Title: The Upper Crush
Author: Evie Alexander
Genre: Spicy Romance; Contemporary
Pages: 532
I received this Advance Review Copy from BookSirens and the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you BookSirens and the author Evie Alexander!!
STORYLINE
The Upper Crush is the third book in the Foxbrooke Series and it can also be read as a standalone novel. This installment of the series revolves around the most interesting cameo character we have come across in the previous Foxbrooke books, it is none other than Lady Estelle Foxbrooke.
Estelle is determined to take control of her family estate and support her family after years of chaos caused by her wild parents who extremely unconventional. However, her plans gets super complicated when she’s forced to work with James Hunter-Savage, her twin brother’s longtime arch-rival and a man she has always despised as along as she could remember.
James, after facing a devastating business setback in London, is forced to come back to Somerset countryside, living with his parents. His unexpected collaboration with the sharp-witted and infuriatingly attractive Estelle, challenges and excites in equal measures. As they clash over their differing visions, their fiery personalities ignite a passionate connection, threatening to derail both their plans and their hearts.
REVIEW
Evie is one of those authors I always turn to whenever I need an escape from reality and everyday stress. I was thrilled to know that her next book about my favourite side character and book best friend, Estelle was getting released. I immediately jumped at the chance to sign up for an advance review copy. Unfortunately, I faced several technical glitches that delayed my access to the book. However, Evie, as kind as ever, went above and beyond to ensure I received my copy without any hassle.
Where do I even begin? While reading An Unholy Affair, I was completely bewitched by Estelle and James and the undercurrent spark that was going on between them. My excitement to read about them was through the roof! The next thing that grabbed my attention was the tropes used in this book i: enemies to lovers, opposites attract, a strong-willed female lead, and a misunderstood male character. I was genuinely thrilled!
The premise of the was simply fantastic. The author skillfully preserves the essence of the beloved Foxbrooke characters and themes while seamlessly introducing new elements and settings that resonate long after you complete the book.
The entire reading experience was incredibly entertaining and fast-paced, major thanks to the dynamics between Estelle and James. Their electric chemistry and sharp witted banter ignite the pages up, making it utterly impossible to put down. Their fight for dominance, their fiery exchanges draw you in from the very first moment. Estelle’s loyalty to her twin brother and her intense hatred for James is both endearing and hilarious. Her playful antics, especially when she creatively makes handmade passive-aggressive gifts like a letter “Q” made out “Fur” (Fur Q) and a letter “U” made out of “Fork” (Fork U) had me laughing out loud.
As the story unfolds, we gain deeper insights into both Estelle and James. James’s seemingly cocky facade begins to crumble as he reveals his vulnerabilities, adding rich layers to their unique relationship. This exploration not only enhances their connection but also highlights the complexity of their feelings, making their journey all the more compelling.
The author masterfully explores the childhood traumas experienced by both the lead characters, illustrating how these events have shaped them into who they have grown up to be. She also delves into their insecurities that made these characters real.
At the beginning of the book, both James and Estelle displayed a fair amount of immaturity and unprofessionalism where they let their ego get the better out of them. However, their journey toward redemption and their eventual collaboration for a common goal was truly satisfying to witness. This character arc was beautifully crafted and added a meaningful layer to the story.
I absolutely adored Estelle’s deep affection for her horse and dogs, and the instant bond her pets formed with James was heartwarming. It made me fall in love with them all over again.
Overall, it was a hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable read. The spicy romance part was well-written, making it a delightful escape. Reconnecting with the familiar characters from the previous Foxbrooke books felt like catching up with old friends, adding to the charm of the narrative. The only minor drawback was that the book felt a bit lengthy at times, but that didn’t significantly detract from my enjoyment.
My rating for this book would be 3 out of 5 stars
Happy Reading Folks!
