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Vesper
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10 copies available
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Fiercely witty and sharply narrated, VESPER is an anti-romance literary novel about independence, love, and self-discovery through the eyes of consultant Vesper. Blending the cultural zeitgeist of Sex and the City with the philosophical depth of Milan Kundera, it’s perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Sarah Rose Etter and Adelle Waldman.
Vesper Elsegood is in love. With being single.
She can't understand why any of her friends would want to settle down. Because if she's learnt anything about New York's ruthless dating scene, it's that love is an ever-changing concept, a silly game, and there are rarely any winners.
But when Caspian walks into her life, an enigmatic and ambitious entrepreneur with a vision for launching a prestigious global prize to celebrate philosophical thinking, Vesper is momentarily undone. And as the chemistry between them intensifies, she soon finds herself re-examining everything—her relationships, her career, her ability to rewrite her own story.
In this restless city, where everyone seems fixated on either finding themselves or finding their perfect match, Vesper must decide whether she's met the one she wasn't looking for, or if she's the only one she really needs…
A bold and unapologetic observation of what it means to be a single woman in New York City, Marks' debut novel is equal parts emotional portrait, cultural inquiry, and contemporary coming-of-age—a story about subverting gender norms, dismantling inherited narratives, and choosing a life that is wholly one’s own.
Vesper Elsegood is in love. With being single.
She can't understand why any of her friends would want to settle down. Because if she's learnt anything about New York's ruthless dating scene, it's that love is an ever-changing concept, a silly game, and there are rarely any winners.
But when Caspian walks into her life, an enigmatic and ambitious entrepreneur with a vision for launching a prestigious global prize to celebrate philosophical thinking, Vesper is momentarily undone. And as the chemistry between them intensifies, she soon finds herself re-examining everything—her relationships, her career, her ability to rewrite her own story.
In this restless city, where everyone seems fixated on either finding themselves or finding their perfect match, Vesper must decide whether she's met the one she wasn't looking for, or if she's the only one she really needs…
A bold and unapologetic observation of what it means to be a single woman in New York City, Marks' debut novel is equal parts emotional portrait, cultural inquiry, and contemporary coming-of-age—a story about subverting gender norms, dismantling inherited narratives, and choosing a life that is wholly one’s own.
360 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 5, 2026
This is not a romance novel. And that, to me, is the most fascinating thing about this book.
When I got the message that my request to read an advance copy of this book was granted, I realized I'd simply presumed (without giving it any thought) the author to be a woman. What I thought was going to be a literary exploration of navigating life as a single woman and the dating scene in NYC, actually turned out to be a man's exploration of writing about life as a single woman and the dating scene in NYC. A man in finance, too. I felt challenged by all of this, and couldn't stop thinking about what it means to me and my experience of the novel. Deciding to give it an honest shot, I wondered if I could even enjoy a work like that – and what that says about me.
Our main character, the contemporary woman whose lifestyle and social circle definitely evoke Sex and the City vibes in deuxmoi times, lives in an Instagram depiction of New York City bustle that seems lovingly put together. I cannot imagine anything but earnest enjoyment being had while painting this picture, and the result is largely a very light-hearted, easy read. It's the New York where yellow cabs and Chinese takeout have been replaced with DoorDash and Uber, the New York where paparazzi and 'IG update accs' camp outside restaurants for hours waiting for Taylor Swift to emerge with her friends. It feels familiar and endearing, the accurate references kept pleasantly surprising me, but it also left me feeling detached at times.
Try as I did, I'll never be able to conclusively answer whether my bias was too much to overcome or whether my experience honestly reflects the quality of the book. There are large chunks of the book that just never came to life for me, never felt real. A lot of interesting ideas felt hinted at, mentioned, but not deeply explored. Female greetings always being a hiii! and never a hi! threatened to send me over the edge. I worried I would go away saying the whole book fell flat for me, but was ultimately rewarded for my determination to see it through the end.
While the philosophical notes sometimes rang hollow for me, other times they sung brilliantly. I see what it's trying to do, and I don't mind it. Where it truly sparkled and blazed, however, was the romance. The chemistry was stunning, it gave me butterflies, it swept me off my feet. And that, that changed everything for me. This is not a romance novel, and the romance is excellent, before it forces you back to reality and demands you reflect on how you got swept up, exactly. Nearing the end you're handed a simple but profound reflection on self worth, and it concludes with a reason to return to and re-evaluate the main character's changes of heart rather than dismiss them.
The way the book ends might prove to be polarizing, but I urge other readers to consider how the book puts you in a position where you cannot disregard any of the realities you're presented with about Vesper's relationship to relationships. There is value and truth to each perspective she experiences, and there is no single right answer to be drawn from her story.
The whole time I read this book, I kept asking myself who is this guy? Why is he writing this? What is he basing this on? And my questions were answered extensively upon reaching the acknowledgments. A list of works he used as inspiration for the voice of his female narrator, a list of male authors whose exploration of the female voice he found encouraging or inspiring. It confirmed a feeling I'd built as I progressed into the novel: that there is a real sincerity to Vesper, and a real vulnerability in deciding to create it. Something I can only appreciate, and something worthwhile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I got the message that my request to read an advance copy of this book was granted, I realized I'd simply presumed (without giving it any thought) the author to be a woman. What I thought was going to be a literary exploration of navigating life as a single woman and the dating scene in NYC, actually turned out to be a man's exploration of writing about life as a single woman and the dating scene in NYC. A man in finance, too. I felt challenged by all of this, and couldn't stop thinking about what it means to me and my experience of the novel. Deciding to give it an honest shot, I wondered if I could even enjoy a work like that – and what that says about me.
Our main character, the contemporary woman whose lifestyle and social circle definitely evoke Sex and the City vibes in deuxmoi times, lives in an Instagram depiction of New York City bustle that seems lovingly put together. I cannot imagine anything but earnest enjoyment being had while painting this picture, and the result is largely a very light-hearted, easy read. It's the New York where yellow cabs and Chinese takeout have been replaced with DoorDash and Uber, the New York where paparazzi and 'IG update accs' camp outside restaurants for hours waiting for Taylor Swift to emerge with her friends. It feels familiar and endearing, the accurate references kept pleasantly surprising me, but it also left me feeling detached at times.
Try as I did, I'll never be able to conclusively answer whether my bias was too much to overcome or whether my experience honestly reflects the quality of the book. There are large chunks of the book that just never came to life for me, never felt real. A lot of interesting ideas felt hinted at, mentioned, but not deeply explored. Female greetings always being a hiii! and never a hi! threatened to send me over the edge. I worried I would go away saying the whole book fell flat for me, but was ultimately rewarded for my determination to see it through the end.
While the philosophical notes sometimes rang hollow for me, other times they sung brilliantly. I see what it's trying to do, and I don't mind it. Where it truly sparkled and blazed, however, was the romance. The chemistry was stunning, it gave me butterflies, it swept me off my feet. And that, that changed everything for me. This is not a romance novel, and the romance is excellent, before it forces you back to reality and demands you reflect on how you got swept up, exactly. Nearing the end you're handed a simple but profound reflection on self worth, and it concludes with a reason to return to and re-evaluate the main character's changes of heart rather than dismiss them.
The way the book ends might prove to be polarizing, but I urge other readers to consider how the book puts you in a position where you cannot disregard any of the realities you're presented with about Vesper's relationship to relationships. There is value and truth to each perspective she experiences, and there is no single right answer to be drawn from her story.
The whole time I read this book, I kept asking myself who is this guy? Why is he writing this? What is he basing this on? And my questions were answered extensively upon reaching the acknowledgments. A list of works he used as inspiration for the voice of his female narrator, a list of male authors whose exploration of the female voice he found encouraging or inspiring. It confirmed a feeling I'd built as I progressed into the novel: that there is a real sincerity to Vesper, and a real vulnerability in deciding to create it. Something I can only appreciate, and something worthwhile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
March 9, 2026
This book is marketed as an anti-romance Sex and the City and “unapologetic observation of what it means to be a single woman in New York City.” If these are supposed to represent real women in NYC (I am one; the author is not) they certainly aren’t like any of the women I know. No, these are the 1% - an elitist bubble where everyone went to an Ivy League and works in finance or owns their own business, where all interactions feel schmoozy and everyone’s personality is basically just their CV. No one is queer, no one is poor, and NO one leaves the West Village (except to go to St. Tropez). The pretentiousness of these characters was turned up to a comical degree, but it was written with such sincerity that I couldn’t quite tell if the author was in on the joke.
I found the main character especially hard to root for because, well, who is she? What does she care about? Does she have hobbies? Feelings? Vesper does not want to be with a man, and yet her entire internal world and all manner of thought, energy, and conversation with loved ones was about men. If this book was Sex and the City then I was Miranda retreating from the breakfast table and throwing on my blue puffer coat going, “how does it happen that four such smart women have nothing to talk about but boyfriends? Does it always have to be about them?” Also I think Vesper might be an alcoholic?
2.5 stars because the writer has skill - the book flowed well, and if your New York City fantasy is one where everyone is rich and hot and drunk, you might love this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kinderspiel Press for the ARC. This is an honest review and totally subjective.
I found the main character especially hard to root for because, well, who is she? What does she care about? Does she have hobbies? Feelings? Vesper does not want to be with a man, and yet her entire internal world and all manner of thought, energy, and conversation with loved ones was about men. If this book was Sex and the City then I was Miranda retreating from the breakfast table and throwing on my blue puffer coat going, “how does it happen that four such smart women have nothing to talk about but boyfriends? Does it always have to be about them?” Also I think Vesper might be an alcoholic?
2.5 stars because the writer has skill - the book flowed well, and if your New York City fantasy is one where everyone is rich and hot and drunk, you might love this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kinderspiel Press for the ARC. This is an honest review and totally subjective.
April 12, 2026
At first I was excited for this book because it says that it‘s an anti-romance and „sex and the city“ vibe but sadly this fell flat.
First of all, all the women in this book talk and think about is men, dating and nothing else. Is that what the author thinks all women think about and talk about with their female friends? It really felt like the male author was trying to give us the „sex and the city“ feel but totally messed up to give any of the characters any depth. Vesper really felt like a girl that only thinks about men, like 24/7 which just isn‘t realistic especially if she didn‘t want to commit to anyone but still all she ever did and thought about was „men, men and men“. I really wanted to like this book and it had some good parts but in the grand scheme of things it just didn‘t deliver.
First of all, all the women in this book talk and think about is men, dating and nothing else. Is that what the author thinks all women think about and talk about with their female friends? It really felt like the male author was trying to give us the „sex and the city“ feel but totally messed up to give any of the characters any depth. Vesper really felt like a girl that only thinks about men, like 24/7 which just isn‘t realistic especially if she didn‘t want to commit to anyone but still all she ever did and thought about was „men, men and men“. I really wanted to like this book and it had some good parts but in the grand scheme of things it just didn‘t deliver.
April 17, 2026
When you finish a book and find yourself staring at a wall, questioning every life choice you’ve ever made… that’s when you know it’s going to stay with you for a while.
Firstly, I am genuinely mind blown that this book was written by a man. The majority of the story is told from the FMC, Vesper’s, perspective, and the level of relatability was almost unsettling. I mean that as the highest compliment.
This book is marketed as an anti-romance, with a strong focus on modern dating in New York. At first, it gives definite Sex and the City vibes, particularly the dynamic between Carrie and Mr. Big. But the deeper you get, the more you realise it’s not really about romance at all. It’s about perception.
One quote that completely encapsulated the experience for me:
“It’s about how dramatically different the perspectives of people can be despite there being only one truth.”
As you become deeply invested in Vesper’s life and her determination to remain independent in a world obsessed with settling down, the story begins to unfold in layers. It’s philosophical, introspective, and quietly intense in a way that sneaks up on you.
The pacing is slow, almost deceptively so, until you reach the end and realise you’ve been completely unravelled. By then, it’s too late. Everything has happened. Choices have been made. And what’s left is this unsettling reality: two completely different perceptions of the same story, but only one truth… and no one will ever truly know it.
I feel like there are so many different takeaways from this book and that’s the beauty of it. So many views. Nobody’s wrong. Nobody’s right. It just is your perception.
Firstly, I am genuinely mind blown that this book was written by a man. The majority of the story is told from the FMC, Vesper’s, perspective, and the level of relatability was almost unsettling. I mean that as the highest compliment.
This book is marketed as an anti-romance, with a strong focus on modern dating in New York. At first, it gives definite Sex and the City vibes, particularly the dynamic between Carrie and Mr. Big. But the deeper you get, the more you realise it’s not really about romance at all. It’s about perception.
One quote that completely encapsulated the experience for me:
“It’s about how dramatically different the perspectives of people can be despite there being only one truth.”
As you become deeply invested in Vesper’s life and her determination to remain independent in a world obsessed with settling down, the story begins to unfold in layers. It’s philosophical, introspective, and quietly intense in a way that sneaks up on you.
The pacing is slow, almost deceptively so, until you reach the end and realise you’ve been completely unravelled. By then, it’s too late. Everything has happened. Choices have been made. And what’s left is this unsettling reality: two completely different perceptions of the same story, but only one truth… and no one will ever truly know it.
I feel like there are so many different takeaways from this book and that’s the beauty of it. So many views. Nobody’s wrong. Nobody’s right. It just is your perception.
Did Not Finish
April 5, 2026First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and Kinderspiel Press for the advance copy of Vesper by Evan Marks.
Unfortunately I am unable to give a fair rating since I DNF’d at 35%. I was attracted to this particular novel by the interesting cover and once I read the description I was all in and considered this a must read.
The debut novel is described as an anti-romance literary novel with the premise being exploring the life of a single woman in New York with Sex and the City type vibes. I for one did not feel any vibes at all (Sex and the City or otherwise.) While there were a few entertaining lines or situations, I just wasn’t feeling any kind of story line really developing and had no attachment to Vesper at all
I tried to give this a fair chance before giving up but honestly I was bored of reading about Vesper’s job in so much detail when it had little significance. Other situations, such as the trip to St Tropez, just felt rushed and messy.
I will note that it must be difficult as a male author to portray a female and I didn’t think that the author did a bad job, especially this being a debut novel.
I didn’t dislike this book but the whole vibe of the novel was just not working for me.
Unfortunately I am unable to give a fair rating since I DNF’d at 35%. I was attracted to this particular novel by the interesting cover and once I read the description I was all in and considered this a must read.
The debut novel is described as an anti-romance literary novel with the premise being exploring the life of a single woman in New York with Sex and the City type vibes. I for one did not feel any vibes at all (Sex and the City or otherwise.) While there were a few entertaining lines or situations, I just wasn’t feeling any kind of story line really developing and had no attachment to Vesper at all
I tried to give this a fair chance before giving up but honestly I was bored of reading about Vesper’s job in so much detail when it had little significance. Other situations, such as the trip to St Tropez, just felt rushed and messy.
I will note that it must be difficult as a male author to portray a female and I didn’t think that the author did a bad job, especially this being a debut novel.
I didn’t dislike this book but the whole vibe of the novel was just not working for me.
May 2, 2026
I started out thinking, oh an anti-romance? Nice!
But this book was just TEDIOUS
Glad it’s over but hate the ending.
But this book was just TEDIOUS
Glad it’s over but hate the ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*** Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
I couldn't put it down!!! I loved it. I hated it. And I loved it again.
Vesper By Evan Marks is about a 20 something Woman (Vesper) with commitment issues navigating the dating scene in New York City. She's lost in her career, drowning at work and distracting herself with partying and endless marry-go-round of surface level dating.
As a 20 something in nyc I am always drawn to stories about other 20 somethings navigating their lives in the city.
First, let me say that I could not put this book down. I read it in two days flat.
Second, I am torn and don't know how to feel about the direction it went in. Nothing in Vespers life really changed at the end of the book. She got her heart broken & negotiated some time off work from work. And I don't believe the character would come back from her time away with anything to show for it but a good tan. But seeing as this was always supposed to be an anti-romance book it was unrealistic of me to expect a happily ever after for Vesper. Perhaps the very idea of Vesper learning emotional maturity so readily is a fairytale.
*** the following portion of this review contains spoilers***
As frustrating as this book was at times that's what made it good. It wasn't just some fluffy love story. It felt like real life. And in real life things don't always work out, there's rarely a happily ever after. And we don't get the full story, especially if we won't listen to it.
I couldn't put it down!!! I loved it. I hated it. And I loved it again.
Vesper By Evan Marks is about a 20 something Woman (Vesper) with commitment issues navigating the dating scene in New York City. She's lost in her career, drowning at work and distracting herself with partying and endless marry-go-round of surface level dating.
As a 20 something in nyc I am always drawn to stories about other 20 somethings navigating their lives in the city.
First, let me say that I could not put this book down. I read it in two days flat.
Second, I am torn and don't know how to feel about the direction it went in. Nothing in Vespers life really changed at the end of the book. She got her heart broken & negotiated some time off work from work. And I don't believe the character would come back from her time away with anything to show for it but a good tan. But seeing as this was always supposed to be an anti-romance book it was unrealistic of me to expect a happily ever after for Vesper. Perhaps the very idea of Vesper learning emotional maturity so readily is a fairytale.
*** the following portion of this review contains spoilers***
As frustrating as this book was at times that's what made it good. It wasn't just some fluffy love story. It felt like real life. And in real life things don't always work out, there's rarely a happily ever after. And we don't get the full story, especially if we won't listen to it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vesper is a book that I was drawn to by the promise of this mix of Sex and the City & Milan Kundera. I don't think the promise was made truthfully. Yes, I did see where the story tried to hint at a Sex and the City lifestyle but it did not deliver from my perspective.
There are multiple things I need to touch on:
1. The writing is good. Not pretentious at all, and not lacking in grammar skills either - pretty easy to read. That being said, this book reads very british english to me. Aside from some name drops of NYC streets and parks, my brain is convinced it all took place in London. All the characters phrased their lines in a british manner of speaking, you cannot convince me otherwise. And no, her ONE year at Oxford doesn't explain it.
2. The plot is weak. I can live with this, I have done so in the past and found great books with a slim plot so it's not a major turn off for me. Let's call this one a story that's supposed to make you feel and think as opposed to those that make you hold on by the edge of your seat.
3. I felt like the set-up of Vesper's lifestyle was a bit too long, I was losing interest - probably because it wasn't as Sex-and-the-City as it said it would be. I also didn't think that using first person narrative for ALL the male POVs was a great idea - I get it may be innovative and original (I haven't seen it before) but I kept feeling tricked into thinking "hey, there he is, the MMC! Oh wait, no it's not."
4. I was probably at the 40 or 50% mark when I realized the author is a man (just didn't pay attention to it initially) and it just started to click for me - THIS is why all these female characters in the book are so bland. It's like someone was trying to make them seem colorful and interesting but was failing and it just left me totally uncurious about them. A man was trying to make women seem interesting for other women - because let's face it, when a man wants to make women seem interesting to other men, it's mostly things that have to do with her allure, her sex appeal, her mysteriousness, things that make them want to learn more about her, that keep them hooked.
5. It gave off HUGE Fifty shades of Gray vibes with the whole private jet, houses on each coast, multimillionaire hunk that's super smart and the super witty and sharp woman that falls for him.
*SPOILER*
6. Major plot hole - why did Caspian never try and explain things to Vesper? Especially given his true feelings. This is something I wondered about in all her time convalescing from the breakup. The only thing that made sense was he must have been guilty. Which as it turns out, he wasn't. So I don't buy it.
7. I get this isn't a romance novel (although it would have saved it, in my book at least) but there's no mention of them having sex. For such cool, young, and smart people like these two... it just feels weird knowing they didn't sleep together. I remember one of her friends asking her about it but she was vague in her reply so I drew my own conclusion - that they didn't. Even if they did and I misunderstood the paragraph, why brush it off like that and not dive into more emotions and feelings for that very reason? Just doesn't make much sense to me either way.
8. The ending coming full circle is a nice touch.
While this was an up-and-down read for me, I do think Evan Marks has room to grow into a wonderful writer and am curious about his new novel (some mystery in there, from what I read). He was very brave to take this challenge on, of writing a woman's POV and he did a much better job than many.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC. I do appreciate it so much and am very grateful for the opportunity!
There are multiple things I need to touch on:
1. The writing is good. Not pretentious at all, and not lacking in grammar skills either - pretty easy to read. That being said, this book reads very british english to me. Aside from some name drops of NYC streets and parks, my brain is convinced it all took place in London. All the characters phrased their lines in a british manner of speaking, you cannot convince me otherwise. And no, her ONE year at Oxford doesn't explain it.
2. The plot is weak. I can live with this, I have done so in the past and found great books with a slim plot so it's not a major turn off for me. Let's call this one a story that's supposed to make you feel and think as opposed to those that make you hold on by the edge of your seat.
3. I felt like the set-up of Vesper's lifestyle was a bit too long, I was losing interest - probably because it wasn't as Sex-and-the-City as it said it would be. I also didn't think that using first person narrative for ALL the male POVs was a great idea - I get it may be innovative and original (I haven't seen it before) but I kept feeling tricked into thinking "hey, there he is, the MMC! Oh wait, no it's not."
4. I was probably at the 40 or 50% mark when I realized the author is a man (just didn't pay attention to it initially) and it just started to click for me - THIS is why all these female characters in the book are so bland. It's like someone was trying to make them seem colorful and interesting but was failing and it just left me totally uncurious about them. A man was trying to make women seem interesting for other women - because let's face it, when a man wants to make women seem interesting to other men, it's mostly things that have to do with her allure, her sex appeal, her mysteriousness, things that make them want to learn more about her, that keep them hooked.
5. It gave off HUGE Fifty shades of Gray vibes with the whole private jet, houses on each coast, multimillionaire hunk that's super smart and the super witty and sharp woman that falls for him.
*SPOILER*
6. Major plot hole - why did Caspian never try and explain things to Vesper? Especially given his true feelings. This is something I wondered about in all her time convalescing from the breakup. The only thing that made sense was he must have been guilty. Which as it turns out, he wasn't. So I don't buy it.
7. I get this isn't a romance novel (although it would have saved it, in my book at least) but there's no mention of them having sex. For such cool, young, and smart people like these two... it just feels weird knowing they didn't sleep together. I remember one of her friends asking her about it but she was vague in her reply so I drew my own conclusion - that they didn't. Even if they did and I misunderstood the paragraph, why brush it off like that and not dive into more emotions and feelings for that very reason? Just doesn't make much sense to me either way.
8. The ending coming full circle is a nice touch.
While this was an up-and-down read for me, I do think Evan Marks has room to grow into a wonderful writer and am curious about his new novel (some mystery in there, from what I read). He was very brave to take this challenge on, of writing a woman's POV and he did a much better job than many.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC. I do appreciate it so much and am very grateful for the opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Vesper doesn’t just present itself as an anti-romance—it actively challenges the idea of romance as narrative destiny. What makes this debut stand out is not whether love “wins,” but how thoughtfully it interrogates the expectations—social, cultural, and internal—that shape how we define it.
The strength of the novel lies in its voice. Controlled, incisive, and deeply self-aware, Vesper isn’t simply experiencing her life—she’s constantly interpreting it. Every interaction is filtered through a lens of analysis, creating a compelling tension between her commitment to independence and the undeniable space relationships still occupy in her world. Rather than resolving that contradiction, the novel leans into it, giving the story a sense of authenticity and weight.
What’s particularly striking is the way the narrative prioritizes observation over immersion. This is not a story that asks you to passively feel—it asks you to notice. Patterns, performances, contradictions—they all come into focus, making the reading experience feel thoughtful and engaging in a different, more intellectual way. The slight distance this creates feels intentional, echoing how Vesper herself navigates her environment.
And that environment is rendered with precision. The New York setting feels polished, ambitious, and socially charged—a space where identity and connection are constantly negotiated. It’s not just a backdrop, but an active force shaping the characters and their choices, captured with a subtle confidence that never over-explains.
Caspian’s role adds another layer, not as a conventional romantic endpoint, but as a disruption. Their connection challenges rather than resolves, reinforcing the novel’s core exploration of independence, desire, and self-definition.
What ultimately elevates Vesper is its restraint. It resists easy conclusions, allowing multiple truths to exist side by side without forcing resolution. That choice gives the novel a sense of maturity and confidence that feels especially impressive in a debut.
Smart, stylish, and thematically assured, Vesper is a novel that doesn’t just engage with modern relationships—it questions the very framework we use to understand them.
The strength of the novel lies in its voice. Controlled, incisive, and deeply self-aware, Vesper isn’t simply experiencing her life—she’s constantly interpreting it. Every interaction is filtered through a lens of analysis, creating a compelling tension between her commitment to independence and the undeniable space relationships still occupy in her world. Rather than resolving that contradiction, the novel leans into it, giving the story a sense of authenticity and weight.
What’s particularly striking is the way the narrative prioritizes observation over immersion. This is not a story that asks you to passively feel—it asks you to notice. Patterns, performances, contradictions—they all come into focus, making the reading experience feel thoughtful and engaging in a different, more intellectual way. The slight distance this creates feels intentional, echoing how Vesper herself navigates her environment.
And that environment is rendered with precision. The New York setting feels polished, ambitious, and socially charged—a space where identity and connection are constantly negotiated. It’s not just a backdrop, but an active force shaping the characters and their choices, captured with a subtle confidence that never over-explains.
Caspian’s role adds another layer, not as a conventional romantic endpoint, but as a disruption. Their connection challenges rather than resolves, reinforcing the novel’s core exploration of independence, desire, and self-definition.
What ultimately elevates Vesper is its restraint. It resists easy conclusions, allowing multiple truths to exist side by side without forcing resolution. That choice gives the novel a sense of maturity and confidence that feels especially impressive in a debut.
Smart, stylish, and thematically assured, Vesper is a novel that doesn’t just engage with modern relationships—it questions the very framework we use to understand them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vesper by Evan Marks
2.5 stars
Vesper by Evan Marks follows Vesper Elsegood, a twenty-something consultant at a high-end firm in New York City, as she tries to make sense of independence, friendship, ambition, dating, and love.
Vesper says she does not want to be with a man, and yet men still take up so much space in her mind, her energy, and her conversations with the people she loves. She has a close group of girlfriends who get together to talk through their dating lives, which gives the book a very Sex and the City-esque feel. There is a lot of talk about men, work, status, image, and what it means to want freedom while still craving connection.
This is not a traditional romance. The book is much more interested in the strategy behind dating, especially when money, status, and appearance are involved. Love here does not feel soft or sweeping. It feels transactional, guarded, and at times almost like another part of the characters’ professional lives.
The alternating man/woman perspectives give the novel some of its strongest moments. Seeing both sides helps highlight the different ways the characters think about dating, power, freedom, and self-presentation. There is also an interesting layer to the fact that Vesper, a contemporary female main character, is written by a male author. At times, that choice felt a little noticeable to me, but it also made the book feel even more focused on gender, performance, and the ways men and women can move through relationships with completely different expectations.
Marks has a good eye for the way status can creep into every conversation, every relationship, and every decision. That detached, almost clinical view of privilege and social climbing will not be for everyone, but readers who like a colder, more cynical take on modern relationships may really connect with it.
Overall, this was an interesting read with sharp social observations, but it did not totally come together for me. I think it will work best for readers who like Sex and the City-type entertainment with a colder, more psychologically observant edge.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kinderspiel Press for the Advanced Reader’s Edition of Vesper and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
2.5 stars
Vesper by Evan Marks follows Vesper Elsegood, a twenty-something consultant at a high-end firm in New York City, as she tries to make sense of independence, friendship, ambition, dating, and love.
Vesper says she does not want to be with a man, and yet men still take up so much space in her mind, her energy, and her conversations with the people she loves. She has a close group of girlfriends who get together to talk through their dating lives, which gives the book a very Sex and the City-esque feel. There is a lot of talk about men, work, status, image, and what it means to want freedom while still craving connection.
This is not a traditional romance. The book is much more interested in the strategy behind dating, especially when money, status, and appearance are involved. Love here does not feel soft or sweeping. It feels transactional, guarded, and at times almost like another part of the characters’ professional lives.
The alternating man/woman perspectives give the novel some of its strongest moments. Seeing both sides helps highlight the different ways the characters think about dating, power, freedom, and self-presentation. There is also an interesting layer to the fact that Vesper, a contemporary female main character, is written by a male author. At times, that choice felt a little noticeable to me, but it also made the book feel even more focused on gender, performance, and the ways men and women can move through relationships with completely different expectations.
Marks has a good eye for the way status can creep into every conversation, every relationship, and every decision. That detached, almost clinical view of privilege and social climbing will not be for everyone, but readers who like a colder, more cynical take on modern relationships may really connect with it.
Overall, this was an interesting read with sharp social observations, but it did not totally come together for me. I think it will work best for readers who like Sex and the City-type entertainment with a colder, more psychologically observant edge.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kinderspiel Press for the Advanced Reader’s Edition of Vesper and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There’s a real pulse to Vesper. There should be. It’s set in New York but escapist New York: jets, St. Tropez trips, glossy high rises, elitist, untouchable sheen. I know this didn’t land for all readers, but this is the part I loveddddd the most.
On a surface level, It was indulgent spending time in the shoes of a successful consultant living in an unattainable, stylish vignette of Manhattan. An easy read in this sense and a fun escape that’s what held me more than anything. And fans of Sex And The City will love this side of it.
On a deeper level though, I loved the way the author grappled with the restless energy of desire. Of the internal arguments we have with ourselves- not just romantic, but ambition, control, identity.
There’s a tension running through it that feels very familiar: wanting to feel everything, but also wanting to stay intact. The writing leans into that without over explaining it. It trusts the reader to feel the friction.
At its best, the book feels sharp, glossy, alive.
The observations are uncannily accurate….You get the sense that the author is a dedicated observer of life. There’s conviction behind them. And a deep understanding of humanity. At times this lands humourously with witty descriptions of people that you will recognize in your own life, and in other places moving and quietly deep. Always, unbelievably apt.
Yes, I agree with some of the reviewers: At times, I felt Vesper herself was a little too flat but I absolutelyyyy loved her relationship with Caspian. This is the part that’s surprisingly addictive for an anti-romance! their chemistry is tangible, their banter and humor unmatched.
Spoiler: i also loved the full-circle moment it ended with, and I’m hoping this means a follow-up??
Overall I would say that this is a must read for anyone who enjoys non-traditional love stories, the finer things in life, and addictive glossy reads.
Thanks to Kindlespiel for the advanced copy.
On a surface level, It was indulgent spending time in the shoes of a successful consultant living in an unattainable, stylish vignette of Manhattan. An easy read in this sense and a fun escape that’s what held me more than anything. And fans of Sex And The City will love this side of it.
On a deeper level though, I loved the way the author grappled with the restless energy of desire. Of the internal arguments we have with ourselves- not just romantic, but ambition, control, identity.
There’s a tension running through it that feels very familiar: wanting to feel everything, but also wanting to stay intact. The writing leans into that without over explaining it. It trusts the reader to feel the friction.
At its best, the book feels sharp, glossy, alive.
The observations are uncannily accurate….You get the sense that the author is a dedicated observer of life. There’s conviction behind them. And a deep understanding of humanity. At times this lands humourously with witty descriptions of people that you will recognize in your own life, and in other places moving and quietly deep. Always, unbelievably apt.
Yes, I agree with some of the reviewers: At times, I felt Vesper herself was a little too flat but I absolutelyyyy loved her relationship with Caspian. This is the part that’s surprisingly addictive for an anti-romance! their chemistry is tangible, their banter and humor unmatched.
Spoiler: i also loved the full-circle moment it ended with, and I’m hoping this means a follow-up??
Overall I would say that this is a must read for anyone who enjoys non-traditional love stories, the finer things in life, and addictive glossy reads.
Thanks to Kindlespiel for the advanced copy.
Did Not Finish
May 18, 2026DNF at 61%
I tried to power through this one to see where it goes but, at past halfway, there was no way the payoff was going to align with my expectations.
This is marketed as an anti-romance book, which to me meant I would be in the head of a young woman in NYC trying to figure out life. Part of the blurb says
"novel is equal parts emotional portrait, cultural inquiry, and contemporary coming-of-age—a story about subverting gender norms, dismantling inherited narratives, and choosing a life that is wholly one’s own."
So I imagined an exploration on self-growth, personal discovery and the like. What I read was not that, it details a woman who doesn't want to commit, but speaks only about dating, hates her job, and enjoys being on the fringes of the elite jet-setting life of the NY elite.
The only reason this isn't a romance is because there is no happy ending (as stated from other reviews as I didn't get there). At 60% in, Vesper's story has been entirely focused on her dating life and very little on character growth. She remains exactly the same as the Vesper from page 1 (I can't speak to the end book Vesper) and I haven't seen her challenged in any meaningful way. There is likely commentary towards the end that may have answered some of my questions but given the over 200 pages of setup following Vesper and her single train of thought (men), I just could not be convinced to care.
The delivery is neither heavy-handed enough to be clearly satirical nor subtle enough to feel realistic. I think the intent for searing social commentary may have been there, but this one was simply not for me; I'm getting Pineapple Street vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kinderspiel Press, and Evan Marks for the advanced ebook copy.
I tried to power through this one to see where it goes but, at past halfway, there was no way the payoff was going to align with my expectations.
This is marketed as an anti-romance book, which to me meant I would be in the head of a young woman in NYC trying to figure out life. Part of the blurb says
"novel is equal parts emotional portrait, cultural inquiry, and contemporary coming-of-age—a story about subverting gender norms, dismantling inherited narratives, and choosing a life that is wholly one’s own."
So I imagined an exploration on self-growth, personal discovery and the like. What I read was not that, it details a woman who doesn't want to commit, but speaks only about dating, hates her job, and enjoys being on the fringes of the elite jet-setting life of the NY elite.
The only reason this isn't a romance is because there is no happy ending (as stated from other reviews as I didn't get there). At 60% in, Vesper's story has been entirely focused on her dating life and very little on character growth. She remains exactly the same as the Vesper from page 1 (I can't speak to the end book Vesper) and I haven't seen her challenged in any meaningful way. There is likely commentary towards the end that may have answered some of my questions but given the over 200 pages of setup following Vesper and her single train of thought (men), I just could not be convinced to care.
The delivery is neither heavy-handed enough to be clearly satirical nor subtle enough to feel realistic. I think the intent for searing social commentary may have been there, but this one was simply not for me; I'm getting Pineapple Street vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kinderspiel Press, and Evan Marks for the advanced ebook copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was advertised as a modern telling of "Sex and the City" and I suppose that could be true if you take away everything good about "Sex and the City." Not a single character is likeable in this book, except maybe the completely undeveloped character of Vesper's sister. Vesper reads like a woman written by a man, perhaps unsurprisingly, because she is a woman written by a man. There is no "emotional portrait" or "cultural inquiry" in this book that I could find. Every character was either completely undeveloped or a sketch in stereotype. Caspian is the quintessential rich guy with no personality and seemingly little redeeming qualities other than he's incredibly rich. His "ideas institute" is one of the most idiotic things I've ever read. All we really learn about Vesper is that she hates her job and that she falls in love very easily notwithstanding her fierce desire to avoid relationships. She is extremely unlikeable and there is nothing about New York City in this book that makes any difference - the book could be set anywhere and still fall flat. Also, the book is repeatedly advertised as "witty," but the only thing "witty" about it is its continued use of the word "witty" to describe Vesper and Caspian's banal "repartee." Finally, what's with the few random chapters from the male perspective? I understand it's probably so the author can show Caspian's point of view at the end, but it's so random and dumb.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
Vesper feels refreshingly bold in the way it approaches love, independence, and identity. Rather than presenting romance as the inevitable destination, Evan Marks turns the spotlight toward self-definition, asking what it truly means to build a life on your own terms in a world obsessed with coupling, milestones, and expectations.
What makes the novel especially compelling is Vesper herself. Her confidence in singlehood isn’t framed as loneliness waiting to be fixed, but as a deliberate philosophy shaped by observation, experience, and personal choice. Her navigation of New York’s relentless dating culture gives the story a sharp contemporary edge, while her voice promises wit, honesty, and emotional intelligence. The arrival of Caspian doesn’t simply introduce romance, it introduces disruption, forcing Vesper to question beliefs she once considered immovable.
The novel also appears to operate on a deeper thematic level by exploring gender expectations, inherited narratives, ambition, and self-authorship. The blend of emotional intimacy, cultural commentary, philosophical undertones, and modern relationship dynamics gives Vesper the potential to resonate strongly with readers looking for literary fiction that feels both introspective and culturally relevant.
This is more than an anti-romance novel, it’s a thoughtful exploration of autonomy, identity, modern love, and the courage required to define happiness for yourself.
What makes the novel especially compelling is Vesper herself. Her confidence in singlehood isn’t framed as loneliness waiting to be fixed, but as a deliberate philosophy shaped by observation, experience, and personal choice. Her navigation of New York’s relentless dating culture gives the story a sharp contemporary edge, while her voice promises wit, honesty, and emotional intelligence. The arrival of Caspian doesn’t simply introduce romance, it introduces disruption, forcing Vesper to question beliefs she once considered immovable.
The novel also appears to operate on a deeper thematic level by exploring gender expectations, inherited narratives, ambition, and self-authorship. The blend of emotional intimacy, cultural commentary, philosophical undertones, and modern relationship dynamics gives Vesper the potential to resonate strongly with readers looking for literary fiction that feels both introspective and culturally relevant.
This is more than an anti-romance novel, it’s a thoughtful exploration of autonomy, identity, modern love, and the courage required to define happiness for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fabulous debut novel by Evan Marks. Much thanks to Kinderspiel Press and Netgalley for the ARC.
It's not often I find a book that I can truly relate to the female characters so well, and that's saying something when Vesper was written by a man. I think he has a wonderful grasp on how modern young women see the world and in particular how many of them are choosing to navigate the social and dating scenes. It was so refreshing to read about girl in her late-twenties who wasn't desperately looking for Mr Right to "complete her".
The descriptions of the setting - New York (and briefly St Tropez and San Francisco) were truly evocative and the author had a way of making me feel like I was there. The conversations were so on point and the banter was never forced but extremely realistic, as was the flirting. Watching our protagonist fall in love was never saccharine sweet or cheesy, it was very genuinely handled,
This book was beautifully written and I loved the music references throughout and found myself searching for each song on Spotify and found a couple that I really loved. I suggest a Spotify playlist to accompany this book. I really love music, maps, recipes or anything that extends the book beyond the pages. I really look forward to reading Evan Marks next book and the one after that and the one after that.
It's not often I find a book that I can truly relate to the female characters so well, and that's saying something when Vesper was written by a man. I think he has a wonderful grasp on how modern young women see the world and in particular how many of them are choosing to navigate the social and dating scenes. It was so refreshing to read about girl in her late-twenties who wasn't desperately looking for Mr Right to "complete her".
The descriptions of the setting - New York (and briefly St Tropez and San Francisco) were truly evocative and the author had a way of making me feel like I was there. The conversations were so on point and the banter was never forced but extremely realistic, as was the flirting. Watching our protagonist fall in love was never saccharine sweet or cheesy, it was very genuinely handled,
This book was beautifully written and I loved the music references throughout and found myself searching for each song on Spotify and found a couple that I really loved. I suggest a Spotify playlist to accompany this book. I really love music, maps, recipes or anything that extends the book beyond the pages. I really look forward to reading Evan Marks next book and the one after that and the one after that.
Read
March 8, 2026Vesper by Evan Marks is an intriguing upcoming novel that has already begun attracting early reader interest ahead of its expected release in 2026. With its substantial length and developing reception, the book promises a narrative that invites readers into a layered and immersive story.
While details surrounding the plot remain relatively limited in early descriptions, the anticipation surrounding Vesper suggests a work that aims to deliver a compelling reading experience. Early reactions indicate that the novel offers elements of thoughtful storytelling and character exploration, setting the stage for a book that could resonate with readers looking for engaging contemporary fiction.
As the publication date approaches, Vesper is positioned to generate increasing curiosity among readers who enjoy discovering new voices and upcoming titles. The novel’s early ratings indicate that it is already building momentum within the reading community.
Overall, Vesper represents an upcoming release that readers may want to keep on their radar. With its forthcoming publication and growing early attention, Evan Marks’s novel has the potential to attract readers eager to explore new literary works as they arrive.
While details surrounding the plot remain relatively limited in early descriptions, the anticipation surrounding Vesper suggests a work that aims to deliver a compelling reading experience. Early reactions indicate that the novel offers elements of thoughtful storytelling and character exploration, setting the stage for a book that could resonate with readers looking for engaging contemporary fiction.
As the publication date approaches, Vesper is positioned to generate increasing curiosity among readers who enjoy discovering new voices and upcoming titles. The novel’s early ratings indicate that it is already building momentum within the reading community.
Overall, Vesper represents an upcoming release that readers may want to keep on their radar. With its forthcoming publication and growing early attention, Evan Marks’s novel has the potential to attract readers eager to explore new literary works as they arrive.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Vesper is one of those stories that I can respect just as much as I can admit it wasn’t always an easy read.
Evan Marks gives us a main character who isn’t trying to be likable, and honestly, that’s part of what makes her feel real. Vesper is sharp, guarded, and a little emotionally detached, but there’s something underneath all of that that keeps you paying attention. The push and pull between wanting connection and keeping people at arm’s length really drives the story.
The writing is strong, even witty at times, but mostly very observant about modern dating and relationships. Just know this isn’t a light, feel-good read. It leans more introspective and sits in that uncomfortable space where you start recognizing things in yourself you might not want to.
I didn’t always feel fully connected to Vesper, but I appreciated how honest and intentional her character felt. This is definitely more of a character-driven, “sit and think about it after” kind of book than a traditional romance.
Overall, one of those reads that won’t work for everyone, but the right reader will really get it.
Evan Marks gives us a main character who isn’t trying to be likable, and honestly, that’s part of what makes her feel real. Vesper is sharp, guarded, and a little emotionally detached, but there’s something underneath all of that that keeps you paying attention. The push and pull between wanting connection and keeping people at arm’s length really drives the story.
The writing is strong, even witty at times, but mostly very observant about modern dating and relationships. Just know this isn’t a light, feel-good read. It leans more introspective and sits in that uncomfortable space where you start recognizing things in yourself you might not want to.
I didn’t always feel fully connected to Vesper, but I appreciated how honest and intentional her character felt. This is definitely more of a character-driven, “sit and think about it after” kind of book than a traditional romance.
Overall, one of those reads that won’t work for everyone, but the right reader will really get it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I saw that this book was described with Sex and the City vibes, I had to request it and was so excited to get it.
Vesper is a young woman living in New York, working as a consultant. She has a close group of friends that she spends time with going for drinks, brunches, etc. The group has several different personalities and views on love and relationships. Vesper is very clear about how she is not looking for love but just having fun while juggling several different men.
She seems locked into that mentality until she meets Caspian. Spending time with him has her thinking that maybe relationships are not so bad.
If you are a fan of Romcom type stories, this is not one of those. It doesn't change that it is an interesting storyline. There is chemistry. There is banter. But it isn't all fluffy. It is dealing with finding your way, learning what motivates you and figuring out what you want in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Vesper is a young woman living in New York, working as a consultant. She has a close group of friends that she spends time with going for drinks, brunches, etc. The group has several different personalities and views on love and relationships. Vesper is very clear about how she is not looking for love but just having fun while juggling several different men.
She seems locked into that mentality until she meets Caspian. Spending time with him has her thinking that maybe relationships are not so bad.
If you are a fan of Romcom type stories, this is not one of those. It doesn't change that it is an interesting storyline. There is chemistry. There is banter. But it isn't all fluffy. It is dealing with finding your way, learning what motivates you and figuring out what you want in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3,5 stars.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into Vesper, but I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.
What I liked the most was the voice. There’s something very sharp and self-aware about the protagonist, and the way she looks at dating and relationships feels pretty realistic, if a bit cynical at times. It’s not really a “romance” in the classic sense, it’s more introspective, more about how she sees herself and other people, which I liked.
The writing is easy to get into and has this slightly reflective tone that makes it feel a bit deeper than it first seems. It’s not super plot-driven, but I didn’t really mind that because the character voice carries it.
That said, I didn’t fully connect with everything. Some of the side characters felt a bit in the background, and emotionally it didn’t always hit as much as I expected.
Overall, I think it’s a really good read. Not perfect, but definitely interesting and worth picking up, especially if you like more character-focused, slightly introspective stories.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into Vesper, but I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.
What I liked the most was the voice. There’s something very sharp and self-aware about the protagonist, and the way she looks at dating and relationships feels pretty realistic, if a bit cynical at times. It’s not really a “romance” in the classic sense, it’s more introspective, more about how she sees herself and other people, which I liked.
The writing is easy to get into and has this slightly reflective tone that makes it feel a bit deeper than it first seems. It’s not super plot-driven, but I didn’t really mind that because the character voice carries it.
That said, I didn’t fully connect with everything. Some of the side characters felt a bit in the background, and emotionally it didn’t always hit as much as I expected.
Overall, I think it’s a really good read. Not perfect, but definitely interesting and worth picking up, especially if you like more character-focused, slightly introspective stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Come for the chemistry between Vesper and Caspian, stay for the questions the story raises about independence, vulnerability, and self-awareness…
I enjoyed this book and was hooked by the chemistry between Vesper and Caspian. Caspian in particular is a standout: charismatic, accomplished, and refreshingly emotionally available in a way we don’t often see in male leads.
Vesper was harder for me to connect with. She presents herself as a liberated woman, but much of her journey feels shaped by a reluctance to be fully honest with herself about what she wants. Her emotional guardedness and immaturity frustrated me at times, though I wondered if that tension is part of the author’s point. It made me think about the messy path to self-awareness.
The author also does a great job bringing modern-day New York to life. The descriptions are vivid, and the setting adds energy to the story.
Overall, an engaging read that left me thinking… and pining for the sequel from Caspian’s perspective!
I enjoyed this book and was hooked by the chemistry between Vesper and Caspian. Caspian in particular is a standout: charismatic, accomplished, and refreshingly emotionally available in a way we don’t often see in male leads.
Vesper was harder for me to connect with. She presents herself as a liberated woman, but much of her journey feels shaped by a reluctance to be fully honest with herself about what she wants. Her emotional guardedness and immaturity frustrated me at times, though I wondered if that tension is part of the author’s point. It made me think about the messy path to self-awareness.
The author also does a great job bringing modern-day New York to life. The descriptions are vivid, and the setting adds energy to the story.
Overall, an engaging read that left me thinking… and pining for the sequel from Caspian’s perspective!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
Vesper is a gifted young woman, an Ivy League graduate who works for a prestigious consulting company in NYC. She is a loyal and supportive member of a group of equally accomplished women.
Vesper is portrayed as a modern day woman who wants her independence and who very much wants to find her passion and purpose. Her struggle is how to achieve that and balance it with ideas of romance.
This is an important part of what it means to be a woman in our present times. And the author gives it a good go. Lots of narrative space is given to the dating scene and messaging. But I found myself wanting to know about her work life. For example, there were no instances of misogynistic behavior. That can’t be true. We do read that she worked long hours but I wanted to know the details of her work and what it was that she did that proved her to be so clever.
So yes like “Sex and the City” but Milan Kundera? I don’t think so.
Vesper is a gifted young woman, an Ivy League graduate who works for a prestigious consulting company in NYC. She is a loyal and supportive member of a group of equally accomplished women.
Vesper is portrayed as a modern day woman who wants her independence and who very much wants to find her passion and purpose. Her struggle is how to achieve that and balance it with ideas of romance.
This is an important part of what it means to be a woman in our present times. And the author gives it a good go. Lots of narrative space is given to the dating scene and messaging. But I found myself wanting to know about her work life. For example, there were no instances of misogynistic behavior. That can’t be true. We do read that she worked long hours but I wanted to know the details of her work and what it was that she did that proved her to be so clever.
So yes like “Sex and the City” but Milan Kundera? I don’t think so.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to like Vesper, as I grew up loving Sex in the City, but it was stuck in the characters and never really gave me anything in the way of the plot. I love the idea of a woman who analyzes her relationships and thought hearing her inner musings would be enjoyable, almost like Carrie Bradshaw writing her column, but it never materialized.
There was really no emotional connection with the book, the main character doesn't really grow or change, and I lost all interest in her and her story, which for me, was much worse than hating the character. I needed her to make me feel something, and she never did.
The other cast of characters were more shallow and less interesting versions of the main characters, which added little to the plot. Theres just no real payoff, and nothing really grabbing the reader to be invested.
I will say that the fact that the author is male is astounding, he really does a phenomenal job of writing from a woman's POV, but wish he had more to say.
There was really no emotional connection with the book, the main character doesn't really grow or change, and I lost all interest in her and her story, which for me, was much worse than hating the character. I needed her to make me feel something, and she never did.
The other cast of characters were more shallow and less interesting versions of the main characters, which added little to the plot. Theres just no real payoff, and nothing really grabbing the reader to be invested.
I will say that the fact that the author is male is astounding, he really does a phenomenal job of writing from a woman's POV, but wish he had more to say.
April 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Kinderspiel Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
The name of this book drew me in and then the description made it seem like something up my alley. However, while I did enjoy Vesper’s character and her sense or humor, I did feel this book was a bit all over the place with all the different characters and setting changes that didn’t necessarily make sense to me (how do you “casually” go on PJ with a man across the country for a weekend?).
On the other hand, I do appreciate the author’s way of showing how differently people perceive the same situations especially when it comes to dating.
The epilogue left me with some questions, wondering if there could be a follow up to this story, which I would be interested in reading to see how this author’s writing evolves.
The name of this book drew me in and then the description made it seem like something up my alley. However, while I did enjoy Vesper’s character and her sense or humor, I did feel this book was a bit all over the place with all the different characters and setting changes that didn’t necessarily make sense to me (how do you “casually” go on PJ with a man across the country for a weekend?).
On the other hand, I do appreciate the author’s way of showing how differently people perceive the same situations especially when it comes to dating.
The epilogue left me with some questions, wondering if there could be a follow up to this story, which I would be interested in reading to see how this author’s writing evolves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
This book had potential, it really did. Ultimately, it fell short for me. This was billed as an anti-romance novel in a way, and I actually really enjoyed the chemistry between Vesper and Caspian. They had nice intellectual banter. I was frustrated at how many times she tried to fight wanting to be in a committed relationship. Why? She ended up taking her sister's advice and going for it. In the end, she learned the wrong lesson from a misunderstanding. It's possible the author plans a follow up to clear the air, but the way it ended was deeply unsatisfying. And the writing style could use some work. For example, so many characters said "Hiiii" as their first greeting. If I'm noticing it, it's a problem. Because I liked the middle, I'll round up to three stars, but really it's a 2.5 for me.
This book had potential, it really did. Ultimately, it fell short for me. This was billed as an anti-romance novel in a way, and I actually really enjoyed the chemistry between Vesper and Caspian. They had nice intellectual banter. I was frustrated at how many times she tried to fight wanting to be in a committed relationship. Why? She ended up taking her sister's advice and going for it. In the end, she learned the wrong lesson from a misunderstanding. It's possible the author plans a follow up to clear the air, but the way it ended was deeply unsatisfying. And the writing style could use some work. For example, so many characters said "Hiiii" as their first greeting. If I'm noticing it, it's a problem. Because I liked the middle, I'll round up to three stars, but really it's a 2.5 for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy.
It’s no small task for a male author to write in a female voice, and unfortunately Vesper is a reminder of why. Vesper Elsegood never quite comes alive on the page. We skim the surface of her world without ever really being let in. Her friendships feel like set dressing, her inner life largely absent, and what we’re left with is a protagonist defined almost entirely by her dating life rather than who she actually is.
The dialogue compounds the problem. There’s an obvious ambition to capture something sharp and witty, a Sex and the City energy updated for the modern era, but it reads as studied rather than natural, landing with a thud where it should sparkle. The voice feels observed from the outside rather than lived from within.
It’s no small task for a male author to write in a female voice, and unfortunately Vesper is a reminder of why. Vesper Elsegood never quite comes alive on the page. We skim the surface of her world without ever really being let in. Her friendships feel like set dressing, her inner life largely absent, and what we’re left with is a protagonist defined almost entirely by her dating life rather than who she actually is.
The dialogue compounds the problem. There’s an obvious ambition to capture something sharp and witty, a Sex and the City energy updated for the modern era, but it reads as studied rather than natural, landing with a thud where it should sparkle. The voice feels observed from the outside rather than lived from within.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
It just wasn't interesting. It doesn't go anywhere and it's just rich people having problems that aren't real world problems. From almost the beginning I wished I was finished with the book, I did not gravitate to go pick it back up and I forced myself to finish it.
There were few random chapters from one of her date's point of view and I was so confused as to why those were there. They didn't really do much for me at all. I understand they were trying to show that these men were obsessed with her and she could care less, but I didn't need those to know that.
Mainly it was her going on dates, her going to work and her going out with her friends. The same conversations, the same boring job, the same men. There is nothing that really happens in the story. I just was not interested in any of these people.
It just wasn't interesting. It doesn't go anywhere and it's just rich people having problems that aren't real world problems. From almost the beginning I wished I was finished with the book, I did not gravitate to go pick it back up and I forced myself to finish it.
There were few random chapters from one of her date's point of view and I was so confused as to why those were there. They didn't really do much for me at all. I understand they were trying to show that these men were obsessed with her and she could care less, but I didn't need those to know that.
Mainly it was her going on dates, her going to work and her going out with her friends. The same conversations, the same boring job, the same men. There is nothing that really happens in the story. I just was not interested in any of these people.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The book, Vesper, was an interesting cross between a YA and Rom-Com novel. Vesper was a party girl that enjoyed life as a young successful New Yorker, participating in the social scene. Her life revolved around dating, friends and work life. Her introspection of her life was a delightful surprise in the read. Vesper was highly intelligent and appeared to be very loyal to her friends and family, especially her sister., which was a positive for me. This would not be a book I would normally read, yet I enjoyed the look at life in NYC, and the self-talk by the protagonist. I believe this book is geared to a younger reader. I was amazed that a male author was able to write so well in a female voice.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I didn’t realize or forgot it was written by a man until I finished the book and saw “about the author” section. As a gay man, I thought it was not at all an anti-romance, but a typical modern romance. I usually try to stay away from those, but was attracted by the description that mentioned “Sex and the City.” (I’ve never read it, but loved and watched all the episodes and movies and spin offs.) It’s not quite “Sex and the City.” The advanced prepublication copy is riddled with misused or misspelled words, which I hope will be edited for the final copy. It didn’t cause a major problem, but was somewhat distracting. The story line was fine, if predictable. It was easy to read and follow. Thanks to NetGalley for ARC!
Did Not Finish
April 15, 2026I was really excited to read this book based on the storyline. Unfortunately I couldn’t get past 27% in the book and did not finish it. I read a lot and even to get to 27% took me 3 days, which is unheard of for me. I just couldn’t get into it. It felt so slow and a tad boring to be honest. Nothing exciting was happening and it didn’t grab my attention. The story about a single girl and her experiences in dating is something that can be fun, sexy and interesting to read however this book was neither of those. I don’t know if this was written by a male (based on the author’s name I’m assuming this) and maybe that is where the disconnect was for me. Sadly, this was a DNF for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The characters are where the book really earns its keep. They’re not immediately likable, and that’s the point. Each one carries a kind of emotional static, making their choices feel unpredictable but grounded. The protagonist, in particular, is written with a careful ambiguity that invites interpretation rather than handing you neat answers.
That said, the pacing won’t work for everyone. If you’re expecting constant plot twists or high-speed momentum, Vesper might feel like it’s idling in neutral. But if you’re willing to settle into its rhythm, there’s a reward in how the tension accumulates, almost invisibly, until it clicks into place.
That said, the pacing won’t work for everyone. If you’re expecting constant plot twists or high-speed momentum, Vesper might feel like it’s idling in neutral. But if you’re willing to settle into its rhythm, there’s a reward in how the tension accumulates, almost invisibly, until it clicks into place.
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