Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

What Now

Rate this book
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.

She’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?

Come along as this friends to lovers, toaster oven, age gap romance will warm your heart, along with Addison’s.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2023

256 people are currently reading
185 people want to read

About the author

Jamey Moody

35 books196 followers
Jamey Moody is a small town Texas girl living her best life with her little terrier Leo, who brings her a toy every time she walks in the house.
When she’s not reading or writing her next sapphic romance you can find her on a bike ride, paddle boarding the lake, or in the middle of an adventure.
Reach out, she’d love to hear from you.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
303 (49%)
4 stars
181 (29%)
3 stars
92 (15%)
2 stars
25 (4%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Simone11.
249 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2023
I don’t know how to rate this book.
I like Jamey Moody’s writing very much and the two MCs were lovely together but I’m mad about the (in my opinion) very constructed and out of the blue break-up of the two MCs. That tainted my reading experience.
But maybe give it a try to “see” for yourself.

By the way “Finding forever” is one of my favorite books ever. 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gail.
990 reviews58 followers
April 28, 2023
Moody's latest book is a thoughtfully constructed romance with some heat.
Addison is a career driven woman with an eye to eventually filling the top chair in her banking organization. Lissa works in her family's feed company. She has an uncomplicated life but wonders if she'll ever find "the one".
The two meet at the neighborhood bank where Addison is the newbie President. She steps in due to staff shortage to help Lissa open an account. In short order a friendship develops then stronger feelings take root but one woman considers herself "straight" and the other is gay muddying the relationship. A well used trope but the author has her own fine take on it!
Small town gossip, love of family, fear of rejection as well as the unknown are all written into this storyline along with a deep friendship blossoming to much more. Supporting characters and their gentle meddling are fine additions along with the cats Dart and Callie.
I enjoyed this romance which has a bit of a hiccup before a HEA and look forward to Moody's next book.
Profile Image for Conny B.
324 reviews53 followers
April 14, 2023
Jamey Moody is my go to author when I’m in the need of getting my heart filled with lots of love. After having read every book by her since day one, I just know I’m safe with her and she will make me happy. I am actually amazed when I look at the journey she has taken us readers so far and how her stories have developed since the beginning. I hardly can believe it was three years ago when I read her first book. And I don’t mean that her earlier stories were not as good as they are today, I loved every single one of them but I just feel like Jamey is able to add something on top with every new story.

This story was no exception. For me it actually felt a bit different than others by Jamey. To know what I mean you have to read this story because I won’t say more. No worries you still get everything you love in her stories and you never know maybe even more. For me Lissa‘s and Addisons‘s journey was just such a beautiful one. You just have to root for them and want them to be happy. I loved how they developed a friendship that became more intimate day by day. Of course Addison thinking of herself as straight means she is a bit blind when it comes to her developing feelings. But with the help by some dear friends she slowly starts to realise that maybe there is more between them and maybe that it’s time to take a risk for once in her life. Having always only put your work on top of her priority list that definitely is a huge challenge for her.

Add a small town on top where everyone knows each other, where people watch out for each other and where it usually only takes a short time until a rumour or gossip makes its rounds, and you don’t only have a very sweet story but also one that will make you laugh. At least that’s how I felt. Of course there are also some things that showed me that it can’t be always easy to live there. Which leads me to mention that I felt Jamey Moody’s experience there. She totally knows about what she is writing.

I don’t wanna talk for much longer because for me you just have to read this beautiful love story by yourself. If you’re already a fan of Jamey Moody, you definitely won’t get disappointed. And if you’re not a fan yet, maybe you will be after you have this story a chance. I am already looking forward to more by Jamey and I’m curious about what she will come up next.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sprinkles.
203 reviews338 followers
February 17, 2025
I continue going through my low-angst reading era.

This reminded me of early lesbian fiction, with the way it's written, the toaster element, and the brunette/blonde couple combination. I enjoyed the slow burn and how their relationship developed over time. I would've appreciated a bit more depth to their connection, but I still liked the small town Texas feel. I appreciated that

Something I did not like? On another note, I realize focusing so much on song lyrics gets into saccharine territory for me.

It seemed like Moody hinted at some ice queen/cutthroat business woman qualities of Addison; I didn't buy that. The bank setting was cute, though.

Eep, the third act conflict. Did not enjoy:

I raised an eyebrow at the epilogue. It made me feel something inside, which sealed another star. It got me a little sad, too.

This rounds to four stars for me. ☆☆☆☆
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
921 reviews45 followers
April 30, 2023
This is a great age gap/straight to gay/ friends to lovers story. Jamey has brought 2 incredible women together in this book. You can feel the connection immediately. Addison and Lissa are beautiful women, both physically and of heart. It leaves you feeling good! 5 stars!
Profile Image for Netgyrl (Laura).
625 reviews222 followers
August 5, 2023
4 Stars - fluffy and cozy romance.

If you’re in need of a break from overly dramatic and angsty reads look no further than this nearly perfect friends to lovers romance.

Lissa and Addison meet when Addison moves to town as the new president of the bank. Watching them become fast friends, and their feelings slowly intensified to more than friends was very satisfying and fun. Angst level is pretty low even with the obligatory break up at the 80% mark. There is no doubt that it’s a momentary blip and they will soon be back together. The author also gives us not one, but two epilogues so you can be sure to know that our happy couple stays that way well into the future.
Profile Image for Veda.
114 reviews
November 21, 2023
I’m thinking a 2.5 stars I’m not sure Jamey moody has me confused with most of her books just the writing the thought process of her character and how they express themselves on paper just isn’t really for me in some books it’s better but then books like these it’s just something I can’t help but notice and extremely dislike.
Profile Image for Lez_be_readin_ya.
350 reviews178 followers
April 10, 2023
Book comes out on April 24th. This book is a beautifully written, sweet, small-town slow burn, with a journey of self-discovery and finding love where you least expect it. I couldn't put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I 100% recommend it to anyone it's such a lovely heartwarming book and I can't wait for everyone else to read it. Thank you Jamey for the opportunity to read this fabulous book 🙏 ❤️

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for C C Garrison.
212 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2024
Very Touching

Easy to read, the struggles of acceptance with being can be very hard. I know I have gone through the same thing with my wife. It made me tear up, add I don't don't cry very often. Don't worry, happy ending.
248 reviews
April 29, 2023
DNF@40%. Would've been earlier but I tried giving it a chance. I rarely DNF books and am usually able to power through them, but doing it with this book felt like a sunk cost. The writing was just not for me.

The book is dialogue-heavy and skims around the characters' surface-level thoughts, so they feel very dry. It feels like they don't want to open themselves up to the reader. Let me into your thoughts so it doesn't feel like I'm reading a script.

I also could not deal with how the best friend's character trait seems to be the compulsion to push the MC to be gay. I'd have loved to know why. Maybe there's some backstory to it later in the book, but there's nothing building to that at all.

Profile Image for Brian's Book Blog.
805 reviews62 followers
October 11, 2023
Insanely Cute Friends-to-Lovers Story

4.75 out of 5 stars

What Now by Jamey Moody is an irresistibly charming friends-to-lovers story that will keep you smiling from ear to ear. This audiobook expertly navigates the delicate balance between friendship and romance, while offering a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of its endearing characters. From the very start, I thought that Moody set the scene for their friendship to grow and I’m for it!

The core of the narrative is the genuine and heartwarming friendship between Addison and Lissa. Their connection is so authentic that you can’t help but root for them from the beginning. It’s this solid foundation that makes you believe in the possibility of their relationship evolving, and even in the event of a failed romance, it’s clear they could still salvage their beautiful friendship. But of course, who would want that when you can see the sparks of something more beginning to ignite?

Jennifer Griffin’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. She skillfully captures the emotions of the characters and deftly straddles the line between reading and performing. Her delivery adds depth to the story, making the humorous moments genuinely funny and the tender scenes heartwarming.

Jamey Moody weaves a story that leaps off the page, utilizing the backdrop of a small town to great effect. The setting not only serves as the canvas for the tale but also contributes to the drama and charm of the plot. It creates a cozy atmosphere that draws you into the story and its characters. I thought that having the characters both watch but also make fun of “Hallmark movies” while basically living in one was a fun kind of irony.

The age-gap part of this story is mentioned a few times, it never overshadows the story. Moody seamlessly weaves it into the fabric of the narrative, and you might even forget about it until it’s brought up again (which I did numerous times), a testament to the author’s storytelling skills. Sometimes that can be overplayed “You can’t love me, I’m 15 years older than you” and the likes – but Moody barely even makes it a part of the story.

She also used a phrase that cracked me up early in the story – one of Addison’s friends referred to her as “warm ice queen” which was funny but also fit. She was focused and determined, but kind and caring at the same time.

What sets this audiobook apart from others in the same genre is the satisfying resolution. Not only do you get a “Happily Ever After” ending, but Moody goes the extra mile by providing a glimpse into the future of the characters. This added layer of storytelling is exceptionally rewarding after accompanying the characters on their journey, making What Now a standout in the genre.

In summary, What Now is a heartwarming and enchanting audiobook that explores the beauty of friendship blossoming into love. With a skillful narrator and a small-town backdrop, it’s a delightful listen that will warm your heart and leave you with a lasting smile. Jamey Moody has crafted a love story that lingers long after the final chapter, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Profile Image for Women Using Words.
485 reviews69 followers
April 30, 2023
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 homey, small town setting, predictable plot and happy ending 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 satisfying 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 friends, family, 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
Profile Image for Sha.
207 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2023
Sweet romance in small-town Texas.
This book is a hot soup on a cold evening, your mom's chocolate cake, just out of the oven... Comfort is this book's middle name :)
There are 2 women who fall in love, and one of them is afraid this relationship may disrupt her carefully laid plan for a stellar career. They think about it, talk about it, and find solutions. It sounds like a great potential for angst but... have no fear! There's no angst here! Jamey Moody is excellent at depicting the small-town life, with the good and bad aspects of it. It is quite clear she loves what she's writing about. There's so much warmth infused into the descriptions throughout the book. Both places and people can easily be imagined in my mind, despite never having been to such a town.
I loved the comfort and the love among the MC's family. It hit close to home (especially the competitive streak and the banter). I also loved cats because I am a cat lover through and through.
I thought the book was a bit too slow for my taste, though I understand it reflects the rhythm of life in the small town that serves as the setting. While it was fitting to the plot and setting, it didn't fit me personally.
Also, I think the conflict should have been deeper and could have become a really difficult obstacle. I understand that this is the author's choice, but I can't help but want more :)

T&T:
Tropes: Friends to lovers, age gap, small-town, toaster-oven romance.
Triggers: Very few and small mentions of homophobia.

Rating: 3.5 stars (4 in this website's system)

Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
493 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2024
Very sweet and low-angst slow burn friends to lovers kind of story. The town was cute, Addy and Lissa were great, their friends and family were supportive and funny… There were just a couple things that bothered me. The repeated references to Hallmark movies were a little too on-point. And I had trouble from the late break-up on. I got what caused it, and it made sense… but the way it played out and the recovery didn’t really work for me. . The far future epilogue was nice, though.

So… I guess if you’re in the market for a break-up and then a Hallmark ending, this really has a wonderful build-up to that. For me, though, the ending didn’t quite live up to the strong rest of the story, and as a result I was left feeling just a little bit off.
Profile Image for Alicia Reviews.
480 reviews50 followers
April 22, 2023
Jamey Moody
What Now: Friends to lovers, age gap sapphic romance
Arc
New Release



Right from the start, the two main characters shared an effortless chemistry that was hard to miss. I couldn't help but feel amused by the mention of sapphic books - being an avid reader, I'm always on the lookout for a great story.

Jamey's love for hallmark movies struck a chord with me, as I'm a sucker for romantic films too.

Addison had her sights set on achieving her goals, but her heart yearned for Lissa. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't stop the love from taking over.

The love that Jamey describes is the kind that can heal even the deepest wounds and make you believe that anything is possible. It's the kind of love that we all dream of - someone who sees and understands us, flaws and all. It's a love that can stand the test of time and heal even the most broken parts of ourselves.

I would like to take this opportunity to take the author for the advanced copy of the book. I highly recommend this book. It's available for preorder on Amazon and will be available on April 24,2023 five stars.
1,277 reviews
April 12, 2023
True love cannot be denied!

I love the beginning when Addison, the new bank president helps Lissa set up a new account. I live in a big city where that would never happen. I've never even seen my bank president! But that's what makes stories set in small towns so popular. This friends to lovers book is another winner from the creative, loving mind of Jamey Moody.

It has everything we expect to find from her; such as, heartwarming, descriptive writing that oozes love from the top of her head to the bottom of her toes, kind and loving characters - both main and secondary - with conversations that make you want to be their friends, and a plot that takes the reader with them on a journey of self-discovery. Of course there's fear and self-doubt, but Jamey has a way of making her characters vulnerable, yet resilient.

I LOVE the cover! Looking at these two women, I can see and feel the JOY on their faces and that's exactly how I felt after reading this book! Jamey, in your books, hearts DO smile! Brava! 💕
258 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2023
Another wonderful book by Jamey. And it is one of my favorite already. Lissa Morgan is back home to help run her family business after her older brother died. Lissa and Addison met at the bank when Lissa went to settle accounts. Addison is the new bank president. A short stop on her way to the top. Lissa makes no secret of the fact that she is gay. Addison is not gay. But has no time for relationships. And from there, Jamey takes us on a wonderful, sweet friendship journey. I fell in love with both characters from the start. There are numerous secondary characters to enjoy. There is a little angst. But it helps makes the story. Her descriptions of the town make me want to visit. She sets up a good flow that grabs hold and doesn't let go till the end. But then I still wanted more. Enjoy this wonderful book.
584 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2023
Jamey Moody is such a talented author, I just loved this story. I laughed, I cried, yes I really cried. It was a beautiful love story. I know many people in business in the south, the differences in attitude towards gay women in positions of strength and power. The characters became real in my imagination. The settings, I have seen so many similar to these, and they were real to me. The plot was well developed, the ride to the end held my interest! I loved the character Sidney, she was such an interesting and needed bit of common sense in our world.
This book entertained me, the jokes and the easy way the characters interacted was flawless. Do I recommend this book, you bet I do! This one is going on my read again and again shelf!
24 reviews
April 30, 2023
Thank you Jamey Moody, for another great romance in WHAT NOW. I absolutely loved reading about the two main characters, Lissa and Addison. No one seemed too concerned about the age gap and Jamey has a great knack of exploring and building characters. Even though they began as friends, I could see that there was something more there; even if Lissa and Addison didn't for some time.

Setting it in a small Texan town, with small town emotions was the reason for any conflict. City girl Addison on one hand worried about gossip, but yet she found local girl Lissa and her family so warm and friendly.
Jamey carefully led the reader through the issues, till there was a "happy ever after". I recommend WHAT NOW as a great lesbian romantic novel.

signed, "I love Reading".

296 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2023
Another wonderful introduction to Lesbian friends …

Beautifully written journey of Addison and Lissa. When Addison finally allowed herself to see the addition of Lissa as a gift to her well-scripted plans, their love blossomed. The secondary characters were strong and vital to this journey. Lissa’s family were strong supporters as was Addison’s mother. It’s interesting what we go through to open our eyes and heart to true love and joy. A very good read. I enthusiastically, heartily, and unequivocally recommend this and ALL of Jamey Moody’s works. I love her writing style and how easily we can connect with the characters. Thank you Peace
Profile Image for wren4777.
227 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2023
Yet another decent romance ruined by unnecessary third act angst :(

I was quite liking this novel, even if the characters' relationship was a tad bit too superficial for my taste. But after the big angsty moment at the 75% mark, the story completely derailed and I found myself not enjoying it as much. I just wish the moment could have either happened earlier in the same form, or been written differently so .

I am a total sucker for a far-future epilogue though, so that went a long way towards making me like the ending of the novel more.
Profile Image for Jamie (TheRebelliousReader).
6,966 reviews30 followers
December 30, 2023
4 stars. Such a sweet, low angst, and lighthearted read. I loved it. A lovely friends to lovers romance between two very likable main characters. Addison and Lissa were both great characters as individuals and I loved watching them become friends and then slowly fall for each other. The writing is fantastic, this is only my second book by Moody but I can confidently say that her writing style is great. The romance is soft and so swoon worthy and the gay panic that Addison goes through in the third act felt real and believable. I love that Lissa was so patient and understanding with her and the ending was fabulous. I adored this book and I could definitely see myself rereading it.
133 reviews
January 27, 2024
A rarity for me with this author but I DNF this one. Usually her books border on the overly loving side with a lot of focus on feelings.
This book started really well, good opening, great buildup, maybe a little slow for some folks, but i liked it. 4+ stars for that part. But, I didn't care about the ending as it was no longer believable.
524 reviews10 followers
May 3, 2024
A cozy and heartwarming love story in a small town, with friends to lovers and age gap themes and just a little angst to make the love affair more interesting and convincing. The writing is excellent, the MCs are so real that I feel like I personally know them, and I love the beautiful little town with nice supporting folks. Abby is a workaholic, she is razor focused on her career, while Lissa is more relaxed, laidback and family oriented, together they make a dreamy couple with love and successful career. Reading this book is like watching a great Hallmark movie with two leading ladies falling in love.
308 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2023
Small town town romance has never been this good. This book is filled with love, I mean it for real. There is lots of love in this book it just makes you keep wanting more. Most books end when the main characters fall in love and its okay, but this book begins wjen they fall in love. It's a delight to read how Addison and Lisa despite their insecurities can overcome so much adversity. I loved this book so very much and I think its worth all the time to read it.
I received a review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
89 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2023
Jamey has done it again with a beautiful story about following your heart to find your own happily every after. Finding love in a small town where everyone knows your business is tough, but I enjoyed the way that Jamey has our two main characters do their own thing and look beyond all the gossip. I also love the statement about not putting a label/name on the love that Addison and Calista were feeling for each other (Chapter 18). The story was emotional for me and yes, I did cry towards the end. I very highly recommend this book for a nice feel good story about giving love a chance to bloom.
Profile Image for Nancy Lochmann.
398 reviews9 followers
March 6, 2024
Que historia más bonita. Lo he disfrutado mucho.
Allison tiene un logro. Quiere ser CEO en un futuro. Y eso es lo que más cuenta para ella.
Cuando se muda a una pequeña ciudad no piensa que va a cambiar tanto su vida. Tras a conocer a Lissa, establecen una amistad muy bonita cual con el tiempo cada vez se haga más profunda.
Tras un tiempo las dos quieren darse una oportunidad. Pero al día siguiente Allison, se siente desbordada y se corta el laso entre ellos y se distancia. Ella quiere ser CEO y no puede permetirse desviarse de su camino
Pero el amor verdadero siempre encuentra un camino...
Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
April 30, 2023
A Hallmark Moment

Addison Henry is an ambitious financial banker who plans to be CEO of the company where she works. Now she’s in small town Texas to do a stint in community service. Lissa Morgan came back home to help her family with the family business and her brother’s illness. The first time Lissa walks into the bank they form an instant friendship and they become inseparable. A small toning age gap romance. Love the author
1,182 reviews
May 9, 2023
Another Heartwarming Love Story!

Jamey Moody has a special way of writing heartwarming love stories. A tale of two women who meet and develop a friendship that slowly tips to feelings. A warm small town romance that is set in Texas and has all the things we love in a small town sapphic romance. It just makes you feel good. Added to the ever growing list of my favorites of Jamey’s books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.