This was a lovely read, very cheesy and pretty predictable at points but overall that didn’t lessen how much I enjoyed reading it. Sometimes you just want a sweet book where you know you’re gonna get a HEA, and this was one of those books. The premise definitely reminded me of The Holiday, and I really enjoyed the slow-burn enemies(ish)-to-lovers storyline. Occasionally the pacing felt a bit strange, since it seemed like we were skipping through time quite quickly (e.g. Cassie is waiting for James to arrive at the pub so they can hang out with friends, he arrives, and then it instantly cuts to them leaving the pub; this sort of thing happens a few times) but this wasn’t a major issue. I would put a CW for infertility/miscarriage and addiction issues.

A sweet feel-good romance that was mostly predictable and yet enjoyable.
37-year old children's books author, Cassie Adair has to temporarily relocate to London to do research for her new book series. 35-year old James needs a break after his ex begins to stalk him. Both Cassie and James find the solution to their respective predicaments in each others homes, when they log on to SwapBnB. Though initially they get off on the wrong foot, Cassie and James's awkward relation slowly shifts from that of landlords to friends and eventually, something more. But what hope does a relationship between them have when they live in different continents?

The author has described Cassie's island home and James's London penthouse in such a charming manner that I am tempted to do a house swap in either of these places myself. The book moved at a slow pace and the chemistry between the protagonists was almost negligible until about 50% of the book. From there on, it read at a decent pace giving out all the feels and the happy ending that I was looking forward to. More than romance, the plot revolved around the personal growth or 'slaying of demons' for each of the main characters. The sub-characters were well-written too and added to the charm of the book.

Overall, a light-hearted and engaging read. Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I would say this was a enjoyable book! I liked the characters at times! I did find it to be a little predictable. Which I didn't care for! Other than that this was a quick fun, cute book!

The House Swap was a sweet, predictable, nice lockdown escapism read. The story revolves around Cassie, a children's book writer living in Maine and James, a successful London businessman. They are two quite different personalities who swap homes for business and personal reasons. Over a series of texts, then phone calls, then in-person meets they slowly developed a relationship. I am giving this book a three star review. The writing and plot were fine but I just did not feel the chemistry was there for Cassie and James. I am going to read the first book by this author as I did like the way she writes.

When I first read the synopsis I was sold and immediately intrigued. I’m quite glad I was able to read this early on since I really enjoyed the story. I was a little hesitant to read it instantly at first because although the concept is a house swap and they’re bickering and what not, they’re not physically with each other, there’s that long distance and I knew there would be crazy slow burn. Regardless, I liked the slow burn and the pacing was good. No insta-love here thankfully. And they surprisingly did stay in each other’s company more than I expected. Their phone calls and interactions were cute as well. I read it really quickly and it was nice.

This didn’t grip me. I struggled to get into it. I didn’t really like the characters, particularly the male lead. I also didn’t love the dual point of view narrative. Not for me this one. It couldn’t hold my interest. DNF at 20%.

The House Swap by Jo Lovett is such an adorable read and I loved every second of it. This story is funny and it is loaded with many outrageous characters you can't help but smile while you read this book. This is a great book for fans that love a cute romance.

This is a little awkward for me to write because I usually love these kinds of books. The premise of the house swap reminds me of the movie The Holiday, which is one of my faves to watch during the Christmas season. At the beginning, this seems like it has all the makings of a cute, cozy, romantic read. We meet the two leads and they honestly can't be more different from each other. But I found it difficult to actually really like either of them. Cassie was ok, but James was a more challenging person to like. I found myself making excuses for James (oh, he's probably just introverted, etc...) until 37% into the story I just gave up. Didn't really feel like continuing either and waiting for them to fall in love. I didn't find any redeeming qualities in James, and you kind of need something to propel the reader forward. I found the side characters more lovable than the main ones.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoture for providing me with an e-arc to read and review.

Jo Lovett’s ‘The House Swap’ follows Cassie and James as their lives begin to entangle when they spontaneously swap houses, with Cassie moving to London to research her new book, and James to the little island not far from Boston to escape his ex.

While in many ways, ‘The House Swap’ is an uplifting romance offering a few hours of pure escapism, it also deals with some heavier topics, such as grief and miscarriage. For Cassie, the trip to London also means trying the IVF round. And for James, moving away from the rush and business of a big city means finally coming to terms with painful memories.

I found the book easy and a little predictable, but it was a nice evening read. I think the favourite parts of ‘The House Swap’ for me were the neighbours in London and the island’s community. In both cases, they brought so much joy to the story!

The premise of ‘The House Swap’ reminded me a little of the film with Jude Law, ‘The Holiday’ as well as the book by Jenny Colgan, ‘Five Hundred Miles From You’, so if you have enjoyed those, ‘The House Swap’ may appeal to you too.

Honestly, I loved this book. I read it all in one sitting, I could not put it down. The plot was interesting and fun. The characters are so relatable and lovable. I felt everything they were feeling, it was so easy to relate and connect with the characters. The writing was so amazing you really do feel everything. The book was just so sweet and wholesome I truly did love it and would recommend it to anyone.

Also, as a side note, as a Jordanian-American, it was wonderful to see some representation in a book. Seeing the word mensaf in a book really was something I never thought I would see and it was so lovely to see it.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 2.5

After having some problems with his ex (aka she becoming a stalker), James decided to put an ad for his house in a house swap website and finds Cassie. She wants to go to the big city to do a research for her new book and his London apartment is the perfect opportunity for that.

Throughout this time, they communicate because of problems they are having in the new houses, but they start to develop a kind of friendship and then something else obviously. Well, I was disappointed by this book. I thought it would have a vibe like the movie The Holiday and the book The Switch and to be fair, it kind of does, but it doesn't have the same sparkle.

I didn't really feel chemistry between the characters and I was not invested in the romance at all and considering it's a romance book, it's a pretty big deal. Also the writing was not doing it for me at all. Is it bad? Not really, but it didn't make me really connect to the characters and it was a bit shallow at times.

I feel like there could be other readers who might enjoy it, but for me, it was a disappointment.

He needs an escape. She needs an adventure. So why not swap lives?

Jo Lovett’s “The House Swap,” is a funny and feel-good romance.

James Grey, 35 years old, single and career focussed, needs to get out of London. NOW. He found someone on the SwapBnB site willing to accommodate his arrival within the week, he packed up his home, put stuff in storage and arranged for the cleaners to continue their contract in his absence. He’s a loner and wishes people wouldn’t try to be friendly. He doesn’t even know his neighbours.

Cassie, a single 37-year-old author is looking for a change of scenery while she writes the next few books in her MacDuff Twins series. Cassie lives on Hawk Egg Island in Maine and enjoys her private beach, panoramic sea and headland views. She dreams of filling her large home with children and a husband but hasn’t found Mr. Right yet. She stocks up her fridge, cupboards and freezer, leaves her bedrooms and bathrooms well appointed and pens lengthy notes for James. Cassie is a social person and vibrant in every way.

You’ll love this near-enemies to lovers tale and, although the ending is predictable, Lovett makes sure you’ll enjoy the journey. I found myself wanting to swat James as he was so very, very awkward. Interestingly enough, the house swap was just what they both needed. Sometimes we just need a change of scenery to make us appreciate what we have.

Publishes April 19, 2021.

Thanks to Jo Lovett, Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.