Booklog 87/2025: Jilly Cooper: Rivals – Rutshire Chronicles #2 – Audiobook

[jacey]

Audiobook narrated by Georgia Tennant

I read this many years ago and then recently watched the TV series with David Tennant and Aidan Turner, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  When Georgia Tennant won the Best Audiobook, Romance category, at the 2025 Speakies' I thought I'd give it a listen, and I'm so glad I did. She reads it beautifully, getting all the voices pitch perfect. The story is set in Jilly Cooper's Rutshire in the 1980s, and features Rupert Campbell-Black who first appeared in Riders, Tony Baddingham, owner of Corinium TV, and Declan O'Hara, popular TV journalist. Rupert, a confirmed womaniser, is much more sympathetic that in his Riders incarnation, though just as hot-headed. Baddingham is the antagonist here and when Declan walks out of his contract (or is pushed out) Rupert, Declan and a host of Rutshire characters put in a bid for Corinium's franchise. In the process, Rupert has several affairs and finally falls in love. It's a saucy romp. Jilly Cooper doesn't hold back on the sex, but ultimately her characters shine through. Some characters come through unscathed, others get their (very enjoyable) comeuppance. Though it got the 'Speakie' for best romance, this is not just a romance. There's plenty of intrigue, too. Highly recommended.