If you love age gap romance with hilarious descriptive imagery and a professional level of sarcasm delivered by extremely well written main characters, [Bonus points for being given the opportunity to visualize “the speed of tranquilized sloths.”] and a healthy dose of complicated family dynamics, then this book is for you. Veronica and Ally’s chemistry is so natural and believable from the beginning to end which really pulls you into the story.
This book is all of those things but above all, what made this book so special is that it’s one of the most feministly (not a real word, but it should be!) written wlw romance books that I’ve read. It was so refreshing to see a w/w conflict where one can so easily blame “the other woman” or “women” in this case, but this book shuts that right down. Even when presented with another woman that continued her relationship with the dude despite figuring out he was probably married, Arias didn’t waver, instead she chose to have women find strength and support within themselves and each other.
IS it a slow burn? Sure, in that you have to get two MCs who meet because of their unwittingly shared relationship with a cis-hetero-man, to realize their feelings for each other, when neither has any idea that the other is queer (and in this case, it’s news to one MC herself). On top of that, they not only need to believably get over their relationship with said man, but they also need to come out/realize their feelings for one another. Then finally, actually get together (phew! that was long). Arias did this brilliantly and the pacing is perfect.
IS Veronica an “ice queen”? Not sure. If so, I’ve never loved one until now. To me, she’s understandably suspicious of people and cautious with her heart because she grew up without the comfort of unconditional love and clearly made a dubious choice in first partners. She’s loyal, strong and vehemently fights for what she wants. The growth that Veronica chooses for herself is both inspirational and aspirational and one of the highlights of the book for me.
I’m actually still laughing when I think about Ally and Veronica being greeted by Ayo at the flower shop in Philly. “Hello.” The woman’s attention bounced from Veronica to Ally, who had sidled up to her side. “Can I help you find something? I’m getting some we-just-moved-in-together-but-aren’t-ready-to-commit-to-a-cat vibes.” One of the many gems in store for you when you read this book because you absolutely must read this book!
Eleanor M.
G-Rogue