Like Lovers Do

by Lori L. Lake

A romance from Lori L. Lake, winner of the Ann Bannon Award Kennie McClain is a security guard who, unbeknownst to her tenants, owns the Allen Arms where she works. She’s still recovering from the loss of her partner three years earlier and has moved from upstate New York to Portland to escape the tragedy. In her off hours, she rehabs apartments and nurses a broken heart. Lily Gordon, a nationally-acclaimed painter, lives in the Allen Arms penthouse. She’s beautiful and accomplished – and haunted after her lover ditches her. Sparks fly in a big way when Kennie and Lily finally connect . . . but then in one shattering moment, Lily betrays her, and Kennie’s world comes crashing down, leaving her untrusting and in deep emotional pain. Can Kennie ever rise above these losses and risk her heart again?

Genres: Lesbian, Lesbian Fiction, Lesbian Romance, Romance, LGBT, Fiction

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2011

About the author

Lori L. Lake is the author of ten novels, two books of short stories, and editor of two anthologies. She'll soon have four books available in The Gun Series as well as the next book in The Public Eye Mystery Series. Her crime fiction stories have been featured in "Silence of the Loons," "Once Upon a Crime," and "Women of the Mean Streets. She's had romance stories anthologized in "Best Lesbian Romance" and "Women in Uniform." Lori lived in Minnesota for 26 years, but re-located to Portland, Oregon, in 2009. She presents seminars and workshops on writing topics such as character building, plot, the writing process, the writing life, mystery structure, and form and structure in the modern novel. When she's not working at her computer, you can find her either at the local movie house or curled up in a chair reading. She is currently at work on her next novel. Lori very much likes to hear from her readers. (from the publisher's website)

Reviews

[Mary Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very early in the book is one of the hottest love-making scenes I've ever read. That hooked me. The story is good and it was fun to read about known Portland landmarks.

[Jodie Skeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Lovers Do is a wonderful new romance by Lori L. Lake. The story is centered around Kennie McClain and the Allen Arms apartment building in northeast Portland. After the death of her partner three years ago, Kennie had moved from upstate New York to heal her heart and start a new life. She spends her days as the front desk security guard and her after hours refurbishing the old but sturdy seven story building. What the tenants don't know, is that she actually owns the building.

One tenant in particular catches her eye, Lily Gordon, a beautiful artist who lives in the penthouse. When she notices Lily is flirting with her, she begins to think her broken heart has mended enough for her to look forward to a future with someone else. After an amazing date with Lily, Kennie is shattered to find things aren't what they seem and she has to find the strength to overcome betrayal and the self confidence to reach for happiness.

As well as Kennie and Lily, Lake has written a lovely cast of supporting characters that add so much depth and humour to the story. Max, a teenager who Kennie saves from a beating, moves into the Allen Arms and unexpectedly, into Kennie's heart. Her life has amazing similarities to Kennie's teenage years and by helping her, Kennie is given the opportunity to grow herself.

Lake's writing is always a joy to read and Like Lovers Do is no exception. It's a beautifully written romance that enthralled me from the first page to the last and the wonderful cast of characters stayed with me long after I had finished.

[Bib · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Lori Lake book, and an unexpectedly good book. Other than writing her main characters well, Lake has taken care of her sub characters. I will definitely look out for works by this author.

[~ * K E L L I E * ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Deirdre S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big enthusiast for explicit sex in fiction, and there is some in this ... but there is also enough about the emotional development of the character's relationships to keep me happy. I'm not a prude, I just think what happens between our ears is more novel and individual than what happens between our legs. This book is about a variety of people coming into their own, and making satisfying lives for themselves and others. What could be sexier than that?

[Maryn Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It took me to a place I had never been before: f/f romance. I liked the main character and particularly liked the sub plot dealing with throw-away children. I believe a book should say something, and this one did.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book and since I enjoyed the Gun Series I gave this book a shot and I am glad I did. Lori Lake is a fabulous writer and keeps you excited to turn the page and read more. Well done again Lori and keep them coming. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

[8bits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lori L. Lake has a smooth easy to read writing style. Her characters are likeable and have a depth that you don't always find in lesfic romance.

[Cidney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely boring storyline. This writer just can't do romance or sex at all.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book from Lori L Lake would recommend to others.