Jen Smith – Falling For The Competition

I’m back again with Falling For The Competion by Jen Smith to post my review as part of the book tour for Rachel’s Random Resources. Thanks to Rachel Gilbey and Jen Smith for the copy of the book.

It’s going to be the best summer ever for ambitious, overachieving, Quinn. A huge history buff, not only has she landed her dream job interning in the archives department of the local castle, but her best friend will be working there, too.

However, Quinn isn’t the only one to be working in Archives this summer; Quinn’s academic rival, Patrick, is sharing her office in Muniments. They’re competing for the Letter of Recommendation (singular) from the research historian that Quinn needs to get her dream future placement.

Their emotionally-loaded and competitive rivalry turns into a reluctant friendship, as they spend every day working together in silence (and sharing the occasional Twix). Until the Re-Enactors arrive. Between Patrick and Harry – the Golden Knight of the jousting team – Quinn’s carefully planned summer is thrown into complete disarray. Meanwhile, her best friend’s relationship may look perfect on the outside, but Quinn is starting to realise that there’s more going on than there seems.

Although Quinn is determined and single minded about planning every detail of her sparkling future, she comes to discover that the best things in life are the spontaneous ones – and that some people are more important than any Letter of Recommendation (singular) could ever be.

A young adult romance that is a light-hearted read. Well written and so engaging, I think this will be a hit with both young adults and older readers alike. 

Jen Smiths characters are relatable and realistic. Quinn has her eyes set on her end goal; everything laid out in front of her. She just needs one Letter of Recommendationand she plans to get it while working at her dream job over the summer.

The only problem is that Patrick needs one, too. Patrick, her academic rival is working at the same place for the very same reason! Cue the competition rivalry that’s full of emotion between them as they spend the summer working in silence together. As Quinn and Patrick become friends (sort of, anyway), her summer begins to go pear-shaped. She begins to see that maybe planning your life out isn’t as good as she thought…And that her Letter of Recommendation isn’t the be all and end all.

I think this is a story everyone can relate to in some way or another. If you are like me and your teenage years are so far behind you that they are almost a hazy memory. Falling for the Competition will take you right back to the years when romance and attempting to plan your way through life was the way to go, and no thoughts of what if entered your head.

I was caught up in Quinn’s life immediately, and Jen Smiths writing held me there. The story flowed seamlessly as I enjoyed getting to grips with the characters and the parts they played throughout the story.

With likeable characters, it’s really hard not to care, and Quinn is a worthy main character. The character development is clear as the story unfolds. Her reluctant friendship with Patrick that grows through the summer. The realisation that her best friends ‘perfect’ relationship isn’t all it seems.

I enjoyed getting to know all these characters. The romance is sweet, and the story is heartwarming and has fun moments, too. The quality of the writing makes the scenes come alive in your mind.

A light and sweet but layered story that will put a smile on your face and lighten your day.a book that definitely fulfils the promise of the cover.

Purchase Links

UK  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Competition-changing-ambitious-people-ebook/dp/B09N6YKZM7

US  https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Competition-changing-ambitious-people-ebook/dp/B09N6YKZM7

Author Bio –

Jen lives in the Midlands with her husband and two children. With a Masters Degree in Medieval History, Jen loves castles and King John a little too much. Strangely un-British, she does not like tea, oranges or marzipan, but adores French cheese, guava juice and Chinese food (not together).
When not writing, Jen can often be found pointing out historical inaccuracies in period dramas, being a Lady that Lunches with close friends and playing board games with her family. Note: her handbags are always heavy due to multiple books (just in case she needs them). 

Social Media Links

@jensmith950 Twitter