whitneydaniell

Goodreads Summary

Three years have passed since four friends—Geneva, Chevy, Crystal, and Noah—had a steamy summer of secrets and sleeping around. As another summer is fast approaching, they’ve sworn off any extracurricular activities, but as the temperature rises in the city, the friends find themselves in hot water again.

Geneva is busy taking care of her daughter and trying not to get too involved with her son’s young business manager. Chevy gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assist a diva who might want more than what’s in the employment contract. Crystal has promised to save herself for Mr. Right (instead of jumping into bed with another Mr. Right Now), but her commitment is tested when an old acquaintance reenters her life. And while Noah is getting very cozy with his new neighbors in London, he’s still everyone’s favorite (and only) confidant who can’t stop himself from meddling in other people’s business.

But secrets don’t stay secrets for long among these friends, and with sexual tensions high on both side of the pond, everyone is sure to catch the fever. . . .

Character Summary

Crystal Atkins is the level-headed, career-focused friend who can think her way into and out of any situation. As the director of the Ain’t I a Woman Foundation, she’s often the friend others turn to when they need advice or a solution to a problem.

Recently divorced, Geneva Holliday is raising her young daughter on her own after her ex-husband proclaimed he didn’t want any more children and wanted nothing to do with his three-year-old. Making ends meet as a waitress, Geneva can’t seem to commit to a strategy for losing weight or improving her career. As beautiful as she is, she struggles to see past her extra pounds and her penchant for a Newport—or six.

Chevanese Cambridge, Chevy, is like the Lynn to their Joan and Maya. She’s flighty and selfish, unable to hold down a job for longer than a few paychecks. Living in their friend Noah’s home while he’s overseas with his English man, Chevy also can’t seem to keep up with rent. Honestly, it’s surprising she even has friends, given the way she treats them.

My Thoughts

At first, I thought this was a period piece, clearly set in the early 2000s—with Nokia flip phones and George W. Bush as president—but after finishing, I realized it’s a reprint of a 2006 release. That makes more sense.

I wanted to like this book, but it jumped off the rails for me and never recovered. First, the writing: it’s crisp and concise, very much of its time. The dialogue is also era-appropriate. However, the writing lacks descriptive language that would help build out McFadden’s world. Still, the pacing works—the short chapters kept me flipping pages.

But the characters? Infuriatingly annoying. Crystal, while less irritating than the others, has her entire storyline upended in the third act, and it veers into unbelievable territory. I don’t even know how to explain it. Adults have free will, sure, but if it were me—a violation as big as what her mother, Noah, and Neville pulled off, a huge lie by omission—that would have sent me reeling. I’d never speak to them again. It was disgusting. Why couldn’t he have just been a travel executive with a decent life, genuinely into her, and scheming only to spend more time with her? Why that ruse? Yuck to all involved.

Chevy, while irresponsible and flighty, didn’t bother me as much. She’s far too old to be that immature and reckless, but worse things have happened.

Geneva, though, was unbearable. Why so much emphasis on her living in the “projects”? She infantilizes her son in one breath—constantly calling him her “baby”—and romanticizes him in another, calling him “sexy” and acting jealous of his girlfriend. It’s weird. She hates her body and smokes constantly, yet does nothing to change her situation. Not even a walk. Why did she have to be written as such a loser-ass woman?

And where’s the romance? A man buys you flowers and takes you out for chicken and waffles, and that’s enough? Crystal skips awkward first dates because the man’s already in her house, cooking—but that’s it? By the end of the book—which spans only a few months—Geneva’s “in love.” Why do romance novels always rush love? You’ve only known this man since summer—does he even own a winter coat? As my dad once told me: you need to date a man in all four seasons.

I almost forgot about Noah… that’s how forgettable he is. He’s there, across the pond with his boyfriend and his attractive neighbors having his own romantic crisis. I was tired of them calling him at all hours of the night when, they clearly understand time zones, that was inconsiderate. And calling him collect!

Final Verdict

Honestly, I don’t know how I feel. I believe this is a second installment, with Groove meant to be read first, so maybe my opinion comes with missing context.

Overall, I’m indifferent. It wasn’t my cup of tea.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of Fever by Bernice L. McFadden in exchange for an honest review.