Review: In At The Deep End by Kate Davies

Posted 5 June, 2019 by Molly(Cover To Cover Cafe) in 2019 Reads, Book Reviews / 0 Comments

Review: In At The Deep End by Kate Davies
Title: In at the Deep End
Author: Kate Davies
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Date Published: 4 June, 2019
Pages: 336
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Romance, LGBTQ
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher, BookishFirst
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Rating:

A deliciously disarming debut novel about a twenty-something Londoner who discovers that she may have been looking for love — and pleasure — in all the wrong places (i.e. from men).

Julia has had enough. Enough of the sex noises her roommate makes. Enough of her dead-end government job. Enough of the one-night stand who accused her of breaking his penis. The only thing she hasn’t had enough of is orgasms; she hasn’t had proper sex in three years.

So when Julia gets invited to a warehouse party in a part of town where trendy people who have lots of sex go on a Friday night, she readily accepts. And that night she meets someone: a conceptual artist, who also happens to be a woman.

Julia’s sexual awakening begins; her new lesbian life is exhilarating. She finds her tribe at queer swing dancing classes, and guided by her new lover Sam, she soon discovers London’s gay bars and BDSM clubs . . .  and the complexities of polyamory. Soon it becomes clear that Sam needs to call the shots, and Julia’s newfound liberation comes to bear a suspicious resemblance to entrapment . . . 

In at the Deep End is an unforgettable and audacious odyssey through the pitfalls and seductions we encounter on the treacherous path to love and self. 

This book is not suitable for those under 18 years of age because it contains one or more of the following: language, mature content/scenes, references to drugs or alcohol.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher, BookishFirst and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.

My Thoughts
I have to admit, I stepped outside my comfort zone with this one. But, that’s a good thing! I love learning about new to me authors, and getting to know new writing styles and characters. Kate Davies definitely brought me all of that and more! She knows what to give readers to keep them hooked on the story, from start to finish. 

Julia’s character was perfectly full of flaws, and watching her “come out” and gain a girlfriend, was definitely a new experience for me. I loved watching her and following her story. I felt, often times, like I was her during the story, falling for a woman and experiencing new things in life.

 

I will say that if you are looking for a quick, light, wholesome read, this is not for you. But, if you want a 4 star worthy book that is filled with some angsty, funny moments, some great characters and lots of graphically detailed scenes, then grab this book up by this talented author!

About Kate Davies

Kate Davies was born and brought up in north-west London. She studied English at Oxford University before becoming a writer and editor of children’s books. She also writes comedy scripts, and had a short-lived career as a burlesque dancer that ended when she was booed off stage at a Conservative club, dressed as a bingo ball. Kate lives in east London with her wife. In at the Deep End is her debut novel.

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