When It’s True

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title: When It’s True
  • Author: Barbara Lynn Murphy
  • Publisher: Desert Palm Press
  • Publication date: May 1, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback
  • Ebook file size: ‎2304 KB
  • Print length: 180 pages
  • Genre: romance
  • Themes: commitment, finding true love, overcoming hardships and loss, friendships, exes, relationships, fidelity
  • Tropes: ex lover meets current lover

The blurb from the publisher…

Happily married couple Beth and Kelly get a last-minute visitor for the holidays in the form of Beth’s womanizing ex-girlfriend Jackie, who boldly announces that she plans to walk away from this visit with more than just good memories.
When Kelly’s sister Paige arrives a day later, the sparks fly with Jackie. Kelly is determined to convince her sister that Jackie is not to be trusted. But Paige sees a different side of Jackie and puts her past heartache aside to give Jackie a chance.
Meanwhile, Beth and Kelly rely on the strength of their love to support each other through an unimaginable ordeal.

My thoughts…

When It’s True by Barbara Lynn Murphy explores the romantic and sexual relationships of four interconnected women. It’s quite a tangled web, to be sure: two are exes, two are sisters, two are married and two have enough sexual tension to light up the Vegas strip. It’s complex and sometimes sticky, but it all works to make for some very interesting reading!

Weaving ex-lovers into the storyline has become a popular trope in sapphic fiction, and it’s one that Murphy moves through with ease. She uses it to add depth and complexity to her characters and their relationships. By introducing Beth’s ex-lover Jackie, Murphy is better able to explore not only Beth’s past, but Jackie’s as well. Each characters’ past and the reasons that they broke up add foundational information and interest. On top of that, their past works to add nuance to each of the characters’ motivations. Readers can better understand the dynamics of Jackie and Paige’s relationship as well as Beth and Kelly’s.

Using ex lovers in this story does more than provide interest and complexity to the storytelling though. By incorporating Beth’s ex into the storyline, the plot is provided with good measures of tension and conflict, something that’s crucial in any engaging story. The emotional baggage from Beth and Jackie’s past relationship adds drama to the story and keeps readers invested. They want to know the outcome of the current relationships. Incorporating this element into the storytelling adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making it more relatable to readers who have experienced similar situations.

My one concern for this novel is its use of dual points of view. Using dual points of view in romance novels can be risky because it requires the writer to effectively develop the characters and their individual perspectives, while also ensuring that their stories intertwine and complement each other. It can be challenging to maintain a balance between the two perspectives and keep the plot moving forward smoothly, which is why some writers just stick with a single point of view. Though Murphy does create depth and complexity with her alternating points of view, I don’t think it best serves this story. There is a lot going on with these characters and their backstory; the switching from first to third person sometimes feels jolting. It might have been better served by using third person throughout.

Final remarks…

The characters in this romance are likable and relatable, especially Beth and Kelly. The weaving of the ex-lover trope into the storyline works. It gives it a compelling depth and complexity, one that’s believable as well as credible. Furthermore, Murphy does a nice job balancing the tension and conflict; she eases heavy moments with lighter scenes and gives readers room to digest it all. Overall, this is an entertaining and engaging read. I’ll be interested to see what Murphy comes up with next.

Strengths…

  • Interesting storyline
  • Likable characters
  • Well-written dialogue
  • Entertaining read

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

Barbara Lynn Murphy is originally from Long Island, New York, but currently lives in suburban Atlanta, Georgia with her wife and five dogs. She is a late bloomer to writing, having only started doing so in earnest during the Covid years. What was once a passing fancy has morphed into a second chapter in her professional life (although she still maintains her day job in Technology—for now.) For more information about her, check out her website and social media.

Integrity

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title:‎ Integrity
  • Author: ‎E. J. Noyes
  • Publisher‏: ‎Bella Books
  • Publication date: ‎June 2, 2023
  • Available formats‏: ‎ebook, paperback, audiobook
  • Ebook file size: ‎3980 KB
  • Print length‏: ‎286 pages
  • Audiobook release date: May 23, 2023
  • Audiobook length‏: ‎9 hours, 42 minutes
  • Audiobook narrator: ‎Abby Craden
  • Genre: Romantic thriller
  • Themes: ‎war crimes, espionage, government cover-up, falling in love
  • Tropes‏: ‎online dating, close proximity

The blurb from the publisher…

There’s a place for truths and lies, and sometimes you need both to get what you want. Lexie convinces the woman she’s only just started dating to “go on vacation” with her, hoping a constant companion and witness will keep Them at a distance, and the intel safe. But when she develops feelings for the beautiful and sweet Sophia Flores, she wonders if a relationship built on a foundation of secrets can ever work. That might not even matter, because when Lexie uncovers the truth, the price of it could be her freedom.

It’s an ordinary workday when intelligence analyst Lexie Martin learns about a horrific chemical weapon attack abroad. Just an ordinary day…until a stranger breaks into her house and warns her to forget what she saw and heard, setting off a chain of events Lexie thought only happened in movies. Falsely accused of stealing intelligence and unsure of who to trust, Lexie quickly realizes the significance of the intel, and that she must do everything she can to keep it safe. And as she runs—maybe for her life—Lexie knows she needs something, or someone, to help her.

Book One in the Halcyon Division Series.

My thoughts…

Noyes never fails to impress me with her talent. She is fearless in her storytelling, never hesitating to flesh it out and let the story take her where it will. Because she does, it feels organic to the reader. Scenes don’t feel forced. They work. Furthermore, they advance the plot. It all works to prove Noyes is a master at producing stories that are pure, indulgent escapism. Readers get so caught up in the narrative that it’s over before they know it and they’re a little disappointed that it has. However, a true Noyes fan always knows that the reread is going to be just as good, if not better than the first time through.

Such is the case with Integrity. Integrity is the first book in Noyes’s new Halcyon Division Series, and it is some top-shelf stuff. It’s a lovely romance infused with a fast-paced mystery, and it all makes for one hair-pulling ride. The romance plays a central role in the fabric of this story, and Noyes weaves it into the framework quite beautifully. Readers will love Lexie and Sophia’s chemistry. They are strong, independent women and perfect for each other. Moreover, they are perfect for this series.

When I first cracked open the pages of this story, I wasn’t sure how Lexie and Sophia’s relationship was going to fit into the big scheme of things. However, Noyes surprised me; she’s quite clever with her romance plotting in Integrity. I thought the story was going to be all espionage/government cover-up/crooked politics. I kept wondering how the romance would matter to the storytelling as a whole. I shouldn’t have questioned Noyes’s intentions though. I should have known she’d reveal all in due time; she’s sneaky that way. In a delightful turn, Noyes uses the romance to strengthen the plot, and it plays out superbly. Readers are hooked by the spy action as much as they are the bedroom eyes being tossed about on the page. It’s lovely, and it’s engaging, and it leaves one wanting more.

Final remarks…

Readers can always count on Noyes for a first rate story and Integrity does not disappoint! Book one of the Halcyon Division Series is a fantastic beginning; I have no doubt readers are going to enjoy this journey and sign up for more. This is heart-pumping, non-stop, page-flipping fun, and one heck of a ride! My recommendation: don’t miss out!

Strengths…

  • Well-developed plot
  • Thrilling storyline
  • Likable characters
  • Exciting and fast paced
  • Engaging romance
  • Leaves one wanting more

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

E. J. Noyes is an Australian transplanted to New Zealand which may be one of the best things that’s happened to her. She lives with her wife and the best cat in the world.

She started writing because she was bored and had “ideas” and thought writing might free up some brain space. It didn’t. Now she’s addicted and spends much of her free time bashing out words while more new words jostle for attention.

In her scant free time, E. J. scream-swears at computer games, tries to sleep past dawn, coos at her cat and works the fact she’s a best-selling and award-winning author into conversation.

E. J. loves to procrastinate, so feel free to get in contact so she can read that instead of doing work. Here’s her links:

Interlude

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title‏ : ‎ Interlude
  • Author‏ : ‎ Lola Keeley
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ylva Publishing; 1st edition
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 7, 2023
  • Available formats‏ : ‎ ebook
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1468 KB
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 30 pages
  • Genre ‏ : ‎ romance
  • Themes ‏ : ‎ love, desire, dance, women loving women
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ age gap romance, long distance romance

The blurb from the publisher…

Sweet ballet dancer Anna and her fierce, artistic director lover Victoria are struggling with being apart due to conflicting schedules. A reunion in Berlin is the perfect opportunity to reconnect. This sizzling short-story interlude is set in the world of the best-selling lesbian romance, The Music and the Mirror.

My thoughts…

Interlude wonderfully supplements The Music and the Mirror, Keeley’s 2018 debut book. Though this short narrative only contains a few scenes, it’s tenderly constructed and daringly delicious to read. The emotion and tension flow beautifully across the page, making it hard to put down. As with The Music and the Mirror, Victoria and Anna’s chemistry remains sensual, dynamic and off the charts. Keeley once again proves she can tell a tale like nobody’s business and have readers yelling for more. Interlude is a scrumptious little bite of romance and I highly recommend it.

Strengths…

  • Well-written storyline
  • Fantastic main characters
  • Steamy character chemistry
  • Excellent addition to The Music and the Mirror

This short story is available from…

A bit about the author…

Lola Keeley is a writer and coder. After moving to London to pursue her love of theatre, she later wound up living every five-year-old’s dream of being a train driver on the London Underground. She has since emerged, blinking into the sunlight, to find herself writing books. She now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, with her wife and four cats. If you’d like to know more about her, check out her website and social media.

A Long Time Dead

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details….

  • Title: A Long Time Dead
  • Author: Samara Berger
  • Publisher: Bywater Books
  • Publication date: May 16, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback
  • File size: 4327 KB
  • Print length: 464 pages
  • Genre: dark historical romance
  • Themes: women loving women, vampires

The blurb from the publisher…

Somewhere foggy, 1837 . . . 1872

Poppy had always loved the night, which is why it wasn’t too much of a bother to wake one evening in an unfamiliar home far from London, weak and confused and plagued with a terrible thirst for blood, to learn that she could no longer step out into the day. And while vampirism presented several disadvantages, it more than made up for those in its benefits: immortality, a body that could run at speed for hours without tiring, the thrill of becoming a predator, the thing that pulls rabbits from bushes and tears through their fur and flesh with the sharp point of a white fang.

And, of course, Roisin. The mysterious woman who has lived for centuries, who held Poppy through her painful transformation, and who, for some reason, is now teaching her how to adjust to her new, endless life. A tight, lonely, buttoned-up woman, with kindness and care pressed up behind her teeth. The time they spend together is as transformative to Poppy as the changes in her body, and soon, she finds herself hopelessly, overwhelmingly attached. But Roisin has secrets of her own, and can’t make any promises; not when vengeance must be served.

Soon, their little world explodes. Together and apart, they encounter scores of vampires, shifty pirates, conniving opera singers, ancient nobles, glamorous French women, and a found family that throws a very particular sort of party. But overhead, threat looms—one woman who is capable of destroying everything Poppy and Roisin hold dear.

My thoughts…

A Long Time Dead by Samara Breger is a gothic romance novel that takes place during the mid-1800’s. The story follows Poppy, a young woman that wakes up one night weak and confused in an unfamiliar countryside home far outside London. Once she gains her strength, she makes the surprising discovery that she has been bitten by a vampire and now is one. It is there in this countryside home that she meets Roisin, another vampire, and the two immediately become inseparable. Together, they explore the night and seek shelter from the day. As time passes, Poppy finds herself hopelessly attracted to Roisin. However, Roisin holds a secret that just may destroy everything Poppy has come to believe about her.

Vampires have long been a popular subject matter in literature; readers cannot resist their allure. When immortality and supernatural forces mix with forbidden love, it creates something quite compelling. Breger understands this and capitalizes on it big time. A Long Time Dead offers readers layers upon layers of complexity, all of which are intricately woven together and filled with themes of power, sexuality, and identity. This isn’t light reading, but that’s the beauty of it. It leaves one thinking, just as any good story should.

Though dark and heavy at times, it’s evident that Breger had fun crafting A Long Time Dead. By using a mix of vampires and humans in the storytelling, the narrative provides a certain measure of freedom to be creative with the storylines and character arcs. Societal expectations and power dynamics are wonderfully manipulated. Themes of consent, agency and autonomy are pleasantly pushed. All of this works to benefit the story stupendously, making it easily engaging and highly entertaining.

As rich and evocative as the construction of A Long Time Dead is, it isn’t a plot-driven tale. This story is all about the characters, and Poppy and Roisin are the focal point. These leading ladies are well-developed and compelling in their own right. These complex women contain their own unique personalities and backgrounds, enabling readers to be pulled into the story. It all works to make lush, dynamic characters, ones readers can empathize with. Their strengths and weaknesses—as well as their fears and desires—inspire credibility. Furthermore, readers easily embrace them, leaving readers with something that’s immersive as well as memorable.

Final remarks…

A Long Time Dead is the perfect tale for sapphic-loving vampire fans. Its prose is intelligent and sharp, while its romance is soft and warm. Breger makes Poppy and Roisin’s love story come alive, giving readers one entertaining read.

Strengths…

  • Well-written
  • Engrossing narrative
  • Rich story world
  • Well-developed lead characters
  • Fantastic secondary characters
  • Entertaining read

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

Samara Breger is a writer and performer from New York City. In her previous life, she was an Emmy-nominated journalist, covering sexual and reproductive health. Now, she writes queer books about magic and feelings—and she has a crush on every character. If you’d like to know more about her, check out her website and social media.

What Now

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title: What Now
  • Author: Jamey Moody
  • Publisher: Independent Author/Publisher
  • Publication date: April 24, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback
  • File size: 2367 KB
  • Print length: 338 pages
  • Genre: romance
  • Themes: family, small town community, friends, self-discovery, falling in love, women loving women relationships
  • Tropes: toaster-oven, age-gap, friends to lovers

The blurb from the publisher…

When love dares to alter a carefully crafted life plan, does the heart win?

Addison Henry is the new bank president in small-town Brazos Falls, but she won’t be there long. This is merely a stepping stone on her career path that leads her to headquarters and the CEO’s office.

Lissa Morgan came back to her hometown to help her family’s business. However, she is not giving up on love just because she happens to be one of the few gay women in town.

When Addison helps Lissa open a new account at the bank an instant friendship is born. Lissa is happy to help Addison navigate the ways of her small town and as they spend more time together something begins to happen to Addison’s heart.

Addison’s never been with a woman. She has no time for love. She’s on her way to the top. But her heart has another plan. What now?

My thoughts…

People are going to enjoy What Now, Jamey Moody’s latest romance. It’s a friends to lovers, toaster-oven sapphic romance and it really hits the sweet spot. She gets a lot of things right, and that’s what makes her a go-to among wlw romance lovers.

There’s a lot to appreciate about Moody’s writing. Readers sink into something warm and cozy when they crack open the pages of her books; What Now is no different. The mood and tone offers a comfortable, relaxed vibe, one that lets readers escape for a bit. Its happy ending, homey, small town setting and predictable plot provides a sense of familiarity for the readers. It’s easy to fall into this story; the charm is hard to resist.

Moody is a smart writer; she grabs readers in the feels with What Now’s sense of tradition and nostalgia. This romance features themes of family, friends, and community. These themes of togetherness resonate with readers. The narrative grounds itself in a plot filled with love, relationships and personal growth. The characters and their storylines inspire empathy, compassion and a sense of connection with others. It’s the kind of storytelling that results in a heartfelt romance, one that’s relatable to readers.

However, as impactive as all of the above is, it’s the love story that really hooks readers. At What Now’s center, readers find Addison and Lissa, two likable women who form a friendship that eventually blossoms into something more. Their romance builds slowly, gently and sweetly. This patient approach lets the romance breathe and grow some legs. By approaching the narrative in this manner, Moody allows Addison and Lissa’s journey to be guided by self-discovery and growth. It all works to create a satisfyinge journey, one readers can get behind and enjoy.

Final remarks…

Many turn to Moody when they want a cozy, soft and sentimental romance. What Now is definitely all of that. Readers can count on this to be a feel-good, heartwarming story, one that emphasizes the importance of family, friends and the fulfillment of love. If you are looking for a good, old-fashioned romance filled with comfort, nostalgia and emotional connection, then this is it.

Strengths…

  • Likable characters
  • Soft and sentimental romance
  • Happy, satisfying ending
  • Cozy, comfortable read

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

Jamey is a small town Texas girl that grew up believing she could do anything. Her mother loved to read, and romance novels were a favorite that she passed on to her daughter. When she found lesfic novels, her world changed. She not only fell in love with the genre but wanted to write her own stories. When she’s not writing her next lesbian romance, she can be found riding her bike, paddle boarding on a lake or in the middle of some adventure. Learn more about her by checking out her website and social media.

The Moonshine Heart

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title: The Moonshine Heart
  • Author: Eule Grey
  • Publisher: ‎ JMS Books LLC
  • Publication date: ‎ March 16, 2023
  • Available formats‏: ‎ ebook
  • File size:‎ 3842 KB
  • Print length: 128 pages
  • Genre: erotic fantasy
  • Themes: women loving women romance, witches, long standing feuds, global ecology
  • Tropes: enemies to lovers

The blurb from the publisher…

I wish I knew why I was born with the mark of a half-moon, but I was abandoned at the edge of a forest as a baby. Leading my forest army into war and fighting for my people is all that matters. I don’t need family and friends because I love my bow and arrow and I certainly don’t have time for relationships or sex.

At least, it’s how things used to be. Nothing has been the same ever since the pretty witch, Marwa, chased me until we fought. Now I can’t sleep without thinking about how she kissed me or the embarrassing way she played with my body. And I allowed her to do those things! I should be ashamed of myself, but I can’t stop thinking about her.

There’s more. The river and trees are dying and the moon has cracked into two halves. Everyone says the witches are to blame. How can the rift be healed? My people and Marwa’s have been enemies since time began. Is it too late to stop the rot?

My thoughts…

The Moonshine Heart is technically a fantastical erotic romance. It features Marwa and Rohene, two lesbian characters from very different backgrounds that engage in a romantic relationship. The romance between the these two women is rooted in a strong emotional connection threaded with deep sexual desire. The sex they share is very erotic in nature. The storytelling not only explores issues related to Marwa and Rohene’s sexuality, but their identity as well. All of this is further influenced by the norms and expectations of their respective “tribes” or groups.

Grey is a strong writer. She knows how to create a captivating and engaging reading experience for fans of this genre. She writes magical fantasies with ease, showcasing her vivid imagination impressively. The Moonshine Heart utilizes her tendency to use unconventional writing choices, such as dual and alternating POV, and it pushes the story forward purposefully. Furthermore, the story world in which these characters live is built with careful consideration.

Final remarks…

Overall, The Moonshine Heart offers a unique blend of romance, erotica and fantasy. It’s the ultimate escape for readers looking for steamy, imaginative and inclusive romance, romance that offers up a place to explore desire and fantasy through the eyes of its characters.

Strengths…

  • Short
  • Imaginative
  • Steamy
  • Well-written

A peek inside the pages of The Moonshine Heart…

Her skin against mine intensified the heat. I turned onto my side, wanting badly to run a finger across her tummy. “Who are you? Why have you done this -- whatever it is? I never asked for it. Have you enchanted me? Why do I keep imagining a moon?”

She caught my hand with her own and held it up to show me we bore the same birthmark of a half-moon. When our hands came together, the crescents became a full moon. “Maybe because of this. I don’t understand it either, but I do know we’re meant to meet and our fates are tied up together. See how the moon becomes whole?”

All words left my head. Nobody remembered the days when the moon was whole. It was many years since a dark cloud had descended, splitting the moon apart. A remaining shard was all that was left. “But how can it be? Have you put a spell on me and done this on purpose? Why do I? Why is my body aching?”

She reached up to my face and gently stroked my cheek until my insides turned to mush. “Not on purpose. We’re part of a prophecy that was written long before either of us was born. I’ve done nothing but what you see and know inside your heart. Your people have lied to you, baby. I’m not filthy or dirty and I’d never do anything you didn’t ask for.” She traced my lips with a light touch. “Or beg for. You’d like to beg, wouldn’t you?”

Although I’d been touched many times -- by the troops -- her fingers trailing across my skin was utterly different. I closed my eyes to savor the sensation, which I pretended was abhorrent, but which caused bolts of intense heat to spread throughout my lower belly and between my legs. “Stop. It?”

She lightly squeezed my nose. “Stop? I don’t want to stop. It’s fun -- you’re sulky and arrogant. All these years I’ve believed forest folk are boring, and yet here you are --" Her eyes teased my body. “Sweaty, hot, and pretty. I’ve been lied to as well as you. Rohene. Red cheeks and kissable lips, tight plaits which need to be unraveled, and the most delicious tiny butt. How I’d like to unpeel you like a juicy summer orange. Did I mention hot? I could fight with you all day and all night. Do you want me to stop?” She stroked my stomach languidly, while I pushed upwards like a dog demanding a belly rub.

I knew to say yes, but my confused brain screamed against doing so. “Why -- wouldn’t I? I don’t feel right. What’s happened to me? Stop affecting me!” It didn’t seem right to be out of control and emotion, while she remained perfectly composed. “How come you aren’t hot and sweaty too?” Though there was no denying the truth: The witch was smoking hot.

She laughed softly. “You don’t think I’m affected by the way we fought -- fiercely -- without rules? Panting like dogs and grunting like forest pigs. I’m affected! I want to do it again and again -- naked next time. It was exhilarating. Maybe the first time I’ve felt completely alive. How I’ve missed playing, and yes, fighting. Witches don’t fight. They mutter spells and gather the spider’s gossamer thread. How I’ve longed for a real companion who wants to feel the same way as me. I’ve never seen anyone bar their teeth before. Do it again?” She clutched at my hair and pulled it suddenly until my face nudged hers.

This novella is available from…

A bit about the author…

Eule Grey, author, has travelled all over and settled, for now, in the UK. Her mind, however, is often in the clouds or away with the fairies. Some might call her fey. Eule loves books, pets, and happy endings. Adversely, she also enjoys reading a creepy horror story, though she isn’t very brave.

Best of all, Eule adores creating cuddly, sparkling romances. She also writes all kinds of other queer stories and refuses to be squeezed into only one genre—she just isn’t tidy enough! 

Want to know more about Eule? Check out her website or social media.

Swipe Right for Love

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title: Swipe Right for Love
  • Author: Cyan LeBlanc
  • Publisher: Posies & Peacocks
  • Publication date‏: ‎ April 11, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback
  • File size: 1335 KB
  • Print length: 225 pages
  • Genre: contemporary romance
  • Themes: dating, relationships, friendships, family, falling in love, finding happiness, women loving women
  • Tropes: internet dating/app dating

The blurb from the publisher…

How many duds do you have to date before you find your perfect match?

That’s a question Dana is currently asking herself as she battles her way through app-dating hell. After years of being single, she thought she was ready to meet someone new.

She was wrong. And she’s tired of swiping right.

From swingers to stalkers, moochers and pretentious movie snobs, Dana has been on a whirlwind of disastrous dates that have left her drained and depressed. She’s hit with the stunning revelation that leaves her rejecting the idea of being with someone. Maybe she’s just fated to live the rest of her life alone.

Until a sexy woman with a determined streak insists on a date. Does Dana have it in her to try one more time? Will this be the start of something wonderful, or will Dana fight every instinct out of fear of being burned again?

My thoughts…

This lighthearted, fun romance follows Dana as she gets back into the dating scene after the demise of her 20 year relationship. Dana is a likable character and readers emphasize with her as she goes on one disastrous date after another. Dana’s dating app journey is as funny as it is enlightening; one can not help but laugh out loud at times. LeBlanc does a nice job delving into real and relevant issues such as communication, consent, and personal boundaries. Each scene is written with humor, providing comedic relief to what otherwise might be considered heavy subject matter.

LeBlanc approaches the storytelling in this new romance in a unique manner, giving each woman Dana dates her own dedicated chapter. She dates 15 woman over the course of a year so the bulk of the book is spent describing dead-end dates. Though each of the dates are very entertaining, they do not contain many moments with Cynthia, Dana’s true HEA. That being said, LeBlanc does employ foreshadowing; readers do get random glimpses of Cynthia and her possible potential. However, it’s not until readers have flipped through 80% of the book that LeBlanc dives into Dana and Cynthia’s relationship. Because LeBlanc waits until the near end to begin concentrating on their relationship, the romance between them ends up feeling a bit rushed. Cynthia is a likable character and she seems quite compatible with Dana. It would have been nice to spend more time with the pair, watching them do normal, date-like things.

Final remarks…

Dating apps are becoming an increasingly common way for people to find romantic partners, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. Sapphic stories about women trying to find love through these dating apps are also becoming popular, and for good reason. They reflect reality, explore modern relationships and provide the potential for humor. Such is the case for Swipe Right for Love. It offers readers a fresh take on the ups and downs of finding romance in our modern, technologically advanced world. The narrative paves the way for some fun, engaging reading. One can easily get lost in the story, making it perfect entertainment for a quiet, lazy day.

Strengths…

  • Entertaining storyline
  • Fun and lighthearted narrative
  • Likable main character
  • Interesting secondary characters
  • Realistic and relatable storytelling

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

Cyan is a transgendered non-binary originally from California. He currently resides in Houston, Texas where he is a florist by day and Sapphic writer by night. He has been writing since 2008, creating fan fiction in the Hannah Montana fandom. He has journeyed into the world of lesfic and is delighted to share his stories with women loving women fans.

Connect with the author…

THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title: THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story
  • Author: Naomi Rivers
  • Publisher: TLK Graphic Solutions
  • Publication date: March 7, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback
  • File size: 2751 KB
  • Print length: 258 pages
  • Genre: romance
  • Themes: women loving women, art, education, friendship, committed relationships, falling in love, Black & African American Women
  • Trope: chance meeting between strangers

The blurb from the author…

Does love have to be complicated?

Baltimore’s iconic Inner Harbor is known for its historic port, picturesque beauty, and tourist attractions. Can it also be the perfect setting to make a love connection?

Jasmine, a pragmatic social worker, is struggling to keep her long term relationship intact. T is an art teacher by day and an elusive artist by night, she gave up on relationships a long time ago. When the two meet at the Harbor by chance, their unexpected chemistry challenges their ideas about life and expectations for love. But does love have to be complicated? Or is it possible to simply live in the moment and see where the unexpected leads?

My thoughts…

Naomi Rivers chooses a interesting concept to explore in this story. Set in Baltimore, Maryland, THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story is a tangled web of women kind of romance, one involving multiple relationships and a chance meeting between two strangers. The idea of a chance meeting is an intriguing story idea. It presents readers with food for thought: Can fate be behind a random crossing of paths? Either way, the premise provides light entertainment for someone looking to escape with a quick read on a lazy afternoon.

This is Rivers’ first book. She is a retired U.S. military veteran and she manages to work a bit of the lgbtq military experience into the storytelling. I like that; it makes the storytelling feel more personal. Written while traveling around the world, somewhere along its journey THIS grew to become tale about the difference between settling and wanting something more in a relationship. As a debut, it isn’t perfect, but it is still quite enjoyable and well-worth reading. As Rivers writes in her dedication, this is for “all who believe in fairy tales,” so if that’s you, then you’ll want to pick this one up.

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

Naomi Rivers writes lesbian romance and women’s fiction. She is a retired U.S. military veteran and resides with her wife and rescue dog on the east coast. Learn more about her by checking out her website and social media.

Starting Over

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

Sam Phillips is going through the motions. She was happily married for thirty-four years when a car accident stole her wife and destroyed her perfectly planned future. Now, it’s all she can do to exist day by day. The one thing that keeps her going is her IT administration job at Walsh Software Design. All seems lost when software stability issues threaten her career, until a hotshot programmer struts into her world and makes Sam want to feel again.

  • Title: Starting Over
  • Author: Nance Sparks
  • Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
  • Publication date: May 16, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback
  • Digital file size: 1449 KB
  • Print length: 240 pages
  • Genre: contemporary romance
  • Themes: women loving women, loss, grief, marriage, emotional healing, finding love again, friendship
  • Tropes: grieving widow, work colleagues, friends to lovers

The blurb from the publisher…

Jennifer Delgado doesn’t do cold and snow, but when a fluke February wildfire in the Southwest means evacuating for the third time in two years, it’s time for a change and she accepts a contract job in Minnesota. The weather is nothing compared to the unexpected feelings she develops for Sam. Jennifer has no idea if she can mend Sam’s broken soul, but it’s never too late for starting over.

My thoughts…

Starting Over is a tender and emotional tale of loss and love. Sparks does a commendable job here; the love story comes across as genuine and real. Sam and her wife shared a life of nearly 30 years; losing her guts Sam. Sparks handles this honorably though; she gives the characters as well as the readers time to accept the loss of Sam’s wife. Sparks understands it’s imperative not to rush the grief. She gives it time to breathe. She threads the process of letting go and moving on into the storytelling beautifully, paving the way for some heartfelt and touching scenes. She crafts vivid pictures with her words, capitalizing on the emotions of loss tenderly and considerately. Readers can not help but empathize with Sam. Her conflicted heart and Jennifer’s desire to heal it is too engaging and alluring to ignore.

Readers easily embrace the leading ladies in this romance. Sparks develops Sam and Jennifer nicely, presenting them as likable, relatable characters. Creating characters that readers find worthy of investment is essential to the success of any romance novel, and this isn’t a problem here. Both Sam and Jennifer resonate with readers. Sam and Jennifer are both multidimensional characters unaffaid of showing their vulnerabilities and insecurities. They each have compelling backstories—especially Sam—that explain why they are the way they are. Readers understand their motivations and actions. Because they do, a deeper emotional connection is developed with these characters. It all works to create a romance that captures readers’ hearts and keeps them turning pages.

Final remarks…

Romances that contain the themes of loss and grief often feel cliched and contrived. Starting Over doesn’t though. This novel works because it’s built on a relationship that’s grounded, authentic and genuine. Sparks crafts the romance in such a way that it feels believably sincere and honest. She capitalizes on the emotional depth of the characters and their relationship. There’s a chemistry between these two ladies that’s compelling. Readers see their potential, and they root for them. Starting Over reminds readers that love endures and heals, even when one thinks it’s lost forever.

Strengths…

  • Nicely developed
  • Touching
  • Engaging
  • Tenderly written

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

Nance Sparks is a Goldie Award winning author of lesbian romance. She lives in south central Wisconsin with her spouse. Her passion for photography, homesteading, hiking, gardening and most anything outdoors comes through in her stories. When the sun is out and the sky is blue, especially during the golden hour, Nance can be found on the Wisconsin River with a camera in hand capturing shots of large birds in flight. To learn more about Nance, check out her website and social media.

Midlife is the Cat’s Meow (My So-Called Hexed Midlife Book 1)

Posted on by Women Using Words

The details…

  • Title: Midlife is the Cat’s Meow
  • Authors: TB Markinson & Miranda MacLeod
  • Publisher: Independent Publishers & Authors
  • Publication date: April 4, 2023
  • Available formats: ebook
  • Digital file size: 2279 KB
  • Print length: 284 pages
  • Genre: rom-com/mystical fantasy
  • Themes: family, small town, witches, magic, children, parenting, divorce, ghosts, murder, friends, romance, aging

The blurb from the publisher…

A witch without powers. A secret to die for. A past better forgotten. Who said midlife would be boring?

A few months ago, I thought I had it all. My life as a forty-something suburban mom in Cleveland might not have been stimulating, but sometimes excitement is overrated. Like when FBI agents knock down your door on the hunt for your crook of a husband. Thrilling? Maybe. But I wouldn’t recommend it.

After twenty-five years, I’m returning home without a penny to my name. But there are far worse things than living in your family’s bed-and-breakfast on a remote island in Maine. Being a witch who’s lost her powers, for example. Or having two daughters on the brink of getting their magic and having no idea they’re witches.

To complicate matters, a mysterious group of magical enforcers called the Shadow Council blamed me for my twin sister’s death years ago and banned me from ever returning home. But I have nowhere else to go.

My plan is to keep a low profile, land a job, and get back on my feet. My plan does not include finding a mysterious old trunk in the having a famous author drop dead while staying at our inn, being haunted by his ghost, or having my powers return in scary and unexpected ways.

I can also assure you I have no intention of developing a crush on someone who will have me questioning everything I ever thought I knew about who I am.

Then again, you know what they say about the best laid plans…

If you’re hungry for a paranormal story that celebrates women over 40 and strong female friendships, with snarky humor, quirky family members, a mischievous cat, a murder mystery, time travel, ghosts, and a leather wearing, motorcycle-riding physician who sparks an unexpected midlife sapphic awakening, look no further than Midlife is the Cat’s Meow!

My So-Called Hexed Midlife is a fresh new series of paranormal women’s midlife fiction from the Goldie award-winning writing duo T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod.

This series was inspired by the characters and mysteries in the Witches of Pinecroft Cove cozy mystery series, which the authors published under the pen name Nicole St Claire in 2019-2021. The books have been entirely reworked to transform them into sapphic paranormal women’s fiction mysteries, but if you have read the other series, certain circumstances may feel familiar. You are not losing your marbles.

Readers should be aware this book contains mild profanity and a same-sex romance.

My thoughts…

When Markinson and MacLeod get together and cowrite something, my suggestion is just go buy it. It’s going to be good. I’ve yet to read anything of theirs that wasn’t. Over the years they’ve developed a storytelling style that is so appealing, reviewers seldom leave anything below a four star rating.

Successful writing duos like Markinson and MacLeod aren’t easily made. It takes a shared common vision for the writing to work. Moreover, the writers have to have a strong understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow clearly demonstrates that Markinson and MacLeod have what it takes. Their communication and collaboration skills provide readers with yet again another entertaining hit.

There are some common elements that readers value in their contemporary sapphic fiction, and Midlife is the Cat’s Meow hits on all of the important ones. First and foremost, its characters are compelling, well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Secondly, the plot is engaging and coherent. Last, but not least, it contains a theme that resonates. These may seem a bit basic, but they’re essential, and this duo gets them right. The end result is a story that’s memorable, meaningful and worth reading.

This tale is told in first person from Tallie Shipton’s point of view. The choice is smart because it creates a strong sense of intimacy, allowing the reader to feel as if they are directly involved in the story. Furthermore, the perspective effectively conveys Tallie’s emotions and reactions to the events within the story. It’s particularly powerful because Tallie undergoes a bit of a transformation and the readers are able to witness her ups and downs in a more intimate way. Most importantly though, this perspective gives the story personality, a trait many people have come to attach with Markinson and MacLeod’s writing. In fact, it’s the primary reason their books are so much fun to read.

Reader engagement and investment is always a concern in storytelling. However, it’s easily achieved in Midlife is the Cat’s Meow. The plot makes good use of the tension and conflict, driving the story forward quite nicely. These two elements—as well as the twists and turns—are well-balanced and well-crafted. They all work together to create a sense of urgency that keeps the reader guessing and wondering what will happen next. Ultimately, Tallie’s journey is something that feels exciting, organic and satisfying, a winning combination by anyone’s standard.

Final remarks…

Many readers will appreciate this contemporary piece of mystical fantasy. It’s a little different from Markinson and MacLeod’s normal repertoire, but that’s a-ok. Midlife is the Cat’s Meow explores some thought-provoking storytelling that’s unique and fresh. Like any good piece of fantasy, it challenges readers’ assumptions and helps them see the world in new ways. Readers will not only walk away humored by this tale but filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. This is perfect escapism; I highly recommend it.

Strengths…

  • Well-written
  • Well-collaborated
  • Entertaining
  • Wonderfully developed characters
  • Witty
  • Engaging
  • Easy to enjoy

This book is available from…

A bit about T. B. Markinson…

TB Markinson is a best selling author who lives in New England. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs, or reading. Not necessarily in that order.

Besides being a writer, she is an advocate and proud promoter of sapphic fiction. She cohosts the Lesbians Who Write Podcast with Clare Lydon and runs the I Heart SapphFic website with Miranda MacLeod.

A bit about Miranda MacLeod…

Originally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you’ll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that’s more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston.

Interested in learning more about them?