Jessicaca

by Suzy Blackledge

Jess isn't having a great time lately. She has the most boring job in her company, her boss tries to place blame on her every chance he gets, and she's just had to sack one of her best friends. As for the men in her life, they all seem to be morons, cavemen, or serial womanisers. Then she meets Steven. Mature, handsome and ever so enticing, Jess starts to think he might be the solution to a lot of her problems. The only issue is he's younger. MUCH younger.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2020

About the author

Susanna “Suzy” Blackledge is a writer from the North of England. After graduating from University, she spent time working in tourism and housing, where she was inspired by many of the issues and themes that appear in her book. Jessicaca is her first novel, and took over two years to write, at her breakfast bar, on trains, on her bed and even in the car (as a passenger, of course).

Suzy is now based in the midlands, but hopes to return to the North one day. When not writing, she can be found trying to find a vegan alternative to her favourite foods, pretending to look useful in the garden or baking an unhealthy amount of desserts.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes this made me cringe all the way through. So many weird things to focus on like how apparently it's unsexy to not shave and so you shouldn't ever try to have sex without shaving your lady bits first. Ugh. Also what kind of person spreads information at work about their best friend having an abortion?

Jessica really was a total piece of caca. I'm honestly amazed at an adult not knowing what that word means. The same adult finds it hard to put together a basic salad in the kitchen, making a bland thing of just a can of chickpeas and pomegranate seeds mixed (pre-removed seeds I mean the girl doesn't even know how to get seeds out of a pomegranate) but then is having a homemade bagel? Who made the bagel if she doesn't even understand how to make a salad?

I guess I just couldn't relate to anything in this story. Jessicaca was just making bad decisions all around and then trying to find someone else to blame them on. Plus having a blackout drinking problem is not cute, get help Caca.

My copy was provided by NetGalley for review.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do wanted to like this one. Not only is my name Jessica, but the blurb sounded great.
Whelp - I couldn’t get into this one:
Nope. And I tried
DNF

[Rebecca Nagrodski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially, I found "Jessicaca" to be perfect literary popcorn. I was enjoying the story - but then I started to really love it as themes of feminism, love, and societal expectations revealed themselves.

While I didn't love the ending, I do want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the chance to enjoy this! A perfect weekend read!

[Charlie Morris (Read, Watch & Drink Coffee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there’s one thing that I will remember Jessicaca for, it’s the powerful voices that it gives to its female leads, who unashamedly like to enjoy a few cocktails after work as they try to find a partner who will lead to more than just sex. Jess and Soo have experienced enough men who will roll over in bed to check their Tinder messages, and it’s these honest conversations that I will take away from this debut book most of all.

The blurb compares this book to Eleanor Oliphant and The Flatshare, and while I definitely saw a bit of Eleanor and Tiffy in Jess, there wasn’t as much going on in regards to the plot to make it as exciting, for me. Although there were a number of funny and sexy scenes that stood out, the big events were too few and far between to keep my interest fully piqued.

There were two things that really prevented me from fully engaging with this book. The first was because of the heavily condensed narrative. Sometimes this worked because I enjoyed Jess’ perception of things, but the plot was quite slow-moving so it took me a while to get into. Although I was eager for things to progress more quickly, the final few chapters really grabbed my attention, though, so it certainly picked up the pace in the end.

The second issue was that I struggled to relate to Jess. I thought that because I’m 29, I would agree with her outlook on life. But maybe it’s because I met my now-husband at 22 and haven’t gone out ‘clubbing’ in a long time, so I’ve never had to try and find a man old enough amongst the youngsters that now frequent the bars and clubs, but I felt that Jess acted a lot younger than her age.

Jess is a very genuine character and there was a lot that I liked about her, but I often felt like I would act differently to her in almost all of her situations (apart from the last one where I applauded her for standing up for what’s right). I really liked the steamy sex scenes, but then these scenes would be followed by a conversation between Jess and Steven about being scared of “doing stuff”. There just seemed to be two sides to her character at times, so it was things like this that led my engagement to be so up and down.

What I like most about this book, however, is that it addresses some really important issues regarding the healthy sex lives of women, abortion, body image, and sexism in the workplace. There’s certainly a lot of impressive qualities to pick out about Suzy Blackledge’s Jessicaca, but it is the kind of story that will depend on your relatability to its lead characters, so it was only the personal connection that was missing for me.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a really funny book then I would suggest this one, you will laugh out loud and the story line is just brilliant, all the characters are ones that you feel as though you know. I couldn't believe this was a debut novel as it is really good. I will looking out for more of this author's books in the future.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC review:

This is a very standard-issue, run of the mill romance/romantic comedy. Jessica is an early 30s single gal who has a boring job, a crappy boss, and a few close gal friends. After a particularly bad day at work, she goes out to the club with her friends, gets smashed, and hooks up with a randomer who ends up being super sweet, self-possessed, and ... a lot younger than her.

The ensuing chapters involve Jess and Steven's growing relationship (which is standard issue casual dating), Jess's fight against sexist hiring practices at work, and some complications in Jess and Soo's friendship that spills over into work. Unfortunately, Jess remains neurotic and self-conscious until the bitter end, and even then shows minimal personal growth. And the work situations, while realistic and timely, are neither entertaining nor thought-provoking, and they don't really drive the plot; it's sort of like 2-3 separate plot lines just popped together into this book.

[Amna Waqar · Rating 1 out of 5]

NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book started off ok, mediocre at the most and slowly went downhill not only story line wise, but writing wise as well. The author waffled with unnecessary details and conversations that I really didn't care for.

This book could have been so much better had the author focused more on important issues like sexism and mental wellbeing in the workplace as Jessica was an HR Executive; but there were more 'pressing issues' like how to make a chickpea and pomegranate salad.

[Hannah Clarke (Love Books Actually) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge thank you to the author for gifting me this book to read and review! Jessicaca overall is an enjoyable read however it did take me a few chapters to get stuck into the storyline. I really liked the main character Jess, relatable, honest and a loyal person who I would gladly invite into my friendship circle. I do feel that her story finished a little too quickly for me and I would really like to have read more about Jess and what happens next for her.
I do recommend giving this book a read, it kept me guessing throughout also touching on a few sensitive topics but balanced out well with a few laugh out loud moments.

[Christina Lockyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is not really for me. Having said that I can see that this would appeal to the commuter and young professionals. The author really had hit upon something with sexism in the work place but I feel this needed developing more. The writing for me was monopolised by sex and drinking and the balance was wrong. I was also yearning for Jessica as a HR executive to get one over on her boss and the sexist pig professionally using her mind rather than how she did. Their are some very funny parts to this tale that I did enjoy along with some relatable issues. But overall it didn’t hit the mark for me.

[Phoebe Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy, Honest, Laugh out Loud fun and Steamy as f*ck

Well.

This is one hell of a book.

By that I mean it had me laughing one minute, sad the next, cringing and swooning.

Set in God's own country of Yorkshire, Leeds/ York we follow Jess, a thirty-one y/o who feels like she is being left behind. Everyone around her is younger, happier with great love lives. All she really wants is to experience love and sex. Is that too much to ask?

Enter Steven.

Steven is such a sweetheart who is beyond his years, his youth and age I forgot as I read. For the fact that the age gap between Steven and Jess became less of an issue as there relationship develops. Steven comes across as innocent yet its far from true if the sex scenes are anything to go by. Prepare yourself for some graphic scenes.

I really liked Jess's character she is flawed and painfully real. Her thoughts and feelings seem to be something every woman can relate to at least once in there lives. I mean have you seen Fleabag? If you haven't do give it ago, but if you have then Jess gives me Fleabag vibes so much. There is such honesty and quick wit in how Blackledge writes that I found myself completely engulfed in the world of Jess.

When I began this book I had no idea how much sex there would be, there is a lot of graphic steamy scenes that will make anyone blush. Not only were they realistic, but they were scenes that depicted healthy sex, sex of two consenting adults enjoying one another's bodies.

This is a fun read with plenty to keep you hooked. The romance and love aspect only being one element of this book. Jessicaca also deals with other things such as office sexism, abortion, sexuality and heartbreak, never shying away from what needs to be said. Blackledge says the things on our minds, and the things that we are sometimes afraid to say ourselves. Its honest, its direct and its a great read if you are a fan of Joanna Bolouri and Holly Martin.

I loved this book and found it a refreshing read with plenty of laughs and up and downs not to mention with the twists and turns that keeps this romcom from being predicable.

So if you have a kindle and fancy a fun, sexy, honest, easy read then why not give Jessicaca a go?

Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bookworm Blogger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d firstly like to thank Suzy Blackledge for contacting me and sending me an ARC of this book.

Overall this book was enjoyable to read. I loved the friendship between Jessica and Soo, they’re candid conversations were very amusing and it was very clear from the start how close they were! The relationship between Steven and Jessica was also sweet, fun and very steamy! I loved how they met, their first date and seeing them develop as a couple, Steven was kind, protective and a bit of a romantic. They had the typical cosy romance where they obviously felt comfortable around each other and that was why I was a little confused about their ending. I understand where it came from but I would of wanted it to go a different way.

The workplace sexism was very interesting to read about and I definitely found myself squirming at the comments made by the likes of Graham and Tom. The final scenes in the office were brilliant and I loved Jessica’s final statement to Graham. I would of loved to see how things played out from there and if Graham or Tom got their comeuppance but these scenes and issues felt very relatable and honestly written.

The only thing missing for me was a bit more action. Initially I found it hard to get into and persevered with some chapters. I felt that we heard Jessica’s opinion too much and at times she went on a bit. There definitely was some more drama at the end that grabbed my attention but just a little more would of made the book even more enjoyable. By the end I wanted to know more about what was next for the characters and felt that the book had almost ended too soon.

All in all this was a well written honest, relatable and at times funny read. Jessica voiced the insecurities that all women face and did so with humour and dignity.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, huge thanks to Suzy for reaching out and sending me a copy of her novel in exchange for an honest review.

After recently reading Cho Nam-Joo’s Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 when I saw the description of Jessicaca I was very interested to see how they would be similar and how they would differ in terms of the presentation of sexism. Whilst they both tell a similar tale, they are also both very different however, this was just as enjoyable for me!

Jessicaca, as the title suggests, follows 31-year-old Jessica who works as HR for an interior design company. Not only is she bored of her job but she is also bored of the men in her life, if they aren’t patronising, they’re womanisers or just morons. The only exception to that rule seems to be Steven who would be perfect if he was a bit… older.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about Jess at first, she just seemed to be a typical type of protagonist you would usually find in this kind of novel. Which isn’t a bad thing, it can just be a bit predictable. However, as the novel progressed I began to understand and appreciate her more. I soon found myself rooting for her in both her work and personal life. However, I must admit, Soo was by far my favourite character and some of her comments had me cackling. I also really liked Steven and his friends, they felt like a very genuine group and reminded me of people that I used to know at university. As a whole, I love how supportive all of the groups were with their friends, it was great to see.

Whilst this novel was a fun read which regularly had me laughing out loud, there were also a lot of moments that frustrated me as I could relate to some of Jess’ experiences in the office. Whilst she works in HR and myself in IT, I could see a lot of similarities in the office environment in general. Whilst a couple of aspects were exaggerated for comedy value (mainly at the end of the novel), that still didn’t take away from the fact that this book felt like it came from a very real place. I really enjoyed the balance of Jess’ troubles in the office and then her life outside of it. It was this balance that contributed to the feeling of reality in the novel; Jess’ issues at work were fleeting moments as they normally would be but they would catch you so off guard you would almost feel like doing a double take.

Overall, this novel was a lot of fun, steamy in parts and a nice snapshot of what it can be like for a woman working in an office. I felt that the novel could have been a little bit longer as the ending felt somewhat sudden and abrupt, especially when it came to Jess’ relationship and her job. However, it was a great read nonetheless.

[Giofab21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! This book hits all the senses and doesn't let go.
Authentic and hilarious, real and crazy it has something for every woman to relate to. I thought it taking place in England would lose something for me but in a weird way it worked.
Diving in to Jess' world will either give you something to remember or a glimpse at what might be coming. Either way it's a crazy ride you don't want to miss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ravenclaw Library Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

When heard that Jessicaca was being compared favourably to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine I was hooked and couldn't wait to read this having loved that book . Unfortunately this wasn't funny or even anything remotely like Eleanor.
I loved the cover and that was the only good thing about this.

[EmJu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute drivel

[Emily Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book with a strong female characters. It shows women in a good light being able to go out and have drinks after work and a good evening with nothing to be ashamed of. The age gap between the two was discussed well and I felt that the connection between Steven and Jess was very well written.

Positives: A genuine character that cares about her friends, it discusses the sex lives of women positively and counters sexism in the workplace highlighting multiple instances of where its different to be a woman. There were some sweet scenes and Steven was written nicely in a refreshing way for a male romantic lead to be written. He was respectful and checked in just because he could. I think the ending could have been refined as I had some issues with it as well as the opportunity for further exploration on topics.

Negatives: Some things were not handled well, there was much more opportunity to delve into the issues in the work place. I would have preferred there to be a better resolution at the end for dealing with the boss and Tom as if this was to be extended it would probably show that neither of them grew form the experience which was missed.Other reviews mention a salad, which I agree becomes very fixated on, the exact same salad for lunch each day in the book. Some topics were not broached as well as they could be.

Thank you to #NetGallery for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Emma Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

*gifted* ⁣
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Synopsis: ⁣
Jess isn't having a good time right now. Her job is hell, with her boss blaming her for everything including firing her best friend. But on a night out, Jess meets Steven. The catch is - he's a LOT younger... ⁣
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My thoughts: ⁣
This was a really fun read. Although it covered some slightly heavier topics like (hints of) feminism and workplace bullying, it was still funny and light. I loved Jess' friends and want them as my own 😂 ⁣
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Steven is an interesting character because he defies expectations and their story isn't something I've come across before, and I loved that it was a unique love story. ⁣
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Some reviews say they can't stand Jessica or that she shows no personal growth but I don't think that's my view. Although suggestion that females must shave etc (fine, some women may think that but it's not the case)! I think it's more that Jessica's growth was just very speedy towards the ending rather than gradual. And I LOVED the ending, I was like 😲😲😲 ⁣
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If you like light hearted, fun romance reads with steam and humour, you'll love this one! ⁣

[Kriti Dalmia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut by Suzy Blackledge..

Suzy Blackledge has written a sexy, funny, meaningful book.
From using amazing metaphors to describe..
Writing characters in such a way that you will relate to them, the feeling, the thought process..
Writing about social media and stuff, how it impacts our behaviour, about office life and it's gossips and politics..
A story of Jess and Steven and their friends that you will find yourself laughing at, sharing their emotions.
Through this book the author has also managed to touch upon topics which are considered taboo or you have to let it happen the way it is, keeping upto the expectations of society rather than considering what you want.. Finally to stand up for what is right and speak out.
I really enjoyed reading this book and it is good for a debut novel.

[Abbie Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Jessicaca’ 👩🏽👩🏼👩🏻 by Suzy Blackledge
3/5 🌟🌟🌟

I was kindly gifted this book by @suzy.blackledge in exchange for an honest review.

I gave this book 3/5 as I did find it slow to start with and a very simple/easy read. It was funny and focused around the tight friendship of the main characters and how they always have each other’s backs! #girlpower As a debut novel I would recommend and I usually like to read thriller/horror it was a nice wee change ☺️