Hello, I’m Isobel, lifelong reader, enthusiastic book collector and the person behind The Curvy Bookworm.

Books have always played a big part in my life. I studied Comparative Literature at Queen Mary University of London, where I was able to turn my love of stories into something slightly more academic. Since then, I have built a career in PR, content and marketing, spending more than ten years writing, researching, developing ideas and helping organisations tell their stories.

In other words, I spend most of my working life thinking about words, and then voluntarily spend my spare time surrounded by even more of them.

Why I started The Curvy Bookworm

I created The Curvy Bookworm as a place to share honest reviews, rediscover old favourites and document the books that stay with me long after I have finished reading them.

Some books are beautifully written. Some are completely addictive. Some make me cry, laugh or stare at the wall for several minutes afterwards. Others are simply good fun, and sometimes that is exactly what I need.

I am not interested in pretending that every book is a literary masterpiece. My reviews are based on how a story made me feel, whether the characters held my attention and whether I would genuinely recommend it to somebody else.

You can expect reviews covering:

• Romance, including the occasional spicier read
• Fantasy and romantasy
• Mysteries and thrillers
• Historical fiction
• Quick and easy reads
• Books for escaping a reading slump
• Book-to-screen adaptations
• Old favourites that deserve another moment in the spotlight

I am not loyal to one particular genre. I simply want stories that make me feel something, whether they transport me to Tudor England, introduce me to an impossible fantasy world or keep me awake because I need to read one more chapter.

A lifelong love of stories

One of my earliest and most memorable reading experiences happened when I was 15. My mum and I walked into a bookshop, and I was immediately drawn to a young woman on the cover of The Lady in the Tower by Marie-Louise Jensen.

I began reading it in the car before we had even made it home, and it became one of those rare books I have continued to revisit throughout my life. Years later, I emailed the author to tell her how much the story meant to me. More recently, my husband surprised me with a signed copy for Christmas.

That is the kind of relationship I love having with books. They become connected to particular people, places and moments in our lives.

When I’m not reading

Away from The Curvy Bookworm, I work as a PR and Content Specialist across media relations, digital PR, marketing and content creation.

I have written everything from press releases and expert commentary to blog posts, newsletters, website copy and social media campaigns. My work has covered a wide variety of sectors, but the common thread has always been storytelling and finding the right words to connect with an audience.

I am also involved in other creative projects, including The Cask Connoisseur, a beer and whisky platform I work on with my husband Luke and our family. Through that, I have helped produce reviews, industry content, interviews and features about breweries, distilleries and the people behind them.

I also have a slight obsession with castles and historic places. Luke regularly finds himself following me around ruined towers, stately homes and National Trust properties while listening to whichever historical fact or fictional character has captured my attention that week.

At home, I am usually accompanied by Eddie, our lurcher, who is less interested in books and more interested in whether I have brought snacks.

A few quick facts

• I have a degree in Comparative Literature.
• I have worked in PR, content and marketing for more than eight years.
• Historical fiction will always have a special place on my bookshelf.
• I love visiting castles and historic houses.
• I regularly buy more books despite already owning unread books.
• I am very easily persuaded by a beautiful cover.
• I appreciate both thoughtful literature and gloriously addictive escapism.
• My husband deserves recognition for patiently listening to my book-related ramblings.
• I believe rereading an old favourite absolutely counts as productive reading.

Honest reviews, always

All reviews on The Curvy Bookworm reflect my genuine opinion.

Books provided by authors, publishers or brands will always be clearly identified, and receiving a complimentary copy will never guarantee a positive review. I want this blog to remain a trustworthy and welcoming place for readers looking for their next book.

Whether you are searching for an immersive historical adventure, a twisty thriller, a magical escape or a romance with a little extra heat, I hope you find something here that earns a place on your reading list.

Thanks for visiting The Curvy Bookworm. I’m very glad you’re here.

Get in touch

Have a book recommendation, review request or collaboration idea?

Email me at thecurvybookworm@gmail.com.