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The Love Conspiracy
Could you fall in love with your husband’s mistress?
Forty-year-old Veronica Marin is a force to be reckoned with - a fierce trial lawyer who's always in control, including in her marriage to Gabe. But when a stranger shows up and exposes Gabe's infidelity, Veronica's reality is rocked. Her solution? To track down all of Gabe's unsuspecting partners before filing for divorce.
Twenty-seven-year-old yoga instructor Ally Franco has it all - a loving family, a thriving career, and a bright future. That is, until Veronica shows up and reveals the shocking truth about her fiancé Gabe.
As they work together to expose his secrets, Veronica and Ally uncover an undeniable attraction to each other. But will they risk everything for love, or stick to their safe, preconceived notions of what their lives should be?
The Love Conspiracy is a steamy, slow burn, sapphic, age-gap romance you won’t be able to put down. Join Veronica and Ally as they navigate love, betrayal, and self-discovery and learn that the greatest love stories come from the most unexpected places.
Content Infidelity is a theme in this novel, but neither main character is unfaithful. Gabe is the only cheater here.
Forty-year-old Veronica Marin is a force to be reckoned with - a fierce trial lawyer who's always in control, including in her marriage to Gabe. But when a stranger shows up and exposes Gabe's infidelity, Veronica's reality is rocked. Her solution? To track down all of Gabe's unsuspecting partners before filing for divorce.
Twenty-seven-year-old yoga instructor Ally Franco has it all - a loving family, a thriving career, and a bright future. That is, until Veronica shows up and reveals the shocking truth about her fiancé Gabe.
As they work together to expose his secrets, Veronica and Ally uncover an undeniable attraction to each other. But will they risk everything for love, or stick to their safe, preconceived notions of what their lives should be?
The Love Conspiracy is a steamy, slow burn, sapphic, age-gap romance you won’t be able to put down. Join Veronica and Ally as they navigate love, betrayal, and self-discovery and learn that the greatest love stories come from the most unexpected places.
Content Infidelity is a theme in this novel, but neither main character is unfaithful. Gabe is the only cheater here.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
180 people are currently reading
1153 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Arias
36 books1,238 followersHello! And thank you for finding me!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 17, 2023
6 stars - this book really shines with clever and engaging writing and sizzling chemistry
A must read for ice queen fans. We have a frosty (Veronica) who has as just found out her husband of 20 years has multiple affair partners and a golden retriever mistress (Allison) who was completely in the dark about her fiancée double/triple/quadruple life.
They get to know each other over the first half of the book as they try to find any other women the husband might be involved with to warn them about him, and so the Veronica can gather evidence for her divorce. She is obsessed with finding out everything because she wants to destroy him. Their growing friendship and attraction is very organic and believable.
As they get to know each other, we get to know them. And I don’t know why this isn’t the norm in most romance novels but it’s nice to understand why they like each other because of who they are as people. We get to know their back stories, and about their families.
Veronica has the biggest growth arc as she has to deal with the massive betrayal by her husband, that actually hits her on multiple levels. It’s like a bomb going off in her life and leads to a lot of emotions and eventual self reflection and evaluation of what she wants out of her life and where she wants to go with it.
For those of us that aren’t huge fans of contrived “dark period” at the 80% mark I am here to tell you that while the MC’s do take a break it is completely needed and understandable. When they come back together, we get the whole last 20% of the book as a HEA stuff. We get this huge gift of just being able to enjoy them enjoying being together. On top of that, we even get a short epilogue that jumps a couple years into the future.
This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year and is 100% going on my reread list. If you have Kindle unlimited this is 100% no brainer. If you choose to read it, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
A must read for ice queen fans. We have a frosty (Veronica) who has as just found out her husband of 20 years has multiple affair partners and a golden retriever mistress (Allison) who was completely in the dark about her fiancée double/triple/quadruple life.
They get to know each other over the first half of the book as they try to find any other women the husband might be involved with to warn them about him, and so the Veronica can gather evidence for her divorce. She is obsessed with finding out everything because she wants to destroy him. Their growing friendship and attraction is very organic and believable.
As they get to know each other, we get to know them. And I don’t know why this isn’t the norm in most romance novels but it’s nice to understand why they like each other because of who they are as people. We get to know their back stories, and about their families.
Veronica has the biggest growth arc as she has to deal with the massive betrayal by her husband, that actually hits her on multiple levels. It’s like a bomb going off in her life and leads to a lot of emotions and eventual self reflection and evaluation of what she wants out of her life and where she wants to go with it.
For those of us that aren’t huge fans of contrived “dark period” at the 80% mark I am here to tell you that while the MC’s do take a break it is completely needed and understandable. When they come back together, we get the whole last 20% of the book as a HEA stuff. We get this huge gift of just being able to enjoy them enjoying being together. On top of that, we even get a short epilogue that jumps a couple years into the future.
This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year and is 100% going on my reread list. If you have Kindle unlimited this is 100% no brainer. If you choose to read it, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
October 29, 2023
3.5/5
If the movie The Other Woman,the one with Cameron Diaz, was a book, but make it sapphic.
This book could be an utter perfection, but it was tad too long for my liking. That’s basically why the 3.5 stars rating, so if you like long books you will probably rate it higher.
The book follows forty-year-old Veronica Martin, a badass lawyer who has a control with everything in her life. That’s until she founds out her husband is cheating on her with not one, but a few women. One of them is Ally, thirteen years her junior, yoga instructor who had no idea her ‘fiancée' was a cheating douchebag. Both, despite the circumstances, decide to find other women who fell into his trap and make him pay for what he did. Unlike the movie, during all the time they spend together spying on him, their relationship blossoms and turns out into something they never thought it will.
It’s a slow burn, but I think it’s worth the wait. Their relationship is healthy, sweet and slowly, with every chapter grows into something life changing for them.
Definitely not my last read from this author!
If the movie The Other Woman,the one with Cameron Diaz, was a book, but make it sapphic.
This book could be an utter perfection, but it was tad too long for my liking. That’s basically why the 3.5 stars rating, so if you like long books you will probably rate it higher.
The book follows forty-year-old Veronica Martin, a badass lawyer who has a control with everything in her life. That’s until she founds out her husband is cheating on her with not one, but a few women. One of them is Ally, thirteen years her junior, yoga instructor who had no idea her ‘fiancée' was a cheating douchebag. Both, despite the circumstances, decide to find other women who fell into his trap and make him pay for what he did. Unlike the movie, during all the time they spend together spying on him, their relationship blossoms and turns out into something they never thought it will.
"You’re it for me, V. I know that with every single microscopic fiber of my being. I don’t need to wait for the perfect place at the perfect moment. You’re the perfect. You’re the place. You’re the moment.”
It’s a slow burn, but I think it’s worth the wait. Their relationship is healthy, sweet and slowly, with every chapter grows into something life changing for them.
Definitely not my last read from this author!
May 9, 2023
J.J. Arias has taken a risk with writing and releasing a novel about a scorned wife falling for her husband's mistress however I completely think the risk has paid off - this book is brilliant. For me, a romance will only work if I feel as though the connection between the main characters is genuine and sometimes with a storyline like this is can feel too forced as the focus is still on the ex. Thankfully, I didn't need to worry about this though as the relationship between Ally and Veronica is built in a way that felt very genuine and organic, even though the first part is Ally and Veronica pairing up to take down Gabe.
I'm always in awe when I finish a book by Arias - she writes exceptional characters and I fell in love with both Ally and Veronica. They are both strong, passionate women that were super cute together. Their chemistry leaps off the page. It was a joy to read.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I'm always in awe when I finish a book by Arias - she writes exceptional characters and I fell in love with both Ally and Veronica. They are both strong, passionate women that were super cute together. Their chemistry leaps off the page. It was a joy to read.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2025
The Love Conspiracy by JJ Arias is a sapphic slow-burn masterpiece that delivers heart, heat, and healing in equal measure. If you’ve ever watched The Other Woman and thought, “What if Leslie Mann and Cameron Diaz ditched the man and kissed instead?” — this is that fantasy, realized, and so much more.
From the first chapter, I was hooked. JJ Arias continues to prove herself a queen in the sapphic romance space, and somehow, each book levels up in emotional depth and narrative brilliance. This story is original, entertaining, and profoundly romantic, with top-tier banter and a chemistry so tangible it practically sizzles through your earbuds.
Forty-year-old Veronica is the kind of fierce, intelligent woman we need more of in fiction—powerful but human, unapologetically sharp yet deeply vulnerable. Paired with Ally, a gentle, radiant yoga instructor who brings warmth and unexpected insight, the dynamic between them is magnetic. Watching their connection deepen, not just from shared betrayal but mutual growth and respect, was a gift. The way these women see each other, and challenge each other, is what true romance is made of.
Arias avoids the overused third-act breakup trope in favor of honest, grounded storytelling that respects her characters’ intelligence and her readers’ emotional investment. There are no cliche miscommunications here—just real women navigating real heartbreak, trust, desire, and what it means to let go of who you thought you should be.
The quote “Be the river and not the rock” from Ally resonated deeply—one of many emotional gems sprinkled throughout a narrative that doesn’t just tell a love story, it teaches something about resilience and release.
And the narration? Kingsley Rose absolutely shines. Her performance is nuanced and moving, adding dimension and heart to every moment. The emotion she brings to Veronica and Ally’s journey had me glued to my headphones, fully immersed and completely wrecked in the best way.
This book gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. The Love Conspiracy is sexy, wise, empowering, and full of soul. JJ Arias isn’t just writing sapphic romance—she’s out here healing hearts with stories that remind us love can be radical, transformative, and come from the most unexpected places.
From the first chapter, I was hooked. JJ Arias continues to prove herself a queen in the sapphic romance space, and somehow, each book levels up in emotional depth and narrative brilliance. This story is original, entertaining, and profoundly romantic, with top-tier banter and a chemistry so tangible it practically sizzles through your earbuds.
Forty-year-old Veronica is the kind of fierce, intelligent woman we need more of in fiction—powerful but human, unapologetically sharp yet deeply vulnerable. Paired with Ally, a gentle, radiant yoga instructor who brings warmth and unexpected insight, the dynamic between them is magnetic. Watching their connection deepen, not just from shared betrayal but mutual growth and respect, was a gift. The way these women see each other, and challenge each other, is what true romance is made of.
Arias avoids the overused third-act breakup trope in favor of honest, grounded storytelling that respects her characters’ intelligence and her readers’ emotional investment. There are no cliche miscommunications here—just real women navigating real heartbreak, trust, desire, and what it means to let go of who you thought you should be.
The quote “Be the river and not the rock” from Ally resonated deeply—one of many emotional gems sprinkled throughout a narrative that doesn’t just tell a love story, it teaches something about resilience and release.
And the narration? Kingsley Rose absolutely shines. Her performance is nuanced and moving, adding dimension and heart to every moment. The emotion she brings to Veronica and Ally’s journey had me glued to my headphones, fully immersed and completely wrecked in the best way.
This book gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. The Love Conspiracy is sexy, wise, empowering, and full of soul. JJ Arias isn’t just writing sapphic romance—she’s out here healing hearts with stories that remind us love can be radical, transformative, and come from the most unexpected places.
July 12, 2023
Reading a JJ Arias book is always a pleasure. The heat index is scorching, the characters are well developed, and most surprisingly, the intricacies of family dynamics are often central to the stories.
Veronica is a high powered lawyer who discovers her husband, Gabe, has been a serial cheater. She confronts each of the women, most who are totally unaware and who are devastated by the news. Ally is one of them and in a show of empathy to help cushion the blow for these unsuspecting women, she joins Veronica’s crusade. While Veronica can be a brusk slap to the face, Ally is the soft, soothing voice. But during these reconnaissance trips, they bond and discover a middle ground of trust and love.
I was curious to see how the author was going pull this off. It’s a fine line to balance the light of a romance with the toxicity of lies and deceit. When Veronica realizes what she truly lost in her 20 years of marriage to Gabe, it’s crushing. Oftentimes, her drive to bury him seems pointless and like self punishment. But thankfully, she chooses to move forward and it’s a beautiful thing to watch Ally and Veronica grow as individuals and as a couple. It takes a minute but once they get together, the flirting is fun, the sex scenes are dynamite.
If you like age gap connections, high heat, and a little struggle in your romance, The Love Conspiracy is your book.
Veronica is a high powered lawyer who discovers her husband, Gabe, has been a serial cheater. She confronts each of the women, most who are totally unaware and who are devastated by the news. Ally is one of them and in a show of empathy to help cushion the blow for these unsuspecting women, she joins Veronica’s crusade. While Veronica can be a brusk slap to the face, Ally is the soft, soothing voice. But during these reconnaissance trips, they bond and discover a middle ground of trust and love.
I was curious to see how the author was going pull this off. It’s a fine line to balance the light of a romance with the toxicity of lies and deceit. When Veronica realizes what she truly lost in her 20 years of marriage to Gabe, it’s crushing. Oftentimes, her drive to bury him seems pointless and like self punishment. But thankfully, she chooses to move forward and it’s a beautiful thing to watch Ally and Veronica grow as individuals and as a couple. It takes a minute but once they get together, the flirting is fun, the sex scenes are dynamite.
If you like age gap connections, high heat, and a little struggle in your romance, The Love Conspiracy is your book.
November 12, 2023
Perfect mix of humour and spice!
“And the sex was… fill in the blank here.” Jodie waved her arms like they were playing a high stakes game of charades.
“Incredible,” Veronica admitted. “It was like twelve hours of—” “Twelve hours!” Jodie put her hands together in prayer and stared up at the ceiling. “I’ve been so good this year. Can’t I get a twenty-seven-year-old sex goddess to—”
“And the sex was… fill in the blank here.” Jodie waved her arms like they were playing a high stakes game of charades.
“Incredible,” Veronica admitted. “It was like twelve hours of—” “Twelve hours!” Jodie put her hands together in prayer and stared up at the ceiling. “I’ve been so good this year. Can’t I get a twenty-seven-year-old sex goddess to—”
May 20, 2023
4.5 stars
I really liked this book. So many thoughts and emotions that Veronica had are similar to my own. The storyline is a bit far fetched but Arias has made it believable. I’d like to think that everyone can find and love their special someone. Arias does a great job in writing this age/gap, ice queen story. My favorite parts are when Ally tells Veronica that “You can only know what you know right now and we can’t live for a tomorrow that never comes. “ Ally is wise beyond her years. Ohh… there is some nice steam in this story too. 🔥🔥
I really liked this book. So many thoughts and emotions that Veronica had are similar to my own. The storyline is a bit far fetched but Arias has made it believable. I’d like to think that everyone can find and love their special someone. Arias does a great job in writing this age/gap, ice queen story. My favorite parts are when Ally tells Veronica that “You can only know what you know right now and we can’t live for a tomorrow that never comes. “ Ally is wise beyond her years. Ohh… there is some nice steam in this story too. 🔥🔥
December 4, 2023
Couldn’t put this one down
This was so good! I wasn’t sure I’d buy into the wife/mistress storyline but JJ Arias sold me on their romance. Loved both characters, they were interesting, well written, and their chemistry together was delicious. Seriously, that first kiss *swoon*
This was so good! I wasn’t sure I’d buy into the wife/mistress storyline but JJ Arias sold me on their romance. Loved both characters, they were interesting, well written, and their chemistry together was delicious. Seriously, that first kiss *swoon*
June 1, 2023
Oh my goodness. I didn't know WHAT to expect when I started reading my 2nd book from JJ Arias' work. This one was definitely a slow burn, but when it got steamy, it got STEAMY. 🥵
I fell in love with both Ally and Veronica so much as MCs! I especially loved the movie references to Thelma and Louise throughout and the climax from the build-up was well worth it. Just a minor spoiler, you'll be pent up and yelling at your Kindle until about 65% in, but I enjoyed that there was not much more beating around the bush (no pun intended) after that point! Will deffos be reading more from JJ Arias soon! 🥰
I fell in love with both Ally and Veronica so much as MCs! I especially loved the movie references to Thelma and Louise throughout and the climax from the build-up was well worth it. Just a minor spoiler, you'll be pent up and yelling at your Kindle until about 65% in, but I enjoyed that there was not much more beating around the bush (no pun intended) after that point! Will deffos be reading more from JJ Arias soon! 🥰
July 15, 2023
4+ ⭐️
A somewhat uncommon plot, to me at least, of finding love with your husband’s mistress… Veronica and Ally met under a bizarre circumstance where they both have a common interest - Gabe, Veronica’s husband & Ally’s fiancée. Sparks ignited as both Veronica and Ally spent time together trying to unravel Gabe’s infidelities. Though I must add that I somehow missed the lead-up to our two MCs developing their relationship - from not friends to friendly terms and eventual lovers. The transition to developing feelings for each other seemed abrupt which was my only qualm. All in all, this was an absolutely entertaining read.
A somewhat uncommon plot, to me at least, of finding love with your husband’s mistress… Veronica and Ally met under a bizarre circumstance where they both have a common interest - Gabe, Veronica’s husband & Ally’s fiancée. Sparks ignited as both Veronica and Ally spent time together trying to unravel Gabe’s infidelities. Though I must add that I somehow missed the lead-up to our two MCs developing their relationship - from not friends to friendly terms and eventual lovers. The transition to developing feelings for each other seemed abrupt which was my only qualm. All in all, this was an absolutely entertaining read.
July 17, 2023
4.5 stars. Good book from an established author, really loved how distinct the characters and their voices are and how that manifests in their interactions and romance. The theme is also excellently executed although I'd prefer a more classical ending to this trope but the current ending works very well for the characters established. Overall, a great book.
May 26, 2023
So good! Loving everything Arias writes!
July 26, 2024
I'm slowly but surely making my way through Arias's books! I put this one off for a while because I was unsure of the premise, but it ended up being a solid 4 stars for me.
What I liked:
Despite the weird premise—the wife and the mistress/fianceé of the same man fall in love—I think it worked. It was the right amount of 'omg, what?' that made me want to keep reading to find out what happens.
I liked both Ally and Veronica. I'm not into all that 'woo woo' (actual quote from the book, lol) yoga stuff that Ally occasionally said, but I liked her character all the same. I was a bit more unsure of Veronica—it was like she was trying to be an ice queen but didn't quite manage—but I ended up liking her too.
What I didn't like (spoilers here):
I really didn't like that Veronica didn't follow through on Gabe's tax evasion evidence. I get the whole discovery of his infidelity and multiple partners was making her ill, but the way she just dropped her investigation irritated me. I would have rinced him dry of everything he had 🤷♀️
I would have liked more from Veronica's realisation that she liked women/Ally. There was pretty much zero internal conflict/thoughts on the fact. She never comments on it. I know some people realise their sexuality with little to no fuss (see: my wife), but it just came across as strange, especially given the added complication of Ally being Veronica's husband's fianceé.
I know I sound like a stuck record to everyone who follows my reviews, and I know age gaps are what Arias does, but I don't like them. I guess 13 years isn't the worst I've seen. And it actually wasn't that bad in this book.
On to the next!
What I liked:
Despite the weird premise—the wife and the mistress/fianceé of the same man fall in love—I think it worked. It was the right amount of 'omg, what?' that made me want to keep reading to find out what happens.
I liked both Ally and Veronica. I'm not into all that 'woo woo' (actual quote from the book, lol) yoga stuff that Ally occasionally said, but I liked her character all the same. I was a bit more unsure of Veronica—it was like she was trying to be an ice queen but didn't quite manage—but I ended up liking her too.
What I didn't like (spoilers here):
I really didn't like that Veronica didn't follow through on Gabe's tax evasion evidence. I get the whole discovery of his infidelity and multiple partners was making her ill, but the way she just dropped her investigation irritated me. I would have rinced him dry of everything he had 🤷♀️
I would have liked more from Veronica's realisation that she liked women/Ally. There was pretty much zero internal conflict/thoughts on the fact. She never comments on it. I know some people realise their sexuality with little to no fuss (see: my wife), but it just came across as strange, especially given the added complication of Ally being Veronica's husband's fianceé.
I know I sound like a stuck record to everyone who follows my reviews, and I know age gaps are what Arias does, but I don't like them. I guess 13 years isn't the worst I've seen. And it actually wasn't that bad in this book.
On to the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
Absolutely loved this one! I especially liked that Gabe was written in a way that shows how charming and charismatic some of the worst people can be.
I definitely see myself rereading this.
I definitely see myself rereading this.
May 14, 2024
I can always count on J.J. Arias for drama-free good time with pleasant characters to cheer me up.
May 23, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
May 27, 2023
4.5 🤍
Ally held her gaze like there was nothing else going on around them. Like she wanted to speak directly to her soul. She so often looked at her like that. Like she was always seeing the barest version of her. Like she was trying to push further in. Get to her very essence.
-
“I’m sure I want to marry you today. Tomorrow. Next month. In seven months. You’re it for me, V. I know that with every single microscopic fiber of my being. I don’t need to wait for the perfect place at the perfect moment. You’re the perfect. You’re the place. You’re the moment.”
J.J. Arias DID IT AGAIN!!!!! amazing book, AMAZING characters and such a lovely story.
Ally held her gaze like there was nothing else going on around them. Like she wanted to speak directly to her soul. She so often looked at her like that. Like she was always seeing the barest version of her. Like she was trying to push further in. Get to her very essence.
-
“I’m sure I want to marry you today. Tomorrow. Next month. In seven months. You’re it for me, V. I know that with every single microscopic fiber of my being. I don’t need to wait for the perfect place at the perfect moment. You’re the perfect. You’re the place. You’re the moment.”
J.J. Arias DID IT AGAIN!!!!! amazing book, AMAZING characters and such a lovely story.
May 19, 2023
oh so good 🥰
I love this so much. Arias NEVER disappoints. It’s just so real, lovely, deep, and soulful. Every 👏 single 👏 time 👏
I love this so much. Arias NEVER disappoints. It’s just so real, lovely, deep, and soulful. Every 👏 single 👏 time 👏
June 9, 2023
I’ve always enjoyed JJ Arias’ books so I begin Chapter One with that expectation. I’m never let down. This is a wonderful story with a far from favourable beginning, a resulting period of emotional angst and it slides into a satisfying ‘falling in love’. True love. Great characters. It’s definitely not superficial. And an acknowledging nod to sisters, be they biological or chosen. Some subtle thought-provoking ideas for going forward with life. Yes, definitely 5-star.
June 10, 2023
Entertaining read!
One of the things i loved about this story is the women binding together as against the normal rivalry for some SHIT.
This is one of a few authors whose subsequent novels increasingly endear me to them rather than the opposition.
One of the things i loved about this story is the women binding together as against the normal rivalry for some SHIT.
This is one of a few authors whose subsequent novels increasingly endear me to them rather than the opposition.
June 4, 2024
This may be my top JJ Arias book (or perhaps a close second to Destination You)
How JJ weaves the story to set up the romance feels surprisingly natural given the particular conceit (and I'll avoid saying what it is to prevent spoilers). Still, once I was in, I was very much in. I don't think I put the book aside until I finished reading it, much later in the night.
As the romance blooms, the book shifts gears. How JJ can do this and make the momentum feel completely natural is a bit of a magic trick to me, but she does it so well. The characters themselves, as their interest in each other grows, so too do we feel it as a reader. The ways they show their affection wins us over, and we pull just as hard for them to get together.
I also adore this book for what it has to say about how we as people live through heartache and how we learn to thrive. There's something to be seen here that's under the surface that I think a lot of folks will resonate with. I'm very much looking forward to re-reading it.
How JJ weaves the story to set up the romance feels surprisingly natural given the particular conceit (and I'll avoid saying what it is to prevent spoilers). Still, once I was in, I was very much in. I don't think I put the book aside until I finished reading it, much later in the night.
As the romance blooms, the book shifts gears. How JJ can do this and make the momentum feel completely natural is a bit of a magic trick to me, but she does it so well. The characters themselves, as their interest in each other grows, so too do we feel it as a reader. The ways they show their affection wins us over, and we pull just as hard for them to get together.
I also adore this book for what it has to say about how we as people live through heartache and how we learn to thrive. There's something to be seen here that's under the surface that I think a lot of folks will resonate with. I'm very much looking forward to re-reading it.
May 25, 2023
Throughly Enjoyable
I wasn’t sure I would like this book because of the premise, it didn’t really appeal to me. I saw some great reviews and decided I would try it. I am so happy I did.
The writing style, the level of detail, the funny dialogue, it all appealed to me. This is one of my most favorite books!
I thought the detail following the culmination of the main topic was superb. Sometimes when I read a book there is this huge buildup and when it is resolved the book ends quickly afterwards. I am left wondering what happened. Not this book. It follows the story through to a perfect ending.
Oh, I didn’t even mention the steamy parts! Yum!
I wasn’t sure I would like this book because of the premise, it didn’t really appeal to me. I saw some great reviews and decided I would try it. I am so happy I did.
The writing style, the level of detail, the funny dialogue, it all appealed to me. This is one of my most favorite books!
I thought the detail following the culmination of the main topic was superb. Sometimes when I read a book there is this huge buildup and when it is resolved the book ends quickly afterwards. I am left wondering what happened. Not this book. It follows the story through to a perfect ending.
Oh, I didn’t even mention the steamy parts! Yum!
May 26, 2023
I really wish we could give half-stars on goodreads.
4.5 ⭐️
I got major "The Other Woman" movie vibes from the beginning of this book, which is fine with me because I love that movie, but I know many don't.
I found Veronica & Ally's shenanigans quite fun and found their attraction/longing/pining so very sweet. I love that their first acknowledgment of each other's appearance and personality wasn't critical but more of a, "damn, she's beautiful, I totally get it. Who wouldn't fall in love with her?" kind of a deal. Totally normal way to think of the woman your husband is cheating on you with, right?
I also love that we get actual conversations between our leads and get to see their relationship grow and develop as we get to know them and they get to know each other. J.J. Arias is pretty consistently great with dialogue, and I found Ally and Veronica's banter precious. It kept a smile on my face.
It's a slow-burn for sure, but that first kiss is totally worth it.
I do feel like the dialogue/storyline took an odd turn for me at around the 65% mark and lasted to around the 85% mark, so it knocked it down half a star for me, but the confessions of love: perfect! So simple and sweet. So real.
I highly recommend giving it a read, and I look forward to a re-read in the future.
4.5 ⭐️
I got major "The Other Woman" movie vibes from the beginning of this book, which is fine with me because I love that movie, but I know many don't.
I found Veronica & Ally's shenanigans quite fun and found their attraction/longing/pining so very sweet. I love that their first acknowledgment of each other's appearance and personality wasn't critical but more of a, "damn, she's beautiful, I totally get it. Who wouldn't fall in love with her?" kind of a deal. Totally normal way to think of the woman your husband is cheating on you with, right?
I also love that we get actual conversations between our leads and get to see their relationship grow and develop as we get to know them and they get to know each other. J.J. Arias is pretty consistently great with dialogue, and I found Ally and Veronica's banter precious. It kept a smile on my face.
It's a slow-burn for sure, but that first kiss is totally worth it.
I do feel like the dialogue/storyline took an odd turn for me at around the 65% mark and lasted to around the 85% mark, so it knocked it down half a star for me, but the confessions of love: perfect! So simple and sweet. So real.
I highly recommend giving it a read, and I look forward to a re-read in the future.
May 27, 2023
Angered and Disappointed
I have enjoyed everything I ever read by this author, until I read this one. This one tends to be very long and drawn out in a way that wasn’t actually a slow burn. Not only that, but it went on for far too long.
Around 3/4 of the way through this story is when everything went sideways for me.
There are definitely spoilers beyond this point.
The first thing that turned me off was a very strong decisive and independent woman turn to a foo foo all inclusive retreat to find herself and all that other yada yada BS. And, I’m saying this as a Pagan, and a witch, who is into connecting with nature, and one’s in her self. I just didn’t belong in the story. It went against the nature of the character as it was written in the beginning. I’m sorry, no one does a 180 like that in their life. And, I most certainly would never have missed at least a phone call to the person who made more to me than anyone else in my life at the time on their birthday.
I struggled very hard to finish the last 25% of this book. I put it down several times to clear my head because I was becoming so angry. There’s no way such a strong woman would become a blithering idiot. Why do women think that they have to give up who they are to be strong. It’s who they are that makes them strong. It’s all those little faults and things that went wrong in their life, and the trials and tribulations that make them who they are. Throwing them away is the last thing you should do. Veronica should have turned in the files on Gabe over the the government and not shredded them. I certainly hope it doesn’t become acceptable for women to teach other women that they have to lose a part of themselves to move on.
Then. There was the time when Ally totally dismisses Veronica‘s feelings of doubt. It’s natural to question things like she was questioning. Dismissing them out of hand and throwing them away was absolutely the wrong way to go about it. Discussion? Yes. Make her feel like it’s OK, that you understand her doubts. But, totally dismissing them and throwing them away and make her feel like like she was wrong. That was totally uncalled for.
All I can think of when I see all the five star reviews that are here is that they are all spoken like someone who’s never been betrayed by someone they gave their life to. And don’t get me started on Veronica‘s mother. That bitch should’ve just been cut out of her life. Because, who needs that kind of negativity.
Considering this book has been around for a while, and it has so many positive reviews. I doubt anyone will ever read this one. But, I just had to express how disappointed I was with this book, especially with the last 25%. It won’t turn me off reading others by this author, because, as I said before, I’ve enjoyed other works by her. Having lived in the Florida Keys for 30 years, I love that she writes about South Florida.
So, I hope this helps at least one person. Peace.
I have enjoyed everything I ever read by this author, until I read this one. This one tends to be very long and drawn out in a way that wasn’t actually a slow burn. Not only that, but it went on for far too long.
Around 3/4 of the way through this story is when everything went sideways for me.
There are definitely spoilers beyond this point.
The first thing that turned me off was a very strong decisive and independent woman turn to a foo foo all inclusive retreat to find herself and all that other yada yada BS. And, I’m saying this as a Pagan, and a witch, who is into connecting with nature, and one’s in her self. I just didn’t belong in the story. It went against the nature of the character as it was written in the beginning. I’m sorry, no one does a 180 like that in their life. And, I most certainly would never have missed at least a phone call to the person who made more to me than anyone else in my life at the time on their birthday.
I struggled very hard to finish the last 25% of this book. I put it down several times to clear my head because I was becoming so angry. There’s no way such a strong woman would become a blithering idiot. Why do women think that they have to give up who they are to be strong. It’s who they are that makes them strong. It’s all those little faults and things that went wrong in their life, and the trials and tribulations that make them who they are. Throwing them away is the last thing you should do. Veronica should have turned in the files on Gabe over the the government and not shredded them. I certainly hope it doesn’t become acceptable for women to teach other women that they have to lose a part of themselves to move on.
Then. There was the time when Ally totally dismisses Veronica‘s feelings of doubt. It’s natural to question things like she was questioning. Dismissing them out of hand and throwing them away was absolutely the wrong way to go about it. Discussion? Yes. Make her feel like it’s OK, that you understand her doubts. But, totally dismissing them and throwing them away and make her feel like like she was wrong. That was totally uncalled for.
All I can think of when I see all the five star reviews that are here is that they are all spoken like someone who’s never been betrayed by someone they gave their life to. And don’t get me started on Veronica‘s mother. That bitch should’ve just been cut out of her life. Because, who needs that kind of negativity.
Considering this book has been around for a while, and it has so many positive reviews. I doubt anyone will ever read this one. But, I just had to express how disappointed I was with this book, especially with the last 25%. It won’t turn me off reading others by this author, because, as I said before, I’ve enjoyed other works by her. Having lived in the Florida Keys for 30 years, I love that she writes about South Florida.
So, I hope this helps at least one person. Peace.
May 29, 2023
I feel incredibly predictable sometimes. Age gap affair written by J. J. Arias? Yes, please!!
And my gosh did it deliver!! I loved it throughout!! And the ending!? WOW!! That is what I *crave* in every romance — spending time with the characters post-conflict as they navigate the new relationship, filed with domestic fluff / spice. Ahhhh!! I need not even say “I need more” as this was everything!! ���💜💜
And my gosh did it deliver!! I loved it throughout!! And the ending!? WOW!! That is what I *crave* in every romance — spending time with the characters post-conflict as they navigate the new relationship, filed with domestic fluff / spice. Ahhhh!! I need not even say “I need more” as this was everything!! ���💜💜
July 11, 2023
It's a slowwww burn folks, buckle up. I enjoyed this, premise and characters.
May 4, 2023
Don't walk, run
If you like anything by J. J. Arias, you won't be disappointed. It has badass women everywhere, the best friend is hilarious, and as always, super interesting story line. If this is your first book by this author, congratulations, you found your new favorite author!
If you like anything by J. J. Arias, you won't be disappointed. It has badass women everywhere, the best friend is hilarious, and as always, super interesting story line. If this is your first book by this author, congratulations, you found your new favorite author!
January 13, 2024
Well, Veronica's mother was something nasty.
March 3, 2025
4.5 stars
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