The start of this sets the scene and introduces you to Cressida, who works at an animal rescue centre, and her best friend Ivo who is a local reporter, and who Cressida has always secretly wanted more than just a friendship with. When Ivo enlists Cressida’s help when a body and red squirrel are found on the moors she wonders if this is an opportunity to share her feelings towards him. They embark on their own investigation to try and find out who the man was and why he had a rare red squirrel with him. This soon gathers pace and I found it an easy to follow read with a definite conclusion. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC

Three and a half stars.

Cressida works at an animal rescue centre in Yorkshire, which less about nurturing sick bunnies and more about shovelling manure, being called at 3am to rescue animals that are perfectly fine, and being bitten ... a lot. She is in bed with a heavy cold when she is woken by her BFF Ivo calling her. Ivo is a journalist for a local newspaper and he needs her help. The police have found a dead body on the moors, they don't think it is a suspicious death, but the man randomly has a live squirrel in his pocket, and not just any old squirrel, a red squirrel when the nearest known family of red squirrels is hundreds of miles away.

Ivo has always been very intense, at college Cressida wondered if he took drugs, she definitely saw him palming some tablets once, and gets very focused on trivialities at times. He is convinced that there is a mystery to solve. Who is this man? How did he get on the moors? How did he get a squirrel to sit in his trouser pocket (and isn't that dangerous)? This is very much a case of cherchez l'écureuil (which is what I have just discovered is the French for squirrel).

Cressida has been in lust with aristocratic Ivo with his model looks and eclectic dress sense forever, so despite her better judgement she gets drawn into Ivo's quest to find where the squirrel came from.

I liked this but I didn't love it. Maybe it was too quirky?

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

An interesting and heartwarming read, Ivo’s character drew me in and I loved their developing relationship, the story was well written with hidden depth - well worth a read

When I began reading One of a Kind I expected a typical well-written, focused Jane Lovering story. This was not that.

While it started off with a bang, the discovery of a man's body with a squirrel in his pocket, an endangered red squirrel, at that, it didn't continue in that mode. Instead, the storytelling meandered with Cress constantly analyzing Ivo and her feelings for him. Initially Ivo came off badly and I wondered why she was so fascinated with him. His looks, I deduced, although his penchant for dressing like a 70's disco clubber had me doubting.

The middle, unfortunately bored me so that I ended up reading three other books, and may have declared this one a DNF. I might finish just to see if there is an end to the mystery but I don't know if I'm that intrigued.

Hope this is a one off because I normally love Jane's books.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.

It was OK and would give it 2.5 stars. I usually love Jane Lovering's books and always look forward to reading them. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me and I wasn't really invested in either character. I thought it would be more about Cress and her work with animals. There was only one animal, Fred, a cute little Red Squirrel. We only saw Fred when Cress was putting him in or out of a cage. I would have been holding and cuddling him. It's hard to resist such an adorable, furry critter. Ivo and Cress are a whole other matter. It was tiring with all the back and forth between them. They did so much talking without saying much and rehashed the same stuff over and over. Ivo has ADHD, not cancer. I really don't know what the problem was and it all seemed ridiculous. It wasn't until the book was nearly over that it got interesting and stuff started to happen. Cress and Ivo wanted to solve the mystery behind the squirrel. More time could have been spent on what was actually going on with the squirrels than Cress and Ivo. When the truth about Fred was finally revealed, I didn't know what to think. It all happened so fast and seemed a bit anticlimactic. The ending was rushed. There could have been more about the squirrel rescue and everyone involved.

Definitely recommend giving the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I didn't hate the story, just didn't love it like the previous books. Not sure if this was supposed to be a mystery or a weird love story. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cressida Tarbut is a wild life rescue ranger (is ranger the word I need? Anyways, she rescues wildlife) which has unsociable hours, doesn't pay much, comes with lots of bites and scratches, but lets her feel warm and heroic and she seems to genuinely like her job. When her friend, an energetic human whirlwind called Ivo, asks her to come and rescue a red squirrel, she goes out on the moors to do so.
Except this squirrel has been found in the pocket of a dead man. Cressida realises that the squirrel (nicknamed Fred) has been hand reared.
The police think that the man's death was an accident, but Ivo wants it to be a bigger mystery that needs unpicking. Cressida would like to get Fred back to his home ... and an excuse to spend more time with Ivo is always welcome. So they embark on an adventure which turns out to be far more eventful than either of them (or Fred, presumably) anticipated.
Cressida is in love with Ivo from the start of the book, but they've known each other for years and she's pretty sure he's not interested in her. So a lot of the romantic tension comes from her trying to work out what he means with some of the things he says and does. Their backgrounds are vastly different too - she has very little money, whereas he's from a posh and monied background.
Ivo was really sweet and definitely quirky. It was nice to read about a hero who is not neurotypical. I also liked that he didn't dislike himself because of it. In fact, it was part of who he was and he wouldn't have it any other way.
As always with Jane Lovering's books, this book was funny. It made me chuckle out loud several times.

I wasn’t really sure what type of book this was when I started it (romance/crime/cosy mystery) but it was a nice little read. Relatively short which meant that everything felt a bit rushed and wasn’t as satisfying as it could have been.

I went into this book blind and definitely enjoyed it. Cozy mystery vibes with a love story entwined. I really enjoyed the characters and how real they felt.

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.

I really loved this book! The story was very heartwarming and I loved the dynamic between the main characters. And the story was very well thought out.

One of a Kind, is Cress and Ivo's story, primarily from Cress's POV. It is a quick, short read and may feel like you've read the highlights and a few indepth incidents of their lives.

I felt this would've been a more rounded , interesting story had we had more from Ivo's POV as well.

Jane's books are always a joy - her characters have a slightly different way of looking at the world. Ivo might just be my favourite of her heroes - neurodivergent, incredibly clever, deeply in love with his best friend Cress, but clueless about how to tell her. Until someone's found dead on the moors, with a red squirrel illegally stashed in his pocket...

Full of fun, a bit of awkwardness (which was delicious to read), and some fairly serious stuff about wildlife rescue and neurodivergence going on underneath it all, making you feel better informed on the issues but without weighing your down.

Thoroughly enjoyed. Solid five stars. Thank you to Boldwood, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.

A very special, multi-layered, complex, unexpected hero, depicted in a slow, gradual, a bit suspenseful way, steals the show in “One of a Kind”, by Jane Lovering, a story about secret crushes, friends becoming lovers, and dealing with difference.
Ivo is such an intriguing, nuanced and fascinating lead. I loved how the author showed and explained, through Ivo himself, what is living with this condition, and its repercussions in daily life and interactions.
I adored how the tendency for a certain comedy and extravagancy we watch in the character – the peculiar wardrobe, for example – the dialogue, process of thinking, gestures, gesticulating and all sort of mannerism converge to create a complex, multifaceted male lead.
Jane Lovering shows the full extent of Ivo’s issues and how full of life, intelligent, thoughtful and sensitive he is – in his very peculiar and accelerated way.
Ivo’s characterization is top-notch. I guessed the issue but loved being kept in the dark (and then fully informed).
The fondness and affection between the leads is endearing. The story is full of awkward and fun moments that made me laugh.
I liked Cress, too, and how she finally overcame her insecurities. I felt she was a bit puerile about the events going on.
The portrayal of wildlife volunteering and working makes us respect these people and the animals a lot more.

Title: One of a Kind by Jane Lovering
Release Date: June, 13th, 2024

3.5 Stars

"One of a Kind" by Jane Lovering offers readers a delightful blend of romance and mystery. Cressida Tarbet's unrequited love for her best friend Ivo takes centre stage as they embark on a journey filled with intrigue and unexpected twists.

Lovering's portrayal of neurodivergent characters adds depth to the story, providing readers with a unique perspective on relationships and communication.

The unfolding mystery takes readers from the charming Yorkshire countryside to the picturesque Isle of Wight, keeping them engaged until the very end.

This is a captivating read that combines romance, mystery, and insightful character dynamics, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a fresh and engaging story.

Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books , The Author Jane Lovering & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

2.25⭐️




Cres trabaja en vida silvestre y ha sido amiga de Ivon por 8-9 años, durante todo ese tiempo ha estado enamorado de él. No entiendo como se enamoró de él si siempre está de una lado a otro, no le pone atención cuando platican, si ve algo que le parece más atractivo la deja.
Ivo tiene déficit de atención y por su personalidad es difícil que sea cercano a alguien, tiene muchos amigos y le es fácil conocer gente, pero solo están cuando se tarata de divertirse.

Era necesario que Ivo tuviera povs porque en ningún momento hubo algún indicio de que él quisiera a Cress como otra cosa que no fuera su amiga, no me creí que al final se volvieran novios, sentí que acepto porque era la única que siempre lo apoyaba y no quería perderla.




Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for and honest review.

When a dead body is discovered on Yorkshire moors, Cressida and Ivo band together to try and solve the mystery. Friends since uni, even though their personalities and upbringing couldn’t be more different, Cress and Ivo embark on a journey that is equally about crime solving as it is about getting to know each other better.

Having never read a book by Jane Lovering before, I didn’t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by a great mixture of cozy mystery and romance this book provided. I loved the two main characters, who felt fleshed out and real, and I especially loved the ADHD rep the book offered. The pacing did lag a bit towards the middle and I did want a deeper dive into Ivo’s feelings towards Cress as they seemingly came from nowhere at one point. But ultimately I loved the message of loving someone, not despite, but because of their flaws. So if you’re a fan of atmospheric books that blend mystery and romance and are filled with humor, this might be perfect for you.

3.5 ⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley UK and the publishers for this ARC.

One of a Kind by Jane Lovering is a unique and interesting romantic mystery /romystery (is that a thing??). The main characters, Cressida and Ivo, set off to solve a murder all whilst trying to help animals! I love that the characters were so relatable. As readers, we are privy to Cress's insecurities and struggles (we all have them) with her career, love life, and feelings for Ivo. Ivo is neurodivergent and this book really describes his personality and quirky traits quite well. I totally connected with Ivo and am happy to see neurodiversity represented. This novel is definitely good for neurotypical people to get an insight into what it can be like for neurodivergent people and vice versa AND there's a murder to solve and squirrels to save along the way!
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced readers copy of One of a Kind in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it!