October 12, 2024 was the day I first read a book by Camilla Evergreen.
Not significant in any other way in my life – I know, because I checked my journal – but significant because this author has completely ruined me for every other romance author out there. (Except Georgette Heyer, of course, let’s not get crazy.)
She doesn’t just write nuanced and unique characters, she writes singular ones. She writes characters who wouldn’t appear in anyone else’s book – but feel like they could be your neighbor, your best friend, and maybe even you.
I want to fangirl all over Ms. Evergreen’s books, especially Falling in Love with My Chihuahua Shifter, but let’s focus on today’s book. In this novel, Calypso is brilliant but broken. She is undeniably a genius polymath who can act, sing, write, and compose music. She’s also self-deprecating, self-sabotaging, and deeply damaged by flawed parenting.
At college, she meets Lex, the billionaire bad boy of the title, who bribes her into taking on a lead role in the play their class is putting on that year. The romance is a slow burn with no spice on the page and nothing but respect between the characters at all times. That is a signature from this author, and one of the things I love about her.
The story plays out beautifully with rescues on both sides. I always prefer the stories where the girl and boy rescue each other, don’t you? The power balance just feels so much more sustainable than the handsome prince rescues the damsel in distress and points to a happy ever after, even after the ending of the book.
Personally, I connected hard with Calypso’s story. I am nowhere near as brilliant as she is, but I have the same kind of trauma behind claiming my strengths and accomplishments because of family trauma – although my parents were not to blame, thankfully. Calypso’s story may not resonate with you the same way, but I’m willing to bet you will enjoy it just as much.
When you’re done, go read the Chihuahua book. You can thank me later.
5 brilliant-but-broken stars
