Very fun. ( )

I’m hooked!

I’m so glad I decided to read the Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott series by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick. I highly enjoyed this first book, titled Red Rover, Red Rover.

I’ve seen these books around a lot in the past year, and several of my friends have loved them--I heard nothing but good about them. But I didn’t think about reading them myself until recently. After finally reading one of Perry Elisabeth’s other books recently, I knew I had to read the rest of hers. I couldn’t resist picking up almost ALL of them at a recent sale--and I also couldn’t resist the urge to read Red Rover, Red Rover right away!

By the way, the sale I mentioned is still going on for at least a few more hours, but it ends today at the latest. This first book is still free today! This is definitely the best chance to pick up this series and others by the author, if it sounds like something you’d enjoy! I loved it!

I don’t usually read contemporary, mysteries, or anything fun and fluffy. But sometimes we need that kind of book! I certainly do right now. Red Rover, Red Rover was perfect for me to read on days when I’m too distracted to read something else. It was light enough that it didn’t take a lot of effort or stress to read, and engaging and well-written enough that I wanted to read more than usual, and enjoyed every moment.

I expected this to be a good book to read before bed, that wouldn’t be too hard to put down. But I was wrong! Right when I intended to put the book down, it shot into high gear and became intense and exciting. I couldn’t stop in the middle of the action, just when things heated up near the beginning.

I should’ve expected that from a spy novel, but I didn’t, because this is also a light, fun comedy. But Red Rover, Red Rover hit the best of both, and much more! It was riveting and kept me on the edge of my seat, especially in the chapters that were full of suspense or action.

And the humor was top-notch! I loved the teasing and banter that riddled the pages every time the two main characters were together--and the protagonist, Emily, is witty and fun on her own, so even her narration is constantly entertaining. I was grinning or laughing on nearly every page the entire time. And there were plenty of heartwarming moments thrown in among the humor, to make me grin in a different way!

Even when there wasn’t a car chase happening, the characters were so winning and well-developed that I was always engaged and interested. I enjoyed both Brent and Emily so much, separately and together! They get along so well, both platonically and perhaps as something more in the future--but I LOVED that they are content to be friends and not think about anything else even in their own minds, especially since they’ve only known each other for two days. It was refreshing, and I wish there were more books like that. And aside from their awesome friendship, I enjoyed both of them on their own. I relate to Emily’s uncertainty and worry, and I love her personality and determined joy. And Brent is hilarious, and also so kind, respectful, protective, and much more--the best kind of guy. I also enjoyed another wise, older character who comes up a few chapters in, but I can’t say much without spoilers.

I was enjoying every page too much to care that I normally don’t go for fluffy or contemporary books! However, I did appreciate so, so much that this book is NOT a romance--meaning that the romance isn’t the most prominent part of the book, whether or not there’s action too. Red Rover, Red Rover is adventure, instead--my favorite genre! Almost every novel is a romance at its heart, these days, and I was so pleased to discover that this isn’t! Thankfully it didn’t appear to be one, and it also didn’t become one despite that appearance. There was definitely a shippable couple and a friendship that could turn into something else someday--and I hope it does, but I’m in no hurry, and I’m glad the characters aren’t, either. It was SO refreshing to have a male and female lead with obvious chemistry, who enjoyed being around each other and were perfectly compatible--but who were NOT focused on romance or attraction. They never once thought of each other in that way, or focused on how good-looking the other person was, or on fluffy feelings--and all those things would’ve been premature. They were both intent on being good friends and respecting the other person, and I love that.

And the book is so awesome, fun, and sweet that I didn’t care at all if it could really happen. Sure, it’s far-fetched, and that’s probably not how real spies work--despite Brent and Emily’s constant joking about the movies getting it wrong. But I don’t even care, even though I’m normally a realist. I was willing to believe in the story while reading, and that’s enough for me--it felt realistic, and it successfully suspended my disbelief.

My rating for Red Rover, Red Rover is a full 4 STARS. I definitely recommend this book! I think it’s still on sale today, as of this post--but only for a few more hours.

I can’t wait to read the rest of Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick’s books, including the sequels to this one. I’m SO glad I picked up all of them at once, because now I can read them easily and soon!


( )

Wow, this book is so fun. I want to read the rest of the series. The main character is a bit over lucky, but that is not a surprise ( )