About the Book
-
Author:
- Roselle Lim
- Genres:
- Adult
- Contemporary
- Fantasy
- Man-Woman Romance
Cover Story: Side By Side
BFF Charms: Nay x2
Talky Talk: Understated
Bonus Factors: Kindly Grandfather Figure, Immortal Beings
Relationship Status: Third Wheel
Cover Story: Side By Side
I like the juxtaposition of the two sides of the cover; it goes well with the two sides of the tale, although the silhouettes should be swapped, I think. (The female MC works at night in an antique shop, the male during the day in a jewelry store.) On the whole, it’s pretty, but a bit flat.
And why does the male portrait look so much like Edward Cullen?
The Deal:
Camille and Ward are lovers in every sense of the word, but they haven’t seen each other since their latest breakup a couple of years ago. It’s a surprise to both of them when they end up in London, both with new jobs and new starts in life. They decide to try again to be a part of each other’s lives, but soon come to realize that their jobs are in direct opposition, in every way.
Together, the two must overcome a task of godly proportions, while not being able to see or touch each other for however long it takes. Not only is their relationship on the line, but the fate of the entire world hangs in the literal balance.
BFF Charms: Nay x2
I never really felt good chemistry with either Camille or Ward. They are both supremely wrapped up in the other, even when trying to sort out their unexpected situation or solve the task at hand. I liked them well enough, but don’t feel like I’d be able to really make a connection with either of them, much less both of them.
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
Camille and Ward have been on-again, off-again for ages. They truly love each other, but in this case of opposites attract, the physicality of their relationship works better than the emotional one. (There is some semi-explicit spice in this book; it’s a romance, but not a romance-romance, if you know what I mean.)
Talky Talk: Understated
While there’s an intensity of feeling behind the book, particularly when you think about how much rides on Camille and Ward’s shoulders, Lim’s writing has a calmness to it, and the conversations between characters fall a bit flat. (Yes, even when Camille and Ward are getting spicy.) That said, there are a few gems, including this line from a god talking about humanity:
“I think they have potential. It may take a few more millennia to see the evidence.”
I mean, truth.
Bonus Factor: Kindly Grandfather Figure
Camille’s supervisor is a kindly older gentleman by the name of Mr. Sampson. I had a math teacher in high school named Mr. Sampson, who was also a kindly older gentleman. I couldn’t help but adore either of them.
Bonus Factor: Immortal Beings
Quickly after starting their new jobs, Camille and Ward realize they’ve become players/pawns in an ages-old war between factions of gods. It’s a fascinating idea, even if the gods themselves are frequently jerks. And the other immortal beings they eventually meet are supremely fascinating.
Relationship Status: Third Wheel
As much as I enjoyed your story, Book, I never felt a deep connection. I wish you the best, but I know you won’t really miss me.
Literary Matchmaking
Julie Berry’s Lovely War is another story in which humans are players in a disagreement between gods.
Although Lore Olympus is about gods rather than humans, it’s got a similar vibe of being out of time and “normal” life.
Andrea Robertson’s Loresmith series is another in which humans are forced to figure out god problems, but also grow as people along the way.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Ace, but got neither a private dance party with Tom Hiddleston nor money in exchange for this review. Night For Day is available now.
