I picked up Romp by Ada Barumé because I needed a reset. I had been deep in a non-fiction bubble and wanted something lighter as the seasons shifted and the days are inevitably getting lighter. Something a bit playful. A bit indulgent.

ROMP a funny, energetic, and often sexual entertainment or situation:

The newspaper headline was “Bishop Caught In Sex Romp!”

Synonym

frolic mainly UK old-fashioned

As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary

The word “romp” alone suggested chaos, glamour, scandal… all the things.

However, this is not quite the bonkbuster it’s positioned as.

As someone who spent her formative years devouring Jackie Collins novels, I went in expecting drama, excess, and a steady stream of scandal. That energy only really arrives in the final third of the book. Before that, it’s much more measured than the blurb would have you believe.

That said, there is still plenty here to enjoy.

The central art competition, hosted by Opal, provides a solid backdrop to explore the diverse characters and their individual stories and motivations for wanting to win £75k in old money. This structure works well and keeps the narrative engaging. My favourite characters from that cohort were Ruby (who was probably the most well fleshed out character after Opal) and Jojo.

What I appreciated most is the diversity. For a book set in the 1980s, this felt refreshingly representative. There is queer representation, there is ethnic diversity, and it does not feel forced or tokenistic. It simply exists within the world.

In terms of pacing, it’s an easy read. One of those books you can pick up and move through quickly without feeling overwhelmed. It leans into the “light-hearted” side of what a romp should be, even if it doesn’t fully commit to the chaos implied by its own marketing.

I’ve given Romp by Ada Barumé 3.5 stars because I did enjoy it. It’s entertaining, character-led, and easy to get through. But it does not quite live up to the promise of its blurb. If you come in expecting full 1980s excess, you might find yourself waiting a little too long for things to really heat up. I rate books using my personal system. See what each rating means here.

Still, if you’re looking for a quick, engaging read with a diverse cast and a gentle dose of drama, Romp is worth picking up.

For the PopSugar challenge some may feel this book meets the “book about new beginnings” prompt.

Romp by Ada Barumé is available to preorder from your usual retailers.