women_using_words's reviews
88 reviews

Hot Hires by Alaina Erdell, Jesse J. Thoma, Nan Campbell

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Anthologies are wonderful because they give readers a nice sampling of a publisher’s authors. It’s especially appealing when they pick a solid lineup of writers, like Bold Strokes Books did with their most recent release, Hot Hires. It features Nan Campbell, Alaina Erdell, and Jesse J. Thoma, and each writer puts their best foot forward, showcasing their distinct talents as storytellers. 

Nan Campbell gets top billing in this publication, and with four books to her name, Campbell is quickly becoming a hot commodity at Bold Strokes Books. Her debut, The Rules of Forever, was not only a hit with readers but also earned her a Lambda Literary Award. Her second and third books, The No Kiss Contract and Like They Do in the Movies, garnered her even more praise. Both are currently up for an Ann Bannon Golden Crown Literary Award. Though her career as an author is still in its infancy, it’s quite clear that Bold Strokes has struck gold with her. 

Once readers get into Campbell’s contribution, they’ll quickly see that she was a good choice for this anthology. Her writing is a real treat; there’s just so much to enjoy. Readers easily fall in love with Hope and Val. They are appropriately fleshed out and likable characters—quite adorable actually. Furthermore, Campbell does a nice job building the romance between them. I must say, I was impressed; for a short story, Campbell accomplishes a lot. Her use of secondary characters and setting (which almost acts like a supporting character) make the writing shine. Each is well developed and well structured, adding nice dollops of contrast and texture to the storytelling. Bottom line—the whole piece is just nicely done. In fact, I wouldn’t mind an expanded version of “New York is Losing Hope” 😉

The second short story is written by Alaina Erdell, and she never misses with her work. Like Campbell, her debut also earned her some healthy attention. Fire, Water, and Rocktallied six awards, which is certainly something to crow about.
Her second book underscores that her talent is real, and that she's not just a one-hit wonder. Off the Menu collected seven different awards and is my personal favorite.

One of the things that readers appreciate about Erdell is the way she weaves her unique passions into her storytelling. She has a real knack for captivating readers with the details, whether it be art, geology, or cooking, but especially cooking. Her Hot Hirescontribution involves a lovely romance between an uptight, high-strung wedding planner (who happens to be the bride’s sister) and a chef for the wedding festivities. Even though “Two Women, Two Weddings” is short, Erdell demonstrates that she knows how to create believable tension while keeping the romance fun. Her vivid descriptions and fluid prose add so much life to the storytelling; it truly makes for an enticing read. Like Campbell, Erdell may have just recently cut her teeth in this business, but she’s proven she’s quite comfortable on the page. Whether it’s a full-length novel or a short story, she always provides a pleasurable read. 

The last selection in this anthology, “For Love or Money,” is written by Jesse J. Thoma. Unlike her fellow co-authors, she’s not new to the storytelling game. She wrote her first book, The Chase, in 2013 and garnered positive feedback for it. Since then, she’s produced eight more novels, spanning genres like butch-femme romance and crime fiction. Many of them have caught the attention of award panels, garnering nominations from both the Golden Crowne Literary Society and the Lambda Literary committee. Readers are drawn to her high-octane, fast-paced dramas, and that’s what she delivers in Hot Hires. Her story “For Love or Money” packs a punch and leaves readers wanting more. For just a short tale, she’s able to develop a complex plot without any confusing leaps or jumps, tying everything up neat and sweet in the end. She sets it up perfectly too with a real flash-bang start; readers are pulled into the high-speed drama immediately and they don’t want to let go. Furthermore, the leading ladies are much too alluring to be denied. They have chemistry for days, and their sizzle jumps off the page. This was my first story by Thoma, but it won’t be my last!

Final remarks…

Hot Hires is a fun anthology. I enjoy all three stories. The writing is strong and cohesive with tight themes throughout. The character development is solid and the plots are completely engaging. This is a perfect beach read—light, entertaining and easy to enjoy. I highly recommend it. 

Strengths…

• Well-written, well-edited 
• Entertaining storylines
• Fun, likable characters 
• Steamy romances

The Gravity Between Us by Kristen Zimmer

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Exploring timeless themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, The Gravity Between Us by Kristen Zimmer has captivated sapphic readers since it was first published in October of 2013. Payton Taylor and Kendall Bettencourt, the novel’s central figures, embody these themes beautifully. Zimmer combines their friendship, passion and heartache in such a way that it resonates deeply with readers. The personal experiences and emotions of these young women are echoed honestly and reverently, striking something inside readers that rings true even ten years later.

Payton and Kendall are two enchanting and captivating characters, individuals that readers can understand and care about. Crafted with relatability and depth, readers not only see reflections of themselves in these women but they are able to taste their vulnerability and desire as well. The swirl of emotion and confusion draws readers further into the story and sets the stage for an authentic portrayal of sapphic love and friendship, making this story stand the test of time.

Because Zimmer does such a great job developing Payton and Kendall, readers are easily able to fall into their story world. Zimmer’s authentic representation resonates strongly with readers. However, it is her exploration of Hollywood’s fame and fortune that really adds texture. Zimmer uses Hollywood effectively and thoughtfully, giving readers something to chew on. This backdrop provides a layer of interest to the story arc, making Payton and Kendall’s journeys more dynamic. Ultimately, the character development and narrative is enriched by all of this, ensuring that readers are engaged and invested until the end.

It is no wonder readers have loved Zimmer’s debut book for many years; there’s much to appreciate it. However, one of the most noteworthy aspects of The Gravity Between Us is its positive and nuanced portrayal of young love. Written during a time when such stories were still scarce publications, Zimmer’s depiction of Payton and Kendall’s love is pure and lovely. She addresses the complexities and challenges faced by young women questioning their sexuality and desire with a raw truth that still grabs audiences by “the feels” today. These women are on the cusp of self discovery and womanhood, and their journey is filled with an innocence readers can’t deny. Timeless and touching, this memorable love story will leave a lasting mark on all that experience it.

Final remarks…

The Gravity Between Us is a must read classic for the sapphic romance lover. It is a compelling narrative filled with relatable characters and meaningful themes. Once you read it, you won’t forget it, or wonder why it’s become one of the most cherished young adult novels of our time.

A word about the audiobook…

Kelly Burke and Madeline Pell give a fantastic performance in the audio version of The Gravity Between Us. They breathe life into Zimmer’s narrative and add an energy and depth that listeners find easy to appreciate. Their portrayal of each character is distinct and consistent. Listeners are easily drawn into the story world with their steady pacing and professionalism. This was an enjoyable and entertaining audio; I would easily listen to them again.

Strengths…

• Entertaining storyline 
• Engaging romance 
• Likable characters 
• Enjoyable audio performance

Loyalty by E.J. Noyes

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

The allure of a romantic thriller series lies in its ability to seamlessly blend heart-pounding, thrilling suspense with a captivating love story. E. J. Noyes has easily proven she knows how to do this; her Halcyon Division Series has shown itself to be a solid-gold winner. Books one and two were met with high praise, leaving readers wanting more each time. Book three, Loyalty, with its well-mapped, intricate storyline and heart-stopping, high-stakes action, looks destined to be a home-run hit too.

Noyes is a master storyteller. She understands that the core of a successful romantic thriller must encompass a gripping and charged plot, one filled with surprising twists and turns. While every book in the Halcyon Division Series offers readers suspense and thrills, Loyalty is unexpected and top-shelf in every way. It never lets off the accelerator. As readers eagerly turn the pages to uncover clues and insights, they are led to some very surprising and jaw-dropping revelations. With her talent shining brightly on every page, Noyes gives her readers some A+ dramatic and tense moments, all leading to the ultimate climax. This is Tom Clancy-James Bond stuff and should not be missed.

This series is all about complex relationships. Noyes’ exploration of these relationships is layered, dynamic, and sometimes unsettling, but it adds an overall depth that’s beyond compelling. This, combined with the romance between Lexie and Sophia, provides the storytelling with a sense of danger, creating a real emotional rollercoaster for readers. Furthermore, the dynamics between all of Noyes’ characters are multifaceted, making the narrative ripe for character growth. As readers follow their journey—especially Lexie and Sophia’s—they develop a sense of attachment and connection to them. And because Noyes’ character arcs are so well-developed, readers cannot help but become emotionally invested. They root for their success, even amidst the challenge and chaos.

Even though this story is fast-paced, it’s well-balanced. That’s essential for any romantic thriller. Noyes understands this and offers readers a mix of fast-paced action with slower, more intimate moments. It works to achieve two things: 1) It gives readers a moment to digest everything that is happening in the story, and 2) It helps to deepen the romance between Lexie and Sophia. However, these slower scenes never disrupt the story’s underlying tension. Noyes is careful to craft the pacing in such a way that it ensures reader engagement. She strikes the right balance between heart-pumping action and steamy romance, tightly hooking readers into a vibrant story world.

Final remarks…

Loyalty, the latest installment in the Halcyon Division Series, is just another shining example of Noyes’ storytelling prowess. Her exhilarating narrative simply solidifies her place as a master writer and queen of sapphic romantic thrillers. However, to fully appreciate Loyalty, one must read the whole series; there is no way around it. Each book contributes to the overall narrative arc and works to build Loyalty’s climactic moment. With its intricate, surprising plot twists and well-developed, complex characters, this book is guaranteed to blow readers’ minds. They will eagerly devour each page as the rollercoaster ride of danger and romance culminates in a big finish.

Strengths…

• Engaging storyline 
• Captivating characters  
• Balanced pacing
• Strong, appealing romance
• Captivating story world 
• Nice wrap up to a fantastic series

Second Night Stand by Fay Stetz-Waters, Karelia Stetz-Waters

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Second Night Stand is a captivating novel written by best-selling author Karelia Stetz-Waters and her spouse, Fay. Though Karelia individually has nine novels to her name, she maintains that many of the best ideas came from Fay. Since Fay has been a big part of Karelia’s brainstorming for years, co-authoring a book seemed inevitable. In fact, it was something they had been talking about for quite some time. However, it was paramount to them that their story included things that are important in strong relationships, like healthy communication, especially during sex. They believe it’s sexy to see this kind of communication in sapphic fiction. I agree; I’m glad they made sure to weave it into Second Night Stand’s narrative. It’s what makes it so much fun to read.

Though this is their first collaboration, it doesn’t feel that way at all. I’m sure much of that stems from their familiarity with one another. Together, they have a fresh and unique writing style, one that’s filled with wit and wisdom. Scenes include a charming sense of humor and keen insight. This enables readers to gain a relevant perspective on the complexities of Blue and Lillian’s relationship. In addition to that, their script  flows nicely and allows for emotions to play out organically. This provides the narrative with believability, making the storytelling relatable and reliable. 

What stands out most about Karelia and Fay’s style, however, is their vivid and immersive descriptions. Their word smithing makes the story world appear three dimensional. Events and places, especially those that involve the reality show competition, are not only interesting but exciting. As Blue and Lillian navigate the talent show, the Stetz-Waters duo knows just how to use imagery to increase the tension and keep readers invested. Readers can not help but cheer for these two women, making the ride to HEA a roller coaster of fun.  

This is a character driven story, and Karelia and Fay do their work here, too. These are strong, independent women, but Karelia and Fay give them relatable flaws and vulnerabilities. These are likable, appealing women that readers enjoy getting to know. However, the writers are cognizant of the fundamentals of character development; they make sure to provide measurable depth and growth while constructing the arcs of these women. Blue and Lillian’s complex portrayal comes off as genuine and authentic, allowing readers to form a connection with them. It doesn’t hurt that their chemistry is off the charts either. Theirs is an unexpected love filled with possibility and passion. Quite simply, their romance resonates, making the journey wholeheartedly worthwhile.

Final remarks…

Second Night Stand gives readers much to appreciate. The storytelling is layered and nuanced, making for a reflective, yet compelling reading journey. The smooth pacing ensures balance between the slower, introspective moments and the faster, exciting scenes. The well-written dialogue is infused with humor. It facilitates a certain degree of levity, making the heavier, emotional moments lighter yet impactive. The characters are well-designed and multi-dimensional; they more than carry their weight. Readers witness their struggles, conflicts, and triumphs, creating a depth and complexity to the storytelling that sticks. This is an excellent first book for the Stetz-Waters team. I look forward to their next collaboration.

Strengths…

• Strong character development 
• Relatable, reliable storytelling 
• Nice balance of conflict and tension 
• Engaging storyline 
• Diversity and representation

Aubrey Mcfadden Is Never Getting Married by Georgia Beers

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Georgia Beers has become a household name in the world of LGBTQ+ romance novels, and her latest work, Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married, proves she is worthy of the attention. With its captivating characters, engaging plot, and impactful themes, this book is a pure delight to read. Its enemies-to-lovers narrative tugs at the heart, making one hope for resolution and forgiveness between its leading ladies. Aubrey and Monica’s push-and-pull dynamic is complicated and knotty, but Beers keeps it fun with her quick wit and sense of humor. The crafty banter ensures that readers have a good time.

Georgia Beers has a unique writing style, and that’s part of her appeal. She scripts novels with an emotional depth that’s authentic and relatable. Her portrayal of same-sex love is explored honestly and compassionately. Raw emotion and tender vulnerability are threaded through well-written scenes with care, facilitating a solid connection with readers. She has a special talent for this; she taps into the humanity of people and draws readers in. Often, they see parts of themselves reflected in the storytelling. It’s what compels them to choose her books, making her the best-selling author that she is.

Because Beers knows how to design solid, likable characters, Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married’s characters are completely enchanting. Beers has a remarkable talent for crafting characters that feel like friends, and this book is no exception. Readers could sit down and share a glass of wine with any of them, especially Aubrey. The story is told from her point of view, and as soon as readers meet her, they are drawn to her. She’s witty, independent, and completely irresistible. Her journey becomes important to readers; they want to see her happy.

The same can be said of Monica. In the beginning, she comes off as the bad guy, but it’s a little more complicated than that. On closer inspection, readers find they can’t help but like her. She battles Aubrey’s anger and animosity with a grace and class that’s simply endearing. Her humor, intellect, and resilience resonate with readers, giving the storytelling a captivating complexity. Her compelling journey adds a unique flavor to the story, elevating it beyond the simple enemies-to-lovers romance.

Beyond its compelling characters, Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married boasts an engaging plot that keeps readers hooked from the start. Aubrey’s experience of being dumped at the altar really resonates with readers. However, it’s her determination to shove all the hurt aside and attend her five friends’ weddings that really fascinates readers. Each wedding seems to add just a little more drama to her life and she can’t escape it—because she can’t escape Monica. The unavoidable path crossing and isle walking provides the perfect mix of conflict and tension. Beers keeps it light though. She balances it nicely with humor, and readers are there for it. 

Final remarks…

Georgia Beers fans will love Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married. Utilizing her unique writing style and her prowess as a storyteller, Beers gives readers something that’s memorable and fun. The compelling dialogue, realistic interactions, and powerful themes make this one a real contender for becoming a favorite among sapphic fans.

Strengths…

• Well-developed, likable characters
• Entertaining, engaging storyline 
• Well-scripted dialogue 
• Nicely paced and plotted

Last Barrel by Stacy Lynn Miller

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is a fantastic conclusion to what I would consider a wonderful historical romance series. Miller wraps it up right, providing readers with a satisfying conclusion to the overarching narrative. She does this by insuring four things are executed exceptionally well in the final installment. She: 1) gives resolution to the central conflicts in the series arc, 2) brings the main characters’ journeys full circle, 3) addresses any remaining questions or loose ends from the previous books, and 4) scripts a memorable conclusion that resonates with readers. She definitely makes the journey with the Speakeasy characters feel worthwhile.

Miller’s success with the series is almost guaranteed from the start. She had the foresight to build a firm foundation on its main couple, Dax and Rose. These dynamic women make the series special. Individually they possess endearing, relatable qualities, but it’s their journey together that really powers the storytelling. They overcome societal pressures, personal misunderstandings, and external conflicts with brains and brawn. Moreover, they do it with a love for one another that is both compelling and heartwarming. This love evolves and matures over the course of the series, making them, as well as the narrative, more memorable.

Miller hits a home run for keeping an eye on the history of the era. She puts energy into it, making sure the story world feels authentic and true. The Speakeasy Series is deeply influenced by several historical events; they help shape the narrative and the lives of the characters. The Prohibition Era, The Great Depression, the 19th Amendment, and the widespread adoption of automobiles, telephones, and electricity—all of these are nicely incorporated into the story, providing a rich, believable setting for the story to breathe. Furthermore, this all blends seamlessly with the plot, making Dax and Rose’s fight for justice and love all the more exciting.

The Prohibition Era was not just about the banning of alcohol and the speakeasy business though. Music, particularly jazz, played a pivotal role during this time, too. It was a part of the culture and thrived in underground nightclubs during Prohibition; Miller taps into this beautifully. Her script reflects the societal changes and cultural revolution that took place, making it an integral part of Rose and Dax’s journey. Readers, especially history geeks, will appreciate her portrayal. Rose and Dax challenge traditional roles and exert their female independence in ways that simply make the storytelling shine. It’s awesome when writers combine history and strong female characters like this.

Final remarks…

If you are looking for a captivating historical romance, then the Speakeasy Series by Stacy Lynn Miller will not disappoint. Last Barrel, the latest addition, is full of engaging, page turning intrigue. Its vivid portrayal of love during the Prohibition’s speakeasy culture is a delight. It captures the period perfectly. This tale of women righting wrongs and selling whiskey should not be missed.

Strengths…

• Well-written storyline
• Engaging plot
• Fast action and high drama
• Well-developed characters 
• Captivating portrayal of love

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Mazey Eddings’ Late Bloomer is a charming and engaging romance. Its delightful narrative explores growth and maturation with keen insight, offering readers a sweet, sapphic romance that easily resonates. Eddings’ ability to balance humor and raw emotion is noteworthy; she uses it to deliver a fun book with a bit of substance.

The story follows Opal Devlin, whose life takes a strange turn after winning the lottery. Looking for a fresh start and a place to grow her painting business, she purchases a flower farm in Asheville, North Carolina via Facebook Marketplace. However, her plans are thrown into disarray when she discovers the sale may not have been on the up and up. When Pepper Boden, the supposed rightful owner, enters the picture, Opal’s idyllic notions of farm life are squashed. Forced to coexist on the farm until the ownership can be sorted out, Opal and Pepper do nothing but chafe and irritate one another. Over time, however, the dynamic between the two shifts and an unexpected attraction develops. As this de facto relationship slowly blooms, readers quickly flip through the pages to find out if it will become a floral tribute or a whoops a daisy.  

Eddings does a nice job developing Opal and Pepper. They are multifaceted characters with delightful personalities; readers easily form a connection to them. Their “grumpy/sunshine” dynamic is smile worthy, making this slow-burn romance an enchanting read. What’s more, the storytelling is filled to the brim with Eddings’ joyful, animated tone, making Late Bloomer the perfect vacation read.

Final remarks…

Eddings does a nice job with this heartfelt depiction of love and relationships. Told with raw, refreshing tenderness, Late Bloomer is both captivating and engaging. 
Readers will enjoy this happily-ever-after. 

Strengths…

• Well-written
• Entertaining 
• Fresh & original
• Heartfelt and tender

A word about the audiobook…

If you are one that prefers to listen to books, Ellie Gossage delivers a polished, emotive, and nuanced performance in Late Bloomer’s audiobook adaptation. Her narration style and range are quite distinctive, providing her with the ability to give voice to Eddings’ multidimensional, layered characters. Her highly skilled, passionate narration is nothing short of immersive and captivating; she simply makes the storytelling come to life. It is easy to see why she is considered one of the top audiobook narrators in the industry; her performance in Late Bloomer is exemplary.

Love Is...? by K.J. Wrights

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

K.J. Wright’s new romance is an engaging and thought-provoking narrative, one that delves into the complex and multifaceted nature of love. This is a unique read, as it almost appears as a docu-romance. Wright uses a wide array of characters’ experiences and insights as a foundation to explore the various dimensions and implications of love, ultimately creating a roadmap for the main characters’ HEA. The novel’s intricate plot is original and fresh; readers will no doubt find it immersive as well as thought-provoking.

One of the key strengths of Love is…? lies in Wright’s ability to capture the nuances and intricacies of different types of love. Using descriptive imagery, she delves into the fine textures of human emotions with grace. Through poignant stories and reflective narratives, Wright paints a vivid portrait of the joys, struggles, and transformations that love can bring into one’s life. This well-used technique enables her to script relevant and relatable human connections, creating a romance that lingers in the mind days after the last sentence has been read.

The hallmark of Wright’s storytelling prowess is her evocative writing style; it’s completely captivating. Her prose is both poised and lyrical; she draws readers in with the profound as well as the relatable. Though this romance is ultimately meant to entertain, it cannot help but challenge as well. Well-formed dialogue pushes readers to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs about love. This profound exploration of love, vulnerability, and forgiveness is beyond the norm of what readers have come to expect in the conventional romance story, making Love is…? a compelling commentary on the human condition.

Final remarks…

K.J. Wright’s Love is…? emerges as a captivating and thought-provoking novel that not only entertains but also provokes introspection and meaningful conversations about love. By blending engaging narratives with profound insights, Wright’s Tessa, Jayde, Abby, Sam, Grace, and Oliver speak to the depths of the human experience, reminding readers that love is a force that binds us together in profound and meaningful ways.

Strengths…

• Original, fresh storytelling 
• Well-crafted narrative 
• Interesting, likable characters 
• Thoughtfully constructed
• Rich, descriptive prose

Tempting Olivia by Clare Ashton

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Clare Ashton’s Tempting Olivia is the second book in her Oxford Romance series. It is a captivating tale that artfully intertwines the intricacies of love, family, friendships, and careers against the stunning backdrop of Oxford, England—an enchanting “character” in and of itself. Its charming blend of wit and wisdom is heartfelt and romantic, making it the perfect comfort read.

The story revolves around Olivia Sachdeva, a character who seemingly has it all—from her academic and scholarly achievements to her fast track to becoming the youngest partner at Bentley, a prestigious law practice. Her world is quite ordered and structured, just the way she likes it. However, it’s not without its quirks; she escapes from reality with indulgences in coconut ice cream and movies by multi-Oscar-winning actress Kate Laurence, Olivia’s crush since high school. All marches along neatly until the actress herself walks into Olivia’s office requesting Olivia’s legal representation in a complex and messy divorce case. Olivia is thrown for a loop and her carefully constructed world immediately begins to unravel, leaving her in a hot and flustered muddle.

Though Olivia hovers at the center, the relationship between Olivia and Kate is the heart of this novel. Their connection is beautifully depicted; Ashton takes her time with it, growing their relationship slowly and delicately. Crafted with heartfelt tenderness and grace, it expresses a truth about relationships that feels genuine. As Olivia and Kate navigate the complexities of their feelings for one another, they grow and change in wonderful ways, underscoring Ashton’s ability to craft solid characters. She scripts them with gentle humor and believable sincerity, giving readers individuals they care about. It’s one of the many reasons readers turn to her time and time again when they want a well-told sapphic romance.

Though different on many fronts, both Olivia and Kate are multidimensional and memorable characters. Ashton manages to highlight their many layers, demonstrating why they are the perfect counterparts for one another. Their dynamic is constructed with the perfect combination of wit and heat. Ashton presents this compelling mix subtly, yet with an intensity that’s quite engrossing. However, it’s the novel’s portrayal of Olivia that is most striking. Ashton nails her neurodiversity by providing readers with a relevant and reliable perspective, one that includes insight into her thoughts and actions. This gives the storytelling a measurable depth. Most significantly though, it opens up readers’ lenses and makes things resonate beautifully.

Final remarks…

Tempting Olivia is a beautifully written romance that delves into the lives of two distinct women whose paths unexpectedly cross. Ashton’s nuanced writing, well-developed characters, and evocative setting mix perfectly to create a journey of discovery, acceptance, and love. Her writing style is eloquent, warm, and flows freely across the page. Her masterful use of language effortlessly transports readers into a vivid and immersive story world. Additionally, her stylistic choices not only enhance the reading experience but provide readers with a deeper understanding of the characters. All of this underlines what fans already know about her: She is a master wordsmith. Readers will not be disappointed with Tempting Olivia.

Strengths…

• Well-written 
• Captivating
• Charmingly witty 
• Fantastic, enjoyable characters
• Enchanting celebrity romance

Actually Invisible by Elisa Greb

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Every now and then you come across a book that just knocks your socks off. Actually Invisible by Elisa Greb did that for me. The writing is crisp and clean, flowing neatly across the page. Greb uses imagery, symbolism and metaphor with a confidence that leaves appreciative readers slightly in awe. The narrative is compelling and impactful, containing a story structure that’s built upon solid ground. In addition to that, it’s eloquently threaded with a guiding theme that’s cohesive and purposeful. Each scene is plotted and planned with sure footed intent, engaging readers and drawing them in.

I imagine that this story wasn’t an easy one to write. There are time jumps and multiple sub-plots featuring several important players, yet Greb navigates the landscape with the grace of a polished writer. Using theme to strengthen the storytelling, she ties it together in a clear and understandable manner. It’s beautifully done, making the English teacher in me smile. 

Final remarks…

When I finished Actually Invisible, I had to know more about Elisa Greb. I was amazed to learn that this is her debut novel. It’s impressive storytelling, and I’d encourage anyone that enjoys reading emotionally honest fiction to shove it into their TBR pile ASAP. Josie’s journey is heartfelt and convincing, scripted with a sincere passion that truly resonates. She is a genuine unsung hero trying to live an authentic life, committing herself fully to those she values most. This author has definitely pinged my radar, and I look forward to her next novel.

Strengths…

• Well-written 
• Compelling 
• Heartfelt 
• Meaningful 
• Tender