The Idea of You by Robinne Lee Published by St. Martin's Griffin
Published: June 13, 2017
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When Solène Marchand, the thirty-nine-year-old owner of a prestigious art gallery in Los Angeles, takes her daughter, Isabelle, to meet her favorite boy band, she does so reluctantly and at her ex-husband’s request. The last thing she expects is to make a connection with one of the members of the world-famous August Moon. But Hayes Campbell is clever, winning, confident, and posh, and the attraction is immediate. That he is all of twenty years old further complicates things.
What begins as a series of clandestine trysts quickly evolves into a passionate relationship. It is a journey that spans continents as Solène and Hayes navigate each other’s disparate worlds: from stadium tours to international art fairs to secluded hideaways. And for Solène, it is as much a reclaiming of self, as it is a rediscovery of happiness and love. When their romance becomes a viral sensation, and both she and her daughter become the target of rabid fans and an insatiable media, Solène must face how her new status has impacted not only her life, but the lives of those closest to her.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Idea of You is a book I have had on my Kindle for approximately 3 years. I had a back and forth relationship with wanting to read it. I was excited when I got it and then that excitement waned and I lost interest. But sometime in 2019 that interest popped up again when a lot of my reading friends started to read it and talk about it. Finally I decided it was time to give it a go. And let me tell you I am so happy that I did. The Idea of You was so addictive and amazing and sad and just what I wanted out of it.
The Idea of You is a May December relationship book. It’s the story of Solene, a divorced 40 year old woman with a 13 year old daughter. When Solene’s ex can’t bring their daughter to a concert of a popular boyband Solene is forced to. It is there she meets 20 year old Hayes Campbell, a member of the band, and things forever change. Before Solene knows it she is in an unexpected relationship with someone that is half her age. Soon the two of them are navigating their hectic schedules while trying to make time for each other and to deal with no only the age difference but how Hayes’ profession changes everything for them.
I have no idea why I lost interest in this book for a few years. It seems like such an oversight on my part because The Idea of You was truly fantastic. Hayes and Solene had some of the best chemistry of any couple I have read in a long time. Their romance was non-traditional, but it really worked. And I loved the message that was weaved throughout, how it is more acceptable for a man to be 10 or 20 years older than his partner but when the woman is older it is frowned upon. Solene and Hayes made it okay and I loved it, even when I knew it was going to break my heart. I mean come on, Hayes was so charming I’m not sure anyone could have not fallen for him.
There was magic in the pages of The Idea of You. It isn’t a romance. It is a book that involves a romance and all the messiness that comes with it when you come from two different walks of life. It has its high and lows and you can’t help but get wrapped up in their world and their love. It is a book that once you start you won’t want to stop. It’s a book journey you don’t want to miss.
I purchased this book when it was released. I also waited almost three years before reading it. Finally, four months ago, I read it! I have been enraptured with this beautifully written book and specifically the Audible version. I can’t stop thinking about Hayes & Solene. I never thought I would put another romance book ahead of Fifty Shades….yet, The Idea of You is my #1. Romance lovers must get both versions. You will not be disappointed.