Trading Places by Emily Duvall

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 8/7/23 - 8/11/23

    Lexi North, the epitome of a glamorous socialite, seems to lead a life of pure opulence. Yet, as the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving. When a disastrous night unfolds under the spotlight of the world, Lexi's life takes an unexpected turn. Forced by circumstances, she finds herself in a wild twist of fate, swapping lives with none other than Evan Bailey, a ruggedly handsome mechanic.

    Evan's life is miles away from glitz and glamor. With his family's auto shop on the brink of collapse and the responsibility of raising his precocious niece, he's no stranger to the grind. Financial struggles leave him with no room for luxuries. That is, until Lexi North crashes into his world, quite literally.

    A simple bet turns into a complex challenge as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Despite their differences, a scorching chemistry ignites between them, sparking a flame neither anticipated. With their goals on the line, Lexi and Evan must risk it all to achieve what they desire most.

    I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed by the way this was formatted. Perhaps it's due to being an advanced reader's copy, but the presentation left me wanting more. The narrative at times came across as a touch juvenile, lacking the depth I was hoping for between the characters. Initially, the story seemed centered around physical intimacy rather than emotional connection, which left me yearning for more substance in their interactions. However, as the plot progressed, I was pleasantly surprised to witness Lexi's character undergo a significant transformation. Her growth and development became the highlight of the read, adding a layer of depth that I found truly engaging.

    In the end, my experience with this book can be summed up as "just okay." While certain aspects left me wanting more, I genuinely appreciated the evolution of Lexi's character. I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to explore this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

    Trading Places will be published September 26, 2023.