The Flip Side: A Novel

Written by James Bailey

Narrated by Andrew Fallaize

Penny wise or pound foolish? A heartbroken young Brit decides to turn his love life over to the flip of a coin—in this delightfully British rom-com in the vein of Jenny Colgan, Rosie Curtis, Nick Hornby, and David Nicholls.

To coin a phrase, Josh is suffering a quarter-life crisis. He just broke up with his long-term girlfriend, lost his job, and moved back home with his parents (shudder). Welcome to rock bottom in Bristol. As Josh starts questioning all his life choices, he has a mad thought: Maybe he would just be better flipping a coin. After all, careful planning has landed him homeless, jobless, and single.

What starts as a joke soon becomes serious and Josh decides to start putting his faith in the capriciousness of currency. He doesn’t have anything to lose.

But when the chance of a lifetime and the girl of his dreams are on the line, will the coin guide him to a rich love life or leave him flat broke?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Nov 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9780063019416

James Bailey

James Bailey was born in Bristol, England, and currently lives and works in his home city. A graduate of King's College London, James has previously carried the Olympic torch, made a speech at the House of Commons, and worked as a red-carpet reporter. The Flip Side is his debut novel.

[Rae Seak · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story is amazing! Love it and surprise to read a male main characters in rom com.

[fastforward-46127 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A lighthearted romance is what I needed coming off a previous read that was mentally draining. Thankfully this one really was a cute and fun story. Maybe not perfect, but definitely good enough.

Josh's life is a bit messy right now as his girlfriend broke up with him and he lost his job. And with the loss of income, he has to move back in with his parents. Obviously, he didn't plan on any of this stuff to happen but he starts questioning how he makes decisions. Figuring his life can't get any worse, he comes up with the crazy idea to let a coin flip determine his fate. Anytime he is forced to make a choice, he let's the coin do it for him. Hmm... will the coin steer him wrong when it comes to his dating life or will it give him a better shot at finding true love?

Even though it is a bit kooky, I really liked the premise for the book. It might seem like the whole flipping a coin is a bit of a cop out when it comes to making tough decisions, but it can force you out of your comfort zone as well. Most of us could use a push now and then to take a chance even if it's a bit scary. I know I can think of specific examples in my life in which I did the opposite of what I wanted to do and it worked out great.

It's not very often I read a straight romance told entirely from the male's perspective. What made this book a unique read is the author took his time showing where Josh was at in his life rather than just jumping right into the romance. It didn't follow the standard formula in which you know right away who is going to be the one Josh has his eye on. I'm not saying Josh was a perfectly developed character but at least there were other things explored in his life like his friendships and the trivia nights.

As a light and easy read, I really enjoyed this book. I recommend this one if that's what you are in the mood for too.

Thank you to the Netgalley and Avon Romance for providing me with an advance digital copy! All views expressed are my honest opinion.