3.54 AVERAGE

shoefke's review

3.0

To be honest the first 100-130 pages of the book were hard for me to read because the storyline couldn't catch my attention to keep reading. But I'm glad I pushed through because I got very invested in the outcome of a lot of the storylines. Even though the second half of the book was good and a lot came together, there were a lot of loose ends or things not answered until the eulogy. Overall it had a slow start but a good read!

silverbeetle's review

4.0

A delightful and amusing read which I really enjoyed. I particularly liked the animal characters including the chickens and Franny the donkey.

Well written with lovely cast of characters who are easy to identify with, this is a lovely easy read perfect for a holiday read or cosy sunday afternoon on the sofa.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

Merged review:

A delightful and amusing read which I really enjoyed. I particularly liked the animal characters including the chickens and Franny the donkey.

Well written with lovely cast of characters who are easy to identify with, this is a lovely easy read perfect for a holiday read or cosy sunday afternoon on the sofa.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

lucyn20's review

4.0

Light-hearted, cute and enjoyable...

This was a really quick read that was also rather cute, enjoyable and light-hearted. The story was easy going, a little predictable in places, but was a fun read nonetheless. It was everything I expected from a sweet romantic comedy.

The book gave me a mixture of vibes from "The Devil Wears Prada" and was a classic 'chick flick' following Rebecca Riley, personal assistant to dragon Vanessa. From the outset, you just had a feeling that the lies were going to eventually unravel and may not end well.

I enjoyed the journey throughout the book and loved to see how Rebecca grew as a character and as a person. She was so relatable and a character that I instantly connected to.

Overall, this was a light-hearted and fun read that I would recommend. This was my first introduction to the author, Jennifer Joyce' and will look forward to discovering more by her.

rebiko's review

3.0
funny relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ppcfransen's review

4.0

I guess it says enough that I was never in a rush to get back to reading this book after a day's work. It simple wasn't very engaging. Chicklits are generally predictable - which I don't mind, I wouldn't be reading them if I did - but that does require that the story is told in such a way that I am curious about the meet-cute, the dance of attraction, the inevitable fall-out and the ultimate getting (back) together.

Not so much the case here.

Rebecca is too much of an insecure doormat. After three years of living together she still hasn't talked to her roommate about the basic rules of mine and yours (such as if you're eating my food I expect you to pay for it). Neither has she started to store her food in her own room. And while I understand you don't talk back to your boss (that requires to feel safe from the backlash) and fleeting thoughts about taxi-drivers that turn out to be serial killers, it was all a bit much.

Less fretting and more action.

Also, less builders behaving like teenage boys. While most men remain teenage boys at heart, most of them have the sense not to behave like teenage boys when the person that is footing the bill is watching. Don't want to give her any reason to start looking for a more professional builder.

But then, once Rebecca started pretending she was Vanessa, the book started to pick up for me. I guess I like my heroines to be take charge kind of gals. Even if they are insecure at heart. We all need a few wins under our belt to boost our confidence. Until then: fake it until you make it.

So after a slow start, this chicklit worked out the way it should -- even had me prompting some come backs for Rebecca.

3.5 stars.

I read an ARC through Netgalley.
inkedupmargins's profile picture

inkedupmargins's review

4.0

The Accidental Life Swap was a perfect beach read for me. I enjoyed the way Jennifer Joyce crafted the story’s lighthearted tone. I love a book where I can root for the underdog, and this is that type of book! In this story, the protagonist, Rebecca, steps into a job she does not want. She is tasked with her boss’ home remodel. The quaint setting mixed with Rebecca’s stubborn will to win makes for a great read. Admittedly, I occasionally felt frustrated by the Rebecca’s careless decisions. Still, the likable characters and cute plot made this book a fast paced read. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book!

Merged review:

The Accidental Life Swap was a perfect beach read for me. I enjoyed the way Jennifer Joyce crafted the story’s lighthearted tone. I love a book where I can root for the underdog, and this is that type of book! In this story, the protagonist, Rebecca, steps into a job she does not want. She is tasked with her boss’ home remodel. The quaint setting mixed with Rebecca’s stubborn will to win makes for a great read. Admittedly, I occasionally felt frustrated by the Rebecca’s careless decisions. Still, the likable characters and cute plot made this book a fast paced read. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book!

what_whits_reading's review

4.0

The Accidental Life Swap is a story about Rebecca Riley, a PA who desperately wants a promotion to use her degree, and how she accidentally swaps lives with her boss, Vanessa. Rebecca is unexpectedly thrust into the job of making sure Vanessa's house refurbishment is moving along at the right pace, but people accidentally assume that Rebecca is the boss herself. Should she correct them, or let them go on believing she is the uncompromising Vanessa?

I really enjoyed this book. It was a light-hearted, quick read, and I found myself interested in what was going to happen to Rebecca and the other people in her life. I was, at times, exasperated with Rebecca and how she viewed herself, but I got over that pretty quickly. I was surprised by some of the events that transpired, which made the story all that more enjoyable. If you are looking for a quick, fun read, this is a good choice.

Copy provided by NetGalley

Merged review:

The Accidental Life Swap is a story about Rebecca Riley, a PA who desperately wants a promotion to use her degree, and how she accidentally swaps lives with her boss, Vanessa. Rebecca is unexpectedly thrust into the job of making sure Vanessa's house refurbishment is moving along at the right pace, but people accidentally assume that Rebecca is the boss herself. Should she correct them, or let them go on believing she is the uncompromising Vanessa?

I really enjoyed this book. It was a light-hearted, quick read, and I found myself interested in what was going to happen to Rebecca and the other people in her life. I was, at times, exasperated with Rebecca and how she viewed herself, but I got over that pretty quickly. I was surprised by some of the events that transpired, which made the story all that more enjoyable. If you are looking for a quick, fun read, this is a good choice.

Copy provided by NetGalley
elibosse's profile picture

elibosse's review

5.0

Thank you NetGalley and publishing house for this ARC. This book was fresh and fun! The characters were wonderfully complex and relatable. I loved the story. Rebecca finding who she truly was with her backbone while Vanessa discovers you don’t always have to be mean. The love story, the animals, the English country side, it all made me feel like I was there. I highly recommend this book!

Merged review:

Thank you NetGalley and publishing house for this ARC. This book was fresh and fun! The characters were wonderfully complex and relatable. I loved the story. Rebecca finding who she truly was with her backbone while Vanessa discovers you don’t always have to be mean. The love story, the animals, the English country side, it all made me feel like I was there. I highly recommend this book!

solairesstories's review

3.0

This book could have been so funny and witty, but in the end I hated all the silly lies, the slow pacing of the story and was bored really fast. Sure I wanted to know what would happen in the end to Rebecca and the hot guy, but I didn't really care because the story didn't grip me that much.

Merged review:

This book could have been so funny and witty, but in the end I hated all the silly lies, the slow pacing of the story and was bored really fast. Sure I wanted to know what would happen in the end to Rebecca and the hot guy, but I didn't really care because the story didn't grip me that much.
123chinadoll's profile picture

123chinadoll's review

3.0

Probably like a 3.75. Cute little romcom. Pretty predictable, reminds you of a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the read though.