I’ll Look For You, Everywhere, by Cameron Capello - Paige
This was the first proof that’s been sent personally to me, and oh my gosh, I felt so special seeing a personalised signature from the author inside the book! And in fairness, I think Pan Mac had me pinned when they posted this over with my name on it.
I’ll Look For You, Everywhere definitely falls neatly into the romantic fiction genre, the story totally saturated with romantic and sexual tension between Magdalen and Theo from cover to cover. Despite having been separated for nearly a decade - Magdalen in Oxford and Theo in the United States - their chemistry is quick to kindle when they reunite in their small hometown in Italy, for Magdalena’s sister’s wedding. Having been family friends through childhood, their seven year age gap prevented a strong connection; now they’re all grown up, however…
The first chapter of this book, in my opinion, is the strongest. I loved the way Magdalena was sorting through things in her head, I loved the ambiguity of the scene, the people, the thoughts. It’s almost as if in Oxford, Magdalena functions totally differently to how she does once she’s back home in Italy. The sense of space and setting is so strong, deeply atmospheric, and really a huge part of how the story develops in my opinion. It changes our characters the moment they’re reunited. This book would be a totally different reading experience if we had seen this story played out anywhere else, which really shows that this Italian village is as important as any living, breathing character.
Speaking of characters, if you meet Theo in real life, run in the opposite direction from the 100,000 red flags this boy is waving. Magdalen can be a bit of a wet flannel, but she’s a lovely person with good intentions, and I really wanted her to stand up to Theo a little more. I didn’t always find myself rooting for this pair of lovers, but I’ll admit I was swept along with them in their little whirlwind nevertheless. And that being said, I’m glad to see a hint at a sequel in the final chapter, since I believe this was a strong backstory to a second part that will be far more compelling in terms of romance. My “head canon” is it’s a couple of years later, Magdalen has graduated and grown up a bit, Theo has seen a therapist, and they’re ready for each other in a way that their maturity didn’t allow in I’ll Look For You, Everywhere. Fingers crossed I get what I want!
Overall this was a really gripping read with fabulous pacing and energy. Regardless of whether or not any living person should model their relationship on Theo and Magdalen, it’s an enjoyable read that slots absolutely perfectly into the current market for romance and (cough) smut (cough)… I think I’ll Look For You, Everywhere will be a hit!
Paige
(Publishing 01/08/24)
