A review by lezreadalot
Teddy Spenser Isn't Looking for Love by Kim Fielding

3.0

“You shine bright, Teddy Spenser. So bright I’m almost blinded.”

  
2.5 stars. Prior to this, I read and really enjoyed two novellas by Fielding, and was really excited to finally read a full length romance from her. I requested this without even reading the synopsis. Sadly, other than a few parts here and there, this was pretty much underwhelming. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't love it either. This didn't elicit any strong emotions from me either way!

This is a sort of opposites attract office-romance, with some enemies to lovers elements. Teddy and Romeo are working on a project together, and have to travel to another city to secure financial backing from an eccentric donor on behalf of their company. So  far so great. It had all the elements of something that I'd love reading. And the thing is, I don't think I can really pinpoint where exactly this fell flat for me. The characters were fine. The plot was fine (if sometimes a little farfetched). There was nothing objectionable about the writing. But I suppose I wanted more than 'not objectionable'? I remember being really taken with the writing in The Golem of Mala Lubovnya, being struck by the whimsy of Treasure. There was nothing like that here. Maybe because this is contemporary? Idk.

The romance was okay. Teddy and Romeo had a cute couple, but I didn't fall in love with them. This was pretty insta-lovey, and that in itself was a bit of a plot point, as Teddy isn't looking for love and doesn't believe in falling in love quickly. The circumstances of the book change his mind, but the thing is, even if insta-love wasn't involved, I think I would still have the same opinion on their romance. It was just okay. Also, the romance wrapped up pretty early, around 75% or so, and the rest of the book was spent on another minor conflict and relationship stuff. This can absolutely work for me in books where the conflict is interesting and I'm obsessed with the couple. Unfortunately that wasn't the case here. 

This was fun in a rom-com kind of way, I liked the conversations about family, and some of the romance-based writing near the end was touching. Otherwise, I'm having trouble thinking of things that really stood out to me. I'm also having trouble thinking of the other issues/critiques I had, because even though I finished this book about an hour ago, it's already seeping from my brain. Shame!

I'll definitely try Fielding again, but maybe I'll stick to her backlist/fantasy romances.

☆ Review copy provided via NetGalley.