Romp!

LoveReading Says

Set in a posh country estate that could be straight out of a Jilly Cooper novel, Romp! by Ada Barumé transports us back to the 80s, where shoulder pads reigned supreme, and Chicken Kievs were the height of cuisine. Lady Opal Fairfax’s life has just been tipped upside down after discovering her husband is having an affair. Looking to turn the tables and do something for herself, a plan is formed to run a competition - five young, and gorgeous, struggling artists at her manor for the summer - in competition for a life-changing prize. Wine and creativity flow, but will the retreat help the artists, and Opal, find what they’re searching for, or are they all from very different worlds?

Gathering a cast of beautiful, expressive artists together for a summer of sensory exploration, a sexy tale of indulgence and seduction was always an inevitability. So much so it’s stamped on the front cover in bright pink with a kiss accented exclamation mark. Providing the perfect balance to the lust between these characters is a whole lot of heart. Ruby’s backstory and struggle with confusion about her desires adds vulnerability to the barbed tongued poet. Noah’s own journey coupled with Adam and Gareth’s loss provides a space for the HIV and AIDS epidemic to be handled with emotive delicacy. Alongside Opal’s heartbreak is the struggle of keeping a beloved best friend. Although the artists arrive for a chance to win £75,000, what they take from Fairfax Manor may prove infinitely more valuable. A celebration of embracing who you are, transporting you to a world of freedom and creativity, I romped through it and so would fans of Jilly Cooper and Jackie Collins. Fans of Rivals, this is your sign to grab a copy. 

Charlotte Walker

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