I join this summer extravaganza because for some reason summer feels like the time for romance (just like the holidays). And, while I’ve enjoyed the others, this one has been my favorite so far.
About the Book
FINALIST IN THE ROMANTIC NOVELISTS’ ASSOCIATION DEBUT ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARD 2024
Is hitting a handsome professor with a vacuum cleaner a good way to start a new relationship? Em doesn’t think so, and she’s happy being single. But there was definitely a spark, and it didn’t come from the hoover.
When Em discovers that her fiancé’s having an affair, she leaves her stressful call centre job, packs up her paints and easel and moves to the coast to build a better life on her own. But her new life becomes more complicated when a charming professor, Jack Carver, arrives for a holiday. Who’s he avoiding? And what do Jack and Em have in common?
Set in Birmingham, London, and the fictional small town of Dashford on the beautiful North Devon coast, ‘Be More Octopus’ is an entertaining, closed-door, friends-to-lovers, romantic comedy following the twists and turns of Em and Jack’s love lives with lots of ‘will they, won’t they?’ moments to keep you turning the pages
My Thoughts
I connected with – Em – our FMC’s need to “Be More Octopus.” It’s a whole lifestyle that I’m also trying to embrace! Very empowering!
This is a story of two people growing, learning, and overcoming together. And it’s so sweet. I adored both of our MCs. But I also really enjoyed all the background characters – except the ones I was meant to hate. I’ve waxed poetic more than once that writing equally loveable and hateable characters is my kryptonite. Top author honors if you do this!
If you enjoy romance books, grab this immediately. However, a warning to my spice-loving friends: This isn’t even a three pepper book. It’s very mild, just the way my little ace heart likes it. It’s right in my comfort level, but I know plenty prefer all the steam.
This is a slow-burn, friends-to-lover with miscommunication and love triangles. Some hate trops, but I loved them all!! Also, this author can wield a comedic Hoover like none I’ve read before!
I am so grateful to the author and Love Books Tours to be included in this tour. And I can’t wait to read more by this author. There’s already a sequel set for this one starring Em’s best friend Lucy, so that’s absolute going on my TBR list!
Content Warnings: Infidelity, Betrayal, Gaslighting, Stalking, Adult Situatons, Adult Language, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse (Off Page), Divorce, Death (Off Page), Mild Violence, Parental Neglect (Past, Off-Page)
Question of the Day
What is your least favorite trope?
About the Author
Suzanne Lissaman is an award-winning romantic comedy writer based in the UK. She’s also an artist and photographer. She lives in the West Midlands with her husband, children, and a demanding but adorable cat. Her debut novel, Be More Octopus, won the Romantic Novelists’ Association Debut Romantic Novel Award 2024.
Be one of the first people to hear about Suzanne’s latest books and freebies by signing up for Suzanne’s book club on her website. There might be the occasional cat picture too.
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/h2EVxsJ
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/4GvxcTr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215038451-be-more-octopus
Author Website: https://suzannelissaman.com/
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.