Switched

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Switched is a fun, cute story that weaves the whimsy of supernatural romance with a nerdy comedy. The novel is charming in its use of often funny technical diagrams, footnotes, and Star Trek references, bringing a relatability to the story that will resonate with fans of science and sci-fi alike.

The story follows Serena Otaki and Henry Joules, two physicists working at CERN with contrasting lifestyles (think chaos vs. order; coffee vs. tea) and outlooks on love, who are thrown together in a cosmic twist of fate. Serena, a Star Trek-loving American physicist, thrives in her independence. Henry is a serious, tea-loving Brit physicist who wants to find ‘The One' and settle down. Their worlds collide accelerated protons one fateful night at the local British pub.

Sarah Ready delves deep into the intricacies of understanding and accepting someone else's perspective, literally. When a bizarre electrical storm triggers their swap, they are thrust into each other's bodies. Their experiences force them to confront their preconceptions about love, life, and happiness from an entirely new vantage point.

The emotional and character development of both characters truly anchors the story. As Serena and Henry navigate their swapped lives, they embark on a journey of both self-discovery and mutual understanding. The inclusion of a spicy scene adds a touch of heat to their adventure, adding to the story's overarching themes of love and connection.

I didn't love the fourth wall breaking that occurred now and then, even though I must admit it was perfectly in keeping with Serena's character. Also, as a Brit who grew up in America, some of the tongue-in-cheek stereotypes of both countries were a little much at times, but never stopped me from enjoying the story.

Overall, Switched is a feel-good story that strikes the perfect balance between heartwarming romance and nerdy humour. It's a story about finding love in the most unexpected places, the magic of understanding another person truly, and the joy of discovering that what we think is a universal truth isn't necessarily universal after all.

This book is a must-read for those who enjoy a blend of romance, comedy, and a touch of the supernatural, all wrapped up in a narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

I highly recommend this sweet, sci-fi read to anyone who loves rom-coms, slightly supernatural stories, or just wants to escape into a delightful world.