and their communication was so refreshing. The third-act conflict can be a real downer on some books, but in this, the conflict was both external to their relationship, and also contributed to each of the characters' growth.

A particular highlight was the relationship itself. They both started on the wrong foot, through no fault of their own, and the way they grew closer and bonded was beautiful. Angel also stole the show so many times, and facilitated their relationship growing throughout the book in such a lovely way! They both shared their interests with one another, and the two of them together was so sweet, and so healthy as well!

I also loved the development the side characters all got. Devyn's friends having marital problems they worked through, Robbie's uncle's own growth and reconnection with someone from his past, and even Devyn's ex-husband to some extent (although I'm a big hater of <spoiler>cheaters in relationships, so even with the development I held a grudge. AND CHEATING ON DEVYN?! Unbelievable.</spoiler>

Overall, I had such a lovely time reading this book and highly recommend it to any romance lovers!

I'd never heard of the term 'housebutch' but now I feel like we all need one.

Robbie switches houses for a month with her work buddy as a favor to him. He's going through a divorce and needs a new scene. She figures going to a sunny place for a month can't be that bad. Turns our her buddy forgot one small detail, notifying his ex-wife.

Devyn is a doctor who works way too many shifts. Coming home to find a stranger hacking down her garden was not in the plan. Apperantly her ex thought getting someone to do his chores he never got around to doing would be a smart thing to do.

I liked how Robbie stayed true to herself despite getting the full brunt of Devyn's frustrations. Devyn on her part could see her own flaws and was willing to work on herself. Growth in characters is always an interesting read.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

This was very interesting story when your have two strangers to live with each other under the same roof. But taking the time to know each other and fall for each other. I thought the story was enjoyable and different. A great read.

This was a light, easy read. I enjoyed it but wouldn't count it as a favorite. The characters were likable and relatable and a dog plays a starring role, so what's not to like?

I just found that the story wasn't pulling me in as I would have liked.

Robbie Price needs a change of scenery, out of the dreary weather. Matt needs to get away from his ex-wife. Robbie and Matt, change locations. The exchange is much smoother for Matt than Robbie. Dr. Devyn Lancaster, did not expect to be divorced but now that she is, her ex-husband suddenly leaves and does not tell her. When she comes home from work, Robbie is there fixing things that Matt failed to do (they were suppose to be preparing the house to sell). It is hard not to like Robbie. She can cook, repair things, and cares for Angel, the awesome dog. Once Devyn clams down and realizes Robbie there could be a good thing.

I really enjoyed Houseswap 101, the premise of the story was well executed. The development of the main characters Devyn and Robbie relationship was believable and relatable. The ending comes with bit of an angst. Overall, a great book and I recommend.



Thank You Bella Books and NetGalley for this ARC..

I enjoyed Houseswap 101 for the most part. The characters were likeable, the story line interesting enough, the banter good and the chemistry between Devyn and Robbie obvious and yet it just lacked something. Perhaps it relied too heavily on the “lack of communication “ between the main protagonists or that the pacing was slightly off or that I couldn’t quite believe certain aspects of the plot.

It was any easy read and has a HEA that makes it an ideal low angst weekend read.

It was really good, I'm not just sure it was the book I wanted to read at the moment. I've been picking some tough sapphic novels. They all seem SLOW. This book took me 11 (!) days to finish.

Doctor Devyn's ex swaps houses with his work friend Robbie. Little does he realise that Robbie and Devyn are going to hit it off in one heck of a way.

Devyn - no labels but seems 100% okay with being into a woman, she's been attracted/crushed on women in the past but never acted on it. But knows she's into ladies.

Robbie - Fully into ladies, and has an intense crush on Devyn from early on. She thinks about asking all the right questions (what Devyn wants, what happened with her ex) lots for most of the book but doesn’t get them out until both women are too far into what they have for it to really matter.

Lots of emotion, lots of heat, the whole thing was lovely.

Devyn Lancaster finds herself still trying to break all ties to her soon to be ex-husband. Fixing their house for the market was supposed to be his job, But like most everything else she’d asked of him he never found the time. Too busy chasing other women, which is the main reason they are getting a divorce. If Devyn was honest with herself that was just one of the many reasons to end her marriage, move on.
Little did Devyn know but her ex was looking for a way to get out of town so unbeknown to her he decided to trade houses with a co-worker. Robbie Price lived with her uncle or I should say had a houseboat next door to her uncles. She couldn’t pass up the chance to go to San Diego where she was sure to find some sun. All she had to do was finish the repair jobs Matt was supposed to do. Of course it’s not until she arrives that she learns Matt never told Devyn his plans.
One month to make the repairs and hopefully get Devyn to like her, while Devyn tells herself it’s only going to be one month. Ms Clevenger has given us another fun read. Devyn and Robbie, well you can't help but cheer them on. Great supporting cast makes this one of Clevenger’s best. Absolutely wonderful from start to finish. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books

Really liked reading this one! I loved the development of Devyn and Robbie's relationship, it was a steady and believable build-up. There were realistic obstacles on both sides, and the side characters were well developed. Also, I love the idea of a house swap, super fun premise and I think it was executed well. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a cute slow burn with plenty of interaction between the two main characters. 5/5 stars.

Housebutch. What a fun word to inspire a main character. Devyn Lancaster is a busy emergency room doctor. Her divorce is almost complete with all that needs to be done is fix ups on the house so it can be sold. Her cheating, and soon to be ex husband, offers to switch places with Robbie Prince, a person he works with. They work remotely, mostly online. He will live on her houseboat in Seattle and she will move into the cottage of the San Diego house. Only thing is he doesn’t tell Devyn. Part of the deal is that Robbie will do some of the chores that have been neglected.

Devyn is shocked to find someone else living on her property and wants to send them home. But she realizes the advantage of Robbie and her housebutch skills. Things her ex has neglected are easy chores for Robbie. And of course it helps that her Jack Russell terrier Angel adores Robbie. This is cute and playful. Devyn is Bisexual and has never been with a woman. They both know there is a time limit but that doesn’t stop them from going from strangers to friends and more quickly. The ending comes with a little angst that is short lived, and I like the reality of it.

I’ve read several of Jaime Clevnger’s books and I always enjoy them. Throw in a dog on the cover and I’m going to read it, maybe more than once. This is entertaining and sweet. (4.5 Stars)