Cressida Tarbet was trying to sleep off a nasty cold when her phone rang. Her best friend, Ivo, needed wildlife rescuer, Cress at a possible crime scene on the Yorkshire moors. The victim had something unusual in his pocket that Cressida would undoubtedly be interested in. The police seemed to think it was an accidental death but Ivo wasn’t convinced. Cressida couldn’t resist Ivo’s pleading, despite the years they’d been the best of friends and her secret but nonetheless confusing and conflicting feelings she harboured for him, she was curious to know what had prompted Ivo to call her. She couldn’t have been more surprised.

Ivo dreamed of being a successful investigative journalist and thought this would be the perfect opportunity for a story. Cressida wasn’t so sure but first and foremost she was here in her role as animal rescuer.

'Prepared to initiate emergency measures should it panic, I touched it, very gently with the tip of my finger. A head emerged and a beady eye rolled upward, then, in a flash of auburn, the little creature had fled into my nicely enclosed, dark and safe-looking transport box and I closed the door behind it with relief.'

Getting the cute little rescue back where he belongs takes Cressida and Ivo down south, also to the Isle of Wight and, since they decided to try and investigate what Ivo is certain is nefarious goings on, into danger. They have no idea what they’re getting themselves involved in.

One of a Kind was an enjoyable read, part mystery, part (desire for) romance with two very likeable characters. Cressida and Ivo have completely different lifestyles and personalities, she supplementing her small income by taking in lodgers, he living in the opulent gatehouse of the family estate. Cressida has had lots of time to get used to Ivo’s almost extreme, excitable flitting from one subject or idea to another in the blink of an eye and I appreciated the author explaining his thought processes from his own perspective. I enjoyed the insight into animal rescue too.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this story, this is my objective review. Cress is a wildlife rescue worker and is close friends with Ivo, a local reporter. Very opposites attract, Cress is practical and grounded and an over-thinker, Ivo is flamboyant and a bit flighty and scattered. Cress is nursing a huge crush on Ivo, and she has convinced herself that she must quash what has to be unrequited feelings. These are two close friends who maybe don't know each other quite as well as they thought, and who must deal with the effects of their changing relationship. Equal parts romance and mystery, Cress and Ivo find themselves working closely to solve a mystery involving a dead man and a squirrel named Fred, which is an overly simplistic way of describing this book but I don't want to give anything away. It's no spoiler that Fred is adorable, though.

The story is first person POV from Cress's perspective. Cress is an over-thinker and full of self-doubt, and Ivo is charming and neurodivergent. Cress is both keenly introspective and at other times extremely clueless, which I guess is somewhat true of us all. There were times I found her inner thoughts about Ivo to be a bit frustrating, especially when she was questioning his trustworthiness. Maybe it was just her questioning her own feelings, which she did a lot, that was a bit frustrating for me, I don't know. Her angst levels took me out of the story a little from time to time but I did like the story overall. Nice comedic notes. Also, I hope you love Fred as much as I did! New-to-me author but I enjoyed this one enough that I would read her again.

This was a fun and quirky book, I loved Ivo's character and his ensembles! He brought fun and energy to the encounters.
I enjoyed the side theme about red squirrels as they are not something I know a lot about, it was fun learning a bit more about these animals!
A fun mystery with a twist as well as a story about friendship and understanding. I thought the topic of ADHD and mental health was explained well and talked about sensitively.
All in all a fun and sometimes informative read!

One of a Kind by Jane Lowering is a charming, lighthearted read that deserves three solid stars. This book tells the story of a woman trying to navigate the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery, all with a touch of humor and warmth. Lowering's writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy to get lost in Cressida's journey.

As my first experience with Jane Lowering's work, I found it a pleasant and cute read, though it didn't quite reach the unforgettable level.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'One Of A Kind' by Jane Lovering.

OMG!!! Jane does it yet again!! I absolutely LOVED this absolutely gorgeous page turner and I cannot WAIT to get stuck into Jane's next book and see what other gorgeous stories she bas come up with!! This book is a stunning read that will whisk you off to the beautiful Yorkshire and the stunning Isle Of Wight where you will feel the wind whip your hair, smell the fresh air and fall in love with the surroundings, characters and storyline!! I absolutely adored this beautiful escapism read that whisked me away from rainy Wales to the (OK the weather seemed just as bad) stunning Isle Of Wight and Yorkshire. As soon as I started reading this gorgeous book I was completely invested in the storyline and couldn't take my eyes away from the pages. I gave up after telling (lying to) myself twice that I was just going to read one more chapter then get house work done as there was just no chance it was going to happen!! After every chapter ended I just had to read the next to find out what was going to happen and this happened over and over until I had completely devoured the book in one sitting. The storyline is ram packed with everything you could ask for in a page turner and more from romance to crime, animals to stunning settings and Jane's beautiful evocative descriptions made you feel everything that the characters were feeling along with them from love to shock, joy to irritation as well as plenty of humour. The storyline itself is unique, well the title 'One Of A Kind' sums up the whole book perfectly!! I have read thousands of books so it is always a fantastic bonus when I come across a book with a unique storyline such as this one!!! I am a huge animal lover and run my own cat rescue called Golden Oldies Cat Rescue and Hospice (you can find me on social media if interested) so any books that contain animals is always an extra huge bonus for me so this stunning storyline definitely gets loads of bonus points!!! This is one of those books that is perfect to read on the beach, in the garden or, in my case, curled up on the sofa with the heating on!! I ended up carrying my kindle around with me, getting completely lost in the storyline and devouring the whole book in one sitting so grab your copy and enjoy your trip to the Yorkshire and the Isle Of Wight!!!

Get ready to escape mundane life and fall in love with this gorgeous page turner!!!

Jane's evocative writing skills drew me deep into the book bringing the atmosphere and characters to life all around me. It is one of those books that I could not put down. The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. They all had their own unique personalities which makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. Jane's fantastic and evocative writing skills makes you feel the same as the characters were. Each of the characters are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group of people that I wont be forgetting any time soon, will miss and would love to meet time and time again!! Grab your copy of this page turner and get sucked in to 'One Of A Kind' today!!

Congratulations Jane on yet another absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! A gorgeous book in that I fell in love with and I cannot wait to read more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is the exact reason that you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with mystery, crime, drama, romance, secrets, fun, laughter, romance, geese, magic, friendship and so much more!!

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I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This delightful read follows Cressida and Ivo, who work together at an animal rescue centre in Yorkshire. I quickly warmed to both characters and was keen to know more about them. Initially, I think I was expecting a humorous read, and although some of Cressida and Ivo’s exchanges made me chuckle, the tone of the writing was more serious than I expected. I connected with Cressida’s narrative, and the story had some deeper moments that I enjoyed. There was also a mystery element that surprised me, and drew me further into the story.

This book was a light, easy and enjoyable read. I found it quite comforting, as there were some humorous moments, some serious moments, and some sweet moments that touched my heart.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this

A delightful blend of mystery, romance, and self-discovery that leaves readers utterly captivated from start to finish. At its heart, this novel is a story about long-held secrets and the courage it takes to reveal one's true feelings.

The protagonist, Cressida Tarbet, is a woman who finds solace and purpose in her work at an animal rescue center, despite struggling to make ends meet. Her contrasting lifestyle to that of her best friend Ivo, who resides in a world of privilege and opulence, adds an interesting dynamic to their relationship. From the moment Cress laid eyes on Ivo at university, her heart belonged to him, yet she has never found the courage to confess her feelings.

When a mystery unfolds, intertwining their lives and leading them on a journey from the picturesque landscapes of Yorkshire to the stunning Isle of Wight, Cress and Ivo find themselves drawn closer together. As they work to unravel the puzzle before them, they also unravel the layers of their own emotions and vulnerabilities. Through moments of tension, laughter, and unexpected twists, Cress begins to understand Ivo's unique perspective, while Ivo discovers the depth of Cress's resilience and compassion.

Lovering's storytelling is both tender and compelling, skillfully weaving together elements of romance and suspense to keep readers eagerly turning the pages. The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own quirks and complexities, making them feel like old friends by the end of the tale.

As the narrative unfolds, so too does the emotional journey of the characters, culminating in a poignant climax that will leave readers breathless. "One of a Kind" is a testament to the power of love, friendship, and the courage to embrace one's true self, making it a must-read for fans of heartfelt romance and captivating mysteries alike.

*3.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"I can't be like other people, but actually I like who I am."

"That's relationships...You take care of each other. I want to take care of you...Within defined parameters, of course."

Reading the endearing quirky cozy mystery romance, One Of A Kind, by prolific author Jane Lovering, can give your brain whiplash. One minute you're feeling and the next giggling over the banter.

Cress is a low risk person. Working for an animal rescue, she struggles financially but likes her quiet life. But with frantic BFF Ivo her life is never simple; not to mention her hidden resentment for his generational wealth and her years-long secret crush on him.

When Ivo calls her to help rescue a rare red squirrel he fails to mention it was found in the pocket of a dead man...a murdered dead man. Despite her best efforts, Cress is pulled into Ivo's need to solve where Fred, the squirrel, came from...oh and who murdered the dead man near his home.

Their adventures lead to romance but Cress is hesitant not understanding that Ivo is not just hyper but actually neurodivergent, coping with ADHD.
He reminded me of the British version of Monk.
"My brain doesn't work like yours. I get fixated on details. When I've got focus...I can see details and patterns, that nobody else would notice."

I appreciated that the writer also wrote how hard it is for Ivo at times. Not liking how the meds make him feel, but he'll take them for Cress. How he knows he's, "an annoying person."

Cress is insecure but her inner voice is often hilarious. Her names for the bad guys are Mr. Polite and Mr Thug, for the cops it's Bored Constable and Irritated Sergeant. A bit slow to start, the last half is the story. I could easily see this one of a kind couple on @britboxtv.

I received a free copy of this book from Boldwood Books via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

One of a Kind by Jane Lovering

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

A long-held secret, and a beautiful heart hoping to be understood. Cressida Tarbet loves her job at an animal rescue centre, even if it means she’s resigned herself to scrimping to make ends meet - a lifestyle far removed from her best friend Ivo’s, in his ancestral gatehouse stuffed with antiques and art.

But although their upbringings were different, Ivo has held Cress’s heart ever since she clapped eyes on him at university. The trouble is – she has never told him. So, when a mystery and a baffling crime throw Cress and Ivo together, she can’t help but wonder if fate is telling her something.

As the puzzle takes them from beautiful Yorkshire, to the stunning Isle of Wight, the pair get closer. Ivo begins to understand the cause of Cress’s risk-aversion and she puts her irritation at his brilliant mind to one side as she starts to appreciate Ivo’s uniqueness. But then the unthinkable happens and their worlds are turned upside down, and Cress has to wonder if fate was calling after all…

My Opinion

I enjoy reading Jane Lovering's book, this one especially as I like books that are set in an area I am familiar with. This was a relatively quick read and when I had to put the book down I felt the urge to return.

Whilst there is the familiar writing style of Lovering, this book felt different - there was a mystery aspect as well the expected romance. With the discovery of a red squirrel, this makes for an interesting read.

Rating 4/5

4.75⭐

Thank you Netgalley, Jane Lovering, and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Cress is a wildlife rescuer, as opposed to her fancy friend/crush Ivo, who comes from a posh background. Though he can be overbearing and annoying at times due to his scatterbrain, she has gotten used to his quirks and often wonders how it would feel to be with him romantically. However, being risk averse as she is, she never expresses her true feelings to him. But when Ivo becomes fixated on the idea that a red squirrel found inside the pocket of a dead man is more than it seems and wants to investigate the case after the police drops it, Cress has no choice but to follow him. She wants to make sure he stays out of trouble and to ensure the safe return of the squirrel to its home. One clue leads to another, which eventually leads to a small trip to the Isle of Wight - and Ivo might just have been right. There is more to the story of the squirrel and the dead man than it seemed at first.

Cress is a humble and kind woman who worked a job she loves despite the low wages. Though she is a good character overall, sometimes I got annoyed with her reasoning. [Especially in the second meeting with Sally. That scene clearly suggested that Sally was up to no good and that she was discussing Cress and Ivo with someone else. And she blindly walked into Sally's trap without even suspecting anything to be out of place, given her usual overthinking and cautiousness.]

Ivo felt like a typical ENFP person given his many talents and ADHD. I loved him throughout the book - the way he explains himself to Cress, his hyper-focus, instincts, the way his brain works, and his feelings. He tried his best to make Cress understand, and I love that she accepted him as he is.

The plot started small enough but soon turned into a full-blown mystery. I enjoyed the unraveling, the twists and turns, and Ivo's comedic relief in between.

This is the first novel I read by Jane Lovering, and I am quite impressed with her writing. I would suggest this novel if you love a cozy mystery with unique characters and an intriguing story.

A perfect summer read. It combines two of my favorite reads, mystery and love story into a very enjoyable book. Cressida cares passionately about two things, rescuing animals and her friend Ivo, but she’s not sure if Ivo feels the same way. When Ivo asks for her help solving the mystery of a dead man with a rare squirrel in his pocket she can’t help but say yes. How did the squirrel end up with a dead man? Can they find the squirrel’s home? Will the time together change everything? The mystery kept me guessing and Cressida and Ivo together was so much fun. Highly recommend adding this book to your summer reading.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. Jane Lovering never fails to disappoint. Cressida and Ivo had a very unusual relationship. The characters in this book were warm and intelligent. A crime, a squirrel of mysterious origin and the two characters set off on a trail to solve the mystery. I would definitely recommend this book as a good, relaxing read.

This book was more mystery than romance. The romance seemed rushed. I didn't particularly like Cress's character. Ivo seemed lovely. I'm not sure why such a drama was made of his ADHD. Some of their conversations were tedious. I loved the inclusion of Fred the squirrel and I wish there had been more animals in the book. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cress works at an animal rescue, and her love and respect for animals keep her working there with its irregular hours, menial tasks, poor pay and the chance of getting bitten by unreceptive rescuees. Cress met Ivo at university, and despite any overt things in common, they are best friends. When he calls her out on a rescue, she goes despite being ill and finds a dead body and a red squirrel. Ivo, a journalist with a curious mind, is sure there is a crime to investigate, and he draws Cress into his search for the truth. Cress' feelings for Ivo verge on the romantic, and the adventure and road trip they embark on takes her on an emotional rollercoaster. This engaging story has humour, mystery, friendship and romance, and it's an absorbing read with some memorable uniqueness.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

📱E-Book Review📱

One Of A Kind
Jane Lovering

🌟🌟🌟🌟

What a delightful summer read!

I was initially drawn to this by the bright and sunny front cover and didn't even read the blurb, I just knew I was going to love it!

This was a great mix of genres. Essentially a lovely classic romance....but thrown in amongst this storyline, we follow our main characters along an investigation into a death.
These are two of my favourite genres, so it was great to find a gem that involves both.

I loved the settings for this story!
Marrying a Yorkshireman, and visiting often, means I hold a real love for the area - but now living across the water from the Isle Of Wight, means that I found a lot of the descriptive writing brought back many memories of both areas.

I found the start of the story just a little slow to get going, but I was soon engrossed in the backstory and developing relationship between Cress and Ivo. A brilliant pairing which shows that leading completely different lifestyles can be overcome.

As the investigation takes hold, this became an exciting and almost tense read - however the infusion of humour throughout kept this on the lighter side of the genre.

An enjoyable read and my first from this author, but I'd love to read more in the future.

Be prepared for a slowish start – well, apart from the fact that it starts with the discovery of a dead man, identity unknown, on the Yorkshire moors. Oh yes, and he just happens to have a very friendly red squirrel in his pocket.

So Cress, wildlife rescuer, is the obvious person to call – she’s been a friend of on-the-spot reporter Ivo since their university days, although she really wishes (well maybe…) that they could be something rather more. Their lives are very different – he lives in luxury in the gatehouse of the family pile, Cress keeps head above water with the help of a couple of lodgers – and when he suggests she moves in for a while, until they sort out what to do with the squirrel (working name Fred…), it’s a bit of a no-brainer.

And what then follows for a while, in the author’s inimitable style, is the progress of their relationship, with plenty of the sparkling dialogue she does so very well, and a lot of inner turmoil from love-lorn Cress. And then there’s Ivo – a particularly flamboyant dresser, totally exhausting to be around, never stops moving or talking, changes the subject mid-sentence, acts on impulse, and entirely loveable in his own quirky and neuro-diverse way.

But that’s not all the story – together they decide to conduct their own investigation into what’s begun to look like a murder rather than an unexplained death, and that takes them on a road trip to the Isle of Wight, both to take Fred home and to dig a little deeper. And if the early part of the book was slower moving (and no complaints from me – I loved it!), the pace certainly picks up dramatically and the whole book moves into edge-of-the-seat thriller territory, albeit with plenty of laughs along the way and some distinct progress on the romantic front.

This book is very, very different – with everything I enjoy about the author’s writing, but with plenty of added extras. The events that unfold on the IoW are written quite wonderfully, making it a real page turner, and I really loved Cress’ distinctive voice and wry humour when faced with… well, with the possibility of it being the end of everything really. And the developing relationship between her and Ivo was, to quote the publishers, “utterly beautiful” – amid all their challenges and baggage and issues and differences, they’re a couple who are really meant to be together. As always, a total delight.

Cressida Tarbut, a dedicated wildlife rescue ranger, is called by her friend Ivo to save a red squirrel found in a dead man's pocket. Realizing the squirrel, Fred, was hand-reared, Cressida joins Ivo in investigating the man's death, which Ivo believes is more than an accident. Secretly in love with Ivo, Cressida navigates romantic tension, complicated by their different social backgrounds. Ivo's quirky, non-neurotypical personality adds charm to the story. Their adventure becomes unexpectedly eventful, filled with humor typical of Jane Lovering's books, providing many laugh-out-loud moments.

I really loved getting to know Cress and Ivo in this little short story filled with mystery and a budding romance.
This is the perfect summer read and a great palette cleanser in between those bigger books. The characters were both likeable in different ways and I loved their connection with one another, I could really picture the two of them as I was reading the story.

I hope to read more from Cress and Ivo in the future, they would make a great little mystery duo!

Cress and Ivo are two delightful characters and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. There’s a different feel to this book and it took me a few chapters to settle in to the story. Of course, I was immediately on-board when I realised that one of the lead characters was a squirrel, affectionately named Fred. 

A large part of the book examines Cress and Ivo and gradually more and more is revealed until their characters and flaws become obvious to the reader. Of course, this is a spoiler free review, so you’ll need to read the book to discover more about that. 

I definitely identified with Cress and her humble beginnings. Her backstory saddened me but she was victorious in her battle to overcome adversity. Even though she didn’t live in the same level of luxury as Ivo, she had the security of her own four walls. Despite her deep feelings for Ivo, letting him know about her attraction to him was a risk too far. I think many of us have harboured those sentiments. 

I really don’t want to reveal too much about Ivo other than the reference in the synopsis to him being one-of-a-kind. I found him to be someone that I would be drawn to and loved his individuality although his dress sense would definitely bother me. 

There’s no question that this is a love story and the attraction between Cress and Ivo gathers pace like a landslide and proves to be well worth the wait. There’s definitely an impressive, thrilling storyline that emerges from the pages and I was captivated as it became obvious that there was serious jeopardy to negotiate. I'm not a fan of cosy mysteries but this did sneak up on me and felt less contrived.

I’m incredibly glad that I stuck with this one as it was a thoroughly satisfying conclusion and perhaps the difficulty finding my rhythm helped me to understand a little more about Ivo. Jane certainly never fails to surprise me and I can’t wait to see where she takes me next.

This is a lovely summer read from Jane. Set in Yorkshire and on the Isle of Wight, these settings lends itself to beautiful scenery and a wonderful storyline.