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Romp!
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26Welcome to the 80s, and to the raunchiest summer of your life When Lady Opal Fairfax discovers her scoundrel of a husband cheating, she decides to turn the tables on him. Instead of getting a divorce, she’s going to get even. Opal invites five daring (and gorgeous) artists to her manor, offering a life-changing cash prize to the best talent.
Among them is Ruby, a talented poet struggling to make ends meet. So when Opal dangles the chance of an all-expenses-paid summer, Ruby can’t resist. But she wasn’t expecting the competition to be quite so fierce – or so sexy.
With all these brilliant and beautiful people around, life at Fairfax Manor promises to be anything but dull. Ruby and Opal aren't just seeking they're going to find out a way to come out on top…in more ways than one.
A delicious and sexy romp for fans of Jilly Cooper, Jackie Collins, big hair and wilder parties.
Among them is Ruby, a talented poet struggling to make ends meet. So when Opal dangles the chance of an all-expenses-paid summer, Ruby can’t resist. But she wasn’t expecting the competition to be quite so fierce – or so sexy.
With all these brilliant and beautiful people around, life at Fairfax Manor promises to be anything but dull. Ruby and Opal aren't just seeking they're going to find out a way to come out on top…in more ways than one.
A delicious and sexy romp for fans of Jilly Cooper, Jackie Collins, big hair and wilder parties.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
OMG this was so much fun. Set in the 1980's (I remember it well), amongst the big hair, the even bigger shoulder pads! And the fantastic music. Think Hollywood Wives but instead of the hedonistic LA lifestyle we're in Cambridgeshire. I thought this might have been a bit more sedate and countryfide! Gladly I was wrong. The characters in this book could definitely give their LA counterparts a run for their money.
The story follows heiress Opal Fairfax, who has inherited a country estate. She is married to Martin, but I pleased to say the house doesn't belong to him. Martin, is an old school big business kind of guy. He was a character that I loved to hate. Opal discovers that her husband is having an affair. There are some really funny scenes in the book where we see how she comes to terms with this. She doesn't confront him though and decides to take matters into her own hands in an entirely different way. She opens the doors of her sprawling home to host a competition for an eclectic mix of artists. What follows is a lively mix of scandal, ambition, and plenty of romping going on.
The artists that Opal invites to her home and really diverse and I really enjoyed meeting the different characters. They all brought their different personalities to the book and this gave the book some great enrichment as well as giving us a wild ride throughout the book. You would think this would be all style over substance, but the characters are really well developed. We see how a lot of them change over the course of the book. At times I felt incredibly sorry for Opal, as we delve into her background and discover a sad and less glossy side to her life. Blame Martin!
The novel explores some pretty heavy themes of loss, betrayal, as characters are challenged to come to terms with who they really are. The glamour of the 80's was also tinged with an era of excess but not always in a good way. But we also get empowerment, self-discovery, fun chaos and all the drama of an 80's soap opera. I definitely got Dynasty vibes when I was reading this.
I found it to be a mainly light hearted and entertaining read. There was romping going on but these scenes were well written and not gratuitous. If you enjoy a bit of soap opera style drama, who is doing what to who, messy relationships and scandal this is a great read.
It would make a great holiday read, sat by the pool with a flamboyant 80's type cocktail to hand.
A big thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for this copy, which I reviewed honestly.
The story follows heiress Opal Fairfax, who has inherited a country estate. She is married to Martin, but I pleased to say the house doesn't belong to him. Martin, is an old school big business kind of guy. He was a character that I loved to hate. Opal discovers that her husband is having an affair. There are some really funny scenes in the book where we see how she comes to terms with this. She doesn't confront him though and decides to take matters into her own hands in an entirely different way. She opens the doors of her sprawling home to host a competition for an eclectic mix of artists. What follows is a lively mix of scandal, ambition, and plenty of romping going on.
The artists that Opal invites to her home and really diverse and I really enjoyed meeting the different characters. They all brought their different personalities to the book and this gave the book some great enrichment as well as giving us a wild ride throughout the book. You would think this would be all style over substance, but the characters are really well developed. We see how a lot of them change over the course of the book. At times I felt incredibly sorry for Opal, as we delve into her background and discover a sad and less glossy side to her life. Blame Martin!
The novel explores some pretty heavy themes of loss, betrayal, as characters are challenged to come to terms with who they really are. The glamour of the 80's was also tinged with an era of excess but not always in a good way. But we also get empowerment, self-discovery, fun chaos and all the drama of an 80's soap opera. I definitely got Dynasty vibes when I was reading this.
I found it to be a mainly light hearted and entertaining read. There was romping going on but these scenes were well written and not gratuitous. If you enjoy a bit of soap opera style drama, who is doing what to who, messy relationships and scandal this is a great read.
It would make a great holiday read, sat by the pool with a flamboyant 80's type cocktail to hand.
A big thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for this copy, which I reviewed honestly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Before reading this, I thought this would be a book focused on exploring Opal's journey through finding her own identity after falling out of love with her husband. I would say this is more a series of different character's love lives over a summer. Certain elements of it seemed slightly unfinished. For example in chapter 6 Opal leaves the house in a hurry to avoid seeing her husband, in chapter 13 it flashes back to the same morning where she had come downstairs to a note from her husband saying he was out playing golf. Not sure if this was just missed in the final edit.
I enjoyed that the cast of character's was diverse, particularly for a book set in the 80s. However it didn't always seem well written within this. I don't take issue with flawed character perspectives, for example Johan's problematic commentary was clearly a self-aware choice made by the author to show the flaws of his character. However, at other points it felt like the author themselves was off in her takes. For example, could someone explain to me what an 'African accent' sounds like?
I was expecting this book to have a lot more focus on it being set in the 80s, but I honestly forgot when it was set until the occasional time Thatcher was referenced,
I didn't enjoy the first third of this but found myself invested in the character storylines from around halfway, particularly Adam. Though the book did conclude in the way I predicted. I'm not sure quite where this book would sit as it didn't delive into enough emotional depth to keep me interested from the character development side consistently. Though I'm not sure that it's hot and heavy enough for a pure, scandalous beach read. In my opinion this was quite long for a book of it's kind as well. I feel the first third could have been much more condensed as it did not offer much growth in terms of character or plot. Almost 400 pages for a book like this felt quite drawn out.
I appreciate the opportunity to review this book through Net Galley. Though I'm not sure it was right for me.
I enjoyed that the cast of character's was diverse, particularly for a book set in the 80s. However it didn't always seem well written within this. I don't take issue with flawed character perspectives, for example Johan's problematic commentary was clearly a self-aware choice made by the author to show the flaws of his character. However, at other points it felt like the author themselves was off in her takes. For example, could someone explain to me what an 'African accent' sounds like?
I was expecting this book to have a lot more focus on it being set in the 80s, but I honestly forgot when it was set until the occasional time Thatcher was referenced,
I didn't enjoy the first third of this but found myself invested in the character storylines from around halfway, particularly Adam. Though the book did conclude in the way I predicted. I'm not sure quite where this book would sit as it didn't delive into enough emotional depth to keep me interested from the character development side consistently. Though I'm not sure that it's hot and heavy enough for a pure, scandalous beach read. In my opinion this was quite long for a book of it's kind as well. I feel the first third could have been much more condensed as it did not offer much growth in terms of character or plot. Almost 400 pages for a book like this felt quite drawn out.
I appreciate the opportunity to review this book through Net Galley. Though I'm not sure it was right for me.
May 9, 2026
⭐️ 3.5 Stars ⭐️
Set in the 80s, Romp follows Lady Opal Fairfax as she opens her home to a group of struggling artists, offering them the chance to compete for a £75,000 prize.
One of my favourite parts of this book was when the story opened up into multiple POVs. It really helped you see what each artist brought to the competition and gave you a better understanding of everything going on behind the scenes.
I’ll be honest, with a title like Romp and the way it’s described, I was expecting things to be a little spicier… but that might say more about the books I’ve been reading lately than anything else.
The artists themselves were a beautifully diverse group, and their relationships felt genuine. I loved watching their connections form and evolve. I just wish we’d had a bit more depth and backstory for each of them, as this would have helped me understand why the money mattered so much and what shaped their choices.
Opal’s development was a real highlight. Seeing what pushed her to create this competition, and watching her grow into herself, made her such an easy character to root for.
The 80s setting, though, didn’t come through as strongly as I’d hoped. There are a few nods to the era, but for most of the book it could have been set at any time. A stronger sense of the decade would have made some of the relationships and outcomes feel even more impactful.
Overall, a fun, lighthearted read with a great group of characters, even if they didn’t quite make the impact I was hoping for. I also think a stronger 80s vibe would have really brought the setting to life.
Set in the 80s, Romp follows Lady Opal Fairfax as she opens her home to a group of struggling artists, offering them the chance to compete for a £75,000 prize.
One of my favourite parts of this book was when the story opened up into multiple POVs. It really helped you see what each artist brought to the competition and gave you a better understanding of everything going on behind the scenes.
I’ll be honest, with a title like Romp and the way it’s described, I was expecting things to be a little spicier… but that might say more about the books I’ve been reading lately than anything else.
The artists themselves were a beautifully diverse group, and their relationships felt genuine. I loved watching their connections form and evolve. I just wish we’d had a bit more depth and backstory for each of them, as this would have helped me understand why the money mattered so much and what shaped their choices.
Opal’s development was a real highlight. Seeing what pushed her to create this competition, and watching her grow into herself, made her such an easy character to root for.
The 80s setting, though, didn’t come through as strongly as I’d hoped. There are a few nods to the era, but for most of the book it could have been set at any time. A stronger sense of the decade would have made some of the relationships and outcomes feel even more impactful.
Overall, a fun, lighthearted read with a great group of characters, even if they didn’t quite make the impact I was hoping for. I also think a stronger 80s vibe would have really brought the setting to life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Avon Books UK provided an early galley for review.
Every now and again, I'll pick up a romance book (not my usual go-to genre) just as a change of pace. This one has an interesting description, and the 1980's are always a go-to decade for me. So it checked both those boxes.
I found the story took awhile to shift into gear (Opal's GBF Gareth does not suggest the artist's retreat until a sixth of the way in, and it is with several of those characters that I finally got engaged). The story has several POVs, shifting around each chapter as the story requires. This helped me enjoy the book a bit more as some of the POV characters were definitely more entertaining than others.
As for the 80's element, it was practically nonexistent; the story could have been set at any time and would have unfolded in nearly the same manner.
In the end, I am glad I stuck with the story. While not an amazing read, for me, there were elements that did work and some of the characters stood out. I think there are certainly readers who will really enjoy it.
Every now and again, I'll pick up a romance book (not my usual go-to genre) just as a change of pace. This one has an interesting description, and the 1980's are always a go-to decade for me. So it checked both those boxes.
I found the story took awhile to shift into gear (Opal's GBF Gareth does not suggest the artist's retreat until a sixth of the way in, and it is with several of those characters that I finally got engaged). The story has several POVs, shifting around each chapter as the story requires. This helped me enjoy the book a bit more as some of the POV characters were definitely more entertaining than others.
As for the 80's element, it was practically nonexistent; the story could have been set at any time and would have unfolded in nearly the same manner.
In the end, I am glad I stuck with the story. While not an amazing read, for me, there were elements that did work and some of the characters stood out. I think there are certainly readers who will really enjoy it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Opal discovers her husband is cheating, she decides to get even rather than get divorced. She invites five daring artists to her manor, offering life changing cash to the best talent. Among them is Ruby, who wasn’t expecting the competition to be so sexy. Ruby and Opal aren’t just seeking inspiration. They are seeking a way to come out on top, in more ways than one.
This isn’t my usual read, however I was drawn to the synopsis as it sounded like it would be a different and fun read. This was an entertaining story that I was intrigued by straight away, however as I carried on reading it started to lose momentum, as it took a while to really start to go anywhere and felt long. I enjoyed the setting and the characters, however I felt they needed more depth for me to really care about them. I also thought it would be a bit more risqué than it was from the title and description. Even through not completely for me, this was still a decent, light hearted story and would make a good summer read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This isn’t my usual read, however I was drawn to the synopsis as it sounded like it would be a different and fun read. This was an entertaining story that I was intrigued by straight away, however as I carried on reading it started to lose momentum, as it took a while to really start to go anywhere and felt long. I enjoyed the setting and the characters, however I felt they needed more depth for me to really care about them. I also thought it would be a bit more risqué than it was from the title and description. Even through not completely for me, this was still a decent, light hearted story and would make a good summer read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4☆ A Romping Good Read
I have to say i wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but one thing is for certain, it lives up to its name in more ways than one!
It deals with infidelity, finding oneself, sexuality, death, grief, sexual awakenings, friendships, new beginnings, and all things art.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were quirky, and each one added something special to the book.
Opal well, she was certainly a character, I loved how she encouraged the artists to reach their full potential through a series of challenging subject matters.
I loved the characters, even Johan! Ruby, i think she was my favourite. She gained so much from being at Opal's retreat.
Romp! Is exactly what this book is.
It's fun, at times empowering, with a few secrets and twists, and it definitely took me on a ride!
A big thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for this copy, which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I have to say i wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but one thing is for certain, it lives up to its name in more ways than one!
It deals with infidelity, finding oneself, sexuality, death, grief, sexual awakenings, friendships, new beginnings, and all things art.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were quirky, and each one added something special to the book.
Opal well, she was certainly a character, I loved how she encouraged the artists to reach their full potential through a series of challenging subject matters.
I loved the characters, even Johan! Ruby, i think she was my favourite. She gained so much from being at Opal's retreat.
Romp! Is exactly what this book is.
It's fun, at times empowering, with a few secrets and twists, and it definitely took me on a ride!
A big thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for this copy, which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I chose Romp by Ada Barume as a I needed a change of pace from the non-fiction bubble I'd been in for the past few months, looking for something light and engaging. While I did enjoy the book, it did not fully meet my expectations based on the blurb.
The novel is positioned as a 1980s bonkbuster, but the tone is more restrained than that description suggests. The more dramatic and sensual elements only really come through in the final third of the book.
That said, the character development is a strong point. The central art competition, hosted by Opal, provides a solid backdrop to explore the diverse characters and their individual stories and motivations for wanting to win £75k in old money. This structure works well and keeps the narrative engaging. My favourite characters from that cohort were Ruby (who was probably the most well fleshed out character) and Jojo.
I also appreciated the diversity within the cast. For a story set in the 1980s, the inclusion of queer and ethnically diverse characters felt refreshing and well integrated.
Overall, this is a light, quick read with an interesting premise and strong character work. While it does not fully deliver on the expectations set by its marketing, it is still an enjoyable novel.
For the PopSugar challenge some may feel this book meets the "book about new beginnings" prompt.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The novel is positioned as a 1980s bonkbuster, but the tone is more restrained than that description suggests. The more dramatic and sensual elements only really come through in the final third of the book.
That said, the character development is a strong point. The central art competition, hosted by Opal, provides a solid backdrop to explore the diverse characters and their individual stories and motivations for wanting to win £75k in old money. This structure works well and keeps the narrative engaging. My favourite characters from that cohort were Ruby (who was probably the most well fleshed out character) and Jojo.
I also appreciated the diversity within the cast. For a story set in the 1980s, the inclusion of queer and ethnically diverse characters felt refreshing and well integrated.
Overall, this is a light, quick read with an interesting premise and strong character work. While it does not fully deliver on the expectations set by its marketing, it is still an enjoyable novel.
For the PopSugar challenge some may feel this book meets the "book about new beginnings" prompt.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Opal has found out that her husband has been shagging her neighbours teenage daughter. He doesn't know that she has actually seen them.
On impulse he decides to run an art workshop at her house to award a prize at the end of 6 weeks to carefully chosen artists in different mediums.
What she doesn't count on is the sexual tension that this brings, not only for her but for the artists. The retreat becomes eye opening for more than one person and passions are roused for not just the art projects.
A homage to Jilly Cooper set in the 1980s.
On impulse he decides to run an art workshop at her house to award a prize at the end of 6 weeks to carefully chosen artists in different mediums.
What she doesn't count on is the sexual tension that this brings, not only for her but for the artists. The retreat becomes eye opening for more than one person and passions are roused for not just the art projects.
A homage to Jilly Cooper set in the 1980s.
April 15, 2026
A really enjoyable read, it reminded me of the original raunchy books of the 80s by Jackie Collins and the like.
There’s a very diverse range of characters which was really nice to see, and I loved getting to know them as they got to know themselves. Everyone is hiding something, often from themselves, and it’s a fun journey of discovery.
It’s definitely not as spicy as you might assume but it had an emotional intensity which made it feel intimate.
There’s a very diverse range of characters which was really nice to see, and I loved getting to know them as they got to know themselves. Everyone is hiding something, often from themselves, and it’s a fun journey of discovery.
It’s definitely not as spicy as you might assume but it had an emotional intensity which made it feel intimate.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A delightful and fun story following Opal Fairfax who decides after discovering her husbands affair to open her sprawling mansion to five artists with a cash prize of £75 thousand pounds for the most outstanding artist and board
The five artists are all different in their own way and I loved it had a style similar to Jilly Cooper spicy and full of fun.
Would recommend for a fun read and thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The five artists are all different in their own way and I loved it had a style similar to Jilly Cooper spicy and full of fun.
Would recommend for a fun read and thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an early review of this book. This was not what i expected and really not something I enjoyed. For a book called a bonkbuster, the spicy scenes were just there and short and to the point. I had minimal empathy for any character in this book. I don’t feel like any of them even grew as people or artists.
The best part of the ending was being done.
The best part of the ending was being done.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
We follow 5 artists compete to win £75,000 at Lady Fairfax's home.
Laughter, tears, climax and friendship gets experienced in this story.
I very much enjoyed the multiple POV, helps paint the whole picture.
Laughter, tears, climax and friendship gets experienced in this story.
I very much enjoyed the multiple POV, helps paint the whole picture.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of ROMP! by Ada Barumé and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set around the chaotic world of an old-money 1980s estate, the story follows heiress Opal Fairfax, who opens the doors of her sprawling home to host a competition for an eclectic mix of artists. What follows is a lively mix of scandal, ambition, and plenty of bed-hopping as personalities clash and alliances shift.
The novel explores themes of loss, betrayal, self-discovery and ultimately rebirth, as the characters are forced to confront who they really are beneath the performances they put on for others. Opal herself is a particularly fun centre to the chaos, presiding over the drama unfolding in her house.
I found it to be a light, entertaining read with a strong sense of fun. The sex scenes are well written and add to the story without feeling gratuitous. If you enjoy big personalities, messy relationships and a bit of scandal — very much in the spirit of classic bonkbusters like Jilly Cooper — this will likely be right up your street.
Overall, a lively, well-written novel that’s easy to get swept up in and one I’d happily recommend to readers looking for an entertaining escape.
Set around the chaotic world of an old-money 1980s estate, the story follows heiress Opal Fairfax, who opens the doors of her sprawling home to host a competition for an eclectic mix of artists. What follows is a lively mix of scandal, ambition, and plenty of bed-hopping as personalities clash and alliances shift.
The novel explores themes of loss, betrayal, self-discovery and ultimately rebirth, as the characters are forced to confront who they really are beneath the performances they put on for others. Opal herself is a particularly fun centre to the chaos, presiding over the drama unfolding in her house.
I found it to be a light, entertaining read with a strong sense of fun. The sex scenes are well written and add to the story without feeling gratuitous. If you enjoy big personalities, messy relationships and a bit of scandal — very much in the spirit of classic bonkbusters like Jilly Cooper — this will likely be right up your street.
Overall, a lively, well-written novel that’s easy to get swept up in and one I’d happily recommend to readers looking for an entertaining escape.
March 16, 2026
This was a light hearted story, even with Opal having turmoil in her life.
I do wish there was more in-depth detail about the main characters such as Opal and Gareth.
But this was an easy read, which would be great for a holiday read.
I do wish there was more in-depth detail about the main characters such as Opal and Gareth.
But this was an easy read, which would be great for a holiday read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolutely loved the vibe of this one! It’s bold, glamorous, and full of messy, addictive drama that makes it hard to put down. The characters are larger-than-life in the best way, and the setting feels like pure escapist fun.
It’s definitely on the steamy side, with plenty of twists and tension to keep things interesting. While a few moments felt a little over-the-top, that’s kind of part of the charm-it leans fully into its 80s-inspired extravagance.
If you’re in the mood for something fun, sexy, and a little bit wild, it’s an easy, fast-paced read that’s perfect when you just want to switch off and enjoy the ride.
It’s definitely on the steamy side, with plenty of twists and tension to keep things interesting. While a few moments felt a little over-the-top, that’s kind of part of the charm-it leans fully into its 80s-inspired extravagance.
If you’re in the mood for something fun, sexy, and a little bit wild, it’s an easy, fast-paced read that’s perfect when you just want to switch off and enjoy the ride.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews