Book eight of my summer reading challenge and one that was very surprising.
The Idea of You
Robinne Lee
EVERYONE IN THE WORLD KNOWS HIS NAME.
BUT IT’S YOU HE WANTS.
At thirty-nine, Solène Marchand is a devoted mother, a dedicated colleague and a considerate ex-wife.
But it’s a long time since she’s felt like herself.
So when someone comes along who seems to see her – to want her – for who she really is, the attraction is instant. And so begins a jet-setting, earth-shattering secret love affair.
But what if that someone is world-famous sex symbol Hayes Campbell? Captivating frontman of boy band of the moment August Moon – whose face is everywhere. Including Solène’s teenage daughter’s bedroom wall.
Can Solène allow herself to fall for the boy the whole world wants?
OR WILL SHE HAVE TO MAKE A DEVASTATING CHOICE..?
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I’m not going to lie it has been a few weeks since I have read this book and I am still thinking about it, I just didn’t expect how much it would get under my skin and emotionally sabotage me. This is a refreshing kind of romance for me in a way, it is sexy and funny but deep and sophisticated, and it doesn’t rely on the usual kind of drama that can be found in romance.
One of the interesting things about this romance apart from the fact that Hayes is exceptionally famous is also that he is a lot younger than Solène, I haven’t typically come across many books with this dynamic, so I enjoyed getting that slightly different perspective. I loved how Solène struggled with everything and was constantly going through conflicting feelings but eventually allowed herself to enjoy and be open to what was happening between the two of them.
Solène was very refined and very driven, even with the doubts she has about the relationship with Hayes, she knew exactly what she wanted and acted on it. Hayes was unexpected, he seemed older than his years, worldly and charming, although occasionally there is a glimpse of a younger mindset he is exactly the kind of guy that you want to read about in this kind of story.
Their chemistry was fantastic, there are, of course, a lot of steamy scenes in this book but it was more than that though, even whilst talking or just being in the same room I could feel that chemistry. I think that is all down to the fantastic writing, not everything about their relationship had to be laid out, they were built up so well that you didn’t need all the small details, you could get a feel for them without it having to be explicitly said.
The romance aspect was alluring enough in this story but actually, I enjoyed that you could start to see the cracks in the fantasy, and how real life was closing in on them and that was an intriguing addition to the story looking at the perils and consideration of fame. Obviously, Hayes’ fame at times added extra pressure and stress to the relationship, but it was fascinating and a little horrifying to explore the often toxic culture surrounding celebrities and the bullying that Solène is subjected to which I can imagine is probably exactly as extreme in real life if not more.
I feel like I don’t want to spoil anything but this next paragraph might do so skip it if you need to. The last page of this book absolutely tore me apart, you know what is coming but to see it written down, to know that time is something that will always win just floored me. Honestly, I was so emotional and it was an ending that hit just perfectly, even though I also hated it.
If you are looking for a book that is both steamy and sophisticated then The Idea of You is exactly what you need.
everywhere-and-nowhere.com 