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whatkatisreading 's review for:
The Fallback
by Eleanor Goymer
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
‘The Fallback’ by Eleanor Goymer is an interesting romance novel in which academic Rosie, who works in a clinical trials lab at a London university and is in her mid-thirties, agrees with her best friend Mitch that they will be each other’s “fallback” if neither of them meet “The One”. Complications and emotions ensue as Rosie reflects on her ambitions, resurrects her dating app profiles and tries not to let her preoccupation with figuring out her feelings impact her work.
I really enjoyed the fact that Rosie worked in STEM and the realism of the different paths Mitch and Rosie took after their PhDs (industry - journalism - for him and academia for her). Rosie’s colleague Nadia and her family, including her sister-in-law Jasmine, were excellent characters full of compassion, flaws and enthusiasm who provided a wonderful support network for Rosie. I also think the exploration of the disappointments of modern dating and the introspection about the right time to settle down and have children made the novel meaningful and thought-provoking.
I questioned some of Rosie’s decisions and wanted to scream at her near the end of the book when she behaved so passively in a situation that should have sparked quick action! I also wish that we’d heard Mitch’s point of view as without his side of the story, I didn’t warm to him at all and thought he was pretty inconsiderate at times… making it difficult to root for the central couple!
This felt like a three star read for me overall - relatable and at times wonderfully romantic with great themes of the importance of a support network, but without the loveable lead characters that would have elevated the novel and given me butterflies.
I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Harper Collins, One More Chapter via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really enjoyed the fact that Rosie worked in STEM and the realism of the different paths Mitch and Rosie took after their PhDs (industry - journalism - for him and academia for her). Rosie’s colleague Nadia and her family, including her sister-in-law Jasmine, were excellent characters full of compassion, flaws and enthusiasm who provided a wonderful support network for Rosie. I also think the exploration of the disappointments of modern dating and the introspection about the right time to settle down and have children made the novel meaningful and thought-provoking.
I questioned some of Rosie’s decisions and wanted to scream at her near the end of the book when she behaved so passively in a situation that should have sparked quick action! I also wish that we’d heard Mitch’s point of view as without his side of the story, I didn’t warm to him at all and thought he was pretty inconsiderate at times… making it difficult to root for the central couple!
This felt like a three star read for me overall - relatable and at times wonderfully romantic with great themes of the importance of a support network, but without the loveable lead characters that would have elevated the novel and given me butterflies.
I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Harper Collins, One More Chapter via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.