netgyrl's review
3.0
3 ⭐ - audible version - It was okay.
The narration was good, but the book just didn't have much going on. I was not a fan of Van so that probably speaks to why I personally didn't jell with this book so much. I probably would not bother to listen to it again. I wish I could give it away to someone who much enjoy it better then me.
The narration was good, but the book just didn't have much going on. I was not a fan of Van so that probably speaks to why I personally didn't jell with this book so much. I probably would not bother to listen to it again. I wish I could give it away to someone who much enjoy it better then me.
kimily's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book very much. The main characters were fun, the sci-fi/80s references were cool, and the steam was at just the right level. I will be looking for more lesfic by Ms. Parker.
sherpawhale's review
2.0
Did not finish. If Ready Player One was a wlw romance with all of the 80s pop culture references galore. Van was one of the most unlikable, least charismatic protagonists and it was impossible to see what Willa saw in her.
judeinthestars's review against another edition
4.0
What a fun read! I loved that one of the main characters was a total nerd, a Star Wars and Ghostbusters fan. If you’re in the mood for a joyful, fast-paced and easy read, this is it.
dealingwithdragons's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know where Tamsen Parker got a list of everything my "type" comprises--switchy, butchy sci-fi nerd with a mild hair-petting kink and a passion for good cosplay--but man, did she hit the nail on the head with this one. I love Van, and and I love how much she and Willa love each other. Additional props for positive bi rep from Willa!
I love that there was all the personal history of the typical "my brother's best friend" trope here and none of the older-brother possessiveness. I like Nate enough to look into whether he's in other books in the series.
Discussion of sex scenes under the cut.
I love that there was all the personal history of the typical "my brother's best friend" trope here and none of the older-brother possessiveness. I like Nate enough to look into whether he's in other books in the series.
Discussion of sex scenes under the cut.
Spoiler
I found the emphasis on consent and individualized pleasure to be not only ideal but highly realistic. There's some gentle, switchy D/s here, but it includes discussion of boundaries and preferences that I really appreciated. The characters meshed well but still needed to talk about what each other liked, which is a very real (but still hot!) thing that doesn't often come up in the romances I've read. Additionally, there's a fun f/f version of the ubiquitous (at least among my circles) Han Solo/Princess Leia cosplay fantasy. Love it.briarsreviews's review against another edition
4.0
In Her Court by Tamsen Parker is a goofy, geeky read filled with
Tamsen Parker is not one to stick to the same plot over and over in every read, and that's what makes this book so unique compared to the others. This time around, Tamsen has explored an F/F relation (or two females if you didn't understand the acronym). Two girls at a camp fulfill a beautiful romance, in short.
These girls (Van and Willa) have character - one of them is getting a PhD, they are working at a tennis camp, and they aren't your typical character without flaws and full of perfection. They seem realistic in the setting of this story! That's a nice change from some of the F/F books I have read in the past - I like seeing characters who slowly build and get better throughout the story.
There is some R-rated language (a few F bombs) so if you don't like any swears, beware! They aren't dropped for no reason, they fit within the story, but know this book isn't G rated. If you thought it was, you don't know Tamsen's writing very well...
Personal opinion: I felt like Nate and his character could have not been in the story and it would have moved just as well. Yes, he's an introduction for both characters, but he didn't seem wildly important - at least not to me. I would have liked to see a more interesting story line with him (a non romantic subplot, or something). I felt like there was more potential hiding in there. That being said, it wasn't like he was supposed to be the main character of the story.
This wasn't my favourite Tamsen Parker book (and by that I mean her super steamy romances), but it definitely ranks up in my favourite romances. I felt the introduction to the characters wasn't the best (we found out a bit to much to fast, in my opinion) but it was still fitting and made the story work. That's me being a picky Tamsen Parker/romance fan and nothing more. It doesn't hurt the story, I just feel like it wasn't Tamsen's best out of all of her books (I remember a time when she only had three books out...just saying..now she's all busy writing and forming a career ;D).
I found this was definitely a step out of Tamsen's wild BDSM/crazy sexual books and more of a contemporary romance (as it says on Goodreads, which I noticed AFTER I read it - do your research first guys! Then you'll know what you're getting!). As a contemporary romance, it's fantastic! It's not the best romance in all of the world that I've ever read, but it's a worthy read. A very worthy read indeed! There is still some steamy sexy scenes, just not as crazy wild as her other novels. But it's still uber sexy and well written! And there is LOTS of it...Almost to much. At one point, there seems to be sex scenes in every single chapter!
Side Notes: I love geeky references and Star Wars, Wonder Woman, Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles and Ferris Bueller's Day Off was present in this novel. Bonus points for Tamsen!
Overall, this book was great - it just wasn't my favourite Tamsen Parker book (but can they all really be my favourite? Let's be honest). This book is still a worthy read and I would suggest it to those looking for some steamy romances, but definitely pick up Tamsen's other books while you're at it. These books show how she can not only write crazy steamy BDSM, but lovely contemporary romances and some not so safe for work styled novels.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you Tamsen Parker for being amazing (as always!) and sending me a copy of this book!!
Tamsen Parker is not one to stick to the same plot over and over in every read, and that's what makes this book so unique compared to the others. This time around, Tamsen has explored an F/F relation (or two females if you didn't understand the acronym). Two girls at a camp fulfill a beautiful romance, in short.
These girls (Van and Willa) have character - one of them is getting a PhD, they are working at a tennis camp, and they aren't your typical character without flaws and full of perfection. They seem realistic in the setting of this story! That's a nice change from some of the F/F books I have read in the past - I like seeing characters who slowly build and get better throughout the story.
There is some R-rated language (a few F bombs) so if you don't like any swears, beware! They aren't dropped for no reason, they fit within the story, but know this book isn't G rated. If you thought it was, you don't know Tamsen's writing very well...
Personal opinion: I felt like Nate and his character could have not been in the story and it would have moved just as well. Yes, he's an introduction for both characters, but he didn't seem wildly important - at least not to me. I would have liked to see a more interesting story line with him (a non romantic subplot, or something). I felt like there was more potential hiding in there. That being said, it wasn't like he was supposed to be the main character of the story.
This wasn't my favourite Tamsen Parker book (and by that I mean her super steamy romances), but it definitely ranks up in my favourite romances. I felt the introduction to the characters wasn't the best (we found out a bit to much to fast, in my opinion) but it was still fitting and made the story work. That's me being a picky Tamsen Parker/romance fan and nothing more. It doesn't hurt the story, I just feel like it wasn't Tamsen's best out of all of her books (I remember a time when she only had three books out...just saying..now she's all busy writing and forming a career ;D).
I found this was definitely a step out of Tamsen's wild BDSM/crazy sexual books and more of a contemporary romance (as it says on Goodreads, which I noticed AFTER I read it - do your research first guys! Then you'll know what you're getting!). As a contemporary romance, it's fantastic! It's not the best romance in all of the world that I've ever read, but it's a worthy read. A very worthy read indeed! There is still some steamy sexy scenes, just not as crazy wild as her other novels. But it's still uber sexy and well written! And there is LOTS of it...Almost to much. At one point, there seems to be sex scenes in every single chapter!
Side Notes: I love geeky references and Star Wars, Wonder Woman, Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles and Ferris Bueller's Day Off was present in this novel. Bonus points for Tamsen!
Overall, this book was great - it just wasn't my favourite Tamsen Parker book (but can they all really be my favourite? Let's be honest). This book is still a worthy read and I would suggest it to those looking for some steamy romances, but definitely pick up Tamsen's other books while you're at it. These books show how she can not only write crazy steamy BDSM, but lovely contemporary romances and some not so safe for work styled novels.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you Tamsen Parker for being amazing (as always!) and sending me a copy of this book!!
qace90's review
5.0
A super sweet summer romance~
There are several things I absolutely adored about this book, not least being the explicit communication during intimate moments. Van and Willa do have issues communicating outside the bedroom and being on the same page, but I loved seeing them talk through their comforts and what gets them off.
I also absolutely adored Van’s friendship with Nate and his relationship with Willa. There was so much obvious love between all three of them and it felt very Found Family with regards to Van and Nate.
So much on-page geekery, and so many 80s references (which, being a product of the 90s, I didn’t always get) made this an absolutely fun read.
The conflict near the end felt very organic and realistic with regards to the gaps in their communication.
Content warnings: on page sex (including oral, fingering, use of vibrator/toys, outdoors), casual ableism?, scene where MC lashes out about her own insecurities, internal turmoil for MC re: telling best friend that she’s intimately involved with his sister.
There are several things I absolutely adored about this book, not least being the explicit communication during intimate moments. Van and Willa do have issues communicating outside the bedroom and being on the same page, but I loved seeing them talk through their comforts and what gets them off.
I also absolutely adored Van’s friendship with Nate and his relationship with Willa. There was so much obvious love between all three of them and it felt very Found Family with regards to Van and Nate.
So much on-page geekery, and so many 80s references (which, being a product of the 90s, I didn’t always get) made this an absolutely fun read.
The conflict near the end felt very organic and realistic with regards to the gaps in their communication.
Content warnings: on page sex (including oral, fingering, use of vibrator/toys, outdoors), casual ableism?, scene where MC lashes out about her own insecurities, internal turmoil for MC re: telling best friend that she’s intimately involved with his sister.
lezreviewbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a fun and hot lesbian romance audiobook. I was skeptical about this author after I didn’t enjoy ‘If I loved you less’, a retelling of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, so I wasn’t keen on trying anything else. I have to admit that I was completely wrong and I’m glad I listened to this audiobook as it is a very entertaining story.
Professor Evangeline “Van” Thompson is tired of academia and cannot wait for a summer working in Camp Firefly Falls with her bestie Nate. Unfortunately, Nate breaks his leg days before the camp start and he sends his little sister Willa as a replacement. When Willa shows up, Van immediately realises that she’s grown into a gorgeous woman, and keeping her eyes from her is getting harder by the minute. Willa Carter has always had a crush on Van but was always ignored as the pesky best friend’s little sister. Now it seems that Van is still ignoring her but eventually the truth comes out: they are both attracted to each other…
‘In her Court’ is book 18 in the ‘Camp Firefly Falls’ series, which is mainly composed of m/f romance. Luckily, this is a standalone novel, so no need to read the previous seventeen m/f books to enjoy this one. And enjoyable it is. Both main characters are very well written. Van, as the dorky, nerdy professor who’s into Star Wars and cosplay, and Willa, the athletic and sociable bombshell who is trying to start a career in academia.
Ms. Parker exploits well the opposites attract, lusting after best friend’s little sister tropes. As Van tries to keep a lid on her attraction to Willa, she comes across as an aloof jerk though, slowly but surely, Willa starts to tear her walls down. The author writes this explosive and undeniable chemistry really well and the sex scenes are super hot.
For me, what makes this story shine is the great dialogues and banter. Some of the expressions or the thoughts of the characters were downright hilarious, especially those that highlight the secret attraction, and then relationship, between the mains. Don’t expect anything too serious or food for thought from this audiobook but if you are looking to spend a few hours of fun, I highly recommend it.
Jill Smith is superb as the narrator of this story, I’ve only listened to her in Lorelie Brown’s ‘Far from Home’ and she did an amazing job there as well. Her voices, including the male ones, are really good and her narrative tone is exactly right for this audiobook. I’m definitely going to listen to more of her audiobooks starting with ‘Fire on Ice’ another f/f romance by Tamsen Parker. 4.5 stars.
Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
Professor Evangeline “Van” Thompson is tired of academia and cannot wait for a summer working in Camp Firefly Falls with her bestie Nate. Unfortunately, Nate breaks his leg days before the camp start and he sends his little sister Willa as a replacement. When Willa shows up, Van immediately realises that she’s grown into a gorgeous woman, and keeping her eyes from her is getting harder by the minute. Willa Carter has always had a crush on Van but was always ignored as the pesky best friend’s little sister. Now it seems that Van is still ignoring her but eventually the truth comes out: they are both attracted to each other…
‘In her Court’ is book 18 in the ‘Camp Firefly Falls’ series, which is mainly composed of m/f romance. Luckily, this is a standalone novel, so no need to read the previous seventeen m/f books to enjoy this one. And enjoyable it is. Both main characters are very well written. Van, as the dorky, nerdy professor who’s into Star Wars and cosplay, and Willa, the athletic and sociable bombshell who is trying to start a career in academia.
Ms. Parker exploits well the opposites attract, lusting after best friend’s little sister tropes. As Van tries to keep a lid on her attraction to Willa, she comes across as an aloof jerk though, slowly but surely, Willa starts to tear her walls down. The author writes this explosive and undeniable chemistry really well and the sex scenes are super hot.
For me, what makes this story shine is the great dialogues and banter. Some of the expressions or the thoughts of the characters were downright hilarious, especially those that highlight the secret attraction, and then relationship, between the mains. Don’t expect anything too serious or food for thought from this audiobook but if you are looking to spend a few hours of fun, I highly recommend it.
Jill Smith is superb as the narrator of this story, I’ve only listened to her in Lorelie Brown’s ‘Far from Home’ and she did an amazing job there as well. Her voices, including the male ones, are really good and her narrative tone is exactly right for this audiobook. I’m definitely going to listen to more of her audiobooks starting with ‘Fire on Ice’ another f/f romance by Tamsen Parker. 4.5 stars.
Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
elenajohansen's review against another edition
3.0
For someone who loves nearly everything she's read of Tamsen Parker, I was disappointed by this one. It's good, but it's not what I would have expected at all.
Even if I'm glad to see more FF romance, which is thin on the ground, Van and Willa never convinced me their relationship was much more than lust. They were definitely both into each other physically, but their major emotional conflict--going into/being a part of academia--was so intense and personal compared to how well they actually knew each other that it felt grafted onto the story, rather than an organic part of it.
Even if I'm glad to see more FF romance, which is thin on the ground, Van and Willa never convinced me their relationship was much more than lust. They were definitely both into each other physically, but their major emotional conflict--going into/being a part of academia--was so intense and personal compared to how well they actually knew each other that it felt grafted onto the story, rather than an organic part of it.
trinielf's review against another edition
3.0
Rating 3.5
brother's best friend trope f/f yes! i liked Willa and Van together. Sexy times were steamy. Their internal conflict felt real to me. They were both clearly differently about the relationship and I'm glad that Willa realized in that end that she really jumped the gun on talking to her brother about her and Van before even speaking to Van! The entire time i was like giiirl no whut are you doing but of course no one's perfect. we get excited about possible new relationship and want to tell everyone that matters
At times Van did annoy me with her assumptions about Willa, writing her off as just a blonde jock >.> and i was so thrilled at Willa called Van out on that.
Did i mention the sexy times? cuz *fans self* Ir's also important to note that during sex they actually communicated? Van admitted not to fancying penetration, even though she might be willing to try sometime with Willa, and Willa accepted that, didnt make it an issue. I loved that!
I was also happy that Willa's brother didnt act all you can't be with my sister for blah blah ridiculous reason but acknowledged his sis is an adult and can make her own choices, while warning Van about hurting his sis lol. But i loved that discussion there. I feel like i dont see it much with this trope and the brother usually flips out or something.
So quick, fun, steamy, and oj geeky read! They had an 80s themed week at the camp and that was fun! The Ghostbusters tag game was pretty hilarious, especially with Willa get super competitive and carried away with sliming people lol .
brother's best friend trope f/f yes! i liked Willa and Van together. Sexy times were steamy. Their internal conflict felt real to me. They were both clearly differently about the relationship and I'm glad that Willa realized in that end that she really jumped the gun on talking to her brother about her and Van before even speaking to Van! The entire time i was like giiirl no whut are you doing but of course no one's perfect. we get excited about possible new relationship and want to tell everyone that matters
At times Van did annoy me with her assumptions about Willa, writing her off as just a blonde jock >.> and i was so thrilled at Willa called Van out on that.
Did i mention the sexy times? cuz *fans self* Ir's also important to note that during sex they actually communicated? Van admitted not to fancying penetration, even though she might be willing to try sometime with Willa, and Willa accepted that, didnt make it an issue. I loved that!
I was also happy that Willa's brother didnt act all you can't be with my sister for blah blah ridiculous reason but acknowledged his sis is an adult and can make her own choices, while warning Van about hurting his sis lol. But i loved that discussion there. I feel like i dont see it much with this trope and the brother usually flips out or something.
So quick, fun, steamy, and oj geeky read! They had an 80s themed week at the camp and that was fun! The Ghostbusters tag game was pretty hilarious, especially with Willa get super competitive and carried away with sliming people lol .