I received this book for free from Rachel's Random Resources in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Falling for the Competition by Jen Smith on December 6, 2021
Genres: YA Contemporary Romance
Pages: 295
Source: Rachel's Random Resources
Format: E-galley
My Rating:
Goodreads
Blurb:
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.
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
My Review
This sounded like a really cute story! And it turned out to be just that! But also, it did have a side storyline with Quinn’s best friend that was a little bit more of a serious topic as well. It was different to read a story about a high school aged teenager in another country, because the mom would get her a glass of wine. And really it is more acceptable I know for other countries.
I really liked the spark and tension between Quinn and Patrick. Although both of them could be a little dense about the other at times, even knowing what they did about the bit of a troublemaker, Harry. It confused me a little, even with the explanation, when Patrick would call him Henry. But wow, the knights and the horses and all of that sounded so neat! And then there was Patrick’s ex-girlfriend. At one point she seemed like maybe she wasn’t so bad, but then she’d do things that caused problems between Quinn and Patrick.
The whole summer project in the archives was pretty neat sounding to me. Yes, I’m a bit of a nerd like the main characters. Although my preference would have been digging dinosaurs, lol. I do enjoy some good organizing and sorting, hence my job as a librarian.
There was drama, but not just for drama’s sake, it fit in perfectly to the story. There was romance, perfect for this age, and then there was the natural types of behaviors of teenagers, that led to making this just a wonderfully written story. Very glad I read this one!
About the Author
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
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This does look like fun. I like it when the main characters are competing against each other.
It was a cute story! Loved the setting as well!