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San Francisco #1
Checking the Right Box
This is book #1 in the San Francisco Series.
Emma Colton left her life behind when she moved from Chicago to San Francisco. She has a new job at the Health Department, a tiny apartment, and has dealt with being unlucky in love for most of her adult life. She’s hoping a new city and a fresh outlook will help her find the woman she’s been waiting for.
Keira Worthy has had a rough few years. She lost her best friend and business partner almost immediately after starting their dream event planning company. She’s barely hanging on financially and takes a job for the Health Department in hopes of landing more customers if it goes well. When she meets her liaison, Emma, under not the best circumstances – sparks fly. And not the good kind of sparks.
When they bump into one another at a lesbian singles night, they have to decide if they want to take the chance on something that could possibly be forever.
Recommended order of reading the books in the series:
Checking the Right Box (San Francisco Series Book #1)Keep Tahoe Blue (Tahoe Series Book #1)
Macon's Heart (San Francisco Series Book #2)
Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2019
228 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Pyland
79 books812 followersNicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance novels, including No After You, All the Love Songs, and the series like Chicago, San Francisco, Tahoe, Sports, Boston, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 30 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way!
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Website: nicolepyland.com
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Twitter: @nicole_pyland
Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Website: nicolepyland.com
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Twitter: @nicole_pyland
Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 1, 2019
DNF @ 58% - Uhg I hate that I had to type that.
Every single book that I've read by Pyland so far has gotten a 4* rating yet I can't even seem to finish this one. After a week and a half of trying I've had enough. I just don't find myself caring enough about the characters, which frankly sucks because I really wanted Emma to finally have her own happy ending.
At first I thought it was because of my lack of time to read but that never bothered me in the past. After all I can sleep when I'm dead. It's mainly the lack of chemistry between the two MC's and their constant hot & cold behavior for a large part of the book. By the time they finally do get together I had already checked out. I even stopped reading in the middle of a sex scene to go to sleep. If that doesn't tell you how done I was with this story then I don't what will.
Perhaps it's time for a completely different type of book. Fantasy? Historical? Horror? Lesfic for dummies?
Every single book that I've read by Pyland so far has gotten a 4* rating yet I can't even seem to finish this one. After a week and a half of trying I've had enough. I just don't find myself caring enough about the characters, which frankly sucks because I really wanted Emma to finally have her own happy ending.
At first I thought it was because of my lack of time to read but that never bothered me in the past. After all I can sleep when I'm dead. It's mainly the lack of chemistry between the two MC's and their constant hot & cold behavior for a large part of the book. By the time they finally do get together I had already checked out. I even stopped reading in the middle of a sex scene to go to sleep. If that doesn't tell you how done I was with this story then I don't what will.
Perhaps it's time for a completely different type of book. Fantasy? Historical? Horror? Lesfic for dummies?
April 7, 2019
Not the best Pyland, but not terrible. I really just read this because I started Tahoe 1 and realized that I should read Checking the Right Box first. So, I paused and read this. I like both main characters (Emma and Keira) well enough, but they have a really rocky road ahead of them. One doesn’t communicate and has a lot of issues in her professional life (Keira) and the other is a fixer (Emma). Because Keira is obviously troubled, but secretive about it, and because Emma is a fixer that has no clue what the problem is, drama ensues.
Both of these characters spend a lot of time apologizing to one another. While there is not an 80% break-up mark, there are many ‘pauses’ in their budding relationship where they just don’t speak (for days!). When they finally get back together, they’re both apologizing even though I think it’s obvious that there is one person who is the cause of their issues.
Overall, a decent read…especially for KU. I didn’t mind the time spent with these characters, but I’m not likely ever going to come back to it, either.
Sexy times are sexy, as always with Pyland.
More than 3*, but I can't make myself click the 4* button, either.
Both of these characters spend a lot of time apologizing to one another. While there is not an 80% break-up mark, there are many ‘pauses’ in their budding relationship where they just don’t speak (for days!). When they finally get back together, they’re both apologizing even though I think it’s obvious that there is one person who is the cause of their issues.
Overall, a decent read…especially for KU. I didn’t mind the time spent with these characters, but I’m not likely ever going to come back to it, either.
Sexy times are sexy, as always with Pyland.
More than 3*, but I can't make myself click the 4* button, either.
January 29, 2024
Below is my review in 2019: reread now as linked to Tahoe Series and this put characters and behaviour into context which worked for me. So upgraded to 5*s. Looking forward to Book 2.
2019 review: Really struggled with this - full of angst, felt convoluted (every time something sorted something else happened) and had trouble with the flow which was disappointing after the brilliant Chicago Series. Move on.
2019 review: Really struggled with this - full of angst, felt convoluted (every time something sorted something else happened) and had trouble with the flow which was disappointing after the brilliant Chicago Series. Move on.
March 9, 2019
Okay, so it's a pain to rate a Nicole Pyland book anything less than four stars, but this one gave me so many conflicting thoughts that it averaged itself out. I've considered Pyland one of my favorite romance writers, but this one was a slog to get through.
For this one, we follow the relationship between Emma Colton and Keira Worthy. It's dislike turned into love, which is hot, and also on the fast side--another quality I don't mind at all. Those check out for me. The sex scenes were hot, per usual (yay!) and cute moments abounded.
Unfortunately, I have to deal with Keira. Her character started out fine, then got more and more annoying as time went by. That lady does NOT communicate and she has that grating pride of a person who doesn't accept or ask for help from her legions of friends, family, and acquaintances. Pyland has a knack for stream of consciousness-like paragraphs that describe their feelings. Well, it sucks when I have to sit through Keira being both indecisive and stubborn. She also overthinks the wrong things. Bah.
Another thing about Keira: .
There were a few points where Emma confused me, too
To end on a good note, I highlighted a nice number of relatable moments. I'm interested in this new group of friends as well as the San Fran world she's building. This wasn't Pyland's strongest writing, but still entertaining and had its proper 'Aww' moments.
Three stars!
For this one, we follow the relationship between Emma Colton and Keira Worthy. It's dislike turned into love, which is hot, and also on the fast side--another quality I don't mind at all. Those check out for me. The sex scenes were hot, per usual (yay!) and cute moments abounded.
Unfortunately, I have to deal with Keira. Her character started out fine, then got more and more annoying as time went by. That lady does NOT communicate and she has that grating pride of a person who doesn't accept or ask for help from her legions of friends, family, and acquaintances. Pyland has a knack for stream of consciousness-like paragraphs that describe their feelings. Well, it sucks when I have to sit through Keira being both indecisive and stubborn. She also overthinks the wrong things. Bah.
Another thing about Keira: .
There were a few points where Emma confused me, too
To end on a good note, I highlighted a nice number of relatable moments. I'm interested in this new group of friends as well as the San Fran world she's building. This wasn't Pyland's strongest writing, but still entertaining and had its proper 'Aww' moments.
Three stars!
March 30, 2019
Another good series starter
I am fan of Nicole Pyland. I really enjoyed her Chicago series and was excited about this new series featuring Emma as the MC as well as cameos from all her friends from Chicago. In this new series we have technically a new set of friends, Greene, Hillary, and Keira (who is the other MC of this book). There is also Kellan but she has her own series of books. Anyways, Emma moves to San Fran because she needed to find her self and was drowning in her coupling firends relationships. She finds a job opening and takes it. Here she meets Keira. They hit it off and the story takes off.
What I like about the story is that there is drama but its not over the top. I did want to smack Keira up side the head a few times and kept wondering why Emma was the one apologizing but other than that it wasn't too drastic. I've reas books where the drama just kept being piled one but this really only has one major issue.
I know I am rambling amd because it's late while I write this BUT fans of her Chicago series and HEA stories will enjoy this book. Plus it is currently a kU read. I give it 4.5*
I am fan of Nicole Pyland. I really enjoyed her Chicago series and was excited about this new series featuring Emma as the MC as well as cameos from all her friends from Chicago. In this new series we have technically a new set of friends, Greene, Hillary, and Keira (who is the other MC of this book). There is also Kellan but she has her own series of books. Anyways, Emma moves to San Fran because she needed to find her self and was drowning in her coupling firends relationships. She finds a job opening and takes it. Here she meets Keira. They hit it off and the story takes off.
What I like about the story is that there is drama but its not over the top. I did want to smack Keira up side the head a few times and kept wondering why Emma was the one apologizing but other than that it wasn't too drastic. I've reas books where the drama just kept being piled one but this really only has one major issue.
I know I am rambling amd because it's late while I write this BUT fans of her Chicago series and HEA stories will enjoy this book. Plus it is currently a kU read. I give it 4.5*
May 9, 2022
2.5 stars?
This didn't make much of an impression on me. Not bad, not good, it just was.
This didn't make much of an impression on me. Not bad, not good, it just was.
August 20, 2019
I'm normally a fan of this author, but this book was just ehhhh. I really had a hard time connecting to the characters/situation. They seemed to be a bit whiny, almost to the point of wanting to shake them, and say pull your head out of your ass. They seemed to passive/ aggressive in nearly most every situation.
February 11, 2019
I was eager to read this one, so I downloaded this one when I got the notification that this was available. Emma Colton is a character from the Chicago series of books that I enjoyed. She has moved to San Fran to start over. Why? Her first love married someone else (they are friends now), all of her other friends are married and starting families and she continues to strike out on love. She meets Keira Worthy the very day on the job and it is very awkward because Keira almost runs her over less than an hour before they meet. Keira is still in mourning of her best friend/Biz partner's death. Her party planning business is in trouble and she really isn't looking for love.
Well with all that said, I think this one is just okay. There was chemistry between the MC's but something was lacking. It could have been how quickly they fell for each other without really knowing each other. I probably could get over that if Keira was more open with accepting help. I mean if you are going to be in a relationship with someone, shouldn't you talk to them about the issues you are facing? I guess maybe she became sort of annoying at some point (not overly so). Even though the romance moved fast, the book was just a little slow.
Now, with all the said, I do like the way Pyland writes and how she brings things together. She is one of the authors I have read that works has been consistently good, so I am still looking forward to the other San Fran books and the Lake Tahoe books she is planning.
Rating is a 3.25
Well with all that said, I think this one is just okay. There was chemistry between the MC's but something was lacking. It could have been how quickly they fell for each other without really knowing each other. I probably could get over that if Keira was more open with accepting help. I mean if you are going to be in a relationship with someone, shouldn't you talk to them about the issues you are facing? I guess maybe she became sort of annoying at some point (not overly so). Even though the romance moved fast, the book was just a little slow.
Now, with all the said, I do like the way Pyland writes and how she brings things together. She is one of the authors I have read that works has been consistently good, so I am still looking forward to the other San Fran books and the Lake Tahoe books she is planning.
Rating is a 3.25
July 19, 2021
So I am thinking maybe you should read Pyland’s Chicago series before reading this? I have a feeling you will get to know all the friends of our main Emma who moved from Chicago to San Francisco for a job, but also to find love.
I think for me it’s better I didn’t read the Chicago series, their friendships are all very interesting and intertwined, maybe a bit incestuous, I’m not sure how well I’d deal with that.
On to this book, the mains are cute together, but for being in their thirties they seem to have a lot of teenage angsty moments. I understand San Fran is an expensive city, but maybe they could have their ducks in a row just a bit? Emma is a bit of a fixer who moves quickly in relationships, but she’s been hurt by her last ex and has some misgivings about starting something new. Although we are told she feels this way I never really feel it because she just seems to jump in for the most part. Keira has been struggling in her personal life and her professional life ever since her best friend and business partner died. They both struggle with accepting what the other person has to offer, accepting help isn’t something they seem to be good at.
Somehow they don’t get on my nerves, much, but towards the end it did get a little old.
I really liked the feeling of this book, it’s comfortable and easy to read, something I really enjoy this time of year. Any time of year really. I’m looking forward to reading the next instalments of this series. I haven’t checked whose stories will be told but I have an inkling I know who might be coming up and I am all for it.
I think for me it’s better I didn’t read the Chicago series, their friendships are all very interesting and intertwined, maybe a bit incestuous, I’m not sure how well I’d deal with that.
On to this book, the mains are cute together, but for being in their thirties they seem to have a lot of teenage angsty moments. I understand San Fran is an expensive city, but maybe they could have their ducks in a row just a bit? Emma is a bit of a fixer who moves quickly in relationships, but she’s been hurt by her last ex and has some misgivings about starting something new. Although we are told she feels this way I never really feel it because she just seems to jump in for the most part. Keira has been struggling in her personal life and her professional life ever since her best friend and business partner died. They both struggle with accepting what the other person has to offer, accepting help isn’t something they seem to be good at.
Somehow they don’t get on my nerves, much, but towards the end it did get a little old.
I really liked the feeling of this book, it’s comfortable and easy to read, something I really enjoy this time of year. Any time of year really. I’m looking forward to reading the next instalments of this series. I haven’t checked whose stories will be told but I have an inkling I know who might be coming up and I am all for it.
February 21, 2019
The Keira in my imagination is hot AF and Emma's a lucky lady. I enjoyed this story because I've been the new kid at a new place too, the daunting experience was spot on. I loved how the Chicago ladies made appearances and/or were mentioned in the story too. Fun read.
March 17, 2019
A solid love story with plenty of steam.
I have only read one (or maybe two) of the Chicago series, so I don't really remember these characters. i didn't feel that not remembering them made much difference to enjoying this book. Pyland writes angst really well, and falling in love (and lust). Both Keira and Emma annoyed me plenty of times throughout the story, but in a way that made them seem more real. They are not perfect. They are people with problems and issues and dealing with falling in love. I was rooting for them a lot.
There were some really hot moments, some cute moment, some bits of pure annoyance, and a lot of angst. All in all, there isn't anything very memorable for me here, but it was a really fun way to spend a few hours.
I have only read one (or maybe two) of the Chicago series, so I don't really remember these characters. i didn't feel that not remembering them made much difference to enjoying this book. Pyland writes angst really well, and falling in love (and lust). Both Keira and Emma annoyed me plenty of times throughout the story, but in a way that made them seem more real. They are not perfect. They are people with problems and issues and dealing with falling in love. I was rooting for them a lot.
There were some really hot moments, some cute moment, some bits of pure annoyance, and a lot of angst. All in all, there isn't anything very memorable for me here, but it was a really fun way to spend a few hours.
April 1, 2019
3.5 stars
February 8, 2019
A great start in a new city
Following Emma as she moves to San Francisco from Chicago, we are treated to a wonderful story about two women who seem to be made for each other, even if they start out a bit rough. As always with Nicole Pyland's works, the character development for the leading ladies is fantastic. The supporting cast is well rounded as well, though not quite as much as in some of the early Chicago Series books. I expect they will each get their own time in the spotlight, though. All and all, it's a fantastic read and a great start to the new series.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
Following Emma as she moves to San Francisco from Chicago, we are treated to a wonderful story about two women who seem to be made for each other, even if they start out a bit rough. As always with Nicole Pyland's works, the character development for the leading ladies is fantastic. The supporting cast is well rounded as well, though not quite as much as in some of the early Chicago Series books. I expect they will each get their own time in the spotlight, though. All and all, it's a fantastic read and a great start to the new series.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
June 11, 2019
I love it how the characters seem real, like they get jealous and have financial problems and still keep they relationship even with the problems.
I love it the secondary characters too, I wish I could read the Chicago series to get ro know them, unfortunately it's not Kindle unlimited, and I don't ave money to buy it, so that got me a little disappointed, anyway, it's an amazing book and Nicole's writing is awesome.
The steamy scenes are really hot, like really and also cute, which I love it.
F/f explicit.
I love it the secondary characters too, I wish I could read the Chicago series to get ro know them, unfortunately it's not Kindle unlimited, and I don't ave money to buy it, so that got me a little disappointed, anyway, it's an amazing book and Nicole's writing is awesome.
The steamy scenes are really hot, like really and also cute, which I love it.
F/f explicit.
February 13, 2019
Loved it
I was a little sad to see the Chicago series come to an end because I had grown to love the characters so much. I was very happy to see that this new series stems from that one and therefore we as readers get a little update on the lives of those characters still in Chicago. I enjoyed getting to know Emma better and look forward to what this new series (and the new Tahoe series stemming from this one) will bring. Well done.
I was a little sad to see the Chicago series come to an end because I had grown to love the characters so much. I was very happy to see that this new series stems from that one and therefore we as readers get a little update on the lives of those characters still in Chicago. I enjoyed getting to know Emma better and look forward to what this new series (and the new Tahoe series stemming from this one) will bring. Well done.
February 9, 2019
This novel started a bit too slow and a bit too choppy for me. It's like the author was forcing a connection between the main characters when there initially wasn't one. They would laugh with each other, hysterically at times, for no apparent reason. It was just odd. In the beginning, I briefly wondered if someone else had written the book and just stuck Ms. Pyland's name on it. It took some effort to push through those early chapters but after a while the storyline began to smooth out and become more than what it was. Not a whole lot more but just more.
October 9, 2020
A 3.5. It was so full of misunderstandings and easy to fix drama that it got tedious at times, however the need to finish it and see what would happen was there, that's why it's a 4, even if its a 3.5.
July 13, 2019
Love after loss
Emma and Keira are both trying to move on from significant traumas and issues from their past. In an effort to push things along Emma makes the move from Chicago to San Francisco leaving behind everything she knows. Being the new girl in a new city isn't what she expected. Keira has her own issues to deal with. In the midst of the storm she meets Emma. Is the timing off for these two? Or will they be able to see that what the other brings to table is exactly what they need?
Something that I love about reading is that sometimes an author will also provide some powerful messages within the chapters and book and peppered with life lessons. Loved it!
Emma and Keira are both trying to move on from significant traumas and issues from their past. In an effort to push things along Emma makes the move from Chicago to San Francisco leaving behind everything she knows. Being the new girl in a new city isn't what she expected. Keira has her own issues to deal with. In the midst of the storm she meets Emma. Is the timing off for these two? Or will they be able to see that what the other brings to table is exactly what they need?
Something that I love about reading is that sometimes an author will also provide some powerful messages within the chapters and book and peppered with life lessons. Loved it!
February 24, 2023
nicole pyland books are my go to atm.
June 9, 2019
Keep them coming
I'm really looking forward the the rest of the series. Great characters and how their lives intertwine. I will read them all
I'm really looking forward the the rest of the series. Great characters and how their lives intertwine. I will read them all
February 2, 2024
Slow burn, but super good!
Where do I even begin? Emma and Kiera did get off to a rough start, but it was more of a 'meet-cute' for the couple. The attraction was mutual, but what I loved about them was that they literally took their time getting to know each other - slow burn, but very sweet and romantic. (The two do get pretty steamy, if you wanna know)
Things only get hard for the couple when life (Kiera's work life) gets in the way. They are soon faced with obstacles and each other's hang-ups, forcing them to deal with certain issues early in their relationship. What I thought was beautiful beyond the couple's journey together was the group of friends that they each had supporting them. It really rounds out the story.
I'm so glad I read this one and even more so knowing I have more to look forward to from Nicole Pyland.
Where do I even begin? Emma and Kiera did get off to a rough start, but it was more of a 'meet-cute' for the couple. The attraction was mutual, but what I loved about them was that they literally took their time getting to know each other - slow burn, but very sweet and romantic. (The two do get pretty steamy, if you wanna know)
Things only get hard for the couple when life (Kiera's work life) gets in the way. They are soon faced with obstacles and each other's hang-ups, forcing them to deal with certain issues early in their relationship. What I thought was beautiful beyond the couple's journey together was the group of friends that they each had supporting them. It really rounds out the story.
I'm so glad I read this one and even more so knowing I have more to look forward to from Nicole Pyland.
April 11, 2019
From Chicago to San Francisco, Pyland delivers a story of new ventures, old friendships and new friendships…maybe even new love. I enjoy the depth of all the characters she creates and I’m glad she weaves in my favorite characters from her Chicago Series here and there. I’ve not been to Chicago as an adult, but I have been to San Francisco many times and I found myself wanting to go back for a visit after reading Checking the Right Box. I love that her characters have their flaws, their doubts and perhaps even irrational emotions at times, because it makes them more visual to me. I’m definitely a visual reader and love it when an author can create a story that becomes so vivid in my mind. Many thanks! I’m off to get the first of the Tahoe series, as that looks to be a perfect segue for me.
June 24, 2021
Another great series
I really enjoyed the Chicago series and the characters. I was happy to see how those characters connect to the San Francisco stories and how all these friends stay connected. Looking forward to reading the first book of the Tahoe series next to continue the timeline as the author suggests on her website. I was really happy to see the website and basically have a map of the characters. It’s a really good idea that other authors should consider with their series.
I really enjoyed the Chicago series and the characters. I was happy to see how those characters connect to the San Francisco stories and how all these friends stay connected. Looking forward to reading the first book of the Tahoe series next to continue the timeline as the author suggests on her website. I was really happy to see the website and basically have a map of the characters. It’s a really good idea that other authors should consider with their series.
February 18, 2019
I love Nicole Pyland's stories, this one was no exception. I particularly love the continuity of the
characters, you know what's up with them, in a way continuing their stories. I couldn't get the
character of Keira on this one. She was a bit immature for my taste. A woman in her 30's making
one stupid mistake after the other. But all in all, I loved the book. I look forward to Kellan's story.
characters, you know what's up with them, in a way continuing their stories. I couldn't get the
character of Keira on this one. She was a bit immature for my taste. A woman in her 30's making
one stupid mistake after the other. But all in all, I loved the book. I look forward to Kellan's story.
December 16, 2023
It was okay... Ish
Overall a decent book. But there was so much childish immature fighting. And so much lack of communication. This book made me annoyed, and by about 80% I found myself wondering when it was going to be over. It has a happy ending, but I almost didn't make it to the end. First thing I have read by Nicole Pyland that disappointed me.
Overall a decent book. But there was so much childish immature fighting. And so much lack of communication. This book made me annoyed, and by about 80% I found myself wondering when it was going to be over. It has a happy ending, but I almost didn't make it to the end. First thing I have read by Nicole Pyland that disappointed me.
January 22, 2019
Since this book was a spinoff of the Chicago series, it was written more like that as opposed to this author's stand alone books.
I enjoyed this book and felt like it was a fun and surprisingly quick read for me. I think if you enjoyed the Chicago series you will love this book.
I enjoyed this book and felt like it was a fun and surprisingly quick read for me. I think if you enjoyed the Chicago series you will love this book.
April 28, 2019
Excellent!
I really enjoyed Checking the Right Box. This book really moves all the characters forward in a good direction. I really enjoyed the basic premise of the book, it’s hard to ask for help and really hard to accept help that is freely given. A good lesson for all of us.
I really enjoyed Checking the Right Box. This book really moves all the characters forward in a good direction. I really enjoyed the basic premise of the book, it’s hard to ask for help and really hard to accept help that is freely given. A good lesson for all of us.
May 11, 2023
I enjoyed all the other characters from the Chicago series that made an appearance in this book. The way Emma and Keira meet was kind of fun too. I enjoyed their relationship and their struggles in the way that it was real. Looking forward to reading about other friends stories.
June 16, 2024
I hated this I usually love this authors books but this was just the most ridiculous complaining constantly and full of crappy communication between the characters and for me at least I felt like there was no connection for me so I could not get in to it at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews