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A review by happyeverabigail
The (ex) Spy Who (maybe) Loved Me by Christi Barth
3.0
This started off SO strong. One night stand turned forced proximity (through work in this case) is a favorite of mine and I was fully on board when these characters first met. I really thought this would be a 5 star read for me. But unfortunately from there not much happens for about 80% of it including relationship building or tension or spice, it’s all pretty stagnant.
I had a few issues with this read- a major premise was that scientists and artists can’t get along or relate to each other? I’m wondering since when? It is well documented that those who have excelled in STEM fields typically have a creative outlet, sometimes with equal success. It was so one dimensional and unrealistic for me that seemingly everyone at this company and in this town believe this narrative. Another unrealistic aspect was that part of this arts competition the artists were supposedly with the scientists for their entire workday and outside of it and were judged if they did not fulfill this requirement. I can’t imagine a competition where every single artist could work in their chosen medium productively in an environment like that.
A driving factor for Blake is the perfection her parents and family demand yet we never see them on page. Blake seems pretty independent to make her own choices to me. So what’s left is the primary relationship that turned slow burn but unfortunately with fizzled out chemistry.
Side note, the title of this is written as first person point of view but the actual content is third person (somewhat dual), I wish that could make more sense.
I did enjoy the subtle humor injected in and the side characters but if I didn’t have to read this I’m not sure I would’ve pushed through as the tension would be built and then forgotten in all the wrong places. I really want to be able to recommend this but it just fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and entangled for this ARC
I had a few issues with this read- a major premise was that scientists and artists can’t get along or relate to each other? I’m wondering since when? It is well documented that those who have excelled in STEM fields typically have a creative outlet, sometimes with equal success. It was so one dimensional and unrealistic for me that seemingly everyone at this company and in this town believe this narrative. Another unrealistic aspect was that part of this arts competition the artists were supposedly with the scientists for their entire workday and outside of it and were judged if they did not fulfill this requirement. I can’t imagine a competition where every single artist could work in their chosen medium productively in an environment like that.
A driving factor for Blake is the perfection her parents and family demand yet we never see them on page. Blake seems pretty independent to make her own choices to me. So what’s left is the primary relationship that turned slow burn but unfortunately with fizzled out chemistry.
Side note, the title of this is written as first person point of view but the actual content is third person (somewhat dual), I wish that could make more sense.
I did enjoy the subtle humor injected in and the side characters but if I didn’t have to read this I’m not sure I would’ve pushed through as the tension would be built and then forgotten in all the wrong places. I really want to be able to recommend this but it just fell flat for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and entangled for this ARC