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Houseswap 101
Working remote on a houseboat in Seattle sounds amazing—until it rains for four months straight. Now Robbie Price would love any excuse to get on dry land. A sun-filled holiday would be ideal, but with work amping up, no one’s taking time off. When a co-worker who’s going through a divorce suggests a house swap, Robbie can’t pass up the chance to spend four weeks in a beach cottage in San Diego. All she needs to do is avoid her co-worker’s ex-wife and finish a few home improvement projects.
Devyn Lancaster never expected to get divorced, but she isn’t exactly unhappy about how things have turned out. She has more time to focus on being a doctor in a busy hospital and can let go of trying to be a better wife. Still, there are some things at home she’d like someone to take care of. Like basically everything she has no time to do.
Robbie Price is the last person Devyn expects to want to keep around—especially after Robbie accidentally weed whacks her pollinator garden. But Robbie makes a mean lasagna and in one weekend completes half the items on her to-do list.
Soon Devyn has to admit she likes having a temporary housebutch. And Robbie can’t deny the house swap turned out to be a perfect change. Saying goodbye at the end of the month, though, might be harder than either realize.
Devyn Lancaster never expected to get divorced, but she isn’t exactly unhappy about how things have turned out. She has more time to focus on being a doctor in a busy hospital and can let go of trying to be a better wife. Still, there are some things at home she’d like someone to take care of. Like basically everything she has no time to do.
Robbie Price is the last person Devyn expects to want to keep around—especially after Robbie accidentally weed whacks her pollinator garden. But Robbie makes a mean lasagna and in one weekend completes half the items on her to-do list.
Soon Devyn has to admit she likes having a temporary housebutch. And Robbie can’t deny the house swap turned out to be a perfect change. Saying goodbye at the end of the month, though, might be harder than either realize.
290 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2024
27 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Clevenger
38 books337 followersJaime Clevenger lives with family in Colorado. Most days are spent working as a veterinarian. Writing is a side gig but also a true love. Hobbies include swimming, karate, dreaming about beach vacations, and convincing random strangers to share their life story. Bonus points are given if they include a good romance—whether or not there’s a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 8, 2024
Robbie loves certain aspects of her life, living on a houseboat on a lake near Seattle, being close to her favorite uncle, and cheering on the Mariners. But she hates the constant rain so her work counterpart in San Diego agrees to houseswap for 1 month to also give him a break from a messy divorce. What is not disclosed to Robbie is that Matt did not inform his soon to be ex-wife that Robbie will be living in their cottage on the property to take care of diy projects before it’s sold.
Devyn is an Emergency Room doctor with long hours and not much time for anything else, other than her Jack Russell, Angel. Devyn is a decent human being who just finds herself in an impossible situation and is having a tough time processing the past year. Then a stranger appears. Who wouldn’t feel ambushed if someone shows up at your doorstep unannounced, sent by the lying ex? So when Devyn meets Robbie, there’s a harsh confrontation. I felt for Devyn but I also knew Robbie was a good hearted person. Both are excellent characters but I wanted more depth, even if it meant a longer book. Three weeks is just not enough time to work through both their pasts, their fears, and to fall in love. Don’t get me wrong. Houseswap 101 is a solid romance chockfull of steamy scenes and cute as heck doggy moments. There are also good supporting characters like Devyn’s best friends and Robbie’s uncle. But I wanted to know more about Devyn and Robbie. I recommend if you like cozy romances with a small bit of angst/pining, housebutch/femme tropes, and good boys (dogs) in a story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Devyn is an Emergency Room doctor with long hours and not much time for anything else, other than her Jack Russell, Angel. Devyn is a decent human being who just finds herself in an impossible situation and is having a tough time processing the past year. Then a stranger appears. Who wouldn’t feel ambushed if someone shows up at your doorstep unannounced, sent by the lying ex? So when Devyn meets Robbie, there’s a harsh confrontation. I felt for Devyn but I also knew Robbie was a good hearted person. Both are excellent characters but I wanted more depth, even if it meant a longer book. Three weeks is just not enough time to work through both their pasts, their fears, and to fall in love. Don’t get me wrong. Houseswap 101 is a solid romance chockfull of steamy scenes and cute as heck doggy moments. There are also good supporting characters like Devyn’s best friends and Robbie’s uncle. But I wanted to know more about Devyn and Robbie. I recommend if you like cozy romances with a small bit of angst/pining, housebutch/femme tropes, and good boys (dogs) in a story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ - audiobook version
I really enjoyed this story. Steamy scenes were very well done. I liked both leads and the cute dog. Abby Craden was excellent as always.
I really enjoyed this story. Steamy scenes were very well done. I liked both leads and the cute dog. Abby Craden was excellent as always.
April 5, 2024
This story has had several positive aspects for me, the main one being that I loved the two protagonists.
One is Robbie, very butch, housebutch according to Devyn's friends,. Devyn, for her part, is very femme, in the process of separating her marriage with Matt, Robbie's co-worker.
The reason that the two of them coincide in Devyn's house is that, with the divorce, and as long as they can't get rid of the house, Matt and Devyn can't stand living near each other and Matt proposes to Robbie a temporary change of residence, between Matt and Devyn's in San Diego and Robbi's in Seattle. All without Devyn having a clue. So, with enormous surprise to Devyn but also to Robbie that Matt didn't say anything to Devyn.
Devyn is straight and not even the first meeting with Robbie made her change this fact. But since that first meeting was somewhat tense, that also contributed to Devyn's lack of attraction or even tolerance for Robbie. It was Robbie's housebutchness that won Devyn acceptance, previously it had been the approval of her Jack Russell, Angel, usually surly towards strangers.
Robbie's good nature and her easy manners and availability to solve any domestic problem, including cooking and taking care of Angel, gradually weakened Devyn's reluctance. Once Devyn decided to take the step, the temperature level rose to the top.
In the final part, as things did not start out completely clear, the situation had an expiration date and each of them had their own issues to solve, it gave rise to the usual and expected small final drama. But overall it was a really interesting story.
Publisher Bella Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
One is Robbie, very butch, housebutch according to Devyn's friends,. Devyn, for her part, is very femme, in the process of separating her marriage with Matt, Robbie's co-worker.
The reason that the two of them coincide in Devyn's house is that, with the divorce, and as long as they can't get rid of the house, Matt and Devyn can't stand living near each other and Matt proposes to Robbie a temporary change of residence, between Matt and Devyn's in San Diego and Robbi's in Seattle. All without Devyn having a clue. So, with enormous surprise to Devyn but also to Robbie that Matt didn't say anything to Devyn.
Devyn is straight and not even the first meeting with Robbie made her change this fact. But since that first meeting was somewhat tense, that also contributed to Devyn's lack of attraction or even tolerance for Robbie. It was Robbie's housebutchness that won Devyn acceptance, previously it had been the approval of her Jack Russell, Angel, usually surly towards strangers.
Robbie's good nature and her easy manners and availability to solve any domestic problem, including cooking and taking care of Angel, gradually weakened Devyn's reluctance. Once Devyn decided to take the step, the temperature level rose to the top.
In the final part, as things did not start out completely clear, the situation had an expiration date and each of them had their own issues to solve, it gave rise to the usual and expected small final drama. But overall it was a really interesting story.
Publisher Bella Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
April 27, 2024
Having just finished Cheyenne Blue’s Switcheroo it is serendipitous that I came across this by Jaime Clevenger who is another favourite author. This is a house swop: well worth reading.
April 13, 2024
This was a story about Robbie who is an IT systems engineer and her co worker Matt who is just getting divorced from Devyn. Matt is broke and wants to get away from Devyn so reluctantly Robbie agrees to a 30 day job switch. Robbie moves into the guest house in San Diego and Matt moves into Robbie’s houseboat in Seattle.
Robbie and Devyn get off to a bad start when Robbie cuts down her pollinator plants on accident. Both have an instant physical attraction for the other. Devyn is straight and fights her attraction to Robbie. Robbie is really patient and understanding with her and that’s what endeared her to me, eventually they seek each other out and and have the start of a relationship. Until the 30 days ends and…..
I really liked both Robbie and Devyn and Robbie’s uncle. The characters were well developed and we got to know both povs.
Clevenger is always entertaining and a good read for me. Oh and the dog Angel was the star of the book, he was very entertaining.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this arc.
Robbie and Devyn get off to a bad start when Robbie cuts down her pollinator plants on accident. Both have an instant physical attraction for the other. Devyn is straight and fights her attraction to Robbie. Robbie is really patient and understanding with her and that’s what endeared her to me, eventually they seek each other out and and have the start of a relationship. Until the 30 days ends and…..
I really liked both Robbie and Devyn and Robbie’s uncle. The characters were well developed and we got to know both povs.
Clevenger is always entertaining and a good read for me. Oh and the dog Angel was the star of the book, he was very entertaining.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this arc.
April 13, 2024
Sweet, sexy housebutch
A great idea: rain-weary Seattle-denizen Robbie goes for the offer to houseswap with her San Diego colleague … and falls for his unsuspecting ex-wife, Devyn. I loved the idea of a housebutch and Robbie is not only handy with tools around the house but with tools of all sorts (just sayin …). Fun and sexy times are developing quickly.
There is a lot of lightness in this novel, esp. the cute dog and the beach times. The staunch friends of Devyn are a welcome addition. Of course there a bumps on the road to HEA but nothing which can not be handled by true love and a little determination.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
A great idea: rain-weary Seattle-denizen Robbie goes for the offer to houseswap with her San Diego colleague … and falls for his unsuspecting ex-wife, Devyn. I loved the idea of a housebutch and Robbie is not only handy with tools around the house but with tools of all sorts (just sayin …). Fun and sexy times are developing quickly.
There is a lot of lightness in this novel, esp. the cute dog and the beach times. The staunch friends of Devyn are a welcome addition. Of course there a bumps on the road to HEA but nothing which can not be handled by true love and a little determination.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
October 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this lighthearted romance. The humor here was top shelf, and I laughed myself silly over caulk. All I can say is get yourself a house Butch, you won't be sorry. lol
May 2, 2024
Houseswap 101 brings an unique setting and intriguing characters. Robbie, who lives on a houseboat near Seattle, swaps homes with Matt from San Diego to escape the rain and unwittingly finds herself embroiled in a domestic dilemma. She arrives at a cottage that Matt’s ex-wife, Devyn, an ER doctor, didn't know was part of the swap, leading to an awkward yet intriguing first encounter. As Robbie settles in, her presence becomes a catalyst for change in Devyn's structured life, sparking unexpected feelings.
Both characters are deeply relatable, with Robbie's easy-going nature complementing Devyn’s intense career as a doctor. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of home improvement projects and daily life adjustments, bringing them closer in unforeseen ways. The story is not just about romance; it delves into personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of moving on from past relationships. The addition of a lovable dog and supportive side characters adds layers to the narrative, making it rich with emotional depth and genuine connection.
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Clevenger's novels. I love that they typically include characters that are complex and realistic. Clevenger’s writing shines in Houseswap 101, combining humour with characters that kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved the housebutch aspect, as this was a new term for me but one I'd love to read more of.
This book is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romances with a dash of realism and a lot of heart.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Both characters are deeply relatable, with Robbie's easy-going nature complementing Devyn’s intense career as a doctor. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of home improvement projects and daily life adjustments, bringing them closer in unforeseen ways. The story is not just about romance; it delves into personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of moving on from past relationships. The addition of a lovable dog and supportive side characters adds layers to the narrative, making it rich with emotional depth and genuine connection.
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Clevenger's novels. I love that they typically include characters that are complex and realistic. Clevenger’s writing shines in Houseswap 101, combining humour with characters that kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved the housebutch aspect, as this was a new term for me but one I'd love to read more of.
This book is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romances with a dash of realism and a lot of heart.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2024
Oh how I loved this book. All the feels! And the sexy scenes... *fans face*
I've read some other offerings by Jaime Clevenger but Houseswap 101 is my absolute favorite and makes me want to seek out her back catalogue and get to reading. What a great job of bringing Devlyn and Robbie to life and making me care about them.
There wasn't loads of background info given but there was enough to make the issues they had to deal with believable. And while there was some lack of communication, it didn't feel contrived simply to create drama. I hate that. So much. There was just the right amount of angst. *chef's kiss* A beautiful, slow-burn, not-quite-enemies-to-lovers romance. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley (especially the read-aloud option on NetGalley's Shelf app) for letting me make a couple new imaginary friends. And thanks to Ms. Clevenger for sharing her imaginary friends with us.
I've read some other offerings by Jaime Clevenger but Houseswap 101 is my absolute favorite and makes me want to seek out her back catalogue and get to reading. What a great job of bringing Devlyn and Robbie to life and making me care about them.
There wasn't loads of background info given but there was enough to make the issues they had to deal with believable. And while there was some lack of communication, it didn't feel contrived simply to create drama. I hate that. So much. There was just the right amount of angst. *chef's kiss* A beautiful, slow-burn, not-quite-enemies-to-lovers romance. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley (especially the read-aloud option on NetGalley's Shelf app) for letting me make a couple new imaginary friends. And thanks to Ms. Clevenger for sharing her imaginary friends with us.
January 15, 2026
(rounded down from 4.25)
This was very cute and I had a great time. A solid palette cleanser after some more serious books.
This was very cute and I had a great time. A solid palette cleanser after some more serious books.
March 28, 2024
This author is one to watch for even though I'm newer to her books, I absolutely adored this one. Housebutch is not a term I've heard before, but Clevenger definitely did it justice with this book.
Robbie Price decides to houseswap with her friend for a month and live in San Diego to get a break from all the rain in Seattle. She expects a nice vacation and to do some things her friend had meant to do, but hadn't gotten around to. What she doesn't expect is the ex wife to not know about the arrangement and they get off to a very rocky start.
Devyn Lancaster is a busy ER doctor who doesn't expect a stranger at her house weedwhacking her garden and planning to live on her property for a month. She gives in and lets her stay after realizing just how helpful she is around the house and how well she cooks. She doesn't expect to be attracted to her as she'd never been with a woman.
This was enticing, engaging and very, very hot. It was fantastic to read how their relationship evolved and even though they didn't talk about what was happening between them, it was conveyed across the page. I couldn't put this book down and read it in less than a day. I fell in love with the story and I highly recommend.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Robbie Price decides to houseswap with her friend for a month and live in San Diego to get a break from all the rain in Seattle. She expects a nice vacation and to do some things her friend had meant to do, but hadn't gotten around to. What she doesn't expect is the ex wife to not know about the arrangement and they get off to a very rocky start.
Devyn Lancaster is a busy ER doctor who doesn't expect a stranger at her house weedwhacking her garden and planning to live on her property for a month. She gives in and lets her stay after realizing just how helpful she is around the house and how well she cooks. She doesn't expect to be attracted to her as she'd never been with a woman.
This was enticing, engaging and very, very hot. It was fantastic to read how their relationship evolved and even though they didn't talk about what was happening between them, it was conveyed across the page. I couldn't put this book down and read it in less than a day. I fell in love with the story and I highly recommend.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2024
Houseswap 101 is a cute, rom-com style read. Devyn comes home from a long shift at the hospital to find a stranger weedwacking her pollinator garden. And it turns out Robbie is not a gardener her ex hired but she plans to live on the property for a whole month. There’s no way Devyn will allow that. But Robbie manages to knock down wall after wall, one apology or repair at the time. I enjoyed reading this book.
Free ARC via NetGalley
Free ARC via NetGalley
April 22, 2024
Devyn is a doctor in a very stressful and busy ER department. Her marriage with Matt has been suffering because of her work and his infidelity and attitude, and they have been separated in the same house for over a year, now seeking a divorce. More recently Matt has moved into the tiny cottage on their property.
Matt works in IT, maintaining server sites in the San Diego area. One of his friends Robbie has the same IT position in Seattle, living on a houseboat near her uncle in the marina they own and maintain together.
Matt needs a break from his personal life, and Robbie needs a break from the Seattle rain, and so Matt and Robbie decide to swap positions temporarily.
This is a good story, and Robbie especially is such a warm loveable character. Devyn seems closed off for much of the story, but that is part of her character, finding it difficult to trust anyone, especially after Matt.
I liked the book, but I found some of the characterisations were superficial; for some reason I didn’t really get deeply into this story, even though the writing is very good.
Matt works in IT, maintaining server sites in the San Diego area. One of his friends Robbie has the same IT position in Seattle, living on a houseboat near her uncle in the marina they own and maintain together.
Matt needs a break from his personal life, and Robbie needs a break from the Seattle rain, and so Matt and Robbie decide to swap positions temporarily.
This is a good story, and Robbie especially is such a warm loveable character. Devyn seems closed off for much of the story, but that is part of her character, finding it difficult to trust anyone, especially after Matt.
I liked the book, but I found some of the characterisations were superficial; for some reason I didn’t really get deeply into this story, even though the writing is very good.
July 26, 2024
I've read many Jaime Clevenger books and this--is one of them. Wait, no. And this--isn't the worst. Better? Eh.
Before going deeper (Ha! But relatively speaking, I don't have much to say), let's deal with the phallus in the room.
A professional reviewer might say, "Jaime Clevenger writes exclusively in the Butch-Femme sub-genre of lesbian erotic fiction." I am not a professional. Well, at least in the sense that I am doing this for free. In any case, what this means for Clevenger is that the Butch character will be wearing a strap-on, they will walk around "packing" and the use of this strap-on will be viewed as the culmination of the couple's lovemaking. Yes, it's true. This has happened in every Clevenger book (I've read), and in every book they've had a lesbian couple achieve their highest orgasmic bliss engaging in heteronormative sex to the extent that both MCs refer to the strap-on as if it was a functioning part of the Butch's anatomy (E.g.: "I am going to come inside you"). Hey, whatever makes you happy, right? But it feels like it sends the message that it's not truly real lovemaking until phallic penetration is involved.
My biggest complaint with the book (apart from pulling a Jaime--that's what I call the strap-on fixation), is that the supporting characters of Matt and Lou/Lew/Lu (sorry, it was the audiobook) never received a comeuppance for being just awful--horrible--human beings. Lou/Lew/Lu only had one sequence to be terrible, but snatching the phone out of a virtual stranger's hand to "fix" their problem by yelling at the person on the other end without having heard any of the conversation is--well, who does that?
Let's ignore that Devyn's friends were trying to set her up less than a week after she broke up with the person she was in love with (Robbie, the other MC) and did it with a person that one of the friends thought wasn't right for Devyn--then immediately changed her mind for reasons. While Devyn did eventually ask WTF? in response to Lou/Lew/Lu's actions after it was over, she forgot how to use her hands or voice for a good ten seconds while Lou/Lew/Lu ripped into Robbie thinking it was Matt. Let even your best friend snatch the phone out of your hands and see if you forget how to speak in protest or snatch back. When the friends ask Lou/Lew/Lu what happened they and the reader only get an annoyed shrug. No satisfaction whatsoever.
If Lou/Lew/Lu was bad, Matt was a monster. I could tell from the start something was off with him because--well, he's a guy in a lesbian novel. The odds aren't looking good. Clevenger, to their credit, made Matt come across kinda skeevy even if he was Robbie's work buddy. What does he do? First, he tells Robbie that if they get caught switching, he'll take the blame. That's not how that situation would play out, especially when the job involves something like bank security. Second, he doesn't tell Devyn that he's given a stranger (to her) keys to their house and residency in their pool cottage. Third, we learn Matt cheated on Devyn repeatedly. Fourth, he squandered their shared earning supporting a mistress. Fifth, he comes to realize that "Devyn was the problem not him." Sixth, he tears down Devyn in front of Robbie. Seventh, when Robbie reveals her feelings about Devyn to him, he does his best to crush them.
Despite all this, nothing happens to him. Robbie is still technically friends with him and living on her boat. Jaime is not the only author that seems to avoid letting the horrible characters that populate their universe getting their just desserts--but this was too much. I don't know why they want to torment readers by depriving them of that satisfaction. If serving up HEAs, regardless of how improbable, is an unbreakable law, what is wrong with letting the readers believe there is justice in the world too?
As for the MCs, Robbie and Devyn--they're--fine. Their chemistry was mild at best. It seemed mostly one of convenience. The very fact that Jaime let them stay apart for six months suggests they weren't that connected.
This seeming lack of chemistry may be the result of a lack of conflict. Think of a novel as a blender. You pour in the ingredients of the story. If you just let it sit there, the stuff will float around. Eventually, some of it might actually mix together a little. However, when you pour it out (read it), it's not going to taste good. The introduction of quality conflict is like pressing "Puree" and then things start spinning around creating frothy goodness.
Every conflict in this story was cut off or ended quickly. I've already mentioned the lack of engagement with Lou/Lew/Lu and Matt. Here are more:
Devyn's horrible conservative anti-gay mom? One scene of any note, then Devyn escapes the luncheon and that's pretty much it.
Angel (the dog) has a medical emergency and--oh, no, just squirrel bones. It's fine. Move on.
Robbie and Matt secretly swap houses/jobs, the very catalyst and title of the story--in every sneaky swap story, having the swap get uncovered is the main plot point beyond whatever romance may happen. What Robbie and Matt did was probably illegal, and certainly unethical, given their IT duties, NDAs, and presumably clearance checks. The beginning sets it up as a possibility. Robbie gets called in. She is warned not to tell Devyn but she does! And--NOTHING happens. No consequences or real drama whatsoever.
Bob Marley sang, "No woman, no cry" but I'm here to tell you, "No conflict, no care".
Before going deeper (Ha! But relatively speaking, I don't have much to say), let's deal with the phallus in the room.
A professional reviewer might say, "Jaime Clevenger writes exclusively in the Butch-Femme sub-genre of lesbian erotic fiction." I am not a professional. Well, at least in the sense that I am doing this for free. In any case, what this means for Clevenger is that the Butch character will be wearing a strap-on, they will walk around "packing" and the use of this strap-on will be viewed as the culmination of the couple's lovemaking. Yes, it's true. This has happened in every Clevenger book (I've read), and in every book they've had a lesbian couple achieve their highest orgasmic bliss engaging in heteronormative sex to the extent that both MCs refer to the strap-on as if it was a functioning part of the Butch's anatomy (E.g.: "I am going to come inside you"). Hey, whatever makes you happy, right? But it feels like it sends the message that it's not truly real lovemaking until phallic penetration is involved.
My biggest complaint with the book (apart from pulling a Jaime--that's what I call the strap-on fixation), is that the supporting characters of Matt and Lou/Lew/Lu (sorry, it was the audiobook) never received a comeuppance for being just awful--horrible--human beings. Lou/Lew/Lu only had one sequence to be terrible, but snatching the phone out of a virtual stranger's hand to "fix" their problem by yelling at the person on the other end without having heard any of the conversation is--well, who does that?
Let's ignore that Devyn's friends were trying to set her up less than a week after she broke up with the person she was in love with (Robbie, the other MC) and did it with a person that one of the friends thought wasn't right for Devyn--then immediately changed her mind for reasons. While Devyn did eventually ask WTF? in response to Lou/Lew/Lu's actions after it was over, she forgot how to use her hands or voice for a good ten seconds while Lou/Lew/Lu ripped into Robbie thinking it was Matt. Let even your best friend snatch the phone out of your hands and see if you forget how to speak in protest or snatch back. When the friends ask Lou/Lew/Lu what happened they and the reader only get an annoyed shrug. No satisfaction whatsoever.
If Lou/Lew/Lu was bad, Matt was a monster. I could tell from the start something was off with him because--well, he's a guy in a lesbian novel. The odds aren't looking good. Clevenger, to their credit, made Matt come across kinda skeevy even if he was Robbie's work buddy. What does he do? First, he tells Robbie that if they get caught switching, he'll take the blame. That's not how that situation would play out, especially when the job involves something like bank security. Second, he doesn't tell Devyn that he's given a stranger (to her) keys to their house and residency in their pool cottage. Third, we learn Matt cheated on Devyn repeatedly. Fourth, he squandered their shared earning supporting a mistress. Fifth, he comes to realize that "Devyn was the problem not him." Sixth, he tears down Devyn in front of Robbie. Seventh, when Robbie reveals her feelings about Devyn to him, he does his best to crush them.
Despite all this, nothing happens to him. Robbie is still technically friends with him and living on her boat. Jaime is not the only author that seems to avoid letting the horrible characters that populate their universe getting their just desserts--but this was too much. I don't know why they want to torment readers by depriving them of that satisfaction. If serving up HEAs, regardless of how improbable, is an unbreakable law, what is wrong with letting the readers believe there is justice in the world too?
As for the MCs, Robbie and Devyn--they're--fine. Their chemistry was mild at best. It seemed mostly one of convenience. The very fact that Jaime let them stay apart for six months suggests they weren't that connected.
This seeming lack of chemistry may be the result of a lack of conflict. Think of a novel as a blender. You pour in the ingredients of the story. If you just let it sit there, the stuff will float around. Eventually, some of it might actually mix together a little. However, when you pour it out (read it), it's not going to taste good. The introduction of quality conflict is like pressing "Puree" and then things start spinning around creating frothy goodness.
Every conflict in this story was cut off or ended quickly. I've already mentioned the lack of engagement with Lou/Lew/Lu and Matt. Here are more:
Devyn's horrible conservative anti-gay mom? One scene of any note, then Devyn escapes the luncheon and that's pretty much it.
Angel (the dog) has a medical emergency and--oh, no, just squirrel bones. It's fine. Move on.
Robbie and Matt secretly swap houses/jobs, the very catalyst and title of the story--in every sneaky swap story, having the swap get uncovered is the main plot point beyond whatever romance may happen. What Robbie and Matt did was probably illegal, and certainly unethical, given their IT duties, NDAs, and presumably clearance checks. The beginning sets it up as a possibility. Robbie gets called in. She is warned not to tell Devyn but she does! And--NOTHING happens. No consequences or real drama whatsoever.
Bob Marley sang, "No woman, no cry" but I'm here to tell you, "No conflict, no care".
August 8, 2024
4.75 stars!
November 9, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book
this has to be one of the best books i have read in a long time...just what the doctor ordered....
Devyn arrived home after a long shift at the hospital to find a total stranger in her garden hacking down her pollinator garden for butterflies and that wasnt the worst of it... her dog was also be her side.....
robbie was at devyn house, the plan was she stayed a month and did all the jobs that matt her friend and devyns ex husband was suppose to do around the house...only it seemed that matt hadnt said anything about the swop and devyn wasnt happy at all in fact devyn had told robbie to pack up and leave.... not a great start....
but she couldnt go back home not just yet and so an uneasy truce settled between them both
what a ride this book was.... funny in places and frustrating as hell when things got difficult for them both but the scene with the dog brought a tear to my eye
well worth a read and will be keeping an eye out for more books from this author
this has to be one of the best books i have read in a long time...just what the doctor ordered....
Devyn arrived home after a long shift at the hospital to find a total stranger in her garden hacking down her pollinator garden for butterflies and that wasnt the worst of it... her dog was also be her side.....
robbie was at devyn house, the plan was she stayed a month and did all the jobs that matt her friend and devyns ex husband was suppose to do around the house...only it seemed that matt hadnt said anything about the swop and devyn wasnt happy at all in fact devyn had told robbie to pack up and leave.... not a great start....
but she couldnt go back home not just yet and so an uneasy truce settled between them both
what a ride this book was.... funny in places and frustrating as hell when things got difficult for them both but the scene with the dog brought a tear to my eye
well worth a read and will be keeping an eye out for more books from this author
April 16, 2024
What can you do when a hot stranger invades your house with no notice? Of course you hate her….and then fall for her completely. Of course!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Devyn’s life has been reduced to working long hours as an ER doctor and getting cuddles from her dog Angel. Her marriage to Matt ended after he couldn’t deal with her work schedule and decided to seek attention from another woman. Or other really, other women. Devyn is left alone in their big house in San Diego while Matt moves into the little cottage in the yard. They have to sell the house in order to get everything finalized with the divorce. But the house is not nearly ready to be on the market because Matt never completed the work that needed to be done.
One day Devyn comes home exhausted after another long shift at the hospital to find a strange woman attacking her precious pollinator garden with a weedhacker. What the actual F?
Robbie is done with the rain in Seattle. She loves her houseboat and she loves her uncle who lives on the same dock. But the rain. Nope, she needs a change of scenery. A sunny escape if you will. The proposition her colleague Matt presents her with comes at the exact right time. A month in sunny San Diego, living rent free, in exchange of doing some DIY projects on his house. Matt himself can’t wait to get away from his ex wife. Robbie and Matt swap houses, each with a to do list for the chores they’ll complete for the other. Robbie arrives and digs into the first job immediately: weeding the garden. She did not expect Devyn to come barging out of the house screaming about bees and butterflies. Nor did she expect that Matt hasn’t told his ex of the plan. Robbie did expect Devyn to be gorgeous, though she would never have predicted that she would find the woman of her dreams right then and there.
Jamie Clevenger can write a very good story. This one had me hooked from page one. The initial situation in which the women meet is hilarious and of course you know that Robbie will charm the pants off of Devyn. The way she does it is so entertaining though. The story is told from both viewpoints, which makes it so much easier to understand where Devyn is coming from. She tries to put up walls as high as the heavens but Robbie chips away it them one DIY project at at time.
It’s heartwarming to see Devyn warming up to Robbie and starting to open up and give glimpses of the woman she actually is. Robbie proves to be such a good and respectful person. She completely understands the demands of Devyn’s job and her hesitations towards trust. Robbie never pushes her to do anything beyond what Devyn is willing to do or feels comfortable with. She truly is a gem!
If you need scorching hot, this book is for you. Robbie and Devyn are very, let me repeat that, very compatible and combustible in the sheets. Or against the wall. And in this case too, Robbie let’s Devyn set the pace and matches her where she is. It doesn’t take long for Devyn to feel completely safe with Robbie and lets herself explore and feel and desire.
The relationship Robbie has with her uncle is so loving and tender. He raised her as his own when her parents failed to do so. Their bond is strong and equal. I love the part where her uncle talks to Robbie about the choices he made in the past about his love life. He wants to protect her from doing the same. I wanted to squeeze the old grump in a tight hug for that.
So, if you like strange but funny situations, scorching scenes and witty banter, this is a story you’ll definitely like!
I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Devyn’s life has been reduced to working long hours as an ER doctor and getting cuddles from her dog Angel. Her marriage to Matt ended after he couldn’t deal with her work schedule and decided to seek attention from another woman. Or other really, other women. Devyn is left alone in their big house in San Diego while Matt moves into the little cottage in the yard. They have to sell the house in order to get everything finalized with the divorce. But the house is not nearly ready to be on the market because Matt never completed the work that needed to be done.
One day Devyn comes home exhausted after another long shift at the hospital to find a strange woman attacking her precious pollinator garden with a weedhacker. What the actual F?
Robbie is done with the rain in Seattle. She loves her houseboat and she loves her uncle who lives on the same dock. But the rain. Nope, she needs a change of scenery. A sunny escape if you will. The proposition her colleague Matt presents her with comes at the exact right time. A month in sunny San Diego, living rent free, in exchange of doing some DIY projects on his house. Matt himself can’t wait to get away from his ex wife. Robbie and Matt swap houses, each with a to do list for the chores they’ll complete for the other. Robbie arrives and digs into the first job immediately: weeding the garden. She did not expect Devyn to come barging out of the house screaming about bees and butterflies. Nor did she expect that Matt hasn’t told his ex of the plan. Robbie did expect Devyn to be gorgeous, though she would never have predicted that she would find the woman of her dreams right then and there.
Jamie Clevenger can write a very good story. This one had me hooked from page one. The initial situation in which the women meet is hilarious and of course you know that Robbie will charm the pants off of Devyn. The way she does it is so entertaining though. The story is told from both viewpoints, which makes it so much easier to understand where Devyn is coming from. She tries to put up walls as high as the heavens but Robbie chips away it them one DIY project at at time.
It’s heartwarming to see Devyn warming up to Robbie and starting to open up and give glimpses of the woman she actually is. Robbie proves to be such a good and respectful person. She completely understands the demands of Devyn’s job and her hesitations towards trust. Robbie never pushes her to do anything beyond what Devyn is willing to do or feels comfortable with. She truly is a gem!
If you need scorching hot, this book is for you. Robbie and Devyn are very, let me repeat that, very compatible and combustible in the sheets. Or against the wall. And in this case too, Robbie let’s Devyn set the pace and matches her where she is. It doesn’t take long for Devyn to feel completely safe with Robbie and lets herself explore and feel and desire.
The relationship Robbie has with her uncle is so loving and tender. He raised her as his own when her parents failed to do so. Their bond is strong and equal. I love the part where her uncle talks to Robbie about the choices he made in the past about his love life. He wants to protect her from doing the same. I wanted to squeeze the old grump in a tight hug for that.
So, if you like strange but funny situations, scorching scenes and witty banter, this is a story you’ll definitely like!
July 31, 2024
4.25 Stars
July 30, 2024
This had potential to be a decent romcom. I was looking forward to “The Holiday” sapphic vibes. The 🌶️ was 🔥 and I totally want my own “house butch” now. So, tell me why in this sapphic toaster oven romance is so.much.time (pages!) devoted to the cheating, cowardly, man-child of an ex? Like why? Also, why so much justification for his shitty actions!? The ex-husband was merely supposed to be (should have been) the setup for this meet cute and then fade into oblivion but that didn’t happen and it totally ruined the story for me. I’m now an irrational hater of the name “Matt” for how many times this man’s name appeared on page.
April 10, 2024
Robbie agrees with her best friend from work, Matt, to swap houses between Seattle and San Diego. He wants to escape his soon-to-be ex-wife Devyn (which he still shares the house with). Robbie wants to to exchange the rain in the North with the sun in the South. The deal includes also that both do each other's chores at their respective new location. In Robbie's case this is a number of house repairs needed so that Matt and Devyn can sell the house and finalize their divorce.
This setup includes also a series of more confusing and silly details, like that Robbie and Matt have to impersonate each other at their respective new work location or that Matt "forgot" to inform his ex. Thus, Robbie and Devyn are in for the worst possible start when Devyn finds Robbie mistakenly destroying her garden. But romance has to have its ways, so we get what is going to happen.
I thought that such a silly and unrealistic prerequisite would make this a dull read for me. But surprisingly, after I got around the initial part, it was a really well-written and captivating story with enough realistic detail and secondary characters that make it relatable.
I liked also the emergence of the "housebutch"--not an entirely new concept but fun anyway!
(based on an ARC from NetGalley)
This setup includes also a series of more confusing and silly details, like that Robbie and Matt have to impersonate each other at their respective new work location or that Matt "forgot" to inform his ex. Thus, Robbie and Devyn are in for the worst possible start when Devyn finds Robbie mistakenly destroying her garden. But romance has to have its ways, so we get what is going to happen.
I thought that such a silly and unrealistic prerequisite would make this a dull read for me. But surprisingly, after I got around the initial part, it was a really well-written and captivating story with enough realistic detail and secondary characters that make it relatable.
I liked also the emergence of the "housebutch"--not an entirely new concept but fun anyway!
(based on an ARC from NetGalley)
September 8, 2025
Robbie is getting a little tired of the gloomy, Seattle and life on her little houseboat (I know right!!). It just so happens that her remote co-worker, Matt, is also looking for a change of scenery - particularly away from his soon to be ex-wife, Devyn (a massively over-worked doctor), who he still shares a house with - and the sunny San Diego weather and the little carriage house on the property is far too good an offer to pass up.
All I'm going to say is that the specific details of Devyn and Matt's divorce are revealed over time, but yeah, I also wouldn't want to be married to the guy. Things between Devyn and Robbie start off rocky (which yknow, fair enough seeing as how Matt never tells Devyn that Robbie will be staying in the carriage house - I'd also be pretty unhappy too!!), but quickly cold exteriors start to melt.
It was really wonderful to see Devyn and Robbie's dynamic evolve over time because they just felt so grounded in reality. Problems over communication, their work, Matt and the divorce, were just so well-done and completely believable it was super refreshing.
Overall, huge fan of this book and it's another winner from Clevenger imo
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bella Books for a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!
All I'm going to say is that the specific details of Devyn and Matt's divorce are revealed over time, but yeah, I also wouldn't want to be married to the guy. Things between Devyn and Robbie start off rocky (which yknow, fair enough seeing as how Matt never tells Devyn that Robbie will be staying in the carriage house - I'd also be pretty unhappy too!!), but quickly cold exteriors start to melt.
It was really wonderful to see Devyn and Robbie's dynamic evolve over time because they just felt so grounded in reality. Problems over communication, their work, Matt and the divorce, were just so well-done and completely believable it was super refreshing.
Overall, huge fan of this book and it's another winner from Clevenger imo
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bella Books for a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!
March 27, 2024
Robbie Price expected a month long vacation in San Diego as part of a house trade with a coworker.
She did NOT expect her coworker's ex-wife to be right there.
Devyn Lancaster is NOT happy.... Matt did not tell her about the trade or about the strange woman staying in her cabin on the property.
On the us side, she's willing to help fix up the place.
Robbie not knowing garden plants in kinda... wtf? Poor Devyn tho. "YOU WEEDWACKED MY FLOWER BED"
They tolerate each other st first, then Devyn realizes she's attracted to Robbie, whom already finds Devyn hot.
The book does have the traditional 'break them up 3/4 through the book for drama' twist, but st least it's not a stupid fight.
Good read, a very solid and well written book.
She did NOT expect her coworker's ex-wife to be right there.
Devyn Lancaster is NOT happy.... Matt did not tell her about the trade or about the strange woman staying in her cabin on the property.
On the us side, she's willing to help fix up the place.
Robbie not knowing garden plants in kinda... wtf? Poor Devyn tho. "YOU WEEDWACKED MY FLOWER BED"
They tolerate each other st first, then Devyn realizes she's attracted to Robbie, whom already finds Devyn hot.
The book does have the traditional 'break them up 3/4 through the book for drama' twist, but st least it's not a stupid fight.
Good read, a very solid and well written book.
March 29, 2024
Very enjoyable. The events and characters' behavior pleasantly surprised me, and I appreciated the author's comment about how the book came about. However, I found some repetition of certain sentences, which became quite annoying. Additionally, the communication between the main characters was frustrating. If anyone were to use the communication skills they presented, I would be confused and feel unimportant to that person.
January 21, 2025
Both the first and second book I've read by this author. Depending on definitions and stuff. First novel. Second work. Well, completed. Third book if you count works tried, since I attempted a prior book and did not finish it. Right, exciting stuff, I know.
A man and woman are 'friends' through work. Both work the same job as computer technicians for the same company. Both work remote. Both, if you aren't looking too hard and probably while drunk, look enough like each other to change places. As long as no one who knows them sees them; and/or as long as if no one who doesn't know them doesn't have a picture of the other. Bah, point being that, while the two were having their weekly virtual meeting, one mentioned how the rain will never end, and the other mentioned how nice and sunny it is there. But how they'd trade places in a second if they could get away from their 'ex'-wife. So, they do, switch. They work remotely and they very rarely have to go in to work, and when they do, no one there knows what they look like, mostly.
Right, so, the man is Matt and in sunny San Diego. Living in the cottage behind the house he used to live in with his former wife. He'll move into Robbie Price's houseboat in Seattle. Matt is going to take care of a few things that Robbie does around the marina she lives in, while Robbie does a few things Matt was supposed to do to help make his and his ex's house ready to be sold. Matt is not one of the point of view characters.
The two point of view characters meet . . . very badly. Freely lifting from the book description: "When Devyn Lancaster comes home from a busy shift at the hospital, the last thing she expects to find is a woman weed-whacking her garden." Devyn is Matt's ex, and that woman weed-whacking the garden is Robbie. One of the tasks on Matt's list was yard-work. Only, she didn't realize the weed looking plants were not weeds, but plants that butterflies and the like need to live. The barely surviving butterflies.
Naturally Devyn is pissed to find someone killing her plants. At first Devyn thought Matt had hired a gardner. She was not pleased to learn that Matt had actually switched places with Robbie and Devyn wants Robbie out. Now.
Robbie's initial stay was supposed to be a month. After meeting Devyn, it looked like it'd turn into a day, but certain issues come up and Robbie's stay is extended for a few days (so she can fix her mistake with the plants), then a week, then possibly a month.
Robbie & Devyn rarely talk. Rarely see each other. Though they pass notes back and forth while Robbie does her virtual job, takes care of projects at the house, and takes care of Devyn's dog; and Devyn works exhaustively as a doctor in an ER.
Eventually the two move from hostility to something less than hostility, to eventually having some kind of relationship.
Super slow burn, but enjoyable book. Liked the main characters, the side characters, the plot, etc. For the most part. Didn't like Matt, and the uncle could get on my nerves.
Rating: 5
January 20 2025
A man and woman are 'friends' through work. Both work the same job as computer technicians for the same company. Both work remote. Both, if you aren't looking too hard and probably while drunk, look enough like each other to change places. As long as no one who knows them sees them; and/or as long as if no one who doesn't know them doesn't have a picture of the other. Bah, point being that, while the two were having their weekly virtual meeting, one mentioned how the rain will never end, and the other mentioned how nice and sunny it is there. But how they'd trade places in a second if they could get away from their 'ex'-wife. So, they do, switch. They work remotely and they very rarely have to go in to work, and when they do, no one there knows what they look like, mostly.
Right, so, the man is Matt and in sunny San Diego. Living in the cottage behind the house he used to live in with his former wife. He'll move into Robbie Price's houseboat in Seattle. Matt is going to take care of a few things that Robbie does around the marina she lives in, while Robbie does a few things Matt was supposed to do to help make his and his ex's house ready to be sold. Matt is not one of the point of view characters.
The two point of view characters meet . . . very badly. Freely lifting from the book description: "When Devyn Lancaster comes home from a busy shift at the hospital, the last thing she expects to find is a woman weed-whacking her garden." Devyn is Matt's ex, and that woman weed-whacking the garden is Robbie. One of the tasks on Matt's list was yard-work. Only, she didn't realize the weed looking plants were not weeds, but plants that butterflies and the like need to live. The barely surviving butterflies.
Naturally Devyn is pissed to find someone killing her plants. At first Devyn thought Matt had hired a gardner. She was not pleased to learn that Matt had actually switched places with Robbie and Devyn wants Robbie out. Now.
Robbie's initial stay was supposed to be a month. After meeting Devyn, it looked like it'd turn into a day, but certain issues come up and Robbie's stay is extended for a few days (so she can fix her mistake with the plants), then a week, then possibly a month.
Robbie & Devyn rarely talk. Rarely see each other. Though they pass notes back and forth while Robbie does her virtual job, takes care of projects at the house, and takes care of Devyn's dog; and Devyn works exhaustively as a doctor in an ER.
Eventually the two move from hostility to something less than hostility, to eventually having some kind of relationship.
Super slow burn, but enjoyable book. Liked the main characters, the side characters, the plot, etc. For the most part. Didn't like Matt, and the uncle could get on my nerves.
Rating: 5
January 20 2025
April 8, 2024
I was really excited for this release, it didn’t disappoint.
When you love an author there is always that tiny bit of apprehension that their next book won’t quite live up to their previous works.
I needn’t have worried. Robbie & Devyn are a perfectly imperfect match - who come together (yes snigger I’m a child) in the most unusual way.
In essence Robbie’s friend Matt is going through a messy divorce, he wants out of his current living arrangement with his soon to be ex wife & offers Robbie the chance to Houseswap- tiny issue, he doesn’t mention this to Devyn his wife.
Cue a lot of misunderstandings & the cautious move towards friendship & more. The term housebutch enters here- is there a service- because yeah sign me up! Robbie comes in & ends up doing all the things Matt couldn’t/ wouldn’t do…. Yes in all the ways.
Clevenger’s talent lies in the way they almost imperceptibly push you to where they want you - writing simple scenes that casually build the intimacy between the two MC’s. True intimacy is found in those small moments & this is exploited beautifully here. There is a paddle board scene that really worked for me when I think you really sense the shift from attraction to something much much deeper. The author is a master at this kind of subtly & intelligent writing.
Now the spice, they have done it again here. This is one area where I had no concerns with this author because, well if you have read their other books then you’ll know. If you haven’t - do yourself a favour, have at them 😇 thank me later. The balance that Clevenger achieves between smoking hot steam & intimacy is again a testament to their abilities as a storyteller. There are few who can strike such a perfect balance, Clevenger does.
I’ve talked before about the realism that is a central point of all of JC’s books. It is here in spades. The question of long distance should they/ could they is perfectly executed. I adored the miscommunication as well, again, it’s real. The characters journeys, especially Devyn’s is wonderfully crafted. I wouldn’t say she’s an ice queen - but there’s some frost there for sure.
In summary I really loved this book.
Oh and no small matter, there’s an adorable dog which had me from the get go! I read this in almost one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. So if you want a fantastic read with all the components that make romance great this is a perfect choice.
When you love an author there is always that tiny bit of apprehension that their next book won’t quite live up to their previous works.
I needn’t have worried. Robbie & Devyn are a perfectly imperfect match - who come together (yes snigger I’m a child) in the most unusual way.
In essence Robbie’s friend Matt is going through a messy divorce, he wants out of his current living arrangement with his soon to be ex wife & offers Robbie the chance to Houseswap- tiny issue, he doesn’t mention this to Devyn his wife.
Cue a lot of misunderstandings & the cautious move towards friendship & more. The term housebutch enters here- is there a service- because yeah sign me up! Robbie comes in & ends up doing all the things Matt couldn’t/ wouldn’t do…. Yes in all the ways.
Clevenger’s talent lies in the way they almost imperceptibly push you to where they want you - writing simple scenes that casually build the intimacy between the two MC’s. True intimacy is found in those small moments & this is exploited beautifully here. There is a paddle board scene that really worked for me when I think you really sense the shift from attraction to something much much deeper. The author is a master at this kind of subtly & intelligent writing.
Now the spice, they have done it again here. This is one area where I had no concerns with this author because, well if you have read their other books then you’ll know. If you haven’t - do yourself a favour, have at them 😇 thank me later. The balance that Clevenger achieves between smoking hot steam & intimacy is again a testament to their abilities as a storyteller. There are few who can strike such a perfect balance, Clevenger does.
I’ve talked before about the realism that is a central point of all of JC’s books. It is here in spades. The question of long distance should they/ could they is perfectly executed. I adored the miscommunication as well, again, it’s real. The characters journeys, especially Devyn’s is wonderfully crafted. I wouldn’t say she’s an ice queen - but there’s some frost there for sure.
In summary I really loved this book.
Oh and no small matter, there’s an adorable dog which had me from the get go! I read this in almost one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. So if you want a fantastic read with all the components that make romance great this is a perfect choice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
Enjoyable story with two main protagonists that are easy to like.
Robbie wants to get away from the rain in Seattle and her coworker who is going through a divorce wants a change of scenery (to escape responsibilities 🙄) and suggests a house swap for his cottage in San Diego. Robbie agrees and is staying in a cottage on the property where her co workers ex wife still lives.
Devyn is a doctor at a local hospital and is left with finishing repairs in the house to ready it for market. Her ex husband had agreed to do the repairs, then took off. She stumbles across Robbie, thinking she is a gardener her ex must have hired as he didn’t tell her about the house swap arrangement.
Devyn comes off a bit icey and is irritated at the situation and her exes behavior and lack of communication. She needs the repairs in the house done and since Robbie is there to do it, she acquiesces and lets her stay.
Devyn, who has always been in straight relationships is surprisingly drawn to this “house butch” staying in the cottage. Even her dog, Angel, who hates everyone likes her. She and Robbie settle into sharing space and feelings develop for each other. Will they take a chance? Robbie has responsibilities in Seattle, helping her uncle with the marina and Devyn isn’t really keen on relationships atm.
This is a fun, engaging and sweet read. I’m often found myself smiling as I read. I have enjoyed all of Jaime Clevenger’s books and this one is at the top of my list now. I’d rate is 4.5 stars if I could.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Robbie wants to get away from the rain in Seattle and her coworker who is going through a divorce wants a change of scenery (to escape responsibilities 🙄) and suggests a house swap for his cottage in San Diego. Robbie agrees and is staying in a cottage on the property where her co workers ex wife still lives.
Devyn is a doctor at a local hospital and is left with finishing repairs in the house to ready it for market. Her ex husband had agreed to do the repairs, then took off. She stumbles across Robbie, thinking she is a gardener her ex must have hired as he didn’t tell her about the house swap arrangement.
Devyn comes off a bit icey and is irritated at the situation and her exes behavior and lack of communication. She needs the repairs in the house done and since Robbie is there to do it, she acquiesces and lets her stay.
Devyn, who has always been in straight relationships is surprisingly drawn to this “house butch” staying in the cottage. Even her dog, Angel, who hates everyone likes her. She and Robbie settle into sharing space and feelings develop for each other. Will they take a chance? Robbie has responsibilities in Seattle, helping her uncle with the marina and Devyn isn’t really keen on relationships atm.
This is a fun, engaging and sweet read. I’m often found myself smiling as I read. I have enjoyed all of Jaime Clevenger’s books and this one is at the top of my list now. I’d rate is 4.5 stars if I could.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2026
A handsome “house butch"? ✅
A gorgeous and independent femme? ✅
A cheeky but adorable puppy? ✅
And of course, a sweet (and spicy) love story? ✅
Did I really expect anything less from JayClev? Nope
Robbie is in need of a change so when her IT work colleague, Matt, offers a solution, she is more than eager to accept. The solution, house swap. For the next month she will be living in Matts cottage, a place attached to the house he shares with his ex-wife while fixing it up for them to sell. Sounds easy, right? Wrong.
After being cheated on, Devyn is ready to move on with her life, right after her no-good ex finishes fixing up the house so they can sell. She is completely blindsided when she comes home from a shift in the E.R to find her soon-to-be ex-husband gone and a very stunning woman in his place destroying her garden (on accident, obviously).
And this is where it all starts …
Annoyance quickly becomes an attraction neither can (or want ) to deny, and the next thing you know, they are joking about caulk, having tender moments, and falling into bed, and into each other's hearts.
I adore these two, especially Robbie and her easy-going attitude, the way she seamlessly fits into Devyn's life, and finally thaws her icy heart, showing her that not everyone is an asshat like Matt.
The real star of the show is Angel, Devyn's pup. That little fluff ball stole my heart, even when he was naughty and giving everyone a heartattack. Stupid squirrel.
My only complaint would be, JayClev, where is Mo? 😉
A gorgeous and independent femme? ✅
A cheeky but adorable puppy? ✅
And of course, a sweet (and spicy) love story? ✅
Did I really expect anything less from JayClev? Nope
Robbie is in need of a change so when her IT work colleague, Matt, offers a solution, she is more than eager to accept. The solution, house swap. For the next month she will be living in Matts cottage, a place attached to the house he shares with his ex-wife while fixing it up for them to sell. Sounds easy, right? Wrong.
After being cheated on, Devyn is ready to move on with her life, right after her no-good ex finishes fixing up the house so they can sell. She is completely blindsided when she comes home from a shift in the E.R to find her soon-to-be ex-husband gone and a very stunning woman in his place destroying her garden (on accident, obviously).
And this is where it all starts …
Annoyance quickly becomes an attraction neither can (or want ) to deny, and the next thing you know, they are joking about caulk, having tender moments, and falling into bed, and into each other's hearts.
I adore these two, especially Robbie and her easy-going attitude, the way she seamlessly fits into Devyn's life, and finally thaws her icy heart, showing her that not everyone is an asshat like Matt.
The real star of the show is Angel, Devyn's pup. That little fluff ball stole my heart, even when he was naughty and giving everyone a heartattack. Stupid squirrel.
My only complaint would be, JayClev, where is Mo? 😉
April 16, 2024
I had already been a big fan of Jaime Clevenger’s work but with Houseswap 101 she’s raised the bar yet again. This book has everything I’ve come to expect from this author; well-drawn characters and a story that completely drew me in. As an extra bonus it introduced me to the term “housebutch” which I will now be using copiously.
Like most of Clevenger’s books, the true strength of this story is the chemistry and passion developed between the two main characters, Robbie and Devyn. They don’t start off on the best foot, but the journey from enemies to lovers is swoony and I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for that first kiss. And oh my goodness, when I said this book was passionate I meant it. Literally some of the best plot-driving spice I have read in a while.
This story isn’t all sweetness and spice though, there is some definite drama during the last quarter and a very well-written will they, won’t they get together that had me hanging on every word. While some of the lack of communication was frustrating, it fit with the personal growth both mc’s had to go through to make it to the HEA I was hoping for them.
Whether you’re already a fan of Jamie Clevenger or not, I highly recommend you buy this book if you’re looking for a steamy, emotionally poignant, and just overall really great piece of sapphic fiction. You will be a fan once you finish reading. 4.5 stars
I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
Like most of Clevenger’s books, the true strength of this story is the chemistry and passion developed between the two main characters, Robbie and Devyn. They don’t start off on the best foot, but the journey from enemies to lovers is swoony and I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for that first kiss. And oh my goodness, when I said this book was passionate I meant it. Literally some of the best plot-driving spice I have read in a while.
This story isn’t all sweetness and spice though, there is some definite drama during the last quarter and a very well-written will they, won’t they get together that had me hanging on every word. While some of the lack of communication was frustrating, it fit with the personal growth both mc’s had to go through to make it to the HEA I was hoping for them.
Whether you’re already a fan of Jamie Clevenger or not, I highly recommend you buy this book if you’re looking for a steamy, emotionally poignant, and just overall really great piece of sapphic fiction. You will be a fan once you finish reading. 4.5 stars
I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
November 26, 2024
welp... my very neutral feelings about this book devolved into a mess of sarcastic thoughts in my notes app🥴
Review breakdown:
Writing: I hit this doozy and basically hate-read everything after: "muscles in all the right places. not bulky, but toned." why can't she be bulky? why was it necessary to clarify in this manner?
Characters: should have dnfed at D-name's intro. robbie is the only decent person in this story. was not rooting for them.
Plot: woman hooks up with friend's ex wife. this setup didn't work for me, especially with the way we first learn about this ex. the friend, waving his douchey red flag, tells us how awful is ex is in the "my ex is crazy" way. she does turn out to be kind of awful, and I desperately wanted robbie to go find someone who will show her the kindness and appreciation she deserves.
also, the later plot involving sex just didn't work for me. I appreciate a story about someone exploring their sexual interests and discovering what they like, but that feels more like a setup for experimenting with a stranger before you develop feelings. I dunno, it just really threw me.
What would make this an extra star read for me: erm....this kind of fell apart at the end, so my initial thoughts about what I would change just got buried in a growing pile of things. also, I felt the title should have had more play in this...like the first rule of houseswapping is...
Vibes: annoying
Review breakdown:
Writing: I hit this doozy and basically hate-read everything after: "muscles in all the right places. not bulky, but toned." why can't she be bulky? why was it necessary to clarify in this manner?
Characters: should have dnfed at D-name's intro. robbie is the only decent person in this story. was not rooting for them.
Plot: woman hooks up with friend's ex wife. this setup didn't work for me, especially with the way we first learn about this ex. the friend, waving his douchey red flag, tells us how awful is ex is in the "my ex is crazy" way. she does turn out to be kind of awful, and I desperately wanted robbie to go find someone who will show her the kindness and appreciation she deserves.
also, the later plot involving sex just didn't work for me. I appreciate a story about someone exploring their sexual interests and discovering what they like, but that feels more like a setup for experimenting with a stranger before you develop feelings. I dunno, it just really threw me.
What would make this an extra star read for me: erm....this kind of fell apart at the end, so my initial thoughts about what I would change just got buried in a growing pile of things. also, I felt the title should have had more play in this...like the first rule of houseswapping is...
Vibes: annoying
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