Vesper
By Evan Marks
Kinderspiel Press, May 26, 2026, 360pp.

The Short of It:

Sophisticated singles in the city.

The Rest of It:

“Vesper Elsegood is in love. With being single.” ~ from the publisher

Vesper is being touted as an “anti-romance” novel, which intrigued me because I am not a huge fan of romance. I often find the genre sappy or unrealistic, but Vesper is a different beast. Vesper is not looking for love. She enjoys the dating scene, chooses her dates carefully, and frankly appreciates the variety.

Her friends do not understand this. Why not settle down and start a family? It is a question young women everywhere hear all the time, yet it is not what Vesper wants. She would rather be successful, happy, and unattached.

Then in walks Caspian. Vesper was not expecting to be smitten by a gorgeous, successful man, but that is exactly what happens, and she is not sure what to make of it. Can you be in a relationship and still maintain your independence? Is that even possible?

As Vesper navigates this new possibility, insecurities about work and life begin to take their toll. I found the story to be a refreshing take on what it means to be single. Less yearning, more internal reflection. It could just be me, but I feel that Marks left the story open for a sequel. Perhaps a series is in the works.

If you are a fan of Sex and the City, you will enjoy this one. Comes out May 26th.

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher.
Disclosure: This post contains Bookshop.org affiliate links.